Mar/Apr 2013 NA Pet

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HEALTHY LIVING FOR A HAPPY PET

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Mar/Apr 2013 | East Michigan/Metro Detroit | NAPetMag.com

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Twilight Saga Star Fosters Rescue Dogs

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how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings Healthy Pet or request a media kit, contact us at 248-628-0125 or email:[email protected]. Deadline for ads: 10th of the month prior to each issue.

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regional marketsAdvertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

advertising & submissions

8 walking the talk Marlene Barnes Fosters Rescue Dogs by sandra murphy

9 beYond luXurY Massage Benefits Pets by Patti radakovich

11 natural care For a Sick Pet by dr. shawn messonnier

12 guide horses Miniature Horses for the Blind by Patti radakovich

14 hYdrating Pets by dr. carol ann Fischer

16 Finned & Fascinating Fish Make Appealing Pets by randy kambic

18 whY is kittY FinickY? Feline Oral Disease by dr. John m. simon

20 caring For senior Pets When to See a Vet by Patti radakovich

22 siX-legged runs Best Buddy Workouts

5 petbriefs

7 communityspotlight

8 wisewords

9 petwellness

11 naturalpet

12 horsetales

14 petcare

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© 2012 by Natural Awakenings of East Michi-gan and Michigan Healthy Living and Sustain-ability, Inc. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that written permission be obtained in advance. We do not necessarily endorse the views ex-pressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products or services advertised. The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your medical professional and/or veterinarian. We welcome your ideas, articles and comments.

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By the time you receive this issue of Natural Awakenings, there may still be snow on the ground. We produce the magazine a few weeks before it actually comes out, and it's tough to predict what the weather is going to be like when

Natural Awakenings Pet Magazine is distributed each month. One thing we know for sure, however, is that the first day of Spring occurs in March. We're pretty sure all Michiganders look forward to that day each year. This means we can get outdoors with our pets more often! If you're interested in finding ways to help pets live happier and healthier, this issue of Natural Awakenings Pet is going to help. In one particular article we have an interview with Marlene Barnes, who plays Maggie of the Irish Coven in the The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II. A cur-rent resident of Los Angeles, she actively supports the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, a local no-kill facility, and serves as national spokesperson for Spay First. In this article, she talks about fostering dogs and the importance of spaying/neutering. We hope you enjoy it, whether you're into Twilight or not. In our NaturalPet section, Dr. Shawn Messonnier talks about how "Natural Care for a Sick Pet," is the way to go. The author of several books on the topic, Dr. Mes-sonnier discussed the benefits of holistic pet care. We also have several other articles related to using massage as pet therapy, deal-ing with dental disease in cats and much more. We hope you enjoy them all. You'll also notice several events mentioned in this month's issue. Both are themed in a fashion that draws pet care exhibitors as well as the healthy and green niche and they are coming to East Michigan this Spring. We hope to see you at them all. So, until next issue, here's to a happy and healthy pet...naturally!


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Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics Resume in Southgate

Basil’s Buddies is resuming their monthly low-cost vaccine clinics again starting March 1. Vaccine clinics are held the first Friday of the month from 4:30 pm to

7:30 pm at Tiny Paws Pet Grooming located at 13498 Dix Road in Southgate. Low-cost vaccinations, heartworm testing, heartworm and flea and tick preventatives, dewormers, microchips, and nail trims are available. The clinics specialize in non-adjuvanted vaccines from Merial and Pfizer; the same high-quality vaccines administered by vets. Please check online for prices and full details. Vaccine clinics are open to the public – no appointments are necessary. The clinics are cash only. Basil’s Buddies crafts and animal-themed merchandise will also be available for sale at the clinics.

For more information, please visit BasilsBuddies.org, call 734-926-1098 or email them directly at: [email protected].

Belle Isle Aquarium Open to the Public

Since the Belle Isle Aquarium reopened to the public last fall, it has seen an out-pouring of supporters returning to view the fish. The all-volunteer run aquarium is

open to the public on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm. And the best part is – it’s all free. When the aquarium closed in 2005, it had been the oldest continually-operating aquarium in North America. The Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium formed, now merged with the Belle Isle Conservancy - a group that is dedicated to preserving all of Belle Isle, and fought for seven years to raise funds and reopen the aquarium to the public. The aquarium houses a collection of fresh

water and salt water fish and even boasts a Tadpole City. Although the aquarium is not as full as it once was, the empty tanks are filled with artwork and displays by local artists, businesses, and students while the volunteers continue to work hard to restore the aquarium to its former glory. In the meantime, the aquarium continues to draw many visitors, both old and new, to delight in its nostalgia.

The aquarium is located on Belle Isle in Detroit. For more information, visit their website at: BelleIsleConservancy.org or like them on Facebook.

Pets are humanizing. they remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.—James Cromwell


petbriefs

Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance For Inkster, Garden City & Redford Residents

Tail Waggers, 1990 a 501 (c)(3) organization, is offering financial assistance to residents

with pets in the cities of Inkster and Garden City only who wish to take part in their Target Spay/Neuter and Micro Chip Program made possible by the Bissell Pet Foundation. Residents of Redford only may take part in their Target Spay/Neuter Program made possible by PetSmart Charities. Services for Redford resi-dents and their pets include a complimentary rabies vaccination and a free heartworm test. Limited appointments are available.

Tail Waggers 1990 is located at 28402 Five Mile Rd. in Livonia. For more informa-tion, contact Tail Waggers 1990 at 734-855-4077 or visit: tailwaggers1990.org.

Easter Storytime Fundraiser in Wyandotte

Local children’s book author and chairman of Basil’s Buddies, Patti Radakovich, is holding

a unique fundraiser for her non-for-profit on Saturday, March 16 at 12:30 pm - Kids' Easter Storytime and Craft Day. Patti will read her book, The Easter Chinchilla, which follows the tale of Inca, a chinchilla who doesn't quite fit in, and how he finds his purpose. The book will be available for purchase after the reading; a portion of the proceeds benefit Basil's Buddies. There will be a free craft following the story. Children should bring a picture of themselves, one suitable for cutting. All other supplies will be provided. Patti is also a thumbprint artist and will be available to create a piece of art utilizing your child's thumbprint for a small fee. The fundraiser will be held at Total Health Foods located at 2938 Biddle Ave in Wyandotte.

For more information, please email [email protected] or visit their website at: BasilsBuddies.org.

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There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before. ~ Robert Lynd


On a Mission to Save Detroit’s Dogs

There are thousands of dogs wandering the streets of Detroit and The Detroit Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization committed to helping. They're on a mission

to open the first no-kill shelter in Detroit. The Detroit Dog Rescue was founded by Daniel Carlisle, also known as Detroit rapper Hush. In 2010, he started documenting Detroit's saddest dogs and posting the videos to YouTube. In 2011, DDR received an anonymous donation of 1.5 million dollars from a terminally ill woman. Carlisle credits the

success of DDR to her gift. The Detroit Dog Rescue works to save the forgotten dogs of Detroit. Sometimes, the police call them from drug raids to come collect an abandoned dog. Other times, neighbors surrender canines left behind by their owners. Every dog that DDR rescues receives veterinary care including vaccinations, sterilization, de-worming and heart-worm testing and treatment. So far they have helped over 1500 dogs and only 2 have ever been put down - one terminally ill and one who could not be rehabilitated. "We essentially work as a shelter, without having the physical space yet," says Carlisle. While the rescued dogs wait to be adopted, they live with foster families or are boarded at pet facilities, including Harper Veterinary Hospital and Camp Bow Wow in St. Clair Shores. In 2014, DDR plans to break ground on the first no-kill shelter in Detroit. DDR also does community outreach by providing education and assistance to dog owners in the city. They host vaccination clinics, teach classes, and collaborate with organizations to build dog houses. Struggling dog owners can contact DDR for food, vet costs and dog houses. "No expense is spared when it comes to saving a dog’s life." explains Carlisle. "Gunner, a German Shorthaired Pointer who was found on the side of the road with his leg hanging off, has been DDR’s most expensive case yet. When DDR contacted the owner, using Gunner’s microchip, they learned he had traveled over 100 miles…with a broken leg and the owner didn't want him back. DDR spent over $6000 to heal Gunner and send him to a no-kill German Shorthair Pointer rescue in Boston." "What DDR needs most is adopters and foster families," says Carlisle. "The quicker we can get fosters and adopters, the faster we can bring more dogs in. When we're at capacity, we can't take in more dogs."

For more information, to volunteer foster or adopt, visit DetroitDogRescue.com. For information on local DDR events, check out the calendar on their website.

communityspotlight

it is easy to sit up and take notice; what is

difficult is getting up and taking action.

~Honoré de Balzac

Pet Briefs. We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item.

Visit our website for guidelines and a convenient online submission form to guide you through the submission process.

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wisewords

Actress Marlane Barnes recently made her feature

film debut as Mag-gie of the Irish Coven, in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II, building on a growing résumé of films, TV and theater credits. A current resident of Los Angeles, she actively supports the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, a local no-kill facility, and serves as national spokesperson for Spay First. To date, her foster dogs include India, Birdie, Archie and Wally, with more to come.

Why is fostering rescue dogs important?Fostering is a good way to find the right dog for your personality and circumstances. Dogs aren’t accessories, chosen on looks alone. Fostering allows you to see what breed, size, tem-perament and activity level works best. When India, the first dog I fostered, was adopted, she went to a home that suited her nature and needs. Birdie, a 6-year-old golden retriever-beagle mix,

WALKING THE TALKMarlane Barnes Fosters Rescue Dogs

by sandra murphy

came to me when her shelter time was up. Af-ter two months, Birdie was placed with a family that was willing to deal with an older dog’s health issues, and it’s worked out well for all parties.

What do you try to teach the dogs to make them more adoptable?We take a lot of walks during our six to eight weeks together. Teaching

them to sit, be petted, take treats gently and behave well on a leash all helps. I also expose them to new experi-ences. We visit the coffee shop, meet kids and take hikes; in these ways, I learn what the individual dog enjoys. It takes some of the guesswork out of the equation. Fostering is like a halfway house for dogs; after living with them, I can vouch for them, as well as voice any concerns about the family situation. I feel strongly that the dog must be treated as part of the family, whose schedule has to work with having a dog, and that dog in particular. It’s a matter of finding the right person for the

animal. We want every adoption to be the best match possible.

Who takes care of your foster dog when you are at work?I have a group of creative friends who jump in to help. It’s easy to ask them to help with a foster dog because it lets them be part of the rescue. That way, they are doing a favor more for the dog than for me.

How do spay/neuter programs benefit shelter animals?When I was 10, I volunteered at the Humane Society in Fort Smith, Arkansas, so being the spokesperson for Spay First is a natural fit. High volume/low cost spay/neuter programs are the fastest way to reduce pet overpopulation and the number of animals ending up in shelters. Every year, taxpayers spend billions of dollars to house, euthanize and dispose of millions of animals. Spay/neuter is a commonsense way to permanently solve the problem. Spay First works to keep the cost less than $50, especially in rural and lower income areas, and actively campaigns to make this a community priority around the country.

How can caring people help?Donate money or items found on a shelter or rescue unit’s wish list. Walk a shelter dog to keep it social and ac-tive. Foster a dog to see if having a dog fits and enhances your life. The rescue group pays the bills, support is avail-able and it’s a good way to explore the possibility of adoption. Once you know for sure, adopt. Also talk about the benefits of fos-tering and adopting dogs and the impor-tance of affordable spay/neuter programs for dogs and cats in your community. Spread the word that it is not okay to buy a puppy or kitten in a store when we are discarding millions of shelter animals each year that desperately need homes. Puppies are cute, but older dogs already are what they’re going to be—what you see is what you happily get.

For more information or to make a donation, visit SpayFirst.org.

Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines.

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Canine massage is great for geriatric pets, arthritic dogs, post-surgical dogs, and sporting dogs. Blanchard recommends looking for a therapist who is certified in canine massage and is a rehabilitation practitioner, particularly in cases where massage will be a treatment modality. Equine massage is another very common type of pet mas-

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Massage, originally touted as a luxury, is finally get-ting its rightful place as a therapeutic treatment option for humans. But can massage actually have

therapeutic benefits for pets? The answer is a resounding yes. The most common type of pet massage is canine massage. Lisa Blanchard of Animal Rehabilitation Center of Michigan is a licensed veterinary technician, canine massage therapist, and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner. She explains the health benefits of canine massage. “Massage therapy is not just a luxury; it can be very thera-peutic. In fact, it is extremely beneficial as a preventative measure to maintain overall wellness and being. It is also a great source of pain relief and comfort” explains Blanchard.

“Massage increases the dog’s range of motion by

encouraging fluids to move more easily over the joints. It also improves circula-tion and helps to keep the muscles more

relaxed,” she continues. “With mas-sage, the dog has more fluid motion

which decreases muscle spasms, increases

muscle flexibility, de-creases pain, and provides

positive psychological benefits to both the dog and the pet par-ent. It is particularly beneficial for dogs displaying muscle compensation due to injury or illness.”

Beyond LuxuryMassage Offers Therapeutic Benefits to Pets

petwellness

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sage. Most people wouldn’t think of horses as massage candidates, but equine massage has a very long history. Equine massage is both therapeutic and preventative in nature and is beneficial for any horse, from pet horses to race horses. Cyndy Venier, certified equine massage therapist, says, “Massage is a great way to restore a horse to health, particularly in areas that a horse can’t reach on its own. It is used to effectively treat condi-tions such as lameness, limping, and colic. Massage is also used for show and race horses to keep them in top condition. People are often amazed at the benefits massage can bring, without the need for other types of treatment.” Massage works the same way in the horse as it does on the dog. It improves circulation to promote healing, in-creases range of motion, increases the production of synovial fluid in the joints to reduce inflammation and swelling, stimulates the lymphatic system for proper removal of toxins, and relieves tension. It is has been shown to have positive psychological benefits for the horse, as well. And let’s not forget our feline friends – cats receive benefits from massage, too! Linda Lieder, certified massage therapist, has been massaging felines for years.

“Cats have been a part of my family since I was a child. Although some have had a very independent nature, all have enjoyed the special bond massage therapy provides. You know your cat is enjoying the massage when it starts to purr or knead you!” says Linda. “I have found that daily massage of my feline friends is not only soothing and relax-

ing (not only for the cat, but for me, too), but it is assists in detecting abnor-malities under the fur such as painful areas, skin issues, and lumps or bumps - conditions I would want the veterinar-ian to inspect.” Aside from the bonding and relaxation, there are therapeutic benefits as well, as Linda explains, “Slow, repetitive movements can help to relieve anxiety, increase circulation, and soothe the muscles. It is especially beneficial for older cats who may lack the flexibility of their younger friends.”

Pet massage is gaining respect as a legitimate treatment modality as more people understand the therapeutic benefits of massage. Long-touted by practitioners and integrative vets as an effective treatment option, the public is now coming to realize that pet massage is more than just a luxury. Lisa Blanchard, LVT, CMT, CCRP is an animal rehabilitation practitioner and canine massage therapist at Animal Rehabilitation Center of Michigan, Inc. For more information, call 248-363-5061 or visit unionlakepets.com. Cyndy Venier is a certified equine mas-sage therapist. For more information, call 734-674-8004 or email [email protected]. Linda Lieder, CMT is a certified mas-sage therapist who also sees cats and dogs. For more information, call 734-765-1341 or email [email protected]. Patti Radakovich is founder and chair-man of Basil’s Buddies, a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization. She is also a Reiki practitioner for pets. For more information, email [email protected] or visit Facebook.com/Petra4Pets.

You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!~ Dave Barry


The best course of action for any pet that appears to be sick is to see a holistic vet early, before a

disease can progress or before the pet has been made even more ill by im-proper conventional treatment.

Downsides of Conventional TreatmentMany sick pets brought to a holistic vet’s office may not have been formally diagnosed, even if they’ve been receiv-ing medical treatment by a conven-tional doctor for weeks or months. In most cases, the standard blanket prescriptions of antibiotics and corti-costeroids—regardless of the cause of illness—have failed to produce positive results. Worse, such drugs carry side ef-fects that can make the pet even sicker; indiscriminate use of antibiotics, for ex-ample, has led to antibiotic resistance in bacteria, making it harder to treat serious infections when antibiotics are the only viable treatment option. So by the time the holistic doctor sees them, the condition of these pets may have worsened. The good news is that with precise diagnosis of the underlying issues, most sickly pets can be treated with good success. Be-cause a holistic approach to

Natural Care for a Sick Petby dr. shawn messonnier

healthcare relies on individual factors, the exact treatment will vary according to the patient and situation. A cookie-cutter treatment will not be very helpful.

Holistic Nutrition Therapy HelpsOwners can take several steps to provide relief for a suffering pet right away while awaiting the results of proper diagnostic tests. In my practice, three vet-supervised nutrition therapies have been shown to be effective in stabilizing a sick pet for the 24 to 48 hours needed to return test re-sults before the appropriate treatment can be initiated. Ask the attending veterinar-ian for other safe, comforting measures he or she likes to recommend. First, most sick pets benefit from receiving fluid therapy (intravenous or subcutaneous) in a veterinary hospital. The fluids rehydrate and help detoxify the pet by causing increased urination that flushes out cellular toxins. Second, injectable vitamins C and B complex added to the fluids often have a temporary pick-me-up effect, re-ducing lethargy and improving appetite. Third, using supplements selected to restore homeostasis also helps make the pet feel better and encourages healthy eating. I like to use a natural immunity support I developed called Healthy

Chi, which contains amino acids, po-tassium, green tea, ginseng, gotu kola and the herb astragalus. Homeopathic combinations also can be useful; I’ve developed a natural remedy combining gallium, colchicum, hydrastis, anthra-quinone and glyoxal.

Case Studies Exemplify SuccessTwo recent cases illustrate the benefit of an informed holistic approach. Gus, a 7-year-old male standard poodle, had a history of inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal cancer. He did well immediately following cancer surgery, but then became lethargic and showed a disinterest in food. So, we conducted a fecal analysis and complete blood profile. While awaiting test results, I prescribed the recommended nutrition therapies, along with a special diet. The next morning, the owner reported that Gus was feeling and acting much bet-ter, including showing more interest in eating. His owner was pleased with this rapid response and relieved to avoid unnecessary medication. A young Persian cat arrived in our office with a chronic herpes virus infec-tion. Percy’s owner made an appoint-ment because the feline had a con-gested nose and wasn’t eating as much as normal. Natural treatment for the herpes virus began with the amino acid lysine and the herb echinacea, both also helpful in preventing cold and flu. Supportive care for the general malaise and lack of appetite relied on the same recommended nutrition therapies and again resulted in overnight improve-ments in the pet’s attitude and appetite; the nasal congestion left during the following week. While antibiotics and corticoste-roids can be helpful in properly diag-nosed cases, using natural therapies can provide quick relief without the harmful side effects often seen from the use of conventional medications.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veteri-nary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCareNaturally.com.

naturalpet


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horsetales

Everyone has heard of Seeing-Eye Dogs, but did you know that miniature horses are also trained

as guide animals for the visually im-paired? Miniature horses for the blind have been helping to guide the visually impaired officially since 1999. Minia-ture horses are less than 26 inches tall and usually weigh between 55 to 100 pounds, roughly the same size as a dog. They are officially recognized as service animals by the federal government un-der the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The first miniature guide horse was trained by Janet Burlseon, a horse trainer with 30 years of experience. She founded the Guide Horse Foundation (GHF) in 1999 as an experimental pro-gram to see if miniature horses would make good service animals for the visu-ally impaired; so far the program has been a great success.

The Guide Horse Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe, cost-effective and reliable mobility alternative for visually impaired people. They are committed to delivering Guide Horses at no cost to the blind, relying on un-paid volun-teers and charitable donations to pay all travel and housing expenses for the blind handler's on-site training.

Guide Horses: Miniature Horses for the Blind

According to the GHF, “There is a criti-cal shortage of guide animals for the blind and guide horses are an appropri-ate assistance animal for thousands of visually impaired people in the USA. Guide horses are not for everyone, but there is a strong demand for Guide Horses among blind horse lovers, those who are allergic to dogs, and those who want a guide animal with a longer lifespan.”

Guide Horses take about 18 months to train, the same as a dog, but their greater lifespan allows for their average service years to be 30, as opposed to 12 for a dog. Horses are not for everyone, however, as they prefer to live outside when they are off-duty and require a miniature horse companion as they are social animals.

by Patti Radakovich

The Guide Horse Foundation

reports that miniature horses

are particularly well suited to

being a service animal for the

visually impaired because of

their nature.


The Guide Horse Foundation reports that miniature horses are particularly well suited to being a service animal for the visually impaired because of their nature. Some of the rea-sons they give include the following:

• They have excellent vision with a range of nearly 350 degrees. They are capable of independent eye movements and can see in almost total darkness.

• They are calm by nature and go through the same riot and desensitization training as police horses.

• They have a great memory and can remember a danger-ous situation years later.

• They are very focused and not easily distracted.

• They are naturally safety conscious and are programmed by nature to avoid danger.

The GHF receives donations of miniature horses from breed-ers and individuals. According to their website, “Less than 1% of miniature horses are suitable for the Guide Horse pro-gram, and all horses must have exceptional small size, physi-cal health and above average intelligence. Prior to accep-tance into the Guide Horse training program, all miniature

horses are required to pass a thorough physical examination by a licensed Equine Veterinarian. Size is also an issue, and all miniature horses must measure less than 26 inches high at the withers to enable accessibility for their blind owner.

The miniature horse must also possess structurally sound legs, good health and demonstrable stamina. Only those miniature horses certified sound and healthy by the Veteri-narian are accepted into the program. All Guide Horses are also tested for intelligence prior to entry into the training pro-gram. During training, the miniature horses undergo periodic physicals to ensure their continual health and soundness. The GHF only accepts mini horses that are capable of meeting the rigorous physical demands of the program. Donated min-iature horses that are not certified physically capable for use as Guide Horses are placed in private homes as companion animals or pets.”

While the GHF recommends that Guide Horses live outside when they are off-duty, many owners still bring their horses in for companionship from time to time. The horses don’t crave human attention the same as dogs, but they are still very affectionate. They like being groomed, brushed, rubbed, and scratched and they enjoy play. They can be trained to lay on couches and beds. They are also very clean and easily housebroken.

Guide Horses are trained by professionals who have decades of experience with horse training as well as an understand-ing of the needs of the visually impaired. Guide Horses must learn the same skill sets as their Seeing-Eye Dog counterparts, but in a way that works with the horse’s natural abilities. They are a relatively new, unique, and wonderful mobility option for visually-impaired people.

For more information, please visit GuideHorse.org.

Patti Radakovich is the founder and chairman of Basil's Bud-dies, a non-profit animal welfare organization. For more info, visit BasilsBuddies.org.

Guide Horses are trained by professionals

who have decades of experience with horse

training as well as an understanding of the

needs of the visually impaired.


petcare

By Dr. Carol Ann Fischer

In the USA, there are 78 million owned dogs and 86 million owned cats. People and humans share a

similar physiology. There are 10 trillion cells for every 10 kilograms of body weight. Water makes up 65-85% of an animals body, while only 70-75% of their owners body. Proper hydration is essential for the health of all pets and their owners. Dr. Tim Crow, DVM, DACVS – Emeritus, Charter DACVECC, FCCM, Certified Firefighter, NREMT-1, also teaches at the University of Georgia. As a certified critical care veterinary surgeon, and chief of the fire depart-ment, he believes that hydration is a big problem for pets and their owners. After 30 years of practice, he has found that pet owners and their pets simply do not drink enough water. Dr. Crow’s many years of research and clinical practice has led him to believe that many pet diseases are asso-ciated with dehydration. Mild dehydra-tion in pets results in less blood flow, less oxygenation, chronic cell changes, disc problems, and free radical produc-tion. The same process occurs in pet

Hydrating Petsowners, but at a slower rate. One month of life for a dog is like one year for humans. By the time a dog is 2 years old, he is 24 years old in human years. As pets age and continue to dehydrate, more inflam-mation, disc disease, and joint pain develops, weight gain increases, and other degenerative diseases occur. Inflammatory cells are stored in body fat as weight increases. Increased stress and free radical pro-duction is then increased in animals that are overweight, just as in people. Degenerative diseases, including cancer develops in pets 7-10 times faster, because their me-tabolism is 7-10 times faster than their owners. According to a 2007 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, dehydration is linked to cardiovascular disease, arteriosclero-sis, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney issues. Proper hydra-

tion can reverse these degen-

erative changes more quickly in pets, than in

people, because of their faster metabo-lism and healing time. What to DrinkThe type of water that pets drink makes a difference. The healthy function of their cells is dependent upon hydra-tion, just as in their pet owners. Energy production, nerve conduction, nutrient and waste transport, and all cellular functions in animals and humans, is dependent on water. Researcher Dr. James Gregg has proved that all living proteins and chro-mosomes have living water as part of their matrix. Living water is hexagonal in shape, like a snowflake. It contains high amounts of small clustered water molecules, making it easier for cellular hydration to occur. Prevention is 1/16 the total cost of treating disease, according to Dr. Mu Shik Jhon in his book published in 2004,The Water Puzzle and the Hex-agonal Key. After 40 years of research, he summarizes his findings with 270 references and studies. He explains that the original hexagonal shape of water


is altered by the chloride, fluoride, and aluminum that are added to tap water. Altered water is not rapidly absorbed, leading to dehydration at a cellular level. According to Dr. Jhon, once the shape of water has been altered, filtering it does not restore its original hexagonal shape. The only two ways to restore water to its original hexago-nal shape are through an electrolysis process that restructures the water, and by exposing altered water to strong magnetic fields. Dogs have 40,000 times the ability to smell compared to humans. They can smell the chlorine in the tap water better than people. Dr. Crow has found that pets will not drink tap water until they really have to. When animals do drink tap water, the chlorine becomes chloroform in their body. Dr. Crow be-lieves this is the reason why animals do not drink as much water, causing them to become dehydrated. Restructured hexagonal living water is antioxidant rich, which helps to reduce pain, inflammation and free radical damage. When pets drink living water they become hydrated faster, without the bloated feeling. They will drink more living hexagonal water because it does not have chlorine, it is easier to drink, and it tastes better. Water makes a huge difference in body chemistry for pets and their owners. Restructured living water is non-toxic, has no side effects, increases hydration and mobility, and makes animals healthier and more loving. Pets have more energy, are more vibrant, and healthier when they drink living water. Proper hydration is vital for pets and their owners, so that they can live longer with less pain, and be happier. Dr. Carol Ann Fischer, B.S., D.C., N.D. owns TLC Holistic Wellness located at 31580 Schoolcraft Rd in Livonia, MI 48150. She is a practicing chiropractor, wellness consultant and cellular hydra-tion specialist; she also provides holistic and nutritional recommendations to im-prove health. For more information, call 734-664-0339 or visit TLCHolisticWell-ness.com for a listing of free workshops. See ad page 9.


Fish aquariums are colorful and won-drous windows to

the sea, showcasing continuous movement, yet evoking tranquil-ity. A mainstay in many workplaces, restaurants, hospitals and physicians’ offices, these watery habitats weave their greatest influence when

adopted into a home with children.

The 2011-2012 American Pet Products

Association Pet Owner Survey reports that 11.9 million U.S. households now own freshwater fish (another 700,000 have saltwa-ter pets). While exotic species offer great appeal, freshwater fish are less expensive in many cases and require less equipment in terms of pumps and power heads to create water currents. Careful and thoughtful planning can start ownership off in fine finned fashion.

Getting StartedThe number of fish desired should dictate the size of the tank. Hartz.com suggests one inch of fish for every 1.5 to two gallons in tank size. Mindy Do-brow, owner of Brookline Grooming & Pet Supplies, in Massachusetts, notes, “Most new owners that want to take

FINNED AND FASCINATINGFish Make Appealing Family Pets

by randy kambic

the hobby seriously get 30- to 50-gallon tanks.” She suggests once-daily feedings or, “If you want more in-teraction with the fish, half as much, twice a day. If you feed at set times, the fish will quickly learn and

be ready.” To provide a relaxed envi-ronment for aquarium life and reduce algae growth, select a tank location in a low-traffic area, away from windows. According to Dobrow, a first freshwater collection of colorful species that usually coexist well could include angelfish, discus, clown loach, African cichlids and fancy goldfish. “They’re all fun and pretty,” she comments. Aquarium shop owner Ron Elander, of Octopuss Garden, in San Diego, con-curs. For fresh startups, he recommends

including several kinds of African cichlids because, “They chase each other around a good deal

and are interesting to watch.” He also likes angelfish, which he charac-

terizes as docile and elegant. A modern water filtra-tion system is needed to eliminate fish waste and uneaten food that can decay and contaminate the water. Elander warns against showing too much love by overfeeding. “Excess food settles on the bottom, decays and

is eaten later; we get sick eating rotten food and so will fish.” Make frequent partial water changes—one-third of the total every two to four weeks, depending on the number of fish and tank size, accord-ing to Dobrow—because filtering alone cannot do the job. Have the household tap water tested for pH (a measure of acidity and alkalin-ity) in order to know which chemicals are needed to sustain the level between 7.7 and 8.3, again depending on the fish population and tank size. Use LED lights, energy-saving water filters and a heater with built-in thermostat con-trol (to maintain a range between 75°

and 82° Fahrenheit) in order to reduce electric utility costs. Creative decorating atop the tank’s foun-

dational gravel base adds to the fun. Make sure anything manmade, such as a model sunken ship or treasure chest, is obtained from a pet store, so it won’t rust or degrade and contaminate the water. Shells, coral and plants also add to a maritime setting. Remember, the more plants installed, the more light (and elec-tricity) is needed to keep them alive.

Health BenefitsAnimalPlanet.com attests that watching fish lowers respiration and pulse rates, relieves tension and provides relief from stresses. “Children can forge a deep con-nection and obtain a delayed gratifica-tion in tending fish that can be a matur-ing experience,” says Medical Doctor Archana Lal-Tabak, who practices integrative medicine, holistic psychiatry, Ayurveda and homeopathy at the Heart of Transformation Wellness Institute, in

Evanston, Illinois. She stresses that fish

ownership should be a family experience at the beginning, so that children

take their responsibility se-riously; it also naturally leads to eagerly anticipated visits to natural waterways.

wetpets

An aquarium decorates

the house. It’s also

constant theater, with

the fish being the actors.~ Ron Elander, owner,

Octopuss Garden


Get Published In Natural Awakenings Pet

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participation by experts in our community.

Local articles are what make NaturalAwakenings Pet a community re-source for naturally healthy and sus-tainable living..for our animal friends.

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Lal-Tabak particularly recommends this hobby for children with attention deficit symptoms, because, “Watching fish can slow children down and allow them to appreciate being in the pres-ent moment.” A discreet correlation exists be-tween witnessing the compatibility of different species and human potential. Seeing a world of multicolored fish represents a harmonious diversity for a discerning person of any age.

Elander further notes

that some

fish characteristics make them particu-larly well suited as pets for the older set. “They don’t bark and you don’t have to take them out for a walk on a cold morning,” he says with a grin.

Find more information in the Marine Aquarium Handbook: Beginner to Breeder, by Martin A. Moe, Jr.

Animal lover Randy Kambic is an Estero, FL, freelance writer and editor and a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

WATCH LISTCommon Fish Ailments

Fish illnesses can usually be prevented via proper maintenance and feeding. If suspect behavior or appearance arises, discuss with an expert pet retailer what steps might help, including use of specific liquid medications follow-

ing manufacturer’s dosage instructions. Ammonia poisoning. High ammonia levels can accumulate when an owner sets up a new tank or adds too many new fish simultaneously. Symptoms to watch for include red or purple gills or fish gasping for breath at the surface. Use a freshwater aquarium neutralizer solution and a 50 percent water change. For prevention, stock the tank slowly, avoid overfeeding, remove uneaten food and conduct regular partial water changes. Columnaris. This bacterial infection, showing as mold-like lesions, is caused by poor water quality and inadequate diet. Highly contagious among fish, a mixture of penicillin and formalin is often recommended. A complete tank cleaning can prevent re-infection.

Fin Rot. Frayed and white fin edges indicate the presence of this bacterial disease. A combination of

formaldehyde, malachite green, methylene blue and/or penicillin, plus a complete tank cleaning, should remedy the problem.

Ich. White spots or red streaks typically signify this potentially fatal skin infection of a fish stressed by poor diet or an unclean habitat. Copper sulfate or forma-lin can destroy all parasites and carrier cysts.

Sources: Illness descriptions, Hartz.com; medi-cations, Ron Elander, owner, Octopuss Garden, San Diego.


by Dr. John M. Simon

Because few pet owners care for their pets' teeth as well as they take

care of their own, low grade Gingivitis and Periodontitis after 3 years of age is a very common disease in both dogs and cats. For the most part, daily home dental care care and an annual dental prophylaxis can control such problems. However there is a much more serious gum and mouth disease of cats known as LPGS (Lymphocytic plas-matcytic gingivitis stomatitis), which is difficult to treat and often results in full mouth extractions. First, let us define a few words: Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums. Somatitis refers to inflammation of the mouth as a whole. Periodontitis refers to a progressive inflammation disease of the gums where the bone surrounding the teeth starts to recede. The exact cause of LPGS is un-known, but it is most likely a combina-tion of multiple factors which together create chronic inflammation that eventually results in an auto-immune disease. One theory is that some cats are hypersensitive to bacterial plaque which causes the immune system to over-react and mount an extreme in-flammatory response that drives a large numbers of white cells, mainly lym-

kittycorner

phocytes and plasma cells, into the oral tissue. Other theories implicate feline leu-kemia, feline immune deficiency virus, and a bacteria known as Bartonella. Environmental stressors that weaken the cat’s immune system must also be considered to play a part in the disease process. It has also been proposed that there may be a genetic breed predilec-tion. As LPGS progresses, the major symptoms displayed are results of gum and mouth pain. Cats have difficulty eating and may even stop eating en-tirely. Often cats will approach their food dish as if interested in eating but then run from the food because eating is painful. Other cats may be fearful of having their face touched. Owners may notice that their cat will drool excessively and that the saliva may be blood tinged. Still other cats may paw at their mouth. Some cats stop eating their dry food because it is too painful, but may eat canned food if offered. Owners often misinterpret this be-havior and attribute it to the cat being finicky. Sometimes the gum pain will cause cats to become reclusive, irritable or aggressive. Cats with LPGS often

have bad breath. Confirming the tentative diagno-sis of LPGS is performed under light anesthesia after a careful oral exam has been completed. The exam nor-mally shows extremely red swollen gums and gum tissue that bleeds easily when touched. The gums are the most frequent oral tissue involved. However, other areas of the mouth may also be inflamed, such as the roof of the mouth, the tissue surrounding the tonsils and the lips. Gum recession and periodontitis are often noted. It should be noted that there are other conditions such as cancer and eosinophilic granuloma complex that resemble LPGS, because they produce inflammation and swelling of the mouth and gums. However, the treatment pro-tocol is quite different. Consequently a surgical biopsy of the oral tissue involved should be performed and the sample sent out to a pathologist for histopathology. Dental x-rays should also be taken to rule out other dental diseases such as retained root tips and cavities which are known as "neck lesions" because they occur at the neck of the tooth, just at or under the gum margin. Once the diagnosis of LPGS is

Why is Kitty so Finicky?diagnosing & treating Feline oral disease


confirmed, the question of how to treat the disease remains. The primary therapeutic approach is to find ways to reduce the inflammation in the cat’s mouth. If sensitivity to dental plaque is thought to be the cause then a thorough cleaning of the cat’s teeth, including the pock-ets under the cat’s gums should be performed–at least three times yearly. Home dental care by owners is just as important as the professional teeth cleaning and should be performed on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many cats with this disease have mouths that are so sore that brushing is impossible, so dental antibac-terial rinses may be all that can be done. The problem is that even with frequent professional cleanings and conscientious home care the disease may not be alleviated. Ongoing oral anti-microbial therapy in conjunction with anti-inflammatory steroid therapy may help at first, but many cats become unre-sponsive to such therapy. When all else fails extraction of all the cats teeth may be necessary to give relief from this chronically painful condition and allow the pet to eat and live a comfortable life. Cats that undergo this procedure will recover quite quickly and go on to eating canned cat food without a problem after the gums have healed. A few cats may need periodic injections of anti inflam-matory medication to deal with flare ups even after full mouth dental extractions. In such cases long acting steroids have been the only solution available to veterinarians who prac-tice only conventional medicine. On the other hand, holistic veterinarians will attempt to manage the disease with a more natural approach that includes laser therapy, herbal anti inflammatory, natural hydrocortisone therapy, Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q 10, DMSO and even low dose Cytokine therapy. Monolauren therapy may be used in place of antibiotics. No doubt management of this disease is very challeng-ing for both the conventional and holistic veterinarian and clients need to realize that their cat may be facing a life time of more frequent veterinary visit and home therapy. Anything a cat owner can do to be proactive and maintain the oral health of their pet will pay huge benefits in providing their special friend with a longer carefree life.

Dr. John M. Simon is the owner and only veterinarian at Woodside Animal Clinic in Royal Oak where he has been heal-ing dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets and pocket pets for over 30 years using both traditional and holistic medicine. He is a past president of the Oakland County Veterinary Association and has served on the board of the American Holistic Veterinary As-sociation. Dr. Simon is the author of 4 pet-care books and has written numerous articles for a variety of magazines and newspapers. Visit his newly revised website at Doc4pets.com. See ad to the right.

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Our pets are our family and we want to make sure they are comfortable, happy, and pain-free at all stages of their lives. However, as pets age, it often becomes difficult for people to know the difference between normal signs of aging and when a visit to the vet is warranted. For senior pets dealing with an illness, it’s also a fine balance between knowing when to continue providing supportive care and when quality of life becomes affected. For instance, you may choose not to pursue aggressive treatment for a cancer patient, but you would treat an infection.

Having a trusted veterinarian, particularly one that practices integrative medicine, is an essential tool for all stages of life, but particularly for senior pets. Being able to differentiate between normal signs of ag-ing, treatable conditions, life-threatening illnesses, and chronic conditions is an important skill. As your pet ages, your veterinarian will be able to educate you on these differences. You should

Caring for YourSenior PetsWhen to See a Vet

by Patti Radakovich

always check with your vet whenever your pet experiences changes or new symptoms; some of the more common symptoms for older pets are listed below.

Eating HabitsOlder pets’ appetites will often decrease, so this could be normal. However, thyroid changes can also occur in animals as they age affecting their eating patterns. Dogs are more prone to hypothyroid (a slow thyroid) whereby they eat less food but gain weight. Cats are more prone to hyperthyroid (fast thy-roid) whereby they eat more food and continue to lose weight.

Drinking HabitsChanges in drinking habits, including drinking excessively or drinking very little, should be addressed. Drinking con-sumption can be affected by medication, particularly any steroid treatments your animal may be on. Excessive drinking can also be a warning sign of diabetes, an illness that unfortunately is affecting more animals these days.

UrinationIncreased or discolored urination can be a result of medication, but it can also be

signs of illness or dehydration (darker colored urine). If the animal has painful or bloody urination or is straining but cannot go, it can be an emergency, especially for male cats. It can also be an indica-tion of a bladder infection. Incontinence is another problem that can happen as pet’s age – talk to your vet about natural remedies.

Bowel MovementsConstipation or diarrhea are signs that something is off in the digestive system and perhaps it’s time to change your pet’s food. A lighter color or reddish stool can often indicate that fat isn’t being digested properly.

Self-care/CleaningOlder cats in particular can sometimes stop grooming. This lack of interest in

seniorpet


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self-care can be caused by a number of reasons including weight gain, illness, or fatigue. When cats no longer clean them-selves, there is some cause for concern.

PlaytimeAs animals age they may not want to play as rough or for as long. But senior pets like to play, too! If your pet has a drastic change in his interest in play, it would be time to visit a vet.

Walking and Getting Up/DownPets get arthritis and other “old-age” conditions just like people do. So walk-ing or getting up and down might be a little slower. If it’s painful, talk to your vet about different remedies you can try to keep your pet comfortable.

SleepingYour pet’s sleeping patterns may change as they age. They can sleep more or could have more restless sleep. Ensuring that your pet isn’t in pain will help to alleviate restless sleep.

Changes in Attitude/Neurological SymptomsSometimes as pets age, their attitudes change. Some animals mellow; others get grouchier. It all depends on the pet, their environment, and what other stress-

ors are going on in their lives. In general, how-

ever, if your pet has developed a “bad attitude,” it’s im-portant to ensure it isn’t the result of

pain – sometimes that is the only way a

pet can tell us they are not feeling well. Neuro-

logical symptoms, on the other hand, are a major cause for concern.

These are not natural signs of aging in most cases, so a visit to the vet is critical.

PainAs a pet ages, they may start to develop conditions that could be painful, such as arthritis or irritable bowel. But it doesn’t

mean they should live with the pain. If you think your pet is dealing with pain, talk to your vet to determine the under-

lying cause and remedy for the situation. And remember – animals are more stoic than people, so by the time they show pain it’s usually pretty advanced. Your pet shouldn’t have to live with pain at any point in his life, but especially not in his twilight years. If pain is interfering with daily activities, it needs to be addressed immediately.

Pets go through a lot of changes as they age. Some of these changes are normal and some are not. Regardless of the change, you should always visit your vet to address the concern and to try to remedy the situation. Our pets deserve a good quality of life – which includes being happy, comfortable, and pain-free. They deserve that dignity as well as lots and lots of love.

Patti Radakovich is the founder and chair-man of Basil’s Buddies, a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization. She cares for hos-pice and medically-challenged pets. She is also a Reiki practitioner for pets and a pet communicator. You can reach her at [email protected].

If I have any beliefs about immortality it is that certain dogs I know will go to heaven, and very very few people.~ James Thurber


Six-legged RunsBest Buddy Workouts Go the Distance

imagine the ideal workout buddy; one who is ready to join you at a moment’s notice without question,

enjoys your company, never critiques your effort or outfit and doesn’t cancel at the last minute. Chances are, you’ll find this paragon right there next to you as you read this, watching with soulful eyes, tail wagging in hope of hearing the magic words: “Let’s go for a run!” Your dog can be your best fitness friend. Enthusiastically joining in a regular jogging or running routine

Your dog can be your best

fitness friend.

Enthusiastically joining in

a regular jogging or

running routine will build

stamina, strengthen

muscles and burn calories—

for both of you.

petsnpeople

Veterinary Medicine. Keep that in mind to stay motivated, then turn off the tube, put the laptop on standby and head outdoors. Just heed these tips to ensure your twofer workouts are healthy and enjoyable.

Know your dog. Sustained jogging or running benefits many dogs, although not all, and can be problematic for some, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). DogBreedInfo.com supplies a helpful list of dogs that can go, and enjoy, the distance. Long-legged lopers, such as Lab-radors, Dalmatians and most retriev-ers, are good long-distance running companions. It’s wise to recognize that racing breeds, like greyhounds and whippets, are sprinters, rather than endurance athletes. It’s unfair to expect small, short-legged dogs to “pick up the pace.” Short-nosed breeds—pugs, bulldogs and boxers, for example—have trouble breathing during vigorous exercise.

Get your vet’s blessing. Be sure your dog has a full checkup before joining you on jogs. The vet can also advise whether an animal is too young or old for sustained running, when short distances or a more stately pace would be better.

Buy a good leash. A leash is a non-negotiable piece of equipment. Best Friends trainer Mark Renick recommends using a six-foot

will build stamina, strengthen muscles and burn calories—for both of you. According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adult Americans are obese; likewise, data compiled by Pfizer Animal Health indicate that nearly a quarter of the canine population is overweight. “Not only do dogs need exercise, they need a lot more than we do,” advises Jack Burke, a veterinarian and chair of the Mercy College School of


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lead for running. “It’s long enough so that you won’t step on your dog, but short enough so you can keep him under control,” he advises. Use this leash just for jogging and your dog will soon connect it with running, rather than strolling while sniffing every tree or lamppost.

Practice obedience skills. “Sit, stay, come,” and “heel” are com-mands that need to be in a dog’s work-ing vocabulary. If they aren’t, enroll in an obedience course before hitting the pavement or trails.

Start slowly. Begin each session with a walk-ing warmup. For the first few weeks, alternate jogging/running with lots of walking. “Start younger, middle-aged and overweight dogs on a moderate program of walking 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day,” advises Howard Erickson, professor of physiology at Kansas State University’s College of Vet-

erinary Medicine. Then, gradually add distance, as both partners build endur-ance. End each session with additional walking as a cool-down.

Don’t overdo. The Surgeon General recommends that for optimal health, people exercise 150 minutes each week at moderate inten-sity. The AVMA reports that “Dogs will exercise past the point of exhaustion to please a beloved companion,” and advises us to be sensitive to their health and comfort.

Be safe. Always keep these guidelines in mind:

• Don’t run with a dog just before he eats or after he has eaten.

• Face oncoming traffic; this puts a heeling dog on your left, away from cars or bikes.

• Check paw pads for signs of irritation or bleeding. Pavement

is hard on a dog’s feet; grass and dirt are kinder. Summer-hot asphalt and concrete can burn sensitive feet, and snow can cause frostbite.

• Carry water for both of you, and offer some every 20 minutes.

• Watch for signs of overheating, such as heavy panting or salivating, and stop immediately if you observe these, cooling your pet slowly with cool, not cold, water. The best times to exercise are early morning or evening.

• Don’t jog daily; canine muscles and joints, too, need to rest and recuperate.

Fitness is more fun when a buddy’s along and the health benefits abound.

Learn more at AVMA.org and RunThePlanet.com/trainingracing/training/dogs.


A section dedicated to fostering adoptions through local shelters and rescues. Each spot is sponsored by a local business or individual showing support for pets needing a forever home. To become a sponsor, visit NAPetMag.com and click on "Adoption Spotlights" or call 248-628-0125.

Note: There may be fees associated with some of the listed adoptions. Please call the organization listed for more information. Thank you for helping these pets find good homes!

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Submission deadline: The 10th prior to publication. Email or online only. For costs, guidelines and an online submission form, visit: NAPetMag.com. Click on: "Calendar Submissions"

tHuRSDAY, FEBRuARY 28Knee-High Naturalist: Camoufl age - 10-11:30am. Search for animals that use camoufl age for survival. For children, all abilities, ages 3-6. $3/child. Pre-registration required by 2/26. For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BurtoN. Info: 736-7100 Ext. 6 or 800-648-park Ext. 6.

SAtuRDAY, MARCH 2Chickadee Chowdown - 2pm. In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunfl ower seeds from your hands. Bird seed will be provided for this short walk along the nature trails. $3 per person. Preregistration required. All ages. Kensington Metropark Nature Center located near MilForD/BrightoN. Info: 810-227-8910.

SuNDAY, MARCH 3ViP Pet Care Clinic - VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription fl ea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, fi rst-come, fi rst-served. Pet Supplies Plus, 3:30-5pm, 29402 Woodward, royAl oAK 248-339-4400.

SAtuRDAY, MARCH 9Bluebirds, their homes and you - 1pm. Last year Kensington was home to over 200 of these beautiful songbirds. Participants will learn more about them and how they can help them through a movie, discussion and a fi eld trip as part of this program. $3 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 10 and older. Kensington Metropark Nature Center located near MilForD/BrightoN. Info: 810-227-8910.

ViP Pet Care Clinic - VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription fl ea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, fi rst-come, fi rst-served. Pet Supplies Plus, 1-2:30pm, 2057 S. Telegraph, BlooMFielD hills. Info: 248-333-7545; and 3-5:30pm, 5348 Dixie Hwy, WAterForD 248-623-9522.

Pet Adoptions - 3-5pm. Basil's Buddies has many available cats waiting for their fur-ever homes! Come meet your new best friend! PetSmart Woodhaven, 23470 Allen Rd, WooDhAVeN. Basil's Buddies 734-926-1098.

SuNDAY, MARCH 10ViP Pet Care Clinic - VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription fl ea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, fi rst-come, fi rst-served. Pet Supplies Plus, 10-11:30am, 42241 Garfi eld, CliNtoN tWP. Info: 586-228-0900; 31330 Orchard Lake Rd, FArMiNgtoN hills. 248-932-3113 and 22381 Pontiac Trail, south lyoN 248-486-5782; also 3:30-5pm, 1170 Walton Blvd, roChester hills 248-650-5385 and 29402 Woodward, royAl oAK 248-339-4400.

SAtuRDAY, MARCH 16Kids’ easter storytime & Craft - 12:30pm-pm. Come hear The Easter Chinchilla and do an Easter craft! Books available for purchase after to support Basil's Buddies. Total Health Foods, 2938 Biddle, WyANDotte. VeggiePatti 734-246-1208.

ViP Pet Care Clinic - VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription fl ea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, fi rst-come, fi rst-served. Pet Supplies Plus, 9-11:30am, 2649 E Grand River, hoWell 517-552-2493; also 4-5:30pm, 1433 E Main St, oWosso 989-725-7686.

SuNDAY, MARCH 17return of the redwing - 2 pm. It is the return of the male red-winged blackbird, not the American robin, that signifi es the beginning of spring. Join us as we venture out to see and hear these beautiful marshland birds. $3 per person. Preregistration required. Marshlands Museum and Nature Center, of Lake Erie Metropark in BroWNstoWN. Info: 734-379-5020.

tuESDAY, MARCH 19Pet grooming 1 – 7-9 pm. Save money by learning to properly groom your own pet’s face, feet, and fanny between grooming appointments. Bring 1 freshly bathed dog. $25. Mott Community Education, lAPeer. 810-667-6546.

Native Plant sale and Bee symposium - 6pm. Come and learn about bees and how to prepare our healthy habitats. Experienced Beekeepers and native plant experts will be on hand to help. Support local native plant efforts by purchasing a fl ower to share with our natives. Mott Community College, Regional Technology Center, FliNt. Info: Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez 810-762-0455.

Event days and/or times may change for a variety of reasons. Please call to verify all events before attending.

petcalendar

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Pet EventsCalendarA wonderful resource for

filling your workshops, seminars and other events.

Two styles available: n Pet Calendar: Designed for events on a specific date of the month. 50 words.

n Ongoing Pet Calendar: Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week. 25 words. See submission guidelines and send us your event using our convenient online submission form at NAHealthyPet.com. Click on “Pet Calendar”

NA Pet Magazine Submit online:

www.NAPetMag.com

248-628-0125

For a limited time, list in the Pet Calendar

at no cost to you!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20For-Mar Nature Preserve Walk - 10am. 4 miles. Easy. Easy and leisurely walk on the nature trails through For-Mar Nature Preserve. Trails cross over Kearsley Creek, go through woodlands and prairies. No pets allowed in the preserve. Group restaurant lunch around noon is optional. 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BurtoN. Take Genesee Rd, North of Davison Rd. Meet in Parking Lot. Info: Jack Minore 810-252-5258.

FRiDAY, MARCH 22Companion Dog rally/trial - All AKC-Recognized Breeds. All American Dogs / Mixed Breeds. Companion Dog Training Club of Flint, 4126 Holiday Drive, FliNt. Info: 810-614-0424.

Calling All owls - 8pm. Owls, mysterious and fascinating birds, are often misunderstood. Join an interpreter and separate fact from fiction followed by an attempt to locate resident screen owls. $3 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 6 and older. Kensington Metropark Nature Center located near MilForD/BrightoN. Info: 810-227-8910.

SAtuRDAY, MARCH 23Companion Dog obedience/trial - All AKC-Recognized Breeds. All American Dogs / Mixed Breeds. Companion Dog Training Club of Flint, 4126 Holiday Drive, FliNt. Info: 810-614-0424.

Nature hike: Flushing twp Nature Park - 10am. 2.5 miles. Easy. Enjoy learning about prairie management and native plants in a beautiful park along the Flint River. Dogs are welcome, but will need to be on a leash. Dress for the weather. FTNP is north of Mt. Morris at 8301 N. McKinley Rd., FlushiNg. Info: Denny Crispell 989-624-5038.

ViP Pet Care Clinic - VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription flea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, first-come, first-served. Pet Supplies Plus, 10-11:30am, 873 S. Main, lAPeer. 810-245-2200; also 1-2:30pm, 22 N Ortonville Rd, ortoNVille 248-627-7900 and 3:30-5pm, 971 S. Lapeer Rd, oxForD 248-969-7587.

SuNDAY, MARCH 24Preschool Nature Club: Mouskin’s Easter - 1pm. Mousekin finds a new animal friend in the woods. Discover who it is and learn about animals in the spring through a story, activity, hike and craft. $4 per child. Preregistration required. For ages 3 to 6 years, accompanied by an adult. Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center located near MouNt CleMeNs. Info: 586-463-4332.

ViP Pet Care Clinic - VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription flea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, first-come, first-served. Pet Supplies Plus. 3:30-5pm: 8703 W. Grand River, BrightoN Info: 810-220-4799; also 1-2:30pm: 3110 W. Silver Lake Rd, FeNtoN 810-714-4973

and 10-11:30am: 11525 S. Saginaw St, grAND BlANC 810-694-1771 and 22381 Pontiac Trail, south lyoN 248-486-5782.

SAtuRDAY, MARCH 30easter egg scramble - 10 am & 1 pm. Get your tickets early (advance sale only, at the Lake Erie park office) for our annual event that includes an Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, petting zoo, snacks and more. This is a great way to celebrate the holiday with your family. $5 per person. Preregistration required. Wave Pool Complex of Lake Erie Metropark, BroWNstoWN. Info: 734-379-5020.

the great egg hunt - 11 am. Bring the kids for an Easter egg scramble and enjoy an animal show presented by Farmer John and The Barnyard Express. Kids will get an opportunity to pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny. $5 per person (cash only) – children under 12 months are free. Maple Beach, Kensington Metropark located near MilForD/BrightoN. Info: 810-227-8910.

SAtuRDAY, APRil 6ViP Pet Care Clinic - 1-2:30pm. VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription flea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, first-come, first-served. Pet Supplies Plus, 1-2:30pm, 2057 S. Telegraph, BlooMFielD hills. Info: 248-333-7545; also 9:30-11am, 2649 E Grand River, hoWell 517-552-2493 and 10-11:30am, 873 S. Main, lAPeer. 810-245-2200; also 3-5:30pm, 1433 E Main St, oWosso 989-725-7686 and 5348 Dixie Hwy, WAterForD 248-623-9522.

SuNDAY, APRil 7ViP Pet Care Clinic - 10-11:30m. VIP Petcare mobile clinic offering: low cost vaccines, pet micro chipping, heartworm testing and prevention, prescription flea control and other preventative veterinary services. No appointment necessary, first-come, first-served. Pet Supplies Plus, 42241 Garfield, CliNtoN tWP. Info: 586-228-0900. Also 31330 Orchard Lake Rd, FArMiNgtoN hills. 248-932-3113; and 3:30-5pm, 1170 Walton Blvd, roChester hills 248-650-5385.

FRiDAY, APRil 26Pet Adoptions - 12-4pm. Join Basil's Buddies for the National Pet Adoption Weekend at PetSmart Woodhaven. We have many available cats waiting for their fur-ever homes. PetSmart Woodhaven, 23470 Allen Rd, WooDhAVeN. Basil's Buddies 734-926-1098.

SAtuRDAY, APRil 27Pet Adoptions - 12-4pm. Join Basil's Buddies for the National Pet Adoption Weekend at PetSmart Woodhaven. We have many available cats waiting for their fur-ever homes!. PetSmart Woodhaven, 23470 Allen Rd, WooDhAVeN. Basil's Buddies 734-926-1098.


Sundayssundaytoenail sundays - Noon-4pm every Sunday. In-store nail trim. Bring in your dog, cat, small animal or reptile and have their nails trimmed. Price is $5 per Pet. WAshiNgtoN toWNshiP Pet Supplies Plus, 64920 Van Dyke. Info: 586-752-2800.

Pet Vaccination Clinic - 10am-2pm. 3rd Sundays only. Midtown Veterinary Services will be in store every 3rd Sunday hosting a Pet Vaccination Clinic. Get rabies/distemper vaccinations at our low cost vaccination clinic. Prices range from $12 to $63 depending on individual/packages. Fees do not include pet's booster vaccines, taxes or county tax fees. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. tAylor Pet Supplies Plus, 20725 Ecorse Rd. Info: 313-295-6500.

Pet Vaccination Clinic - 10am-2pm. 1st Sundays only. Midtown Veterinary Services will be in store every 3rd Sunday hosting a Pet Vaccination Clinic. Get rabies/distemper vaccinations at our low cost vaccination clinic. Prices range from $12 to $63 depending on individual/packages. Fees do not include pet's booster vaccines, taxes or county tax fees. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. WooDhAVeN Pet Supplies Plus, 19295 West Rd Info: 734-671-6936.

Adoptions - 12pm-4pm. We do adoptions each Sat. & Sunday every month. FREE. PetSmart, BrightoN.

Tuesdaystuesdaysenior Citizen Day - 9am-9pm. Every Tuesday. Seniors (55 and older) will receive a 10% discount on total purchase. Excludes sale items and live animals. WAshiNgtoN toWNshiP Pet Supplies Plus, 64920 Van Dyke. For more information call 586-752-2800.

Preventive Care Clinic - 1-5pm. Preventive Care Clinic. With your paid examination, your pet will receive all due vaccines at 50% off the regular price.Call 248-553-2340. VCA Farmington Hills, 31555 W. 13 Mile Road, FArMiNgtoN hills. Lisa Cameron 248-553-2340.. See ad page xx.

Wednesdayswednesdaysenior Citizen Day - 9am-9pm. Every Wednesday. Seniors (55 and older) will receive a 10% discount on total purchase. Excludes sale items and live

animals. ortoNVille and lAPeer Pet Supplies Plus, For more information, contact store at 248-627-7900 and 810-245-2200.

swim with your Dog indoors - 3-5pm. 4ft deep heated pool. 1/2 hours swim with 1 dog. Private session. Appointment necessary. $17. Me & My Shadow, 29855 Ford Road, gArDeN City. Robin Honeycutt 734-525-9500.

Pet Food Bank - 3-5:30pm. Basil's Buddies Pet Food Bank will be open the 2nd Wednesday of every month. FREE. Trenton/Woodhaven Animal Shelter, 21860 Van Horn Rd, WooDhAVeN. Basil's Buddies 734-926-1098.

senior Citizen Day - 10am-9pm. If you are age 60 or over, you are entitled to an additional discount of 10% off of your purchase. FREE. Pet Supplies Plus, 873 S. Main St, lAPeer.

Thursdaysthursdaylow Cost Wellness and Vaccine Clinic - 5-7pm. The Canton Pet Supplies Plus, located at 43665 Ford Road, will be hosting a Low Cost Wellness and Vaccine Clinic every Thursday from 5 until 7. Dr. John Hermann will be administering the vaccinations. For info on vaccines contact Dr. Hermann at 313-686-5701. CANtoN Pet Supplies Plus, 43665 Ford Road. Store: 734-981-9191.

fridaylow-Cost Vaccine Clinic - 4:30-7:30pm. Top quality vaccines, heartworm meds, and flea & tick preventatives for dogs and cats at low prices. Microchips and nail trims, too! Tiny Paws Pet Grooming, 13498 Dix Rd, southgAte. Basil's Buddies 734-926-1098.

SaturdayssaturdayVet Clinic - 9am-12pm. 3rd Saturdays only. MoNroe Pet Supplies Plus, 859 Telegraph Road. Info: 734-384-9888.

low Cost Vaccination Clinic - 9am-12pm. Low Cost Vaccintaion Clinics will be hosted by Pet Spa Grooming on the 4th Saturday of each month. Vaccines for dogs, cats and ferrets are available. No appointments necessary. Call Pet Spa or see

Event days and/or times may change for a variety of reasons. Please call to verify all events before attending.

ongoingevents Submission deadline: The 10th prior to publication. Email or online submission only. For guidelines, visit: NAPetMag.com Click on: "Calendar Submissions"

our facebook page for more information. FREE. Pet Spa Grooming, 41124 Five Mile Rd, PlyMouth. Jessica 734-233-7995.

Vet Clinic - 9am-12pm. 1st Saturdays only. Vet Clinic with Value Pet. reDForD Pet Supplies Plus, 14835 Telegraph Road. Info:313-255-1633.

Pet therapy at town Village - 11am-12pm. Meet in a large room with residents who are interested in seeing, hearing about and interacting with your dog. Your dog should be people friendly, not just interested in other dogs. Town Village, 4500 Dobry Drive, sterliNg heights.

Adoptions - 11am-3pm. We do adoptions every Saturday. FREE. Peters True Value Hardware Store, 3455 W. Highland, MilForD.

Adoptions - 12pm-3pm. We do adoptions every Saturday! FREE. Pet Provisions, 5757 Whitmore Lk Rd., ste 200, BrightoN.

homefurever Dog and Puppy event - 12-4pm. Every other Saturday. We have dogs and puppies for adoption every Saturday. Petco, 1217 Coolidge between 14-15 Mile, troy. 248-643-0694. Call for days: Rescue phone: 313-897-4931.

homefurever Dog & Puppy Adoptions - Every other Saturdays. Dog and puppies available for adoptions. FREE. Petco- Roseville, 32074 Gratiot 131/2 Mile Masonic, roseVille. Call for days: Marilyn 313-897-4931.

Adoptions - 12pm-4pm. We do adoptions each Sat. & Sunday every month. FREE. PetSmart, BrightoN.

horse-Drawn hayrides - Weekends, noon-4pm. Take a relaxing horse-drawn hayride past the fields and through the woods. Hayrides are $3 per child, $5 per adult. Kensington Metropark Farm Center located near MilForD/BrightoN. For more information, please call 248-684-8632.

last Chance rescue Adoption - 12-3pm. Adoptions are being done right on site, lots of animals all shapes and sizes! Recurring event. Pet Provisions, Whitmore Lake Rd, Suite 200, BrightoN. 810-227-0967.

Vet Clinic - 2-5pm. 1st Saturdays only. A vet clinic from Value Pet. Detroit Pet Supplies Plus, 18956 Livernois. Info: 313-863-5660.

Dog Adoption Day - Every Saturday. Cat adoptions every day. Working with Happy Homes Rescue, Almost Home Animal Haven and Companion Pet Rescue. Premier Pet Supply, 31215 Southfield Rd., BeVerly hills. Info: 248-647-4310. See ad page 11.

Paw Prints grief support group - Noon-1:30pm. First Saturday each month. Provides pet owners a safe place to meet and talk about the loss of their beloved pet with others experiencing a similar loss. MHS Administrative Office, 30300 Telegraph Rd, Suite 220, BiNghAM FArMs. Info: 248-283-1000, ext.179.

I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. ~Rita Rudner


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VEtERiNARY

woodside animal clinic27452 Woodward Ave, ROYAL OAK248-545-6630Doc4Pets.com

Dr. Simon is the owner of Woodside Animal Clinic in Royal Oak, where he practices both alternative and conventional medicine on dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and rodents. He is the author of 4 pet care books. See ad page 19.

REHAB & tHERAPiES

animal rehabilitation center oF michigan, inc.1490 Lochaven Rd., WATERFORD248-363-5061Physical rehabilitation has been proven to help animals return to function more quickly after experiencing an orthopedic or neurological injury. See ad page 10.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our pet community. To find out how you can be included in the Pet Resource Guide email [email protected] to request our media kit.

ADOPtiON / RESCuE

michigan humane societY Adoption Center - 3600 W Auburn RdROCHESTER HILLS - 248-852-7420MichiganHumane.orgThe Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofi t animal welfare organization and is the largest and oldest such organization in the state, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year.

grace greYhound rescueHoundsOfGrace.org734- 347 5061

petresourceguide

adoPt-a-Pet13575 N Fenton Rd., FENTON810-629-0723

FurrY Friends rescueBRIGHTON/SOUTH LYON AREA248-860-5688

take mY Paws rescueFowlerville/Howell area • 517-618-7042TakeMyPaw.org

humane societY oF livingston countY2464 Dorr Rd - HOWELL517-552-8050

bio-turF, llc • 810-348-7547Serving Oakland, Livingston and GeneseeLawn/tree care program that offers organic-based fertilizers. Free lawn analysis. Visit Bio-Turf.com.

ORGANiC lAWN CARE

a-1 organic lawns, llcComplete Natural Lawn ApplicationProducts and programsPO Box 174 - Highland - 248-889-7200A-1OrganicLawns.comWe believe in protecting and preserving your family and home environment with natural fertilizers that use the power of nature to beautify your property. See ad page 8.

GROOMiNG

Jan's Pet grooming25940 Five Mile Rd., Redford313-532-3070Tuesday through Saturday

We have several highly qualifi ed stylists to suit everyone's individual needs. We groom all breeds & cats (large & smal l ) . Crea t ive grooming and coloring.

PEt StORES & SuPPliES

Premier Pet suPPlY31215 Southfield Rd., BEVERLY HILLS248-647-4310PremierPetSupply.comOur product focus is on natural & holistic foods,

treats and supplements for all pets. We carry many hard to fi nd and unique items. We invite you to come in and be pleasantly surprised by our service and selection! See ad page 19.

BOARDiNG / DAYCARE

4-legged Friends daYcare12615 Stark Rd • Livonia 734-522-PAWS (7297)4-LeggedFriendsDaycare.com

Dog Dayca re . Cage-less, safe, s u p e r v i s e d , indoor/outdoor all day play. Dog & Cat Boarding. Next time you

head out of town bring your pet to us for a fun fi lled day and relaxing nights sleep.

a scooter's resQMacomb, MI586-774-4738 • [email protected]

a reJoYceFul animal rescueMt. Clemens, MIemail only: [email protected]

a reJoYceFul animal rescueMt. Clemens, MIemail only: [email protected]

a hoPeFul heart animal rescueRoseville • [email protected]

REiKi

reiki & Pet communication Facebook.com/petra4pets [email protected]

In-person (Flat Rock or Berkley) or distance Reiki and shamanic services for pets. Pet communication to resolve issues, at end of life, or just for fun.

ruFFlY PurrFect PeticuresDogs and Cats - All sizesBURTON - 810-742-5777Grooming and shampooing - we use soap free shampoo doesn't wash off fl ea protection.

tender touch Pet sPa973 S. Lapeer Rd., OXFORD248-628-2821

Four Paws ProFessional dog & cat grooming46781 Gratiot, CHESTERFIELD586-949-8210

golden Paws grooming & boarding services1488 S. Lapeer Rd., LAKE ORION248-690-7313

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because you lap is warmer. ~ Alfred North Whitehead

When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her.~ Montaigne


Why Natural Awakenings

Pet Magazine?More for your moneyCustomers want more than an ad. They want an explanation. Natural Awakenings Pet Magazine teaches readers about you–with well-designed ads, Pet Briefs, articles, Pet Calendar listings and much more. Don’t just place an ad. Become a working part of the magazine.

100% targeted AudienceTHAT’S 100%! Natural Awakenings Pet targets readers who are pet owners. When you advertise you have no wasted readership. This means, with our unequaled distribution, you reach large numbers of the right people...at the right time.

Credibility and ScopeNatural Awakenings of East Michigan's Pet Magazine can be found in Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee and Waynecounties. We have been a respected source for cutting-edge healthy living information for over 8 years with our local"Healthy People" magazines.

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