Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Winter 2019 Vol. 7 Issue 1 Digital Issue

PetConnections

PITTSBURGH

FRE E

Winter 2019 Volume 7 Issue 1

wellness through the human-animal bond

the

Princess

Showcase

Nate’s Reptile Rescue February Is Pet Dental Health Month Pittsburgh’s #1 Resource for Everything Pets

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VCA CASTLE SHANNON ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3610 Library Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15234

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* Free initial health exam for new clients only. Offer good for up to two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good toward any services other than those set forth above including: any emergency and/or specialty veterinary services; boarding; grooming; or any vaccines, medications, or retail items. Redeemable only at VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No Cash Value. Expires 12/31/18. Cashier Code: 700.500 © 2018 VCA Inc. VCA Logo is a registered trademark of VCA Inc. or its affiliated companies.

Month

h t l a e H l a t n e D t Pe Kibble does

NOT

clean teeth!

From The Publisher Welcome to Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine’s!

Winter 2019, Volume 7 Issue 1

News Welcome to our Winter 2019 issue!

We welcome Ease Animal Massage, Buzzy Photography, and O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel to our supporting advertisers!

Introducing our new sister publications coming out in March, Integrative Healing magazine for people (and, of course, a pet section!)

CORRESPONDENCE info@pghpetconnections.com 724 -292-7387 All Rights Reserved | © 2019

PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

M A G A Z I N E P U B L I C AT I O N S TA F F Carla Mader, Managing Editor Kara Jones Photography, Photography Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer Edward R. Moats, Content Editor Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager Edward R. Moats, Media Account Manager

A D V E RT I S I N G S A L E S Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center Kristin Hermann April Minech Bernadette Kazmarski Edward R. Moats

We are also pleased to announce some fun new things that we have in the works for PetConnections!

My hero, bestfriend, the only one that listens, yes our pets are everything to us. Now on our Facebook Page you can submit pictures to our weekly cute pet contest to possibly be famous in our or next issue!

Would you like to get a free, quick email keeping you informed every Friday? If so join Four Paw Fridays where we deliver instant news updates like recall notices, upcoming events and contests, special time sensitive discounts from our advertisers, and more! Just click on the link on our facebook page to get started next week.

Being healthy is a huge goal for almost all of us every new year. To make sure you get and stay healthy grab a copy of our brand new sister publications coming out in March, Integrative Healing magazine!

To start the cute pet pictures off here is one of our readers Chocolate Lab barking at a Golden Retriever on a Pickup truck.

Events Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Animal Friends’ and CARMAA’s events are highlighted in our event section.

This Issue Our cover features Manon Farm’s Princess Showcase riding show! See the Equine Affairs section article inside, written by April Minech!

Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be Ginger”, in the Human-Animal Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition articles, with more great tips, in Feathered Friends. Also, we are revisiting Integrative Healing for Pets with Dr. Doug, in our Pet Holistic section.

Our rescue section features Nate’s reptile Rescue. PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about winter safety for pets. Our Kitty Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. Equine affairs, Kristin Hermann writes about Learning from Source.

PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: Early February, May, August, and November. Our print copy distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much greater than in print with now over 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.

Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, providing services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.

Warmly,

Cover Photo: Hayden and Harper Stewart Photo By: Erica Stewart

Carla Mader Publisher Pittsburgh | Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine PetCon Expos Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet.

Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine

2 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

Table of Contents Spring 2019

4

12

Pet Health & Wellness

16

Holistic Pet Care

22

Feathered Friends

HumanAnimal Bond Great To Be Ginger

10

Featured Rescue

26

Equine Affairs

Nate’s Reptile Rescue

Keep Pets Safe from From Winter Cold

Integrative Veterinary Medicine

Superfood for Birds

6 Events 10 Rescue &

Shelter Animal Friends New Re-Sale Store

14 Advertiser

Princess Showcase

20 Directories 24 Kitty Korner

Spay & Neuter Clinics

25 Equine Affairs

Learning From Source

28 Remembrance

Locator Map www.petconnections.pet 3

Human-Animal Bond

GREAT TO BE GINGER!

By Ruth Maloy-Carter

Ginger is a happy, high spirited-3 legged beagle that my son and I rescued from Animal Friends when she was one years old, although it must be said that I only went there that day to see their new shelter on the North Side of Pittsburgh, PA, with my ex-husband since he is the one who was thinking of getting a dog (he already had two rescued cats)!~Lol The Shelter said her name was “Jeepers”, but I did not want to have that “Jeepers Creepers” song always in my head!~Lol We were told that she had lost her leg when she had run away from home and was out on her own foraging for food until one day she was hit by a car. She was then rescued by Animals Friends who took great care of her until we adopted her. We already had a” rescue beagle” named Angel whom we adored. They did not hit it off at first, perhaps because Ginger was almost

like a wild animal. She must have been on her own for some time. Animal Friends did not want her to be adopted by anyone who had young children and I totally understood this after she had bitten me a couple of times! One of those times was when I tried to get my son’s bowl of chicken soup off her! ~Lol Ginger was not easy to re-train at in the beginning, but like most rescues, she has become a valued, remarkable family member. Not only that, she is 4 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

a neighborhood favorite. When I am out walking her, everyone is curious about how she lost her leg. One time, while we were walking across the Burger King parking lot, someone called out that her leash was caught in her leg and (after careful thought) I replied “what leg?”~Lol I have made a lot of jokes about her missing a leg, but I always end up explaining what had happened and where I got her from. They are always in awe of how well she gets around! They say that she is so cute and are concerned about her wellbeing, but I make sure they realize that she is a very happy, healthy, “well taken care of” beagle that does not let her handicap slow her down! After we get home from a long walk, she immediately runs like a streak of lightening in a big circle... up the deck stairs, across the deck, down the other deck stairs and into the grass of our fenced-in back yard. It is truly amazing to see her do

this! ~Lol, she has a white streak across the side of her body that looks like a lightning bolt. When she is alone in the back yard, I have observed her playing ball by herself (I did teach her to “fetch” a ball and “drop it”).

She will pick up the ball with her mouth, then throw it upwards & chase it. However, I suspect she prefers to play with one of us or other animals! ~Lol I am a true believer of pet adoption from rescue shelters and have been a participant for a long, long time. Animals like Ginger deserve a good, loving home and the freedom to be themselves, not a caged-up or abused animal. Who on this earth would want that for themselves? So, if you see Ginger out on her walk or running down the road with me, feel free to say “hi” or pet Ginger. She is one of the friendliest dogs in the world!

Yours Truly & Grateful, Ruth Maloy-Carter

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www.petconnections.pet 5

Events Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar

Feb 24 Bridgeville Chartiers Custom Pet Cremations www.ccpc.ws

Animal Friends

Biscuits Bingo Saturday March 23 | Doors open at 10 a.m.

Bingo starts at Noon | IBEW Hall 5 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pittsburgh Marathon Run for Their Lives Sunday, May 5 | 7 a.m.

Downtown Pittsburgh

CARMAA presents

Suzanne Clothier Behavior Lecture May 24-26

6 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

www.aapvet.com 724-745-5503 155 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA 15317

829 Jefferson Aven ue Washington, PA 15301 724-503-4887 Now Scheduling Appointments

Rescue & Shelter

Animal Friends’ New Re-Tail Resale Store Save a Dollar … Save a Life

Calling all animal lovers and bargain shoppers!

One of the newest additions to Animal Friends’ campus is saving lives while helping pet parents save money on high-quality, gently used products and supplies.

If you haven’t paid a visit to our new Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center, then you’re missing out on the best deals in town. As the home to our Clinic Services, Humane Investigations and Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank, the Animal Wellness Center has already improved the lives of so many animals and the families who love them – but we’re not stopping there!

To continue the same compassionate support, our newest Retail Store features essential pet supplies at prices that will offer much-needed assistance

8 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

to financially struggling families. Our selections include new and gently used products from crates to pet beds and even vintage Animal Friends apparel – so there’s something for everyone. And, with prices that are well below suggested retail pricing and 100% of the proceeds benefiting our lifesaving programs and services, there’s never been a better way to find everything you need for your pet (and yourself!) during a guilt-free shopping trip.

With the frequently changing inventory of our ReTail Resale Store, you never know what you might find – unless you stop in for a visit!

Looking to support Animal Friends’ lifesaving mission from the comfort of home? Check out the all-new Online Retail Store where you can shop for logowear including apparel, jewelry, décor, accessories and more. Your order will be shipped right to your home and 100% of the proceeds from your purchase will benefit the dogs, cats and rabbits at Animal Friends!

Rescue & Shelter

Nate’s Reptile Rescue fb@NatesReptileRescue www.NatesReptiles.org #NatesReptileRescue on Instagram

Nathan Lysaght has been in the rescue business for about four years now; or since he was thirteen. What drew him to reptiles?

“Well I’m allergic to all the fuzzy stuff, so I started with my first reptiles around age four. My dad got me a ball python for Christmas,” he explains. “So, I took care of reptiles for many years, and one day got the idea to start taking in ones from all over the city that needed help or a home. Friends and neighbors would always come to me and ask if I wanted them.”

Most of his knowledge is self-taught, gained by doing research on each reptile as they came in. He also took several classes on behavior offered through the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to further his knowledge about individual species. And of course, through observation of the more than 150 reptiles that have been in his care.

You may have seen him at events with one of his most known pets, a giant tortoise.

“That’s Odin,” he says. “He’s a Sulcata Tortoise that we got from a gentleman

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in Erie. We estimate him to be about 10-15 years old, and he can live to be 70.” Odin’s shell measures 24 inches but still has a lot of growing to do. And he was dressed up for Halloween as a ninja turtle.

Nate says a lot of the reptiles need the same humidity and lighting, depending on what continent or habitat they are from, and the feeding schedules depend on size. “The smaller lizards normally get fed every other day, the larger ones once every few days, and the snakes usually once per week. But they each have individual needs as well, such as aquarium size, handling and general care.”

For beginners, Nate offers some solid advice. “Be sure you understand the basic time and budget you will need to care for that animal. We get most of our animals from people that didn’t.” Things to consider are how much lighting and food will cost, how long the animal will live and what kind and size of environment the animal will need, both now and as it grows. “A good first reptile could be a leopard gecko, ball

python or corn snake, or bearded dragon,” he suggests.

As for husbandry, Nate has basic care sheets on his web site, and recommends magazines that are devoted specifically to reptile needs. He also cautions against getting animals on a whim from pet stores, as not all of them get their animals from reputable sources. Many reptiles carry genetic diseases that can cause illness and early death. He suggests researching the animal you are interested in and looking to adopt through sources concerned with that specific animal. Or you can visit with him at events and see the adoptables he has.

Nate’s Reptile Rescue is a small family funded recue, and they provide food and care of all the animals themselves and through the generosity of their supporters.

They are working on a donate button for social media, but in the meantime if you’d like to help Nate’s rescue, you can mail a check to: Nate’s Reptile Rescue, 6889 Ridgeview Dr, SouthPark PA, 15236.

P R E S E N T T H I S A D F O R A F R E E D AY O F D AYC A R E *

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Pet Health & Wellness

Five Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe From Winter Cold You might think dogs and cats are immune from winter, because of their nice, warm coats and thick paw pads. Actually, pets can suffer from frostbite, hypothermia and other winter dangers.

Fortunately, our pets have a secret weapon to protect them, and it’s not fur. The secret weapon is you.

As a pet owner, you have the power to make wise decisions for your precious four-legged family members. That’s why veterinarians at PVSEC, the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, put together this list of tips on how you can keep your pets safe this winter.

• Don’t leave your pets out in the cold for extended periods of time. A short jaunt outside for them to do their business is generally fine, but bring them inside if they start to shiver or if you see redness in their ears or tails. Once inside, help get ice out from between their toes.

• Keep pets on leashes so they don’t get confused and lost – which is very easy in the

12 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

snow. Be sure your dogs and cats are wearing identification tags, and don’t forget to have them microchipped. Some dog owners buy reflective dog collars and flashing clip-on lights like bicycle riders use. Also, consider a GPS pet tracker such as Whistle. This allows you to pinpoint the location of your dogs or cats in real time if they get lost.

• Do you spread de-icer on your driveway or sidewalks? If so, find one that’s pet-friendly.

Pets tend to lick de-icer off their paws, which means they can consume toxins or even too much salt.

• Don’t forget the indoor dangers of winter.

If your pets spend more time in the garage or basement to get out of the cold, make sure you clear those spaces of toxic rat poison and antifreeze (including antifreeze that leaks onto the garage floor.) Also, cats love to curl up inside a warm auto engine, which can go badly the next time a human fires up the car.

• People and pets spend more time indoors

during winter, and this means all of us are likely to put on a few pounds. Pet obesity is actually a widespread problem. So monitor your pets’ food intake and treats carefully during winter. Also, consider taking them to an indoor dog park or doggie daycare to get them exercising, even in colder months.

• Don’t be afraid to get a dog coat or sweater, especially for a short-haired dog. This can be a functional way of keeping your pet warm.

• Be aware of your family veterinarian’s locations and hours, in case pet does suffer from a winter emergency. Also, make sure you’re aware of the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital.

Veterinarians at PVSEC, which is part of the BluePearl network of emergency and specialty animal hospitals, also want you to remember to have fun in the winter with you pets. A nice little romp in the snow can be a pleasure, as long as you keep safety in mind.

Portraits of animals pets and wildlife

CuStOm Fine Art POrtrAitS

in pastel watercolor acrylic charcoal pencil pen and ink hAndmAde giFtS

feline and natureinspired artwork photography jewelry accessories greeting cards

Bernadette E. Kazmarski, artist www.PortraitsOfAnimals.net

The Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank ‘Pets giving pets the gift of life’ Please volunteer your dog to be a ‘blood donor hero’ Dog donor eligibility • Between 1 and 7 years of age • Weight: 50 lbs or more • Healthy with a gentle temperament • Current with vaccinations • Never had a blood transfusion

• Tested negative for blood-borne diseases (free testing by blood bank) • Must be on heartworm, flea and tick preventative • Not pregnant or currently nursing

Read more about The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank at: animalcarefund.org For questions, or to make an appointment call: 412.348.2588 or email: animalbloodbank@pvs-ec.com www.petconnections.pet 13

Advertiser Locator

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Page 7 - A All About Pets Veterinary Hospitals Page 9 - M Animal Friends Page 21 - D Beaver Animal Clinic Page 15 - Best Breed Pet Food Inside Front Cover S VCA Castle Shannon Page 28 - F Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation Page 14 - Q Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center Page 24- Costa Real Estate Page 27 - G Coventry Stables Page 11 - Dog Stop Page 15 - H Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa Page 15 - Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice Page 1 - I Healthy Pet Products Page 29 - J Jefferson Memorial Page 13 - P Larry’s Laundromutt Page 6 - Paws Here Awhile Page 15 - Pampered Paw Resort Page 5 - Petagogy Page 13 - Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank Back Cover - N Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center Page 27 - O Rockin Horse Stables Page 17 - Dr. Michael Savko Page 15 - V Woody’s Dog Wash & Boutique Page 11 - Camp Bow Wow Page 6 - CARMAA Page 3 - EASE Animal Massage Page 14 - Pittsburgh Pet Concierge Page 5 - o2 Derm Pet Page 15 - Trixie’s Dog Fashions Page 13 - Portraits of Animals Page 3 - Buzzy Photography

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Trixie’s Dog Fashions Suzanne & Dean Owners & Designers

“All Our Items Are Handmade” Contact Us At trixiesdogfashions@gmail.com Visit Our Website www.trixiesdogfashions.com www.petconnections.pet 15

Holistic Pet Care

The Benefits of Integrative Veterinary Medicine

By Dr. Doug - The Holistic Vet \ Doug Knueven, DVM, CVC, CVCH

Integrative Veterinary Medicine involves the use of the most appropriate Western medicine techniques along with the best of what holistic medicine has to offer. In this way, the pet benefits from the best of both worlds!

When I speak of using the “most appropriate” Western medicine techniques, I mean the art of choosing the right tool for the right problem. Often, conventional medicine lumps many individuals into the same group. Every animal with the same diagnosis gets the same treatment. My holistic philosophy of medicine honors the individual animal and each garners a unique approach.

Western medicine is geared toward fighting disease. In fact, in veterinary school, we are not taught about health care; we are taught about disease care. While this approach imbues the practitioner with vital skills, it gives an incomplete view of health and healing. Holistic medicine, on the other hand is focused on the health of the patient. By helping the pet’s body function to its highest level, we aid the animal companion in regaining wellbeing.

Integrative Veterinary Medicine practitioners realize that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive. It is certainly possible to strengthen the body while fighting disease.

For example, if a pet has a serious infection, it makes sense to give antibiotics to kill the bacteria. But, no antibiotic can help a pet with a failing immune system. So, the use of supplements to support the animal’s immune system is also called for. And by the way, while antibiotics are killing off the bad bacteria, they are also decimating the good bacteria in the animal’s gut. Any pet on antibiotics needs a probiotic supplement to maintain intestinal and immune system health.

The holistic approach to health honors the body’s ability to heal itself. In fact, the body

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comes complete with its own pharmacy. Proof for this assertion can be found by studying the placebo effect. It is a fact that on average, 30% of those treated with a sugar pill will get better – no matter what disease we’re talking about. While we might say this is a case of mind over matter, we have to acknowledge that these individuals have found a way to cure themselves. Holistic methods tap into this innate ability of self-healing.

I would also like to point out that while fighting disease is great, it is much better to avoid problems in the first place. And, how many tools does conventional medicine have for preventing disease? By my count one – vaccines. While prudent vaccination plans are helpful, we must realize that every vaccine is a double-edged sword. Each one can affect a pet negatively and it is certainly possible to over-do it when it comes to vaccinating. Every pet does not need every vaccine every year. Each animal should be vaccinated based on its unique lifestyle and disease risk.

The beauty of holistic medicine is that it can powerfully prevent disease. Holistic practitioners can detect what has been termed dis-ease. Dis-ease is a state of health where the animal is having problems but those issues have not progressed to the point of disease.

Let’s face it, just because a pet is not sick does not mean she is perfectly healthy.

Most pet owners have witnessed dis-ease in their four-legged companions. Every once in a while, they can clearly see that their pet is not acting right. Unfortunately, when they take him to their vet, the exam and tests do not identify a disease. In such cases the veterinarian is at a loss to come up with a treatment because there is no diagnosis.

Holistic methods give the practitioner techniques to detect subtle imbalances, along

with tools to fix the problem.

The bottom line is that by embracing Integrative Medicine, a veterinarian has more tools in the old tool box. While conventional veterinarians have drugs and surgery, an integrative vet has those important tools plus things like nutritional supplements, herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture, energy medicine, massage therapy, therapeutic laser, and even Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine food therapy. No doubt you’ve heard the saying, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” An integrative vet will use the appropriate tool.

Integrative Holistic Medicine Integrative: combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine Holistic: providing more options for therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Spinal Manipulation • Supplements

• Natural Nutrition • Vaccine Counseling • Massage Therapy • Healing Touch

Dr. Doug has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 1993. He is certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Doug has treated thousands of challenging cases.

For complete care for your animal companion, see Dr. Doug. Call Beaver Animal Clinic today to set up a holistic exam for your pet.

Dr. Doug | The Holistic Vet

357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009 | 724.774.8047

beaveranimalclinic.com

No Matter Where You Live, This Dr. Is Worth Every Second To Get Your Pet Better.

Young, vibrant Golden Retriever named Bauer is diagnosed with torn knee ligaments, after just 2 visits he is “acting as if nothing had ever happened”, read what Bauer’s dad had to say about working with Animal Healing NOW: Dr. Savko is awesome! I took my Golden Retriever to him when the vets thought he tore his ACL. He was limping and not playing a whole lot. Initially the veterinarians had me thinking that expensive surgery after expensive diagnostic testing were my ONLY options for my pal to have a normal life again. If that was the way it had to be then so be it, but I thought maybe there might be a better way so I got a second opinion. I am so glad I got another opinion from a veterinarian that referred me to Dr. Savko. Right away I messaged Dr. Savko frantic about my baby and he responded immediately and was very calming. I’ve

since been seeing him for about 8 weeks now and after just 2 visits, Bauer was acting as nothing ever happened and playing with his puppy brother. Dr. Savko saw the progress himself and could’ve easily taken advantage of me and told me to come 7 days a week, but he spread out the visits and even cut a few out because Bauer was doing so well. NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE, THIS DR. IS WORTH EVERY SECOND TO GET YOUR PET BETTER. THANKS DR. SAVKO! You have not tried everything until you have tried Animal Healing NOW, besides why wouldn’t you go the non invasive route first? Unless it is a life or death emergency, natural and non invasive options should always be considered first or at least in addition to anything else!

Healing, not just treating.

www.animalhealingnow.com

®

LOCATIONS:

Holiday Park Animal Hospital, Plum Greenfield Veterinary Hospital, Pittsburgh Donovan Veterinary Hospital, Ligonier Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo

20 Years Experience Certified VOM Chiropractor Veterinary Affiliation Certified ThetaHealer® “miracle worker” “a very supporting and caring doctor” “wish I would have known about you sooner” “best time/money we ever spent” “you have given us hope”

724.261.7915 www.petconnections.pet 17

Kitty Korner HCMT Free and Low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinics January to June 2019 Press Release By Bernadette Kazmarski

Between January and June 2019 HCMT has seven free and low-cost spay/neuter clinics scheduled for stray/feral and rescued/pet cats. Each spay and neuter reduces the number of homeless cats in the Pittsburgh region, and helps everyone be a part of the solution. Clinics fill up fast and registration well ahead of time is required.

NO-CHARGE CLINICS (ferals only) • February 9 Sponsored in memory of Milton Lendl • March 2 Sponsored by Moondogs Fundraiser • April 6 Sponsored by Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

FAST TRACK CLINICS • January 26 • February 23 • March 16 • April 20

More dates nay be announced and dates are subject to change. Check www.homelesscat.org/clinic-info for the most up to date information.

The importance of spay and neuter for all cats Cats end up living on the street in many ways but usually not by their own choice. They are left behind when people move, they are placed outside as if they are trash when they are no longer wanted, sometimes they unintentionally escape. The reasons cats end up outside may be behavioral, or their owner’s financial or emotional issues, but cats end up abandoned and need the help of the community to rescue them and find them another home.

Cats can begin reproducing as young as four months old. An unspayed female cat can have an average of two litters per year with an average of four kittens, some are even more prolific. Her kittens can be ready to produce kittens four months after they are born.

If none are spayed or neutered by the next year, well, you can do the math.

But kittens can be spayed and neutered as young as two months, weighing at least two pounds. All those extra kittens never need to be born.

HCMT has spayed or neutered over 1,000 stray, feral and pet cats per year since its founding in 2000.

Clinics in the spring and summer often treat over 100 cats at each clinic, roughly twice each month, and more with trapping and rescuing cats between clinics.

Think about that for a minute now…spay and neuter surgeries each year for over 1,000 stray, feral and owned cats. With the reproductive lives of that many cats effectively put to an end, imagine how many other kittens won’t end up out on the streets or in shelters?

What is the Homeless Cat Management Team?

The Homeless Cat Management Team is a freestanding “Trap-Neuter-Return” (TNR) organization in the Pittsburgh region. Their mission is to lead the way in ending the overpopulation of companion animals in our region by providing high-volume, high-quality, low-cost sterilization. We also assist and support community cat caretakers who work with HCMT with trapping, transportation, cat food and shelter and veterinary care.

18 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

We also have clinics open to the public for rescued and pet cats, which provides an alternative for people with limited incomes or several cats who need to be spayed and neutered at one time, such as an “accidental” litter of kittens and their mother.

As part of HCMT’s TNR process and mission to end feline overpopulation and reduce populations of cats living outdoors, volunteers also assess all kittens and friendly cats HCMT has rescued for adoptability and socialization, and after spay/neuter and ageappropriate vaccines offer them for adoption through their sister organization, a network of volunteer foster homes called Pittsburgh C.A.T. Homeless Cat Management Team Clinic Information Feral Cats vs Rescue Cats A feral is a cat that will be returned to the outdoor location where it was trapped after surgery. A rescue is a cat that either has been or will be adopted as a pet after surgery. Only feral cats are eligible for No-Charge clinics. Both feral and rescue cats can be treated at Fast Track Clinics.

How to register for a clinic All clinics are held at HCMT’s clinic at 207 Allegheny St, Tarentum, PA 15084. You must pre-register for any clinic. Walk-ins are not permitted.

By Phone: call 412-321-4060 and leave a message.

Please include your name and phone number in your message. Someone will return your call and complete your pre-registration. HCMT is all volunteer and this may take some time. Clinics fill up quickly and it’s best to call at least two weeks in advance of the clinic you want to attend.

By Email: Email cathomeless@gmail.com with your name, number of spots you need and which date you are registering for. You will receive a confirmation email ONLY if you are registered.Feral cats must arrive in a standard humane box trap (Havahart, Safe-guard, Tomahawk, Tru-Catch, etc.) for the safety of all involved. Rescue and owned cats can arrive in carriers, one cat per carrier. They will be placed back in their carrier or trap for recovery after surgery.

Volunteer HCMT also needs volunteers for clinics, up to 20 per clinic for various duties and different shifts, with most of them not requiring medical training. On the website you’ll find a link to the signup to volunteer for each of the clinics as the date approaches.

Pittsburgh C.A.T. also needs volunteers who love cats to help daily to feed, medicate and play with the cats in our clinic for medical treatment.

Support, donate and sponsor HCMT opened their own clinic space in Tarentum, north east of Pittsburgh. Their free clinics are funded in part by donations from individuals, but the biggest portion of the funding is a $1,500 sponsorship by one donor. HCMT would love to offer more opportunities for clinics, so consider sponsoring one yourself, or your business or an organization. If you are interested in partially or fully sponsoring a clinic, send an email with your contact information and details to cathomeless@gmail.com. We are all volunteer, and

sometimes the community’s needs for help with cats is enormous, but we will respond.

Sponsors for the clinics listed above include family members of board members and volunteers. Milton Lendl, father of a board member, grew up on a farm, was an Ivy League graduate and a real animal lover according to his daughter Lisa who serves on HCMT’s board. His wife Jeanette Lendl regularly sponsors clinics in his memory and also runs a small sale table at clinics to raise extra money.

If Samantha Ginsburg ever won the lottery, she would use the money to spay and neuter every cat and dog. Until then, Samantha and her family have been sponsoring HCMT clinics and this will be their fifth year supporting us. When she is not caring for her own cats or her community cat colonies she can be found volunteering with Kopy Kat Sanctuary. Her mission is to advocate for the voiceless and to do her part to educate on the importance of spay / neuter / TNR. In May 2017 HCMT received a call for help for a half dozen or so kittens dumped on a farm, but when a volunteer picked up the carriers holding the kittens she found 24 kittens in each carrier and one adult cat who was not their mother. The kittens were malnourished and full of fleas and parasites with upper respiratory infections bordering on pneumonia and infected eyes that could leave them totally blind. In July after two months of treatment those kittens were well and healthy and lost very few eyes, and all have been adopted. Many generous people saw HCMT’s need and donated money, goods and volunteer time, and what was leftover sponsored a clinic to hopefully prevent that sort of thing from happening again.

The Fund for Feral Cats is a Pittsburgh organization that assists local animal welfare organizations in their mission. They are sponsoring the clinic closest to National Feral Cat Day. In May 2017 HCMT held its second annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, raising $14,355.55 which sponsored a clinic and helps cover the costs of rescues like the 48 kittens, the six hoarding cases in which HCMT has assisted the Pittsburgh Police in rescuing cats in the past year, the everyday expenses of rescuing cats and caring for cats at our clinic building between spay/ neuter clinics, and just paying the bills.

Every clinic reduces the populations of cats living on the streets and prevents the births of potentially thousands of kittens. Any donation would help defray the cost of these clinics and help cats living outdoors, in shelters and even in foster homes. A small donation in honor of one of your cats or a person who was instrumental in teaching you about cats would help all cats in need. Also, if you know of an individual, an organization or a group of people who would like to make a donation and can sponsor a free clinic, you would have a huge impact on the lives of cats in the Pittsburgh area.

Volunteer Volunteer or donate. Call Homeless Cat Management Team hotline and leave a message, 412-321-4060 or visit www.homelesscat.org to find more information and to find links to our Facebook groups.

Cat Resource Guide Low-cost spay/neuter and animal services in and around Allegheny County This is an ever-changing list of resources for pet owners in Pittsburgh and beyond including low-cost spay and neuter programs for pets as well as TNR for community cats, after-hours emergency care, help with veterinary bills, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. This information is provided for reference only and subject to change without notice. Please contact the organization or agency before using their services.

TNR and Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs Homeless Cat Management Team http://www.homelesscat.org City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents City of Pittsburgh offers five free spays/neuters to all city residents www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties Shelter Programs PENNSYLVANIA Animal Friends www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org Humane Animal Rescue Please call each branch while the two shelters continue their merger.

East Liberty Shelter (formerly Animal Rescue League) http://www.animalrescue.org/ North Shore Shelter (formerly Western Pennsylvania Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org Clarion Paws Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County Low Cost Spay / Neuter Clinic: spayneuterclinic@clarionpaws.org Trap-Neuter-Return: tnr@clarionpaws.org http://www.clarionpaws.org/ PET & OUTDOOR OR FERAL CATS Beaver County Humane Society http://www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Butler County Humane Society http://www.butlercountyhs.org/FelineSpayNeuter.asp Washington Area Humane Society http://washingtonpashelter.org/services/ EASTERN OHIO Angels for Animals http://www.angelsforanimals.org/snWhy.asp

Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties These are organizations which are not day-to-day clinics but organize, host, sponsor or otherwise provide access to spay and neuter services.

Catnip Acres (Greene County) http://www.catnip-acres.org/clinics.html

Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County) http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/ Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh Reimburses partial funds to help spay/neuter feral cats (funds not always available) 412-521-5352 Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (LCARF) http://www.lcarf.com/ Operation Spay/Neuter Butler, PA (for Butler County residents only) http://operationspayneuter.com/ Pet Search http://www.petsearchpa.org/ SNIPP: Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg) http://www.snippindianapa.org/

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics These are independent clinics that offer services on site during regular business hours.

Fix ‘Ur Pet http://fixurpet.org/ Frankie’s Friends http://www.FrankiesFriendsCatRescue.org/ Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html Wexford Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.spayaz.com/wexford-pa/

Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet

Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip) http://neuterspay.org/ Love That Cat (online search) http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html Spay USA http://www.spayusa.org/search.php Spay and Neuter Early, a Humane Alliance Campaign http://www.whentospay.org/get-your-pet-fixed Get Your Fix.org http://getyourfix.org/ ASPCA searchable map of low-cost clinics in US & Canada https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ low-cost-spayneuter-programs

Emergency and After-hours Care

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) http://www.pvs-ec.com/ VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital http://www.vcahospitals.com/castle-shannon

VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center http://www.vcahospitals.com/northview A-VETS http://www.avets.us/

Pet-friendly Rentals

In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: http://www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only) http://www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments

Shelters and Shelter Services

Adoption, surrender, low-cost clinics, pet food pantries, referrals, etc.

Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org Humane Animal Rescue, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League) www.animalrescue.org Animal Friends (AFI) www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Advocates animaladvocates.net Washington Area Humane Society www.washingtonpashelter.org Butler County Humane Society www.butlercountyhs.org Beaver County Humane Society www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

Animal Cruelty Laws by State (United States) Animal Legal & Historical Center www.animallaw.info/articles/armpstatecruelty.htm

Cat Rescue Resouce Guide www.petconnections.pet 19

Directories Animal Educational Exhibits North: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org The National Aviary nationalaviary.org

Animal Communication Greater Pittsburgh Area: Renee Takacs, M.A. intuitguide.com

Animal-Related Art, Photography & Retail April Minech Custom Portraits | Pet Inspired Art www.ladybugdelightz.etsy.com Pet Portraits 412-407-2590 www.PittsburghPainting.com/portraits Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography 412-983-0981 https://www.facebook.com/ Behind-the-Lenz-127787624032093/ North: Buzzy Photography 412-371-5212 | anita@buzzyphoto.com South: Kara Jones Photography kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear PawsnClawsEyewear.com

Animal Rescue Organizations North: Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 | www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org Western Pa Humane Society 412-321-4625 | wpahumane.org South: Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org Droopy’s Basset Rescue 888-9 GET DROOL | www.droopysbassetrescue.com Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org Animals Against the Odds Rescue/Rehab www.aato.rescueme.org East: Humane Animal Rescue 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org HAR Wildlife Center 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org SW PA Pugs with Special Needs 724-763-2790 | swpapug.org West: CARMAA 412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: SPAAR www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org Guardian Angels Pug Rescue 724-537-3466 www.facebook.com/guardianangelspugrescue

20 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

Humane Society of Greene County 724-627-9988 | greenepet.org PEARL Parrot Rescue www.pearlparrots.com

Bird & Supplies Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com

Dog Training North: AKIN Family Dog Training (Lilian Akin) 412-732-8091 | akinfdt.net Greater Pittsburgh Area: Happy Pets Training/Christine Flint 412-373-9583 | www.happypetstraining.com Success Just Clicks successjustclicks.com North Shore: Western PA Humane Society 412-321-4265 | wpahumane.org South: Paula’s Professional Dog Services 412-818-2482

Dog Training Clubs South: Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club Phone: (412) 220-8100 | www.thecanineclub.com Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club 412-653-6880 | gtotc.com Keystone Canine Training 412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com Xcel Canine Training Center 412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com

Equine Boarding, Lessons & Training Facilities North: Rockin’ Horse Stables 724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com South: Coventry Equestrian Center 724-206-9902 Manon’s Farm 724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260 SydMor Equestrian Center 724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com

Equine Holistic Care Greater Pittsburgh Area: Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

Equine Tack Stores North: Shady Acres Saddlery 412-963-9454 | www.shadyacressaddlery.biz South: Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com

Equine Veterinarians Dr. Brian Burks, DVM - Fox Run Equine Center 724-727-3481 | foxrunequine.com

Holistic Pet Practitioners Pet Chiropractor North: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Greater Pittsburgh: Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com EASE Animal Massage 412-447-8490 | www.easeanimalmassage.com

Holistic Practitioners for Guardians East End: Judith Levy Wellness Coaching/Energy Modalities 412-726-2659 | www.judithlevywellness.com South: Manning Chiropractic & Wellness Center 412-341-2505 | drastridmanning.com

Holistic Veterinarians Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Dr. Qiang Li VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500

Pet Burial, Memorial & Cremation Services South: Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz East End: Precious Pets Memorial Center & Crematorium 412-351-PETS (7387) | preciouspetspgh.com Greater Pittsburgh: Carved Stone by Serena 724-941-2664 | www.carvedstonebyserena.com Thousand Hills Pet Crematory 724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory.com

Pet Fencing Greater Pittsburgh Area: Dog Guard Pittsburgh Dog Fence 412-287-5820 | Pghdogfence.com

Pet Grooming North: All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | larryslaundromutt.com Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620 Happytailzpetspa.com Healthy Pet Grooming 724-759-7567 Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | Larryslaundromutt.com South: Candelore’s Barking Beauties 412-872-5550 Creative Canine Cuts 724-223-9020 Grand Slam Grooming 412-221-5081 | grandslamgrooming.com Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming 412-885-4027 Pets at Home Dog Grooming 412-655-7297 (PAWS) The Pet Salon 412-279-5331 | petsalonusa.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com

East: Animal Elegance 412-361-1177 | www.animal-elegance.com Candelore’s Barking Beauties Pet Grooming 412-872-5550 | candeloresbarkingbeauties.com Cat Around Town Cat Grooming 412-466-7877 (PURR) | cataroundtown.com West: Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson) 724-225-4827

Pet Friendly Businesses & Organizations

Bactronix 412-375-7886 | www.bactronix.com Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com Simple Sugars Scrub Simplesugarsscrub.com Village Shoppes Scenery Hill Elves Lair Christmas & Gifts, Jan’s Tea Shoppe - 2nd Street Coffee Roasters, Velvet Envelope, Westerwald Pottery, Two Old Crows www.sceneryhillpa.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: Fragasso Financial Advisors 412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com Fundvelopes 412-595-8641 | fundvelopes.com Matt Arch Foundation www.connectarian.com One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com OxyMagic 412-781-4110 | www.oxypgh.com Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh 412-342-0500 | www.komenpittsburgh.org East Pittsburgh East Nissan 412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com Unique Home Solutions www.uniquehomesolutions.com South: Southpointe Chamber www.southpointe.net

Pet-Friendly Living Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pinch Property Services 412-445-8550 PinchPropertyServices.com East: The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm www.glenhighlandgetaway.com South: American Destiny Real Estate Services 412-983-2220 | www.adr-usa.com Amore 877-716-6840 | amoreapartments.com

Pet Grooming Schools North: Pa Academy of Pet Grooming 412-759-7620

Pet Ministries South: Christ United Methodist Church 412-277-1096 | christumc.net Westminster Presbyterian Church 412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org

Pet Resorts - Boarding, Daycare, Grooming & Training Camp Bow Wow South 971 Killarney Dr Pittsburgh, PA 15234 Camp Bow Wow Southwest 412-276-WAGS(9247) Camp Bow Wow North 412-931-WAGS(9247) Camp Bow Wow Highland Park 412-362-PLAY Camp Bow Wow Pgh East 724-733 CAMP(2267) North: Dog stop - North 724-935-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net The Dog Stop - Sewickley 412-766-DOGS(3647) | www.thedogstop.net Lucky Paws Pet Resort 724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com South: Grandma’s Dog Daycare 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa 724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd. 412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net Pampered Paw Resort 724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com East: Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org The Dog Stop - Monroeville 412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net The Dog Stop - East End 412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net East: The Dog Stop - East: Strip District 412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net Country Lane Pet Hotel 412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com West: Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Pet Retail/Supply North: Healthy Pet Products 412-366-0700 | healthypetproducts.net South: Healthy Pet Products 412-831-3700 | healthypetproducts.net Oddball Pets & Aquariums 412-884-2333 | oddballpets.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com East: Petagogy petagogy.com | 412-362-7387 Petland East Side Village 412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: Baskets of Nature 724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com Dig It Collars dig-it-store.com Trixie’s Dog Fashions www.trixiesdogfashions.com O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel www.O2Dermpet.com

List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com

Pet Sitters North Furry Family Pet Sitting 412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care Home & Farm Sitting 724-219-7801 Noboarders-petcare.com South: Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover) 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com East: Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

Veterinary Hospice & Mobile Services Greater Pittsburgh Area: 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

Veterinary Pharmacies Greater Pittsburgh Area: Murray Avenue Apothecary 412-421-4996 | MAApgh.com

Veterinary Hospitals North: Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center 412-884-3162 | www.cheyennevet1.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com South: All About Pets Veterinary Hospital 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com All About Pets Veterinary Hospital – Washington location 724-503-4887 | www.aapvet.com VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500 East: The Big Easy Animal Hospital 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com Monroeville Pet Hospital 412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care & Rehab 412-795-1215 | premierpetcareandrehab.com West: VCA MetVet West Animal Hospital 412-788-6400 vcahospitals.com/met-vet-west

Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc. 412-366-3400 | pvs-ec.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com East: AVETS - Allegheny Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty 412-373-4200 | avets.com

Veterinary Technology Schools Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pittsburgh Career Institute 412-281-2600 | pci.edu

www.petconnections.pet 21

Feathered Friends

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS: Introducing the Super Foods to Your Birds

By Edward R. Moats

Every pet parent understands that in order to provide the highest quality of health for our pet we must feed a nutrient dense diet. In a past article ( JAN/FEB 2018 Vol.6 Issue 3 ), I touched base on the importance of providing nutrient dense fruits and vegetables in your parrot’s diet. I also mentioned how introducing nutritional supplements into the diet is just as important as providing quality foods.

However, as discussed, the absorption levels of synthetic vitamin supplementation is significantly less when compared to metabolizing nutrients naturally. In this article, I will introduce you to a few nutritional supplements that I have utilized as part of an avian diet for many years.

Many of these natural supplements have been labeled “SUPER FOODS” for their nutrient dense properties.

BEE POLLEN :

This nutrient dense supplement is produced by honey bees to nourish their young.

22 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

It is labeled a “SuperFood” because it contains almost all essential vital nutrients which includes Folic Acid, B-Complex vitamins,protein and Amino Acids. As mentioned in my past article, animal-based proteins should not be offered to pet parrots because of saturated fats. These saturated fats have been found to cause atherosclerosis (plaque build up in arteries) to many species of pet birds. However, Bee Pollen is an excellent source of plant-based protein that is easily absorbed by birds. This supplement also possesses anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. And can also boost the immune system. If you refer back to my nutrition article, you will be reminded that one of the most important vitamins that is not found in an all-seed diet is Vitamin A. Feeding an all-seed diet to birds increases the chances of blindness.

Therefore, along with feeding a varied diet of nutrient dense foods ; Vitamin A supplementation is essential in maintaining healthy vision in pet birds. Bee Pollen is a good source of Vitamin A that is easily metabolized by our parrots.

I first learned the health benefits of feeding Bee Pollen when I bred parrotlets.

Many breeders of these little birds report measurable improvements in plumage, vitality, and fertility when introducing this supplement to their “Pocket Parrots.” After seeing the dramatic results with my own eyes, I decided to offer Bee Pollen as a part of all my parrot diets. That was almost ten years ago. Since offering Bee Pollen to my parrots, I have had few issues with respiratory and yeast infections . Plumage is bright and smooth. And my birds seem

to have a twinkle in their eyes. Bee Pollen is truly a “SUPERFOOD.”

WHEAT GERM:

Wheat Germ is the extracted embryos from grains of wheat which are responsible for wheat production. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein, vitamin E, Folic Acid, Selenium and Zinc. Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc aid with circulation and boost the immune system. This natural supplement also contains B Complex vitamins that aid in absorption of all vitamins. Folate , which is present in this Super Food; assists in the breakdown of proteins. Wheat Germ is best introduced by sprinkling over fresh fruits and vegetables. Fed in it’s raw form, Wheat Germ is easily metabolized in the avian diet. I have been feeding Wheat Germ to my birds for years. In the past , when I was breeding various species of parrots; I found that Wheat Germ increased vitality and fertility in my parent birds. And the plantbased proteins found in this food increase the nutrient levels of crop milk fed by the parent birds to their chicks.

properties. They are also anti-microbial.

These spices and herbs can be sprinkled on fresh fruits and vegetables. And some can also be baked into your bird’s favorite treats such as Birdie Bread.

Along with anti-inflammatory qualities, many of these spices and herbs aid in the circulatory system and can also support healthy liver function.

Please be advise that Turmeric should not be fed to your pet birds while they are moulting due to anti-coagulant properties.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE AGING PARROT:

Just as our joints feel the stress of aging, so do our parrot’s. Over the years, I have met numerous pet parents struggling to find answers to assist their aging parrot that is showing signs of joint stress and lack of mobility. My first suggestion is to try to keep your pet as active as possible. “A body in motion stays in motion.” As for diet, I recommend adding some of these spices and herbs with healing properties to your parrot’s menu. Please be advised that these spices and herbs are not meant to take the place of any prescribed medications recommended by your Avian Veterinarian.

They are to be used in conjunction with your Veterinarian’s prescriptions.

Turmeric, Ginger, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Clove, Sage and Rosemary are a group of spices and herbs with anti-inflammatory

I will use my personal experience as an example of offering these spices and herbs in an avian diet. A few years ago, I met a Congo African Grey parrot named Meiko. He was struggling to perch and walk due to the loss of two toes on his left foot. I was asked if I would consider adopting him because the people entrusted with his care felt that I may be able to rehabilitate this loving Grey.

The first few months were difficult.

Meiko could only stabilize on a ¼ inch diameter perch. And quite often, he would fall off his perch. In order to walk, Meiko compensated by using his beak (almost like a cane) in order to navigate through his day. I began offering these anti-inflammatory spices and herbs to his diet. I also encouraged instinctive foraging behavior to promote exercise and mobility. Over time, I started to introduce various sizes of perches.

Encouraging him to step onto these perches and hold for as long as he could while I was his “spotter.” By adding these spices and herbs, along with encouraging physical action, I am happy to say that Meiko is now able to tear through my house just like any other parrot in the flock. Recently,

he was able to perch on a Dragon Wood play gym for the very first time! I truly believe that the supplements that were added to his diet decreased his discomfort and increased his mobility. I can’t help but imagine Meiko’s quality of life if these supplements and Super Foods had not been a part of his healing diet.

Just as many foods have healing properties for the human diet, these same foods can be introduced to our pet birds to ensure a quality and long-lived life. By using instinctive foraging behaviors, many of these foods can be introduced into your parrot’s diet. This is not just a concept. I have seen first hand the healing properties of these foods. They say that “We are what we eat.” Shouldn’t that also apply to our pets? We are the stewards in regard to the care of our pets. And a large portion of that stewardship is providing quality of life to the animals we love. Doesn’t it make sense to utilize foods produced by Mother Nature to maintain the health of our companion birds?

www.petconnections.pet 23

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Equine Affairs

Learning From Source The best teacher is also a good student. All disciplines regardless of activities are a learning process. Learning to ride which has been called a journey, I call a pilgrimage. When I first started my classical education with horses, I went to one of the first horsemanship schools in the country on Long Island. There I discovered a school in Pittsburgh. It turned out my Grandmother lived in Pittsburgh, so I interviewed for a job.

The owners of the Pittsburgh facility were European, and I got the job. Of course, an-yone in the horse world knows if an ambitious young girl shows up at your farm she is likely to get a job! Even better as a “working student” I would slave for free. This couple was formal, I had to call them by their sir names, and I was addressed correctly too. My nickname was not used, I went immediately from Kit to Kristin. Within a week of arrival, I was given a list of books to start reading. I still have those books and recommend them to this day. These books are called the classical texts. On my barns website, I have a reading list mentioning these traditional books: Podhajski, Muesler, Seunig, DeKunffy, and Watjens. I would study these books, underline them and soon I was quoting them when I gave lessons.

Recently, I was riding at my facility (fast forward forty years) and a woman was lunging a horse she was leasing. The reins were wrapped around the stirrup irons, and a halter was over the bridle twisting the bit up into his cheek, she was utterly clueless to the fact that the horses head and neck were constrained preventing stretching or him using his neck for bal-ance. I rarely offer advice less I am asked, but it was apparent the horse was not comfortable. I said something. And her reply was, “Oh, I have been watching professional Youtube videos, and this is how they said to lunge a horse.” Wow, I was thinking. So I dismounted and showed her how to lunge by twisting the reins under the horse’s neck and using the lunge line over the horse’s poll for stretching so he could extend and use his head and neck for balance.

I learned a long time ago always consider the source. Who were the “professional” Youtube video people? Indeed not the classical masters who are long gone. I was lucky when my “dressage” pilgrimage began in the seventies many classical masters had just moved to America to cash in on the dressage scene just taking off in America. I learned from such classically educated men as Major Bella Buttekay, Hubert Rohrer, ( Spanish Riding School) Robert Mayer, (Licenced Geman Federation FN and BHSI certified) Eicke von Veltheim (German Master Trainer), Peter Kjellerup ( Danish rider co-founder Dansko shoes) and Gerald Kirsch ( Officer of the French Cadre Noir) all men from Europe. I had already read the books and now this education with real riders from the old country, what an experience.

By Kristin Hermann

In America, anyone can call themselves a trainer. There is no national school like in Europe or England. There are a few programs through the United States Dressage Association, colleges, and the United States Eventing Association. If you are looking for “professional” instruction, visit the facility, watch the person teach, talk to their students, watch them handle a horse. Young girls barely out of high school are claiming to be trainers and advertis-ing. What is their record of success?

And some horse trainers don’t even ride horses. Equestrian enthusiasts, buyer beware, in America, it is a free for all.

Recommended Reading List Creative Horsemanship - Charles De Kunffy Training Strategies for Dressage Riders - Charles De Kunffy Horsemanship - Waldemar Seunig The Essence of Horsemanship - Waldemar Seunig The Complete Training of Horse & Rider – Colonel Alois Podhajski Dressage Riding - Richard Watjen Riding Logic - Waldimar Muesler Horsemanship and Horsemastership - Official Manual of the United States Calvalry at Fort Riley The Dressage Formula - Eric Herberman Lessons with Lendon - Lendon Gray Dressage with Kyra - Kyra Kyrklund That Winning Feeling - Jane Savoie Practical Dressage Manual – Colonel Bengt Ljungquist Dressage in Harmony – Walter Zettle The Way to Perfect Horsemanship – Udo Burger Basic Training of the Young Horse – Reiner Klimke Centered Riding - Sally Swift Connected Riding - Peggy Cummons The Principle of Riding – German National Federation The Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship Happy Horsemanship - Dorothy Henderson Pinch

I often go to Youtube to search for information, but I have the education to know what is correct and what is commercial. There are a lot of good classical trainers on Youtube, but you typically have to pay to learn from them. www.petconnections.pet 25

Equine Affairs

Princess Showcase

By April Minech

Kelly Manon, Kim Manon, Melia and Maylee Stockdale, Mackenzie Fargo, Allesandra and Tristan Pierson, Sophia Zajac, , Logan Smith, Jack Manon, Ella Smith, Mae Coburn, and Harper and Hayden Stewart

A lot of kids dream about learning to ride horses, and Manon’s Farm is where those dreams come true. As part of their family farm, Kim Manon offers lessons at all levels of riding, with students starting as early as 5 years of age up to adult. The best part about the programs and lessons offered on the farm is not only the great horsemanship students learn, but the unique way they are able incorporate what they learn into a theatrical showcase.

Every year the organization produces a themed show where young riders ranging in age from 6 to 15 years old have a chance to show off the skills they’ve developed during the year. The demonstration is set to music, and each rider gets to play a character and present their sportsmanship based on the level they have achieved. In 2017, the show - Beauty and the Beast was the featured as the main attraction at PetCon, at Washington County Fairgrounds.

The most recent event was called “The Princess Showcase”, and the kids were allowed to pick their own character, with girls dressing up as princesses from Disney stories and boys dressing as princes and soldiers. “Each rider does an individual performance to the song of their choice and start by riding to the center of the ring for their introduction, which includes their name, level and which character they are portraying,” says Kim Manon, who excitedly talks about what the kids are doing. “For example, Sophia Zajac rode as Belle to Beauty and the Beast. She rode straight lines and corners, sort of like a dressage test that we developed for the kids. She also rode circles and finished by coming down the center line and taking a bow, and everyone applauded.”

The show is mainly attended by the family and friends of all the participants, though the public got a chance to see how it all worked at the PetCon. “The program was started so the young riders had a chance to show what they learned, ride to music and play a character” Kim explains. Some of the older kids do 4H (children must be 8 years old to join 4H) and have other opportunities, so we wanted to offer something that included our youngest riders” says Kim. One of her star students, Ella Smith, rode as Cinderella to Lavender Blue in the program. She and her cousin Logan Smith both were state qualifiers in Harrisburg this year. Ella received 10th in Horsemanship and Logan 11th in pole pending.

The process starts with Kim interviewing children and their parents, followed by an invitation down to her farm to watch lessons and discuss interests.

26 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

(NOTE: Manon Farms does not offer horseback riding to those not enrolled in programs.)

The farm is located in Washington, PA on 1371 Deerfield Rd, and owners Tom & Kim Manon can be reached by phone 724-705-7912. Riders can start as early as 5 years old up to adult. Kim has experience in Dressage, Wester Pleasure, Hunter Under saddle and games such as barrel racing. “It’s really all about the kids” explains Kim. Looking at the smiles on their faces, you have to agree.

Coventry Equestrian Center

Boarding / Lessons / Horse Sales

Dressage ~ Gymnastic Training for all horses & riders Learn how to ride & train with clarity for Dressage, Hunt Seat, Eventing, Western, Pleasure All horses & riders benefit utilizing simplified gymnastic training (dressage)

Rockin’ Horse Stables

Visit the “Home Schooling Your Horse” Facebook page for simplified training tips Kristin Hermann blythedale@comcast.net 724-206-9902

www.CoventryEquestrianCenter.com

Rockin’ Horse Stables is a full care Hunter & Jumper boarding and training facility offering beginner to advanced English riding lessons, summer camps and quality horse sales. We strive to offer a clean, safe, family friendly environment for our riders and guests.

Minutes from Rt. 19 Cranberry Twp. • Stalls & Lessons Available

724-601-4706 • rockinhorsestables.com

www.petconnections.pet 27

Remembrance

Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Sunday, February 24 in Bridgeville

By Bernadette Kazmarski

NOTE: Because the venue is only open for this event on that day, we don’t announce the time of the event to avoid people walking in. Attendees must RSVP in order for the speaker and venue to prepare accommodations and schedule staff.

Healing Hearts for Pet Lovers

You may contact either me or my customer for more information:

At Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation care for the family extends way beyond just the immediate needs of the cremation. Twice a year CCPC offers events to help families deal with the overwhelming grief that often accompanies the loss of a pet. Healing Hearts is one of these events.

Scheduled for February 24, 2019, attendees will hear an enlightening presentation on grief and how to work through its impact. Elizabeth Babcock, a licensed clinical social worker, shares her professional expertise about the psychological and physical effects of grief and offers resources to help navigate the fallout from the loss. Any

For more information, contact: Deb Chebatoris at 412-2207800 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation website at www.ccpc.ws.

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation is located at: 442 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15107 You may also contact: Bernadette Kazmarski at 412-429-9553 or bernadettekazmarski@comcast.net

28 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | WINTER 2019

After the rush of the holidays the grief of a recent loss can return, and that’s no different for pet lovers who’ve lost an animal companion.

person who is having trouble coming to terms with the loss of a pet, regardless of when the loss occurred, is welcome to attend.

The session is at LaBella Bean Café in Bridgeville, 609 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017, just two blocks away from Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation.

LaBella Bean will be closed to the public during this session.

So that CCPC may properly prepare and also contact you in the event of bad weather, please RSVP if you are planning to attend by calling 412-220-7800.

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation offers specialized care from the time your pet’s body is received until the time your loved one is returned to you. Deb Chebatoris, the owner of CCPC, sees you through the entire process herself—from the initial phone call, through the transportation of the body, the cremation at the facility in Bridgeville and the comforting return into your hands. Unlike

F a f i t o h f n ul Fri e d r a G at e

nd

s

e h T

any other cremation service in the city, all the steps performed to cremate your pet are carried out by Deb herself. .

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation is owned and operated by Deb Chebatoris for the comfort and consolation of Pittsburgh pet’s families, and is located at 442 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017. For more information on CCPC or on the event, please visit www.ccpc.ws.

Designed exclusively for pets and their parents.

Complete funeral and burial services for you and your faithful friend.

Including advance planning for cremation, urns, graves, caskets and memorials.

They’re more than just pets, they’re family.

Call today to find out about your PetConnections savings! | 412.655.4500 | Jeffersonmemorial.biz www.petconnections.pet 29