PetConnections August 2014 Vol. 2 Iss. 10

Pittsburgh

PetConnections Magazine Free!

August 2014 • Vol. 2, Issue 10

Cataracts in Companion Animals

Through Generations: page

PPC is Pittsburgh’s #1 Resource for Everything Pets August 2014 • Vol. 2, Issue 10

ate of E xc tific r e

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Pet Memorial Sunday

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JAMES WARHOLA, ILLUSTRATOR 10

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Washington Area Humane Society

August 16 is International Homeless Animals Day

Meet Bruno. He is a very friendly rot mix around 10 years old who is looking to find a home to retire in. Bruno was found running loose so we do not know much about his history. He is doing well with the other dogs here but we are not sure about his feelings towards cats or small children.

This is Houdini. He is a young boy, about 3 years old, he likes to play and watch over the cat department (he thinks he’s in charge!). He has a great personality, and doesn’t mind the other cats although he will definitely be the boss! Please come and see him for yourself!

From decks, fencing to bathroom remodeling, J&D has donedog it all!

Say hi to Benny. He is a spaniel/cattle mix around 8

years old looking for a new family. Benny has been good around the other dogs here at the shelter and the children he has met but we are not sure on his feelings towards cats. Benny does have a couple of fatty tumors so he does get over-looked, but he is a wonderful dog that just wants some love.

All animals have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

The Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS) is a 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter funded solely by private contributions. Our shelter takes in thousands of animals & investigates an average of 1000 abuse complaints each year.

1527 Rte 136, Eighty Four, PA 15330 (724) 222-7387, WashingtonPAShelter.org

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MANNING CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER Dr. Astrid Manning, DC, CVCP

412•341•2505 www.drastridmanning.com

YOUR PET'S OTHER DOCTOR

Treating diseases such as: • Hip dysplasia-like symptoms • Urinary and digestive disorders • Wobblers and lameness disease • Endocrine disease 250 Mt Lebanon Blvd Suite 307 • Pittsburgh PA 15234

In This Issue: The Human-Animal Bond.............................8 Pets and Broken Hearts

Event Calendar..............................................9 Upcoming Pet Events

Feature Article........................................10-12 Through Generations: James Warhola, Illustrator

Animal Health & Wellness.....................14-15

Featured Business.........................................22 Jefferson Memorial and Cemetary

Holistic Care...........................................24-25 The Transition to Raw

Kitty Korner.................................................28 Cat Rescue Resource Guide

Equine Affairs..........................................30-33

Cataracts in Companion Animals

Riding With Your Joints and Not With Your Muscles; Loves Comes In Many Sizes

Animal Behavior.....................................16-17

In Remembrance.....................................35-36

The Aquatic Hobbies...................................20

Advertiser Locator Map...........................18-19

Finding a Dog Training or Behavior Professional Gardening With Containers

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Tenth Annual Pet Memorial Sunday Ceremony

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

F ROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to our August Volume 2 Issue 10!

Our July events included Belacoop Open House, Woody’s event for WPA Human Society, the Mars Dog Festival, Maniac Magazine’s Mutts and Mingle at Misty Pines Dog Park on July 25, benefitting Animal Friends - See Chloe’s photo shoot (too cool!) at: www.maniacmagazine.com See our events page for upcoming events, including Animal Friend’s Bark in the Park and Paws for the Cause!

This Issue: August’s PetConnections featured business is Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory and The Garden of Faithful Friends.

Read more August articles such as our feature on the Warhola family and James Warhola’s book Uncle Andy’s Cats. Also “The Transition to Raw” by Dr. Doug, “Riding with your Joints” by Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Disclaimer: ”The views expressed in PPC Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policies of Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine. All viewpoints are welcome...”

Pittsburgh PetConnections Monthly

Published By: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.

Kristin Hermann, “Pets and Broken Hearts” by Susan Wagner, “and more!

Our print directories continue to be a big hit! We are expanding the PetConnections Directory every month! Please also see our more extensive online directories on the home page of www.pghpetconnections.com.

Our feature this month, “Through Generations: James Warhola, Illustrator”, introduces readers to the art of James Warhola and the influence on him of his famous uncle, Andy Warhol, each famous for their illustrations of animals among other subjects, and how their upbringing in the Pittsburgh area influenced their art.

Thank you for picking up PPC Magazine. Take care of yourself, as well as your animals and be well!

Warmly, Carla Mader CEO & Publisher Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.pghpetconnections.com.

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

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Submit your business or rescue organization’s info for a FREE listing on our directory.

Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. was formed in 2012.

Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative and Human-Animal Bond focused publication.

We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

No website for your small home-based pet or wellness business?

Add a Featured Listing on the PPC online Directory for a small yearly fee and upload photos and detailed info about your business!

Magazine Publication Staff Managing Editor.........................................................Carla Mader Chief Editor...........................................Bernadette E. Kazmarski Content Editor.............................................................Carol Hirsch Sales....................................................................................Joe Hirsch Distribution...............................................................Martin Mader Graphic Designer.......................................Flatboy Productions Photography.................................Nicole Begley Photography Contributing Writers: Our contributing writers have many years of combined experience and expertise in the fields of veterinary medicine and the Human-Animal Bond.

ADVERTISING: petconnectionsads@gmail.com 412-583-1295 Contact: info@pghpetconnections.com 724-503-8695 All Rights Reserved Copyright 2014 August 2014

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PETCONNECTIONS RESOURCE DIRECTORIES Animal Educational Exhibits North:

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org The National Aviary nationalaviary.org

Animal Behavior

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Judith Levy, M,Ed., CEHP, RMT 412-521-5133 | judithlevywellness.com

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

Animal Reiki East:

Janet Jackson animalangellady.com

East End:

Judith Levy, M,Ed., CEHP, RMT 412-521-5133 | judithlevywellness.com

Animal-Related Art, Photography & Retail North:

Nicole Begley Photography nicolebegleyphotography.com Vibrant Images vibrant-images.com WearWoof Shop 412-956-1788 | wearwoof.org

South:

Kara Jones Photography kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear PawsnClawsEyewear.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Portraits of Animals portraitsofanimals.net Pet and Home Portraits petandhomeportraits.blogspot.com Jenny Karlsson Photography jennykarlssonphotography.com

Animal Rescue Organizations North:

Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org

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Western Pa Humane Society 412-321-4625 | wpahumane.org

South:

Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org

East:

Animal Rescue League 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org ARL 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

Dog Training

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Molly’s Canine Academy 724-914-3214 | mollyscanineacademy.com Success Just Clicks successjustclicks.com

North Shore:

Western PA Humane Society 412-321-4265 | wpahumane.org

Dog Training Clubs South:

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

Equine Holistic Care

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

Equine Hoof Care

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

All Natural Hoof Care Nancy Frishkorn 724-255-6465 | hooflady.org

Equine Tack Stores South:

The English Horn 724-941-8088 | theenglishhorn.com Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com

Equine Veterinarians East:

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

Holistic Practitioners Pet Chiropractor North:

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

South:

Dr. Astrid Manning, DC, CVCP 412-341-2505 | drastridmanning.com

East:

Dr. Dina Livolsi, Doctor of Chiropractic 412-824-6276 | drdinalivolsi.com

Greater Pittsburgh:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

Holistic Veterinarians

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Pet Burial, Memorial & Cremation Services South:

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz

Pet Fencing

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Contain-A-Pet of Pittsburgh 724-914-3214 DogWatch 724-586-6555 | DogWatchPGH.com J & D Home Improvements, Inc. 800-837-9379 | jdwaterproofing.com Pet Stop Pet Fencing System of Western PA petstop.com

Pet Friendly Restaurants North:

Double Wide Grille - Mars 724-553-5212

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

South:

PETCONNECTIONS RESOURCE DIRECTORIES

Double Wide Grille - Southside 412-390-1111

Pet Grooming North:

5th Avenue Fido 724-772-5511 | 5thavenuefido.com All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info K-9 Kingdom 724-935-3647 | k9kingdom.com Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | larryslaundromutt.com Paw Prints Pet Retreat 724-903-0063 | pawprintspetretreat.com

South:

Brush Run Styling 724-942-6352 | brushrunpetstyling.com Canine Club 412-220-8100 | thecanineclub.com Grand Slam Grooming 412-221-5081 | grandslamgrooming.com Grooming With Care 412-977-5961 Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming 412-885-4027 Pets At Home 412-655-7297 The Pet Salon 412-279-5331 | petsalonusa.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com Creative Canine Cuts 724-223-9020

West:

Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Pet Grooming Schools

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy 412-297-9383 | goldenpawspittsburghpa.com

Pet Massage

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Your Critter Sitters – Raylene Hoover 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

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 North:

5th Avenue Fido 724-772-5511 | 5thavenuefido.com

August 2014

Camp Bow Wow - Ross Township campbowwowpgh.com K-9 Kingdom 724-935-3647 | k9kingdom.com Paw Prints Pet Retreat 724-903-0063 | pawprintspetretreat.com

South:

Camp Bow Wow - Castle Shannon campbowwowpgh.com Grandma’s Dog Daycare 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com Canine Club 412-220-8100 | thecanineclub.com

East:

Camp Bow Wow - Highland Park campbowwowpgh.com Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

West:

Camp Bow Wow - Greentree campbowwowpgh.com Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Pet Retail/Supply North:

Burton’s Total Pet - Allison Park 724-444-8103 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Cranberry 724-776-4822 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - North Hills 412-367-0962 | totalpetstores.com Healthy Pet Products 412-366-0700 | healthypetproducts.net

South:

Burton’s Total Pet - Bridgeville 412-257-0756 | totalpetstores.com 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:

Burton’s Total Pet - Edgewood 412-342-0110 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Greensburg 724-838-8198 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Irwin 724-863-7800 | totalpetstores.com Burton’s Total Pet - Monroeville 412-374-1455 | totalpetstores.com

Pet Sitters North:

Little Piggies Pet Sitting littlepiggiespetsitting.com

Your Critter Sitters– Raylene Hoover 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

West:

Seraphina Pet Sitters 412-389-9735 | seraphinasitters.vpweb.com

Veterinary Hospice

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

Veterinary Hospitals North:

Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com BelaCoop Animal Hospital 724-939-7062 | belacoopanimalhospital.com Seven Fields Veterinary Clinic 724-742-4433 | sevenfieldsvet.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com

South:

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com Allegheny South Veterinary Services 412-257-0909 | alleghenysouthvetsvcs.com Hickory Veterinary Service 724-356-1000 | hickoryvetsvcs.com VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500

East:

Pittsburgh East Animal Hospital Monroeville - 724-325-2500 Greensburg - 724-205-6960 peah.vetsuite.com The Big Easy 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com

West:

Avalon Veterinary Hospital 412-761-9149 | avalonvh.com 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

Allegheny Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty 412-373-4200 | avets.us

South:

Chris’s Canine Club 724-746-3864 | chrisscanineclub.com

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Oddball Pets and Aquariums The Best Aquarium Store in Pittsburgh

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THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND Pets and Broken Hearts

by Susan Wagner DVM, MS, ACVIM

“Often, the only way into a heart, is that it be broken first.”

T

his wise statement is from a book written by a dear friend of mine, Patrice Rancour, called Tales from the Pager Chronicles (published

by Sigma Theta Tau International, 2008).

Patrice and I have walked on the path promoting wellness in humans and animals together for many years.

Patrice is a mental health clinical nurse specialist who assisted families in crisis before she crossed over into focusing on wellness. As I read story after story of these families, and the doctors and staff who cared for them, I marveled at the healing that occurs when a tender heart and helping hand are available. Obstacles that seem insurmountable can be overcome. But isn’t that what nursing is all about? Nurses are our advocates in a complicated medical system. I always knew that when I wanted answers about my hospitalized loved ones, I asked their nurses.

The stories in Tales also created a déjà vu feeling for me.

Even though Patrice is talking about human medicine, many parallels to specialty veterinary practice revealed themselves. You may think it is inappropriate to compare the crisis over a human illness to that of a pet’s situation, but to those of us who have lived in the drama, it is a very real comparison. I have had pet guardians collapse in my arms over an unexpected death. I have seen them at the brink of suicide. I’m certain their lives outside of the vet hospital were not stable, and the emotions of what was occurring brought them to the breaking point.

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Thank goodness veterinary medicine has embraced the concept of support services for pet guardians. Many veterinary schools and a few private specialty hospitals have a social worker or counselor on staff. I hope the day comes when this service becomes standard of care. These professionals also provide a needed service to the veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and students who care for severely ill patients. The stress can be overwhelming. Veterinary medicine now has the highest suicide rate of all the professions according to a study done in England. There are many theories as to why we have made it to the top, and perhaps we will soon gain the awareness needed to give up that statistic.

I’ve been fortunate to work with Paws For The Soul, a group dedicated to healing the caring profession. We offer retreats and workshops designed to combat compassion fatigue, as well as teach veterinarians and other animal professionals about the importance of self-care and wellness. I also present workshops on living according to energetic principles, and I am continually reminded that our wounds (whether it is patient or a wounded healer) begin with a broken heart. Something happens to shut us down. The anger, judgment and bitterness follow as the energy from the initial wound continues to vibrate in our field. I liken it to Nikola Tesla’s theory of magnetic resonance, which states that a seemingly gentle oscillation over time can topple a sky scraper.

Our wounds continue to vibrate and create drama in our lives until an event such as the loss of a loved one (two or four legged) pushes us over the edge.

The good news is that once we understand life as energy, we can regain our power. Once we know that there is an oscillating device called heartbreak in our energy field, we can take steps to understand and complete it — before life’s inevitable crisis occurs.

I’d like to dedicate this piece to all the medical and veterinary nurses and staff who work so hard to watch our backs — whether we are the patient or the care provider. Please take a moment to remember them.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

2014 Pittsburgh Pet Event Calendar August September 23 - Animal Friends at our annual Bark in the Dark

3 - Unleashed: Art Party and Dog Costume

30 - 4th Annual Paws for the Cause - WPPBF

6 - 31st Annual Family House Polo Match

www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org

www.wppbf.org

Competition - 412.394.2060

Hartwood Acres 412.647.5811

6 - Party with PAART

http://pittrescue.org

13 - Southside Charity Bar Crawl

Please see our online event calendar page at pghpetconnections.com for more great and local pet events!

16 - Southside Charity Bar Crawl

to benefit Animal Friends

26/27 - Black Tie & Tails – Animal Friends

August 2014

to benefit Animal Friends

www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Through Generations:

JAMES WARHOLA, ILLUSTRATOR

by Bernadette E. Kazmarski

T

he name may sound familiar, “Warhola” … “Warhol”. James Warhola, or Jamie as his family called him, is Andy Warhol’s nephew, son of Andy’s oldest brother Paul who’d done so much to help his younger brother become a success at whatever he chose, and who later regularly took the family to visit Andy in New York giving Jamie an introduction to the life of a professional artist.

On these visits, watching his uncle first as a successful illustrator, then becoming a famous artist, Jamie’s dreams for his own future formed around being an illustrator too. And because animals had always been a part of family life from home to farm to New York City town house and in his uncle’s art as well, he could use all those memories of animals in illustrating the many children’s books that ultimately filled his portfolio.

Illustrator for over 30 books, in 2003 Jamie published the first of his own illustrated books, Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbbulous Visit with Andy Warhol (Putnam, 2003), about the spontaneous visits when his father would pack everyone in the car and drive to New York to pull up and simply knock on Uncle Andy’s door.

“We were a big family and we were very close, going to visit our uncle in New York City was just something any family would do,” Jamie remarked.

Andy had worked for years as an accessory artist and illustrator with Glamour magazine starting as soon as he arrived in New York in 1949 right out of college, and became a highly sought talent for product illustration.

“I remember a lot of paintings of shoes,” Jamie said, “he was pretty famous for his shoe illustrations and handbags.”

Andy’s mother Julia, or Bubba as her grandchildren called her, moved to New York in 1952 to help her son. Andy was the youngest and had always been a little fragile so she’d given him a lot of care through the years along with encouraging his talent with her own creativity. With the rest of her children grown and gone and herself a widow, she decided he could still use her help.

So when the family went to visit, they were also visiting mother and grandma. The visits were a spur of the moment decision three or four times a year by Jamie’s father, and they’d pack up the car and be on the road bright and early. Did anyone call in advance to let their hosts know? “No!” Jamie laughed. “That would ruin the surprise!”

Illustration from The Wheels on the Racecar written by Alex Zane, used with permission.

“Uncle Andy and Bubba were surprised, but they were happy we were there,” Jamie recalled and told about pulling out the mattresses and bedding for the family to sleep on for the next few days, and the fascination with the tall and narrow house.

With all those illustrations of shoes and handbags Andy had grown quite wealthy, and by 1960 he could afford to buy the town house at 89th and Lexington. “Those were the years of the soup cans and the silk screens.

He was one of the group who founded ‘Pop Art’ in America,” Jamie observed of the movement that brought everyday products and people from popular culture advertising and media into fine art and even used illustrative techniques and styles to create works of art.

In the course of their visits, “we watched him doing all this work,” Jamie said. In 1962 young Jamie was seven and Andy had taught Jamie and his older brother Georgie how to stretch canvases for him while Paul would help with bigger projects, like building storage shelves and other renovation Andy needed.

Illustration from Uncle Andy’s Cats, used with permission.

“We were really the only ones who saw him in those years,” Jamie said as the family watched the new art evolve.

“He was always working, we never saw the crazy stuff, not at home,” he said. “Andy started ‘The Silver Factory’ in 1964 because people wanted to be around him and they supported his work.”

He also recalled the cats, Hester and Sam, and all their progeny. “My uncle knew the housekeeper for Gloria Swanson and heard her cat had had kittens, and that was where Hester came from.” They adopted Sam as a companion, and soon there were “25 cats named Sam” as Andy and his mother named them all Sam. The need to find them homes inspired the 1954 book 25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy with illustrations by Andy and calligraphy by his mother Julia. “I’m not sure why the cats, but I think Bubba was more of a cat person,” Jamie said. Eventually they found homes for most of the Sams as Jamie wrote and illustrated in his followup book to Uncle Andy’s entitled Uncle Andy’s Cats. Later Andy was rarely seen without his dachshunds Archie and Amos.

“He was the biggest influence on me,” Jamie said. “I wanted to be an illustrator, even more than a fine artist. You’d do this drawing and then it would be reproduced. I wanted to do that.” His parents encouraged him to follow his muse. Jamie grew up in Jefferson Boro, south of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1977 with a BFA degree in design from Carnegie Mellon University and from 1977 to 1980 he studied at the Art Students League of New York.

He worked for his Uncle Andy at Interview magazine for a short time but left to become a science fiction illustrator, and during the 1980s he illustrated more than 300 book covers. Jamie also began in the early 80s and is still one of Mad magazine’s cover and article illustrators.

In his career as a book illustrator Jamie “kind of fell into” children’s book illustration but enjoys it, illustrating his first children’s book in 1987 and illustrating over 30. He started off painting with watercolors but moved to acrylics for any of his illustration assignments. “Everyone around me was thinking in a very avant garde Background illustration from The Wheels on the Racecar written by Alex Zane, used with permission.

August 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com

11

sense, while I was thinking in a more traditional sense,” he says of his illustration style. Jamie’s illustrations are deep with detail and color, the sorts of illustrations you could look at over and over and still see more details.

And they contained plenty of animals. “Norman Rockwell said it’s very important to put dogs or cats in the picture,” he said. One of the first children’s books he illustrated was a Grimm tale, The Tinder Box, about a soldier that is given a tinder box that summons three dogs to do his bidding. Children’s stories tend to feature animals so from those three dogs to his Uncle Andy’s cats he’s painted many, many animals.

In addition to his famous uncle, Jamie also gives credit to his innovative and creative-thinking father, Paul. As the oldest Paul helped care for his siblings after their father died, especially his youngest brother, Andy who had endured scarlet fever and its after-effects and become timid and shy. Paul had quit school during the depression to help the family and made money whatever way he could, including buying fruits and vegetables, then going into the city to sell them, taking Andy to knock on the door and make the sale.

Later Paul got into selling surplus electronics and then the junk business in which he turned used junk like cars and appliances into saleable scrap metal. The family’s yard was littered with metal and at times he would create sculptures out of his junk, not too unlike the sculptor John Chamberlain, who Andy liked collecting. “My dad taught me you can make art out of anything,” Jamie said. “He was always coming to me with crazy new ideas.”

This led to his father’s “chicken foot paintings”. “A friend of mine was returning to South America with a bunch of peeps and couldn’t take them on the plane, so I had to go get them,” Jamie recalls. “I took them back to dad and the place became a chicken farm for a while. They probably walked through paint from one of his projects and he liked the way it looked, but he actually ended up buying chicken feet from a butcher to make his paintings.”

Jamie now lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with one dog and three cats, and is still illustrating.

Illustration from Uncle Andy’s, used with permission.

HAAWC is a 501(c)(3) organization that honors

the Human Animal Bond as a source of wellness for individuals, families and communities.

Guided by the belief that animals are a gateway to human healing, HAAWC intends to develop both urban programs and rural sanctuaries designed to impact community health, safety and wellness.

HAAWC is raising funds for upcoming animal-related programming.

www.haawc.com

The American Veterinary Charitable Fund is a not-for-profit organization created to support veterinary practices in their charitable work.

For more information visit: www.avcfund.org

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: www.animalcarefund.org For questions, or to make an appointment call: 412-348-2588 or e-mail: AnimalBloodBank@pvs-ec.com August 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com

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ANIMAL HEALTH&WELLNESS C

ataracts are a major concern for both humans and animals alike. In people, cataracts are the most common form of severe visual impairment in developed countries and account for 17 million cases of vision loss across the globe. Cataracts are a very common reason that pets are evaluated by veterinarians for vision loss. Dogs are the most common companion animals affected by cataracts. In this article, we will focus on what it means to have a cataract, the most common cause of cataracts in dogs, treatment options available, and we will also briefly touch on cataracts in cats and horses.

Cataracts in Companion Animals

By Rachel Keller, DVM, Diplomate of the American

What is a cataract?

The lens is highly organized, transparent tissue within the eye that refracts incoming light (and images and objects in the environment) to the retina in the back of the eye (Figure 1). The lens allows images to be “focused” on the retinal tissue and then be sent to the brain for active vision to be established. The lens allows us to better visualize and interpret our world more clearly. A cataract occurs when the clear lens becomes opaque or “cloudy.” There are varying degrees of cloudiness, known as the stages of the cataract. Early stages of cataracts result in less visual deficits in dogs, while more advanced, generalized cloudiness results in notable loss of vision.

Why do cataracts develop?

The most common cause of cataracts in dogs is Figure 1 inherited, or genetic.

Any breed of dog can be affected by inherited cataracts, but there are some breeds in which we note the frequency of cataract development to be higher (Figure 2). These forms of cataracts often develop in three age groups: congenital (or present since birth), juvenile (one to four years of age), and adult (seven to ten years) (Figure 3).

Diabetes mellitus is also a very common cause of cataracts in dogs. Diabetic cataracts form as a result of excessive glucose (sugar) within the body and also the fluid within the eye. These cataracts develop very rapidly (days to weeks) and result in total blindness.

Approximately 80% of dogs with diabetes mellitus will develop cataracts within 18 months of the onset of

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diabetes. If you have a diabetic dog, close monitoring for the development of cataracts is indicated and treatment (such as anti-inflammatory therapy) should be initiated early on to provide the best chance for successful long-term treatment.

College of Veterinary Ophthalmology There are many other causes of cataracts in dogs, although they are less common than those already listed. Some other causes can include previous inflammation or trauma, the use of milk replacers as a supplement in very young puppies, low calcium (usually associated with kidney disease or certain hormone abnormalties), excessive copper levels (seen in Bedlington Terriers), advanced age, and rarely electric shock/lightning strike.

What treatment options are available for cataracts?

At this time, the only acceptable treatment to address cataracts is surgery. The surgical procedure to remove the cataracts is known as phacoemulsificiation. This procedure is a high frequency ultrasound which is performed using specific equipment to emulsify, or liquefy, the solid lens tissue within the eye to smaller fragments which can more gently be vacuumed from the eye. This form of surgery is the standard of care in both human and veterinary ophthalmology to date and results in a faster recovery and greater success rate than other surgical techniques performed in the past.

Phacoemulsification also allows for the placement of intraocular lens implants after the cataract is removed, which allows vision to be restored to near what it was prior to cataract development. (Figure 4) This surgery should only be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist who has completed a residency training program and is a Diplomate member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (see more at www.acvo.org).

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

More recently, several oral and topical (eye drop) products have been developed that claim to halt or even reverse cataract formation. To date, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Often these medications are expensive and, although they are often not harmful to dogs, they are not a reasonable alternative for cataract surgery in moderate to advanced stages resulting in vision loss. One exception may be the development of a topical eye drop for reduction of cataract formation in canine diabetic cataract patients specifically, but this has not yet been available for use commercially.

Figure 3

What is the prognosis for my dog if he has cataract surgery?

Generally speaking, cataract surgery is very successful, often resulting in significant improvements in both vision and quality of life for affected dogs. If your dog has cataracts and you think you may be interested in having an evaluation to determine whether he/she is a candidate for surgery, early evaluation is always recommended. Early examination will provide the best chance that surgery is performed at the most ideal time for long-term visual success.

A board certified veterinary ophthalmologist is best qualified to provide the best care for your dog if surgery is indicated.

Cataracts in Cats and Horses- What are my options?

Although dogs are the most common companion animals in which cataracts are noted, cats and horses do develop cataracts as well. Unfortunately, the most common cause for cataracts in these two species is related to a chronic inflammatory condition of the inside of the eye known as uveitis. As a result, cats and horses are often poor candidates for surgery as the long-term visual period after surgery is shortened by the primary uveitis condition. However, inherited cataracts are known to occur in cats and horses. In those cases, surgery can be considered. If your cat or horse is diagnosed with cataracts, a thorough evaluation by a veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended to best determine the underlying cause and to see whether he/she is a potential candidate for cataract surgery.

Australian Shepherd Cairn Terrier Keeshond Samoyed Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu Doberman Pinscher Beagle Lhasa Apso Siberian Husky Bichon Frise Poodle German Shepherd Silky Terrier Boston Terrier Rottweiler Golden Retriever Bulldog WHWT (Westie) Schnauzer Jack Russell Terrier Yorkshire Terrier

Figure 2

Figure 4

August 2014

Rachel Keller, DVM, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology 807 Camp Horne Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 366-3400

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

CAAB—Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist—this is the highest level certification offered by The Animal Behavior Society (the lower level also has strict standards).

People who earn this title have a research-based PhD, have published original and significant research in the field, and must carry liability insurance for their work (among other requirements).

Finding a Dog Training or Behavior Professi onal By: Tena Parker, CPDT-KA

Success Just Clicks Dog Training

D

id you know that in the state of Pennsylvania anyone can call himself a professional trainer?

There is no regulation in this field, so anyone, regardless of education, experience, skills, or business ethics, can open up a dog training business. This situation makes it extremely important to know how to wade through all the information to find a skilled, experienced, and qualified professional to help you and your dog. As with most situations, the quality of the professional you hire will dictate the quality of the results you achieve.

There is a myriad of “certifications,” job titles (like trainer, veterinary behaviorist, and behavior consultant) and professional organizations that people have to decipher to find a trainer or behaviorist who fits their needs. Here is a quick snapshot of some of the major job titles and certifications to help you evaluate professionals you are interested in hiring.

Trainer, Behaviorist, Behavior Consultant, Certifications, OH MY! Behaviorists are highly educated (PhD or MA/MS), highly skilled, and very experienced professionals in the science of behavior. With the lack of regulations, anyone can call himself an “animal behaviorist” but these are two of the certification options to look for if you need a true behaviorist: DACVB –Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior—these people are veterinary behaviorists, which means they have earned their veterinary degree, completed a residency program where they see behavior clients, and passed a national specialty exam (among other requirements). They are also well educated about and able to prescribe medications to effect behavior modification programs.

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Behavior Consultants are people who have extensive experience with problems like phobias, fear, aggression, or anxiety. They have a very broad skill set and extensive educational background. There are two main options for behavior consultants: IAABC, Certified Membership—International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants—this level of membership requires a submission of three case studies completed by the applicant, a minimum number of clinical hours, and proof of a minimum number of coursework hours.

CBCC-KA—Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed—people with this certification have documented a certain number of hours working with behavior cases, have a reference from a veterinarian or another CBCC-KA/CPDT-KA, and they must pass an exam.

Dog Trainers are extremely varied—some trainers are educated and skilled in the science of behavior, some are devoted to teaching specific sports, and some are skilled with teaching basic manners. It is critical to know that not all trainers are skilled or equipped to handle all issues that pop up—there are some fantastic and skilled basic manners trainers I know who won’t take on behavior modification cases because it’s outside of their area of expertise. When hiring a trainer, making sure he/she is skilled and experienced with your specific needs is important.

With the wide range in education history, experience, and the lack of regulation, it can be challenging to find a skilled and qualified trainer, even if you search for “certified trainer.” Most every school for dog trainers has its own certification given to graduates of its program—a graduate of Acme Dog Training Academy would likely become an “Acme Certified Dog Trainer” after graduation. Since these schools are not regulated or standardized, the quality of the trainers with “certificates” from various programs varies greatly.

There are a few great programs out there, whose graduates/certified trainers are great, but there are many more that fall short.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

There is one international certification that is standardized and independent of any training school/ program that is available to professional dog trainers as of right now.

CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA—Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge Assessed (or Knowledge and Skills Assessed)—professional trainers that earn this certification must adhere to a professional code of ethics, must meet a minimum number of hours in instruction, must meet a minimum number of credits for continuing education, must have a veterinary or another CPDT’s reference, must maintain professional insurance, and must pass an exam.

*What happens when my dog does something correctly? What if my dog does something wrong?

This question can help you discern the methods and tools of a potential trainer. Most trainers who use force or physical punishments don’t advertise themselves as such—but this question can give some insight.

It’s important to keep in mind that certifications alone do not make a skilled and qualified dog trainer and lack of certification does not automatically mean a trainer is not skilled or qualified.

*How long have you been training? Where did you get your education in training?

There are many programs where trainers spend just a few months learning before becoming certified trainers, so making sure a trainer has experience is important. Finding out where a trainer has gotten his education is equally important—there are many roads to becoming a dog trainer and only some involve formal schooling. Lack of formal schooling doesn’t necessarily mean a trainer isn’t skilled or qualified, but he should be able to tell you where he got his education.

Once you find a trainer you are interested in hiring, asking him for more information about his education, history, methodology, and business ethics can help you to find the right trainer for your needs. Here is a small sampling of potential questions to ask:

*Do you have experience with my dog’s particular needs?

As previously mentioned, not all trainers are skilled in all areas. Make sure your prospective trainer has had success with your specific behavior needs.

*Do you hold any professional certifications?

Beyond the aforementioned certification for professional dog trainers, there are some other “side” certifications that are available for specialties like trick dog training or specific protocols. Seeking out additional certifications can highlight special skills or areas of interest for your trainer. *Do you participate in any continuing education?

What type? In the ever-evolving field of dog training and behavior, it is important to continue to learn and be aware of innovations in the field or new research being done. Trainers can attend professional conferences, seminars, workshops, or read books, watch DVDs, and participate in online classes/webinars to further their education. *Are you a member of any professional organizations?

Membership in professional organizations can indicate a commitment to professionalism, specific philosophies, and continuing education.

August 2014

Continuing education is extremely important! Trainers committed to furthering their education often have bookshelves packed with dog training DVDs and books to learn from (this is my “overflow” shelf from my full dog-training bookcase)!

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Advertiser Locator

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1 Healthy Pet Products (see ad pg 29) 2 Woody’s Do-It-Yourself Dogwash (see pg 27) 3 Animal Rescue League (see ad pg 26)

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4 Oddball Pets & Aquariums (see ad pg 6) 5 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see ad pg 36) 6 Beaver Animal Clinic (see ad inside back cover) 7 The Pet Salon (see ad pg 19) 8 Western PA Humane Society (see ad pg 7) 9 P ittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (see ad back cover) 10 Rockin’ Horse Stables (see ad pg 34) 11 The English Horn Ltd (see ad pg 34) 12 Jefferson Memorial (see ad pg 22) 13 VCA Castle Shannon (see ad pg 23) 14 VCA Northview (see ad pg 21) 15 Seraphina Sitters (see ad pg 19) 16 Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital (see ad pg 31) 17 Grand Slam Grooming (see ad pg 19) 18 Paw Prints Pet Retreat (see ad pg 27)

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Advertisers All Natural Hoof Care (see ad pg 34) Animal Care & Welfare (see ad pg 21) Animal Friends (see ad pg 9) BelaCoop (see ad pg 23) Burton’s Total Pet (see ads inside front cover) The Canine Club (see pg 27) Chris’s Canine Club (see pg 19) Coventry Equestrian 1 Center (see ad pg 31) Dog Watch (see ad pg 33) Family Pet Show (see ad pg 2) Gentle Journey (see ad pg 33) Holistic Care for Animals (see ad pg 25) Jenny Karlsson Photography (see ad pg 19)

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August 2014

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THE AQUATIC HOBBIES

GARDENING WITH CONTAINERS By: Burton Patrick, Total Pet Stores

G

ardening with containers is one of my favorite summer pastimes. Using containers as miniature ponds allows us to curate multiple types of gardens and plants. Each container becomes its own microcosm of nature. The containers can be anything from ceramic pots of shallow depth to really big containers made of plastic or ceramic or even barrels. Maybe make your own combination container with a fountain, garden, and even a few fish. Thousands of projects with unlimited potential are conceivable. Over the years I have used half-barrel liners, half barrels with liners, shallow horse troughs, and large plastic pots that can be purchased at any lawn and garden shop. I have made miniature bogs out of shallow containers with pitcher plants and sundews. If you’re interested in bog-loving carnivorous plants, please read the book Savage Garden by Peter D’Amato.

If you care to read an in-depth discussion about container gardens I would direct you to Helen Nash’s book Water Gardening in Containers. Helen and I did a seminar in Pittsburgh at the Radisson on water gardens.

People loved it. Based on the immediate response to the conversation I’d say it really got their creative juices flowing.

Buying pre-fashioned pond kits is largely the biggest source of frustration for newcomers. First, they’re a waste of money. Second, when people can’t duplicate the glorious, staged picture on the box, they quit the hobby entirely. A word to the wise… nobody could create the picture on the box using the complete contents of a manufacturer-created pond kit. The missing ingredient? Knowledge. These kits are anything but complete in either instruction or material.

Knowledge does not come with all that stuff in the box.

A hobby is to be experienced and learned… and with time and patience, hopefully perfected. A hobby should be fulfilling, creative, and perhaps educational. Big box stores, though handy, do not teach a hobby. They

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sell. It’s a shame to lose small retailers with experience because they get pushed out of business by stores just selling stuff. People are not getting an education out of the experience of knowing and understanding.

One doesn’t need a lot of space for a water container.

They can be positioned in your yard as accent pieces or as a planned arrangement. As you gain experience maintaining your containers and you learn more about the plants, you can become bolder in your attempts at gaining perfection (at least in your eyes). The main thing to remember is that buying a kit may sound easy but you will learn more and obtain a far greater sense of satisfaction if you start from scratch. Learn the process of maintaining the container with proper water chemistry and any one of a hundred or so plants. There is nothing saved by buying a pond or container kit.

Managing container water gardens will teach you about substrate, how to fertilize plants, and various submersed and emergent plants. But where do you begin? How do you build a water garden? Below I have included some of my favorite plants that I have grown over the years as a starting point for your plant search.

Items to start with are as follows: • • • •

Container(s) of choice A small air pump to keep water from stagnating Aquatic soil substrate and some garden top soil Some water test strips to keep water from getting too acidic • Neutral buffer Now for my favorite plants: • Lotus • Ludwigia mosaic plant • Water hyacinth

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

• • • • •

Lobelia (cardinal flower) Dwarf water lilies Dwarf Papyrus Cyperus Pitcher plant (Sarracenia)

Do you have difficulty getting your pets to the veterinarian?

Does your pet get car sick?

I have included a photo of my favorite water garden flower (the lotus) and of my bog in a container complete with pitcher plants.

Burton’s Total Pet is not a water gardening store, but we do stock some essentials and I do consider the hobby to be part of my expertise. I enjoy helping people get started in a hobby that helps us understand the bigger world. If you have questions, please call me at our McIntyre Square store (412) 367-0962.

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FEATURE BUSINESS The Garden of Faithful Friends

T

he Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery opened in 2008. The garden allows for burial of just your faithful companion or you and your pet, a unique feature not many other pet cemeteries offer. We also have the Faithful Friends mausoleum, which houses crypt spaces for your pet and/or you and your pet. In that same building we also offer niche spaces for pet and/or human cremated remains. The mausoleum is a beautiful feature, for it has touching sayings and showcases people with their pets. Most of the people are actually employees with their companions!

We also offer cremation services. The crematory performs individual cremations, a service which is very important to us. We also offer visitation options for our pet families. As you could see in the some of the photographs I sent, our ‘pet room’ consists of an arrangement room, display room (for casket, urn and memorial options) as well as a visitation room.

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Presently, we have 86 pet burials in the Garden of Faithful Friends. We have a few inurnments and entombments.

Our sales and family service team and I aim to serve our pet families in every way we can. The death of a pet can be just as life-changing and upsetting as the death of a human. Through education we can help to create awareness and peace of mind within our community.

Dagny VN Fitzpatrick Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Funeral Home and Crematory 401 Curry Hollow Rd. Pittsburgh PA 15236 dagny@jeffersonmemorial.biz

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

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HOLISTIC CARE

The Transition to Raw

By: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

I

have written in the past about my passion for natural pet nutrition. For me, the only truly natural diet for dogs or cats is the kind they ate while evolving over millions of years – a balanced, raw food diet. I am commonly asked how to switch an animal from a processed diet to a raw diet.

A first step in transitioning is to give the pet a probiotic supplement for a week or two to prepare the GI tract for a change. Usually when pets get sick from a diet change, it is because the gut bacteria can’t handle the switch. The Answers’ raw goat’s milk product works well to prime the intestines for the raw diet.

Dogs Getting your dog started on a raw diet is usually easy.

Most dogs love to have something other than processed foods. Even if your dog loves the new diet, it is best to taper him on slowly so that his digestive tract can adjust to the radical change.

each pet food company makes their kibble in distinct shapes.

The companies also spray the surface of the kibble with “animal digest” which is similar to MSG and has a taste cats can’t resist. I liken this to Doritos. I personally do not care much for plain old corn chips. However, when those same chips are sprayed with that Doritos coating, I can’t resist. Similarly, the cat’s natural proclivity to eat a healthy diet is hijacked by the technology of flavor enhancers that increase palatability.

At first, add just a small amount of the raw food to each meal while taking out an equivalent amount of the old diet. Each day add more and more raw food and serve less and less of the previous diet. Within one to two weeks, the process should be complete and your dog will be eating an all-raw diet.

I have personal experience with switching finicky felines to raw. Several years ago I inherited my parents’ cats and these kitties were dry food junkies. When I put raw food in front of them, they looked up at me and said, “We can’t eat this. Are you trying to kill us?” Well, my other cats were all eating raw food, so I told the newcomers, “You’re going to have to eat this food or you will just starve to death.” Day and night I put a bowl of raw food in front of them, and each time they turned up their noses up.

Occasionally I’ll run across a dog that is not fond of the raw food. There are several ways to deal with this issue. First of all, maybe it is just the particular meat you chose. Perhaps your dog prefers beef over chicken. Try changing the meat source. If that does not work, try lightly cooking the food (rare to medium rare). Then, after your dog is fully adjusted to the food, you can cook it less and less. If none of this works, refer to the finicky cat technique below.

By day three of their hunger strike, I think I heard them say, “We’d rather die than eat that raw food.” By the way, although a healthy cat can miss a meal or two, an overweight cat that does not eat for three days can go into liver failure and die, so I do not recommend the starvation method of food transition. Because of this learning experience, taught by a couple of pros, I have come up with the following finicky cat transition technique.

Cats Cats are totally different from dogs. They tend to be very finicky about their foods. In fact, cats become imprinted on the food they are first fed. They can even become addicted to the shape of the kibble. That’s why

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

Finicky Cat Transition Technique To transition your cat from dry food to raw, the first step is to get him on a twice-a-day feeding schedule. No matter what your cat may tell you, he does not need a bowl full of food sitting out all day. If he were in the wild, he would not have dead mice lying around to eat.

In fact, he would have to get his butt off the tree limb and catch a mouse. And, if he missed that mouse, he would go without a meal.

So first thing in the morning, you put ½ of your cat’s daily ration in the bowl and put it down for him to eat. If your cat is like most, he is likely to eat a few pieces and walk away, confident it will be there later. But, it will not be there later. Let the bowl of food stay down for 15-20 minutes and then put it up and away. Then, in the evening when you put a bowl with the other half of the daily ration down, your cat will very likely finish it off. He will quickly (within a few days) get into the new rhythm of eating.

It may be best to start the feeding schedule during the week when people are not in the house to hear the cat complain about the lack of readily available vittles. And, if you are home for the transition and your cat does

complain, do not give in. Giving him food when he gets loud and obnoxious will only reinforce the unwanted behavior. You must resist the temptation to give in to your cat’s demands.

Now that your cat is used to eating morning and night, it’s time to start adding the raw food. With each feeding, put a teaspoon of raw food on the bottom of the food bowl and put the dry food on top. That way, your kitty won’t have to touch the raw food, but he’ll smell it with every bite of dry food he takes.

Considering the sensitivity of the feline nose, this is a big step.

Once your cat adjusts to the new aroma, mix the raw food in with a small amount of the dry on the bottom of the bowl. That way, if he wants to get a whole belly full of food, he’ll have to eat some that is touching the raw food. Now, very gradually mix in more and more of the raw and less and less of the dry. After a month or so of this process, you should have a totally raw-fed cat.

For many cats, the owner has to really want to see his/ her companion eating a healthy, raw diet. It takes persistence and a slightly deaf ear, but it can be done.

If I can make raw eaters out of my parents’ cats, I know you can do the same for your kitty.

You were always so kind and caring and TRULY compassionate with Bailey.

Dr. Mike, Our Bailey passed away last Sunday, since last November she seemed to just have one problem after another and we received one opinion after another from multiple vets, from Cushing’s to kidney failure to infections; too numerous to list.

My wife and I are so very grateful to have found you and we believe 1000% that you helped give Bailey many additional months of life with your techniques and procedures.

You were always so kind and caring and TRULY compassionate with Bailey.

We KNEW if you felt in any way you couldn’t help, you would be honest and tell us and we fully trusted you. We always looked forward to our visits because we knew it helped Bailey, and she was so at ease with you.

DC, CCSP, CVCP

Dr. Savko works with the following veterinary clinics: Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital, Washington, PA Suburban Animal Clinic, Butler, PA, Delmont Veterinary Hospital, Delmont, PA, Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo, PA

We will forever be grateful to you and only WISH WE HAD MET YOU SOONER. You are a true friend to both us and Bailey, and we will continue to see you with Sydney.

In the end, we thank you.

- Kevin and Kathy.

Dr’s note: God Bless you all, it was my honor to serve you.

ears Over 1r3ieYnce Expe

Bailey, run happy, run free!

August 2014

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KITTY KORNER

Cat Rescue Resource Guide Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs

This is an ever-changing list of resources for cat owners in Pittsburgh and beyond though many of the listings, like the shelters, apply to dogs and other pets as well. It includes low-cost spay and neuter programs as well as TNR for community cats, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. In the future we will also list clinic dates with the organizations below when they are available.

TNR And Low-Cost Spay/Neuter For The Pittsburgh Area Homeless Cat Management Team: www.homelesscat.org City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents City of Pittsburgh free spay/neuter: www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm City of Pittsburgh residents can apply for free spay or neuter vouchers for up to five pets, including stray/feral cats.

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and TNR Programs at Allegheny and Surrounding County Shelters Animal Friends: www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League: www.animalrescue.org Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org - Colony Cat Project: faith.b2@verizon.net Western Pennsylvania Humane Society: www.wpahumane.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue, Allegheny & Westmoreland Counties: www.sites.google.com/site/frankiesfriendsnatronaheights Fluffyjean Fund for Felines, Allegheny and Washington Counties: www.fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com Fix Ur Cat, Washington County: www.fixurcat.org Catnip Acres, Greene County: www.catnip-acres.org Snip-it.org, Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg): www.snip-it.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinic Spay Neuter Clinic, Penn Hills, 412-244-1202: www.spayaz.com/pittsburgh-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://neuterspay.org Spay USA: http://neuterspay.org Pet-friendly Rentals In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only): www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments Shelters and Shelter Services ALLEGHENY COUNTY Animal Friends (AFI): www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League (ARL): www.animalrescue.org Western Pennsylvania Humane Society (WPHS): www.wpahumane.org SURROUNDING COUNTIES Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Butler County Humane Society: www.butlercountyhs.org Humane Society of Westmoreland County: http://members.petfinder.com/~PA83/about.html Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org Non-shelter Feline Adoption FosterCat: www.fostercat.org Kopy Kat Sanctuary, Westmoreland County (Delmont): www.kopykatsanctuary.org

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ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

NORTH HILLS: 9805 McKnight Rd. McCandless, PA 15237

SOUTH HILLS: Crossgates Plaza 1742 Washington Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA. 15241

412.366.0700

(next to the Model Cleaners)

412.831.3700

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR PET! HEALT HY PET PRODUCTS IS YOUR RESOURCE FOR ALL YOUR NUTRITION NEEDS FOR YOUR PET. ABOUT HEALTHY PET PRODUCTS

While operating my own pet sitting business over an eight year period, I became increasingly concerned about the various health afflictions that I was seeing in my customers’ dogs and cats. The list of ailments appearing over and over again included allergies, itchy skin, ear infections, auto-immune disorders and a multitude of other problems. I began researching these health concerns and discovered that every symptom seemed to point to food and environment. This made perfect sense because I am a firm believer that we are what we eat. It is apparent that our beloved pets are what they eat as well. I had to do something!

Ironically there was a local store up for sale that only sold natural pet food and treats. I bought the store in order to spread the word about how important it is to feed quality pet food to our pets.

That was in October of 2008 and since then, we have improved the lives of many pets. So much though, that I was able to open a second store in order to reach a broader market. My research on pet nutrition and the pet food industry is ongoing and ever changing. I have found that many of the ailments our pets are suffering from these days can be greatly improved or completely eliminated with premium kibble, raw feeding and supplementation (and dare I say less vaccinations). My true passion in life is to reach as many people as I possibly can to help them to understand what better nutrition can do for their pet and in turn do for them. I hope you’ll stop in sometime soon to meet Meg, myself and our staff and see what we can offer your pets.

Find us on

Specializing in Raw Feeding!

NEED ASSISTANCE? WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

To inquire about the products and services found on our Web site or in our stores, contact us by phone or e-mail. We will be happy to assist you. You can contact Toni Shelaske by phone at 412.366.0700 or 412.831.3700 or by email at toni@healthypetproducts.net.

NORTH HILLS: Monday-Friday: 9am - 8pm | Saturday: 9am - 6pm | Sunday: 11am - 5pm SOUTH HILLS: Monday-Thursday: 9am - 8pm | Friday -Saturday: 9am - 6pm | Sunday: 10am - 4pm

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www.healthypetproducts.net

September 2013

Love Comes in Many Sizes...

By Nancy Frishkorn BA, CHCP

E

mily D. has become one of my good friends, as well as an inspiration. On days when I feel like things are just too hard and I want to give up, I think of Emily and it’s like a spark of life energizes my soul and I pick myself up and push on. I met Emily in grad school at California University of Pennsylvania, where she is now working on her second master’s degree in school counseling. She has shared some of her amazing stories with me, and I am blessed to have met her. Funny thing is, we immediately had something in common…..horses.

pathology from Marywood University in Scranton, PA, and is currently in school counseling at California University of Pennsylvania working on her second master’s.

Emily shared stories of how she learned to ride both English and western, of which she prefers the western neck rein “for obvious reasons” since she has no use of her legs, and at a trot “it’s good to grab the horn if you need to steady yourself.” Emily told me how supportive her parents were during her childhood: “My dad is a minister, and he helps everybody any way he can; my mom, she was studying to be a guidance counselor before losing her sight, so I guess I’m following in her footsteps. They were always there for me, no matter what, just as they were for my sister who, like my mom, is legally blind due to cataracts.” As I listened to her story, I couldn’t help thinking how amazing her entire family sounds and how lucky I am to have made such a

“Horseback riding has made me feel normal—it’s amazing what people take for granted.”

Emily got into horses when she was only five years old.

You see, she was born with spina bifida and has had to have seven surgeries so far. When she was five, she lost strength in her right hand because of a bubble of spinal fluid she had in her neck since she was also born with hydrocephalus. The doctors had to put a shunt in to drain the fluid. She had gone to a day camp where she learned therapeutic riding; she continued this therapy to build up her hand strength after she had to have the surgery. At this crtical time, she was paired with her first horse near Hershey, PA. “His name was Chester,” she said with a gleam in her eye, “and as soon as I was on him I knew riding was for me!”

Emily said, “I laugh when people say they are afraid of big animals because horses are just big babies!” She told me how she met so many other kids when she was in the program, some with other physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, but what they all learned were life skills that become so important later on. Emily credits some of her success to the horses: She has already completed a master’s in speech and language

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wonderful friend. She told me about riding with Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA at carta.net) in Grantville, PA, which is where she met Dancer when she was in middle school. “We were crazy enough for each other and we balanced each other well,” said Emily with a tear in her eye. Emily competed sometimes against 50 other riders, many with no disabilities at all, doing typically eight events every show, two to three times a year. Emily was season champion three out of five years before she got her first graduate degree! She won medal after medal, despite Dancer’s ‘quirks.’

Emily shared with me one of the most embarrassing things that ever happened to her while competing.

She said, “Right in the middle of the event when I was to open the gate, walk through then close it as part of the obstacle course, he decided to eat the flowers that were placed on the gate! Right in front of all the judges he decided to grab a snack! And another time it started to pour down rain and what did he do? He freezes right before the event just like a statue!” She started to

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

laugh and said, “It wasn’t so bad, getting all wet, until he shook like a dog!” and then we both laughed because anyone who has ever ridden a horse knows exactly how that feels.

“My horse was part of my family…it hurt so bad when I found out he passed away and yes, I cried,” Emily admitted. She lost Dancer just a few months ago to old age, but he was in his thirties and had been retired for a few years while she was in her secondary schooling.

I asked her if she thought she would ever get another horse and she said, “Someday maybe, but I’ll have to wait until I finish school because it takes a lot and I’ll have to train another one to do all the work I did with him.”

EQUINE AFFAIRS

could do it. It was an accomplishment and when I rode I was able to walk where I wanted to, which is something I can only have when I’m on a horse.” These words were so profound to me at that very moment, and it was then that I realized…how many things I’ve taken for granted.

Emily would like to be part of a therapeutic riding school, but it takes a lot of money to start up on your own. “I would love to run one or even volunteer as a mentor so I could give back what was given to me,” she said. I thought to myself how much she inspires me and imagined what an amazing mentor this beautiful, strong woman would be. I asked her what she liked best about all of it and she simply said, “Just knowing I

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EQUINE AFFAIRS Riding With Your Joints and Not With Your Muscles

By: Kristin Hermann

M

any riders think they are supposed to straddle the horse and grip for dear life with the legs and seat in order to stay on. However, holding on to the horse in that way shuts down the rider’s ability to signal the horse using the three natural aids that talk to the horse (legs, seat and hands). A rider needs to sit in balance with the seat enveloping the horse’s back. This allows the limbs (arms and legs) to be pliable and not rigid so they can be used to signal the horse. As Sally Swift, author of the classic book Centered Riding, so appropriately told us, we ride with our joints: “If you ride with your bones, your muscles won’t have to work so hard.”

If a rider gets on a horse and tenses by squeezing with the muscles to stay on, as opposed to just sitting, the horse could interpret this as a command to move forward. Not a good idea unless you have brakes! Also, tight muscles cannot listen or feel what is going on in the horse’s body because they are tense. I call this interaction between the horse and rider’s bodies “the silent dialog”. When a rider is accomplished, a silent dialog develops between the rider’s muscles and joints and the horse’s body and three gaits.

The rider’s primary joint areas that communicate to the horse are the legs with the hip, knee and ankle; the torso and the two curves of the spine (plus, every vertebra); and the rider’s arms with the shoulders, elbows and wrists. These are the joints that have to stay elastic and mobile to ‘go with’ the horse’s movement.

The rider’s seat or torso follows the movement of the horse’s back, the legs follow the up and down and forward and back motion of the horse’s gaits (or back) and the rider’s arms follow the horse’s head and neck. If any of these joints are rigid, the rider will not move with the horse. I like to think of the horse as a rhythmic piece of music and the rider has to learn how to dance with this horse’s motion. I do not know about you, but I could not dance if my joints were stiff.

This concept of riding with the bones or joints sounds weird, but not at all if you think of the riders’ joints as shock absorbers that absorb impact and go with the movement of the horse. How else is the rider to allow the body to move with the varying gaits of the horse? When the rider’s joints work as shock absorbers, the muscles can then feel the movement in the horse.

In the last Pittsburgh PetConnections I mentioned that the rider has to not only feel and listen to what the horse’s body is saying, but also has to be able to apply signals to the horse.

How does one do this at the same time? Well, this is what is referred to as equestrian tact! Once This rider’s primary joints are “going with the horse”. Elbows are bent to connect with horse’s mouth and follow the you know how to sit and go This is not to say that a rider forward and back motion of the walk and canter.

Her torso with the movement of the should slump on a horse and is balanced and she is inclined slightly forward from the hip. not have some kind of form horse at all three gaits, you Her knees and ankles are soft so they can absorb the motion while riding! When a rider are more capable of of the horse’s gaits. listening to the horse and starts lessons, the first one knowing what appropriate hundred lessons are about signals to give the horse! how to get into basic riding position in order to best go with the horse and signal the horse. Then the rider

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

EQUINE AFFAIRS

learns to direct the horse at all three gaits, and their skills develop with each lesson. I have been quoting one of the great equestrian classical trainers for years, Alois Podhajsky who says in his book The Complete Training of Horse and Rider, “The best trained horse would be useless without a potential rider.” He goes on to say, “The feeling of the rider, may be compared to the hearing of the musician. Both must have sufficient talent to be able to play the instrument, whether a living creature or an inanimate object.”

Recommended reading: Centered Riding, Sally Swift, St. Martin’s Press, 1985, p. 32.

The Complete Training of Horse and Rider, Alois Podhasky, Wilshire Book Co., 1979, pp. 209-210.

Connected Riding, Peggy Cummings, Primedia Enthusiast Pubns, 1999.

Portraits of animals pets and wildlife

2014 CaLendars A yEAr Of CATs in fOur diffErEnT ThEmEs: 12 Sketches of Cats fine Art Wall Calendar Compositions in Black and Green features black cats In the Kitchen With Cookie photos and recipes Great Rescues Day Book features portraits and stories

Schedule an underground dog fence installation with us before August 31, 2014 and we will give you $100 off!

Also feline-inspired artwork, photography, apparel, table linens, greeting cards and gift items.

Bernadette e. KazmarsKi, artist Etsy/PortraitsOfAnimals • www.TheCreativeCat.net www.bernadette-k.com

August 2014

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Rockin’ Horse Stables

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.

Located just minutes from the heart of Cranberry Twp.

724-601-4706

www.rockinhorsestables.com

The

English Horn Ltd. For People

English Riding Apparel, Helmets & Boots, Country Clothing, Jewelry & Gifts

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Tack, Blankets, Health Care, Leather & Grooming Products

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Unique Leather Collars & Leashes, Coats, Gifts & Accessories

www.theenglishhorn.com englishhorn@verizon.net

724-941-8088 34

211 East McMurray Rd, McMurray, PA 15317 Sun, Mon: Closed • Tues, Thurs: 10-8 • Wed, Fri, Sat: 10-5

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

IN REMEMBRANCE

Tenth Annual Pet Memorial Sunday Ceremony Hosted by CCPC

T

he second Sunday of September was set aside as a time to remember our pets by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories.

Chebatoris has hosted a ceremony on Pet Memorial Sunday since 2005 for families who have lost a pet.

“Our society does not normally have a ritual to help families transition through the loss of a pet. This event is an effort to meet that need,” said Chebatoris.

Out of her compassion for the families and pets she has met has come several innovative programs to help people keep their pets healthy and well.

“It’s one thing dealing with a death after a long and happy life,” Chebatoris said, “When I need to work with a family whose young, healthy pet has succumbed to an accidental death, it is a double tragedy.”

In the spring of 2011 she began hosting free pet first aid introductory and certification classes and advocating attendees prepare a pet first aid kit.

Donations at these events led to the purchase of pet oxygen mask kits, in turn donated to the communities where the classes were held.

Our animal “I think I’ve been really blessed to work companions have with these families over the past ten years,” become more respected says Deb Chebatoris, owner of Chartiers members of our society, Custom Pet Cremation (CCPC), as she from recognizing that people will not evacuate prepares for her tenth Pet Memorial even a life-threatening Sunday Celebration on Sunday, situation if they can’t September 14. “I am honored to continue take their animals to hosting this ceremony. From past years’ realizing that a close bond with an animal thank you notes families have received In 2013 her two dogs were can help people heal healing from attending.” attacked by a neighboring from both physical and dog while on a walk. emotional traumas. Our Knowing how many dogs animal companions fill a deep place in our lives; for are critically injured in attacks and how many dogs are children they are sometimes the closest friend and euthanized for aggressive behavior, Chebatoris hosted confidant, for seniors they are often a singular daily free canine aggression seminars which were attended companion. Grief after the loss of a cherished animal by hundreds over the course of a year in the hopes that companion needs to be treated with respect. injuries could be prevented.

A history of compassion

“I step into people’s families for a brief time,” Chebatoris said as she described one family who had planned a wake and celebration of their pet with all family members in attendance when Chebatoris returned the pet’s cremains, inviting her to join them. Over the years she has cremated not only cats and dogs but also ferrets, rats, birds, rabbits, iguanas and even sugar gliders with the same respectful promise that the pet is given “from your hands to mine”, is only handled by her, and is cremated by her at her facility in Bridgeville, and returned to its caretaker in a special handmade bag.

August 2014

Pet Memorial Sunday The ceremony is on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Melrose Cemetery in Bridgeville.

Over the years attendance has grown from families Chebatoris has worked with and others who have read or heard about the event including friends of CCPC families. “Anyone who is dealing with grief over the loss of a pet is welcome to attend,” she said.

As part of the ceremony, speakers will discuss our relationships with our pets before and after their death.

www.pghpetconnections.com

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IN REMEMBRANCE

Dr. Brad Carmichael of Pleasant Valley Veterinary Hospital in McMurray PA, will speak on “Our Last Moments Together”, Elizabeth Babcock, LCSW, will speak on “Our Grief Response”. Bernadette E. Kazmarski, animal artist and writer, offers her insights on why, after experiencing such grief, many of us choose again to open our hearts to pets.

These speakers are followed by “Words of Tribute” written by pet owners and read by the speakers.

Participants’ tributes share with all attending what was so very special about their departed pet. Chebatoris has tips and examples on her website to help illustrate a meaningful tribute.

“Keeping a tribute to your pet to only 50 words can be a challenge,” Chebatoris remarks, “but limiting your remembrance to 50 words helps you to focus on the essential elements that made your pet special.”

Families are also encouraged to bring a photo or memento of their pet to be displayed during the ceremony.

While holding a lit candle, attendees are given a Release Recitation focusing on the transition to being in this life to being a treasured memory.

One of the most touching parts of the ceremony is the dove release. To symbolize letting go, a single white dove is offered to each person to touch. Each touch is like a final goodbye before that dove is set free, followed by the rest of the flock.

The gathering will be held under a tent in the cemetery rain or shine. Light refreshments served afterward as families are invited to share their experiences with each other and speak to the presenters.

Please RSVP For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.ccpc.ws or call Deb at 412-220-7800 by Friday, September 12. If you wish to compose a tribute, please send that by Friday, September 12. The Pet Memorial Sunday page on the site includes an e-mail address and fax for Deb as well as instructions for composing and sending your Words of Tribute.

Also, in order to provide a peaceful environment for all, it is not appropriate to bring live pets to this event.

To read about past Pet Memorial Sunday celebrations, visit the CCPC’s blog “Animus” and read “Pet Memorial Sunday 2011”.

Photos by Bernadette Kazmarski

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

August 2014

Dr. Doug

The Holistic Vet Dr. Doug Knueven

practices an integrative approach to pet care. He is well versed in conventional veterinary medicine and has been licensed since 1987. He is also certifed in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. He is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and has advanced training in natural nutrition, massage therapy, homeopathy and a host of other alternative therapies.

Beaver Animal Clinic We at Beaver Animal Clinic believe in the power of caring.

Caring for our patients as our own pets.

Caring for our clients as our friends.

Caring for each other as our family.

Holistic and Conventional Care:

• Full Service Animal Clinic • Preventive Health Care • General Surgery • Radiology • Dentistry • Holistic Care • Acupuncture • Vaccine & Vaccine Counseling • Nutrition Counseling & Natural Raw Diets • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Therapeutic Laser • Healing Touch & Massage Therapy

Sign up for Dr. Doug’s blog and get free weekly holistic pet health insights Check it out today at http://drdougknueven.com and see what you’ve been missing!

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-3; Sun. Closed 357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009

724-774-8047

beaveranimalclinic.com

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center

The Most Comprehensive Multispecialty Referral & Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Western Pennsylvania

EMERGENCY PET CARE

Open 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year. Veterinarians On-Site At All Times. Dogs, Cats, Birds, Reptiles, Small Mammals

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dianna Ovbey, DVM, MS, Practice Ltd. To Anesthesiology

CARDIOLOGY

Eva Sikorska, DVM, DACVIM Erin Anderson, VMD, MSc, DACVIM

DENTISTRY

Krista Mendoza, DVM, DAVDC

DERMATOLOGY

Sandra Sargent, DVM, DACVD

EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE

Kenton D, Rexford, VMD Christine Guenther, DVM, DACVECC Christine Rutter, DVM, DACVECC Sarah J. Deitschel, DVM, DACVECC Amy Dickinson, DVM, DACVECC Kara Osterbur, DVM, DACVECC Rebecca A Miller, DVM Joey Kallem, DVM Jennifer Wooderson, DVM Elissa Allen, VMD Robin M. Dutra, DVM Lindsey Rademacher, DVM Kristen Krisulevicz, DVM Richard Skalos, DVM Tricia Tovar, DVM, Resident in EM & Critical Care

MRI & CT IMAGING

PetsDx Veterinary Imaging www.petsdx.com Gerald Frye, VMD

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Sherwood Johnson, DVM, DACVIM Tracey Peterson, DVM, DACVIM Todd Carter, DVM, DACVIM Emily Klosterman, DVM, MS, DACVIM

NEUROLOGY

Edward MacKillop, DVM, DACVIM Kendra Mikoloski, DVM, DACVIM

ONCOLOGY

Rebecca Newman, DVM, MS, DACVIM Todd M. Erfourth, DVM, DACVIM Bridget Urie, DVM, MS, DACVIM

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Lawrence Bagley, DVM, DACVO Rachel Keller, DVM, DACVO Michael Finn, DVM, MS, DACVO

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Christine Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVR

RADIOLOGY

Christopher Warrington, DVM, DACVR

SURGERY

Anthony D. Pardo, MS, DVM, DACVS John T. Payne, DVM, MS, DACVS Julie L. Compton, DVM, MS, DACVS Jonathon Anderson, DVM, DACVS Michael Doornink, DVM, DACVS Jennifer Covey, DVM, DACVS Hope Chisnell, DVM, Resident in Surgery Kathryn Campbell, DVM, Resident in Surgery

807 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412.366.3400 www.pvs-ec.com