Cutest Pets of Porter County Magazine March 2020

A Magazine For Pet Owners & People Supporting Local Animal Shelters and Rescues

Porter County • March 2020

5 Ways To Help Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy Why You Should Use A Professional Pet Sitter Profile: True North Training Stables

Welcome Message It is hard to believe the winter months are almost behind us. We kicked off this month with one of the largest cutest pet photo contests to-date. I love seeing all of the participant’s photos!

Jeff Smith

I wasn’t able to spend quite as much time on the magazine this month. However, we did receive our first writing contribution from a local pet services business owner. It is a good start. Hopefully, we will see more writers and businesses support this project in some way, in the future. Due to circumstances beyond our control, many of us may be home a lot more. So, we shall see how things go over the next few weeks!

For those who are not familiar, Cutest Pets of Porter County Magazine is a companion project for the facebook group we started last year. The Facebook group is for folks to show off their furry family members and participate in fun and friendly photo contests.

The group postings and contests have been a nice escape from a lot of the stuff happening on social media. In future additions of Cutest Pets of Porter County Magazine, I hope to present pet owner adoption stories. I also want to put the spotlight on local organizations, volunteers and supporters. I will do my best to find helpful information, entertaining stories and, of course, we’ll feature many of the cute pet pictures that have been provided by group members.

I hope you enjoy the magazine. Be sure to join the fun by visiting our Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/cutepetspc Thank you!

Jeff / Cutest Pets of Porter County Magazine

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March 2020 | Cutest Pets of Porter County

Inside: Welcome Message.......................................2 5 Ways To Help Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy...................... 4-5 Cutest Dog Contest Winners........................ 6-7 Contestants.............................................. 8-13 On The Cover Chesney

Photo By Angel Miofsky Stojkovich Find Us On Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/cutepetspc/

Cutest Pets of Porter County Magazine is a monthly publication.

It is supported by advertising from local pet related businesses and services.

Publisher / Advertising

Why You Should Use a Professional Pet Sitter.14 Directory.....................................................15 Cutest Cat Contest Winners.....................16-17 Contestants............................................ 18-19 Cutest Critter Contest Winners.................. 20-21 Profile: True North Training Stables................22

Jeffery Smith CutePetsPC@gmail.com

A published advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of products or services. Cutest Pets of Porter County Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising at any time for any reason. In particular we do not accept advertising relating to the sale of animals; this is an affirmation of our commitment to pet adoption.

All content in Cutest Pets of Porter County Magazine is intended for informative and entertainment purposes. For issues relating to animal health and wellbeing, please consult your veterinarian.

Information provided in this issue was obtained from sources deemed reliable, and should be considered accurate at the time of publication.

Cutest Pets of Porter County | March 2020

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5Ways

To Help Keep Your Dog

Happy & Healthy!

There are many emotional benefits to owning a dog, such as companionship and unconditional love, but a pet can also positively affect his or her owners’ physical health, too.

According to studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending quality time with a dog can help ease stress and anxiety for the owner and can even lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To be able to reap the health benefits of dog ownership, it’s key to ensure you’re taking proper care of your dog with quality nutrition and plenty of exercise.

Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber offers these five simple ways pet owners can take the best care of their dogs, because when dogs are happy and healthy, their owners can be, too. To learn more about how dogs’ health is linked to their owners’, and for more tips for feeding your pet, visit IAMS.com.

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March 2020 | Cutest Pets of Porter County

1. Check the Labels – Creating a healthier life for your dog starts with the food you feed him or her.

For optimal health, provide your dog a balanced diet with high-quality animal protein, like chicken or lamb, a combination of grains and essential vitamins and minerals. When shopping for dog food, look for those things on the ingredient panel. Also keep an eye out for the Association of American Feed Control Officials certification, which indicates basic nutritional requirements are being met with the food’s ingredients.

2. Give Them Grains – Grains are an important component of dogs’ dietary needs. They are a source of carbohydrates for healthy energy, as well as fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health. Some grains, such as rice and wheat, provide “quick” energy, and others, like barley and sorghum, take longer to turn into energy.

Dog food that has a combination of these grains, such as IAMS dog food, can provide dogs a “time-release” energy source, helping sustain their energy throughout the day.

3. Keep It Consistent – While humans can try new restaurants and recipes on a whim, switching up your dog’s meals too frequently can cause intestinal problems. If a dog is doing fine on its current food, there’s no need to switch foods. However, if you think a change is needed, consult your veterinarian. If he or she suggests a change, be sure to introduce the new food gradually. Start by replacing 25% of the current food with new food for a couple days, a half-and-half mixture the next couple days then a mix of 75% new food and 25% old food for another 2-3 days. Your dog should then be ready to eat just the new food.

5. Quality Time – Taking good care of your dog

extends beyond nutrition and exercise. A dog needs attention, interaction and love. After a busy day, spend some quality time with your pup, whether it’s a walk or snuggle time on the couch. Your pet will appreciate having time exclusively dedicated to him or her. Plus, it’s scientifically proven that spending time with your pet can decrease your stress and anxiety, too.

Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock

4. Get Them Active – Just like humans, dogs need

exercise. Walks are an important part of dogs’ days – not just for doing their business, but to expel some of that healthy energy. Knowing dogs need daily exercise is an easy health hack for pet owners. They can take their dogs on walks, runs, hikes or to a dog park, ultimately helping them get up and get active, too. Regular exercise and activity helps keep dogs’ muscles, bones and joints active.

Cutest Pets of Porter County | March 2020

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Cutest Dog Contest Winners

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March 2020 | Cutest Pets of Porter County

MARCH Is Your Pet The Cutest?

Join Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/groups/cutepetspc

Cutest Pets of Porter County | March 2020

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Cutest Dog Contestants

Stevie

Lily

Chesney

Diva

Smudge

Cricket

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March 2020 | Cutest Pets of Porter County

2020 Fluffy

Delilah

Ellie

Ava

MJ

Zoey

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Cutest Dog Contestants

Ollie-Max

Lily

Dixie

Tiny

Delilah

Sadie

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2020 Gracie

Brody

Riley

Beau

Gomorrah

Mama

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Cutest Dog Contestants

Alfredo

Paco

Chloe

Finnegan

Bella

Ryder

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2020 Fred

Samson

Matrix

Birdie Mae

Princeton

Mazura

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Why You Should Use a Professional Pet Sitter

By Laurie Robinson, CPPS Leaving pets at home alone, whether it be for daily work hours or during a family vacation, is never easy for any pet parent to do. Most pet owners have likely considered many pet-care options from boarding to asking a neighbor or family member to help out. But for pet owners who want the very best in-home care for their fur kids, professional pet sitters are a perfect option.

What does a professional pet sitter do?

Professional pet sitters visit the home of the pet while the pet owner is away on vacation or working long hours. Duties include feeding and changing water bowls, walking, exercise and play time, cleaning litter boxes, cleaning up any pet messes, medicating the pet (if applicable) and providing lots of love and companionship.

What is the difference between a professional pet sitter and someone who works for one of the pet sitting apps?

The differences are quite remarkable. While professional pet sitters are experts in their field, hobbyist sitters (like those who work for selfproclaimed “tech company” apps) are walking dogs as a hobby or part-time side job. These “sitters” are rarely vetted or pre-screened. Conversely, many professional pet sitting companies employ an extensive application and interview process.

Professional sitters often undergo background checks and illegal drug screens.

Another reason that professional pet sitters are far superior to their tech company app counterparts is because of insurance and training. Professional sitters have their own business insurance and bonding, versus hobby pet sitters who only have limited coverage under the tech company app, or no insurance at all. This is important in the case of pet illness or injury as the professional sitter’s

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business insurance normally covers animals under the care of the pro. Additionally, professional pet sitters have extensive training in the pet care field and may even be certified to care for your pet after undergoing coursework, examination and continuing education.

What are the benefits of using a professional pet sitter?

While some pets do fine while being boarded in a kennel environment, most prefer the sights, sounds and smells of their own homes. Pets often experience less stress and are happier being at home versus in a kennel or boarding facility.

Additionally, pet parents do not have to rely on untrained or unwilling friends or family members to care for the pets while the owners are away. Pets, especially dogs, are creatures of habit, so using a professional, in-home pet sitter allows for the pet’s feeding and exercise routines to be maintained.

Finally, there is a minimal risk of exposure to pet illnesses if the pet remains in the comfort of its own home environment.

Whether you are heading out of town for the weekend, or working long hours at the office, only entrust the care of your furry family members to a professional pet sitter. You will have the peace of mind in knowing that your pets are in the hands of a true professional and your pets will receive the quality care and TLC that they deserve.

About the author: Laurie Robinson, Owner of Rover’s Recess, Inc., has been a professional pet sitter since 2007. She is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) and she holds a certificate in Canine Behavior Modification from Purdue University.

Laurie and her staff sitters are bonded, insured and pet CPR certified. Visit www.roversrecess.dog for more information.

Directory Animal Rescue and Advocates

Pet Supplies and Services

Begin Again Rescue Co. 2700 Valparaiso Street Valparaiso, IN 46383

Your Company Name Here Address City, State Zip

Phone: (219) 263-0348 Email: beginagainrescueco@gmail.com Web: www.teambarc.com

Phone: Email: Web:

Independent Cat Society 4061 County Line Road Westville, IN 46391

Your Company Name Here Address City, State Zip

Phone: (219) 785-4936 Email: shelter@catsociety.org Web: www.catsociety.org

Phone: Email: Web:

Lakeshore PAWS 4611 Evans Avenue Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: (219) 476-7297 Email: info@www.lakeshorepaws.org Web: www.lakeshorepaws.org Porter County Animal Shelter 3355 Bertholet Blvd Valparaiso, IN 46383 Phone: (219) 465-3550 Email: tbianchi@porterco.org Web: portercountyanimalshelter.org

Submit Your Listing

Add your business to this directory so people can find you. We are looking for businesses such as: • • • • • • •

Animal Rescues & Advocates Pet Sitters Animal Trainers Animal Hospitals Veterinarians Animal Friendly Lodging Animal Friendly Restaurants

Contact: Jeff Smith for information Animal non-profits get a free directory listing

Cutest Pets of Porter County | March 2020

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Cutest Cat Contest Winners

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MARCH

Cutest Pets of Porter County | March 2020

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Cutest Cat Contestants

Kiwi

Godzilla

Isabella

Holly

Pumpkin

Winnie

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2020 LUCHI

Have a Story or Event to Share?

Pet Stories are published free!

Shelter/Rescue News & Events are published free!

Email: CutePetsPC@gmail.com

Cutest Pets of Porter County | March 2020

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Cutest Critter Contest Winners

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MARCH

Cutest Pets of Porter County | March 2020

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PROFILE: True North Training Stables True North Training Stables is a faith-based organization that provides Equestrian therapy (also known as equine therapy or Equine-Assisted Therapy [EAT]). Equestrian therapy is a form of therapy that makes use of horses to help promote emotional growth. Equestrian therapy is particularly applied to patients with ADD, anxiety, autism, dementia, delay in mental development, down syndrome and other genetic syndromes, depression, trauma and brain injuries, behavior and abuse issues and other mental health issues.

True North provides a safe environment where at risk youth and their families come for training in life skills and spiritual awareness in an equine setting. We instruct our students through an eightweek program covering the following character qualities: relationship building; teamwork and

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leadership; respect; patience, perseverance and strength; focus; communication; critical thinking, decision making, discernment, and conflict resolution; and trust. If we can help your family, we would love to.

We are always looking for farm hands, teachers, and hard workers. If you are able to give back we would love to have you.

For more information: Web: www.truenorthtrainingstables.com Phone: 219.728.7490 Email: truenorthtrainingstables@gmail.com

Have a Story or Event to Share?

Pet Stories are published free!

Shelter/Rescue News & Events are published free!

Email: CutePetsPC@gmail.com

Is Your Pet The Cutest?

Join Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/groups/cutepetspc