TulsaPets - OKC Pets Magazine Online

Transcription

TulsaPets
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MAY 2011
Buddy’s
story
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Providing Tulsa Pet
Owners with a One-Stop
Resource for Local
Products, Services and
Information
See
pets
about
town
new oklahoma
law:
protective
orders
that include
pets!
THE
WWW.TULSAPETSMAGAZINE.COM
LAST
Goodbye
TulsaPets MAY 2011
1
reWOOF.
West Paw
Eco Nap®
pet mat
Spencer
Adopted
October 2009
from
Tulsa Boxer Rescue
The honest kitchen force
100% natural dehydrated
raw food.
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff®
RecycleBONE® made from
100% post-production material.
earthbath Green Tea Leaf Shampoo
100% all-natural and biodegradable.
Zuke’s Mean Greenz organic treats
made using 100% wind energy.
A unique boutique for dogs and the people who love them.
Located in the Farm Shopping Center at 51st and Sheridan
www.thedogdish.com
Open 10 - 6 Monday - Saturday • (918) 624-2600
We love to pamper your pets!
n
Digital Radiology
n
Laser Surgery
n
Video Endoscope
n
Physical Therapy
n
Ultrasound
n
Emergency Care
n
Dentistry
n
Reproductive Services
n
Advanced Surgery
FRFiErstE
am!*
Ex
*For new clients only. not to be combined with any other offer. not good for
emergency or specialty services. Up to 2 pets per household. expires 7-15-11.
Call us for an appointment, or visit us toDAY!
VCA Woodland Central
Animal hospital
VCA Woodland Broken Arrow
Animal hospital
VCA Woodland East
Animal hospital
(918) 496-2111
(918) 258-5579
(918) 252-3595
VCA Cat hospital
of tulsa
VCA owasso Animal
medical Center
We reCommenD
(918) 492-9292
918-272-5986
VCA Woodland south
Animal hospital
VCA Veterinary
medical Center
(918) 524-5000
(918) 743-6644
4720 e. 51st St.
tulsa, oK 74135
VCawoodlandcentral.com
5122 S. Sheridan rd.
tulsa, oK 74145
VCatulsa.com
9340 S. memorial
tulsa, oK 74133
VCawoodlandsouth.com
2106 W. Detroit
Broken arrow, oK 74012
VCawoodlandbrokenarrow.com
9509 e. 61st St.
tulsa, oK 74133
VCawoodlandeast.com
8811 n. owasso expy.
owasso, oK 74055
VCaowasso.com
3129 S. Winston ave.
tulsa, oK 74135
VCavetmedcenter.com
Learn more at VCAhospitAls.Com
TulsaPets
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
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(918) 520-0611 / (918) 346-6044 Fax
Photo by Bob Foshay
Greetings, Tulsaarea pet lovers,
As I sit and write this
Publisher’s Letter,
the sun is shining and
it’s a near perfect
day here in my midtown Tulsa office. It’s
always nice to have
these mild temperatures that allow us to
play outside with our
pets more, and it’s a
comfort to know that
Marilyn and Sam
even for a short while
those pets forced to live outdoors aren’t faced with the two extremes of cold and
heat that we experience here in Oklahoma.
I’m pleased that we have included the story on Pet Economics in this issue. I feel it’s
so important for new pet owners to know the realistic costs of owning and caring for
a pet. People going out to adopt armed with this knowledge won’t be in for surprises, and realizing this information upfront can avoid heartache and possible tragedy
for the pet later.
Also new and albeit most noteworthy is our new Oklahoma law in effect that allows
individuals requesting protective orders to also specifically include their pets in the
order. You can find out more in Lloyd Benedict’s article on page 16.
Tulsans should be proud to know that Animal Aid is celebrating its 50th year in Tulsa
this month! Founded by two women in 1961, this long-time institution has saved the
lives of literally thousands of pets over its lifespan. Their operation is also unique in
that sales from their thrift store at 15th & Harvard help with the cost of vetting their
pets available for adoption. I’ve long since stopped having garage sales, and instead
I donate all my gently used items to this worthy organization.
Our next special online event will feature Shelter Alumni pets. Did your pet come
from a local area shelter or rescue organization? Whether purebred or mutt, if he/
she was adopted from one of our local shelters or rescue organizations, please email
a photo, with your name and theirs, to [email protected] or go
online to www.tulsapetsmagazine.com Scrapbook and click Shelter Alumni. While
this won’t be a “contest,” we want to honor these special pets and feature them all
on our web site in our Scrapbook. So be sure and check online for this important
feature!
Don’t forget to also check our online Calendar of Events for up-to-date postings of
local pet happenings. In addition, readers can now also post an online In Memoriam
to their departed pet, with a $15 donation to a local rescue organization of their
choosing. For more information see our web site’s In Memoriam section.
Enjoy your spring with your pets, and we’ll see you back in July. Thank you to
everyone who worked so hard to make this issue possible!
www.tulsapetsmagazine.com
[email protected]
PUBLISHER Marilyn King
EDITOR Pat Atkinson
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amanda Bullock
ART DIRECTOR Katy Livingston
GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN Sara Gonzales
WEB MANAGER Steve Kirkpatrick
[email protected]
ADVERTISING SALES Marilyn King at 520-0611
P.O. Box 14128
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-1128
918 /520-0611
918/346-6044 Fax
©2011. All rights reserved.
Volume 5, 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:
Buddy the Ragdoll cat patiently awaits his
reunion with his person. Photo by Howard Hulen
Sugar is anxiously
awaiting her newest issue
of TulsaPets Magazine.
Congrats Marilyn on another
successful issue of TulsaPets
Magazine! From your friends at
Langdon Publishing.
Marilyn and Sam
1603 South Boulder Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407
918.585.9924 (Ext. 219)
www.langdonpublishing.com
4
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Animal Emergency
Center
Inc.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
tulsa’s oldest and
most experienced
emergency center.
Combined, our
veterinarians and
staff have over 50
years of experience
in trauma and
critical care
medicine.
it’s what we do….
it’s all we do!
NEw
loCAtio
N
At 41st
& hwy 1
6
ComiNg 9
juNE 201
1
1225 North Lansing Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106
ph: 918.587.7171
fax: 918.587.7176
web: cnfsigns.com
These drawings are the exclusive property of Claude Neon
Federal Signs, Inc. and are the result of original work by its
employees. They are submitted for the sole purpose of your
consideration of whether to purchase these plans or to
purchase, from CNF, signage manufactured in according to
these plans. Distribution or exhibition of these plans to
others is expressly forbidden.
© 2011 CNF Signs
Animal Emergency Center, Inc.
41st and Hwy 169- Tulsa, Ok
Gary Larsen
Joe Kesterson
West ElevationChannel Letter ID
03.01.2011
03.01.11
03.14.11
04.15.11
REVIEW
REVISED
REVISED
G-1.0
41st
memorial
s. 70th e. ave
sheridan
When you need us....We’ll be here!
Between sheridan
& memorial on 41st
7220 e. 41st st.
tulsa, oK 74145
(918) 665-0508
Call for exact move date
24/7
Animal
Emergency
Center
665-0508
www.tulsaanimalemergency.com
may 2011
contents
10
16
18
22
25
26
28
30
6
PET ECONOMICS
A realistic look at the cost of
properly caring for a pet
LEGAL COLUMN
Protective orders now allow for
pet’s protection!
THE LAST GOODBYE
The toughest decision we have
to make for our pet
DIRECTORY OF PRODUCTS,
SERVICES, AND FRIENDS OF PETS
TULSAPETS MAGAZINE CARTOON
By Dan Thompson
CAT TALE
Buddy and his person await
their reunion
PETS ABOUT TOWN
STUDIO D CONTEST WINNERS
Winners of the annual Studio D
Cutest Pet Contest
TulsaPets MAY 2011
31
33
35
37
39
40
42
TULSA ROUNDUP DOG SHOWS
An upcoming Tulsa pet event
THE FORGOTTEN KITTENS
Information about kitten mills in
the Oklahoma puppy mill saga
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY
Dogs help children with special
needs therapies
SEABISCUIT
The new home for Rich in Dallas
CHILDREN’S PET ART
Announcing the winners of the
special online feature
TANGO GETS A GROOMING
The lion cut for kitties
PAWPRINTS AROUND TOWN
What is new and noteworthy
in the local pet world
WAlkS ARE gOOd
FOR BOTh ENdS OF ThE lEASh.
AMERICAN AUTOMART
Cars • Trucks • Vans • SUVs
Buy • Sell • Trade • Finance
9404 East 31st Street (918) 627-9210
Animal Aid of Tulsa was started in 1961 by two
women with a station wagon and an army blanket. Their goal was to rescue the sick and injured
homeless animals off the streets of Tulsa. No other
rescue group did this at the time and these two
women were visionaries in their quest. They saw a
need and they filled it.
50 years later...Animal Aid of Tulsa is still going
strong with 16 vet clinics that treat and house our
animals -- not to mention our wonderful Thrift
Store which generates our revenue to pay the
medical bills for the injured cats and dogs that we
take in 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Our emergency number is 918-744-8280.
Store Location:
3307 E. 15th Street, Tulsa
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We are always in need of quality donations, and
please remember that every dollar you spend helps
the animals we rescue so it is truly,
“Guilt Free Shopping!”
8
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Digital Radiology
Surgery
Laser Therapy
Boarding
EKG
Emergency Care
Full In House Lab
Dentistry
9968 East 21st St
Tulsa, Ok 74129
918-663-5758
www.marinaanimalclinic.com
since 1979
Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Factoring the
Finances of
Furry
Friends
Plan to Shed Dollars Now,
Preventing Higher Costs Later
By Dolores Proubasta
When applying to adopt a dog
from a shelter, a woman estimated
that she would spend $40 annually to
feed and care for her new pet. Her
application was turned down because
$40 will not pay even the average
monthly bill for keeping a mid-size
dog – properly.
In reality, it costs approximately $700
annually (about $60 monthly) to cover
minimum humane care for a mediumsize dog and the same for a cat,
according to the American Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA).
The organization also estimates that
a newly arrived medium-size dog
costs approximately $1,500 for the
first year and $1,000 for a new cat’s
first year, factoring in spay/neuter
surgery, essential vet care, housing
equipment and supplies. Don’t forget
to factor in the costs of unexpected
vet care, and other subjective decisions such as travel and boarding, pet
sitters, training. Costs can vary, too,
based on geography, climate and cost
of living.
Not all 93.6 million cats, 77.5 million
dogs, and other pets such as horses,
small mammals, birds, reptiles, and
fish get an equitable share of the $47-
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TulsaPets MAY 2011
plus billion the American Pet Products
Association says was spent on them
in 2010.
Pets’ quality of life has little to do
with the ability of the owners to afford
them. Household income is an indicator of quality of care an animal could
receive. The attitude of the pet owner
who treats the pet as a “partner,”
entitled to comparable food, shelter,
medication, and more is what mainly
drives pet care costs.
This seems a simple rule of thumb,
but it isn’t. In economic downturns,
companion animals are turned over
to shelters or denied medical care by
some owners who state that they cannot afford the pet, but, for example,
may deem the expense of a weekly
manicure more important.
The basic laws of Pet Economics are:
(1) Every dollar saved at the expense
of quality and best practices will
require a larger outlay later, and (2)
Expect unexpected expenses.
Here is a listing of “penny wise,
pound foolish” pet care
practices
• Not spaying or neutering pets.
Caring properly for a pregnant or
nursing dog and her pups, even
without medical complications, is
as expensive as having her spayed
at the swankiest veterinary clinic.
Ditto for patching the wounds of
intact males.
• Skipping routine checkups, vaccines, and parasite prevention.
Undetected or preventable ailments will result in higher vet bills.
A veterinarian can give valuable
pet care information to owners.
• Feeding cheap food. Many of the
ingredients in low quality kibble
lack nutritional value, most of it is
lost to bowel movements, and the
pet’s health is compromised by a
poor diet.
• Buying products from countries
with little or no quality controls.
Cheap, imported leashes, bedding, toys, and other items need
frequent replacement; some may
even harm the animal.
• Not providing exercise and obedience training. The costs associated with destructive, unruly, or
aggressive behavior can be substantial. Plenty of exercise (time =
$) and obedience class fees are a
small price to pay to avoid fines,
replacement of property, medical
bills, and legal fees resulting from
a dog running amok.
• Poor or no grooming. All animals,
and long haired breeds in particular, require regular bathing and/
or brushing, trimming, or other
care to help prevent parasites,
skin diseases, ear and eye infections, and more. You can choose
between a professional groomer
or do it yourself at home, after
buying the equipment and products. Additionally, all animals
confined to cages, terrariums, etc.
need meticulously clean environments to groom themselves and
stay healthy.
• Asking neighbors, children/teens
to look after the pets. If they fail
on their duties, the owner has no
recourse, because a “favor” is not
a contract. Boarding at a reputable kennel or clinic, or hiring a
bonded, experienced pet sitter
(with references) are contractual
guarantees of safety and care
for the pet. Professional services
are less expensive than the
potential consequences of negligence.
Prepare
for the
unexpected and
maintain a fund
for eventualities such
as:
• Major veterinary expenses.
Also, accidents and health emergencies often occur on weekends
or evenings when only emergency
clinics are open. This is the costliest care.
• Repairs and installations (such
as fencing), replacements (tile
instead of carpet), and other onetime outlays making home and
yard more pet-friendly.
• Moving next door may require
only a pet deposit; moving abroad
can add up with consular pet
processing fees, veterinary certificates, animal cargo fees, and
more.
• Legal actions due to alleged injury or
property damage caused by the pet.
• Naming
a trustee in your
estate planning with access to
funds sufficient to cover needs
of the pet in the event of illness
or death of the owner. This could
include temporary boarding while
a home is found, or pay shipment
to a predetermined owner, or
make a donation to a no-kill shelter to take in the pet and care for
it while awaiting adoption.
It takes money to keep pets and
the commitment to provide what is
best for them. The third law of Pet
Economics: Time and care given an
animal is repaid a thousandfold.
Additional Source:
http://www.aspca.org/adoption/petcare-costs.aspx
Dolores Proubasta
TulsaPets MAY 2011
11
PET MEMORIAL MEMORY GARDENS
A place of Peace & Rest
Your Tub.
Or Ours?
Proudly serving Oklahoma
pet owners for 31 years
Burial & Cremation Services
Urns, Caskets, Granite Markers,
Memorials & Keepsake Jewelry
A lasting tribute for your beloved pet.
Wet dog. Hair everywhere.
Reduce your stress by letting us handle the mess.
Mention Tulsa Pets Magazine for a 5% discount on a
regular bath or shedding treatment.
Dog day/play-care, boarding, training & grooming
Quality Care
at Affordable
Prices!
11010 N. Yale
Sperry, OK
(918) 288-6414
www.petmemorialmemorygardens.com
Hecht Veterinary Clinic
25 years in the same location!
7:30 - 6:00 M-F
8:00 - Noon Sat
Grooming now available!
104 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd. Tulsa 74127
918-585-9369
12
TulsaPets MAY 2011
5331 E 41st Street
918-398-6459
www.poochesplace.com
Follow us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/poochestulsa
Offer valid through June 30, 2011. One discount per customer.
WHERE DID THEY GO?
Dr. Dennis Henson & Dr. Lauren Johnson
Your search is over!
They are at Hammond Animal Hospital.
Well-known since 1974, this is the one place in
the world where you can now find two of Tulsa’s
favorite and most trusted veterinarians—Dr.
Dennis Henson and Dr. Lauren Johnson.
Dr. Dennis Henson
It’s a new beginning, a new team and a great
reason for Tulsa’s pets to celebrate.
Dr. Lauren Johnson
Hammond Animal Hospital
Promising our best, so you can share their best.
2301 E. 71st St.
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
Phone: 918.494-0151
Fax: 918.494-5027
Email: [email protected]
www. hammondanimalhospital.com
Tulsa Community College
Veterinary
Technology
Program
TULSA DOG TRAINING CLUB
Training
People
to Train
Their Dogs
Since 1947
Visit our website at
www.tulsadogs.com
for information on the
next class sessions
and upcoming events.
7505 W. 41st Street
Tulsa, OK 74107
918.595.8212
Puppy… Rally… Obedience…Agility...
6307 S. 107th East Ave.
250-9620
www.tulsacc.edu/vet-tech
CAPRON VETERINARY HOSPITAL
& Dental Clinic For pets
ANIMAL DENTAL CLINIC OF TULSA
General practitioner & Board certified Veterinary dentist
Kenneth m. capron, dVm - FaVd - dipl. aVdc
918-627-5188
Fellow academy Of Veterinary dentistry
diplomate american Veterinary dental college
past president of american Veterinary dental society
past president of american Veterinary dental college
Founder of national pet dental health month
ROUTINE &
ADVANCED DENTISTRY
For your pets & your
referring Veterinarians
periodontics • endodontics • Orthodontics • crowns • restorative Bonding
disarming • digital dental radiology • Oral surgery
routine & advanced cleaning and polishing
FULL SERVICE HOSPITAL
surgery • medicine • dentistry • Vaccinations • laser therapy center
Video endoscopy • computer aided diagnostics • in hospital lab
pediatric & Geriatric care • Boarding • Bathing
LASER THERAPY CENTER
6705 E. 51st • Tulsa OK 74145 • Northeast of Farm Shopping Center
www.capronvethospital.com
Free dental exams in march, april & may.
Bring this ad. phone for details and appointment.
14
TulsaPets MAY 2011
EMERGENCY • INTERNAL MEDICINE • SURGERY
Open 24 Hours a Day, Every Day of the Year
918-299-4900
Tulsa’s Only Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center
24-7 COMPASSIONATE CARE
CARE
TulsaPets MAY 2011
15
Protective Orders
for People
Expanded to
Cover Pets
By Lloyd Benedict
Over the past few years, I have written about the various
legal means to protect our furry and helpless little friends, hoping
to educate readers about how to maintain and protect their pets
within the bounds of the law. It is a privilege to own a pet, and not
a right. There are many animal laws that must be followed and
consequences when they are not.
Despite the consequences, Tulsa has historically, in my opinion,
been weak on law enforcement against the violators of animal laws
compared to other cities in similar size throughout the country.
This inadequacy is not just my observation. Our lawmakers have
known for many years that laws protecting animals ultimately
require a slow process within the Courts to bring about protecting
our pets, especially when the pets’ safety may require immediate
action.
An example is the typical “mean neighbor” situation. You know
the drill. The neighbor torments your dog and you finally decide
to peacefully confront him to request an end to the abuse. The
neighbor threatens you and your pet. Now fearing for your safety
as well as your pets, you decide to call the police, but they are slow
to respond because nothing has actually happened other than a
threat. Now what?
Another common scenario is when you are in a rocky relationship
and you fear your significant other will become abusive to not only
you but to your pet. Threats are made and you are now in fear of
eminent harm. Now what?
November 1, 2010, Oklahoma lawmakers addressed this problem
when they amended the law to allow Protection Orders for human
victims to include the victim’s pets. Oklahoma Protective Order
Statute, Title 22 § 60.2, states: (edited for readability with the
amended portion in bold)
A. A victim of domestic abuse, a victim of stalking, a victim of
harassment...
….The person seeking relief shall prepare the (protection order)
petition or, at the request of the plaintiff, the court clerk or the
victim-witness coordinator, victim support person, and court
case manager shall prepare or assist the plaintiff in preparing
the petition.
…The person seeking a protective order may further
request the exclusive care, possession, or control of any
animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by either
the petitioner, defendant or minor child residing in the
residence of the petitioner or defendant. The court may
order the defendant to make no contact with the animal
16
TulsaPets MAY 2011
ask
lawyer Lloyd
Dear Lawyer Lloyd,
Recently I was driving in South Tulsa and saw two
dogs running in a busy street. The dogs looked
healthy, wearing collars, but no tags and it appeared
they must have recently escaped from their yard
in a nearby neighborhood. I coaxed them into my
car and drove around the neighborhood looking
for posted signs. It was evening, so I called Tulsa
Animal Control and got the after-hours recording,
saying they were closed, and giving another phone
number to call, which turned out to be the Sand
Springs Police. They said that they do not work
Tulsa, and even if they did, they could not help
me because I already had put the dogs in my car
and that I should have left them running and then
the Tulsa Police could have assisted. I called a few
places to see if I could temporarily board the dogs,
but the costs and fees to board/vaccinate them
were very high. My question is this: If a person
rescues a stray or lost dog after hours or on a
weekend, why is there no easier solution? It seems
people have nowhere to turn in this situation. I’m
afraid it deters people from rescuing these dogs.
– ZB, Tulsa
Dear ZB,
The official answer (straight from Tulsa Animal
Control’s website) is if you have an emergency,
such as a vicious dog or an animal in distress, please
call (918) 669-6280 or 911. For non-emergency
service and general assistance, call (918) 669-6280
during business hours Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
You can also call the Mayor’s Action Center at (918)
596-2100. Issues from MAC may be delayed by up
to three days.
So next time, after hours, call 911 first and then try
to keep the dogs safely away from the road. Please
do not stop being a “good Samaritan” because I’ll
bet 50 cars drove by and the people didn’t want to
get involved. I would like to think that more folks like
you would come to the rescue of my little Annie if
she got out of my yard and into harm’s way. So keep
up the good work and thank you.
ACADIA VETERINARY
HOSPITAL, INC.
5202 East 11th strEEt
Call (918) 834-3304 For appointmEnts
Ralph W. GRoGan, D.V.M.
TeRRie Johns, GRooMeR
oFFiCE hours
mon.- Fri. 7:00 - 7:00
saturday: 8-1
EmErgEnCiEs
tEl. (918) 834-3304
24 hr. answEring
my
and forbid the defendant from
taking, transferring, encumbering,
concealing, molesting, attacking,
striking, threatening, harming, or
otherwise disposing of the animal.
It appears that Protective Orders
would not be issued solely to protect
pets. The person seeking the
Protective Order may “further request”
the Court to include protection for
their animal, following their belief that
they are in danger of harm. It is then
up to the Judge to hear the victim’s
testimony and determine whether a
real threat exists.
This statute incorporates the use of
the Emergency Temporary Protective
Order law which allows the victim
seeking protection for them and their
pet to possibly obtain immediate
protection until the matter is heard
before a Judge.
I contacted the Tulsa County District
Court to learn how popular the added
pet protection order has been. One
of the judges’ clerks that handles
protective orders said pet protection
is becoming more frequent. She said
one of the Judges has placed the
name of the pet or pets in his order,
providing specific protection for those
pets. Additionally, she said the Judge
is proactively asking victims (if not in
the original request) if there is threat of
harm against their pet(s).
The Tulsa District Court is not just
looking out for us, but for our furry
family members, too.
Lloyd Benedict is a
principal in the Benedict
Law Office, Tulsa, and is
a member of the Tulsa
County Bar Association
Animal Committee.
Lloyd Benedict
namE is
rugrat and iF you only
i am, you would
aCadia and adopt mE!
knEw how swEEt
ComE to
Camille’s Cathouse
est. 2002
A Bed & Breakfast exclusively for
cats designed by a cat-lover to
provide the type of care that she
would seek for her own cats.
(918) 248-8100
www.CamillesCathouse.com
PomPom invites you to visit the “Best Little Cathouse in Oklahoma!”
Foshay Studio and Gallery
“Portraits with
Character”
Portraits with your Furry Kids
Free sessions through
July 1st with this ad.
Now is the time for that picture
you’ve always wanted!
Call for a session appointment
918-384-9422 or 918-259-4933
We guarantee your satisfaction
27 Years Dressing
Tulsa Women
mention this ad for
20% off in May
Tuesday-Friday 10-5
Saturday 10-2
or by Appointment
In the heart of Brookside
3722 S. Peoria
Tulsa, OK 74105
(918) 742-7775
Merlene’s
Clip ‘n Dip
PET GROOMING
6702 S. LEWIS, SUITE C
TULSA, OK 74135
918-495-1213
Tuesday – Saturday
7:30 am – 6:00 pm
TulsaPets MAY 2011
17
Journey to
The Last
Goodbye
Missy spends her days sleeping
and lounging on a comfy, heated dog bed. Older or ill pets
appreciate warmth for their
arthritic joints and, because
Missy’s vision, hearing, sense of
smell, and balance are slipping,
her always-fresh (to encourage
her to eat and drink) food and
water are nearby.
By Pat Atkinson
I’ve taken this journey three
times with homeless kittens who found
their way to my home and heart, each
of them a close friend for almost 19
years. And, it will happen again soon
as sweet tuxedo kitty, Missy, becomes
more fragile every day, approaching 18
years and the end of her life.
Missy is an independent lady who
showed up in the backyard on a dark
and stormy night 18 years ago. At the
storm’s height, I flipped on the outside
light and glimpsed a black and white
flash streaking under a bush.
After soaking in the pouring rain,
armed with a can of tuna fish, and a
half hour of coaxing, a shivering and
dripping Missy surrendered to my
extended hand. I toweled off both of
us, made her a soft bed and the next
18
TulsaPets MAY 2011
morning she delivered a family of five
kittens.
Missy wasn’t much of a mama cat,
but gray and white 2-year-old Chauncy
was a great Mr. Mom Cat to her kittens,
cuddling and cleaning them while Missy
went bird watching – alot. The babies
all found homes, but Mom fell in love
with Chauncy, so she chose to stay.
Almost three years ago, Chauncy
joined my cats Razzle and Henry
already at the Rainbow Bridge. I still
miss the sweet, silly cat who never met
a stranger – human or kitten. Of my
pet family, Missy is likely next to share
our Last Goodbye. This independent
little cat is staying much closer to me
these days, making up for a lifetime of
missed lap-sitting and ear-scratches.
Each of my longtime loving cat friends
passed relatively peacefully from old
age sickness and pain to life’s ending.
But it was far from peaceful for me as I
wrestled with knowing when to let them
go, resisted the final decision and Last
Goodbye, and, afterwards, wondered if I
had freed them of suffering and enabled
their death at the “right” time.
All of us who live with pets accept
that we will likely outlive them and in
exchange for their loyalty, love, and
laughs, we provide them with care,
compassion, and safety during their living and their dying.
Knowing how and when to let go of a
dying pet is one of life’s saddest, most
confusing and turbulent times.
The idea of writing about “the Last
Goodbye” began in January with an
article by Francis Battista, co-founder
of Best Friends Animal Society in Utah,
“Saying Goodbye to the Love of My
Life,” his German Shepherd Roxie.
He writes: “I love Roxie and watching her fade is hard. I try to remember
my own advice: It’s part of the pact
we make with our animal friends. They
give us their unconditional love and
loyalty, and we protect them as best
we can from the hardships of the world
throughout their lives and see them
out the back door of life as peacefully,
painlessly and lovingly as possible.”
His insight helped me understand
and accept my role in my pets’ death.
Letting go of a pet
is different for each
of us, but listening
to others who have
found their way
through these rocky
passages helps us be
aware of the many
ways of thinking
about, feeling, completing, and accepting the “Last Goodbye.”
Here are some personal memories
and professional guidance that may
open doors for you to hard choices
and peaceful decisions, when the time
comes.
dog Roxie approach death, writes: “I
keep reminding myself that the opportunity to prevent her from suffering is
a privilege, as painful as it might be...
It’s never easy and something that you
never get used to, but in all these years
(seeing many animal friends at Best
Friends go to the Rainbow Bridge), my
only regrets were waiting too long to say
goodbye… waiting until their distress and
anxiety overwhelmed their appreciation
of being loved and protected.
“I don’t want that to happen to Roxie,
but I don’t want to rush her out the
door either, so I watch and I wait.”
… what do they do that brings quality
to their day and your’s…is it sitting in
your lap, being petted, playing ball?
Some dogs don’t make it obvious when
they stop doing the things they love …
maybe it’s something subtle like coming to the table to beg for food. We
need to watch for these changes.”
On the issue of guilt and euthanasia,
Dr. Owen says the people most upset
are “trying to do everything possible,”
but that trying to spend your way out
of guilt is usually not a remedy. “Listen
to your dog and get a consultation
with a veterinarian to get answers,
explore different choices.
Talk about reality and get
a plan together preparing
for the end.”
Minister McNac advises
pet parents to put themselves in the place of their
aging or ill pet and consider the quality of their
daily lives and degree of pain. Talk to
your vet, she says, about choices of
letting the pet die a natural death and
what may happen, euthanasia at home
or the pet hospital, and how to keep an
ill or elderly pet comfortable.
“Talking to another pet owner about
how they made their decision regarding euthanasia will give you a different
perspective about the grief they
experienced,” she says.
Another approach to monitoring
quality of life is a widely-used scale for
non-emergency, sick animals. It is a
rating system of 1 to 10 in six areas:
Hurt, hunger, hydration, happiness,
mobility and more good days than bad.
“Each of my longtime loving cat friends
passed relatively peacefully from old age
sickness and pain to life’s ending.“
The Bond Runs Deep
Veterinarian, counselor and minister,
Delana Taylor McNac is associated
with hospice care for people and a
program dedicated to keeping hospice
patients and their pets together, Pet
Peace of Mind.
“One of the most difficult decisions
we make as pet owners is to allow our
beloved pets to die. The power we
have to consent to euthanasia makes
this decision even more difficult,” she
says.
“Unfortunately, many pet owners
avoid thinking about the death of their
pet until they are forced to make a
decision about euthanasia, often with
little to no forethought. We would like
for our pets to have a peaceful, painfree death in their sleep, but the truth
is that many of us will have to consider
euthanasia.”
Best Friends’ Battista, as he watches
Watch for Signs,
Have a Plan
Tulsa veterinarian Heather Owen, of
the Veterinary Wellness Center and
Animal Acupuncture, counsels many
families preparing for the end of life of
an ill pet.
“Our pets give us so much and never
ask us to let them go. Our job is to give
them love, loyalty and death with dignity, so we must watch for clues from
our terminal pets.
“Those 4 signs are eating, drinking, urinating and defecating – these
basic functions need to be met when
evaluating quality of life for a terminal
patient,” she says.
“If you have a terminal dog who is not
eating, then try offering a variety of
meats, vegetables, go to McDonald’s
and get him a hamburger, if that’s what
he loves. This can be part of trying
everything,” Dr. Owen says.
She notes differences among breeds.
“Some dogs live for eating, like Cockers
and Labs. If they stop eating, you know
you have tried everything. But, loyal
Shelties will go forever not eating and
not complaining.
“The key is knowing your dog or cat
Passages
When life is coming to a close, the
passage to the Rainbow Bridge differs
for all, but the hope is for a peaceful,
pain-free, comfortable passing.
Battista writes of German Shepherd
Roxie: “When the time comes, we will
surround her with love and give her a
bowl of her absolutely favorite food.
Food is an important element of my
departure ceremony so it’s important
that Roxie will still have enough of an
appetite to enjoy a rare treat. While
Continued on p. 20
TulsaPets MAY 2011
19
Continued from p. 19
she is eating, we will stroke her and
whisper to her in loving voices that she
will be delivered from cancer, myelopathy and old age. We will cry and Roxie
will be free.”
Veterinarian Owen says, “Euthanasia is
a wonderful gift that we can give back
to our furry friends. It can be almost a
happy moment because our pets don’t
have to starve to death like people do
or hurt to death like people do. We can
help them with death and dignity.
“Most go peacefully, know no pain, no
suffering and are not afraid. It is a gradual passing over, passing on.”
She described a 15-year-old German
Shepherd whose back limbs were weak,
could not get up or down easily, was
in pain. Owen successfully treated her
pain and weakness for several years
with acupuncture and other complementary therapies.
But on her last day, the family said they
knew that she was ready to die. “She
went to sleep with her head in the hands
of her Mom, who brought along a picture of the other dog they had recently
lost, her favorite blanket, a big comforter. We held her, whispered to her, and
she gave us a last look that said, ‘thank
you’ and then she passed.”
Grieving Pets
Left Behind
Owen recalls another dog whose end
of life was accompanied by the family’s
1412 S. Harvard Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74112
(918) 749-6588
(918) 749-6695 Fax
RObeRT W. POTeeT, D.V.M.
WenDy SAleS, D.V.M.
bill GOOlDy, D.V.M.
five other dogs and six humans who had
cared for her for many years.
“Pets grieve like people and they need
to know when another dog has passed.
In this case, after she passed quietly, the
other dogs approached and sniffed her
from head to toe, then curled up beside
her. It was a peaceful, tearful time.”
She advises helping remaining pets
know that their animal friend has died
by taking a towel or blanket -- something the animal was on or near at the
time of passing -- or a snip of hair to let
the others sniff. “It lets them know that
it’s OK and they accept closure more
quickly. Animals know the scent of one
that has passed.”
McNac says that pet owners find
grieving a deeply painful experience, but
“it is a normal aspect of the bond with
your pet. Because the loss is real, it is
like losing a part of ourselves.”
Talking with others about your sorrow
before the actual loss of the pet can
help lessen the overwhelming nature of
the loss when the time arrives, she says.
A snip of hair is also a reminder.
There are companies in Tulsa which
offer burial at their sites or cremation. If
this is your choice, let your veterinarian
know and ask about making arrangements for your pet’s remains.
City ordinances prohibit the burial of
pets on personal property, but it is legal
outside city limits. Professional pet
memorial services have cemeteries or a
special place where the pet’s cremains
can be scattered. Plan ahead so that
you do not wonder what happened to
your pet’s body after death.
A final note from Minister McNac:
When it comes to dying, “our senior
pets depend on us more than any other
time in their lives. They approach death
fearlessly, adjusting to old age, loss of
function, loss of hearing and sight.
“They trust us to speak for them now
in ways they never have before, to give
back when they cannot care for themselves, to keep them safe and comfortable. Reward their trust by examining
all possibilities and choosing well.”
Memories
There are options regarding your pet
friend following death.
If you want something you can see or
hold, a paw print can be made of your
pet’s real paw, using Model Magic by
Crayola. A cookie cutter in the shape of
a heart or circle will shape the model’s
outline and paw print.
Cedarwood
Veterinary
Clinic
Professional journalist Pat
Atkinson is also associated
with area rescue and spay/
neuter programs.
Pat Atkinson
ESTABLISHED IN 1953
DeShane Kennels, Inc.
BOARDING
GROOMING
DAYCARE
HOURS:
Mon.-Fri.
7:30 - 6:00;
Sat. 7:30 - Noon
Closed Sunday
Daycare rates
always half-price
of overnight
rates.
Mary E. Hill • Kenneth R. Hill
1115 S. 129th E. Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74108
(918) 437-3343 • www.deshanekennels.com
20
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Now Selling
Lafeber Bird
Treats and
Pretty Bird
Products
Veterinary
Wellness Center
Animal Acupuncture
Laser Therapy
Massage Therapy
Chinese Herbs
Nutritional Counseling
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Animal Chiropractic
5147 Suite C S. Harvard Ave. • Tulsa OK 74135
918-728-2351
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STREETCATS, INC.
6520 E. 60TH ST. (60TH & S. SHERIDAN)
TULSA, OK 74145
www.streetcatstulsa.org
918.298.0104 (message line)
TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10:30 AM – 5 PM
All volunteer non profit
adoption center and gift boutique
Visit StreetCats for great
kitties and purrrfect
kitty gift items!
Self-Serve Dog Wash
Full-Service Dog Wash
Dog Grooming
Dog Accessories & Gifts
Open Daily • Ask About Our Specials!
101st & Elm, Broken Arrow, (918) 364-WASH
43rd & Peoria, Tulsa, (918) 742-WASH
www.sloppydogwash.com
TulsaPets MAY 2011
21
DIRECTORY
Animal Hospitals and
Veterinary Services
15th Street Veterinary Group
6231 East 15th Street
Tulsa 74112
(918) 835-2336
Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Inc.
5202 E. 11th Street
Tulsa 74112
(918) 834-3304
American Chiropractic Clinic
318 West Highland
Shawnee, OK 74801
www.doctorduree.com
(405) 275-6363
Animal Acupuncture, LLC
5147 Suite C S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa 74135
(918) 728-2351
Animal Emergency Center, Inc.
4055 S. 102nd E. Ave. (effective June 2011)
Tulsa 74146
www.tulsaanimalemergency.com
(918) 665-0508
Banfield The Pet Hospital
www.banfield.net
5418 E. 41st St.
Tulsa 74135
(918) 627-8865
10117 E. 71st
Tulsa 74133
(918) 254-2599
7322 S. Olympia Ave. W.
Tulsa 74132
(918) 445-2320
1410 E. Hillside Dr.
Broken Arrow 74012
(918) 355-0417
9002 N. 121st E. Ave., Suite 1200
Owasso 74055
(918) 274-1513
Best Friends Veterinary
Hospital
5417 S. Mingo
Tulsa, OK 74146
(918) 663-7595
Capron Veterinary Hospital
and Dental Clinic
6705 E. 51st St.
Tulsa 74145
(918) 627-5188
Cedarwood Veterinary Clinic
1412 S. Harvard
Tulsa 74112
(918) 749-6588
22
TulsaPets MAY 2011
City Veterinary Hospital
Southern Agriculture
Veterinary Wellness Center
Good Shepherd Veterinary
Hospital
Boarding Kennels and
Daycare Facilities
3550 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74105
(918) 747-1641
1720 N. 9th
Broken Arrow 74012
www.goodshepherdvets.com
(918) 893-3400
Tulsa Hills
Tulsa 74132
(918) 794-7387
9255 N. Owasso Expressway
Owasso 74055
(918) 274-3770
2301 E. 71st
Tulsa 74136
www.hammondanimalhospital.com
(918) 494-0151
1746 S. 161st E. Avenue
Broken Arrow 74012
(918) 258-8080
1034 E. Lansing Avenue
Broken Arrow 74012
(918) 251-0267
104 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd.
Tulsa 74127
(918) 585-9369
Jacox Animal Hospital
2732 E. 15th Street
Tulsa 74104
(918) 712-2750
Kindness Animal Hospital
11035 S. Memorial
Tulsa 74133
www.kindnessoftulsa.com
(918) 970-4300
Marina Animal Clinic
9968 E. 21st
Tulsa 74129
(918) 663-5758
OSU Veterinary Hospital
Center for Veterinary Health
Sciences
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
www.cvhs.okstate.edu/vth
(405) 744-7000
VCA Cat Hospital of Tulsa
5122 S. Sheridan
Tulsa 74133
www.vcatulsa.com
(918) 492-9292
VCA Owasso Animal Medical
Center
Owasso 74055
www.vcaowasso.com
(918) 272-5986
VCA Veterinary Medical Center
3129 South Winston
Tulsa 74135
www.vcavetmedcenter.com
(918) 743-6644
VCA Woodland Broken Arrow
Animal Hospital
2106 West Detroit
Broken Arrow 74012
www.vcawoodlandbrokenarrow.com
(918) 258-5579
Oklahoma Veterinary
Specialists
VCA Woodland Central Animal
Hospital
9360 S. Union, Suite 102
Tulsa 74037
www.okvets.com
(918) 299-4900
4720 E. 51st Street
Tulsa 74135
www.vcawoodlandcentral.com
(918) 496-2111
Riverbrook Animal Hospital
VCA Woodland East Animal
Hospital
3750 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74105
(918) 748-4400
6501 E. 71st Street
Tulsa 74133
www.southernagriculture.com
(918) 488-1993
3146 South Mingo Road
Tulsa 74145
(918) 663-6770
9509 East 61st Street
Tulsa 74133
www.vcawoodlandeast.com
(918) 252-3595
VCA Woodland South Animal
Hospital
9340 South Memorial Drive
Tulsa 74133
www.vcawoodlandsouth.com
(918) 524-5000
Veterinary Associates
6925 S. 69th E. Ave.
Tulsa 74133
(918) 492-4200
5147 Suite C S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa 74135
(918) 728-2351
6231 E. 15th St.
Tulsa 74112
(918) 835-2336
5202 E. 11th Street
Tulsa 74112
(918) 834-3304
Best Friends Veterinary
Hospital
5417 S. Mingo
Tulsa, OK 74146
(918) 663-7595
Camille’s Cathouse
5986 W. 131st Street South
Sapulpa 74066
www.camillescathouse.com
[email protected]
(918) 248-8100
Camp Bow Wow
142 S. 147th E. Ave.
Tulsa 74116
www.campbowwow.com
(918) 437-DOGS (3647)
3550 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74105
(918) 747-1641
DeShane Kennels
1115 South 129th East Avenue
Tulsa 74108
www.deshanekennels.com
(918) 437-3343
2301 E. 71st
Tulsa 74136
(918) 494-0151
Jacox Animal Hospital
2732 E. 15th Street
Tulsa 74104
(918) 712-2750
Lynn Lane Boarding Kennels
9302 S. Lynn Lane
Broken Arrow 74012
(918) 455-7721
Marina Animal Clinic
9968 E. 21st
Tulsa 74129
(918) 663-5758
Pooches
5331 E. 41st Street
Tulsa 74135
(918) 398-6459
The Posh Pup
Pet Boutique and Spa
8263 S. Harvard
Tulsa 74137
(918) 857-1518
VCA Animal Hospitals
(see listings under Animal
Hospitals)
6925 S. 69th E. Ave.
Tulsa 74133
(918) 492-4200
Grooming Services
5202 E. 11th St.
Tulsa 74112
(918) 834-3304
3550 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74105
(918) 747-1641
DeShane Kennels
1115 S. 129th E. Ave.
Tulsa 74108
www.deshanekennels.com
(918) 437-3343
2301 E. 71st
Tulsa 74136
(918) 494-0151
104 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd.
Tulsa 74127
(918) 585-9369
Jenk’s Pampered Pets
614 W. Main St.
Jenks 74037-3517
(918) 298-3906
Kelly’s Dazzle Dog Grooming
Spa
3711-E S. Harvard
Tulsa 74135
www.kellysdazzledog.com
(918) 749-1015
Merlene’s Clip & Dip
Sloppy Dog Wash
www.sloppydogwash.com
4316 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74105
(918) 742-9274
732 W. New Orleans, Suite 140
Broken Arrow 74011
(918) 364-9274
The Paw Spa
6528D E. 101st Street
Tulsa 74133
(918) 392-0099
The Posh Pup
8263 S. Harvard
Tulsa 74137
(918) 857-1518
U Dirty Dawg
Self Serve Dog Wash and Chow
House
(Full Service Groomer Available)
205 E. Main
Jenks 74037
www.udirtydawgjenks.com
(918) 995-7033
Top Dog Training
16748 E. 128th St. S.
Broken Arrow 74011
www.topdogschool.com
(918) 557-6406
Tulsa Dog Training Club
6307 S. 107th E. Avenue
Tulsa 74133
www.tulsadogs.com
(918) 250-9620
Pet Adoption, Rescue
Groups, Rescue
Coordinators & Shelters
ACA Paws
www.acapaws.org
(918) 267-PAWS (7297)
Airedale Rescue
OK Airedales
Frances Martin
[email protected]
www.okairedales.com
(918) 836-5508
Alaskan Malamute Rescue
VCA Animal Hospitals
Virgil Reed
(918) 486-3494
A.R. F. – Animal Rescue
Foundation
(see Animal Hospitals)
6925 S. 69th E. Ave.
Tulsa 74133
(918) 492-4200
Obedience Trainers
All Things Canine
Behavior Consultations
Tiffany Barnes Talley, CCBC
www.tulsadogbehavior.com
(918) 527-9663
Companion Dog School of
Tulsa
www.arftulsa.org
(918) 622-5962
Animal Aid of Tulsa
3307 E. 15th Street
Tulsa 74112
www.animalaid.org
(918) 744-8280
Australian Shepherd Rescue
Sonja Jo Hahn
www.okaussies.org
(918) 906-5958
4411 S. 91st East Avenue
Tulsa 74145
www.companiondogschool.com
(918) 834-3566
Bichon Frisee Rescue
Dog Training with Brenda
Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue
www.traink9.com
(918) 274-8774
Pooches
6702 S. Lewis
Tulsa 74136
(918) 495-1213
5331 E. 41st Street
Tulsa 74135
(918) 398-6459
Patty & Terrie’s
Grooming Shop
Small Paws Rescue
www.smallpawsrescue.org
17667 Markita Drive
Jones, OK 73049
[email protected]
www.blazesequinerescue.com
(405) 399-3084
Bloodhound Rescue
6022 S. Sheridan Rd.
Tulsa 74145
(918) 499-2344
6501 E. 71st Street
Tulsa 74133
(918) 488-1993
www.southcentralbloodhounds.org
Niki Ganns
[email protected]
(918) 371-4193
Sharon Bardin
[email protected]
(580) 332-5254
Pooches
Bonhaven Terrier Rescue
5331 E. 41st Street
Tulsa 74135
(918) 398-6459
Tulsa Hills
Tulsa 74132
(918) 794-7387
www.bonhaven.org
Boxer Rescue
Tulsa Boxer Rescue
Rescue and adoption
Serving all of Oklahoma
[email protected]
www.tulsaboxerrescue.net
(918) 860-2697
Broken Arrow Animal Shelter
3420 N. 41st Street
Broken Arrow 74014
www.bashelter.petfinder.com
www.brokenarrowok.gov
(918) 259-8311
Bully for You English
Bulldog Rescue
www.bullyforyou.org
Cat Adoption Center
www.catadopttulsa.org
(918) 486-7727
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Rescue and Adoption
Marla Palovik
www.cavalierrescueusa.com
(918) 274-0408
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rescue
Bob Hill
[email protected]
(918) 381-4504
Chihuahua Rescue of
Northeast Oklahoma
Vickie Propst
(918) 341-7991
Dachshund Rescue of North
America
Kathryn Dickerson
[email protected]
Cheryl Roberts
[email protected]
www.drna.org
Dalmatian Assistance League
www.tulsadals.org
English Bulldog Rescue
Bully for You English Bulldog
Rescue
www.bullyforyou.org
Forest and Jenny’s Place
Animal Rescue
www.forestandjennysplace.org
Friends of Felines
[email protected]
German Shepherd Rescue
www.gsrtulsa.com
(918) 282-8593
Going Home Animal Rescue &
Transport
(918) 747-7477
[email protected]
TulsaPets MAY 2011
23
DIRECTORY
Golden Retriever Rescue
Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue
www.sgrr.org
(918) 455-1178
Greyhound Adoption
Halfway Home Greyhound
Adoption
www.halfwayhomegreyhounds.com
Irene Comer
(918) 584-4880
Teddy Palmer
(918) 492-8077
Home At Last Organization
(HALO)
Mary Ann Jarrett
(918) 496-3117
Adult dogs only
Parrot Rescue
Fight 4 Flight Parrot Rescue, Inc.
www.fight4flightparrotrescue.com
fight4flightparrotrescue@
yahoo.com
Janet Sullivan (918) 845-7745
Lynn Crew (918)633-7257
Partnering for Pets, Inc.
12324 E. 86th St. N., #142
Owasso 74055
www.partneringforpets.org
(918) 376-2525
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue
Zoi’s Animal Rescue
Poodle Rescue
6232 E. 60th St.
Tulsa 74145
www.tulsapets.com
(918) 495-DOGS
Poodle Club of Tulsa, Inc.
Susan Wagner
www.poodlecluboftulsa.org
(918) 346-7121
Irish Setter Rescue
Pot-bellied Pig Rescue
Irene and John Comer
(918) 584-4880
(918) 760-5388 Mobile
www.Hamalot.org
(918) 812-4205
Lab Rescue of Oklahoma
www.labrescue.net
P.O. Box 265
Prue 74060
Mastiff Rescue
Sand Springs Animal Control
Prue Humane Society
Great Plains Mastiff Rescue
Foundation
P.O. Box 6173
Edmond, OK 73083-6173
[email protected]
www.greatplainsmastiffrescue.org
(206) 202-4364
1735 E. 21st/Morrow Rd.
Sand Springs 74063
(918) 246-2543
Noah Animal Rescue
Schnauzer Rescue of Tulsa
Oklahoma Alliance for Animals
StreetCats (cat adoption only)
Siberian Husky Rescue
Alicia Kindle
(918) 241-8487
P.O. Box 701962
Tulsa 74170
[email protected]
2642 E. 21st St., Suite 120
Tulsa 74114
[email protected]
(918) 742-3700
6520 E. 60th Street
Tulsa 74145
(918) 298-0104
Owasso Animal Shelter
Tulsa Animal Welfare
Owasso Feline Rescue
[email protected]
(918) 688-1661
24
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Oklahoma Westie Rescue
Meredith or Mike Butcher
www.okwestierescue.com
(918) 407-4569
www.pet-adopt.org
(918) 365-8725
Humane Society of Tulsa
500 S. Main
Owasso 74055
www.cityofowasso.com/animal_
shelter/index.html
(918) 272-4965
Westie Rescue
PAL - Pet Adoption League
Owasso 74055
(918) 272-2400
www.noahanimalrescue.
petfinder.com
(918) 232-1953
15698 N. 129th E. Ave.
Collinsville 74021
www.wwahonline.org
(918) 371-1009
Wildlife Rescue (no deer or skunks)
Forest Trails Animal Hospital
6528 E. 101st St. S.
Tulsa 74133
(918) 299-8448
Green Country Pembroke Welsh
Corgi Rescue
[email protected]
(918) 663-7595
Missie Holbrook
Humane Society of Owasso
Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven
3031 N. Erie
Tulsa 74115
www.tulsa-animalshelter.org
(918) 669-6299
Tulsa SPCA
2910 Mohawk Blvd.
Tulsa 74110-1419
www.tulsaspca.org
(918) 428-7722
P.O. Box 2905
Claremore 74018
[email protected]
(918) 734-1184
Pet Boutiques
Dog Dish
The Farm Shopping Center
6502 E. 51st Street
Tulsa 74145
www.dogdish.com
(918) 624-2600
StreetCats
6520 E. 60th Street
Tulsa 74145
(918) 298-0104
The Posh Pup
8263 S. Harvard
Tulsa 74137
(918) 857-1518
Pet Containment
Systems
DogWatch of Green Country
(hidden fences)
www.dogwatch.com/neoklahoma
(918) 740-BARK (2275)
Invisible Fence of Tulsa
5103 S. Sheridan Rd., #635
Tulsa 74145
www.invisiblefence.com
(918) 241-3647
Pet Mortuary and
Cremation Services
Companions Forever
7442 East 46th Street
Tulsa 74145
www.companionsforever.com
(918) 610-0348
Pet Memorial Memory Gardens
11010 North Yale
Tulsa 74073
(918) 288-6414
Pet Photography/
Pet Portraits
Foshay Studio and Gallery
Broken Arrow
www.foshaystudioandgallery.com
[email protected]
(918) 384-9422
Helen F. Howerton, Artist
www.howertonart.com
(918) 494-5994
Sirius Photography
www.siriusphotography.smugmug.
com
(918) 557-7055
Pet Sitting and
Walking Services
A Pet’s Companion
24-Hour In-Client’s Home Pet
Sitting
Beth Sims – Owner
(918) 282-8528
Andrea’s Furry Angels Pet Care
[email protected]
(918) 695-5118
Best in Class Pet Au Pair
Sandy Long
www.bestinclasspetaupair.com
(918) 231-6063
Critter Sitters by Gabbie
Gabrille W. Jones, Owner
(918) 744-6191
Brookside, Mid-town
Overnights Available
3550 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74105
(918) 747-1641
(pet taxi)
Lisa Marler
24 Hour In-Home Pet Sitting
[email protected]
(918) 630-8309
Pet Sitters of Greater Tulsa
“In the Comfort of the Pet’s Home”
http://members.cox.net/
petsittersgreatertulsa
[email protected]
(918) 249-1002
The Reliable Horse
and Pet Sitter
www.thereliablehorseand
petsitter.com
(918) 292-9720
Pet Supplies
Animal Health Supply
6939 E. 15th St.
Tulsa 74112
(918) 836-3959
Red Dog Hound & Pet Supply
Tulsa 74129
(918) 834-1224
6501 E. 71st Street
Tulsa 74133
(918) 488-1993
3146 South Mingo Road
Tulsa 74145
(918) 663-6770
2618 S. Harvard Ave.
Tulsa 74114
(918) 747-6872
2914 E. 91st Street
Tulsa 74137
(918) 299-1981
Specialty Pet Food
and Treats
Animal Health Supply
6939 E. 15th St.
Tulsa 74112
(918) 836-3959
Red Dog Hound & Pet Supply
Tulsa 74129
(918) 834-1224
The Dog Dish
The Farm Shopping Center
6502 E. 51st Street
Tulsa 74145
www.dogdish.com
(918) 624-2600
U Dirty Dawg
205 E. Main St.
Jenks 74037
www.udirtydawgjenks.com
(918) 995-7033
Miscellaneous Pet
Products/Services/
Friends of Pets
Tulsa Hills
Tulsa 74132
(918) 794-7387
American AutoMart
Catherine Tatum
Owasso 74055
(918) 274-3770
1746 S. 161st E. Avenue
Broken Arrow 74012
(918) 258-8080
9404 E. 31st
Tulsa 74145
(918) 627-9210
McGraw Realtors
(918) 492-7191
Hospice of Green Country
2121 S. Columbia, Suite 200
www.hospiceofgreencountry.org
(918) 747-2273
Patricia Sparks Boutique
3722 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74105
(918) 742-7775
1034 E. Lansing St.
Broken Arrow 74012
(918) 251-0267
Queenie’s Restaurant
Tail Waggers Pet Supply
Samuel Grayson Salon
7814 E. 49th
Tulsa 74145
(918) 622-2242
Pet Waste Removal
Services
Poop 911
www.poop911.com
1-877-POOP-911
Directory listings are free of charge for
advertisers; non-advertisers may be listed
for a $35.00 fee. For listings please email
[email protected].
1834 Utica Square
(918) 749-3481
1603 S. Peoria
Tulsa 74120
(918) 582-8900
Tulsa Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
7505 W. 41st
Tulsa 74107
(918) 595-8213
Safe Step Dog Waste
Removal Service
(918) 834-POOP (7667)
Cartoon by Dan Thompson
TulsaPets MAY 2011
25
An Unfinished Story
By Camille Hulen
Doc asked his upstairs apartment neighbor, John, if
he’d seen the little orange kitten around lately. “Yeah, Doc,
I’ve been feeding him, but I can’t get close to him. He’s really
wild,” John said.
Then, as they stood talking, the kitten appeared at the top of
the steps. He slowly inched his way down, tumbling half of
the way because he was so tiny. As they silently watched,
the kitten approached Doc’s legs, climbing straight up and
eventually perching on his shoulder. The kitten had found his
human!
“Well, Doc, it looks like you’ve got yourself a cat!,” John said.
But Doc didn’t want a cat. He had never had one, and had
never sought one. And, although he did not know it then, at
this low point in his life, he needed this kitten.
A disabled Vietnam veteran, he had served 23 years in the
Army, but recently the federal government had somehow
declared him “dead” and removed his military pension. While
he fought through the legalities, he was subsisting on his
greatly reduced income, and didn’t have much to live for.
That was four years ago. Doc took the kitten into his apartment and into his life. They became inseparable, and the cat
was appropriately named “Buddy”. Buddy’s veterinarian said
he was mostly a Ragdoll breed, as obvious from his laid-back
demeanor.
Buddy was the perfect house-cat. After finding his home, he
never attempted to go outside. He and Doc established a
routine, just as one would in the Army. Every morning, Buddy
got his daily brushing in strict military fashion: First, the back,
then roll over for the tummy, then the arms, finally the tail.
And Buddy grew into a handsome 25-pound-plus Ragdoll,
gentle as the name.
Recently, however, new management came to the apartment
complex and pets were outlawed. Apparently, the former
managers had been more understanding.
So this is how I met
Buddy. Doc called,
seeking temporary
housing for his
buddy. He would
move to a new
home as soon as
his financial situation improved, but
Buddy had to be
out of there “now,”
he said.
We have all seen
the ads: “moving,
cannot take my
cat” or “new roommate, need to re-home my cat,” and a myriad of others. It would have been easiest for this man to give
up his cat. Instead, he tried to provide, so Buddy is staying at
Camille’s Cathouse for awhile.
When Buddy first arrived, he was depressed and wouldn’t eat.
It wasn’t until Doc came to visit and reassured him that he
had not been abandoned, that Buddy became comfortable.
When Doc visits, he has words of comfort, and Buddy enjoys
a thorough brushing. It is therapeutic for both.
Since gas prices have increased, Doc cannot visit as often as
he would like, but Buddy waits. As I write this, Buddy sits in
the office beside my computer. He prefers human companionship to socializing with the other cats.
Buddy knows that his
special human buddy
Camille Hulen is the
will return soon. And
owner of Camille’s
that will bring the hapCathouse, a bed &
breakfast exclusively
pily-ever-after ending to
for cats.
this unfinished story.
Camille Hulen
TulsaPets
Magazine
••••••••••••••••••••
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205 East Main, Jenks • 918-995-7033
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• Full Service Groomer
Sun. & Mon. 1-6 • Tues. thru Sat. 9-7 • Carol Swarthout-Proprietor
26
TulsaPets MAY 2011
6022 South Sheridan Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74145
499.2344
Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Daycare available.
See us on
Facebook!
Trusted veterinary care for the life of your pet
The place your pet would take you to be
groomed… if they could drive.
1603 South Peoria Ave.
918.582.8900
Organic Hair Care • Full Service Salon
www.samuelgraysonsalon.com
please visit
www.tulsapetsmagazine.com
ed Wagner, D.V.M. • Mark Shackelford, D.V.M.
erin reed, D.V.M. • Jennifer Miller, D.V.M.
M-F 8:00 - 6:00 • Sat: 8:00 -12:00
often - your source for
local pet information!
6231 e. 15th • tulSa, oK 74112 • 918-835-2336
The Paw Spa
Dog Grooming
Cat Grooming
Shed Reducing
COMPANION DOG SCHOOL OF TULSA
E S TA B L I S H E D I N 1 9 5 5
Teaching RESPONSIBLE DOG
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www.companiondogschool.com
Blueberry
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Pawdicures
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834-3566 • 4411 S. 91st E. Ave.
JACOX ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Your Other Family Physician
Surgery • Dentistry • Spaying/Neutering
Cold Laser Therapy • Boarding • Daycare
Wine & Dine
Spa Treatments
Indoor Play
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Office Hours: M-F 7:30-6:00 • Sat 9:00-12:30
Dr. Sandra Rawlings
2732 E. 15th Street
Tulsa, OK 74104 Fax: 712-2760
(918) 712-2750
6528 D E. 101st St. • 392.0099
www.thepawspaok.com
TulsaPets MAY 2011
27
Hatfield
PETS
about
town
Roxy
Fritz
Gracie Lou
To include your pet’s picture in a
future issue of TulsaPets
Magazine, please email a
high-resolution jpeg image to
[email protected],
or mail a 5x7 glossy photo to
Dozer
Giorgio
Bentley
TulsaPets Magazine
P.O. Box 14128
Tulsa, OK 74159-1128
Hunter
(We regret we are unable to return photos.)
We hope your pet will be in a
future issue of TulsaPets Magazine!
Bonz
Dane
Bella & Odie
Jenni
Lexy
Izzie
Arturo
Izzy, T’ea,
Molly & Sophie
Gummi Bear
Cassie
Lucy
Bubbles
Daisy
&
Wayne
Arlo
Katy
Shorty
Marley
Gee
April
28
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Levi
Nellie & Ransom
Mattie, Gita,
& Sara
Sebastian
Sasha
Sammy
Molly
Saky
Susie & Molly
Woody
Thomas
Timmy
Molly & Maggie
Sootie
Valentine
Drake
Titan
Hardy
Eddie
Macey
Barrett
TulsaPets MAY 2011
29
Winners Are In!
Awwww...
For 20-plus years, the pros
at Studio D @ MotoPhoto have
been clicking cameras on the
cutest pets in town contestants.
This year’s winners were recently
selected by judges including
Marilyn King, Publisher of
TulsaPets Magazine, and D’Ann
Berson, operations manager
for the Tulsa Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Winners of the two-month-long
contest received cash prizes and
all entrants received a free photo
session with a donation to the
TSPCA’s waiting dogs and cats.
The 77 contestants raised $807
for pets at the shelter.
This is a tough one to judge
because all of these pets are
winners! This year’s top three are:
First Place:
pretty-in-pink Pom
Abby Gail,
owner Barbara Pinkerton
Second Place:
Beans,
the laid-back smiling bulldog,
owner Sandie Barns
Third Place:
black cat The Baby,
a blind kitty who is raising funds for
her cause, owner Dale McPherson
30
TulsaPets MAY 2011
2,000
By Kristi Eaton
dogs to strut their stuff
About 2,000 dogs and their handlers are expected to converge in
Tulsa during Memorial Day weekend,
May 27 – May 30, for the American
Kennel Club’s annual Mid-Continent
dog show.
The four-day show brings together the Tulsa Kennel club with the
Seminole Kennel Club at the QuikTrip
Center at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. There
is no cost to attend.
“A lot of the dogs that will be here
in Tulsa are dogs that you will see at
Westminster or the Eukanuba championship. The ones that are on TV,
the same dogs come here,” says Lori
Finlayson, vice president of Tulsa’s
Mid-Continent Kennel Club.
About 160 breeds will be competing
in agility, obedience and rally competitions, where the dogs must follow the
direction of their handler in the ring,
she says.
“People are here competing for titles
and points,” Finlayson says. “So you
have to win 15 total points to have a
champion. Five of those points have
to be major points. That is, they have
to be won with enough competition
that it’s considered a major win to get
your championship. Then dogs that
finish sometimes go on
to compete for best
in breed and top dog
in the country in their
breed and all-breed.”
Some noted handlers
attend, many from the
greater Tulsa area.
Brenda Lee Combs of
Sapulpa, who had the No. 1 Norwich
Terrier in the nation and has been featured in the New York Times, will be
in attendance. So, too, will Linda Clark
who has been featured on “Animal
Planet.”
But the show isn’t just for adults
and the dogs. Kids also have a role.
Finlayson says 30 - 40 kids, ages 9 to
17, will act as junior handlers. “We have
kiddos that are showing their ability to
show,” she says.
For those who may not have a purebred dog or know very little about the
Kennel Club, the show has plenty to
offer, too.
About 70 vendors will be selling a
variety of doggy items. “It’s kind of
like a doggy shopping mall,” Finlayson
says. “They will sell food, collars and
leashes, jewelry, T-shirts, bedding,
crates. Just anything and everything
you could need for
your dog will be
there.”
Tulsa students
have also created
art work that will
be displayed during the show. This
year’s art theme
shows what children like to do with
their dogs, Finlayson says. Rescue
groups will also be on hand with information about adoptable dogs.
The Tulsa Kennel Club has partnered
with Seminole’s Kennel Club to make it
a four-day event, something that more
clubs are doing across the country,
she says.
Continued on p. 32
TulsaPets MAY 2011
31
When you go:
“Gas is so expensive now,”
Finlayson says. “People
really want to go somewhere
where it’s four days in
a row. That has been a
definite trend because of the
economy and all dog shows
have been trying to go that
way.”
The show will be a boost
to the local economy, she
says, because attendees
are buying gas, food, going
shopping and visiting
entertainment venues.
What:
Mid-Continent Kennel Club Tulsa
Roundup 2011 Dog Shows
When:
Friday, May 27 to
Monday, May 30
Where:
QuikTrip Center at Expo Square
(Tulsa Fairgrounds), 4145 E. 21st St.
Cost:
Free
Kristie Eaton
Su
m
S
m
p
pu
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rc
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ha
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ia r
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Participating dealers only. Expires 6.30.11.
Invisible Fence of Tulsa
918-241-3647 | 800-824-DOGS
www.InvisibleFence.com
Proudly Serving Tulsa Pets for Over 30 Years
Lynn Lane
Boarding Kennels,
Inc.
9302 S. Lynn Lane Road
(177th E. Ave.)
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
M-F 8am - 6pm
Sat. 8am - Noon
Playtime at Veterinary Associates
• OVMA Veterinarian of the
Year Award
• State-of-the-art facility
• Veterinary Associates is
committed to providing you
and your beloved pet the best
possible service and care.
6925 S. 69th E. Ave. • Tulsa 74133
918-492-4200 • www.veterinaryassociates.net
32
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Jose & Tracy Godinez
918.455.7721
LOVING PROFESSIONAL PET CARE
The
Forgotten
Kittens?
Watch for Red Flags
in Sales Ads
By Ruth Steinberger
The puppy mill issue remains in the
headlines in Oklahoma, and although they
are covered under breeder regulations
passed in 2010, high-volume kitten
producers are rarely mentioned.
Kittens that are sold in pet stores, over
the Internet or through newspaper ads
often come from unregulated facilities with
too many cats and too little oversight.
With all the talk about puppy mills,
few people think about kitten mills.
Whether it is because far more dogs are
purchased overall than cats, or that mixed
breed cats carry less stigma than their
canine brethren, the discussion of mass
production of companion animals usually
centers on dogs.
The term “kitten mill” refers to facility in
which kittens are produced for profit, in
poor conditions, with little or no human
contact.
Buildings with cages crammed full of cats
which are bred until disease or overuse
requires them to be put down may not
be as common as high volume puppy
producing facilities.
High volume kitten-sellers rely mainly on
direct marketing, primarily because USDA
licensing is only required for breeders
who sell animals to brokers who then
re-sell them to pet stores and because
most brokers and transporters do not buy
kittens to resell.
They escape USDA licensing and often
slide in under the wire. In states which
lack high volume breeder regulations,
those selling kittens bypass licensing
requirements altogether. Yet, they are
there.
Classified newspaper listings for purebred
kittens along with Internet sites reveal
that while not nearly of the size and scope
of puppy sellers, those selling cheap
purebred kittens by the litter are present
throughout Oklahoma.
It’s not hard to spot kitten mills when
browsing the classifieds. Ads placed by
someone looking to make a quick buck
will offer kittens that are priced well below
average (for example at $50 to $150
each) and may state that the kittens do
not have registration papers, or that they
are registered with an unknown registry
instead of CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association,
which is the equivalent of the AKC -American Kennel Club – for dogs).
Another sign of a kitten mill is a lack
of health records with no veterinary
reference available, or kittens being sold
with existing health issues which may last
a lifetime, including serious respiratory
ailments.
Other warning signs include a seller who
is more interested in collecting the money
then the quality of the home where the
kitten is going. Buyers should avoid any
breeder who offers to meet them instead
of allowing the buyer to come to the
seller’s home or facility.
Additionally, as in purebred puppies,
many veterinary resources note disorders
which are common in purebred kittens.
Genetic problems may include fecal
incontinence in some Manx cats, vision
problems in Siamese and other health
issues in other breeds.
A kitten mill will avoid the expense of
testing or the owner may even be unaware
of the need to screen the cats used for
breeding. An April Tulsa World ad cited
extra toes as a selling point.
The word “rare,” may mask abnormalities
which have associated health problems,
and it is used as a cover for scams. Some
people selling unusual cross breeds may
advertise them as “rare,” leading people to
think they are getting a unique treasure.
Camille Hulen, owner of Camille’s Cat
House and an animal welfare advocate,
says, “If you buy a purebred animal from a
The world’s largest registry of
pedigreed cat breeds, Cat Fanciers’
Association, recognizes 42 cat
breeds. The most popular are
Persian, Maine Coon, Sphynx,
Ragdoll, and Siamese.
Shelters and rescue organizations
have many companion cats and
kittens available for adoption. Pets
available from reputable area rescue
organizations have been provided
thorough veterinary evaluations, spay
and neuter surgery, socializing, and
all immunizations before they may be
adopted.
breeder, an animal in a shelter will die
because you did not choose it. Discourage
breeding by not supporting it.
“Also, if you must have a purebred, go to
a purebred rescue organization.”
Hulen continues, “When people seek
out the purebred they usually do so
from a lack of knowledge. They really
haven’t seen the cats and it has been my
experience that those who seek an animal
based on “pictures” alone are among the
first to give it up because it did not meet
their expectations. For this reason, there
are many, many purebreds available.”
Some tips:
• Visit the breeder to see the facility.
• Do not buy from a pet shop.
• Do not buy online or mail order.
• Ask the breeder for a veterinarian
reference. Does the animal have
immunization records?
Ruth Steinberger is an
animal welfare advocate in
Oklahoma for 10 years and
Director of Outreach for
Spay Oklahoma.
Ruth Steinberger
TulsaPets MAY 2011
33
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3550 S Peoria Avenue (Corner of 36th & Peoria)
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918-630-8309 • 918-838-7912
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918.747.1641
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34
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Let your furry angels sleep at home!
INSURED & BONDED • 918.695.5118
www.andreasfurryangels.com
Kelly’s
Phone (918) 749-1015
Dazzle D g
Grooming Spa
3711 South Harvard Avenue ~ Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday 8:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday & Friday 7:30am - 6:00pm
Pickup & Delivery available
kellysdazzledog.com
Our daughter has a male chihuahua, and in the past when
she brought ‘Harley’ over, Carlos would try and be the
alpha male, as well as the pack leader. He would be what
I would call ‘totally out of control.’ And when Harley is
staying for an entire weekend, “WOW” is all I can say. We
even talked about needing to get rid of Carlos because of
his behavior. This past weekend Harley came to visit, and
guess what? Carlos was not only manageable, but was
actually great. He still stayed on his pillow, he did not bark
every time he heard a noise, and did not constantly annoy
the entire family. He was a real joy to be around and
we were so proud of him. Thanks so much Brenda, we
appreciate all you’ve done for our Carlos.
– Mike and Debbie Hensley
Oklahoma’s “Dog Whisperer!”
Hundreds of Satisfied Clients
Written Guarantee
Personally recommended by
Local Veterinarians
100% Success Rate
(918) 274-8774
www.TrainK9.com
50
Lessons or Drop-Off Service
Drop off your dog and in 2 weeks
he/she will be fully trained
Dogs Team
with Brain
Fitness Pros
Seth gives Gracie
a
high-five after their
session has ended!
Helping People
Overcome Challenges
By Sherri Goodall
Photos by Bob Foshay
If anyone knows about the doghuman connection, it’s Susan Phariss,
founder of Therapetics in the 1990s,
which trains service dogs for physically
challenged people. She worked primarily with Retrievers and Labradoodles.
She has since left Therapetics and
founded Brain Fitness Strategies,
a company that uses Rhythmic
Movement Training (RMT) as a foundation for advancing brain function and
neuromuscular brain development.
And, dogs help achieve the program’s
goals. The Phariss canine team is Sassy
and Gracie, both Standard Poodles,
who make up the Animal Assisted
Therapy component.
Studies have shown that contact with
animals lowers stress, anxiety, improves
focus and raises brain function. Susan
and her husband, Paul, are among a
small number of people in the U.S. certified to practice RMT.
About RMT
The exercise program is based on
movements that infants make in their
first year of life. The rocking motions,
lifting of the head, rolling over, putting
things in the mouth, crawling, etc. are
all part of the baby’s primitive reflexes.
By age 3, most of the primitive reflexes are “finished,”’ allowing the adult
postural reflexes to kick in. Sometimes
babies skip one or more of these developmental milestones, which causes
problems later in life. Adults who have
suffered strokes and brain trauma
revert to some of the primitive reflexes
that inhibit normal brain development
and function, leaving them impaired.
An outcome of RMT is improved reading abilities of learning and emotionally- challenged kids with issues such as
ADD/ADHD,
dyslexia, cerebral palsy, and
autism.
RMT improves
brain development to improve
written and spoken language
in school-age
children.
Dr. Harold
Seth relaxing with
Gracie and Sassy
after much hoop
jumping.
Blomberg, a Swedish psychiatrist, discovered RMT more than 25 years ago.
The program has been successful in
treating children and adults with learning and developmental disabilities.
The Bixby Project
Last year, Bixby Public Schools collaborated with Brain Fitness Strategies for
a study on the benefits of RMT. Melissa
Lytle, special education teacher, reported a 208 percent improvement in reading scores over the control group who
did not receive the RMT training.
A reward aspect of the study involved
Gracie and Sassy coming to school and
interacting with (rewarding) the fifth
graders in the study.
One student refused to come out
from under a blanket. He kicked,
screamed,
and basically disrupted the class. Susan
and Paul worked with him, using passive exercises. They held and rocked
him. (Babies calm themselves through
rocking.)
After RMT exercise once weekly for
five weeks, the boy began interacting
in an acceptable manner with classmates. Sassy and Gracie helped reduce
the child’s stress and build his confidence.
Both dogs were selected and trained
to be doggy therapists. Standard
Poodles are hypoallergenic, working
well with people with immune problems and allergies. The dogs have traveled extensively with the Pharisses,
entertaining kids with their antics during school assemblies about friendship
skills and positive reinforcement.
The dogs have also promoted the
Summer Reading Program in Oklahoma
Continued on p. 36
TulsaPets MAY 2011
35
loved her until she recovered from the emotional
and physical trauma of
being abandoned.”
Poodle Gracie came
from a Colorado breeder,
after the couple unsuccessfully searched for
this kind of dog from
Standard Poodle rescue
organizations.
while Gracie
Seth holds the hoop
ugh.
gracefully jumps thro
libraries for years. Susan says that getting to work one-on-one with the kids
“makes both dogs and kids wag their
tails.”
The dogs did not become members
of the Pharris family at the same time.
Sassy was left behind in a rented
house when the people moved and
the Pharisses came to her rescue. She
had recently had puppies, her coat was
badly matted and she was in poor condition.
A groomer shaved her and found
infected skin under the mats. “She was
tolerant of the shaving, which was hard
on her inflamed skin,” Susan recalls. “A
week later, she had wormed her way
into our hearts and moved into the
house with us. We fed, groomed and
How RMT
Works
Meet Seth Meyer, age
9, one of Susan and
Paul’s’ star students. Seth enters the
room in a burst of energy, his dark eyes
searching for Sassy and Gracie.
The dogs greet him with a flurry of tail
wags and kisses.
“Let’s play,” Seth shouts. He grabs
a hoop, some balls and toys. Sassy
and Gracie leap through the hoop and
scramble for the toys and balls. Just
holding the hoop still and throwing the
toys is an achievement for Seth.
Six months ago, he did not have the
hand-eye coordination to hold the
hoop steady for the dogs to leap and
could not throw the toys. Additionally,
Sassy and Gracie are there to bring
calm to anxious children.
On a floor mat, Seth rocks on his
hands and knees for a few minutes
“Let’s do the bunny,” Susan says. Seth
Where
you and
your
pet are
family.
Complete Veterinary Care
Surgery • Ultrasound • Dentistry
Nutrition • Geriatrics • Pharmacy
Jana K. Layton, DVM
Lauren R. Davied, DVM
3750 S. Peoria • Tulsa, OK 74105
918-748-4400
www.riverbrookpetvet.com
36
TulsaPets MAY 2011
hops forward like a bunny. Then he
stretches out on his back and scoots
backwards using his legs to push.
Susan grabs a pillow for his head.
“Okay, how many times can you lift
your head up and down?” Seth lifts his
head up and down at least a dozen
times. After he rolls up and down the
mat in a rhythmic pattern, he races to
Gracie and Sassy for rewarding licks,
wags, and playtime.
Developmentally challenged children
cannot perform these simple actions
easily. Their primitive reflexes haven’t
“finished” and their brains lack the neural pathways necessary to carry these
messages.
Six months ago Seth could not lift his
head from the pillow without raising his
entire torso. When he got on his hands
and knees, his legs and hands splayed
out. He couldn’t roll over repeatedly,
and he couldn’t scoot on his back at all.
Through RMT training, he learned to
do all of this, plus track with his eyes
without moving his head and converge
images (both eyes converge when seeing one image; before, Seth saw two of
everything).
His reading and learning skills have
improved dramatically, along with his
behavior.
For info:
www.BrainfitnessStrategies.com
Fontana Shopping Center
7814 E. 49th Street
Tulsa, OK 74145
918.622.2242
Monday - Friday
10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
It’s
‘Seabiscuit’
in the
Home Stretch!
By Rusty Lang
Photos by Steve Bull,
Sirius Photography
Dallas doesn’t have a star on
his stall.
In fact he doesn’t get the movie star
treatment at Tulsa Boys’ Home at all,
even though he played the famous
racehorse “Seabiscuit” in the movie of
the same name.
Officially named “Rich in Dallas,”
this is Dallas’ third job. First he was a
racehorse, then movie actor, and now
therapeutic horse. While a movie star,
you could say that he was up for an
Academy Award or two – the movie
received seven Oscar nominations.
“His job is just the same as with all
the other horses -- to interact with
the boys,” says Scott Averill, Equine
Program manager at TBH.
Dallas is one of approximately 20
horses at the residential treatment
facility whose job is to work with the
boys, ages 11-18 years, who have emotional and behavioral problems. TBH
serves about 166 boys each year.
Here’s how it works: The boys are
given a task to do with a horse, such
as ride through a gauntlet. If a boy
has issues in life that haven’t come out
in clinical therapy, such as being brash
or rude with other boys in his lodge,
he will likely display that behavior
while working with the horse.
“The boys open up on what is going
on in their lives,” Averill says. “These
horses couldn’t care less about the
boys’ background.”
In theory, the approach works
because horses are socially much like
people: Some are bullies, some are
timid. Dallas? Well, he’s a friendly,
quiet, personable horse, says Averill.
A meeting with Dallas proves Averill
right. He is a 16-year-old bay gelding
(male that has been neutered) thoroughbred, who stands 15.2 hands tall.
He allows petting and pictures as he
nuzzles grass outside the TBH stables
area (No sugar cubes or carrots for
Continued on p. 38
TulsaPets MAY 2011
37
Come-SitStay-Shop!
Thoroughbred Rich in Dallas’
job as a therapy horse
at the Tulsa Boys’ Home
could be summed up with
a quote from the movie
“Seabiscuit,” in which he
played: “You don’t throw a
whole life away just ‘cause
he’s banged up a little.” It’s
as true of the horse as it is of
the boys.
May 26th –30th
Free Admission
Quik Trip Center
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tulsa Fairgrounds
21st and Yale Avenue
2,000 Dogs Competing in Agility,
Rally, Obedience and
Conformation for Best in Show!
Acres of shopping for you
and your dog.
See the stars of Westminster.
Hosted by Mid-Continent Kennel Club and
Seminole Kennel Club. Supporters of
responsible dog ownership.
Contact us at: [email protected]
him), but nickers heartily when a
mare is brought around to energize
him for photos.
Though Rich in Dallas was one of
about a dozen or so horses who
played Seabiscuit in the 2004 Oscarnominated Disney movie, he was one
of the leads and appeared in several
of the racing stretch scenes with actor
Tobey Maguire.
After Dallas’ movie stint, he was put
in a claiming race in California and
a thoroughbred rescue group, the
Exceller Fund working with Tom and
Leslie Hubbel of Stroud, helped coordinate his “retirement.”
38
TulsaPets MAY 2011
Tulsa Boys’ Home was founded in
1918 and has offered healing and hope
to more than 11,600 boys to date. The
residential treatment facility is located
in west Tulsa County on 158 acres
south of Sand Springs.
Rusty Lang is formerly a long-time writer
and editor at the Tulsa World.
Two Paws Applause
and a High 5!
Dog and Gerbils, by Meagan, Hoover School
The entries flowed in, young artists excelled, and pets ranging
from dogs to birds took to paper to enter our Young Pet Artists
competition.
The ruff (oops, rough!) job of judging was handled purrfectly by
well known artists Helen
Howerton, Lori Abrams
Rauchwerger, and Matt
Moffett. They looked at
dozens of pets prancing,
hopping, crawling, swimming and flying from the
imaginations of young
artists aged 10-years and
under.
The winning entries taking top three spots in the
show ring are…
We enjoyed seeing the
works of many young
artists. Thank you
for participating!
Brown Dog, by YeJi, Rosa Parks School
Bird, by
Shyonna, Rosa
Parks School
On the Scent
fOr SOme
new DigS?
Call Tulsa’s Pet-Friendly Realtor.
DogWatch - It’s all about your Dog!
SAFE-STEP Dog Waste Removal Service - Since 2002
Got Poop?
Let us Scoop!
Weekly Yard Cleanup
for Dog Owners
Catherine Tatum
[email protected]
492-7191
$12/week for 1-2 dogs,
$3 for each extra dog.
Insured and satisfaction
guaranteed.
Magic and Merlin are Catherine’s rescued dogs
Voted Entremanure
of the Year.
Charter Member of www.apaws.org
Call 918-834-POOP (7667)
SAVE A LIFE! ADOPT A HOMELESS DOG OR CAT TODAY!
TulsaPets MAY 2011
39
b
b
b
gets a Haircut
By Rusty Lang
Photos by Pat Atkinson
Tango is a handsome dude, but
his dander can cause problems
in humans with allergies. It’s
time for a trim at the Paw Spa.
Tango’s mom doesn’t feel like dancing.
Her eyes are itchy and watery, and
her throat is scratchy. Tango’s dander
is to blame.
Lucky for them, Crystal Bowen, owner
of the Paw Spa, stands ready to rescue.
Tango is one long-haired, orangeand-white, laid-back feline who arrives
at the Paw Spa ready for his “lion cut.”
Crystal, despite her fiery red hair,
meets the challenge with an
l Bowen
ner Crysta
er
Paw Spa ows her electric shav head,
s
se
ea
ly
nt
ge
inch fur. Hi .
2
1/
1
s
o’
into Tang il will be left fluffy
legs and ta
40
TulsaPets MAY 2011
equally calm attitude,
he stretches out on the grooming deck
armed with toe-nail clipand is so relaxed, he’s purring.
pers and a buzz shaver.
“Well, it’s not like catnip,” smiles
In the pet grooming
Crystal, “but we try to make it so it’s
business since 1994 and
not horrible.” The interior of the Paw
before that a veterinary
Spa adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
technician, Crystal knows It’s not the barking mayhem one
all about those human
encounters in most large gatherings
allergy symptoms.
of pets.
“Dandruff is big flakes,’’
Tango is the only cat here this day,
she explains, as she
among a Yorkie, three Shih Tzus, and a
gently slides her shaver
cocker Spaniel who have already been
through Tango’s 1 1/2-inch
groomed.
fur. “Dander is microscopic particles
made up of dead skin and saliva. Cats
are constantly licking themselves.”
About 25 percent of humans are
allergic to cats, and that is why bathing is important. Since the protein
in dander is hormone-related, nonneutered males produce the most
dander.
Crystal recommends
bathing and grooming
cats about once every
four to six weeks. The
haircuts help with
shedding problems,
that also may set off
allergies.
Piles of oran
on the floor ge and white fluff moun
Crystal buzzes up
The “spa” is around Crystal and Ta d
with a park pet- friendly and soot ngo.
Tango’s back to the
hin
mural in the
background g
.
nape of his neck
where she will leave a
ruff resembling a lion’s
The cocker chases a ball in
mane. His long tail will
the fenced-in play “park,” while two
also be left fluffy. As
of the Shih Tzus chill out in a spacious
Tango’s mom rubs his ear,
holding pen. On the walls are a color-
ful animal mural, portraits of pets and
stuffed toys. Crystal’s training certificates are well-displayed.
As mounds of orange and white fluff
pile on the floor and grooming pad,
Crystal nods toward Tango. “He’s awesome. But when we have to flip him
over is when it gets hard.”
Not to worry. Assistant Gina
Crystal has a
calming effect
on Tango with
her years of
experience as
a groomer and
veterinarian’s
technician, and
her many hours
of continuing
education.
home. She also lives with four Jack
Russell terriers, two Chihuahuas and a
Dogue de Bordeaux.
Back to the belly, Crystal carefully
bares another strip of skin. She knows
one slip of the razor and Tango’s thin
skin could be nipped, possibly resulting in a bad grooming experience.
“Not all (cats) are as relaxed as he is.
But the less handling, the better; if you
are calm, then they are calm.”
Tango’s mom knows that she and her
handsome cat friend will both feel better after the 30 minute grooming at
the Paw Spa (add another 30 minutes
for a bath and blow-dry). The haircut
also helps reduce the fly-away shedding of fine hairs that float in the air.
“He loves his lion haircuts,” Mom says.
“You should see how he prances and
shows off.” Good enough for a little
cat-dancing around the house?
1834 Utica Square • 749.3481
Best Friends
Veterinary Hospital
Carol Best, DVM
Ginger LaNye, DVM
Scarborough steps in and helps
gently roll Tango over on his
back. Tango merely blinks.
Garfield himself couldn’t be
more unflappable.
Crystal recently honed her
skills at a continuing education
seminar in Dallas, where she
also learned about nontoxic
decorative coloring for pets’
coats. She is eager to try that
out on her Standard Poodle at
5417 S. Mingo Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74146
918.663.7595
MWTF: 8:00-1:30
2:30-6:00
Tues.
9:00-3:00
1st & 3rd Sat
8:00-11:30
Back at his abode,
Tango is proud as
a lion and ready
for some serious
playtime.
Longtime journalist
Rusty Lang is a former
Tulsa World editor.
Her cat friend Lucy
did not volunteer for
this story.
TulsaPets MAY 2011
41
Pawprints
Around Town
Dr. Dennis Henson and Dr. Lauren Johnson can now be
found at Hammond Animal Hospital. Henson, a veterinarian in
the Tulsa area for more than 30 years, and Johnson, formerly
of Southern Hills Veterinary Hospital, have teamed up as the
primary vets at this long-time pet hospital.
When he hurts his paw,
let us give you
a hand.
l
Animal Aid is celebrating its 50th anniversary this May – what
started as a small group of women has evolved into a noted
and busy pet rescue organization. Animal Aid’s focus is
rescuing injured animals later available for adoption.
l
l
l
Affordable wellness plans
Spaying and Neutering
Walk-ins Welcome
Open days, evenings
and weekends, too!
Brandon Murray, DVM, CVA, associated with VCA Owasso
Animal Medical Center since January, 2010 completed
certification classes in Animal Acupuncture last year and was
certified in February.
Find your
partner in pet
care, right
inside
PetSmart .
The Animal Emergency Center, Tulsa, is moving to a brand
new location! Effective in early June, 2011, you can find them
at 4055 S. 102nd E. Ave., which is right at 41st Street and
Highway 169.
Note: If you have news about what’s new, changing, or
celebrating in the world of pets in our community, please
email a brief item to [email protected],
Subject line: Pawprints.
®
TULSA
10117 E. 71st St. l 918.254.2599
5418 E. 41st St. l 918.627.8865
7322 S. Olympia Ave. l 918.445.2320
BROKEN ARROW
1410 E. Hillside Dr. l 918.335.0417
ADVERTORIAL
ThePetPosh
Pup
Boutique and Spa
Doggie Daycare and Grooming in a setting like no other!
Our beautiful, bright, Tuscan Villa setting allows our customers to enjoy
a very open, cage-free, and relaxed atmosphere. The Posh Pup offers
grooming and daycare, as well as a unique variety of pet-related retail
items in the spacious boutique. Come meet our groomer, Kena, who has
years of experience and looks forward to styling your pup! Don’t forget to
ask about our doggie birthday parties and puppy showers.
Coming soon to The Posh Pup will be a veterinarian on-site performing
well-checks, vaccinations and handling any minor health issues/
concerns our customers may have. Our manager, Lisa, has years of
experience as a veterinary tech, insuring the safety of your pet.
Gail Benedict, owner of The Posh Pup, welcomes everyone to come by
for a tour of the facility.
Call for your appointment today! 918-935-3990
Hours: M-F 8:00-6:00
Sat. 10:00-4:00
8263 S. Harvard Avenue
(SE corner of 81st & Harvard near “The Market”)
42
TulsaPets MAY 2011
OWASSO
9002 N. 121st Ave. l 918.274.1513
Celebrating 15 Years Assisting Clients in Need • Established in 1996
Loyal Companions
Deserve The Fullest
Dignity and
Respect…
Our services include:
Cremation Services,
Ashes Scattered or
Returned
Memorial Wall for Pets
Urns and
Memorial Markers
24 Hour
Emergency Service
Pre-Need
Arrangements Available
Now offered exclusively
by Companions Forever:
Let Your Love Grow
Commemorate the life of your beloved companion in a unique new way with Let
Your Love Grow. This process converts your pet’s cremation ashes into a planting
medium to grow a plant, bush or tree, and allows your pet’s ashes to return to
nature as part of the ecosystem. Let Your Love Grow provides a living memorial
honoring the life of your departed friend. Call us for more information!
7442 E. 46th St. • Tulsa, OK 74145 • www.companionsforever.com • 610.0348
Bring Your Dog and
Watch a Drillers Game
at ONEOK Field
WEEKLY LOW COST
VACCINATION CLINICS
Vaccination
12 Rabies
for Dog or Cat
$
16 DHLPP+CVK
$
(reg. $16 by appointment)
for Dog
(reg. $20 by appointment)
Other Vaccination $12 - $23
No Appointment Necessary
MONDAY
TULSA 71st & Sheridan 4 - 7 PM
BROKEN ARROW 71st & Lynn Lane 4 - 7 PM
TULSA HILLS 78th & HWY 75 4 - 7 PM
TUESDAY
TULSA 32nd & Mingo
3 - 6 PM
- 7 PM
OWASSO 92nd & HWY 169 4
Sponsored by:
WEDNESDAY
TULSA HILLS 78th & HWY 75 4 - 7 PM
BROKEN ARROW 90th & Elm 4 - 7 PM
THURSDAY
TULSA 71st & Sheridan 4 - 7 PM
BROKEN ARROW 71st & Lynn Lane 4 - 7 PM
FRIDAY
BROKEN ARROW 90 & Elm 1
OWASSO 92nd & HWY 169 1
th
- 4 PM
- 4 PM
SATURDAY
TULSA 71 & Sheridan 9 AM -12 PM
BROKEN ARROW 71st & Lynn Lane
st
3 SATURDAY OF MONTH
9 AM - 12 PM
RD
SOUTHERN AGRICULTURE
Monday, May 16
Tulsa Drillers vs. Northwest Arkansas 7:05 PM
Monday, June 20
Tulsa Drillers vs. Northwest Arkansas 7:05 PM
Monday, July 25
Tulsa Drillers vs. Arkansas 7:05 PM
Monday, August 8
Tulsa Drillers vs. Springfield 7:05 PM
Monday, August 22
Tulsa Drillers vs. Frisco 7:05 PM
Please Have Dogs On Leash & Rabies Tags or
Shot Record Current & Available
OWASSO
TULSA
71st & Sheridan
26th & Harvard
91st & Delaware
32nd & Mingo
Tulsa Hills - 78th & HWY 75
Visit our website for more details:
92nd Street N. & HWY 169
90th & Elm
BROKEN ARROW
71st & Lynn Lane
WWW.SOUTHERNAGRICULTURE.COM

TulsaPets - OKC Pets Magazine Online

Transcription

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