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IN THIS ISSUE

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24

EVENT CALENDARJuly 2012

THE SCOOPNews and Happenings in the Houston Area

GETTING TO KNOWCommon Bully Breeds

PET TRAVEL TIPSThe All New Pet-Friendly Ford Escape

SUMMER FINDSPet Products Worth Barking About

TRAINING & BEHAVIORSummertime Care & Safety Tips for Your Dog

16 SIGNS OF ANIMAL AGINGCaring for Your Dog Throughout Their Senior Years

RESCUE & ADOPTIONBoston Terrier Rescue Group of Greater Houston

"The dog represents all thatis best in man." ~

~Etienne Charlet

Photo by Isaac Hsieh

ummer is in full swing and the mercuryhas definitely been on the rise here inHouston. My dogs’ potty breaks are much

shorter and they now beg for ice more than theydo for treats.The heat poses many dangers for pets. To

learn how to keep your dog safe, and for greatsummertime care tips, flip to page 18.This issue marks our 6th year in publication!

We are so blessed to have the support from oursponsors, contributors and readers. We promisethat, as we continue our journey, to provideinformative and educational resources for petowners. We love what we do and we are passion-ate about the welfare of animals.

Editorial

S

Issue 6: Volume 6www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Our cover dog, Paprika is an adorable andspunky girl who is available through BostonTerrier Rescue Group of Greater Houston. Toread about her and other dogs available foradoption through BTRGH, turn to page 24.Check out the fabulous summer pet products

featured on page 14. One lucky winner willreceive a complete gift set from GerrardLarriett. You don’t want to miss out!Be sure to visit our website for up-to-date

information and follow us on Facebook andTwitter for special events and contests.We hope that you and your canine companionshave a fun-filled and safe summer!

Jennifer Kitchens-Street

On the Cover

Photo by Paw Prints by Jamie

URBAN PAWSMAGAZINEP.O. Box 1556Spring, Texas 77383www.UrbanPawsMagazine.com

Design and layout by:ZOECOCREATIVE

© Copyright 2012. No part of this publication may bereprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publish-er’s written permission. Urban Paws magazine assumesno responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature andidea submissions, or photographs, and such material willnot be returned. Urban Paws magazine assumes no lia-bility for the contents herein and has the right to refuseadvertising for any reason. Urban Paws magazine doesnot endorse any specific product or service containedherein; we do encourage you to support our advertiserswhenever possible.

Please tell our advertisers that you heard aboutthem in Urban Paws!

Urban Paws Magazine 5

6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

July 2012 Events For a full listing of events, visit:www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events

JULY 4Barrio Dogs Freedom For All March9:00 a.m. at Hidalgo Park, 7000 Avenue Q. Seead on page 21 for more information.

JULY 7Red, White & Golden Celebration4:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Blanco's Bar & Grill, 3406West Alabama (near Buffalo Speedway). BBQdinner, drinks, music to benefit the goldenretrievers. For more information, visitwww.grrh.org.

JULY 8All Border Collie Rescue Adoption EventPetco in The Woodlands from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m..For more information, visitwww.allbordercollierescue.com

JULY 9-13Companion CampThis is an opportunity for children ages 7-13 towork hands-on with the animals cared for bythe Houston Humane Society. Campers canregister online at www.houstonhumane.org.

JULY 18-2235th Annual Reliant Park World Series ofDog ShowsHouston’s must-see dog event! This premiercanine event attracts more than 40,000 specta-tors, participants and vendors. Adult admissionis $10 per day at the door or via Ticketmaster.Tickets for senior citizens are $5 and children12 or younger are $1 with adult. Visitwww.reliantdogshows.com.

JULY 22Canine Glamour Shots FundraiserPet and family photos by Peter GregoryPhotography benefiting Dakota Rescue. 2155FM 1960 West. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins arewelcome. Package price is $19.99 and includes:1 8x10, 1 5x7, 8 wallets. For more information,visit www.dakotarescue.org.

SAVE THEDATEBowling for Beagles, August 18, benefitingHouston Beagle and Hound Rescue.

SAVE THEDATENational Dog Day, August 26. For more infor-mation, visit www.nationaldogday.com.

EVENT CALENDAR

THE SCOOP

NEARLY 5,000 SERVICE ANIMALSRECEIVED FREE EYE EXAMS DURINGTHE 5th ANNUAL ACVO/MERIALNATIONAL SERVICE DOG EYE EXAMEVENTThe American College of VeterinaryOphthalmologists (ACVO) today announced a

consecutiveyear of recordbreaking resultsfrom the 5thAnnualACVO/MerialNational

Service Dog Eye Exam Event. With the helpof 250 volunteer board certified veterinaryophthalmologists throughout the U.S., as wellas Canada, Puerto Rico and Australia, nearly5,000 service animals were examined duringthe event. This is an increase of more than20% from last year. Guide dogs, handicappedassistance dogs, detection dogs, search and res-cue dogs and other service animals includinghorses and a donkey received free sight savingexams.The goals of the annual ACVO/Merial

National Service Dog Eye Exam Event are: tobenefit individuals and society who rely onService Dogs, strengthen referral relationshipsbetween veterinary ophthalmologists and gen-eral practice veterinarians, to gather data rela-tive to work performance for future work rec-ommendations and to preserve the sight ofthose animals who serve us selflessly.Registration for the event takes place online,

during April of each year. The eye exams takeplace in May at locations throughout the U.S.and other places outside the country. To quali-fy, animals must be active “working animals”that were certified by a formal training pro-gram or organization or currently enrolled in a


formal training program. To learn more aboutthe ACVO/Merial National Service Dog EyeExam Event, please visitwww.ACVOeyeexam.org

PROGRESS BEINGMADETOHELP STOPANIMAL CRUELTY IN CROSBY, TEXAS

After a grueling year of working to stop animaldumping at the Crosby Puppy Massacre anddumping sites – where animals are not onlybeing dumped, but tortured and killed –progress is being made. But, your help is need-ed now more than ever. Stop the CrosbyPuppy Massacres has recently installed a bill-board near the massacre and dumping areas(Business 90 near Sheldon Road) which adver-tises their web site. This web site(www.crosbypuppymassacre.wordpress.com)includes a new ”resources” tab which theybelieve will help save hundreds of animalsfrom neglect and cruelty in the greaterHouston area, including low cost spay andneuter programs, how to report animal crueltyincluding roadside sales and dumping, how toget help for a sick animal, and how to workwith rescue groups as a foster to save lives.The group has raised enough money through

previous ad donations for the first and lastmonths rent of a 6 month contract. They needto raise $1,800 to cover the 4 months inbetween ($450 per month). They are askinganyone who can to donate, either to the chip inon their web site–www.crosbypuppymassacre.wordpress.com (noamount is too small) or to call in donations


THE SCOOP

Follow us on FACEBOOK & TWITTER for the mostup-to-date information, news and events!

directly ( if they are $225 or more) to Sign Adat 713-861-6013 and speak to Angie.

NEW INTERNET PET RADIO SHOWLAUNCHESPet Radio Show, a live and recorded Internetradio show launched June 23, 2012. The sixtyminute weekly show features writers, authors,animal trainers, entrepreneurs, veterinarians,animal welfare professionals, and other petexperts. The subject matter reaches a broaderscope than the typical mainstream to includeuncommon pets and alternative healthcare in aformat enjoyable for the whole family. “We arecovering everything from cats and dogs to potbelly pigs and sugar gliders”, explains RobertPaul Hudson, creator of Pet Radio Show.This internet radio show will focus on a vari-

ety of issues including general education, prop-er care, diet, rescue and well-being, but will alsoinclude stories such as holistic medical care andnatural diets. Upcoming guests include writersfrom major pet magazines such as Cat Fancyand Bird Talk, as well as authors and otherprofessionals.For show schedules and where to listen, visit

www.petradioshow.com.

IN REMEMBRANCEUrban Paws magazine would like to offer itscondolences to the family of Dr. Karen Gunn,of the Veterinary Medical Center of Spring,who died tragically on May 28, 2012.Dr. Gunn was a well respected veterinarian

who donated her time and expertise to localrescue organizations.

SHEBA HAS BEEN WAITING THREEYEARS TO FINDHERNEW FAMILYSheba is an energetic, six-year-old boxer/terriermix who is available for adoption. Her ownerpassed away and left Sheba and her litter mates.All of her mates were adopted and Sheba hasbeen waiting three years for her perfect familyShe is up-to-date on all vaccinations, spayed, andis on heartworm and flea prevention. Sheweighs 45 pounds.We hear that Sheba LOVES tummy rubs, cud-dling and lots of attention! She also enjoys kid-die pool time, expending energy on long walksand running around the backyard.

She doesn’t always get along with otherfemales, but would enjoy a nice, young male dogthat likes to rough and tumble.If you are interested in adopting Sheba, pleasecontact Mayde Creek Animal Health Center formore information at 281.578.5449.

THE SCOOP

GRASS-ROOTS EFFORT GIVES HOUS-TON RESTAURANTS AND BARSOPTION TO ALLOW DOGS ON OUT-DOOR PATIOSIf you’re looking for a pet-friendly patio inHouston this summer, here is the most recentlist of dog approved patios in the city.Paws on Patios is a grass-roots movement ded-icated to giving Houston restaurants and barsthe option to allow dogs on outdoor patios. Asa result of this movement's success, restaurantsmay now apply for a dogs-on-patios permitthrough the City of Houston’s Department ofHealth and Human Services. The number ofrestaurants where dogs are now permitted ontheir patios continues to grow.

Ziggy's Bar & Grill - 302 FairviewBaby Barnaby's - 604 FairviewHugo's - 1600 WestheimerLittle Bigs - 2703 MontroseCanopy - 3939 Montrose, Ste CBarnaby's Cafe - 1701 S. ShepherdBackstreet Cafe - 1103 S. ShepherdTila's Restaurant & Bar - 1111 S. ShepherdInversion Coffee House - 1953 MontroseBlackFinn American Grille - 1910 BagbyFront Porch Pub - 217 GrayPub Fiction - 2303 SmithCeltic Gardens - 2300 LouisianaZiggy's Bar & Grill - 702 MainThe Grove - 1611 Lamar (inside Discovery Green)The Lake House - 1500 McKinney (inside

Discovery Green)

Barnaby's Cafe - 5750 WoodwayUP Bistro - 4001 WestheimerBRC - 519 Shepherd

For more information on the initiative, visit thePaws on Patios Facebook page.

You may be surprised to know that some of

America's favorite dogs are considered bullies.

For instance, the Boston Terrier and the French

Bulldog are both in the bully breed family.

GETTING TO KNOW

COMMON BULLY BREEDS

There are a variety of dogs, from large to small,

that fall into the category of "bully breeds."

Many of these dogs have a bad rap for being

dangerous and aggressive, such as the

Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American

Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull

Terrier. The fact is, these dogs actually make

very loyal and loving pets. You may be asking

how these dogs were labeled with the title "bully

breed.”

It’s no wonder that many people believe that

these breeds are a danger to society. The term

"bully" invokes a sense of intimidation.

However, the term actually has to do with their

origin and history, not the dogs’ temperament or

behavior. Bully breeds come from the Molosser,

a breed that originated in ancient Greece. These

were big dogs with large bones and muscles,

pendant ears and short muzzles. Though origi-

nally bred to protect property and livestock,

some owners began to use the dogs for other

purposes. In England, during the 19th century,

they were used in blood sports and it’s believed

that this is where Molosser descendents first

gained the title of "bully breeds."

British government established laws outlawing

blood sports at the turn of the 20th century. As

immigrants traveled to the United States, they

brought the bully breeds with them. These dogs

began serving in various roles, once in America.

During World War I, a pit bull named Stubby

American Staffordshire Terrier

Bull Terrier


bullies should be supervised while around

strangers, children or other animals. Many bully

breed lovers are dedicated to restoring their

image and proving that they deserve to be rec-

ognized among America's favorite dogs once

again.

became the first American war dog when he

served with a platoon in Germany. He saved

countless lives and became a decorated war hero

upon his return to the U.S. This example of the

bully breed's loyalty and courage helped raise

their status to beloved household pets.

Popularity of the bully breeds began to grow

and by the 1950s, they were considered

America’s dog.

When properly cared for, bully breeds

are normally gentle dogs and possess

qualities that make them suitable for

active people with a lot of time and

attention to give. This may come as a

surprise, but bully breeds are excellent

with children, as they are social and very

loyal to their owners. As with any dog,


Boxer

Boston Terrier

French Bulldog

American Bulldog

With temperatures already soaring over 100degrees, Houstonians are heading to the lake,the beach, or just about anywhere to get awayfrom the heat! Many travelers don’t plan a vaca-tion without man’s best friend, so it’s a greattime for reminders about keeping pets safewhile on the road.

• Don’t allow your pet to ride with its head out-side the window even though some dogs seemto love doing it. The dangers are many, frominner ear damage to injuries from flying debris.

• Keep animals secured in the car inside a ven-tilated animal crate or in a pet safety harness orcar seat; in the event of an accident, if your petisn’t secure, it will become a dangerous projec-tile.

• Bring your own water in plastic containers.This is preferable to relying on water fountainsand other unreliable sources along the way.

• Avoid feeding pets in a moving vehicle. Insteadfeed them light meals three or so hours beforehitting the road, or if necessary, when stoppedalong the route.

• Never leave your pet in a parked car. Evenwhen it doesn’t seem so hot outside the temper-ature inside a car can quickly rise past 100degrees. Contrary to common assumptions,opening windows a bit for ventilation doesn’thelp and leaving a pet unattended in a car canbecome dangerous even if it’s only for a fewminutes.

Pet Travel Tips


Corridor Rescue and Harris County JuvenileProbation Department have partnered toimplement Project H.E.E.L. (Helping EmpowerEveryone’s Lives), an animal-assisted violenceintervention program. The purpose of theprogram is to be a motivating force for lifetransformations and inspiration for our youthand their families.This program takes a troubled young man

and an abandoned dog and meshes theirworlds together; creating the perfect bond.The young men in Project H.E.E.L. are learninglifelong lessons such as Responsibility,Patience, Respect, Teamwork, Hope andLove.Project H.E.E.L., an eight week series pro-

gram, placing an intense emphasis on pro-moting self-discipline and responsibility;encourage compassion, empathy, compan-ionship, trust, and forgiveness; proper petcare and obedience skills. Boys who are

selected for this project must meet a list ofcriteria such as no history of animal cruelty,must be in compliance of probation stan-dards, and must be a level 2 or 3 in PersonalAccountability Plan/Behavior ModificationProgram.

Project H.E.E.L. influences the human-ani-mal connection to help impart positive char-acter development. It is a collaborationbetween the Harris County LeadershipAcademy staff, Corridor Rescue volunteers,services provided by Kingsland VeterinarianClinic staff, and Michael Baugh of Professionaltrainer of Rover Oaks.

Upon completion of the program, theCorridor Rescue dogs are available for adop-tion and placed in their caring “fur-ever”homes.To inquire about the H.E.E.L. program con-

tact Gina Vitale at [email protected].

PROJECT H.E.E.L.

SUMMER FINDSWORTH BARKING ABOUT

WINTHISGIFTSET!


$54.00 for the setAvailable in three signature aro-matherapy scents: Happy Jasmine,Balancing Rose and RelaxingWildwoods. Full product lineincludes refreshing spray, sham-poo & conditioner and deodoriz-ing soy candle and are each soldseparately. Aromatherapy Gift Setin RelaxingWildwoodswww.gerrardlarriett.com

$29.95 for a 1.75”For a personal touch, add a quoteto your wall. Select your quotethen pick a color, font and size.Rub-on vinyl transferswww.wallwords.com

To enter the Gerrard Larriett giveaway,visit the Urban Paws Facebook page andclick on “offers” for contest details.

$11Keep your little doghydrated with this minidog water bottle.H204K9Water Bottlewww.muttropolis.com


$16.95This interactive, brain teasing,puzzle ball makes it fun for dogsand people to watch treats navi-gate their way through the maze.Orbee-Tuff Mazeewww.planetdog.com

$28 eachA summer essential -a preppydog collar. Available in navy orwhite. Vineyard Vines LobsterCollar by Mascotwww.mymascot.com

$34.99Show your love for your pet withthese customized flip flops.Piranha Sandalswww.personalizedflipflopshop.com

$11Serve as a chilled refreshing bever-age, or freeze the liquid in ice cubetrays to make a healthy, puppy sor-bet. Ice Pups by Honest Kitchenwww.honestkitchen.com

ON THE TRAIL

Dog Park at Burroughs Park Grand Opening

og owners and their four-leggedfriends lined up to be the first to expe-rience the newest dog park in

Northwest Houston. Harris County Precinct 4Commissioner, R. Jack Cagle and Tomball’smayor attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Burroughs Park, a 320 acre park, includes afishing lake, playgrounds, sports fields, morethan 8 miles of paved and primitive nature trails,picnic areas, jogging trail, an observation deckand boardwalk, a very large barbecue pavillion,maze, and now an off-leash dog park.

County Commissioner R. Jack Cagle does the ribbon cutting

Dogs and their owners visited vendor booths and rescue groups

The park is officially open!

Even the youngest of dogs was excited about the new dog park!

D


ummertime can be fun for both you andyour dog, but pet owners need to takeprecautions to keep their canine compan-

ions happy, cool and safe during the dogs daysof summer.

Beat the HeatRemember that a parked car can become dan-gerously hot in only a few minutes. Dogs are notefficient at cooling themselves. They cannotperspire and can only dis-pel heat by panting andthrough the pads of theirfeet. Panting and drinkingwater helps to cool them,but if they only have over-heated air to breathe in aparked car, a dog can sufferbrain and organ damage injust 15 minutes.

Your light colored dog’scoat can invite damagefrom the sun’s ultravioletrays, leading to sunburn and possible skin can-cer. If you dog is light colored and/or lacksblack pigment around the eyes, ears and nose,keep him out of the bright sun. Ask you veteri-narian about sun block for dogs.

Waterproof Your DogMany dogs enjoy swimming, no matter howclean or dirty the water. If you dog has had a dipin a lake or river, rinse him off to avoid earmites, eye infections and pesky insects whichcan imbed themselves in his fur.

TRAINING & BEHAVIOR

Summertime Care & Safety Tips for Your Dog


By BobWilliams,Bark Busters Home Dog Training

S If your dog loves to jump into your swimmingpool, make sure that he knows how to get outsafely. When a dog falls into a lake or river, hisinstinct tells him to turn around and get outfrom the point at which he fell in. However, in asuburban swimming pool, a dog may drown ifhe follows his instinct action. Teach your dogwhere and how to get out of the pool, regard-less of where he entered.

Not all dogs like or know how to swim. If yourdog appears eager to give it a try, let him getused to it gradually. Refrain from throwing anervous, inexperienced swimmer into the water.

Rules of the RoadAn unrestrained dog in a vehicle is dangerous toeveryone in the car, including the dog himself.Secure your dog in the back seat with a safetyharness or in a pet carrier fastened to a seatbelt.Another option is to install a pet barrier to keep

your dog in the back area of your vehi-cle. Dogs riding in the front can be seri-ously injured if the airbags deploy.

Although it’s not recommended, if youmust transport your dog in the bed of apickup truck, be sure that he isrestrained, preferably in a crate or carri-er that is secured to the truck.

Avoid allowing your dog to hang hishead out of the car window. He couldsuffer an eye injury from flying debris.

When stopping the car along the way, attach aleash to your dog’s collar before opening thedoor so that he can’t escape. Use a leash to walkyour dog.

Fear of ThunderstormsFear of thunderstorms is common in dogs.Many dogs can sense a storm coming from therapidly falling barometric pressure and mayshow signs of anxiety even before the storm canbe heard.

Dogs can sense fear or discomfort from peopleso it’s important that you develop a calm attitudetoward storms. Let your dog stay close and tryto distract or play with him. Do not offer com-fort in a sympathetic voice; this will sound likepraise and increase nervousness and confusion.

Keep windows and curtains closed to reducenoise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radioat normal volume for distraction and to helphim relax.

Provide your dog with a safe place to be duringstorms, whether inside or out. Create a specialden-like area in your home where your dog can

feel safe and secure. If a storm is brewing, leadyour dog to his special place to help him feelcalm and protected. If you cannot bring yourdog inside, cover his dog house with a blanket tooffer some protection from the bursts of light-ning and thunder.

Dogs that continue to panic when a stormapproaches may have to be reconditioned bycreating an artificial storm with environmentalrecordings. While reconditioning can be a timeconsuming process, it can yield a high successrate. A qualified dog behavioral therapist canhelp your dog become calmer during thunder-storms. In some cases, medication may be thebest solution to help your dog cope with his fearof storms. Consult with your veterinarian aboutpossible treatments in conjunction with training.

By taking these precautions, you and your dogcan enjoy a healther, fun-filler summer.

This information is brought to you by Bark Busters HomeDog Training. For more information, contact your local dogbehavioral therapist at 877.500.BARK or by visitingwww.barkbusters.com.



16 Signs of Animal AgingBy Darlene Frudakis, Owner, PetAg.com

Photo by William Doran

t's always difficult to see our once ener-getic, cheerful pets slowing down and

becoming less playful than they used to be.However, just as people get older and show dif-ferent signs and symptoms of aging, our pets doalso.

Whether they are slowing down their pace onyour daily walks, not eating as much of theirfavorite food as they used to, or simply sleepingthrough the day rather than running around,there are many different day-to-day changes thatyour pets will experience throughout their gold-en years - some more obvious than others.

This is why it is essential that, as a pet owner,you are familiar with the different changes andsigns that come with aging pets so that you canseek out proper remedies to improve their over-all quality of life and even slow down the agingprocess. Here are just a few things to be on the

lookout for when it comes to your pets healthand happiness as they enter their senior years:

DIET1 Loss Of Appetite: A gradual decrease inappetite is not uncommon in older pets. Oneway to ensure that they are getting their propernutrition and vitamin intake is to warm up theirfood. This will increase the smell and taste, mak-ing the food more appealing.

2 Lack Of Nutrients: Because nutrition is soimportant for senior pets, it is important thatthey are consuming high-quality food productsspecifically for older pets, such as CatSure orDogSure, which include a healthy helping ofvitamins and minerals, as well as nutritional sup-plements that will help to maintain their weight.

I


3 Weak, Decaying Teeth: If you notice thatyour pet is having difficulty eating or chewing, itmay be a sign that their teeth and gums are inpain. Practicing a regular brushing and cleaningroutine will ensure that your pets eating habitswill not suffer in their senior years.

4 Dehydration: Many older pets often forget todrink water or have problems getting to theirwater bowl, therefore their hydration levels godown. Be sure that you set out your pets waterbowl in easy-to-reach locations, and ensure thatthey always have fresh, clean water.

EXERCISE5 Decreased Movement: One of the first signsof an aging pet is decreased movement andactivity. If your dog seems less energetic onwalks or your cat no longer jumps at their toyslike usual, it is time to get them into a regularroutine of exercise.

6 Unwanted Exercise: While your pet may seemcontent sleeping all day and skipping regularphysical activities, exercise can greatly improvethe quality of life and slow the progression ofaging for pets. It's very important that you keepup regular exercise routines even if it's just 10minutes a day of playing or walking.

7 Tires Quickly: As your pet ages, it is impor-tant to pay attention to their behavior duringexercise. If they become exhausted quickly, outof breath or dehydrated, you should stop theactivity right away and tend to their needs. Also,be sure to start out slow and work up to yourpets level, that way you do not overtax them.

8 Changing Up Routine: As your pet gets older,they will begin to change up their preference ofexercise and activity to ensure that they arekeeping themselves healthy and safe. For

instance, they may not want to head outdoorswhen the temperature is too warm, or they maystop fetching their ball if they are too tired. Besure to pay attention to their needs.

HEALTH9 Stiffening Joints: One of the most commonsigns of increasing age in pets is the stiffening oftheir joints and the onset of arthritis. Theseproblems may cause your pet to have difficultysitting up from a lying position and performingwell during exercise and physical activities. Ifyou notice that the pain is effecting their day-to-day lifestyle, be sure to ask your vet about help-ful exercises and medications.

10 Susceptibility To Disease: Just as olderhumans have an increased risk of certain healthproblems and diseases, so do animals. Somecommon problems which typically affect olderpets include diabetes, cancer, kidney disease,liver disease, heart disease, etc. Be sure that youare scheduling regular vet checkups for your petonce they enter their senior years in order toavoid such problems.

11 Flea Problems: While your pet may havenever had problems with pests in their youngeryears, that doesn't mean that they will beimmune as they get older. In fact, flea controlbecomes increasingly important as your pet getsolder. Be sure to practice regular grooming andbathing in order to keep these pests at bay.

12 Weak Coat: Your animals fur coat is theirstrongest defense against attacks from outsideenvironmental factors, including pests, the coldweather, fleas and ticks, wetness, etc. However,if their coat isn't strong, they may easily fall vic-tim to these types of problems. Be sure to investin a high-quality supplement, such as MirraCoat,that will keep your furry friend's coat strong andhealthy each and every season.

...continued from page 21

13 Vision and Hearing Problems: A decline invision and hearing is one of those problems thateffects all seniors - pets and humans alike. Besure that you are accommodating these changesas best as you can by speaking up louder whentalking to your animal and refraining from mov-ing around the furniture in your home.

BEHAVIOR14 Need For A Friend: For many older pets, ayounger animal around the house is just whatthey need to put the spunk back in their step. Ifyou are welcome to the idea, consider bringing ayounger companion into your house for youranimal to play with.

15 Changes In Normal Routine: An aging petcan bring about a variety of behavioral changes,including confusion, disorientation, sensitivityto noise, lack of attentiveness, and more. Giveyour pet extra care and attention to help curbthese changes and make them more comfortablein their senior years.

16 Easily Irritated: Grumpy, irritable seniors isnot a stereotype specifically for people. Pets alsocan become easily irritated as they age. If yourpet is not tolerating activities such as kids grab-bing and playing with them, or lots of peoplearound, be sure that they have a quiet place inthe house to retreat to.

Darlene Frudakis is the owner of PetAg.com, a leadingprovider of nutritional products and food for pets.

Join us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!

Paprika is a sweet and loving little girl wholoves to play, play, play! She enjoys herchew toys, running around the yard andespecially likes to be held. Due to the factthat she is very fast, she would need a verysecure play area. Paprika jumps very welland may benefit from agility training.

While she is good with cats, Paprika doeslike to chase them, so a home with catswould be on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more about Paprika, or to com-plete an adoption application, visitwww.BostonTerriers.Petfinder.com.

Ourcover dog,Paprika!

Boston Terrier Rescue Group of Greater Houstonwww.houstonbostonrescue.org

Boston Terrier Rescue of Greater Houston is a well established group that has been rescuingBoston Terriers for over 12 years. Started as a one person operation in early 2000, the grouphas grown to a solid base of volunteers across the country who work together to get aban-doned, abused and neglected dogs into their forever homes. Boston Terrier Rescue takes in theold, injured, sick - the dogs that society has many times discarded. All rescues are given imme-diate veterinary care, including vaccinations, heartworm test, and spay/neuter. If the dogrequires extraordinary care, most commonly heartworm treatment, Boston Terrier RescueGroup addresses those needs immediately.


RESCUE & ADOPTION

PhotosbyPawPrintsbyJamie


Jacey

Harlin

Jojo

Please note that thesedogs may have been adopt-ed by the time you visit

them; however,there are many more won-derful dogs in need offorever homes.

Rigby


Advertise Your Businessin our Marketplace for

only $600for the

Entire Year!Includes web exposure.

MARKETPLACE

VISIT US ONLINEwww.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Articles, Contests, Events & More!

COMING IN AUGUSTOur August issue is dedicated to

pet nutrition. Contact us for

special advertising opportunities at

[email protected].

Urban Paws Magazine supportslocal, non-profit organizationsthat ensure our four-legged

friends are cared for. We encourage

you to adopt, not shop.

urban paws magazine

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