For the Love of the Older Dog
Transcription
For the Love of the Older Dog
SUMMER 2009 TulsaPets M M A A G G A A Z Z II N N E E Providing Tulsa Pet Owners with a One-Stop Resource for Local Products, Services and Information For the Love of the Older Dog The Death of HOUSE BILL 1332 See Pets t Abou Town TERRY, a special Sheltie, whose family is proud to have been the highest bidder for the July 2009 cover to benefit the Tulsa Chapter of the American Cancer Society. www.tulsapetsmagazine.com The Shelter Report On June 11, TulsaPets Magazine toured the Tulsa Animal Welfare shelter and took these photos of dogs and cats available for adoption. There are lots of wonderful available animals so please save a life and adopt a new best friend! The following identifiable breeds were available for adoption 1 1 1 1 1 Beagle Blue Heeler Boxer Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua 1 Dachshund 3German Shepherds 1Husky 8 Labrador Retrievers 1 Lhasa Apso 2 Mastiffst 13 Pit Bull Terriers 1Rottweiler 1 Saint Bernard January through may 2009 Impounded/Drop-Offs Dogs Cats Others Totals 3455 1343 178 4976 Claimed/Adopted/Rescued Euthanized % 1184 267 46 1497 2027 920 101 3048 59% 69% 57% 61% Make a difference….adopt a shelter animal!! The adoption facility is open daily, except on City holidays. The shelter is open to the public: Tuesday-Friday 10am - 6pm; Saturday 12 - 4pm; Closed Sundays and Mondays. Dog and cat adoptions are $75.00 regardless of age Tulsa Animal Welfare • 3031 N. Erie Avenue • Tulsa 74115 • (918) 669-6299 Funding for this page was provided by Carolyn Arkison and an Anonymous Sponsor. TulsaPets Summer 2009 3 contents Summer 2009 12 9 For the Love of the Silver Muzzles In honor of the older dog 12 Pets About Town 15 Legal Column Tulsa’s Bark Park rules 19 Bite Avoidance Tips for a Safe Rescue Effort 24Spotlight on A.R.F. Animal Rescue Foundation 26Directory of Products, Services, & Friends of Pets 29Calendar of Events 4 TulsaPets Summer 2009 30Summer’s Fifth Night Utica Square has gone to the dogs! 35Pet Peace of Mind Hospice’s program goes national! 39Red Cross Pet First Aid A must for every pet owner 41 Meet Miss Emily The pacemaker dog 44Training Column With Mary Green 47The Death of House Bill 1332 50A Word … Pit Bulls 24/7 Animal Emergency Center Tulsa’s only fully-staffed emergency & trauma care center. Your 24-Hour EMERGENCY Pet Care Center 665-0508 41st memorial S. 70th e. ave sheridan www.aec-tulsa.com Between Sheridan & Memorial on 41st TulsaPets Summer 2009 5 Publisher Letter TulsaPets M M G reetings from TulsaPets Magazine, and welcome to our Summer 2009 Issue! First off, I do apologize to all the cat lovers out there (of which I am one) for a dog yet again gracing the magazine’s cover. I can explain, and I ask for your forgiveness. The Tulsa Chapter of the American Cancer Society held their annual Cattle Baron’s Ball April 3rd at the Cain’s Ball Room, and I was asked to “donate” my front cover as a live auction item for bid. The highest bidder would win their pet’s picture on the July cover of TulsaPets Magazine and the bid amount donated to the Tulsa Chapter of the American Cancer Society. I was thrilled to donate my cover for this cause, and I’m proud to introduce the winning Sheltie, Photo by Sirius Photography Terry. Terry’s family is proud to show him off, and the Tulsa Chapter of the American Cancer Society is $1,200 richer! We’re receiving more and more dogs, cats, and “others” for adoption placement on our Available for Adoption Today! at www.tulsapetsmagazine.com. Thank you to those rescue groups who are participating in this free service! I do encourage groups who are not participating to please do submit adoptions for posting on the site, and if you need help please email steve@tulsapetsmagazine.com for simple instructions on placing your adoptable pets on our site. I have to say shame on those involved in the sudden death of House Bill 1332. This is covered in this current issue by Ruth Steinberger, and was the bill that would place minimum basic regulations on puppy mill operations or those producing over 35 dogs per year. Why the whole outcome is cloaked in mystery is certainly puzzling, and it’s downright disappointing that we can’t get a straight answer about what really transpired. I would hope that the truth will surface, and in the meantime, the only thing I can say is that may each and every person who is responsible for either delaying or interfering in the bill be forever haunted by the ghosts of the puppies and dogs living the lives of the damned in those mills. May better days be ahead for our Oklahoma puppy mill victims. Please do try to donate a Kuranda bed to the City of Tulsa Shelter (www.kuranda.com). It’s a most worthwhile donation and will help a dog or puppy be more comfortable during their impoundment. Thank you to all who again continue to make TulsaPets Magazine possible my advertisers, ad designers, and readers. Please join the Community at our website www.tulsapetsmagazine.com for timely community news, chats, and other postings, and keep the pets about town pictures coming. See you back in the fall! Chow until then, Marilyn, Sam and Elmer 6 TulsaPets Summer 2009 CORRECTION: We discovered that the poem “I Am An Animal Rescuer” in the last issue was written by Annette King-Tucker, and we indicated an anonymous author. Our apologies to Ms. King-Tucker for the error. A A G G A A Z Z II N N E E (918) 520-0611 / (918) 834-1252 Fax www.tulsapetsmagazine.com mking@tulsapetsmagazine.com Publisher Marilyn King CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amanda Bullock GRAPHIC DESIGNER Don Hensley WEB MANAGER Steve Kirkpatrick steve@tulsapetsmagazine.com P.O. Box 14128 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-1128 918 /520-0611 918/834-1252 Fax ©2009. All rights reserved. Volume 3, Number 3 TulsaPets Magazine is available at no charge, one per person. Additional copies can be purchased by calling (918) 520-0611. On the cover: Terry, a much-loved Sheltie, whose family was the highest-bidder for the magazine’s cover at a live auction held during the 2009 Tulsa Chapter of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball. All proceeds went to the Tulsa Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Cover photo by Roy Zoellner Photography. Sugar is anxiously awaiting her newest issue of TulsaPets Magazine. Congrats Marilyn on another successful issue of TulsaPets Magazine! From your friends at Langdon Publishing. 1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 918.585.9924 (Ext. 219) www.langdonpublishing.com TulsaPets Summer 2009 7 your new best friend is waiting for you at the tulsa animal shelter, but he can’t wait for long. AMERICAN AUTOMART Cars • Trucks • Vans • SUVs Buy • Sell • Trade • Finance 9404 East 31st Street (918) 627-9210 8 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Good Vibes Story by Nancy Gallimore Werhane Photos by Sirius Photography For the Love of Silver Muzzles The Plight of Senior Dog Adoptions Daniel TulsaPets Summer 2009 9 T Daniel Apollo 10 TulsaPets Summer 2009 he best of breed competition at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show presented an evening of firsts as a jaunty Sussex spaniel known formally as Champion Clussess Three D Grinchy Glee walked away with the top prize. In a lineup that included a standard poodle, a Scottish terrier, a puli, a Brussels griffon, a giant schnauzer and a Scottish deerhound, this win marked the first time a Sussex spaniel has won the coveted title of best of breed at Westminster. However, another first marks the emotional achievement of the night. All formal names and titles aside, the well-loved, sleep-in-the-bed spaniel, affectionately known as Stump, came out of retirement to become the top show dog in the nation. Born on December 1 of 1999, at 10 years of age Stump officially became the oldest dog to wear the coveted Westminster crown. Take that same dog, however, and place him in just about any shelter or with any rescue group and his story would likely be quite different. Oh sure, a cute boy like Stump might attract some potential adopters, but one look at his age and he would probably be passed over for younger dogs and puppies. It’s the sad reality that befalls many wonderful older dogs as they are bypassed in favor of younger dogs and left to an uncertain fate. A clear example of this dilemma exists on the current adoption list posted online by the Dalmatian Assistance League, Inc. (D.A.L.) of Tulsa. Some of the dogs shown have been waiting for permanent homes for a very long time. There’s Bradley and Apollo, both very handsome, friendly dogs who first found themselves in the city of Tulsa Animal Welfare shelter with no adoption prospects and now have spent the better part of a year waiting for permanent homes. And how about Daniel? He’s a big, sweetheart of a boy once left to starve in the yard of a vacant house, but now happy and in good health in the care of the rescue group. These are all extremely likeable, loveable dogs so why no takers? For the simple reason that all three are about the same age as Stump, our Westminster winner, or older. Even beautiful Bonnie, a youthful eight years by comparison to her brothers in rescue, who has had the most views on Pet Finder of any dog sponsored by D.A.L., has no takers. The comment is always the same, people want a younger dog. According to Jean Letcher, manager, City of Tulsa Animal Welfare, most people come into the shelter looking for puppies one year old or younger. The next most popular age range falls into the two to three year range. That immediately knocks a lot of very special mature dogs out of consideration. Understandably, when you welcome a dog into your family, you want to have it with you for as long as possible. Many people tell us they just can’t bear the prospect of adopting a dog that may only be with them for another three to five years or less. There is also the concern that older dogs may come with health issues and have increased care needs. These are all valid concerns and true possibilities. But maybe our Westminster winner Stump can help the concept of quality vs. quantity have true meaning as we consider the dogs we are willing to welcome into our lives and homes. This brings me to my own experience with a darling dog named Maggie. I received word through Tulsa’s rescue network of an older woman who was battling cancer and unable to care for her 14 year old Boston terrier any longer. The e-mail ended with a simple plea, “Surely someone can help this woman and her old dog.” I’ve always had a soft spot for senior dogs so I thought I would take Maggie into my home to give her Elvis a place to quietly live out her remaining days. What I got when I picked up Miss Maggie was anything but quiet. At 14-soonto-be-15, Maggie was a bundle of energy that showed me a thing or two about my definition of “old.” Maggie bounded into my home and my heart, giving us all — human and canine residents alike — a run for our money. Had cancer not robbed me of my funny little dog, I’m quite sure she would have lived on to set some ridiculous record for canine longevity. We only had six months together, but what an incredible lifetime we shared in those months. My days with Maggie have left me with a special fondness for senior rescue dogs and how much they still have to offer as companions. In our home we currently enjoy the company of the aforementioned Bonnie and sweet Ellie, another Dalmatian that is now likely more than 15 years old. Ellie has been with us for about three years after being found stray in west Tulsa. Both girls are welcome additions to the family. Letcher does say that senior dogs do get adopted from the shelter from time to time. “Sometimes a person will be drawn to a specific dog and then they’ll find out the dog’s age after a connection has already been made.” She claims that if a relationship has already been forged, age doesn’t seem to matter quite so much. While any placement of a rescued dog is a wonderful thing, there is a special celebration for the “happily ever after” that comes with the placement of a senior dog. Dogs sporting a little grey around the muzzle deserve to know the good life just as much as their younger counterparts do. And those happy endings for senior dogs do indeed happen. One such story surrounds Elvis, a friendly, outgoing, full-of-life dog that was taken into the care of the Tulsa Animal Welfare Center after being found stray. Despite his wagging tail and obviously grand disposition, Elvis, likely 10 or 11 years old, spent two weeks at the shelter with zero prospects for a new home. D.A.L. stepped in to help with Elvis and in short order introduced him to Peggy Huffman. She had been looking for a Dalmatian to adopt — preferably a female under the age of five. While Elvis didn’t even come close to fitting in that category, Huffman took an immediate liking to the dog. “He looks so much like the old girl we just lost it’s almost spooky,” said Huffman. “I took him home for a visit to see how he would get along with our other dogs and he walked right in as if he had been living there with us his whole life.” “Elvis will have a great life for whatever time he has remaining,” added Huffman with a smile. Judging from the spring in his step when he headed home to join his new family, it’s going to be a wonderful lifetime for all involved. “My days with Maggie have left me with a special fondness for senior rescue dogs and how much they still have to offer as companions. “ Nancy & Izzy Andrea’s Furry Angels Pet Care Wouldn’t your furry angels rather sleep at home than in a kennel? Serving the Tulsa area since 1999 Excellent References Mail/Newspaper/Plant Care Andrea Spears Kidwell | Owner 918.695.5118 www.andreasfurryangels.com INSURED & BONDED GIFTS FOR THE KITTY AND KITTY LOVER! CUDDLY CATS FOR ADOPTION! STREETCATS, INC. 6520 E. 60TH ST. (60TH & SHERIDAN) TULSA, OK 74145 www.streetcatstulsa.org 918.298.0104 (message line) TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10:30 AM – 5 PM All volunteer non profit adoption center and gift boutique “Visit us at the Affair of the Heart of Tulsa Show, Expo Square QuikTrip Center, July 17-19 in Booths 343 & 344 for Great Gift Items!” TulsaPets Summer 2009 11 Pets About Town Keep the pictures coming! Bentley Daphne Boone Daisy Abaddon Hank Lucy Liu Costello Daphne & Coco Cruise Furry Murray Grover & Francis Herman Mr. Bently Evie Holly Hercules Lydia Kanny & Butterscotch Nickles Thanks to those who sent in their favorite pet pictures. We plan to include the Pets About Town section in future issues so please take a moment to send in your pet’s picture! 12 TulsaPets Summer 2009 To include your pet’s picture in a future issue of TulsaPets Magazine, please email a high-resolution jpeg image to petpics@tulsapetsmagazine.com, or mail a 5x7 glossy photo to TulsaPets Magazine, P.O. Box 14128, Tulsa, OK 74159-1128. (We regret we are unable to return photos.) Maybe your pet will be in a future issue of TulsaPets Magazine! Phoebe Niki Pixie Reba Onyx Raisin & Marble Peaches Pippin Payton Samson Captain Claire Tasha Teddi Titan & Ramsey Willie BoSox Isaac Kenzie Wrigley TulsaPets Summer 2009 13 Tulsa Community College Veterinary Technology Program 918.595.8212 7505 W. 41st Street, Tulsa, Ok 74107 14 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Legal Column — Play by the Rules Tulsa Dog Park RULES Although Tulsa is very fortunate to now have off-leash parks for our dogs, those who wish to use the parks need to be aware that there are many strict rules. In fact the City of Tulsa has adopted the rules as law and violators of these laws are subject to fines and penalties. This article will examine only a few of those rules, however the full list can be read online at tulsabarkpark.com/park-rules as well as being posted at the parks. The website also has a page devoted to dog park etiquette. One should take time to read the rules and etiquette before using the dog park as this will make the parks’ use more safe and enjoyable. Recently I was retained by a woman whose dog was attacked by another dog at one of Tulsa’s new dog parks. Apparently my client had just arrived at the dog park for the first time to see what it was all about. While her dog was still on-leash, another dog attacked and injured her dog. The encounter could have been easily avoided had the owners of the attacking dog been watching and had control over their dog. Needless to say, by Lloyd Benedict Photos by Sirius Photography I was able to persuade the attorney for the other dog owner to settle the matter without a lawsuit. The moral of this story is that knowing the rules before using the dog park may save you a headache or worse. In my reading of the rules I felt the most important rule is number 4 which states “An owner bringing a dog into an off-leash area is liable for and assumes the risk for the dog’s conduct.” This means that if your dog injures another dog or a person at the park, then you are responsible for the damage. Rule number 8 is the rule I used to argue with the other attorney I mentioned above. Rule 8 says “A dog within an off-leash park area shall be under the owner’s immediate control. All patrons of the Dog Park must carry their leash with them at all times.” This rule would likely have the Court find against negligent dog owners who think they can just let their dogs run about within the park without supervision. I also feel a few of the rules could be worded a little differently. For example, I love the thought process in rule TulsaPets Summer 2009 15 MuzzleFluff Dog Beds 918.809.8232 www.muzzlefluff.com Cindy Johnson 810-0528 Pets Need a Home Too! Free Home Delivered All-Natural Dog/Cat Food, Treats & Supplies Visit our website at www.petsquadok.com or call us to request a free sample. The Posh Pup Gifts for Pet Lovers & Their Pets • COACH Collars • Misc. collars, leads & charms • Dog attire & pet necklaces • Raised diners, bowls & beds • Much, much, more! Posh Pup has expanded into a much larger space LOCATED INSIDE THE MARKET AT WALNUT CREEK 8281 S. Harvard Ave. 918.857.1518 16 TulsaPets Summer 2009 9 which states “An owner of a dog creating a disturbance or not being properly controlled can be evicted from an off-leash park area. Upon leaving an off-leash park area, an evicted owner shall also remove his or her dog.” This is what we attorneys refer to as the legal term “Duh.” One should also be aware that there are a few rules in which, if disobeyed, could make it difficult for you to recover damages if your dog is harmed. Specifically, rules 11, 12, 13 and 14. Rule 11 says “Any dog within an off-leash park area shall not be under four (4) months of age, and shall be currently vaccinated against rabies and have a current City of Tulsa license affixed or attached to the dog’s collar or harness.” Rule 12 holds that “No dog more than six (6) months old which has not been spayed or neutered shall be permitted.” Rule 13 prohibits dogs that are in heat at the park, and rule 14 prohibits dogs that are injured or diseased. Upon my reading rule 19, I realized that owners of large and small dog have different responsibilities. Rule 19 states that “No dog weighing more than 30 pounds shall be permitted within an area designated for small dogs. Owners allowing their small dogs to enter a designated Large Dog Area do so at their own risk and assume responsibility for whatever damage or injury may result.” The rule basically says that the dog owner of a large dog can not place his dog in the small dog area but a small dog owner can place their dog in the large dog area. Again as a lawyer, I can’t help but criticize their wording and rationale in writing this law. So it’s okay to place the Chihuahua in with the Great Dane, but not the Great Dane in with the Chihuahua. Finally, rule 28 appears to be more like advice than a rule. It states that “Dog behavior can be unpredictable around other dogs and strangers. For the safety of all the dogs at the parks, immediately leash your dog if it exhibits aggressive behavior and leave the dog park area. Protect yourself and your dog. If aggressive behavior is observed, take immediate action: either move your dog to another part of the park, or leave the park.” In any event this is sound advice. If you find yourself or your dog a victim of someone who ignores the rules then you should immediately contact the Police or Animal Control. However, I do believe that if everyone acts responsibly and follows the rules, your experience at the dog park will be treasured. Lloyd Benedict is a principal in the Benedict Law Office, Tulsa, and is a member of the Tulsa County Bar Association Animal Lloyd Benedict Committee. Dog Daycare – Full Service Grooming Training – Boarding Yes, We Do That! and your dog can benefit from private training sessions, daycare training or group classes. We offer a variety of options to help you and your dog have fun while meeting your training goals. And last, but certainly not least, we’re proud to offer Pooches Night & Day boarding services. Trust the professionals at Pooches to care for your dog as if he were one of our own. Options are available for boarding-only or boarding with daytime group play. All guests retire to comfortable private suites for meals and a good night’s rest. Check us out! The difference is truly night and day! So what’s next for Pooches? We have exciting news coming about plans for a new, expanded facility with even greater service offerings—still conveniently located in metro Tulsa! Stay tuned! Emergency Veterinary Hospital Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists 918.299.4900 OVS is committed to providing the best care available for you and your best friend. Our veterinarians, veterinary technicians and staff focus their compassion, knowledge and advanced skills on you and your companion. Our experienced emergency veterinarians are here when you need them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We work closely with your family veterinarian in a ‘team’ approach to provide complete and comprehensive care for your pet. Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists EMERGENCY 515 W. Main St. Jenks, OK 74037 (918) 299-4900 www.okvets.com N ELM ST Tulsa’s New 24/7 Fully-Staffed www.poochesplace.com 2234 E. 56th Place (just west of Lewis) 918-398-6459 S. ELWOOD t Pooches, it’s the answer we give time and time again. That’s because we offer such a variety of services to cater to our canine clients and their humans. Serving Tulsa’s most loved dogs since October of 2005, Pooches is proud to have grown into a complete dog care facility. Your dog can join us for group play, socialization and exercise in our supervised daycare Monday through Saturday. Complementing our daycare is our full service dog spa. Whether your dog needs a full groom or just a good bath and nail trim, you can count on the pet stylists at Pooches to give your dog a relaxing day of pampering. Need a little help teaching your dog some manners? Need to solve some behavior issues? Talk with one of our certified dog trainers to see how you HWY 75 A W. 81ST ST. S W. 91ST ST. S. CREEK TURNPIKE TulsaPets Summer 2009 17 COMPANION DOG SCHOOL OF TULSA E S TA B L I S H E D I N 1 9 5 5 Teaching RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP because a well trained dog is a pleasure to be around and an educated owner is a dog’s best friend. PUPPY OBEDIENCE AGILITY RALLY CONFORMATION www.companiondogschool.com 834-3566 • 4411 S. 91st E. Ave. Best Friends Veterinary Hospital Carol Best, DVM 5417 S. Mingo Rd. Tulsa, OK 74146 663.7595 MWTF: 8:00 - 1:30 2:30 - 6:00 Tues. 9:00 - 3:00 1st & 3rd Sat 8:00 - 11:30 L O V IN G P R O F E S S IO N A L P E T C A RE Lynn Lane Boarding Kennels, Inc. 9302 S. Lynn Lane Road (177th E. Ave.) Broken Arrow, OK 74012 M-F 8am - 6pm • Sat. 8am - Noon Jose & Tracy Godinez 918.455.7721 Featuring the Blueberry Facial! Self-Serve Dog Wash • Full-Service Dog Wash Dog Grooming • Dog Accessories & Gifts Pet Loss Support Group Facilitator: Mary Baker-Brint When: Every other Monday Next Session - July 20th Time: 5:30 - 6:30 Where: Central Park Community Center 1028 E. 6th St., Tulsa Activity Room $5 Suggested Donation www.petlosssupport.org For More Information: 592-0021 Reservations Preferred but not Required Open Daily • Ask About Our Specials! $5 off Self-serve OR $10 off Full-serve 4316 S. Peoria | 918.742.WASH | SloppyDogWash.com EXPIRES 10/31/09. LIMIT ONE PER VISIT, NOT COMBINABLE. Petsitting by Whitney Cell: 918.813.2717 dolfin139@aol.com Not Your Typical Drop-In Sitter! References available 18 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Safety BITE AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR By Dolores Proubasta EDUCATION IS KEY Dogs bite. What amazes me is that they don’t bite more often. We meet a dog by thrusting a hand in his direction. “Let the dog sniff you first,” goes the popular wisdom. This while standing tall and square, staring the dog in the eye, and showing teeth. Hello! This may work with a new neighbor, but in dog language it amounts to: “Do you want a piece of me, big boy?” The introduction is just the first thing we do wrong. Before learning how to do things right from a dog’s perspective, let’s first understand that most bites are not dog attacks as they are often (mistakenly) labeled, but one or two chomps in response to a real or perceived provocation/threat. Truth be told, dogs exercise more self-restraint than the average bar-room brawler in delivering what is necessary to stop an action without the full measure of damage even a Pomeranian can inflict. Learn canine etiquette Injured, frightened, cornered or trapped, and chained dogs (all of which are common in rescue situations) should be approached with extreme caution. Nursing dames are especially sensitive to intrusions. Timid, not socialized, or abused dogs, may be “fear biters” (See “Bite Triggers,” p. 20). • A dog who seems reluctant to be touched should not feel cornered; leave him space to retreat. Approach slowly in a curve pattern, presenting your side, not your front. Talk in soothing tones all the while. Make yourself “smaller,” not by bending or squatting. which would put you at risk, but curving your body to avoid appearing tense. Do not look the dog in the eye, but avert and soften your eyes. Relax, blink often, and breathe calmly. Yawning is reassuring to a frightened dog, smiling is not. Tasty treats (Vienna sausages work miracles) gently tossed his way can help earn his TulsaPets Summer 2009 19 Bite Triggers Injured, frightened, cornered, chained, trapped, or nursing dogs are likely to bite. Threatening behavior – some examples: •Bending over a dog, or rousing him from his sleep •Reaching to touch a dog’s head (when he doesn’t want to be touched) •Staring into a dog’s eyes (worse, at eye level, like toddlers do) •Trying to touch or remove a bone, a toy, a bowl of food or anything the dog wants •Screaming near the dog’s face or producing other startling noises in his proximity •Running toward, past, or away from a dog •Walking too close to a dog on leash •Entering a protective dog’s territory •Being afraid in the presence of a dog • • Emergency Muzzle Find a 3-ft length (longer or shorter depending on the dog’s size) of any soft flexible material like a swath of cloth, gauze, a necktie, rope, or similar: 1. Tie a loose knot in the middle of the material, making a large loop. • 2. Slip loop over dog’s nose, sliding it to the stop (i.e., where the jaws meet the skull). 3. Quickly tighten the loop, then bring the ends under the chin and tie again. 4. Pass the ends under the ears and tie behind the head. 5. For snub-nose dogs and for cats: Bring the ends from behind the head down the center of the face, and secure them to the nose piece to prevent the muzzle from slipping off. A regular dog leash, while still attached to the collar, can also be a short-term muzzle (while the dog is being picked up, given a shot at the vet, etc.), when wrapped 2 or 3 times around the dog’s upper and lower jaws. 20 TulsaPets Summer 2009 • •Sticking a hand or finger (especially children) inside a dog’s enclosure •Making threatening gestures, like raising a fist or wielding a stick •Causing pain, injury, or subjugation to a dog •Overexcitement during play can cause a friendly dog to nip or bite as he would a playmate. Although no aggression or warning is intended, children and older people with delicate skins can suffer lacerations. confidence. If the dog reacts negatively, stop what you are doing but keep talking reassuringly. Allow the dog time to reconsider, and try again. Don’t wear a hat nor carry anything resembling a stick, unless it is a control stick and you know how to use it. In particular, senior citizens should refrain from using a walking stick to scare a dog away, it may in fact provoke aggression. Face bites are painful and often severe. When approaching unknown or distressed dogs, do so in a position that protects your head. If you must lift up a dog who has no reason to trust you or who may be frightened and in pain, improvise an emergency muzzle (See “Emergency Muzzle,” left). Once in place, hold tight on the neck loop and cradle the dog’s chest with that arm and his rear with the other to lift him. Always keep your head away from his because he may react to the touch due to a concealed injury or illness. If an unfriendly dog heads your way, turn sideways and withdraw from his territory at a constant slow pace. Do not offer your back. Do not scream nor yell commands, but softly say “It’s ok,” “Go home,” “Good dog” nonstop. Try to put a tree, a dumpster, or any other large obstacle between you and the dog. If you carry an umbrella, a coat, a purse, etc. do not wield it menacingly, because it may trigger an attack. If the dog charges, use whatever is at hand to put it between you and his jaws. If you go down, curl up and protect face, neck, and head. The quieter you can remain, the sooner the dog will withdraw. Pairs of dogs can be protective of each other. Don’t let your guard down despite wagging tails: Give both equal attention, do not come in between them, and do not initiate any play or action with one that the other may consider aggressive. • • It cannot be overemphasized: Never run toward, past, or away from a dog unless you know him and you are playing. The chase instinct will be triggered and the average fat old dog can reach 19 mph (Greyhounds are clocked at 42 mph) at full speed versus a puny 12 mph conditioned human runner. Even Olympian Usain Bolt, at 23 mph, would have his shorts ripped by the average mutt. Topping high-risk situations is breaking up a dog fight. Hosing down and voice commands seldom stop dogs in the heat of battle. Do not hit them as this will infuriate them further. Do not step in between or use your arms unless you are wearing Kevlar gloves and sleeves. Quickly find a barrier to wedge between the dog’s faces, e.g., a large piece of plywood, an open parasol, a folded lawn chair or card table, a dog mattress, a large trash can lid, etc., that will block both their sight and teeth from each other. (With smaller breeds, a parka, blanket, or quilt is enough to separate the dogs and also bundle and scoop up one of them to safety.) Recognizing danger A discussion about bite avoidance may leave the reader with the impression that human-canine relations are a time-bomb. Nothing’s farther from the truth. When there is mutual respect and trust between dogs and adult people it is perfectly safe to engage in activities one would be wise to avoid with an unfamiliar dog. However, Mark Twain’s dictum that the principal difference between a dog and a man is that “If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you,” has its limits. Even a family pet can get tired of rough-housing, be too possessive about a chew toy, feel threatened by a visitor, etc. and warn us that his mood is changing. Although most dog bites are reported as “unprovoked,” in fact this is inconsistent with canine behavior. “Dogs are not unpredictable,” says Melissa Chan, animal behavior and training coordinator at the Houston SPCA. “They communicate in a language comprised largely of visual clues and offer many warning signs before even bristling, growling, and baring teeth.” Hard faces. More alarming than the cautionary baring of teeth is the agonistic pucker: the pursing of lips that precedes a bite. Other warnings are the tensing of facial muscles, such as a closed mouth, tension ridges on muzzle; ears back; Children at Risk The benefits of a child growing up with a dog far surpass the risks if adults provide a safe environment for both. Here is how: •Infants and toddlers should never be unsupervised when there is a dog present, because face, head, and neck injuries may be life threatening. Even the trusted family pet may be startled by a noise, annoyed by the baby touching his toy, etc. •Children between the ages of 5 and 12 are at greater risk of being bitten. Their hyperactivity, unpredictability, and noisiness are destabilizing to all animals (including people). Most dog-tochild bites are provoked by the child’s behavior. Therefore, impress on your children the correct behavior to observe with dogs and all pets: 1. Supervise children’s ages 0-12 whenever there is a dog present. 2. Teach children to treat dogs with kindness and respect, without instilling undue fear. 3. Issue absolute rules: “Don’t chase, don’t grab, don’t stare, don’t hit, don’t yell, don’t run,” etc. and post a written list on the refrigerator or another central place. 4. Firmly and consistently correct any departure from safe behavior. •Contact the school principal requesting a dog bite prevention lecture by a competent professional (Chart 4) be included in the calendar year. In the final analysis, when dog bites child (or vice versa), both are victims and the only ones to blame are the adults who failed to prevent it. TulsaPets Summer 2009 21 Education is Prevention Bite prevention is a matter of continued education from kindergarten to retirement community. Qualified professionals to lead public education efforts are veterinarians, National Animal Control Associationcertified animal control officers, SPCA, HSUS or other humane society/animal shelter/rescue group education specialists, and American College of Veterinary Behaviorists graduates. •Children are the main target group. School lectures, assembly programs, games, field trips to shelters including lecture by an animal behaviorist, all can teach children safe behavior. •Parents must be reminded of their responsibility to (1) supervise their children and (2) insist on safe behavior. Educational materials can be distributed with school announcements, doctor’s wellness reports, veterinary invoices, utility bills, etc. •People who spend time outdoors —bicyclists, joggers, meter readers, mail carriers, real estate agents, and delivery personnel among others— or visit other people’s homes — such as social workers, home care providers, or pet sitters — need specific information distributed by employers, clubs, and associations on how to handle animal-related situations they are likely to encounter. •Senior citizens can benefit from dog bite prevention lectures and programs through church groups, recreational centers, travel groups, shopping malls, health care professionals, and others. •Shelters and other animal adoption centers should provide guidance to those seeking to obtain a dog, steering them away from bad matches. Ideally, all people who decide to adopt a dog should attend a realistic bite-prevention film before signing on the dotted line. •Pet stores, groomers, dog shows, trainers … all should distribute dog-bite prevention literature. •The media should offer regular bite-prevention tips through interviews with experts, printed lists of do’s and don’ts that parents can attach to the fridge, sponsorship of pet-ownership education events, etc. •Community standards for responsible ownership should be established by every local government. Dogs owners should be informed of the ordinances and rules enforced, the main obstacle, however, is that the least likely to comply are dog owners with minimal attachment to their pets, precisely those responsible for a majority of dog-bite incidents. 22 TulsaPets Summer 2009 eyes staring directly into yours, or else “whale eyes” (showing the white) looking at you but with the head turned in a different direction; brow tense or furrowed. Tongue flicks may also indicate high stress. All these are signs that you should slowly put some distance between you and the dog. Tense bodies. Do not approach a dog with tensed up muscles, whether standing straight or leaning forward. Hind legs tucked while the front of the body is leaning right or left, as if ready to run, are bad signs. If the dog is holding his breath, don’t hold yours (always breathe calmly), but slowly start withdrawing. Other than the dog’s own body language, other aspects to be considered are: Dog breeds Theories as to which breeds are less likely to mix well in a family setting, especially with children (see “Children at Risk,” p. 21), differ. But because the popularity of breeds, and so their number, fluctuates and may nearly vanish, comparative breedspecific bite statistics are unreliable. Often, the person reporting a bite will identify the dog as “pit bull” (there is no such breed) when in reality it may be a deep-in-chest, cheeky faced crossbreed, an American Bulldog, or other. People commonly identify dogs of mixed ancestry as purebreds. All this produces unreliable data that gives a false sense of security at best. The propensity to bite actually results from interacting factors such as heredity, socialization, training, and mental/physical health. The difference between pit bull types, Akitas, Huskies, or other powerful dogs, and breeds who are, in fact, more likely to bite (like Cocker Spaniels and Chihuahuas among others) is in the consequences, which increase in severity and mortality proportionally to the size and strength of the dog. Interestingly, the ban on certain breeds (e.g., pit-bull types in the United Kingdom in the 1990s), invariably fails to lower the number of dog bites, which keeps rising. This is one of the many arguments backing up the positions of The American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Kennel Club, the ASPCA, HSUS and others, all of which reject breed discrimination in favor of (1) public education (See “Education is Prevention,” left) and (2) responsible pet ownership to curb dog bite incidents (see “Education is Prevention,” left). Which brings us to the “people factor.” It’s not the dog’s fault At the root of most bites is an irresponsible owner who failed to: (1) sterilize; (2) socialize and train; and (3) contain the dog. Puppy-mill breeders give no consideration to temperament or socialization of their “stock,” and backyard breeders are, by definition, irresponsible owners. If the dog is a stray, it is because he was abandoned, neglected, or unrestrained. Behind every dog bite, there is a person to blame. • Sterilization is the first step toward responsible pet ownership. Neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite. People who cannot afford veterinary services for their pets should clearly not have them, but lack of money is no excuse. Anyone receiving assistance from the Department of Human Services can apply with the caseworker to USA Facts More than 4.7 million people (2% of the population) are bitten each year; more dog bites go unreported 77% of biting dogs belong to a relative or friend of the victim • Maulings caused 23 deaths in 2008; 16 were children There are nearly 80 million owned dogs 39% of the households own at least one dog 50% of the bites occur on the dog owner’s property Dog bite injuries account for more than 1/3 of all liability claims against homeowners insurance There is a 1-in-50 chance of being bitten during a 12-month period • 5% of all ER cases are bites Only 10% of bites are inflicted by dogs unknown to the victim Intact (not neutered) male dogs represent 70-76% of all reported dog bite incidents • 1-in-6 bites requires medical attention get free spay and neuter surgeries, rabies and other vaccines through the Tulsa County Veterinary Medical Association. A growing number of people, many of them youngsters, sad to say, instigate their dogs to be aggressive. Dog bites have increased disproportionate to the number of dogs owned (see “USA Facts,” above). Most dog bites are not reported because the gravity of the injury doesn’t warrant it (see “When Bites Occur,” right). Veterinarians, vet technicians, animal rescuers and shelter personnel among others are bitten on a regular basis. But the rare attack by a Presa Canario or a Rottweiler can cause severe injuries and sensational headlines, thus unfairly smearing the reputation of the whole breed. More is the pity, when a bad reputation attracts irresponsible owners and breeders. Animal shelters and humane societies get their share of visitors who scope the runs for “mean” dogs — dogs who never bit anyone before, but will be goaded into becoming aggressive or die in the process. Although anyone suspected of wanting a dog for the wrong reasons is refused adoption, some manage to fake good intentions and, tragically, good dogs end up with bad people. Victims themselves are often the cause for being bitten because, intentionally Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Medical Association, Insurance Information Institute. • or not, they scared or challenged the dog. Fear of dogs may be, in fact, one of the chief causes why city dwellers unaccustomed to animals, and people from cultures which shrink from dogs are often bit. People afraid of dogs should simply avoid them. When visiting a home with pets, ask the owner to confine the dog. Don’t let anyone persuade you to touch the dog to get over your fear, because your fear is contagious to the dog, and that can be dangerous. Also, avoid areas where dogs may be running loose. If despite all precautions you are confronted by a dog, remain calm. Don’t look at the dog, don’t stiffen up, don’t scream or ask for help, but slowly turn your side (not your back) to him, and start backing off. Try to breathe calmly. When the victim is a child, invariably it’s the negligence of parents, guardians, dog owners, or any other adult who should have prevented the situation. People, in short, expect more discernment and self-control from dogs than from their own kind. The vast majority of dogs live up to our unreasonable expectations, but those who can’t often pay for relatively small injuries with their lives. Dogs are still and forever man’s best friend. For their sake and ours, let’s be reasonable and careful. When Bites Occur 1. Thoroughly cleanse the wound with soap and irrigate profusely with running water. If the bite is severe, get medical attention. 2. Confine—but do not harm or try to “punish”—the dog in a safe indoor enclosure until animal control arrives and the dog is placed under veterinary observation. 3. In Oklahoma, even if the dog is current on rabies shots, there is a mandatory 10-day quarantine in an animal clinic for the remote chance of a vaccine break. If the dog is not current on shots or if he is a stray, he will also be placed under quarantine to ensure no symptoms of rabies are manifest. 4. If the dog (or cat) is at large, contact police and provide information (color, size, distinguishing marks; address or location where the bite occurred; name and address of the owner if known; etc.) that may help find the missing animal. States have different laws and statutes concerning dog bites, owner liability, handling of the dog, etc. In Oklahoma as everywhere else, even responsible owners and good dogs can find themselves in unpredictable situations. Knowing where you stand before your dog bites, or before your dog or you are bitten, is part of responsible ownership. Educate yourself about Title 2 of Tulsa’s Ordinances concerning the definition of “Nuisance” and “Vicious” dogs. Most courts, however, will uphold a dog’s right to bite in self defense. Delores TulsaPets Summer 2009 23 A.R.F. – Animal Rescue Foundation Above, ARF Volunteers Lauren, Jennifer, Jeri, Katie (sitting), Emily and Shadow. Left, Katie playing with a little pup up for adoption. ? ARF you ready for a new BFFF (best furry friend forever) By Carolyn Arkison, author of Sadie Mae Baird book series If the answer to that question is “yes,” please make haste to visit the website of the Tulsa non-profit organization, Animal Rescue Foundation (A.R.F.), at www.arftulsa.org. ARF also has animals available for adoption at the PetSmart® on 71st Street every Friday and the PetSmart® on 41st Street every Saturday. ARF was founded 20 years ago when a group of friends began working together to rescue animals from area shelters. The group, loosely associated at first, obtained non-profit organization status and has become more organized and efficient with the passing years. Currently, the primary purpose of ARF is to save as many animals from kill shelters within the Tulsa and surrounding area as they possibly can. In 2008, ARF found homes for more than 340 animals and hopes to place 400-500 animals in loving homes in 2009. ARF is a foster-based group which means they work with several foster families who take the rescued animals into their home, socialize the animals with other pets, 24 TulsaPets Summer 2009 family and friends, and this in turn helps to match the animal with a perfect forever family. Foster families give the rescued pets the love and attention they so desperately need and deserve while they also provide specialized assistance with an animal’s issues such as potty training, leash walking and shyness. ARF works very closely with area veterinarians. Every animal rescued by ARF is tattooed, vaccinated, placed on heartworm medication, and spayed or neutered. ARF requires all adoptive parents to sign a contract stating that if for any reason the adoption does not work out that ARF will be contacted first. Debby Camp, ARF Public Relations Coordinator, states, “ARF makes every effort to assure a good match. Our foster program lets us know how a dog will behave with other dogs, cats and kids in a household so that we can better match each animal with a family. It’s hard on animals to be returned. Dogs will often have intestinal and digestive problems for a week or more when they are moved from one home to another, so we want every adoption to be successful.” Currently, the greatest need of ARF is for Foster Parents. To become a Foster Parent, ARF requests that homes have a dog of their own that has current vaccinations and is on heartworm medication, and a fenced back yard. ARF provides all the food and veterinary care for foster animals. Foster Parents provide the home and the love. Monetary donations can be made to this organization at the website, www.arftulsa.org. Donations of bowls, food, collars, etc., can be made at the ARF booth at PetSmart®. Recently, Israel Diamond Supply donated five diamond pendants which were then given to four adoptive families and one foster family through a drawing. All contributions are appreciated. BFFF’s ARF patiently waiting for your love and devotion … won’t you contact the Animal Rescue Foundation of Tulsa today to change your life and the life of your best furry friend forever? Carolyn Arkison Why a Dog Wash? W hy not, the owner of Budget Wash answered! Dog owners love their pets and desire to keep these members of their family clean and healthy! But with the economy the way it is today, not everyone can afford to allocate $30+ per dog for a bath at their local groomers; nor do they wish to wash their dog in their home bath tub! The hair, the mess, the sore back from bending over keep most pet owners from washing their pets as frequently as they should….until now! Budget Wash opened two private dog washing suites, open 24/7, in October at their car wash location at 709 W. Houston in Broken Arrow. These two private dog washing suites are equipped with waist high, state-of-theart, stainless steel tubs complete with a ramp to assist with loading larger dogs into these tubs. For only $7.00, patrons can wash their dog and choose from a myriad of included products such as shampoo, conditioner, Deskunk, oatmeal shampoo, flea and tick shampoo, tub disinfectant, and even a hair dryer! Since October, demand for these two private suites has soared, thus prompting Budget Wash to expand and build another facility located at 6205 E. 91st Street (91st & Sheridan). This brand-new facility has four private washing suites complete with state-of-the-art equipment which will even accept credit cards! This facility will also be open 24 hours/day, seven days a week, and no appointments or reservations are required for good clean family fun! LOCATIONS: 1) 709 W. Houston (81st & Elm) 2) 6205 E. 91st St. (One block from Biscuit Acres Dog Park) Coming Soon! Joe Station Bark Park BUDGET WASH LOCATIONS: 1) 709 W. Houston (81st & Elm) 2) 6205 E. 91st St. (One block from Biscuit Acres Dog Park) $7.00 owners get g o d 0 .0 7 $ For hoice of c a d n a r e t warm wa ditioners. n o c d n a s o shampo Happy Dogs Mean Happy People! TulsaPets Summer 2009 25 Directory Animal Hospitals and Veterinary Services 15th Street Veterinary Group 6231 East 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 835-2336 Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Inc. 5202 E. 11th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 834-3304 American Chiropractic Clinic 318 West Highland Shawnee, OK 74801 www.doctorduree.com (405) 275-6363 Animal Acupuncture, LLC 504-7502 Animal Emergency Center, Inc. 7220 E. 41st Street Tulsa, OK 74145 665-0508 Best Friends Veterinary Hospital 5417 S. Mingo Avenue Tulsa, OK 74146 663-7595 Briarglen Veterinary Clinic 3141 S. 129th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74134 665-1555 Capron Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic 6705 E. 51st St. Tulsa, OK 74145 627-5188 Cedarwood Veterinary Clinic 1412 S. Harvard Avenue Tulsa, OK 74112 749-6588 Hammond Animal Hospital 2301 East 71st Street Tulsa, OK 74136 www.hammondanimalhospital.com 494-0151 Indian Springs Animal Hospital 7850-C S. Elm Place Broken Arrow, OK 74011 455-4144 Jacox Animal Hospital 2732 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 712-2750 26 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Marina Animal Clinic 9968 E. 21st Street Tulsa, OK 74129 www.marinaanimalclinic.com 663-5758 VCA Veterinary Medical Center 3129 South Winston Tulsa, OK 74135 www.vcavetmedcenter.com 743-6644 Camp Bow Wow 142 S. 147th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74116 www.campbowwow.com 437-DOGS (3647) Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists 515 W. Main Street Jenks, OK 74037 www.okvets.com 299-4900 VCA Woodland Broken Arrow Animal Hospital 2106 West Detroit Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.vcawoodlandbrokenarrow.com 258-5579 DeShane Kennels 1115 South 129th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74108 www.deshanekennels.com 437-3343 Riverbrook Animal Hospital 3750 S. Peoria Avenue Tulsa, OK 74105 748-4400 South Memorial Animal Hospital 7924 E. 55th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 664-8690 Southern Agriculture 6501 E. 71st Street Tulsa, OK 74133 www.southernagriculture.com 488-1993 Southern Agriculture 3146 South Mingo Road Tulsa, OK 74145 www.southernagriculture.com 663-6770 Southern Agriculture 9255 N. Owasso Expressway Owasso, OK 74055 www.southernagriculture.com 274-3770 Southern Agriculture 1746 S. 161st East Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 258-8080 Southern Agriculture 1034 E. Lansing Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 251-0267 VCA Cat Hospital of Tulsa 5122 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, OK 74133 www.vcatulsa.com 492-9292 VCA Owasso Animal Medical Center 8811 N. Owasso Expressway Owasso, OK 74055 www.vcaowasso.com 272-5986 VCA Woodland Central Animal Hospital 4720 E. 51st Street Tulsa, OK 74135 496-2111 www.vcawoodlandcentral.com VCA Woodland East Animal Hospital 9509 East 61st Street Tulsa, OK 74133 www.vcawoodlandeast.com 252-3595 VCA Woodland South Animal Hospital 9340 South Memorial Drive Tulsa, OK 74133 www.vcawoodlandsouth.com 524-5000 Veterinary Associates 6925 S. 69th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74133 492-4200 Boarding Kennels and Daycare Facilities 15th Street Veterinary Group 6231 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 835-2336 Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Inc. 5202 E. 11th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 834-3304 Best Friends Veterinary Hospital 5417 S. Mingo Road Tulsa, OK 74146 663-7595 Briarglen Veterinary Clinic 3141 S. 129th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74134 665-1555 Camille’s Cathouse 5986 W. 131st Street South Sapulpa, OK 74066 www.camillescathouse.com camillehulen@sbcglobal.net 248-8100 Groomingdales New Owners 8162 S. Harvard Avenue Tulsa, OK 74137 492-K9K9 (5959) Hammond Animal Hospital 2301 East 71st Street Tulsa, OK 74136 www.hammondanimalhospital.com 494-0151 Jacox Animal Hospital 2732 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 712-2750 Keystone Pet Grooming & Boarding 3319 E. 30th Street Tulsa, OK 74114 712-7387 Lesia’s Grooming and Boarding 4160 S. Mingo Road Tulsa, OK 74146 www.tulsagroomer.com 622-6307 Lynn Lane Boarding Kennels 9302 S. Lynn Lane Broken Arrow, OK 74012 455-7721 Marina Animal Clinic 9968 E. 21st Street Tulsa, OK 74129 www.marinaanimalclinic.com 663-5758 Pooches 2238 East 56th Place Tulsa, OK 74105 www.poochesplace.com 398-6459 The Catnip Cottage 1443 S. Gary Avenue Tulsa, OK 74104 www.thecatnipcottage.com info@thecatnipcottage.com 743-5600 VCA Animal Hospitals (see listings under Animal Hospitals) Veterinary Associates 6925 S. 69th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74133 492-4200 Grooming Services Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Inc. 5202 E. 11th St. Tulsa, OK 74112 834-3304 Bark Avenue 2737 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 745-BARK(2275) Bowser’s Trousers 2188 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, OK 74129 834-1625 Budget Wash Dog Wash 709 W. Houston Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 6205 E. 91st Tulsa 74137 Chase-n-Tails Mobile Grooming www.chasentails.com 946-9984 DeShane Kennels 1115 S. 129th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74108 www.deshanekennels.com 437-3343 Grooming by Debbie 6373 E. 31st Street, Suite F Tulsa, OK 74135 835-3647 Hammond Animal Hospital 2301 E. 71st Street Tulsa, OK 74136 www.hammondanimalhospital.com 494-0151 Keystone Pet Grooming & Boarding, Inc. 3319 E. 30th Street Tulsa, OK 74114 712-7387 Lesia’s Grooming and Boarding 4160 S. Mingo Avenue Tulsa, OK 74146 www.tulsagroomer.com 622-6307 Patty & Terrie’s Grooming Shop 6022 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, OK 74145 499-2344 Pooches 2238 East 56th Place Tulsa, OK 74105 www.poochesplace.com 398-6459 Southern Agriculture 1746 S. 161st East Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 258-8080 Sloppy Dog Wash 4316 S. Peoria Avenue Tulsa, OK 74105 www.sloppydogwash.com contact@sloppydogwash.com 742-9274 Tulsa Dog Training Club 6307 S. 107th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74133 www.tulsadogs.com 250-9620 South Memorial Animal Hospital 7924 E. 55th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 664-8690 The Paw Spa 6528D E. 101st Street Tulsa, OK 74133 392-0099 VCA Animal Hospitals (see Animal Hospitals) Veterinary Associates 6925 S. 69th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74133 492-4200 Obedience Trainers All Things Canine Behavior Consultations Tiffany Barnes Talley, CCBC www.tulsadogbehavior.com 527-9663 Companion Dog School of Tulsa 4411 S. 91st East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74145 www.companiondogschool.com 834-3566 Dog Training with Brenda www.traink9.com 274-8774 K-9 Manners & More 328 W. Kenosha Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.k9-manners.com 451-8446 Pooches 2238 E. 56th Place Tulsa, OK 74105-6114 www.poochesplace.com 398-6459 Southern Agriculture 6501 E. 71st Street Tulsa, OK 74133 www.southernagriculture.com 488-1993 Pet Adoption, Rescue Groups, Rescue Coordinators & Shelters Airedale Rescue OK Airedales Frances Martin fmterrier@sbcglobal.net www.okairedales.com 836-5508 Alaskan Malamute Rescue Virgil Reed (918) 486-3494 A.R. F. – Animal Rescue Foundation www.arftulsa.org 622-5962 Animal Aid of Tulsa 3307 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 www.animalaid.org 744-8280 Boxer Rescue Tulsa Boxer Rescue Rescue and adoption Serving all of Oklahoma info@tulsaboxerrescue.net Laura – 261-0869 Michael – 814-3047 www.tulsaboxerrescue.net Broken Arrow Animal Shelter 3420 N. 41st Street Broken Arrow, OK 74014 www.bashelter.petfinder.com www.brokenarrowok.gov 259-8311 Cat Adoption Center www.catadopttulsa.org 486-7727 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue and Adoption Marla Palovik www.cavalierrescueusa.com 274-0408 Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue Bob Hill BLHill2@cox.net 381-4504 Chihuahua Rescue of Northeast Oklahoma Vickie Propst 341-7991 Australian Shepherd Rescue Sonja Jo Hahn www.okaussies.org 906-5958 Dachshund Rescue of North America Kathryn Dickerson OKDox3@cox.net Cheryl Roberts cherylmroberts@cox.net www.drna.org Bichon Frisee Rescue Small Paws Rescue www.smallpawsrescue.org Dalmatian Assistance League www.tulsadals.org Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue 17667 Markita Drive Jones, OK 73049 blazesequineresc@aol.com www.blazesequinerescue.com (405) 399-3084 Forest and Jenny’s Place Animal Rescue www.forestandjennysplace.org/ Bloodhound Rescue Niki Ganns wrinklebrow@sbcglobal.net (918) 371-4193 Sharon Bardin bardin@cableone.net www.southcentralbloodhounds.org (580) 332-5254 German Shepherd Rescue www.gsrtulsa.com 282-8593 Friends of Felines www.friendsoffelines@hotmail.com Golden Retriever Rescue Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue www.sgrr.org 747-9281 Bonhaven Terrier Rescue www.bonhaven.org TulsaPets Summer 2009 27 Directory Greyhound Adoption Halfway Home Greyhound Adoption www.halfwayhomegreyhounds.com Irene Comer 584-4880 Teddy Palmer 492-8077 Home At Last Organization (HALO) Mary Ann Jarrett 496-3117 Adult dogs only Humane Society of Owasso 881 N. Owasso Expressway Owasso, OK 74055 272-2400 Humane Society of Tulsa 6232 E. 60th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 www.tulsapets.com 495-DOGS Irish Setter Rescue Irene and John Comer 584-4880 760-5388 Mobile Lab Rescue of Oklahoma www.labrescue.net Love4all Pet Services P.O. Box 150126 Tulsa, OK 74115-0126 earthkeeper21@hotmail.com www.love4all.petfinder.com 798-2131 Mastiff Rescue Great Plains Mastiff Rescue Foundation P.O. Box 6173 Edmond, OK 73083-6173 info@greatplainsmastiffrescue.org www.greatplainsmastiffrescue.org (206) 202-4364 Noah Animal Rescue www.noahanimalrescue.petfinder.com 232-1953 Oklahoma Alliance for Animals 2642 E. 21st Street, Suite 120 Tulsa, OK 74114 www.info@animalallianceok.org 742-3700 Owasso Feline Rescue 272-4059 Parrot Rescue Fight 4 Flight Parrot Rescue www.myspace.com/ fight4flightrescue.com fight4flightparrotrescue@yahoo.com Janet -283-1264; Lynn – 633-7257; Samantha – 633-9487 28 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Partnering for Pets, Inc. 12324 E. 86th Street North, #142 Owasso, OK 74055 www. partneringforpets.org 376-2525 PAWS of Tulsa pawsoftulsa.org 376-2397 PAL - Pet Adoption League www.pet-adopt.org 365-8725 Pet Boutiques StreetCats 6520 E. 60th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 www.streetcatstulsa.org 298-0104 The Catnip Cottage 1443 S. Gary Avenue Tulsa, OK 74104 www.thecatnipcottage.com info@thecatnipcottage.com 743-5600 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue Green Country Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue okcorgirescue@sbcglobal.net 663-7595 Missie Holbrook Lynn Johnson The Dog Dish The Farm Shopping Center 6502 E. 51st Street Tulsa, OK 74145 www.dogdish.com 624-2600 Poodle Rescue Poodle Club of Tulsa, Inc. Susan Wagner www.poodlecluboftulsa.org 346-7121 The Posh Pup The Market 8281 S. Harvard Avenue Tulsa, OK 74137 857-1518 or 492-5517 Siberian Husky Rescue Alicia Kindle (918) 241-8487 Pet Food and Treats StreetCats (cat adoption only) 6520 E. 60th Street Tulsa 74145 www.streetcatstulsa.org 298-0104 Tulsa Animal Welfare 3031 N. Erie Tulsa. OK 74115 www.tulsa-animalshelter.org 669-6299 Tulsa SPCA 2910 Mohawk Blvd. Tulsa, OK 74110-1419 www.tulsaspca.org 428-7722 Westie Rescue Oklahoma Westie Rescue Meredith or Mike Butcher www.okwestierescue.com 407-4569 Zoi’s Animal Rescue P.O. Box 2905 Claremore, OK 74018 zoianimalrescue@yahoo.com 734-1184 Animal Health Supply 6939 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 836-3959 Natura Pet Products www.naturapet.com Pet Squad www.petsquadok.com 369-9399 Red Dog Hound & Pet Supply 2198 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, OK 74129 834-1224 The Dog Dish The Farm Shopping Center 6502 E. 51st Street Tulsa, OK 74145 www.dogdish.com 624-2600 Yellow Dog Bakery www.yellowdogbakery.net 406-3619 Pet Mortuary and Cremation Services Companions Forever 7442 E. 46th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 www.companionsforever.com 610-0348 Pet Memorial Memory Gardens 11010 North Yale Tulsa, OK 74073 288-6414 Pet Photography/Pet Portraits Foshay Studio and Gallery Broken Arrow, OK 74012 foshaystudioandgallery.com RLFoshay@cox.net 384-9422 Helen F. Howerton www.howertonart.com 494-5994 Studio D Photography at Moto Photo 8220 S. Harvard Avenue Tulsa, OK 74137 494-6686 Moto Photo and Portrait Studio 802 S. Aspen Broken Arrow, OK 74012 258-7676 Sirius Photography www.siriusphotography.smugmug.com 543-6578 Pet Sitting and Walking Services A Pet’s Companion 24-Hour In-home Pet Sitting Beth Sims - Owner 282-8528 Andrea’s Furry Angels Pet Care and013@aol.com 695-5118 Homeward Bound Pet Sitting Service “In Your Own Home” HBPets@ yahoo.com 451-PETS Stephanie’s Affordable Pet Care Service 409-9426 The Comfort of Home Irene Comer Email: okpetsitter1@yahoo.com 760-5388 Mobile Vet Recommended Whitney Ensing Pet Sitting Service 813-2717 Pet Supplies Animal Health Supply 6939 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 836-3959 MuzzleFluff Dog Beds www.muzzlefluff.com jennifer@muzzlefluff.com 809-8232 Red Dog Hound & Pet Supply 2198 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, OK 74129 834-1224 Sloppy Dog Wash 4316 S. Peoria Ave. Tulsa, OK 74105 www.sloppydogwash.com info@sloppydogwash.com 742-9274 Southern Agriculture 6501 E. 71st Street Tulsa, OK 74133 www.southernagriculture.com 488-1993 Southern Agriculture 3146 South Mingo Road Tulsa, OK 74145 www.southernagriculture.com 663-6770 Southern Agriculture 2618 S. Harvard Avenue Tulsa, OK 74114 www.southernagriculture.com 747-6872 Southern Agriculture 2914 E. 91st Street Tulsa, OK 74137 www.southernagriculture.com 299-1981 Southern Agriculture 9255 N. Owasso Expressway Owasso, OK 74055 www.southernagriculture.com 274-3770 Southern Agriculture 1746 S. 161st East Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 258-8080 Southern Agriculture 1034 E. Lansing Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 251-0267 Miscellaneous Pet Products/ Services/Friends of Pets American AutoMart 9404 E. 31st Tulsa, OK 74145 Catherine Tatum McGraw Realtors 492-7191 Cindy Johnson Keller Williams Realtors 810-0528 Hospice of Green Country 2121 S. Columbia, Suite 200 www.hospiceofgreencountry.org 747-2273 Hurricane K-9 Waste Removal H-K9.com 812-8859 Jim Giles Safe Rooms www.jimsafe.com 639-8102 Calendar of Events 4th Sunday of the month (except December) The Oklahoma Avicultural Society (Exotic Bird Club) 1:30-4:30pm. Hardesty Library, 8316 E. 93rd St, Tulsa, Ok. Informative pet bird related programs. Free admission, everyone welcome. Contact: Mary Prater Hill, 918-437-3343.www.okbirds.com Last Saturday of Every Month Adopt a Little Okie 12-4 p.m. Tulsa Animal Welfare, 3031 N. Erie. Sponsored by Tulsa Animal Welfare and the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals.Contact: 742-3700 Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Drive Jenks, OK 74037 www.okaquarium.org 296-3474 July 17, 18, 19 StreetCats Booth at Affair of the Heart of Tulsa Expo Square, QuikTrip Center Booth 343 & 344 Pet Loss Support Group 592-0021 July 20, August 3, 17th, 31st, September 14th, 28th Pet Loss Support Group 5:30-6:30 p.m. Central Park Community Center Activity Room, 1028 E. 6th, Tulsa. For more information or for appointment: 592-0021 Queenie’s Restaurant 1834 Utica Square 749-3481 Safe-Step Dog Waste Removal Service 834-POOP (7667) Tulsa Community College Veterinary Technology Program 7505 W. 41st Street Tulsa, OK 74107 595-8213 Directory listings are free of charge for advertisers; non-advertisers may be listed for a $35.00 fee. For listings please email Directory@TulsaPetsMagazine.com. September 12, 10-2 p.m. Woofstock Veteran’s Park, 21st & Boulder.Sponsored by the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals & KBEZ.Rescue dogs available for adoption, microchipping, and more! For more information: 742-3700 September 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exotic Bird Fair Green Country Event Center, 12000 E. 31st St. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Avicultural Society. For more information: 437-3343 Have an event scheduled from mid-October 2009 through mid-January 2010? Email details to events@tulsapetsmagazine.com. TulsaPets Summer 2009 29 Dixie 30 TulsaPets Summer 2009 A “rowling” good time! By Judy Langdon. Photos by Sirius Photography. If you think you need to leave the dog at home while you are out and about this summer, think again. From May through October, you can find many Tulsans enjoying their evenings at free outdoor music concerts. You can find lots of dogs (with their owners) there, too. And they appear to be having a “rowling” good time! At a recent early summer concert at Utica Square’s “Summer’s 5th Night,” amid a sea of circled lawn chairs, coolers, parents and small children, there was a whole menagerie of canines present, in all sizes (including tiny cuddly puppies), colors, breeds and shapes. Lots of them. Some are rescue dogs. Some were even there to make a fashion statement. While this summer might be the dogs and owners’ first to attend the concerts, many Tulsans have been bringing their “four-legged children” to Summer’s 5th Night for years, they said. One couple even brought their “granddog” on their motorcycle! According to their owners, most of the time the dogs will obediently sit or lay, leashed, at their masters’ sides, but a few have been known to wander off to the other side of a parking lot. Some dogs even have their own cushioned chairs with food, bones, water and toys; and some get a little bit of attitude if a passerby doesn’t give them a scratch or pat on the head. A few of the dogs and owners encountered at the concert: John, who recently moved to Tulsa from Houston, was enjoying the concert with his 10 year-old Golden Retriever, Monroe. For a first-timer, Monroe (who was born in Jenks) was taking the crowded, loud evening all in stride. “He’s usually pretty lazy,” says Powers. Cara hasn’t always brought her dog to Summer’s 5th Night…she has even brought her bird, a Red Lorey! But making her first appearance at the concert on this night, was 11 week-old Blue Great Dane, Chloe. Michelle has been attending the con- certs for five years, she said, but had her 8 week old black miniature Schnauzer, Maud, in tow. Rose, a red Standard poodle, has been coming to Utica Square with Harry and Beverly for the past four years. “She loves to ride in the car,” says Beverly. “And she loves seeing the children here. She thinks everyone should stop and talk to her, and gets upset if people don’t.” Still, Rose makes sure Harry and Beverly are always right beside her, says Beverly. Chicka-Chula-Valentina, a 4 ½ yearold very vocal black Chihuahua, always sits atop a special red rug on her chair and (the night of the interview) a red bandana tied around her neck. Her owner, Karen, says Valentina, who is always leashed, during one concert took off across the parking lot, even attached to Karen’s chair! Bruno, an adventuresome 3 year- old Pomeranian, was with his owner Lynne, who has been attending the concerts about four years. “He has been known to run away,” says Lynne, “so he’s always on a leash.” Bruno Chubby Chicka-Chula-Valentina TulsaPets Summer 2009 31 Drover Khaki Coco Rose Hope Chloe Pam, who resides in Tahlequah, brings her 4 year-old male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chubby, a rescue dog, to the weekly concerts. “We come to these all the time,” says Pam, who says her dog doesn’t mind the drive. He even has his own chair. Drover, a four month-old miniature Australian Shepherd came to Summer’s 5th Night on his “grandparents,’’ Steve’s and Laura’s, motorcycle. It was only the second time that Stephanie brought her year-old white Labradoodle, Khaki, to the concert. “We came last year at the tail end of the summer,” says Stephanie. Dressed in hot pink, just like her owner, Linda, was two-year old Pekingese, Coco. Coco was clad with a pink polka dot bow tied top her head and a pink ribbon around her neck. “She loves everyone and thinks everyone should love her,” says Linda. “She is spoiled rotten and loves to go places.” Belinda, her husband and two daughters, brought Charlie, their 7 year-old Welsh Corgi, for the third year in a row. The family has been coming to the concerts since they started, and they have two additional Welsh Corgis, Chester and Lucy, at home. “When Chester gets a bone, he doesn’t chew on it, but he doesn’t want the other dogs to get it either,” says Belinda. “And he loves to watch ‘Animal Planet,’ on television. He barks at all the dogs on the screen.” Hope, a loveable 1 year-old white Con-de-etouron (which resembles a Maltese), came to the rescue when her owner, also named Linda, was battling cancer. “It was a tense time (when we met),” says Linda, who named her dog because she gave her another reason to live. “She is a joy to have around, always wants to play and tries to kiss everyone.” 32 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Dixie, who is another rescue dog, is a 4 month-old miniature Schnauzer who came to her owner, Cheryl and family, just in the nick of time. “I saw her picture in the paper and learned Dixie, her mother and the rest of the litter (who were in Oklahoma City) were going to be put down the next day,” says Cheryl. “I told my husband, ‘We have to get this puppy.” But the Dixons already had a dog and Cheryl’s husband’s first answer was no. “But then he had a change of heart, and he and our daughter went to Oklahoma City the next day and picked her up as a Mother’s Day present.” Dixie is still kind of timid, says Cheryl, and a typical puppy. “We do have to watch her, because she chews on shoes.” “This is our second or third year to come to Summer’s 5th Night,” says Dan Blevins, with his 4 year-old miniature Italian Greyhound, Bella. “And we always sit in the same place.” www.marinaanimalclinic.com Designer Collars • Gourmet Treats • Holistic Food • Terrific Toys • Beautiful Bowls • Great Gifts In business since 1979 9968 E. 21st St. Tulsa, OK 74129 p. 663.5758 f. 663.1451 www.dogdish.com Tulsa’s greatest selection of collars, beds, bowls and dog attire Specializing in holistic food and natural treats Bruce Almighty • Adopted 2007 Tulsa Animal Welfare Shelter • www.tulsa-animalshelter.org Chase • Adopted 2003 • Animal Rescue Foundation • www.arftulsa.org Katie Rabbit • Adopted 2004 Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue • www.sgrr.org Located in the Farm Shopping Center at 51st and Sheridan (918) 624-2600 – www.dogdish.com The Dog Dish and its four legged staff members encourage all Tulsans to consider adopting their next best friend from the Tulsa Animal Shelter or local animal rescue groups. Pet Apparel • Human Apparel • Gorgeous Jewelry • Luxurious Beds Marina Animal Clinic, Inc. Serving Pets and Their People Since 2002! Designer Collars • Gourmet Treats • Holistic Food • Terrific Toys • Beautiful Bowls • Great Gifts Quality Care. Affordable Prices. Human Apparel • Gorgeous Jewelry • Luxurious Beds • Designer Collars Keep the Pets About Town pictures coming! We want to see your pet in TulsaPets Magazine! Please email a high-resolution jpeg image (at least 300 dpi) with your pet’s name to petpics@tulsapetsmagazine.com — or send a photo snail mail to P.O. Box 14128, Tulsa OK 74159-1128. (Sorry but hard copy photos can not be returned.) We’ll do out best to include your pet in a future issue! TulsaPets Summer 2009 33 15th Street Veterinary Group Trusted veterinary care for the life of your pet Ed Wagner, D.V.M. Mark Shackelford, D.V.M. Erin Reed, D.V.M. M-F 8:00 - 6:00 • Sat: 8:00 -12:00 6231 E. 15th • Tulsa, OK 74112 • 835-2336 $169/mo Bi-weekly appts. Canine Arthritis Special Laser, acupuncture, massage, exercise therapy, weight loss, and more. For more details call or visit our web site. 918.664.8690 southmemorial.com 34 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Thank You For Your Support Because of your generous support to our” Wheels of Hope” project, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals is able to help save more lives by helping Oklahoma’s at risk animals. Your continued support is vital in our life saving mission. Keep the wheels rolling to save lives by donating to “Wheels of Hope” 742-3700 www.animalallianceok.org Peace-of-Mind Lloyd and the dogs didn’t know how fortunate they were to be connected to Tulsa’s only non-profit hospice organization that also has a program to care for patients’ pets caught up in the end-of-life process. Homes were found for three of the adult dogs and plans made to vaccinate the puppies. “But we were too late,” McNac says. On vaccination day, the puppies were all dying with distemper. Only puppy Jack and the adult Weimeraner survived. “I knew then that Jack was special. He had pneumonia, but he still wagged his tail when I petted and talked to him … he had a quiet strength about him that spoke straight to my heart,” she recalls. It’s that heart-to-heart bond that is the essence of Pet Peace of Mind, HGC’s unique program that enables hospice patients to keep their pets at home with them throughout their illnesses, ensuring that the deep human-animal bond does not become a casualty at a time when other losses are occurring. The program provides a range of services for its clients’ pets such as transportation to and payment for vet care or grooming, and buying food, medication and kitty litter, flea and tick treatment, and pain and comfort Jack Black takes friend teddy toy while visiting staff and care for elderly pets. It also helps patients volunteers at Hospice of Green Country offices. with planning for animal placement after death. Tulsa’s Pet Peace of Mind is going national now as a model for establishing similar programs in hospices around the country. Banfield Charitable Trust, based in Portland, Ore., contacted McNac a year ago when trust officials were looking for ways to support hospice patients and their pets. Its mission is fostering programs to keep pets and people together and Tulsa’s two-yearold program is a natural match for Banfield. McNac will be involved in reviewing Stories and photos by Pat Atkinson. A journalist for more than 25 years, Atkinson is involved with grant requests and training hospice staffs animal rescue and advocacy activities. nationwide. McNac was a veterinarian before Jack Black was only 10-months old and living under transitioning into her chaplaincy training, a house trailer with five other puppies and four adult bringing with her to hospice a professional dogs when the hospice staff first met the furry gang. and personal awareness of the importance of Jack’s owner, Lloyd, was a Vietnam vet with a gruff exterior and a tender heart. the bond between people and their loving And he was on his end-of-life journey, softened and assisted by the caring people and faithful furry companions throughout from Hospice of Green Country. life, especially at life’s end. A relative of Lloyd’s had dropped off four adult Weimeraners, earlier purchased Assisted by the pet-loving staff at HGC, for breeding. Along came a black Labrador and soon there were six puppies. she established Pet Peace of Mind in July, “When we first admitted Lloyd to hospice, we discovered that he had 10 dogs 2007 funded from her own pocket, later running around and he was overwhelmed,” recalls Rev. Delana McNac, HGC’s from an anonymous donor and HGC. director of spiritual care. McNac’s acquaintance with a “portly” Paw Prints from Heart-to-Heart Hospice’s Pet Peace of Mind Program Goes National TulsaPets Summer 2009 35 Dachshund named Stretch sparked the idea for pet hospice care four years ago at a different hospice program. Stretch’s owner Harold and the little weenie dog were inseparable from the moment Stretch unexpectedly waddled through Harold‘s door and into his heart. As Harold’s and his wife’s health deteriorated, his family decided to send the dog to live out of state and Harold’s health accelerated downhill. Grieving and isolated while sitting in a darkened room, he confided to McNac how he missed his little dog, worried about Stretch, was angry that the family took him away and afraid the relative might have taken Stretch to a shelter. McNac recalls: “My last visit was one I will never forget. Harold laid on his bed, fully clothed, talking nonsensically to no one in particular, staring at the television. Beside him, where Stretch had always laid, Harold petted an invisible dog over and over again. He died later that night.” She says she later founded Pet Peace of Mind because she believes, “We could have changed the end of Harold’s life if we had taken Stretch in, placed him in a foster home and brought him to visit Harold on a regular basis with hospice volunteers.” And the hospice staff would have helped Harold plan ahead for Stretch’s home life after Harold’s death. As Pet Peace of Mind was being launched, little survivor Jack Black was one of the earliest pets aided by Hospice of Green Country’s program. “He cheated death,” McNac says. After the death of Jack’s owner, McNac adopted the brave, black Labrador-Weimeraner cross. Jack often visits HGC’s offices, walking the hallways carrying toys, greeting and acknowledging staff members and volunteers. “He cheers up everyone he meets and gives all of us motivation and inspiration,” she says. Rev. Delana McNac shares a heart-to-heart hug with Jack Black, a continuing inspiration for Hospice of Green Country’s Pet Peace of Mind program, keeping pets and their people who are receiving hospice care together at end of life. 36 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Hospice of Green Country’s Pet Peace of Mind program has gone national. Portland, Oregon-based Banfield Charitable Trust is offering start-up funding to nonprofit hospice programs across the country, based on a how-to manual written at Banfield’s request by Pet Peace of Mind founder Rev. Delana McNac, spiritual director at HGC and a former veterinarian. Pet Peace of Mind in Tulsa, founded two years ago, has cared for 150 pets owned by approximately 50 hospice patients. Banfield directors were looking for another way to continue the trust’s mission to fund or administer innovative programs keeping pets and families together. “For many in hospice care, their physical condition leads to a decrease of previously enjoyed social opportunities and relationships. Their pets offer unconditional love and acceptance, comfort and companionship when it’s needed most – when friends and family aren’t seen as frequently, or when words are too hard to say,” the Banfield’s recent media announcement notes. Banfield grants will include training by McNac and others to help hospices across the country offer pet care to patients physically or financially unable to provide essentials for their pets. Sometimes simple tasks like walking, feeding, grooming or a trip to the veterinarian are difficult. The program provides these services and more. The trust is associated with Banfield veterinary clinics based in PetSmart stores. Grants foster Banfield’s goal of helping hospice patients “complete their end-of-life journey with the comfort and companionship of their pet, without worrying about their pet’s current or future needs.” Lesia’s Grooming & Boarding, Inc. Lesia & Melissa 918.622.6307 $5 off your first visit! 4160 S. Mingo Rd. Tulsa, OK 74146 Behind B&B Lighting Cell 691.2946 tulsagroomer.com brokenarrowpetgroomer.com CAPRON VETERINARY HOSPITAL & Dental Clinic For pets ANIMAL DENTAL CLINIC OF TULSA General Practitioner & Board Certified Veterinary Dentist 918-627-5188 Kenneth M. Capron, DVM - FAVD - Dipl. AVDC Fellow Academy Of Veterinary Dentistry Diplomate American Veterinary Dental College Past President of American Veterinary Dental Society Past President of American Veterinary Dental College Founder of National Pet Dental Health Month ROUTINE & ADVANCED DENTISTRY For your pets & your referring Veterinarians Tulsa’s Only All-Inclusive Feline Boarding Facility Featuring • Spacious Walk-In Suites • Private Playtime on Screened Porch • Saturday Night Seafood Buffet • Filtered Water and Kitty’s Choice of Premium Food • Classical Music Played Throughout Suites • Nightly Happy Hour • Long-Term Discounts The Catnip Cottage A Purrfect Place For Feline Relaxation 743-5600 1443 S. Gary Ave. Tulsa, OK 74104 www.thecatnipcottage.com We offer in-home acupuncture service for your pets — now also available at Animal Emergency Center from 9:00 - 3:00 on Fridays by appointment. B 7220 E. 41st St. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm B Heather Owen, DVM, CVA Periodontics • Endodontics • Orthodontics Crowns • Restorative Bonding • Disarming Digital Dental Radiology • Oral Surgery Routine & Advanced Cleaning and Polishing FULL SERVICE HOSPITAL Surgery • Medicine • Dentistry • Vaccinations Video Endoscopy • Computer Aided Diagnostics In Hospital Lab • Pediatric & Geriatric Care Boarding • Bathing 6705 E. 51st • Tulsa OK 74145 Northeast of Farm Shopping Center www.capronvethospital.com Hospice of Green Country “The Pet-Friendly Hospice” Medicare & private insurance accepted Non-profit 501(c)3 organization Programs available for those without the ability to pay (918) 747-2273 918.504.7502 www.animalacupuncturellc.com www.hospiceofgreencountry.org TulsaPets Summer 2009 37 In Memory of…Calie INT. & AM. CH SNOWONDER’S CALIENTE ROJA CD, U-CD, HIC, CGC, TDINC, WS, WSX July 2, 1994 to April 2, 2009 Calie came into my life as a darling little white fur ball! She was my practice dog for obedience, agility, herding, doggy dancing, confirmation, rally and pet therapy. I learned so much about how to train a dog with this lovely example of a Samoyed. Because of her I have met hundreds of people involved with every aspect of dogdom and gone places I never would have, had I not experienced training and showing Calie. We became a registered therapy team when she was two. We made folks smile and laugh and forget their pain at nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, rehabilitation units and day cares for over thirteen years. Calie had over 200 hours of therapy visits in the greater Tulsa area. She was my true heart dog. “You have gone ahead And nothing is the same Leaving paw prints on my heart That will always remain…” TULSA DOG TRAINING CLUB Sharon Wilson April 2009 Stay tuned in to the latest community pet news! Training People to Train Their Dogs Since 1947 Visit our website at www.tulsadogs.com for information on the next class sessions and upcoming events. Puppy… Rally… Obedience…Agility... 6307 S. 107th East Ave. 250-9620 38 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Find out what’s happening in the Tulsa pet world: Pet News • Adoption Events Fund raisers • Dog Park News www.tulsapetsmagazine.com Pet Safety Tulsa Pets are Safely in the Hands of the American Red Cross By Kelsy Taylor The Tulsa Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has helped the community in so many ways. One very important part of their program is to help families and their pets during emergencies. “The Red Cross has always included pets in their plan, especially in disaster preparedness and first aid” emphasized Devone Chezum, the Education Community Coordinator of the Tulsa Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. There are a variety of resources and programs that involve pets in the organization. Devone Chezum said that, “most chapters of the American Red Cross offer Pet First Aid classes that are available once or twice a year.” The classes will help prepare pet owners to face a variety of situations with confidence. This is a great opportunity for owners of both dogs and cats in the Tulsa area to learn valuable skills, when to recognize an emergency and how to prepare for one. “Rescue breathing and CPR are taught in the class, instructors also show the students how to create a first aid kit for their pets” explained Chezum. The pet first aid kits include helpful supplies such as bandages, ointments, and blankets. The kits are also available, already prepared, from the American Red Cross. Devone emphasized that the kits should be brought along with the dog wherever it goes because you never know when you may need them! Pets have become a part of the family in recent years. They come along during family activities, welcome long walks with us, and enjoy spending time curled up by our sides. Recently an increase in pet ownership and more people feeling like pets are a part of their family has inspired the American Red Cross to create two very important products to accompany their pet first aid classes. The organization has prepared a book that includes valuable information for pet owners. The topics range from minor situations up to how to aid an animal while rushing it to a veterinarian. This product can be used as a quick reference guide since the topics are well organized and easy to find. Devone added that the book “is a supplement to being a good pet owner.” The organization also offers an informative DVD that also covers a wide range of topics. “The DVD is a reinforcement of what is learned in the class” describes Devone. A few of the topics that are covered include: eye injuries, wound care, burn care, and broken bones. The DVD is also a great reference guide designed for easy access to specific topics. “It is very comforting to know the information from the books and DVD for your own or others pets” mentioned Devone. Often, the skills that are gained through the classes and products from the American Red Cross can save not only the participant’s pet but a stray or injured animal. Anyone interested in enrolling in a pet first aid class or purchasing one of the products should visit www.tulsaredcross.org or call 918-831-1126. The Tulsa Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has a store in their lobby, located at 10151 East 11th Street Tulsa, OK 74128, where all of their pet products are available. A Kelsy Taylor TulsaPets Summer 2009 39 On the Scent for Some New Digs? Call Tulsa’s Pet-Friendly Realtor. ACADIA VETERINARY HOSPITAL, INC. Call 5202 East 11th Street (918) 834-3304 For Appointments Ralph W. Grogan, D.V.M. Terrie Johns, Groomer Office Hours Mon. - Fri. 7:00 - 7:00 8-1 Saturday Emergencies Tel. (918) 834-3304 24 hr. Answering GUNNER JACOX ANIMAL HOSPITAL Your Other Family Physician Magic and Merlin are Catherine’s rescued dogs Office Hours M-F 7:30-6:00 Sat 9:00-12:30 (918) 712-2750 Catherine Tatum ctatum@tulsarealtors.com 492-7191 Dr. Sandra Rawlings 2732 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 Fax: 712-2760 SAVE A LIFE! ADOPT A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT TODAY! Behavior Problems Are Our Specialty Dog Training with Brenda “Simply the Best” Training with Brenda has been a blessing for our dogs and our home life. We have two standard poodle puppies that are brothers but like all brothers they would fight and not leave each other alone. Brenda taught them to be in the same room together and to leave each other alone, and also not to attack the front door when the bell rang. With just a few que words they do exactly what we want when we want. We thank her so much as she is an excellent dog trainer and we are grateful to have found her. Stuart and Pam Gibbs Oklahoma’s “Dog Whisperer!” Hundreds of Satisfied Clients Written Guarantee Personally recommended by Local Veterinarians (918) 274-8774 www.traink9.com Lessons or Drop-Off Service Drop off your dog and in 2 weeks he/she will be fully trained 40 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Where your pet is pawsitively pampered!! $5.00 Off Your Pet’s First Grooming! Pet Styling, Shed Reducing, Pawdicures, Blueberry Facials, Aromatherapy Yellow Dog Bakery Gourmet Dog Treats The Paw Spa 100% Natural, No Additives or Fillers www.thepawspaok.com Treat your pet to a day at the spa! yellowdogbakery.net 6528 D E. 101st St. • 392.0099 918.406.3619 Good Story Emily — the Schipperke Dog By Alice Benavides as told to her by Kaye Lynn. Alice Benavides is a writer and freelance editor from Jenks, Oklahoma. Emily today Emily, only eight weeks old and a tiny ball of black fur, was Kaye Lynn’s Christmas gift from her son Matthew and his fiancée Jennifer. In an effort to help Kaye stave off the empty-nest syndrome, the engaged couple looked for the perfect companion for her. After some research, Matthew and Jennifer decided on a beagle. But when they visited the kennel, Jennifer noticed a little back bundle crouched in the corner behind the mother beagle. The kennel owner explained that the little schipperke pup was abandoned by her mother, so they put her with the mother beagle who had just delivered a litter of her own. When Jennifer bent down for a closer look, the little schipperke waddled toward her and Jennifer fell in love. After more research, the young couple decided this little puppy was just the one for Kaye. With Christmas still a week away, Matthew took care of the little pup in his apartment. Then on Christmas Day, with the little dog nestled in the palm of his hand, Matthew and Jennifer presented their gift to Kaye. “What are you going to name her?” they asked Kaye. Jennifer had started calling her “Squeakers” since her bark was not fully developed, but Kaye liked the name “Emily.” Kaye loved little Emily right away but found house training to be a challenge, particularly in the middle of winter — a wet winter. And Kaye’s big back yard made it difficult to find the tiny dog when she was let out. “Miss Emily and I had to get used to one another,” Kaye says, and it was the TulsaPets Summer 2009 41 Emily with decreasing endurance. purchase of a book on puppy care and training that saved her life … and Miss Emily’s! Kaye also purchased a large crate and lots of toys to keep Emily occupied and out of trouble while she was at work. She set the crate by the window so the puppy could see out. When Kaye returned home each day and let her out of the crate, Emily wiggled with excitement. At last, the two were becoming friends. At six months old, Kaye took Emily to have her spayed. Later that day, the veterinarian called to explain that during surgery Emily suffered a cardiac arrest, but that she was alive and doing well. “My heart just broke. It was at that moment I realized how much that little black ball of fur lived in my heart,” Kaye said. Emily recovered completely from that incident, and as time went on, the two became even closer friends. Kaye’s mother became ill and moved in with Kaye. Seeing her mom so ill was difficult for Kaye and Emily knew it. “When times would be tough, I would walk and carry Miss Emily. When I cried, her black fur would catch my tears.” And when burdens overwhelmed her, Kaye noticed that Emily would climb up next to her and would place her paw on her leg as if to pat her and say, “It’s okay, I am here.” And after the death of her mother, Kaye realized how Emily had grown to understand her. 42 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Emily the first morning home after her surgery. That’s when Kaye began to notice that something was not right with Emily. “When I would pick her up, my hand on her chest, I could feel her heart beat. It was slow and irregular.” Kaye also noticed that Emily’s activity level had become sluggish. Emily could hardly run to chase a ball one time. Kaye, a cardiac nurse for many years, also noticed other symptoms that indicated a problem. Kaye took Emily to the vet who performed an EKG, but his diagnosis was simply an irregular heart rhythm that many dogs have. He did not feel any other treatment was necessary. But after Emily developed other health problems, Kaye requested a cardiac exam. When Kaye found herself at odds with the doctor, she asked for a referral. Dr. Patrick Grogan, DVM, performed another EKG and an echocardiogram while Kaye stayed by Emily’s side. Kaye did not tell Dr. Grogan about her profession but watched as the EKG printed out the results. Then she asked the doctor if the squiggly lines could be read the same as for a human heart. When the doctor said yes, she knew Emily was in trouble. At only four years old, Emily had a bad conduction in her heart that was not telling it when to beat. The results also showed that Emily’s heart rate dropped to the twenties with eight- to nine-second pauses between beats. Kaye was astonished and knew she had to do something. Emily had so faithfully looked after Kaye while her mother was ill, and now it was Kaye’s turn to look after her. If Emily was to survive, she would need a pacemaker. After Kaye pressed the issue once again, Dr. Grogan made the arrangements and secured an appointment for Kaye and Emily to see a cardiologist at Texas A&M University. Dr. Sonya Gordon and her staff placed a pacemaker in front of Emily’s right shoulder. She recovered well from that surgery and has lived a good life with Kaye. Emily will soon be thirteen years old and currently functions 50% of the time on the pacemaker. “Not everyone has the money to help their pets,” Kaye admits, “but if they want to take responsibility for their animals, there are ways to do it.” Kaye encourages other pet owners who may be struggling with their pets’ health issues to not give up and to take responsibility early. Kaye says, “A schipperke life span is between fifteen and twenty years. We had a talk and she (Emily) agreed to stay with me at least ten more years.” Alice Benavides Become a Foster Home! Showing pets for adoption every Friday at PetSmart 71st St. & Highway 169, 11:00 - 4:00 and cats for adoption every Saturday at PetSmart 41st & Yale, 9:30 - 3:30 www.pet-adopt.org www.petfinder.org/shelters/OK70 6022 South Sheridan Rd. Tulsa, OK 74145 499.2344 Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Daycare available. (918) 248-8100 www.CamillesCathouse.com PomPom invites you to visit the “Best Little Cathouse in Oklahoma”! TulsaPets Summer 2009 43 Dog Training 411 Mary Green answers your questions Q I have a Corgi puppy that is now about 10 months old. She is a very loving and affectionate dog – most of the time. Recently, she has snapped at both of my children. I have 2 daughters, 7 and 9 years old. What has me really concerned is that she snapped right in their faces. She growled at me one time when I went to get her off the sofa, but she has not snapped at me. I’m not sure what happened with the girls, because I didn’t see it, but I do know that Rosie was on the sofa. A Young children and dogs should never be unsupervised. At 7 and 9 your children are too young to be playing with Rosie unless you are right there to monitor their interactions. While it is never acceptable for dogs to bite, sometimes we can understand why they want to! Little girls especially like to pick up puppies, hold them, and carry them around. They tend to treat them like living dolls. Puppies often grow tired of being pursued by children, and may use their teeth to defend themselves. Little boys like to play wrestling and chase games with dogs, which can have disastrous consequences! While it may be cute that the 10 week old Lab puppy chases the kids, and they fall down and wrestle, it’s not such a cute behavior at 10 months of age when the dog now weighs 60 pounds or more. I have counseled parents whose child was bitten when they bent down to hug a sleeping dog. There is truth in the old adage “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Rosie may be territorial about the sofa, too. Teach her that she is not allowed up there unless you have invited her. Train her to jump off the sofa to get a treat when you tell her. Don’t pick her up and remove her from the sofa, or drag her off. Make sure that she is willingly jumping down when asked. Teach your daughters how to play with Rosie. Have short play sessions that are toy oriented, and eliminate chase and wrestling games. Instruct the children not to pick up Rosie, or pursue her. Teach her to come when called, and sit politely for petting. Treats are a great motivation for these behaviors! Q Do no-bark collars work? A Unfortunately, there’s no short answer to your short question! There are various types of anti-bark, or bark control collars, and many drawbacks to using them. One type is considered a shock collar, which delivers a jolt when the dog barks. These collars are marketed with misleading descriptions of “levels of stimulation” or “light touch correction.” The barking dog receives a shock that he may or may not associate with his barking! He may associate the “unpleasant feeling” with the presence of another dog or person. He may become fearful about going into the yard. There are no-shock solutions that may be effective. One option is a device which emits an ultrasonic “correction” tone when dogs bark. They can be mounted on the fence, wall, or pole. They have adjustments for frequency and sensitivity. The biggest drawback with these devices is that all the dogs within range (which can be as much as 50 feet) are affected. So, the non-barkers are corrected just the same as the barkers! There is a wide range of sensitivity to this among dogs. The ultrasonic tone is hugely aversive for some dogs, while others are oblivious. If I were to use an anti-barking collar, I would use a citronella collar. The collar, when triggered by the dog barking, delivers a burst of citronella spray near his nose. Citronella, while not harmful to the dog, is still very unpleasant. One of the drawbacks is that once the dog has stopped barking, the citronella scent is still in his nose. As with the ultrasonic tone, some dogs are not terribly deterred by citronella. Before making the decision to use an anti-bark device, you really need to identify the underlying cause of his barking. Using a no-bark device without incorporating a behavior modification program might put an end to the barking, and turn into a bigger problem like escaping, or even aggression. Have a behavior-related question for October? Email askthetrainer@ tulsapetsmagazine.com. Mary Green Mary Green, Certified Pet Dog Trainer, is the owner of K9 Manners & More in Broken Arrow. She is a consultant for the Tulsa SPCA, trainer for TheraPetics Service Dogs of OK, and is a monthly guest on the KOTV Noon News. www.k9-manners.com 44 TulsaPets Summer 2009 Hurricane K-9 Waste Removal TU’s Own SuperDooper Pooper Scooper! Quality Care For Quality of Life • Complete Veterinary Care • Surgery • Ultrasound • Dentistry • Nutrition • Geriatrics • Pharmacy Visit h-k9.com to learn about our double-your-money-back guarantee, discounts, referral program, and adoption gift. Jana K. Layton, DVM Robin Johnson, DVM 800-PEP-PUP1 As seen in the Tulsa World, msn.com and Entrepreneur.com 3750 S. Peoria Tulsa, OK 74105 918-748-4400 www.riverbrookpetvet.com “Three English Setters” 300 Fine Art Prints 17” x 21” Riverbrook Animal Hospital $50. plus shipping ESTABLISHED IN 1953 DeShane Kennels, Inc. Now Selling Lafeber Bird Treats and Pretty Bird and Roudybush Products BOARDING • GROOMING HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 6:00; Sat. 7:30 - Noon Closed Sunday Helen F. Howerton, Artist Custom Pet Portraits & Original Paintings 918.494.5994 • www.howertonart.com Mary E. Hill • Kenneth R. Hill 1115 S. 129th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74108 (918) 437-3343 • www.deshanekennels.com Cedarwood Veterinary Clinic Grooming by Debbie All breed groomer Evening grooming available by appointment 6373 E. 31st Street Suite F Tulsa, OK 74135 835-3647 1412 S. Harvard Avenue Tulsa, OK 74112 (918) 749-6588 (918) 749-6695 Fax Robert W. Poteet, D.V.M. Wendy Sales, D.V.M. Bill Gooldy, D.V.M. Tues. - Sat • 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. TulsaPets Summer 2009 45 Companions Forever Pet Memorial Companions Forever staff Tina Elliott, Tracy Auman, Wendy Barnett, and Mike Bates Photos by KMR Photography Companions Forever owner Wendy Barnett. C ompanions Forever Pet Memorial, located at 7442 E. 46th St. in Tulsa, offers aftercare services for your pet. Wendy Barnett and her staff have experience in assisting pet owners choose a fitting tribute for that special friend. Their care and compassion help ease the pain and emotional stress of losing a beloved companion. Cremation services are provided using state of the art crematoriums. With the individual cremation option, ashes are returned to the owner. Companions’ showroom features a wide selection of urns and remembrance items to choose from including jewelry. Ask about the new Floramorial product which allows your pet’s ashes to be returned to the natural ecosystem. With the simple cremation service option, your pet’s 46 TulsaPets Summer 2009 ashes are scattered at their peaceful memorial grounds. Remembrance plaques are available for purchase and to be permanently affixed to the Memorial Wall. A portion of those proceeds are donated throughout the year to local animal rescue groups. Wendy and her dad, Gary Dunbar, opened Companions Forever in December of 1996. Gary was inspired to return to Tulsa to offer these specials services after the loss of his beloved cat Sammy. Since his death in 2006, Wendy has continued their vision with the same care and professional experience. Companions has been a member of the Better Business Bureau since its inception. When you visit, you may also be greeted by the friendly pet staff. Two cats Alex and Sheridan, oversee daily operations. They were both rescued from the streets and understand just how special the animal human bond can be. Companions Forever office is located on 46th street between Sheridan and Memorial. Their office hours are Monday through Friday 9am-4pm. Phones are answered 24 hours a day and an on-call person is available to assist with weekend and after hour emergency needs. You can also visit online at www.companionsforever.com or call 918-610-0348 or 800-997-7576. Animal Rights The Puppy Mill Bill and House Bill 1045 Reporting on the Sad State for Oklahoma’s Puppy Mill Dogs and Abandoned Animals By Ruth Steinberger Despite overwhelming promise for strides in animal welfare at the beginning of the 2009 legislative session, Oklahomans who care about animals were deeply saddened and shocked by the outcome of the session. The session started out with two strong measures to address the worst animal welfare issues facing companion animals in Oklahoma, puppy mills and routine abandonment of unwanted pets. However, despite strong grass roots support across the entire state, disappointing outcomes on both bills left animals in the dust one more year. The Pet Quality Assurance Act, or the “puppy mill bill,” House Bill 1332, and House Bill 1045, a bill which would have allowed low-population counties to operate a shelter and pass animal control ordinances, would have combined to help the most voiceless of all companion animals in our state; dogs in unlicensed dog dealing facilities and unwanted animals facing abandonment due to the absence of shelters. Currently, TulsaPets Summer 2009 47 while cities and towns may establish animal shelters and animal control codes, all except for three counties with populations exceeding 200,000, may not. In fact, although Tulsa, Oklahoma and Cleveland counties have populations exceeding 200,000, none of the three have a shelter serving those living in the county. Citizens have not been offered a clear reason why either bill failed. The Pet Quality Assurance Act, introduced by Representative Lee Denney, DVM (R-Cushing), would have created minimum standards for facilities producing over 35 dogs, cats, kittens or puppies in a year. This bill passed the Oklahoma House by a margin of 74 in favor and 26 opposed, it sailed through the House by nearly two thirds and suddenly, in the Senate General Conference Committee on Appropriations, it died in the final week of the session due to a lack of signatures to pass out of that committee. This final disappointment has never been fully explained. The list of which committee members signed and those that refused to sign has not been released, leaving those who supported the bill unable to even thank those that tried to help the animals. For those not familiar with the bill, Oklahoma is the only high volume breeder state to lack state regulations of the facilities commonly referred to as “puppy mills.” While dog breeders that produce dogs to sell to brokers must be licensed by USDA, those that sell puppies directly to the consumer are not required to hold a federal license; in Oklahoma they are not required to meet any standards at all. As other states have passed regulations of 48 TulsaPets Summer 2009 all entities that sell, trade or adopt out a large number of dogs, substandard breeders and rescues that are unable to meet the standards in their home states have flocked here. This has included those who contain breeding animals in tiny cages in filth as well as those who own large scale bully breed kennels with web sites linked to gang activity. Unlicensed breeders represent a financial challenge to Oklahoma as well. Conservative estimates place their unreported, and therefore untaxed, revenue at over forty million dollars in sales. They represent a cost to law enforcement, the courts and public agencies as well. The emotional cost to consumers who buy unvaccinated and diseased puppies from clandestine puppy mills cannot be tabulated. The regulations under HB 1332 would have mandated only that all breeders meet or exceed the same regulations as those who comply with federal standards. For those not familiar with those standards, they are very, very low. A dog is entitled to a cage size only six inches longer than itself and there are no exercise requirements. When “spent,” a dog is likely to be sold at auction for under five dollars. The laundry list of those who felt these meager restrictions would put breeders out of business included the American Kennel Club, the American Canine Association, the American Pet Registry, the Sporting Dog Alliance and Oklahoma Pet Professionals, an organization of federally licensed dog dealers that would seemingly benefit from regulations based on the standards they already meet. On April 25, 2009, Michael Glass of America’s Pet Registry of Bethlehem, PA sent out an e-mail alert asking members nationwide to try to kill the bill and Bob Yarnall of American Canine Association, also of Pennsylvania, flew to Oklahoma to lobby against passage of the bill. John Yates of Pennsylvania-based Sporting Dog Alliance tried likewise to kill HB 1332 by circulating his own version of the bill which made the bill appear to outlaw pet ownership in Oklahoma. According to a source in the House, one major air carrier traveled to Oklahoma to express their concern over losing shipping business from unregulated breeders, as Tulsa and Oklahoma City are the second and third largest puppy exporting points in the nation, following only Kansas City, MO. In his comments on the House floor, Representative Brian Renegar (D-McAllister) noted the number of outof-state interests invested in killing the bill. Thia King, President of OK Pet Professionals and a federally licensed breeder, claimed in an e-mail that passage of HB 1332 would spell the end of the breeding industry in Oklahoma. Referring to King’s opposition Pat Grasse, President of Oklahoma Humane Federation said, “It’s a mystery why licensed breeders who must comply with USDA standards would oppose having those standards in place for all other breeders in Oklahoma. Maybe this industry is hiding more than is known at this point.” Indeed, closures of unlicensed facilities have revealed that some perform C-sections, tail docking and ear trimming on their own dogs and puppies, practices that require drugs that are not readily obtained. Trafficking in local puppy sales brings in cash income and as breeders are being regulated elsewhere, high volume producers of so-called, “bully breeds,” now line the I-35 corridor, advertising gang culture and making thinly veiled references to dog fighting on their websites. To take action on this issue, first please send a warm thank you to Representative Lee Denney, DVM, (leedenney@okhouse. gov) the house sponsor of this bill, and to senate sponsor Senator Cliff Branan (R-Oklahoma City) at branan@oksenate. gov for their unwavering commitment to this issue, and for their compassion for the dogs and cats that languish in tiny cages and covered with filth, waiting for someone to care. Then contact your own representative and senator to express your concern over this issue. Please look at www.okpuppymilltruth. org for updates on this issue. The defeat of HB 1045 was particularly disappointing for animal rescue organizations as the problem of abandoned pets has ballooned across Oklahoma during the economic downturn. Introduced by Representative Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs) HB 1045 would have removed the population restriction that prohibits Oklahoma counties with less than a 200,000 population from enacting animal welfare/control codes or operating an animal shelter. Currently, a deputy can charge someone for abandoning an unwanted pet, but the county may not help the abandoned animal itself. As pets have become increasingly at-risk during the economic crisis, local rescue organizations have been overwhelmed by the requests for help from panicked families with no place to turn for their pets. Deb Stellas, President of Zoi’s Rescue of Claremore and clinic manager of SPAY OK has noted that animal relinquish- ments by families in crisis have reached shocking numbers, and that these animals become at-risk of abuse, abandonment and starvation when desperate owners have no place to turn. Currently 60% of Oklahomans have no access to an animal shelter; abandonment and subsequent starvation for unwanted companion animals are the norm in Oklahoma. Despite passage through the House, HB 1045 bill garnered opposition when the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO) took 16 commissioners to the capitol to express their concern and opposition to the bill. ACCO is an advocacy organization which represents county commissioners, not necessarily their constituents. Once the bill was dead for the session, ACCO no longer opposed the bill, but by then it was dormant, something which had been noted on their website. Carla Bonner of ACCO said, “I think making the commissioners responsible for it was not something they were ready to take on at this time.” Bonner acknowledged that the bill did not mandate the expenditures, but simply allowed the counties to build a shelter if they chose to, but she said that to the public, “May means shall.” So shelters will remain prohibited for one more year while abandoned animals suffer and Oklahomans are unable to effectively express the need for shelters. What you can do to address the animal sheltering language is to let your county commissioners know that the cat is out of the bag regarding the reason Oklahomans do not have access to public animal shelters. Watch this issue as an animal advocate, and also as a voter. Communicate to ACCO that you do not want Oklahomans to be faced with committing animal cruelty in order to relinquish a dog or cat. You can find out what your county spends on ACCO membership through your county offices. Most importantly, remember that the 2010 legislative session is only eight months away. As a concerned advocate for animals, this is the time to start to contact legislators, newspapers and even organize a rally at your county offices. Call your county commissioners about the animal sheltering issue immediately. Educate yourself on these issues so you can share with others. Ruth Steinberger Veterinary Associates Proudly Serving Tulsa Pets for Over 30 Years Briarglen Veterinary Clinic Vaccinations Surgery Boarding 3141 S. 129th E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74134 (918) 665-1555 Playtime at Veterinary Associates • OVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award • State-of-the-art facility • Veterinary Associates is committed to providing you and your beloved pet the best possible service and care. 6925 S. 69th E. Ave. • Tulsa 74133 918-492-4200 • www.veterinaryassociates.net Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 6:30 pm Saturdays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm TulsaPets Summer 2009 49 A Word… Pitbulls The young newborn is caged by a strange shadow. Alone in the dark it becomes Cold … scared … Until it is his turn. He is next. The young pitbull is beaten and abused till it coat turns … Red … blood … red … Years and years pass … He is ready … A beautiful young pup, now a scared dog has to Fight to keep his life … The shadows watch and laugh at Their version of cruel entertainment. Growls and snarls fill the air Awful scents of a filthy environment. He knows only one will be left And then his flesh is torn Apart. The laughter grows stronger … louder … Until one is left and wounded. The other … Left … Gone … Dead … And the last standing is beaten and locked up. He is … Cold … scared … Written at age 13 by Lauren Guterman, now 14, a student at Riverfield Elementary School. SAFE-STEP Dog Waste Removal Service - Since 2002 Got Poop? Let us Scoop! Weekly Yard Cleanup for Dog Owners Want the convenience of TulsaPets Magazine delivered to your home? $12/week for 1-2 dogs, $3 for each extra dog. Insured and satisfaction guaranteed. Charter Member of www.apaws.org Call 834-POOP (7667) The Only Canine Behaviorist INDIAN SPRINGS ANIMAL HOSPITAL Get all five issues for $20.00 — just send your check and address information to: Tiffany Barnes Talley, CCBC (918) 527 WOOF www.tulsadogbehavior.com 50 TulsaPets Summer 2009 7950-C S Elm. Pl. Broken Arrow, OK 74011 918.455.4144 www.indianspringsanimal.com Subscriptions TulsaPets Magazine P.O. Box 14128 Tulsa, OK 74159-1128 Please include a contact phone number or email in case we have questions. Celebrating 13 Years Assisting Clients in Need • Established in 1996 Loyal Companions With The Fullest Dignity and Respect… Our services include: Cremation Services, Ashes Scattered or Returned Memorial Wall for Pets Urns and Memorial Markers 24 Hour Emergency Service Pre-Need Arrangements Available Now offered exclusively by Companions Forever: Floramorial Commemorate the life of your beloved companion in a unique new way! The Floramorial process converts your pet’s cremation ashes into a planting medium to grow a plant, bush, or tree, and allows your pet’s ashes to return to nature as part of the ecosystem. Floramorial provides a living memorial honoring the life of your departed friend. Call us for more information! 7442 E. 46th St. • Tulsa, OK 74145 • www.companionsforever.com •TulsaPets 610.0348 Summer 2009 51