Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

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d gs Texas & cats December 2012 HOUSTON making the season what is for

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pet lover's magazine for Houston area

Transcript of Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

Page 1: Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

d gsTexas &catsDecember 2012Houston

making the season

what is

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Cypress VCA Telge RoAd AnimAl HospiTAl11430 Telge RoadCypress, TX 77429281-671-0776VCAtelgeroad.com

Houston VCA AsHfoRd

AnimAl HospiTAl12633 WhittingtonHouston, TX 77077281-749-1174VCAashford.com

Houston VCA CounTRysideAnimAl HospiTAl2211 FM 1960 EastHouston, TX 77073281-301-0619

VCAcountryside.com

Houston VCA spRing BRAnCH

AnimAl HospiTAl10109 Long Point Road

Houston, TX 77043713-428-2200

VCAspringbranch.com

Katy VCA Kelliwood

AnimAl HospiTAl960 S. Fry RoadKaty, TX 77450

281-944-7901VCAkelliwood.com

Kingwood VCA Kingwood

AnimAl HospiTAl2526 Green Oak DriveKingwood, TX 77339

281-973-2852VCAkingwood.com

Lake Jackson VCA lAKe JACKson AnimAl HospiTAl

210 That WayLake Jackson, TX 77566

979-316-2796VCAlakejackson.com

Pasadena VCA AnimAl mediCAlCenTeR of pAsAdenA

5018A Fairmont ParkwayPasadena, TX 77505

281-560-3268VCApasadena.com

Sugar LandVCA souTHwesT fReewAy

AnimAl HospiTAl15575 SW Freeway

Sugar Land, TX 77478832-500-8443

VCAswfreeway.com

Spring VCA spRing

AnimAl HospiTAl1811 Spring Cypress

Spring, TX 77388832-510-6196VCAspring.com

Spring/WoodlandsVCA woodlAnds AnimAl HospiTAl428 Rayford RoadSpring, TX 77386832-510-6197

VCAwoodlands.com

Texas City, VCA mAinlAnd

AnimAl HospiTAl3015 Palmer HighwayTexas City, TX 77590

409-359-4784VCAmainland.com

Tomball VCA TomBAll

VeTeRinARy HospiTAl28800 Tomball PkwyTomball, TX 77375281-305-9518 VCAtomball.com

Management Services Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals. • Animal Healthcare of Texas, PC. - Rocky McKelvey, DVM - owner.

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ART ID #: 36800000427811DIRECTORY NO: 005555CLOSE DATE: 08/12/2011PUB DATE: 12-11CLIENT NAME: VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALSCMR/CLIENT NO: 368-5031HEADING: VETERINARIANSSTATE/DIRECTORY: CA DOWNEY-NORWALK PUB CODE: SPR 0682SIZE: HPWP 51x29.6NO: P667331

*P667331*

Your Pet’s Health – Our PriorityCount on us to care for your pet. We provide a people friendly environmentwith dedicated, caring professionals.

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All backed by the nation’s largest and most trusted animal healthcare network, giving you access to over 275 board certified specialists for complex cases.* For new clients only. Offer good only for general veterinary services. Excludes emergency and specialized services.

VCA Supports Animal Shelters

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Santa Fe SpringsVCA LA MIRADA13914 E. Rosecrans Ave.(Between Valley View & Marquardt)

562-239-4414www.vcalamirada.comMON-FRI: 7-7 SAT: 8-4

CerritosVCA LAKEWOOD10701 South St.(Corner of South St. & Palo Verde Ave.)

562-239-4433www.vcalakewoodca.com24 Hour Emergency (Open 7 Days a Week)• Doctor on Premises

AAHA ACCREDITATION

www.VCAhospitals.com www.twitter.com/vcapethealth

www.Facebook.com/VCAAnimalHospitals

* For new clients only. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for emergency examinations. Up to 2 pets per household. Expires 09-30-2013.

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FREEFirst

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n Complete Wellness Caren Diagnostic & Medical Caren Dentistry & Surgeryn Highly Skilled & Caring Professionalsn Evening & Weekend Hours

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What is Animal Hospice?

Old Dog,New Tricks?

Making the SeasonBright for Strays

16Allergies in Pets

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What is Animal Hospice?

Marketplace

centerstage

PuBliSHerShannan Parker

Tel: [email protected]

eDiTOrTiffany Robinson

[email protected]

AccOuNT eXecuTiveJeff Parker

Tel: 281.781.4727

DeSiGNerFran Sherman314.275.2208

[email protected]

Contributing WritersTricia Fagan

Nadine Joli-coeurMonica SchmidtDougie DeogieWilliam GivenCharlotte Wier

pHotograpHerSonya Sellers

Dougie Deogi, rescue reporter

Holiday Hazards

ADverTiSe WiTH uS!281.781.4727 • [email protected]

Next issue: January 2013Advertiser’s Deadline:December 15th 2012

Pets as Gifts?

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The holiday season is swiftly approaching. My wife and I look forward to celebrating the holidays and spending time with friends and family. Things do get a bit more

hectic with the decorating, baking, and shopping. I know it sounds a bit crazy but even the time spent shopping is certainly a special time. There is joyful feeling and a real sense of sat-isfaction found in purchasing the perfect gifts for our children and our grand children.

By WilliAM GiveN

making the season

For Your Favorite Texas Rescue Group

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We also receive that same feeling in helping to provide for those less fortunate than our-selves. The needs of the many purebred dogs with Texas rescue groups and the purebred and mixed breed dogs in local municipal ani-mal shelters too often go unfulfilled at this time of year.

My wife and I, and many of you, I know would love nothing more than to be able to make a sizeable monetary contribution to a favorite local rescue organization. And, that it may just not be possible in these difficult eco-nomic times.

“Monetary contributions are extremely important and al-low us to meet our most immediate needs first and paying vet bills is more often the case,” stated Linne Girouard, President of All Texas Dachshund Rescue in Pearland, Texas. Jenna Hoffman, Social Media Volunteer for DFW Pug Rescue in Grapevine, Texas said, “Our veterinary bills will exceed $250,000 this year and our need for financial support from the public and our patrons is more important than it ever has been.” “Monetary contributions are our most significant need at this time. We have taken in a handful of dogs recently which have tested positive for heartworms and three requiring hip surgery,” stated Linda Oudekerk, President and Founder of Texas Collie Rescue in Houston, Texas. Orthope-dic surgery like all advanced veterinary medical care is extremely expensive. Heartworm treatments can be lengthy and costly as well. The impact of special needs dogs on a rescue’s budget can be severe, and you just never know what type of medical care the next dog taken in may need.

What you may not know is that there are other ways to give and contribute to the success of rescue organizations that are very important to them. Donating items as simple and inexpensive as a few dog toys to a bag of dog food help to reduce the costs of operation. “Donations of dog food, especially premium foods and veterinary Rx diets, are important to rescues such as ours as it makes it easier for our foster families which routinely feed more than one rescue dog,” said Hoffman.

With the assistance of a few rescue groups, we have compiled a short list of items and services for you to consider donating to your favorite local rescue organization or shelter in your area.

For Your Favorite Texas Rescue Group

Volunteers are almost always welcome by any rescue group and many municipal animal shelters can use your help also. Whether you have an hour or two once a week or three or four days a month, your help would be greatly appreciated.

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Animal care Supplies:

• Beds (washable)• Canned dog food (some groups will have

preferences based on spe-cific dietary needs)• Crates• Dry dog food (some groups will have preferences based on specific dietary needs)• Exercise pens

• Flea & heartworm preventative

Office Supplies:• Copy paper (white or colored,

letter size)• Digital camera

• Photo copier• Postage stamps

• Poster board• Printer cartridges

Special Services:• Accounting and tax return preparation• Advertising and publicizing rescue activities• Grant writing• Sponsoring fundraising events• Transportation of dog• Veterinary medical care

Volunteering is another great way to support your favorite rescue group. Volunteers are almost always welcome by any rescue group and many municipal animal shelters can use your help also. Whether you have an hour or two once a week or three or four days a month, your help would be greatly appreciated. You could assist with the transportation of dogs to adop-tion events or to veterinary medical appointments. You could organize or assist with fundraising events.

“Our group is an all volunteer organization and we desperately need the assistance of someone with experience in grant writing, someone who could help us come up with new ideas for fundraising and a volunteer who would redesign our website would be most appreciated,” said Oudekerk. Elizabeth Emery, Events and Fundraising Chairman of Houston Beagle and Hound Rescue stated, “We really need someone who can get people out to our fundraising events and entice then to donate.” “We need people with a wide variety of talents and we really need a special volunteer

to assist in the recovery of dachshunds from remote shelters and transporting them to an intake volunteer,” said Girouard.

Some rescue groups have raffles or silent auctions at specialty shows. You can help by buying and donat-ing dog or special human items and then by purchas-ing raffle tickets or bidding high. Other groups have pancake breakfasts or spaghetti dinners. The food is often surprisingly good and you could not possibly be in the company of a better group of people. If your work schedule prohibits your participation at that level please consider purchasing the rescue’s calendar, cook book or t-shirt and wear it proudly.

You could provide foster care for a purebred or mixed breed dog waiting to find a forever family. Too often, what a rescue organization needs more than anything are foster homes. “The single greatest need of our rescue are good, qualified foster homes where the dogs can receive the time and attention they deserve from caring people until we can find them a forever home,” said Tami Stanely, President of Texas Labrador Re-triever Rescue in Euless, Texas. Hoffman stated, “We always need more foster homes. Our foster home vol-unteers are stretched woefully thin right now and all of our fosters have 2, 3 or even more dogs over and above the maximum number they originally agreed to foster. Stanely added, “We always need more foster homes and our ability to take in dogs is in direct relation to the number of foster homes that we have available.” Every dog that is fostered is made more adoptable and easier to place in a forever home with a loving family thanks to the efforts given to care for, train, and social-ize them by their foster family.

Should you have the room in your heart and in your home, you could consider adopting one of the wonderful dogs needing a forever home. We adopted our rescue almost nine years ago. Every day she has done everything she can to make us feel as though we are the most important people in her world. She has greatly enriched our lives in so very many ways. There are purebred dogs and mixed breed dogs with rescue groups all across the great state of Texas offering adop-tions of healthy, happy, loving dogs.

To find the rescue group nearest you, visit us at www.texasdogsandcats.com. Click on the “Adopt” tab and then scroll down to a rescue near you or to the specific breed rescue that you are looking for. The opportunity to assist in making your favorite local rescue group suc-cessful in their mission is yours and rest assured know-ing that your efforts will be very much appreciated.

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POSTer fOr cAT SHOW

dog daycare & bakery

www.houstondogdaycare.com • Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jacksons.place

• Cage-Free Boarding• Open 7 Days Per Week

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animalhospice?By Dr. cHriSTie cOrNeliuS

PHOTOS cOurTeSy keNT BryANT

Hospice care aims to meet the physical and mental needs of a pet faced with a lifelimiting illness. it begins the moment a pet has been diagnosed with a terminal condition and the family has decided not to pursue aggressive, curative therapies. Hospice exists to provide support and care for patients in the last phases of an

incurable disease, or at the natural end of life.

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Pet hospice focuses on caring, not curing. We un-derstand that serious illness profoundly impacts not only the patient but family and loved ones as well. Patients in the last phases of life deserve such care so that they might live as fully and comfortably as possible, and that through appropriate care and the pro-motion of a caring commu-nity sensitive to their needs, patients and their families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death that is satisfactory to them.

Diseases or conditions that warrant hospice care:• Cancer• Incurable organ failure• Osteoarthritis• Neurological conditions,

including dementia• Senior pets reaching the

end of life

What hospice services does last Wishes provide?

Hospice care begins with formulating an individual-ized plan, based on a com-prehensive assessment of the patient’s and family’s needs while taking into consider-ation the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis and available treat-ment options; the family’s val-ues, beliefs and resources; and our hospice team’s philosophy and capabilities.

Here are the goals of our Pet Hospice Program:• We provide our patients

with a safe, caring, intimate end-of-life experience in a familiar environment, sur-

rounded by loved ones• We focus on providing pain

control and physical com-fort to the pet, as well as educational and emotional support for the family until a natural death occurs or euthanasia is chosen

• We give families time to ad-just to their pet’s progressive disease and help prepare them to say goodbye in the comfort of their own home

Hospice services include, but are not limited to:• Pain recognition and man-

agement• Oral and injectable

medications• Fluid therapy• Nutritional and dietary

therapy• Massage and physical

therapy• Wound care• Reducing stress in the envi-

ronment• Household modifications• Mental stimulation• Recommending non-phar-

macological therapies• Educating family members

on how to perform medical and nursing care at home

• Educating family members on how to assess and moni-tor the patient’s comfort level and quality of life

• Encouraging realistic expectations for the patient’s remaining lifetime and the process of dying

• Grief support

How do i know if hospice care is the right decision for me and my pet?

The decision to enter into a hospice care plan can only be made once an owner has con-sulted their regular veterinar-ian and carefully considered all the treatment options.

Many pet parents choose hospice care in order to have the time to say goodbye to their companions, to plan for their death, and to ensure that all the decisions about the pet’s needs are guided by their view of the pet’s needs. If you have the resources to support comfort care, the time and de-sire to care for your pet during the last days or weeks of their life, and a good support team in place, then hospice care

may be the right choice for you and your pet..

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in households with an older dog, the older dog, while being loved and treasured, is often unknowingly neglected. the slow-moving, sleep-all-day dog is called old. While he may be old, he does not need to act old. Your old dog just might need a little help to regain his puppy joie de vive. there are many things that can be done to help your old dog act young again.

dogs...

tricks?

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Tricia FaganCertified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge AssessedDogS Gone [email protected](713) 557-1949

First, take your older dog to the vet. Just because the dog is not young, does not mean the dog should limp around the house, sleep all the time, or be reluctant to play. Talk to your vet about diagnosing and treat-ing the medical conditions that can cause your old dog to move slowly. A little medication can often make a huge difference in your mature dog’s behavior and attitude toward life.

While you have your older dog at the vet, have the vet do a health check screening on your mature dog’s blood. This kind of lab work can bring to light health issues that may affect your dog’s health and quality of life. This should be done every year, at a minimum.

Second, let’s look at the food bowl. Ok, let’s face it. You love your dog. You don’t want him to be hungry. Now he is over-weight! While you are at the vet, weigh your dog. Talk to the vet about an appropriate weight for your mature mutt. Measure your dog’s food. Take him for a walk every day. Watch his weight, increasing activity and reducing his food intake until his is a healthy weight.

Third, older dogs often have very, very long toe nails. These long toe nails can deform the shape of the foot as your dog puts his feet down on the ground. Imagine you were forced to wear shoes that did not fit. Shoes you could never take off. Ouch! Have your older dog’s nails trimmed every two to three weeks. You may have difficulty with the quick. As the toe nails grow, the quick grows also. It is possible to get closer to the quick – without making the dog bleed – with a grinder instead of clippers. If your dog is difficult to handle while trimming nails, teach him

to enjoy nail trimming. For more challenging dogs, the as-sistance of a professional trainer can help.

Fourth, older dogs can have cognitive difficulties. This may manifest itself as out-of-place whining, whimpering or bark-ing, restlessness at night, or loss of house training. If your vet cannot find a physical problem with your dog, at veterinary behaviorist can be a great help. A veterinary behaviorist has been trained in medical issues just like your regular vet, but, unlike your regular vet, has years of additional training in animal behavior. If you think your ma-ture dog might have cognitive problems, seek the assistance of a veterinary behaviorist.

Wait a minute, isn’t this a dog training column? Yes! The final thing you can do to revitalize your old dog is to teach your old dog some new tricks. Your ma-ture dog can enjoy learning with you just as much as a puppy – without the nipping, chewing and peeing concerns of a young puppy. Teach your older dog fun tricks you can both enjoy. Buy a book on dog tricks or take a dog tricks class.

Revitalize your mature dog for the new year and find the joy of owning a mature adult dog.

Find the joy in your old dog.

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In Houston, we are no strangers to allergies. It seems that we suffer more than our friends and families that live elsewhere. In the spring not only are our pets closer to the ground where the nasty pollen is, but their fur coats and pads on their feet are like

magnets that attract these offending particles. Often, we realize our pets have allergies, when they already have a staph or ear infection.

SiGNS Of AllerGieSWhat to look for? 1. Look at their Ears, Eyes and

Feet first. Ears: Lift up their ear flaps.

Does it feel hot? Is there any wax, redness or odor?

Eyes: Do they have watery eyes, gunk or loss of hair?

Feet: Are they red, inflamed, loss of hair or discolored?

2. Watch their behavior - scratching ears or hindquarters- constant licking and chew-

ing of feet- rubbing face against the

furniture or floor 3. Look at skin and areas that

they are scratching and licking. Constant scratching can lead to open sores and welts.

The three primary causes of allergies in dogs are FOOD, FLEAS and EN-VIRONMENT (atopic or inhalant). The severity of allergies can be also due to an underlying weak immune system. When an allergic reaction occurs the con-stant assault on their bodies causes secondary infections such as ear, urinary tract and skin infections. When an allergic reaction occurs, our pet’s immune system tries to get rid of it - that is why we usually observe signs at exit points of the body such as feet, ears, eyes and private areas. The stronger your pet’s immune system is the better it can fight off allergies.

WHAT’S NeXTLike with their pet par-

ents, allergies can show up at any age. Your vet can be instrumental in helping and more importantly you need to do some detective work and figure out what they are allergic to.fOOD

Top allergens are corn, soy, wheat and proteins that they have eaten before (i.e.: chicken). Other ingredi-ents include grains, grain fractures, preservatives and processed ingredients.

Start an elimination diet so you can pinpoint what not to feed. My rule of thumb is to feed a less processed diet. Stay away from corn, soy, wheat and

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proteins they have regu-larly eaten in the past. This also includes any treats. Once the allergy disap-pears, you can slowly add in new things and observe if it triggers any allergic reactions. The secondary benefit of a less processed diet is that they are eat-ing healthier, and it will strengthen their immune system.

fleA/MOSQuiTOSThe bite of a single flea

can trigger itchiness for weeks. Make sure to pro-tect against flea and mos-quitoes. In Houston, with the milder weather they can be more severe than in other places. In addition to monthly topical treat-ments there are natural sprays and shampoos that can help. Products such as Natural Chemistry will help with bedding, yards are safe to use on cats and dogs. A natural flea, mosquito killer is food grade diatomaceous earth. Look for natural sprays in-clude neem or eucalyptus natural products such as Ark Naturals neem or flea or natural flea essential oil products.

eNvirONMeNTthis is the hardest one to

control. Top environment allergens include

tree, grass and weed pollens, mold spores, dust, dander, cleaning products, fabrics, toys, perfumes, insecticides, rubber and plastics, cigarette smoke, prescription pills, and in some cases pet vaccina-tions. Some of these we

can easily change (don’t smoke in front of your pet) but we cannot stop springtime pollen.

Your best defense is a good offense. You should focus on improving your pet’s immune system through a healthy diet and using supplements like probiotics, salmon or coconut oil or herbsmith immunity support. Many people have used benedryl in the past with mixed results. There are a couple of excellent products that I would recommend to anyone that has a pet with allergies. These products are specially formulated for pets with allergy and skin issues. Herbsmith Allergy solution (it helps neutralize allergies before it starts such as itchiness, goopiness and inflamed ears), Vetricyn - safe for eye, ears and skin issues, it kills bacteria, staph and cuts and Homeopet Skin & Itch, Seborrhea and hot spots drops - taken internally it neutralizes allergies.

Allergies are part of life for us and our pets. Make sure to look for common signs of allergies such as itchy skin, smelly ears and coat, breathing difficul-ties or gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Since preven-tion is key, plan ahead before triggers such as springtime allergens or flea season starts. We can’t control the environment or fleas, but we can control our pet’s health and how their bodies react when allergies hit.

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maemeet

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maeS

ave our strays found mae in an animal shelter in Harlingen, texas. the very day mae was to

be put to sleep save our strays scooped her up! mae was preg-nant and eventually had a litter of 5 puppies that all passed away. mae was in poor health and also tested positive for heart worms. With a lot of love and care mae soon made a full recovery.

mae now has a new baby....a kitten named. ripley truly thinks mae is her mommy and mae treats ripley just like her baby. Who says cats and dogs can’t get along?

For more information on how you can adopt a sweetie like mae, please visit save our strays online at www.saveourstray-sFortbend.org

meet

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By cHArlOTTe Weir

the tree is light, the ornaments are hung, the table is set and warmth of friends and family fills the room… its time for the Holidays! i hate to sound like the grinch but with the holiday season upon us it is important to remember certain hazards

that our “furry” family members may face. pets always look for the opportunity to eat something different or are curious about changes going on in the house, so there is no better time to get themselves into trouble.

ha ard szH o l i d a Y

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H o l i d a Y

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T he drive to reproduce in dogs and cats that have not been altered is strong and re-sults in unplanned and unwanted litters. it may not be proper for us to look at pet overpopulation as a disease, but it is the cause of death for millions of dogs and cats each year.

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One of the most com-mon hazards occur when pet owners try to include their pets in the holiday season by giving them portions of the food that the family festivities bring. It is important to keep in mind how food intended for people may affect an animal.• Most cats and dogs will

happily devour meat but remember that bones, especially chicken and turkey tend to splinter thus increasing the chance of becoming lodges in the animals’ throat or even perforating the esophagus, stomach, or intestine.

• Foods high in fat content can easily cause upset tum-mies or even more serious life threatening pancreatitis.

• Additionally, it is also important to realize that some holiday ornamental plants can cause trouble if an animal ingests them.

Poinsettias can cause mild stomach upset and even inflammation in the mouth, but holly and mistletoe can be much more toxic if ingested.

Although a decorated tree creates a beautiful focal point for the house, the tree also poses many safety hazards.• Make sure to tack down

or cover the extension cords that pets may want to chew on.

• Keep pine needles picked up to decrease the likeli-hood of pets digesting large enough quantities to cause problems such as impaction.

• Make sure that the tree is well secured. It may be a good idea to anchor the tree to the wall so it is not easily knocked over by curious felines.

• Stringed ornaments such as ribbon and tinsel are espe-cially harmful to dogs and

cats. The string can actually become

lodged in the intestines that surgery may be required to correct the blockage.

• Sharp and breakable orna-ments also be avoided.

• Most tree preservatives can be toxic so check the warn-ings or cover the tree base to keep pets from drinking it.

• Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Remember, pets are often curious and depend on their families to keep them out of harms way. With a little com-mon sense and a few minor adjustments, the holiday season can be safe for our four legged friends. If your pet does encounter a problem this holiday season or you have any questions or concerns regarding your pets well being contact your veterinarian for immediate advice.

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rescue reporter

Happy Howlidays, peeps! Ok,

I’m gonna say Merry Christmas, cuz that’s how I roll, but Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends too.

Deogi Dougie

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Me, I’m heading out to get a Christmas tree today. We do that every year.

I want to introduce you to my sister, Nadia, nicknamed “Naughty.” Can you guess why? Yep!

Hey! Naughty, get off my computer! What are you do-ing? You can’t take over my keyboard, Naughty!!

Hahahah. This is Nadia writing now. Go away, Dou-gie, it’s my show now!!

So, people! I’m Nadia, I have the “joy” of living in the house with this annoying Dougie! He is a mess. He whines and cries and com-plains daily. “Humph” is his favorite word. He should shut up! He should be so thankful for what he has and quit griping.

Dougie has this thing around his neck – it’s kinda blingy and has a little red heart hanging off it. The little red heart says “Dougie” and has a phone number. Ok, it’s nothing special, but that little thing means someone loves you, Dougie, you should be thankful for that. Do you know how many dogs have nothing but a string or rope tied around their necks, with the other end tied to the fence or the porch column? No one loves them – how sad is that?

There is also this silver thing that sits on the floor and holds water. It’s a “water bowl.” The bowl is always full and the water is nice and clean. Dougie better be thankful for that too. Most of the dogs running the streets in Houston have to drink out of muddy puddles and drainage ditches – who knows what is in that water?

AND, Dougie has TWO nice fluffy beds! Two. One green and one brown. Do you know how many dogs are sleeping tonight on the cold ground tonight, Dougie? Be thankful! You are warm and snuggly in a nice soft bed.

So, be thankful, dude, and quit complaining. You have IT ALL.

Ok, Dougie just got back with the Christmas tree, so I’m signing off. We gotta go put the ornaments on the tree.

Nadia, for Dougie Deogi, over and out!

Dougie is the official spokesdog for Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue (www.facebook.com/lsstlar). You can fol-low his antics on his face-book page, www.facebook.com/accordingtodougie

6434 Washington AvenueHouston, TX 77007

[email protected]

Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and

Obedience Training

Page 24: Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

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petsgiftsasyay or nay?

Gifting is a major part of the holiday season, but before you “gift” someone with a new dog or cat, be sure you consider the following:

• Think it through – First and foremost, a pet should never be a spur of the moment idea. If you find your-self running out of shopping time or ideas this Christ-mas, don’t pick a pet just because it’s easy or on a whim.

• Consider what it means – a pet is a big commitment. Time – many pets live 15+years; resources – fact is, pets cost money! Vet bills, food, toys, collars, leashes, and the list can keep on going; daily responsibility – your pet will need to be walked, fed, watered, petted, played with, etc every single day! That lifetime of love and af-fection comes with a lifetime commitment. A commit-ment you shouldn’t be making for someone else.

• Who is the pet for? – Perhaps the biggest consideration. Is the pet for you? A spouse? Your child? Who else will

interact with the pet? Who is responsible for the pet? Ultimately, mom and dad will have to pick up the slack if kids get busy with school.

• Does it really have to be a surprise? – If you can get past the iconic picture of your kids

coming into the living room to find an ador-able little puppy or kitten with a big red bow around its neck sitting under the Christmas tree, then the answer is probably no. You have a lot of options. Houston Humane Society recommends buying supplies for a new pet, a bed, pretty food bowls, etc., and offering a gift certificate for a future adoption or a “redeem me” for a furry friend card.

• Really want a new pet for the holidays? – Houston Humane Society has hundreds of wonderful dogs and cats waiting to find their forever home this holiday sea-son. If you make the decision to bring a pet into your family, please opt to adopt. You can visit in person at 14700 Almeda Rd, or online at houstonhumane.org.

By M

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Page 25: Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

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advertisehere281.781.4727 • [email protected]

Page 26: Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

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tistheseason...

This thinking toy from kyjen will keep your pet thinking and occupied for hours! Stuff the festive squirrels into their tree house and watch as fido figures out how to remove them. Natural Pawz is the place to go for these goodies!

This Santa hat sporting ducky will give your playful pup hours of squeaky fun! Available at Natural Pawz

Bottle Buddy is a fun holiday toy with a recycled water bottle inside. Dogs will love this plush reindeer, and the crinkle of the replaceable water bottle provides hours of fun.Available at Natural Pawz

fido and fifi will be the talk of the town in these stunning collars made with genuine Swarovski crystals! visit A Dog’s Dream on fountainview to pick yours out!

Page 27: Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

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tistheseason...

{December 2012}

This collection of Hanukkah plush dog toys is the perfect Hanukkah gifts for any playful pup. The Dridel sings the dreidel song! Available at Natural Pawz!

These fabulously soft beds and throws by Bessie & Barnie make nap time dreams even more sweet! check out the huge selection at A Dog’s Dream on fountainview

A Scoop le Poop gift certificate is the most unique (and appreciated) gift you can give a dog owner! Give them a call today to order yours! 713-426-3000. Scoop le Poop is #1 in the #2 business

Page 28: Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

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tosHop!fire hydrants have never tasted so good! These yummy cookies are perfect for stocking stuffers! Available at Jackson’s Place!

There really are no words. We have one- i laugh so hard my sides hurt :) Natural Pawz is the place to go to keep your cat on his or her toes!

This Nina Ottosson toy will keep your dog or cat busy for hours as they work to uncover the secret food compartments!

for your feline fanatic who can’t get enough of catnip filled toys! Natural Pawz has christmas toys to make any cat happy!

Page 29: Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

29{December 2012}

christmas never sparkled as bright! Shaftel Diamonds on richmond Ave. in Houston is the place to go for the best value, uncompromising quality and superior customer service. visit their website at www.shafteldiamonds.com

This nostalgic sock monkey is celebrating the holiday season by sporting a Santa hat. Available in 2 color choices at Natural Pawz

knitted in silky, shabby yarn and speckled with shimmering gold, this cozy, super soft sweater is a must have for those rockin’ christmas parties! Available at the Pawty Palace in katy!

The secret is out with this “i saw Mommy kissing Santa clause” tank! Available at the Pawty Palace!

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Human-grade ingredientsMeats, game and poultry raised

without antibiotics or added hormonesCertified organic fruits, vegetables and supplements

100% grain and gluten free Corn, wheat and soy freeVegetarian-fed protein sources

any one bag of frozen formula

any one 14oz. bag of freeze-dried formula

LIVING FOODS.THRIVING PETS.

COMMITTED TO ELEVATING THE HEALTH OF YOUR PET

OR1112 Natural Pawz Coupon: No cash value. Customer pays all sales tax. Not valid if copied or transferred. Valid for $2 off one bag of any Primal Frozen Formula OR $3 off one 14 oz. bag of any Primal Freeze-Dried Formula. May not be combined with other offers. Offer good at Natural Pawz only. ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. Retailer: You will be reimbursed for the value of this coupon provided you and the cutomer have complied with the terms of this offer. Give this coupon (with register receipt attached) to your Primal Pet Foods distributor for credit for your cost.

Expires Feb. 28, 2013

Locations: Sugarland | Katy | The Heights | West University | Galleria/Tanglewood | River Oaks | Cypress | Spring - Vintage Park | The Woodlands. www.naturalpawz.com 281-362-7299