Avalanche Dogs! - Pet Connection Magazine

pet connection M A G A Z I N E

jan/feb 2018

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Avalanche Dogs! New Year’s Resolutions Guide

Stress & Impact on Pet Health

Valentine’s Day in the PNW

Healthy V egan Recipes!

Photo by Julian Tracy

NORTH sound people, pets, & community!

serving king and snohomish Counties

Inside this issue: About the Cover!

Jan/Feb 2018

The Stevens Pass Avalanche Dogs have scoured the slopes of Washington State since 1993. Join them for their annual fundraiser on Feb 6 at Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth!

pet connection PO Box 845 East Olympia, WA 98540

North (425)985-2872 South (360)507-4251

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Thurston County Courthouse Dogs Being Happier & Healthier in 2018 Spay Today, Gone Tomorrow Provide Comfort to Las Vegas (Unwanted Feral Kittens, That Is) Shooting Survivors

3 Avalanche Dogs 10 Events 4 Top New Year’s Resolutions 13 Ask The ER Vet! 5 Valentine’s Day in the 14 Brokers Supporting Pet Rescue

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

6 Smoking and Pets 8 Disaster Preparedness: No Pet Left Behind

9 Balancing Jack

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Healthy Vegan Recipes For 2018 How Do I Love Thee? Tips for Avoiding Valentine’s Day Disasters

From the Publisher When I was a child, one of my favorite gifts to receive during the Holidays was a blank journal. There’s just something about a journal with crisp, blank pages that has always resonated with me. Poet Rose Ann Spaith referred to a blank canvases and pages as “white wombs waiting” for brush strokes or nuanced words, and this expression perfectly depicts how I feel about those journals and about the beginning of a new year. The New Year, like those squares of white, is a metaphorical blank slate, a time for resolutions, reawakening, and renewal; a time to truly enjoy the connections we share with one another.

Happy Near Year! 2

Our first issues of 2018 are our biggest ones yet and they’re jam-packed with information, including exciting local

Pet Connection Magazine North Edition January/February 2018

20 Stress and the

Impact on Your Pets’ Health

21 How do

Washington Courts Look at Liabilities When a Rescue Steps In?

22 Saying Goodbye to Beau

winter travel, celebrating Valentine’s Day, and our second annual New Year’s Resolutions Guide! We’re hoping that the issues can help your year start off on the right foot (hoof, paw, claw, or fin)! This marks Pet Connection’s ELEVENTH year in print. PCM debuted as a humble four-page South Puget Sound magazine in 2007; today, we’re TWO popular sister magazines, with North and South Sound editions (we expanded distribution into Portland in 2017, too!). We’ve always brought fresh, local, original content to animal lovers across the Pacific Northwest. We’re the only FREE publication in the Puget Sound region focusing on people, pets, and community. We’re dedicated to our community and we’re encouraging our readers to make 2018 their best year yet! Every year, millions of Americans resolve to become healthier, happier, and more active; to learn more, become more organized, and become more financially secure, but it can be difficult to remain motivated year-round. We created our New Year’s Resolutions Guide with these goals in mind – and with a particular focus on our local community.

www.petconnectionmagazine.com Sarah Bous-Leslie Designer/Publisher South Sound [email protected] Tracy Campion Writer/Publisher North Sound [email protected] Melissa L. Cole Editor Diana Mivelli Sarah Weideman Staff Writers Brooke Mallory Julie Austin Sarah Bous-Leslie Photographers Stephanie Cahill Jaimee Greenawalt Designers Annette Lanker Publicity and Event Team Leader Kris Ross Advertising Account Manager [email protected] © 2018 All Rights Reserved. Pet Connection Magazine does not discriminate against advertisers or submissions on the basis of religion, race, guarantee the claims of advertisers. All material is property of Pet Connection Magazine and may NOT be reprinted or used in whole or in part without written permission from PCM.

We hope you enjoy these issues and guides as much as we’ve enjoyed creating them. However you resolve to start off 2018, may it be a wonderful one for you and for the animals. Happy New Year – and here’s to an amazing 2018! Thank you to everyone who reads and contributes to Pet Connection. Here’s to pets – and to the stories that connect us all.

Tracy Campion

Avalanche Dogs intently on my jacket pocket. At some point in the last few months, that

PHASE 2: PHASE 3:

smell them. She looks from my face to PHASE 4:

her work with the same intensity, whether she’s searching for a

age; Bailey has been part of the program since she came to live with Angela at eight weeks of age.

And Angela’s favorite part of being on an Avalanche Rescue Dogs team?

recent avalanche,

to work with chaos.

three years of training to become

PHASE 1:

JOIN THE AVALANCHE DOGS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER! 'FCSVBSZ tQN Icicle Brewing in Leavenworth 935 Front Street

www.petconnectionmagazine.com

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Nine New Year’s Resolutions That Will Make 2018

Your Best Year Yet!

The New Year is a time for resolutions, reawakening, and renewal. It’s a time to spend with friends and family (whether they’re two, four, or three-legged), to have a “clean slate,” and to tackle goals and projects anew. Whether you’re focusing on health or wealth, organization or education, family time or travel time, many animal lovers resolve to make truly meaningful changes in their lives each year. For 2018, we’re renewing our commitment to you, our community. We’re bringing you our second annual New Year’s Resolutions Guide to help you get the New Year off on the right foot (or paw, or hoof). This year, make some New Year’s resolutions that will truly make a difference for you and for the animals – start your 2018 off by lending your time, your heart, and your soles to the animals!

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Become fitter, healthier, and happier. Eat healthier, exercise more, work toward your fitness goals, and stop any unhealthy habits that can also be unhealthy for your pets. And working out doesn’t have to be a solitary task, either! Exercise with your pets by taking walks, hikes, and jogs, participating in dog or goat yoga (yes, dog or goat yoga!) or taking horse rides. Take a closer look at what’s on your plate (and in your pets’ bowls), and plan out your meals to ensure you’re eating healthy. Check out our recipes contributed from Eric O’Grey, author of Walking With Peety!

Learn something new. Learn pet first aid and CPR, and stay tuned for our second annual Career Guide, comwing up in our March/April issue!

Live life to the fullest. Do something that will have a lasting impact in 2018 and beyond. Volunteer at a local nonprofit (walking the shelter dogs is a great way to get in shape, too!)

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Spend more time with family and friends (including your animal family members.) If your business isn’t dog-friendly, consider consulting Dogs At Work, a company that specializes in helping local businesses welcome our canine companions!

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Spend less and save more. Making a budget – and sticking to it – can be difficult, but working with a financial planner can help you create a plan that helps you, both in the short and long-term.

Get organized. Inventory what’s in your home (and shed, and barn, and garage!) and donate what you don’t need. Organize an emergency kit for yourself and for your pets, ensuring that you have two weeks’ worth of food and water for all of you. Check out our tips on emergency preparedness with pets, too!

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Travel more. Visit dogfriendly destinations, both close to Puget Sound and across the Pacific Northwest! (examples here)

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Read more. Pick up a great book about animals, like Walking With Peety and Fetch, both by local authors, and read back copies of PCM on our website!

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Fall in love…with someone unexpected. Foster or adopt an animal in need.

Let us know how you’re resolving to make 2018 your best year yet! Did you visit a pet-friendly local venue? Volunteer at an amazing non-profit? Did you fall in love? Send your stories and photos to [email protected] and we might include them in our upcoming issues!

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas!

& a n n a s o R Roxie Made with natural and organic human grade ingredients Non-GMO No wheat or corn No animal by-products No salt or added refined sugar MADE IN THE USA

www.4legz.com 4

Soiree Rouge: Vibrant and festive, these ruby red pieces with gold details will sparkle like jewels on your table, making more complex patterns pop. All You Need is Love: Feel all the love, all the time. Dog Mom and Cat Mom mugs, and Good Kitty and Good Doggie Love Vessels.


Divine Valentine!

Treat your special someone to a treasure from one of Rosanna’s heart-warming collections. www.RosannaInc.com

’s Day in thePacific Northwest Valentine

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ooking for a romantic getaway for two (or a fun weekend with your pup, as well)? Make sure you visit Leavenworth, Spokane, and Portland this winter for scenic sights, tasty bites, and exciting adventures!

Love in Leavenworth Washington State’s beloved Bavarian-inspired village is a go-to destination year-round, but with snow-covered slopes, sparkling lights, outdoor play and cozy places to warm up and stay, it’s particularly spectacular for couples during the wintry months. Walk the town’s quaint, chalet-lined streets or wander Blackbird Island’s waterfront trails, taste wines with unique flavor profiles, sample luscious local chocolates from Schololat (www.schocolat.com), try a seasonal cider from Goose Ridge (www.gooseridge.com), have a romantic Italian meal for two at Visconti’s (www.viscontis.com/leavenworth) or Mozart’s Steakhouse (www.mozartsrestaurant.com), take a sleigh or carriage ride, visit Icicle Brewing Company (https://iciclebrewing.com) and book at stay at Icicle Village, which has a special Romantic Encounter Package (learn more at www.iciclevillage.com). Bringing fido along? Icicle Village, Riverdance Lodge, the Bavarian Ritz, and the Howard Johnson Express all have some pet-friendly rooms! Get a special “stay and play” package and ski Stevens Pass, too (learn more at bestwinterdestination.com). And while you’re at Stevens Pass, you might meet one of the seven Avalanche Rescue Dogs! Rustic Icicle Brewing, located at 935 Front Street, will also host a fundraiser for the Avalanche Rescue Dogs on February 6 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Spokane for Sweethearts Affectionately known as the “Lilac City,” Spokane is nestled west of the Rocky Mountain foothills and flanked by the Spokane River. Visit Riverfront Park, the site of the 1974 World’s Fair, where you can take a scenic sky ride over the Spokane Falls, take a nostalgic ride on the 1909 Looff Carousel, go ice skating at the Eagles Ice Arena (www.eaglesicearena.com), enjoy a meal for two at Wild Sage Bistro (www.wildsagebistro.com) or Mizuna (www.mizuna.com), which also features vegan fare. Make sure you visit Maryhill Winery’s new Spokane Tasting Room (www.maryhillwinery.com), which is dog-friendly! Stay at the Montvale Hotel (montvalespokane.com), the Historic Davenport, (www.davenporthotelcollection.com), or the nearby Riverhouse Bed and Breakfast (riverhousebedandbreakfast.com). The Davenport, Oxford Suites Spokane Valley, and the Montvale Hotel also feature some dog-friendly rooms!

DOG-FRIENDLY TASTING ROOM PEOPLE-FRIENDLY WINES

Rose City Romance Ah, Portland: the perfect place for a weekend getaway! Hike to the top of Mount Tabor, an extinct volcano that’s now the home of a picturesque park, visit historic Timberline Lodge or Pittock Mansion, browse the books at Powell’s bookstore in downtown, try some of Portland’s famous Voodoo (www.voodoodoughnut.com) or Blue Star Donuts and Coffee (www.bluestardonuts.com), take a trop out to Multnomah Falls, sample hand-crafted Portland chocolates at Cacao (www.cacaodrinkchocolate.com), sample local fare at one of Portland’s food carts or enjoy Peruvian fare at Andina (www.andinarestaurant.com), European specialties at Swiss Hibiscus (www.swisshibiscus.com), or new American Favorites at Willow (www.willowpdx.com). Stay at the Nines Portland (www.thenines.com), the Kimpton Hotel Monaco (www.monaco-portland.com), or Hotel deLuxe (www.hoteldeluxeportland.com). The Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Dossier Hotel, and Jupiter Hotel all offer some dog-friendly rooms, too!

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Check out pawTree.com/Annette or email [email protected] http://NorthwestCellars.com [email protected] Kirkland, WA | (425)825-9463

253-208-4625 www.petconnectionmagazine.com

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Smoking and Pets

www.brookemalloryphotography.com

by Marilyn Hendrickson, MEOW Cat Rescue

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ur pets are family members and we can’t imagine life without them. As their guardians, we’ll do anything for them. We buy nutritious food, delicious treats, interactive toys, soft beds and take them to the vet when they are sick. But…what about smoking and pets?

personalities welcome contact us to book your pet photography session

[email protected]

innocently explore their world with their noses and mouths, making them more susceptible to these residual toxins than human adults.

A growing body of research is showing us that there are no safe levels of second hand or third hand smoke for animals. Second hand smoke is smoke that is exhaled or otherwise escapes into the air and can be inhaled by nonsmokers, including pets. Third hand smoke is the residue from smoke that remains on surfaces. We all know that pets inhale cigarette smoke, but they are exposed to a double dose of nicotine when they groom themselves, ingesting nicotine and the 4000+ chemicals that are found in a cigarette. Additionally, this toxic residue is left behind on virtually everything it comes in contact with. This includes our skin, hair, clothing, floors, furniture, carpet, bedding and toys. Pets

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Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, explains that dogs suffer from smoking-related illness similar to humans such as lung cancer, nasal cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, and allergic skin disease. Lymphoma is the most common tumor in pet cats and the exposure to secondhand smoke appears to increase the risk of a cat developing this disease. In studies, cats with the highest levels of exposure to environmental smoke have been shown to have corresponding increases in the risk of developing lymphoma. Years of exposure to environmental smoke has also been linked to an increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats belonging to smokers. Looking at research results, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that second and third hand smoke exposure is very dangerous for pets. If you are a smoker looking for a good reason or incentive to quit smoking, look no further than your beloved pet(s).

MEET FLOWER!

BE VALENMY TINE

ust look at this beautiful girl! Flower is a four year old domestic medium hair dilute torbie and a work of art! She’s also a bit of a tease. She’s super cute, small, and fluffy, but she’s not as delicate a flower as she appears. She has quite an independent streak and lets us know when she’s in the mood for some pets. Once she decides she’s ready—be prepared to deliver on the cheek rubs! Flower is spayed, microchipped, viral tested, and has received a series of vaccines and dewormings. She’s ready to go! We think Flower will do best as an only cat, and we’re pretty sure she would agree.

If you are interested in or have questions about Flower, please call MEOW Cat Rescue at 425-822-6369.

Jessica was able to help us laser-focus our social media efforts. In a short period of time, with simple adjustments to what we were already doing, her advice helped us ramp up engagement and drive traffic. - Lorien Clemens: Pet Hub Director of Marketing

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2014 Pet Industry Woman of the Year

Get your strategy on at Pet Talk Media.com @ Pet Talk Media

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facebook.com/PetTalkMedia


BE MYTINE N VALE

MEET SARA!

ara is a short, cute, 5-year-old Nigerian Dwarf doe. She has a lovely caramel coat with a couple of white spots. Sara has a fabulous beard and has been dehorned. She’s the matriarch of her herd, and is always in the thick of the action. As with all New Moon Farm animals, Sara is current on vaccinations, deworming and hoof trimming. Her adoption fee is $100. A home visit and an adoption contract are required.

For more information, contact New Moon Goat Farm at [email protected].

Thurston County Courthouse Dogs Provide Comfort to Las Vegas Shooting Survivors by Robert Pregulman - Seattle DogSpot during the judicial process more than a decade ago. King County was the first jurisdiction in the country to use them. After retiring in 2011, Ms. O’NeillStephens founded the Courthouse Dog Foundation to provide expert education and guidance for legal professionals. Through her work, there are 149 Courthouse Dogs working in 35 states as well as Canada and Chile.

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wo Courthouse Dogs from Thurston County went to Las Vegas in October to provide comfort to survivors of the Las Vegas shooting that occurred on the night of October 1, 2017. At approximately 10:05 that night, a gunman opened fire into a crowd of 22,000 concertgoers, killing 58 and leaving 546 injured. In the wake of this tragedy, the Courthouse Dogs stepped up to provide comfort and support – and help the living victims and their families begin to heal. One of the dogs was Marshal, a black Lab who normally works in the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office.

Marshall’s job is to “simply to be there for victims, placing his head in their laps, and allowing them to pet his velvety ears. He’s there to provide comfort, and to make the experience a little more bearable.” The other dog was Astro, a yellow Lab who works for the Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center in Lacey. Astro’s usual workday includes “assisting children during forensic interviews, medical exams, defense interviews, therapy sessions and during court testifying.” Former King County deputy prosecuting attorney Ellen O’Neill-Stephens initiated the use of dogs to help crime victims

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oberto has had a tough time so far in his short life. Rescued as a stray living on the streets, this young pup is just starting out in life and is looking for a family to love him. Roberto loves to make anything into a toy and is best suited in a teenager or adultonly home where he can settle in, learn some manners, and most importantly, be a treasured member of the family. He has been working in clicker training, and is a smart boy who catches on quickly! Roberto loves to learn, especially when treats are involved, and is happy to show off his skills. He LOVES to play with other dogs, but does have a rough and tumble puppy play style. He might even be happiest with another dog in the home to be his doggy friend! No apartments for this guy; he’s looking for a house with a yard where he can run to his hearts content. If you are looking for a super smart youngster to be your new buddy, come and meet Roberto today at PAWS in Lynnwood! Contact them at [email protected].

According to the Olympian, the Las Vegas fire department contacted the Courthouse Dog Foundation about getting some dogs to help survivors. The next day, Marshal, Astro and six other courthouse dogs headed out to help. It was the first time the dogs helped survivors of such a horrific tragedy. Typically, the Courthouse Dogs provide support to those who have to testify in court, providing a presence that calms them both physically and emotionally. Since 2012, the Courthouse Dogs Foundation has been facilitating the placement of dogs like Marshal and Astro, helping victims have a more positive experience in the legal system.

To learn more about the Courthouse Dogs Foundation and how you can support their work, visit https://courthousedogs.org.

MEET

ROBERTO! BE VALENMY TINE


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by Diana Mivelli

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: No Pet Left Behind

Do you and your family have a your pets following a disaster?

Her recommendation include:

W

hen setting your resolutions, will making a plan for the welfare of your pets in the event of a natural disaster make the list alongside the usual exercising more, eating better, or quitting smoking?

Natural disasters include tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods, and earthquakes. In the Pacific Northwest, we are cautioned about The Big One and the havoc it could cause. How many of us have planned accordingly? Do you and your family have a strategy to find one another and your pets following a disaster? Certified Pet Tech Instructor Annette Lanker has taught Pet CPR and First Aid classes in Washington state for eight years. “We all prepare for ourselves but don’t always prepare for our pets.”

Build a good Pet First Aid Kit. Key items include feminine hygiene napkins (or newborn diapers) to stop bleeding; a muzzle (“even the most well-trained animal may bite when injured or afraid”); Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for stings and insect bites (discuss dosing with the vet); ice pack; pet first-aid book, roll gauze; antiseptic wash; vet wrap; scissors, and hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting as directed by your vet). Keep one kit in the car and another in the garage. Lanker’s comprehensive kit includes 27 items. For a complete list, see the American Veterinary Medical Association site at avma.org. Remember water and food. Each pet needs 1-2 liters of fluid daily. Keep a baggie full of food. Keep treats on hand, especially if you regularly use them; this provides your pets continuity during an already stressful time. Dog booties are useful on broken pavement or concrete. Keep a walking leash and a tie-up leash. Consider the stress of having to spend time in a car or a shelter. Have appropriately sized crates for all your pets. Your pet should be able to stand and fully turn around in the crate. It’s best if they have a bed and food and water in the crate. Can a water container be attached to the side of the container? If not, the animal might tip over the water. Include several doses of medication. Too expensive to get an extra dose? Ask for 3 extra

pills at each refill, ask for samples, and build up the quantities over time. Pet identification. During a disaster, your pet may end up at a shelter. Microchip your animals and confirm that the registration has been submitted to the microchipping company’s corporate offices. Lanker said that in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy while vets clinics were underwater, their locally saved records were untrackable. Had the registrations been submitted, more pets would have been reunited with owners instead of re-homed. Keep hard copies of recent pictures of you with your pets. If your animals have unusual markings, make sure the distinguishing features are shown in photos. Also keep hard copies of vaccination records. You want to be able to identify your pet and establish ownership. Plan ahead. Designate a contact person whom everyone will check in with following a disaster. The contact should live outside the region and agree to the role. List several contacts on the microchipping list and confirm each is willing to pay a deposit to get your pet(s) out of a shelter, if found. Grow Community. This is a good reason to get to know your neighbors. If you are unable to make it home, can a neighbor check in on or take in your animals, feed them, and dose them if needed? Attend a Pet CPR and First Aid Class. Learn to be prepared in an emergency. For more information, visit Lanker’s site at holycowcritters.com.

Roy Robinson Subaru Sales: (888) 903-9563 Service: (888) 903-8239 Parts: (888) 436-2963 RoyRobinsonSubaru.com 6001 33rd Ave NE Marysville, WA 98271 (360) 659-6237

Just Off I-5 at Exit 199 In Low Overhead Marysville 8


Balancing Jack by Tracy Campion

Chapter Eleven.

Protect Your Pet

license • vaccinate • microchip

3rd Saturday of Every Month 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Welcome to the eleventh installment of Balancing Jack: How a Three-legged Dog Helped Me Find My Footing Once Again. I hope you’ll enjoy reading this as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

When I began writing Balancing Jack, I had no idea the direction that it would take. I only knew that I wanted to write a serial memoir – one that was candid, heartfelt, and illuminated the healing power of rescue animals. Over the past year, so much has changed in our lives, but the one thing that has remained constant is the partnership Jack and I have. When I lose my footing, Jack truly does balance my life. So I bring you the most recent installment of Balancing Jack. I hope you’ll enjoy reading this as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

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bone is not stronger or weaker where it has been broken. When a bone is fractured, it begins to heal at the fracture site by forming a callus, or calcium deposit. While that portion of bone may briefly be stronger than other areas during this time, the previously broken area eventually reaches equilibrium with the rest of the bones in the body. While a broken bone may heal at a different angle than it was before the break, materially it is the same as it was before the fracture. Bone density and muscle tissue can both atrophy from lack of use, but the fracture itself does not change the properties of the bone. When a limb is amputated, there is no bone for the body to heal; the previously malignant or injured part of the body becomes a void, but the body doesn’t always process this message. Most human amputees will experience phantom limb pain, and it would follow that nonhuman animals who have had amputations would also experience these sensations, although, given language limitations, the literature is scarce in this area.

Broken bones and amputated limbs differ in the healing and rehabilitation processes, but both face a long recovery period. As we each convalesced from our injuries, Jack from the loss of a front leg and an eye, and me from a broken pelvis and sacrum, he was dogged by his phantom limb pain, while I was dogged by the shadow of who I used to be and the specter of what I was to become. Physical therapy was both painful and necessary for both Jack and I. During the first few weeks after his left front leg and eye were removed, Jack recuperated with his foster mothers, Jessica and

Christina. Every four hours, they iced his entire body, which was still sore from the impact of the car accident that had nearly killed him. Between icings, Jessica and Christina manipulated his remaining legs and massaged him, slowly helping him heal and preventing further atrophy while not pushing him too far. Standing on three legs now, Jack’s recovery was a balancing act in every sense of the word: he had to find his footing once again, and couldn’t push his injured body too hard, but he also couldn’t be sedentary. Each day he learned more about his new body— how to walk, sit, lie down, run, jump up and down, and how to anticipate an object on his blind left side. He also learned how not to do those things. Walking and running now required the strength of one front leg, which gave him a permanently bouncy, joyful gait. There was no joy during the first few weeks of my physical therapy; I was congratulated that I had begun this important step of my recovery, but each session was painful and exhausting – not to mention humbling. I was determined to show up to my first session without my wheelchair, and went on my crutches instead, crutching across the long parking lot, down the hallway, and into the elevator. Stairs were out of the question. I realized the error of my ways once I reached the front desk of the therapy office breathless, sweaty, dizzy, and unsure if I could take three more steps, much less do an hour of therapy. The therapist expressed her surprise that I’d arrived without my wheelchair as she tested me for range of motion. Steely-faced, I answered monosyllabically, my muscles tight in anticipation of pain. “Does this hurt?” she asked finally as she raised one of my legs. “No,” I admitted, “but I haven’t moved my leg like that for so many months that I’m anticipating that it will.” “At this point, it shouldn’t hurt like you’re expecting it to,” she said kindly. I didn’t believe her yet, but nodded anyway, complying as best as I could as we went through stretches and exercises that I was to do at home. I was surprised and relieved when she said that I still had a lot of strength in my legs. All summer, my feet had been grotesquely swollen, my calf muscles had slowly atrophied, and my knees, rather than bending as they would have during normal walking, had acted as braces while I crutched around, trying to follow the (nearly impossible) medical advice to only place fifty percent of my weight on each side at a time. During my next therapy sessions, I progressed to walking without my crutches without resembling Nosferatu: my arms alongside

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me, rather than outstretched to break a fall that (hopefully) wouldn’t happen. While my therapy sessions were joyless, afterward, I was euphoric. I had missed being physically active, and the endorphins from my therapy sessions (however uncomfortable they were), made me feel like I was glowing. Each new accomplishment, however small (bent my knees! walked ten steps without crutches! sat cross-legged and then got up again!) was a cause for celebration. Jack, too, celebrated his progress, bounding along on his walks with Jessica and Christina, closing his eye with bliss as they massaged him afterward, and eagerly anticipating each walk and therapy session. Jessica and Christina would flex each of his legs with passive range of motion exercises, mimicking how his legs would move under normal circumstances. Over time, these exercises helped him gain flexibility, balance, and strength. Before and after the exercises, they would apply hot and cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. Jack enjoyed every moment. A bone isn’t stronger where it has been broken. There will always be a void where a limb was amputated. But determination, hope, and a sense of gratitude for even the smallest victory filled the emptiness and made us stronger than we were before.


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N’S O T G IN H S A W N R E T S WE E MOST COMPREHENSIV

P E T E ve n t s C a l e n da r !

15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. $30/child, ages 8-12. Lesson 1: Animal emotion & intellect. Qs: education@ paws.org or (425) 412-4026 Info: www.paws.org/kids/kids-events/homeschool-kids-who-care-tuesday-pm 17TH READING WITH ROVER 6-7p. Algona/Pacific Library 17TH-21ST ROSE CITY CLASSIC DOG SHOW 730a-7p (Wednesday), 8a-6p (Thursday-Sunday.) Portland Exposition Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr., Portland OR. Five Days of Great Dog Shows! General public welcome; no public dogs. www.rosecityclassic.org 18TH SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle WASART TECHNICAL RESCUE PRACTICE 9a–4p. Location TBD. Contact [email protected], www.washingtonsart.org

JANUARY THROUGH JAN. 13TH OREGON HUMANE’S FILL THE BOWL DONATION DRIVE Visit Rodda Paint at 11980 NE Glisan St., Portland to drop off your new & gently-used pet supply donations for the animals at the Oregon Humane Society. To see what items are most needed, visit: www.oregonhumane.org/donate/wish-list. www.oregonhumane.org/event/fill-bowl-donation-drive THROUGH JAN. 15TH GET TICKETS FOR NORTHWEST EQUINE STEWARDSHIP CENTER (NWESC)’S HAY RAFFLE: www.nwesc.org/HayRaffle.aspx or at NWESC/Cedarbrook Veterinary Care or Mitchell Farms Hay. Winner receives one ton of quality orchard grass hay donated by Mitchell Hay in Monroe. Tickets $10/ea, 6/$50 4TH SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle. www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/events-and-resources/ pet-loss-support-group 5th NATIONAL BIRD DAY, all day: www.nationalbirdday.com PET NAIL TRIMS 3p. Denny’s Pet World, 13123 NE 124th St., Kirkland 6TH NEW YEAR’S OPEN BARN: COME OUT & MEET THE GOATS! 12-3p. New Moon Farm Goat Rescue & Sanctuary, 19111 Burn Rd., Arlington. Enjoy a postChristmas open barn to visit & drop off Christmas trees for the goats! Meet goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, cats, & dogs; tour the facilities; & learn about the rescue. Closed-toes shoes required. www.newmoonfarm.org/openbarn

adopted a new dog – or are thinking of adding a dog to your family, this workshop is for you! Bring your questions, but please leave your pets home. Suggested donation: $15. www.oregonhumane.org/event/new-dog-start-off-right-paw 8TH PET NAIL TRIMS 1p. Denny’s Pet World, 13123 NE 124th St., Kirkland 11TH SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle 13TH READING WITH ROVER 11a-12p. Edmonds Library REPTILE EXPO PORTLAND METRO 10-5p. Columbia Conference Center at Portland Holiday Inn, 8439 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR. $10/adults, $5/kids 6-12, 5 & under free (cash/check only). (503) 550-3969 www.nwreptileexpos.com/portland-metro-reptile-expo JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTS: ANIMAL HABITATE BADGE 10-11:30a. 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. Earn your animal habitats badge at PAWS! www.paws.org/kids/kids-events/juniors-animal-habitats-badge-2 COLD WEATHER VEGAN COMFORT FOODS 12-3p. Pasado’s Safe Haven. www.pasadosafehaven.org/event/ cold-weather-vegan-comfort-foods LAST DAY FOR OREGON HUMANE’S FILL THE BOWL DONATION DRIVE Visit Rodda Paint at 11980 NE Glisan St., Portland to drop off new & gently-used pet supply donations for animals at OHS. Most needed items: www.oregonhumane.org/donate/wish-list. www.oregonhumane.org/event/fill-bowl-donation-drive

PET NAIL TRIMS 2p. Denny’s Pet World, 13123 NE 124th St., Kirkland

14TH LAST DAY TO GET NWESC HAY RAFFLE TICKETS: www.nwesc.org/HayRaffle.aspx. Winner receives one ton of quality orchard grass hay donated by Mitchell Hay in Monroe. Tickets $10/ea., 6/$50. Drawing Jan. 15

7TH POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM GARDEN TOUR 10-11a. www.pdza.org/calendar?date=2018-01-07

16TH READING WITH ROVER 6:30-7:30p. Half Price Books, Redmond

OREGON HUMANE’S YOUR NEW DOG: START OFF ON THE RIGHT PAW! 1-2:30p. If you just

16TH-FEB 20TH HOMESCHOOL KIDS WHO CARE 1-2:30p. PAWS,

10 Pet Connection Magazine North Edition January/February 2018

PROTECT YOUR PET VACCINATION & LICENSE CLINIC 10-11:30a. Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle. Purchase or renew Seattle Pet License & receive a FREE rabies vaccination for licensed pets. Visit GoodNeighborVet.com for details 21ST READING WITH ROVER 1-2p. Covington Library OREGON HUMANE’S PROBLEM POOCH CLASS 2-3p. This class is for anyone who has just adopted a dog or is feeling frustrated with their canine companion. Get expert advice on crate training, managing multi-pet households, home alone issues & more! Bring questions but please leave your pets home. www.oregonhumane.org/event/problem-pooch-class HOMESCHOOL KIDS WHO CARE 1-2:30p. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. $30/child, ages 8-12. Lesson 2: Understanding Our Pets: Pet Communication; Pet Safety; Responsible Pet Care. [email protected] or (425) 412-4026 24TH READING WITH ROVER 6:30-7:30p. Lake Hills Library, Bellevue 25TH SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle 27TH VICKI’S TAILWAGGERS GROOMING 9a-1p. Mud Bay, 24107 SE Kent Kangley Rd., Maple Valley COUNTRY LIVING EXPO 7:30a-5p. Stanwood High School, 7400 272nd St NW. www.extension.wsu.edu/skagit/countrylivingexpo 30TH HOMESCHOOL KIDS WHO CARE 1-2:30p. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. $30/child, ages 8-12. Lesson 3: Responsibility Toward Our Pets: Keeping Cats Safe; Spay & Neuter; Animal Shelters; Animal Abuse. Qs: [email protected] or (425) 412-4026

FEBRUARY 1ST SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle

2ND GROUNDHOG DAY www.groundhog.org. Will he see his shadow? SLED DOG DAY www.daysoftheyear.com/days/sled-dog-day 2ND-3RD EAGLE FESTIVAL Arlington. Guided tours, speakers, demonstrations, art & photography show, live music, & horse drawn wagon rides. www.arlingtonwa.gov/index.aspx?page=427 3RD FELINE FRIENDS FUNDRAISING GALA! 6-10p. Pellegrino’s Catering & Event Center, 5757 Littlerock Rd. SW, Tumwater. Help Feline Friends build a new cat shelter! The evening includes a silent auction, vegetarian Italian buffet, cash bar, live music by Roger & Deb Hamilton, & a live auction by Garrison Auctioneers. $40/ticket incl. all you can eat & a beverage token. Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3184071. Info: www.facebook.com/events/471786223205236 4TH POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM GARDEN TOUR 10-11a. www.pdza.org/calendar 5TH-9TH NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF ANIMAL MASSAGE Small animal massage practical: www.nwsam.com/schedule.html 6TH STEVENS PASS AVALANCHE RESCUE DOGS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER 6-10p. Icicle Brewing, 935 Front Street, Leavenworth. Demos, raffle, music, live & silent auctions. Portion of proceeds from this evening’s sales support the Stevens Pass Avalanche Rescue Dogs. See cover stories. www.stevenspass.com/site/mountain/avalanche-safety/ avalanche-dogs READING WITH ROVER 6:30-7:30p. Half Price Books, Redmond HOMESCHOOL KIDS WHO CARE 1-2:30p. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. $30/child, ages 8-12. Lesson 4: Understanding Wildlife: Habitats & Adaptations. Qs: [email protected] or (425) 412-4026 8TH SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle 9TH VOLUNTEER GENERAL ORIENTATION 9-10a. Tacoma Humane Society, 2608 Center St. Tacoma, 98409. Want to become a Tacoma Humane Society volunteer? Volunteer General Orientation is your first step. www.thehumanesociety.org/get-involved/volunteer 10TH READING WITH ROVER 11a-12p. Edmonds Library CADETTE GIRL SCOUTS: ANIMAL HELPERS BADGE 10-11:30a. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. $8/scout. Info: [email protected]. WASART FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING 9a-5p (sign in 8:30a). Topics include: legal issues, how WASART works, basic comms, base camp, more! Tuition: $65; $32.50/recertifying WASART members, $95/nonmembers. Info: [email protected] Register: www.bit.ly/WASART2017 Or print & snail mail version: www.bit.ly/2017printable_reg_form.

WASART OPEN HOUSE 1-3p. Free. Location TBD. Info: www.washingtonsart.org PASADO’S SAFE HAVEN’S SHARE THE LOVE SANCTUARY TOUR 12-2:30p. www.pasadosafehaven.org/event/share-the-love-sanctuary-tour17 11TH VOLUNTEER GENERAL ORIENTATION 9-10a. Tacoma Humane Society, 2608 Center St. Tacoma, 98409. Want to become a Tacoma Humane Society volunteer? Volunteer General Orientation is your first step. www.thehumanesociety.org/get-involved/volunteer 12TH-13TH WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2016/show/info.html 13TH HOMESCHOOL KIDS WHO CARE 1-2:30p. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. $30/child, ages 8-12. Lesson 5: Responsibility toward wildlife. Qs: [email protected] or (425) 412-4026 15TH SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle 16TH-18TH SPIRIT OF THE NORTHWEST COWBOY GATHERING Traditional cowboy music, poetry, art, gear, & chow in Ellensburg. www.ellensburgcowboygathering.com 17TH PROTECT YOUR PET VACCINATION & LICENSE CLINIC 10-11:30a. Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle. Purchase or renew Seattle Pet License & receive a FREE rabies vaccination for licensed pets. Visit GoodNeighborVet.com for details OREGON HUMANE’S MANAGING A MULT-DOG HOUSEHOLD CLASS 12:30-2p. Sharing your home with more than one dog can be rewarding, but can also lead to challenges. During this talk, you’ll learn how to help your dogs live together peacefully & ways to troubleshoot potential issues. Bring questions, but please leave pets home. www.oregonhumane.org/event/managing-multi-dog-household 17TH-19TH KIDS ‘N’ CRITTERS 930a-3p. Northwest Trek, 11610 Trek Dr. E., Eatonville. Crafts, activities, & trailside encounters with Northwest Trek’s smaller animals. Up to four children, ages 12 & younger, free w/every fullpaying adult or senior. All aboard: Join a kid-friendly, 30min. Discovery Tram Tour to spy on moose, bison, elk, & other herd animals roaming freely through a 435-acre natural habitat. (360) 382-6117, www.nwtrek.org

20TH READING WITH ROVER 6:30-7:30p. Half Price Books, Redmond HOMESCHOOL KIDS WHO CARE 1-2:30p. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. $30/child, ages 8-12. Lesson 6: Humane living. Qs: [email protected] or (425) 412-4026 21ST READING WITH ROVER 6-7p. Algona/Pacific Library SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 530-645p. Seattle Animal Shelter, Upper Level Conference Room, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle 25TH HELP! MY CAT HATES THE LITTER BOX! 1-2:30p. Oregon Humane. Info: www.oregonhumane.org/event/litter-box-issues BOW WOW FILM FESTIVAL 4:30-6:30p. The Bow Wow Film Fest is a joyful, traveling, dog-centric collection of short films that celebrates the humancanine bond. This year’s event will feature the best pooch-themed shorts all wrapped up in one beautiful, 90 minute, fun-loving package! The Portland Stop of the Bow Wow Film Festival will be held at Clinton Street Theater. All proceeds generated from this event will benefit Oregon Humane Society. www.oregonhumane.org/event/bow-wow-film-festival 27TH WORLD SPAY DAY www.worldspayday.org 28TH OREGON HUMANE DIAMOND COLLAR AWARDS LUNCHEON 11:30a-1p. 1849 SW Salmon St., Portland. The Diamond Collar Awards are a chance to celebrate the heroic stories that exemplify how important pets are in our lives while supporting the mission of OHS. www.oregonhumane.org/get-involved/events/diamond-collar-awards FREADING WITH ROVER 6:30-7:30p. Lake Hills Library, Bellevue

KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW EVENTS!

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18TH READING WITH ROVER 1-2p. Covington Library 19TH PRETEENS HELPING ANIMALS 9:30a-1p. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. Learn about issues facing wildlife & companion animals. For ages 9-12. $20/child. Qs/info: [email protected] BROWNIE GIRL SCOUTS: PETS BADGE 2:30-4p. PAWS, 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. Earn your pets badge at PAWS! Learn what it takes to care for a dog or cat & keep them happy, healthy, & safe. $8/scout. Qs/ info: [email protected]


11

Being Happier & Healthier in 2018

dogs to get adopted and make sure that more people are able to adopt them.” “One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is helping companies understand that becoming a dog-friendly workplace isn’t complex. With the right program, policies, guidance’s, training and communication you can offer a great perk to your employees. People might have allergies, or be afraid of dogs, and we have ways to accommodate that by for example just making part of the office floor dog friendly. Also, each dog will have to be up to date with vaccinations, be potty trained and pass a “good citizenship test”.

DogsAtWork.Pro: A Labor of Love

A

fter more than 20 years as a Human Resources Professional, a very special dog inspired Claudia Melzig to create a business that enables people to spend more time with their canine companions while at work.

In today’s competitive workplace companies are expanding their employee benefit program to attract and retain talent, as well as help employees manage their lives more effectively. Many of us spend a majority of our time at work and with that comes deadlines, responsibilities and stress. While 7% of U.S. businesses currently allow their employees to bring their dog to work, which is a 5% increase since 2012, there’s an even greater opportunity for companies to become dog-friendly. Three years ago, Claudia began volunteering at Seattle Humane. “I was excited to come in, help and learn,” she said, “I love dogs and those with special needs inspire me to be their strongest advocate.” That’s where Claudia met Miley, an eight-month-old pit bull mix puppy who would change everything for her. “Miley had been surrendered to Seattle Humane and she was so sick that she couldn’t get up,” Claudia recalled. “We didn’t know if she was alive or dead… we weren’t sure if she had neck problems because she could have been abused, or what was going on.”

Want your company to be a dog-friendly workplace?

Call us to implement your company’s bring-your-dogs to work program.

[email protected] 786-478-2275

Claudia has been fascinated by the response to Dogs At Work. “For a lot of people, seeing that their business can be dog-friendly is an ‘A-ha’ moment, and are interested to explore this trending perk” she said.

Miley at the hospital in 2016

Miley was also very fearful, but Claudia fell in love with this young puppy early on. “A friend of mine offered to foster her for a week and I went to visit her every day. That’s how we started our strong bond,” she recalled.

After one week, Miley needed a new foster home. “I had to take her,” she remembered, “but I did so without telling my partner. I told him, ‘It’s just a week,’ but I just couldn’t bring her back. I kept pushing for keeping her longer and making sure she could get a break from the shelter. From a medical perspective, we had to figure out what she had and after several relapses we were able to schedule an MRI and Spinal test and found out that she had meningitis.” While Claudia was working, she was able to get permission to bring Miley with her to the office at certain days. That is when Claudia started researching all the great benefits allowing dogs in the workplace can bring you. At the same time, Claudia undertook an advanced behavior training certificate with Christine Dahl at the Northwest School of Canine Studies. “I was thinking of a career change,” she said. “Family, friends and even my manager were helpful providing me coaching and seeing how I lit up whenever I talked about dogs. This is how one year ago, almost at the same time we adopted Miley, I created Dogs At Work, a company that helps businesses become dog-friendly.” There are numerous benefits to having a dog-friendly workplace and several studies have proven it. “Employees collaborate and interact more, it increases productivity and job satisfaction, helps lower stress and anxiety, attract and retain talent, improve work-life balance and physical health…while also enhance company culture. Bringing their dog to work means employees aren’t worrying about their pets sitting at home alone all day. Also means employees may be willing to stay later to finish working on a project because they don’t have to rush home to let the dog out. Dogs improve relationship among human coworkers; stopping by someone’s desk to give their dog a belly rub Miley, Claudia, inevitable leads to start a conversaand Dante tion. Dogs in the office force owners to take a break, it gives people a valid excuse to get out of the office and go for a walk. Not only does regular exercise improve physical health but going on a walk can boost creative thinking. Business-wise, my mission is to increase productivity and employee satisfaction in the workplace, embracing the bond between humans and dogs. It’s my personal goal for more

12 Pet Connection Magazine North Edition January/February 2018

“Eric O’Grey, who wrote Walking With Peety, has helped people learn how to eat healthier and exercise more, and has improved others’ health so much,” she said. “If more businesses become dog-friendly the benefits can be huge for your employees, their furry best friend and your company.

Miley at the Dogs at Work desk.

“Allowing employees to bring loveable, well-behaved dogs to work creates a family environment in the workplace with improved morale and reduced employee turnover,” said Eric O’Grey. “Think about it - given a choice between two employers and all other things equal - dog owners will choose the job that allows them to take their dog to work, every time.” Miley, the little dog who was the catalyst behind Dogs At Work, continues to thrive. “She still has meningitis, but it’s not the contagious type,” Claudia explained. “I’m not sure if she’ll have it for her entire life or if it will go away as we reduce her medication, but she’s doing well.” Her medical treatment helped her in so many ways. She couldn’t walk more than a few blocks when I first met her, but now she can even do a 10-mile hike, loves playing tug and run around.” Miley has helped Claudia meet a wide circle of animal lovers “Through Miley we have an extended family and their pets. Even our veterinarian is our friend, now too,” She went from being a special needs dog to a very loved animal,” she said. “Seattle Humane has been wonderful and supportive while in foster care with her medical condition and her socialization.” Claudia’s family includes Miley, her partner Paul, who has two college-age sons, and her sweet Vizsla, Dante, who accepted Miley as her big brother. “Paul has been my strongest supporter,” she said. “He told me to follow my passion and follow my dream. I’m doing that, by leveraging my professional experience and love for dogs to have more companies allow their employees to bring their dogs to work, helping more people and their pets lead happier, healthier lives, too.”

You could be the next employer to offer this amazing benefit. Contact Dogs At Work to implement your company’s bring-your-dog to work program. You can visit their website at www.dogsatwork.pro.

ASK THE ER VET!

by: Animal Emergency & Specialty (AES) — Family-owned in Kirkland since 1980!

Is your new year’s resolution to travel more? Are you in need of a vacation after holiday drama? Here are a few tips for setting Fido and Fluffy up for success while you are away!

Establish a Baseline Before you log in to TripAdvisor, make sure your pet is microchipped and that your contact information is current. For added peace of mind, schedule a wellness check with your family veterinarian to make sure Fido is healthy before you book your flight. While you’re at the vet’s office, request a copy of Fluffy’s medical and vaccination history to leave with the pet sitter, just in case. Be sure to ask your vet for refills of any prescription food or medications your pet will need while you’re away, too. Your pet sitter should not only have your contact information, but should also know the names, numbers, and locations of your family veterinarian and emergency animal hospital. Having a plan in case of an emergency is always advisable. If you are not reachable, then who is authorized to make immediate medical decisions for your pet? What level and extent of care would you like for your pet? Do you have a budget or preferred payment method? While it may not be fun to think about, the more prepared you are in case of an emergency, the more likely your wishes for Fido or Fluffy will be honored. Maintain the Routine It’s best to minimize changes to your pet’s routine while you’re away. Be sure to arm your pet sitter with detailed instructions and a schedule for meals and fresh water (including amounts), potty breaks and walks, medications with dosages (if any), play or cuddle time, and even bedtime. We recommend not altering your pet’s diet, litter, bedding, etc. starting at least a week before you say bon voyage. If your pet has an adverse reaction to her new food, bed, collar, etc., your pet sitter might not notice or may chalk it up to missing you. Don’t give into the temptation (guilt?) to spoil your pet with new treats or toys while you are sipping mai

tais by the pool. Untested toys might present a choking hazard or cause an obstruction. Unfamiliar treats may cause “upset tummy” or allergic reactions. If it’s not possible for your pet sitter to stay with your pet, have them check in on your cat at least twice daily and your dog at least three times per day. Some illnesses (urinary blockages, for example) can develop quickly and can be fatal. Even if your pet is in excellent health, unexpected problems with your home (e.g., power outages, gas leaks, fire, burst pipes, etc.) might pose dangers to your pet. Minimize Risk Be sure to pet proof your house and yard before you sail around the world. A bored or anxious pet might find electrical cords to chew, fences to jump, candles to knock over, or garbage to eat. Consider limiting Fido or Fluffy’s access to certain areas of the house to facilitate visual access by the pet sitter or security camera. Shy cats will often hide from strangers, making it difficult to ascertain their well-being. Even if your dog is used to running loose in your backyard, it might be best to ask your pet sitter to walk her on a leash to prevent bolting to search for you. Rely on the Pros Of course it’s best not to schedule elective medical procedures for your pet right before you get out of Dodge. However, it’s not always possible to predict when your pet may become ill. If your pet is recovering from an illness or surgery, has chronic health issues, is very young or old, or would otherwise benefit from closer monitoring, then consider boarding your pet with your family veterinarian or at a 24-hour facility like AES. With a little preparation and consideration, your pet will be ready to welcome you home with wagging tails and happy purrs!

Animal Emergency & Specialty Locally owned in Kirkland since 1980! • 24-Hour Emergency & Critical Care • Complex Soft-Tissue & Orthopedic Surgery • Full-Service Rehabilitation Department • In- & Out-Patient Radiology

12305 120th Ave. NE, Ste. K Kirkland, WA 98034

Tel: 425.827.8727 Fax: 425.822.9912

24-Hour Emergency Vet www.AESVETS.com • ALWAYS OPEN!

ANY PET PH OTOGR A P H Y

About Animal Emergency & Specialty: AES is the premier, family-owned, 24-hour referral veterinary hospital, located in Kirkland. We specialize in Emergency and Critical Care, Surgery (Orthopedic and Soft-Tissue), and Rehabilitation services. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, feel free to give us a call anytime at 425.827.8727. Our experienced DVMs and specialists are always here for you and your pet!

J

sweet, adorable 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier! Seattle Humane BE is helping this happy girl find a loving home. Tracy loves to VALENMY play and will happily lead you anywhere you want to go. TINE She also loves a good neck rub and will trade plenty of sweet kisses for one. She’s sure to be a sweet and loyal member of your family. Unconditional puppy love is just an adoption away! Tracy has been spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and behavior tested. She will go home with a certificate for an examination by a King County veterinarian and an identification tag. Resident dogs are required to visit Tracy prior to adoption. She needs to go to a cat-free home. For more information, contact Seattle Humane: www.seattlehumane.org.

MEET TRACY!

We capture you and your pet’s wild, wonderful, crazy, playful, unconditional love.

www.jaustinphotography.com 425.802.3944 www.petconnectionmagazine.com 13

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