PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS SUMMER 2021

Summer 2021

FREE!

PetConnections Vol. 8 Issue 4

PITTSBURGH

WEL LNESS THROUGH THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Camp Bow Wow Let Food Be Your Pet’s Medicine Cancer in Pets FeLV and FIV in Cats

PITTSBURGH’S # 1 resource for everything pets! petconnections.pet

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FROM THE PUBLISHER WELCOME to Pittsburgh PetConnections

Summer 2021 Volume 8 Issue 4 THIS ISSUE

Welcome to Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazi

Camp Bow Wow is featured on cover! See their article and ad inside. This issue is packed full of informative 2019, 7 IssuePittsburgh 1 articles from April Minech on Strengthening Bonds with OurWinter Pets, Dr. Doug withVolume Food as Medicine, Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center writes about Cancer in pets, Dr, Becky Morrow of Frankie’s Friend rescue covers questions about FeLV-FIV in cats. Kristin Herman writes about Riding Straight Lines. Also, the News Kazmarski has a great article on why “They Are All Cats” and see info on spay Kitty Korner section Bernadette and neutering on Cat Resource and much2019 more!

Welcomepage, to our Winter issue!

30/19.

CORRESPONDENCE

pghpetconnections@gmail.com 724.292.7387 All Rights Reserved | ©2021 www.petconnections.pet

NEWS & EVENTSWe welcome Ease Animal Massage, Buzzy Photography, and O2 Derm Pet Topical News

Gel to our supporting advertisers!

We welcome new sponsor, Sunny Acres!

Wesister are also excited tocoming welcomeoutback Lucky Paws Pet Resort, Introducing our new publications in March, Integrative Healing magazine a pet section!)

Pittsburgh Pet Concierge, Walkersfor Petpeople HoTail,(and, and of J &course, D Waterproofing and Home Improvement.

Events CORRESPONDENCE

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

It is so good to get outfor to PetConnections! live events again!!!

PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONinfo@pghpetconnections.com QUARTERLY 724 -292-7387 See our event section for dates such as Wags, Whiskers and winners Wings event, We upcoming will be publishing pictures of your pet from of ourWoofstock, new weeklyBiscuits social Bingo,

Published by All Life Media, LLC. Pittsburgh All Rights Reserved |Woody’s © 2019 South “Bark” media Day and more! photo contests! Also new, our membership sign-up button on our Facebook Petconnections was created in 2012. Our mission is to page, where you can receive news about events and contests, special discounts from our advertisers, discount event tickets, join our PetConnections Birthday Club publish a high quality, informativePITTSBURGH publication focused PETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY for Pets, submit your story to be published in our Human-Animal Bond section or on the Human-Animal Bond.

We support local businesses Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Remembrance, and more!

Pittsburgh LLC. was formed and also assist local non-profit businessesPetConnections for pets and inPittsburgh 2012. Ourcommunities. mission is to publish a high people, to give back to our great We areonworking with our licensing partner dvm360TM magazine to pair great content! The partnership will mean quality, informative publication focused Events online national and global exposure for PetConnections magazine! the Human-Animal Bond.

We support local MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Animal Friends’ and CARMAA businesses and also assist local non-profit “dvm360 TM is the veterinary profession’s No. 1section. print resource for news, product resources, tools, and practice highlighted in our event Carla Mader, Publisher businesses for pets and people, to give back dvm360TM captures the voice of the profession and delivers relevant, real-world coverage while solutions.

Buzzy Photography, Photography to our great Pittsburgh communities. meeting the everyday clinical needs of small animal and equine veterinarians.”

Daria K Design, Graphic Designer This Issue April Minech, Assistant Editor M A G A Z I N E P U B L I C AT I O N S TA F F Our cover features Manon Farm’s Princess Showcase riding show! See the Equine Affairs section article ins Bernadette Kazmarski, Kitty Korner Editor Carla Mader, Managing Editor April Minech! Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be Ginger”, Kara Jones Photography, Photography Animal Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition articles, with more great tips, in Feathe We hope you enjoy thisAlso, issueweasare it isrevisiting packed full of informative resources forinour ADVERTISING SALES Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer Integrative Healingarticles for Petsand with Dr. Doug, ourpet Pet parent Holisticreaders! section.

Edward R. Moats, ContentPetConnections Editor Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales is published quarterly as follows: March, July, September, and special Holiday issue in early Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager Our rescue section features Nate’s reptile Rescue. PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about winter safety for pets. O 412.780.2254 December! Our print copy distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. Equine Edward R. Moats, Media Account Manager been much greater thanHermann in print with over 400,000from impressions! writesnow about Learning Source. To subscribe to your own personal copy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS of PetConnections, please contact us below.

A D V E RT I S I N G S A L E S Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized company, PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: pet Earlymedia February, May,providing August, and November. Ou Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com services for advertisingdistribution in print and digital marketing platformsevery to help our sponsors growpresence their businesses. sites will be replenished 6 weeks.

Our online has always been much g Kristin Hermann Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring! print with now over 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy of Pet April Minech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS please contact us below.

Bernadette Kazmarski you for picking up this copy of PetConnections. Be well and we wish you a happy summer with your Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC,Thank CVCH Dr. Becky Morrow, DVM family and Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, pro Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & pets! Stay Safe!

Summer 2021

ail

From The Publ

Emergency Center Kristin Hermann www.petconnections.pet 11 April Minech Bernadette Kazmarski Edward R. Moats FREE!

PetConnections Vol. 8 Issue 4

PITTSBURGH

services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their b Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.

Warmly,

Warmly,

WELLNESS THROUGH THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Camp Bow Wow

Cover Photo:

Let Food Be Your Pet’s Medicine

Cover photo by:Hayden and Harper Camp Bow WowStewart

Cancer in Pets FeLV and FIV in Cats

Photo By: Erica Stewart

PITTSBURGH’S # 1 resource for everything pets! petconnections.pet

Carla Mader Publisher Carla Mader Publisher Please submit any correspondence to: pghpetconnections@gmail.com Pittsburgh | Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet PetCon Expos Follow and “Like” us on Facebook!

Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine

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PET HEALTH & WELLNESS Cancer In Our Pets

HOLISTIC PET CARE Let Food be Your Pet’s Medicine

KITTY KORNER Shedding Light on Feline Leukemia and FIV

EQUINE AFFAIRS Riding Straight lines

5 CAMP BOW WOW 6 EVENTS 7 DOGTOBERFEST 8 ANIMAL FRIEND

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

P R E S E N T T H I S A D F O R A F R E E D A YStrengthening O F D AY CARE* Relationships with Our Animals

12 HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE

Wags, Whiskers & Wings!

14 ADVERTISER LOCATOR

22 KITTY KORNER

They are all simply cats

23 CAT RESOURCE GUIDE 24 DIRECTORIES 28 REMEMBRANCE Remembering Gidget

29 REMEMBRANCE

The Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial

petconnections.pet www.petconnections.pet 11

3

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Strengthening Relationships with Our Animals

By April Minech, based on the work of Suzanne Clothier

We all love spending time with our dogs. After all, that’s why we brought them into our family to begin with. But have you ever thought of that as a relationship? Something to be worked on, nurtured and open to the give and take that makes things work in our human connections? It seems obvious at first, but are we really asking our dogs how they feel about things? If someone told you starting today you would be joining their family and from now on they would be telling you what to eat, where to go, what items you were allowed to have, where you would sleep and what you were going to do everyday for the rest of your life without any input from you, and expect you to be grateful for it, would that be alright? Hmmm…

Suzanne Clothier, author of If Dogs Prayers were Answered, Bones Would Rain from the Sky and world renowned dog guru has some questions you can ask your dog to find out. In her video seminar The Elemental Questions, Suzanne walks owners through ways to ask your dog things instead of just telling them.

Suzanne’s simple but powerful Elemental Questions are: Hello? Looks at the dog’s social interactions Who are you? Asks about how the dog perceives and responds to his world How is this for you? Asks about the immediate situation and balance Can you…? Looks at the dog’s physical abilities & limitations May I…? Seeks ways to gain the dog’s cooperation and permission Can we…? Balancing the dog/handler team’s abilities and limitations against goals “Learning how to ask these questions and really paying attention to the answers is the work of a lifetime” says Suzanne.

Starting with the first question, dogs may politely greet you without wanting any further interaction. They may wish to do a quick investigation of you or smell where your shoes have been, and sometimes we confuse this with the dog being friendly and wanting a big hug or petting. Just as we wouldn’t start hugging a stranger in the elevator that nods hello, dogs can be saying the same thing. While other dogs usually understand this when meeting each other, as do people meeting other people, humans can miss this important signal when meeting dogs. And just like people, dogs may be interested in meeting some other people but not all. The next time your dog comes in contact with a stranger, watch how he reacts and see if you’ve been letting him say hello on his terms.

When learning who the dog is, you need to factor in their life experience as well as their temperament.

And most importantly, understand that the dog is an individual.

While you may have had a certain breed before, that doesn’t mean that this dog of the same breed will be the same.

One of the most overlooked

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2021

questions we can ask our dog is How is This for You? You may think you know your dog’s regular tendencies, but is that true in this moment? So your dog likes playing in groups, but does he like this group? Does he like that today? If you like cheesecake, do you want it everyday all the time? What if you are sick? What if it smells funny?

What if its 100 degrees out? Do you ask your dog if he’s okay every time you do something together? What if you were spending time with a friend and never checked in to see if they were having fun or asked if they wanted to stop or change the activity; how would that friend feel about you?

Each dog has their own physical abilities and limitations, so be aware of what they are comfortable doing. If a dog likes to go for long walks, pay attention to whether likes long walks or maybe he just wants to please you and spend time together. How do you know? If you stop the activity and give him a choice, is he glad to rest and just sit with you? You may be surprised at the answers if you give your dog a choice. And it’s important to be observant enough not to push your dog past his limits, even if he doesn’t know what they are. A dog may be so eager to please you that he doesn’t know when to stop.

Basic manners with your dog includes asking “May I?” before you do something, especially when touching or entering their space. Dogs use space for a lot of communication just like people. Ever have someone stand too close when talking to you, or approach you so quickly that it startles you? Dogs feel this way x10. Look the dog’s reaction with the same caution and respect you use for people. And a good way to test for whether a dog wants to be petted is to stop doing it and see how the dog reacts. If he snuggles or pokes at you with his nose, paws at you, or otherwise encourages you to continue, the answer is “Yes, I’d like more!” If he does not, the answer can be no; he may have just been tolerating you. Try looking at other dogs when this is happening and chances are you’ll see examples of this with the owner having no idea.

Working together with your dog should be rewarding on both ends.

Remember that conversations are two-way; what is said affects you both. Are you having conversations with your dog, or are you lecturing him? When you think of your dog as a partner, you’ll realize how great the relationship can be.

Learn more about Suzanne’s work about Relationship Centered Training at www.SuzanneClothier.com

TAKES DOG BOARDING & DAYCARE TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

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 *

When you think of kennels you probably think of sad dogs locked in cages waiting impatiently for their families to free them. We have good news! Camp Bow Wow has come to Pittsburgh and is improving the way we take care of man’s best friend! Camp Bow Wow treats their four-legged guests like kids at a summer camp while you’re on your next trip.

At Camp all the campers participate in an all day, group play environment. There are different play areas for dogs of different sizes and energy levels (even one for teacup 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS sizes!), all of which are indoor and outdoor so the campers can use the potty and play in the fresh air when they want to. Camp also has free live web cams for the guardians to • East End • South Hills • Strip District check up on their furry friends while they’re traveling or at • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford work!

All-Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun for

DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! • Upper St. Clair NEW

At night, the overnight campers get their own cozy cabins www.TheDogStop.com with soft cots, fleece blankets, Kong’s with peanut butter and

biscuits, and classical music to lull them to sleep until it’s time to play again. Camp Bow Wow makes safety its number one priority and always maintains a 15 to 1 ratio of Certified Camp Counselors to dogs for safety. All campers do need to be vaccinated and spayed/neutered to stay at camp. All of this is included for just one low price since there are no “extras” to pay for like most places. You can even drop-off or pickup 365 days a year. Your dog just might have a better time than you on your next vacation!

Daily daycare is also an excellent option for lonely, high energy or overweight dogs looking for fun and exercise. Dogs love to be social and this can be an excellent way to avoid coming home to a dog that is anxious or depressed after a long day alone. Grooming, dog training services and Individual Enrichment Sessions are offered at Camp Bow Wow as well.

*Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19.

Camp Bow Wow has six convenient Pittsburgh locations. Call Camp today to set up your first appointment.

The first day at Camp is FREE so you have nothing to lose! Call Camp Bow Wow today 832-400-CAMP (2267) or visit our website at www.CampBowWowPGH.com

Grooming

Day Care

Boarding

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Retail

5

petconnections.pet 11 www.petconnections.pet

EVENTS

ANIMAL FRIENDS, thinkingoutsidethecage.org 08/11/21 - BISCUITS BINGO 09/25/21 - BLACK TIE AND TAILS HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE, humaneanimalrescue.org 06/14/21 -07/08/21 - CAMP RESCUE “ANIMAL HELPERS” 07/11/21, 12-5 PM - WOOFSTOCK – PET PARTY IN THE PARK AT MINGO CREEK PARK 08/28/21 - WAGS, WHISKERS & WINGS EVENT WOODY’S DOG WASH & PET BOUTIQUE, woodysdogbath.com 06/13/21, 12-4 PM - 1st ANNUAL SOUTH “BARK” DAY PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR! DOGTOBERFEST 10/02/21 AT THE WATERFRONT!

Dog Wash & Pet Boutique

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All-Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun for

PITTSBURGH DOGS! 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly Monroeville • Wexford • Upper St. Clair Carnegie and Cranberry locations coming soon!

www.TheDogStop.com 09/30/21. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 4/01/21.

GROOMING

6

DAYCARE

BOARDING

Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2021

TRAINING

RETAIL

SA the SAVE DATE! the SAVE DATE! . TUR SA 11 to 4 p.m

H 7 R E B O . !) e Wa T C pys.m O , 4 Y A o H t D 1 R 1 7 2 SATU R E ge id B Th Br O @ ,ntOinCHT mestead/Gra Y Ho e th er nd (u TeUWRatDeA ad e S@ATh st e m ge rfro t in Hoomestead (under the Homestead/Grays Brid !)

H HH H @ The Waterfron

RAIN DATE

H HH H H HH H

RAIN DATE RAIN DATE SUNDAY

SUNDAY OCT. 8th

SUNDAY OCT. 8rdth OCT. 38th

Dogtober Fest

A PetConnections Magazine production!

DogtoberFEST 2019 featured 38 shelters and rescues showcasing their DogtoberFEST featuredCARMAA 38 shelters and rescues showcasing 6019 vendors!

(Coalition to Adopt, Rehometheir and adoptable dogs and 20 60 vendors!

CARMAA (Coalition Rehome and adoptable dogs and Animals) 21 DogtoberFEST in Match Abandoned is looking forward to the 2to0Adopt, 2021 DogtoberFEST in Match Abandoned Animals) is looking to the October. It’s the best place toforward showcase adoptable animals to the October. It’spublic the best showcase adoptable to the andplace provetothat adoption is still theanimals best option! public and prove that adoption is still the best option!

Mark your calendars now for Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 11– 4 p.m. with a day, Otime!) ctobeatr 2The , 20Waterfront 21 from 11in – 4Homestead. p.m. with a Mark nowOctober for Satu3r(same RAINyour DATEcalendars on Sunday, RAIN DATE on Sunday, October 3 (same time!) at The Waterfront in Homestead.

Dogto adoptable d Match Aba O

Mark your calen RAIN DATE on S

Loo om .c on ti op ad et -p armaa H Send us om .c Look for registration at: www.carmaa-petadoptionpo H ! es iti un rt op w.c H wes at: wqu ratlion istai for reg Look an tions or sponsorship ith ! w es iti em un rt po us op nd p rs.chiom H Se so on sp or ns tio es qu ith on w ti l ai op ad om et -p l.com ai aa rm gm ca H Send us anpem s@ @ foetconnectionadoption.c inp gh info@carmaa-pet

An Affordable Fix for Your Cat

By Kaley Kaczynski, Director of Community Resources

At Animal Friends, we have seen first-hand the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals, which is why progressive spay/neuter programming has long been at the forefront of our lifesaving mission.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

Vaccines and Wellness

And, there are many behavioral benefits of spay/neuter including lower anxiety, calmer temperament and even a decreased likelihood of running away. And, of course, once your pet has been spayed or neutered, they will no longer be at risk of contributing to the pet overpopulation crisis.

By providing resources including low-cost vaccines and annual wellness exams for income-qualifying clients, we are breaking down barriers of affordability and accessibility.

By having your beloved pet spayed or neutered, you are doing your part to ensure they continue to live a happy and healthy life! An animal who has been altered is at a reduced risk of certain cancers and less likely to develop infections.

Affordable veterinary care is something that should be accessible for every pet owner. Since our Animal Wellness Center opened in 2017, we have met thousands of companion animals and the people who love them. Time and time again, we have seen that just because an individual is struggling to afford veterinary care for their pet, it does not mean that they love them any less.

But our commitment doesn’t end with pets in homes. We are proud to offer affordable resources for feral cat colony caregivers to ensure that community cats are healthy and their populations are compassionately and humanely kept in check.

Euthanasia can never be the solution to pet overpopulation, which is why we are so committed to working toward an effective and proactive solution to this crisis. In addition to a spay or neuter surgery, our feral cat package includes rabies and FVRCP vaccines, flea treatment and an ear tip that helps to identify the cat in the future.

$65*

*Includes spay/neuter surgery, e-collar and injectable pain medication

Feral Cat Package

$60*

*Includes spay/neuter surgery, rabies and FVRCP vaccines, ear tip, injectable pain medications and flea treatment

And, by providing affordable veterinary care and other support services to the pets and people who need them most, we are keeping pets in homes with loving families where they belong.

Vaccines and Wellness Care Rabies (1 and 3 year) Feline Leukemia Feline Distemper (1 and 3 year) Microchip

$15-$25 $20 $15-$25 $10*

*During spay/neuter surgery or with proof of alteration. $20 for intact animals.

Spay/Neuter Services for Cats Owned Cat Package

Adding these resources to our low-cost spay/neuter services, we can ensure full-circle, whole-life care is available, regardless of a pet owner’s financial status.

Revolution Plus Single Dose Flea and Tick Treatment $16-$19 Seresto Collar for Cats $50 Wellness Appointment Exam Fee $35* *For income-qualifying clients.

To learn more or schedule your appointment, visit

ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/Clinic

or contact 412.847.7000 or ClinicServices@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.

AnimalFriends 562 Camp Horne Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | 412.847.7000 | ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

Cancer In Our Pets; Early Detection, Treatment Options, and Palliative Care

By Joy Durmis, CVT

A diagnosis of cancer in our pets can bring a lot of questions. The goal of this article is to provide encouragement for early detection, discuss generalized treatment options, and offer suggestions for end-of-life comfort.

EARLY DETECTION The best prognosis for any type of cancerous process begins with early detection. A monthly check for lumps and bumps at the time of flea/tick/heartworm prevention administration is a perfect place to start monitoring at home. Another key time for early detection is during annual visits (biannual for senior pets) with your primary veterinarian, including routine bloodwork. Pet groomers are also on the front lines of early detection and can let pet parents know if they’ve noticed a lump, growth, or painful area that wasn’t previously noted. Please recognize that even with the best monitoring and intentions, cancer can have destructive tendencies after only a short amount of time. The survival instincts of animals often prevent them from showing us pain and vulnerability. We may only notice changes after the animal can no longer compensate. Changes in appetite or behavior, limping, and various masses/growths have many causes and vary in severity. Not every symptom points directly to cancer, but when it does, several different types of treatment options exist.

TREATMENT OPTIONS There are many different modalities for the treatment of cancer. If possible, surgical removal of the gross disease is recommended.

Sometimes complete removal of a tumor could be curative, depending on the

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2021

specific diagnosis and behavior of the tumor. This information is obtained by submitting the removed sample to a pathologist who will be able to specify the type of cancer as well as describe the characteristics of how the tumor is behaving. The pathologist can also determine if the tumor was completely removed, or if there are cancer cells extending to the borders of the sample. Metastasis can occur whether or not the tumor has been completely removed. This means that the cancer cells have spread from the original location to other organs or tissues within the body. Prior to surgical removal, diagnostics such as radiographs and/or ultrasound should be performed to check for distant metastasis in order to guide treatment decisions.

A referral to a specialty hospital with boarded surgeons and/or oncologists may be recommended for further treatment options. Surgical excision is not always possible or recommended due to location or invasiveness to surrounding tissues/organs. In these types of cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be considered for treatment. Other indications for chemotherapy would include preventing metastasis from an aggressively behaving tumor (which has been removed), slowing down the spread of further known metastasis, or treating for microscopic disease which we cannot see with the naked eye. Cancer can also be blood or lymph based which would make chemotherapy the best option for treatment.

Quality of life is always the ultimate goal when utilizing chemotherapy to treat our pets. Animals do not receive as high of chemotherapy doses as our human counterparts. This allows the animal to enjoy the time they have with their family and live a relatively normal life. The tradeoff for this is that the goal of chemotherapy is generally not curative, but rather to induce a remission status for a period of time.

Other treatment modalities include stereotactic or conventional

options such as acupuncture, may temporarily improve your pet’s

P RES E N or Telectrochemotherapy.

T H I S A D These F Otypes R A E DofAlifeY O F D A Y C A R E * radiation therapy of F R Equality options can be used for several different types of cancers and may be recommended over traditional chemotherapy depending on the specifics of the diagnosis. Mirroring the human world of cancer, immunotherapies and vaccines are being used or are in development right now. Other families may opt for a holistic approach which could be given alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

All-Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun for

DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH!

However unfortunate, there comes an inevitable time when we have to say goodbye to our pets who have over the years became our best friends, family members and ever-present sources of happiness. Although never an easy decision to make, options remain for providing a peaceful departure for our pets.

Many people make arrangements with their primary or specialty veterinary office. Others may opt to have a licensed veterinarian come to the home. Your pet may also be brought through an emergency service if experiencing an acute decline.

PALLIATIVE CARE AND END OF LIFE DECISIONS There are many reasons to seek out palliative care for your pet during, after, or instead of traditional treatment options for The days and weeks that immediately follow saying goodbye cancer or any other disease. The financial requirements may to our pets can often be the most difficult. Even then there are not allow7forCONVENIENT surgery, chemotherapy,LOCATIONS or radiation as viable options for caring for yourself after experiencing loss. There are options. The stress of the required visits to the hospital may not support groups, social workers, and friends and family with whom be compatible with a good quality of life for your pet. Or, all treatment offerings be exhausted no other valid options you can share memories. Remember that you gave your pet the • East End may • South Hills and • Strip District exist for the doctor to suggest for your pet. Whatever the reason best life and in turn, your pet inevitably allowed you to live yours.

• Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford may be, as their guardians, we are responsible to prevent any • Upper St. Clair NEW unnecessary suffering. As this time approaches, you may consider giving your petwww.TheDogStop.com the go-ahead for anything and everything that makes him happy. Suggestions include extra special food, quality *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. playtime, or just being present to enjoy the bond that you share.

Pain medications and appetite stimulants, as well as alternative Grooming

Day Care

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HEROES WANTED BluePearl Pittsburgh Animal Blood Bank

This is Henry and Keisel, two of our many dog donors!

Is your dog eligible?

• Between 1-7 years old • Weight: 50 lbs + • 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

New Ad Blood Bank

Volunteer your dog to give the gift of life!

For questions, or to make an appointment:

pittbloodbank @bluepearlvet.com Follow us facebook.com/animalbloodbank Instagram: @pghanimalbloodbank

11

petconnections.pet 11 www.petconnections.pet

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s annual fundraising event, Wags, Whiskers, & Wings End of Summer Paw-ty, returns on Saturday, August 28th in-person at the East Side shelter at 6926 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh 15208.

Limited tickets will be available for the in-person Paw-ty, but we’ll have fun for our virtual guests as well.

It promises to be a festive evening with delicious food and drinks, fabulous auction items and the opportunity to experience firsthand the work and impact of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.

Find out more at HumaneAnimalRescue.org.

As the region’s largest animal welfare organization, Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) provides the most comprehensive, compassionate, and humane care to all animals – both domestic and wild – in our community. Each year more than 26,000 animals are helped through our adoption programs, veterinary medical centers, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, free pet food distribution and community engagement initiatives.

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh will remain focused on providing care to domestic and wild animals in the region with the care they need and the love they deserve. Learn more about the organization, its services and how to get involved at www.humaneanimalrescue.org.

Animal Friends, page 8, M

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HOLISTIC CARE RESCUE &PET SHELTER

Let Food be Your Pet’s Medicine

By Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

Holistic medicine sees wellness as a dynamic balance. It honors the body’s homeostatic processes that allow the organism to bring itself back into equilibrium. A holistic practitioner simply provides what is needed to nudge the body back to normal. In holistic medicine we see optimal health as something more than simply the absence of sickness. It is a vitality that resists sickness.

The wisdom of an approach to health and healing that utilizes gentle, natural treatments can be appreciated when one considers the complexity of an organism. Let’s take humans as an example. Human DNA is made up of a whopping 6 billion base pairs. This is especially incredible when you consider that with only 150 base pairs, the number of possible combinations is equal to the number of atoms in our solar system. The DNA from one cell stretches 4 feet in length.

The genes code for over 100,000 proteins which form 10,000 biomolecular machines (enzymes and organelles) and 200 million membrane receptors of thousands of varieties.

The receptors respond to signals from the cell’s environment and affect the biomolecular machines as well as the DNA itself. Indeed, while the DNA codes for 100,000 proteins and contains 20,000 regulatory genes for a total of 120,000 expected genes, the human genome is made up of only 25,000 genes. It turns out that the signals from the environment act through the cell receptors to edit, slice, and splice the genetic information to come up with the needed blueprints.

Now, into the typical human cell we need to throw 1,000 to 2,000 mitochondria which make up about 1/5 of the cell’s volume, each with its own DNA. These power the biomolecular machines and also communicate with the nuclear DNA. All told, it is estimated that there are an astounding 6,000 chemical reactions per second in a typical cell.

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2021

All this activity is happening within and between the 37 trillion cells of the body, each sending out and receiving signals in the form of electrical currents, hormones, metabolites, and neurotransmitters. There are approximately 400 cell types in the body, each with the exact same DNA but very different expression of those genes and therefore different structures and functions. These cells are organized into the 78 organs and dozens of glands in our bodies. Just to add another layer to the picture, we need to realize that all the systems of the body interact with the GI microbiome which is made up of 10 times more cells than make up the body.

The incomprehensibly intricate and complex system that is an organism should make us hesitant to be intrusive in our attempts to treat any condition. The holistic approach is generally to aid the body and then step back and leave the healing to the inner wisdom of the system as it rectifies the situation as only it knows how.

One of the most effective holistic treatments that I have found is a species-appropriate, balanced, raw food diet. In my opinion, it is the best way to provide the raw materials a pet’s body needs to heal itself. Such a diet is what the genetics and systems of the body evolved to utilize. When one of my patients has a problem, I often start with food before recommending drugs or surgery, or even herbs. Let food be your pet’s medicine.

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KITTY KORNER

Shedding Light on Feline Leukemia and FIV — It’s Not as Dark as it Seems

By Dr. Becky L. Morrow, DVM

If you have a feline family member, chances are that you have heard of Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FeLV was first discovered in 1964 in a group of cats from the same household with a type of cancer called lymphoma. After development of a reliable diagnostic test that could detect the virus in the blood stream, scientists found that cats with FeLV had an 888 times greater incidence of lymphoma than in non-infected cats. This strongly supported that FeLV caused lymphoma. With more studies, it was found that the virus also caused blood abnormalities such as severe anemia. Because there was not yet a vaccine to prevent viral infection, “test and remove” (euthanasia of the positive) was employed to prevent spread to others.

decrease in certain white blood cells, and as such, could diminish the immune response of the cat. The discoverers of FIV write that cats ultimately die from “progressive secondary or opportunistic infections of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or urinary tract.” As I mentioned, this makes sense in theory, but was not clearly demonstrated by the researchers. Additionally, a study following FIV positive cats over a period of four years demonstrated that despite the lowered white blood cell counts, all the cats in the study remained “outwardly healthy.” Other studies even show no difference in prevalence of illnesses historically associated with FIV between positive and negative cats. This is consistent with what we see in practice.

Soon after, a study of 45 multi-cat households demonstrated that direct contact between cats, rather than exposure to virus in the environment, was how FeLV was transmitted. We would later find out that the virus does not last for more than a couple of hours in the environment and is mainly transmitted via saliva and nasal secretions. We now know, from direct experience and the scientific literature, that the age of infection is of the utmost importance in transmission. FeLV decreases significantly with age, with almost 100% of newborn kittens developing persistent infection compared to 15% of kittens over four months of age. What I have learned from my experience working with thousands of cats, is that kittens testing positive for FeLV will typically die from the virus by one and a half to two years of age. These kittens often have sudden breathing difficulties due to fluid around the lungs (secondary to lymphoma) or become extremely weak due to severe anemia. FeLV-infected kittens also have a higher risk of other infections and are especially at risk for deadly Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

Because we treat thousands of cats each year at the clinic, I am fortunate to be able to make observations that allow me to question what I was taught in veterinary school. Cats with FeLV can live happy and fulfilling lives.

We do see a decreased lifespan in most of these cats, especially in kittens as previously mentioned. I have seen several FeLV positive cats that lived well into their teenage years. I have seen FeLV positive cats that came into the hospital with fractured jaws, severe upper respiratory infections, and other significant issues completely recover and have good quality of life for many years. FeLV cats should be kept separate from those without the virus but can safely live in the same household. Positive cats do not need to be automatically euthanized as was one advised in the “test and remove” era.

There is good news, though. Most adult cats with strong immune systems can fight off FeLV and clear it from their bodies. Knowing this, if we have an adult cat test positive on our IDEXX snap test (the most accurate by our assessment), we always retest in 6 weeks to see if they become negative.

In our experience, if a cat tests positive again 6 weeks after the initial test, they are persistently infected, meaning that they continue to test positive in the future, and most will eventually develop FeLV-related illnesses.

Other confirmatory tests are available, but due to lower sensitivity (ability to correctly identify cats with FeLV) and specificity (ability to correctly identify cats without FeLV) these expensive tests have not been as useful to us as the tried-and-true IDEXX snap tests. More good news about FeLV is that repeated cat-to-cat contact is usually necessary for a cat to become infected, and the virus becomes quickly non-infectious, or “dies,” when outside of the host. Unfortunately for kittens, this is the main reason they have such poor outcomes - in addition to weak immune systems, they have extensive exposure to the virus if their mother is infected. Kittens can get infected in utero, through the milk, or from the mother’s saliva during grooming.

So, what about FIV? Like FeLV, it is a retrovirus, but it is very much different in its transmission and outcomes for infected cats. It is much harder to transmit, as it is almost entirely passed from cat to cat via deep bite wounds. Naturally, sexually intact male cats that have been outside fighting with others have the highest risk of infection and a large percentage of older tomcats that we test are positive for FIV antibodies (the FIV test is for antibodies and the FeLV test is for the viral antigens). FIV was discovered in 1986 in a facility housing 43 previously stray cats, ranging from six months to 13 years of age. The researchers demonstrated antibodies against FIV in 10 of 25 “sick” cats that “were either very thin and rough-coated or had one or more of a number of chronic infections including gingivitis, periodontitis, pustular dermatitis, ear infections, chronic rhinitis, chronic conjunctivitis, or diarrhea” and in one of the 18 healthy cats in the group. Even though fewer than half of the sick cats had FIV, the researchers concluded that FIV caused the illnesses. They also tested for antibodies, the body’s reaction to the virus, rather than the virus itself in these cats.

From this and other articles I reviewed, the only completely convincing and repeatable evidence is that FIV causes a

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2021

Many tomcats and an occasional female cat test positive for FIV and we watch them live normal, happy lives. Kittens nursing from an FIV positive mother cat will transiently test positive due to the antibodies they get from her milk. Other than that, we have not seen kittens test true positive after the maternal antibodies were no longer in their systems. While FeLV nearly always leads to a decreased lifespan, that is not what we see with FIV positive cats. I know of a great number that lived into their teens without ever having a significant infection or illness associated with decreased immune function. I also treat hundreds of young and old cats with stomatitis, gingivitis, juvenile periodontitis, and periodontal disease, and the vast majority are negative for FIV. Of thousands of cats treated for rhinitis and upper respiratory disease, diarrhea, and dermatitis, almost none are FIV positive. FIV cats do great after extensive reconstructive surgeries, with the same outcomes as negative cats. FIV positive cats can be part of a multi-cat household with negative cats if all are spayed and neutered (intact male cats fight and transmit the virus). There is no good reason to euthanize based on FIV status.

What is the bottom line? Take preventive measures to prevent your cat from getting FeLV. There is a vaccination that is safe and effective in preventing infection in cats that may come across FeLV positive cats. All cats that go outdoors should be vaccinated. Test any new cats before adding them to the family. If an unvaccinated cat gets outside, test her when time appropriate (it takes approximately 30 days from exposure for FeLV to be in the bloodstream and able to be detected). If you have a kitty with FeLV, keep her separate from negative cats, and watch for any signs of illness. As far as FIV goes, we do not use that status to make any decisions about the cats. We treat what needs to be treated, repair fractures, suture wounds, and adopt them to loving families. We advise keeping them indoors just as we would other pet cats.

I am currently looking at my FIV positive cat as I write this article. His feline family members don’t hold that status against him, and neither do I.

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KITTY KORNER

They Are All Simply Cats

By Bernadette Kazmarski

This is the story of a cat named Gabby who was, all at the same time, an owned cat, an abandoned cat, a rescued cat, a feral cat, a stray cat, a homeless cat, and more—all dependent on his relationship to humans, but not on his own being. What kind of cat was Gabby, really?

As the decades of rescuing cats have flowed from future to past they’ve carried an idea into my mind. It concerns what we call cats. Not breeds or coat colors or anything to do with physical or emotional characteristics, not a biological or scientific designation. It’s about whether or not they have a home with a human, and this dichotomy at what we call those who do have one, and what we call the ones who don’t, and what that means for all cats in our society.

Language is important. What we call things is a significant indicator of how we feel about those things, and influences how we act toward them.

We may call cats many things: stray cats, feral cats, homeless cats, rescued cats, fostered cats, shelter cats, community cats,

neighborhood cats, owned cats, unowned cats, outdoor cats, indoor cats—the one constant about these names is the word “cat”. Those other designations tell us about a human relationship with the cat but do not describe the cat itself.

You can’t definitively predict anything about them by their current living situation because you might find a cat living under a car to be wildly affectionate and playful and a spoiled indoor cat to be unpleasantly aggressive. Regardless of how they act, their species is always the domestic cat, just as we are always humans regardless of our own living situation or actions.

But when we think of cats who live outside of a human relationship our society perceives them as needing or deserving less care and less attention, as being expendable, worthless, when if that same cat has a relationship with a human we feel it deserves more.

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Even the lines on that relationship are blurred, since humans neglect and abandon cats at an alarming rate every day, so having a relationship with a human does not necessarily guarantee respect and care, and cats living outside of a physical home may have a compassionate caretaker and receive the same love and affection we typically think of as given to a cat in a traditional pet and owner relationship.

Does the cat change the moment a human takes the cat that is kept as a pet and puts it outdoors to “fend for itself?” No, the cat is the same, only its relationship with a human has changed, yet our actions toward it as a society change dramatically. Cats kept by humans are seen as pets while cats living outdoors generally are not, and are often seen as vermin and can be killed as such, yet how can you tell if that cat outdoors isn’t someone’s indooroutdoor pet, or who escaped and is being actively sought?

June is Adopt-a-Cat Month. If our intent is to give compassionate care to cats, to increase adoption and retention, to promote more and better health care given to them by their human caretakers and to develop more healthcare options for them in veterinary care, we have to stop thinking of some cats as deserving of this care and some not depending on their relationship with a human. Research into feline health and health care decisions for cats, diets, indoor environments and even responsibility toward cats who are pets, all of this is affected by society’s perception of that population of cats who don’t have humans—if those cats don’t need this care and compassion, then any cat can really live without it, including things like basic vaccinations and spay and neuter surgery, and the choice is based on human preference and not on the needs of the cat. I feel holding on to this dichotomy in the perception of cats based on their relationship with humans holds back both respect for cats in our society and the care all cats receive when a segment of their population is considered undeserving yet the whole population is the same.

Gabby had been adopted by people who repeatedly neglected and abandoned him, and a compassionate friend who lived near repeatedly took him in for care when he needed it, had him neutered and even tried to adopt him but his “owners” made promises and took him back. In the end they moved away and left him and she found him wandering once again, ill and suffering from cancer, and assisted him through his last few months.

What was Gabby’s status? When he was in an adoptive relationship with a human he was neglected and abandoned, yet when he was a homeless cat he was given compassionate care by a human who was technically not responsible for him. In his life he was, by turns, a stray cat, a homeless cat, considered a feral cat, a rescued cat, a fostered cat, a shelter cat, a community cat, a neighborhood cat, an owned cat, an unowned cat, an outdoor cat and an indoor cat, all based on his relationship with humans.

But Gabby was really only one thing all that time. Gabby was simply a cat.

CAT RESOURCE GUIDE Homeless Cat Management Clinic Schedule through June 2021

Our clinic is located at 207 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, PA 15084. At this time, we treat only cats at our clinics. You must call to register prior to any clinic.

CLINIC REGISTRATION

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.

NOTE: dates may be added and are subject to change.

FREE CLINICS (ferals only) June 26

FAST TRACK CLINICS ($30 PER FERAL - See website for other costs) June 12

More dates may be announced and dates are subject to change.

Check www.homelesscat.org/clinic-info for the most up to date information.

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.

Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs

https://catnip-acres.com/ To schedule a spay/neuter, please call 724-833-0954 and leave a message.

Homeless Cat Management Team 207 Allegheny St., PO Box 100203, Tarentum, PA 15084, 412-321-4060 http://www.homelesscat.org/ Feral Cats and Rescued Cats. Feral cats must arrive in a humane trap. Check the website for clinic dates. All appointments must be made by calling the phone number. No walk-ins. Ferals: $30.00 Fast Track, no-charge at free clinics. Rescued Cats: Females $55.00, Males $40.00 Both include rabies, earmite and flea treatments. Other services available.

Fix ‘Ur Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic Low Cost Spay Neuter Washington County, Inc., DBA Fix ‘Ur Cat 18 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 1531 Call 724-405-7FIX (7349) for an appointment. Spay/neuter clinics are by appointment only. Pets: $60 for females, $50 for males Ferals: $50 Download and complete application, mail in for appointment. https://www.fixurcat.org/spay-and-neuter/

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

Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County) Packages at $65 and $85 Call Faith for Available Dates and Appointments (724) 941-5683 press 1 E-Mail: faith.b2@verizon.net http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/

Spay USA http://www.spayusa.org/search.php

TNR AND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PITTSBURGH AREA

City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents City of Pittsburgh offers five free spays/neuters to all city residents http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/animal-control/spay-neuter.html

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties SHELTER PROGRAMS

Animal Friends https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/pet-care/spay-neuter/ Pet/friendly cats: $65 spay or neuter, includes pain medication – vaccines require are an additional fee.

Feral/Outdoor Package: $50, includes pain medication, rabies, FVRCP, ear tip and flea treatment. Cats must be feral and in a humane trap to receive this service.

Humane Animal Rescue https://humaneanimalrescue.org/veterinary-care/spay-and-neuter-services/ East End: 66209 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206, 412-661-6452 North Shore: 1101 Western Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15233, 412-321-4625 Pet/friendly cats: $70 spay/neuter, rabies, FVRCP (distemper), microchip Feral/Outdoor Package: $50, includes pain medication, rabies, FVRCP, ear tip and flea treatment. Cats must be feral and in a humane trap to receive this service.

Beaver County Humane Society 3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001, 724-775-5801 https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/tnr-and-owned-cat-surgery-prices Friendly cats: begin at $75. Feral cats: begin at $35 Visit website for more information.

Clarion Paws (Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County) Mailing address: P.O. Box 804, Clarion, PA 16214 Current Location: 11348 Route 322, Shippenville, PA (Clarion River Hill, between Kronospan and Clarion Electric) http://www.clarionpaws.org/programs/spay-neuter/ Monthly clinics listed on website, submit an application.

Pets or ferals: $65 spay, $45 neuter. Includes rabies vaccine, ear mite check and treatment and flea treatment. Optional services at an upcharge. Trapping and financial assistance through Spay Neuter program may be available to Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County feral/stray cat caregivers on a case by case basis.

Butler County Humane Society 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053 https://butlercountyhs.org/clinic/ For current pricing and schedule information please give us a call at 724-789-1150.

Washington Area Humane Society 1527 Route 136, Eighty Four, PA 15330 http://washingtonpashelter.org/ Currently moving into new building.

Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties (alphabetical)

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) 155 Dark Hollow Rd, Waynesburg, PA 15370

Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh Reimburses partial funds to help spay/neuter feral cats (funds not always available) Po Box 55135, Pittsburgh, PA 15207-0135 Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (LCARF) PO Box 8514, New Castle, PA 16107, 724-510-4952 http://www.lcarf.com/ Monthly clinics: $70 Spay/Neuter for Cats and Kittens! Includes a rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccine, (distemper) and flea and earmite treatment Operation Spay/Neuter Butler, PA (for Butler County residents only) Income-based spays and neuters for dogs and cats. Call 724-287-SPAY (7729) or you can email for details http://operationspayneuter.com/ Pet Search P.O. Box 1653, Washington, PA 15301 Call 724-228-7335 for clinic information. http://www.petsearchpa.org/ SNIPP: Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg) Monthly low cost clinics, check website for dates and availability. http://www.snippindianapa.org/

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics

Fix’N Wag’N Spay/neuter: $70. Visit the website for upcoming dates and places. https://fixnwagn.com/ THESE ARE INDEPENDENT CLINICS THAT OFFER SERVICES ON SITE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS.

Open Monday-Friday. No longer offering walk-in services for ferals.

Pet/TNR: Spay $56, Neuter $37, visit website for details and scheduling.

Also offers low cost vaccinations and basic medical treatments. https://spayaz.com/locations/pittsburgh-north-hills/

Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip) http://neuterspay.org/

Love That Cat (online search) http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

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/ Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care Walk-in, urgent, emergency care as well as surgeries and regular wellness appointments during daytime hours.

560 McNeilly Rd., Pittsburgh PA 15226, Phone: 412-998-9030, Fax: 412-998-9034 https://riversvet.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.

Frankie’s Friends 730 5th Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068, 724-889-7011 Spay/neuter for pet/feral cats: Neuter $40, Spay $55, includes Rabies, Ear mite treatment, Flea Treatment. Also offers low cost vaccinations and basic medical treatments. http://www.frankies-friends.org/

Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org

Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic 11644 Frankstown Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, 412-244-1202 Open Monday-Friday. No longer offering walk-in services for ferals.

Pet/TNR: Spay $56, Neuter $37, visit website for details and scheduling.

Also offers low cost vaccinations and basic medical treatments. http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html

Animal Advocates, animaladvocates.net

North Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic 3967 William Flinn Hwy, Allison Park, PA 15101, 412-213-7353

Humane Animal Rescue, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League) www.animalrescue.org Animal Friends (AFI), www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org 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

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 North: Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography 412-983-0981, https://www.facebook.com/ Behind-the-Lenz-127787624032093/ 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 Frankie’s Friend Rescue 724-889-7011 | www.frankies-friends.org Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue, 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.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 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: South: Paula’s Professional Dog Services, 412-818-2482 DOG TRAINING CLUBS South: Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club 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 FEED & SUPPLY AGWAY - SOUTHERN STATES North: Mount Nebo Agway, Sewickley, PA | 412-364-4430 Beaver Agway, Beaver, PA | 724-775-0535 Mars Agway, Mars PA | 724-625-2340 South: Eighty Four Agway, Eighty Four, PA | 724-222-0600 East: Ligonier Agway, Ligonier, PA | 724-238-6207 West: Imperial Agway, Imperial, PA | 724-695-7388 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, Coaching/Energy Modalities 412-726-2659 | www.judithlevycoaching.com South: 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 Greater Pittsburgh: Thousand Hills Pet Crematory 724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory.com Sunny Acres 412-292-6701 | sunnyacres.6@gmail.com PET GROOMING North: All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620 | Happytailzpetspa.com Healthy Pet Grooming 724-759-7567 Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | Larryslaundromutt.com South: Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com East: Animal Elegance 412-361-1177 | www.animal-elegance.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

Camp Bow Wow Highland Park 1325 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-362-PLAY (7529) Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh East 1610 McClure Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15146 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 Doggone Awesome Pet Services, 724-212-0427 www.doggoneawesomepetservices.com The Dog Stop - Monroeville 412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net The Dog Stop - East End 412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net The Dog Stop - East: Strip District 412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net Country Lane Pet Hotel 412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com Walkers Pet HoTail 724-327-7297 | www.WalkersPetHoTail.com West: Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com PET RETAIL/SUPPLY North: 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

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: Pets at Home 412-655-7297 (PAWS) 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: Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 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 Frankie Friends Veterinary Services 724-889-7011 | www.frankies-friends.org/low-costveterinary-services 724-889-7011 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 All Life Veterinary Clinics, 724-381-3446 East: The Big Easy Animal Hospital 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com Monroeville Pet Hospital 412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY SERVICES North/South: Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc. 412-366-3400 | 724-809-2000 pvs-ec.com

List your business today! pghpetconnections@gmail.com

DIRECTORIES

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 J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement 724-746-8870 | www.jdwaterproofing.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, www.CampBowWow.com Locations: Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh Southwest 710 Trumbull Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-276-WAGS (9247) Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh North 2327 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-931-WAGS (9247)

EQUINE AFFAIRS

Riding Straight lines to put your horse Straight

by Kristin Hermann

Riding Straight lines to put your Horse Straight Kristin Hermann When we train our horses, we trainBymostly on straight

Riding Straight lines to put your horse Straight

lines and circles.

It sounds boring but putting a ten to fourteenWhen we we train mostly on straight lines and circles. It sounds boring but train our byhorses, Kristin Hermann

foot-long horse straight from horse tail to poll from can tail betochallenging.

The The putting a ten to fourteen-foot-long straight poll can be challenging. goal maneuver horse's shoulders in line with the goal isisto to ma-neuver the horse’s shoulders line withwe the haunches and then finagle the When wethe train our inhorses, train mostly on straight neck and head, so they stay straight and in neck alignment withhead, the restso of the horse’s body. haunches and then finagle the and they stay lines and circles. It sounds boring but putting a ten to fourteenstraight and in alignment with the rest ofto the horse's body.

We enter a dressage test onstraight a straight line and end the test on a straight line. And riding a foot-long horse from tail poll can be challenging.

The straight line is enter not as easy as it looks. Horses typically either fallline in orand out with thethe shoulders.

We a dressage test on a straight end is to maneuver thehorse horse's in line withneck, the So that goal is the challenge when riding your straight,shoulders keeping the horse’s shoulders, test on a straight line.

And riding a straight line is not as easy as haunches then finagle the neck and head, so they stay and head in alignmentand with the hindquarters. it looks.

Horsesand typically either with fall inthe orrest out of with the shoulders. straight in alignment the horse's body.

I am not going to go into detail about how to make your horse straight accept to say, “Ride So that is the challenge when riding your horse straight, keeping We enter a and dressage test on a straight lineway andto do endthisthe your horse rhythmically forward put your horse straight!”

And the best is the horse's shoulders, andWe head alignment theeasy as to ride away from railing ofneck, the arena. call it the quarter-line or second test on athe straight line.

And riding ainstraight line iswith not track. as hindquarters. it looks.

Horses typically either fall in wall or out with the shoulders.

Horses that typically go around on the railing of the arena lean toward the wall because I am not going to go detail tothe make the shoulders are narrower than the into haunches, andabout the your wallhow directs horse.your Basically, the So that is the challenge when riding horse straight, keeping horse straight accept to say, "Ride your horse rhythmically forwall di-rects the horse instead of the rider.

So, the challenge is to ride the horse about two the horse's shoulders, neck, and head in alignment with the A straight halt, shows a feet away from wallhorse on the straight!" second trackAnd and see youway have to to use balanced horse. ward and put the your thehow best do your thisaids is to put hindquarters. the horse straight by keeping its shoulders in alignment with the hind end. to detail ride away I am not going to go into aboutfrom howthe to railmake your When riding straight lines away the ing of the arena.

We callfrom it forhorse straight accept to say, "Ride your horse rhythmically A straight halt, showshorse. a A straight halt, shows a balanced wall, the horse will either fall in or out the And quarter-line second balanced horse. ward and put your horse straight!" thewhich bestor way tothey dotrack. this depending on direction like tois Horses that typically go around on the railing of the bend. If your horseaway is a bent rightthe horse it to ride from railarena wall lean wall shoulders are the left will typically in when trackingthe left bend right. As a result, ingfallof thetoward arena.

Webecause call because itit wants tothe shoulder falls in.

When tracking right and riding away from the wallthe thehorse. bent right horse narrower than the haunches, and the wall directs the quarter-line or second will try to fall because the right shoul-dertrack. falls out because the horse is bending right.

Basically,outthe wall directs the horse instead on of the therailing rider. of the Horses that typically go around Thus, we purposefully rideride our horses away from thetwo wall and figure out how to So, when thearena challenge is to the horse about feet away wall lean toward the wall because the shoulders are put them straight, they become more capable of carrying our weight and theirs equally from the wall on the second track and see how you have to the haunches, and theorwall directs thewhole horse. from bothnarrower hind legs. Ifthan a horse is allowed to go crooked stay bent right its life, usetheyour aidslegtowill put the horse because straight byinstead its rider. then right hind always bedirects weaker it travels akeeping shorterofdistance under Basically, the wall the horse the shoulders inthealignment hind the horse’sSo, body. challengewith is totheride theend. horse about two feet away

When riding straight lines away from the wall, therib Riding yourfrom horse the straight on on a out, straight linethe awayoutside from the arena wall shows the ridercage how wall theuse second track and see how you have to in an leg to push the horse their will either fall in or out depending on which direccrooked horse may be.

When you feel a shoulder falling in, straighten the horse use your aids the to hind put the horse straight by keeping its quarter. with in-side leg to andbend. outsideIf rein.

In the other direction, if you feelhorse the horse moving tionthethey like your horse isishind a bent right shoulders in alignment with the end. it ofand ironic that itrein we tocan the shoulders out, use the outside leg toAnd, push the rib sort cage in the outside lineuse ci will typically fall in riding when tracking lefthorse because it wants to bent

When straight lines away the wall, theright h if our is from the average up the shoulders with the hindexample, quarter. bend right.

As result, the shoulder falls in.

When horse willa that either fall inleft orWhen out depending on direcright side. riding it tohorses thewhich right And, it is sort of ironic we can use circles too to train our to go because straight. it is Straight on centerline: Head, neck, tracking right and riding away from the wall the bent right tionif our they likeis the to bend. your bent right horse it o Straight on centerline: Head, neck, For example, horse averageIf bent righthorse horse, is wearide circles to the left to shoulders and hindquarter in alignhorse will try to fallfall outinbecause the right shoulders and hindquarter lengthen its right side. will typically when tracking leftshoulder because falls it wants to ment. in align-ment. d out riding because horse right.

When it to the the right bend right.

As isa bending result, the left shoulder falls in. When because it Thus, is already bent we purposefully ride our horses away when Straight on centerline: Head, neck, tracking right and riding away from the wall the bent right g right, we keep it straight with the outsideinrein.

And this is basically what shoulders and hindquarter alignfrom the wall and figure out how to put them straight, they become more capablethe of right carrying our falls horse will try to fall out because shoulder f we also do on the quarter line or second track. ment.from both hind legs. If a horse is allowed to go crooked or stay bent weight and theirs equally out because the horse is bending right. s If youits want to dabble in dressage andright do gymnastic training your horse right whole life, then the hind leg willfor always be weaker because it travels a shorter disThus, w by purposefully bending, stretching, and putting your horse straight, start when we purposefully ride our horses away tance under the horse's practicing straight offand thebody. wall.

For more info ontosimple dressage tips, from thelines wall figure out how put them straight, they become more capable of carrying our v Riding yourYour horse straight on straight from the arena wall the or rider visit myweight Home School Horse Facebook page.a Or open link away “Off and theirs equally from both hindthisline legs.

If a horse is allowed to goshows crooked stay bent p the Wall Riding”their https://issuu.com/pghpetmag/docs/petconnections_ how crooked horse may be.

When you feel a shoulder falling in, straighten the horsea shorter with disright its whole life, then the right hind leg will always be weaker because it travels R july2013-2/28 And, another article “Straight lines and Circles, Oh My!” the inside legunder and outside rein.body.

In the other direction, if you feel the horse moving the shoulders tance the horse's c https://issuu.com/pghpetmag/docs/pittsburgh_petconnections_julyaugu_5354a582781e35/34 Riding

your horse straight on a straight line away from the arena wall shows the rider crooked theirmyhorse may be.

When you United feel a shoulder falling in, straighten the horse with Within how two years of training, Appaloosa became the 2020 States Dressage As-sociation All Breed winner at Training the inside leg and Appaloosa outside rein.

In the other direction, if you feel the horse moving the shoulders

Straight across the diagonal and tracking up, thus

Level. May your training is always fun and re-wardingly challenging!

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2021

Straight across the diagonal andhis tracking up, thus using his back using back.

c i n

b c Level. May your training is always fun and rewar

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petconnections.pet 11 www.petconnections.pet

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REMEMBRANCE

Remembering Gidget

By Joanne & Kris Kaufmann

Thirteen years. It was a lifetime. Yet it went by so quickly. Your triumphant, sassy spirit was infectious. And with it, you conquered your world. And me. And daddy. And all who entered your orbit. You had the world wrapped around your paw. That spirit that crashed into our home on a cold, snowy Sunday in March 2008 is still here…I feel it. You’re here…everywhere…I feel you. I try to keep your spirit alive by living the way you did. I leap out of bed and shout (in my head), “Get up! There are things to do, places to go, people to see! Let’s get going!”

Some days this is easier than others.

How you did this every day, I’ll never know. What I do know is that you were loved beyond measure. And that we will honor your memory the best way we know how…by rescuing another dog. We will love your forever, Gidget.

15th Year Anniversar y

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Summer 2021

The Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial There is a special place in the southern suburbs of Pittsburgh that is open, cozy, and tranquil respite from the bustle of the surrounding community.

Affording beatific vistas of rolling hills and wooden glens that wrap around friendly nearby neighborhoods. Jefferson Memorial Cemetery has provided a a peaceful resting place since 1929 when it was founded by Harry C. Neel.

Jefferson Memorial Park was founded in 1929 and passed down to his only son, John D. Neel, who is credited with the growth and innovation that has made Jefferson Memorial what it is today. John’s eldest son, also Harry C. Neel, currently runs the business as President and CEO. Harry’s oldest daughter, Dagny V.N. Fitzpatrick, joined the sales department of Jefferson Memorial and is now Vice President in charge of Family Services. Harry’s second daughter, Whitney R. Neel, joined the Funeral Home team in 2013 and will become the family’s 1st Funeral Director upon completion of her mortuary degree in December 2016.

Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Facts • A fully handicap accessible facility • 18,500 square feet of floor space, beautifully decorated in Williamsburg décor • A chapel with vaulted ceiling and cushioned pews to seat up to 115 people • 5 visitation rooms • Hospitality room and lounge with parquet hardwood flooring • A children’s room that offers parents and guardians the ability to express their condolences without a babysitter (adult supervision is required) • Lighted parking lot that holds 178 cars with 6 handicap accessible parking spots Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Facts • Jefferson cemetery consists of 340 owned acres with 170 acres developed and 180 acres available for future development • 1500 average annual interments • 38 traditional ground burial gardens including 4 lawn crypt sections for double depth burials • Mausoleum Crypt spaces constructed for casketed burial that includes

Unlike many cemeteries and funeral home’s today, Jefferson Memorial has a place dedicated to our furry friends that’s open, cozy and, tranquil – The Garden of Faithful Friends. Within the garden is the Faithful Friends Mausoleum, which houses crypt spaces for your pet, and unlike any other cemetery in the area, space for you and your pet. In that same building are niche spaces for pet and human cremated remains.

The mausoleum is an elegant visual feature that expresses meaningful sayings and showcases people with their pets. Like a full-service funeral home, Jefferson Memorial offers visitation opportunities to all pet families.

We at Jefferson believe that a pet who gave love and loyalty through life deserves the respect and dignity of having their remains placed in a lasting and final resting place, just as you would your human counterpart, for they too are a part of the family.

We have developed a distinctive pet room that consists of an arrangement room, a display room for caskets, urns and memorials, as well as a visitation room. Our before needs representatives and Family Service team aim to serve our pet families in every way we can.

We all love our pets and want to know they are in a safe and respectful place. Our Garden of Faithful Friends allows your pet to stay at your side forever. It truly represents our motto – Family is at the Heat of Everything We Do

For more information on how we can help you in your pets time of need, please reach out to our trained professional representatives at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz or call us directly at 412.655.4500

F a f i t o h ful Fr n e d r a ie G at

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5 separate buildings and 4 private mausoleums • 14 mausoleum cremation niche units • 14 gardens that contain cremation niches • 24 garden statues of bronze or marble

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

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