rare
MATCHING GIFT
CHALLENGE SEPTEMBER 15TH - OCTOBER 15TH
Great Plains SPCA has over 1,100 pets in our care today and many more at our doors needing care, but we can’t help them all!
We are a local nonprofit (not the ASPCA) and we rely on local support to help the local pets counting on us. We need your help today more than ever!
Independence Campus 21001 East 78 Highway Independence, MO 64057
www.GreatPlainsSPCA.org
Merriam Campus 5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202
September/October 2015
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Articles 6 Creature Feature 8 STL Chip’s Adventure 16
10 What’s Hiding in Your Pet? 14 Tenth Life Cat Rescue 16 Stay! 19 Ciao Bow Wow 20 Howl-O-Ween Tricking Treats 20
21 Home is Where the Hound Is 24 Finding the Perfect Pooch for You! 26 Meet the Breed 28 The Bullying & Abuse Cycle 30 One Last Decision
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32 KC Chip’s Adventure 34 Pawzzle 36 KC Pet Services Directory 38 STL Pet Services Directory
Dear Readers: Lots of good stuff in this issue! The Creature Feature is an interesting critter — a Mexican red-kneed tarantula. Believe it or not, they make good pets! Chip — Our Founder This issue has some really great articles including the one about bullying and abuse. It points out the similarities between people who abuse animals and abuse people, and vice versa.
If you are thinking about getting a dog for a pet and would like some advice on what to do and not to do as you begin your search read, “Finding the Perfect Pooch” on page 24. You can find a great recipe for Howl-O-Ween treats for your dog and her friends on Page 20. This issue also has the Pawzzle, Meet the Breed, and the Chip’s Adventures features to round out an exciting Fall MetroPet!
For some good training tips, especially about the importance of the command, “Stay!” Read the article called, “Stay.” Your home could be more of a toxic hazard to your pet than you think. Be sure to read, “Home Is Where the Hound Is” for important information about the dangers in your home and ways to protect your pet from them.. There are a lot of tiny creatures that can affect your pet on both the outside and inside. Veterinarian Dr. Erin Quigley provides a rundown of what they are, what effects they have on your pet, and what you can do about them.
T his is a double issue so we will see you in November!
P.S. Can you help us grow? Yes. Please support the advertisers in this issue and tell them “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.” Kansas City readers – please like us at https://www.facebook.com/metropetmag - St. Louis readers – please like us at https://www.facebook. com/stlmetropetmag
The article on page 30 discusses the difficult decisions facing a pet owner when their furry loved one is at the end of its days.
Publisher MetroPet Magazine info@metropetmag.com Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
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Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
Contributing Authors Joy Davy Elizabeth Frick Geoff Hall Pat Hennessy Pauline Journe Heddie Leger Erin Quigley, DVM Mary Sellaro Courtney Thomas Casey Waugh
Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine. Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are subject to editorial review. © 2015 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com. MetroPet Magazine is owned and published by ROI Marketing Services, all rights reserved.
Creature Feature Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula Brachypelma smithi by Geoff Hall
Summary: Despite many peoples’ fear of spiders, Mexican red-kneed tarantulas can make fascinating pets for an owner who is willing to fully understand their care requirements and basic biology. Sex Differences/Size/Lifespan: Female tarantulas are often heavier with stockier legs than males and can grow to a body length of four inches and a leg span of six inches. While males may reach an age of five years, females can live over 30 years old. Natural Habitat: This species of tarantula lives in the deciduous tropical forests of southwestern Mexico in rocky terrain. They spend their daytime hours hiding within burrows and venture out at night to hunt. Costs/Where to Buy: Mexican red-kneed tarantulas are fully protected from import out of Mexico but numerous spiderlings are produced annually for the pet trade within the US and Europe. Prices for spiderlings (1/4 inch long) can be around $50 and adult females can cost up to $150. A few specialized tarantula dealers have websites that feature many different species of tarantulas that can be purchased as pets. Medical Care: There are often few local veterinarians that have expertise in treating invertebrate pets. You must familiarize yourself prior to acquiring a tarantula on various ailments common to spiders. The first line of defense in protecting your pet from disease and illness is excellent daily care. Care: A ten-gallon terrarium with a sturdy lid and a two-inch layer of moist (but not wet) coconut mulch makes an appropriate habitat for an adult red-kneed 6
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
22nd Annual
tarantula. Make sure your spider has a piece of cork bark for him/her to burrow underneath. Keep a small bowl of water for your pet to drink with a small rock inside to prevent crickets from drowning. Certain individual red-kneed tarantulas can be amenable to gentle handling by their owner. However, be very careful as the abdomens of tarantulas are very fragile and many pets have died from a relatively short fall from their owner’s hands. Diet: Most tarantulas will readily devour live domestic crickets and mealworms of appropriate size. All spiders require live prey to eat and survive. Some people are uncomfortable feeding live prey to their pets but this is a necessary part of the tarantula’s biology and I would advise selecting a different species of pet if you are squeamish about feeding live insects to your pet. Fun Fact: All tarantulas are spiders and all spiders are venomous, meaning that they bear the apparatus to inject venom when they bite to subdue prey or defend themselves. Most species of tarantulas have relatively mild venom but some are known to be medically significant.
Geoff Hall is President of Wayside Waifs, KC’s largest no kill pet adoption campus. Geoff brings to Wayside more than 20 years of experience in the animal welfare community. This includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas City Zoo, General Curator of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and as Executive Vice President/ General Curator of the Phoenix Zoo. He is the proud owner of dogs, cats, birds and other pets! You may contact Geoff via email at CreatureFeature@ WaysideWaifs.org.
DOGTOBER FEST 2015 and the
Tails for Trails Dog-Walk for Parks Sunday, October 18, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kemper Outdoor Education Center Lake Jacomo/Fleming Park FOOD DRIVE: Benefits Jackson County Regional Animal Shelter and Lee’s Summit Animal Shelter GAMES: Sack Races • Bobbing for Biscuits • Musical Discs • Roll-over Races • Biscuit Toss CONTESTS: Best Biscuit Eater • Best Tail Wagger • Costume Contests • Dog/Owner Look-Alikes • Best Kisser • Best Trick • Oldest Dog • Youngest Dog DEMONSTRATIONS: Search & Rescue • Carting • Police Dogs • Service Dogs • Herding Dogs MATCHES/TESTS/WORKSHOPS: Agility • Obedience • Rally • Canine Good Citizen • Dock Diving • Weave Pole Races • Frisbee • Draft BOOTHS: Rescue Groups • Boarding • Adopt-A-Pet • Pet Supplies • Pet Sitters
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE 3,000 to 5,000 dog-lovers attend this event! Call or Email for details!
FREE ADMISSION with dog food donation Contact us at:
816-229-8980 DogtoberFest@jacksongov.org
Register online at MakeYourDayHere.com/dogtober
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015 dogtober ad for metro pet.indd
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8/14/20157 11:19:38 AM
St. Louis
The Next Adventures of Chip
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP by Heddie Leger
Recap July/August 2015 - Episode 7 — I could not quite figure out where we were located, but there was lots of green grass everywhere, and huge animals that kind of looked like dogs, except people sat on their backs. They called them horses. They were really pretty to watch as the hair on their necks, and tails flowed in the wind. I noticed that the bed and breakfast had a flag that had a blue background with two men shaking hands, and the words “united we stand, divided we fall.” I was trying to figure out where we were as there were mile upon mile of beautiful flowers called Goldenrod and the sky was filled with big bright red birds. MawMaw said she was born in this state and called it Kentucky. Stephanie said we deserved something special after all we had been through, but the best surprise was yet to come. We all went to bed feeling very happy, refreshed, and looking forward to the morning. What could she be saving, everything seemed pretty close to perfect. Things just kept getting better. We received news that Mawmaw was in excellent health. We all were now taking heartworm medicine to keep us from getting that dreaded parasite. We learned a lot from this experience. What stood out in my mind was the importance of preventative medicine. Stephanie was very good at keeping all her four-footed and two-footed members in good health. Making sure everyone had annual check-ups and were current on all immunizations, and had a good healthy diet to go along with preventative efforts for good health.
diving, a flyball area, and what was called steeplechase for dogs. I can never remember what the real name is. I am sure it will come to me later on. People and dogs started to arrive. Some had reservations at the One-Eyed Dog, and some were staying at other locations. Some even brought in their own homes on wheels called trailers or Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and some even set up tents in a camping area. As people arrived, and evening approached, you could smell the campfires as people made dinner. It was one of the most perfect days ever. I loved the sounds and smells. The next day, as soon as the sun came up, you could hear the place come to life. Dogs barking, people singing, yelling and cheering. I never heard such a ruckus. Boy, they sure did enjoy this event. I learned so much the first day. I ran from event to event watching and barking. I wanted to do it all. It was so exciting. Penelope and Allen went with me and we were all exhausted that night. We were so tired, we just had dinner and fell right to sleep. Day two was another story. Penelope and Allen wanted to do it all also. They asked Stephanie and Robert, if they could enter me in some of the events, but they said NO, I was not trained. They begged and begged, and I did too, and finally Penelope and Allen said, “Well, I guess so, but do it just for fun, don’t worry about winning.” Penelope and Allen agreed and we were off and running.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a girl with a dog The One-Eyed Dog bed and breakfast was like heaven or that looked kind of like me, except she (the dog) had black earth. Not only did they have the best food, but also the most markings and had a different kind of coat. You could definitely comfortable beds we had ever slept in. They also had a really tell we had something in common, but I could not tell what. cool tree house for Penelope and Allen to sleep in. Everyone I saw her do the flyball and lure coursing (steeplechase)…as I was having a really great time, but it was about to get even remembered. The flyball was where a machine tossed a ball out, better. The owners of the One-Eyed Dog were hosting an you caught it and ran to the other side as fast as you could and annual special event called…what else, but “the One-Eyed dropped a ball. It was a team effort and there were two dogs Dog Specialty Event.” People and their dogs from all over the per team. That knocked me out, as I did not have a teammate, country would be coming in today for the two day event. There but then I noticed the other girl dog like me did not either. The was a feeling of excitement in the air as the set up team was steeplechase really looked like fun. They had this furry thing putting out what that you chased was called agility and while you were Sportsmanship: Conduct (as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in equipment; a big chasing it, you winning (or losing) becoming to one participating in an activity or sport. pool for dock 8
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
“True sportsmanship is…Knowing that you need your opponent because without him or her, there is no game. Acknowledging that your opponent holds the same deep-rooted aspirations and expectations as you. Knowing that, win or lose, you will walk off the course with pride. Always taking the high road. And always, always, always being a good sport.” - Lorii Myers jumped over little jumps. The dock diving and agility looked like fun too, but I had never swum before, only in the ocean and I did not know how to dive. The agility had some funny looking things that scared me since you disappeared in them. We decided to do the steeplechase and the flyball, since I loved chasing balls and jumping. We practiced and I heard someone say, “That little dog is a natural.” I did not know that they were talking about me. Penelope and Allen did not hear them, but my sense of hearing is so keen, I could hear everything and smell everything… thousands of new smells, new dogs, and all kinds of things like cotton candy, boy that really smelled good. Penelope and Allen saw the girl with the dog that looked like me and went over to her. They invited her to form a flyball team and to go in the steeplechase with them. Since it was all for fun, she agreed, and off we went to sign up as a team. Boy, did we have a cheering squad…Penelope, Allen, Robert, Stephanie, Hero, MawMaw, the owners of the One-Eyed Dog, the new girl (her name is Alice), and her dad. She did not have a mom. There were three elimination tries for the flyball. We called our team “Lost and Found” and off we went. Oh, by the way, the little girl’s dog’s name is Stormy.
some of the people were smiling and happy, but some were not, they walked off mad and pouting. I learned today what it meant to be a good sport and what sportsmanship was all about. Some people were mad because they practiced, and practiced and practiced and did not win. They were mad because they were beat by a team that was new that no one knew, we were called “dark horse” winners, but it had nothing to do with horses, and everything to do with something they called natural talent. All I knew was that it was a really good feeling to win, I had never won anything, but that it was also even better to be a good sport and be nice to everyone, whether you won or not. I cannot wait until we do the steeplechase…oops, I mean lure coursing. Learning something new all the time. Humane Education Activity: Have you ever been part of team? If so, did you win?…. Lose? Share how it felt when you won and how you acted. Share how it felt when you lost. What did you do? If you have not been on a team, join one. It does not have to be a sport Learn first hand what it means to be a good sport.
We went up to the starting block together. Heard the person with the starter gun say, “On your marks, get set,” and then a loud ‘bang’…and I was off. You could hear all the cheering, then I caught the ball, ran up and back, then Stormy did the same thing. Then came a roar from the crowd. We did not know why, but then found out …we had won! We won, and Penelope and Allen were carrying us on their backs. They were being very good sports and going and shaking hands of all the people in the race, Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES. She has a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets. You can reach her through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting at 816.820.5829. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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What’s Hiding in your Pet? by Erin Quigley, DVM
Potentially harmful parasites! A parasite is an organism that lives on (external) or in (internal) an organism of another species (such as dog, cat or human), known as the host. The parasites live and reproduce by feeding on the host directly or by taking in a portion of the host’s nutrients. This article will talk about internal parasites that affect your dogs and cats and potentially you and your family.
Internal parasites Last month we talked about a common internal parasite that live in heart, lungs and blood vessels of dogs and cats called Heartworms. This month we will be talking about another common classification of internal parasites called intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites can live anywhere in the body but tend to populate in the gastro- intestinal tract. The two main categories of intestinal parasites are Helminths (aka. worms) and Protozoa (single cell organisms). Let’s start with worms…
Roundworms Roundworms are among the most common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats. These worms are large as adults (3-18 cm in length) and when passed they resemble spaghetti noodles. Transmission - Dogs and cats of any age may get roundworms but they are most vulnerable when they are young. In fact 90% of puppies fewer than three months of age can be infected. That’s because these worms are often passed from a mother to her puppies before birth through the placenta and shortly after birth through her milk. All ages can become infected by ingestion of fecal material of an infected animal. This can happen easily by a dog stepping in soil contaminated by an infected animal for example at a park, or even in your yard if a 10
stray animal or wildlife has passed through. When your dog licks its paws, it becomes infected. Symptoms - In puppies or kittens common symptoms include failure to gain weight, poor hair coat, and potbellied appearance. In heavier infections the young puppy or kitten may expel worms in their vomit. Adult dogs and cats may show signs of diarrhea, blood in stool, weight loss or vomiting. **Very commonly a dog or cat may act completely normal yet still be shedding the worm eggs in the stool, without any visual evidence, contaminating the environment (your home and yard). Prevalence - How common are Roundworms. As stated above, roundworms are extremely common in puppies. Every puppy should be tested, ideally before coming home to your family and your other pets. In adult dogs according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, the current statistic for Missouri matches the National prevalence of 1 out of 45 dogs tested are positive for round worms. This includes dogs both on and off preventative. Diagnosis - It is true that a diagnosis can be made by seeing adult worms in the stool, but this is a rare occurrence. The majority of the time our pets are shedding microscopic eggs without our knowledge or any evidence so a diagnosis needs to be made by fecal flotation. This is the definitive diagnostic test that uses special solutions, centrifugation and microscopic exam to detect the parasite in your dog or cat. Take away point: You cannot look at your dog or cats stool and know if he or she has intestinal parasites! Most of the time worms are diagnosed in dogs and cats with normal appearing fecal matter. This is why your veterinarian recommends yearly fecal examination. Zoonotic - Yes, roundworms can be transmitted to people, most vulnerable are children. How? The most common way is through fecal-oral transmission. Dogs and cats contaminate homes and yards with infective eggs and larvae passed in their stool. These eggs and larvae are resilient and can survive in parks, playgrounds and yards, even inside homes. People get
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
infected through direct contact with infected feces. This can happen if a dog has recently licked their contaminated paws and then pass that material by licking a child’s face. Most commonly transmission occurs when children play in contaminated soil or sand boxes when hands or contaminated objects go in the mouth. Immune compromised adults also are also at an increased risk. When infection occurs in people the ingested eggs hatch into larvae, these larvae travel through the liver, lungs and other organs. In most cases, these “wandering worms” cause no symptoms or apparent damage. However, in some cases they may produce a condition known as visceral larva migrans. The larvae migrate and cause damage to tissue, affect the nerves or even lodge in the eye, and potentially cause blindness. Prevention- So, what can we do to protect our pets and family? Here is a list of things we can all do to prevent the spread of worms. • Take your puppy or kitten immediately into the veterinarian when you adopt them so they can be screened for parasites with a fecal exam and dewormed before exposing your family or other pets.
Hookworms Hookworms are short (6 to 12 mm), thick worms that are whitish to reddish brown with a hooked front end. They are rarely seen as adults so diagnosis is necessary by fecal flotation to find eggs. Transmission - Puppies can contract worms from crossing the mother’s placenta and through the mother’s milk similar to Roundworms. Hookworms are not transmitted to kittens in pregnancy. All ages of dogs and cats can obtain hookworms from ingestion of contaminated fecal material. Something unique about Hookworms is they can penetrate through skin of a dog, cat or person, from infected soil. Symptoms - Infected puppies and kittens can be anemic and show pale gum color, and fail to gain weight. They can also have a dull hair coat and become dehydrated or have dark, tarry, soft stools. When people are infected they have red, itchy skin with a worm like lesion under the skin. Prevalence - Nationally one out of every 51 dogs tested are positive for hookworms. Missouri has an increased risk with one out of 35 tested dogs being
• Have your adult dog and cat tested annually for intestinal parasites by a fecal examination at your veterinarian’s office. Place your pet on a monthly parasite preventative. There are oral and topical preventatives appropriate for dogs and cats that their doctor can recommend. Give these preventatives to indoor and outdoor animals all year round. Because parasites live inside our pets and shed any time of year, preventatives should not be viewed as seasonal. Indoor animals, like our feline companions, are exposed by tracking in parasite eggs on the bottom of feet by the family or the family dog. • At home you can promptly remove animal feces from the yard or litter box to prevent contamination and spread between animals. Keep dogs on a leash or in fenced yard and keep cats indoors. • Monitor children when they are playing outside in the yard, playground and sandboxes. Cover sandboxes to prevent contamination. Children and adults should wash hands frequently, especially if at risk of feces handling or exposure to feces. For people with weakened immune systems, be especially careful of contact with animals that can transmit these infections. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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positive. This increased prevalence may have something to do with the fact that we do not tend to see adults in stool, where occasionally we will see adult roundworms. Why it is even more important we test our dog and cats stool annually. Diagnosis - Diagnosis is made by fecal flotation test at your veterinarian’s office. Zoonotic - Yes, similar to roundworms people, particularly children are at risk by a fecal-oral route. Contaminated soil, sandbox or stool that is on your pet or in your home is transferred to your hands and then to your mouth. Unique to hookworms and more common transmission in people is penetration through the skin. Commonly it occurs when not wearing socks or shoes while gardening or playing in sandboxes that are contaminated. Prevention - The steps to preventing hookworm infection are identical to roundworms with deworming of puppies and kittens, monthly prevention and annual fecal examinations. In addition to removing feces from the yard to prevent ingestion it is also recommended to wear shoes and gloves while gardening.
Whipworms Whipworms are named for their characteristic whipshaped body and infect dogs, foxes and coyotes; cats are not affected. Adult worms are 4.5- to 7.5-cm long and are rarely seen in stool. Transmission is through ingestion of contaminated soil, and not through maternal placenta or milk. Symptoms include diarrhea with bright red blood or mucus, staining to defecate, and weight loss. Diagnosis is made by fecal flotation and treatment is an oral deworming medication. The national prevalence for whipworms is 1 out of 116 dogs tested. The prevalence in Missouri is 1 out of 31 dogs tested. The good news about Whipworms is that they are not zoonotic (contagious to people). The bad news about Whipworms is they are impossible to get rid of from your environment. Whipworm eggs can persist in soil for several years, surviving winter freezing and even burning of top soil. So once your dog is infected and yard is contaminated monthly preventative specific to prevent whipworms must be given every 30 days all year round. Dogs that visit dog parks or live in communities where land is shared between several pets are at increased risk.
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Tapeworms Tapeworms have a flattened, ribbon-like appearance and are often seen in motile segments that resemble white rice directly in stool, near the anus of an infected dog or cat, or in the environment. Transmission is through ingestion of fleas or animals that carry fleas such as rodents and rabbits. Often our pets carry tapeworms for months at a time without any symptoms. Tapeworms may absorb nutrients in the intestinal tract, but rarely cause disease. If signs are present it is commonly itching or dragging their hind ends. Unique to tapeworms is that diagnosis is typically by observation of the segments on the animal or in the environment; these parasite eggs are rarely detected on fecal examination. Treatment of this parasite is by oral medication and prevention is by a high quality monthly flea preventative. As far as risk of infection to people, it is through contact with the fleas on your pet and in your home or by accidental ingestion of fleas. Most people infected do not show symptoms, but diarrhea, abdominal pain and anal itching are possible.
Protozoa Giardia - is a microscopic two-celled organism with flagella (whip like tails) that lives and reproduces in the small intestines of infected humans or other animals. Individuals become infected through ingesting or coming into contact with contaminated food, soil, or water. The Giardia parasite originates from contaminated items and surfaces that have been tainted by the feces of an infected carrier. Commonly dogs ingest this parasite by drinking water from creeks, rivers and rain puddles. The symptoms of Giardia, which may begin to appear 2 days after infection, include violent diarrhea, excess gas, stomach or abdominal cramps, upset stomach, and nausea. Resulting dehydration and nutritional loss may need immediate treatment. Diagnosis can be made at your veterinarian, and treatment includes specific course of antibiotics and anti-parasitic drugs with supportive care, such as fluid therapy. Coccidia - is a single-celled organism that infects the intestinal tract of dogs and cats, particularly kittens and puppies in shelter environments. Infection causes diarrhea with weight loss, dehydration, and (rarely) hemorrhage. Severely affected animals may present with anorexia, vomiting, and depression. Death is a potential outcome. Dogs and cats may shed coccidia in feces but
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
remain asymptomatic. Many times an asymptomatic or mild infection may become significant during times of stress such as changing environments to a new home. Published surveys indicate that coccidia are present in from 3% to 38% of dogs, and 3% to 36% of cats in North America. Diagnosis is made strictly by centrifugation fecal exam. Treatment is a sulfa-type drug for duration of 7-20 days. Prevention is soley based on environmental control, and disinfectants of surfaces and treating exposed animals. Unfortunately in some environments there is much resistance in coccidiosis infection, despite medicating and disinfecting. Because humans are not susceptible to the species of coccidia that infects dogs and cats, canine or feline coccidia are not considered zoonotic agents.
Summary Whether its worms or protozoa, microscopic organisms may be shedding off your family pet at any time without any evidence. Speak with your veterinarian today so she can help you protect your pet and your family from all of these harmful parasites with one simple yearly test, as well as provide a preventative fit for your dog or cat and lifestyle needs.
Erin Quigley, DVM, Member of AVMA, MVMA, grew up in Florissant, MO, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Missouri State University. After college I worked as a receptionist at Rock Road Animal Hospital, a zookeeper at the St. Louis Zoo and a veterinary assistant at Howdershell Animal Hospital until attending Veterinary School at University of Missouri-Columbia. I graduated with my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and have lived in O’Fallon, Missouri since I graduated. I worked as a veterinarian in Troy, Wentzville, and Florissant, MO, until purchasing Animal Medical Center of Wentzville in 2010. I married in 2011 and live with my husband Ryan and boxer dog Finnegan in Lake St. Louis/O’Fallon. When my husband and I have free time from the clinic we enjoy spending time with our dog, family and friends. Our hobbies include attending Cardinal baseball and Mizzou football games. We also enjoy the outdoors biking, boating and horseback riding.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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On a sweltering August day in the summer of 2012, Tenth Life received a phone call from a woman anxious to find help for a four-week-old kitten she found lying motionless in the middle of a sidewalk. He was alive, but unable to move and she assumed he had broken his legs. When our foster coordinator arrived to pick up the kitten, her heart sank: this little guy was lying on his side, completely immobile and showing no interest in moving. We feared what the doctors may say about his prognosis.
sessions of physical therapy designed to bring feeling back and encourage Lincoln to use his legs again.
But because the very heart of Tenth Life belongs to cats with special needs, we held on to hope. The kitten, dubbed Lincoln, was taken to one of our partner veterinarians, where the results from examinations and x-rays did not point to any particular cause for his quadriplegia. Instead of giving up, we sent Lincoln home with a dedicated and seasoned volunteer foster mom who committed to 6 daily
Over the next few days, Lincoln continued to make small yet significant improvements. Those miniscule victories turned into giant strides towards movement, and over time the quadriplegic kitten became a fully functioning, typical kitten who could run, jump, pounce, and play. He proved to be quite the little “miracle cat!”
At first, the little guy could barely raise his head to look at toys and other things that caught his interest. During therapy sessions, he would lie still as his foster mom flexed his little muscles and moved his legs around to mimic a walking motion. Though the road to recovery started quite slowly, within 48 hours, we started to see signs of movement in Lincoln’s little paws.
Though his is a unique case, Lincoln’s journey perfectly represents Tenth Life’s tenacity, passion for cats with special needs and medical conditions, as well as the dedication of the many volunteers who make rescues like his possible and champion the organization’s mission of giving cats the lives they deserve.
75 foster homes in the St. Louis area and more than 130 cats in its care at any given time. It has grown through word-of-mouth, a strong presence on social media and in the community, and the dedication of the volunteers and supporters who believe wholeheartedly and passionately in its mission.
I started Tenth Life Cat Rescue on January 2, 2009, in order to address a lack of resources dedicated to stray cats and kittens in the St. Louis area. While several organizations at the time focused on saving the area’s stray felines, none possessed the specific mission of prioritizing cats with injuries and special needs about which I was deeply passionate. Starting with just a single foster home, no funding, and my persistent pestering of personal friends and family members, Tenth Life has now blossomed into an organization with approximately
Over the past 6 ½ years, Tenth Life has grown in ways I never could have imagined, branching out into the community to make an impact not only on St. Louis’s previously underserved population of needy cats, but also reaching a wealth of people who share our passion and want to make ours a truly compassionate city for companion animals.
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One of our most unique and impactful programs is our Tenth Life Cat Companions (TLCC) team. In July of 2013,
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
TENTH LIFE • 314-808-2454 • info@tenthlifecats.org • www.tenthlifecats.org Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @tenthlifecats • 3202 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118 we started this free service whereby trained volunteers take temperament-tested cats to individuals in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other community support organizations to provide therapeutic petting and play time with the cats. More than 2,200 people have been served by TLCC and recipients of the service report feeling calmer, happier, and more content during and after our volunteers’ visits. We are so grateful to be able to give back in this way to the community that has supported Tenth Life over the years! Another way Tenth Life reaches out to the community is via our free feline behavior counseling helpline. Cats are frequently abandoned because they behave in a manner their humans don’t understand or find acceptable. In an effort to keep cats in their homes, we offer free advice to people struggling with the unique behaviors cats can show. Since its inception, our behavior line has helped more than 100 households worldwide, from as far away as South Africa and France! One of our most exciting developments is our storefront kitty lounge located at 3202 Cherokee Street in St. Louis. While our goal is to have a full-service shelter some day, this home-like space serves as a public example for what our future shelter will look and feel like. TLOC (Tenth Life on Cherokee) showcases adoptable cats and is incredibly popular with our community; we receive lots of enthusiastic visitors on a daily basis. We’ve hosted pop-up cat cafés, foster and volunteer thankyou parties, countless meetings, and oodles of cat enthusiasts who just want to play with, and revel in the companionship of, our 15 resident cats while relaxing on cozy couches and sipping coffee. Stop by any Wednesday through Saturday, 12-5pm to enjoy it for yourself!
partners, and the generous donors and supporters of Tenth Life, we have rescued over 900 cats and kittens from the streets of St. Louis and the surrounding area since 2009. Though the numbers are exciting, it’s the incredible cats with fighting spirits and triumphant endings like Lincoln’s who bring us the most joy. Cats who suffer broken limbs or blindness, survived house fires, endure kidney disease or diabetes, or are just tragically neglected have all come through our doors. Each one is given the same loving care and medical treatment we would give to our own personal cats. At Tenth Life, we take deep pride in our love for cats and our optimistic hope to give them all the lives they deserve. Elizabeth Frick, the founder and executive director of Tenth Life, lived in Chicago for 10 years, where she rediscovered her passion for felines through her work at Tree House Humane Society. She and her husband Adam moved to St. Louis in 2006 with their group of permanent feline family members as well as two children, Olive and Ingrid.
Thanks to the team effort of compassionate community members, selfless volunteer foster parents, our skilled veterinarian www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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Stay! by Mary Sellaro
It seems like every time I bring my dog (or dogs) somewhere, the one thing I can almost always predict is the need to utilize a down stay and this weekend was no exception. What was meant to be a “short trip” to buy a couple of new squeaky balls (to replace the ones that died due to the extreme and passionate pursuit of shrill noise) turned into an extended shopping trip. The store was packed and trying to maneuver around people, carts and dogs on retractable leashes proved to be a challenge, however, ironically, there was peace to be had in the squeaky ball aisle. Colt was my shopping buddy for the afternoon and was very enthusiastic about the selection of all things that squeak or make noise. I put him in a down stay at the end of the aisle, and tucked in any appendages that could be injured by random carts that may come around the corner. (Keep in mind this is an 88 pound dog with the long legs and body type of a greyhound). It didn’t take long to go from shopper to dog trainer mode as I saw the opportunity to turn this situation into a training moment. Everything was in place to practice all the components of a down stayduration, distraction, distance and 16
building up to the ultimate goal of reliability. Colt and I got down to the business of choosing toys. My job is to show him the toy, squeak or crackle it and he responds with either “no”, deciphered by a very bored look and no tail or ear reaction or “yes”, which is indicated by a thumping tail, forward ears and bright eyes. (All of this was done while he is on a down stay.) Colt had chosen two acceptable toys, when around the corner came a puppy and his family. The puppy picked up a ball out of the toy bin and proceeded to prance around the aisle, squeak the toy and run back and forth past Colt. I had the end of Colt’s leash in my hand and I made my way calmly back to where Colt was laying down, still in his stay and praised him. We made it to the cashier without incident and had two more opportunities to practice “stay” as we waited in line right next to the treat bar. We got out of the store and into the parking lot where I promptly dropped my keys, bag and pursedown stay again, please Colt, so I can pick everything up. By the time we got to the car, I was more than ready to be on the way, stay again, please
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
Colt, so I can unlock the car, load the sacks and open the crate. He stayed until I told him to “kennel up” and at that point, jumped into the crate and immediately lay down and acted like he had just run a marathon. I was very proud of my dog as he executed everything I asked of him with reliability and without hesitation.
Building an Understanding Theoretically speaking, the idea of stay is very simple- everything else BUT the dog moves. However, practical application proves otherwise. The initial training of the stay command is the most important, as it lays the foundation for a successful outcome. People tend to get a false sense of security in the early stages of training of this exercise by expecting too much from the dog before proofing each step. Proofing teaches the dog to have the capability to resist or withstand environmental distractions, for example, squirrels, other dogs or people, to name a few. The main components to build a trustworthy stay are duration, distraction and distance. Let’s break it down.
Duration: The Period of Time that Something Lasts or Exists OR How Long Can the Dog Stay? • • • • • •
•
In the first phase of training the goal is to teach the concept. Begin by having the dog on a leash so he can’t choose to leave in the middle of training. Place the dog in a sit by your side. Give a hand signal (flat palm in front of the dog’s eyes) and a verbal cue. Drop your hand to your side and do not repeat the verbal cue. Continue to stand beside the dog for approximately 3 seconds-if the dog stays calm and doesn’t move, lightly praise and release the dog quietly. Do not place emphasis on the release. If the dog moves, start again and reduce the amount of time prior to release, the emphasis is on releasing the dog while he is calm. Repeat this procedure 3-5 times to ensure the dog understands to remain still. Over the course of the next week, the goal is to gradually build distance, the length of the leash, away from the dog. For example, take one step away from the dog the first time moving back and then one step away per day until you are able to move
• • •
back from the dog 4-6’ without the dog moving. Always return to the dog’s side and release. Stay physically close to reward or correct desired behavior. Build up the time the dog responds positively to a command. The “release” is just as important as the duration of the exercise. Teach the dog to wait for your cue and not to decide to end the stay on his own.
Distraction: Something that Interferes with Concentration or Takes Attention Away From the Task at Hand OR What in the Environment Challenges My Dog’s Concentration?
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
• • • • • •
Practice at home-start out with no distractions. Build up to low level (predictable) distractions. Gradually move up to higher level distractions and environments. Work all over the house, in the backyard and front yard at various times. Practice standing up, sitting down in a chair and sitting on the floor. Expand the experience-take it outside in an area of controlled distractions: the neighborhood, dog
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•
friendly shops, walking trails, restaurant patios. Proof as you go if there are any problems or a lack of understanding, go back a step.
Distance: The Length of the Space Separating Two People, Places or Things OR How Far Away can I get From my Dog and Still Allow Him To Be Successful?
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 8:30 am-noon English Landing Park Parkville, MO. Register at pawsinpark.com A Fun Event for Dogs and Owners!
• Biscuit catching contest • Best canine costume competition • Do the one-mile dog walk • Meet adoptable dogs • Watch the frisbee catching canines from KC Disc Dogs
Enjoy Food, Fun and Incredible Prizes and Giveaways!
Adding distance to the exercise is very much like teaching a young child to swim-in the beginning you are right there with the child, teaching the fundamentals, how to float, kick, move their arms, breathe and most importantly how to put all of the elements together to avoid drowning. Gradually, as there is progress, you will increase the physical distance between you and encourage the child to apply what they have learned and swim to you. If the child has received consistent and clear direction, praise for the positive and corrected for the negative, with continued practice, they will be able to independently swim the distance of the pool. • Once the dog has achieved duration and distraction with an exercise, you can begin adding physical distance. • Start slowly, literally backing 1 foot away from the dog initially and adding steps if the dog is successful. • If the dog experiences difficulty, go back to the previous step.
The Benefits of Stay
parkvilleshelter.com 18
The opening section of this article suggests several situations that a dependable stay was not only beneficial,
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
but essential. There are many other occasions both at home and in public in which a trustworthy stay would be especially advantageous.
For example: • • • • • • • •
While the human family is eating When guests enter or exit the house Before the dog is fed Wiping the dog’s feet Waiting in the lobby at the veterinarian’s When picking up and bagging poop On a walk when you are stopping to greet someone To manage a situation and give the dog something to do
Reliability
All of the above components are necessary for the dog to be predictable in their training. Remember, a dog is in a working frame of mind during a stay, it is an exercise in self and impulse control. We can’t expect reliability until the dog has achieved success at each step.
Mary Sellaro has been training dogs since 1990. She has taught group and private lessons from puppy through advanced. Mary has also worked with dog owners on behavioral issues, including aggression. She developed and implemented a training class program for Retired Greyhounds as Pets. Mary has been the temperament test evaluator for the Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Pet Pal Program since 1997. Mary is now the Director of Training for Pooches Paradise Daycare and Resort in the Waldo area of Kansas City. Mary is a certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She can be reached at 816-361-3388.
Ciao Bow Wow Unleashing Fun as Pups and People Share Pizza
Once again, SPIN! Pizza is unLEASHing fun on September 13 at CIAO BOW WOW, at 14230 W. 119th St. in Olathe, KS. This is the ninth year for this PUPular fundraiser for the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Pups receive their own CIAO BOW WOW meal, a special human-quality three-course meal of breadstick appetizers, pizza and gelato, all made and donated by Four Paws Pantry & Spa. People will order their food from the regular SPIN! menu. Each pup that attends CIAO BOW WOW will receive a special keepsake bandana and a gift from Pet Pawse. The event starts at 11 a.m., with seating’s scheduled at regular intervals throughout the day, and the last seating at 6:30 p.m. Reservations can be made at spinpizza.com/ ciaobowwow. The event will be held at the SPIN! at 14230 W. 119th St. in Olathe, KS.
The cost is $35 per dog plus food ordered from the restaurant menu. Profits will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City — one of the first and oldest no-kill shelters, which has served lost, abandoned, and broken animals for more than 100 years. The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City saves and improves the lives of dogs and cats throughout the Greater Kansas City community by providing education, adoptions, preventative veterinary care and spay/neuter services. Note: MetroPet magazine is available at many SPIN locations in the Kansas City metro.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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Howl-o-ween Tricking Treats Makes 14 bewitching treats – perfect for gobblin’
2 ½ cups water ½ cup canned pumpkin 1/8 tsp. vanilla 1 egg 4 cups whole wheat flour
¼ cup chopped pecans 1 Tbsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. nutmeg ¼ tsp. cinnamon ¼ cup oats Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, mix water, pumpkin, vanilla and egg thoroughly.
Let Them Eat FREE Cake... Back by pup-ular demand... Our Boneyard Cake! Bring this ad to Three Dog Bakery to receive your FREE slice of Boneyard Cake with any purchase.
Combine flour, pecans, baking powder, nutmeg and cinnamon in a separate bowl, stirring well. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well, making sure no dry mixture is left. Spoon into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup completely. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with oats and bake for 1 ¼ hours. Cool completely and store in a sealed container.
No cash value. Can not be combined with other offers. Valid only at Three Dog Bakery Country Club Plaza location. Limit one per customer. Offer expires October 31, 2015.
July/August Pawzzle Answers
Join Us for Our
Growl-O-Ween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 24th
la! Oooh- lake- looks delicious!!! That ca
at 11:00am @ Mill Creek Park (47th & Broadway) for a morning of Tricks & Treats at participating Plaza merchants & Costume Contests! Register at Three Dog Bakery or by calling us at 816-753-3647.
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MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
Home is Where
the Hound Is
by Pat Hennessy
We love our animal companions and having them makes your house a home. Because they are constant companions at home (living most of their lives in and around the house), we owe it to them to create a safe and healthy environment. We owe it to ourselves as well. It is surprising how many toxins we can come in contact with from a variety of household items. There are things we frequently use without giving them a second thought, such as cosmetics, cleaning products, and plastic containers that may harbor hazardous ingredients or compounds, and other things we may not realize pose a danger such as flooring, furniture, and clothing that may carry unsafe residue.
through the air) and anything that sprays, especially aerosols, have a wider range of residue. An EPA study showed that the chemical level in our homes can be up to 70 times higher than the air outside and our pets occupy more time inside our homes than we do. Our furry companions spend the majority of their time on the floor which is the area that will capture more of the floating pollutants. Not only are our animals closer to the ground but their bodies get more exposure at that level. We walk and sit upright, exposing the lower half of the body
to the surfaces we come in contact with, but our four-legged furballs expose their whole bodies to the most contaminated surface in the home (the floor) and their noses are absorbing more of these chemical by-products as well. If you have birds, while they may not be on the floor they are much smaller animals and are highly sensitive to airborne substances. Along with our product usage creating contaminants that work their way to the ground, the flooring in your home may be a culprit as well. Carpet traps a lot of particles
You may think that products you use personally, such as deodorant, lotion, or hair spray wouldn’t really impact your pets, but that is not the case. Deodorants can be inhaled, lotions or cosmetics can be ingested through doggie kisses or kitty grooming, and any aerosols will leave residue where they land. Our flooring and surfaces collect everything we use (the molecules that float www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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Home is Where
and even daily vacuuming wouldn’t get it all out. Laminate flooring could also pose a serious health risk for you and your precious companions. The cheaper flooring, especially some coming from overseas, has been identified as carrying harmful chemicals. The television show 60 Minutes exposed one manufacturer of importing mislabeled product. If you want to add insult to injury, many of our floor cleaning products have harmful chemicals that create residue buildup with each use. We may make the conscious effort to live a healthy lifestyle through choosing more nutritious food, such as organic and non-GMO, and we may try and get more exercise or more sleep, but we need to look at environmental factors as well. You have to think beyond the items you are consuming. What are you exposed to through breathing or through the skin. If you think your skin keeps you safe – think about how medications are now being administered via patches applied to your body. While the skin is a barrier that protects our other body systems from direct exposure, it also acts as a conduit of information by taking messages received from direct contact and dispersing them throughout the body.
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Harmful ingredients from household items have been found in all organs of the body.
Additional contaminants you want to avoid are pesticides, both in and around your home and for use on your pets. Use caution when selecting flea and tick products, especially topicals from discount stores. There are health-friendly alternatives to chemical-based products. You can use natural repellants such as vinegar water solutions, citrus solutions, and essential oils for cleaning and spraying on surfaces. There are a variety of non-toxic choices for use topically on your pets, such as powders or essential oils, magnetic strip collar tags, etc. There are so many health issues these days, with various forms of cancer leading the pack, and the death toll continues to rise even in non-smoking related cancer. It is certainly worth examining your environment and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals for you and your animal companions. You can familiarize yourself with a list of toxic ingredients found in regular household products [see insert/side bar]. Information is power. There are several good resources where you can learn more
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
re the Hound Is
about the potential chemical hazards in your Shampoo, creams, lotions, ointments, estrogen mimickers that can lead PARABENS home: deodorant to cancer Shampoo, deodorant, cosmetics A single product’s fragrance mixture * Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) FRAGRANCE chemicals used to scent products are can contain potentially hundreds of * National Toxicology Program (NTP) lumped under the term “fragrance.” toxic volatile organic compounds. * The National Institute of Environmental These ingredients are so small they can penetrate cell walls and are Health Sciences Lotions, moisturizers, make-up, and highly reactive. check: CosmeticDaNANOPARTICLES particularly sunscreen * Natural Resources Defense Council tabase.org or NanotechProject.org/ inventories/consumer/. * Environmental Working Group Bath products, nail polish (often * GreenAmerica.org This chemical is a known carcinFORMALDEHYDE contains the developmental toxicant ogen. So, how do you avoid all these harmful household TOLUENE) These hormone disruptors have chemicals? You should find products from Often hidden in “fragrances” of an been linked to male genital array of products for men, women, companies that go beyond FDA regulations and abnormalities, liver and kidney PHTHALATES and children, and listed as DIBUTYL lesions, and higher rates of have a philosophy based on environmentally PHTHALATE in nail polish. childhood asthma and allergies. friendly and human/animal friendly practices. Mineral oil, petrolatum, liquid parThey are often contaminated by Look for companies that: PETROLEUM affin, toluene, or xylene, these chem- cancer-causing impurities like 1,4 BY-PRODUCTS DIOXANE, which is a probable icals are found in many products, • Use botanically-based products that are including many shampoos and soaps. carcinogen. hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested Hormone disruption and the Primary ingredient in anti-bacterial • Never test on animals (as those tests are TRICLOSAN emergence of bacteria resistant soaps and products “superbugs.” not only cruel – but they don’t show how partial list = sourced from greenamerica.org humans will metabolize a compound) • Formulate products that do NOT contain - animal that you know will be safe and bring you, Harley, Fluffy, and products or by-products, petroleum-based Tweety a longer, healthier, happier life. products, artificial colors or fragrances • Engage in environmentally responsible practices (they will usually use a logo or statement to indicate their support for the environment) You can substitute many good products for the harmful ones that are in your cabinet today. It doesn’t mean you need to throw out every personal hygiene, cosmetic, or cleaning product — but you can learn which ones are harmful and convert them over time to healthy alternatives until you have a chemical-free environment. Home is where the heart is, it’s where the hound is, and is where healthy living should start, so make a list of all the things that you can control and shift to something Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT, ACDBC, and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816522-7005, or visit www.n2paws.com. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
October 31,2015
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Finding the Perfect Pooch for YOU!
by Courtney Thomas
Each day, thousands of people decide to grow their family by adding a four legged friend to their household. Adding a new pet is a big decision, which can last a lifetime. It can be incredibly overwhelming for some people as they navigate through everything to consider, while others might make the decision spur of the moment. This process varies by individual and family and although there is no right or wrong way to go about it, here are some resources and insights that may be helpful for you and your family in the decision making process for a new dog. Having worked and volunteered in animal shelters for over 20 years, I’ve helped grow thousands of families through adoption, and am excited to share my insight with you!
you will receive in return, but it’s very important to address these factors before beginning the selection process for your new pet. In addition to your lifestyle, it’s important to ensure that the new pet is a good fit with your existing household. If you have a family or others heavily involved in the pet’s life, it’s important to make sure the entire family has a special bond with the pet and is ready for the new commitment. If you already have some fur babies at home, you need to consider how this new dog will fit in with them as well as the two-legged counterparts. Make sure you’re considering if your older dog will benefit from a younger dog, or if your more aloof dog will appreciate a playful dog. It’s important to have pets meet beforehand if at all possible.
Before you begin your journey in finding a new pet, it’s important to ask yourself some questions: “What is my current lifestyle like and how will a new pet factor into it, how much time will I be able to spend with my pet, and what adjustments am I willing to make?” Of course, all adjustments will be well worth the love and affection
Now, let’s get to the fun part! There are many types of pets to consider, but I’m going to focus on dogs here. Many families will flock to puppies, and who can blame them? Puppies are absolutely captivating and irresistible, and the possibility of establishing that life long bond from a young age with puppies is tempting for a lot of families with children. Although puppies are easy to introduce to young children and other animals, they can be extremely challenging through their puppyhood and even adolescence. For a family who’s balancing raising young children, investing time to properly train a puppy might be too overwhelming and you might find more success adopting an adult dog who comes house trained, social and ready to fit right in easily. Senior dogs are also wonderful companions ready to give and receive love, so don’t be afraid to consider them. Puppies aren’t the only types of dogs that will keep your hands full; there are many active breeds that will
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MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
be just as energetic as a puppy, such as Huskies, Pit Bulls, Labradors, Weimaraners, Cattle Dogs, and even smaller breeds like Jack Russell Terriers. Other breeds are more laid back and easy going, such as Great Danes, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Bullmastiffs, and more. There are many resources online to teach you about the different characteristics of each breed, but remember every pet is unique and has its own personality. If there is a breed you simply love, be sure to visit your local animal shelters, like Great Plains SPCA, because it’s a little known fact that about a quarter of shelter pets are purebred.
thought for some, but remember, you are gaining much more love than work with a new pet and that’s a great decision to make. There is a pet for everyone out there! All you need is to do a little work to find the one of thousands of pets currently looking for homes that is perfect for you and your family. Best of luck as you grow your family and experience the love and joy of pet ownership!
We can spend a lot of time talking about breed characteristics, but out of all of my years of matchmaking I’ve come to find that that mutts, or ‘custom mixes’, can be the perfect combination with endless amount of love to offer, and they are often healthier dogs. The most exciting part about adopting a mixed breed dog is playing the guessing game of “What is my dog mixed with?” There are several tests you can have done that will tell you what your pooch is mixed with, and the anticipation of waiting and guessing is a fun activity for your friends and family. Either way, you know your dog is truly unique! You may see some similar pets who resemble your dog, but your pooch will be the only one with its exact genetic composition, quirks, and lovable qualities.
Courtney Thomas is the President & CEO of Great Plains SPCA, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit animal welfare organization serving the entire KC Metro through adoptions, public veterinary care, lost pet reunions, Outreach, and much more.
After your family has made a decision of the type of dog, personality, age, etc. you are looking for, head to your local shelter or contact responsible breeders and find your new best friend! You may find the dog who fits your wish list to a tee, or you might fall in love with a sweet face and stray from your initial plan. This is completely normal and fine, but just make sure lifestyles will still match up for a successful forever home. The real work starts when you bring your pet home, so be sure to introduce your pets to each other properly. Relationships between your current and new pets can take time to develop, just like human relationships can, so be patient and look at online resources to make it as successful as possible. There are countless benefits to bringing a new pet into your home, your life and your family, because the pet-human bond is like none other. Adding a new family member might be an overwhelming www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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Meet the Breed
Sept/Oct Pet of the Month
Belgian Malinois Vital Statistics of the Breed:
• Male dogs approximately 24–28 inches at the shoulder (withers). Weight – 65-75 pounds. • Females approximately 22–24 inches at the shoulder (withers). Weight – 55-65 pounds. • Life Span – 10 – 12 years • Coat – short haired • Color – fawn, tan, mahogany with black mask
The Belgian Malinois is also known as the Belgian Shepherd dog. As indicated by its name, the breed originated in the country of Belgium. They are used for many activities that require high energy and a high level of intelligence. Jobs they excel at include: scent detection of explosives, accelerants (for arson investigation), narcotics and other drugs, plus tracking of humans for suspect apprehension in police work. Due to their energy and fearless nature they excel at search and rescue missions. It is a well known fact that they are used by U.S.
Secret Service to guard the grounds of the White House. On a more fun note, for motivated owners who like to train and work with their dogs, they excel at obedience, tracking and agility trials. They make excellent police and guard dogs. The Belgian Malinois is not the pet for first time dog owners. They require an experienced owner that is interested in learning new things. A well socialized, carefully raised and trained Malinois is generally very active. They are highly intelligent, and friendly. This breed tends to be protective, and hard-working. If not given a job to do, they can become destructive due to boredom. They have an energy level that is considered among the highest of all dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois may naturally exhibit herding behavior in the form of chasing and circling, and nipping at people’s heels. They must be taught not to do this to people. This is a very demanding dog that can work tirelessly for hours. The typical Malinois exhibits puppy-like energy until about three years of age. It is not uncommon for them to maintain this energy level until
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MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
the age of five or their entire lives. They can develop neurotic and/or destructive behaviors if not provided enough mental and physical stimulation. A walk in the park several times a day will not suffice for this breed. They need to run off steam and use their brains regularly. This can be a problem for an owner that is not familiar with the breed, nor prepared to provide the exercise they require or a job for them to do. This is a medium-sized, muscular, strong dog that requires consistent obedience training, and reinforcement of proper behavior. They enjoy being challenged with new tasks. They are known to be very easy to train, due to their high drive for rewards. Many find a game of fetch to be a strong reward. The Belgian Malinois is not without its health issues. Some clearances to look for from a responsible breeder include: cataracts, epilepsy, thyroid disease, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and pannus. Although some these problems have been minimized through selective breeding beware the backyard or hobby breeder. They often do not heed the health issues and you can bring home a nightmare of health and temperament issues. While the Belgian Malinois is not the breed for everyone, if you enjoy being active, learning new things and can manage the high activity demands of this breed you will be in for a decade or more of entertaining and fulfilling moments in your life. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
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The Bullying and Abuse Cycle: It Hurts
Humans & Animals by Casey Waugh People, abused by people, often abuse animals. People who abuse animals often also abuse people. And so the cycle goes. Aristotle said it best with his quote, “We are what we repeatedly do.” Practicing gives humans the ability to become good at certain tasks. That is why athletes spend the majority of their time running plays, trained musicians spend hours practicing their instruments and actors rehearse their lines of the script for months. It is no different with the subjects of bullying, abuse and healthy relationships. Character development and social skills must be taught by people who are dedicated to living with strong core values. The behaviors must be practiced, practiced, practiced so they can shine when the pressure is on. Unfortunately children learn repetitive, harmful behavior from adults who practice bullying and abuse. The children learn these characteristics, make them part of their personality traits and begin to abuse animals. Those children who have abused animals tend to grow into adults who commit crimes and hurt others in our community.
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Studies have been conducted to show the connection between all forms of violence. The research has found: •
Children who abuse animals have often themselves experienced abuse or neglect.
•
When children abuse animals it is likely a precursor to future violence.
•
There is a direct link between school-age students who practice bullying and adult perpetrators of domestic violence.
•
Most teen school shooters have a history of abusing animals.
•
Many people incarcerated for violent offenses to people report abusing animals as part of their first experiences with violence.
•
Virtually all serial killers report tormenting and abusing animals early in life.
(Sources include: the Link, HSUS, ASPCA and the United States Department of Justice.) Another study conducted from the same sources proved that developing
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
positive core characteristics in young people through the humane treatment of animals leads them to have greater empathy for human beings. In today’s society when more and more students are bullied and shootings occur far too often, antibullying and violence prevention programming are clearly necessary. In order to treat all living beings with care, an integrated program must teach people about both the human and animal perspectives. Another important factor to this programming is that it needs to take a positive approach focusing on what to do as opposed what not to do. The fact is hurt people hurt animals and people. There is a connection between human to human abuse and human to animal abuse. Sadly, the traits are often learned at a young age. This cycle must end in order to live in a more humane world – a place better for humans and animals.
Wayside Waifs Launches “No More Bullying!” Program Nationally Wayside Waifs, Kansas City’s largest no kill pet adoption campus, is determined to put a stop to this cycle of violence and abuse. The
animal shelter launched its “No More Bullying!” program on a national level to take a positive approach to ending human and animal bullying. The “No More Bullying!” violence prevention curriculum is the cornerstone of Wayside’s Humane Education Department. “No More Bullying!” teaches 3rd-5th grade students the importance of practicing five core character traits: responsibility, being humane, compassion, self-control, and integrity. Additional topics discussed include: respect, selfrespect and courage. Wayside Waifs truly believes that No More Bullying! will make a positive change. “It’s unstoppable,” said Allison Basinger, Humane Education Manager. “The world can be a better place.”
To see more about Wayside’s “No More Bullying!” program, visit: www.waysidewaifs.org/ NoMoreBullying. Contact the Humane Education department directly at he@waysidewaifs.org.
Casey Waugh is Communications and Annual Giving Manager of Wayside Waifs, KC’s largest no kill pet adoption campus. Casey brings to Wayside animal welfare, non-profit, fundraising, advertising and marketing experience. Prior to that she attended Kansas University where she earned her BS in Journalism and Mass Communications. Casey couldn’t imagine her life without her 5 year old Lab mix, Sadie. You may contact Casey via email at cwaugh@waysidewaifs.org.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
29
One Last Decision
by Nancy Piper
As a pet owner, you have one last decision to make, and that is how to care for your deceased pet’s body. It is something none of us like to think about. However, you are very wise to learn about the options, to educate yourself, and make informed decision before your pet dies. Your pet is a member of your family. It is your responsibility to care for your pet even after death. Most people leave their pet’s body with their veterinarian. Then, they forever wonder what happened to the body. There is often a lot of grief and stress associated with a pet’s death. Many people don’t ask
1631 W. 5th St. , Eureka, MO 63025 636-587-8880 ♥ www.lovingheartspet.com ♥ Repaying loyalty, honoring memories ♥ Open door policy—visit anytime ♥ Private or Communal Cremation ♥ Large selection of urns & memorials ♥ You may bring your pet to us, request pet pickup from your home or
Ask your veterinarian to use
Loving Hearts for your beloved pet. Serving those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, ethical and dignified after-life care for their pet
30
what is going to happen, because they are afraid of the answer. Most people don’t know that they have options to take care of the deceased pet’s body in a respectful and dignified manner. The people who take the responsibility of finding out which options are available are reassured, mostly because they are able to take control and have a proactive part in the afterlife care of their pet, and because they do know what happened to the body. None of us want our loved ones to die. But you and I both know death is inevitable. Recently I spoke with Laura Dickson, certified master groomer and owner of Petcetera at 6527 N. Cosby Avenue, Kansas City, MO, about this very subject. She shared her story with me. “Ellie, the dog of my dreams, the best companion I have ever had, the absolute love of my life, was diagnosed with cancer. Devastated cannot adequately describe how I felt. Not even close. She was only 9 years old; how can this be?” “We battled that disease for 10 months with every option available. Every idea I came up with to extend her life, she handled with grace and dignity, coming through each with flying colors. Doctors marveled, but never gave me false hope. This cancer would eventually win.” “For 10 months Ellie and I battled together, until treatments were not as effective as before. She wasn’t bouncing back with the enthusiasm she had been showing. I knew decisions soon would have to be made, and I knew one of those decisions would concern what to do with her after she was gone.” “I had worked at a pet hospital at one time and knew clients had the option to have their pet’s remains cremated, but that was all I knew. I visited Rolling Acres and discovered all the options available once I needed their services. They were so supportive and understanding as they helped me decide how to lay Ellie to rest. I chose a wooden box that would hold her ashes,
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
her collar, and a lock of her hair. On the front of her box was a place to slip my favorite picture of her smiling back at me, looking young and happy.” “When the day arrived that would be Ellie’s last, I knew I would be an incoherent mess. Emotionally drained and grief stricken, I couldn’t have made decisions about her after care that day. Knowing, as we drove her to Rolling Acres, that the staff knew exactly what I wanted them to do, was so comforting.” “As a dog groomer for 25 years in the northland, I have had this same conversation with many of my customers as time draws to a close on their beloved pet. My experience with Ellie has led me to give this advice: preplanning can help make the final day so much easier. Educating yourself about the options available helps give some measure of control in a whirlwind of heartbreaking emotions, and you will feel some relief that your pet will be in the care of people you know and trust.“
Nancy Bush Piper owns Rolling Acres Pet Memorial Center in Kansas City, MO, along with her husband Gary. Gary and Nancy are also co-owners of Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services in St. Louis County, MO. At both Rolling Acres and Loving Hearts, their mission is “serving those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified, and ethical after life care for their pet.” Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from Northwest Missouri State University. She is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist and a charter Certified Pet Loss Professional as well as having a Pet Loss Companioning Certification. Nancy and Gary are blessed with many animals in their lives. For fun, she studies horsemanship and plays with her horses and mules.
“Pets are our family. We love them with full hearts when we have them and grieve them with broken hearts when they leave us. Making Ellie’s final preparations ahead of time allowed me, on our final day together, to enjoy those last precious moments with her without the worry of what was to happen next. A little peace in my broken heart.” Thank you to Laura for sharing her story. The best time to start is early, before the time you absolutely need the services. Hard as it is, I have been told by many people that they find it easier to make the arrangements before the time of need, so they do their research, make informed decisions, have the services they truly want provided by a company they approve of, and do not emotionally overspend. Many people feel better; much better, when they have done their research on the facility they are trusting with their pet, as well as having pre-arranged the final arrangements for their beloved pet. They know that then, when that day does come, all they have to do besides grieve, is make a telephone call and their treasured companion will be handled according to their wishes, and with compassion, dignity and respect. And they will not have any regrets on the arrangements they made. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
31
Kansas Ci
ty The Next Adventures of Chip
COMPROMISE
by Heddie Leger
Recap from July/August 2015: Guess I have lots to be thankful for…..I can still help others, and even be selfless in helping someone if they need help. I am getting more and more comfortable with my new life. Next month, we go to camp. We will learn the art of shaping and I will actually be making a painting by myself. Bet you cannot wait to hear about that…..
Oh boy! I was so looking forward to painting and the art of shaping, but after much discussion and debate we all compromised and decided that we would participate in the Missouri340 race down the Missouri River. It is something I had been wanting to do, but just not yet, but Stephanie, Robert, Allen and Penelope really wanted to be a team and go in a canoe down the river. It was an overnight race, and no one had even considered how I could participate. I was kind of feeling like they were not considering my feelings, as I could not swim if the canoe toppled over. I was scared to say the least.
The day of the race came. We put the canoe on the trailer, left camp, and away we went to the starting point which was in Kansas City Missouri. The race ended in St. Louis somewhere I think. Since I was not the navigator, I really did not pay much attention. They thought it sounded like so much fun to put me in the boat with a life vest on. I did not even like the sound of the name of the vest. Life vest…..yeeeeeesh !!!! My life was going to be in danger. The boat could only hold two people and they put me in the middle and strapped me in. They said it would be safer that way. I did not feel safer. Stephanie and Robert helped me get in and then Allen and Penelope. It is hard to believe they were old enough to do this, but they are. They were so excited. Stephanie and Robert would drive
the car along the route and everyone would meet at stopping points and camp along the way. So in a matter of speaking we were camping also. They had decided to bring along the art of shaping items and my paint sponge and some paint. Right now, I could care less, but went along with it. I was so worried about the boat sinking, I could not even breathe. The bullhorn went off and the boats took off like a flash. I did not know that Allen and Penelope had been practicing and training. They went smooth as silk down the river and I began to relax a bit, but about 30 minutes into the trip, I felt a bump, the canoe tipped and rolled over, and we were upside down in the water. I was almost panicking, but all of a sudden we rolled back right side up, and since I was strapped in and had my vest on, nothing bad happened. Allen and Penelope were laughing so hard they were crying. I did not see anything funny about it. Things went really smoothly after that, and we stopped for the night along the side of the river bank where Robert and Stephanie were waiting with a really yummy dinner. Everyone was really hungry. When we were done eating, they brought out the paint and sponge, attached it to my paw and asked me to shake hands, and do a high five. Those were way easy to do, and then they
Compromise– a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute. 32
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
Compromise is what binds people together. Compromise is sharing and conciliatory, it is loving and kind and unselfish.� ~ ALI HARRIS Compromise, if not the spice of life, is its solidity. It is what makes nations great and marriages happy. PHYLLIS MCGINLEY, A Short Walk from the Station held up a piece of paper, and dipped my paw sponge in the paint and asked again for a high five and clicked and rewarded me when I touched the paper with the sponge. They did this a few times and voila, I had made a painting. How do you like that!!! They decided they would do this each night for the five days and nights and then have an art show at the end. I liked that idea. They put the fire out and we all curled up in our sleeping bags and went to sleep. The sun was just setting, I could see fireflies twinkling in the dusky sky and hear the bullfrogs beginning to sing their night time song and feel fast asleep. I was exhausted and tomorrow morning would come early. They said there were a few little rapids on the next leg of the water race. I am not sure what those are, but just the word makes me cringe
Humane Education Activity: Can you think of a time that you did not get your way? How did you feel? What did you do? Did you compromise, or did you argue? How did the group come to an agreement?
Story Discussion Tips 1) Why was Chip disappointed? 2) What did Chip originally want to do? 3) What was the name of the race? 4) Was Chip happy about the compromise? 5) Did Chip get to do what he wanted in the end? 6) What did he get to do? 7) What did Chip see before going to sleep? 8) What did Chip hear? 9) Was Chip looking forward to the next day? 10) Why or why not?
Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES. She has a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets. You can reach her through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting at 816.820.5829.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
33
Chip’s Corner
PAWZZLE
By Pawlean Journe
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 26.
Across 3.
This breed originated in _______________.
Down
5.
This breed is known for its very high ________________.
2. It is very important for the Belgian Malinois to be well
6.
These dogs are used regularly in ____________ work.
7.
The coat is considered __________ in length.
3.
What color is the mask on their face?
9.
It is important to provide consistent _____________ training.
4.
One color of this breed.
11.
Also known as the Belgian __________ dog.
8.
They also excel at search and ____________ missions.
13.
A sport this breed excels at is _________________.
10.
They can become __________________ when bored.
14. They enjoy being _________________ with new jobs and
1.
__________ at a young age.
12. The secret service uses the Malinois to _________ the White
tasks.
House.
19.
They have a _______________ nature.
15.
20.
They tend to be __________.
16. They can develop ______________ behaviors if not provided
22.
What type of energy level does this breed have?
23. Due to their high energy and herding ability this breed may 24. 34
A ___________ in the park is not sufficient for this breed.
They require an ____________________ owner. enough mental and physical stimulation.
17.
They excel at scent ___________________.
begin chasing and _________ at people’s heels.
18.
What game does this dog love to play?
They can work __________ for hours on end.
21.
This is not the dog for ________ time owners.
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - September/October 2015
Kansas City Pet Services Directory Adoption
Boarding & Daycare
Great Plains SPCA 913-742-7326
greatplainsspca.org
Great Plains SPCA’s mission is to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and human companions. Locations in Merriam, KS, and Independence, MO, offer veterinary care, adoption, rescue and education programs.
Second Chance Pet Adoptions SCPAKC
913-814-7471
2ndchancepets.net
Camp Bow Wow, Lee’s Summit 1010 SE Hamblen Road Lee’s Summit, MO 816-246-7833
campbowwow.com/us/mo/leessummit At Camp BowWow Lee’s Summit your pups reap the benefits of exercise and socialization while having lots of fun romping and playing with canine friends. Pooches in Paradise 7200 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO 816-361-3388
poochesparadise.
Second Chance Pet Adoptions com
is a NO-Kill foster home adoption organization dedicated to helping homeless animals find loving, responsible, safe homes. Visit our center for adoptions and unique boutique items. We are open M, W, F, S. 9237 N Oak Kansas City, MO 64155 913-814-7471 • 2ndchancepets.net Wayside Waifs 816-761-8151
waysidewaifs. org
Wayside Waifs is a charitable animal shelter whose purpose is to improve the quality of animal welfare in our community by providing humane treatment and advocating for companion animals. It offers rescue, adoption, education programs, and pet memorial services. 36
Pooches Paradise was created with your dogs needs in mind. We are dedicated to offering the finest in boarding, daycare, obedience training and spa treatments. Visit us at our mid-town location one block off Wornall, on 72nd Street.
Home Organization
Feel happy, centered, and productive in your space! Certified organizer Eliza Cantlay with Simplicana approaches clutter with humor and enthusiasm. Plus, she LOVES pets. The hardest part is getting started… Let Eliza Eliza Cantlay make it easy! www.simplicana.com P: 913-815-0008 • E: eliza@simplicana.com
Insurance
Scott & Sara Coffman
Auto Home Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency specializing in auto, home, business, workers compensation, life and health insurance. Our experienced staff members are always happy to help you with your insurance needs. 913.839.1478 • AutoHomeKC.com
Pet Memorial Options Tails R’ Waggin 6976 W 152nd Terrace Overland Park, KS 913-685-9246
tailsrwaggin.com
Tails R’ Waggin provides the finest daycare, boarding, grooming and training for your pet. We are your pet’s destination of choice to play, stay and be treated like one of the family. Come by for a tour today!
Midwest Pet Aquamation A gentler eco-friendly alternative to pet cremation
23753 W. 83rd Terrace • Shawnee, KS 66227 913-292-0953 • midwestpetaquamation.com
Midwest Pet Aquamation understands that losing a pet companion is difficult. We want to help you through the process by providing professional, dependable, and eco-friendly pet cremation options. Our office is available 24/7 to all KC Metro area families and inhome pickup is available. Let us help you honor your pet with a peaceful cremation process. Please call us today.
Pet Memorial Options
Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens
Serving the Kansas City area since 1973 Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets is a full service pet cemetery, crematory, and funeral home where our compassionate staff is ready to serve the bereaved families and friends of cherished animal companions. Our mission is to serve those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified and ethical cremation or burial services for their pet. Call us. We can help. 12200 N. Crooked Road • Kansas City, MO 816-891-8888 • www.visitrollingacres.com
Pet Sitting
Latchkey Pets In-home Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
816.529.8500 latchkeypets.net facebook.com/LatchkeyPetsKC Latchkey Pets provides daytime dog walking and vacation pet sitting services to Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. We have a team of Insured and Bonded professionals ready to assist with your individual pet care needs. Check out our reviews on Angie’s List, Facebook and Yelp. Call today for a free in-home consultation.
Pet Scarves
Pet Fencing Options
New Owners: Tim, Ann and Tyler Schoenfelder
913.345.2999 Established in 1988, Heart of America Invisible Fence is an authorized, full service Invisible Fence® Brand dealership serving Jackson and Johnson counties and surrounding areas. We offer solutions to many problems, both outside and inside. Learn more about how we can customize an Invisible Fence Brand solution for you and your pet. www.heartofamerica.invisiblefence.com New Store 13342 Pawnee Lane Leawood, KS 66209 New Owners: Kevin and Kim Clark 816-522-2195 Invisible Fence of Kansas City Recommended by vets and installed by professionals, our customizable solutions will keep your pet happy and out of harm’s way in your home and yard. Your pets are family to us. That’s why our pet specialists are certified in our renowned Perfect Start™ Plus Pet Training methods. We serve Kansas City north the river, Lawrence and St. Joseph. www.kansascity.invisiblefence.com
Real Estate Martin and Suzie Taggart Team REALExperience 913.667.9789
TeamREALExperience@gmail.com REALExperienceREALEstate.com
Carol’s Dog Scarves`
Kansas City, MO • 816-728-2480
etsy.com/shop/CarolsDogScarves The best dog scarf your dog will ever wear! Can’t be pulled off, torn off, chewed off or rolled off. Stylish, chic or just plain cute — let your dog make its own fashion statement! Order online at our Etsy Shop.
Pet and Garden Supplies American Midwest Distributors
1 Design Drive N., Kansas City, MO 64116 • 816-842-1905 • americanmidwestkc.com A local distributor which sells pet food (Earthborn Holistic and ProPac), bird seed and feeders, equine products, farm and feed supplies and fertilizers and garden supplies and many other products.
These full-time, pet-friendly real estate professionals (together with Sherman their rescue dog) enjoy helping pet-friendly people with their real estate experience! They understand selling a home with a pet & buying a home that is pet friendly can be challenging. Team REALExperience is here to help you & your pets with your move!
Veterinarians
Arbor Creek Animal Hospital 15971 S. Bradley Rd Olathe, KS • 913-764-9000
acanimalhospital.com
We believe that every pet has a different set of healthcare needs. Utilizing a blend of traditional medicine and holistic veterinary gives everyone options! Aid Animal Hospital 8343 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 816-363-4922
aidanimalhospital.com For 37 years, Aid Animal Hospital has provided quality veterinary medical and surgical services to Waldo and entire Kansas City area. We pride ourselves on quality customer service in a family friendly atmosphere, where your family can always feel welcome.
A Directory Listing in the MetroPet Magazine Appears In print and Online for A Full Year! Call us for Details!
Keller Williams Realty Legacy Partners, Inc.
Black Cats and Halloween — Protect Them Although all cats should be indoor cats, this is even more important during the month of October — especially if you have a black cat. Black cats are often associated with dark forces and are an easy target for Halloween pranksters who commit violent acts against unsuspecting kitties. PETA Prime Blog
913.548.1433
Pet Hospice Services
St. Louis Pet Services Directory Adoption/Rescue St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue 314-381-2010
www.stlbulldogrescue.org St. Louis Bulldog Rescue, Inc. is a Federal Tax Exempt 501c3 organization that is an all volunteer group of bulldog lovers whose mission is to re-home bulldogs who are surrendered by their owners or find themselves otherwise without homes, landing in animal shelters or wandering the streets as strays.
Pet Health
Pet Food
Earthborn Holistic
www.earthborn
holisticpetfood.com Earthborn Holistic® offers a wholesome approach to nutrition with high-quality ingredients that nourish the whole pet, dogs and cats. Every holistic pet food formula is designed to offer balanced nutrients that support your pet’s overall health and physical well-being. Natural Food for Pets.100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Or Your Money Back.
Pet Cremation Services
Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services
1631 W. 5th St. Eureka, MO 636-587-8880 www.lovingheartspet.com Pet Friendly Car Dealership Loving Hearts was started by two families to Lou Fusz Subaru of Creve Couer provide the highest level of pet cremation 10329 Old Olive Street Rd St. Louis, MO services possible. The owners bring over 314-994-1500 100 years of assisting grieving pet owners. www.subaru.fusz.com We are committed to treating each pet as if At Lou Fusz Subaru - St Louis, it’s not just it were one of our own. In your time of need, about buying a car. It’s about finding the right we will be there for you. car for YOU. That means, we take the time to Pet Waste Mgmt & Products get to know you — your aesthetic preferences, your hobbies, your driving habits and your pets! Come visit our pet friendly dealership and dog park! www.yuckos.com
Yucko’s
10 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets 1. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets. 2. Don’t leave pets out in the yard on Halloween. 3. Keep pets confined and away from the door. 4. Keep outdoor cats inside for several days before and several days after Halloween. 5. Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach. 6. Don’t keep lit pumpkins around pets. 7. Keep wires and electric light cords out of reach. 8. Don’t dress your pet in a costume unless you know they’ll love it. 9. Try on pet costumes before the big night. 10. IDs, please! www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_halloween_safety_tips?page=2
Weekly - Every Other Week - Once A Month One Times Or Just Because..!
314-291-POOP (7667) Service
Free Estimates - No Contracts - Fully Insured Dogipot Products - Pet Stations - Litter Bags Fake Fire Hydrants And More...!
314-770-1500 Sales
Are The First Responders In Your Area Equipped With Pet Oxygen Recovery Masks?
www.PetOxygenMask.com
Veterinarians
Animal Medical Center of Wentzville 1120 W. Pearce Blvd Wentzville, MO • 636-332-4411
www.animalmedicalcenterofwentzville.com We provide friendly, honest, compassionate care for your family pet! Service include vaccine packages and parasite prevention, routine surgery, dental care; advanced surgery; full service grooming and much more. Call us or come see us to meet our incredible team.
Invisible Fence® Brand Doorman™ Pet Door
Invisible Fence® Brand Indoor Shields® Solutions
Invisible Fence® Brand Outdoor Containment Solutions
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We will change how you live with your pets. Designed to work together, our systems maximize options to expand your pet’s independence, while keeping them out of harm’s way. Your pet can feel right at home indoors, outdoors and everywhere in between. And it’s only from Invisible Fence® Brand – the original innovators of pet containment technology.
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Heart of America Invisible Fence 913-722-9948 | 816-941-7700
Invisible Fence of Kansas City 816-522-2195
Serving Johnson County, KS and Jackson County, MO
Serving Platte, Clay, Buchanan, Douglas Counties, MO
InvisibleFence.com | 800-578-3647 ©2015 Invisible Fence, Inc. All Rights Reserved