the WNC PETS • Summer 2014

Copyright © IWANNA, USA LLC JUNE 10, 2014
JUNE
G ET TH E SCOOP
PET FOOD 101
5 SUPER FOOD S
STOR AG E T IP S
2014
DOG DAYS
of S UMMER
EVE NTS
CA LE NDA R
SNA KE BITE S
& YOUR PET
W H AT YOU
SHOULD KNOW
CHOO SI NG A
VETE R I NA R IA N
WNC R E SCUE
ORGANIZATIONS
2
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
Sna kebit e S a nd your Pet: W h at you Should knoW
by K at i e G i b s o n, DV M
i
t is summertime and you
and your pets are spending
a lot more time outdoors
enjoying the pleasant weather.
Well guess what, you’re not
the only creatures enjoying the
nice weather. Yes, about this
time of year veterinarians begin
to see dogs and cats come
into the hospital for treatment
of snakebites. Here are some
things that you should know to
help keep your pet safe from
these slithery creatures.
First of all, not all snakes are
venomous. There are many
more species of non-venomous
snakes in this area then there
are venomous ones. Venomous
snakes that your pet may be
exposed to fall into two major
categories: the crotalids and
the elapids. Crotalids belong
to the pit viper family and
include snakes such as the
copperheads, rattlesnakes, and
water moccasins (also known as
cottonmouths). These snakes
have the classic triangular-shaped
head, cat-like eyes, and tend
to be heavy bodied. These
snakes can be found across
most of North America. The
elapids are the most deadly
venomous snakes. Luckily, in
North America the coral snake is
the only member of this group.
Coral snakes have red, white/
yellow, and black banding and
can usually only be found in
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia,
Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas,
and the coastal planes on North
Carolina. I highly recommend
looking at photographs or
visiting your local nature center
to be able to identify the
venomous snakes in your area.
In Western North Carolina the
types of venomous snake that
pets typically encounter are the
copperhead and the rattlesnake,
and for the purpose of this
article, these are the types of
snakes I shall focus on.
When a venomous snake
encounters a human or a pet, its
first instinct is to flee not to bite.
The purpose of snake venom is
to allow the snake to catch small
prey items. It will use it for selfdefense only when necessary.
The venom that the snake
produces is stored in sacs located
behind the eyes. The snake can
control how much is released into
its hollow fangs and injected into
its victim. This venom causes
local tissue injury, coagulation
disorders, and can affect the
cardiovascular system and the
respiratory systems. A venomous
snake may or may not inject
venom with every bite. A bite
where venom is not injected is
known as a “dry bite”. The size
of the snake does not necessarily
indicate how much or how little
venom is injected. The snake has
the ability to control how much
venom is injected. Frequently
smaller snakes will actually inject
more venom than larger snakes
because they fear for their life.
How do you know if a
venomous snake Has
bitten your pet? A dog or
cat bitten by a venomous snake
will be extremely painful where
he/she is bitten. Dogs and cats
can be bitten anywhere, but they
are often bitten on the muzzle or
on a limb. You may be able to
see two puncture wounds from
the fangs, but these wounds
can be difficult to see. The
most common finding that you
will easily be able to detect is
swelling around the bite site.
The pet may be very weak and
lethargic and there can be some
vomiting, but these signs are not
always present. Other things that
can look similar to a snakebite
are allergic reactions from insect
stings, blunt trauma, an animal
bite, or an abscess. If you are
unsure if a venomous snake
has bitten your pet it is best to
contact a veterinarian.
wHat sHould you do if
a snake bites your pet?
It is NOT necessary to kill the
snake in order to identify it! If
you can identify the snake, it
is helpful, however, do not get
close enough to the snake to
put yourself at risk of getting
bitten. Humans are at greater
risk of being bitten by a snake
if they are trying to harm it, so
attempting to kill it can actually
put you at greater risk of being
bitten than if you let the snake
slither off into the woods. In
this area, the treatment for
copperhead bites and rattlesnake
bites is essentially the same so
identification is not crucial. The
next thing you should do is
attempt to keep your pet calm
and contact a veterinarian. Be
aware that a pet will be very
painful after being bitten. Use
caution when handling your
pet. The painful bite may cause
your pet to snap at you or bite
you when being handled. If you
need to lift your pet into a car, a
muzzle or wrapping the pet in a
thick comforter may be necessary
to keep you safe. Cats should be
transported in a cat carrier or box
if possible.
There are a number of treatments
for snakebites that have fallen
out of favor over the years, here
are some things you should
NOT do. Do not put any sort
of tourniquet on your pet. Do
not apply ice. Do not make any
cuts into the skin and do not try
to suck the poison out. Do not
apply a compression bandage
to the wound. These treatments
can cause harm to your pet or
harm to you.
Once you get your pet to
a veterinary hospital your
veterinarian will advise you on
the best tests and treatment
for your pet based on his/her
condition. Your veterinarian may
want to look at a blood smear
to help determine if it was in
fact a venomous snake that bit
your pet. Often, but not always,
the red blood cells of a pet that
was bitten will look spiky when
viewed under a microscope.
Since snake venom can cause
a bleeding disorder, your
veterinarian may want to test
your pet’s clotting times. Other
tests that may be performed
include a CBC, a chemistry panel,
a urinalysis, blood pressure, and
an EKG. Your veterinarian will
treat your pet based on how
severely he or she is affected.
Treatments may include pain
medication, intravenous fluids,
anti-histamines, steroids,
antibiotics, and antivenin.
Not all snakebites require
antivenin. Antivenin is somewhat
controversial in the treatment of
snake envenomation. Antivenin
is useful in cases where your
pet’s clotting times are affected.
The antivenin can help prevent
bleeding disorders. Antivenin
can also help reduce the amount
of swelling. It is best if antivenin
is administered within four to
six hours once a pet is bitten.
Pets can have a serious allergic
reaction to antivenin. Your
veterinarian will advise you if he/
she thinks your animal would
benefit from antivenin. Your
veterinarian will take precautions
to minimize the chance of an
allergic developing if this product
is administered.
wHat is tHe prognosis
for your pet if is bitten
by a venomous snake?
With the types of venomous
snakes that are found in Western
North Carolina it is rare for pets
that receive veterinary attention
to die from snakebites, but in
some cases it does happen.
The majority of pets will be
uncomfortable and swollen for
several days. The skin around
the bite may become discolored
and in some animals the skin will
slough several days later. Most
pets will stay in the hospital for
observation for 12-24 hours and
then go home with appropriate
medications once they are
deemed stable and their pain
can be managed at home.
More severe cases may require
hospitalization for several days.
If the skin around the bite does
slough, additional veterinary care
will be needed.
wHat can you do to
prevent your pet from
being bitten by a snake?
Venomous snakes can often
be found basking in the sun,
warming themselves on the side
of asphalt roads in the evenings,
and hiding under rocks and logs.
Be vigilant if you are in an area
where you expect to finds snakes
and keep your pets on a leash
when going for walks. Clear
away logs, rocks, and debris
from your property to discourage
snakes from seeking refuge here.
There are some snake repellants
on the market that can be
applied to your property as well.
If you encounter a snake it is best
to get your pets under control
and freeze. Allow the snake to
move away or change your route
to avoid it. Treat all snakes as
potentially venomous if you are
unable to identify the type of
snake it is.
If you encounter a venomous
snake while hiking with your
pet this summer I hope you will
have a healthy respect for these
amazing creatures and get to
marvel in their beauty. However,
if a bite to your pet does occur,
contact your veterinarian so the
appropriate care can be given to
your pet.
Dr. Katie Gibson works as an
emergency veterinarian at the
Regional Emergency Animal Care
Hospital (REACH) in Asheville,
NC.
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
Pet Calendar
a lo ok a t wha t ’s goi ng on for you & you r p ets i n W nC.
Western Carolina dog
fanCiers assoCiation
shoW and obedienCe/
rally trial
June 14 & 15
Haywood County Fairgrounds
Details at wcdfa.org
Charlie’s angels
adoption event
Saturday, June 14
12pm - 4pm
Woof in the Woods, 1451
Charlotte Hwy, Asheville.
For more info call 828-8853647.
Whiskers & Wagging
tails - art opening at
ZapoW gallery
Saturday, June 14
1 - 4pm & 7 - 9pm
Zapow Gallery, 21 Battery Park
Ave #101, Asheville
Join Asheville Humane Society at the ZaPow Gallery in
downtown Asheville for the
opening of a very special show
inspired by animals and pets!
The gallery will be donating
100% of their commission on
the exibit’s pieces to AHS!
From 1-4pm come see the art,
as well as a few ambassadors
from AHS. In the evening,
join the open reception from
7- 9pm. For more details visit
ashevillehumane.org
petsmart adoption
event (arden)
Sunday, June 15, 2014
11am - 4pm
Petsmart, Airport Rd, Arden
Celebrate Father’s Day by
stopping by PetSmart and
adopting a new family member from Asheville Humane
Society!
bWar Critter Camp
6/16-20: K – 2nd Grade
6/23-27: K – 2nd Grade
7/7-11: 3rd – 5th Grade
7/14-18: 3rd – 5th Grade
7/21-25: 3rd – 5th Grade
7/28 – 8/1: 6th – 8th Grade
8/4-8: 6th – 8th Grade
Brother Wolf Adoption Center,
31 Glendale Ave
Camp runs Monday through
Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Campers receive a take-home
keepsake, Critter Camp t-shirt,
and the option to purchase a
professionally photographed
portrait with a furry new friend
by Flying Dogs Photography.
For questions, details and registration info, visit bwar.org/
events/crittercamp
spayghetti & no balls
dinner
Tuesday, June 17
5:30-8:30pm
Mayfel’s, 17 College St
Spaghetti dinner to benefit
Brother Wolf. Adults $14, children 5-13 $8, under 5 free. For
more info call 828-505-3440 or
visit bwar.org/events
Volunteers take AHS shelter
dogs on hikes! If you love the
great outdoors and dogs, this
is the volunteer activity for
you! For more information
about Hiking Hounds and for
applications, please e-mail
ahshikinghounds@outlook.
com. Reservations are required
for each hike.
volunteer orientation
Tuesday, June 17
6:30 - 8pm
Asheville Humane Society
Adoption Center, 14 Forever
Friend Lane
Take the first step towards
becoming a volunteer for
the largest lifesaving animal
welfare agency in WNC! Fill
out an application online and
plan to attend this session
to get started. Following the
orientation, attendees will be
given a tour of our beautiful and functional Adoption
Center. We welcome junior
volunteers ages 10 & up! For
more information, write [email protected].
Reservations required.
pet supplies plus
adoption event
Sunday, June 29
1-4pm
Asheville Humane Society
will have pets for adoption all
afternoon at Pet Supplies Plus
located on Hendersonville
Road next to EarthFare.
yappy hour at moe’s bbQ
Thursday, June 19
5:30-7:30pm
Moe’s BBQ, 4 Sweeten Creek Rd
Social hour for dogs and their
people. Adoptable dogs will
also be available from the
Asheville Humane Society.
Sponsored by MIX 96.5. $5
petsmart adoption
event (asheville)
Sunday, June 21, 2014
11am - 3pm
PetSmart, Bleachery Blvd
Come meet your match at
PetSmart! Asheville Humane
society will have some great
pets looking for their forever
homes!
loW-Cost vaCCination
CliniC
Sunday, June 29, 2014
10am - 2pm
Asheville Humane Society and
Buncombe County are holding their monthly shot clinic
at Lakeview Clubhouse, 401
S. Laurel Circle Drive, Black
Mountain, NC 28711. For more
details about services available
and pricing go to ashevillehumane.org
hiking hounds
Sunday, June 29
9am - 12pm
putting for pets
Sunday, July 13
Burlingame Country Club, Sapphire, NC
The 5th annual golf tournament fundraiser benefitting
animals at Charlie’s Angels
Animal Rescue. The event includes golfing, a silent auction,
cookout, and games. For more
information: 828-885-DOGS
or [email protected]
ongoing events
outWard hounds
hiking Club
Every Wednesday, Saturday, &
Sunday at 9am
Brother Wolf Adoption Center,
31 Glendale Ave
Help enrich the quality of the
lives of Brother Wolf Animal
Rescue’s adoptable dogs while
exploring beautiful WNC. We
meet at BWAR Adoption Center, leash up our furry friends,
make sure we have plenty of
water, and head out! Note: You
must be 18 years or older if
you want to walk a dog alone.
Email [email protected] for
details. Please leave your own
pets at home – sorry!
petsmart Cat adoption
events
Wednesdays, 6pm – 8pm
Saturdays, 12 - 4pm
Petsmart, Asheville (Near
Walmart)
Cats and kittens for adoption
from BWAR at PetSmart in
Asheville (near Walmart) from
6-8pm. Email catadoptions@
bwar.org for more information,
or to meet a specific kitty.
G et th e sCoop
Pet food 101
J
ust because school’s
out for summer doesn’t
mean that the learning
has to go on hold. Summer
is also a great time to
consider expanding our own
knowledge.
Why not start with
something they don’t teach in
school, but which will be a big
help to many of us -- a little
pet food 101.
Michele Dixon, Health
and Nutrition Specialist with
Petcurean, says that a little
knowledge is gold when it
comes to choosing the right
food for our pets, but that the
learning shouldn’t stop there.
She offers this quick course to
choosing, feeding and storing
pet food.
To start, buy your pet food
at a pet specialty retailer with
knowledgeable staff who can
help you find the right food for
your cat or dog’s needs, based
on their age, size, breed, and
activity level.
Don’t shop by price alone.
Choose a pet food made
with high quality ingredients
like named meat meal (such
as chicken meal and salmon
meal) or market-fresh meats,
3
tip d on’t shop by
pr ic e a lone. C ho o s e
p et fo o d made
w it h h igh q ua l it y
i ng re d ients.
veggies, fruits and berries.
Need help? Check out
the handy food selector at
petcurean.com/food-selector.
Read pet food labels for
serving size and transition
guidelines. Higher quality pet
foods can have higher energy
values, so you can feed your
pet less.
Choose a pet food dish
made with a durable, nonporous material that’s easy to
clean, won’t hold bacteria and
can’t be chewed by your pet.
Use a dedicated serving
scoop or spoon to serve out
the recommended amount of
food.
If there is no zip closure on
the bag, squeeze as much air
out and roll the bag down or
store the food in an airtight
container in a cool, dry place.
Refrigerate or discard any
uneaten wet or canned pet
food right away.
by M e t r o C r e at i v e C o n n e C t i o n
4
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
Thing s To consider when
choosing a v eTerina ri a n
P
et owners must make a bevy
of decisions regarding their
pets. What to feed their
animals, how often to exercise
them and how to curtail certain
behaviors are a few of the more
significant decisions facing pet
owners every day.
Choosing a veterinarian is another
important decision pet owners
must make. But choosing a vet is
more than just finding one close
to home. The right veterinarian
does more than conduct
checkups, detect illnesses and
prescribe medications. A good
veterinarian will make an animal
feel comfortable, even during vet
visits that tend to be stressful for
pets unaccustomed to offices and
physical examinations. Pet owners
who want the best veterinarian for
their pets should consider a host
of factors before choosing a vet to
treat their animals.
Flexibility
Pet problems do not always happen
during working hours on weekdays.
If a pet is not feeling well during the
day, it can’t call its owner on the
phone and ask to be taken to the
vet. As a result, emergency vet visits
are often after working hours when
owners arrive home and discover
that their pet is sick. When choosing
a veterinarian, make sure the vet’s
schedule is compatible with your
own, and that the office hours are
flexible. This flexibility reduces the
likelihood that you will skip vet visits
because they must be scheduled at
times that are inconvenient to your
own schedule, and it also provides
you with peace of mind that your
vet can be contacted should an
emergency arise.
veterinarians treat a host of animals,
including birds, cats, dogs, and
other common domesticated pets.
However, some veterinarians are
known to be especially effective
with certain breeds, even if they still
treat various types of animals. Some
vets might specialize in treating
especially exotic breeds of cat, while
others might have a reputation for
working especially well with English
bulldogs. Owners of purebred
dogs or other less common pets
might want to find a veterinarian
with a track record for treating their
particular type of animal. Such vets
might be more comfortable with
your pet or more familiar with, and
therefore quicker to recognize, any
ailments that might be common to
the breed.
breed
Some veterinarians specialize in
particular animals. For example,
equine veterinarians work
exclusively with horses. But many
Payment oPtions
Veterinary care can be expensive,
especially when pets are not insured.
No pet owner wants to find himself in
a position where resources fall short
of the money needed to effectively
treat a pet. Many veterinarians will
work with pet owners to establish a
payment plan if owners can’t pay for
treatment upfront. But don’t assume
all veterinarians are open to such
arrangements. Before choosing
a veterinarian, discuss potential
payment options should the cost of
care one day exceed your resources.
This is especially important for
owners of exotic pets or purebred
dogs, which tend to encounter more
unusual ailments that can be costly
to treat.
atmosPhere
The atmosphere of a veterinary
office should be considered as
well. If the atmosphere is hostile or
unaccommodating, pets are likely
to stress out when visiting, making
it more difficult for vets to do their
job. Look for an atmosphere that
aims to put pets at ease. In addition,
monitor the interactions between
staff and the pets, paying close
tiP a go o d
veter i na r ia n w i l l
ma ke a n a n i ma l
fe el c om for ta ble,
even du r i ng vet
v i sits t ha t tend to
b e st res sfu l for p ets.
attention to how your animal is
treated on its visit.
by M e t r o C r e at i v e C o n n e C t i o n
Can Your Pet Benefit from PhYsiCal rehaBilitation?
Do you have an aging Dog
or cat that often limps, is overall
less active than before, or having
a hard time jumping or going for
walks? Perhaps s/he doesn’t sit
squarely or easily anymore, or no
longer seems to enjoy morning or
evening dog stretches?
Arthritis is a common cause
of such complaints. Pet owners
often believe that these symptoms
are normal for aging animals
and accept the changes without
intervention. While medications or
supplements may help ease some
of the inflammation or discomfort,
improving muscle strength and the
flexibility of surrounding soft tissue
can drastically reduce discomfort
from arthritis- much like the benefits
people receive from yoga, weight
training, and cardio exercise!
Physical rehabilitation in animals
is based on similar principles as
therapy in people. Depending on
the condition being treated, various
exercises are performed to increase
range of motion, improve balance,
and overall strengthen muscles. Pain
reduction is also an important part
of rehab and can be accomplished
with a variety of mechanisms such
as massage, therapeutic laser and
ultrasound, electrical stimulation,
and ice/heat therapy. Initially rehab
treatments may be aimed towards
decreasing pain and inflammation;
then improving range of motion
and balance; and, later, improving
performance, stamina and muscle
size.
What are some typical exercises?
One of the most important early
exercises involves passive rangeof-motion. This exercise targets
specific joints or muscles with
limited flexibility and, by doing
repetitive stretches several times a
day, improves range of motion and
flexibility. Several weeks later active
exercises can be added, such as
weight shifting, balancing exercises,
and sit-to-stands. As balance and
strength return, more challenging
exercises can be introduced, such as
Cavaletti or obstacle courses. The
benefits of an underwater treadmill
incorporate several benefits of rehab
in one therapy: pain relief from the
warm water; a comfortable, reduced
weight-bearing environment; and
a moving treadmill to encourage a
normal, patterned gait.
Rehab is also very helpful when
recovering from orthopedic and
neurologic/spine surgery. In such
cases, rehabilitation is geared toward
healing and recovery in a controlled
manner over a period of several
months to achieve the best possible
surgical outcome. In addition,
various neurological diseases,
soft tissue sprains/strains, or any
condition involving stiffness, trauma,
pain, muscle atrophy, imbalance, or
inflammation will also benefit from
rehab. Secondary or compensatory
problems will also often improve as
primary problems are addressed.
At our clinic, a physical rehab
consultation generally lasts 40-60
minutes, and is performed with a
certified rehabilitation veterinarian.
Often the scheduled part of the
exam involves a questionnaire and
detailed discussion with the owner
regarding the problems, symptoms,
and ultimate goals for recovery, as
well as a complete orthopedic and/
or neurologic exam and pain and
lameness score. Either during the
appointment or on the first day of
therapy, muscle girth measurements
and range of motion (goniometry)
measurements are recorded. Owners
receive rehab recommendations
for their pet’s specific plan which
includes a timeline ranging from
weeks to months as well as home
exercises with visual instructions.
Some owners prefer to perform
all rehab on their own at home,
often spending an hour 2-3 times
a day. Others would prefer to
have the rehab performed in a
more structured environment with
veterinary supervision and guidance.
Most ideal is a combination of the
two, where owners perform simple
exercises at home while attending
an in-clinic rehab program. Most
patients benefit from starting with
1-2 days/week of in-clinic therapy.
Although any veterinarian in NC
can practice physical rehabilitation,
Dr. Beth Rhyne, CCRP, of Charlotte
Street Animal Hospital completed
a Certificate Program in Canine
Physical Rehabilitation through
the University of Tennessee
and Northeast Seminars of New
Hampshire in 2010; and the practice
owner, Dr. Mark Ledyard, is
currently in study. This program
involves a sequence of postgraduate
courses for veterinarians, physical
therapists, physical therapist
assistants and veterinary technicians
or students of these professions,
followed by supervised clinical
experience and a cumulative
examination. The program is
instructed by veterinarians and
physical therapists, the majority of
whom are board certified by the
American College of Veterinary
Surgeons and the American Board
of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Upon successful completion of
the program and examination,
participants receive the designation
of Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (or C.C.R.P.).
Find a certified rehabilitation veterinarian in your area through:
•
utcaninerehab.com/practitioners.asp
•
rehabvets.org/Referrals.lasso
•
caninerehabinstitute.com/Find_A_Therapist.html.
To schedule a Physical Rehabilitation Consult at Charlotte
Street Animal Hospital, call (828) 232-0440 or visit their website:
charlottestreetanimalhospital.com
by Dr. beth rhyne
Dr. Beth Rhyne graduated vet school from the University of Illinois.
Originally a North Carolina native, she joined CSAH in 2006, bringing
a personal interest in avian and exotic animals, as well as physical
rehabilitation for all animals. As a graduate of the University of Tennessee’s
Certificate Program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation (canineequinerehab.
com) in 2010, she holds the title of CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation
Practitioner), and runs our veterinary rehabilitation therapy program,
which includes underwater treadmill and laser therapy. She has completed
a Stem Cell On-Line Credentialing Course through Vet-Stem Regenerative
Veterinary Medicine (vet-stem.com) and is a Stem Cell Credentialed
User for various orthopedic issues. She is currently a member of IVAPM
(International Veterinarian Academy of Pain Management) , AAV
(Association of Avian Veterinarians), ASGV (Association of Sugar Glider
Veterinarians), and AARV (American Association of Rehabilitation
Veterinarians).
When able she enjoys attending and occasionally lecturing at Phoenix
Landing Parrot Foundation (www.phoenixlanding.org) meetings and caring
for WNC Nature Center animals. She shares her home with a senior Blue
and Gold Macaw, as well as 2 dogs, a cat, and husband, Brad.
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
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6
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
5 fa bulous ing redients
for your pet ’ s diet
W
e’ve all heard about super
foods that we should be adding
to our diet because of their
antioxidant and nutrient-rich properties,
but did you know there are similar foods
for our pets, too?
Michele Dixon, a health and nutrition
specialist with Petcurean, offers her list
of five ingredients to consider for your
pet’s diet. Some can be found in premium
quality recipes for cats and dogs, like
NOW FRESH, which is available at pet
specialty stores.
[ 1 ] P u m Pk i n P o o dl e m i x e s
We know that pumpkins are great for
carving and delicious in pies, but pumpkin
also is a source of fiber for pets that is high
in vitamin A and beta-carotene.
[ 2 ] Cranberries
For many of the same reasons that they
are good for humans, cranberries also are
good for our pets. They are high in antioxidants and also are a good source of
fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese,
which aids in pet urinary tract health.
[ 3 ] Pa Paya
This delicious and exotic tropical fruit
is rich in vitamin B, which aids in cell
metabolism, and contains papain, an
enzyme that can help in a pet’s digestion.
[ 4 ] C h iC k Pe a s
Many of us enjoy chickpeas in salads,
hummus and falafel balls. They also are
good for our pets because they are rich
in prebiotics, which stimulate the activity
of bacteria in the digestive system and aid
healthy digestion.
[ 5 ] C o t tag e C h e e s e
This versatile food is a good source of
riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus and
selenium for our pets. Cottage cheese
contains only small amounts of lactose,
so a very small amount would not be an
issue for intolerant dogs.
by m e t r o C r e at i v e C o n n e C t i o n
TIP Ma ny do g ow ners a re tempte d to to s s t hei r
p et a t re a t onc e i n a wh i le, but t hey shou ld b e
c a refu l it ’s not doi ng more ha r m t ha n go o d.
M ichele d i xon, a he a lt h a nd nut r it ion sp e cia li st w it h petc u re a n, s a ys fo o d s l i ke g ra p es, nuts,
cho c ola te a nd c o oke d b ones a re defi n ite no -no
item s t ha t c a n ha r m you r p et. she suggest s opti ng for t re a ts l i ke c a r rots or a pples, wh ich ha ve
ter r i fic he a lt h b enefits. you c a n le a r n more
a b out he a lt hy t re a ts a t p etcu re a n .com/ blo g.
area
e
l
l
i
as hev doption
pet a
There are a lot of wonderful
animals in search of loving
homes. Please visit these
local rescue groups to
find an adoptable pet:
Asheville Humane Society
Animal Compassion Network
Animal Haven of Asheville
Pet Harmony
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
Blue Ridge Humane Society
Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue
Yancey Humane Society
Adult cats from CatMan
Carolina Basset Hound Rescue
Madison County
Animal Services
Howlin4Spirit, Inc.
Senior Dogs Project
Madison County Animal Shelter
Asheville Humane Society
Avery County Humane Society
Henderson County
Animal Services
Yancey County Animal Shelter
7
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
the rig ht a nim a l
for the job
by Ca r r i e h a r d e r
W
ith our busy lives, it
can sometimes feel
hard to find time to
volunteer. However, the benefits
of volunteering are enormous
and extend to you, your family,
and your community. Did you
know that your pet can also
volunteer to help others in your
community?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT),
also known as pet therapy,
uses trained animals and
handlers to achieve specific
physical, social, cognitive,
and emotional goals
with patients. Therapy
pets provide affection
and comfort to people in
retirement homes, nursing
homes, schools, hospices,
and other human service care
facilities.
Some of the earliest uses of
animal-assisted healing in the
US were for psychiatric patients.
The presence of the therapy
animals produced a beneficial
effect on both children and
adults with mental health issues.
In the last few decades, AAT has
been more formally applied in
a variety of therapeutic settings,
including schools and prisons,
as well as hospitals, hospices,
nursing homes, and outpatient
care programs. Numerous
studies have proven that when
animals are around, people’s
blood pressure goes down,
stress and anxiety levels are
reduced, people feel less lonely
and less depressed, and they
tend to be more social and
apt to take part in community
interactions. For some
Alzheimer’s patients, a furry
friend can sometimes prompt
pleasant memories. Therapy
pets have also been used to
help kids with developmental
disorders, such as autism, be
more comfortable with the
world around them.
In addition to the health
benefits an AAT animal brings,
many skills can be learned or
improved with their assistance.
DID YOU KNOW? Sig mu nd
freud kept ma ny do gs
a nd often had h i s chow
jofi pres ent du r i ng h i s
pione er i ng p sycho a na lysi s
s es sion s.
Locally, Mission Hospital accepts
approved dogs and their owners
in their Paws On a Mission
program. For more information,
call the Mission pet therapy
coordinators at (828) 213-0131.
To learn more about the AAT
process, visit petpartners.org or
check with your local humane
society.
Physical rehabilitation patients
can be encouraged by such
activities as walking, running
or playing fetch with a dog.
The patients’ fine motor skills
may be developed by petting,
grooming, or feeding the
animal. Communication skills
are encouraged by the response
of the animal to both verbal and
physical commands. Activities
such as writing or talking about
the therapy animals or past pets
also develop cognitive skills
and strengthen communication.
Creative ways to include an
animal in the life or therapy
of a patient can make a major
difference in the patient’s
comfort, progress, and recovery.
According to the nationally
recognized non-profit
organization Pet Partners
(petpartners.org), there are a
great many species that make
wonderful visiting animals and
can form a strong human-animal
bond. The following species may
become Pet Partners Therapy
Animals: dogs, cats, guinea
pigs, rabbits, domesticated
rats, horses, donkeys, llamas,
alpacas, pot-bellied pigs, and
birds. The most important
characteristic of an AAT animal
is their temperment. If your pet
exhibits both good manners
and good health, he or she may
be a good candidate!
THERAPY DOGS MUST:
• Be in good health
• Be at least one year of age
• Be good around other dogs
• Listen to their handlers
• Allow strangers to touch them
all over
• Not jump on people when
interacting
• Walk on a leash without pulling
• Not mind strange noises and
smells
• Be calm for petting
• Not be afraid of people walking
unsteadily
• Be current on all vaccines
required by the local laws
• Have a negative fecal test
every 12 months
• Be clean and well groomed
c ou r te s y of t h e ra p y d o g s .c o m
community cat info
The single largesT
group of animals killed in the
local shelter system is outdoor cats
(about 1,100 last year). Outdoor
cats are those who live their lives
outdoors and are considered
unadoptable.
Are there stray cats in your
neighborhood, and you could use
some help? We’re here for you!
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s
Community Cats Program
partnering with the Humane
Alliance and Petsmart Charities,
helps local citizens vaccinate and
“fix” outdoor cats so that they can
no longer reproduce. Volunteers
then maintain their care and feeding
so that the cats can live out their
lives in their outdoor home and not
become a burden to the local shelter
system.
WhaT We offer:
TNVR (Trap-Neuter-VaccinateReturn)
- Free rabies vaccine and spay/
neuter surgery for free-roaming
cats in Buncombe County. Cats are
eartipped, vaccinated, and returned
to their outdoor home.
- Traps for feral (untouchable)
cats, assistance with the trapping
efforts, and transport are available
when needed.
Ongoing Support
- Pet Food Pantry
- Colony Care Counseling and
Neighbor Mediation
- Winter Shelters and Straw
Why TnVr?
Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return is
the humane, effective approach for
feral cats. Feral cats are humanely
trapped, spayed or neutered,
vaccinated, and then returned to
their outdoor home. The tip of one
ear is removed during surgery to
identify the cat as fixed. Socialized
cats and kittens are adopted into
homes. The colony’s population
stabilizes—no more kittens!
Trap-Neuter-Return improves their
lives and their relations with the
community: the behaviors and
stresses associated with mating stop.
Because feral cats are not
socialized to people, they are
unadoptable as pets. In most shelters
and pounds in the US, unadoptable
animals are killed. In fact, 70% of
all cats who enter shelters are killed
there. That number jumps to close
to 100% for feral cats.
The traditional approach for
feral cats—catching and killing—is
endless and cruel, and it does not
keep an area free of cats. Cats
choose to reside in a location
for two reasons: there is a food
source and shelter. When cats are
removed from a location, survivors
of the catch and kill effort and new
cats who have moved in breed to
capacity.
ConTaCT us!
Ready to get started? Call Nancy
Schneiter at 828-505-6737 or
email [email protected] for more
information.
8
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
Beg inner’ s guiDe
to reptile s a s pet s
D
Unlike cats or dogs, many
reptiles need a very specific
environment to thrive. That
includes some sort of UV
light, a warming stone and
particularly hot conditions.
Reptiles and amphibians
are cold-blooded animals,
meaning their body
temperatures fluctuate based
on the conditions of their
environment. They will require
an external heating source to
stay comfortable.
Bearded dragon
This animal hails from Australia
and may grow up to two feet
in length, most of which is
in the tail. These lizards will
need an appropriate housing
structure, which should be a
55-gallon tank for the averagesized single male dragon. They
require special light bulbs to
absorb vitamins. Dragons are
omnivorous, so you will have
to provide both plant and
animal food sources. Even
though they come from arid
conditions, spray the tank with
water each day to provide
them with a water source, as
they will not drink from a bowl.
Dragons are hardy and can
endure even if some mistakes
in care are made early on.
Certain reptiles may be
better for beginners than
others. Here is a look at some
popular reptilian pets and
what is necessary to care for
them.
green anole
Also known as the American
chameleon, green anoles
are another popular starter
pet. Anoles are inexpensive,
which makes them a great
ogs and cats may be
the most popular pets,
but reptiles have their
share of admirers as well.
Reptiles can make great pets,
and they may be ideal for
children or novice pet owners.
choice for first-time reptile
owners. Anoles can be easy to
care for if you meet the right
requirements. They need a
high-humidity environment
and daily misting. These
reptiles also like to climb, so
you will need to prepare the
cage accordingly with a tightfitting lid and a structure they
can scale. While a male and
female and even two females
can be kept together, never
put two males together, as
they will fight and likely kill
each other.
gecko
The leopard gecko can be
a great lizard for beginners.
Thanks to its small size and
modest needs, a gecko does
not need a large tank to live
in. Geckos are also tolerant
to handling and can grow
accustomed to frequent
touching. Keep in mind that
geckos are nocturnal, which
means they are most active
Leopard geckos are easy to care for and breed, extremely docile, do
not require a large cage, and come in a large array of color morphs.
in the evening. Invest in a
special reptile light designed
for viewing in the dark so
that you do not interfere
with the animal’s sleep-wake
cycle. Also, try not to stress or
frighten the leopard gecko. It
has the ability to drop its tail if
feeling threatened, which can
put unnecessary stress on the
animal.
newt
Newts are almost exclusively
aquatic or require highhumidity levels. You will need
a tank with an area of sloped
land for eating and sleeping.
Another area should be filled
with water for immersion.
Newts are generally a pet
that should be observed
rather than handled, as they
have sensitive membranes
or toxic skin. Colorful newts
can be enjoyable to watch
and require little care besides
water changes and feeding.
Reptiles can make interesting
and relatively maintenancefree pets. People looking for
ideal starter pets may want to
skip the furry in favor of the
scaly.
by M e t r o C r e at i v e C o n n e C t i o n
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
E sta blish a low-m a int Ena ncE
aqua rium
F
ish are often the
pet of choice when
people desire a pet
that requires minimal care.
While home aquariums
may not require substantial
maintenance, they cannot
go entirely ignored, either.
When ignored, aquariums
can quickly transform from
a visually stunning habitat
into a murky, algae-infested
mess. But as important as
aquarium maintenance is,
some additional factors can
also influence the beauty of
a home aquarium.
Bigger may Be Better
Larger tanks may be
better than compact tanks,
especially for new owners.
That’s because larger tanks
are generally more stable
in terms of water balance.
People mistakenly overcrowd
their tanks with fish, and
a small tank can easily be
overrun by bacteria and
fish waste. Upgrading to a
larger tank (think 30 gallons)
means fish will have the room
they need and the water will
not have to be changed as
frequently to keep it clean.
Find a shady spot
It’s tempting to put a fish
tank where it can be seen
by everyone. But if this spot
gets a lot of sunlight or even
ambient light from overhead
fixtures, it may fall victim to
excessive algae growth. Algae,
like most plants, needs light
and a food source to thrive.
The fish will provide the food
material, but owners can
control the light to limit algae
blooms. Once algae is present
in large amounts, it can easily
overrun the tank. Invest in a
few algae-eater fish, such as
plecos and some catfish.
don’t overstock the
aquarium
It can be tempting to buy
more and more fish for a
home aquarium. But putting
too many fish in a tank can
throw the water balance off
considerably and lead to a
high amount of waste in the
water. Fish that are an inch in
size need roughly one gallon
of water each. Fewer fish are
easy to care for and won’t
cloud up the water quickly.
invest in a good Filter
A variety of aquarium filters
are available, and they can
range from inexpensive to
more costly. Be sure the filter
you choose is large enough
to accommodate the volume
of water in the tank. It’s better
to have a filter that’s too large
for the tank than one that is
too small. Look for a filter that
will turn over all of the water in
the tank at least four times per
hour. Ample filtering means
the water will remain crystal
clear.
plan For weekly partial
water changes
Siphon 10 to 20 percent of the
water each week for optimal
health. Try to vacuum around
the gravel to remove trapped
food particles and waste.
Committing to this small bit
of maintenance can go a long
way toward creating a healthy
tank that will not require more
maintenance.
avoid goldFish as a
First Fish
Goldfish are particularly dirty
fish. They are often purchased
because they tend to be
inexpensive, but goldfish
metabolize food quickly and
produce a lot of waste. They
can also grow quite large,
requiring an upgrade to a
larger tank much more quickly
than some other fish. Guppies
and platies make good starter
9
tip cich l id s a re q u ite
ha rdy a nd t hei r
c olor fu l a pp e a ra nc e
ma kes t hem one of
t he mo st p opu la r
freshwa ter fi sh
va r iet ies.
fish. They’re tolerant of harsh
aquarium conditions and
quite hardy.
All pets require a certain
measure of care and
maintenance. Although
maintaining a fish tank may
not require the daily effort
of caring for cats or dogs, a
tank still must be maintained
to provide an ideal living
environment for fish.
by M e t r o C r e at i v e C o n n e C t i o n
10
Horse ca re a nd sa fet y
H
orses are beautiful,
large and powerful
animals. Though
some people grow up
around horses, many have
had just brief encounters
with horses or enjoyed them
from afar. Unpredictable and
awe-inspiring, horses require
constant care, and those who
interact with horses should
know how to act around
horses to reduce their risk of
injury.
Contrary to popular belief,
all horse-related accidents
do not happen when riding
a horse. While many injuries
result from falling off of a
horses, injury also can occur
during routine daily horse
chores such as feeding,
grooming and tacking.
Even the smallest or most
mild-mannered horses
have the potential to hurt
someone if they are scared
or startled. While no one
should ever fear a horse,
certain recommendations
can help you avoid kicks,
bites or trampled feet when
interacting with horses.
Understand the
animal
Understanding horses can
reduce your risk of injury.
Horses are prey animals
in the wild, and they are
genetically predisposed
to outrunning predators.
Domestic horses may still
have that fight or flight
behavior ingrained in them.
Should a horse become
startled, it may react by
running away. The goal is to
remain calm and quiet around
a horse. Sudden moves,
especially when the horse
is getting to know you, can
cause a horse to kick out or
shy (jump sideways).
recognize injUry,
illness or discomfort
All bets are off if a horse is sick
or injured. Pain can cause any
animal to act out of character.
A horse in pain may be
sluggish or unresponsive, while
another may act aggressively.
Be extra careful around sick
horses or when engaging in
any activities that may make
the animal uncomfortable.
Check the horse for injuries or
soft spots before grooming.
Poor-fitting tack can make
a horse uncomfortable, and
the horse may attempt to
nip at you or the tack when
tightening the girth.
Use proper restraint
According to Blue Cross for
Pets, horses should be tied up
when they are being groomed
or tacked-up, even if they are
in a stable. This enables you to
move quietly and confidently
around the horse. When
grooming a horse, make sure
the animal is wearing a wellfitting head collar and that the
lead rope is secured through
a loop attached to the tying
up ring. Horse handlers should
remain calm but confident
around horses, as the animal
will get its cues from its
handler.
always remain on
gUard
Maintain a safe position
when working around horses,
regardless of which task you’re
performing. For example,
never stand directly in front of
or behind a horse, which can
easily injure you with one kick
of its leg. Horses have amazing
peripheral vision but two
blind spots. One blind spot
is directly in front of his nose
extending around four feet in
front of it. The second blind
spot is behind the tail. That
blind spot extends about ten
feet long, beyond the horse’s
tail. Horses will not be able
to see you if you approach
in their blind spots, and that
could spook the animal. The
safest place to stand is beside
your horse’s shoulder where
you can see each other. Make
sure you always have an “out”
when standing close to a
horse. You should remain on
your feet to be able to move
out of the way. Do not kneel
or sit down on the floor next
to a horse. You need to be
spry and able to react at a
moment’s notice.
watch yoUr ropes
Do not loop lead ropes or
reins around your hands or
other body parts. If the horse
pulls away or startles and
darts, your body can become
trapped. This may cause
broken bones, dislocation or
dragging.
feed from bUckets
When giving food or treats to
a horse, do so from a feeding
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
Horses can make wonderful companions to those who understand their
behavior and how to remain safe around these magnificent animals.
trough or bucket. A horse may
not mean to bite, but when
excited about treats, the horse
could mistake fingers for food.
wear proper clothing
Always wear appropriate
attire when around horses.
A substantial shoe or boot
will protect your feet against
trampling and give you
adequate traction. Gloves
can be used when handling.
Clothing should be well-fitting
so that you do not become
tangled or ensnared. Novice
and even experienced riders
may want to wear a riding
helmet to protect against
head injuries and a crash
vest to protect the torso.
Brightly colored clothing or
reflective gear is adviseable
when riding in poor visibility
or near moving vehicles.
edUcate yoUrself
Take advantage of
opportunities to learn more
about horse care and safety.
Less experienced riders can
benefit from the training and
advice of more experienced
riders. Veteran riders also
can make suggestions when
selecting horses, as some
have make better fits for
novice riders than others.
maintain good
veterinary care
Horses, just like any other
domesticated animal, require
veterinary checkups and may
even need immunizations.
Develop a good relationship
with your horse’s vet so that
you feel comfortable turning
to him or her with any
questions
by M e t r o C r e at i v e C o n n e C t i o n
their
s.
11
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
STOR AG E TIPS OFFER
PET OWNERS G OOD
FOOD FOR THOUG HT
P
ut your hand up if
you routinely check
expiration dates on
the food you buy. For many
of us, that is just common
sense. So, too, is properly
storing food once we get it
home. If you’re a pet owner,
though, can you say the
same for the food you buy
for your dog or cat?
Correct storage of pet food
is extremely important to
keep it fresh and to ensure
the well-being of your pet.
Here’s how:
START BY CHOOSING A
HIGH QUALITY PET FOOD
for your dog or cat. For
example, companies like
Petcurean, which makes GO!
and NOW FRESH, ensure
their products meet very high
manufacturing standards and
that recipes are crafted using
the highest quality ingredients.
and the material itself can
absorb fat and oils, increasing
the risk of food becoming
rancid.
STORE KIBBLE IN A COOL,
DRY LOCATION. Avoid
areas like basements or open
containers where condensation
or temperature changes can
encourage mold growth.
Canned food should be
covered and can be kept in
the refrigerator for three to
five days. It also can be frozen,
but move it into ice cube trays
or another freezable container
first.
REFRIGERATE OR DISCARD
any uneaten canned food
immediately.
AVOID STORING PET FOOD
IN REUSABLE PLASTIC
CONTAINERS, unless the
food is left in the bag. Plastic
containers may not be airtight
STORE PET FOOD away from
young children and from pets
themselves. Don’t allow pets
near an open or empty bag
of food, which can be a safety
concern.
CHECK BEST BEFORE
DATES on pet food, which are
sometimes found on the back
of the bag or on the bottom of
the can.
by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N
AG E EQUI VA LENT S
FOR CATS & DOG S
C
at and dog owners
know that the
responsibility of caring
for their favorite felines and
preferred pooches changes
as those animals age. But
owners may not know just
what constitutes an “aging”
pet. Many might go by the
popular notion that one
dog year is equal to seven
human years. But that figure
is not quite accurate and is
rarely associated with cats,
leaving many cat owners to
wonder the age equivalents
for their furry companions.
The American Veterinary
Medical Association notes
that determining the age
equivalent of pets is not as
simple as “1 human year =
X cat/dog years.” In fact,
making such determinations
is especially difficult with
dogs, whose age equivalents
depend on the size of the
dog. But the AVMA does
calculate pet age in human
terms, and the following are
the equivalents on which they
tend to rely.
by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N
Adult
Senior
Geriatric
TIP You ma y ha ve he a rd t ha t
one do g ye a r i s e q ua l to s even
hu ma n ye a rs, but t ha t fig u re i s
not q u ite ac c u ra te.
Years
Cats
Dogs
Dogs
(0-20 lbs) (21-50 lbs)
Pet Age
Dogs
(51-90 lbs)
Dogs
(>90 lbs)
Human Age Equivalent
1
15
15
15
14
12
2
24
23
24
22
20
3
28
28
29
29
28
4
32
32
34
34
35
5
36
36
38
40
42
6
40
40
42
45
49
7
44
44
47
50
56
8
48
48
51
55
64
9
52
52
56
61
71
10
56
56
60
66
78
11
60
60
65
72
86
12
64
64
69
77
93
13
68
68
74
82
101
14
72
72
78
88
108
15
76
76
83
93
115
16
80
80
87
99
123
17
84
84
92
104
18
88
88
96
109
19
92
92
101
115
20
96
96
105
120
TIP Store p et fo o d i n reu s a ble pla st ic
c onta i ners, u n les s t he fo o d i s left i n t he b ag.
12
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
asheville animal
acupuncture
Losing a treasured pet is
a difficult experience, and making
the decision to end the suffering of
that family member can be truly
excruciating. Pet owners ask me
frequently how to know when the
time has come to say goodbye.
While this discussion is a sad part
of my job, I believe helping with
this transition is one of the most
important parts of my service to
pets and their families. This article
is about making an informed—but
not premature-- decision with
all the information and options
available to the family.
Many of us are fortunate to have
a senior dog in our lives. Through
good preventative care, healthy
diet and exercise, and abundant
love, our pets our living longer and
longer lives. But with age we see
more problems, and pet owners
sometimes struggle with providing
a good quality of life for these old
guys. And if we’re honest, our
own quality of life can diminish
with a pet who needs constant
care. We want to make the right
decisions for our friend who trusts
us to take care of them. Sometimes
what looks like the end of the road
is really just a bump in the road.
Medicines and treatments, both
western and alternative, can bring
back a good quality of life for our
senior dogs.
A huge concern for pet parents
is mobility for their senior dog.
We call it “old age,” but simply
being old doesn’t make one sick or
immobile. Pain is a big component
of mobility issues. Hip arthritis,
spinal arthritis, muscle atrophy
and many other conditions cause
the slow down. Many antiinflammatory medications and
cartilage protectors are on the
market which can bring significant
pain relief. Alternative treatments
such as acupuncture, cold laser
therapy, chiropractic treatment
and herbal supplements can also
be very effective either with
traditional medicines or by alone.
Sometimes an older dog can’t
tolerate the anti-inflammatories
because of other medical problems,
and that’s where treatments
like acupuncture can be highly
effective. Many options exist that
can extend quality of life.
Another serious problem in older
dogs is incontinence. It can be
very frustrating to have an animal
who eliminates inappropriately
throughout the house. Many
times this is the problem that
becomes the last straw for the pet
owner. Most of the conditions
that cause either urinary or fecal
incontinence can be treated. It is
important to determine the original
cause, and then medicines may
be available to stop or slow down
the problem. Fecal incontinence
is often associated with pain, so
acupuncture and chiropractic
treatments can be very effective.
You don’t have to suffer along with
your pet. Get some help!
So, if your senior dog is slowing
down and having some health
issues, don’t despair. I have seen
dogs’ lives extended by years with
proper diagnosis and treatment of
their ailments. Nobody dies of
“old age.” The best gift we can
give our old dog is a good life and
a peaceful end. When that time
comes, you can be sure that you
have given your friend a wonderful
life, and that is a blessing for you
both.
dr. Beth hampton Jones
is a veterinarian. She owns Animal
Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic,
959 Merrimon Ave, Asheville,
NC. 828-450-0851. www.
ashevilleanimalacupuncture.com
vests for haywood County K-9 offiCers
t
haywood County deputy
randy JenKins with K9 partner lenny
wo K-9 Officers with the
Haywood County Sheriff’s
Office and the Waynesville
Police Department will receive
ballistic vests, thanks to the
Western Carolina Dog Fanciers
Association and the non-profit
organization Vested Interest in
K9s, Inc.
The vests will be awarded
during the annual Western
Carolina Dog Fanciers
Association All-Breed Dog
Show, Obedience and Rally
Trials at the Haywood County
Fairgrounds on Saturday, June
14. Haywood County Deputy
Randy Jenkins will be presented
with a ballistic vest for his K-9
partner, Lenny, and Zachary
Faulkenberry of the Waynesville
Police Department will accept
one for his K-9 partner, Valor.
The Western Carolina Dog
Fanciers Association raised
the money for the specially
made vests at their annual
Bark in the Park event in
Sylva. They donated $1900
to Vested Interest in K-9s,
Inc, a non-profit fundraising
organization dedicated to
providing bullet protective
vests and other assistance to
dogs of Law Enforcement and
related agencies throughout
the country. The organization
has provided more than
900 protective vests for law
enforcement dogs since 2009.
The WCDFA Dog Show will
run June 14 & 15 from 6am
to 6pm daily at the Haywood
County Fairgrounds, 758
Crabtree Rd in Waynesville.
become a fost er pa r ent
TIP by plac i ng a do g or
c a t, puppy or k it ten i nto
a fo ster home, a n i ma l
re s c ue orga n i z a t ion s
a re a ble to ex p a nd t hei r
c a p ac it y to s a ve even
more l ive s.
Ca n you be a
fr i e nd for a
wh ile a nd h e lp
sav e a li fe?
W
hen an animal
needs some time
to recover from
a sickness or injury – or just
needs to be socialized – the
Asheville Humane Society
depends on a network of
foster homes. Animal lovers
like you open their homes
for a little while, and that
means AHS can save more
lives. Last year, their foster
program made it possible to
care for over 1,500 animals.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
also counts on their network
of lifesaving foster families.
Over 350 animals each day
are cared for in the BWAR
amazing foster home network.
Foster parents can choose to
foster kittens who are not yet
old enough for adoption, cats
who need a few weeks of tender loving care, puppies who
require a quiet, private space,
or dogs who are ill or injured
and need a short recuperative
stay in someone’s home until
they are adoptable. The AHS
foster program gives parents
everything they need: a comprehensive manual, the support
of a Foster Coordinator, and all
food, supplies, and medicine.
BWAR also makes fostering
easy, fun and rewarding. You
will not incur any medical expenses for any foster animal
in your care, food is provided
when needed, animal supplies
are available and weekend,
two week, and longer options
are available. If you think that
you are not set up to become
a foster home for an orphaned
animal in need, think again!
Have a spare bedroom or bathroom? You can provide a safe
haven to a nursing mom and
her babies.
Foster parent roles come in
many different forms, chances
are likely that there is a needy
animal who would fit in with
your lifestyle for a little while.
a r ea fo ste r i ng
opportuniti e s
AshevIlle humAne
socIeTy
Visit ashevillehumane.org to
fill out a Foster Interest Form
and start the process.
broTher wolf
Visit bwar.org or email Flo
at [email protected] to learn
more about Brother Wolf’s
foster program, or call 828273-1428.
chArlIe’s AnGels
Visit wncanimalrescue.org to
fill out a foster application. If
you have any other questions,
email [email protected]
ruTherford counTy
humAne socIeTy
Visit rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org to fill out a
foster application.
T.A.A.G.
Click on Volunteer opportunities at taagwags.org or leave
a voicemail at 828-966-3166
and someone will contact you.
For more opportunities, visit the list of WNC Rescue Organizations on page 14.
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
IS A PET RIG HT FOR YOUR FA MILY?
P
ets often make
wonderful additions to
a household. Parents
not only love pets because
animals bring smiles to their
children’s faces, but also
because pets teach kids
about responsibility.
But the decision of whether
or not to bring a pet into a
home is a complicated one
that parents would be wise
to give ample consideration
before making their final
decision. The following are
a few factors parents can
consider when deciding if
now is the right time to bring
a pet into their household.
FINANCES
Money is often overlooked
when deciding whether
or not to bring a pet into
a home. But pets can be
expensive, and the potential
cost of pet ownership
must be fully explored. Pet
adoption fees are often
negligible, but families
who prefer a purebred
dog can expect to spend
considerably more money
than they would if they were
to adopt a mixed breed
dog from the local shelter.
In addition, a pedigreed
cat is likely to cost more
than a cat adopted from the
shelter. But those initial fees
are only a small part of the
expenses associated with pet
ownership. Medical costs,
including routine veterinary
visits and medication,
pet insurance, food, and
grooming costs can add up
over time, so families already
working on thin budgets
might find it’s not financially
prudent to bring a pet
into their home until their
finances stabilize.
Families who tend to travel
a lot also must consider
the cost of sheltering the
animal when they are out of
town, while renters should
determine if bringing a pet
into a home will incur a
higher rental deposit or if
the animal is likely to cause
damage, as puppies and
kittens tend to do, that will
ultimately cost them money
when they move out of their
rental.
TIME
Some pets require more
attention than others, so heads
of a family should consider
just how much time they have
to devote to pet ownership.
Dogs tend to need the most
attention among the more
popular household pets, so
families whose schedules
are already full may find that
pets who don’t need so much
attention fit their lifestyle
better. For example, cats don’t
need to go for daily walks and
tend to be more independent
than canines, making them
ideal pets for on-the-go
families. When deciding if a
pet is right for your family, give
heavy consideration to how
much time your family spends
at home, and if you decide to
adopt a pet, choose one that
won’t be negatively affected
by your schedules.
DEMEANOR
When considering bringing
a pet into a home, parents
should consider both their
own demeanor, their kids’
demeanors and the demeanor
of the pet they are thinking
of adopting. Dogs have their
idiosyncrasies, but breeds tend
to exhibit similar behaviors.
Labrador retrievers, for
example, tend to be active
and energetic, while a typical
English bulldog might be more
laid-back and less prone to
running around. Active families
who enjoy spending time
outdoors might prefer a more
active dog, while families who
enjoy relaxing at home might
want a dog that’s equally
comfortable lounging around
the house.
When considering cats,
families should speak with
a professional, be it a
veterinarian or a representative
at the local animal shelter,
about the demeanors of
different breeds to ensure
they make the best decision.
Parents of young children likely
want a cat that’s playful as
opposed to one who is likely
to be standoffish with curious
kids.
FUTURE
The future is another thing
parents must consider
before bringing a pet into
their home. Parents whose
careers are stable might make
better pet owners than those
angling for a reassignment or
looking to change careers. An
13
TIP Fa m i l ie s who
p refer a pu rebre d do g
c a n ex p e c t to sp end
c on s idera bly more
money t ha n t hey wou ld
i f t hey were to adopt
a m i xe d bre e d f rom a
lo c a l s helter.
unfortunate side effect of the
recession that began in 2008
was that many families were
forced to relocate when one or
both parents lost their jobs but
found opportunities elsewhere.
Upon moving, these families
realized the family pet could
not make the trip, which led
to shelters being flooded
with homeless pets. If your
family’s future is in question,
delay adopting or buying
a pet until your situation is
more stable. If all is well in
your career and your family
is firmly entrenched in your
community, then now might
be a great time to bring a
pet into your home.
by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N
Carolina
PETS
Just Gorgeous
GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS-AKC
Repeat breeding of
previous successful
combination of East
German and Czech
bloodlines producing pups of exceptional Intelligence,
Alertness, and Responsiveness. Excellent
for Pet or Protection. $700. 828-202-5377
Just Gorgeous
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG MIX,
named “Dexter”,
male, 1-2 years
old, neutered,
chipped. Needs
loving home
with lots of attention. Its in his
nature to herd
and fetch, he would make a great farm
dog. To good home only! 828-989-1121
PICK ME
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG PUPPIES
AKC registered blues and reds health
guarantee champion bloodlines $550
434-470-4034
0004279466
PICK ME
PICK ME
MALTESE X “MAUI” Will be small,
3-5lbs. Fluffy, m/f, available all colors,
written warranty & shots UTD. $350-$450
828-702-6623
GOLDEN RETRIEVER/GREAT PYRENEES PUPPIES, extremely family
friendly, fluffy, shots, wormed. Others
available with short hair. $75-$125.
864-238-1299
Best In Show!
As Cute As Can Be!
BOXER PUPPIES. AKC, Jacquet Champion
bloodlines on both sides, brindle males
and females, tails docked, dewclaws
removed, 1st shots, wormed, parents onsite. $700 864-380-7087
Most Adorable!
ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPIES. AKC,
champion bloodlines, 1 year health guaranteed, first vaccinations, vet certified.
$2,200 males, $2,500 males. 704-7405722, 704-308-2130
As Cute As Can Be!
AKC MINIATURE SCHNAUZER tails
docked, dew clawed, shots up to date,
raised in loving home, black, ready for
forever homes! $400 Each 828-862-4183
Great pet for kids! MINIATURE DONKEYS Very lovable and sweet natured
New babies now! One very loving
chocolate miniature also Handled from
birth Delivery service available 828400-1250, 828-550-2416
Most Adorable!
YORKIES. Registered, wormed and first
shots. 8 weeks. 3 males, $550/each, 1
female, $700. 828-735-1524
To find out how you can advertise here call IWANNA Classifieds
at 828-274-2222 (Asheville)or 864-293-7089 (Greenville)
14
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
WNC Re sCue oRg a Niz atioNs
B r i ng s ome j oy i nto you r l i fe a nd g ive a home to a wel l- de s er v i ng a n i ma l – oP t t o a D oP t from one of t he
ma ny g re a t orga n i z a t ion s work i ng to help homele s s a n i ma l s i n ou r a re a:
Asheville
Asheville humAne
s o c i e t y/A n i m A l
c o m pA s s io n n e t wo r k
Asheville Humane Society:
14 Forever Friend Lane,
Asheville, NC 28806;
828-761-2001
Hours: Tues - Sat, 10am 6pm
ashevillehumane.org
Bu nc o m B e c ou n t y
A n i m A l s h e lt e r : 16
Forever Friend Lane,
Asheville, NC 28806; 828250-6430;
Hours: Mon - Sat, 9am - 6pm
ashevillehumane.org
B r o t h e r wo l f A n i m A l
r e s cu e
31 Glendale Avenue,
Asheville NC 28803;
828-505-3440
Hours: Every day 9am-7pm
bwar.org
A n i m A l h Av e n
P.O. Box 9697
Asheville, North Carolina
28815; 828-299-1635
[email protected]
animalhaven.org
s pAy/ n e u t e r c l i n ic h u m A n e A l l i A nc e
25 Heritage Dr., Asheville,
NC 28806; 828-252-2079
Hours: Mon: 8am - 5pm,
Tues-Thurs: 7:30am - 5pm,
Fri: 7:30am - 3pm
humanealliance.org
BAnner elk/
newlAnd
Av e ry h u m A n e s o c i e t y
279 New Vale Road,
Newland, NC 28657;
828-733-2333
Hours: Mon - Sat: 10am
- 5pm, Sun: 12pm - 4pm
averyhumane.org
BlAck MountAin
wo l f D o g s
PO Box 1374
Black Mountain, NC 28711;
828-664-9818
[email protected]
fullmoonfarm.org
Boone
h ig h cou n t ry f r i e n D s
fo r l i f e
Weekly pet adoptions at the
Boone Mall, 1180 Blowing
Rock Rd E6, Boone, NC
28607. Wednesdays: 11:304:30 & Saturdays:11am - 5
pm
828-964-8828
petfinder.com/shelters/
NC477.html
wAtAug A h u m A n e
society
312 Paws Way, Boone, NC
28607; 828-264-7865
Hours: Tues-Fri: 12:30pm
- 6pm, Sat - Sun: 12:30pm 5pm
wataugahumanesociety.org
BrevArd
f r i e n D s fo r l i f e
Forever Farm, Lake Toxaway,
NC; 828-508-2460
[email protected]
petfinder.com/shelters/
NC303.html
t r A n sy lvA n i A A n i m A l
A l l i A nc e g r ou p
Weekly pet adoptions 11am4pm at Petsmart, 3 McKenna
Rd, Arden, NC 28704
828-966-3166
taagwags.org
t r A n sy lvA n i A c ou n t y
A n i m A l s e rv ic e s
Hours: 10am-5pm (Mon Sat), 12-5pm (Sun)
chhumanesociety.org
Fletcher
c h A r l i e ’ s A ng e l s
A n i m A l r e s cu e
5526 Hendersonville Rd,
Fletcher, NC 28732;
828-885-3647
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri:
11am - 4pm, Sat & Sun:
1pm - 4pm
wncanimalrescue.org
FrAnklin
A p pA l Ac h i A n A n i m A l
r e s cu e c e n t e r ( m c h s)
1124 Old Rosman Hwy
Brevard, NC 28712;
828-883-3713
Hours: Tues - Fri 10am. 5:30pm, Sat 10am - 4 pm
transylvaniacounty.
animalshelternet.com
851 Lake Emory Rd, Franklin,
NC 28734; 828-524-4588
Hours: M - T, Th - Sat:11am 5pm. Closed Wed & Sun.
maconhumane.com
Bryson city
A n i m A l s e rv ic e s c e n t e r
p. A .w. s. A n i m A l s h e lt e r
57 Lemons Branch Road
Bryson City, NC 28713;
828-488-0418
Hours: Mon - Wed :
10:30am–5pm, Fri – Sun
(Adoption Days): 10:30am –
5pm
pawsbrysoncity.org
cAshiershighlAnds
cA s h i e r s - h ig h l A n D s
humAne society
200 Gable Drive, Sapphire,
NC 28774; 828-743-5752
hendersonville
5pm, Sat: 10am-5pm
burkecountyfriends4animals.
org
north wilkesBoro
w i l k e s cou n t y A n i m A l
s h e lt e r
408 Call Street, Wilkesboro,
NC 28659; 336-903-7688
Hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am
- 5pm and Sat: 10:30am 12pm
wilkescounty.net/animalcontrol/animal-shelter
rutherFordton
ru t h e r fo r D cou n t y
A n i m A l s h e lt e r
578 Laurel Hill Rd,
Rutherfordton, NC 28139;
828-287-6025
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12-4pm,
Fri: 10am-2pm
rutherfordcountync.gov/
animalshelter
828 Stoney Mountain Rd,
Hendersonville, NC 28791;
828-697-4723
Hours: Mon - Fri: 10am 4:30pm, Sat: 10am - 2pm
hendersoncountync.org/
animals
ru t h e r fo r D cou n t y
humAne society
B lu e r i D g e h u m A n e
society
sylvA
JeFFerson
50 Railroad Ave., Sylva, NC
28779;
1-877-273-5262
Hours: Adoption days most
Saturdays 1-3pm. Listings
also online.
a-r-f.org
88 Centipede Lane,
Hendersonville, NC 28793;
828-685-7107
Hours: Tues - Thurs: 10am 6pm, Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm
blueridgehumane.org
A s h e cou n t y h u m A n e
society
1175 Old Highway 16
Jefferson, NC 28640;
336-982-4297
Hours: Saturday Adoption
Days: 10am - 3pm NOTE:
Animals are only at this
facility on Saturdays
ashehumanesociety.org
MArshAll
f r i e n D s o f m A Di s o n
c ou n t y A n i m A l s
107 S Main St, Marshall, NC
28753, 828-649-9798
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9am-1pm,
Fri: 8am-11am
fomca.org
m A Di s o n cou n t y
A n i m A l s h e lt e r
389 Long Branch Rd,
Marshall, NC 28753; 828649-3190
Hours: Tues - Fri: 10am-5pm,
Sat: 10am-3pm
madisoncountync.org/shelter.html
MorgAnton
f r i e n D s fo r A n i m A l s,
humAne society of
Bu r k e 417 Kirksey Dr,
Morganton NC 28655; 828433-1115
Hours: Mon/Wed-Fri/Sun: 12-
Adoption center has closed
but adoptable pets are still
listed on site. 828-286-0222
rutherfordcountyhumane
society.org
JAc k s o n cou n t y
humAne society
wAynesville
s A r g e ’ s A n i m A l r e s cu e
256 Industrial Park Dr,
Waynesville, NC; 828-2469050
Hours: Adoption Days every
Saturday from 10am - 3pm
sargeandfriends.org
15
iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14
WorkinG Cat s Will
Work for food !
G
ot a rodent problem
in your barn, horse
stable, warehouse,
garage or garden shed?
You need a working cat!
Asheville Humane Society
has healthy cats who would
love to be put to work!
These cats are unsuitable
to be house pets but would
flourish in a barn, horse
stable, warehouse, garage,
garden shed or other
appropriate indoor/outdoor
location.
All cats are spayed/
neutered, microchipped and
vaccinated. You only need to
provide daily food and water,
protection from the elements
and long-term care. After
a short period of secure
confinement, the cats should
accept their new barn home.
In return for your care,
working cats will help keep
rodents away from grain
and food storage areas. Not
only will you enjoy watching
these cats work, you will
be providing them a muchneeded home.
And, because these cats are
already spayed or neutered,
you won’t have to worry about
litters of kittens appearing!
Questions or want more
information? Contact Pam
TIP C a ts do not
d i re ct ly c ont rol ra ts
a nd m ic e by fe e d i ng
on t hem. it i s t hei r
pres enc e wh ich ke ep s
mo st ra ts a nd m ic e
a wa y.
Burgess, Adoption Manager, at
adoptions@ashevillehumane.
org
c ou r te s y of a s h e v i l l e h u m a n e .o r g
di d you k now?
feral vs. sTray caTs
Feral cats and stray cats
are not one and the same.
Feral cats are those born
and raised in the wild, or
those cats that have been
abandoned or lost and
turned to a feral lifestyle in
order to survive. Feral cats
are often too wild to be
handled, and many live in
groups known as colonies,
taking refuge wherever
they can find food. While
this may sound similar to
stray cats, pet adoption
professionals make a
distinction between feral
and stray cats. Unlike feral cats, the ASPCA defines stray cats
as those that have been abandoned or become lost, tend to
be tame and can be comfortable around people. Such cats
may purr, meow and rub against legs of humans who come
into contact with them. Stray cats often rely on humans for
food, whereas colonies of feral cats will typically feed on
garbage, rodents and other small animals. The life expectancy
of a stray cat depends on when it was lost or abandoned and
how effective it is at find a reliable food source, while many
feral cats donot survive kittenhood. The average lifespan for
those feral cats that do is less than two years outside of a
colony but can be as long as 10 years when living in a colony
with an established caretaker. Such caretakers may be an
individual or a group of individuals who provide feral cats with
their basic needs, such as food, shelter and even emergency
medical care. by m e t r o C r e at i v e C o n n e C t i o n
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iwa n n a .c o m 0 6.10.14