march 2014

Issue 2: Volume 8

Photo by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.

contents

EVENT CALENDAR 6March 2014

THE SCOOP 7Canine News and Happenings

BARKING LOT 10MCASociety to Host Tails & Trails Event

SPECIAL FEATURE 12Making a Plan to Say Goodbye

BODY & SOUL 14A Tribute to the Life of a Legendary Dog ThatHelped Make a Stronger Cruelty Law in Texas

HEALTH & WELLNESS 20A Pet’s Passing - Insight and Advice froma Veterinarian’s Perspective

ADOPTION 24Tiny Paws Rescue

PublisherJennifer Kitchens-Street(281) [email protected]

Advertising(281) [email protected]

Contributing WritersRosanna RussellChristie Cornelius, DVMPamela Duffy BoichJohn Edwards, DVM

Staff PhotographerJamie Fincherwww.pawprintsbyjamie.com

Urban Paws MagazinePO Box 1556Spring, TX 77383www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Web: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

© Copyright 2014. No part of thispublication may be reprinted orotherwise reproduced without thepublisher’s written permission.Urban Paws magazine assumes noresponsibility for unsolicited manu-scripts, feature and idea submis-sions, or photographs, and suchmaterial will not be returned. UrbanPaws magazine assumes no liabilityfor the contents herein and has theright to refuse advertising for anyreason. Urban Paws magazine doesnot endorse any specific product orservice contained herein; we doencourage you to support ouradvertisers whenever possible.

Please tell our advertisers thatyou heard about them in UrbanPaws Magazine!

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COMING INMARCH:

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COMING INMAY:

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Contact us forspecial advertising opportunities

at 281.384.5431

MARCHevent calendar

MARCH 1Wine, Art and AAR at Vino Artino, 11550 Louetta

Road. Join Abandoned Animal Rescue for a fun

painting party. All supplies are provided. You will

leave with your own interpretation of a Texas

Farmhouse. $50 per person includes appetizers

and wine. To register, email [email protected].

MARCH 216th Annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade.

Bringing out the best in people and their pets, this

parade begins at 28th and Seawall and proceeds

west to 47th Street, to the Academy parking lot.

Pets of all sizes, shapes, and species are welcome

(costumes optional). Registration begins at

11:00am and the pre- parade costume contest

begins at 11:30, with the winners making up the

Royal Court. For more information,

http://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/seawall/para

des.asp.

MARCH 7Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) at

West Oaks Mall is casting a spotlight on our four-

legged friends through its ArtBARK Dog Art Show.

For just $10, dog owners can submit a photo of

their pooch to be rendered as one-of-a-kind mas-

terpiece by KVPAC artists. All canine artworks will

be featured in the ArtBARK Dog Art Show, opening

Friday, March 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

MARCH 9Pet-A-Palooza at Discovery Green. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Spend your day in the park with Mix 96.5 and your

furry friend celebrating our animal love affair!

Special Performance by American Authors. This

event is free and open to the public.

MARCH 9Boneyard 3rd Anniversary Bash benefiting

Weimaraner Rescue of Texas. Boneyard Drinkery,

8150 Washington Ave. 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Activities

include: silent auction and raffle, Pinot’s Palette

Painting, Micro-chipping, nail trims and dog face

painting, free giveaways, food truck and much

more. For more information, visit www.boneyard-

houston.com.

MARCH 16Adoptable shelties from Houston Sheltie Sanctuary

will be at Boneyard Drinkery from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Gift baskets will be available for raffle drawings as

well as homemade goodies for the bake sale. For

more information, visit www.houstonsheltiesanc-

tuary.com.

MARCH 2333rd Annual K9 Fun Run with Houston Humane

Society. Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby. To regis-

ter, visit www.houstonhumane.org.

MARCH 28-29Garage sale for Houston Beagle and Hound

Rescue. Help support the beagles by coming by

and finding some treasures. Email info@houston-

beaglerescue.org for location and donations.

Follow us on FACEBOOK & TWITTER for the mostup-to-date information, news and events!

For a full list of events, visit:www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events

6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

the scoop

FURminator Features Rescued Pets onNew Product Packaging

FURminator, known for its role as pioneers in

pet hair solutions, has launched a new campaign,

“Beautiful Rescues,” to show its support for pet

rescue organizations and pets in need.

In 2013, FURminator partnered with Pet

Rescue Network (PRN), an all-volunteer foster

network in St. Louis, Missouri, to create adop-

tion posters as a way of both showing the beau-

ty and bringing out the personality of a group

of rescue dogs. The goal of this effort was to

help match them with committed families who

are able to provide a safe, loving and forever

home. These posters were incredible successful

in shining light on the beauty of rescue pets and,

ultimately, in helping find homes for the dogs.

To show further support, FURminator revised

its shampoo packaging, using photos of these

same rescued dogs. In this simple way, by fea-

turing rescue dogs on their shampoo bottles,

Urban Paws Magazine 7

FURminator hopes to focus attention on the

millions of pets in shelters in the US and sup-

port the work of the many–including volun-

teers–who help find them loving homes.

FURminator hopes to encourage pet lovers to

take action and support local shelters, through

adoption, volunteering or donating. In addition

to their efforts to raise awareness of shelter pets,

FURminator has donated 10 cases of the

Beautiful Rescue shampoo bottles to the Pet

Rescue Network.

To learn more about FURminator’s efforts to

give pets the happy lives that they deserve, visit

www.furminator.com/blog.aspx.

The Weather Channel Falls in Love withits New Weather Therapy Dog

After weeks of

traveling to res-

cue shelters

across the

United States

and an over-

whelming

response from

weather and

puppy fans, The Weather Channel® has select-

ed Butler, a shepherd mix, as its weather thera-

py dog. Butler will appear, along with Amy

McCullough, his handler from American

Humane Association, on The Weather Channel

network for the first time during a special

Valentine’s Day edition of “Morning Rush” (7

a.m. – 10 a.m. ET).

Butler is a 35-pound, 1.5 year-old male shep-


herd mix who was rescued from the Humane

Society of Charlotte, North Carolina, just four

days after arriving at the shelter. Butler stole

the hearts of producers, on-air talent and rep-

resentatives from American Humane

Association. The perfect therapy dog, Butler is

affectionate, loves to kiss and sit in the laps of

others. He is attentive, well mannered and ener-

getic, and will play a vital role in the health of

communities in times of disaster.

“We searched far and wide for a dog who

met the criteria to become our network’s severe

weather therapy dog – and we fell in love with

Butler,” said David Clark, president of The

Weather Channel network. “As the number of

families affected by severe weather continues to

grow each year, The Weather Channel is happy

to welcome Butler, who will help bring joy to

these families in their time of need.”

The decision to search for a therapy dog

came out of the growing need to help people

in hard-hit communities recover after severe

weather strikes. Last December, The Weather

Channel announced a partnership with

American Humane Association and launched

the nationwide search to find the perfect dog.

In searching, several criteria had to be met.

Viewers and weather.com visitors nominated

rescue dogs from all over the country.

“Butler will bring the healing power of ani-

mal-assisted therapy to help individuals, fami-

lies, and communities in their times of greatest

need,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and

the scoop

CEO of American Humane Association. “We

are looking forward to deploying with The

Weather Channel and America’s newest nation-

al emergency response volunteer to make a dif-

ference when crisis strikes.”

In the weeks and months following a natural

disaster, Butler and American Humane

Association handler Amy McCullough will visit

schools, hospitals, shelters and other locations

in hard-hit communities to bring comfort and

service. Fans of The Weather Channel can

share in Butler’s journeys and follow his trail

on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/TherapyDogButler.

Arts Come to West Oaks Mall Thanks toKaty Visual and Performing Arts CenterWest Oaks Mall and Katy Visual & Performing

Arts Center (KVPAC West Oaks) will offer a

number of new arts activities, including free

intro classes, events and exhibitions to West

Houston area residents this spring.

Dog lovers have a chance to have their four-

legged friends portraits created and displayed

at the ArtBARK Dog Art Show. For just $10,

Houstonians can submit their pooch’s photo to

be rendered as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece by

a KVPAC artist. All canine artworks will be

featured in the ArtBARK Dog Art Show,

opening Friday, March 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30

p.m. at West Oaks Mall.

To learn more about KVPAC at West Oaks

Mall, or to view the calendar of events, please

visit www.westoaksarthouse.org.

ALL- NATURAL PET RETAILER EXPANDSINTO TEXAS

Kriser’s, a multi-unit retailer specializing in all-

natural pet food, supplies and grooming, has

expanded into Texas with their first Houston

store that opened on February 8, in the West

University neighborhood at 5160 Buffalo

Speedway.

The store will bring Houston pet parents the

very best offerings of all-natural pet foods,

treats, toys, supplements and supplies along

with in-store grooming services that also utilize

all-natural products. Kriser’s trained staff offers

customer and their pets an unparalleled educa-

tional shopping experience.

“At Kriser's, we believe the all-natural

approach truly does make a difference in the

lives of pets and pet parents alike. That is why

all of our products and services are carefully

the scoop

selected and are endorsed as “Kriser’s

Approved” only after an extensive review,” said

Brad Kriser, CEO and founder.

“We look forward to carrying on this tradition

in Houston and becoming a resource for area

pet parents to help their companions live long,

healthy lives.”

Additionally, to celebrate the new location

and to initiate their commitment to the

Houston pet community, Kriser’s will partner

with several local rescue groups and animal

shelters. Donations of Kriser’s product will be

awarded to each organization as part of the

Kriser’s Cares grand opening initiative.

For more information, visit www.krisers.com.



barking lot

MCASociety to Host Tails & Trails Event in The Woodlands

f you’ve ever visited an animal shelter you

would know that shelter dogs are not

exactly seen at their best when cowering in

the back of a concrete kennel. Some don’t

cower but rather bark incessantly, jumping and

lunging forward essentially begging to be let out.

So it is no surprise that many go overlooked

when adopters are left to simply stroll down the

aisle of the shelter without the ability to truly

interact with available pups. To really see a dog’s

personality you have get him in his own comfort

zone. And what better place to witness a dog’s

true nature than at a park?

Adoptable dogs will be spotlighted this year at

a brand new pet-centric and family-friendly

event. Tails & Trails will be held at Rob

Flemming Park in the Village of Creekside Park

in The Woodlands, TX on Saturday, June 7 from

11am – 5pm and will feature not only adoptable

dogs but an array of vendors, entertainment,

educational booths and more.

Sponsored by Montgomery County Animal

Society (MCASociety), the official non-profit in

support of Montgomery County Animal Shelter

(MCAS), the event will focus on the idea that

giving families time to walk and interact with

shelter animals in a beautiful park setting

(instead of among the chaos of an animal shel-

ter) will allow for a more accurate assessment of

whether or not the dog is a good fit for the

potential adopter’s family. “We hope that given

this extra time and space a true bonding experi-

ence will be allowed to flourish between the

I potential adopter and the dog. Often times dogs’

personalities don’t shine through as they nor-

mally would when they are under the pressure

of the shelter environment,” says MCAS shelter

director and MCASociety board member, Minda

Harris. Visitors to the event will be able to

“check out” a dog of their choosing to take for

a walk around a designated pathway.

Because MCAS is at the very north end of

The Woodlands on SH 242, many people are

unaware that the shelter even exists. People who

have lost a pet might not know that it is the first

place they should look. MCAS has many differ-

ent resources to help people reunite with their

lost pets. Event organizer Heather Calkins says,

“We aim to increase awareness of the shelter as

a place to not only adopt a pet but also to search

for missing pets.”

To keep Tails & Trails visitors entertained the

event will feature musical performances by

Midnight Vixen and BLSHS. Additionally, Tails

& Trails will feature many local businesses

including Natural Pawz, Scentsy All About

Doody and more. All About Doody will serve as

the official pooper scoopers to ensure visitors

have a pleasant and “doody free” experience.

Natural Pawz plans to give away free pet-related

products while other vendors will have items for

sale with proceeds benefiting MCASociety.

Several pieces of artwork from local Texas

artists will be available for silent auction.

Visitors can enter a raffle to win items such as

leather dog collars, bags and leashes from

By: Rosanna Russell, MCAS

Thirty-One, items from Scentsy, and gift certifi-

cates for services at Sprout Salons, just to name

a few.

Educational booths will also be a big part of

Tails & Trails as MCASociety doesn’t just want

to get animals adopted but also hopes to shed

some light on animal overpopulation in

Montgomery County. Texas Litter Control will

be partnering with MCAS

volunteer Marilyn Angel

to inform the public

about the importance of

spaying or neutering your

pet and to provide infor-

mation on low cost

spay/neuter programs in

the Montgomery County

area.

MCAS’ youth volunteer

group Pet Pals will join in

the festivities, too. “One

of the goals for Pet Pals is

to provide ways for youth

ages 3-16 years old and

their families to become

involved in helping the

shelter animals,” says

Felecha Freeman, MCAS

Pet Pals organizer. For the

kids enjoyment MCAS Pet

Pals will also have a tem-

porary tattoo table and a

small craft table. Also in

the works are plans for a bounce house, face

painting, and a balloon animal making clown.

Tails & Trails promises to be a fun, educational

event for the entire family. MCASociety plans

on this being the biggest benefiting MCAS ani-

mals of the year and hopes to be able to make

this an annual event. The shelter dogs hope to

see you there!


Making a Plan to Say GoodbyeA checklist to help prepare you for the loss of your pet

The days, weeks, and months that follow the

diagnosis of a pet’s terminal illness is undoubt-

edly the most challenging for both the pet and

the caretaker. How the journey ends is mostly

determined by the decisions made by the pet’s

caretaker and the veterinarian(s) involved in the

pet’s end-of-life care. Feeling prepared may help

you have fewer regrets about how, when, and

where your pet dies.

Today, the veterinary community has a better

understanding of how to recognize and manage

chronic physical, emotional, and mental pain

and suffering. Our approach to veterinary end-

of-life care is now beginning to mimic human

end-of-life care. A properly executed hospice

and palliative care plan for pets is essential for

both the well-being of the pet and the caretak-

er, and often involves a team of dedicated indi-

viduals working together to provide the best

end-of-life experience possible.

The following is a checklist to help you better

prepare for your pet’s loss and make arrange-

ments ahead of time.

• Obtain a clear understanding of your pet’s

diagnosis, the expected symptoms, available

treatment options, and possible outcomes rela-

ed to your pet’s disease. Have your vet discuss

with you your pet’s quality of life and how best

to improve or maintain an acceptable quality of

life.

• Discuss the medical and emotional aspects of

euthanasia with your veterinarian, your personal

therapist, and/or a counselor specializing in pet

loss and grief. You will need all of the support

that you can get.

• Research your options for your pet’s end-of-

life care:

1. Euthanasia at your vet’s clinic

2. Home euthanasia

3. Pet hospice care.

• Decide whether or not you want to be present

during your pet’s euthanasia.

• Inform family members, friends, and others

who love you and your pet about your pet’s con-

dition, and give them the opportunity to say

goodbye or be present for your pet’s euthanasia.

• Research your options for your pet’s body care:

1. Private cremation

2. Communal cremation

3. Home burial (keep in mind county regu-

lations)

4. Pet Cemetery

• Collect poems, prayers, music, or memorials

that will be meaningful and comfort you during

your pet’s euthanasia.

• Make a plan in the event of a medical emer-

gency - i.e. acute collapse, severe pain, difficulty

breathing, seizure, etc.

It is never too early to start your preparations.

Being proactive may lessen the severity and

length of suffering in your pet, and ease your

anxiety and calm your fears over the anticipation

of losing a loved one.


By Christie Cornelius, DVM, Last Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice & Euthanasia

body & soul

oco was a legendary Texas companion

animal whose story captured the hearts

of Austin legislators as well as people across the

state of Texas. Loco's story paved the way for

the Texas Humane Legislation Network's animal

cruelty statute to pass into law in 2001. Loco

served as an ambassador to Texas lawmakers

and put a face to the weak animal cruelty laws

that existed in Texas at that time.

Thanks to Loco's Law, since 2001, animal

abusers like Loco's are subject to state felony

charges, up to 2 years imprisonment, and can

face up to a $10,000 fine.

As an 8 month old pup, Loco was stolen from

his family's backyard, only to be found days later

on their doorstep missing both eyes. It was clear

someone had intentionally harmed this defense-

less puppy, but sadly Texas law at the time pro-

vided only misdemeanor charges with minor

consequences. After giving him the care he

needed, Loco's family, Greg and Carol Autry,

jumped into action with THLN to craft a

stronger animal cruelty bill and lobbied to pass

it into law. And we did it!

The cruelty bill was signed into law by both

Governor Rick Perry and Loco’s paw print in

2001, and Loco went on to receive many other

accolades and awards for his bravery. Thankfully

Loco had a long life with his loving family, and

today we recognize and celebrate his life and

accomplishments that live on after his gentle

passing recently at the age of thirteen. Loco

leaves behind a lasting legacy in Texas for the

millions of animals across the state who are bet-

ter protected thanks to him being a brave little

soldier.

You can make more animal welfare laws a reali-

ty with just minutes of your time. There is more

work to be done to protect animals in the state

of Texas, and THLN has a 30+ year track

record getting animal welfare legislation passed

into Texas law.

The puppy mill crackdown law, the ban on dog

fighting, statewide spay-neuter program funding

and the animal cruelty statute with felony penal-

ties.

All of the above are a direct result of THLN’s

work and Texas citizens like you taking action

when prompted by THLN. Register for Action

Alerts at www.THLN.org.

A Tribute to the Life of a Legendary Dog

By Pamela Duffy Boich, Texas Humane Legislation Network

L

Texas Governor Rick Perry with Loco and THLN at the sign-ing of the animal cruelty statute into law in 2001.



Operation Pets Alive helps

Lily, Pit Bull Ambassador celebrate her birthday by giving dogs a second chance

he Woodlands' goodwil l canine

ambassador and therapy dog, Lily,

celebrated her third birthday in a

huge way. Three years ago, Lily was sur-

rendered to a local shelter after having

been discarded by a breeder that didn’t

like her markings. Fortunately, she was

given a second chance. Lily was not only

adopted by a loving forever family but

has gone on to become a therapy dog

who is very active in our community. In

addition to conducting weekly visits with

elderly residents, some of whom suffer

from Alzheimer’s, she hosts collection

drives to help people and pets. Lily also

advocates responsible pet ownership and

safety around dogs through public aware-

ness events and presentations.

On Wednesday, January 15, Lily gave the

“Gift of a Second Chance” to 10 at risk

dogs from MCAS by sponsoring their

transport to the Dakin Pioneer Humane

Society in Dakin, Massachusetts, where

they will have a 99.9% chance of being

adopted. The transport is one of

Operation Pets Alive, a Woodlands based

501(c)3 non-profit, f lagship programs.

Lily chose to team up with Operation

Pets Alive after seeing the incredible

impact they have made in the community.

After meeting with OPA president,

Marcia Piotter, Lily found that they share

the same goals of promoting responsible

pet ownership, educating the public

about adopting shelter pets, spaying and

neutering, and helping make a positive

difference for shelter pets in the commu-

nity.

“Lily’s Birthday Gift ~ Transport #82”

departed from Best Friends Pet Resort

after a birthday celebration that included

cake for the fosters and volunteers

attending, goodies for the dogs being

transported and lots of pictures. Each

transport dog received a special tennis

ball toy and bandana from Lily commem-

orating their journey and a personally

pawtographed letter to their adopters,

T


lett ing them know that these “Dixie

Dogs” (as they are affectionately known

in the northeast) are indeed special pups.

As they boarded the transport, the volun-

teers affectionately kissed and hugged

their fosters goodbye, gave them their

personal toys and treats to enjoy their

ride, and wished them and the trans-

porters well. Peruse pictures of Lily’s

party on Facebook.

After three days and several Twitter

updates on the status of the dogs’ jour-

ney, news came of the dogs’ arrival in

Massachusetts on Saturday. Lily’s friends

received a rock star welcome and their

story even aired on the local news with

coverage by Channel 22 announcing the

arrival of the “Dixie Dogs.” For these

dogs and the others on the transport, a

happily ever after is almost surely guaran-

teed, many maybe within a week.

Now the community has an opportunity

to help more homeless dogs from the

shelter. Sadly, many of Lily’s friends

from the shelter were not able to make

the journey due to illness or lack of

funding. There is a new group of pups

ready for transport but in need of funds.

The good news is that they have an

opportunity to board the next transport,

which departs on Wednesday, January 29

if sufficient funds are raised on their

behalf. Lily is asking her friends and the

community to help her continue giving

the “Gift of a Second Chance” to more

shelter dogs by making a donation to

fund their transport. An individual dog

can be sponsored for $200, although par-

tial donations in any amount are accept-

ed. According to Lily, just like random

acts of kindness, “No donation is ever

too small, especially when it will be used

to save a life!” Donations should be

made directly to Operation Pets Alive

through their PayPal account. Credit and

debit cards are accepted as well. Please

click on the plus sign to add a note in the

“Add special instructions to seller” field

stating “for Lily’s friend”, and they will

receive a special bandana commemorat-

ing their journey and thanking their

sponsor(s).

OPA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3)

corporation. Donations to OPA are tax-

deductible to the extent allowed by U.S.

law. Please consider asking your employer

for any corporate matching programs

available. As of the end of September

2013, Operation Pets Alive has transport-

ed over 1,055 animals, adopted over 876

animals, assisted with the distribution of

over 1,470 spay/neuter vouchers and

TBR’s over 394 cats/kittens. Operation

Pets Alive has several f lagship programs

that are significant because they reduce

shelter intake and increase live release of

animals. These include a targeted spay-

and-neuter for large dogs; transports of

long-term at risk shelter dogs to organi-

zations in northern states via the P.E.T.S.

truck transport or by Cloud Nine’s small

plane for Flight for Life; Foster and

Adoption Program, and a Trap-Neuter-

Return for feral cats.



“It takes nothing awayfrom a human

to be kindto an animal.”

- Joaquin Phoenix

mutt mugs

pet dies. Most everyone with a pet will

go through it. Death is an inevitable

part of life in the animal kingdom. The length

of that life, when lived to its healthiest extremes,

is dependent on the species and the genetic

“internal life-clock” of that particular pet. In

some cases, such as larger breed dogs and many

exotic pets, that lifespan can be relatively short.

In other cases, such as smaller breed dogs, cats,

and horses, it can be a

significant chunk of

our lives. And in still

other cases, they can

outlive us, as in some

parrot species and tor-

toises. No matter what the

pet's lifespan, they can affect

our lives in varied and often

unforeseen ways.

Death affects everyone differently. A per-

son living alone with their pet as a main

emotional support may have that pet's pass-

ing effect them in substantial ways, while a

person with large family of pets may be more

accustomed to it. It is important to recog-

nize every unique individual's right to experi-

ence the stages of grief as needed in order to

accept their pets passing.

Studies have shown that pet owners experience

the same stages of grief over the loss of a pet

as they would for the loss of human family and

friends. The five stages of grief, defined by the

Kübler-Ross model, are denial, anger, bargain-

ing, depression, and acceptance. While accept-

A Pet’s PassingInsight and Advice from a Veterinarian’s Perspective

health & wellness


A

ance is always the final step, the other stages can

appear in any order, repeat one or a few times,

or not be present at all. Everyone must come to

terms with loss at their own pace. While dealing

with our own grief, we might also be called upon

to help others cope with their feelings of loss.

Occasionally, a family member will gently tell a

loved one to stop crying after the pet’s passing.

This must be recognized as what is truly is, and

that is their desire to fix the emotional pain of

the ones we love. Sometimes, this is not a realis-

tic expectation in times of loss. Releasing emo-

tions may actually speed the grieving process

along for many people. It is also common for

emotions to surface at unexpected times after

some time has passed, often with little warning.

The need to help our loved ones through the

experience can be especially true when children

are involved, as the loss of a pet may be their

first experience with death and grief. It is rec-

ommended to help them through understand

this, rather than hide the issue, in order to pre-

pare them for future experiences with loss. In

any situation where anger or depression are

impairing functioning, or other severe emotion-

al problems surface, it is always recommended

to seek professional assistance.

There are usually three circumstances in a vet-

erinary clinic. The most common scenarios in

which humane euthanasia is considered in a vet-

erinary clinic are: (1) Geriatric pets that have

developed health issues consistent with aging,

(2) younger animals experiencing serious illness

or have had a serious injury, and (3) behavior

problems. Although it is important to commu-

nicate with your veterinarian on all pet-death

related issues, the topic of behavioral problems

is a special case that is best left for an individu-

alized, case-specific talk with your veterinarian,

so we will focus on the other two, more com-

mon, reasons for a pet to pass or be euthanized.

In cases of geriatric pets, usually the problems

are chronic and have been worsening over time.

Occasionally, the problems were hidden, and

surface suddenly in drastic, life-threatening

ways. Sometimes medications or surgery can

help minimize symptoms for some time but,

inevitably, there will come a time where many

pet owners will either see their pet pass away

naturally, or must make a decision to humanely

euthanize their pet based on a deterioration of

their condition. In making the decision to euth-

anize, one very important fact can help us with

the emotions of the decision. It is important to

realize that what is a portion of our lives is an

entire lifetime for that pet. What person would

not want to grow old surrounded by a loving

family and to pass away with minimal suffering?

A wise veterinarian once asked me “At some

point, we must ask: Are we extending life, or

extending suffering?”

On the issue topic of euthanasia, it must be con-

By: John Edwards, DVM, North Houston Veterinary Specialists



sidered a compassionate end to a good life.

Without euthanasia as an option, there is the

possibility of continued suffering and pain.

Medically, it allows us to control the unpre-

dictable aspects of death, and allows our pets to

pass painlessly with one or more family mem-

bers present if desired.

In cases where animals may pass away before

their time, as with puppies, kittens, or young ani-

mals, this may force the owner to make a more

difficult decision. These choices can be harder

to cope because they can arise from a lack of

ability to correct the condition, be it technically,

practically, or financially. In these situations,

owners should understand that they are their

pet’s best resource for medical treatment for

their pets, and if the options are not feasible,

then sometimes the most humane option is

euthanasia.

To put this in perspective, animal shelters in this

country are overcrowded with millions of pets,

including many who are perfectly adoptable, but

may not have a loving family to take care of

their needs. Your pet, just by being a beloved

member of your family, is one of the lucky ones.

When the time comes for us to deal with their

passing, we should focus on how much better

we made their lives and the ways in which they

positively impacted ours.

Finally, remember that your veterinarian is with

you and your family in your decision. Most all

veterinarians have lost their own pets, and know

what you are going through. Some will cry with

you freely and some won’t. It just depends on

how they deal with a powerfully emotional expe-

rience. No matter how veterinarians handle

death, their job is to be an advocate for your pet

based on our knowledge, and will do whatever

they can to get your through this experience in

the most positive way possible. This could be

recommending websites/books, sympathy

cards, or talking about personal experiences, and

in extreme cases, recommending talking to

someone about their loss. In every unique situ-

ation, the goal is acceptance and moving for-

ward with our longer, human lives in a positive

way.

Tiny Paws Rescuewww.tinypawsrescue.com

Tiny Paws Rescue is an all-volunteer organization with foster homes in the Houston and Spring areas,as well as Connecticut. They are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abused, aban-doned and neglected small breed dogs. As with most rescue groups, the dogs are cared for in healthy,safe and loving foster home environments. Tiny Paws and volunteer foster parents work very hard toensure that their foster dogs feel safe and loved while working on house training, crate training,socialization and other skills.

adoption

Tequila is a smart, loving boy who

was rescued from a high kill shel-

ter. Tequila had heartworms, but

has been treated and is now

ready for his forever home.

He loves walks, a cozy lap to lay

on, car rides and sleeping under

the covers at night. He is excel-

lent with other dogs. He runs

around with his squeaky toy at

times but also loves to go in his lit-

tle crate and relax.

Tequila will still your heart with his

amazing personality and his little

snaggle toothed smile.

Photos by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.

Our cover dog,

Tequila!



PepeHandsome Pepe was rescued from a high-killshelter with a broken paw. He is currently in acast and will be ready for adoption mid-March. He is a gentle, smart loving boy who just wantsto please. Pepe is a total lap dog and loveswalks. He would like a calm home where he canrelax on the couch, sleep in the bed and sunoutside. Pepe is amazing inside and out.

What's not to love about Mugsy? She'sadorable, easygoing, playful & well-mannered. In addition to being house,crate & leash trained, Mugsy does notbark - that's right, not at all! If you arelooking for a near effortless compan-ion, Mugsy fits the bill to a tee. She willgaze at you lovingly with her big, browneyes & be the best snuggle buddy youcould ever ask for. She loves everyoneshe meets, young & old, rides calmly ina car, and loves to go new places.Mugsy is very gentle with little dogs,but she is not a fan of cats or big dogs,and she tires after just a short walk.

Mugsy

Charlie

Charlie was found roaming thestreets of Southeast Houston. Hewas thin and matted and had to beshaved down. He is now gainingweight. Charlie would do best with acompanion dog due to his energy,but would probably be fine in ahome with active children or activeadults. He loves to fetch and chaseand enjoys chasing birds and squir-rels. He does like to relax next toyour feet when you are sitting on thecouch. Charlie is a lover who likes togive lots of kisses.

Join us in helping our four-legged friends

find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!

vet directory 2014

Veterinarians

Clara Scott, DVMMy Family Vet20120 Kuykendahl RoadSpring, Texas 77379(p): 281.288.0500(w): www.myfamilyvet.com

Sunset Blvd Animal Clinic 2525 Sunset Blvd.Houston, Texas 77005(p): 713.526.5881(w): www.sunsetblvdanimalclinic.com

Veterinary Specialists

Laurie Noaker, DVM, DACVIMVERGI8921 Katy FreewayHouston, Texas 77024(p): 713.932.9589(w): www.vergi247.com

Nicholas J. Millichamp, BVetMed, PhD,DVOphthal, DipECVO, MRCVSEye Care for Animals17395 Tomball Parkway #3-HHouston, Texas 77064(p): 281.890.3937(w): www.eyecareforanimals.com

Christie Cornelius, DVMLast Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia1302 Waugh Drive, Suite 968Houston, Texas 77019(p:) 713.452.0474(w): www.petslastwishes.com

North Houston Vet Specialists 1646 Spring Cypress Road #100Spring, Texas 77388(p): 832.616.5000(w): www.nhvetspecialists.com

If you are interested in having your veterinary practice featured in our Vet Directory,please contact us at 281.384.5431 or [email protected].


march 2014

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