Pets with Jobs - OKC Pets Magazine Online
Transcription
Pets with Jobs - OKC Pets Magazine Online
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 TULSA’S FIRST DOGS Flash & Willie ANIMALS FOR PROFIT THE UGLY STORY ON PUPPY MILLS Pets with Jobs MEET LOCAL PETS WITH A REAL 9-5 THE SHELTER REPORT On June 1, TulsaPets Magazine toured the City of Tulsa Animal Shelter and took these photographs. For better or for worse, it is unlikely that any of these animals are still there! Of the dogs impounded on June 1, 2007, the following identifiable breeds were available for adoption: 2 Akitas 1 Alaskan Malamute 1 Australian Shepherd 3 Bassett Hounds 2 Beagles 2 Blue Heelers 1 Border Collie 1 Boxer 1 Bull Mastiff 1 Chihuahua 1 Chow 2 Doberman Pinschers 5 German Shepherds 1 Golden Retriever 3 Jack Russell Terriers 12 Labrador Retrievers 1 Shih Tzu 1 Westie January through May 2007 Dogs Cats Others Totals Impounded/Drop-Offs 5093 1945 197 7235 Claimed/Adopted/Rescued 1080 373 29 1482 Euthanized 4106 1403 87 5596 % 81% 72% 44% 77% 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 $56.00 for adult animals; $50 for babies under four months of age. City of Tulsa Animal Shelter • 3031 N. Erie Avenue • Tulsa 74115 • (918) 669-6299 Funding for this page was provided by Charles Faudree, INC., , and an anonymous sponsor. To contribute to the continuation of this page, contact Tulsa Pets Magazine Loving, Expert care. FREE Exam for new clients only Not to be combined with any other offer. One coupon per client. For new clients only. Expires 12-31-07. We Recommend VCA Woodland Central Animal Hospital VCA Woodland South Animal Hospital VCA Woodland East Animal Hospital 918-496-2111 918-524-5000 918-252-3595 4720 E. 51st St. 9340 S. Memorial VCA Cat Hospital of Tulsa VCA Owasso Animal Medical Center 918-492-9292 918-272-5986 S CATLY ON 5122 S. Sheridan 8811 N. Owasso Expy. VCA Woodland Broken Arrow Animal Hospital VCA Alta View Animal Hospital 918-258-5579 918-622-3610 2106 W. Detroit 9509 E. 61st St. VCA Veterinary Medical Center 3129 S Winston Ave. 918-743-6644 7717 E 21st St. TulsaPets Summer 2007 1 contents summer 6 6 Using Animals for Profit 22 23 Calendar of Events The ugly story on puppy mills 8 Focus Oklahoma Read some startling facts about Oklahoma’s animal shelters 10 Pets with Jobs Meet some local pets who have a real 9-5 14 Dog Training 411 24 Cat Tales Meet Bentley - a true tale of a Tulsa cat 26 Ask the Vet This issue’s participating veterinarian answers some questions about older animals 28 Tulsa’s First Dogs Flash & Willie 16 Profile: Pet Business (Shhhhh! Don’t call them D-O-G-S!) GoGo Pets – Pet Taxi & More 30 Legal Column 18 Directory How much is that doggie on the corner? 22 Izzy Meet Izzy, the deaf Dalmatian 2 TulsaPets Summer 2007 33 Jake. As in Rake. Falling in love with a lab is just so easy. 36 In Memory Of Tributes to former Tulsa Pets Mary Green answers some reader’s questions on behavioral issues Local products and services listings 24 A Feline Bed & Breakfast 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 FELINE TREASURES GIFT SHOP OPEN TUES. - FRI. 10AM - 5PM; SAT 10AM - 3PM The Catnip Cottage • A Purrfect Place For Feline Relaxation 743-5600 1443 S. Gary Ave. Tulsa, OK 74104 www.thecatnipcottage.com In Tulsa alone, more than 15,000 homeless pets are euthanized yearly simply because time and space run out. Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in Oklahoma but it is one you can help solve. • • • • Spay or neuter your pet. Adopt your next pet from your local animal shelter. Make sure your pet always wears their I.D. tag. Encourage others to also be responsible pet owners. Your city and local animal rescue groups are working hard to save these beautiful animals. But they can’t do it without you. Until there are none, adopt one. For more information about how you can reduce your community’s pet overpopulation contact Oklahoma Alliance for Animals at (918) 742-3700 or visit us online at www.animalallianceok.org This ad was made possible through a donation by Midwest Title Services Inc. www.mtstulsa.com TulsaPets Summer 2007 3 Publisher Letter Dear Tulsa Pet Lovers, Welcome to the soon-to-be-dog days of Oklahoma summer in August, and to my third issue of TulsaPets Magazine. We do hope you enjoy it and that you spread the word to your friends and family. First of all, I want to say hats off to our pet-loving Mayor Kathy Taylor. Mayor Taylor’s outspoken concern for the welfare of all our Tulsa pets, especially the homeless ones, is a sign of better things to come for our animals, and the Tulsa pet community lauds you for your support in encouraging adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering. Thank you Mayor Taylor! I got a call from a breeder the other day wanting to advertise. This wasn’t a puppy-mill breeder, but a local, reputable breeder who breeds high-quality pure bred dogs once a year. I told her I couldn’t accept her advertising, nor could I list her in the directory, as it’s against my magazine’s missions of rescue/adopt and spay/neuter . I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with pure-bred dogs (in fact, I’m pretty sure my rescued Sam here is a pure chocolate lab). My point to her was that when there are no more pure breeds or Heinz 57 mixes at our shelters waiting for homes, then I’ll consider dogs-for-sale advertising (maybe). TulsaPets M M A A G G A A Z Z II N N E E (918) 520-0611 / (918) 834-1252 Fax www.tulsapetsmagazine.com [email protected] PUBLISHER Marilyn King PRODUCTION MANAGER/ART DIRECTOR Joe Krout ART DIRECTOR Lauren Zeligson PRODUCTION INTERN Christina Hurd P.O. Box 14128 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-1128 918 /520-0611 918/834-1252 Fax ©2007. All rights reserved. Volume I, 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: Bentley, a real Tulsa cat with plenty of personality. After reading the enclosed article on shelter statistics in Oklahoma, I believe it will be some time before statewide conditions improve for the lives of our homeless pets. I do think, however, that Tulsa has the capability to greatly improve the lives of OUR homeless pets, and work towards being a no-kill community, just because of the sheer number of pet lovers that are here. The answer is simple. It starts with responsible pet ownership education for children, adopting from one of our shelters or local rescue groups, and spaying and neutering. If we can all unite and spread those words, then perhaps a difference can be made. After all, as was quoted by Mohandas Gandhi (and of course “nation” can easily be changed to “city”): “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Hope you have a super summer, and stay tuned for our October issue! Sincerely, & Sam PS I would be remiss in not again thanking all those who have helped me in this endeavor. My advertisers, Langdon Publishing, contributing writers, and Shelter Report sponsors all deserve a big applause. Thank you! And thanks to all the Tulsa pet lovers who have been enjoying the magazine. 4 TulsaPets Summer 2007 Sugar looks all over Tulsa for 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 RESCUE… Ms. Mags - ARF Rescue - 1996 It Just Makes Sense! AMERICAN AUTOMART Cars • Trucks • Vans • SUVs Buy • Sell • Trade • Finance 9404 East 31st Street (918) 627-9210 TulsaPets Summer 2007 5 Puppy Publisher Mills Letter WHAT IS A PUPPY MILL? Puppy mills exist for one reason—profit. Sell as many puppies as possible in order to make as much money as possible. In the worst cases, conditions at these “kennels” are horrid. Dogs are stacked in wire cages. Waste drops to the lowest crate. Dogs aren’t exercised, many go “crate crazy,” turning in endless circles. Females are bred every time they come into heat. Most lose their hair and teeth from being bred so often. If there are several in a caged area, they must fight for food. Human contact is scarce. Those in concrete-floored kennels get hosed down along with the waste. Puppies barely have time to bond with their exhausted mothers before they’re sold. Obviously, long-term psychological and physical problems abound that can cost thousands of dollars down the road. After the breeding dogs are no longer fertile, they are abandoned, taken to auctions, or sadly, killed. Their lives are short and desperate. Using Animals for Profit INTERVIEW OF DR. MIIKE JONES BY SHERRI GOODALL Three to four million cats and dogs are euthanized by U.S. animal shelters every year. Yet, nearly one third of the nation’s 11,000 pet stores continue to sell puppies. Most come from puppy mills. Everyone knows who is man’s best friend …but, what happens when these adoring pets are mass-produced without socialization skills? You get a frightened and nervous animal whose basic instincts have been reduced to simple fear. Dogs need a pack…whether it’s another dog, or a human. They learn that positive behavior garners rewards, like food, praise, and most importantly, trust. Dr. Mike Jones, DVM, used the example of Greyhounds. He worked with Dr. Ross Clark many years ago in rescuing Greyhounds. All they knew were crates and a running track. You put them in front of stairs, and they didn’t have a clue. It’s like putting a horse in front of a cattle bar…” It’s the same thing with a puppy mill. The dogs are not used to human contact, so they’re mistrustful. What is play, what is a house, what is a yard, what is grass? Behaviorists tell us it takes two years for every year in a puppy mill to rehabilitate a dog. 6 TulsaPets Summer 2007 WHO IS THE TARGET MARKET FOR PUPPY MILLS? YOU, if you buy from pet stores, classified ads, internet breeders or “parking lot” breeders without checking them out. Dr. Jones, “There is no such thing as an ugly puppy. Impulse and convenience make it so easy to buy from that person with a box of puppies at a busy intersection, in a parking lot, or at a flea market. Usually these breeders will only take cash.” That is not to say that people with a litter of puppies can’t sell them. We’re talking about the mass producer. Petsmart and Petco DO NOT sell puppies. They both sponsor pet adoptions through local animal shelters. However, many independent pet stores still sell puppies. Where do they get them? From puppy mills. In many cases, puppy brokers act as a middle man to buy from puppy mills and sell them to pet stores. WHO IS A REPUTABLE BREEDER? Dr. Jones, “A reputable breeder breeds dogs for one reason—to keep the breed up to its highest standards. Most compete in conformation trials where the breeds are judged on very strict breed standards. They will sell puppies, but only after certain conditions are met.” If you decide to choose a breeder: • Visit the premises (bona fide breeders do not meet in parking lots). • Check out the kennel conditions and the other dogs, especially the puppy’s parents. • Check references, other clients and vets. • Breeder must provide you with AKC papers, a written contract, and health guarantee with provisions to take the puppy back if problems occur. (The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a licensing organization only. Anyone can get AKC papers if they send in the fee. This does not guarantee breeding purity or practices). • Dogs should be at home in the house as well. They should be frisky, friendly, and accustomed to humans. • Breeder should ask you questions about your home, family and interest in breed. • Expect fixed prices, no bargaining. FOR MORE INFORMATION Dr. Mike Jones, an OSU graduate, has been a veterinarian for 16 years with the Woodland Pet Care Family. He’s a past president of the Oklahoma Veterinarian Medical Association (2006) and is currently Medical Director and co-owner of Woodland West Pet Care Facility. IS THERE AN ORGANIZATION THAT OVERSEES PUPPY MILLS? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the governing body of the Animal Welfare Act, and is charged with licensing and inspecting breeders, including puppy mills. Each state has its own laws regarding puppy mills. Many puppy breeders get around the laws by selling directly to the consumer or simply avoiding the few USDA inspectors that are on the job. If they are caught, many are happy to pay the fines and continue breeding. Several states have passed consumer protection laws that specifically address puppies. These laws are called “puppy lemon laws” as in auto sales. If the puppy is defective in any way, the buyer is supposed to be able to return it or get a refund. Seventeen states have consumer remedies when purchasing certain animals from commercial establishments. The consumer has between seven and twenty days to have the dog or cat checked out by a veterinarian. If the pet is “defective," refunds or exchanges are the remedy. Oklahoma is not one of the states. According to www.stoppuppymills.org, Oklahoma does not require licensing or inspection of puppy mills and no agency is charged with oversight. Dr. Jones concurs, “Oklahoma lags behind other states, in that it has no legislation at present.The Oklahoma Veterinarian Medical Assoc. (OVMA) is currently at work trying to get legislation passed.” Dr. Jones, “We hope to do it right, once we do it, rather than pass easily neglected laws as in many states now. We saw what happened with cock fighting in Oklahoma. Certain counties would not stand behind the legislation, even though it was passed.” According to Dr. Jones, one of the major problems in legislating breeding is how to differentiate between legitimate breeders and puppy mill breeders. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? • Visit www.stoppuppymills.org • Visit your local animal shelters first • If you want a specific breed, find the breed-specific rescue group in your city/state. For example: Online, Labrador rescue. You’ll get group locations for each breed. • Neuter your pets. Many cities have neutering facilities that are free or very reasonable. • Deal with REPUTABLE breeders. • Avoid parking lot, classified ads or internet breeders unless they allow you to visit their facilities and investigate their breeding practices. • Call your local SPCA to report animal cruelty Dr. Mike Jones Sherri Goodall TulsaPets Summer 2007 7 Focus Publisher OK Shelter Stats Letter establish an animal shelter. However, currently only five of the 77 Oklahoma counties have a public animal shelter for residents of the entire county. These five include Tulsa, Oklahoma, Washington (Bartlesville), Carter (Ardmore) and Pittsburg (McAllister). In the remaining 72 counties, some towns have animal control and a shelter, others contract with other towns or private entities to collect unwanted dogs and some simply do nothing. Alfalfa, Dewey, Grant and Harper Counties have no towns or cities with animal shelters within their borders. However, while roughly 150 cities and towns throughout Oklahoma operate city pounds, residents who live outside of the city limits have no place at which to release an unwanted dog or cat. While it is difficult to get a picture of the accurate number of animals entering Oklahoma shelters, it is impossible to get the numbers of those that fall through these cracks. Limited accurate euthanasia records may be available (based on method, or combination of methods, and therefore payment), but records of animals entering the shelters are actually rare outside of larger municipalities. Additionally, a 1981 Oklahoma State Court decision exempted cities with populations under 10,000 from the state euthanasia law, essentially By Ruth Steinberger, of the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals upholding the right of these cities to use shooting as The fate of animals in shelters across Oklahoma a method of killing unwanted dogs, deeming it to humane. Strong public opinion, and a lack of remains a hot topic, with euthanasia rates, rescues, be mandated record keeping, means that many cities quality of care and methods of euthanasia open to simply do not reveal the method they use to dispose of dogs and how many dogs are involved. discussion. The issue is an emotionally charged The fate of unwanted pets in rural Oklahoma is one. largely unknown, and often tragic. Jamee Suarez Yet, few Oklahomans realize that much of our state is not served by any Howard, President of Oklahoma Alliance for animal shelter at all. That fact, combined with a lack of record keeping in Animals said, “We have some idea of the numbers many shelters that do exist, renders a vague and disturbing picture for entering shelters. And some idea of how much of unwanted animals across much of the state has no access to Oklahoma. shelters. Combined, these A 2006 survey of all Oklahoma numbers show the size of counties, Focus Oklahoma, revealed the issue. It is a terrible that the collection, handling, release thing any time that animals and disposal of unwanted animals is are suffering.” disparate from one area of the state to Animal disposal in places the next, humane concerns often fall without shelters (which through the cracks and laws intended includes over half of rural to protect unwanted animals, including Oklahoma) includes the 1986 Dog and Cat Sterilization Act, abandonment, shooting, are completely ignored throughout giveaways and drowning. A much of the state. limited number of Oklahoma law allows counties “adoptable,” animals go with populations over 200,000 to Talihina, Oklahoma’s Animal Shelter Focus Oklahoma- A Study of Animal Shelters in Oklahoma: What are the Numbers? 8 TulsaPets Summer 2007 THE FATE OF UNWANTED PETS IN RURAL OKLAHOMA IS LARGELY UNKNOWN, AND OFTEN TRAGIC. Map of current statistics of Oklahoma Shelters Bristow, OK, “Unwanted animals in rural areas never even enter the discussion about shelter animals in our state. They are conveniently invisible. No one is speaking up for them.” Harman gets calls daily from county residents who have a dog they no longer want or that is a stray. He is not permitted to accept the dogs and advises callers to complain to their county commissioners. He said, “These dogs just disappear from the radar screen and everyone seems to be comfortable with that. Obviously, this has to involve tens of thousands of dogs each year because this lack of services involves half the population of Oklahoma.” Harman added, “These animals are literally ignored by officials, rescues, humane societies, everyone. If a dog is cute and an adoption fee can change hands, someone will find a place for it. But for the ones that are not cute or small, and that involves most of the calls I get, there is a big blind eye turned toward them. It is unconscionable that our county officials refuse to face this issue.” In August 2005, Harman received a call from a Creek County woman. An injured stray dog lay in a ditch in front of her home; the temperature was over 100 degrees. Unable to leave city limits Harman tried unsuccessfully for hours to get the sheriff’s office to send out an officer or to locate someone able to euthanize the dog. No one was authorized to go; the dog ultimately remained in the ditch until it died. Harman pointed out this issue leads to terrible animal suffering or people taking matters into their own hands and killing animals by inhumane methods. He said, “This is not just an animal control or taxpayer issue; the lack of county wide animal sheltering is a very, very serious humane problem.” into private shelters. However, for older, large, sick, or ugly dogs, there is little refuge. Dogs, and even some cats, are collected by dealers for sale at flea markets or to research labs or animal fighting rings. Additionally, Focus Oklahoma found that between one third and one half of the estimated 150 municipal facilities collect strays only, refusing owner surrenders. Outside of large shelters, relatively few public shelters in Oklahoma accept cats. Without any continuity, people needing to release an unwanted animal call around in desperation, leading to a windfall for some fraudulent organizations that offer inadequate care to the animals in their custody and again, ignore the sterilization mandate for Oklahoma animal shelters. Additionally, the lack of facilities has caused some public officials to actually rely on unacceptable “rescue” channels, an issue tied to some largescale animal removals in rural Oklahoma in recent years, including notorious ones in Stigler and Vici, Oklahoma. Disturbingly, Focus Oklahoma research revealed that an estimated less than one fifth of rural shelters comply with the 1986 state law requiring sterilization of animals released from shelters. Animals are released without mandatory contracts and deposits, without sterilization and with no follow up. Currently, outside of Tulsa and Oklahoma counties, roughly 51% of Oklahomans live in areas in which public services are provided by the county. The percentage of people served by municipal animal control facilities varies from one portion of Oklahoma to the next. Southeast Oklahoma has the highest rural population, and the lowest is in the Oklahoma City metro area. Roughly 64% of households in southeast Oklahoma have no place at which to release an unwanted animal. According to Animal Control Officers in rural areas, county residents typically abandon unwanted pets within town limits at night. Although this activity is against the law in Oklahoma, it is nearly impossible to catch the perpetrator. According to Mark Harman, Animal Control Officer of Abandoned dog in Creek County Ruth Steinberger TulsaPets Summer 2007 9 Lead Story PETS WITH JOBS VET, Dollar Thrifty’s top dog, flashes a grin as he checks out a magazine with news from the world of pets. Pawprints in the Office Stories and Photos by Pat Atkinson. A journalist for more than 25 years, Atkinson is also involved with animal rescue and advocacy activities. Some area dogs and cats are at the top of their game, adding ‘fur-factor’ assets to the workplace. A corporate bulldog, a Shih Tzu at school, and a couple of ‘flower children’ are on the job. He has his own chauffeur and reserved parking place close to the corporate office’s front door. His online calendar is booked with appointment requests from various departments at Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group’s world headquarters complex in midtown Tulsa. And it’s good odds that DTG’s 8,500 employees in 70 countries around the world recognize his face far more readily than the company’s CEO. This is a happy-go-lucky, well-mannered English bulldog named VET, an acronym for “Value Every Time,” DTG’s company mission statement. And therein lies the tail (oops tale!) of how a little bulldog came to fill the pawprints of a big job description at this Fortune 10 TulsaPets Summer 2007 1000 company three and a half years ago at the ripe old age of six months. To say the least, VET has grown with the job. Just cute enough to appeal to the women and buffed enough for the men, VET was recruited to be the vehicle to bridge the diverse cultures of Dollar Rent a Car and Thrifty Car Rental when the two companies were combined into a single corporate entity in 2004. Chris Payne, manager of DTG’s corporate communications, recalls that Christmas, 2003 when Don Himelfarb, then chief administrative officer, called with a request: “I need you to find a bulldog. He needs to be a male, about a year-and-a-half old, and really friendly. Oh, and I need him in three days.” Payne, who had worked for veterinarians in his earlier years, launched a two-day search, found this baby bulldog and “knew on first glance he was our mascot.” VET sailed through his meeting with twolegged top management, and a starring career was born. Indeed VET became the driving force when he was signed on to symbolize the values of the two companies – dogged determination, loyalty and a sense of fierceness in dealing with competitors. (He’s actually more a lover and a little short on the “fierceness” part, but he does have the “in your face” bulldog image.) From the first day, VET was up to the challenge and more. He brought together the two companies just as you’d expect the son of champions to do. An instant celebrity, VET has left his mark on posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, on videos, in person, and today is DTG’s most visible internal company “messenger,” a veteran of dozens of photo ops. Although most employees consider him a mascot, VET is officially “Chief Cultural Dog” and is greeted daily by employees in the hallways, on elevators, outside doing “doggy things.” He has attended corporate conventions in Las Vegas, strutting through airports and the casino at the Mirage, across stages, and smiling for the camera while posing for pictures with staff members. At the office, he has certain people favorites and breaks into full-face grins when he spots them. His very own “top dog” is Becky Stevens, a 25-year staff member of DTG and VET’s caretaker “mommy,” chauffeur, playmate, mentor and confidante. Stevens handles VET’s online calendar for his requested appointments with company departments and he’s aware of which floor to exit the elevator depending on which employee he’s accompanying. His company etiquette is VET’s driver parks here. (You impeccable – when he might call it a barking lot!) wants to attend to outdoor business, he brings his red leash to his person. Otherwise, he has toys and a comfy bed wherever his assignment may be for power napping. When VET’s at home with Stevens, her husband, and two boys ages 10 and 19, the corporate bulldog sheds his brown and white suit and it’s all about relaxing, eating kibbles, checking out the backyard, chasing power tools, biting the wheels of anything that rolls, and a favorite game of tug-o-war with his 10year-old person. His favorite junk food is farfrom-exotic cheap milk bones and he snacks on cold, canned green beans. So, how’s the job evaluation and career future for VET? “He has done a great job of helping us merge and combine two separate and diverse cultures and brands,” communications chief Payne says. “He helped us with a smooth transition and we found that people can unify behind a dog with characteristics that match our company. We couldn’t have blended Dollar and Thrifty cultures so quickly or so well without him and our employees love him.” Not a bad review for a little bulldog who’s certainly up to holding down the big job of top dog of an international corporation. One English bulldog fills a mighty big job as “Chief Cultural Dog” and he fills that job description like a champ. Lessons from a Teacher’s Pet LOVE, PATIENCE, PEACE IN A SMALL PACKAGE At Lake Hills Montessori School, Cosmo is the best example of “teacher’s pet” in town. And, he’s a teacher, too. He attends classes every day, is willing to do anything he’s asked, learns quickly, knows exactly what his job is and does it well, would win the “Mr. Congeniality” award from the other Reese Zumo gets a kiss from Cosmo. Before getting acquainted with Cosmo, Reese was wary of all dogs but she has learned about friendship from him. Cosmo fills the double job of teacher’s pet and teacher. One of his favorite “work stations” is on desk top. students, and has a smile for everyone he meets. And, he especially adores his very own teacher, “Ms. Jodie” Whitman, the school’s founder/director and Cosmo’s “mom.” Cosmo is a small Shih Tzu who has grown up at Lake Hills Montessori since it opened in March last year. Only four months old when he landed the job of school mascot, Cosmos’ role has expanded as the school’s enrollment has increased from five students on opening day to a current count of 51 children ranging in age from two to six years old. Ms. Jodie explains that little Cosmo Kramer (named for the Seinfeld character with crazy hair) Whitman has a big and important job at Lake Hills. “We are a new Montessori school in Tulsa and a large part of Montessori curriculum is on peace education. “Having a school pet helps teach the children humanity toward living things that are different from themselves,” she says. “Some children entered this school without ever having contact with dogs and therefore were afraid of him. Now, having a daily encounter with Cosmo, they have grown extremely attached to him and use each arrival and departure to love on him.” Living things abound at Lake Hills, all a part of the peace learning – caring for living things, gentle touch, attentive to life needs, responsibility. In addition to Cosmo, classrooms are populated with parakeets, doves, fish and plants for the children to care for, feed, nurture. The school’s recent ceremonial opening of butterfly, herb and mint gardens was christened with the release of 25 homing pigeons. Cosmo may be a little guy, but he’s a fur-covered role model for love and patience for the children. His job includes escorting shy students to class, reminding everyone to look at life from a different perspective (students often comment “think how that makes him feel” and “that may be scary to Cosmo”), checking on sleeping kids during naptime, and – most importantly – greeting all with a happy smile. He sits on Ms. Jodie’s desktop, watches the world from his window seat, wanders the halls doing a trick or two for treats, tries to make friends with the feathered residents, and helps the children learn that domestic animals like dogs can be a friend, not to be feared. Cosmo “is a wonderful teacher to us all,” Ms. Jodie says. And he fills the pawprints to peace in the world in a big way. TulsaPets Summer 2007 11 Collared! Pepper stops to wear the roses. Furry Flower Children at Tulips STARS OF THE SHOW ON BROADWAY Pepper and Ginger are the “flower children” at Tulips on Broadway. Pepper, the Great Pyrenees, and Ginger, the brown tabby, are the newest staff members at the year-old floral design shop in Broken Arrow. True to the “flower child” lifestyle of the ‘60s, Pepper and Ginger are free-spirited and laid-back, living in the moment as they greet visitors. They pretty much “do their own thing” while lounging, hunting, wagging, and adding the friendly, welcoming “pet-able” factor to the shop. As you’d expect, customers often enter and say “hello” to the big, furry white dog with dark gray markings before greeting the people. It’s hard to overlook Pepper as she “decorates” the entry or is stretched out in the breezeway between the shop and work area where arrangements are created. The flower shop is reminiscent of a European boutique tucked away on a peaceful cobblestone walkway in Amsterdam, an ambiance further enhanced by proprietors Janet and Johannes Lijs who came from the Netherlands – home to thousands of miles of tulips and other blooming bulbs. Inside the white French doors topped by a bright red awning is an explosion of cheerful color from flowers to gifts. The shop is attached to Janet’s childhood home, so it’s a short commute to work on a footpath. Both four-footed staff members were “signed on” when the couple visited an animal rescue group in search of a cat to adopt. “Ginger was adorable and we bonded with her right off,” Janet recalls. While finishing paperwork for her to come home, they saw a “very large dog in a rather small cage,” went home with Ginger, thought about that big white dog, and returned the next day to adopt her. Ginger’s brown tabby coat is accented with gold and orange and she greets visitors at the door or from rooftop perches. A sprinkling of dark spots characteristic of Pyrenees in Pepper’s coat contributed to her name, and the Lijs’ love of cooking inspired the spice-related names of both pets. Janet says the pets are the shop’s “high earners with bonus rewards of toys, chew treats and even an occasional mouse!” Pepper’s extra perk is sushi. “She adores sushi and takes each piece apart and eats it one bit at a time. Amazing for a huge dog, but she is quite accomplished.” Pepper and Ginger’s job descriptions include greeting, wagging, sniffing, and submitting to petting from visitors of all ages. “People are amazed that the pets respond to strangers so well, but that’s part of their job duties – to warm up and make welcome all newcomers. They are both team players and make certain that Johannes and I are always sharp and ready for visitors,” Janet says. During off-hours, Pepper shifts into guard mode and has a bark big enough to bring down the house, announcing any after-hours visitors. She also loves to roam the trails of Turkey Mountain with her people or go on long car rides and picnics. In all, both pets have come a long way from being homeless and unwanted on the streets to starring roles promoting flower power on Broadway. Ginger and Pepper take a counter break, planning the day at the shop. 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 ACADIA VETERINARY HOSPITAL, INC. CALL 5202 EAST 11TH STREET (918) 834-3304 FOR APPOINTMENTS OFFICE HOURS MON. - FRI. 7:00 - 7:00 8-1 SATURDAY EMERGENCIES TEL. (918) 834-3304 24 HR. ANSWERING RALPH W. GROGAN, D.V.M. Gifts For Pets and Their Owners Is now Located inside The Kennel Shop All Breed Dog Grooming 3224 East 21st Street Fashion Apparel & Jewelry Treats & Toys Tulsa (21st just west of Harvard) Or as always, shop us online Doggyville 605-7857 For Grooming Appts: 742-5050 Furniture TulsaPets Summer 2007 13 Training WITH MARY GREEN FOR MORE INFORMATION 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 spayed females, there may be a problem of a leaky bladder, which can be helped through medication. A urinary tract infection can also cause a dog to have accidents. If there are no medical reasons for the misbehavior, you can address other causes. First of all, going from a full bladder to an empty bladder feels very good to the dog – and becomes very selfrewarding! If you need to go…go! It can be caused by bad habit and reinforced by lingering odor. The next time you clean the carpets, rent or purchase a black light and thoroughly check for spots. Clean with a good enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature’s Miracle or Simple Solution, and re-check with the black light. Management such as crating or confining the dogs while you are gone can prevent accidents. Perhaps you can install a doggie door so that they can go out as they need to. You could teach them how to ring a dog doorbell to give them a clear way to indicate that they need to go out. In the morning, and when you first come home from work, take them out to potty twice in a short period of time. If they have been outside for a long period of time, let them know it’s Last Call. Be sure they go potty before you let them in. If they are sneaking off to go potty, use a baby gate to keep them in the bedroom at night. Or put a jingle bell on their collar so you can hear them if they stir. Do not allow them to tank up on a full bowl of water before bed time, or before you leave them for a long period. Dog Training 411 Q A Q How do I keep my 30 lb. dog from lumbering across my lap and trying to exit the car before I can get out first? I get a mouth full of red dog fur, not to mention being squished. The quick solution is to have your dog secured in the car by using a car harness. The harness attaches to the lap or shoulder seat belt. Bolting through any open door, be it the front door, car door, or gate, can be a dangerous practice. Teach your dog to wait at openings and only proceed through when directed. First, teach her to Sit and Wait to get a treat. It’s easy! Just instruct her to Sit, then tell her to Wait. Use your hand like a stop sign showing her the palm of your hand to reinforce waiting. After a couple of seconds, tell her good girl, and let her come to get the treat. Gradually increase the length of time she has to wait. Over time, repeat the process at all the places she would be likely to bolt. For the car, practice in the garage or another secure area, and make her wait while you gather your belongings, take the key out, open the car door – and finally get out. She should not be invited out until you have control of her leash. Q We have two Shih Tzu dogs. One is 6 yrs. old and the other is 5. They are house-trained, but when I'm at work during the day or when we are asleep in the night, they will sometimes wake me to go outside, and other times, they just pee. I clean the carpets continually, but I always smell dog pee. How will I get them to stop? Are they doing it to spite me? I know they are capable of holding it for 8 hrs. A There are many reasons why dogs eliminate in the wrong place, but they really don’t do it out of spite. First, rule out any potential medical issues that could be masquerading as behavior problems. If the dogs are male, and un-neutered, the behavior may be urine marking. Neutering can help reduce marking. If the dogs are 14 TulsaPets Summer 2007 I live in the Tulsa metro-area and I own a herding breed dog. I would like to learn more about herding livestock and maybe earning herding titles with my dog. Can you give me some ideas about the characteristics of a potential herding dog and how I can get started? A It can be said that every dog needs a job. But unemployed herding breeds, such as Border collies, cattle dogs (heelers), collies, and Australian shepherds, can get into a lot of trouble by practicing herding behavior on children, cats and cars. If your dog has a keen instinct to chase things that move, or see if he can make things move, and has the drive to keep up the game, he may do well on stock. Herding dogs must work closely under the direction of their handler, by verbal commands or whistle commands. They are never allowed to endanger the stock. In competitions, dogs may herd sheep, cattle, and even ducks! There are several organizations that sponsor herding trials where you can earn titles with your dog. I’m only familiar with the AKC. There is a newly formed club, 4-Corners Herding Association which will offer herding clinics and trials. Their website is www.4cornersherdingassociation.com. A Google search of “getting started in herding” would be a good way to find more information. Have a training question for October? Email [email protected] Mary Green BOARDING • GROOMING HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 6:00 Sat. 7:30 - Noon Closed Sunday DeShane Kennels, Inc. Animal Health Supply Specializing in Natural & Holistic Pet Foods Pickup/Delivery Service for Boarding • Now Selling Pretty Bird Products www.deshanekennels.com 1115 S. 129th E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74108 (918) 437-3343 MARY E. HILL KENNETH R. HILL Free Samples of Eagle Pack Save $$$$ with Coupons at www.eaglepack.com 6939 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74112 (918) 836-3959 Mention this ad for 25% off all books. Offer expires 8/31/07 Dr. John P. Hammond, D.V.M. Professional Groomers Patty McDowell & Terrie Pestel Over 38 Years Experience All Breed Grooming No Tranquilizers Used Full Service Veterinary Hospital Totally Remodeled 2,000 sq. ft. Boarding Facility Exercise and Play Yards 2301 E. 71st Street Tulsa, OK 74136 (918) 494-0151 ! " " Visit your kitty on our new internet Web Camera ! 1834 Utica Square 7am - 7pm Monday-Friday 8 am - 6 pm - Saturday 9 am - 2 pm Sunday 749.3481 1730 Utica Squre 10am - 4pm Monday-Saturday 743.8205 Your Source for Healthy pet food choices (918) 248-8100 www.CamillesCathouse.com Visitors always welcome “Best little Cathouse in Oklahoma!” Dog Grooming Available TulsaPets Summer 2007 15 Profile Photography by Steve Wilcox PET BIZ GoGo Pets - Pet Taxi & More She’s here, there and everywhere, going, going, going. Meet Tawnie Larson, owner and founder of GoGo Pets – Pet Taxi & More. As the name implies, Tawnie provides transportation services for pets – as for the “more,” she’s also a dog walker, pooper scooper, and pet birthday party planner. Tawnie’s lifelong passion for animals started with her pet Corgi Curly who once kept her from harm’s way by alerting the entire neighborhood very early one morning when he found Tawnie sleepwalking down their street. Tawnie was also a tomboy in her youth, preferring turning over rocks in hopes of finding a snake to take to school to the more conventional little girl’s pets. These days, her heart is in animal welfare and rescue, and her passion is evidenced by her volunteer work with several local animal welfare groups. She’s also American Red Cross Pet First Aid Certified, and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Petsitter Associates LLC, and the Tulsa Area Pet Sitter’s Association Tawnie came to Tulsa from her native Kansas in 1999 and spent several years in commercial property management. She’d always longed to work with animals, in a hands-on way, so she started a research campaign on pet business possibilities. She discovered some other cities had pet taxi services, and the seed was planted. GoGo Pets opened in 2006, and just one year later Tawnie’s business has grown to the point that she’s hired Cindy Evans to help her GoGo the pets. GoGo Pets provides pet taxi service to just about anywhere the “customers” need to go, be it to the groomer, the vet, doggy daycare, the airport – wherever, and all the kids are secure in kennels in the back. Tawnie says she doesn’t have a “cookie cutter” business, and will try to do just about anything the client wants. She once had a call to transport a goat to 16 TulsaPets Summer 2007 the vet (which didn’t work out because of scheduling problems), and a request to pick up a dove. She’s helped administer pet medicines to help out an elderly lady. One customer can’t bear to hear his cat cry on the way to the vet so he calls Tawnie to do the driving. She takes him on the one mile ride. She also provides playtime to a Tulsa physician’s dog so that he’ll be good and tired when the doctor comes home at night. Tawnie recently got a call from a couple who had eight dogs, and they wanted her to transport four of them for a one-way trip to their vet’s office, to be euthanized, claiming they couldn’t afford all eight. Tawnie refused to make that trip, but instead took them to the Washington Tawnie with Perky and Beasley County shelter in Bartlesville for transport to the Boulder, Colorado no kill shelter. She also provided discounted and some free transportation at Spay Oklahoma’s spay and neuter campaign last February. So there she goes, living her dream, helping out the pets, and helping out the people. GoGo Pets – a unique and great Tulsa service! GoGo Pets – Pets Taxi & More • www.gogopets.biz [email protected] • 809-2180 TulsaPets Summer 2007 17 Directory 15th Street Veterinary Group 6231 East 15th Street Tulsa, 74112 835-2336 Feline Specialties Veterinary Hospital 9702 S. Riverside Drive Tulsa, 74137 www.felinespecialties.com 299-8222 Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Inc. 5202 E. 11th Street Tulsa, 74112 834-3304 Forest Trails Animal Hospital 6528 E. 101st Street South Tulsa, 74133 299-8448 All Creatures Veterinary 8134 South Harvard Avenue Tulsa, 74137 481-0440 Hammond Animal Hospital 2301 East 71st Street Tulsa, 74136 www.hammondanimalhospital.com 494-0151 ANIMAL HOSPITALS AND VETERINARY SERVICES Animal Emergency Center, Inc. 7220 E. 41st Street Tulsa, 74145 665-0508 Animal Medical & Surgical Hospital 7140 South 69th East Avenue Tulsa, 74133 492-2674 Arrow Springs Veterinary Hospital 550 W. Florence Street Broken Arrow, 74011 455-7107 Care Animal Hospital 10016 D South Mingo Road Tulsa, 74133 254-7122 Cat Spay and Neuter Clinic 13111 East 11th Street Tulsa, 74108 437-6735 Cedarwood Veterinary Clinic 1412 S. Harvard Tulsa, 74112 749-6588 City Veterinary Hospital 3550 S. Peoria Tulsa, 74105 747-1641 Companion Animal Hospital 3311 East 30th Street Tulsa, 74114 747-2552 Edgewood Veterinary Hospital 3104 East 51st Street Tulsa 74105 743-1080 18 TulsaPets Summer 2007 Housecall Veterinary Services Dr. Chet Thomas 231-4325 Jacox Animal Hospital 2732 E. 15th Street Tulsa, 74104 712-2750 712-2760 Fax Mingo Road Veterinary Hospital 3140 South Mingo Road Tulsa, 74146 663-3582 Riverbrook Animal Hospital 3750 S. Peoria Tulsa, 74105 748-4400 Southern Agriculture 6501 E. 71st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.southernagriculture.com 488-1993 Southern Agriculture 3146 South Mingo Road Tulsa, 74145 www.southernagriculture.com 663-6770 Southern Agriculture 8751 N. 117th E. Ave., #105 Owasso, 74055 www.southernagriculture.com 274-3770 Southern Agriculture 1746 S. 161st E. Avenue Broken Arrow, 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 258-8080 Southern Agriculture 1034 E. Lansing Avenue Broken Arrow, 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 251-0267 Southpark Veterinary Hospital 6319 S. Elm Place Broken Arrow, 74011 451-1440 Valley Glen Veterinary Hospital 12440 East 31st Street Tulsa, 74146 www.valleyglenvet.com 663-9200 VCA Alta View Animal Hospital 7717 East 21st Street Tulsa, 74129 www.vcaaltaview.com 622-3610 VCA Cat Hospital of Tulsa 5122 S. Sheridan Tulsa, 74133 www.vcatulsa.com 492-9292 VCA Owasso Animal Medical Center 8811 N. Owasso Expressway Owasso, 74055 www.vcaowasso.com 272-5986 VCA Veterinary Medical Center 3129 South Winston Tulsa, 74135 www.vcavetmedcenter.com 743-6644 VCA Woodland Broken Arrow Animal Hospital 2106 West Detroit Broken Arrow 74012 www.vcawoodlandbrokenarrow.com 258-5579 VCA Woodland Central Animal Hospital 4720 E. 51st Street Tulsa, 74135 496-2111 www.vcawoodlandcentral.com VCA Woodland East Animal Hospital 9509 East 61st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.vcawoodlandeast.com 252-3595 VCA Woodland South Animal Hospital 9340 South Memorial Drive Tulsa, 74133 www.vcawoodlandsouth.com 524-5000 AQUARIUM SUPPLIES Aquarium Oddballs 6115 E. 31st Street Tulsa, 74135 831-0099 Premier Aquatics 6125 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, 74133 www.premieraquaticsok.com 497-1212 Reef Revolution 6969 E. 71st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.reef-revolution.com 392-1962 BOARDING KENNELS AND DAYCARE FACILITIES 15th Street Veterinary Group 6231 E. 15th St. Tulsa, 74112 835-2336 Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Inc. 5202 E. 11th Street Tulsa, 74112 834-3304 Aurora Kennel 9721 East 61st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.aurorakennel.net 250-3911 Jacox Animal Hospital 2732 E. 15th Street Tulsa, 74104 712-2750 712-2760 Fax Camille’s Cathouse 5986 W. 131st Street South Sapulpa, 74066 www.camillescathouse.com [email protected] 248-8100 DeShane Kennels 1115 South 129th East Avenue Tulsa, 74108 www.deshanekennels.com 437-3343 Feline Specialties Veterinary Hospital 9702 S. Riverside Drive Tulsa, 74137 www.felinespecialties.com 299-8222 Hammond Animal Hospital 2301 East 71st Street Tulsa, 74136 www.hammondanimalhospital.com 494-0151 Keystone Pet Grooming & Boarding, Inc. 3319 E. 30th Street Tulsa, 74114 712-7387 Lynn Lane Boarding Kennels 9302 S. Lynn Lane Broken Arrow, 74012 455-7721 Noah’s Bed & Biscuit A Luxury Pet Resort 321-9999 Pooches 2238 East 56th Place Tulsa, 74105 www.poochesplace.com 398-6459 VCA Veterinary Medical Center 3129 South Winston Tulsa, 74135 www.vcavetmedcenter.com 743-6644 K-9 Manners & More 328 W. Kenosha Broken Arrow, 74012 www.k9-manners.com 451-8446 VCA Woodland Broken Arrow Animal Hospital 2106 West Detroit Broken Arrow, 74012 www.vcawoodlandbrokenarrow.com 258-5579 Keystone Pet Grooming & Boarding, Inc. 3319 E. 30th Street Tulsa, 74114 712-7387 VCA Woodland Central Animal Hospital 4720 E. 51st Street Tulsa, 74135 496-2111 www.vcawoodlandcentral.com VCA Woodland East Animal Hospital 9509 East 61st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.vcawoodlandeast.com 252-3595 VCA Woodland South Animal Hospital 9340 South Memorial Drive Tulsa, 74133 www.vcawoodlandsouth.com 524-5000 Ritz Barklton 815 East Third Street Tulsa, 74120 www.ritzbarklton.com 592-3647 GROOMING SERVICES Shangrila Kennels Boarding & Grooming 525 East New Orleans Broken Arrow, 74011 455-4747 Aurora Kennel 9721 East 61st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.aurorakennel.net 250-3911 The Catnip Cottage 1443 South Gary Avenue Tulsa, 74104 www.thecatnipcottage.com [email protected] 743-5600 DeShane Kennels 1115 S. 129th E. Ave. Tulsa, 74108 www.deshanekennels.com 437-3343 VCA Alta View Animal Hospital 7717 East 21st Street Tulsa, 74129 www.vcaaltaview.com 622-3610 Feline Specialties Veterinary Hospital (cat grooming only) 9702 S. Riverside Drive Tulsa, 74137 www.felinespecialties.com 299-8222 VCA Cat Hospital of Tulsa 5122 S. Sheridan Tulsa, 74133 www.vcatulsa.com 492-9292 Hairy Beasts Dog & Cat Grooming 1631 South Main Street Broken Arrow, 74012 251-0313 VCA Owasso Animal Medical Center 8811 N. Owasso Expressway Owasso, 74055 www.vcaowasso.com 272-5986 Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Inc. 5202 E. 11th St. Tulsa, 74112 834-3304 Hammond Animal Hospital 2301 East 71st Street Tulsa, 74136 www.hammondanimalhospital.com 494-0151 Le Pooch Grooming Salon 2220 East 61st Street Tulsa, 74136 743-7297 Love On A Leash 2913 South Harvard Tulsa, 74114 747-3658 Lu's Pampered Paws 5943 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, 74105 749-7297 Pooches 2238 East 56th Place Tulsa, 74105 www.poochesplace.com 398-6459 Rachel’s K-9 Designs 6703-J E. 81st Street Tulsa, 74133 495-1801 Red Dog Hound & Pet Supply 2198 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, 74129 834-1224 The Kennel Shop 3224-26 E. 21st Street Tulsa, 74114 742-5050 VCA Alta View Animal Hospital 7717 East 21st Street Tulsa, 74129 www.vcaaltaview.com 622-3610 VCA Cat Hospital of Tulsa 5122 S. Sheridan Tulsa, 74133 www.vcatulsa.com 492-9292 VCA Owasso Animal Medical Center 8811 N. Owasso Expressway Owasso, 74055 www.vcaowasso.com 272-5986 VCA Veterinary Medical Center 3129 South Winston Tulsa, 74135 www.vcavetmedcenter.com 743-6644 VCA Woodland Broken Arrow Animal Hospital 2106 West Detroit Broken Arrow, 74012 www.vcawoodlandbrokenarrow.com 258-5579 VCA Woodland Central Animal Hospital 4720 E. 51st Street Tulsa, 74135 www.vcawoodlandcentral.com 496-2111 VCA Woodland East Animal Hospital 9509 East 61st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.vcawoodlandeast.com 252-3595 VCA Woodland South Animal Hospital 9340 South Memorial Drive Tulsa, 74133 www.vcawoodlandsouth.com 524-5000 OBEDIENCE TRAINERS All Things Canine LLC Tiffany Barnes Talley [email protected] 527-9663 Companion Dog School 4411 South 91st East Avenue Tulsa, 74145 834-3556 Dog Training with Brenda www.traink9.com 274-8774 K-9 Manners & More 328 W. Kenosha Broken Arrow, 74012 www.k9-manners.com 451-8446 Pooches 2238 E. 56th Place Tulsa, 74105-6114 www.poochesplace.com 398-6459 Southern Agriculture 6501 E. 71st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.southernagriculture.com 488-1993 Southern Agriculture 1746 S. 161st E. Avenue Broken Arrow, 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 258-8080 Tulsa Dog Training Club 6307 S. 107th E. Avenue Tulsa, 74133 www.tulsadogs.com 250-9620 PET ADOPTION A.R. F. – Animal Rescue Foundation www.arftulsa.org 622-5962 Animal Aid of Tulsa 3307 E. 15th Street Tulsa, 74112 www.animalaid.org 744-8280 Cat Adoption Center www.catadopttulsa.org 486-7727 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue and Adoption Maria Palovik 274-0408 City of Tulsa Animal Shelter 3031 N. Erie Tulsa, 74115 www.tulsa-animalshelter.org 669-6299 Humane Society of Tulsa 6808 S. Memorial, Suite 350 Tulsa, 74133 www.tulsapets.com 250-3647 PAWS of Tulsa pawsoftulsa.org 376-2397 PAL - Pet Adoption League www.pet-adopt.org 365-8725 StreetCats 6520 E. 60th Street Tulsa, 74145 www.streetcatstulsa.org 298-0104 Tulsa SPCA 2910 Mohawk Blvd. Tulsa, 74110-1419 www.tulsaspca.org 428-7722 PET BOUTIQUES Doggyville at The Kennel Shop 3324 E. 21st St. Tulsa, 74114 www.doggyville.com [email protected] 605-7857 20 TulsaPets Summer 2007 Feline Specialties Veterinary Hospital 9702 S. Riverside Drive Tulsa, 74137 www.felinespecialties.com 299-8222 Ritz Barklton 815 East Third Street Tulsa, 74120 www.ritzbarklton.com 592-3647 StreetCats 6520 E. 60th Street Tulsa, 74145 www.streetcatstulsa.org 298-0104 The Catnip Cottage 1443 South Gary Avenue Tulsa, 74104 www.thecatnipcottage.com [email protected] 743-5600 The Dog Dish Farm Shopping Center 6502 E. 51st Street Tulsa, 74145 624-2600 www.thedogdish.com Moto Photo and Portrait Studio 802 S. Aspen Broken Arrow, 74012 258-7676 Sirius Photography www.siriusphotography.smugmug.com 543-6578 Sonja’s Photography [email protected] 906-5958 PET SITTING AND WALKING SERVICES Affordable Pet Sitting Services 455-3835 All God’s Creatures 272-0369 Andrea’s Furry Angels Pet Care [email protected] 695-5118 GoGo Pets - Pet Taxi and More (walking service only) [email protected] 809-2180 Guarding Your Angels Diane Wise 313-1736 PET MORTUARY AND CREMATION SERVICES Lynn Whitlow Pet Sitting Services 836-4326 Companions Forever 7442 East 46th Street Tulsa, 74145 www.companionsforever.com 610-0348 Oklahoma Paws and Claws [email protected] 269-3366 Pet Memorial Memory Gardens 11010 North Yale Tulsa, 74073 288-6414 PET PHOTOGRAPHY/PET PORTRAITS Dogs by Lori www.dogsbylori.com 252-3128 Helen F. Howerton www.howertonart.com 494-5994 Pet Companion 24 Hour In-Home Pet Sitting Plus Beth Sims – Owner 282-8528 Pet Pros 742-7841 The Comfort of Home Irene Comer 760-5388 The Strutting Pup 712-8718 691-6250 cell PET SUPPLIES Matt Moffett www. m2studioportraits.com 607-4955 Moto Photo and Portrait Studio 3323A E. 51st Street Tulsa, 74135 742-4694 Moto Photo and Portrait Studio 8220 S. Harvard Avenue Tulsa, 74137 494-6686 Animal Health Supply 6939 E. 15th St. Tulsa, 74112 836-3959 Aurora Kennel 9721 East 61st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.aurorakennel.net 250-3911 Doggyville at The Kennel Shop 3324 E. 21st St. Tulsa, 74114 www.doggyville.com [email protected] 605-7857 Hairy Beasts Dog & Cat Grooming 1631 S. Main St. Broken Arrow, 74012 251-0313 Keystone Boarding & Grooming, Inc. 3319 E. 30th Street Tulsa, 74114 712-7387 Le Pooch Grooming Salon 2220 E. 61st St. Tulsa, 74136 743-7297 PetSmart www.petsmart.com 5418 E. 41st Street Tulsa, 74136 622-6900 10117 E. 71st Street Tulsa 254-4905 9002 N. 121st E. Avenue Owasso, 74055 272-1690 Petco www.petco.com 4915-C E. 41st Street Tulsa, 74135 660-4997 8802 –B E. 71st Street Tulsa, 74133 252-1857 9645 S. Riverside Drive Tulsa, 74137 296-3312 Pet Squad www.petsquadok.com 369-9399 Phoebe’s Phashions www.phoebesphashions.com 582-6253 Red Dog Hound & Pet Supply 2198 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, 74129 834-1224 Southern Agriculture 6501 E. 71st Street Tulsa, 74133 www.southernagriculture.com 488-1993 Southern Agriculture 3146 South Mingo Road Tulsa, 74145 www.southernagriculture.com 663-6770 Southern Agriculture 2618 S. Harvard Ave. Tulsa, 74114 www.southernagriculture.com 747-6872 Southern Agriculture 2914 E. 91st Street Tulsa, 74137 www.southernagriculture.com 299-1981 Southern Agriculture 8751 N. 117th E. Avenue, #105 Owasso, 74055 www.southernagriculture.com 274-3770 Southern Agriculture 1746 S. 161st E. Avenue Broken Arrow, 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 258-8080 Southern Agriculture 1034 E. Lansing St. Broken Arrow, 74012 www.southernagriculture.com 251-0267 SHELTERS AND RESCUE GROUPS Airedale Rescue OK Airedales Frances Martin [email protected] www.okairedales.com 836-5508 A.R. F. – Animal Rescue Foundation www.arftulsa.org 622-5962 Alaskan Malamute Rescue Virgil Reed (918) 486-3494 Australian Shepherd Rescue Sonja Jo Hahn www.okaussies.org (918) 906-5958 Bichon Frisee Rescue Small Paws Rescue www.smallpawsrescue.org Bloodhound Rescue Niki Ganns [email protected] (918) 371-4193 Sharon Bardin [email protected] (580) 332-5254 www.southcentralbloodhounds.org Bonhaven Terrier Rescue www.bonhaven.org Boxer Rescue Tulsa Boxer Rescue – Serving All of Oklahoma Laura L. Kyle www.tulsaboxerrescue.net 261-0869 Cat Adoption Center www.catadopttulsa.org 486-7727 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue and Adoption Maria Palovik 274-0408 Chihuahua Rescue of Northeast Oklahoma Vickie Propst 341-7991 City of Tulsa Animal Shelter 3031 N. Erie Avenue Tulsa, 74115 www.tulsa-animalshelter.org 669-6299 Dalmatian Assistance League www.tulsadals.org Golden Retriever Rescue Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue www.sgrr.org 405-749-5700 Greyhound Adoption Halfway Home Greyhound Adoption www.halfwayhomegreyhounds.com Irene Comer 584-4880 Teddy Palmer 492-8077 Poodle Rescue Poodle Club of Tulsa, Inc. Caren Reiman www.poodlecluboftulsa.org 747-3658 Siberian Husky Rescue Alicia Kindle (918) 241-8487 Westie Rescue Oklahoma Westie Rescue Meredith or Mike Butcher www.okwestierescue.com 407-4569 Zoi’s Animal Rescue P.O. Box 2905 Claremore, 74018 [email protected] 734-1184 MISCELLANEOUS PET PRODUCTS/SERVICES Bedlam Bandanas, LLC www.bedlambandanas.com 492-5517 Drew Dogwear 252-4225 Dynamic Carpet Care 279-1847 Tulsa Metro 342-5700 Claremore 687-4200 Muskogee GoGo Pets – Pet Taxi and More [email protected] 809-2180 Healthier Futures Life’s Abundance Dog & Cat Food www.healthypetnet.com/healthierfutures 282-6599 Irish Setter Rescue Irene and John Comer 584-4880 760-5388 Mobile Invisible Fence 241-3647 Owasso Feline Rescue 272-4059 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue Green Country Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue [email protected] (918) 663-7595 Missy Holbrook Lynn Johnson Safe-Step Dog Waste Removal Service 834-POOP (7667) Sloppy Dog Wash 4316 S. Peoria Tulsa, 74105 www.sloppydogwash.com [email protected] 742-9274 Spay Oklahoma 501 E. 36th Street North Tulsa, 74106 728-3144 The Poo Crew 815 East Third Street Tulsa, 74120 www.tulsapoocrew.com 361-6432 Dogwatch of Green Country 740-2275 Home At Last Organization (HALO) Mary Ann Jarrett 496-3117 Adult dogs only Lab Rescue of Oklahoma www.labrescue.net Prescriptions Compounding Pharmacy 806-B S. Aspen Ave. Broken Arrow, 74012 251-6655 251-6622 Fax Oklahoma Alliance for Animals www.animalallianceok.org 583-6645 Pet Food Delivery of Tulsa www.petfooddeliveryoftulsa.com 249-2944 Pet Squad www.petsquadok.com 369-9399 Phoebe’s Phashions www.phoebesphashions.com 582-6253 Basic listings are free of charge. Advertisers and Adoption/Shelter/Rescue Groups receive automatic enhanced listings. Please email additions, corrections, or deletions to [email protected]. Special Dog Izzy The Deaf Dalmatian By Sherri Goodall The first time I met Izzy, a deaf Dalmatian, he was sitting in rapt attention behind the counter at Pooches. He and his owner, Nancy Werhane, were deep in conversation—via sign language. Izzy’s kennel name is HiJinks Hear no Evil. Knowing that many Dalmatians are deaf, people would often ask Nancy “Is he deaf?” Thus, the name Izzy. For years, the Dalmatian Club of America has recommended humane euthanasia of deaf puppies. The thought was that deaf puppies are very difficult to raise and socialize. Nancy knew this simply was not true. Given a sound temperament and a dedicated owner, deaf puppies could be socialized and trained as well as hearing puppies. This is true for hearing dogs as well. If they are not socialized, no matter the method, they will tend to be unpredictable and unmanageable. For the last 20 years, Nancy has owned Dalmatians and has trained and showed dogs in conformation, agility and obedience. One of Nancy’s show Dalmatians sired Izzy. His breeder tested him when he was just a few weeks old and knew he was deaf, but Nancy wanted to keep him and raise him herself. So, she devised a plan and began with Izzy when he was seven weeks old. Puppies are born blind (their eye slits are not open yet) and deaf, (their ear canals do not open for three weeks). Their strongest sense organ is their nose. Sight and auditory come next. Dogs communicate primarily by body language --not solely, but it’s a great part of their language. Low growls and barking do come into play, but body language is primary. Flattened ears, crouching, baring teeth, wagging tails, panting, are all doggy language for 22 TulsaPets Summer 2007 “go away” to “let’s play” and most interactions in between. Nancy feels it’s almost more natural to sign to a dog than to speak. Nancy decided to train Izzy with the “clicker” method, except she didn’t use a clicker. With the clicker, a dog’s desired behavior is immediately “clicked” and rewarded with a treat. Nancy replaced the clicker with a “thumbs up” sign. The first thing Nancy did, and one of the most important, was to give Izzy a sign for his name. She draws a “Z” in the air with her pinky. Izzy comes running; he knows his name. Nancy devised some of her own signs for come, sit, stay, heel, eat, etc., always rewarded with a “thumbs up” and a treat. One of Izzy’s favorite people is Lawanna, Nancy’s partner at Pooches. Nancy makes a “V” sign with her fingers over her eyes (see) and an “L” (Lawanna) over her heart (love). “Do you want to see your love, Lawanna?” Izzy gets dizzy! He jumps up on the door and wags his tail madly. Putting her fingers to her mouth means, “Do you want a treat, or let’s eat.” If Izzy does something bad, which is rare, the sign is the flat of one hand across the palm of the other hand. Nancy interacts with Izzy constantly, just as we do with our dogs. We stimulate them by talking or singing when we’re nearby. Nancy does this with Izzy by signing so he feels connected too. Just as our dogs don’t understand every word we say, Nancy throws in lots of signs that Izzy doesn’t know, but he gets the drift. She studied sign language in high school, so she is familiar with the language. The top level of obedience training is hand signals only. The dogs must pay attention and keep their eyes on their trainer. Izzy never takes his eyes off Nancy. When he’s out in the yard, he’ll see other dogs running to Nancy when she calls, so he comes too. At night, she uses a flashing light to call Izzy. He must touch the light with his nose to get a treat. There are certain rules to follow with deaf dogs: Do not startle. (Dogs must be approached gently with touch, never from the back). Do not let the dogs run wild; they do not hear cars, or other dangerous moving objects. (Nancy can vacuum right up to Izzy’s nose in a thunderstorm, and he won’t react). They do not hear another dog growling, or a kid screaming, but they can tell by body language what is going on. Training Izzy was a lifechanging experience for Nancy. She now trains owners of deaf dogs and works with rescue groups who place deaf dogs. Sherri Goodall dalmatians At least 8-10% of Dalmatians are bilaterally deaf due to the piebald gene, found in white background-coated dogs. Other senses, like sight and smell, are more acute in deaf dogs. People don’t realize Izzy is deaf, unless Nancy tells them. Izzy has a “flat” bark, which he uses on occasion. As more breeders learn about positive training and deaf training methods for dogs, fewer dogs are being euthanized. For more information, www.deafdogs.com, www.poochesplace.com, www.tulsadals.org Izzy and Nancy – “Izzy Good!” Calendar of Events The Oklahoma Avicultural Society (Bird Club) (www.okbirds.com) 4th Sunday every month (except December), 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Hardesty Library, 8316 E. 93rd Street, Tulsa Activity: Informative pet bird-related programs. Free admission. Contact: Mary Prater Hill, 437-3343 Joe’s Crabs for Labs! July 17 – Dinner Joe’s Crab Shack 7646 E. 61st, Tulsa 10% of all net sales for dinner meals sold that evening to benefit Lab Rescue of Oklahoma. Contact: [email protected] or 902-3800 Pet Adoption League Dog Showing Every Friday; 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PetSmart 41st Street Location Alternate Saturdays (call below for dates) PetSmart 71st Street Location Contact: 365-8725 July 20-22 StreetCats exhibiting feline boutique items at An Affair of the Heart Section C, Booth number 343-344 Expo Square, Tulsa ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) Showcasing Adoptable Dogs Every Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PetSmart 71st & Hwy 169 Store Every Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PetSmart 41st & Fulton Store Contact: 622-5962 September 29, 1-4 p.m. Lab-a-palooza 2007 Leake Park, 7714 E. 71st Sponsored by Lab Rescue of Oklahoma Activities: retriever games, best of contests, vendor drawings, microchipping Contact: [email protected] or 902-3800 October 12 – 14 Friday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday – 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. 29th annual Brush Creek Bazaar and Fresh Market Brush Creek Youth Ranch 10900 S. Louisville Ave. Proceeds to benefit Brush Creek Youth Ranch & Oklahoma Teen Challenge Oklahoma Alliance for Animals will be present showcasing pets for adoption from the City of Tulsa Animal Shelter. Various rescue groups also showing adoptable pets. Have an event planned from midOctober through mid-January 2008? To be included, email details to [email protected]. TulsaPets Summer 2007 23 Cat Tales FOR MORE INFORMATION MEOOOOW Camille Hulen is the owner of Camille's Cathouse, a bed & breakfast exclusively for cats. BENTLEY… by Camille Hulen It was love at first sight when she saw the picture of the Maine Coon with his quizzical face. Jean already had one Maine Coon and was fascinated by the breed. However, when she went to the adoption center to see him, the counselor discouraged her. “So you want to see Bentley?” she said with some doubt in her voice. She brought Bentley into the visitor's room and left them alone. As Jean met Bentley, he immediately began talking to her, and she fell further in love. He had such a unique way of expressing himself, not with purrs, but with squeaks and grunts. “Yes, I want him,” she told the counselor as she filled out the adoption papers. It was then that she learned that Bentley had been adopted twice before and returned. “He has issues,” the counselor said. However, Jean felt that every cat deserves a loving home, and this cat was special. Bentley made himself at home immediately, investigating every corner of his new home. Soon he became very active, tearing from one end of the house to the other. “Don't you think I'm adorable?” he said, as he jumped from one piece of furniture to the other. “Who said you should walk on the floor? It's much more fun up here!” And then he would come and whisper to his new owner, endearing himself further,“You didn't really like that antique vase, did you?” A week later when the adoption center called to check on him, they did so with trepidation, afraid that he would be coming back again. They breathed a sigh of relief when they learned that he had a permanent home. You see, his new owner was willing to work with him, in spite of his “issues.” She had made a commitment, and it was for life. Besides, Bentley made her laugh! Everyday held new surprises. Sometimes Bentley would take a mad dash across the room, climb the door jamb, then slide down like a fireman on a pole. Over and over, just for fun, of course! The other cat in the household just watched in amazement at this unruly fellow. One never knew where you might find him. One day he was lost for hours. Where was Bentley? Aha, in the cupboard over the refrigerator. Of course, when feeding time came, he was in the refrigerator. Bentley was always hungry: a cat with this much energy needed lots of food. He was not at all fat, for he burned off the calories with all of his antics. At home, Bentley could watch his food being prepared, but when he went to board at the kennel, it was done in an adjacent room. When he heard action in the food prep area, he would repeatedly bounce three feet in the air, as if on a pogo stick, to look through the window. The other cats waited patiently, but not Bentley. Bentley exhibited more traits beyond opening every cupboard door. At the kennel, he refused to be caged. He would first trash the cage, then manipulate the latch until he got out. The kennel owner said that this was not unusual behavior for a Maine Coon, but Bentley was better at it than most. And, when she was sure that she had closed the screen door separating two sections of the kennel, Bentley quickly showed her how he could open that door as well, earning the nickname Houdini. When the owners adopted a black Lab who showed up on their doorstep, this was more entertainment for Bentley: another animal to tease. Why not deposit cat toys in front of the dog, let him eat them, and then watch him throw up? Why not sit on top of the dog's crate and drop things on him? Why not shred papers for the dog to eat? (Bentley had already been outlawed from the office for unnecessary papershredding.) As you can see, there is never a dull moment with Bentley around. So, how does one describe Bentley? Words from “The Sound of Music” come to mind. Like Maria, Bentley makes you laugh. As the song says, he truly is “A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!” Camille Hulen 24 TulsaPets Summer 2007 Behavior Problems Are Our Specialty JACOX ANIMAL HOSPITAL Your Other Family Physician Office Hours M-F 7:30-6:00 Sat 9:00-12:30 (918) 712-2750 Dog Training with Brenda Dr. Sandra Rawlings & Dr. Lou Anne Wolfe 2732 E. 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 Fax: 712-2760 “Simply the Best” “Brenda has exceeded any expectations I had about Aly’s training”…Lynna Campbell “We were skeptical but now we are impressed! It was hard to believe that all Brenda guaranteed could be accomplished in two weeks but it was.”…Allison & Tim Wiley Oklahoma’s “Dog Whisperer!” Puppy or Adult Results in Just One Visit Hundreds of Satisfied Clients WRITTEN Guarantee LOVING PROFESSIONAL PET CARE Lynn Lane Boarding Kennels, Inc. 9302 S. Lynn Lane Road (177th E. Ave.) Broken Arrow, OK 74012 M-F 8am - 6pm • Sat. 8am - Noon 274-8774 www.traink9.com Classes-Private Lessons DROP-OFF SERVICE Drop off your dog and in 2 weeks he/she will be fully trained Jose & Tracy Godinez 918.455.7721 Rachel’s K-9 Designs A full service pet salon. )HOLQH6SHFLDOWLHV 9HWHULQDU\+RVSLWDO 0ðFSJOH3BEJPBDUJWF*PEJOF źFSBQZGPS)ZQFSUIZSPJEJTN $BUTPOMZ7FUFSJOBSZ)PTQJUBM $BHF̊FF3JWFSWJFX#PBSEJOH 6703-J E. 81st St Tulsa, Ok 74133 (918) 495-1801 COU P PET ON FOR LOV ERS FOR PON RS U O E C LOV PET $BU4QB(SPPNJOH4BMPO 6OJRVF$BU(J̐4IPQ 43JWFSTJEF%SJWF GFMJOFTQFDJBMUJFTDPN RON’S HAMBURGERS & CHILI JANE ARNOVE, OWNER 1545 S. SHERIDAN 832.1911 PRESENT THIS COUPON FOR A FREE 1/5LB HAMBURGER OR CUP OF CHILI TulsaPets Summer 2007 25 Ask the Vet FOR MORE INFORMATION Have a question for our next issue’s vet? Email us at: [email protected] Q I have a 15 year old lab female who’s in pretty good shape for her age. Lately, though, she’s developed this “cough.” She does it mainly in the mornings and recently it’s become more persistent. Should she be checked for this? A Most definitely. Coughing can be a symptom of several maladies, including heartworm disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic bronchitis, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart disease, lung cancer, and several other pathologies that can affect the upper and lower airways. You should see your veterinarian for a full examination, which will probably include a chest radiograph and blood tests. Q My older dog has a nasty habit that could be medical-related. After she goes out to do her “business,” she comes back in a “scoots” across the rug. It’s especially embarrassing when guests are here. Is there anything I can do about this? A Your veterinarian can perform an examination to that area of your dog’s anatomy to rule out several causes of her scooting. Among other things, anal sacs, which are located on either side of the anus, can become impacted and are usually easily emptied by a qualified professional. Skin allergies can be another major cause of itching, which will cause the scooting. You want to be sure that fleas are not a problem by using any one of the recommended topical and oral products that are available. 26 TulsaPets Summer 2007 Q A My old dog (13) is showing signs of cataracts. How do I know when it’s time to remove them? Cataracts, or an opacity of the lens of the eye, are fairly common in older animals. Cataracts should not be confused with a more common condition in the older animal called lenticular sclerosis, which is a thickening of the lens of the eye. This condition of the lens causes a gray color, but does not usually cause blindness. Cataracts are a complete opacity of the lens, which means light cannot penetrate to the retina at the back of the eye. This barrier to the retina results in blindness. Other causes of cataracts are diabetes and trauma to the eye. Observing symptoms of blindness, such as running into walls or furniture, is the time to consider removing cataracts. A qualified veterinary ophthalmologist can surgically remove cataracts, which can result in a significantly improved field of vision. Dr. Mark Shackelford 15th Street Veterinary Group of Tulsa Drew Dogwear • FURminator Shed-less® • Maintenance Programs • Special Shampoos • Tooth Brushing • Hot Oil Treatment 743-PAWS 2220 E. 61st • 61st & Lewis fleece shirts, coats, robes, dresses, bandanas and custom orders Discounts on Large Quantities call Dana 918.252.4225 Noah’s Bed & Biscuit Tulsa’s Finest Luxury Pet Resort Boarding & Daycare Residents on Site Call to Book Your Reservations Today 918-321-9999 When contacting our advertisers please be sure to tell them you saw their ad in TulsaPets Magazine! Sirius Photography Event & Portrait Photography by Steve Bull Pet events of all kind are my specialty Portraits On Location Starting at $100 918.557.7055 [email protected] Please support your local rescue group TulsaPets Summer 2007 27 Tulsa’s First Family Mayor Kathy Taylor shares a seat with “Kings” Flash and Willie. Photo by Steve Wilcox. Tulsa’s First Family (Shhh!) D-o-g-s Living the Life of Royalty Story by Pat Atkinson Meet Tulsa’s first family’s first dogs, Willie and Flash, but, shhhhhh, don’t mention the word d-o-g to them. It doesn’t apply here. Willie and Flash may look like d-o-g-s, but within the family of Mayor Kathy Taylor and husband Bill Lobeck these friendly furry guys rank right up there on the love scale with the couple’s children and grandchildren. They are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Laid back Flash, 12, wears a tricolored coat, hails from Virginia and is regally Southern, a bit aloof, and likes to observe the action usually from one of his beds strategically located around the house. On the other hand, tan and black Willie, 14, loves to work the crowd during parties (maybe part of his Texas heritage?), never meets a stranger, figures nowhere is off limits and looks like a toy sleeping on top of a soft sofa cushion in the center of the family activities. They’re happiest while sleeping in their people’s laps or beds, greeting them at the door with wagging smiles, going for walks, eating mostly organic meals and treats, and each filling the role as Number One Fan of the Mayor. During the Mayor’s campaign a couple of years ago, she looked forward daily to arriving home to “love at the door. The dogs were always happy to see me and that was great after a day spent debating or knocking on doors of strangers.” True to their breed, Flash and Willie are affectionate, playful, intelligent lap dogs. Originally bred in Great Britain 400 years ago, the toy spaniels were pets of royalty and named because of a children’s pet in the household of Charles I. King Charles II decreed that the spaniels could not be banned from any public 28 TulsaPets Summer 2007 place, including Parliament, and they’re commonly seen in British historical paintings. Flash and Willie are the latest of a long line of much-loved Taylor-Lobeck family pets including a Golden Retriever, a yellow Labrador, an Iguana and most recently a Miniature Pinscher “grand dog” who the Mayor agreed to baby sit for a few weeks this summer. Taylor is a “dog person” and considers the wellbeing of man’s best friends among her objectives in “Making Life Better” in Tulsa. “I can’t imagine ever being without dogs,” she says. “We have some health issues (affecting people) in Oklahoma and it’s important to encourage dogs as companions. We’re increasing the size of our River Parks trails and improving our parks. “Dogs can play an important part in the health of people – they lower stress, encourage people to get out and walk and exercise. One of my objectives is a healthier work force both at City Hall and in general,” she explains. “This will be a big push next year.” Also expect to see changes at the City’s Animal Control facility. Taylor plans to launch improvements based on review recommendations of a team from the Humane Society of the U.S. “We’ll take some first steps to make adoptions from the city shelter easier and treatment of the animals there more positive.” And, watch for a dog park in Tulsa’s future, too, in the tradition of one in Oklahoma City. Locating land comes first. But the heavy issues of city needs or corporate America are not the main topics of conversation when the couple shares dinner. Their children are all out of the house now. “A lot of the time we talk about Flash and Willie,” the Mayor says. Dog stories abound – one morning Flash couldn’t be found as Taylor, then state Secretary of Commerce, prepared for the regular commute to Oklahoma City. They frantically searched for nearly two hours, but no Flash. Later, Lobeck called with the news that Flash emerged from an upstairs cabinet where he’d snoozed for 14 hours, then casually joined the rest of the family! And, the one about Lobeck’s clever “invention” of a drilled-out cheese treat for hiding Willie’s daily pill. The pill went into the cheese, the cheese into Willie. Much later, while vacuuming and shifting furniture, a neat pile of pills was discovered under a chair, just where Willie had stashed the stack. Meanwhile, Flash and Willie’s days are filled with their favorite activities – sleeping and greeting their people at the door, knowing it’s time for petting and lap-sleeping. The Mayor says they remind her that “things aren’t ever as bad as they seem and they always make me happy. Neither of them has ever met anyone they didn’t love and welcome.” Nice. Just don’t call them d-o-g-s, please. Willie and Flash are Mayor Taylor’s Number One Fans. TulsaPets Summer 2007 29 Legal ?s FOR MORE INFORMATION Faith Orlowski is with the law firm of Sneed Lang, P.C., in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She practices in the areas of commercial real estate, oil and gas law, estate planning, probate, and animal law. How Much is that Doggie on the Corner? by D. Faith Orlowski If anyone drives down the 71st Street corridor, as well as numerous parking lots and flea markets around town, you can find person after person offering all variety of dogs and puppies for sale. Many claim their animals are AKC registered, purebred or “papers available.” Others rely on the “cuteness” factor” – just about any puppy is cute. Still others tout their “designer dogs.” But is this any way to buy a dog? Notwithstanding that these street vendors are almost always in violation of city ordinances, there are several reasons why street sales of dogs and cats should not be allowed. First, one should question the quality of the animal itself. Reputable breeders do not sell their animals out of the backs of trucks! Good breeders ask a multitude of questions of the prospective buyer and they expect the buyer to also have numerous inquiries of them. This exchange does not occur in street sales because the goal is to sell the dog – not necessarily to find it a good home. The fact that a dog is “registered” or “purebred” truly means nothing as far as obtaining a healthy, socialized companion animal. The breeders that sell on the street may not have bad intentions but their goal is to obtain a profit - period. Low overhead and quantity sales are their priority –-- not the breeding of quality dogs. “Quality” here has nothing to do with show 30 TulsaPets Summer 2007 quality but with understanding the genetic health traits that exist in many purebred dogs and then trying to breed animals that do not perpetuate these negative characteristics. Often, “backyard breeders” have decided that selling “living property” is a good way to make money, so they have may have purchased or acquired a male and one or two females and then they let nature take its course as early in the dog’s life and as often as possible. Many of these breeders do not concern themselves with inbreeding or breeding closely-related animals. As long as the dame and sire are registered, the offspring can be registered too – regardless of the fact that the parents may be mother and son, brother and sister or otherwise closely related. Inbreeding increases the possibility of health problems and undesirable traits. Also, AKC registration is typically done through the mail and involves the honor system. It does not guard against the unethical breeders who do not honestly complete the forms, nor does it indicate the quality of the dog. To complicate matters, a female dog can be impregnated by more than one male dog during the fertility cycle. Street sellers are not concerned with who purchases their puppies nor with maintaining any type of reputation so they are not there to guarantee the health of their “merchandise.” Second, bringing a dog purchased off the street into your home with your family and other pets is a public health hazard. The seller may tell you that the dog has had all or some of his shots or has been vaccinated, but how do you know? I am unfamiliar with any sellers that I have observed in this situation handing out the information of the veterinarian who administered these preventatives. Due to the transient nature of these vendors, facts and statistics are difficult to compile, but based on the citations written over the past three years, more than half of these vendors are not local individuals. Many of these people operate “”puppy mills”” or other undesirable breeding situations, unsanitary and often inhumane, and if your new dog or puppy becomes ill, the “bargain” price you paid will seem YOUR LEGAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED like anything but. If a person has other dogs in their household, they could be exposing all of them to illness. Last year, a family bought a puppy from a street seller in Ft. Worth, only to find that it was infected with rabies and all members of the household had to go through a series of rabies shots. Third is the fact that many of these purchases are “impulse buys.” Passing a gauntlet of wide-eyed, bouncy puppies is near impossible for many of us to resist. Especially if you have been thinking about getting Sarah or Johnny a puppy but had been agonizing about the several hundred dollar price tag and now, right in front of you, is an adorable lab puppy for only $50! What a deal! (See the “”second”” point above.) Unfortunately, many people who buy from the street dealers do so with the attitude of “”Well, if it doesn’t work out, I can always take it to the shelter.” And this is the sad result for many of these animals. And many times these dogs do not “work out” because these types of breeders fail to socialize the puppy and bad behavioral problems often lead owners to surrender their animal to the nearest shelter. Sadly, the municipal shelter has the option to take owner surrenders immediately back to the euthanasia area without even giving the animal a chance to find a new home. Finally, this entire process just perpetuates the pet overpopulation problem and the c o n t i n u e d euthanasia of many good dogs and cats because there are not enough good homes in which to place these animals. Shelters and rescues are literally overrun with many wonderful companions – and often a large portion of these are purebred dogs. Euthanasia is the single largest cause of death for dogs and cats in the United States --– we spend over a billion dollars a year destroying “Man’s Best Friend.” Street vendors, backyard breeders and puppy mills are only part of the problem – but they are a major part. It is not logical to allow people to continue to profit from the breeding of animals when they do not contribute to the financial, emotional and ethical burden that results from overpopulation. While I loathe to recommend additional legislation, several groups and individuals are investigating new ordinances that will impact the profitability of unfettered breeding, and such measures are necessary. However, the overpopulation can only be effectively dealt with when coupled with a community-based aggressive spay and neuter campaign and public education regarding animal health and welfare. Have a legal-related question? Email asktheattorney@ tulsapetsmagazine.com D. Faith Orlowski TulsaPets Summer 2007 31 Are your pets begging for relief when it comes to getting their medication? Do they play hide and seek when it’s time for medicine? Will they purr for medication in a paste, liquid, or “chewy treat?” Prescriptions Compounding Pharmacy works with your veterinarian to solve even the most challenging pet medication problems. We compound medications in various flavors, dosage forms, & strengths. W e help animals big or small from Aardvarks to Zebras! Email us at [email protected] for your FREE pet medication administration guide! Before After We welcome ALL pets! Now that’s smart medicine! 806-B South Aspen Ave. Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-251-6655 FAX: 918-251-6622 Natural Pet Products Spacious Kennels/ Large Outside Play Area StreetCats is a non-profit, all volunteer cat adoption organization. We shelter cats that are without a home until a home is found. No time limit is placed on a healthy cat’s life. Visit us at 60th & Sheridan FURminator (Behind Charlie’s Chicken) Free photo of your clean pet to all new clients Family Owned & Operated NO SEDATION! Adopt a Cat Shop our Boutique ! oved M e We’v Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 - 5:00 StreetCats, Inc. 6520 E. 60th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 www.StreetCatsTulsa.org (918) 298-0104 $5 OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT Hairy Beasts Grooming TULSA DOG TRAINING CLUB Training people to train their dogs for over 50 years. Visit our website at www.tulsadogs.com for information on the next class sessions and upcoming events. 6307 S. 107th East Ave. 294-8557 Photo courtesy of Sirius Photography Puppy… Rally… Obedience… Agility... Serving Broken Arrow and the Greater Tulsa Area for 23 Years We Groom All Dogs and Cats and Carry A Variety of Pet Supplies Furminator Treatment for Shedding Owner Specializing in Scissor Clips Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. By Appointment Only 1631 South Main Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012 251-0313 32 TulsaPets Summer 2007 F O R Y O U R I N F O R M AT I O N Tulsa Veterinarian Elected to Statewide Oversight Position Dr. Dan Danner was recently elected President of the Board of the Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (OBVME), for the term beginning July 1. The OBVME oversees the practice of veterinary medicine in Oklahoma. Danner has served as Secretary/ Treasurer of that board for two years. Danner graduated from OSU in 1978, and now owns Animal Medical and Surgical Hospital, which received the Oklahoma Magazine Readers Choice Award. He said, “Excellence through education is the motto of our office. By educating vets we have fewer complaints. This is an important role for the board.” “We lead best by example. And that’s what keeps me excited about being a vet.” A Dog Story Jake. As in Rake By H. Mack Vanderlip, Marketing Manager, MidFirst Bank, Tulsa If someone told me a year ago I’d fall head over paws in love with a dog that would literally devour the trim on my car, my aging fence, puppy chew toys ad naseum, our socks and shoes, buried coaxial TV cable, my remote control, every bed we bought for him, half a dozen pillows, Grannie’s quilt, stuffed animals, a big orange Home Depot bucket, a BBQ grill cover, patio furniture, saplings, two big flower beds, scores of recyclables, garage stuff galore, plus half a cord of firewood, I would have raised one eyebrow and said, “Yeah sure, what have you been smoking?” But Jake, our one-year old 75 lb. Black Lab-Huskie has made a believer out of me. And he’s changed the lives of two Empty Nest parents, my wife Nancy and I. I blame all of this chaos on my daughters my daughter Lauren and daughter-in-law Beth. When my son married three years ago, he promised his fiancé she could have a puppy if she left a promising PR career and followed him to med school. Beth chose a cute Dachshund/Huskie male. About a year later, Beth felt her pup needed a companion dog during the day, as he was tearing up their home. That should have tipped me off. Duh? When my son Erik and his wife wanted to escape for a weekend, we volunteered to dog sit. Soon after their pups left, my older dog, Star, a 12 year-old Black Lab/White Shepherd female, would mope around, looking for the puppies she never had and now missed. My daughter noted this and persuaded me to get Star a puppy companion dog too. I agreed to this madness, promising her that we would go to the Tulsa Animal Shelter. I figured I could afford the $50 adoption fee. Ignorance is bliss, huh? We all made the trek to the city shelter, and chose this cute Black Lab mixed male with similar markings to our dog Star. We got him home and fell instantly in love. But by day three, he was lethargic with diarrhea and vomiting, and off to the vet the girls and Jake went. Drs. Ken and Katherine Coldwell of VCA Veterinary Medical Center, 31st & Yale, looked him over. After reviewing his paperwork from the shelter, they realized he didn’t get his second set of shots. The verdict: dreaded Parvo. My wife called, explained what Parvo was and that Jake had a 70-80% chance of survival, but it would take $1,200, nearly a week on an IV in intensive care, and that there were no guarantees. But if he survived, there would be no lifelong disability. Of course, we could take him back to the Shelter and select another puppy. Then my tearful daughter got on the phone, “Daddy, can we please save him?” she pleaded. I could sense the mini-drama unfolding. I could try to save Jake, or I could have my daughters and wife hate me forever. They were totally Puppy Whipped by then. So was I. We sweated the next 48 hours as Jake fought to beat Parvo. My first hint my life was changing forever was when Dr. Ken called and told my wife that Jake was “starting to eat something, that’s a good sign.” Then he chuckled, saying we might want to change his name to Jaws. At that time, very cute. . A week after Jake got home, our dog Star came down with kennel cough she got from Jake. That turned into pneumonia, back to the vet, another 3-4 day stay in ICU, and another $900. So far, we’ve invested nearly $3,000 in our $50 shelter dog! Today, Jake is the epitome of the Black Lab bad boy puppy. But he’s also healthy, smart, strong as an ox, and quite HAPPY to be alive. The best description of a Lab’s personality came from a vet I once knew. “They’re like drunk Russians,” he said. “Very gregarious, always fun loving.” We weren’t sure of the other portion of Jake’s heritage until a couple of months ago during a regular check-up. While discussing his TulsaPets Summer 2007 33 “ L A B S A R E L I K E D R U N K R U S S I A N S , V E RY G R E G A R I O U S , A LWAY S F U N L O V I N G . ” pedigree with Dr. Kat (as she’s known at the center) I mentioned his longish soft fur, his curled up “back over” monstrous tail, and I guessed there might be some Huskie blood in him. Dr. Kat wasn’t so sure. Then I started laughing about how Jake would talk back when I disciplined him. “Oh, yeah, talking back. That’s certainly a Huskie thing,” she noted. One night this spring Jake got all wound up because nobody wanted to keep playing with him, and he was quite vocal about it. I quickly disciplined him by putting him on his back, gently holding down his chest and calmly telling him to settle down. After letting him up, Jake sat and frowned at me, then made a few purposeful squeals as he rolled his head from side to side. My visiting mother-in-law commented from across the room, “ I do believe that dog is cussing you.” I just looked up and smiled. “Yeah. Jake always has to get the last word.” H. Mack Vanderlip 34 TulsaPets Summer 2007 TulsaPets Magazine is available free of charge and can be found at the following locations: Acadia Veterinary Hospital American Automart Animal Aid Thrift Store Animal Medical & Surgical Arrow Springs Animal Hospital Aurora Kennel BBD – Peoria Cardigan’s Restaurant Cathy’s Critter Cuts Cedarwood Vet Hospital Tulsa Animal Shelter Coffeehouse on Cherry Street Companion Animal Hospital Companions Forever DeShane Kennels Feline Specialties Veterinary Hospital Fifteenth Street Veterinary Group Forest Trails Animal Hosp. Hammond Animal Hosp. Hairy Beasts Dog & Cat Grooming Heritage Veterinary Hosp. Jacox Animal Clinic Jimmie’s Egg 51st K-9 Manners & More Keystone Pet Grooming & Boarding KOTV, the News on 6 Lobby Le Pooch Grooming Salon Love On A Leash Lynn Lane Boarding Kennels Moto Photo and Portrait Studio Stores Noah’s Bed & Biscuit North Forty Animal Hosp. Panera Bread 15th & Utica Pet Memorial Memory Gardens Pooches Prescriptions Compounding Pharmacy Queenie’s Red Dog Hound & Pet Supply Ritz Barklton Riverbrook Animal Hosp. Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili – 15th & Sheridan St. John’s Health Club Savoy Restaurant Schlotsky’s 71st & Lewis Sloppy Dog Wash Southpark Veterinary Hosp. Southern Agriculture Locations Southern Hills Veterinary Hospital Starbucks 51st & Harvard Snuggle up in a beautiful cozy bed from the Dog Dish. Starbucks 35th & Peoria Starbucks 61st & Yale Kingspoint Village Streetcats The Bistro at Seville The Catnip Cottage The Dog Dish The Kennel Shop Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma Tulsa Dog Training Club Valley Glen Veterinary Hospital VCA Woodland Central Animal Hospital VCA Woodland South Animal Hospital VCA Woodland East Animal Hospital VCA Alta View Animal Hospital VCA Veterinary Medical Center VCA Owasso Animal Medical Center VCA Cat Hospital of Tulsa VCA Woodland Broken Arrow Animal Hospital Veterinary Associates Wild Oats Woodland West Animal Hospital www.dogdish.com The Farm Shopping Center • 51st & Sheridan • 918.624.2600 Tasty treats and Fetching Accessories Self-Serve Dog Wash Full-Service Dog Wash Dog Grooming Dog Accessories & Gifts Open Daily Ask About Our Specials! FREE Self-Serve FURminator Shed-Less Treatment Not valid with any other offers. Limit one per customer. Expires Sep 30, 2007. Sloppy Dog Wash • 4316 S. Peoria Ave • Tulsa, OK 74105 • (918) 742-WASH • www.sloppydogwash.com Got Poop? Let us Scoop! SAFE-STEP Dog Waste Removal Service $12/week for 1-2 dogs, $3 for each extra dog. Insured and satisfaction guaranteed. Weekly Yard Cleanup for Dog Owners! Call 834-POOP (7667) Charter Member of www.apaws.org OKLAHOMA AIREDALE RESCUE OK Airedale Rescue is a non-profit network of volunteers who find homes for abandoned or surrendered Airedale Terriers. We provide quality care and love while searching for their perfect “forever home.” For more information on adopting an Airedale visit our website. www.OKAiredales.com TulsaPets Summer 2007 35 Please visit In Memory of…Gilda I know that G*D dropped you in front of me that April day for a reason. You were the sweetest princess he had ever made. You always had a smile on your face, and everyone was your friend. I miss the click click click of your feet on the wood floors, and making the bed around you in the morning so you could sleep in. I know that heaven has gained an angel, and all of the other doggies there are astounded by your beauty and sweetness. Please know that I will never forget you, and that I’m grateful for every minute we had. I Love you. Mommy In Memory of…Lauren Tail always wagging. Face always smiling. Eyes ever sparkling. With an unmatched zest, Lauren truly loved her life and everyone in it. Even when dealt some tough cards with repeated bouts with cancer, she never let it get her down, never stopped living. She relished being at my side, whether out for a Jeep ride, checking out my worksites, or even off to visit her favorite vet. She was a happy-go-lucky girl who made friends with all she met. There’s an empty spot in our home, but Lauren’s tail continues to wag in our hearts and her memory always brings a smile. -Jim Thomason In Memory of…Toby You came to us 12 years ago. You were the best dog we ever had and even though you passed away my first year in college and I never got to say goodbye you will always hold a place in my heart. You were a funny little character chasing me and my friends as if you were herding sheep, and the nights you came running in my room because you were afraid of the thunder. You brought joy and happiness to our lives and will be missed. We are thankful for the time we had with you! Your loving family- your wife Lassie (our Brittany Spaniel), Delores and Kimberly Jackson Wish to include a tribute to your former pet? Call 520-0611 or email [email protected] to reserve your space for October. 36 TulsaPets Summer 2007 www.tulsapetsmagazine.com In Memory of… our Web site to find out info on subscriptions, read past issues, see links to other sites and find our current distribution locations. 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