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Breathing Easier with Pets
he Hollies had a popular song in the 70s with the lyrics ‘all I need is the air that I breathe…’ unfortunately during the winter months in Colorado the EPA estimates that indoor air can sometimes be up to 100x more polluted than outdoor air. Proper air filtration is essential if you have pets, smokers, and allergy or asthma sufferers in your home.
How Air Filtration Can Improve Your Quality of Life
With more than 100 million pets in the US, chances are you are one of the 70% of households that have a dog or a cat. Pet dander greatly affects the air quality inside the home. Pet dander is not the hair or fur of the animal but the tiny pieces of skin shed by dogs, cats and other animals with fur or feathers. Older animals usually produce more dander mainly because their skin is dryer. The dander consists of microscopic pieces of dry pet skin that becomes airborne, landing on bedding, clothing, carpeting and furniture. According to The Animal and Allergy Foundation of America, 15-30% of people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. Symptoms of an allergy to dander will usually appear as the classic allergy symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, runny nose or nasal congestion, sneezing, hives and general aches.
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Wash pets and their bedding often.
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Wash your hands after playing with pets.
The Honeywell Whole-House Air Cleaner traps and filters up to 99% of airborne particles and contaminants passing through the duct system so that cleaner air is distributed throughout your home.
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Consult the advice of an allergist, if possible.
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Keep a covered litter box away from air vents.
Aprilaire’s electronic air cleaner also effectively filters and removes almost all microscopic spores, bacteria, smoke and other harmful particles.
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Keep pets out of the bedrooms.
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Dust often with a wet cloth.
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Wash bedding, carpets, curtains and upholstery often.
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Design one room as a pet-free zone.
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Change air filters often.
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Use strong air cleaners in every room.
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Research the variety of Whole House Air Purification Filters and Systems.
The Rheem Team has indoor air quality solutions that can help you breathe easier for as little as a couple of hundred dollars. l
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Most of us will choose to live with allergy symptoms rather than find a new home for our four legged family members. Suffering doesn’t have to be your only option. Suggestions include:
Products from Broan that combine HEPA filtration and heat recovery for cooler climates tempers incoming fresh air with outgoing stale air to minimize energy usage without contaminating the fresh air.
If you want to improve the air that your family breathes, ask your Rheem Team contractor about the Honeywell, Broan or Aprilaire products they offer.
from the publisher Tis the season to be jolly…but having a pet seems to bring that holly jolly feeling all year long. The blessing of caring for our companion animals also brings responsibility and many questions. Am I feeding my pet the right food? Am I feeding the right amount? What is the right collar for her size and breed? Should I feed her rawhides as treats? How do you keep the peace in multi-cat households? This issue is full of great information addressing those questions and more.
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Table of Contents
Inside you’ll find an article by Dr. Welfare, PETacular’s “Ask the Doctor”, as he advises us on what to look for when reading pet food labels and the importance of researching your pet food to assess if it contains proper nutrients and quality ingredients. Will you be traveling with your pet this holiday season? We have addressed many of the concerns and provided helpful websites to visit on page 16. How much do you spend on your pets during the holiday? From high-end items to high-tech items, products for our pets now extend beyond traditional necessities. Check out the trends in pet products on page 11. We would love to share your unique or outrageous pet purchase or holiday pet photos. Post your photos and story on PETacular’s Facebook page today.
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January 2014 will mark our 10th year of publishing. We here at PETacular are so grateful to our readers and advertisers. We wish you all the best this holiday season and look forward to great things in 2014.
Calendar of Events
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Monthly Dog Wash-A-Thon / ABRT Fundraiser On the first Friday of each month at Wag n Wash on Woodman Blvd, Colorado Springs. Noon - 4 pm $20 donation for wash / $10 donation for nail trim. For more information visit: www.HaveANiceDog.org
Festival of Lights Parade
December 7, 5:50pm Corner of Tejon Street and St. Vrain Street FREE For more information: 649-9111 www.ColoradoSpringsFestivalOfLights.org
2nd Annual Holiday Pet Celebration and Pet Blessing
Sunday, December 8 Noon - 3pm Homeward Bound Pet Memorial Center and Crematorium For more information: www.Homeward-Bound-Pet.com
Pet Photo Nights with Santa
Tuesday, December 10 & Tuesday, December 17 6 - 8pm Citadel Mall 750 Citadel Dr. E., Colorado Springs Located on the lower level by the food court. Please use the mall entrance by Sports Fanatic. We ask that all pets be leashed or kenneled. www.ShopTheCitadel.com
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Allergy Help: Breathing Easier with Pets Calendar of Events Rampart Dog Park Vet Central: Black Forest Clinic Serves Community Again New & Noteworthy: The Rein Coat Cover Story: Rawhides. Yes or No? Cover Story: Collars - Not Just Pretty Accessories How Much Should We Feed Our Pets Breed Bio: Siberian Cat Ask the Doc: Picking Pet Food Let Sleeping Dogs... Dream HSPPR: A Home for the Holidays Have Pets, Will Travel Keeping the Peace: Multi-Cat Households Trends in Pet Products Pet Aftercare: Equine Cremation Rescued Hearts Non-Profit Around the Globe Breed Bio: Jack Russell Terrier Business Card Marketplace: Pet Loving Businesses
dog parks
Rampart Dog Park 8270 Lexington Drive and Union : Just north of Rampart High School and east of the baseball diamond Operating Hours: 5am to 9pm (Nov 1 – Apr 30) 5am-11pm (May 1 to Oct 31) Managed By: City of Colorado Springs Restrooms: Yes Type of Park: Fenced Amenities: This off-leash dog park has drinking water, benches, mulch hills, clean up bags, and a little shade. There is also some agility equipment.
Colorado Springs Dog Parks Bear Creek Dog Park 21st St and Rio Grande This exemplary park has everything a dog and his master could want! It is 25 acres and includes a creek, ball and doggie waste bag dispensers, and a small dog area. Cheyenne Meadows Dog Park Canoe Creek and Charmwood This park is fenced and on-leash. Devon’s Dog Park: (Monument) E Noe Rd, off the E Greenland Rd exit Larkspur, CO Greenland Open space- The first open space area. Garden of the Gods Off-Leash Dog Area 3130 N. 30th St. This off-leash area is open between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. from May through October, and until 9 p.m. the rest of the year. Palmer Dog Park and Palmer Park (Yucca Flats) Off Leash Dog Area 3650 Maizeland Rd. This park has the standard dog waste pickup bags and a water fountain for humans as well as an accompanying one for dogs in the shape of a bowl. Rampart Dog Park 8270 Lexington Dr. and Union There are several water spigots to entertain the dogs, and several beaches. This park is also open between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. from May through October, and until 9 p.m. the remainder of the year. Red Rock Canyon Off-Leash Dog Area This area is unfenced and off -leash.
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Woof Ranch Dog Park Wolf Ranch Community near North Powers Blvd. and Research Parkway. Off leash small and big dog areas. winter 2013
vet central
Clinic Serves Community Again
Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic 4323 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. Co Spgs, CO 80918 (719) 598-7879 www.AustinBluffsAnimalClinic.com Richard Monyek, DVM Eli Layman, DVM
Black Forest Veterinary Clinic 12655 Black Forest Rd. Suite 118 Black Forest, CO 80908 (719) 495-3666 www.BlackForestVetClinic.com Ted H. Mohr, DVM Rick E. Coufal, DVM Amy C. Mueller, DVM
Brown Veterinary Hospital 45 E. Broadmoor Road Co Spgs, CO 80906 (719) 636-3341 www.BrownVet.com Jeffrey Gross, DVM Theresa MacNab,DVM Harrison Wellman, DVM By Debbie l Evert
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une 11, 2013, changed the lives of many people living in Black Forest, Colorado. Hundreds of houses were destroyed or damaged. Included in the massive loss was the Black Forest Veterinary Clinic. That day, as usual, Dr. Ted Mohr and his staff were at the clinic, seeing patients. “I was called by a friend of mine who works in the north end of town around two o’clock and he said there was a bad fire out in Black Forest from his window,” Mohr said. “I took note of it but could not really see anything to the west due to our high trees around our clinic.” Sirens began to sound and the large plume of smoke became very noticeable. “We were able to get the surgeries home by 4:00, but we had a feeling we were in trouble,” Mohr said. “Dr. Mueller took pictures with her phone of the interior, Dr. Coufal grabbed the computer server, I grabbed some surgery packs and smaller items, but I really was paralyzed on what to take if anything at that point, I could not believe it. We got a reverse 911 call around 4:15 and grabbed our clinic cats, and left with the sheriff right there.” Fire was approaching fast from the north on Black Forest Road. Mohr headed home to help evacuate his family. The facility that was once Black Forest Veterinary Clinic was gone. “We were grateful to Dr. Lee Wilwerding and his staff [at Powers Pet Emergency] for allowing us to keep contact with our clients and continue to see them on a limited basis,” Mohr said. “Dr. Mike Bauer, owner of Colorado Canine Orthopedics and Dr. Chris McReynolds of the Southern Colorado Internal Veterinary Medicine group offered us space as well, but Powers Pet was closer to Black Forest clientele.”
Companion Animal Clinic 2873 Dublin Blvd. Co Spgs, CO 80918 (719) 593-7740 www.CompanionAnimalVetCS.com Patrick Keith, DVM Susan N. Whitmore, DVM
Cook Veterinary Hospital 21 W. Cimarron Just east of I-25 on Cimarron Co Spgs, CO 80903 (719) 633-7769 www.CookVeterinary.com Carin Ramsel, DVM
Natural Healthcare Center for Animals (NHCA) Countryside Veterinary Clinic INC. 7111 McLaughlin Road Falcon, CO 80831 (719) 494-1156 www.HolisticPetWellness.com Jim Friedly, DVM continued next page
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Clinic Serves Community Again continued North Powers Animal Hospital 5470 Powers Center Pt., Suite 100 Co Spgs, CO 80920 (719) 282-1222 www.npahvet.com Russell Welfare, DVM
Northgate Animal Hospital 12225 Voyager Pkwy #12 Co Spgs, CO 80921 (719) 481-3080 www.NorthgateAnimalHospital.net Laura J. Scott, DVM Gwen Carlson, DVM
To rebuild or not to rebuild. That was now the pressing issue. “The thought to rebuild occurred to me the day seeing my former facility burned down and seeing that there was available space across the street,” Mohr said. “I was shocked by the fire and was really reeling, having to deal with insurance and everything that a disaster encompasses. But I did not want to quit practicing; the Black Forest Clinic has been a large part of my life as was the entire community. Mike and Frances Esty, owners of the The Black Forest Center, were very helpful in the process. “They talked with other tenants about moving to other spaces within the facility to help accommodate us for enough space and continuity for a veterinary clinic,” Mohr said. “Dave Wallace, of Wallace Construction, was one of the tenants that moved and did most of the remodeling. Slowly things came together and it became more and more promising that we could make this work.” Monday, October 7, was the first day the staff began to see patients at their new facility. The original Black Forest Veterinary Clinic was built in 1985, by Dr. Tony Woodward. Dr. Mohr has owned it since 1994. “I just want to thank everyone involved with our rebuilding process, too many to mention but we couldn’t have done this without the support of family, staff, colleagues and clients. (Just to name a few),” Mohr said. “It seems like a long time ago since the June 11 Black Forest Fire, but we are happy to serve the community once again.”
Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine 5520 N. Nevada Ave. #110 Co Spgs, CO 80918 (719) 272-4004 www.IMvets.com Chris Reynolds, DVM, DACVIM Karin Cannizzo, DVM, DACVIM Brad Hines, DVM, DACVIM Macon Miles, DVM, DACVIM
St. Francis Animal Hospital Located in Briargate 8834 N. Union Blvd Co Spgs, CO 80920 (719) 282-3443 www.FrancisVet.net Kim Kaufer, DVM Kerri Mozinski, DVM
COMPOUNDED MEDICINE FOR PETS The Medicine Shoppe #0437 2431 N. Union Blvd Co Spgs, CO 80909 (719) 630-3154 www.MedicineShoppe.com Gene Bockrath R.Ph.
List your veterinary office in Vet Central Contact us at info@petacularusa.com
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new & noteworthy
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he Rein Coat, LLC is a new company with an innovative patent pending product that calms fear and aggression in dogs and cats. This product gently mimics the way a mother dog picks up her pups to carry them to safety. There is no other product in the world that works this way!
What is The Rein Coat™? The Rein Coat®, is a therapeutic “calming coat” that’s a harness and a coat that reduces the anxiety of scared, oversensitive, frightened, alarmed and aggressive pets. The Rein Coat® is designed to provide a custom fit for all shapes and sizes of dogs and cats with its unique strapping system. The Rein Coat® fits dogs from 5 pounds to 250 pounds with neck sizes ranging from 6 inches to 35 inches. There is no other K-9 garment that will accommodate a wide array of dogs, from toy breeds to giant breeds. We are the only product in the world that works in this innovative, gentle and nurturing fashion! How does The Rein Coat™ work? The Rein Coat® works by replicating a naturally occurring behavior between animals and their offspring in a gentle and nurturing manner. The calming effect is gleaned as an innate response. Picture this: A mother dog picks up her puppy by the scruff of his neck. What happens? We all know the puppy instantly calms down. The puppy relaxes so much that he almost goes limp because he knows his mommy is taking him safely out of harm’s way.
The Rein Coat® is designed to lightly touch your pet on the nape of the neck (just like the mommy dog.) This triggers the production of oxytocin, a naturally occurring neurochemical, released by the brain that reduces fear and replaces anxiety with the feelings of safety, security and trust that calm fearful, overexcited and insecure animals. In numerous trials, The Rein Coat® has proven to be effective in calming pets that are afraid of rain, storms, thunder, riding in cars and other methods of travel and vacuum cleaners, to name a few pet anxieties. The Rein Coat® allows your pet to move freely with no constraint. The pet can run, play, sleep, eat and roll over. Dogs that have paced and panted and have extreme storm anxiety are calmed when wearing The Rein Coat®. They are now able to eat and even sleep during thunderstorms! The Rein Coat® offers a safe, affordable, drugfree and natural solution to all types of pet anxiety.
The Rein Coat® is a breakthrough for cat or dog lovers, was invented and is manufactured in Virginia. The Rein Coat® isn’t just a therapeutic calming coat, it’s also a fashion statement and an easy way to walk your pet in a 3 – in -1 harness that’s also a coat. Just slip the coat right over your pet’s head, click the 2 buckles, snap on your leash and you’re off. It’s that simple!
For more information: www.TheReinCoat.com or watch a YouTube video: How the ReinCoat™ works? www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FTz9OEjLrl
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hewing. It’s a natural behavior for dogs of any age. According to webmd.com, “chewing can provide your dog stimulation and help relieve anxiety. Especially with puppies, treats like rawhide bones can be a great substitute for your leather shoes and the legs of the dining room table. “Chewing also keeps dogs’ jaws strong, teeth clean, and breath a bit fresher. Dogs that chew regularly on rawhides and other bones or toys have less plaque and tartar build-up on teeth.”
cover story
Rawhides: Yes or No?
According to www.1800petmeds.com, feeding raw bones to dogs is controversial. On the positive side, bones are a natural source of calcium and phosphorus and chewing stimulates the jaw and prevents boredom. However, bones can break teeth and cause enamel damage. While raw bones don’t splinter, they might contain bacteria that can cause diarrhea and illness.
Rawhides are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. The hides are cut or ground and pressed into chewable dog treats. Some may contain beef, chicken, liver, or other flavors to make them more appealing. For all the benefits that chewing rawhides can be to a dog, they can also present risks, potentially fatal ones. The most common risks are as follows: Contamination: They can contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals, salmonella or E. coli. These could be harmful to humans as well if they come in contact with the bacteria. Digestive irritation: Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to rawhide or other substances used in manufacturing them.
Choking or blockages: This risk is the strongest. If a dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, it can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. The pieces can be removed fairly easily, if caught in time. Sometimes surgery is necessary to remove larger pieces of rawhide from the stomach or intestines. If these issues aren’t resolved, the result can be death.
As with so many other issues related to your dog’s health, ask your veterinarian’s advice whether or not to choose rawhides or popular alternatives. The list of alternatives to rawhides is extensive. Raw bones, antlers, bully sticks and nylon (synthetic) bones are among the many options. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to monitor your dog while he enjoys chewing to help prevent choking.
By Debbie l Evert
Deer, moose, reindeer, caribou, and elk all grow antlers. They grow very quickly, faster than any other kind of bone. They begin to harden as blood flow stops. By winter, the antlers have fallen off the animals. Hardened antlers are made of calcium, phosphorus and as much as 50 percent water. Not all dogs will like antlers, but with so many options, you will find something he will enjoy.
While a good alternative to rawhides, a recent study surprised some dog parents. According to www.pawnation.com, a joint study between the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in the U.S. and the University of Guelph in Canada analyzed a sample of 26 different commercially available bully sticks, or pizzles, a dog treat derived from bull penises. On average, a 6-inch bully stick was found to contain around 88 calories. While that might not be a lot for humans, the number represents 9 percent of a 50-pound dog’s daily caloric need, and one-third of a 10-pound dog’s daily requirements. More distressing, some of the 26 bully sticks testes contained bacteria, one with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and seven with E. coli. Finally, nylon bones are an option to rawhide chews. Doctors Foster and Smith found them to be a good choice. “In our experience, we’ve never seen a dog with health problems resulting from chewing on nylon bones. Nylon is a harmless plastic used in dog bones for its strength. If your dog ingests small pieces of nylon, it simply passes through the digestive system and is eliminated in the stool.” Steve Benedict, a pet lover and writer, who writes from experience of raising healthy pets, chooses nylon bones for his miniature schnauzer, Zac. “Most nylon dog bones come in different degrees of durability. The industrial strength bone is usually labeled ‘For Powerful Chewers.’ This nylon bone is as hard as a slab of granite. The next level of durability is for the medium chewers. “You might not like the extra expense of buying a bone labeled for medium chewers. If your dog is a powerful chewer, he’ll go through this bone much faster. However, the chances of a tooth stress fracture are diminished considerably. Yes, you will have to invest in a nylon dog bone more often, but it’s a lot cheaper than a dental job.” You may find that rawhide or its popular alternatives will help deter your puppy or even older dog from being tempted to make mulch from priceless furniture or expensive leather shoes.
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vidence of dogs wearing collars have been found in Ancient Egyptian ruins dating back as early as 3500-3000 B.C. These early dog collars, which were often made of leather containing the names of dogs such as “Brave One,” “Reliable,” and “Useless,” are a good indication of the purpose of dog collars throughout the centuries. In ancient Greece and Rome dogs often wore spiked and studded collars to protect the animal’s neck against predators, as dogs were often used to defend livestock.
cover story
Collars: Not Just Pretty Accessories
Regardless of the type of collar you choose, always be sure your dog’s collar has a name tag with your current contact information.
In the 1700’s silver, gold and brass collars with engravings became the fashion. These collars often displayed the name of the owner and sometimes had witty sayings carved into them. Today, the use of dog collars is often practical as in the past, but it is also still a symbol of personal style and status. “In my opinion, every dog should wear a collar with some form of identification at all times (in addition to being microchipped),” said Linda Brennan of Canine Coach, Inc. “As more research is being gathered we are finding out that many of the old ‘training’ collars are actually causing damage to dogs’ necks, spines, and the soft tissue in their throats. Some collars and harnesses have been developed to minimize this potential damage.” Nine different types of dog collars have been available. Some have fallen out of use and some are still popular. The first is the chain slip collar, also called choke chain. When training a dog to walk on a leash and heel, corrections are made with a quick tug on the leash, causing it to close somewhat on the dog’s neck. Over time, many dog trainers have moved away from this method. A second type of collar is the metal prong. Despite their harsh appearance, many trainers find these collars effective for strong, stubborn dogs with a tendency to pull on the leash. Also known as pinch collars, they are used for correction during training, similar to chain slip collars. Also known as limited slip collars or Greyhound collars, Martingale collars are used to prevent dogs from slipping out of collars while walking on a leash. Though the collars tighten with a tug of the leash, there is a stopping mechanism to prevent complete closure on the neck. Often made out of nylon or similar material, Martingale collars are available in a variety of colors and designs. Two more collars are for everyday use. Collars with metal buckles or quick release clasps are available in a variety of materials, colors and styles to help express a personal style. Rolled leather collars are durable and less likely to cause hair loss or parting. Break-away collars are also for everyday use, and they have a special safety feature to prevent choking. The collar will break away if the loop becomes caught on something and your dog pulls away. When a leash is hooked onto both loops, you can walk your dog without the risk of the collar breaking away. Head collars or halters resemble muzzles, but they have a different purpose. These halters act more like harnesses for the dog’s head and are intended to help train a dog to walk on a leash and heel. When a dog pulls on the leash, the halter will cause the head to turn. When used properly, head collars can successfully discourage pulling and support other training. The Gentle Leaders is one of many brands available. Harnesses are designed to use around a dog’s chest and abdomen, crossing over the back. A leash can be attached to the top of the harness. If a dog tends to pull while walking, the harness will not put pressure on the neck. However, some trainers feel that harnesses only encourage pulling and that leash-and-collar training should be enforced. They are ideal for dogs with medical problems in the neck and airway.
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Show collars are slip collars typically made out of a braided material such as leather, nylon or metal. Martingale leads are all-in-one collars and leads and operate similarly to Martingale collars. The collar portion slips over the dog’s head and tightens when the lead is pulled. A plastic tube slides down the lead to keep the collar in place.
Measuring Tips for Collars and Harnesses Measure around your dog’s neck using a flexible measuring tape positioned where his collar sits. Add 2 inches to the measurement. This is your dog’s neck size. For a harness, measure your dog’s girth (rib cage) and add 2 inches. If your dog is between sizes, select the next size up. It should be snug with enough room to slide two fingers between your dog’s neck and his collar/harness.
By Debbie l Evert
The width of the collar/harness should be proportional to your dog’s size: 1 inch or wider for large dogs; 3/4 inch for medium dogs; 1/2 inch or under for small or toy dogs. courtesy: petsmart.com
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his is a simple question, but not such a simple answer. A simple dictum is feed them all they need but less than they want. They have many nutrient needs, including energy – calories, proteins – amino acids, fiber – non digested carbohydrates, vitamins – micro nutrients used as metabolic activators for all body function, and minerals – enzyme and co-enzyme constituents, needed to digest and metabolize the food nutrients. Next, the body weight or size is a major factor in determining food intake requirements. Age, gender (male, female, neuter), activity and life stage (breeding, lactating, and growth) are all factors considered in determining the amount to feed.
pet health
How Much Should We Feed Our Pets?
The nutritionist determines the amount of calories in a given food and recommends the feeding amounts according to the metabolic formula; Food intake in kilocalories = BWt¾ x (120 to 150) where BWt = body weight in kilograms to the ¾ power. The 25% variation between 120 150 represents part of the amount of variance that exists between breed and individual animals. This is why determining exactly how much to feed your dog is so difficult to calculate when looking at the feeding recommendations on the package. To do this calculation, the kilocalories of metabolizable energy (ME) in a given food must be known. Unless this is expressed on the package, it is not easily determined. Most dog foods will vary between 2500 kcal per kilogram (kg) for a lite food to 4200 kcal for a high protein, high fat food. The feeding tables are based on all of these factors and are expressed usually in cups per day as a factor of age, activity, and in some cases breed. In addition the higher the caloric
By Tom l Willard, Phd TRW Consulting Services
density the more dense is the food. In other words a cup of a lite food weighs less than a cup of high density performance food. How often should I feed my Pet? Some dogs, if fed once a day will act hungry, which may cause the owner to feed more food so the dog will not act hungry. Treats, snacks and supplements are major factors in determining the amount of food required per day. Most of these items are high in fat and carbohydrates and low in protein and fiber. They add calories and may offer few essential nutrients, but they will affect how much you feed as well as how your pet looks and acts. Now we get down to the individual dog being fed a specific food. One food may recommend feeding for an 18 lb., small to medium breed dog from 1 to 1¼ cups per day. However, if this dog is less than 5 years old, is allowed to be outside most of the day and is very active, then this may not be enough. Taking another case where this same dog is confined in an apartment all day and is allowed outside only once or twice daily and then only on a lead and only walking. In this case it may only require ¾ of a cup a day.
Use the feeding directions on the package only as a starting point and then adjust according to the entire variable field, for what you require for your individual pet. For more information: www.PetworthCS.com (719) 227-9125
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breed bio
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iberian cats are a Russian national treasure. They have been documented in Russia for hundreds of years and are mentioned in Russian fairy tales and children’s books. When the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States ended, the doors opened for the Siberian cat to be exported worldwide. The first Siberians arrived in the United States in June 1990. The Siberian was accepted for registration by Cat Fancier’s Association in February 2000 and advanced to championship status in February 2006. The Siberian is a medium to large cat with the overall appearance of excellent physical condition, strength, balance, power, and alertness, modified by a sweet facial expression. Their eyes vary in color from gold to green and all shades in-between. Some have two different colored eyes, and some even have blue eyes. Siberians are a natural breed and reflect the climate in which they developed, with their very dense, medium to long, water repellent triple coat. This coat is accented with a ruff around the neck, full fluffy britches, and a bushy tail, normally carried up with pride but also quite useful to wrap around the face and paws to keep warm.
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Siberian Cat
Fortunately, Siberians like to play in water, so if bathed regularly as kittens they may actually enjoy the attention of a bath. This is a cat designed by nature to survive, with no extremes in type. The Siberian can take up to five years to mature, with females generally being smaller than the males. The general impression of the body is one of circles and roundness, rather than rectangles and triangles. Siberian cats are very personable and want to be near their owners. They enjoy the company of children, dogs, and other animals. They are fearless and easygoing. Acrobatic by nature, the Siberian will play hard, often executing amazing somersaults in pursuit of a feather toy. An over enthusiastic kitten may need to be rescued while attempting to climb the bricks on the fireplace or jump to the top of a bookshelf. Siberians stay playful throughout their lives.
ask the doc
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ore and more, people are trying to provide better, healthier, longer lives for their four-legged companions. Certainly one of the most important factors in this is what they eat- the better the food, the healthier the animal. Unfortunately, interpreting pet food labels is difficult bordering on impossible, and there is a wealth of bad information available to pet owners. According to the American Pet Products Association survey of pet owners, the percent of dog and cat owners turning to the internet for health care and nutrition information has increased 5-fold since 1998. A lot of good information is available on the internet; but unfortunately, there is also a lot of misinformation. Distinguishing between the two is very difficult. The point of this article is to help people understand some of the misinformation about pet foods and to give them some decent methods (of which there aren’t many) for distinguishing good foods from bad.
Picking Pet Food
Whole meat as the first ingredient One of my personal pet peeves is the commonly advertised “Our first ingredient is always a whole meat.” What makes me angry about this is that it is straight marketing to YOU, the human. It has nothing to do with the quality of the food. The ingredients list is ordered by weight so the first ingredient is simply the heaviest. Whole meat (skeletal muscle directly off the bone) is about 70-75% water, so when the food is processed and the water is removed this only makes up a fraction of the actual protein in the food. If you look further down the ingredients list you will usually find some type of meal (beef meal, chicken meal, etc). This is where the protein actually comes from. This may be high quality meal or lower quality meal. The problem is that the company does not have to tell you what the quality level is. This is not to say that the food is bad if the first ingredient is meat, just that it doesn’t have any effect on the actual quality of the food.
Nutrients vs Ingredients Grain-Free Diets Probably the most fundamental concept is that One of the big fads right now is the Grainit is the nutrients that are most important, not Free diet. There is an amazing amount of the ingredients. As a culture we have been “evidence” stating how awful grain is for our trained to look at the ingredients list because By Dr. Russell l Welfare pets. The bottom line is that there are no that is what is on the bag. Unfortunately there scientific studies that point toward grain as a is no real way to determine what the nutrient content of the food is- pet food companies are not required to put that information nutritional danger. We do know that any protein can cause an allergic reaction, on the label. Often your veterinarian can help guide you toward foods built on and food allergies can occur to both grain and corn. But we also know that beef, nutrient levels, and he or she should be able to give you reasons as to those chicken, and lamb are more likely to cause a food allergy; and, most importantly, that the frequency of grain (and corn) allergies is significantly less than the choices. number of Grain-Free diets currently marketed. Natural or Raw diets Raw or Natural diets are also relatively popular right now. I will not tell you that there are no benefits to these diets. The problem, as I see it, is that the detriments outweigh the benefits. One of the big issues is the significantly higher likelihood of intestinal colonization with bacteria like Salmonella. Some dogs and cats have a level of resistance to these bacteria; the problem is that people don’t. So an animal carrier in your house has the potential to expose your family to these pathogens. This is a risk that I am personally not comfortable taking with my family. As a side note, every major veterinary group has come out with a position statement against raw diets. Methods of picking pet foods So how do you pick a good pet food? First, look for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Statement. This statement should say “…substantiated by animal feeding trials….” This means that they actually fed the diet to animals to be certain that it supported their nutritional needs. If it says “… formulated to meet the nutritional needs….” This only indicates that the food was made using the AAFCO formula, not checked. Look for the first statement. Second, look for a consumer contact number. You can call and ask about the protein digestibility of the product (higher is better), are there veterinary nutritionists on staff, and how much (and what types of) research they do on their products. Last, engage your veterinarian in a conversation. We don’t have all the answers, but should be able to give you the reasons we have chosen the foods we like. Please call us at (719) 282-1222 with any questions. Dr. Russell Welfare North Powers Animal Hospital drwelfare@npahvet.com
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dog facts
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ax is sleeping soundly on your feet. Your five-year-old best friend sleeps there every evening as you read your favorite book. Except for the hum of the fish tank, the room is cozy and quiet.
Let Sleeping Dogs...
Dream
Then, Max enters rapid-eye movement, or REM, sleep and begins to whimper. His feet are twitching and a muffled, high-pitched bark sounds every few minutes intermingled with deep growls. Max’s eyes are moving back and forth under his closed eyelids. Max is dreaming. Psychologist and dog behavior expert Stanley Coren has pointed out that the brain waves of dogs that appear to be dreaming look very similar to the brain waves of humans who are dreaming. Dogs are highly social and emotional animals, which have good memories and are just as likely to process through the events of the day via dreaming as humans are. Matthew Wilson, professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Learning and Memory, has demonstrated that this is not By Debbie Evert l exclusive to dogs, either. Wilson ran a series of tests on rats, comparing their brain activity in both waking-state and sleep-state, and then tested their ability to learn complex tasks. If a group of rats ran a maze all day, the researchers discovered, the same portions of the rats’ brains stimulated by the maze would likely show activity later, as they slept. “The animal is certainly recalling the memories of those events
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as they occurred during the awake state, and it is doing so during the dream sleep,” Wilson said, “and that’s just what people do when they dream.” Proof is found in this story from Joseph Baker: Goober is a basenji, and like many basenjis he hates water and being bathed. As soon as my wife finishes bathing him he bolts out of the bathroom door, finds me, and tries to hide behind me or under me. So one day Goober was forced to be cleaned and underwent his ritual of hiding behind me. Later that night he was sleep running. He awoke with a start, and then bolted to my location to hide under my legs. This was very awkward as I was sitting on the toilet at the time. I believe that he was dreaming, and I believe that he was dreaming about having a bath. I believe this because he only engages in this behavior when a bath is involved.
Should you wake your dog if he looks like he is having a nightmare? Do so at your own risk. Just as people can be startled when we are awakened from a disturbing dream, dogs might growl, snap at, or bite their pet parent when awakened when disrupted during a dream. However, the misbehavior will likely be temporary and when fully awake, your dog will return back to his normal self. For some grins and giggles, put “dogs dreaming” in youtube.com. Enjoy!
610 Abbot Lane
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4600 Eagleridge Place l Pueblo CO 81008 l 719.544.3005
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www.hsppr.org
www.puebloanimalservices.org
A Home for the Holidays As families come together to celebrate the holidays, there’s no better time to add to the love with a new furry family member from Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. HSPPR takes in 25,000 animals each year, and we need adopters like you to make sure as many as possible are going into fantastic new homes, just like Suki, Puglet and Peetey! Suki’s Happy Tail! Suki, a 5-month-old kitten, started having severe complications during her routine spay at HSPPR. An x-ray showed a large hernia in her diaphragm. When staff veterinarians tried to repair this hole, Suki stopped breathing and her heart stopped beating, but the surgery team did not give up! Four technicians surrounded the surgery table fighting to save her as the staff veterinarian continued to work carefully around the vital organs involved in the hernia. With everyone’s efforts, her breathing and pulse rate returned to normal. She made a full recovery and was adopted just a few days later. Good luck to you, sweet Suki! Puglet’s Happy Tail! This adorable little Pug puppy was less than 2 weeks old when he came to HSPPR and was placed in our foster program until he was old enough to be put up for adoption about two months later. Puglet was very popular on Facebook and had no shortage of potential adopters, including his happy new mom! Puglet was a variable priced puppy, which means he cost more than our regularly priced dogs. Because his fee was higher, Puglet will be able to help HSPPR perform a leg fracture surgery on another animal in need and help us keep the adoption fees on older dogs and cats very low. Way to go, Puglet!
Remember... When you adopt a pet from HSPPR, you are giving a homeless animal a place to live and people to love. And HSPPR’s adoption packages offer great value! All cat and dog adoptions come with a spay/neuter, vaccinations, a voucher for a free veterinary exam (at a participating veterinarian in the Colorado Springs area), 30 days of pet health insurance, and a microchip. Dog adoptions also include a 1-year dog license. But the value of unconditional love? Priceless!
Peetey’s Happy Tail! When HSPPR Animal Law Enforcement officers went to investigate a report of a puppy in poor condition, they found a thin black and white dog, hunched in pain and unable to hold up his own head. The officers rushed him to the HSPPR surgery center for immediate medical attention. His leg injury was so severe that amputation was the only option. After surgery and critical care in our ICU, Peetey was able to continue his recovery in HSPPR’s foster program. A few weeks later Peetey was like a new dog -- happy, healthy, and getting around on his own! Peetey was adopted almost immediately by loving new parents. Way to go, Peetey and family!
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he road to Grandma’s house is well traveled during the holidays. However, the road “over the river and through the woods” is long and an overnight stay is a must. Before you hit the road, research online pet-friendly places to stay. “While most hotels along major freeways take dogs, they [can] charge a nonrefundable fee ($25),” said Laura, owned by one dog. “Motel 6 takes dogs without extra charge.”
Have Pets Will Travel
“They [Our dogs] come with us on vacation 80 percent of the time and always for the holidays,” said Cathy, mother to three golden retrievers. “Pet friendly hotels are pretty easy to find online. If pets aren’t welcome, we aren’t visiting.” Bringfido.com is one of many websites that lists pet-friendly hotels. With no booking fees, this valuable website knows of 25,000 hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, and long-term apartments that welcome pets in more than 54 countries worldwide. “No pets allowed, we don’t stay,” said Mary Beth, mother to Junior, a St. Bernard puppy. If you have a need to spend more than one night on the road, an alternative to a hotel is a private home.“Vacation Rentals By Owner (vrbo.com) is the only way to go to find not only great housing for pet friendly travel, but also yards for the dogs,” said Lisa. “We have three dogs, so it almost costs more to kennel them, than it does to bring them. Pet friendly hotels are very easy to find, but we really appreciate having a private home to vacation in. And depending on where we go, sometimes we even take them to doggie daycare for them to have a fun day on the trip.”
Consider putting your dog in a travel kennel with a favorite blanket or stuffed toy. And, be By Debbie l Evert sure to anchor the kennel to the back seat. Typically cats do not like to travel in cars, so a kennel will be ideal. If your travels take you to the friendly skies, determine your airline’s policy on traveling with pets. Get answers to the following questions as suggested by the Humane Society of the United States: l
Will the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog in the cabin with you?
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Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?
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Foster Volunteer Donate Adopt 1141 Manitou Avenue Manitou Springs, CO 80829
(719) 359-0201
www.safeplacepets.org 44 info@safeplacepets.org
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We are unable to accept animals on a “walk-in/drop-off “basis.
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Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most airlines will accept either hard- or soft-sided carriers, but only certain brands of soft-sided carriers are acceptable to certain airlines. If you can’t take your pet in the cabin, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet in the cargo hold?
The Transportation Security Administration says “pets and animals can be transported in carry-on or checked baggage to the extent permitted by the airline operator. All pets and animals are subject to non-x-ray screening. At all times, you are responsible for maintaining control of your pet and assisting the TSO in the screening process.” You will never be forced to put a pet into the x-ray scanner. The United States Department of Agriculture regulates air transportation of pets within the U.S. and all airlines are required by law to follow guidelines. Individual airlines may impose further restrictions or fees for flying with your pet. For the individual policies of each airline, go to bringfido.com/travel/airline_policies/.
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According to petfinder.com, “If you cross into another state, you are legally required to obtain a health certificate for your pet no matter how you travel. This certificate is required by the United State Department of Agriculture and can be obtained from your veterinarian. It’s generally valid for 30 days and certifies that your pet is free of diseases.” You would plan for activities for your human children, so take along a few toys and items specifically for your pets. The toys with treats in the middle will keep them entertained for hours. A water bowl and snacks will be helpful as you take a break at a roadside stop. Of course, remember to put your dog’s leash on him so he doesn’t run off and be sure the tags on his collar are up-to-date.
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You Can Make A Difference!
As you would have your car tuned before hitting the road, take your pet to his veterinarian to get a pre-trip check-up and health certificate. If your pet takes medication, be sure to have enough for the duration of your trip. Check with the vet whether or not a mild tranquilizer or something like a Thundershirt might be a good option for your pet.
Whether your dog is flying in the cabin or as a checked pet, he will be exposed to increased altitude pressures. This can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs that are sedated or tranquilized. Snub-nosed dogs (American Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Brussels Griffins, Bull Terriers, English/French Bulldogs, English Toy Spaniels, Japanese Chins, King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pekineses, Pugs, Shar-Peis and Shih Tzus) are especially affected. bringfido.com/travel/us_regulations/ Although these lists seem complicated, they don’t have to be. Take time to read through the regulations whether traveling by car or plane to ensure the smoothest possible trip for all of your family members.
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bout 54% of all homes with cats have more than one. El Paso County laws limit homes to 4 cats and research says that problems are more likely to occur with 6 or more. Adopting a new cat to a multi-cat household requires careful matching of cats, proper introductions, play therapy and human intervention for multi-cat harmony. If we can look through the eyes of the cat to understand feline behavior, problems with having multiple cats can be avoided.
feline focus
Keeping the Peace: Multi-Cat Households
There are logical and behavioral reasons that cats act the way they do. Cat behavior is based on a few instinctual drives: the need for safe territory, hunting for food & water, and both physical and mental stimulation. Happy Cats Haven offers potential adopters the time to help make the best match possible. In addition to discussing appropriate age and size, staff and volunteers try to match energy levels, personalities and communication styles. As a member of the HCH Professional Advisory Committee, I consult with guardians to help keep their cats in the home and with adopters to help avoid and resolve issues. Having multiple cats can be heartwarming when they play, groom each other and sleep snuggled together. However, limited territory can make them feel stress, fear, compete for resources and act in ways that are unhealthy for them and upsetting for the humans. I recently consulted with a family who had 4 older cats and had taken in a kitten that their dog found while they were out walking. The kitten had lost his mother and littermates too early to learn good boundaries. He was also chasing the cats and harassing their older 3-legged female. The stress level was high, making one of the cats urinate outside the boxes.
kitten, seriously consider adopting two kittens so your older cats won’t be forced to entertain them. Can we match communication styles? If a cat has been an only cat, orphaned, weaned early or raised just around dogs, he or she may not relate well to other cats. Cats have fairly subtle communication styles. If a cat doesn’t have experience interacting with cats, there might be problems interpreting cat communications. Can we keep our cats healthy? Research tells us that feline social structure is very dynamic and changeable. However, a cat that has a sudden, unexplained change in personality/behavior may have a physical or medical issue that needs veterinary attention. If you don’t understand the behavior and your vet has ruled out health issues, you might need to call in an expert to help you evaluate the situation and recommend solutions
It is possible to keep the peace in multiple cat households, especially if you give them plenty of resources. This always includes you, their primary caretaker and provider of everything good, from their food to playing with toys to that snuggle session on the bed. With some thought and planning, your new cat can become another treasured family member, by both you and your other cats. Melissa Shandley of Play and Treat Pet Services, provides animal care and behavioral consulting services in Teller and El Paso Counties. Contact Melissa for assistance with kitten socialization, safe animal introductions, environmental enrichment, stress reduction, clicker communication and harness & leash training. Classes offered through Happy Cats Haven and HSPPR. 719-686-8778
The family made a few simple adjustments to the environment, which solved problems and allowed the youngster to integrate peacefully with the other cats: l The kitten was restricted to the master bedroom at night to allow the older cats to relax. l
An outdoor cat enclosure was constructed off the downstairs with window access to expand territory and stimulation.
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Covers were removed from the litter boxes and the boxes were moved farther apart.
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The kitten was matched up with the dog, who substituted for his mother and siblings in teaching boundaries. He played with the kitten and gently restrained him if he got too wild. The restraint helped the kitten modulate his emotions and be more respectful.
As a cat behavior consultant, I have helped with many of these situations. The good news is that many of them can be avoided or resolved with proper introductions/reintroductions and by providing a proper feline environment. Here are 6 questions to ask when adopting a new cat: Do we have enough territory? Litter boxes, food/water stations, perching/ sleeping areas, toys and--most of all—attention from the cats’ humans, all count as territory. These may have to be increased for the number of cats and their personalities Do we have time for a proper introduction? The first impression is the most important and sets the tone for the relationships. Providing a safe space for the newcomer and a slow, controlled introduction is very important for cats. If the introduction creates enough fear that any family member feels the need to defend him or herself, you may be creating a situation that can’t be overcome. Wll we know if our cats are stressed? Some very common stress responses in cats are: decreased grooming, decreased social interaction, decreased active exploration & play behavior, increased hiding or attempts to hide, lowered appetite, chronic withdrawal and signs of depression. Can we match energy and play styles? Similar ages and body sizes are more likely to get along. Sedentary older cats that are happy in a quiet routine are unlikely to handle a young kitten well. If you want a
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e pamper them. We bring them wherever we go. We surprise them with something new on special occasions. They even get holiday presents. They are our pets! From high-end items to high-tech items, products for our companion animals now extend beyond traditional necessities. Reducing Your Pets Carbon PAW print Around the world people are making conscious efforts to help our planet Earth, and the pet industry is no exception. From natural litters to toys, accessories and organic food options, earth-friendly pet products are sprouting up everywhere.
Trends In Pet Products
Going to the Dogs More and more companies traditionally known for human products are going to the dogs, and cats, and reptiles. Big name companies including like Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food.
Straight from the Catwalk Faux mink coats, hipster lumberjack vests, designer plaid jackets, matching jeweled and leather collar and leash sets, Halloween costumes, and holiday outfits keep pets in fashion throughout the year. Upscale leather carriers complete with a cell phone and water bottle holder are the perfect accessories to keep the pet owner in style as well. Keep on Truckin' Whether it's a quick trip to the supermarket or a long ride to the beach, companion animals are now traveling animals too. Buckled up in a harness, seat belt system or a portable carrier, these pets stay safe and secure while on the road. Food and water along with safety supplies are on hand in all-in-one kits, waste disposal systems make for easy cleanup on quick stops and motion sickness aids are available too.
Pets Welcome Many hotels across the courtesy: www.fetchpetcare.com country are adopting pet friendly policies. Several chains have announced new petfriendly policies that include everything from oversized pet pillows, plush doggie Hello, My Name Is From monogrammed sweaters robes, to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and personalized food and water bowls to digitized and turn down treat. Some even have a licensed dog masseuse on staff. collar tags and hand-made treats, owners embrace their pets as true members of the American family celebrating Pet Products Sold Here Shopping for pet products is becoming easier than ever their fluffy, finned and feathered companions with their very own belongings. with an increasing variety of retail outlets now selling pet products. Right along side fertilizer and shovels, shoppers can now find pet products such as doggie doors and yellow lawn spot removers sold at many lawn and garden stores, nurseries, and major home improvement stores including Home Depot. Ultra-Clean Pet-owners take grooming one step beyond a haircut, a quick bath and a nail trim. Mouthwash and an electric toothbrush for canines are routine steps in a beauty session for some pooches. Birds receive daily pedicures with special cage perches, while others enjoy manicures complete with nail polish. Pet-owning homes stay cleaner with automatic, self-flushing litter boxes, cleaning cloths for muddy paws that mimic traditional baby wipes, and scented gel air fresheners to keep rooms free of pet odors. Dinner is Served Today's pet foods include complete and balanced diets that tantalize our pets' taste buds and satisfy their tummies. Formulas for puppies and kittens, specialized meals for reptiles, birds and fish and diets for senior pets ensure a long and healthy life for our beloved companions. State-of-the-Art High-tech products including computerized identification tags, digital aquarium kits, automatic doors and feeders, enhanced reptile terrarium lighting systems and touch-activated toys help pet-owners take care of companion animals with ease and precision. Loosen Up As pet owners meditate in yoga class, cats relieve stress by frolicking in a toy gym or relaxing in a feline spa before enjoying herbal catnip packaged in a tea bag. Dogs sip fresh water from flowing fountains after a soothing rub with a doggie massager. Help Yourself! Products designed with convenience in mind lead this trend. Programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats let pets virtually care for themselves!
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know this is a tough subject, but sometimes the Rainbow Bridge comes quickly and without warning. So, I wanted to get the gears turning just in case you find yourself (hopefully not…) needing a service like this. EQUINE CREMATION I stumbled upon an ad today for Equine Cremation. Whaa? I had never thought about that. In my mind, there were only three options and none of them were particularly palatable: l Home burial (if you have the equipment and if it is legal on your property) l
pet aftercare
Equine Cremation
Necropsy and …disposal (awful term, I know)
Rendering (Oy, the idea of that truck rumbling up the driveway and yanking at my loved one is just gut wrenching.) Today I found several options for cremation, and I wanted to tell you about them. I know it is a rather sad topic, but to me, it is important to think ahead about this. Having lost a horse recently, the last thing you want to be thinking about is how to bury your friend. It is an awful, hectic time and I think it is best to know your options before the time comes. l
FIRST THINGS FIRST The first thing to do is locate a service in your area. It is important to understand what services each facility provides. You want to find a local service because they do charge to pick up your friend. Most will pick up from a veterinarian or an equine hospital, a boarding facility or your home. But, you want to figure out the pick up restrictions (gate size, area from truck to horse, strategic details). Also, you want to know how much they charge if you are out of their area.
Let’s Be Brave and Talk About It
Most suggest that they are “gentle” or “respectful” but I would ask for a recommendation before I hired anyone to do such a delicate service. I googled ‘equine cremation’ in my area. I found one nearby. Shocked. I’ve never, ever even thought about it. Lo and Behold, there is a service nearby. So, google and learn what services are in your area. I never want to see a rendering truck in my driveway – and hopefully it will never be necessary.
CREMATION I found out that most equine cremations are done in a small cat/dog furnace. So, you want to ask this difficult question, “Can you cremate the whole horse?” Some equine crematoriums tout that they have the ability to cremate an entire horse. Obviously, this is an From the blog important question to ask. Another way to know “Horse and Man” for sure is to ask to inspect their equipment. Then you will know whether the whole horse will fit in the crematory. Some facilities offer the option of allowing the owner to watch the cremation. They do this because notoriously, crematoriums are not always trustworthy to cremate your pet and/or give you the ashes of your own pet – if you know what I mean. So reputable crematoriums offer this service. P.S. ~ Here at Homeward Bound,, we have a crematory that is large enough to accommodate the entire horse. We provide a private cremation for each animal, with the remains returned in an urn of your choice. We work with a reputable transport company who will pick up your friend from any location that can be accessed with his truck and trailer.
Homeward Bound Pet Memorial Center & Crematorium Skye M. Stevens has been a co-owner of Homeward Bound Pet Memorial Center and Crematorium in Colorado Springs for over 18 years. She has a degree in Animal Health Technology and worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician for 20 years. She continued her education while managing her husband’s veterinary hospital, and obtained a BS in Management/ Accounting followed by an MBA in Finance/ Accounting from Regis University. She passed the CPA exam in 1992 and was as an accountant in private practice for several years. She assumed the chief executive duties for Homeward Bound in 2004, and she and her husband, M. Bruce Cottrell, DVM continue to operate the memorial center and crematory. Skye received certification as a Pet Loss Professional and a Grief Companion through the Pet Loss Professional Alliance in 2011.
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bout a year ago, Marcy McReynolds, Linda Hoover, and Terra Kraettli decided it was time to do what they’d been dreaming about---open a new type of non-profit thrift store to fund animal rescue and welfare groups. Their vision was a more upscale version of a traditional thrift store. Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique started accepting donations and officially opened in February 2013. There are thrift stores all over the country supporting animal rescue groups and shelters. Some are run by a group or shelter, and fund only themselves. Other stores benefit larger numbers of groups. Still others, such as Cause for Paws in Lincoln, Nebraska, fund a smaller number of groups. When Linda and Marcy learned of Cause for Paws nearly 2 years ago, they went there and met with the owner. She shared her expertise freely, and was truly an inspiring example. Given the success of Cause for Paws, it reinforced their intention to go that direction in their new venture. All three founding women are experienced in marketing and retail, and are active in animal rescue and rehabilitation, which are essential for running a store such as this. Their personal contacts in the local rescue community were the key to knowing where they wanted to focus their efforts. With the abundance of rescue groups in the area, RHUB generally funds some of those who don’t have as many members. They do an outstanding job, but often operate somewhat under the radar. The idea is to have someone else doing extra publicity for them, as well as extra fund-raising on their behalf. RHUB is an enthusiastic supporter of two larger groups that take an exceptional approach to dog rescue, All Breed Rescue & Training and Lucky Dog Rescue. When a dog comes into their custody, they go through positive reinforcement training. This practice aids a successful adoption rate. Both groups help the new owners address any issues that might arise, to prevent the dog from being returned. In addition to dog rescues, Rescued Hearts helps cat, horse, reptile, rabbit, and exotic rescues, as well as Hamlett Spay and Neuter Clinic. The women of Rescued Hearts are closely involved in the rescue community, and continually network to arrange transport, find foster homes, rescue animals in need, and connect animals in need with those who can help them. RHUB is about more than just retail sales. There are opportunities for customers to meet the groups the store supports. These events usually involve food, drink and music! Some events are educational, others are outright fundraisers. Adoption fairs are held. Lucky Dog Rescue had 2 fairs and adopted 6 dogs! Both Breeder Release Adoption Service, a mill dog rescue group based in Bon Carbo, and Pals Forever have also done adoptions at the store. RHUB also collects donations of pet food, which are distributed to the groups. RHUB held a fundraiser for a group each month until the first grant checks were issued. One fundraiser was a silent auction for Ruby Ranch Horse Rescue. It had already been planned for June, but when they took in horses from the Black Forest Fire, the need became even greater. Bids came from as far away as Washington and Michigan. There also were wine tastings for Lucky Dog Rescue, a garden plant and statuary sale for Happy Cats Haven, a Pass the Puppy Party for a wolf-dog pup from Indigo Mountain, and desserts at a “Talk with the Trainers” from All Breed Rescue & Training. The mix of personalities and skills that are drawn to be a part of this all-volunteer organization are its true strength. Susan Sterritt and Cathy Zapien joined long before the doors opened. Initially, Susan became a board member, but now works special events, along with Cathy and Terra. Cathy, the first full staffer is truly the queen of the back room and master of clothes pricing!
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Lee Bathelt started as a volunteer, became volunteer coordinator, and is now a board member. Robbyn Winburn began volunteering one shift a week, and is now a full staff member. Both have adopted dogs through the store! Volunteer recruiting is continuous. There is easily enough work to require 3-4 staffers on every shift. The fact that their dogs are welcome in the store is a real draw for volunteers. It also is a reason many people enjoy shopping at RHUB---they get their “doggy fix!” It’s a rare day there isn’t at least one dog on duty as greeter. The store sells typical donated thrift store items---gently used (and new) clothing, purses, shoes, furniture, decorative items, books, CDs, DVDs, kitchen items, pet supplies, and jewelry. There are also antiques and collectibles. Donors receive a receipt for tax purposes. Select new merchandise is purchased for resale, including gifts and pet supplies. Diapers and belly bands for dogs are made by volunteers, as are dog and cat beds using recycled fabrics. During the summer, a furniture annex was opened in the same strip mall, allowing for the storage of more furniture, seasonal items and donated pet food.
The long-delayed website recently launched, with opportunities for people locally and around the country to support our groups and causes. There are educational links, also. Come to Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique—it truly is a great place to donate and a fun place to shop!
around the globe
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eeping in the theme of the Wildlife Travel Log I started when joining the Military Sealift Command, I’m writing this article from a distant place – Burgas, Bulgaria. As luck would have it, I was able to transit the Sea of Marmara and sail past Istanbul into the Black Sea. Dolphins danced at the bow of our ship. Alas, I’ve already written about dolphins on the bows of ships. An interesting sight I recommend everyone experience, but we’ve been there, done that. As I was looking for topics, one topic in particular kept jumping out at me about the Black Sea region. I wish it was a beautiful topic like the scenery I’ve seen. This topic is more guttural. It hits home in an “I wish this wasn’t something I had to think about” kind of way. But it wouldn’t fade from my computer screen. The further I read the more I knew I had to write about the stray dog problem in the Black Sea region. This isn’t a unique problem to the region; every society I’ve ever been a part of has had at least a small stray dog problem. The reason I find it so compelling here is that it has become a health and safety concern.
By Bradley l Ritzenthaler
Last year Bucharest, the capital of Romania, had 16,000 reports of dog bites. Romania’s stray population is estimated to be several hundred thousand. That’s a lot of dogs running the streets. The health concerns center around rabies. Over 10,000 series were given to human bite victims. Safety has also been an issue. Several high profile cases of children and adults being attacked and killed in the streets has placed this issue in the public eye.
Bradley Ritzenthaler is a Medical Services Officer at US Navy’s Military Sealift Command.
When the Ukraine suggested a kill off of strays prior to the start of the European Football Cup in 2012 it was met with international outcry. Bucharest attempted to kill the strays between 2001 and 2003. It was unsuccessful. Unless the extermination is organized and unrelenting, the killing of some dogs only provides more food and room for the dogs left behind, who in turn breed and replace the dogs killed. Spaying and neutering so many dogs would be a logistical nightmare. Even if every animal could be spayed and neutered, there would still be the issue of dogs running the streets threatening health and safety. Rabies vaccination given at the time of their operation would only cover them for a short period of time and then they’d need to be given a rabies booster; again an impossible logistical nightmare. How about adoption? Several accounts claim the stray dogs are already adopted – kind of. People feed and interact with them on a daily basis. The dogs develop bonds in certain neighborhoods, but belong to nobody. Healthcare for the dogs is not provided. Responsibility for the dogs does not exist. This is akin to feeding your children but providing no further support. It does not keep them from running the streets. Bucharest’s stray problem is not unique in the world. Back home, Detroit suffers from a similar problem. Tens of thousands of stray dogs are running the streets. Brought on by tough economic times, many families were faced with the choice of feeding their children or feeding their dogs. Unfortunately for the dogs many were turned out on the streets. Detroit is not alone in the United States. It is estimated that 4 to 5 million dogs are euthanized each year nationwide. How to prevent a stray dog problem from becoming epidemic - Spay or neuter your dog. If you can’t afford to have a dog spayed or neutered get your dog from an animal shelter. The operation will have already been performed and you’ll only have to pay a small fee to adopt the animal. Plus you’ll be giving a home to a dog in need. Make a commitment to your dog. When you bring a dog into your home, to the dog you are inviting him into your pack. The cruelest thing you can do to a dog is to kick him out of the pack. If you can’t make the commitment, just don’t get a dog. If circumstances get beyond your control and you must find a new home for your dog, take him to an animal shelter or better yet find him a new caring family. A transfer from one family to another might be confusing for the dog, but it’ll beat the trauma of being orphaned to a shelter or worse, the streets. If you travel extensively and you love animals, do as I do – live vicariously through your neighbor’s pets. winter 2013
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breed bio
T
he breed was named after a clergyman named Rev. John Russell. It was used as a small game hunting dog particularly for red fox, digging the quarry out of its den in the mid-1800s. The Jack Russell Terrier is a cheerful, merry, devoted and loving dog. They are spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. Careful and amusing, they enjoys games and playing with toys. JRTs are intelligent, and if you let them take an inch, they can become willful and determined to take a mile. It is paramount that you are this dog’s pack leader. He needs to be given rules to follow, and limitations as to what he is and is not allowed to do. Do not let this little dog fall into a small dog syndrome, where he believes he is pack leader to all humans. This is where varying degrees of behavior problems will arise, including, but not limited to guarding, snapping, separation anxiety, and obsessive barking. They are highly trainable and able to perform impressive tricks. As of April 1, 2003, the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America was changed to the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. The working types remained Jack Russells while the American show types
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winter2013
Jack Russell Terrier
became known as the Parson Russell Terrier. Some of the Jack Russell’s talents include hunting, tracking, agility and performing tricks.
Stats: Height: 10 - 15 inches
Weight: 14 - 18 pounds
Life expectancy is about 15 or more years.
Living Conditions: The Jack Russell
Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
Potential Health Problems: Some are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness and Legg Perthes—a disease of the hip joints of small dog breeds. They also are prone to mast cell tumors.
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Colorado Petacular is published by Production Plan-it Inc. and is distributed to over 150 locations in the Colorado Springs and area communities. Copyright 2013 Production Plan-it Inc. 6620 Dreamweaver Drive, Colo Springs CO 80923 (719) 339-3625 or (719) 964-2486. Customer Service, Advertising and other questions: Info@PetacularUSA.com All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. Publishers/Editors: Kelly Crnokrak, Audree M. Grubesic Creative Director: Alison Harder Contributing Writers: Debbie Evert, Bradley Ritzenthaler, Melissa Shandley, Skye M. Stevens, Dr. Russell Welfare, Tom Willard, PhD. We would like to thank you for reading the PETacular magazine. Our advertisers allow this publication to be FREE by their support and contribution. Please visit them today.