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The Pet Maven Newsletter  

Thanksgivukkuh Now!
November 2013
In This Issue
Thanksgivukkuh!
Adopt a Senior Pet
Meet the Sitter: Alisa Horn
Why Do they Do That?
Quick Links
Greetings!

Can you believe the holidays are here? We're pretty excited about it, though we wonder if this new combination-holiday we've heard about--Thanksgivukkah--is really just a funny word-play, or if it's part of an increasing trend in Fusion Fanaticism.

First came food-fusions, with diverse mixes like Italian/Vietnamese, and Soul-Food/Swedish, we've been primed to delight in surprising combinations.

And let's not forget music, how NYC provides us with exciting stylistic-mixes like Jazz and Chamber Music. Not to mention our sitters, who when interviewed reveal surprising mixes of interests, talents, and history.

I guess we really are fixated on fusions, which is just fine! Let the celebrating begin!

Helen Adler 
Thanksgivukkuh is coming-ah!!      

In case you haven't heard, Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah fall on the same day this year: November 28th. A rare occasion, indeed -- and one that won't happen again for 70,000 years -- so this is your one and only chance to get it right -- ! (no pressure)

If you haven't started constructing your Drumstick Dreidels or your Mashed Potato Menorah yet, don't worry. There's plenty of time to decorate, and a wealth of clever meal ideas for a holiday food fusion of epic proportions.

But if you haven't made your cat sitting reservations ... you'd better hurry! Spots are filling up fast, and you know you'll never hear the end of it if your kitty doesn't get his favorite sitter ... Email Now!
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!        

Can you open your heart and your home to a senior pet? How can you resist? There are many benefits to adopting a senior pet. Older pets are more mellow and more easily manageable than a bouncy kitten or puppy, and they generally require far less training.

Sadly, too many older cats and dogs are overlooked as potential pets, but to do so is a mistake. You won't find a more loving, loyal companion than a pet who knows the value of a warm lap and a kind word. If you can't adopt right now, consider donating to a local no-kill shelter, or to an animal sanctuary like Kindred Spirits that provides a haven for those older, ill animals who got left behind.
Meet the sitter: Alisa Horn  

Alisa Horn's love of music has taken her from Nashville, to Chicago, to Los Angeles, and finally, New York. But it was her love of cats that brought her to The Pet Maven.

When she's not canoodling with her kitty charges, Alisa is a freelance cellist. She has performed in a variety of venues from Broadway to last years' lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center. Alisa is a member of The Inventions Trio, which "explores the intersection of chamber music and jazz."

Alisa is a life-long cat lover. Her two cats Roy and Red have shared her travels for the past 10 years, and if they mind sharing their Mom with other lonely New York kitties they haven't said anything.

As a musician, Alisa is often surrounded by people, and while she loves the social aspect of her work, she finds the time she spends cat sitting rewarding and refreshing. She loves meeting all the different cats, getting to know their quirks and personalities, and seeing her relationships with each clients' cats grow.

The Pet Maven is very happy to have Alisa as a part of the team. We just hope the kitties don't discover what cello strings are called.
Why do dogs ... chase their tails?
 Why do cats ... yowl at night?
Why do some dogs chase their tails? Only your dizzy dog knows for sure. Most times tail chasing is all about play. But it can also indicate something's wrong.

Stress and anxiety can lead to obsessive, repetitive behavior like tail chasing. And certain breeds seem to have a genetic predisposition toward OCD-like behavior.

Medical conditions like allergies and parasites can also be a factor, so if your puppy is running circles a little too often, shake a leg and book a visit to your vet. Learn more ...

Why do some cats yowl? Well unless they're trying out for a spot at the Met, there are many possible causes for your kitty's caterwauling.

Some breeds, such as Siamese, are simply more prone to vocalizing. Loneliness or boredom can also be a factor, or your cat may simply be trying to communicate.

Night-time serenades can also signal loneliness or boredom, but in elderly cats, or from a formerly quiet kitty, yowling can indicate underlying medical issues like dementia or hyperthyroidism.