Pet Connection for Fall 2018

FALL 2018

Inside

• Adopt a pet • Training birds • Entertaining with a pet

A Southern Lakes Newspapers publication

Pet Connection Southern Lakes

Capture your pet’s personality Ideas for clever cat and dog names Naming a pet is serious business for many pet owners. Pet owners want to capture their animal’s unique personality, but also have a name that rolls off the tongue and demands attention.

According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, the most popular dog names from their most recent survey were Cooper, Charlie, Bella and Luna. Popular names for cats also included Luna and Bella as well as Oliver and Milo.

Those looking for inspiration when naming their new pets may want to consider these names, courtesy of Nationwide Insurance.

CATS

DOGS

Pablo Purrcasso Bobcat the Builder Sir Pounce a Lot Isaac Mewton Obi Wan Catnobi The Great Catsby Winston Purchill Banana Pawz Catt Damon Miss Fuzzlekins Whiskerus Maximus

Farrah Pawcett Barfolomew Barfonopolis Doc Howliday Ozzy Pawsborne Tupaw Shakur Franklin Woofsevelt Sir Lix a Lot Vladamir Poochin Pooko Maximus (METRO CREATIVE)

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Choosing a name for your pet can be a lot of fun. Each pet is different and their name can reflect their unique personality traits. Be creative when assigning a pet’s moniker.

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PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

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Take Fido outside for a few autumn adventures. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy, but be sure to enjoy the cooler weather with your furry family member.

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Fall with our four-legged friends Tips to give your pet a happy, healthy season your dog’s favorite Chuckit! launcher and ball. The essence of fetch play satisfies their natural instincts to chase, while encouraging healthy and happy movement.

Speaking of cooler weather and active play, this time of year can certainly put a little more stress on your pet’s joints. It’s important to make sure your pets stay well hydrated, and are provided with the right nutrition and supplements to ensure their active bodies are performing at their very best.

In addition to a healthy diet, a good bed can go a long way to prevent any painful issues down the road. After an active day of play with your pet, a good place to relax and recuperate will help ease stress on their joints. The orthopedic foam beds

by SnooZZy provide excellent support, as opposed to a harder floor surface, enabling your pet to bounce back up much quicker and happier, no matter how old they are.

As the sun sets lower on the windowsill,

many cats will try to bask in as much warmth and light as the day will allow.

Don’t be fooled by the declining strength of the sun’s rays. No matter what time of year it is, lighter-pigmented cats can be more

See FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS, Page 4

Southern Lakes

Pet Connection Fall 2018

Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 Editor: Tracy Ouellette Editorial Assistant: Sharon Soch Creative/Production Manager: Heidi Schulz Section Graphic Designer: Jen DeGroot Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff

PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

T

he dog days of summer are over and your furry family member is up and ready to play! It’s the time of year when even pets can get excited about the season and all the autumn outdoor activities families may enjoy. It’s also a time of year that can come with some hazards and vulnerabilities for our four-legged friends.

Here are a few reminders to keep your pet happy and healthy, as the crisp applespiced air makes its fall appearance.

Fall is a great time to take advantage of healthy, active play with your pet to encourage and strengthen the humananimal bond.

In addition, active play develops healthy movement and cardiovascular endurance for you and your dog, especially when exercise can tend to decline during the colder months and holiday party season.

A simple game of fetch offers both. It’s a great way to make fetch happen with

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Pet owners need to consider their pets’ demeanors before entertaining guests at home.

Some pets can be the life of the party. Others may have to sit out the festivities.

• Four-legged friends (Continued from page 3)

prone to sunburn and darker coated cats can run the increased risk of heat stress.

Prevent sun damage issues by applying a small amount of petsafe sunscreen on areas like the nose, ears and underbelly that are susceptible to sunburn, and monitor all sunbathing, particularly when the sun is at its strongest – early afternoon until evening. Providing your cat with another comfortable place to lounge, like the Jackson Galaxy Convertible Scratcher, is an excellent way to coax them out of the hot sun. Your cat will enjoy lounging on the scratcher and its various configurations, while enabling them to tap into their natural instincts to scratch when they want to be more engaged and active.

Another hazard to consider is an increase in pet anxiety due to the new noises that may come with the fall season. For pets prone to anxiety caused by noise (leaf blowers, school bus engines, doorbells and trick-or-treaters), consider keeping them occupied with a solo play toy, like the JW Robobone, for engagement and fun. Interactive puzzle toys from JW can help keep dogs occupied and focused, preventing any new seasonal stress they may experience.

Lastly, despite the declining temperatures, fleas and ticks are still present and a threat. Whether you’re partaking in a camping trip or just a quick walk to enjoy the fall foliage, make sure your pets are properly guarded from these pesky insects to avoid serious problems like Lyme disease, or any other issues that accompany these unwanted pests.

(BPT)

Entertaining in a pet friendly home

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Pet lovers often find their companion animals to be the center of their worlds. Data from the ASPCA says about 44 percent of all American households have a dog and 35 percent have a cat. Cats and dogs are cherished family members, earning gifts and premiere spots for lounging around the house. But even pet-friendly homes may need to make plans when entertaining.

PARTY ANIMALS

Many animals are right at home during parties, while the sights, sounds and aromas may cause anxiety in others. For pets known to be a bit skittish, establish a safe haven for them away from the festivities. Keep the room as dark and quiet as possible, and include comfort items.

KNOW YOUR GUESTS

Some people enjoy playing with others’

PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

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PET BEHAVIOR

If yours is a boisterous puppy that loves jumping up on others, or a cat that can’t resist napping on guests’ laps while seated on the couch, he or she may need to sit the party out. Pets that behave well and know how to stay quiet may be better suited to hang out during the festivities.

For guests who suffer from pet allergies, having animals around can be uncomfortable. Placing pets in another room and using a HEPA vacuum to go over carpets, upholstery and drapes may help tame the dander and fur that can trigger reactions among people who are allergic to (METRO CREATIVE) pets.

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pets, while others may be more hesitant around animals. Ask guests how they feel about pets and then make accommodations based on their responses.

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More than just a companion How you can benefit from having a pet Pets have been kept for centuries.

Statistics from various sources indicate North Americans own millions of dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

Pets’ affable nature and loving looks are enough for many people to welcome them into their homes, but the benefits of having a pet extends beyond their appearances and temperaments.

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Preventing loneliness Pets can help prevent loneliness.

Loneliness affects people of all ages, but it is particularly problematic among seniors.

Older adults who may be isolated can benefit from having a pet around.

According to a study published in Aging and Mental Health, older adults who owned pets were 36 percent less likely to say they were lonely compared to those who didn’t have an animal companion.

Saving lives Pets can be trained to perform various tasks around the house and in the community. Rescue animals assist in finding people after natural disasters.

Medical alert pets can help people with debilitating illnesses and assist physically impaired people with everyday tasks.

Less sneezing Pets help lower allergy risks. Keeping pets around can reduce a child’s likelihood of developing allergies by as much as 33 percent, according to a study by pediatrician James E. Gern that was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. People exposed early on to animals tend to develop stronger immune systems overall.

More socializing

Combating stress Talking to or stroking a pet can make stress easier to handle. A study from researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that, when conducting a stressful task, people

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Pets are more than mere companions. In fact, pets can offer numerous health and well-being benefits to people of all ages.

experienced less stress when their pets were with them.

Various other studies and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found having a pet around can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and may even help to lessen aches and pains. Pets provide unconditional love, which can be beneficial to someone facing depression or post traumatic stress disorder.

Teaching responsibility Taking care of a pet can help children and adults become more responsible.

According to the American Pet Product Association’s 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey, 58 percent of pet owners say their pets help teach their kids to be responsible through routine care, exercise and feeding of the animal.

PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

Pets provide socialization opportunities.

A pet can be the common denominator to strike up new friendships and connect with others. Whether walking around the neighborhood or being part of a pet obedience class or interest group, pets can help their owners expand their social circles.

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Bird is the word Training and taming pet birds

Interacting with a companion animal is one of the joys of pet ownership. While certain pets seem more naturally inclined toward interaction than others, such as cats and dogs, many pets can be made more social with the right training.

Many people love having tame and trained birds as pets. Opinions vary as to which birds may be the most amenable to bonding, but many birds make great companions.

First-time bird owners are often advised to start with a young bird, as it is often easier to tame and train a young animal than one who is older. Certain pet stores or bird specialty retailers will hand-raise the birds from babies so they become acclimated with humans very early on.

Taming is largely about trust.

Therefore, it may need to begin slowly. Gradually go from simply being in the company of the bird to allowing it to grow accustomed to your hand in the cage.

Eventually, after you and the bird are comfortable with each other, allow it to sit on your finger or shoulder. According to Rob Marshall, an Australian avian veterinarian, as a bird comes to trust,

he or she will also allow touch from the top of his head to the back of the neck. Repeated handling can build up an attachment.

According to the experts at VCA Hospitals, do not overdo your avian acclimation or training when the bird is first brought home. He or she may need to settle in to its new home.

Everything is new, and new sights, sounds and smells can be stressful.

Once the bird has acclimated, aim for taming sessions between 15 and 20 minutes per day. Also, allow the bird to have some alone time to entertain itself; otherwise, you may end up with an overly attached bird.

Birds can bite, and when they do, it is important to remain calm.

Keeping fingers together and curled inward can make them harder to grab. A short, downward shift of the hand if the bird is sitting on it and a firm verbal “no” may prevent the bird from biting. Never hit a bird as discipline.

Having a bird’s flight wings clipped is recommended when letting the bird loose in a home and during training. This also may help the bird be more dependent on you and more trusting of your handling.

Opinions vary as to which birds may be the most amenable to bonding, but many birds make great companions.

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STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

LYME DISEASE AFFLICTS PETS, TOO

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Many people are familiar with Lyme borreliosis, a bacterial illness that is transmitted by a particular species of tick.

Commonly referred to as Lyme disease, the illness can also infect household pets.

Lyme disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through a tick’s secretions when it latches onto the skin of an unsuspecting host to feed. According to the American Kennel Club, once inside the bloodstream, the bacteria travel to different parts of the body and can cause problems like joint pain, organ complications or overall malaise.

The bacteria that transmit Lyme live predominantly in mice, deer and other small mammals. Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the deer tick or the black-legged tick, is the most widely known culprit behind the spread of Lyme disease.

According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, the most common sign of Lyme disease in pets is arthritis, which can cause sudden lameness and pain and swelling in one or more joints. Other indicators can be fever, dehydration, inactivity, and swollen lymph nodes. However, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation says pets infected with Lyme disease may not show any signs for two to five months.

Preventing contraction is essential. Use of tick-repellent products can keep ticks from targeting pets. Avoiding high grasses and ensuring dogs remain on trails instead of dashing through woodlands can prevent contraction as well.

If a tick is found on an animal, remove it promptly. Researchers have learned that infected ticks must feed for about 24 hours

to transmit the bacteria to an animal. While there is a Lyme disease vaccine approved for use in dogs, many in the veterinary profession recommend only vaccinating dogs that live in endemic areas.

Veterinarians can use a simple blood test to check for the presence of Lyme disease, but the animal may not have enough antibodies early on to show a positive test result. If Lyme is present, antibiotic treatment is common, states the AKC. Lyme disease cannot be transmitted from dog or cat to human. But because people and their pets often spend time in the same environments where Lyme and other diseasetransmitting ticks are found, the AVMA and the American Academy of Pediatrics are working together to offer advice to households with both children and pets.

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STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Owners of aging pets should speak with their veterinarians about caring for pets as they grow older. As pets age, their needs change and pet owners must make adjustments in their care routine.

Spunky pups and curious kittens draw the attention of people eager to welcome new pets into their families.

As pets begin to age, owners of senior animals may find that they struggle with their pets’ emergent needs in this stage of life.

Senior pets may experience dementia, mood changes, inactivity, pain, and incontinence. But thanks to improved veterinary care and dietary habits, pets can live longer than ever – and remain comfortable well into their senior years.

Cats and dogs are generally considered geriatric at the age of seven, offers the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Even so, many pets go on to live 12 to 15 years, which can be the equivalent of age 75 to 85 in humans.

Geriatric pets are susceptible to the same conditions seen in older people,

including cancer, diabetes, weakness, senility, joint or bone diseases, and heart disease. It is essential to keep an open dialogue with a veterinarian to discuss any potential health issues aging pets may encounter.

According to veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman, coauthor of “Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Healthy, Happy and Comfortable,” pet owners must realize that older pets are less able to thermoregulate, so they’re more sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Pets may need blankets or sweaters. They also may need to spend more time indoors when the weather is harsh.

Dietary changes may need to be made. Older pets may eat less, but they should be fed high-quality, nutritious foods that help keep their weight in check. Excess weight can put added

stress on sensitive joints and may contribute to problems with diabetes.

Veterinary Pet Insurance, a division of Nationwide Insurance Company, says there are new, alternative treatments available for aging pets, often used to treat pain, pet arthritis and cancer.

Cold laser treatment directs light to stimulate cells and increase blood circulation to ease aches and pains.

Medical acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation. Radiosurgery can target cancerous tissue with a very high dose of targeted radiation while avoiding doses to surrounding tissue.

In addition, monoclonal antibodies can be attached to cancer cells to boost natural immunity to cancer and germs.

Older pets require different care and more patience.

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PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

Navigating aging with senior pets

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Don’t lose them

Prevent lost pets with these simple tips No pet parent wants their pets to escape the house, car or yard and become lost.

But curious pets have a way of getting out on their own, which not even the most watchful pet owners can always prevent.

The American Humane Association estimates that more than 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the United States every year. One in three pets will become lost at some point during its life.

While it is impossible to prevent every situation that may lead to a lost pet, pet owners can take some simple preventative steps to keep pets from becoming lost.

Identify the pet Pets should wear some form of identification, which will differ based on the animal. For example, a dog can wear a collar and a nametag. A homing pigeon or other bird may have a numbered ankle band.

Many pet owners choose to microchip their pets. These small devices are implanted under the skin and can be read by a special electronic wand. If you microchip your pet, it is essential to keep your contact information associated with the chip updated.

Track the pet GPS-based devices can be used to locate a pet if it gets out of the house. Much like the tracking devices in phones and watches, small tags can be placed on the pet’s collar and be tracked through an app on the owner’s phone or another device.

Provide a secure space

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to prevent pets from jumping over it. Make sure pets cannot dig under the fence and that fence gates are always latched tightly.

Self-latching fence gates can be handy.

Indoors, be sure to close doors promptly when exiting and entering the house. Be mindful of pets trying to escape.

Use a leash or carrier When the pet is taken out of the house, he or she should be leashed or secured in an animal carrier. Many pets have a strong

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PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

Pets need a secure, supervised area to exercise. Fencing needs to be tall enough

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Leashes are vital tools for keeping pets from wandering off and getting lost.

Obedience training and keeping a watchful eye on pets also can prevent them from getting lost.

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JANNA BURHOP - DIRECTOR 329433

How to recognize skin and food allergies in dogs

Dogs have allergies just like their human companions.

Recognizing what is an allergy can help pet owners keep their furry friends happy and confortable.

A

llergies can affect anyone, even the family dog.

According to the American Kennel Club, various types of allergies can affect dogs. Skin allergies and food allergies can be very unpleasant. And just like their owners, dogs may be vulnerable to environmental allergens like dust, pollen and mold.

Learning about allergies and how to recognize them in dogs can help pet owners ensure their four-legged friends live as happily and as comfortably as possible.

Skin allergies The most common type of allergic reactions in dogs, skin allergies, also referred to as “allergic dermatitis,� are caused by flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies or environmental allergies.

Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea bites. Dogs may be allergic to flea saliva, which can make them very itchy, particularly at the base of their tails.

As dogs scratch their itches, their skin can

become red and inflamed and may scab over.

The AKC notes that itchy skin may also be a byproduct of food allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. In such instances, the most common places dogs will itch are their ears and paws.

Itchiness also may be accompanied by gastrointestinal issues.

Dogs that only seem to itch their skin during certain times of the year may be dealing with skin allergies resulting from environmental allergens like dust, pollen and mold.

The ears and paws are the most commonly affected areas in these instances, though dogs also may feel itchiness in other areas, such as their wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around their eyes, and in between their toes.

Food allergies and sensitivities The AKC notes that food allergies may

not be as common as people think. In many instances, food sensitivities are to blame for many symptoms dogs exhibit.

If the veterinarian suspects a dog has a food sensitivity, he or she will work with dog owners to identify the ingredient that is causing a reaction. Both food allergies and food sensitivities can trigger gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and/ or vomiting. Skin conditions like hives and facial swelling may be indicative of an allergy. Itchiness, poor skin and coat, and chronic ear or foot infections are among the symptoms of food sensitivities noted by the AKC. Diagnosing allergies in dogs can be complicated. Veterinarians may first try to rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms in your dog. If the vet suspects an allergy, he or she may try to confirm this by utilizing an elimination diet that restricts what the dog eats for 12 weeks. Learn more about dogs and allergies at www.akc.org.

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PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

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Crate training a good step for puppies

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

Crate training is one way to help a puppy get used to a new home and routine. Using a crate can simplify the process of housebreaking a puppy and many dogs acclimate quickly to crates.

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adopt-a-pet CHARGER

Properly training a young dog can lead to many years of well-mannered companionship. Dogs who are behaved and respond appropriately to commands may experience less stress, know their place in the family pack and avoid injury by staying out of danger. Crate training is one component of acclimating a puppy to a new home and routine.

The Humane Society of the United States says that crate training uses a dog’s natural instincts as a den animal. The “den” serves as a place to sleep and hide from danger.

PetMD, an animal health and wellness resource, says there are other good reasons to use a crate in the home. Crates provide a respite where a nervous pet can retreat if he or she needs some quiet time.

A cozy crate can be an inviting den for sleeping through the night and prevent separation anxiety from forming in dogs that live in big homes.

Many breeders and veterinarians recommend using crates for puppies. Rely on these guidelines when crating for the first time.

• Select a well-ventilated crate that is large enough for the puppy to stand up, lie down and turn around.

• Make the crate a positive experience from the start. Line it with blankets, place toys inside and offer treats when the puppy goes inside willingly.

• Do not lock the puppy up and leave him alone the first time you use a crate. Gradually introduce the crate and stay nearby offering plenty of praise.

Start with 10-minute intervals and build up.

• Practice taking the puppy immediately outside for a potty break after he or she exits the crate.

Soon the dog will associate the two activities.

• The puppy should not be in the crate for the entire day. This can make him or her resent the crate and prevent the dog from getting the exercise (METRO CREATIVE) it needs.

These lovable animals are all up for adoption and hoping you’ll give them a happy new home!

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DAMON

BROWNIE

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CHESTER

MARLEY

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GRUMPY

LEXI

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LANDO

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PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

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These lovable animals are all up for adoption and hoping you’ll give them a happy new home!

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adopt-a-pet DUTCHESS

Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Mix 2 years 1 month - female

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NATHON

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PETE

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PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

SALLY

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These lovable animals are all up for adoption and hoping you’ll give them a happy new home!

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Pet crematory rose out of need Owner saw a way to provide better service to the area

By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

When pets are alive, veterinarians are responsible for meeting the animal’s medical needs, but pet owners often do not take after-life services into consideration.

The services include euthanasia – a tough task for any pet owner – and cremation.

Mark Lux was one pet owner who faced the challenging decision nearly two decades ago.

Lux, whose wife operates Westosha Veterinary Hospital, remembers when they needed to euthanize their 13-year-old Greyhound, Booboo.

“When he died, my wife, Mary Sue, took care of him and it was winter, so we decided on cremation,” Lux said.

“That sparked my interest, so I asked her questions, where was he going and when will we get his cremains back?”

After some investigation, Mark Lux learned they would not receive Booboo’s cremains for another two weeks, and grew impatient with the process.

The arduous process, he said, was unacceptable.

“I found out the cremation company only came once a week, so his body was in storage until the cremation facility came,” he said. “That got me thinking, can we do it better than that? That seems unacceptable to me that the company only goes around one a time a week and then we had to wait JASON ARNDT Pet Connection two weeks.”

Mark Lux, owner of Paris Pet Crematory in Union Grove, showcases two ways Lux, a former engineer, then decided to open his own business in late 2002 after he discovered very few pet crematories were in Southeast Wisconsin.

By March 2003, when he received the necessary equipment, Lux implemented a business model with a personal touch.

“My business model basically was that we are going to come twice so pet owners weren’t waiting as long,” he said. “Then we are going to hand deliver the cremains.”

Lux’s business, Paris Pet Crematory, visits area hospitals on Mondays and Thursdays.

The twice weekly visits, he said, assures pet owners receive their pet cremains within four days.

“It is a four-day maximum wait before you get your pet back,” said Lux, who conducts cremation on the day he receives the animal and can often return the cremains within 24 hours.

Typically, his company uses a Mercedes model van, which travels anywhere within a

to store a pet’s cremains.

one-hour radius of the Union Grove facility.

The vehicle, he said, is unlike other companies.

“Other companies use big box trucks, like you would be delivering packages, and they would come from two hours away and fill up the truck from all of the area hospitals,” he said. “I didn’t like that, I didn’t like the pets being on the road for six to eight hours.”

Instead, he splits his routes into two, with a south route and north route.

“We have a north route and a south route so we pick up in the morning, come back at mid-day, and deliver the pets here and then we start he cremations right away,” said Lux, who conducts the south route in the afternoon.

Currently, his business travels as far north as Port Washington in Ozaukee County and as far south as Gurnee, Ill. Paris Pet Crematory also serves some animal hospitals in Elkhorn.

While he keeps travel within an hour,

owners have come from further away, he said.

“We do have pet owners that come from further than that, we just had a lady come Wednesday for an attended cremation,” he said. “That is when they are present during the cremation, they witness everything that happens and she came from Germantown.”

The attended cremation, according to his company website, is to assure owners of transparency.

They also offer video evidence, if the owner requests it, the website added.

“We do have people who see our website and talk with us on the phone,” he said.

Unregulated industry Lux, meanwhile, noted pet cremation is an unregulated industry in Wisconsin and cautions pet owners to research after-life services for their animals.

“There are no regulations at all. There

See PET CREMATORY, Page 15

PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

Inspired to act

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The advantages of doggie daycare Many working parents arrange for childcare to ensure their youngsters are taken care of while parents are at work. The same level of care has now been extended to other members of the household, namely the fourlegged variety.

Spending and attention directed toward companion animals continues to grow. The American Pet Product Association says that in 2017 an estimated $69.36 billion dollars is expected to be spent on pets in the United States alone. Canadians spend a lot on their pets as well, as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada says pet owners are increasingly treating their dogs and cats like people. Pet spending in that country is expected to rise from $6.6 billion in 2014 to $8.3 billion by 2018.

Some of the fastest growth in spending across North America includes eco-friendly pet services, premium food, puppy daycare, pet spas, and dog-walking services. Pet owners want to ensure that their pets are happy and healthy, and they’re willing to spend to make that a reality.

Doggie daycare is growing in popularity and can benefit dogs in various ways.

Reduced boredom A dog who is left home to his own devices may quickly become bored and then mischievous. Doggie daycare offers stimulation and the company of other dogs, which is ideal for breeds that thrive on companionship.

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Reduced anxiety

Alleviated concerns

Separation anxiety is very real among some dogs. When anxiety strikes, dogs may become destructive or engage in incessant whining or barking. Daycare can alleviate these feelings of isolation.

Pet owners may experience stress wondering what their dogs are doing all day at home. When an unexpected late night at the office arises, owners whose dogs are in daycare do not need to worry about feeding their dogs or letting them out for bathroom breaks.

Added exercise Dogs need ample exercise to maintain healthy weights and stay sharp. Daycares provide plenty of play throughout the day.

They may even have obstacle courses and other toys that stimulate dogs.

Flexible plans Many facilities offer packages or alternative plans that let people decide just how many days or hours their dogs spend at the daycare.

(METRO CREATIVE)

(Continued from page 13)

are no guidelines,” he said.

“In states where there are regulations and laws, there is nobody checking to see if they are following the laws or the regulations.”

Lux, an advocate for regulation, has invited state lawmakers into his facility, where he has given them a tour and asked them to introduce legislation to implement regulations and mandates in the pet cremation.

The elected officials, he said, have encouraged him to work with other pet crematories to force some legislation.

“That is a daunting task when you get everybody together and on the same page,” he said, adding some have misleading practices.

The misleading aspect, he said, hinges on terminology and the use of the word “private.”

A crematory contains many compartments, which could potentially lead to co-mingling of animals, he said.

“Privately placed within a compartment within a cremation chamber,” he said. “That does not mean your pet is by itself. A lot

of people want their pet all by themselves, they don’t want any chance of getting someone else’s cremains.”

Frequency Paris Pet Crematory, which has a Memorial Garden behind the facility, cremates 75 animals that are returned to the owner in a regular week.

For owners who do not want the cremains returned, Lux spreads the ashes on a Memorial Garden.

“For those pets, we have a memorial garden behind our facility here that has a trail around it and a couple of benches,” he said.

The memorial garden is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for pet owners to visit, he said.

“It is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk for people to visit and believe it or not, we just had people visit here on Sunday,” he said.

He uses a special chemical to break down the calcium in the cremains to make the memorial garden sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“The high calcium of cremains is not good for the Earth, if you spread them in the same area, over and over, it is going to effect the ground and the plant life,” he said.

Other animals Although most animals he cremates are typically dogs or cats, Lux said he has seen others, like snakes, turtles, rabbits and rats.

“One time we did a lion from the Racine Zoo,” he said. “We have done just about anything that is a pet.”

Memorials

PET CONNECTION • FALL 2018

• Pet crematory

Doggie daycare presents a healthy option for socialization and exercise for pets that live in busy households.

Paris Pet Crematory offers pet owners a variety of items to store their pet’s cremains.

Along with urns, some cremains can be placed inside a piece of jewelry, and worn around the neck.

Paris Pet Crematory, 4627 Haag Drive, Union Grove, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and by appointments.

For more information, visit paris-pet. com.

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