Pittsburgh PetConnections Holiday Edition Vol. 9 Iss. 2 2021-22

Holiday-Winter 2021-2022

FREE!

Vol. 9 Issue 2

PetConnections PITTSBURGH

WELLNESS THROUGH THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Surviving the Holiday Season after Losing a Beloved Pet New Year’s Revolution Operation Petsburgh CBD for Animals PITTSBURGH’S # 1 resource for everything pets! petconnections.pet

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FROM THE PUBLISHER WELCOME TO OUR HOLIDAY EDITION VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2 NEWS & EVENTS:

Welcome to Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazi

PetConnections teamed up with CARMAA for DogtoberfestWinter 2021 on Oct. 2nd Volume , to support7area rescue 2019, Issue 1 and shelter organizations and the event was a big success! Please see the event section for the pictures and the wonderful costumes from our Pet Parade and Costume Contest!

30/19.

THIS ISSUE:

News

to our Winter 2019 issue!

This issue has articles Welcome to emphasize the Human-Animal Bond, starting in that section with a heartwarming article about Topper, aWe sweet Chihuahua.

TopperMassage, is also honored in our Remembrance section. welcome Ease Animal Buzzy Photography, and O2 Derm Pet Topical

CORRESPONDENCE

Gel to ourcontinued supporting advertisers!

Animal Friends highlights their support of veterans through their match program.

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

new sisterCenters publications coming outWorker, in March, Integrative Pittsburgh Veterinary Introducing Specialty andour Emergency Veterinary Social Amanda, givesHealing tips for for people surviving the holidaysmagazine with the loss of a pet.(and, of course, a pet section!)

The Humane Animal Rescue about their “Operation Petsburgh” and their to save as many We arewrites also pleased to announce some fun new things thatcommitment we have in the works CORRESPONDENCE

for PetConnections! pet lives as possible. Murray Avenue Apothecary explains the use of and many benefits of CBD oil in pets PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONinfo@pghpetconnections.com 724 -292-7387 QUARTERLY Dr. Becky Morrow covers vaccinations in your pet. of your pet from winners of our new weekly social We will be publishing pictures

Published by All Life Media, LLC. Pittsburgh All Rights Reserved | © 2019 media photo contests! Also new, our membership sign-up button on our Facebook Bernadette Kazmarskipage, outlines stress in cats. manyand more great articles issue. Enjoy! where youbehaviors can receive newsThere aboutare events contests, specialthis discounts Petconnections was created in 2012. Our mission is PITTSBURGH OUR SAP PARTNER: from our advertisers, discount event tickets, join our PetConnections Birthday Club to publish a high quality, informative publicationPETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY for Pets, submit your story to be published in our Human-Animal Bond section or Published focused on the Human-Animal Bond.by: WePittsburgh support localPetConnections, LLC. Remembrance, and more!

Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses in to 2012. for pets and people, to give back our Our greatmission is to publish a high Events Pittsburgh communities. quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Animal Friends’ and CARMAA businesses and also assist local non-profit We are working with our licensinginpartner dvm360TM highlighted our event section. magazine to pair great content! The partnership will MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF businesses for pets and people, to give back mean online national and global exposure for PetConnections magazine!

Carla Mader, Publisher to our great Pittsburgh communities. “dvm360 TM is the veterinary profession’s No. 1 print resource for news, product resources, tools, and practice Buzzy Photography, Photography This Issue Fran Sherman, Creative Director M A G A Z I N E P U B L I C AT I O Nsolutions.

S TA F F dvm360TM captures the voice of the profession and delivers relevant, real-world coverage while coverneeds features Manon Farm’s riding show! See the Equine Affairs section article ins clinical of small animal andPrincess equineShowcase veterinarians.”

Barb Negron, Graphic Designer Carla Mader, Managingmeeting Editor the everydayOur April Minech! Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be Ginger”, April Minech, Assistant Editor Kara Jones Photography, Photography Animal Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition articles, with more great tips, in Feathe Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer Bernadette Kazmarski, Kitty Korner Editor Also, we are revisiting Integrative Healing for Pets with Dr. Doug, in our Pet Holistic section.

Edward R. Moats, Content Editor Our rescue sectionasfeatures PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about PetConnections is published quarterly follows:Nate’s March,reptile June,Rescue.

September, and special Holiday issue winter in earlysafety for pets. O ADVERTISING SALESCarla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. Equine Edward R. Moats, Media Account Manager December! Our print copy distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales Hermann writes about Learning from Source. been much greater than in print with now over 400,000 impressions! To subscribe to your own personal copy 412.780.2254 A D V E RT I S I N GofS PetConnections, ALES please contact us below.

Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: Early February, May, August, and November. Ou CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, providing 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much g Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH services for advertisingprint in print digital platforms tothis helpyear. our To sponsors growtotheir withand now over marketing 350,000 impressions subscribe yourbusinesses. own personal copy of Pet Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center C O N T R I B U T I N G W Contact R I T E R S us below for please information on us advertising contact below. or sponsoring!

Kristin Hermann Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Thank you for picking Did up this copy of PetConnections PetConnections. has Be well and we you a wonderful Holiday know? evolved intowish a full-service specialized petseason media company, pro April Minech Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & family and pets!you with your Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah! services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their b Bernadette Kazmarski Emergency Center Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!

Dr. Becky Morrow, DVM Kristin Hermann Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.

April Minech www.petconnections.pet 11 Bernadette Kazmarski Edward R. Moats Warmly, Holiday-Winter 2021-2022

ail

From The Publ

Warmly,

FREE!

Vol. 9 Issue 2

PetConnections PITTSBURGH

WELLNESS THROUGH THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Surviving the Holiday Season after Losing a Beloved Pet New Year’s Revolution Operation Petsburgh CBD for Animals PITTSBURGH’S # 1 resource for everything pets! petconnections.pet

Cover Photo: Hayden and Harper Stewart Photo By: Erica Stewart “BonFrog” with Grinch

Cover photo by: Debbie Thomas

Carla Mader Publisher Carla Mader

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

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

Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet.

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

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PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

Surviving the Holiday Season after Losing a Beloved Pet

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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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 AY O F D AYC A R E * Intertwined - A Dog’s Life and the Heart it Belongs To

RESCUE & SHELTER

Operation Petsburgh

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

Grooming

Day Care

Boarding

Training

LET’S MATCH! Friends, Please help me give animals a second chance at No Dog Left Behind!

From now through Dec. 31, 2021 all donations are MATCHED up to $50,000!

Help the team secure a new transport van to drive animals from danger to safety.

18 20 24 26

HOLISTIC PET CARE New Year’s Revolution: 5 Feeding Tips Retail for a Remarkably Healthier Pet in 2022 HOLISTIC PET CARE CBD for Animals PET HEALTH & WELLNESS The Power of the Shot - How Vaccines Save Pet Lives KITTY KORNER A Bucket of Stress EQUINE AFFAIRS Dressage Education - Rider’s Be Wary

Donate at www.nodogleftbehind.org Thank You, Lee Oleinick

Lee Oleinick Managing Director Wealth Management 412-665-9914 lee.oleinick@ubs.com

6 EVENTS 7 DOGTOBER FEST 14 ADVERTISER LOCATOR 22 DIRECTORIES 25 CAT RESOURCE GUIDE

28 REMEMBRANCE

In Loving Memory of Topper

29 REMEMBRANCE

The Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial

www.petconnections.pet 11 petconnections.pet

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HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Intertwined - A Dog’s Life and the Heart it Belongs To

By April Minech, photo credit Debbie Thomas

When we start a new chapter in our lives with an animal, we aren’t always aware of how profoundly that journey will affect us. Sure, we know of the daily things feeding, cuddling, company, probably cutesy nicknames and more pics on our phones than family. But the little niche they carve out in our hearts is the biggest - and most important - part of the adventure.

Topper, a chihuahua from rural Greene County, and Lisa Stoekle, shelter volunteer, have one of those stories.

Lisa shared her time helping dogs and was thinking about adopting a pit bull after learning how sweet the bully breed could be and had thoughts of working with the dog towards possibly becoming a therapy pet. She had no plans of even considering a chihuahua, having had them in her family growing up and remembered those particular dogs as being unsocialized and “nasty little things” that no one was allowed to touch or even look at.

One day while cleaning kennels, she looked up and saw a tiny little guy watching her. “You better eat your food,” she told him. “They’re going to take that away in a few minutes.” The dog looked at her again, then a small puddle formed under him. “I’ll clean that up for you,” she said to him. He watched her mop up from as far back in his cage as he could, then moved to the front as she stepped out and walked down the kennel hall to return the mop. “I’m going to take him outside and hand feed him,” she thought. As they sat under a tree together, the bond formed instantly.

For the next few days, Lisa carried him around the shelter in the crook of her arm, the tiny, timid, almost broken little dog taking comfort in her kindness. She decided to take him home for a cage break to spend the night and as she drove away from the shelter, she told him “You never have to go back there.” The next day she called the shelter to tell the staff what they already knew; she wanted to adopt him. “Come on in,” they said. “We filled the paperwork out last night.

It took some time for Topper to get used to his new life. He mostly slept for the first few weeks decompressing and taking in his new surroundings, and months before the love and patience made him feel like he was finally home. “It was a full year before he found his voice,” Lisa recalls, “and I heard him bark for the first time.”

Slowly, Topper started blossoming with the time and care Lisa put into helping him become comfortable with the world around him. She took him out to meet new people and other little dogs, and to some doggie classes and discovered that he already knew a lot of commands. He tried so hard to please her, and the ever-growing bond that came from those

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday-Winter 2022

experiences became an emotional glue for both of them. The first time she had her large family over for dinner, she shared that she had adopted a dog, and everyone could meet him when they arrived. “They all wondered how this pit bull I planned to adopt would be,” she says. As each member arrived and rang the doorbell, her father would announce “release the hound!” and Topper would come barreling down the steps to smother them with doggie greetings and kisses. “We all had a good laugh and Topper loved all the attention”.

He would strut around guests and show off when he was in a room full of new people; of course, they were all there to celebrate him. At the pet store, he allowed strangers to hold him while mom ruffled through her things to pay. When he welcomed a man in a wheelchair (which is very scary to a lot of dogs) and sat in his lap, Lisa thought maybe he had the personality to be a therapy dog. Alas, it was not to be.

Like expectations for potty training in schools, dog therapy class frowned upon his enjoyment of leg lifting and he moved on to a different career.

Topper loved Lisa’s parents as well. When her dad auditioned for an amateur role in a play called “The Last Romance” (about a couple who meet at a dog park), he jokingly mentioned he could bring his own dog. He got a call saying he didn’t get the part, but would the dog still want a role? They used a stuffed animal up until that point, but once Topper got on stage he really shined. His stage name was “Peaches”, and he took to the part instantly. He became the star of the play and had his own fan club. The actors loved him, he gladly wore the costumes and greeted the audience after each performance.

Topper and Lisa shared many escapades together. He didn’t like to go potty on wet grass, so Lisa would put a tarp in the yard to peel back so he always had a dry spot to use.

Neighbors would honk when they drove by and saw “Toppie’s Tarp”, knowing it was a harbinger of bad weather. He had his own chair at the kitchen table, so he didn’t have to look at feet when company came over. He once led a parade.

Sadly, Topper and Lisa’s time together was stopped short in August when his kidneys suddenly failed with no explanation.

Brokenhearted, Lisa shared the news in her circle of friends.

When word spread of his passing, Lisa received over 60 cards expressing sympathy and sharing stories of how Topper, and watching his connection with Lisa, had touched their lives.

Drop a pebble in the water, Though its end you may not see, It may reach, like widening ripples, Down a long eternity.

Pittsburgh PetConnections | Fall 2021

5

EVENTS

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday-Winter 2022

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 *

All-Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun for

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, VENDORS DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! & PAWTICIPANTS! 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Announcing the pet costume contest winners!

Gerger; Most Original: Alice In Wonderland; • East End • SouthBest HillsCostume: • Strip Lady District Owner Look Alike; Roxy and Greyson; Honorable Mentions: Cruelly, Briella, Dog Banana, • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford and Ear • Upper St. Clair NEW Of Corn! Thank You To All Pawticipants!

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

Grooming

Day Care

Boarding

Training

Retail

SPONSORS

A PetConnections Magazine production!

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Supporting vets.

Rescuing pets.

Saving lives.

AnimalFriends is honored to serve our veterans and the brave individuals of our

Armed Forces! Through our Animal Friends for Veterans program, we proudly offer: • Customized matchmaking services and underwritten adoption donations for dogs, cats and rabbits.

• Free, nutritious food through our Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank.

• A 20% discount* on all wellness and vaccines at our Animal Wellness Center. *Income qualification is required.

• A 10% discount on spay/neuter surgery for any cat or dog living with a veteran in need. *Income qualification is required for non-pit bull breeds.

• Behavior consultation and training classes for owned or recently adopted dogs, cats and rabbits.

• Emergency boarding for dogs, cats or rabbits of veterans in crisis.

Animal Friends for Veterans is currently funded by the Maj. Ben Follansbee Memorial Fund, named for a highly decorated Airborne Ranger, who tragically took his own life in 2012.

To learn more about Animal Friends for Veterans visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/Veterans

AnimalFriends

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

PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

Surviving the Holiday Season After Losing a Beloved Pet

By Amanda Dugan- Veterinary Social Worker

As we all know, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. The to-do lists are extensive, with cooking or baking, multiple family gatherings, shopping, and decorating being just a few items found on peoples’ lists. But what if the holiday season is challenging for you to get through? Whether it be from feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the holiday hustle and bustle, or perhaps the tragic loss of a family member or close friend. What about the loss of a beloved pet?

Pet loss is beginning to become more widely acknowledged; however, we still have a long way to go before it’s where it needs to be. Pet loss in general is hard, but pet loss around the holiday season is even tougher.

Why, may you ask? Trying to grieve around the holidays while experiencing other usual stressors brought upon by the season, can make one’s grief complicated. Some people may feel that they are too busy to cry, or show emotion surrounding the loss, or that they just simply don’t have time. While others may not be able to function at all because their grief is just so debilitating. It’s important to remember that everyone grieves differently and that there

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| Holiday-Winter 2022

is no “correct way” to grieve the loss of a beloved pet.

The bonds that we have with our pets are unlike any other bond we have in our lives. They see us when we are at our lowest, most vulnerable points, through our successes and greatest victories, they love us unconditionally, and they rely on us. Most of us don’t step back to think about just how significant our bonds with our beloved pets are, and that for the most part, they’re more than just pets…they’re family. These are all factors that play into the significance of the grief and the emotion that we feel when they cross the Rainbow Bridge.

The holiday season is a busy one for most, and a lot of people feel that they must have “perfect” celebrations for the holidays to be considered successful. When you are grieving the loss of a beloved pet, it’s important to understand that grief is unforgiving and will hit at any time. Unfortunately, grief doesn’t take vacations or sick days. Pet owners who are grieving should be reminded that it’s okay to not be okay, especially around the holidays.

When the emotional roller coaster hits, let yourself feel it. Give yourself time to break down or reflect when you

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 * need to. There is nothing wrong with doing this. It is actually very beneficial in helping to process the emotion behind the grief.

Some may feel that by doing this, they’re taking steps backwards in moving on, but processing that deep emotion allows for more progress to be made in the long run.

what you feel will be best for you, and what makes you the most comfortable. With that being said, it’s still important to stay connected somehow throughout the holidays. Even a card, or a simple phone call can help with eliminating the risk of isolation in these times.

Another thing to keep in mind is to remember to be patient and kind to yourself. You are going through a significant loss, and you don’t have to always have it all together. It’s okay if you don’t bake all those cookies or attend every single event you’re invited too. It may be helpful to some, but others may find that taking it easy is what’s best for them. Whatever works for you, and whatever makes you most comfortable, is what you should7do.CONVENIENT When you start feelingLOCATIONS like the dam is about to break, carve out some you-time. Do something for yourself, whether it be some deep breathing exercises, gratitude practices, reading your favorite book•orSouth watchingHills your favorite movie or TV show.

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It may also be helpful to honor your beloved pet(s) by trying to incorporate them into some of the celebrations that you partake in. For example, lighting a candle by their picture(s) during special times over the season can help bring a sense of peace and connection to the beloved pet(s).

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Another way to incorporate their memory into your celebrations can be to hang photo ornaments on your tree, or have other customizable knick-knacks made to place around your home for decorations. These can serve as gratitude triggers that can help you reflect on special memories you’ve created in those moments or with the faces you see.

It’s easy for the bereaved to dread the holiday season, especially if the loss just happened. However, it’s extremely important to check in on them and offer love and support. If you or a loved one is struggling, sometimes an empathic listener and a familiar presence *Offer only valid are for new clients at participating locations. one couponcould per family.

6/30/19.

There many self-care activities that Limit the bereaved do Offer expires could make all the difference. So, reach out this holiday season, and to help them through a very emotional time of year, such as let them know that they are not alone and that someone out there the holiday season. A big self-care tip would be to plan ahead loves and cares about them and what they’re going through. for what festivities you would like to participate in, and which Take care of yourself this holiday season. ones you feelDay you Care need to pass Boarding on this year. Remember to do Training Retail Grooming Grooming

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Volunteer your dog to give the gift of life!

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RESCUE & SHELTER

Operation Petsburgh

Operation Petsburgh is one of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP)’s most critical and innovative programs. By transporting at-risk animals from areas where resources and medical care are limited to HARP’s East Side and North Side shelters, these dogs and cats are given a second chance at life. The animals then fulfill a great need for more four-legged family members in our community.

One of Operation Petsburgh’s most important elements is the skilled medical staff and expertise provided by Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. All animals arriving via transport undergo a complete medical evaluation and may receive other services, such as behavioral training, needed for a successful adoption. In some of the cases, more extensive medical treatment may be required.

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One such case was Piglet, a four-year old pit bull, transported to HARP

P from R Ea S E N shelter T T partner H I Sin April A D2020.

F Piglet O R hadAbeen F R E E D AY O F D AYC A R E * regional brought to them from animal control after they believe she had been hit by a car. She had recently given birth and was still lactating, but no puppies were found. Piglet had abrasions all over her body and her injuries required FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy), a surgical procedure aimed at restoring pain-free mobility to a damaged hip by removing the head and neck of the femur. The surgery was performed at HARP and Piglet went into a foster home to recover.

Piglet made quite an impression on her foster family who decided to adopt her.

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DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! Piglet is one of the many animals whose 7 CONVENIENT lives were impacted by OperationLOCATIONS Petsburgh.

Since the program launched in 2017, more than 5,000 lives have been saved. Operation • East • South Hills Strip District Pets burgh’s End partnerships span 13 states,• 49 regional animal rescue organizations and • Sewickly • Monroeville 3• Wexford national animal all withNEW the • welfare Uppergroups, St. Clair same goal: saving lives. Operation Petsburgh has created a “win/win” situation; allowing partner www.TheDogStop.com shelters to place animals that they may not have *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. the capacity to care for and enabling Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh to serve a larger community of animals and people. Additionally, HARP has supported shelter partners by providing needed vaccines, pet food, crates Care best practices.

Boarding Training Retail Grooming and blankets Day and sharing To learn more or donate, please visit HumaneAnimalRescue.org

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ADVERTISER LOCATOR

Animal Friends.................................................................. 8, M Asgard Raw Pet Food.......................................................... 14

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Best Breed Pet Food.............................................................15 Beaver Animal Clinic...................................................... 17, D BluePearl Pittsburgh Animal Blood Bank.................. 11 P

Bowser Subaru.........................................................................6

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Camp Bow Wow....................................................................17 Catsa...........................................................................................27

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Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation............................28, F Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center............................................................ 15, Q Coventry Stables..................................................................27 Denise Marasco Howard Hanna.................................... 14

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Washington

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Doggone Awesome Pet Services...................................15 Dog Stop...................................................................................21 Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa........................................................15, H Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice.............................15 Hounds Town USA................................................................. 5 Humane Animal Rescue.....................................................12 J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement..................1 Jefferson Memorial......................................................... 29, J Larry’s Laundromutt........................................................21, P Murray Avenue Apothecary............................................ 19 Pittsburgh Pet Concierge.................................................... 3 Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center................................... back cover, 11 Portraits of Animals.............................................................21 UBS................................................................................................ 3 Woody’s Dog Wash & Boutique.............................. 27, V 5th Avenue Fido...................................inside front cover

Please see listed pages for complete addresses.

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Page 15 - and Pampered Paw Resort Do-It-Yourself Dog Wash Page 5 - Petagogy Page 13 - Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank Back Cover - N Pittsburgh 122 East Maiden St. Veterinary pamperedpawresort@outlook.com www.doggoneawesomepetservices.com Specialty and Washington, PAEmergency 15301 Center pamperedpawresort.com Day Care Boarding Training Retail Grooming Page 27 - O Rockin Horse Stables Page 17 - Dr. Michael Savko F Page 15 - V Woody’s Dog Wash & Boutique Washington A Page 11 - Camp Bow Wow Page 6 - CARMAA G Page 3 - EASE Animal Massage Page 14 - Pittsburgh Pet Concierge Page 5 - o2 Derm Pet N Page 15 - Trixie’s Dog Fashions A Page 13 - Portraits of Animals Page 3 - Buzzy Photography H

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Trixie’s Dog Fashions

HOLISTIC PET CARE

NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION: 5 Feeding Tips for a Remarkably Healthier Pet in 2022

By Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

The start of a new year is a good time to stop and reflect on what we have done in the past and how we can improve. It’s a great time to kick off a new good habit. I hate to call any such effort a “resolution” because those almost always fail.

There are many possible reasons for resolution failure. Maybe in our exuberance for change, we simply bite off more than we can chew.

Perhaps we don’t fully convince ourselves that the change will lead to a better life. And then there is the tendency to give up the whole thing if we blow it one time.

I am going to propose five simple changes any pet caregiver can make that can revolutionize their pet’s health from the inside out. I do not mean to suggest that anyone should make all five changes all at once (although that would be great). Just making one of these changes will make a big difference in your pet’s health. Remember, every choice you make for your pet is either moving him toward greater health, or shifting him away from that goal.

Having said that, don’t bite off more than you can chew.

1. Portion Control – Speaking of biting off more than you can chew, one of the most beneficial things you can do for your pet is feed him the appropriate amount of food.

Most pets are overweight and this pre-disposes them to disease and premature death.

Yes, that pudgy pooch or fat cat may look adorable but according to research they will start with symptoms of arthritis and other chronic diseases 3 years earlier than their slim counterparts. The heavy animals will also die almost 2 years earlier. Ask your veterinarian for an honest assessment of your pet’s weight and for guidance on how much to feed.

2. Stop Dry Pet Food – Yes, you read right, no dry pet food. Dry pet food is full of starch (they can’t make dry pet food without lots of starch to form the kibble) which packs on the pounds. Cats and dogs invented the Atkins diet since their ancestors did it for millions of years which shaped the metabolism of our current pets.

Also, dry food is more concentrated in calories than canned or raw diets. This fact becomes obvious when you realize that dry food contains about 10% moisture while canned food is usually around 70% moisture. Since water does not have any calories, canned foods fill up the belly without maxing out calories. By the way, chewing on dry pet food does not clean a pet’s teeth any more than crunching on pretzels cleans a person’s teeth.

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday-Winter 2022

3. Add Some Veggies – Adding some veg etables to a pet’s diet can increase the belly-filling bulk in a low calorie way. Veggies also contain health-benefitting nutrients and can lower the risk of cancer. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach, are especially healthy but carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans are good too. Avoid grains and starchy veg-gies like potatoes. Steam the veggies for maximum nutrient absorption (raw veg-gies tend to go right through the GI tracts of carnivores). Start by mixing in just a small amount of finely chopped veggies. Experiment and find your pet’s favorite.

4. Skip the Snacks – Believe it or not, your dog will not die if he does not get a treat every time he goes outside (although he might carry on as if he will). Pet snack food is as unhealthy as our snack food. If you don’t believe me, look at the ingredient list on the package. Most of it is garbage wrapped in artificial flavor enhancers. I know, I know, your pet just won’t stop pestering you unless you slip him a treat every time you pass the special cupboard.

Well guess what, when you give in to the terrorists demands, you’ve just reinforced the unwanted behavior. The pet has become the master.

Keep in mind that food does not equal love.

5. Diet Rotation – The tendency of most pet caregivers is to find a food that “works” for their pet and stick with it for life. This is a very unhealthy practice. For one thing, any individual pet food may have slight nutrient imbalances that escape the regu-latory process but may cause problems when fed long term.

Also, studies show that the best way to cause a food allergy is to feed the same thing day after day.

The idea that changing a pet’s food causes diarrhea is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Eating the same thing long term and then sud-denly changing to something else will almost always cause GI upset.

However, pets can get used to eating a variety of foods just like we do. Yes, at first changes will need to be made gradually by tapering on the novel diet, but often over time, the changes can be made more quickly.

You are likely to run into diets that just do not agree with your pet – avoid those in the future. Try foods with different main ingredients and from various manufac-turers. Find a half dozen or so foods that work for your pet and rotate through them, changing foods every week or so. Variety is the spice of life for our pets too.

There you have it – five easy, health-improving changes you can make in your pet’s eating hab-its. Choose one to start with and as the ad says, “Just Do It.” You just may start a revolution in your pet’s health.

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

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

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HOLISTIC PET CARE

CBD for Animals

As a Holistic Clinical Pharmacist, I am always looking for holistic and natural approaches to health for people and pets. CBD or Cannabidiol is the perfect natural cannabinoid supplement to compliment good lifestyle choices and the desire for quality of life.

CBD hemp oils have become more common and as mainstream products are being marketed to pet owners, you may ask, “Should I give my Pet CBD oil?”

My answer is a definite “Yes!!!…but” because not all products are created equally and there are some things consumers should be aware of before purchasing a CBD product.

The good news is pets can benefit from CBD in much the same way humans do. Our furry friends, as well as most animals, have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance within the body – including regulation of the communication between cells, the body’s immune response, and autonomic functions like appetite, sleep, and metabolism. Basically, the ECS helps the body maintain itself.

Now you may ask,” How do I choose a CBD Hemp Oil product for my pet?”

First and foremost, you must buy the product from a reputable source. A reputable source is one that does third party lab testing on their finished products and can produce a Certificate of Analysis to prove that the products actually contain what is on the product labels. Since 2015 the FDA

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Pittsburgh PetConnections | Holiday-Winter 2022

has sent warning letters to CBD manufacturers who claim there is more CBD in the bottle than there actually is. Up to 75% of CBD products were found in one study to be mislabeled and misbranded.

Our LabNaturals CBD Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp Oils have proven zero THC per third party testing, which makes them an excellent choice, especially dogs who are naturally much more sensitive to THC’s psychotropic effects.

Second, make sure to purchase CBD oil from a business with professional expertise in health, wellness, and supplementation. It is also important to have someone check your animal’s medications for potential interactions.

Finding a pharmacist well versed in both CBD and pet medications is best to be sure that all information is accurate. We are animal Compounding Experts at Murray Ave Apothecary.

At LabNaturals CBD, we are pharmacists for humans and our furry family members and we have done our research into the exciting new world of CBD and cannabinoid supplementation.

If you have questions, we will always do our best to answer them as completely as possible. We ensure the purity, consistency, and safety of all our products and compounds because that is exactly what you and your pets deserve.

Susan Merenstein, Pharmacist/Owner LabNaturals CBD 4227A Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 421-4996

PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Power of the Shot - How Vaccines Save Pet Lives

By Becky L. Morrow, DVM

As a pet parent, I’m sure you have gone to the vet to get your dog or cat her “shots,” but do you know how they protect your pet or what diseases are being prevented? Being a shelter vet and facing the reality of outbreaks that can wipe out entire populations gives me a unique perspective on how many lives can be saved by vaccinating. Before we discuss what diseases the vaccines are protecting your furry family members against, let’s cover how they work, in general, and why puppies and kittens need so many “boosters.”

Vaccines essentially “trick” our immune system into thinking a foreign invader, usually a virus, has entered the body. While it seems rude to prank our immune systems, there is a very good reason for doing so. After the immune system builds up defenses to “fight off” the perceived “infection,” it remembers the invader and can respond much more rapidly in the future when the real virus attacks. It would be like the FBI having a picture of a criminal and using facial recognition software to stop him right after he enters the door - before he can do any harm. Because law enforcement knows what the intruder looks like ahead of time, they have a whole team of officers ready when he breaks into the building. The police force represents the antibodies and specialized cells that are standing and waiting to respond to a pathogen after the individual has been vaccinated. Without vaccines, it would be like the criminal enters the building with no one to stop him. Not only that, more and more criminals keep entering, unchecked. They may be eventually stopped by the police force, but not before they caused destruction of the property.

So why do we give puppies and kittens (and babies!) a series of booster shots? The reason is that young animals have some limited immunity that they acquired, mainly through nursing, in the form of “maternal antibodies.” While the maternal antibodies are present, they will fight off the invader before the puppy or kitten can develop their own immune response (antibodies and specialized cells that will attack). Since there is no way of knowing exactly how long the maternal antibodies will remain active in the system, we need to keep giving the booster shots until an age where we know they cannot interfere with the vaccine working.

to cause the immune system to take notice, or a recombinant vaccine, where a small piece of the rabies virus is connected to a harmless virus that allows the immune system to respond without illness. After the initial one-year booster, the killed vaccine can be administered every three years, while the recombinant vaccine may be boosted in one to two years.

What is often called the “distemper vaccine” for dogs and cats is actually very different in each species. The core vaccine for dogs, often abbreviated as DA2LP2, helps to protect them from canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, canine hepatitis, and upper respiratory viruses (adenovirus and paramyxovirus). Distemper and parvovirus are especially frightening for a puppy or even an unvaccinated adult dog to get since they are oftentimes fatal infections. Even with intensive care dogs can die from the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological disease associated with distemper and the vomiting and diarrhea that leads to blood infections and severe dehydration. Leptospirosis causes kidney and liver disease and can also infect humans, another important reason we vaccinate animals against it.

Feline “distemper” vaccine, or FVRCP, includes protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis (or feline herpesvirus), feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus. Just as with the canine parvovirus, feline parvovirus (also called panleukopenia) causes vomiting and severe diarrhea that can lead to death through septicemia (bacteria in the blood stream) and dehydration.

Parvoviruses are highly contagious, requiring only a small amount of virus that is passed in the stool for exposure.

Unfortunately, parvoviruses also can remain infectious in the environment for many, many months. Just like with the human flu shot, a cat vaccinated against calicivirus, and herpesvirus can still get infected, but tend to have much less severe symptoms.

Typically, in puppies and kittens with homes, we give booster shots every three to four weeks until about 14 weeks of age, but in shelters and rescues, where the risks of exposure to infectious diseases are much higher, we give boosters every two weeks (the shortest time between vaccines that will still give a full immune response) and for a longer duration. In some cases, as with the rabies vaccine, there is not a booster until one year later, mainly because it is not given until a bit later in the pet’s life (12 weeks of age in most cases based on Pennsylvania state law).

Other non-core vaccinations can be selected based on specific risk factors for your pet. Some owners choose to get a Lyme vaccine for their dog if they have problems with ticks. Many people have their dog vaccinated against “kennel cough,” which includes protection against the bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, as well as the upper respiratory viruses. As the name implies, it is mainly for dogs going to kennels or doggy daycares and is very important in shelters as well. Although mostly used in shelter settings, some kenneled dogs are also vaccinated against canine influenza, a virus that can cause respiratory infections including pneumonia. Cats that go outdoors or have potential exposure to cats with an unknown FeLV status, should definitely be vaccinated against feline leukemia virus. This is a fatal disease in many cats, that is easily preventable. Although there is a vaccine for FIV and FIP, neither vaccine is recommended by specialists or the vast majority of veterinarians.

Now let’s talk about the core vaccines that all pets need. Rabies is certainly a disease that everyone knows about. It is invariably fatal, and all animals need to be protected against it for their benefit as well as the benefit of humans. Rabies vaccines either contain “killed virus” and a chemical called an adjuvant

While this article is just a brief overview of the topic, I hope it gives you a better understanding of vaccines and how they can keep our pets healthy. Remember to talk to your veterinarian to determine what is right for Fluffy or Fido based on their health status and risks.

20 Pittsburgh PetConnections

| Holiday-Winter 2022

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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

22 Pittsburgh PetConnections

BIRD & SUPPLIES Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com

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

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

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

| Holiday-Winter 2022

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

Locations: D Camp F OBowRWowAPittsburgh F RSouthwest E E D AY 710 Trumbull Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205 PET FRIENDLY BUSINESSES 412-276-WAGS (9247) & ORGANIZATIONS Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh North Bactronix, 412-375-7886 | www.bactronix.com 2327 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 412-931-WAGS (9247) 888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com Camp Bow Wow Highland Park Simple Sugars Scrub, Simplesugarsscrub.com 1325 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-362-PLAY (7529) UBS Financial Services Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh East 412-665-1914 | lee.oleinick@ubs.com 1610 McClure Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15146 Village Shoppes Scenery Hill 724-733-CAMP (2267) Elves Lair Christmas & Gifts, Jan’s Tea Shoppe - 2nd North: Street Coffee Roasters, Velvet Envelope, Westerwald Pottery, Two Old Crows, www.sceneryhillpa.

Dog stop - North com 724-935-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net Greater 7 Pittsburgh Area: The Dog Stop - Sewickley CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 412-766-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net Fragasso Financial Advisors 412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com Lucky Paws Pet Resort 724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement • East End • South Hills • Strip District 724-746-8870 | www.jdwaterproofing.com South: Sewickly • Monroeville •Grandma’s Wexford Matt • Arch Foundation, www.connectarian.com Dog Daycare 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com • Upper St. Clair NEW One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa www.TheDogStop.com 724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com OxyMagic, 412-781-4110 | www.oxypgh.com Theone Dogcoupon Stop - Banksville Susan G. for Komen *Offer only valid newPittsburgh clients at participating locations. Limit per family.Rd. Offer expires 6/30/19.

412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net 412-342-0500 | www.komenpittsburgh.org Pampered Paw Resort East 724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com Pittsburgh East Nissan East: 412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com Day Care BoardingPittsburgh Pet Training Retail Grooming Concierge Unique Home Solutions 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org www.uniquehomesolutions.com Doggone Awesome Pet Services, 724-212-0427 South: www.doggoneawesomepetservices.com Southpointe Chamber, www.southpointe.net The Dog Stop - Monroeville PET-FRIENDLY LIVING 412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net Greater Pittsburgh Area: The Dog Stop - East End 412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net Pinch Property Services 412-445-8550 | PinchPropertyServices.com The Dog Stop - East: Strip District 412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net East: Country Lane Pet Hotel The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm 412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com www.glenhighlandgetaway.com Walkers Pet HoTail South: 724-327-7297 | www.WalkersPetHoTail.com American Destiny Real Estate Services West: 412-983-2220 | www.adr-usa.com Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort Amore 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com 877-716-6840 | amoreapartments.com

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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

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: Asgard Raw Dog and Cat Food 412-408-3355 | www.asgard-raw.com

List your business today! pghpetconnections@gmail.com

Baskets of Nature 724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com O F D AYC A R E * Dig It Collars, dig-it-store.com Trixie’s Dog Fashions www.trixiesdogfashions.com O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel, www.O2Dermpet.com

DIRECTORIES

Greater Pittsburgh Area: P Zoom R EN Groom S E (Sonya N TPatterson), T H724-225-4827 IS A

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

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KITTY KORNER

A Bucket of Stress

By Bernadette Kazmarski

A cat is confident one moment and the next is acting defensive or fearful.

A normally friendly and happy cat is suddenly beating the crap out of a housemate. Kitty is obviously enjoying a good petting from head to tail, then BITE. What changed the dynamic?

Some people think you’re joking when you talk about cat stress, thinking of the domesticated indoor feline who sleeps 22 hours a day (really it’s right around 16, but that still seems like a lot), has someone else clean her toilet, and only has to worry that the pull-tabs work on all her cans of food.

The sources of cats’ stress have been discovered and confirmed with behavioral studies of cats. Dr. Marci L. Koski, Certified Feline Behavior & Training Consultant and owner of Feline Behavior Solutions, described thinking about your cats as having a “stress bucket.” Stressful things can go into the bucket from various sources:

And yet behavioral studies have, well, “stressed” the prevalence of feline “stress”, not only in observing and interpreting their behavior but in setting up their “household” with these things in mind.

Cats don’t experience the world as we do, so in order to understand we need to think like cats for a bit. Cats are very close to their original biology even though they are domesticated animals and have lived with humans for tens of thousands of years. They react to their indoor life through the eyes of a cat living outdoors without all the accouterments we give them, where they are not only predator but also prey to other animals, where ensuring their safety from predators and other dangers—just staying alive—is the most important thing on their agenda, food and reproduction coming after that.

This is what makes deciphering cats so difficult—when we’ve taken care of their safety we think they know they don’t have to look over their shoulders all through the day. But they are still compelled by biology to do just that because, living in nature, a good bit of their time is actually spent ensuring that their territory is safe, and monitoring it to ensure it stays that way, patrolling it, rubbing their faces on some things and scratching on others to leave their scent and physical marks for themselves and other passersby.

This routine is imprinted on their behavior, and they need to follow this daily pattern even inside your house. If one part of the routine is prevented or unavailable or changes, they feel the stress of a threat to their personal safety. And just like humans, one stressful thing can pile atop another, and another, and…where individually a cat could deal with each stressor, several at once can be overwhelming, and, just like humans, they have a little meltdown. Or a big one.

How did we not see it coming? We know that cats hide pain as a biological response to preserving their own safety—they also hide stress and fear for the same reason. You may never know these things are a problem until your cat starts up with some odd or destructive behavioral issues that seem to come out of nowhere without careful observation.

“When the stress bucket overflows, that’s when problems start cropping up,” says Dr. Koski. “You can let stress out of the bucket by turning down the faucet letting things in (correcting/reducing the stressors themselves) or turn on a spigot to let stress out (through play, etc.).”

She noted that the size of the stress bucket is variable for different cats – “older cats typically have smaller stress buckets, for example.” Not only can you try to remove some stressors, like changing the litterbox setup or blocking the view of outdoor animals, but you can also add to your cat’s day with fun things that help distract them from the stressful issue and, in time, help them adjust: Don’t underestimate “boredom” as a stressor. A cat’s daily activities in nature, patrolling her territory, marking things with her scent and marks, includes climbing trees, visiting other cats and possibly even people, then the whole process of hunting for food—cats are actually very busy animals. They sleep many hours to help them rest after periods of intense activity. “Boredom” happens when nature tells them to do these things, but there is no opportunity to do so, and no opportunity to work off the energy the body provides to spend on that active time, and that’s when cats either eat too much, or get in trouble.

Matching up the best relief activity for the stress can take some tinkering, but it all starts with observation. Watch your cats closely at any time, not just when they have behavioral issues. Get a baseline on how they act when they are confident, and when they act out, start with looking at what is different about the situation.

If they enjoyed two pets but bit you on the third, try petting them only twice, then stopping to tell them how much you love them before resuming.

If two cats start having conflicts, where and when does it happen?

Don’t set up areas or buy toys you think they will like, choose them by observing their own natural preferences.

And remember, they’re not just being jerks, there’s always a reason behind their behavior. If working to relieve stressors doesn’t work, a call to a certified cat behaviorist or a visit to the veterinarian is in order.

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CAT RESOURCE GUIDE Schedule PHomeless R E S E NCat T Management T H I S A D Clinic FOR A F Rthrough E E D July A Y toODecember F D AYC A R E * Our clinic is located at 207 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, PA 15084. All appointments include surgery, pain medicine, rabies vaccine and flea treatment.

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) 11/13 – in memory of John E. Fitzgerald and his cat Fitzy 12/11 – open for sponsorship

FAST TRACK CLINICS Pet/friendly cats: Females $55, Males $40

All-Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun for

Nov 27 Pet/Freiendly cats includes rabies vaccine and flea treatment: Female $55, Males $40

DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH!

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.

7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS North Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic Fix ‘Ur Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs TNR AND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PITTSBURGH AREA

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.

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/

• East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford Jean Fund (Washington County) • Upper St. Clair NEWFluffy Packages at $65 and $85

Call Faith for Available Dates and Appointments (724) 941-5683 press 1 City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents E-Mail: faith.b2@verizon.net City of Pittsburgh offers five free spays/neuters to all city residents http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/ *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/animal-control/spay-neuter.html Frankie’s Friends Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in 730 5th Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068, 724-889-7011 Allegheny and surrounding counties Spay/neuter for pet/feral cats: Neuter $50, Spay $65, includes rabies, ear mite SHELTER PROGRAMS treatment, flea treatment. Also offers low cost vaccinations and basic medical treatments.

Animal Friends By appointment only, no walk-ins. Use website orRetail call to schedule. https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/pet-care/spay-neuter/ Day Care Boarding Training Grooming http://www.frankies-friends.org/ Pet/friendly cats: $65 spay or neuter, includes pain medication – vaccines require are an additional fee.

Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh Feral/Outdoor Package: $50, includes pain medication, rabies, FVRCP, ear tip and Reimburses partial funds to help spay/neuter feral cats flea treatment. Cats must be feral and in a humane trap to receive this service. (funds not always available)

www.TheDogStop.com

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

3967 William Flinn Hwy, Allison Park, PA 15101, 412-213-7353 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/ Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip) http://neuterspay.org/ Love That Cat (online search) http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html Spay USA http://www.spayusa.org/search.php Spay and Neuter Early, a Humane Alliance Campaign http://www.whentospay.org/get-your-pet-fixed Get Your Fix.org http://getyourfix.org/

ASPCA searchable map of low-cost clinics in US & Canada https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ low-cost-spayneuter-programs

Po Box 55135, Pittsburgh, PA 15207-0135

EMERGENCY AND AFTER-HOURS CARE

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

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) http://www.pvs-ec.com/

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.

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.

Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society)

www.wpahumane.org

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, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League) www.animalrescue.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

Butler County Humane Society, www.butlercountyhs.org

Animal Friends (AFI), www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Advocates, animaladvocates.net Washington Area Humane Society, www.washingtonpashelter.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

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EQUINE AFFAIRS

Dressage Education - Rider’s Be Wary

by Kristin Hermann

I came to Pittsburgh in 1978 to train with one of the only dressage trainers in the United States. I found him in the back of a Dressage & Ct magazine and put together that he was just outside Pittsburgh, and so was my grandmother. I interviewed one Easter weekend, totally intimidated by his European accent and lambskin winter coat. Needless to say, I got the job! Who doesn’t need an enthusiastic young adult in their barn?

At that time, dressage was just surfacing in the United States. The United States Dressage Association, or USDF, was founded in 1973, and our first local GMO was founded, I believe, 1976. Since then, I have been educating myself.

At the time, I attended as many clinics as I could, and back then, we got many older European men who taught the “classics.” Nowadays, when you attend a clinic, it can be anybody! America is the melting pot of everything!

So many European trainers have infiltrated American Dressage you never know what you are going to get. There are basically three dressage styles worldwide: the German method which the USDF has adopted, the French style, and then the baroque or Spanish. So, when one goes to clinics, you have to decipher which method you will experience.

Or you can read about that person’s bio.

As far as taking lessons, we have to be careful where we choose our training or teacher because nowadays everyone says they teach dressage. But do they show dressage, do they actually train dressage, do their students show, or do they just let the trainer show their horse? And do they actually know what dressage training is? There are so many variables when it comes to trainer and student.

I have found that most students choose a trainer because they click with that trainer’s style or personality. And often, it is just logistics like travel time to the barn. But

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other than just putting your expectations into one trainer as your education guideline, all students of dressage should read the classics. You mean I can’t just see it on YouTube, I have to engage my mind by reading?

When I came to Pittsburgh to learn dressage, I was given a list of books to study. I still have those books all underlined and highlighted. Now maybe I am old fashioned, but reading is still a good experience. And all of these books were written by what we call the classicists.

Today there are so many books, how could anyone know where to begin, every trainer has a book!

Many aspiring riders flock to the teacher with the highest dressage scores or the one that competes the most. But that “teacher” could be borrowing a horse that someone else trained just for scores. The question is, are they truly invested in your education or their own success? You have to figure it out.

You can tell when a trainer has a passion for teaching and not just their own elevation. At least, I hope you can. Just because you can show, and win does not mean you can teach! We have teachers, riders, and trainers; rarely do you find these three qualities in one person.

The American Riding Instructors Association published in their fall 2021 issue an article about Ten Tips to Teaching Students to Learn, I thought I would share it here. And reading it inspired the thoughts above. Caveat Emptor….

Riding Instructor Magazine - Fall 2021: https://issuu.com/americanridinginst/docs/riding_ instructor_-_fall_2021_-_final/12 Another good resource for those who really want education is from the USDF https://yourdressage.org

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• Dog walking area and waste station available in large back parking lot • Near South Park dog parks

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R fa c

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72

REMEMBRANCE

In Loving Memory of Topper

15th Year Anniversar y

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The Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial

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 * 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.

• Mausoleum Crypt spaces constructed for casketed burial that includes 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

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.

Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Facts CONVENIENT • A fully7handicap accessible facility LOCATIONS We at Jefferson believe that a pet who gave love and loyalty through life • 18,500 square feet of floor space, beautifully decorated in deserves the respect and dignity of having their remains placed in a lasting and Williamsburg décor final resting place, just as you would your human counterpart, for they too are • A chapel with vaulted ceiling and cushioned pews to seat up to 115 people a part of the family.

• East End • South Hills • Strip District • 5 visitation rooms We have developed a distinctive pet room that consists of an arrangement • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Hospitality room and lounge with parquet hardwood flooring room, a display room for caskets, urns and memorials, as well as a visitation • A children’s room that offers parents and guardians the ability to express room. Our before needs representatives and Family Service team aim to serve • Upper St. Clair NEW their condolences without a babysitter (adult supervision is required) our pet families in every way we can.

• Lighted parking lot that holds 178 cars with 6 handicap accessible We all love our pets and want to know they are in a safe and respectful place. www.TheDogStop.com parking spots Our Garden of Faithful Friends allows your pet to stay at your side forever. It *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. truly represents our motto – Family is at the Heat of Everything We Do. Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Facts • Jefferson cemetery consists of 340 owned acres with 170 acres developed and 180 acres available for future development For more information on how we can help you in your pets time of • 1500 average annual interments need, please reach out to our trained professional representatives at • 38 traditional Day ground burial gardens Boarding including 4 lawn crypt sections for www.jeffersonmemorial.biz or call us directly at 412.655.4500.

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