May 2011 issue of Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine

FREEMAY •11

MEETYODA!!

Pg. 16

MYTH BUSTERSPg. 6

Puppy Training 101 Pg. 10

(281) 341-9005 4325 FM 359 Rd | Richmond, TX 77406-9180 Hours M-F 8 - 6pm | Sat 8-4pm | Delivery available

2 | www.TxDogsAndCats.com

(281) 341-9005 4325 FM 359 Rd | Richmond, TX 77406-9180 Hours M-F 8 - 6pm | Sat 8-4pm | Delivery available

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Natural Pawz has the solutions to help your pet beat the heat! Stop by and check out the

latest summer products and receive *15% off one of our “Keep Cool” summer products!

*one per household, cannot be combined with another offer expires 6/15/2011.

GRAND OPENING!May 14th, 2011

Natural Pawz newest location in Vintage Park!

Ice Cream Social for Pets! 11am-2pm

MAY 2011 | 3

contents

16

8

06

FEATURES6 • Myth Busters

8 • Meet Dr. Webb

10 Puppy 101- L’eggo My Eggo

12 • Pawz-itively Natural

16 • Meet YODA

20 • Tugg Tales


Next Issue: JUNE 2011

Advertiser’s DeadlineMAY. 15th 2011

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EDITORShannan Parker

Tel: 281.781.4727Email: [email protected]

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jeff ParkerTel: 281.781.4727

DESIGNERSarah Standley

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www.sarahstandleydesigns.com

Contributing Writers

Tiffany Robinson

Kingsland Blvd Animal Hospital

Jeff Parker

Tricia Fagan

Nadine Jol-Coeur

Dougie Deogi

Blake Ovard

MAY 2011 | 5

I love MythBusters. The science intrigues me, the inventions impress the heck out of me, and let’s be honest, they get to blow a lot of stuff up! What’s not to love? Having been in the animal community for quite some time, I thought what if someone took a mythbusters approach to the hot topic of spay/neuter. Recently, I spent a lit-tle time looking up some of the most common “myths” about spaying and neutering your pet. Then I busted each myth with just a little bit of science and a whole heaping of common sense.

Myth #1:It’s too expensive to have my dog or cat

spay/neutered.

BUSTED!!:

There are many low-cost spay/neuter options in Houston. With minimal effort I found two great places. The first is Houston Humane Society. They offer spay/neuter surgery for $30 plus an office visit. Looking to save even more money? Be sure to book your appointment on a week-day when the office visit is slightly cheaper. You do have to have an appointment, but you can request one online at www.houstonhumane.org or by phone at 713-433-6421. The second is SNAP. A quick glance online gives you a full price guide by sex, species, and weight. It can be as cheap as $40-$50 for a cat and $50 - $110 for a dog. Just like Houston Humane Society, you do have to have an appointment at SNAP for spay/neuter services. You can request one online at

MYTH BUSTERS!!

www.snapus.org or by phone at713-862-8001.

Still not convinced? The estimated cost to feed, deworm, and vaccinate (first round) of just one litter of puppies or kittens can be upwards of $200 - $300! That doesn’t include any complications that can arise throughout the pregnancy or birthing. Compared to that, a spay or neuter surgery is one heck of a deal!

Myth #2Isn’t it best to let my dog have at least

one litter of puppies?

BUSTED!!:

Medical evidence has shown that females spayed before they come into their first heat are typically healthier, and can even have a reduced rate of mammary can-cer. Their male counterparts are much less likely to develop prostate cancer. The younger the pet is altered, the lower the risk of cancer. As a bonus, male cats are less likely to spray and male dogs are less likely to mark. Female cats will no longer pace and wail while in heat. All are less likely to roam in search of a mate! Many veterinarians will spay and neuter as young as 8 weeks of age. It’s best to check with your vet to find out how soon you can alter your pet.

Myth #3I want my child to experience the

miracle of life.

BUSTED!!:

The polite thing for me to say is be a re-sponsible parent and teach your children that it is more important to be concerned with the massive pet overpopulation problem our society now faces. Instruct them on how to become responsible pet owners, and lead by example. It is much more important for your children to learn how precious life is, and that pets are not disposable.

The blunt answer I want to give is if you are so concerned with your child expe-riencing the miracle of life be sure you

Spay & Neuter MisconceptionsTiffany Robinson


teach them about the horrors of euthaniza-tion. It’s estimated that almost 4 million an-imals are put to sleep in shelters across the country! That cute little miracle of life les-son just bumped that number up a notch!

Myth #4 But MY dog is a purebred.

BUSTED!!:

That’s great! Guess what? So is about 1 out of every 4 dogs turned in to shelters across the country! Unfortunately, there is a huge overpopulation of both mixed and pure breeds. The sad fact is that there just aren’t enough homes for all of the home-less pets regardless of their pedigree. Oh, and those cute designer dogs that are so popular right now, chi-weenies and any breed you can think of mixed with a poo-dle, the list goes on and on. Shelters have had those for years! They are called MIXED breeds! Still not convinced? Ask yourself

why so many breed specific rescues are necessary!!!

Myth #5Won’t it make my dog gain weight and

become lazy?

BUSTED!!:

I hate to break it to you, but dogs and cats become fat and lazy the same way humans do. Too much food and lack of exercise causes weight gain and lethargy every time. As a human, my weight prob-lem is due 100% to my love of junk food and total disregard for anything resembling exercise. Same goes for your pet. If you over feed, splurge on treats, and avoid long walks with fido your pet will end up overweight and lazy, no matter if they are spay/neutered or not!

Just like MythBusters on TV, the major argu-ments against spaying and neutering your pet have been completely BUSTED! In fact, not one good reason for leaving your pet unaltered was found! So what are you waiting for? Get your dog or cat altered today so you can enjoy a long life with each other!

Tiffany Robinson

MAY 2011 | 7

GETTING TO KNOW

Graduating from Texas A&M in 1998, Dr. Jen-nifer Webb has been active in the veterinary community ever since. Dr. Webb has now been working with the Animal Minor Emer-gency Center at Kingsland since its opening date in December, 2010, and she absolutely loves it!

Dr. Webb has 3 boys (Jack, Zachary, and Sam) and a husband of 15 years (Ty). She also claims to have way too many dogs and cats, and she has still never admitted the actual number of animals she has in her household to her colleagues (which can only mean that there really are WAY TOO MANY!) While some might call her life crazy and hec-tic, she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

As for her interests in veterinary medicine, first and foremost is critical care. She loves being able to help the animals that have critical needs. She has enjoyed start-ing at the ground floor with the Animal Mi-nor Emergency Center at Kingsland because it has been such a great learning experience for her. She has been able to work with oth-er critical care doctors to learn more about the patients and their families. Other inter-ests of Dr. Webb’s include internal medicine and feline medicine.

Dr. Webb’s passion for the veteri-nary field began because of the human-an-imal bond that exists between animals and their families. One reason that she enjoys

working at Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic is be-cause of the deep bond that the clients share with their pets. “You don’t see that incred-ible bond in every practice or in every city, so having the opportunity to see this makes my job a lot more fulfilling. The clients are very knowledgeable and want the absolute best for their babies” says Dr. Webb.

In her “spare” time, of which there is not much, she loves to play tennis, write, and sail. She also absolutely loves Reese’s Peanut Butter cups (and no, this is not a paid endorsement). “I would do anything for a Reese’s Peanut Butter cup!” says Dr. Webb. On another note, she does NOT like the beach. “The feeling of that gritty sand be-tween my toes is not a pleasurable thing for me” Dr. Webb says with a laugh.

One of the main points about Dr. Webb is that she loves working at Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic and the Animal Minor Emer-gency Center at Kingsland. She says that all of the clients are great, the staff is excellent, and all of the other doctors are very nice and helpful. She says “as crazy as it looks up front at KBAC sometimes, once you are in the mix, it all makes sense. Everyone knows what they are doing, and everyone gets taken care of.”

P.S.- Dr. Webb says “Go TEAM EDWARD” (al-though she won’t discriminate against Team Jake at KBAC!)

P.P.S.- Dr. Webb’s son Zachary’s favorite place in the world to visit is Kingsland Blvd Animal Clinic! **Hi Zachary!**

DR. Webb

by Dr. Susan Randlett


MAY 2011 | 9

Puppy 101: L’eggo My Eggo

You would like to play fetch with your dog, but puppy just won’t cooperate. Tug of war can a fun game for people and dogs, but again, your pooch just can’t let go of the toy. Do not despair! You can teach your dog to release his treasures on cue. It is fairly simple, just have treats (really good ones, like turkey or beef) and a toy. Put your dog on leash for the first few lessons. This will prevent Fido from running away with his new toy. Stand on the leash, and both of your hands will be free for training. Second, pick the cue you will teach to your dog, “drop it” and “out” are popular. Put the treats where you can easily get to them, but your dog cannot. Get your puppy in-terested in the toy, then give the toy to the dog.

The training begins. With the treats in your easy reach, say your cue, “Drop it” or “Out”. Be very careful to avoid looking at or touching the treats at this time. Wait

two seconds. Ok, your dog will not let go of the toy when you begin this exercise, but at some point, he will. You must wait these two seconds to give the dog time to demonstrate his understanding of this exercise. You have just started this training, so Fido hangs on tight. Take a treat and hold it a quarter inch from his nose. Let the dog smell the treat, and decide if he wants it. Fido will have to let go of the toy to eat the treat. Yeah! He did it! If Fido does not let go, use a better treat, real meat or cheese. Repeat this exer-cise ten to twenty times a day.

If your pet is doing well, always letting go before you offer the treat, you can try the new cue while you are playing tug. Do not try tug first, as it is much harder for puppy to let go when you are playing with the toy. Show your dog the toy, and say “tug!”. Wig-gle the toy if necessary. When puppy is tug-ging like mad, give your let go cue “Drop it!” or “Out!” Remember, you have not reached for the food yet. Count your two seconds. If your dog lets go of the toy, give him a treat right away.

Tricia Fagan CPDT-KA

[email protected]

www.dogSgonegood.com

by Tricia Fagan CPDT-KA


MAY 2011 | 11

Tips to beating the heat in Houston with your Pet.

Summer in Houston can be brutal on your pet. Dogs are very susceptible to heatstroke, which can be very dangerous and can lead to serious medical conditions and even death. Dogs, unlike humans, only have sweat glands on their feet. When we need to cool down we perspire. When a dog needs to cool down, they only perspire from the pads of the feet. The hotter it gets, the more we sweat. Dogs are already at a disadvantage because they have a fur coat and as the heat rises, it is im-possible for sweat released from the pads to cool them down. Dogs have to rely on other means to beat the heat, especially in Houston. One key way that dogs cool down is through their tongues. Their tongues are amazing, the hotter they get, the larger the tongue gets. Their tongue expands so that they can use air flowing across the tongue to help cool them down. In addition, lapping up fresh water keeps the tongue cool. This is why it is so important to have access to fresh water. Panting is another method of cooling. As they pant they breathe out excess heat from their bodies.

Common sense is probably the most impor-tant thing in helping your pet beat the heat this summer. Firstly, you should always walk your pet during the cooler times of the day, early in the morning or later in the evening. Morning is probably best if you are walking on concrete, as the concrete will absorb the heat of the sun during the day and slowly dissipate the heat at night. Secondly, never, never, never leave your pet in a car for any pe-riod of time. A car’s interior temperature can increase dramatically in just a matter of min-utes and since your pet’s cooling mechanisms are not as good as ours, they cannot tolerate the extreme heat. You never know when that “quick” errand can take longer than expected and you have put your pet in danger. Thirdly,

make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water and an increased amount of fluid. For example, we recommend that pet own-ers in the summer should add canned food to their pet’s diet. The increased moisture from the canned food can help tremendously

Give them a cool treat. There are many products on the market that are best served chilled or come frozen. Some of our favorites are;

Yoghund and Nature’s Variety sweet spots - a frozen treat made from yogurt and looks like ice cream. Not only does this frozen treat cool them down, but it also has live cultures that are good for a healthy gut (kind of like an Activia for Pets).

Fruit smoothie for dogs - “Cool Treats” A low fat treat, similar to popsicles, that solely has fruit and or peanut butter that you freeze. Not only does it taste good, but it is also low fat and protein free.

Honest Kitchen Ice pups are made with chicken broth and lots of nutritious ingredi-ents that can be made on an as needed ba-sis. It comes in a dry powder. Just mix with water, put in an ice cube tray and serve.

An outdoor doggie fountain. This is a unique product that is controlled by your pet. When your pet steps on it, it instantly spurts wa-ter up like a fountain. What I love about this product is that it allows for fresh water ev-ery time, rather than having a regular bowl of water outside than will attract bugs and dirt.

Keep it Kool (lol)Kool collars. The Kool Collar is the only fill with ice dog collar. It comes with a gel pack if you prefer not to use plain ice. This is an amazing product and I swear by it. I have a cocker spaniel that loves to go on walks, but after 10 minutes his tongue would almost hit the pavement. I started to use the Kool Collar and not only did his tongue not expand, he was full of energy. On the website, they ex-plain it this way. “The melting ice runs down the front of the dog and not only offers a comfortable cool sensation, but also more importantly promotes evaporative cooling over the very vascular chest area of the dog. The action of the water evaporating cools the

by Nadine Joli-Coeur

pawz-itively natural


blood and the core temperature of the dog”.

A cool mat. Many pets will lay on tile in the summer time to cool down. At our house, we remove area rugs so that the dogs (and of course our cat Harold) can lay on the tile. Right now we are evaluating a new product that is coming on the market that doesn’t uti-lize water or gel, is non toxic and is activated by touch. It cools down when your pet lays on it. I’ll let you know next month how well it works.

Lastly, let’s look to Chinese theory on how to cool ourselves. Have you ever wondered why you like to have chicken soup when you are cold? You aren’t crazy. Chicken is con-sidered a hot protein in Chinese theory so if you are feeling cold, it will warm you up. During the summer months, you may want to consider switching your pet’s diet away from hot proteins such as lamb, venison and

chicken, to proteins that help cool you down such as rabbit, duck and fish proteins (beef is considered a neutral). I also recommend that everyone look at a product called “Athlete”, by Herbsmith. Don’t be fooled by the name, it is not only for athletic dogs. Athlete comes in a tablet or powder form and helps your pet’s system remain hydrated and does not put such a huge strain on them during Hous-ton’s hottest months (kind of like a doggie gatorade). Herbsmith was created by a holis-tic vet, Dr. Chris Bessent. She has vet formu-lations that help some very serious medical conditions and we carry everyday products that can make a big difference you your pet’s life for issues such as slight to severe restless-ness or nervousness, joint pain or stiffness, immunity and allergies.

Most of all enjoy being a pet parent and don’t be afraid to spend a lazy afternoon together.

Nadine Joli-Coeur is Mom of Dogs Callie, Lucky, Joey and Harold the cat. Natural Pawz has been recognized

nationally and locally as a retail leader in natural pet care products. We are a local business to Houston with now 7 locations in and around the Houston area. Stop by for a

visit (pets are welcome)

Voted Best Grooming Shop in Fort Bend County 2010 and Best Pet Supplies 2 years in a row!

MAY 2011 | 13

PETSJAM! 2011 is two full days of su-perstar live concert entertainment coupled with every pet activity under the sun, all to benefit the Houston Hu-mane Society. PETSJAM will take place in Tom Bass Park in Pearland on May 14th & 15th. Gates open Saturday at 10am and close at 10pm. Gates open Sunday at 10am and close at 6pm. Bands begin playing at noon each day. Admission is $20, and the price cov-ers both days. All kids 12 and under are admitted free of charge, and dogs are welcome throughout most of the day. Bands include Krosif, Return to Relevant, Potbelly, Journey Tribute, Dev Electric, Ground Zero, Alpha Rev, Lone Star Hippie, Joan Wynn Minis-tries, Nothing but Others, and The Marshall Tucker Band.

The Houston Humane Society will be on hand with a mobile adop-tion unit, as well as their current Di-amond in the Ruff dogs. Diamond in the Ruff dogs are larger dogs that have been at the shelter for an extended period of time without getting adopted. These dogs typi-cally lack good manners, and are put through 4 weeks of training to learn how to sit, stay, and walk on a leash. Once basic skills have been learned, these fabulous canines are ready to be adopted and join their forever homes. The Diamond in the Ruff program was made possible in part by an Innovation Grant from the PEDIGREE Foundation in recog-nition of the great things we do for dogs.

the cat’s meow in furniture!


Are you looking for an alternative to the typi-cal cat scratching posts found in chain stores? One whose quality will withstand years and years of your kitties love for scratching, climb-ing, playing and lounging? Are you looking for all this AND a price that won’t break the bank?

Everyone, we would like to introduce you to Fandango Cat Trees!

Nine years ago, Steve McCartney happened upon 2 feral kittens. He brought them home and soon realized what a handful a pair of 8 week old kittens could be. They needed something they could play and relax on, so Steve made them a tree.

As the kittens grew, so did the trees. Each tree becoming more and more elaborate and able to withstand the abuse that Merle & Sugars inflicted upon them! Word spread quickly about Steve’s work and requests from cat owners all over Houston began to pour in! What started as a gift to his rescued feral kittens quickly grew into a thriving busi-ness based on quality and comfort at an af-fordable price!

I can honestly tell you, these are no ordinary trees! Cat Tree Steve can make anything from the most basic scratching post, to the Crème

de’la Crème, 6 ft tall Liberty Cat Tree!

Each tree is handmade, right here in Houston and contains a 30 lb. base support. These trees can actually hold a 100 lb. boy! (yes- we tested it)

So cat lovers around, jump on the internet and look up www.FandangoCatFurniture.com and browse the gallery to pick out that tree that your furry little friends will enjoy for years to come. Whether they are playing, resting, scratching, or looking for a safe ha-ven away from the dogs, this is the ultimate in tree houses for Cats.

Jeff Parker

the cat’s meow in furniture!

MAY 2011 | 15

Y o D A

MEET YODA

Height- 7in

Weight- 3.4lbs

Guilty Pleasure- chasing his fur sister and biting her butt.

Yoda’s story is a common one. Purchased from a breeder when he was 6 weeks old, he was surrendered 4 weeks later.... his surrender papers said “going away to school”. He was adopted at 15 weeks old from the Houston Humane Society and now spends his days playing, getting into mischief and driving his 4 legged brothers and sisters crazy!

Yoda is like many of the animals at the Houston Humane Society. Purchased on impulse without thinking of the animals needs, or requirements and given up when their newness wears off. He also stands as a wonderful example that you can get any breed you desire from one the shelters if your willing to be patient. If you have your heart set on a certain breed, The Houston Humane Society, like many others do have waiting lists. Currently HHS has several Chinese Crested and Chihuahuas looking for homes to call their own. If your thinking about adding a new fur kid to your family- save a life and adopt!


MAY 2011 | 17

Peeps, so, you know I’m a rescue dog – right? Rescued after I was hit by a car and left on the roadside for dead? So, I watch rescue happenings pretty closely. Right now is a bad time in Houston for dogs! Breeders are turning dogs over left and right – people are dumping their “beloved” companions at the shelters at a rate of hundreds each day.

So, I’m looking through the newspaper this weekend, (yes, I certainly CAN read!!), and I see all these for sale ads for “POO” and “DOODLE” mixed breed puppies! And, OMG, the cost of a doodle!! Ridiculous!!

What’s up with that? Why in the world are people in Houston breeding and selling mixed breed mutts?

Ok, it’s bad enough that people are breed-ing purebreds, like shih tzu, poodles, maltese, lhasa apsos, etc, but why in the @#$%$ world would you ON PURPOSE breed a mix? HUH? Does that make any sense at all?

Oh, I know what you’re going to say – “you mix two breeds to get the BEST of both breeds!” RIGHT? HAHA. What, were you hid-ing behind the door when brains were passed out, people? When two ANYTHINGS breed together, you get what you get. Who in their

Dougie Deogi, Rescue Reporterdougie deogi

right minds actually THINK that dog breeders can specify that they want curly tri-colored hair, floppy ears and an underbite? What are they - geneticists? I THINK NOT!

So, let’s step through it logically!

Let’s say you want a human kid with bright blue eyes, olive skin and dark brunette hair – so you go out and get a light-skinned man with bright blue eyes and light brown hair and a olive-skinned woman with hazel eyes and ravishing dark hair and voila! You get exactly what you want, right? A gorgeous olive-skinned kid with electric blue eyes and stunning dark hair – right! NOT! HAHA. No, you end up with a light-skinned kid who burns easily, with hazel eyes and mousy brown hair.

Do you really think the breeders can pick and choose the exact traits they are passing on to the mixes they are creating? Good Grief!

NOPE. They’re just creating more mutts. (Not that mutts are bad – I’m a mutt, but come on folks, lets not to this on purpose. Don’t go en-couraging these “people” to breed more mutts. There are already too many “labradoodles,” and “goldendoodles,” and other poos and doodles on death row RIGHT NOW. Save yourself thou-sands of dollars and get one from the shelter.

Dougie Deogi, over and out.

Dougie Deogi, over and out!Dougie Deogi is the official spokes dog for Lone Star ShihTzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue and is a man-about-town attending rescue events all over Houston. You can follow him on facebook: www.facebook.com/AccordingtoDougie.

Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue is an all-volunteer dog rescue organization focusing on shih tzu and lhasa apsos (and the occasional Maltese). Find them on facebook: www.facebook.com/lsstlar

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Houston Humane Society is now registering for their annual

Companion Camp.

Companion Camp is a week-long camp held each summer for kids ages 7-13.

Children enjoy learning about domestic and exotic pets, how to properly care for animals, a tour of our clinic, spe-cial class time with experts such as a

veterinarian, dog trainers, animal cruelty officers, animal experts, and more.

Six sessions are offered this summer: June 20th – 24th,

June 27th – July 1st,

July 11th – 15th,

July 18th – 22nd(teen week, ages 12 – 15),

July 25th – 29th, Aug. 1st – 5th.

Cost is $250 per week,

please visit

www.houstonhumane.org


Dougie Deogi, Rescue Reporter

Houston Humane Society is now registering for their annual

Companion Camp.

Companion Camp is a week-long camp held each summer for kids ages 7-13.

Children enjoy learning about domestic and exotic pets, how to properly care for animals, a tour of our clinic, spe-cial class time with experts such as a

veterinarian, dog trainers, animal cruelty officers, animal experts, and more.

Six sessions are offered this summer: June 20th – 24th,

June 27th – July 1st,

July 11th – 15th,

July 18th – 22nd(teen week, ages 12 – 15),

July 25th – 29th, Aug. 1st – 5th.

Cost is $250 per week,

please visit

www.houstonhumane.org

MAY 2011 | 19

Tugg would spend his days on the couch, eating dog cookies and watching cartoons, if we would let him. Sometimes I think I could spend my days doing the same thing — minus the dog cookies, of course. Well, OK, I could go for some of those gourmet dog cookies sometimes.

But, one of the benefits of sharing the house with Tugg is having a dog who could spend his days on the couch, but would rather go out, put on a cape and help others. Sometimes helping others is as simple as going to special events and letting Tugg tell his story. We were asked to speak at just an event a couple of weeks ago, but it turned out to be larger than we anticipated.

Pooch and Pals is one of those gatherings of rescue groups, animal shelters, pet lovers, groomers, an occasional vet and dog enthusiasts like many others that happens in numerous cities all across this country. Usually there are a couple of hundred people and dogs who come out and really enjoy the day. Most events like this feature canine performance demonstrations, fun matches, raffles and sometimes live music. Pooch and Pals had all of this and more.

The parking lot was filled to near capacity, and my wife pointed over to a car that looked as though it was being driven by a mastiff, and had another as a passenger. We could hear the band as we exited our Jeep, and knew this was a lot bigger than we thought it would be. Don’t get me wrong, I know the sponsors of this event typically do everything they can, but this time they outdid themselves.

After the convertible of mastiffs, one of the things we noticed right away was the diversity of groups at the event. Tugg looked around and sized up the situation. He looked over to the rescue tents and at the people and dogs in them. He looked over at the performance dogs and their people and then he looked over at some of the merchants that had set up temporary shops under various canopies.

Tugg Tales....By Blake Ovard

He sighed, sat and looked up at me. Then, he stood, focusing all of his attention in one direction. I followed where his nose was pointing and I saw the orange shirts of the K9 search and rescue teams. But, more precisely, Tugg seemed to be focused on one dog in particular — and that dog and handler were heading our way.

It was easy to see that each of the hero dogs shared mutual respect for each other and pulled to the ends of their respective leashes to get a few good sniffs of each other. For the first time in a long time, I was a little stumped as to what dominant breeds were in the genetic makeup of this other hero dog. This beautiful large dog appeared to me to be part German shepherd and part… werewolf. If we hadn’t been out in the park during the morning daylight hours, I might have been a little worried.

Come to find out, the dog’s name is Rotten —because it is of the spoiled variety — and he is a long-haired German shepherd.

The SAR teams were scheduled to go on after us, so they all listened while Tugg told his tale. As we walked out of the main area, Rotten’s handler turned towards us and said, “And I thought we did important rescues. Please keep telling your story.”

Then he and the rest of the SARs team went out into the main field. As Tugg and I walked down beside the ropes to where the water bowls were, we heard another member say, “How are we supposed to follow that!?”

Tugg is a super hero who masquerades as a bull terrier. He lives with his animal control officer mommy and daddy just south of Fort Worth. You can follow his adventures daily at his facebook page at www.facebook.com/TuggBullTerrier.

Blake Ovard is a dog trainer, writer and artist who lives just south of Fort Worth. When he’s not busy with those things, he’s also an animal control officer for Fort Worth.


MAY 2011 | 21

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MAY 2011 | 23

L O O K

Fabuleash- Even Tinkerbell would do a second take if she was these fabulous leashes! Available in many colors to match any outfit and with the price you can easily pick up one for each day! Available at the Pawty Palace in Old Katy!

Keep your pet fashionably dry on those rainy day potty breaks with thisadorable rain coat! Available at the Pawty Palace in Old Katy!

Handmade right here in Houston, these trees are the cat’s meow! Your cats will LOVE playing, scratching and lounging on these trees for years to come! (and you will love the quality!)

The WaterDog automatic outdoor pet drinking fountain lets your dog help itself to fresh water, so you don’t have to worry about stagnant or empty water bowls. Available at Funny Fur on Westheimer!

Everyone knows dogs love ice! You can make your own organic bone shaped flavored ice pops with this starter kit available at Funny Fur on Westheimer. Kit includes bone shaped ice tray and 4 samples flavors!


Keep your pet fashionably dry on those rainy day potty breaks with thisadorable rain coat! Available at the Pawty Palace in Old Katy!

Nothing says backyard Luau like these tropical trunks and hair bows! Grab your Tiki torches and lets paWty! Hula on over to the Pawty Palace for these gems!

One of the best ways to improve your pet’s health is to get them to drink more water. By using a 5-inch falling stream of water, the Pet

Fountain continually aerates your pet’s water with healthful oxygen. A must have for Houston heat! Available at all 7 Natural Pawz locations!

Comfortable and fun! The Pawty Palace in Old Katy have several summer collars to choose from!

This delicious kiwi harness by Susan Lanci Designs is made out of ultra soft suede for comfort and uses Velcro straps for the right fit every time! Available in several colors at The Pawty Palace

Galveston Seawall will never quite be the same once FiFi struts her stuff in this cute little polka dot number! The Pawty Palace has several colors to choose from!

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rescue resourcesAdopt A Cat, Inc www.spayhouston.org

All Texas Dachshund Rescue www.atdr.org

A New Dawn Pet Adoption www.anewdawnpetadoption.org

American Brittany Rescue www.americanbrittanyrescue.org

Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue www.austingermanshepherdrescue.org

Basset Buddies Rescue of Texas www.basset-buddies-rescue.org

Best Friends FurEver www.furever.org

Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society www.bluebonnetequine.org

Boston Terrier Rescue of Greater Houston www.houstonbostonrescue.org

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club ofGreater Houston, Inc. www.cavaliersofhouston.org

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue www.cbrrescue.org

Chihuahua Rescue and Transport www.chihuahua-rescue.com

Cocker Spaniel Rescue www.cockerkids.org

Dakota Rescue www.dakotarescue.org

Doberman Rescue Group www.dobermanrescuegroup.org

English Bulldog Rescue NetworkEnglish Springer Rescue America www.springerrescue.org

Greyhound Pets of America Houston www.gpahouston.org

Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas www.saveadane.org

Great Pyrenees Rescue Society www.greatpyreneesrescuesociety.org

Houston Area Ferret Association www.houstonareaferretassociation.com

Houston Beagle Rescue www.houstonbeaglerescue.org

Houston Collie Rescue www.houstoncollierescue.org

Houston Lab Rescue www.houstonlabrescue.com

Houston Sheltie Sanctuary www.houstonsheltiesanctuary.com

Husky Haven Inc www.huskyhaven.org

Lonestar Boxer Rescue www.lsbr.org

Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston www.msrh.org

Montgomery County Animal Shelter www.montgomerycountypets.com

Noah’s Ark www.noahsarksanctuary.org

PugHearts, the Houston Pug Rescue www.pughearts.com

S.A.F.E. House Rescue & Adoption www.safehouserescue.org

Save Our Strays www.saveourstraysfortbend.org

Second Chance Poms www.geocities.com/udxpom

Smiling Dog Farms www.smilingdogfarms.org

South Texas Aussie Rescue www.southtexasaussierescue.org

Southeast Texas Labrador Retriever Rescue www.txlabrescue.org

Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue www.texalmal.org

Texas Collie Rescue www.texascollierescue.org

Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue Group, Inc. www.txpyrs.org

Treat Em Right Rescue www.cooperanimalclinic.com

Tri-State Bloodhound Rescue www.tristatebloodhoundrescue.org

Weimeranier Rescue of North Texas www.weimrescuetexas.org

Westie Rescue Houston www.dogwhimsy.com

Yorkie and Small Dog Rescue www.yorkieandsmalldogrescue.com

Yorkshire Terrier Club of Houston www.ytcgh.com

Zeke Fund Animal Rescue www.zfar.org

for a completelist go to

txdogsandcats.com


MAY 2011 | 27


Canine Country Club .....would like you to meet.....

Our Dogs in Training

“REX, Kat, and Splenda”

Canine Country Club is proud to introduce a few of our dogs in training! Meet Rex, Kat, and Splenda. Rex is our MAy Dog of the Month from the Houston Humane Society. He is looking for his forever home. Kat is visiting here from Stafford, VA. She is working to get titled in agility (Stay tuned for future agility classes being offered at Canine Country Club)! Splenda excels in her puppy obedience training.

281.693.DOGS (3647)

Laser Surgery Works For My Mom. Why Not Me?

CRITTER CARE ANIMAL HOSPITALLaser surgery. Faster healing time. Less bleeding. Less pain.

1304 Dairy Ashford | Sugar Land, Texas 77478Phone: 281.494.7700 | Fax: 281.494.7701www.crittercareonline.com

MAY 2011 | 29

LET’Scalendar of events

MAY

ROLL14 May 14th- 15th PetsJam at

Tom Bass Regional Park2 full days of family fun in the park with your pet. Visit PetsJam.org

May 14th 10am- Walk & WagDog family friendly fun walk to benefit local Houston CharitiesT.C. Jester Park4201 W T.C. Jester Blvd.

8

20

1-7

MOTHER’S DAY!

5-10pm Yappy Hour at The Pawty Palace!

Food, drinks and TONS of fun 2 leggers and 4 leggers! Head over to The Pawty Palace in Old Katy!

NATIONALPETWEEK


Dogs, Cats, Birds & Exotics

Wellness Care

www.kingslandvet.com www.kingslandamec.com

ImmunizationsDentistryBathing

Boarding Surgery

Laser SurgeryDigital Radiology

Ultrasound

Kingsland Hours:Monday-Thursday: 7am - 7pm

Friday: 7am - 6pm

Saturday: 9am - 4pm

MinorEmergency Center

Hours:Monday-Friday: 6pm-12am

Saturday: 4pm - 12am

Sunday: 12pm - 10pm

20701 Kingsland Blvd., Suite 105Katy, TX 77450

(Across From Taylor High School)

(281) 578-1506

W I-10 Katy Freeway

TaylorHigh School

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Rd.

Dom

inio

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Kingsland Blvd.

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en

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NATIONALPETWEEK

MAY 2011 | 31

Documents

May 2011 issue of Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine