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Spring Flings and Summer Lovin'
| May 2011 |
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Greetings!
Here's hoping your May has been as full of fun and excitement as ours! The theme of our newsletter is Spring Flings and Summer Lovin', and we're excited about what we have to share.
We have a special guest column by Dog Trainer Carol Zelman in which she discusses dog park etiquette and how to get the most out of your next visit. Cat owners will not want to miss the article on High Rise Syndrome.
Take a moment to meet our latest Featured Pet, a Japanese Chin named Harry. He packs a lot of personality into such a tiny body!
And, as always, we've made sure to include a variety of fun information and useful links for our readers. We hope you enjoy them!
Helen Adler |
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Proper Dog Park Petiquette: How to Have Fun at the Dog Run
a special guest column by Carol Zelman of Superdog Training
Spring is finally here, time to saddle up your canine pal and head to the dog park! To make the experience a pleasurable one, here are a few helpful tips: 1) Make sure your dog wants to be there. Yes, dogs are pack animals but not all dogs are comfortable around large groups of dogs. If your pooch hides under the bench or appears desperate to leave, don't force her. What may be an opportunity for you to chat with like minded folks may be a nightmare for your dog. 2) If your dog is harassing another dog, please intervene. Give him a timeout by gently grabbing his collar or simply leashing him for a minute or two and removing him from the run. 3) Obey the pooper scooper law and pick up after your dog. 4) While a certain amount of curiosity about other dogs is OK, make sure your pooch isn't being too pushy. It's normal for dogs to sniff each others' hindquarters, but if your dog keeps trying to mount other dogs it might be time to put your pup on a leash until it learns a little about boundaries. 5) When you are back home, check your dog's paws for any cuts or abbrasions. Make sure to check between the toes for any gravel that might be stuck. 6) Give your dog's body a once over checking for ticks, fleas, or any other hitch-hikers. Most of all, HAVE FUN!!! Going to the dog park is a great way for you and your dog to bond. Plus, the physical activity and mental stimulation of a fun and exciting afternoon will help ensure a good night's sleep for you both.
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Sea Lion Smoochies 
In March, Helen took a much-needed vacation cruise. While in the Dominican Republic, she met a very special fellow named Issac who took an immediate liking to her. Issac managed to steal a kiss, but Helen reports the experience was a bit bristly. Maybe Issac should schedule a grooming appointment? |
 May is Be Kind to Animals Month: Ideas on How to Celebrate and Show Your Love
May is "Be Kind to Animals Month," but you don't have to be St. Francis of Assisi to show your love. At Home: Use May as a time to assess your pet's creature comforts. Is his bedding soiled or worn? Are her bowls cracked or chipped? And when was the last time you replaced that litter box? A quick wash or timely replacement will ensure your pet's continued good health. Locally: Volunteering is a great way to show your love. Maybe there's a no-kill shelter in your area that needs help with time or donations. You might even try fostering a homeless pet. The NYC ASPCA has lots of great ideas and information. Nation-Wide: If you want to help animals on a grand scale you could donate or volunteer with one of the many national pet-rescue organizations who work hard to make sure no animal is unwanted or abused. Organizations such as Spay USA and Best Friends Animal Society can always use help from animal lovers like you! |
Stop the Presses: The Pet Maven Mentioned in NYC's Refinery 29 In early April The Pet Maven's website received a flurry of visits. Was it spring madness that caused this sudden bloom in interest? Perhaps, but it more likely had to do with the recommendation The Pet Maven received for its quality cat-sitting and in-home grooming services in an article by Leila Brillson entitled The Ultimate Cat-Lover's Guide to NYC. Be sure to click through to Slide 5; that's where The Pet Maven is mentioned. Obviously the writer has impeccable taste! Brilson recommends The Pet Maven as a groomer not only because Helen does a great job, but because in-home grooming is so much easier on the cat and makes the whole experience more pleasant for everyone. What a purrrfect way to pamper your pet! |
 Cat Owners Take Care: High Rise Syndrome a Real Risk
Now that things are finally warming up, New Yorkers are eagerly opening windows to help chase away the winter blues. But cat owners should take care. High Rise Syndrome is what vets call the increased incidents of falling-related injuries among cats that occur in the spring and summer. Cat owners assume their felines are safe perched on a window ledge: after all, aren't cats notorious for their grace and balance? The reality is cats do fall from ledges and fire-escapes, often. Sometimes they simply lose their balance or get distracted by a bird, and concrete and metal are not easy to grab with a cat's sharp claws. And while cats have an uncanny ability to right themselves and fall well, more often than not a fall can lead to serious injury, even death. The good news is High Rise Syndrome is preventable. Cat owners should make sure they have sturdy screens installed on all windows they open. Lightweight portable enclosures can also be purchased and set on balconies or fire-escapes, allowing cats to safely enjoy the great outdoors.
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Featured Pet: Harry - Owner Veronica S. 
Thank heaven for rescue; thank heaven for Harry! This adorable Japanese Chin started life in Florida. He needed an operation that his original owners were not willing to pay for. Thankfully, a kind veterinarian performed the operation anyway and Harry wound up at Luv-A-Chin Rescue. Harry found his forever home when he was discovered by current owner Veronica on Luv-a-Chin's web site. Harry has been a part of Veronica and Larry's family for three years now. In fact, Veronica says bringing Harry into their home "was the best thing we have ever done." Veronica says Harry is a perfect gentleman. He is affectionate, sweet, obedient and the best friend anyone could have. He even gets along great with their 13 year old kitty Wanda (also a rescue). He gives her space when she needs it and puts up with her bossy, persnickety ways with good humor. Harry is truly a happy soul, and is always smiling. In the evening he loves to play with his toys and each night he goes through his "looney dog" phase, running and jumping and generally having a great time. For Veronica, he makes the day's stresses and strains evaporate. |
Traveling with Your Pet? A Little Planning Means Great Fun for All
If there was a poster-dog for a travel-savvy pet, it might very well be Toto, famous canine companion of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. But many dogs, even cats, can become seasoned travelers with a little help from their owners. Preparation: Whether traveling by air or land, you should take your pet to the vet to make sure it's well enough to travel. All airlines require a health certificate to fly, and be sure to check with your airline regarding fees and rules for transporting your pet. Learn more ...Make sure you bring everything your pet needs to stay healthy and happy, including your pet's usual food, bowls, and bedding. Unfamiliar surroundings seem more friendly to a pet when it has the familiar comforts of home. Travel: While many cats and dogs can learn to ride calmly and comfortably in a car, you should always bring a crate to move your pet to and from the vehicle. A dog can be leashed, but a crate is the best way to ensure your cat won't be startled and bolt. Learn more ...Dogs also benefit from having a crate along on a trip. A crate serves as a dog's den in a hotel room, and you can be confident they won't cause any accidental damage to the room if you need to leave for a while. Learn more ... Destination: Be sure to call ahead to make sure your hotel accepts pets. There are a surprising amount of pet-friendly hotels and resorts, and even those that don't cater to pet owners are sometimes willing to accommodate pets for an overnight stay. There are several websites that make finding pet-friendly hotels easy, including Pets on the Go and Pet Travel.com.
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