Texas Dog Magazine | Winter 2020

TEXASDOGMAGAZINE WINTER 2020 / VOL. 3/ ISSUE 4

Quiz: Which of Santa's lists is your pup on this year?

Our 2020 howliday gift guide

A look at the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

We give 'Out' four paws up!

KEY LEGISLATION

OUTDOOR DOG ACT Working to make tethering more humane

TABLE OF BREED FOCUS

COVER FEATURE

PAGE 10

PAGE 14

PAGE 21

Edit or 's Not e ... pg 7

Pet Resource Center Opens ... pg 16

Advocat es ... pg 8

Pet Owners Facing Eviction ... pg 18

Pet 's Per spect ive ... pg 9

Dirty Dogs Contest Winner ... pg 19

FEATURES Deep Dive: Outdoor Dog Act ... pg 10 Breed Focus: Welsh Corgi... pg 14 FIDO 411

4 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

GIFT GUIDE

TCAP Opens New Clinic ... pg 19 HOWLIDAY FUN Quiz: Naughty or Nice? ... pg 20

CONTENTS REVIEW

INSTADOGSS

PAGE 33

PAGE 30

TEXAS TOP DOG

PAGE 32

TXDM's Howliday Gift Guide ... pg 21

Pet Talk: Cherry Eye ... pg 26

DIY: Holiday Bandana ... pg 22

Vet Talk: Winter Wellness... pg 28

OTHER VOICES

PUP CULTURE

PAWSitive News from dogslife ... pg 24

Review: Disney Pizar's Out ... pg 30

1st Annual PetFest to Debut ... pg 25

Texas Top Dog ... pg 32

PET M D

Instadogs ... pg 33 K9 Classif ieds ... pg 35

Fr om t h e cover : Christmas Poodle!

Photo by Tuomas Härkönen, Unsplash

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 5

Editor's Note We are closing out a truly historic year. I know that when the clock strikes midnight and we move into 2021 all of our problems will not be solved. Truly, I think a lot of us have looked around this year and thought, will 2020 ever end? Here we are, at the end!

t exasdogm agazin e.com PUBLISHER Bookshelf Builders Press

As we move forward and celebrate the holidays, the new year and Valentine?s Day ? I hope we can remember all the things that truly matter that these days signify: showing care to our loved ones, new beginnings and most importantly love. think many of our dogs, if they could talk, would let us know how thankful they are for this year and the time we gained with them. The circumstances may be truly unfortunate, but we can all be thankful for the fuzzy paws and tail wags we got along the way. want to take a moment in this editor 's note to praise my excellent team for their individual accomplishments this year. Alana Holt made an incredible move to New Mexico, but she will always be a Texan to us and we?re so proud and happy to have her.Linda Kesslercompleted her certificate in publishing from NYU and moved to a new place of her own.

Tiffany Ditto began a full time job in marketing at a wonderful dog centered non-profit organization and got engaged to the love of her life. I love each of these talented women so incredibly much and cannot express how thankful I am for them in this, our 12th edition of Texas Dog Magazine.

On behalf of the entire team, thank you so much to each and every one of our incredible readers for another wonderful year of reading. We love this community so much so we can?t wait to dig in and continue the work for the pups we?re so passionate about.

Cheers,

EDITOR Nealie Sanchez editor@texasdogmagazine.com

ADVERTISING TXDMadvertising@gmail.com

STAFF Alana Holt alanaTXDM@gmail.com Linda Kessler lindaTXDM@gmail.com Tiffany Ditto tiffanyTXDM@gmail.com

222 E. Ren f r o St ., St e. 108 Bu r leson , TX 76028 Š2018 All rights reserved.

Volume 3 Issue 4 No Part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

Nealie E. Sanchez Founder & Editor TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 7

PET'S PERSPECTIVE

Ch ri stmasti me i s h ere

-----------------------------------BY: TEX Dog Columnist -----------------------------------Hi all you pawple out there! It is the time of year where the hoomans put up the big pointy tree with

the bright

flashy

things on it. I really want to play with it but the hoomans say no.

I guess that?s fine because they say a big man with a sack is bringing pawresents for me and Oakie. I hope Oakie gets cat nip and I get my furvorite bonez. hoomans,

Happy and

holidays thanks

for

reading my magazine! You all are so much fun!

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 9

FEA TURES Texas animal advocate group aims for tighter pet tethering restrictions -------------------------------------BY: TIFFANY DITTO Staff Writer -------------------------------------Texas lawmakers may once again have the chance to vote on enacting stricter and more comprehensive tethering laws for dogs and other outdoor animals across the state.

unattended by use of a restraint (1) that reasonably limits the dog's movement between the hours

?It doesn?t m at t er if you?re a Dem ocrat or a Republican, w e all have dogs, and it ?s generally agreed t hat if a dog is t et hered it should be done in a safe and hum ane m anner .

The Humane Legislation Network, a

of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., (2) that is within 500 feet of a school, or (3)

501(c)(4) nonprofit that lobbies on behalf of animal rights, plans to introduce a bill during the 2021 Texas

when extreme weather conditions are

Legislative session that would reform Texas? current laws around tethering dogs outside. The new bill would

present. The law also outlines what type of collars can

require owners to provide shelter, a collar and access to water; would prohibit the pet from being tethered

be used and the length tethers can be. However, in a

using a chain; and would eliminate the 24 hours mandatory warning period before violators are issued a ticket.

city where stricter tethering laws do not exist, it is almost impossible for an

?We received so many calls this year about dogs who are out on short or heavy chains outside with no water,?

THLN Executive Director Shelby Bobosky

? Shelby Bobosk y, THLN Execut ive Direct or

animal control or law enforcement agent to cite someone under the law for improper tethering of their animal.

The law requires that enforcement

said. ?It doesn?t matter if you?re a Democrat or a Republican, we all have dogs, and it?s generally agreed that if a

agencies issue a warning and allow the pet owner 24 hours to remedy the violation before receiving a citation.

dog is tethered it should be done in a safe and humane manner. Our bill sets forth simple, understandable and

Bobosky contends that this creates a vicious cycle of repeat offenses with no punishment enacted on the pet

enforceable requirements.?

owner in violation of the law.

This bill, also known as the Safe Outdoor Dog Act, aims to reform the hard to enforce Unlawful Restraint of

?Typically what happens is three days later there is another call on the same

Dogs law that has been in place since 2007. Under the current law, owners cannot keep their dog outside 10 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

house,? Bobosky said. ?We think people just need education, but 30-40% of actors really do need a ticket.?

?I liken it to speeding,? she added. ?I would speed all the time if I knew every time I would just get a warning. We really need to improve the lives of these dogs who permanently outside.?

The

live

Texas

legislature meets every two years to pass new legislation. THLN proposed similar bills during the

2015, 2017 and 2019 legislative sessions, but none of these bills made it to pass. The organization different.

hopes

this

year

is

?That is what is so frustrating because we have to wait two more years to pass our bill,? Bobosky said. ?Our biggest problem is there are more than 1,100 cities in Texas [that] are all relying on the current law that was passed in 2007. It is truly unenforceable and we at THLN don?t know of a single ticket that was written on the state law. ?

However, many cities aren?t waiting.

Earlier this year Denton City Council voted unanimously to enact a city ordinance outlawing tethering unless

the owner is present to supervise their pet. While the statewide bill THLN is proposing doesn?t go this far, Denton

the dog?s neck, not providing access to food and water while tethered, or to restrain a dog in any way by which the

businesses who allow owners to take their pets inside so they do not have to tether them. Most importantly, we

animal welfare advocates and city officials say this is what?s necessary to ensure the safety of animals in the

tether could become entangled.

partnered with Denton Animal Support Foundation and Freedom House of Denton to implement the

community.

Enforcement of Denton?s new ordinance goes into effect on Aug. 1,

?Our goal is to promote the health, safety and welfare of animals in

2021. In the meantime, Denton Animal Service manager Randi Weinberg says the city is focusing on

Denton,? said Denton City Council member Keely Briggs. ?Tethering an animal unattended is no longer allowed in our city. We know the

education and providing resources to pet owners who may be impacted once they start enforcing the ordinance.

dangers involved if an animal is left unattended and that is something we can all definitely agree on.?

?We wanted to ensure that our community understood that our intentions behind this ordinance were

Prior to the passage of this ordinance in Denton, it was illegal to restrain a dog by a fixed-point by

not to remove their pets from the home,? Weinberg said. ?Keeping this in mind, we established a pet-friendly

wrapping the chain or tether around

business

dog

map

that

lists

Animal Enclosure Program. This program provides an animal enclosure to residents if they are unable to secure their yard so their pet is not continuously tethered without their owner present.? ?Our number one priority was to ensure that pets are safe in our community,? Weinberg added. ?Our Animal Shelter Advisory Committee made the recommendation to prohibit tethering within the City of Denton.

This recommendation, research and data were the driving force to work TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 11

toward prohibiting tethering.?

Injury to the tethered animal or others is one of the driving factors behind THLN?s want to reform the law statewide as well. Bobosky says she has seen instances where pets have chains or collars embedded in their neck, or who are accidentally hung by the apparatus meant to restrain them.

While Denton is one of the latest cities to take matters into their own hands, San Antonio enacted their citywide ban on tethering dogs via chains in 2017, and officials say it has provided an opportunity to educate the community and improved animal welfare in San Antonio. ?Anytime you have a more educated community I think it naturally leads to a more humane community,? said Lisa Norwood, public relations manager for animal care services in San Antonio. ?In spreading awareness about the law we have tried to be cognizant of the fact that many people

12 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

in our community tether their animals inhumanely because their fences are in poor condition. In addition to educating residents about humane alternatives, the animal care officers in the Alamo City regularly make small repairs to the chain-link fences and gates that are neighborhoods.?

common

in

our

during the last legislative session.

In 2017, the law passed the Texas senate and house committee, leaving passage on the house floor the only hurdle in its way to the governor?s desk.

However, Rep. Jonathan Strickland, of District 92, blocked the bill in the last

Additionally, for residents who have

week of the legislative session using a procedural move called a ?point of order.? Strickland said the bill infringed

been cited for roaming dogs, and whose fences require more substantial repairs, support programs

on citizen?s liberties and property rights.

Following the blockage, a group of dog owners in Bedford held a ?Dogs Against

are available to make those needs more attainable, Norwood says.

Strickland'' 1-mile walk on Memorial Day to protest the representative's actions.

THLN says where their law differs

?Because this bill has been filed since

from the likes of the one enacted in Denton, is that rather than instituting an all out ban on tethering, it merely aims to reform how dogs are tethered.

2015, the majority of legislatures know about this bill,? Bobosky said. ?You can make a two-minute call to your legislature and ask them to support

Their bill would follow suit with San Antonio's though, in that it would prohibit the use of a chain as a method

the Safe Outdoor Dog bill. Legislatures don?t hear often about animal-related bills, and if they know how important

of tethering. Lawmakers are already familiar with the key aspects of the THLN proposal, as it almost passed

this is to you they will fight for it.?

Twitter: @TiffanyDitto

BreedFocus: Alook at the PembrokeWelshCorgi -------------------------------------BY: NEALIE SANCHEZ Editor-in-Chief -------------------------------------Rambunctious, compact and practically royal ? what more could one want? The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 and is most commonly known for being Queen Elizabeth II?s palace pup. The Queen got her first Pembroke in 1933, according to the AKC, and has had one (or more!) ever since.

Pembrokes may be short and stout, but they are also smart and athletic. A member of the herding group, these dogs are at their happiest when they get lots of activity or have a job to do. The AKC describes this breed as ?energetic, willing and highly intelligent.?

Twitter: @NealieSanchez

14 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Alert AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 13 of 196 Height: 10-12 inches Weight: up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 12-13 years Group: Herding Group Source: AKC

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 15

FI DO 411

An innovative approach to tackling pet overpopulation -------------------------------------TXDM staff report -------------------------------------

SSN opens new pet resource and support center to surrender their pet to the shelter).

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many challenges for people across Texas. Some pet owners are facing the choice between being able to care for their pet or putting food on the table for their children ? resulting in many pets being surrendered to shelters.

Spay Neuter Network?s Pet Resource and Support Center hopes to change that. ?It?s all about reminding them what they love about their pet,? said Bonnie Hill, SSN Executive Director. ?A lot of these people care about what happens to their pet. The misconception is people who give their pet to the shelter think their pets are throw-away, but they do care about what happens to their pet, and their circumstances have just made it so they can?t keep the pet.?

These circumstances are exactly what The Pet Resource and Support Center is tackling by providing pet owners resources like access to training for their pet, connecting them to local food banks, linking them to grants for their pet?s medical needs, or, if it?s not something that can be fixed, having the pet owner foster the pet until it is placed with a rescue.

The Pet Resource and Support Center is a collaborative effort between SSN and The City of Dallas Animal Services with the mission of keeping pets out of shelters and in their homes, or with a rescue group. SSN is accomplishing this goal by taking over Dallas?311 line (the number pet owners call when they want 16 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

?In the normal world you would take your pet to the shelter and it's hard for the shelter to change their mind,? Hill said. ?COVID happened and [Dallas Animal Services] couldn?t have one hundred people come into the shelter every day to surrender pets. We took over the line in April, and have received more than 1,600 calls.?

Currently, the number of calls to surrender pets is lower than normal due to the pandemic, Hill says. She said that during a normal year, the Dallas Animal Shelter will intake upward of 20,000 pets. Texas has one of the worst euthanasia rates in the nation. Just last year, Texas moved from being the state with the highest euthanasia rates in shelters to being number two. Which isn?t exactly something to be proud of.

When a pet owner calls the 311 line to surrender their pet, the SSN team asks the pet owner why they want to surrender their pet and what some of the good qualities about their pet are.

Hill says this is the secret sauce in reminding pet owners that they love their pet, and convincing them to keep their pet. If pet owners still choose to surrender, the SSN team uses all of the positive things the pet owner told them to market the pet to a rescue and asks the pet owner to foster the pet for 30 days. Hill says that many pet owners are fine with fostering their pet for one more month while the nonprofit finds a partner rescue organization to place the pet.

?It's less stressful on the animal if it leaves it home and goes straight to the foster home,? Hill said. It?s all about changing our imputes to automatically go to the negative. When they list the positives we can also provide that to the rescue, So it?s a shift in mindset.?

Spay Neuter Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate pet overpopulation in North Texas by offering free or low-cost spay/neuter, and by empowering communities to care responsibly for their pets. Hill says this program aligns wholeheartedly with their mission because not only are they working to keep pets out of shelters, but they are empowering pet owners to take action and responsibly care for their pets ? something that differentiates this program from any other in the area. ?Nonprofits have had the mindset to start an organization to solve people?s problems,? Hill said. ?We can?t rely on our local funders to continue to pay for programs forever, to solve a problem to no end. This program will allow us to involve the community so that we don?t always have to continue to fund the easy out for everything.?

For callers who are looking to surrender their pet because of behavioral issues, SSN will provide free spays or neuters to these pets and update them on their vaccines. Through grant funding, the nonprofit is also able to provide training sessions for pets and send a local trainer to the resident?s home. Hill says that basic supplies for

Spay Neuter Network?s Pet Resource and Support Center aims to provide pet owners the tools to keep their pet in their home -- not surrendered to the shelter. Stock image courtesy of Canva.com

training or behavior issues are also provided like leashes, collars, harnesses, toys and crates.

Through a partnership with Dallas Pets Alive, a nonprofit whose goal is to one day make Texas a No-Kill state, The Pet Resource and Support Center is also able to direct some pet owners to grant-funded medical care for their pets. Hill said that the type of procedures typically funded via this partnership are those in which the medical care would be all that?s needed to improve the pet?s quality of life and not ones that would require continued ongoing care. Some examples of this are broken limbs or skin issues.

Hill says that Dallas Pets Alive has also helped some of their callers with paying their pet deposit after they were forced to move into a new home due to hardships caused by COVID-19?s economic impact.

Not all pets can be diverted away from the shelter, even through this program.

Dallas Animal Services still has to intake pets whose families were evicted,

" The m isconcept ion is people w ho give t heir pet t o t he shelt er t hink t heir pet s are t hrow -aw ay, but t hey do care about w hat happens t o t heir pet , and t heir circum st ances have just m ade it so t hey can?t keep t he pet .? ? Bonnie Hill, SNN Execut ive Direct or parents are being placed into a nursing home or who have been found with critical injuries ? like being hit by a car.

However, Hill says the program is making big waves. She says the next step is to design software, allowing rescue groups to see which pets require rescue and allow these groups to go and collect the pet from the home. Hill hopes that this software will allow other groups and cities to implement their own version of The Pet Resource and Support Center. ?It?s started to grow and people are seeing that this is the future,? Hill said.

?The large majority of people are seeing that pet owners are keeping the pets, or finding new owners on their own. It?s about giving them the time. ?If we give people the time and the resources they need, they are willing to step up and do the work themselves? she continued. ?We used to do the work for them and the numbers were way too big for any organization to solve the problem on their own.?

To make a contribution or volunteer for this program email Bonniehill@spaynueternet.org.

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 17

NEW S

19M pet s living in households at r isk of evict ion, for eclosur e -------------------------------------ASPCA -------------------------------------M or e t h an 11 m illion dogs an d 8.2 m illion cat s livin g in h ou seh olds t h at ar e n ot pr esen t ly cu r r en t w it h t h eir r en t or m or t gage paym en t s; ASPCA calls on policym ak er s t o r em ove h ou sin g bar r ier s f or low -in com e pet ow n er s.

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) on Dec. 9 released new data showing that more than 19.2 million pets in the U.S. live in households that are not presently current with their rent or mortgage payments, placing them at risk of eventual eviction or foreclosure as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This includes more than 9.8 million dogs and cats living in rental homes and 9.4 million dogs and cats living in owned homes.

"Pets are incredible sources of love and companionship in our lives ? and bring more comfort than ever during these stressful times ? but they are vulnerable to family separation if their owners are evicted," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President & CEO. "The devastating economic hardships of poverty, the COVID-19 crisis, and impending evictions will create severe challenges for millions of pets in addition to people. We must help these families by implementing local and national policies that expand affordable pet-friendly housing options and improve access to critical veterinary services, food, and supplies."

The ASPCA works with lawmakers to expand pet-friendly housing policies by removing housing barriers for low-income and homeless pet owners and recently called on policymakers to 18 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

limit eviction proceedings during the pandemic to ensure that people and pets have a safe and secure place to call home as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Despite some progress nationally in increasing access to pet-friendly housing, pet restrictions remain an enormous hurdle for renters and homeowners across the country. These restrictions may be imposed by landlords or insurance companies and range from full prohibitions on pets to arbitrary limitations on size, breed, species, number and weight.

Although current national trends so far do not show an increase in owner surrenders or stray intakes, during any disaster situation, there's always a risk that pet owners will not be able to provide adequate care for their pets, so it's important for pet owners, shelters, and communities to prepare for any consequences this ongoing crisis may have on animal welfare.

The ASPCA estimates that more than 4.2 million pets in the U.S. are likely to enter poverty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Consequently, the

total number of animals living in poverty with their owners could rise to more than 24.4 million dogs, cats, horses, and other animals ? a 21% increase compared to pre-COVID estimates. The ASPCA has launched programs and partnerships in some economically hard-hit communities to help address the most urgent needs of pet owners living in poverty and make veterinary care more accessible and affordable.

In March, the ASPCA launched its COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative to bring lifesaving services to pet owners and animals most in need. By providing access to free pet food, supplies, veterinary care, emergency boarding and information, the ASPCA is helping to keep vulnerable animals safe and healthy. Through its COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative, the ASPCA has helped more than 320,000 dogs, cats and horses across the country.

For more information on the ASPCA's efforts to help pets living in poverty, please visit www.aspca.org.

NEW S

A meri ca's new top dog i s? Scruf f y STERLING, Ill. ? A passing driver found Scruffy along the side of a road, and took him to a rescue organization. The extent of Scruffy's neglect was revealed when under his shell of matted fur, groomers found a harness, sticks and other debris. Once cleaned up, his sad story took a sharp turn, and the handsome pup won the heart of his new forever mom. Scruffy's journey has only gone uphill from there, in fact, he just won the title of America's Top Shelter Dog Makeover in the 2020 Dirty Dogs Contest.

It is stories like Scruffy's that inspire the annual Dirty Dogs contest from pet industry leaders Wahl and Greater Good Charities. By spotlighting the influence grooming can have on dog adoption, and awarding the contest winners with grant money, it's their hope more dogs will find forever homes.

Visit the Dirty Dogs Before & After Photo Gallery (dirtydogsgallery.com) to see amazing makeovers, including the finalists and winner of the 2020 Dirty Dogs Contest.

"Dogs have been an invaluable comfort to so many people this year, especially with thousands of people adopting a new furry family member. However, there are still millions of dogs looking for a home," says Steven Yde, division vice president for Wahl. "Scruffy stands as proof that a good grooming can change a dog's life, and its owner's too." ? Wahl

TCAP EXTENDS LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER SERVICES TO ARLINGTON RESIDENTS WITH NEW CLINIC TCAP is opening its eighth low-cost spay/neuter clinic this January in Arlington ARLINGTON ? The Texas Coalition for

services in an area where other low-cost

meaning this location has the ability to

Animal Protection (TCAP) is kicking off

options are not currently available.?

2021 by opening its eighth North Texas

TCAP?s new clinic is currently under construction at 2400 SE Green Oaks

potentially spay and neuter 6,240 pets each year.

spay and neuter clinic in Arlington ? expanding access to low-cost veterinary wellness services to pets owned by area residents. ?We are thrilled to open our next TCAP location in Arlington,? said Stacey Schumacher, TCAP Executive Director. ?We have been visiting the Arlington community for more than 15 years providing monthly vaccine and spay and neuter events at the city?s shelter, but the need for low-cost pet care in the community is greater than we are able to service at those periodic monthly events. This new location will expand access to affordable pet wellness

?Our

mission

is

to

end

animal

Blvd. The 3,600 square foot facility will provide spay and neuter surgeries by appointment on Mondays and Fridays

overpopulation in North Texas animal shelters,? Schumacher said. ?We can?t accomplish that goal by promoting

and walk-in vaccines on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. TCAP will work to expand to more operational days in the coming

adoption alone. We must spay and neuter pets, and with the cost of living increasing, these routine surgeries can be

months.

out of reach for some pet owners. Our new clinic will allow us the opportunity to expand our reach and serve more North Texas pets than ever before.?

Previously, TCAP traveled to Arlington Animal Services three times each month for low-cost vaccine events and twice monthly for spay and neuter events in the shelter?s community room. This permanent clinic location will allow

Free rabies vaccines will be offered to cats and dogs at TCAP?s Arlington clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Friday in

TCAP to increase the number of pets they can sterilize in Arlington by 89% ?

February. ? Texas Coalition for Animal Protection TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 19

HOWLI DA Y FUN Naughty or Nice Youpeeon thecarpet what doyou do?

A.) Tell thehuman.

B.) What pee?

Themailman iscoming!

C.) THISMEANSWAR. D.) Hehlofriend!

There?sa newpuppy on your regular walking path: A.) sniffsbutt B.) Stay theheck away you heckin stranger doggo

Thehumansdropped their dinner.

C.) You mean my dinner ?

D.) Thisispeoplefood !

Your pupper furiend hasa treat: A.) Yay for you friend !

B.) I amtaking MYtreat !

Walkiesareyour favoritething so...

C.) I amgoing tobeg my humansuntil I get walkies.

D.) I will wait for my human tograb theleash for walkies.

Mostly Asand Ds: You?reon theNI CE list!

Mostly Bsand Cs: You?reon theNAUGHTYlist!

20 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

TXDM?s2020 Howl-iday Gift Guide 5 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE PAWFECT PUP

-------------------------------------BY: TIFFANY DITTO Staff Writer -------------------------------------1. Mr. Bow Tie Boutique Bandanas, Collars and Ornaments ? Named after the most stylish pup owner Wendy Stark knows, Mr. Bow Tie Boutique offers custom ornaments for your tree that look just like your pup. She also offers a line of custom reversible bandanas, collars (featuring bow ties) and leashes.

Support a Texas local when buying your pup this gift this year. Shop at: etsy.com/shop/mrbowtieboutique.

Groove is a great tool for crate training your pet, or sharing some howliday snacks. Photo courtesy of Diggs.

3. A Day at Doggie Day Care ? Give your furbaby the gift of spending the day with all their friends. They?ll have a barking good time. This gift is perfect for the social dog who gets lonely while you're at work and the pet parent could use a night home from work with one tuckered out pooch.

Mr. Bow Tie Boutique offers handmade collars, leashes, and of course bowties for every occasion.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Stark.

2. Groov ? This innovative crate training tool is great for pups and their pawrents. The unique design allows for the spreading of snacks across its surface that will keep your pets busy licking away at their pupcicle (if you freeze it) making their crate a happy place. The Groov fits between the bars of your pet?s wired crate, the unique design helps hold it in place.

This special tool is pup approved by our resident product reviewer, Riley. Get yours at diggs.pet/products/groov.

Give your pup the gift of a barking good time at doggy daycare. Photo courtesy of Canva.com

4. Zookies Cookies ? Have some fun baking holiday cookies your pup can enjoy. Zookies Cookies have made an appearance in Texas Dog Magazine before, so we know they?re a barking good time. Made with human-grade ingredients, you can even try these cookies too (fair warning, they are very dry). Purchase at zookiescookies.com.

Zookies Cookies are a great way to share the holiday cookie baking tradition with your pup.

Photo by Tiffany Ditto

5. Whatastore Pet Set ? Nothing says Texas more than Whataburger. Keep your pet Texas by giving them this awesome collar, leash and two bowls set for only $29.99. Your pet is sure to be salivating every time they see their orange and white bowls ? if only every meal was a delicious cheeseburger, The Whataburger Pet Set with fries and includes two pet bowls, a collar, and a leash. Photo a shake. Shop courtesy of Whataburger. the set: shop.whataburger.com/gifts/whataburge r-pet-set.

Twitter: @TiffanyDitto TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 21

DO-IT-YOURSELF

THEPAW - FECT LOOKFORYOUR PET?S HOWL- IDAY

Reversibl e Christmas Bandana Supplies: - Permanent marker - 1 piece of each felt color: black, white, orange, yellow - Rhinestones - Googly eyes - Scissors - A red bandana - A hot glue gun with glue sticks Inst ructions:

1.

2.

3.

4.

First begin by folding your bandana in the desired sized triangle. For smaller dogs more folds may be necessary, and for larger pups consider folding the bandana fewer times.

Take your permanent marker and begin drawing the circular outlines of your snowman. You can draw three separate circles to cut out, or draw the outline of the snowman and cut it out in one piece (this is the approach we took). Be sure not to press too hard when drawing, or else you will be able to see the marker through the felt. Also, be conscious of the size of your snowman relative to the amount of space on your bandana.

Cut out your snowman shape.

Using the hot glue gun, glue the body of your snowman to the bandana.

TXDM tip: Consider laying your felt pieces on the snowman body before gluing. This will allow you to map out where things go, and make size adjustmentsasneeded.

22 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

BY TIFFANY DITTO

The Christ mas season brings many part ies and celebrat ions wit h friends and family. Those young and old break out t heir fest ive Christ mas sweat ers sure t o delight everyone who sees t hem, but just as you wouldn?t be caught dead sport ing t he same sweat er t o every part y neit her should your dog. Don?t worry; t his howl-iday look won?t break t he bank. We?ve got your st ep-by-st ep inst ruct ions on how t o creat e t he perfect reversible Christ mas bandana for your fur baby.

Inst ructions (cont'd)

5.

Next, using the black felt, draw your snowman?s hat and arms. Cut those pieces out and glue them on.

6. Take the rhinestones and glue on your snowman?s chest buttons.

7. Draw your snowman?s scarf on the yellow felt. Cut the scarf out and glue it on.

8. Cut out a small triangle from the orange felt to serve as your snowman?s nose. Glue the nose to your snowman?s face.

9. Glue on your googly eyes on either side of your nose.

10. ViolĂ , side one complete.

The back side 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Flip over your bandana.

Lay your black felt over the point of the bandana. Begin cutting out a band to serve as your Santa belt.

Trim the sides to march the angles of the bandana.

Using your permanent marker, draw a rectangle on your yellow felt.

Draw another rectangle inside the first rectangle on your yellow felt.

Cut out the center of the yellow felt where your interior rectangle is. This piece will serve as the belt buckle of your Santa belt.

Lastly, glue down your black band and your yellow belt buckle.

Now, tie the bandana around your pet?s neck and let them strut their stuff around the party!

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 23

OTHER V OI CES PA W Sit iv e New s f r o m d o g s l if e CAN YOU SPARE $10?

For the first time since I heard about the cost, I had hope. I knew if anyone could survive this and prosper, it was Johnny. Just knowing there was a possibility of him getting treatment helped me enjoy time with him. That hope allowed, and is still allowing, me to enjoy time with him without thinking this is the end. Now that I know he will be able to get the treatment he needs to live, I know everything is going to be okay because he is happy, doing great, and is the toughest dog I know. THANK YOU DOGSLIFE! ? Rebecca, Johnny's mom

M EET OUR NEW GRANT RECIPIENT, JOHNNY Johnny is an energetic seven year old who loves playing tug-a-war!

Johnny loves to run and has a special place in his heart for bones and peanut butter. He will have surgery soon to amputate his leg. Let's wish this sweet pup the best as he starts his journey! To learn more about Johnny's story, visit dogslife.org/johnny.

24 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

PET GRIEF SUPPORT

Dogslife is working hard to meet our fundraising goal of $100,000 by

Dogslife is excited to offer a new resource to the community- Pet Grief

December 31st. Funds raised directly benefit our program and cover needs such as oncology visits, surgeries,

Support. At Dogslife, we understand that losing your fur baby is heartbreaking. If you are struggling

chemotherapy and more! Donations can be made in memory of a loving pet or in honor of a friend or family

with grief after losing your best bud, join us on December 10th at 7:00 p.m. (CST) for a virtual grief support

member for Christmas. Will you consider a special year-end contribution of $10, $15, or $25 to save a dog?s life? Donate today at

group. This will be a relaxed and casual conversation with other experiencing the same loss. RSVP to gparker@dogslife.org for call details.

dogslife.org/donate.

zGUEST

Put your PAWStogether for Petfest The 1st Annual HCC PetFest brings pets and pet owners together for a community pet festival celebrating all of man?s best friends!

PETS, BRING YOUR PEOPLE! People of all ages, from one to one hundred, will find plenty to bark about at PetFest! This event aims to entertain and educate all while having a dog-gone good time!

With the New Braunfels Humane Society as the 2021 beneficiary, the event initiatives include adoptions, promoting fostering and "kennel sponsorships," micro-chipping and an on-site rabies/ shot clinic!

Watch a K9 demonstration, pet an iguana, hold a giant python, build a

mason jar terrarium, get your face painted or have your pets portrait taken!

It?ll be an entire day filled with family-oriented events featuring entertainment, contests, special attractions and demonstrations and also serves as an outstanding shopping venue of products and services pertaining to pets and pet owners.

Bring your well-behaved furry (or scaly) friends for a paws-itively, fur-tastic day!

Held just outside the heart of downtown, PetFest is located on the grounds of the Knights of Columbus directly across from the Wurstfest

grounds in New Braunfels, Texas. For more information visit nbpetfest.com.

-

General admission is $10, children's admission is $5 Children 2 and under are free.

Tickets sales are ONLY online and tickets are required to attend.

Saturday, March 27, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Columbus Hall, 111 Landa St., New Braunfels, TX 78130.

--Please note: This is a republishing of the eventbrite information for this event, available at eventbrite.com/ e/ petfest-tickets-124423099841.

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 25

PET M D SEEING THE SIGNS

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHERRY EYE IN DOGS PET TALK Texas A&M Un iver sit y College of Vet er in ar y M edicin e & Biom edical Scien ces,

Spotting a red bump in the corner of a pet?s eye is a concerning but not uncommon experience for many dog owners.

Colloquially called ?cherry eye,? this bump may be a prolapsed gland of the nictitans, also known as the third eyelid.

26 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

Dr. Sean Collins, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of

Pet owners who spot a red swollen mass in the inner corner of their pet?s

Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that ophthalmologists don?t entirely understand why the

eye, large or small, should bring it to their veterinarian?s attention promptly. In addition to causing

gland of the nictating membrane sometimes protrudes from its original position but it is believed to be a

irritation to the dog, this condition can have lasting consequences when left untreated.

result of a weakness in the connective tissue responsible for holding the gland in the correct position. ?This condition can happen to any

?Without correction, chronic prolapse can lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) and ocular discharge (liquid coming from the eye),? Collins said. ?It

breed of dog but is seen most commonly in certain breeds, including the American Cocker

has also been shown that with correction, dogs are less likely to develop low tear production later in

Spaniel, English Bulldog, Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese,? Collins said.

life.?

Low tear production can result in

" Th is con dit ion can h appen t o an y br eed of dog bu t is seen m ost com m on ly in cer t ain br eeds, in clu din g t h e Am er ican Cock er Span iel, En glish Bu lldog, Lh asa Apso an d t h e Pek in gese." ? Dr . Sean Collin s

multiple problems if left untreated. In addition to pain and decreased vision, corneal ulceration may also develop, which can become infected and result in a ruptured eye. This condition responds well to tear stimulant therapy in most cases, but lifelong medication is usually required.

Your veterinarian will be able to confirm whether your pet has cherry eye and can develop a treatment plan that works best to resolve cherry eye and reduce the potential for ocular issues as your dog ages. ?Initial therapy may consist of topical anti-inflammatory therapy if local inflammation may be contributing to prolapse of the gland,? he said. ?If a short course of medical therapy does not work or re-prolapse develops, surgical repositioning is indicated. There are numerous surgical techniques to reposition the gland with overall high success rates.?

If surgical treatment is required, Collins stresses that this treatment will benefit your pet in both the short-

and long-term.

Unfortunately, there are no known

?Surgical repositioning is very important if initial medical therapy fails, as the gland is responsible for about 30-50% of the aqueous tear production in the dog,? he said. ?We commonly see low tear production in the same breeds that develop a prolapsed gland of the nictitans. It has been shown that dogs with surgical repositioning of the gland have a lower chance of developing low tear production later on in life compared to those where the gland has been excised or chronically prolapsed.?

remains

preventative measures to protect against cherry eye in dogs, Collins says. This condition can develop in both eyes, usually before the age of 2.

The best way pet owners can protect their furry friend is to remain vigilant in monitoring their pet?s health and to bring concerns to their veterinarian promptly in case an issue does arise.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/ news/ pet-talk.

Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 27

HEALTH

WINTER HEALTH AND WELLNESS is the type that would rather snuggle up with you in a warm blanket, either way, it?s important to protect them

can cause tooth fractures, pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea, and intestinal obstruction. Chocolate, nuts and xylitol,

against the winter elements.

commonly found in holiday candies, are especially toxic to our dogs. If you would like to share holiday treats with

The fur coat our dogs have does not necessarily make them more tolerable to the cold. A dog?s cold tolerance is based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, size, age and health status. Shortening the time

-------------------------------------BY: KAREN J. METZLER D.V.M. ? Vet Talk -------------------------------------Winter days are often filled with cold weather, overcast skies, holiday celebrations and travel. Keeping your dog safe during this season can be a difficult task. Taking some simple precautions, however, can help to ensure that your dog stays safe, healthy and happy this winter.

First, plan ahead to ensure you know where the closest animal emergency hospital is in relation to you before there is an emergency.

Speak with your regular veterinarian as to their recommended emergency vet and map out how to get there in advance. Keep your veterinarian?s and the emergency vet?s contact information in a easy to find location or saved in the contacts in your phone under your pet?s name so that they are handy if you are in a stressful pet emergency situation.

Whether your dog loves the winter or 28 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

your dog spends outdoors in very cold temperatures can protect them against weather related health risks and injuries. A good rule of thumb is, if it is too cold outside for you, then it is too cold for your pet. Provide warmth, shelter, calorie-rich food and fresh water for dogs that are housed outdoors and unable to come inside.

With your pet spending more time indoors during the winter, make sure your home has been thoroughly pet-proofed. Space heaters, fireplaces and candles can burn your pet or be a fire hazard. Make sure your furnaces are working efficiently and fire and carbon monoxide detectors are in place to keep everyone safe. Holiday decorations including ornaments, tinsel, electric lights, Christmas trees, holiday plants, batteries and potpourris can be tempting hazards for pets. Pets should be closely supervised around these seasonal heat sources, plants and decorations.

Holiday foods and drinks for people should not be fed to your pets. Avoid feeding pets bones and scraps as they

you pet, buy or make treats specifically formulated for them. Holiday parties with visitors arriving and departing, strange smells and loud noises can be difficult and unsettling for our pets.

Even the best-natured pet can be scared by a strange guest or noise and feel compelled to defend themselves.

Consider boarding your pets the day of your party. If you prefer to keep your pet at home, talk with your guests in advance about your preferences in regards to pets and children. Designate a ?doorman? to keep doors closed behind arriving guest. Having your pet microchipped and wearing proper identification with your current contact information can make it easier to recover and reunite with your pet, should it escape.

Also, put guests' purses and bags away and keep pets out of guest rooms. Request your guests not feed your pet unless asking you first. To help your pet relax, consider giving your pet a quiet, safe place to retreat to like a crate or bedroom away from all the festivities. A party is not a time to socialize your pet. Ask your veterinarian for advice about homeopathic therapy, pheromones or medications to help your pet cope with the stress of company.

If you are planning holiday travel away from home, make plans for someone to care for your pet. Discuss

an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss and obtain the needed certificates within the time frame

and safe time of year for both you and your dog. So grab a good book, a soft blanket and curl up by a warm

with your pet?s sitter the protocol you want taken in the event of an emergency. Dogs can be boarded

required. Your veterinarian is the most qualified person to advise you in regards to your pet?s requirements,

fire indoors with your dog.

with a pet sitter, a kennel of your choosing or even with your veterinarian. Make sure to plan in

safety and ability to travel.

advance as reservations fill quickly in the holiday season. When boarding, make sure pet vaccinations are current and up-to-date. Should you elect for your pet to travel with you, take your pet?s bed or crate along.

Having a pet?s bed can ease anxiety for your pet and a crate can keep them safe when you are away.

Many people are tempted to give pets as gifts for the holidays. Bringing a new dog into the home is a big responsibility and a personal choice. Pets should not be a surprise gift to a new owner. In too many cases the person giving the pet as a gift misunderstands the desires of the person receiving the pet. Statistics have shown that gifted pets have a higher

safely

rate of turnover to shelters and their new owners are less tolerable of any problems that arise. The busy holiday

restrained in a vehicle and should never be left alone in the car regardless of weather. Check interstate and

season is not the best time for a new pet with a high demand for time, energy and attention.

international travel regulations to ensure you have the appropriate health certificates for travel. Schedule

With a few simple precautions, the winter season can be an enjoyable

Pets

should

always

be

DR. KAREN J. METZLER is a veterinarian with Summerfields Animal Hospital in Fort Worth. Dr. Metzler was fortunate to grow up in a home filled with a wide variety of family pets including hamsters, birds, cats, dogs and horses. She has always loved animals, so it was only natural for her to choose veterinary medicine as her career path. She graduated from Texas A&M?s, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She has experience in emergency medicine as wells as general practice. She has specific interests in surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, exotics and cardiology. Dr. Metzler is dedicated to her profession as well as her family. She, her husband Jeff, and their six children ? Daniel, Brandon, Madison, Meridythe, Maycie and Noah ? live in Bowie, Texas. They enjoy the country life as it supports the many family pets and farm animals they care for and love.

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 29

PUP CULTURE Di s ney?s Out i mpl or es us t o b e our s el ves

and dog appear outside. The cat

Manuel. All the while Jim, stuck in Greg?s

passes along some magic to the collar

body, acts rather peculiar for a man.

of Greg?s dog, Jim. As Greg and

-------------------------------------BY: TIFFANY DITTO Staff Writer --------------------------------------

Manuel

continue

to

pack,

Greg

happens upon a photo of the couple and takes a trip on memory lane.

Manual encourages Greg to tell his

We?ve all been shut inside this year, and

parents about their relationship ?

it?s safe to say that for the most part

something Greg hasn?t done yet.

2020 has been a real bummer. With the end to the COVID-19 pandemic not coming soon enough, it?s no surprise many of us are in need of a feel-good story, and Disney Pixar?s Out delivers. Out is a short film of only 9 minutes, but like the intro to Up, this short sequence packs a punch.

Suddenly, Greg?s parents show up to help him pack. Greg hastily hides the photo and Manuel sneaks out the back door. While holding his pup?s collar, Greg wishes aloud that he were a dog ? longing for a simpler life. At that instant, a Freaky Friday-esque moment happens as Jim and Greg switch bodies (all thanks

Viewers meet Greg and his live-in

to the magical cat). A comical scene

boyfriend Manuel at their townhome

ensues as Greg, now stuck in his dog?s

where the duo are packing up their

body, tries to keep his mother from

things to move when a magical cat

finding the photograph of him and

30 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

Greg?s mother tells ?Jim? that she only wishes that

her

son would find

someone to love him and make him happy. It?s at that moment that Jim (really Greg) realizes that his parents would accept him if he came out and dashes to retrieve the photo he spent so long trying to hide.

Out is a story of love, acceptance and being true to who you are. This short film will make you laugh, cry and be overjoyed as Greg and Manual find acceptance within their family, and as Greg finally has the courage to come out.

Released earlier this year, Out is available to stream on Disney+.

Twitter: @TiffanyDitto

TEXAS TOP DOG

Dogs of t h e M on t h

Nam e: Pepper| Br eed: Boxer | Age: 1 year old | Hom et ow n : San Antonio Favor it e Tr eat : @happyhowies treats Favor it e Toy: her Kong ball Bio: Pepper is a high-spirited and independent Boxer with a heart of gold. She earned her name by showing us her spicy puppy side from day one. Over the year she has blossomed into a loyal companion with the help of training and consistency. Pepper recently became a big sister, as we added a second boxer, Jack, to the family. You can find us on instagram at @pepperjackboxer.

32 | TEXASDOGMAGAZINE.COM

#tex asdogsof i nsta

TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 33

GROOMI NG

K9 CLASSIFIEDS

Pete and Mac?s Pet Resort www.petemac.com

www.toothacres.com

Happy K9 Self-Serve Dog Wash & Grooming

866-738-3622

972-394-1551

6501 Camp Bowie Blvd B

Toothacres Pet Care Center

Fort Worth, TX

1639 Parker Road

Liv Off Leash

www.happyk9dogwash.com

Carrollton, TX

Nevada, TX

817-717-3517

www.toothacres.com

www.facebook.com/livoffleash

972-492-3711

(214) 793-1084

---------------------------------------------

TRAI NI NG

Hot Shot Dog Grooming Houston, TX www.hotshotdoggrooming.com 281-849-7999 Salty Dog Wash 1902 Avenue N. Galveston, TX www.saltydogwash.com

---------------------------------------------

PET STORES ---------------------------------------------

MC K9 Training

Daisy And Dog Barktique

www.mck9training.com

www.daisyanddog.com

281-672-8514

972-876-2992

Wagg the Dog Trainer

Geaux Fideaux

www.waggthedogtrain-r.com

www.geauxfideaux.com

505-322-1552

TREATS

geauxfideaux@gmail.com

409-923-9100

---------------------------------------------

RESORTS & DAYCARE

H ippie Houndz

Noah?s Bark

---------------------------------------------

www.hippiehoundz.com

www.buynoahsbark.com

Bones & Bacon Pet Resort

469-438-6177 Simba?s Barkery

911 W. Commerce St. Dallas, TX

Modern Paw Furniture

www.thebarkerydfw.com

www.bonesandbaconpetresort

www.modernpawfurniture.com

469-859-0799

.com

817-789-5677 Three Dog Bakery

469-726-2722 Paw Pros

Plano, TX

Daisy?s Dog House

www.pawprostx.com

www.threedogdfw.com

712 Fairview St.

469-585-3192

972-473-2275

WELLNESS

Houston, TX www.daisysdoghouse.com

The French & I

713-521-7877

www.thefrenchandi.com

On 4 Legs Wellness

512-662-6100

www.on4legs.com

Howl N Woof 10010 Manchaca Road, Ste. C Austin, TX www.howlnwoof.com 512-282-9663

RAI NBOW BRI DGE

---------------------------------------------

469-901-2279

---------------------------------------------

Toothacres Pet Crematory & Cemetery

Pet Tech

1639 Parker Road

214-476-9938

www.powertothepawz.com

Carrollton, TX TEXAS DOG MAGAZINE | 35

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