As the lazy days of barbecues and swimming pools roll around, you can make them even bet-ter by sharing them with your favorite pet. By following a few summer pet safety tips, you can keep your animal friends healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun.n Never leave your pet in the car. Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run some errands, leave the furry ones at home.n As you’re outside enjoying the warm weather, keep your pet leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating and drinking

things that could make her sick. This tip isn’t just for dogs–even cats can learn to walk on a leash if you train them.n Water, water everywhere. Whether you’re indoors or out, both you and your pet need ac-cess to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check her water bowl several times a day to be sure it’s full. If you and your furry friend venture forth for the afternoon, bring plenty of water for both of you.n Pets need sunscreen, too. Though all that fur helps protect her, your pet can get sunburned, particularly if she has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause problems similar to those it can cause in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer. So keep your pet out of the sun

between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and when you do go out, rub a bit of sun block on unprotected areas like the tips of her ears, the skin around her lips, and the tip of her nose.n Say no to tangles. Keeping your pet well groomed will help her hair do what it was designed to do: protect her from the sun and insulate her from the heat. If she has extremely thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, her fur may trap too much heat, so you may want to clip her.n Watch out for antifreeze. Hot weather may tempt your pet to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it’s extremely toxic. When you’re

Board of Directors2008-09MIcHelle BroWnPresident, Secretary

and NewsletterHollyglen communications

593-1245

DIAne McGee, DVMPast President

el Abrigado Animal clinic(505) 589-1818

SuSIe YGlecIASVice President

crossroads Animal Hospital584-3459

BArBArA creWS, DVMBoard Member

crossroads Animal Hospital584-3459

YVonne DAVISBoard Member

community Volunteer566-9357

ruTH HArrISBoard Member

community Volunteer585-9214

DenISe K. MAnKInBoard Member, NewsletterFreelance Graphic Artist

587-0548

MArTY VAnDenBurGBoard Member

TVo north America & community Volunteer

833-1571

SAnDY connorProgram Coordinator

581-3789

continued on page 4

Summer Pet Care...Preventions Protect the Furry Family Members

SuMMer 2009

H Allstar Animal Hospital, Doctors & StaffH crossroads Animal Hospital, Doctors & Staff (especially Bernie Garcia) H Dog, cat & Bird Hospital, Doctors & Staff H Horizon Animal Hospital, Dr. Russell Johnson and Charlotte H Merial representative, Shelly Dutton (Heartworm Preventative Medication)

H Montana Animal clinic, Doctors & Staff (especially Silvia)H northeast Veterinary clinic, Doctors & Staff (especially Raquel)H PeTsBArn/Valley Feed, Dean Travis (especially Sabrina at N. Desert Blvd.)H Sun Valley Animal clinic, Doctors & Staff

Regional Pet Health & Welfare Professionals Support Therapet ClientsMany area animal hospitals and clinics work with Therapet to provide program pets with kind, gentle care, often at specially reduced rates. Many also send us contributions for the People and Pet Memorial/Honorarium Programs. Drug firms provide us with complementary preventatives to stave off disease. Veterinary doctors and staff also refer new clients to us, as do places of worship and senior-oriented facilities. Together they help support Therapet, stretch its dollars farther and expand services to reach more qualified low-income seniors. They know veterinary care, disease prevention and nutritious food remain critical for healthy, happy pets.

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PET MEMORIALSDonated by the following...

Dennis & Sandy connorBarbara & Billy crews

crossroads Animal Hospital, Doctors & Staff

Dyana, crossroads Animal HospitalBernie Garcianeysa Hardin

rebecca & Alan KranseDenise & Dale Mankin

Betty MerrittDr. robert & Deborah nichols

northeast Veterinary clinicMr. & Mrs. Sharp

catherine & Doug TompkinsSusie Yglecias

PEOPLE MEMORIALSDonors are listed below ...

Barbara & Billy crewsrichard & Beverly Dodson

MG (ret.) Travis & Donna DyerAngie & Bill White

Dr. charles & Sue Zaltz

GRANTSGenevieve H. coonly Foundationel Paso community Foundation/

robert earpel Paso community Foundation/

Stern Foundation

LEGACIESThe estate Bequest of

Janet urquhart

GENERAL DONATIONSGary & Dalinda Braun

Daughters of the British empire of Texas

carolyn FallJoan Fleming

larue & Delmar Hillcol. (ret.) Dorothy Istvan

Mark lenox, DVMMr. & Mrs. luby

Mr. & Mrs. Mccreary

WANTED!· Clients & Pets ·Do you know a limited income el Pasoarea senior with a companion pet who

may benefit from participation in Therapet eldercare? A person who may qualify and would appreciate

receiving food and veterinary care for their “best friends?” If so, please

contact Program coordinatorSandy connor at 581-3789.

2 ·Volunteer Profile ·

Sponsored by EL PASO VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

* Failure to register, rabies vaccinate and microchip a pet can result in fi nes up to $2,000! All dogs/cats/ ferrets MUST be vaccinated at three months of age.

Rabies Kills People! Vaccinate Pets—It’s the LAW! Up to $2,000 Fine!*

K-9 QuotablesK-9 Quotables our dog is fluent—in english, Afghan, Pekingese, Borzoi, Mal-tese, labrador, Pomeranian and has a fairly good grasp of bull Shih-Tzu.

—In THe coMPAnY oF DoGS

In moments of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag.

—W. H. AuDen

until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.

— AnATole FrencH

I’ve caught more ills from people sneez-ing over me… than from kissing dogs.

— BArBArA WooDHouSe

’’‘‘ A dog is bound

to find me, sooner or later. Sometimes you gotta not look too hard. Just let the dog find you.

—GreG BroWn, FroM HIS SonG, euGene

Happiness is dog-shaped, I say.—cHAPMAn PIncHer

The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.

—KonrAD lorenZ

You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, ‘Wow, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!’ —DAVe BArrY

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Driver Gene Kuhnau Dedicates 16 Years

to Therapet

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Good fortune found Therapet 16 years ago when Gene Kuhnau contacted el Paso county’s referral line for volun-teer opportunities to share his love of pets and people. Gene works full-time regionally collecting for el Paso Times’ circulation. “I’m a dog person, and I’m used to driving,” said the retired Army veteran and dog-dad to his three rescued blends of canine diversity (chihuahua, chow and beagle mixes). “I like stopping and talk-ing to people and visiting them and their pets. You get to know people through their pets. Delivering pet food for Therapet sounded perfect and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.” He also has a daughter in the Army at Ft. Bliss, while the Sun city serves as his home since 1984.

nowadays in the northeast neighbor-hoods, Gene visits more than a dozen Therapet clients every month or so. He delivers food and touches base with friends—human and furry. “one of the long-time clients I deliver to is on her third dog. I’ve been there through puppy days and old age for these dogs. I understand how important pets are to their people. “That’s why Therapet is my non-profit of choice,” said Gene of his sole volunteer work, supported by wife Mincha. “As pet lovers, you can’t live without pets. I’m glad to help Therapet clients take care of theirs.” For more information about volun-teering with or driving for Therapet, call Program Director Sandy connor at (915) 581-3789.

Therapet Eldercare wishes to express our sincere gratitude toDEAN TRAVIS

PETsBARN/Valley Feed Pet Food Centersfor his generous contributions of food and supplies. Thank you!

368 N. Yarbrough Dr. ............591-94155500 N. Desert Blvd. ............ 833-11789828 Montana ..................... 594-91441360 Lee Trevino ..................592-74431790 Zaragosa .....................849-06539807 Dyer ............................751-3553636 Sunland Park ................584-3468

www.petsbarn.comLocally Owned for Over 50 Years!

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Pet PonderingsSource: www.healthypet.com

............................................................................................................................................................

Is my Indoor cat at rIsk for felIne leukemIa? If your cat has frequent contact with other cats or kittens, you should be informed about feline leukemia virus. The presence of this virus causes major problems with the cat or kitten’s immune system and other organs, and may even cause cancer. research in-dicates that feline leukemia virus is not considered to be nearly as contagious among older cats, but precautions must be taken with younger ones. current re-search indicates that it does not affect humans or other species. Among cats, it is spread by saliva, urine, and blood. A cat can also pass the virus along to its kittens in a number of ways before they are born.Some of the symptoms include:

•Anemia,lackofpinkor red color in the gums •Weightloss•Recurringorchronicillness•Aprogressiveweakness•Lethargy,fever,diarrhea•Breathingdifficulty

•Yellowcolorinthemouthand/orthewhite of the eyes

remember, avoiding exposure with in- fected cats and updating vaccinations are the best tools of preventive medicine. Your veterinarian can deter- mine the best pro- gram for your cat.

What Is parvovIrus? Parvovirus is a dangerous virus that attacks dogs’ intestinal tracts. It can cause severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances and can lead to severe dehydration, a build-up of tox-ins or poisons in the bloodstream, and eventually death. When puppies under 12 weeks old are infected, the virus can dam-age the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems. Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal, or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces. The virus can survive extreme heat and cold for long periods of time, and may remain alive on a surface long after the feces have been removed. There are many ways you can protect your dog from parvovirus. Most veteri- narians recommend multiple vaccina- tions for growing puppies. As dogs get older, their immunity is maintained with annual booster shots. use a solution of

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one part bleach to thirty parts water to clean areas frequented by other dogs, and use the solution on the soles of your shoes if you think you’ve walked through an infected area. If your dog experiences vomiting, severe diarrhea, depression, or loss of appetite, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Though there are presently no drugs to kill the virus, there are treatments proven to control its symptoms.

can dogs and cats see colors? Dogs and cats have rods and cones in their retinas but in a different proportion than in the human retina. Although they can differentiate colors, what they see is likely a more muted version of what we see. Dogs, es-pecially, probably see more shades of gray than they do all of the individual colors.cats can concentrate small amounts of light in their eyes, which allows them to see at night when the rest of us have difficulty. This special talent gives them their

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Sliding into the sun-filled days and balmy nights

of summer... ...don’t forget to take special precautions with your pets. check out our tips and hints on the cover of this edition to make sure your pet gets the most out of the season. Also, many pet owners come to vets with questions about parvovirus, dis-temper and feline leukemia due to the myriad of their common misconceptions. Get the facts in our Pet Ponderings to protect your pet on page 3. Then, take a moment to get to know veteran Therapet driver Gene Kuhnau, our featured volunteer. He’s dedicated more than 16 years of service to making sure dozens of client pets get the food and preventive medications they need. Therapet stands strong to keep services coming to its clients countywide because of the ongoing gifts and support from compassionate individuals, foun-dations, non-profits and corporations. Please note our generous benefactors, page 2. Without them, Therapet would not exist. If you need a chuckle or just a nice dose of canine-oriented philosophy, peruse our K-9 Quotables on page 2.

Many special thanks again to all our supporters—may you enjoy a healthyhappy summer with your furrier family members!

3··· President’s Letter···

MIcHelle J. BroWnPresident, Therapet eldercare of el Paso

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDEL PASO, TX

PERMIT NO. 250

P.O. Box 13697El Paso, Texas 79913

(915) 581-3789

Therapet Eldercare

4

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Summer Pet Care & Preventions continued

from front cover

Signs of Heatstroke.....................

Panting • StaringAnxious Expression

Refusal to Obey Commands

Warm, Dry SkinHigh Fever

Rapid HeartbeatVomitingCollapse

Volunteer Drivers Keep Pet Food & Friendship RollingTherapet’s volunteers make the summer sunnier for our clients, many of whom are homebound. Therapet’s programs could not operate without their treasured gifts of time and friendship to our program’s elderly. Despite the ongoing economic chal-lenges of fuel costs, they make sure every client receives the food and heartworm preventative their pets need. They take the time to visit with clients and make sure they, too, aren’t doing without important necessities. For many clients, most without family, visiting with Therapet drivers and Program Coordinator Sandy Connor are among their sole sources of outside communication.

Linn Anderson • Dennis Connor • Argelia Farias • Gene Kuhnau • Donna Sharp

walking your pet, make sure she doesn’t sneak a drink from the street.n Be cautious on humid days. Humid-ity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the na-sal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.n Make sure your pet doesn’t overexert herself. Though exercise is an impor-tant part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps her body stay cool, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Keep the walks to a gentle pace and make sure she has plenty of water. If she’s panting a lot or seems exhausted, it’s time to stop.

n Take it easy on pets that can’t deal with the heat. Elderly, very young, and ill animals have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay cool and out of the sun on steamy summer days. Dogs with snub noses, such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldogs, have a hard time staying cool because they can’t pant ef-ficiently, so they also need to stay out of the heat. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating, because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities.n Bring them inside. Ani-mals shouldn’t be left out-side unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the after-noon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your pet in the backyard, keep a close eye on her and bring her in when you can.n Keep an eye out for heatstroke. Heat-stroke is a medical emergency. If you sus-pect your pet has heatstroke (see “Signs

of Heatstroke,” inset box), you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the mean-time, lower the animal’s body tempera-ture by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body.

Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soar-ing back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately. Once your pet is in the veterinarian’s care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medica-tion to prevent or reverse brain damage.

Even with emergency treatment, heat-stroke can be fatal. The best cure is pre-vention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm’s way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril–with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot dog-days of summer.

Source: www.healthypet.com