Houston PetTalk August 2022

August 2022

YOUR GUIDE TO

ADVENTURE

Houston's Hidden Gems

The right kind of care for the best rest of life Senior Paws is now BluePearl Pet Hospice We’ve become part of the BluePearl family, who share our goals of providing compassionate specialized care for senior and geriatric pets.

OUR SERVICES

More resources to help more patients As BluePearl Pet Hospice, we will be able to support more patients in the North Houston area, working with the BluePearl Spring hospital.

• Pet hospice and palliative care

Providing the right care for the best rest of life We are a full-service hospice practice staffed by credentialed professionals who can provide complex symptom management for geriatric and terminally ill pets in the Greater Houston area. We can also see older pets at our comfort center in Northwest Houston.

Support for you and your pet We will help you make the most appropriate choices for your pet based on your goals, all while offering the best control of pain and symptoms.

Our mission is to make every pet’s end-of-life experience as meaningful as the life they’ve lived.

• Pain management consultation • Pet hospice consultation

• Telehealth/virtual visits with a DVM or LVT • Pain management • Veterinary acupuncture • Class IV therapeutic laser • In-home euthanasia and in-center euthanasia • Environmentally friendly Aquamation services • Pet memorial keepsakes

OUR DVMs We will still have the same staff of dedicated doctors to help support families and pets.

Julia Spade, DVM, CHPV, CVMA Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV Emma Brawn, DVM Jessica Dalton, DVM

For more information, contact us at 713.452.0474 or visit PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com For career opportunities visit Careers.BluePearlVet.com

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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We’re Always Open

HOLIDAYS & WEEKENDS 2959 SW Freeway Houston, TX 6 www.houstonpettalk.com SunsetAnytime.com | 713-574-9052

FOR A FREE PET EXAM

Go to SunsetAnytime.com/PetTalk

OUR PASSION IS

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

THE TRUSTED CHOICE Emergency Care Services Offered: • • • • • • •

T rained doctors & veterinary assistants Blood pressure monitoring Cardiovascular monitoring & ECG Emergency surgery Emergency examinations Advanced diagnostics In-house labwork

• • • • • • •

xygen therapy O Blood transfusions Pain management Traumatic wound care Pulse oximetry Digital radiography Ultrasound, Endoscopy

EMERGENCY CARE 713-941-8460

Exit 35

Sam Houston Tollway

Pkwy ity eC

Management Services Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals. • Animal Healthcare of Texas, PC. - Rocky McKelvey, DVM - owner.

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VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST CALDER ROAD

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Mon-Thu 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM Fri 6:00 PM - Mon 8:00 AM 24 hours on Holidays

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VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast Calder Road

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281-332-1678 1108 GULF FREEWAY S., #280 LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573 VCAcalderroad.com

Fwy L a Porte

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Link Rd

Letter from the Editor On the cover

WATER WONDERLAND

If you've been looking to get out of the same 'ol routine with your pet and try something new, we have some cool ideas for you in our feature. One of our faves is Rummy's Beach Club, a private club where underwater photography is the coolest thing ever! Our cover pup, Star, enjoyed 13 happy years swimming weekly until her passing. The photo shown above is owner Lisa Goebel and her inspiration for the business, Rummy. Learn about Rummy's and so many other hidden gems of H-Town in our feature story and we hope you are inspired to go DO! Photo Credit: Rummy's Beach Club

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL

T

he dog days of summer are upon us and we are experiencing record heat as I write this letter.

But soon Fall will arrive and we will feel energized by the thought of being outdoors again! I call it Texas Heat Jail. I for one am ready to get out of the clinker! Specifically, I want to get out and about to try new restaurants, find fun things to do with my dog, practice clicker training with my horses and llamas and generally look to expand my repertoire of activities.

It's easy to get into a rut and do the same things over and over because it's predictable. For sure our animals like routine, but they also enjoy some new challenges, sights and definitely smells! One of the perks of living in the 4th largest city in the U.S. is that there is a plethora of adventures waiting to be discovered. H-Town has many "hidden gems" from the very simple like finding a good doggy ice cream purveyor to the more complicated, like taking your dog on a kayaking trip.

In this issue, we've curated some interesting ideas for you and we showcase some hidden gems, like Rummy's Beach Club. This private oasis offers swimming for your dog or you can swim too, dock diving, swim lessons, a dog park, a retail store... and PRIVACY! That is the unique element of Rummy's. You can literally have the space all to yourself. No need to have your dog on leash, worry about interactions with other dogs or people. It's just you and your pup(s) enjoying a good time together! Learn more about this amazing Houston resource in our feature, along with an array of other ideas.

Turning to our pets health, we have some excellent articles written by our

veterinary sponsors this month including the importance of managing medications, written by Dr. Spade of Blue Pearl Hospice, the dangers of snake bites and what to do should your pet get bitten, written by VERGI 24/7, and the valuable skills offered by a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist, by Dr. Miles of VDS. Be sure to check out these articles, plus the importance of hydration and supplements to combat dehydration.

We also showcase out next contest launching Sept. 1, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Photo Contest sponsored by USA Pet Resorts. Capture a fun, happy moment of your dog (or with your dog) and enter for a chance to win $500 in USAPR services.

One way to also combat the dog days of summer is to shop! We have selected some "hot" products for you to check out and as always, we encourage you to shop with our sponsors and tell them you saw their AD in PetTalk. The sponsors make our publication possible and without them, there would be no PetTalk!

And finally, I have to brag about how much FUN I had in our photoshoot at the zoo, capturing the charming antics of Cali the sea lion. Cali painted a masterpiece for me...I love it! Animals are the coolest and sea lions are incredibly smart and fun to watch. Plus, getting a kiss (see above) from Cali definitely made me smile! Check out my story and painting from Cali on page 57 and learn about the new "digs" the sea lions will be getting when the Galápagos Islands exhibit opens soon at the Houston Zoo. As the kids head back to school, the hustle and bustle of Fall and holidays are around the corner, treat yourself to a quiet moment to enjoy this copy of PetTalk!

© Copyright 2020. Reproduction or use without written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Houston PetTalk does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Houston PetTalk does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible.

All photos ©copyright depositphotos unless otherwise stated.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Where in the World is PetTalk?

Send your Travel photos featuring PetTalk

You never know where on this planet you might find a PetTalk reader enjoying their copy! If you’ve snapped a travel pic of yourself or one of our readers, send your photo to info@houstonpettalk.com.

SIX FLAGS, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

It was all thrills for PetTalk readers Nathan Villemain and Kaia Mantor as they read their copy of PetTalk at Six Flags, San Antonio. Thanks for taking the time to share with us while you were hanging out and holding on tight!

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Same-day shipping when you order online at: www.DogTalkTV.com/PatBecker–Books/

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BOOKS

EPISODES CONTACT

Pat’s Summer Reading Pix for Dog Lovers of All Ages These well-illustrated books are autographed by author Pat Becker and are available in audiobook (audio version indicated ). Pat is author and hostess of DogTalkTV.com, where these books can be found.

With DVD

FREE Shipping with orders of 2 or more of any of these books!

FREE Shipping with orders of 2 or more of any of these books!

Find an entertaining book for you or a family member at:

www.DogTalkTV.com/PatBecker–Books/

S

omeone once told me that “lonely” is a state of mind. They obviously have someone to snuggle with in the middle of the night when our Houston thunderstorms are raging outside. I really hate the way a crack of thunder and bolt of lightening in the dark of the night can turn me into one big scaredy cat…. and we all know that the last thing in the world I wish to be is a cat!

Taking matters into my own paws, I’ve decided that fate alone cannot provide me with the destiny I desire….a lovable, loyal mate to share my dreams with or at a minimum someone to buy me a Valentine gift (my standards at times can be quite low). I’ve tried sniffoutamate.com and eightlegsarebetterthanfour.com but no luck. I’m resorting to what all females in the throws of desperation would do…. pimping myself to The Dating Game. Yes, yours truly has landed a spot on the most public of all meat markets.

In preparation for the show, my friend Narcissa (yes, it’s what you’re thinking) suggested that I ask the bachelors the following questions: How much money do you earn?

Will you buy me something in a Blue Box? (Sniffany & Co. is her ultimate) Will you take me to Paris to shop at the real Chanel store?

Well, thanks Narcissa but you and I actually have only one thing in common…a tail. She’s a well intentioned gal whose Botox has affected her ability to think straight. No, I am not ruled by baubles, trinkets and the amassing of all things elite (although I wouldn't’ turn them down per se). I simply want a good meal that is not produced in a chicken factory. My favorite saying from a fortune cookie that I taped to my computer says, “Keeping expectations low is a sure route to happiness”, and I plan on living by that mantra.

After a good nap under my favorite tree and a thinking session while gnawing on a good piece of hide (to clarify, Rawhide), I’ve come up with my questions: Do you prefer a Barkundy or Merlot

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On Finding “The One”

when dining on Venison? (This will identify his familiarity with fine dining…Merlot isn’t typically served at garbage dumpsters).

Do you believe the stomach is connected directly via a feeding tube to the soul? (If he says yes, then I see a pipeline of love in our future!).

If you could be any kind of food, what would it be? (If he says milkbone he’s out. If he says hot dog, he’s mine!)

Now that my questions are prepared, the only thing left is what to wear. I get that my bachelors cannot see me, but once I make my choice, and Mr. Right comes from behind the screen, I want his tail to wag so hard his butt wiggles. A little drool would make me feel EXTRA.

Dog to see which of my compadres would be available to give me sage fashion advice. And CRAP…wouldn't ya know it...the only one in the entire place is Felicity Farnsworth. Of all the luck, it had to be HER. “Hi Henrietta, what’s up with you? You rushed in here like your tail was on fire.” I wish her hair was on fire. I smiled politely and exclaimed I was really thirsty for one of Buster’s Moscow Mules and that I didn’t really have the time or crayons to explain the situation to her. As I sipped on my libation and the Mule in Moscow started to kick me, I opened my big fat mouth and told Felicity my dilemma and that I needed fashion advice.

“Well, Henrietta, cut-outs are all the rage but I don’t really see how that would look good on a round girl.” A ROUND GIRL??? Did she just call

After chasing my tail, chewing my paws and pacing around the yard, I decided I needed to put this question to “the Gang”, so I trotted down to the Salty

me ROUND? I’d had enough Mule and Felicity, plus it was time to go get my beauty sleep for the big day tomorrow. As I exited, I turned to Felicity and said, “Thank you for the insightful fashion advice and I would like to repay you with a bit of advice for you as well. Maybe if you ate some of that makeup you could be pretty on the inside.”

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Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway

Henrietta

Spelkra & :nu F A C P Wien Tagnits resia dnu Fro Norebmv alG

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ver 100 animal lovers joined together at The Arrangement on June 2 to enjoy a wine tasting by Double Decanted and fill the wine pull for the upcoming Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), Celebrity Paws Gala All That Glitters Celebrating 50 Years for Citizens for Animal Protection.

The honorees, their pets and friends, along with the Chairs for the Gala Anna Kaplan and Mico Piro were mingling with the animal lovers.

Lots of applause for longtime contributors, Gloria & Frank Meszaros, owners of West Houston Subaru, who are again donating outright a car to be raffled off the night of the Gala.

Loud applause greeted the Honorees as they and their pets were introduced, including JD Adamson, Deborah & Ernesto Bautista, Rose Chen & David Webster, Cortney Cole-Hall, Elia Gabbanelli, Jody Merritt & Steve Spencer, Casey & Ryan Mitchell and Sonia Soto who will strut the runway in November with their beloved pets.

Partygoers included: Sig Cornelius, Meghan Cornelius, Kappy Muenzer, CAP Executive Director Emeritus, Bruce Padilla, Shelby Kibodeaux, Cheryl Byington, Bill King, Edna Meyer Nelson, Lenny Matuszewski, Brenda Nelson, Rania Edlebi and Tamara Bonar.

The Annual Celebrity Paws Gala All That Glitters Celebrating 50 Years for Citizens for Animal Protection will be held November 19, 2022 at the Royal Sonesta. For ticket information contact 713-972-1896 or Kappycap@ comcast.net.

CAP, celebrating its 50th year, is a nonprofit organization that shelters, rescues and places homeless animals for adoption with loving families.

Bruce Padilla, Laura Stein, Shelby Kibodeaux

Kimmie Gillespie, Courtney Cole-Hall

David Webster, Rose Chen with Muffin

Deborah and Ernesto Bautista

Edna Meyer Nelson, Kappy Muenzer, Jody Merritt, Steve Spencer

Elia Gabbanelli, Brenda Nelson, Rania Edlebi

Feezor Bernadette, Carmen Crenshaw

Gloria Meszaros, David Webster

JD Adamson with Dolly

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Photos by Jacob Power

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NEWS & EVENTS

Emancipet’s Pulling for Pets Howl-aeW - en: Save The Date!

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life-changing support at this event goes directly to ensuring Houston pet owners have access to low-cost vet care. » Date: Sunday, October 30, 1PM » Location: Saint Arnold Brewing Co. » Cost: Free to sign up (and please encourage your teammates to donate). » Teams: It takes 8-10 adults to pull this beast, so grab your friends! » Awards: Awards will be given out for best costumes, top individual, team fundraisers, and more. » Fun Extras: Pulling isn’t the only fun to be had. The fun stuff includes vendors from all over Houston.

Interested in participating in the pull, being a vendor, sponsor, or attendee? Please contact Emancipet Vice President, Angelita Sampaio @ Angelita.Sampaio@emancipet.org.

Paul Carrizales (American Prestige Photography)

ave you ever wanted to test your strength by seeing if you can pull a City of Houston fire truck 30 feet, all while raising funds to help dogs and cats? If so, it's time to flex some muscle, all for the love of pets! Emancipet’s Pulling for Pets (Howl-aWeen edition) is a one-day event, featuring teams competing to pull a truck over 30 feet in the fastest time. Speed isn't the only thing that counts in this tournament – awards will be given out for best costumes, top individual, top team fundraisers, and more. The fire truck pull will be followed by a pet costume contest, pet tarot card readings (for entertainment purposes only), along with pet-friendly vendors. Every dollar raised at Pulling for Pets goes to support Emancipet's mission to make veterinary care affordable and accessible for everyone. Pets bring immeasurable joy to our lives and teach us about love, acceptance, and happiness. Your

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Grooming to Perfection!

Award Winning Bathing & Grooming.

281-370-3647 ADOGSLIFEPETSALON.COM

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals on Galveston Island

7812 Louetta Rd. Spring Texas 77379

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We specialize in the art of fine grooming Montrose 1417 Richmond Avenue Houston, Texas 77006

Memorial 1022 Wirt Road, Suite 312 Houston, Texas 77055

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ThePetBarberHouston.com Houston PetTalk Magazine

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NEWS & EVENTS

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USA te P stroeR snepO nI Sp,gnir Tesax

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SA Pet Resorts opened its newest location in Spring, Texas recently, set on a 2-acre campus with supervised outdoor training and play yards. The 10,000 square foot facility features private villas, and roomy bungalows for their overnight guests with several large indoor training and play rooms. The exclusive Day Club is open 7 days a week and convenient for working families to drop off their pets for a full day of resort fun and

adventure. The resort swimming pool and dock diving facility is included for all overnight lodging or day club guests, as well as available for rental by the hour for drop in guests. The resort offers convenient home pickup and delivery, professional K9 training, and grooming services. USA Pet Resorts is located 21120 Spring Town Drive, Spring, Texas 77388. Visit them online for more information about Houston's newest resort at USAPetResorts.com.

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alling all cat aficionados! The Feline Fall Festival is coming September 1718 to the Jimmy Burke Activity Center.

500 W. 13th St., Deer Park, 77536. Spectator hours are 9:30am to 4:30pm (judging begins at 9am). Visitors are welcome to come view the

gorgeous felines entered in the competition, sponsored by Gulf Coast Feline Foundation and is a TICA sanctioned show (The International Cat Association). To learn more, visit gulfcoastfeline.org.

NEWS & EVENTS

Gretchen & Ivy’s Pet Sitting

Honotsu SPA C Ansecnuo 20 Ho-lw W -O ne l aB s riahC-o

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he Houston SPCA is pleased to announce that Zane Carruth and Cheryl Byington will serve as the 2022 Ball Co-Chairs for the Houston SPCA’s Howl-O- Ween Ball, one of the city’s premier fundraising events that will be held Friday, October 28 on the campus for all animals. Carruth and Byington are well known for their steadfast commitment, leadership and passion for a vast array of notable causes but both hold a special

20 years experience.

Bonded.

place in their hearts when it comes to dedicating their time and talent for animals in need.

Mark your calendar to attend this extraordinary event and an unprecedented opportunity to help homeless animals in Houston. For more information on the Houston SPCA’s Howl-OWeen Ball, visit HoustonSPCA.org. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Christen Blackledge at events@houstonspca.org.

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NEWS & EVENTS Got a

REACTIVE R VER?

Help your pet live a life

without fear

Dog enoG nu F Agytil Host USDAA Trslai Au.g 82-6

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ome out and watch the amazing athletic ability of canines as they compete in a United States Dog Agility Association licensed dog agility trial at Dog Gone Fun Agility, located at 26310 Dobbin Huffsmith Road Magnolia, TX 77354. Handlers (of all ages) are timed while they direct their dog (all breeds, including mixes) through a pre-set obstacle course while a judge scores their performance. Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time. There are a variety of courses set for the dogs during the event. Including one that is primarily jumps, encouraging the dogs

to really race through the course. Speed and accuracy are the winning combination!

The fun begins at 9am and ends at 3pm.

If you are interested in also learning the sport of agility, Dog Gone Fun Agility has an array of classes suited for everyone. In addition to agility, they also offer training classes in all dog sports: Conformation, Obedience, Dock Diving/ Swimming, Treibball, Urban Rats, Therapy Dog, Frisbee, Puppy, Junior Handler, Rally, Canine Fitness, Scent Work, Tricks, Barn Hunt, Farm Dog, Canine Good Citizen and more!

For more information about dog training classes go to: DogGoneFunAgility.com or email Monica@DogGoneFunAgility.com.

available at PlayTallToday.com Amazon Kindle 20

www.houstonpettalk.com

Photography by Tracy Patton

Hilarious yet impactful connection of dots on changing you and your pets mindset for the better

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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NEWS & EVENTS

Dot' n Wo,yr eB Ha!yp Photo Contest Entry

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appiness is like a kiss, you must share it to enjoy it and we want you to share your Happy Dog with us! We are looking for happy photos of your dog(s) or photos of you and your dog sharing a moment of Happiness.

Enter our Don’t Worry, Be Happy Photo Contest, sponsored by USA Pet Resorts, and you might just win $500 in USAPR services - Overnight Lodging, Day Club, Grooming, Training, Transpor-

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tation or Pool Passes from Houston’s newest luxury pet resort in Spring. USAPR is also generously offering $250 of those same services to the 2nd Place and 3rd Place Finalists. Enter your photo via the link at the top of our website, HoustonPetTalk.com, September 1 - 14; Public voting determines the Finalists, September 15 - 25. USA Pet Resorts will select the Winner.

The Winner and all Finalists will be published in the November issue of PetTalk. Get your camera ready to capture Happiness and share with us!

SUMMER SAVINGS ON TREATS, TOYS, AND MORE!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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#ShareWithUs! FASHIONISTAS

1. @ ballparkdoxies “And I said what about Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Happy Gotcha Day to our good furiend @_lucy_mamas_baby!

Come join the pawty! Just use #lucybkfstattiffanys.

2. @duke_and_darla Happiness is dressing fancy on an ordinary day with your best friend #girlpals #fashonista #brunchoutfit 3. @libbygraceandmaggiemae Happy #nationalrescuedogday to our Sweet, Smart, Sassy, Loud Mouth, Best Sister to Libby.... not a worry in the World Maggie Mae!! How lucky we are that she found us!!! We Love her Bunches!!

IS THERE ANYTHING CUTER THAN YOUR PET? OF COURSE NOT! WE AGREE, SO WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO PROVE IT...PLAY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND LOOK FOR OUR THEMED CONTESTS. YOU SHARE WITH US, WE SHARE WITH OUR READERS. EVERYBODY WINS!

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NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

4. @champagnepomski What a great morning walking the trails of the Arboretum! So many smells and sights to see! As the new kid to town in Houston I also started following @pettalkmagazine so I can get all the know of pup-vents around town!

5. @onecentween My sweet little garden gnome wishes you all a happy Friday!! Hope everyone has a great long weekend! #tgif #longweekend #gardengnome #sassywoof #galveston 6. @fridadadoodle Graduation Day!!!! @peaceloveanddogs I graduated today from Puppy Class!!! Had a pawfect time attending classes #classof2022 #goldendoodle #goldendoodlesofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram #houstondogtraining #houstondog #bellyup

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SUMMER VIBES

7. @murphythedancingdood Grillin' & chillin' by the pool. Hope you had a fun Memorial Day! Burgers are ready! Come and get 'em Doods!

8. @texas_airedoodles West Texas chillin’ 9. @frida_miki Is hot in Texas Some people said cheese in front the camera but I heard more they said wine. Nice patio at @beckervineyards

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Let's have a sleepover!

First Boarding night FREE. Our TREAT! (Oops, probably shouldn’t say that word out loud.)

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TRAINING

DIVING INTO HOUSTON’S HIDDEN GEMS: FINDING NEW THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO SEE AND SKILLS TO LEARN!

Kingston enjoys an underwater dive at Rummy’s Beach Club.

By Michelle Mantor, Photography As Noted

D

o you ever get weary of doing the “same ‘ol thing” with your pets? Are you in a rut or stuck in a routine? Don’t get me wrong, animals love routine but it is also fun and stimulating to visit new places, create a cool adventure or learn a new skill as a team.

In the end, it’s all about being together and cherishing a trusting relationship… that’s why we have pets!

In this issue, we explore some hidden gems in Houston and surrounding areas that you may not know about. Plus, we have so many new Houstonians, it’s always a good idea to showcase fabulous finds and fun ideas to newcomers.

I for one am guilty of not changing

things up with my dog Jeda. Finding time is part of the issue so I am committing to her as I write this feature, that we will try something new. Because she is a guarding/herding breed, I’m very curious about taking her for sheep herding lessons (see page 36). I’m honestly afraid of what she will do to the sheep but I am assured the teacher has precautions for that situation!

For those of you that want to learn a new skill or sport with your pup, there is everything from scent work to becoming a therapy dog. And for those that love water, we are highlighting one of Houston’s long-standing, unique pet businesses, Rummy’s Beach Club. One of the cool things about Rummy’s is the fact it

THE BACK STORY

Rummy were changing the plight of abused animals through education. Lisa eventually adopted Rummy and through this amazing experience, she was inspired to start a new business.

is a PRIVATE club, meaning only you and your dog(s) will be on the property, so even dogs with age, health or behavioral issues can participate and have fun.

Learn more in our feature story about this amazing Houston gem!

Our feature is meant to inspire, educate and motivate pet owners to explore the many wonderful, perhaps not widely known, things you can enjoy with your pet (not just dogs either!). Take this opportunity to say NO to the lazy Dog Days of Summer and commit to new adventures in H-Town and beyond in the coming months!

b u l C h c a e B s ' y m m u R Founded from the love of an abused rescue dog and a desire to help other dogs with health or behavioral obstacles, Rummy’s Beach Club is definitely one of Houston’s most unique gems for canines and their companions. Owner Lisa Goebel was inspired to start Rummy’s Beach Club from a resilient Siberian Husky who was neglected and found blind, starving and balding from mange. Husky Haven rescued him, named him Rummy, and nursed him back to health. Lisa stepped in to be his foster mom and during that time, she wrote about their journey together in a Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue essay contest, snagging first place nationally and catapulting Rummy into the public eye through hundreds of appearances visiting with children while Lisa discussed dog rescue, the importance of spaying and neutering animals, puppy mills and more. Together, Lisa and

RUMMY'S MISSION

In 2009, Lisa launched Rummy’s Beach Club in Spring, Texas with a mission to help dogs like Rummy who couldn't go where other dogs go due to a handicap, dog reactivity or aggression, fear, medical problems, or simply for owners who prefer privacy. “After watching the impact Rummy had on others, lying with them on the floor having long conversations, crying with him, and sharing love with him everywhere he went, I knew that I had to take Rummy’s journey and turn it into something positive for other dogs and their owners. I wanted to create a place where they could spend an hour or more of uninterrupted time for

Zaza and Clarabelle bonding, physical exercise, relaxation, learning new things, exploring and being with each other,” notes Lisa.

THE PRIVACY FACTOR

Many years later, Rummy’s is a thriving business that offers something quite unique in the dog world, total privacy.

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Ricki shows off his dock diving skills.

Patrons that come with their dog(s) are literally renting the facility for one or more of the many amenities offered including dock diving, year-round swimming (the pool is covered by a dome in the winter and the water is warm), swimming lessons, or just running and romping! The one-acre property is fully fenced and once clients enter the gate, their dog can be off-leash and have full access to the dog park or pool built specifically for canines.

THE WONDERS OF WATER

For most doggy visitors, they love jumping into the pool and swimming with their owner.

And for some, underwater toy retrieving is their jam! Lisa has perfected the ability to take underwater photos that are so expressive of the fun these dogs are having that it makes your heart smile. For example, take our cover dog, a chocolate Pit Bull named Star, who was found in a ditch as a 14-week old puppy with cigarette burns all over her little body. Star loved to swim and dive and her mom brought her at least once a week for the entire 13 years of her life to Rummy’s where Star got to truly be the star of the day

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doing what she loved Chewie most. Star passed due to cancer but her story lives on…and proves the power of Lisa’s vision to give opportunities for learning and fun in a private setting. These cool underwater photos all started with a client whose dog loved diving underwater so Lisa got a Go Pro camera and the rest is history. The images are really beautiful with the water and colors as a backdrop and of course the dog’s expression is indescribable. When asked if dogs have to be taught to dive, Lisa notes that some dogs can do it right away but others have to be taught gradually over time through techniques she has perfected for instruction and safety. She notes, "We try to teach dogs to think about how to get the toy so they don’t run out of air too soon and how to slow down so they don’t get overly tired. Diving to the bottom of the pool over and over takes incredible physical strength and stamina as they hold their breath. Some dogs just like diving underwater and don’t care if they get the toy or not. Dogs in water are just so much fun! I am the luckiest person in the world since I have been able to do

this for 13 years and still have clients coming over and over. Dogs are such incredible creatures!"

So true! And what we can say about this one-of-a-kind experience at Rummy’s is that if you can capture that moment of amusement and focus as the dog is going for the toy underwater, it would be one of the best keepsakes of all time.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Although Rummy’s was founded on the idea of privacy for special situations and needs, all dogs and owners are welcome and many of Rummy’s clients come because they simply love the vibe and they don’t have to worry about interactions with other dogs… they can just mentally and physically relax and enjoy the moment. For dogs that are fearful or maybe afraid of water, Rummy’s goes above and beyond to support these pups as they learn to trust. According to Lisa, “The pool has a beach entry and large shallow area where we play with dogs who are scared of water and make things positive

Toppi Toes smiles for the camera.

Stella & Louie

8 REASONS TO VISIT RUMMY’S BEACH CLUB

1. Warm Water, Shallow Swimming 2. Dome Cover Over Pool In Winter 3. Swim Instruction 4. Dock Diving - 10’ x 6’ dock 5. Fun Photography & Video 6. Retail Store 7. Dog Park 8. Privacy, Privacy, Privacy!

To learn more or make an appointment, visit RummysBeachClub.com.

until they are confident enough to swim.

The pool is 50’ long and 15’ wide and 4’ deep, so plenty big enough for the big 200 pound mastiffs that come here as well. If a dog needs to learn how to swim, we use life jackets as we have found it to be the safest way for the dogs and for us. We want dogs to enjoy the water so we don’t throw them in, rather, we take as much time as the dog needs. Although some dogs swim with no problems, others may have a mental block or trust issues or who knows what that keeps them from swimming right away, so we give them time and space and we focus on being creative in our teaching methods.”

Underscoring the unique offerings of Rummy’s is the fact that clients come from all over for the experience. Lisa says, “We have such loyal clients, when they move away, they will drive back to go swimming on vacations. We have had people drive to Rummy’s from New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Louisiana, Colorado, Arkansas and many other states.” She adds there just simply are not many choices for places to take your dog if they cannot be around other dogs or perhaps even strangers for a myriad of reasons and providing this opportunity for enjoyment and learning is one of her main motivators.

CHARITABLE GIVING

In addition to providing a place where dogs with medical or behavior issues can

come to have fun and owners can relax and enjoy their pup, Lisa is also driven by her over arching mission, dog rescue. Every year for the last 7 years, Rummy’s sponsors a calendar with Texas Litter Control (TLC) to raise funds for spaying and neutering dogs by supplying TLC with the images for the calendar.

Rummy’s also collects donations from clients all year to donate to dog rescues, including linens, dog beds, appliances, furniture, or just about anything that can help a homeless animal or raise funds.

SOCIAL MEDIA

With the many successes and unique offerings at Rummy's, it probably goes without saying that they have a large social media following, posting vibrant photos and engaging videos on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and

You Tube. Clients love seeing their fur-kid online and the public in general enjoys the content as well. All clients are offered photo and video opportunities but of course it's up to the dog to get a great shot or footage!

Underwater photography is often challenged by lighting at that particular time of day, if the dog is motivated to that particular toy, etc. so patience and practice are key.

If you and your pup are looking for a private oasis to have a blast in the water, including wearing silly costumes for photos ops, or learning to swim, dive underwater or dock dive, Rummy's is a special place that we are privileged to have in Houston. Check it out any time of year, we promise the privacy will be freeing and the experience will have you wanting to come back for more!

Mercury enjoys a winter swim session.

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IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!

ASTROS DOG DAY AUG. 28

Bring your Astros Pup to Minute Maid Park on Sunday, August 28th for their annual Dog Day, presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka. Your pup will love watching the Houston Astros take on the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 pm and can par-

ticipate in fun, unique Dog Day activities!

The first 500 dogs to enter the ballpark will receive a special Orbit Dog Toy! Make sure and get to the game early so your dog can take home this PAW-some item. Find details and tickets at mlb.com/astros/tickets/specials/dog-day.

l l o r t s a take kitty C r u o y h t wi

ats live longer, happier lives indoors, but that doesn’t mean they can’t experience the great outdoors safely. Some cats can be trained to walk outside with a harness and leash. For those cats who prefer a little more security or have a harder time getting around, such as senior cats or cats with health problems, a cat stroller can be the perfect solution.

Designed to keep your cat securely enclosed, cat strollers let you take your cat with you on a walk without worrying about their safety. You can find a good, basic cat stroller for a bit more than $50, or you can invest in a fullfeatured, deluxe model (those can run as much as $300). There’s even one stroller that converts into a car carrier, wheeled carrier, AND a kitty backpack! Shown here, this amazing cat carrier

by Ibiyaya, can be purchased at Ibiyaya-usa.com or Wayfair.com.

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A cause to celebrate is a beautiful thing and one of the best celebrations that is fitting for any pet is a birthday party! Our pets may not know the meaning of “birthday” but they will definitely understand they are being celebrated and surrounded with joy and attention on their special day.

You can always plan a fun party at your home and invite some buddies to enjoy the day or you can throw a party at a pet business that will offer fun treats and activities. If swimming and water-play is your pet’s fave, then Rummy’s Beach Club (RummysBeachClub.com) and Joasis Dog Swimming and Dock Diving (Joasis-Houston.com) both offer the ability to have a party and take great photos of your dog’s big day.

No “pawty” is complete without a cake and/or treats. Fresh cakes and other birthday-themed goodies, tiaras, accessories and more can be purchased at area Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming stores (WoofgangBakery.com), Three Dog Bakery (ThreedogBakeryhtx.com), or Purrs & Barks Pet Market (PurrsnBarkstx.com).

We know that celebrations always bring out photo ops and we love to see our reader’s pets having a great time, so be sure to share the fun with us on our Instagram page, @pettalkmagazine…you might just see your pet in print!

Photo shown here of Dog Friendly Birthday Cake, available at Etsy.com: DogCakeBakery.

s e k i H y l d n e i r F g o D 5 WEST 11TH STREET PARK NATURE TRAIL

2400 W. 11th St, Houston 77008 The West 11th Street Park offers a 0.9-mile looping trail, is dog-friendly, and offers a relaxing escape to nature. west11thstreetpark.org

CULLEN PARK TRAIL

19008 Saums Rd, Houston 77084 Cullen Park has a 2.9-mile looping trail that allows leashed dogs and features a scenic boardwalk. alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/ cullen-park-hike-and-biketrail

JESSE H. JONES PARK & NATURE CENTER 20634 Kenswick Dr, Humble 77338 The Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center has a 1.6-mile looping trail that features a river and allows leashed dogs. hcp4.net/parks/jjp

KEITH WEISS LOOP TRAIL

12300 Aldine-Westfield Road, Houston 77093 The Keith-Wiess Park covers nearly 500 acres and offers a 1.9-mile looping trail. The trail is dog-friendly and features pine trees. alltrails.com/explore/ recording/keith-weiss-looptrail--8

EL FRANCO LEE PARK WETLANDS TRAIL

9400 Hall Rd, Houston, TX 77089 El Franco Lee Park offers several activities, including a 2.1-mile looping hiking trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail. hcp1.net/ElFrancoLeePark

COOL DOWN TOGETHER

Photos courtesy of Kahuna Joe’s

Tucked away in sleepy downtown League City, Kahuna Joe’s not only rocks some of the best frozen goodies in the Greater Houston area—including luscious Hawaiian shaved ice stuffed with ice cream—this gem is completely dog friendly, with Frosty Paws frozen peanut butter treats (kind of like a doggy Italian ice) ensuring everyone in the family will be howlin’ “Brainfreeze!” as they vie for a seat on the shop’s giant selfie-worthy deck chair.

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Check Out A New Dog Park SPRING

Take your pup on a fun, leashed walk through Bibi & Mini-Me Bush Dog Park (4129 Spring Creek Dr, Spring, TX 77373). There are lots of sights to see and trails to travel, including a lovely stream.

If you prefer off-leash, there is a dog park on site for romping!

THE WOODLANDS

Enjoy a fun day filled with outdoor adventures including water pads, tennis courts, grilling and much more. This adventure awaits at Tamarac Park of The Woodlands, (1300 N Millbend, The Woodlands, TX 77380).

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KINGWOOD

Camp and hike at Lake Houston Wilderness Park (25840 FM 1485, New Caney, TX 77357). Dogs are allowed on leash, water abounds, and there are some very affordable cabins and campsites available!

SUGAR LAND

Oyster Creek Park and Trail (4033 Hwy 6 S, Sugar Land, TX, US 77479) is a great place to get hang out with neighbors or meet new friends...and their pets! Enjoy an amphitheater, bike trails, and beautiful winding waters. The perfect place for some Fun in the Sun (don't forget sunscreen for you and your pet).

PEARLAND

Southdown Park (2150 Countryplace Parkway, Pearland, TX 77584) has plenty of space to play, plus an off-leash dog park.

The park also sports a separate splash pad for the kids, plenty of playground equipment, and you can spend all day enjoying the amenities with your family.

CLEAR LAKE

Bay Area Park (7500 E Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058) is scenic and has many amenities for you and your pet. A small and large dog park along with agility features, a canoe launch, walking trails, rest rooms, and children's play area make it a relaxing place to spend an afternoon.

INNER LOOP

Get out and enjoy the new Buffalo Bayou Park and Johnny Steele Dog Park at the corner of Allen Parkway and Montrose (2929 Allen Pkwy Houston,77019). Lots of water features and shady spots to sit down, plus small and large dog play areas keep playtime safe for everyone. Features include a pond, shade structures, dog washing areas, benches, and drinking fountains complete with spigots for dogs. And of course, a great view of Houston's amazing skyline!

ANTIDOTE COFFEE 729 Studewood, 77007 AXELRAD BEER GARDEN 1517 Alabama St., 77004 BACKSTREET CAFÉ 1103 S. Shepherd Drive, 77019 BARKLEY’S 2300 Louisiana St., 77006 BARNABY'S CAFÉ & BABY BARNABY'S 604 Fairview, 77006 BARNABY'S CAFÉ 1701 S. Shepherd, 77019 BARNABY'S CAFÉ 5750 Woodway, 77057 BARNABY’S CAFÉ 801 Congress #175, 77002 BETTER LUCK TOMORROW 544 Yale St., 77007 BOHEME CAFÉ & WINE BAR 307 Fairview, 77006

CACTUS COVE BAR & GRILL 3333 W 11th St., 77057 CANYON CREEK 6603 Westcott St., 77007

EAST END BACKYARD 1105 Sampson St., 77003 EIGHT ROW FLINT 1039 Yale St., 77008

CAVATORE'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2120 Ella Blvd., 77008

EQ HEIGHTS COFFEE & SOCIAL HOUSE 1030 Heights Blvd., 77008

CEDAR CREEK 1034 W 20th, 77008

FM KITCHEN & BAR 1112 Shepherd Dr., 77007

CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE SPORTS BAR & GRILL 2000 Bagby, 77002

GIACOMO’S CIBO E VINO 3215 Westheimer Rd., 77098

CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE SPORTS BAR & GRILL 2820 White Oak, 77007

GRATEFUL DANE DISTILLING CO. (NEW) 5250 Gulfton St. #1-H, 77081

COCO’S CREPES & COFFEE 218 Gray, Unit A, 77002 COCO’S CREPES & COFFEE 2339 University Blvd, 77005

LOLA 1102 Yale Street, #300, 77008 LAZY OAK BEER GARDEN 10158 Long Point 77055 LOST & FOUND 160 W Gray St., 77019

TACOS A GO GO 2912 White Oak Dr., 77007 THE BARKING PIG 2307 Ella Blvd., 77008

MIA’S TABLE UPPER KIRBY 3131 Argonne St., 77098

THE DOGWOOD 2403 Bagby St., 77006

PIGGY’S KITCHEN & BAR 3412 W Lamar St., 77019

THE FRONT PORCH PUB 217 Gray St., 77008

PLUCKERS WING BAR 1400 Shepherd, 77007

THE KING’S HEAD PUB 1809 Eldridge Parkway, 77077

PORCH SWING PUB 69 Heights Blvd., 77007

HUGO’S 1600 Westheimer Rd, 77006

REVELRY ON RICHMOND 1613 Richmond Ave., 77006

LITTLE MATT’S 6203 Edloe St., 77005

SAINT ARNOLD BEER GARDEN 2000 Lyons Ave., 77020

COTTONWOOD 3422 N. Shepherd, 77018

SOCIAL BEER GARDEN HTX 3101 San Jacinto St., 77004

THE LAKE HOUSE 1500 McKinney, 77010 TRUCK YARD 2118 Lamar St., 77003 WAKEFIELD CROWBAR 954 Wakefield Dr., 77018

SLOWPOKES 1203 W. 34th St. Suite D, 77018

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Photo courtesy of El Gato CoffeeHouse/facebook

SIP COFFEE, PET A CAT: EL GATO COFFEEHOUSE

El Gato Coffeehouse is Houston's first and only cat cafe and rescue. In response to COVID-19, El Gato Charities was formed in July 2020 to bridge the financial gap necessary to operate as a foster home to 14-20 cats. El Gato Coffeehouse and El Gato Charities work in tandem with one another and eventually operate fully as El Gato Charities.

Their collective mission is to provide a comfortable environment for adoptable cats until they find their furrever home. If guests aren't looking to adopt, they can enjoy cat therapy, which also helps socialize the cats.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM

Adoption Process All cats are available for adoption. The adoption fee is $95, with a 7 day trial adoption period called a sleepover. Once approved, adopters receive a sleepover to ensure the cat is a good fit for you, your family and your other furrbabies.

Cats are all up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed/ neutered and have a chip. Note: for kittens the cost of the remaining needed booster vaccinations and spay/ neuter are expenses are covered, but adopters must work with their vets.

Learn more about El Gato Charities at elgatocharities.org.

508 Pecore Street Suite A 77009 832-968-3006 Elgatocoffeehouse.com

501 Woodway Dr, Houston 77024 HoustonArboretum.org The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 155-acre nonprofit urban nature sanctuary located just miles from Downtown Houston on the western edge of Memorial Park. Established in 1967, the Arboretum was one of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas, and it continues to provide nature education for more than 10,000 children annually and reach over 600,000 visitors each year.

Dogs are permitted only if they are controlled by a leash and restrained to trails during their visit. This is as much for the safety of the pet as for the protection of the wildlife. Potential hazards to dogs not controlled by a short leash include snake bites and contact with poison ivy. Please be aware that for safety and sanitation reasons, pets are not allowed in the Nature Playscape. All City of Houston Ordinances regarding dogs, including clean up of waste, must be followed. Pets should not be left in unattended vehicles.

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LEARN TO HELP OTHERS

Are you and your dog ready to be a therapy dog team? Do you and your friendly pup want to make a difference? Come see what this rewarding hobby is all about. Learn what it means to be a therapy dog team and what it takes to get certified. Dog Gone Fun Agility in Magnolia (North of Houston) offers a 6-week course, Healing Paws Therapy Dog Class, that will focus on educating handlers and familiarizing canines with different types of visitations and skills needed to excel in this venture.

SCENT, SEARCH, FIND!

Let your dog use their best asset...smell! The sport of scent work is based on the work of professional detection dogs as dogs have a sense of smell that is up to 100,000 times better then ours! Teams work together to find essential odors such as Birch, Anise, Clove, Cypress, and more. In this Foundations class offered by Dog Gone Fun Agility, students will learn how to properly handle odor, set hides for your dog, build value for odor, and play many fun original games!

Scent work is a great sport for reactive, fearful, aging dogs, and puppies! It is a natural enrichment activity that benefits all dogs emotional balance!! Class includes a scent work kit to get you started! This class is One hour long and limited to 5 teams.

Learn more at DogGoneFunAgility.com.

s e n i qu E h t i w V U L Fall In SPEND TIME WITH EQUINES...RIDING OR ON THE GROUND I spent a lifetime fascinated yet afraid of horses and now I have two rescues that have taught me so much about myself (and being selfless). If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about horses in general, learn to ride, learn husbandry, or simply “just be around them”, I promise you will not regret taking the step to make that dream a reality. There are many “versions” of horsemanship. I personally have chosen to have them as “buddies”, not to ride them or compete. Depending on what you are interested in, Houston has many resources. Here are just a few of them!

FIVE HORSE , LLC

17545 Mathis Rd. Waller, Texas 77484 FiveHorses.com NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP LESSONS: Learn how to communicate with horses, using their own communication style – body language.

EQUINE BODY BALANCING: Owner, Shannon Birkelbach, has been certified through Level 3 for Holistic Horseworks Equine Unwinding. This includes Cranial Sacral work as well as Equine Yoga stretches that she will teach the horse owner. Young Living essential oils as well as other high quality products are included in the session fees.

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING: EAL is used more in corporate groups that will be labeling their goals more specifically around their work related issues. Check the website or email (info@fivehorses.com) for class info and fees.

FLANDERS POLO & RIDING LESSONS

8552 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024 FlandersPolo.com (713) 817-5116 Family-founded, Flanders Polo and Riding Lessons is built on the desire to inspire, educate, and equip riders of all ages with strong horsemanship skills in various disciplines, imparting a love of riding that lasts a lifetime.

EQUESTRIAN VENTURES TRAINING

417 Janisch Rd, Houston, TX 77018 Janet Ellis (713) 694-0694 EquestrianVentures.com Horse handling lessons, Working Students Volunteer, Relaxation Techniques and Exercises, Positive Reinforcement, trail riding lessons, beach riding lessons, Dressage Lessons, Horsemanship Lessons, Horse Training Lessons, Liberty work, Husbandry tasks. Lessons in

just about anything you think your horse needs to help make life better for both of you!

MAGIC MOMENTS STABLE

1726 Upland Dr, Houston, TX 77043 (713) 461-1228 MagicMomentsStable.com Located in West Houston near the Katy Freeway and Wilcrest, Magic Moments Stable offers a centrally located full-service boarding and training facility just outside Beltway 8. While they focus on Sport Horses and Dressage, training and lessons are available for all disciplines and breeds. Riders of all ages, skills and disciplines are welcome!

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Herding Lessons I

f you have a herding breed like a Border Collie, Briard, Cattle Dog, Austrailian Shepherd or a mixed breed with herding genetics, giving them a try at actual herding of sheep (rather than you or your children), might be a great outlet for them. Just a short drive from Houston is Lonesome Pine Farm in Hempstead where Joy Hall can make your herding ambitions for your pup become reality. According to Joy, "I give herding lessons on a semi-individual basis rather than conduct large group classes. I find that it is much easier to communicate the theory and practice in a one on one situation. I offer my beginning students a time when there will be someone else there because the dog needs rest and a bit of down time in between works and it provides the student with an opportunity to watch another dog work and be able to ask questions. If we put too many dogs together, there isn't enough work time available to make much progress with your dog."

Single lessons are $50 with a discount offered for those who are willing to commit to a schedule of once or twice a week. Scheduled lessons are $180 for four, minimum of once a week and approximately 45 minutes to an

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hour. Dogs will work two to three times during that time, and will have rest times in between for Joy to discuss theory and answer questions.

If Hempstead is a "haul' for you, Joy noted, "I have a couple students who live quite a distance away. We offer a 'mini-clinic' type of situation for those students. We will provide 3 to 4 lessons in a two-day period and offer the same discount. It is a much more intense type of training and isn't for everyone but it can really help to get a dog started. I also have a small bunkhouse that is available for $30 a night per person." Additionally, Joy offers an instinct evaluation for $60. It is shorter, and the emphasis is on seeing if the dog is interested in stock.

Sheep and ducks are fragile creatures that are not willing participants in a herding lesson.

Dogs can and do learn self control, including keeping their mouths off of the livestock and not mindlessly chasing. According to Joy, she works the dog in the initial stages because it helps the dog to be correct and also protects the sheep, dog, and the handler from injury.

Some owners have no desire to work their own dogs, while others step in as soon as

the dog is comfortable and a bit predictable around stock. If stock is injured, the student is responsible for the cost of treatment.

You might be wandering what is an appropriate age for dogs to start herding lessons.

Typically, 6 months would be a minimum age due to the mental pressure and physical exercise that young dogs cannot handle.

Only dogs of sound mind are afforded the opportunity to lean herding, meaning they are sound in both temperament and structure. To get started, it is very beneficial if a dog has a basic recall and stop command which can be a stand, down, or sit. Essentially, basic obedience is required to progress.

For obvious reasons, there are rules in place for the safety of all involved, as well as essential beginner skills for the dog, but once those requirements are met, you and your pup may just have found your calling! Whether for fun or to compte or even to learn for practical purposes, herding classes will offer you an amazing connection with your dog as you become a team with a shared goal.

To find out more about Lonesome Pine Farm, email Joy at rouxcrew1@yahoo.com or give her a call at 832-275-8453.

s d r a y e n i V y l d n e i Pet Fr I

If you love to enjoy a delicious glass of wine and learn all about its origins with your pet in tow, then visiting a local winery is a must do! Texas has more and more wineries popping up each year, and we even have a few near Houston!

Whether you enjoy a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a spice-filled Red Zin, sipping and relaxing is the perfect place to bring your pet and salute life!

DECANT URBAN WINERY

948 Wakefield Dr. Houston 77018 DecantWinery.com Inspired by the history of winemaking and the current renaissance of urban wineries, founders Kristina and Ron Tucker, opened this unique Houston gem in 2017. The grapes are sourced from around the country and made into delicious wines with handcrafted, old-world techniques.

Bring your pup and sit outside and enjoy a crisp Barrel-Aged Sauvignon Blanc or a full-bodied Petit Sirah, all while supporting a local H-Town winemaker. The family owned business is very welcoming…and the person who pours your wine might just also be the person who helped make it!

TEMPE CREEK VINEYARD AND FARMS

307 Dickens Ranch Rd, Livingston, TX 77351 TempeCreekVineyard.com Tempe Creek is a boutique Texas wine shop and tasting room, as well as an event venue (think amazing weddings with a vineyard and barn as the backdrop). Come sip and stroll with your leashed pup and enjoy the varieties of wine, while you un-wine-d!

Tempe Creek Vineyards and Farms is part of 8 wineries that make up the Sam Houston Wine Trail (SamHoustonWineTrail.com) so check them out, support a local business, and make memories with you furry friend.

Visit their Facebook page for upcoming events, including and opportunity to help those animals less fortunate with a Livingston SPCA fundraiser, October 8, 12:00 pm–5:00 pm.

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PhotographyByPrudence.com.

Goat Yoga Sounds a little crazy but it’s super fun… especially if you think little goats are adorable, like I do! I had the opportunity to participate in a class and although the yoga practice was not the main purpose of the class (how can you concentrate on going deeper into a pose with a baby goat in your lap?), it was all about having a good time, laughing with the other class members, playing with the animals - all of which relaxes the mind.

There are several companies offering goat yoga in the Houston area. Their venues for the classes and times vary, so check out their websites to find when and where they’ll be conducting class. I promise you will leave with a smile, and possibly the desire to have a goat as a pet!

Goat Yoga Houston goatyogahouston.com Goat Yoga Texas goatyogatx.com

Thank you for voting us

BEST NONPROFIT

& Top 3 Veterinarian in Houston

Creating a more Humane Houston Together!

14700 Almeda Rd. (713)433-6421 www.HoustonHumane.org

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Ruff StuffWe Love P

et owners get it. Hair from pets and pet messes make maintaining a clean home harder. Now with the latest addition to the EyeVac Touchless Vacuum line, you'll spend less time cleaning up after their beloved companions and more time on what really matters (like couch cuddles and dog park trips).

The EyeVac Pet is a small but powerful pet vacuum that is ready for any hair your dog or cat can shake off. Whether your pet is shedding, a messy eater, getting a haircut, or just making a mess, the EyeVac has you covered with its powerful 1400 watt motor! Spend more quality time with your furry friend and less time cleaning up after them with the EyeVac Pet. The sleek and modern style is also an advantage with colors available in Designer White or Tuxedo Black. Retails for $159 (with free shipping). Find more information at EyeVac.com.

Spleash all-in-one dog leash handle with water cup & spray helps you be prepared for your next walk, hike or trip to the park as a solution that attaches to your existing nylon, leather or rope leash. Invented by a mother and daughter team to help you keep your dog hydrated, cool and protected, it features a 12-ounce water reservoir and a flip-open water dish for when your pup is thirsty. The spray function can be used to cool your pet’s coat and paws, or even to ward away off-leash dogs and other animals with its 14-foot range. You can even use the spray function on urine to prevent burnt grass. A portion of every sale goes to domestic abuse support organizations. Spleash comes in 2 colors, orange or arctic teal. Learn more or get yours at Spleash.com or Amazon.com.

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HOT

IN TEXAS

GET RED IN BED

While the outside temps are high, indoors is the place to be! Any kitty or pup would love to curl up in this plush bed mat for an afternoon nap.

Find yours at Lowes.com.

DRAGON'S BREATH

In likeness of fiery dragon breath, the colors of this sturdy, handmade webbing collar are so vibrant! Fire orange, apple red and sunlit yellow create an eye catching ombre background for your pup to sport while on evening walks (because we know it's too hot to walk during the day!). Find yours at Etsy.com, Store: DoodlesNPurrsCollars.

ALL TIED UP Your macho pup will be Hot to Trot in this handmade fire-themed bow tie…watch out girls! Find yours at Etsy. com, Store: KVSPetAccessories.

WANNA PLAY CHICKEN?

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Make your outdoors matter with this this 2-story chicken coop and outdoor run, constructed using solid wood, asphalt shingles, and a weatherproof finish.

Available at Lowes.com.

HOT DIGGETY DOG

Get your dog the ultimate DOG with this never-ending, tons of fun durable nylon toy, available from Houston purveyor, GorillaDogBeds.com.

HOT TO TROT

GLOW UP

BOOM BOOM

Let your kitty be The BOMB with this catnip-filled stick of dynamite that provides loads of booming pleasure with a crinkly sound, rope fuse, and kickable shape. Made with 100% polyester canvas for durability.

Make your kitty happy and find yours at Chewy.com.

Trill Paws creates chic Pet ID tags inspired by pop-culture, including well-loved emojis, popular sayings, memes, and more. Each tag is made from durable metal and fade-proof, scratch-proof enamel. Trill Paws offers free engraving with every tag and 5% of proceeds is donated to dog rescue! Shop available designs at TrillPaws.com.

You give yourself a pedi, why not give your horse a hoofie? Easy to peel and apply, Horse Hoofies are great for parades, competitions, photos, parties and more. Each package contains 4 decals, available at ProtectivePetSolutions.com.

BABY, LIGHT MY FIRE

Heat up the conversation at your next outing with your pet adorned in a fire-themed tutu. All your friends will want to know where to get one!

Handmade with love, and many other designs to choose from, get yours at Etsy.com, Shop: PatienceWayShop.

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HEALTH

Beware: Snake Bites Know What To Do Should It Happen To Your Pet

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any people are terrified of snakes. Most of us know not to handle a snake we cannot identify as nonvenomous, and if we are going to handle a venomous snake, we should have the proper training in place. Our animals do not possess this fear and can be bitten, often due to simple curiosity and sometimes out of protecting a family member.

Our area has four venomous snakes: coral snakes, cottonmouth/water moccasins, copperheads and rattlesnakes. We have a very large variety of nonvenomous snakes and ALL snakes are beneficial.

Snakes are more active in the warmer months so we see many more snakebite cases as the temperatures rise. What should you do if your pet is bitten by a snake? » Take a picture of the snake if safely possible. We do NOT want you to bring

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By: Shana D Richardson, PhD VERGI 24/7 Animal Emergency and Critical Care Hospital

www.houstonpettalk.com

»

» »

»

»

the snake in with your pet. Please do not kill the snake, either, and know that if the snake is dead and is venomous, it is still capable of envenomating you or your pet, even if the head is no longer attached to the body. Do not handle any part of the snake.

Remove any collar/harness your pet is wearing if possible. Otherwise, closely monitor for swelling that can impede breathing and remove the collar/harness immediately.

Keep your pet as calm as possible.

Get to your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian immediately.

Even if you identify the snake as nonvenomous, but your pet has puncture wounds, have them evaluated at a veterinarian. Your pet is likely in pain from the punctures and could require antibiotics to treat infection. Even if you do not see puncture wounds but know where the bite occurred, your pet’s fur will be shaved in that area to assess the wounds and determine the best course of treatment, if any.

If the snake is identified as venomous, antivenin/antivenom exists for all

venomous snakes in our area except for coral snakes. Your pet will likely be given antivenin, IV fluids, pain medication and will have their bloodwork monitored for any progression or regression in values. » NSAIDS and subcutaneous fluids are contraindicated. » Benadryl, steroids and antibiotics have shown no benefit in the treatment of venomous snakebites (antibiotics should be prescribed only if infection is present).

There are a number of pages on social media designed to identify snakes and we encourage you to educate yourself to be able to identify snakes you may encounter. There is also a page called “National Veterinary Snakebite Support” on Facebook that is operated by veterinarians who offer advice when a pet is bitten by a snake. Dr. Laura Noaker (owner of VERGI) volunteers her time on this page.

Reactions from venomous snakebites can progress very quickly. Antivenin and proper supportive care will help your pet feel better quickly and can prevent longterm complications.

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HEALTH

Medication 101 Keeping Track Is Key

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long with chronic diseases, can come long-term medications.

Keeping track of your pet’s medications can be troublesome, especially in multi-pet and multi-owner households. Pets are commonly on medications for diseases such as heart failure, kidney failure, osteoarthritis, dementia, and cancer. This article will summarize ways to track medication administration, tips for giving medications, and recommendations in case of emergency.

The following tips help with proper administration and organization of medications: » Daily pill boxes can be a helpful way to organize medications and ensure they are being given at the correctly. We recommend placing the daily medications » in their appropriate slots at the beginning of each week. This has an added benefit because you can more closely monitor when you may need to refill a medication and give your veterinarian adequate notice for a refill to avoid missing any doses. » Pill packets are another option if there are more pills than will fit into a pill box.

These can be purchased online or at many retail locations. » If someone in the household has vision deficits, a color coding system can be helpful. On the top of each medication bottle, simply place a colored sticker

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By: Julia Spade, DVM, cVMA, CHPV Blue Pearl Pet Hospice, PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com

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and create a key with large font for the family. » We recommend keeping a journal or calendar of your pet’s daily symptoms in order to track progression of their disease and benefits of particular medications. » Another option would be one of the following helpful phone applications: 11 pets: PetCare, The Royal Veterinary College Pet Epilepsy Tracker, Pet Diabetes Tracker. A shared online calendar, such as Google Calendar, is another tool that can help keep family members from duplicating dosages of medications or forgetting appointments.

If at some point your pet decides he or she does not like to take medications or becomes picky about their food, mixing the medications with their food can cause a major problem. Instead, we recommend using a “medication vehicle” to give the medications. A “medication vehicle” will be something other than their food that is palatable and that they will eat prior to their meal. Some pets will always love taking their pills in Pill Pockets, which can make life easy for owners. But if they tire of these treats or become wise to the “pill hiding game,” we have some other cre-

ative options to recommend. Here is a list of unusual items that can be tried: cheese, cream cheese, cheese whiz, Vienna sausages, pureed baby food, liverwurst, hard boiled eggs, green olives, marshmallows, and grape tomatoes. Another option is to make your own pill wrap, here is the simple recipe for a homemade pill wrap: Mix 1 part broth (chicken, beef, vegetable) or milk, 1 part peanut or almond butter (ensure no xylitol is present on the ingredient list), and 2 parts flour. Hand mix well and keep refrigerated for one week.

Lastly, it is important that you keep a written list of your pet’s medications and dosages with you at all times. In an emergency, this will help to ensure your pet will be properly cared for by any veterinary team, even if it is not your regular veterinarian. Some medications can interact with each other and cause unwanted side effects. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before adding any holistic medications, vitamins, herbs or supplements, since there can be interactions between these holistic options and Western medications.

The Dog Tales Collection, developed by award winning author, Patricia A. Brill, Phd, is the first collection of books written to help parents start a conversation with their child regarding issues or concerns they may have with their pet. These books not only speak to the issue’s children have relating to their pets, but can also teach children about issues of life, illness, or diversity within their own lives.

H o u sto n Au th o r ’s B o o k Co l l e c ti o n : DogTalesCollection.com

When a Virus Takes Over the World

Don’t Say Good Bye Just Say See You!

This book helps children understand the impact a Covid-19 and teaches them preventive measures to stop the spread of the virus, such as hand washing, wearing a mask, and social distancing.

This book gives parents an opportunity to talk about death with their grieving child by addressing their feelings of sadness, anger, and guilt.

The Power of Kindness and Treats!

The Road to Recovery is Paved with Dog Treats!

Knowing you have done a good deed for someone else is a rewarding feeling. Real happiness comes from not what you get but what you give.

This book helps children understand what happens when their pet has to have surgery and reassures them that their pet will be safe and protected.

Do Bad Dogs Get Cancer?

This book can provide a means for parents to have an open discussion regarding the varying effects cancer can have on children, adults, or even family pets.

Dog Tales Collection Coloring Book This book features 30 fun scenes to color from the Dog Tales Collection series. Suitable for kids of all ages.

Porsche Bella’s Forever Home This book was written to help children see the importance of rescuing, fostering, and/or adopting animals, thus giving them a second chance.

No Treats for Bullies!

This book was written to explain the negative effects bullying can have on others; and the difference it can make to be kind.

Keep Chasing Your Dreams and You’ll Get Treats!

There is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of working hard to achieve their dreams. This helps parents build their children’s confidence and optimism to overcome obstacles that may come into their path and lead to achievement.

O rd er at

Amazon.com

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Fractured canine tooth in a cat.

Full metal crowns placed on a dog to help protect previously fractured teeth.

More Than Teeth Cleaning?

The Role Of A Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist

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ompanion animals are affected by many oral conditions beyond just an annual teeth cleaning and require the care of a board-certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon.

Although a majority of my patients suffer from periodontal disease, I also treat patients that need extensive oral surgery (tumor removal and jaw fracture repair), orthodontics, endodontics (root canals), restorations, prosthodontics (metal crowns), and oral medicine management.

In the field of periodontics (the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums, bone, and other structures that support the teeth), I provide advanced techniques such as bone grafting, gingival surgery, and periodontal pocketing reduction to save the functionality of certain teeth that may otherwise be extracted. Many clients are motivated to stay on top of their pet's oral health, and this is one way we can do this together. However, when a tooth can’t be saved, extractions are absolutely an option and can still give the patient a healthy and comfortable mouth, which is most imporBy Chanda R. Miles, DVM, DAVDC Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist™ Veterinary Dentistry Specialists, Katy, Texas VDSVETS.com

www.houstonpettalk.com

tant. I also provide care to patients that require numerous extractions at one time if the primary practitioner is not comfortable performing at one anesthetic event.

Other conditions, such as oral tumors or jaw fractures, require advanced surgical techniques. For example, removal of an oral tumor requires advanced imaging such as a cone-beam CT and can often require an extensive surgical resection depending on the extent of the tumor. I provide these surgical skills to pets with a prognosis of an excellent quality of life following an oral cancer diagnosis. Similarly, pets can be affected by a traumatic event that causes a jaw fracture. Again, I can provide advanced imaging and surgical repair (if needed) for these pets to get them comfortable and back to their everyday lives.

One of the more common conditions we treat is fractured teeth. If a tooth is fractured so badly that it has caused pulp exposure, it may be a good candidate for a root canal to save the tooth. A root canal is performed almost in the same way as it is done in humans. One of the big differences is that some of the teeth don’t require a crown. Others are candidates for a full metal crown. Crowns provide protection. Restoratives can also be placed on teeth for cavities (rare in dogs), superficial fractures, or enamel defects in teeth that

don’t cause pulp exposure.

Congenital malocclusions (misaligned teeth) occur in many different breeds.

When a patient has a malocclusion that is causing a tooth or teeth to strike another area in the mouth that causes pain, then orthodontics can be an option to move the teeth in the correct position. There are also other options where teeth are reduced in height and receive a vital pulp therapy (mini root canal).

We also provide care to patients with rare oral conditions that don’t necessarily require surgical intervention but need more medical management. Certain auto-immune disorders will require lifelong management to keep the condition under control. Cats are more often affected with an auto-immune condition called feline chronic gingivostomatitis that requires both medical and surgical intervention.

Here at VDS Katy, we put your pet’s comfort and safety at the forefront of everything we do. In fact, I am assisted

by Bradley Simon, DVM, MSc, DACVAA, a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist at each procedure. This means your pet benefits from exceptional clinical expertise when advanced dental care and oral surgery are needed.

Photo Credit, Dr. Chanda Miles.

HEALTH

We are proud to welcome board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist Dr. Bradley Simon to our team.

A renowned lecturer, Dr. Simon has published many journal articles, and has co-authored many book chapters on small animal anesthesia and pain management.

“Often, control of pain from dental or periodontal disease is one of the reasons pet owners seek care. As a specialist, my role is to provide the most modern, safe and appropriate pain-relieving therapies for your pet. Working at VDS provides me this opportunity.”

1437 FM 1463, Ste 120 | Katy, TX 77494 Locations: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas

Outside of work, Dr. Simon enjoys spending time coaching the Texas A&M University Ice Hockey and Texas Outlaws Hockey teams.

He lives an active lifestyle with his wife and three kids.

At VDS, we put your pet’s comfort and safety at the forefront of everything we do.

Here in Katy, you’ll find a Texas-style warm and welcoming environment.

Great oral care for your furry friend isn’t easy.

But it can be.

Dr. Bradley Simon and Dr. Chanda Miles

By appointment: Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 7:00pm | 346.257.6725 | katy@vdsvets.com | vdsvets.com Endodontics | Extractions | Jaw Fracture Repair | Malocclusions | Oral Cancer | Orthodontics | Palate Surgery | Periodontics | Prosthodontics & Restoratives | Salivary Glands

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TAIL END

Hydration 101: Q&A With Dr. Rachel Walsh

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ith two more months of potentially hot days, tell us the biggest dangers pets face with the Texas heat?

The Texas heat is wonderful for so many fun outdoor activities, however we do have to be mindful of our dog’s health just as much as our own when they are outside in the heat! It’s important to be aware that if a dog is either overactive in hot and humid weather or is left in a hot car too long, they are very likely to become overheated. If they cannot adequately cool down and are dehydrated, they run a high risk of developing a heat stroke which can cause life-threatening biological changes such as organ damage and even death. Obese dogs or dog breeds with short noses (Pugs, Shih Tzu’s, Bulldogs) are much more prone to heat stroke than those with longer noses. Heat stroke is an emergency that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. However, heat stroke can be prevented by avoiding excessive heat and by enticing frequent water consumption with non-electrolyte

Find Dr. Walsh's product, Replenish, at ReplenishDog.com.

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containing products such as Replenish Dog Water Supplement. In addition to heat stroke, you should pay attention to the hot temperature of the pavement when walking your dog. Dogs do have protective pads on their feet, but they can still get significant paw pad burns from hot concrete. Skin sunburns can also occur, especially on light and thin coated dogs.

Paw pad burns and sun burns can be avoided by walking and running during the cooler times of the day.

mouth, and then they exhale the body heat. Since dogs do not sweat, they also do not lose electrolytes in their sweat like we do. Therefore, if you add electrolytes to their water, you are in fact giving them unnecessary salts which then dehydrate their body. If they are dehydrated, then there is less blood in the vessels to pull heat from and the panting process is not very effective. In summary, giving dogs electrolytes drinks after exercise is not actually helpful for recovery.

What are the biggest myth or misunderstanding about heat related safety with pets?

We all know that it is important to drink fluids when exercising in hot weather to help stay hydrated and cool your core body temperature down. However, one important misconception is that dogs can drink the same type of sports drinks as we can. In fact, electrolyte drinks have been proven to inhibit rehydration in dogs. I’ll explain why. Dog’s do not sweat to cool down like we do (besides a very tiny amount from their paw pads). Dogs use panting to cool their core body temperature down by the following process: They inhale cool air, which then extracts heat from the blood vessels in their nose and

What prompted you to create a hydration product for dogs in the hot months?

I was inspired to create Replenish Dog Water Supplement after my own dog Sammy almost had a heat stroke at the dog park. After much experience with treating heat stroke in the vet clinic and the scary experience of my own, I decided to create a water supplement to help prevent dehydration and overheating.

Following a year of research, I developed a formula designed to be added to dog’s water to entice them to drink water when they are hot and panting and replenish their core nutrients needed for recovery.

With my background as an All-American Track and Field Athlete, I also tailored

After much experience with treating heat stroke in the vet clinic and the scary experience of my own, I decided to create a water supplement to help prevent dehydration and overheating. Following a year of research, I developed a formula designed to be added to dog’s water to entice them to drink water when they are hot and panting and replenish their core nutrients needed for recovery.

Dog Water Supplement: • Rehydrates • Enhances performance • Replace Lost Nutrients • Accelerates Recovery

Natural Paw Healing Solution • Treats bacterial and fungal infections • Reduces redness and itchiness • Scientifically proven natural ingredients • Add water for foot soak

Replenish to be a canine sports drink to help keep our K9 athletes at the top of their game! Replenish can also be used by dogs that are recovering from illness to help them stay hydrated and consume nutrients to support a faster recovery.

What are the ingredients and tell us why each one matters from a nutrient standpoint?

Replenish is formulated with only 5 key ingredients that have been proven to be beneficial to active dogs and recovery. The first ingredient is a powdered chicken bone broth that quickly dissolves in your dog’s water bowl and entices them to drink water. Multiple studies in working dogs showed that the most important ingredient in recovery was water consumption. But how can you force a dog to drink water if they are panting heavily? You make it extremely tasty! 9/10 dogs can’t resist the taste of the Replenish chicken broth once you splash it on their lips. The second ingredient is a simple carbohydrate. Studies have shown that consumption of a simple carbohydrate within 1 hour of exercise will replenish the energy storage in the cells almost back to 100% by the next day. If a dog eats a regular meal hours after exercise, their cellular energy storage only returns to about 75% the next day. This cellular energy is needed for overall healing and subsequent activities. The last 3 ingredients are key antioxidants which include blueberry powder, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6. Antioxidants are helpful for eliminating waste and promoting overall recovery at the cellular level. All these ingredients are combined into a “hypotonic” solution which is a fancy way of saying it is absorbed just as quickly as water.

Therefore, there is no quicker way to get hydration and key nutrients into your dog’s body other than placing an intravenous catheter in a veterinary clinic. There are no electrolytes in Replenish for the reasons mentioned above. Replenish is made in Texas with all human grade ingredients and was created by a veterinarian. Visit ReplenishDog.com to learn more!

FIND SOMETHING

Fabulous WRIGHT Pawn & Jewelry Co.

Proud Supporters of Citizens for Animal Protection WWW.WRIGHTPAWN.COM Custom Jewelry | Repairs | Cash Loans 281.882.3577  6218 Westheimer, 77057

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DON’T LET OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

KEEP YOUR DOG DOWN HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR DOG? Easily gets tired or lags behind on walks

Has trouble getting up from a resting position

Is reluctant to run, play or climb stairs

Has gained weight in the past year

Limps or appears stiff after exercise

Inflammation in the joints causes pain and cartilage damage which can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility.

Ask your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s joints today.

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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

Conservation Corner A Nod to Nature: Houston Zoo Eliminates Single-Use Plastic Packaging

By: Jackie Wallace HoustonZoo.org

As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo. This issue, we highlight environmental conservation.

T

he Houston Zoo is the first zoo in the country to eliminate single-use plastic packaging in all gift shops in alignment with its wildlife-saving mission. Since 2015, the Houston Zoo and its retail and culinary partner, SSA Group, have taken steps to remove single-use plastics from the Zoo starting with shopping bags followed by beverage bottles and straws. In this next phase, plastic packaging is the focus.

The Zoo and SSA Group partnered to audit the gift shops looking for products containing single-use plastic, and worked with vendors to find alternatives, or make different choices. In some instances, manufacturers were encouraged to change packaging materials, or simply eliminate a superfluous bag.

“Eliminating single-use plastic packaging

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Photos by Houston Zoo

Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

in our gift shops is just one more way we’re helping save animals in the wild,” said Colley Hodges, Houston Zoo’s sustainability manager.

“By partnering with SSA Group, we were able to look closely at our purchasing practices to make the best choices for animals, as well as use our buying power to influence manufacturers. We hope others who share our commitment to animals will follow suit.”

Single-use plastic items can end up in waterways like bayous, lakes, and oceans if not contained properly. Animals like sea turtles may get entangled in a plastic item or mistake it for food, ingesting it and causing them to get sick. The Houston Zoo treats more than 100 wild sea turtles a year, some of them with plastic-related injuries.

“Our conservation teams continue to clean

up plastic ocean trash that washes ashore to protect sea turtles and other wildlife on the Galapagos islands,” said Houston Zoo Galapagos conservation partner, Lady Márquez of Ecology Project International. “We’re so grateful for the Zoo’s partnership and commitment to saving wildlife and reducing threats to animals in Texas and Galapagos.”

The Houston Zoo and SSA Group collaborated to ensure guests don’t notice a change.

Guests will still be able to grab a snack, find their next favorite t-shirt, and squeeze an adorable plush, but now without single-use plastic packaging. Compostable hangtags, stickers or signs will now provide pricing information.

Snacks will be in compostable plastic containers, similar to what is found in the Zoo’s cafes.

In addition, the gift shop was one of the first

to change to 100% recyclable and renewable BPA-free receipt paper where trees are planted for every case used.

“We pride ourselves on providing quality, sustainable products and outstanding service to our Zoo guests, all while making a positive impact on the planet,” said Andrew Fischer, the vice president of sustainability and conservation for SSA Group. “We are working to extend this practice into other facilities across the United States and know that together we can take action for wildlife.”

Guests to the Houston Zoo are encouraged to make small changes in their daily lives that can protect wildlife. From swapping to reusable grocery bags and water bottles, choosing recycled content paper, planting native plants, to recycling old cell phones and holiday lights, simple changes can save animals in the wild.

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Meet Cali, an 18 yr. old California sea lion at the Houston Zoo, who is as charming as they come! She was so much fun during our photoshoot and she also painted a colorful masterpiece for me! Be sure to visit her and the other sea lions in their new exhibit opening soon. Learn more at houstonzoo.org.

PhotographybyPrudence.com

WHY I LOVE ANIMALS

By: Michelle Mantor

Why I Love Animals is a monthly feature written by our Editor with the mission of educating the public on the value of all species.

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P

erhaps one of the most endearing animals at the Houston Zoo is the sea lion.

Certainly among my favorite species, our recent excursion to the zoo resulted in a nice surprise...Cali the sea lion created a painting for me. Not only did she charm me with her artistic abilities, she gave me an awesome fish-breath kiss too!

She made me laugh and giggle as she performed her skills with her trainer, Amanda Perry, including a bark, a flipper wave and an explosive porpoise to the oohs an aahs of her adoring crowd.

For her painting session, Amanda gave her the cue to "paint" as I held the canvas. Cali very adeptly

wielded the paint brush with her mouth, creating a true masterpiece and even signed the artwork with a purple paint dab from her cute little nose. She has been a resident at the zoo since she was 10 months old and she just turned 18 this summer. As the lightest in fur color of all the sea lions, Cali enjoys puzzle feeders and according to her keepers, learns best when it involves play and she always prefers to put her own creative spin on things.

The zoo currently has five California sea lions (Cali, Kamia, Jonah, TJ and Max) and three more will join the Zoo by the time Galápagos Islands exhibit opens. Each new sea lion has a unique rescue story and

were deemed un-releasable by the U.S. government, a strict criteria in determining these animals are better off being cared for by people.

Speaking of the Galápagos Islands exhibit, the sea lions are definitely going to be happy with their new "digs". The current sea lion exhibit is one of the oldest exhibits at the Zoo, originally built in the late 1950's with some improvements made over the years. Soon the sea lions will call the new state-of-theart Galápagos Islands exhibit their new home. Their new 255,000-gallon pool will be three to four times the volume of water in their current exhibit.

It is common for sea lions to be

confused with seals. Both are marine mammals called 'pinnipeds' that differ in physical characteristics and adaptations. Sea lions are brown, bark loudly, "walk" on land using their large flippers and have visible ear flaps. Seals have small flippers, wriggle on their bellies on land, and lack visible ear flaps. I’ve had the pleasure of viewing seals on the coast of Cape Cod, near the Chatham fish pier. Only true seals are found on the East Coast.

Although we think of sea lions as living in only cold waters, they have a wide distribution out there in the world. The majority of them live in the sub Arctic areas where it is extremely cold. Others prefer to live in the warmer waters of the tropics. Notably, there aren’t any sea lions that live in the Atlantic Ocean. You can find sea lions all the way from the Bering Sea to the coast of South America. Interestingly, sea lions are not migrating from cold to warm, rather they stay in the same area so the difference in cold and warm water habitat seems to be a preference.

A few facts about sea lions include: *Males are considerably larger than females. Males can weigh from 1500 pounds Cali's work of art...just for me!

Cali showcasing her artistic talent.

up to 1 ton and measure up to 12 feet in length. Females are much smaller with a weight of 700 pounds and average about 9 feet in length. *They do not have very good eyesight and it is believed that they are nearsighted. * They are capable of diving up to 600 feet when searching for food in the water.

They can remain under the water for up to 40 minutes before surfacing for air. They are able to do this by pinching their nostrils together and they remain closed until they need to take a breath of air. *They are excellent swimmers and can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour. They generally swim at around 10 miles per hour.

Behaviorally, sea lions are considered to be highly intelligent animals as well as playful and noisy. In addition to being able to learn tricks, they have also been trained to help the United States Navy. Specifically, MK 5 (as the sea lion team is known, while the dolphin teams are Mk 4, 7 & 8) is dedicated to the recovery of test equipment that is fired from ships or dropped from planes into the ocean; the California sea lions locate and attach recovery hardware to underwater objects such as practice mines. In this role they can out-perform human divers, who are restricted to short working times and limited repeat diving.

As mammals, sea lions give live birth to their young and the female sea lions nurse their pups with milk they produce in their bodies, just like female humans. Males generally live alone and form harems during the breeding season that may last for several months. The male will protect his harem fiercely. When the larger colonies form again, the female sea lions with offspring are more likely to stay together. Once the pups are about a year old they tend to form small sub groups.

From a conservation perspective, sea lion populations are diminishing. Culprits include being hunted by man and their only two other predators: sharks and Killer Whales.

Specific to California sea lions, the marine mammal center has been overwhelmed by the sick or injured pups and adults coming through their doors. The health of the ocean is the primary reason. Red tide takes a big toll on the species, along with swings in ocean conditions and overall global ocean warming.

Witnessing a stranded pup on the shoreline that is in bad physical shape is heartbreaking to those of us that value all species.

It's incumbent upon us to take giant steps to preserve our oceans...not just for animals but for future mankind as well.

For your part, here are some things you can do to help conserve sea lions:

1. Reduce the toxins you use on your lawn and garden, as these chemicals end up in our waterways.

2. Utilize reusable shopping bags to reduce plastic.

3. Reuse paper or plastic bags to help reduce trash.

4. Responsibly dispose of fishing lines and lure properly to help keep them out of the oceans. Animals can mistake them for food or become entangled in them.

5. If purchasing beverages attached with “six pack” plastic rings, cut the rings apart before throwing them away. Birds, fish and small animals can get caught in the rings.

These amazing creatures no doubt need our help and attention to protect their future.

Visit the Houston Zoo when the Galápagos Islands exhibit opens and meet the entire crew. You will definitely enjoy their behaviors as they frolic in the water and they will for sure grab your heart...and hopefully prompt you to monitor your own behaviors to help save these pinnipeds in the wild!

Amanda & Cali wave hello!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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The Educated Pet Owner Know What’s In The Bag!

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'm often asked by friends and readers what they should feed their pet or what is a good pet food for their dog. Far from an expert in these matters, I try to be as helpful as I can but the main thing to recognize is that pets have various needs (seniors vs. puppies for example) and most definitely there is high quality food (that costs more) and really crappy food (that is cheaper). Those are the two things I know for sure! But I always appreciate when a pet owner is searching for the best they can do for their pet. When it comes to quality food, it's important for pet owners to know how to read the ingredients list to determine if the food is healthy. It just takes a few minutes to learn and you can make a huge difference in your pet’s health over the course of their lifetime.

The ingredients label gives us the list of ingredients in the order of predominance. Each term on the list is defined by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). Because ingredients are listed in order of quantity, the first five ingredients are key. The first ingredient should be a QUALITY protein source and preferably the second ingredient as well.

Quality means a whole source of protein like beef, chicken, salmon, bison, etc., not poor quality sources such as poultry by-products or meat by-products. If the first ingredient is a grain, like corn, put that bag back on the shelf as fast as you can.

Corn is usually the number one ingredient in poor quality food. It’s a filler with no nutritional qualities.

As for grains, look for whole, unprocessed grains such as barley, oats and

Michelle Mantor with contributing writer Mark Silberman DVM

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brown rice; vegetables are a good thing (although legumes can cause gas). Avoid brewers rice, corn gluten meal, etc.

Another important label to understand is the Guaranteed Analysis, which represents protein, fat, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, carnitine, etc. maximum and minimum amounts. An example list would be: » Crude Protein: Min 20% » Crude Fat: Min 5.5% » Crude Fat: Max 9.0% » Crude Fiber: Max 26% » Moisture: Max 11% » Calcium: Min 0.5% » Phosphorus: Min 0.35% » Carnitine: Min 200 ppm First of all, the numbers do not add up to 100% because the carbohydrate content is missing. 100% minus the sum of the factors equals the carbohydrate content percentage. Second, to truly evaluate the protein amount, you must convert to dry matter basis. It sounds daunting for those of us that aren't math whizzes but it's actually not that difficult.

1. Subtract the moisture percentage from 100% to give you the dry matter basis number.

2. Divide the protein percentage by the dry matter basis number 3. This will equal the actual protein percentage.

Take the example above: 100% - 11% (moisture) = 89% (dry matter basis) 20% (protein percentage) divided by 89% = 22% of actual protein.

The last element that may cause you some confusion is vitamins that fortify

the pet food are listed by their chemical names. Here is a guide for those unfamiliar with common supplements. » Ferrous sulfate: Iron supplemen » Thiamin: Vitamin » Niacin: Vitamin B3 » Alpha Tocopherol: Vitamin E » Calcium Pantothenate: Coenzyme A » Pyridoxine Hydrchloride: Vitamin B6 » Ribovlavin: Vitamin B2 Now, with your newfound knowledge, you know to focus on approximately the first five ingredients to determine quality.

When in doubt, visit a retailer that has knowledgable employees who have a good understanding of the many brands on the market. And of course, we hope you support our retail sponsors who make PetTalk possible. For example, Hollywood Feed is offering 20% off your purchase so it's a good time to give them a try in their store or online - see page 23.

Selecting the healthiest food for your pet just takes a little extra effort and maybe a few more dollars but the quality of your pet’s life, the longevity of their life, the amount of waste they produce, and the potential decrease in veterinary visits will make the effort worth it.

And one last thing about healthy food.

Over-treating your pet might make you feel good and your pet will love it, but in reality, treats also have calories and can put extra weight on your pet. Obesity is one of the biggest health issues in pets today so watch your pets weight...try substituting a hug or game of fetch instead of a treat. They will love that too!