PetGazette Henderson-Transylvania Area November-December 2014 Free FETCH This Copy! Holiday Giving Gift Guide Kid’s Books Pet: Yes or No? Project Santa Fun Events Ag Center Agility YMCA Adoption Fair Health Holiday Hazards Raw food diets Holiday Hosting Feathered Friends Pet Happenings Resource Guide Pro and con on pets as holiday gifts - Page 5 Volume 1 - Issue 4 Pet Happenings November-December 2014 Through December 31 - Low-cost spay/neuter for cats – just $9. Dogs are $25. Call Community Partnership for Pets. 828 693-5172 Through December 31 – Project Santa collection of food, treats, toys, stuff to benefit Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue. See story below. November Every Sat. - 4-7pm. Woof ‘n Wine to benefit Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue at Woof in the Woods, 1451 Charlotte Highway, Fairview. Wine, food, friends. Call to confirm. 828- 222-2222. Fri. - 11/14 thru Sun. 11/16. United Kingdom International - US Open Dog Agility International to qualify for membership on US team to compete in international championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands in spring, 2015. McGough Arena, WNC Ag Center, Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher. 864-634-2149 Sat. -. 11/15 – 11am-3pm. Adoption Day at Hendersonville Family YMCA, 810 West 6th Avenue, Hendersonville. In conjunction with BRHS. Info at www.ymcawnc.org, or call 828 697-9622 Thu. – 11/27 – Thanksgiving Day. Give thanks for our furryfeatheredfinny friends December Tu. 12/16 thru Wed. 12/24 Hanukkah Fri. - 12/12 thru Sun. - 12/14. United States Dog Agility Association/Blue Ridge Agility Club agility competition. McGough Arena, WNC Ag Center, Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher. 828 243-3821 Wed. - 12/24. Christmas Eve. Complete shopping. Thu. – 12/25. Christmas Day. Merry Christmas from the PetGazette pack. Fri. – 12/26. Kwanzaa begins. January Thu. - 1/1 – 10am. First Resolution Run 5K to benefit Brother Wolf. Details at Brother Wolf Facebook page or www.bwar.org. Legend: BRAC = Blue Ridge Agility Club BRHS = Blue Ridge Humane Society HHS = Hendersonville Humane Society HKC = Hendersonville Kennel Club CAAR = Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue CPP = Community Partnership for Pets Fundraising events for pet rescue groups are in red. Project-Santa Runs Fourth Food Drive T Your local holistic pet supply store! Healthy food at an affordable price. - Tasty treats and natural chews. - Large selection toys, leashes, collars, accessories. - Homeopathic remedies and holistic supplements. - Courteous, friendly service with a smile! - Now carrying Evangers, Pure Vita, Fromm, Nutrisource, and more! Stop by - you’ll be GRATEFUL you did! www.facebook.com/thegratefuldognc 828-883-4383 259 N. Broad St. in the College Plaza Mall Brevard, NC 28712 hroughout November and December 2014, Project-Santa volunteers will again be collecting donations of food, toys, leashes, collars and money to benefit area no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations. It is the fourth consecutive year for the drive, and organizer Kyle Kissman is hoping to top 2013’s record. “We took in 1240 pounds of food and treats last year,” Kissman said, “so we expect to easily reach this year’s goal of 1300 pound.” He added that dry pet food tops the list of items needed by Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue (CAAR) and the Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS) because of the harsh winter predicted for this year. Then he quickly pointed out that gifts of new and used pet supplies, office materials and cleaning supplies will also be welcomed. Kissman made one stipulation: “We do not accept food or treats made in China.” He added that he was especially pleased with the public reaction to the 2013 “no Chinese products” request. “Of all the donations we received last year, we only received one bag of treats that were made in China. So other than that single 2 • November/December 2014 • Pet Gazette bag, nothing was wasted.” Information about drop-off points is available at www.facebook.com/projectsanta. In addition to food, Project-Santa would happily accept large items in good condition. Crates, dog houses, fencing and other large items are some of the things the organization could put to good use in a new home. Volunteers will be available to pick up large items that current owners can’t transport. Arrangements for a pick-up can be made by contacting [email protected]. Donors to Project Santa can get free raffle tickets to win prizes donated by area businesses such as Dog Tag Art and Ho Sin Sool Dojang. Free raffle tickets can also be obtained by scheduling a spay/neuter service at a participating vet clinic or shelter, or by adopting a pet at CAAR or BHRS during the collection period. The public can also participate at one of the eleven locations in Buncombe and Henderson Counties listed below. The three locations identified with an asterisk collect donations for Project Santa throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. Two Agility Events Coming to Ag Center D og agility fans, old and new, will be treated to major agility competitions at the McGough Arena at the WNC Ag Center in November and December. The events will be run by two different sanctioning bodies, but be run under similar rules using similar standards. The first event, the United Kingdom International (UKI) US Open will run from Friday, November 14th thru Sunday the 16th. More than 350 dogs – four times the number in 2013 – will compete in these National Championships, so there will be four rings in action simultaneously. Dogs earning the top spots in their divisions will qualify for the US team that will compete at the agility international championships to be held in Amsterdam, Holland in the spring of 2015. From Friday, December 12th through Sunday, December 14th, the Blue Ridge Agility Club (BRAC) will be hosting a United States Dog Agility Association sanctioned event. Both events will have dogs and obstacles classified by height, and have competitors race as quickly as possible over a course containing jumps, tunnels, teeter-totters, fences and more. Winners will be those who complete the courses in the shortest time with the fewest errors, or no errors at all. Since eventsareorganizedbysize,notbreed,itisimpossible to know exactly when dogs of a particular breed will be competing. In general, the competitions will start at 8am and run until 5pm-ish. At both events, there will be food vendors as well as vendors of many dog related products such as collars, leashes, food, treats, beds, T-shirts, and, of course, agility equipment for those who want to practice with their pets at home. Both events are free for spectators, and the WNC Ag Center will not be charging for parking at either event. Spectators at both events are asked to leave their own dogs home. For details about November’s UKI-US Open event, call Jan Padgett at 864-634-2149. To learn more about December’s USDAA/BRAC competition, go to www.blueridgeagility.com. Golden Retriever Nationals Set Obedience Records T he old record number of Obedience competitors was shattered at the recent Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) National Specialty event at the WNC Ag Center. This year, 520 dogs competed, almost doubling the old record of 270 entrants. There were also a record number of entrants - 248 – for the Rally Trials, an offshoot of Obedience. GRCA National Obedience Chair Susan Young said, “I ran the numbers, and figured we might get as many as 360 entries. I was blown away when the tally came up to 520!” Young also gave a shout out to Asheville’s Companion Dog Training School. “I contacted Jane Johnson and asked if her crew would steward for us. They were awesome.” The Highest Scoring Dog in Trial (HIT) title went to handler David Maurer and his Golden Retriever Buster UDX5 with a score of 199 out of a possible 200. Just three days earlier they had also won the HIT title at the Asheville Kennel Club Trial by posting a rare perfect score of 200. Table of Contents PetGazette Fun Events Health Agility Trials - 2 YMCA Adoption Fair - 3 Avian Dangers - 6 Holiday Pet Hazards – 6 Holiday Dog Hosting - 4 Raw Diets - 8 Gifts Kids’ books - 8 Gift Guide - 8 Giving pets wise? - 5 Pet Resource Guide Please refer to the PetG azette advertisers in this issue for their business details and contact information. Art Fast Cat Studio pg. 3 Susan Strazella Artist pg. 6 Daycare A Dog’s Day Out pg. 4 Groomers A Dog’s Day Out pg. 4 Chrissy’s VIP Pets pg. 4 Rainbow Bridge Best Friends Cemetery & Crematorium pg. 7 Lap of Love Home Euthanasia pg. 7 Pet Crematorium – Western Carolina pg. 7 Hendersonville Family YMCA to host Adoption Fair O n Saturday, November 15, the Y will be serving pets as well as people by hosting a Pet Adoption Fair at their facility at 810 West 6th Avenue in Hendersonville. The event will be held inside to insure it will happen rain or shine. The Adoption Fair will be a joint effort of the YMCA and the Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS). Depending on several factors, including the number of available adoptable pets that day and the number of volunteers to work with them, the BRHS will be bringing between four and six dogs to the Y. Christine Vanard, Member Engagement Manager at the Y, said the organization hopes to have many more Adoption Fairs in the future. The Y is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, and helping place homeless animals is certainly a socially responsible effort. “The more forever homes we can find, the better,” Vanard said. In addition to hosting the Adoption Fair, the Y will become a pet food donation site. The BRHS will provide a bin into which food and treats can be dropped. Even families who do not adopt a dog from the Fair can benefit from a visit. They will get to enjoy warm, friendly, furry creatures. And they will also have a great opportunity to see the Y facility and learn about all its programs for everyone from young children to “highly experienced” adults. For further information, email the Y at www.ymcawnc.org or call 828 697-9622. Rescue Needs Pet People - 7 PetGazette Charlie’s Angels pg. 5 Stores: Service, Knowledge, Supplies Published bimonthly by Marks Media. WAG! A Pet Boutique pg. 3 Pet Source pg. 5 The Grateful Dog pg. 2 Woof in the Woods pg. 4 PetGazette focuses on the fun and care of pets in Asheville. It is written by local experts for local pet lovers. The opinions and recommendations of contributors are their own, not necessarily those of PetGazette. Trainers Woof in the Woods pg. 4 Photo by Louise St. Romain, FastCat Photography Studio Veterinarians Apple Valley Equine pg. 5 R.E.A.C.H. pg. 6 Riversong pg. 4 Happy Holidays from all the two and four footed staff at PetGazette Phone: 828 633-1348 Mail: PO Box 151, Candler, NC 28715 Carol Marks, Publisher [email protected] Jim Marks, Editor [email protected] Entire PetGazette home office staff. Hunter, Golden Retriever VP Customer Relations Rosie, ShihTzu/Terrier VP Credit & Collections All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscriptions are available at $14 for 3 issues, $25 for 6 issues. Contributing Photographer: Louise St. Romain, FastCat Photography Studio Design and layout by Journey Design Studio. Copyright 2014 by Marks Media. Historic Downtown Hendersonville We come to your location to create wonderful portraits of your furry friends. We also create photographic images for businesses and families. QUALITY Food & Treats Toys & Games DISTINCTIVE Collars ~ Leashes ~ Attire STURDY Outdoor Gear & LOTS more! OV.EPH! QFU!TUZMJOH ILY N DA OPE Owner Pet & ly! d Frien 3671!VT!Ijhixbz!75!FbtuTvjuf!C )Dijnofz!Spdl!Spbe* Ifoefstpowjmmf-!OD!398:3 Pxofs!Wjdlj!Tdispbefs-! )gpsnfs!pxofs!pg! Ijefbxbz!Ijmmt* 36!zfbst!pg!hsppnjoh! fyqfsjfodf Nblf!zpvs!eph!mppl!boe! gffm!mjlf!b!dibnqjpo" Ipvst!cz!bqqpjounfou IROORZXV IROORZXV Opx! 939.342.9825 bddfqujoh! ofx! dmjfout 231 N. Main St. 828/697-7799 Hendersonville, NC www.wagpetboutique.com Pet Gazette • November/December 2014 • 3 How to Happily Host A Visiting Canine by Jim Marks with Steve Canady D og trainer Steve Canady, aka The Dogfather, gave PetGazette some helpful hints for hosting a canine guest. The first thing Canady recommended was to have the dogs meet on neutral ground. Dogs can be very territorial, so you don’t want the new dog to look like an invader, not a visitor. “Meet at a pre-arranged spot and take them for a proper walk,” Canady said. “If possible, let them be off leash. A leash can increase a dog’s tension when it’s meeting another dog”, he added. “And more tension is the last thing you want.” Ideally, the dogs should be allowed enough off-leash time together to get comfortable before going to the hosting home. Once home, let the visiting dog go in first. That lets the resident dog know the visitor is a welcome guest. “Be sure you haven’t left any dog toys, or chews, or food around,” Canady emphasized. “That could create a problem!” If conflict starts, step in and stop any bad behavior immediately. “You have to be the lead dog,” Canady said. “Establish the rules firmly, and the dogs will stay within them.” After the visitor has had a chance to explore a bit, toys can be introduced. Give each one a familiar favorite and let them play separately or together, as they choose. Eventually, one will decide to leave his own toy and check out the other’s favorite. That’s fine if it doesn’t arouse aggression. But if it does, step in right away. “Show them again that you’re the lead dog and you won’t tolerate aggression,” Canady said. At feeding time, keep the bowls separate and supervise the meal. “Stay between the dogs until both are finished,” Canady said. “Then you can let them do their bowl checking. It’s standard procedure.” Canady said free feeding is an especially bad thing to do when there’s a visiting dog in the home. “If there’s one thing dogs will fight over, it’s food,” he said. “So don’t leave any out to argue about.” Children should be taught to welcome the visitor, but not too enthusiastically. Loud greetings and sudden movements could scare the visitor and make him defensive. Behavior should be quiet, calm and gentle. The dogs will appreciate it, and so will the adults. At bedtime, the visitor should stay with his owner and be crated. Once the dog is comfortably inside with his familiar bedding and a toy or two, the crate should be covered. “Crates give dogs a real sense of security,” Canady said. “They’re like a portable cave that provides protection all around.” Both dogs should be kept to their regular routines. Feeding schedules, especially, should be followed as closely as possible. And if the dogs seem to be getting along, their walks, outdoor play and “business trips” can be done together. If their schedules aren’t exactly the same, the time difference can be split. Dogs are creatures of habit, but they don’t wear watches. Be aware of noises – especially common noises the resident dog might be used to, but the visitor might find upsetting. Ambulance or police sirens, train whistles and car horns are good examples. Canady says a dog can be trained to ignore those noises by putting peanut butter on his nose and then playing recordings of the noises at HIGH VOLUME. The dog will be so focused on the peanut butter that he will soon be comfortable ignoring the noise. The basic rule is to use large doses of common sense and preparation. Ask in advance about the visiting dog’s habits and try to accommodate them. Have a training air can or similar noise-making device handy to use as negative reinforcement if a dog behaves badly. Watch for signs of stress – tail down, ears back, head lowered, panting – and try to reassure the dog with normal language in normal tones, or distracting games. Overly solicitous language could send a message that something really is wrong. Don’t leave the dogs alone and loose in the home, at least until you’re positive they get along well. Crate one or both while you’re away. They’ll be comfortable, and you won’t come home to a holiday disaster. Steve Canady runs SpecializedK9Services, part of Woof in the Woods pet center in Fairview. Reach him at 828 222-2222, or specializedK9services.com. “Treating your pets well!” Integrative veterinary care for small animals utilizing a variety of holistic and traditional treatment options. Acupuncture Herbal Medicine Nutrition Dentistry Homeopathy Therapeutic Laser Wellness & Geriatric Care Ann Holshouser, DVM, CVA Connie Cannady, DVM 4 Market St., #4105, Brevard, NC 28712 (828) 862-8450 ͻ www.riversongvet.com ).(!).+2",-+%"(!3%&&)/" A D 4 Daycare and Grooming 3BJOPS4IJOF*OEPPS0VUEPPS1MBZ"SFBT -BSHF4NBMM%PH1MBZ"SFBT Bathing & Grooming. Call for Appt. Mon-Wed-Fri: 7:30am - 6:30pm Tues-Thurs: 7am - 6:30pm Sat: 8:30 - 5:30 942 Maple Street, Hendersonville (3 blocks from 5 points & US 25 & N. Main St. intersection) 828-692-0200 4 • November/December 2014 • Pet Gazette adogsdayoutnc.com Two Views On Giving Pets At The Holidays The Gift of a New Life by Trish Loehr W e’ll see that bumper sticker any day now. “A puppy is for life, not just for Christmas”. When I Googled “pets for Christmas - bad idea,” I found 1.5 million results. Some shelters even shut down adoptions over the holidays, trying to reduce impulse adoptions and pet returns. But how many of us have happy memories of getting pets under the tree or as birthday presents when we were younger? Most of us realize that surprising frail Great Aunt Gertrude with a rowdy Saint Bernard pup may not be the best idea. But what does research tell us about pets given as gifts? Studies seem to agree that pets acquired as gifts are actually less likely to be given up to shelters than pets acquired from other sources. Scarlett et al. (1999) found that “Unwanted gift” was listed as a reason for only 0.3% of dogs and 0.4% of cats entering the shelters surveyed, while “No time for pet” was a reason 10% of dogs were relinquished and “allergies in family” was a reason 18% of cats were relinquished. Last year, a survey by Weiss et al. noted “no significant relationship between receiving a dog or cat as a gift, whether a surprise or not, and the receivers’ self-perceived love or attachment toward the pet.” They also found “no significant relationship between receiving a dog or cat as a gift and whether the pet was still living in the home at the time of the survey.” Do we need to rethink our bumper stickers? Setting some gift guidelines may also help pets succeed in new homes. • Make sure the recipient really wants this type of pet, and is prepared to give it proper time and care. • Get the pet or gift certificate from a reputable source. • Avoid internet dealers and stores that sell animals, as you may be buying from a puppy mill or other large-volume breeder. • If your family will be away or overrun with holiday visitors, put some pet supplies under the tree instead of an actual animal. A book, crate, litter box, or food bowl, plus a gift certificate for a pet at the shelter after the holidays, will do nicely. • If you are giving a pet to a child, whether yours or someone else’s, recognize that the ultimate responsibility for feeding, vetting, training and cleaning up will be the parent’s. So be sure they want the animal. Consider adding a gift certificate for a dog training class – a well behaved dog is more likely to stay in their new home. Rethinking the idea that most gift pets will be returned when the novelty wears off may just help save some lives this holiday season. Many shelters even offer “Home for the Holidays” types of promotions, which mean many animals will benefit with the best gift of all, a home of their own. Trish Loehr owns Loehr Animal Behavior, and can help your new pet settle in. Reach her at www.loehranimalbehavior.com . Christmas Pets Problematic T he tree is aglow with lights and decorations. Carols play. Pretty presents sparkle with colorful paper and bows. And inside one is a special gift: The children are getting their very own puppy or kitten. The perfect holiday scene we all dream of, right? Little Bobby or Suzy pulling the top off a wriggling box to reveal, amid their delighted gasps, a furry little bundle of fluff wrapped in a satiny bow. Awww. What could possibly go wrong with this postcard scene? Well… plenty. The following is a brief checklist to consider before surprising the kids--grown or small—with an unexpected pet this holiday season. Number one— one—Surprises Surprises are not always a good thing or welcomed. Adults might not be ready or willing for the commitment a sudden pet will require. They might still be mourning a previous pet, be enjoying their pet-free freedom, or simply be needing a breather for now. There are many reasons people choose not to have a pet and sometimes we are not clued in to them, thus making a sudden surprise for them or kiddies a bad idea. Number two— two—Responsibility. Responsibility. Small children often can’t handle the responsibility of a pet. Getting a youngster a dog or cat with the notion of teaching them responsibility will very often backfire. It’s much better to start with something smaller. Fish and pocket pets are good starter pets for very young children. Later, once they learn to appreciate small animals and still want another pet, they can graduate to something bigger. Number three— three—Travel. Travel. This is a big, often overlooked issue. Holidays are busy. We’re running off somewhere or having people coming to see us. The house schedule is often upended, turning into a chaotic blur of activity. Does this really sound like the best time to introduce a pet? Puppies have to be walked and potty-trained. Kittens need attention too. The furry baby’s whole life has just been uprooted from mom and siblings to be plunked into a new household. That is seriously stressful. And if the family is going away, will the new pet face even more upheaval and change? Is that really fair? It would be far better to wait until life calms back down to normal. If Bobby or Suzy are really old enough for a pet and Mom and Dad are committed to the idea, create an I.O. U. Wrap a box with a photo of the promised pet and a few of its necessary supplies. Perhaps add a list of suggested names and include a fact or care sheet or book. Write a big I.O.U. card, sealed with a kiss and an ink paw print or sticker. Ryan Jo Summers has done about everything in the pet world except become a veterinarian. She is an owner of many pets, a rescue volunteer, a former veterinary technician and a former boarding kennel owner. She is also an author whose latest book, Shimmers of Stardust, was published by Soul Mate Publishing in September. 828•808•8304 Providing: • Annual Wellness & Vaccines • Lameness Evaluation • Pre-purchase Examinations • Portable Digital Radiology • Reproduction Services • Nutritional Counseling • Acupuncture • Massage Hendersonville’s independently and locally owned full-line pet supply store since 1999. Natural and holistic products and medications. Do it yourself dog wash. Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 6:00 Saturday 9:00 - 5:00 Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 (828) 698-6910 Serving 1927 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, NC www.petsourcenc.com Henderson, Transylvania, Buncombe, Polk Counties & Surrounding Areas. Jennifer A. McKee, DVM P etz e a Ge t • November/December 2014 • 5 Keep Your Dog Safe from Seasonal Hazards by Lin Sharp T he fast approaching end-of-the-year holidays fill us with good cheer and sense of generosity. We may feel the urge to share a portion from all our favorite food creations with our beloved pets, especially when those wonderful smells from the kitchen while we are preparing dishes send their little noses into twitch overdrive. For example, my Westie puppy goes into darter fish mode when I’m in the kitchen. With a blinding flash of white fur he comes out of nowhere and snatches up any little tidbit that might accidentally make its way to the floor. Then he quickly snaps back to avoid any interference. In his defense, I will admit that I’m a messy cook so his temptation level remains high. My first response would be to think, “Isn’t that cute. How about a little more?” I know better and I stop myself. Our friends and relatives also get into sharing before, during, or after meals and this can put your pet at risk. Our guests may not be aware that certain food treats for us are toxic to dogs. For instance, chocolate can trigger abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, or death. Grapes and raisins can induce kidney failure. Macadamia nut poisoning causes muscle tremors, paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, and rapid heart rate. As few as six nuts can make a dog ill. Other potential troublemakers are: alcohol, almonds, walnuts, apple seeds, Express your best friend’s love for you, now and forever. Wonderful gift (please order early, these handcrafted pieces take time!) SUSAN STRAZZELLA, MIXED MEDIA ARTIST Studio 2A2 The Wedge Bldg., 129 Roberts St., Asheville ÜÜÜ°ÃÌÀ>ââi>°iÌÊUÊ>ÀÌÃÌÃÕâÞJ>°V 609-203-0843 apricot pits, baby food, bones (meat, fish or poultry), candy containing Xylitol, cherry pits, coffee beans and grounds, hops, mushrooms, mustard seeds, onions and onion powder, peach pits, rhubarb leaves, soda, tea, tomato leaves and stems. Lin Sharp co-author of “Hey! Can You Hear Us? Messages from Animals” Most vegetables are safe and a little taste of meat will not hurt. But skip the gravies and richly prepared food and desserts that can upset an animal’s stomach. The best way to handle unacceptable feeding is to simply ask your guests not to feed your pet. Better yet, keep your dog confined to another room during dinner. Place bowls of food up and out of their reach. Maintain a tight lid on the garbage inside and outside of your home. Especially pay attention to how children or unfamiliar people act around your pets. Other potential holiday hazards come in the form of decorations. Plants like holly, mistletoe, or poinsettia, Pyracantha berries, and needles from Christmas trees can cause convulsions, coma, and death. Glass bulbs and ornaments, electrical cords, and tree water that could contain preservatives, pesticides, or fertilizer create danger for chewing pets. A tinsel eater might wind up with blocked intestines. A little preplanning and mindfulness of our pets’ needs and safety will go a long way to creating an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone over the holidays. Saleem, Quinn, Jeff, and I (the Sharp family) wish you and the staff at Pet Gazette a safe and happy holiday season and a terrific beginning to 2015. Lin blogs about pets at PawzitivelySharp.com. She is coauthor of “Hey! Can You Hear Us? Messages from Animals”, available from Amazon or from Crystal Spectrum Publications. Avian Holiday Hazards by Emily Trimnal D EMERGENCY AND SPECIALTY ANIMAL HOSPITAL Quality Care With Compassion - Open 24/7 UÊ"iÊ Ã«Ì>Ê«ÀÛ`}ÊV«Ài iÃÛiÊiiÀ}iVÞÊ ÊÊÊ>`ÊëiV>ÌÞÊV>Ài UÊ>À`Ê iÀÌwi`Ê-ÕÀ}iÊ>`ÊÌiÀÃÌÊÊÃÌ>vv UÊ-iÀÛ}Ê>ÊvÊ7 UÊ ÌÕÕÃÊÛiÀ} ÌÊÌÀ}ÊLÞÊ`VÌÀÃÊ ÊÊÊ>`ÊÃÌ>vv :H1RZ+DYHD%RDUG&HUWLÀHG,QWHUQLVW and cardiac ultrasounds, endoscopic procedures and complex medical cases. 677 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 665-4399 www.reachvet.com 6 • November/December 2014 • Pet Gazette uring the holidays there are many new and exciting things we use to decorate around the house that can be as dangerous to your avian friend as they are pretty. We want your holidays to be fun and safe, so we are addressing the common holiday household dangers for 2014. Among the most common decorations for the winter season is mistletoe. This often seen holiday plant that harbors such a fairy tale legend also has a dark side. Mistletoe is part of the Viscaceae family and the form commonly seen in North America is a hybrid plant of both English and European varieties. Mistletoe is famous for bearing its fruit in the winter months, making it a popular decoration during the Christmas season. The red berries that are such a trademark of mistletoe are toxic to our avian friends, as are holly berries. Another favorite holiday plant, the Poinsettia, can cause GI tract irritation if ingested. Other holiday decorations such as tinsel, angel hair, and other common Christmas tree adornments are made of plastic. They should be kept out of reach of your bird(s) at all times, as they are made of plastic and could become impacted in the crop if accidentally ingested. Your favorite holiday scents can be dangerous to your birds, too. Burning candles should be used with diligence, and birds should always be kept in the cage if a candle is lit. Candles, which have a bad reputation for lead in the wick, are safer now due to new regulations. More bird owners are beginning to use them again with caution. If you do use a candle, use one that is made out of a natural material such as soy or beeswax and is not heavily scented. Remember, our feathered friends have a respiratory system different than ours. Because of the way the air they breathe travels into their system any scent can be especially irritating. Remember as you invite guests into your home this holiday season to keep tempting foodstuffs away from your avian companion. Alcoholic beverages, chocolate, and avocado should not be given to your bird under any circumstances. Of course, with all these cautions, it doesn’t mean that your feathered friends can’t participate in the festivities of the holiday! Buying a festive bird safe toy to adorn the cage is a safe and fun way to celebrate and keep your companion happy and entertained. Holiday-themed toys are especially fun! Many pet owners also have gotten into the spirit of gift giving with their companions. For added fun, wrap the ‘gift’ in a piece of newspaper and place in the bird’s cage. Watch the bird unravel the present with delight! Emily Trimnal is a Certified Avian Specialist, a Level 2 Aviculturist with the American Federation of Aviculture, and a regular contributor to PetGazette. Her blog is Emily’s Birds. In Memory Steve – September 10, 2014 Steve was four years old when he met his mom, Dee Sorrento. He was loving, sweet and Chihuahua-ish. Dee looked forward to waking up and finding Steve lying beside each morning anxiously waiting for her eyes to open so he could kiss her face and they could plan their day. Dee was a dedicated mom to Steve. Though he passed from this life on September 10th, his paws are forever planted in her heart. Louie Haynes October 27th, 2014 Louie Haynes of Fletcher, died peacefully at homef. He is survived by mother Ann, father Tom, sister Laci, and brother Marley. Louie was a very strong willed, determined, and vocal cat. He was an excellent communicator able to let everyone know what he wanted or how he was feeling. He had the heart of a lion. Louie took his job as his mom’s lap and bed warmer very seriously. He and his kitty siblings loved playing on the back porch as they monitored the yard from their home. He leaves behind his shrimp toy, cat scratcher, toy mice and string toys to Laci and Marley as reminders of the fun they enjoyed together. The Haynes family is deeply saddened by the death of their sweet Louie. Alice - October 1, 2014 Life at the Tessnair house is filled with joy. There’s Sarah and Terry who are the parents of Lucy and Emma – September 8, 2014 Liam – and that’s just the people who live there! The Kathy Ziprik love extends to a cat, a dog, several happy chickens, said goodbye to a few ducks and a little tribe of friendly goats. Alice her sweet Abby was one of the four goats that bring joy and laughter in April, and on to the Tessnair family. Sadly Alice became ill and September 8th she passed away on October 1st. The family is saddened was heartbroken and will forever miss the sweet kid who would again when Emma went to be with her Beagle follow Sarah anywhere. Sarah is one of the funeral sister. Emma was a loving girl who lived a directors at Shuler and Forest Lawn Funeral Homes joyful life with Kathy and her doggie siblings. and Pet Cremations of Western Carolina. Our hearts Kathy has a special place in her heart for go out to her and her family. beagles, but she is a true animal lover who goes the extra mile to find loving families for Little Bit – September 10, 2014 dogs in need of forever homes. Emma was a Little Bit was a big bite of love for fourteen years. fortunate recipient of Kathy’s boundless love. He was an adorable Yorkshire Terrier. Richard and Emma and Abby are playing joyfully over the Susan Scheuerman said goodbye to their little man Rainbow Bridge, and both are greatly missed on September 10th. A Green Bay Packers fan, by Kathy, Hope and Lacey. Richard will miss having Little Bit by his side as they watched the games together. He leaves behind Rocky – September 26, 2014 years of loving memories for Richard and Susan to Miniature poodle always cherish. Rocky was a huge presence to all who Cookie - October 14, 2014 knew him. Glenn Doug and Joan Jones adopted Cookie into their and Theresa Daily family when she was two years old, and that miss so much about is where she lived a happy life until October their beautiful little 14th when she died at the age of 14. Cookie guy who enjoyed was a lovable and well behaved dog who is playtime, hugs and missed by Doug and Joan as well as doggie snacks – especially brother Dave. snacks! Rocky was an important member of From Schuler-Forest Lawn Funeral Homes the Daily family for 15 wonderful years. and Pet Cremations of Western Carolina Pet People Shuler-Forest Lawn Funeral Homes and are available, even a personalized sculpture of the Pet Cremations of Western Carolina pet’s paw made by Nancie herself. “ he grief for our pets is as deep as it is for humans”, Nancie said. “Here at Schuler/ The Grateful Dog Forest Lawn we are all pet lovers, so we understand ipanay Flagg, owner of the newly-opened the importance of bringing comfort to the family The Grateful Dog holistic pet supply store on North Broad Street, Brevard, has had a lifetime love of animals. But Tip had one pet that’s just slightly unusual. In addition to dogs, cats, bats, mice, snakes and the occasionally rescued turtle or bird, Tip somehow kept a vulture in her family’s carport! There’s no vulture food at The Grateful Dog, but you’ll find everything you need for a dog or cat, including food, toys, treats, homeopathic remedies, etc. all with a natural focus. “I never thought I’d find a career I’d be so passionate about”, Tip said recently. “but now I live and breathe this. I wake Nancie Liles, C.F.C., Community Outreach up thinking nutrition and how I can learn more to Liaison, Funeral Celebrant, Treasured Memories help my customers. They are like family to me.” while providing ways to honor the departed pet.” When not at the store, Tip’s interests include painting, After an early career as a fashion model, Nancie drawing, making paper and books, and cooking. went on to be a registered nurse. In order to combine that compassion with her lifetime love of animals she began volunteering at Buncombe County Animal Control and the Buncombe County Humane Society. Wanting to fill their need for better shelter, education and adoption procedures, Nancie formed Friends of theAnimals, which became the Asheville Humane Society. Now, as the Funeral Celebrant for companion animals, Nancie helps pet guardians memorialize and honor their pet. Statues, urns and other items Tipanay Flagg - Owner, The Grateful Dog T “ Louise St. Romain, FastCat Studio Louise St. Romain, FastCat Studio 828-665-4303 Caring For All Members Of Your Family 828-667-8717 Because their last memory... ...should be at home with you Get to Know PetGazette’s Advertisers T Veterinary Hospice (828) 620-1062 [email protected] www.LapofLove.com PROVIDING END OF LIFE CARE WITH COMPASSION, DIGNITY AND LOVE A Final Act of Caring... Pet Cremations of Western Carolina ;LIRMX´WXMQIXSWE]KSSHF]I [IXVIEX]SYVTIX[MXLXLIWEQIGEVI HMKRMX]ERHVIWTIGX[ITVSZMHI JSVSYVS[R *SVQSVIMRJSVQEXMSRGEPP SVIQEMP2ERGMI$7LYPIV*SVIWX0E[RGSQ Pet Gazette • November/December 2014 • 7 Holiday Gift Guide L ocally owned independent pet stores and services have wonderful holiday gifts for the companies which support Pet Gazette. For more information, please see their ad in pets and petlovers, so why go bigbox? Here are just some things available from this issue. Wag! A Unique Pet Boutique Louise St. Romain, FastCat Studio Schuler-Forest Lawn Pet Crematorium “Memory Glass “ keepsake jewelry, touchstones, and other items are made from cremains suspended in hand blown solid glass. Many colors are available and each is individually made. Prices vary by item. Yellow Dog rope leashes are great for any size pet and come in a beautiful array of colors. 4ft long and comfy in your hand. $15 each. A Dog’s Day Out Susan Strazzella, Artist A Gift Certificate is always a welcome gift, and doggie daycare might be especially welcome for you and/or a friend for early giving, when long shopping trips or visits to relatives are planned. A whimsical portrait of dogs, cats, horses (even chickens and other pets) captures their personality from favorite photographs. Each portrait is a composite of various materials and takes a while to make, so for this holiday season consider wrapping up one of Sue’s postcards as a gift certificate. 'ŝĨƚĞƌƚŝĨŝĐĂƚĞŐŽŽĚĨŽƌ͗ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ Pet Source As colorful and playful as they are tough, these good-sized toys will stand up to even tuff chewers due to their special construction and hi-tech materials. Available in many creatures. Louise St. Romain, FastCat Studio The Grateful Dog Kids love getting special treats in their Holiday stockings or wrapped as gifts, and so do our furry kids. These treats from Stella & Chewy’s are all natural too! What about Raw Diets? by Larry Jandrew R aw diets are not for everyone. Deciding whether or not a raw diet is best for your pet and you requires a lot of research before committing. Following are some insights that can help you determine if this type of feeding is best for your pet’s health and your budget. Handling raw diets properly is vital to protecting your pet’s health and your safety. You must handle the raw food as you would your own raw meats. Salmonella bacteria can arise when the meat is not handled properly. Your pet’s dishes must always be thoroughly cleaned after every meal. Also, a raw diet cannot be left out for the pet to finish at a later time. Raw diets are a little more labor intensive than dry diets. Dogs have been eating raw meats for thousands of years. Prior to the introduction of dry kibble, dogs and cats diets were basically made up of raw meats. Dogs and cats are carnivores (although we have changed their diets and made them omnivores). For example a dogs DNA is about 99% similar to a wolf. Raw diets balance the ratios of protein and fruits and vegetables that would naturally be found in the prey hunted in the wild. The nutrients in raw diets are in their natural state (not cooked) and bio-available (available for the body to metabolize naturally and completely). Raw diets are also free from certain allergies (grains, food colorings, chemicals, dust). Raw diets 8 • November/December 2014 • Pet Gazette are free from fillers and provide enhanced weight management; can improve skin and coats on pets because of higher absorption of fatty acids; and are also known to improve teeth and gums plus strengthened immune systems. A raw diet is generally made up of 70% water (which is the perfect balance of water for dogs and cats). Water will help digest and absorb nutrients. It also helps to burn fuel which is turned to energy, and helps maintain normal body temperatures. Water carries nutrients to the cells and removes toxins from the cells, taking them to the proper organs for elimination. Raw diets also are beneficial because raw fat is very easy for our pets to metabolize. Fat is the most important source of energy and glucose for our pets, and offers about twice as much energy as protein or carbohydrates. In the wild, a wolf/dog’s need for vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients are generally found in raw muscle meat, raw organ meat, and raw bones. So it is important to rotate proteins in raw diets because each of the muscle meats and organ meats has a unique set of amino acids and nutritional benefits. Nutrients begin to break down around 120 degrees and their nutritional value decreases. Since raw meat is never cooked, these breakdowns do not occur. If you decide to try raw diets, the transition process is very important. All dogs and cats are unique. The transition process can differ from pet to pet. It is best to do a slow transition over a two week period. Begin at 25% raw to 75% current diet. After a few days increase to 50%-50%. Then 75% to 25%, then 100%. Be aware that with any transition there can be minor digestive issues with your pet. Generally they will go away after a few days. I urge you to research the raw diets available and also the manufacturers. Not all raw pet foods are equal. Make sure that you understand whether or not a particular food is a complete diet or a topper (raw meant to be fed only as a supplement, not as a complete diet). Also remember that raw diets should never be cooked or heated. And do not let the raw food sit at room temperature. Thawed raw diets can generally be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. I recommend that you only thaw enough for 23 days. By following a strict protocol on raw diets you can insure that your pet’s health and your safety will not be compromised. Get a knowledgeable person to help you in selecting a raw diet that fits your and your pet’s needs. Larry Jandrew has owned Pet Source since 1999. He’s been in the industry for 35 years, and worked closely with most of the pet food companies. His opinions are based on history and performances by the manufacturers. He says: “My goal is to give you the knowledge needed to make your own choice in deciding what to feed your pet. Help for Kids W e adults have it rough when our beloved pet passes, and it can be hard to help our kids cope with their own grief at this time. Here are three books that might help. If none of these seems appropriate, just search for more on Amazon, which is where PetGazette found these. There are more books on this subject than you might imagine. Many are even free on Kindle. The following descriptions are taken directly from Amazon’s website. Forever Friend: Activities for Kids Who Have Lost a Pet by Susan B. Weaver Forever Friend is a beautifully designed and produced activity book offering a loving, creative and healthy way for kids age 4 through 14 to copy with the loss of a pet. Through carefully structured activities like gathering photos, drawing pictures, planning a memorial service and even writing a special song for their pet, the author gently walks children and “tweens” through what is often their first experience and loss. Page by page, as children work through their grief, they also create a keepsake scrapbook that forever captures the happy times they shared with their special pet. Forever Friend makes a loving gift that enables children to find their own unique way to say goodbye.”
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