Houston PetTalk April 2024

HOUSTON SPCA

A CENTURY OF SAVING CREATURES GREAT & SMALL

Great oral care for your furry friend isn’t easy. But it can be.

Houston Area VCA Animal Hospitals

Cypress

Cypress

VCA Telge Road Animal Hospital 11430 Telge Road

Kingwood

Lake Jackson

Cypress, TX 77429 281-955-9797

VCA Telge Road Animal Hospital 11430 Telge Road Cypress, TX 77429 281-955-9797

VCA Kingwood Animal Hospital 2526 Green Oak Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 281-358-3146

VCA Lake Jackson Animal Hospital 210 That Way Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-297-3044

vcatelgeroad.com

vcatelgeroad.com

vcakingwood.com

vcalakejackson.com

Houston

Houston

Lake Jackson

Pasadena

VCA Ashford Animal Hospital 12633 Whittington Houston, TX 77077 281-497-3917

VCA Ashford Animal Hospital 12633 Whittington Houston, TX 77077 281-497-3917

vcaashford.com

vcaashford.com

VCA Lake Jackson Animal Hospital 210 That Way

Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-297-3044

VCA Animal Medical Center of Pasadena 5018A Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX 77505 281-487-8233

vcalakejackson.com

vcapasadena.com

Pearland

Pasadena

VCA Countryside Animal Hospital 2211 FM 1960 East Houston, TX 77073 281-443-7297

VCA Countryside Animal Hospital 2211 FM 1960 East Houston, TX 77073 281-443-7297

vcacountryside.com

vcacountryside.com

VCA Jones Road Animal Hospital 9570 Jones Road Houston, TX 77065

281-890-9525

VCA Jones Road Animal Hospital 9570 Jones Road Houston, TX 77065 281-890-9525

vcajonesroad.com

vcajonesroad.com

VCA Prestonwood Animal Hospital 13720 Schroeder Rd. Houston, TX 77070

VCA Prestonwood Animal Hospital 13720 Schroeder Rd. Houston, TX 77070 281-890-1960

281-890-1960

vcaprestonwood.com

vcaprestonwood.com

VCA Spring Branch Animal Hospital 10109 Long Point Road Houston, TX 77043 713-461-1121

VCA Spring Branch Animal Hospital 10109 Long Point Road Houston, TX 77043 713-461-1121

vcaspringbranch.com

vcaspringbranch.com

Katy

Katy

VCA Kelliwood Animal Hospital 960 S. Fry Road Katy, TX 77450

VCA Kelliwood Animal Hospital 960 S. Fry Road Katy, TX 77450 281-492-2780

281-492-2780

vcakelliwood.com

vcakelliwood.com

Kingwood

VCA Kingwood Animal Hospital 2526 Green Oak Drive Kingwood, TX 77339

281-358-3146

vcakingwood.com

1811 Spring Cypress Spring, TX 77388 281-353-5167

2627 Cordes Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-3737

vcaspring.com

vcalexingtonblvd.com

Stafford

VCA Westside Animal Clinic 9223 W. Broadway St., Ste. 107 Pearland, TX 77584

VCA Animal Medical Center of Pasadena 5018A Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX 77505 281-487-8233

281-997-1044

vcawestsidevet.com

vcapasadena.com

Pearland

VCA Westside Animal Clinic 9223 W. Broadway St., Ste. 107 Pearland, TX 77584

VCA Westside Animal Hospital 6034 Broadway Street Pearland, TX 77581

281-485-9840

281-997-1044

vcawestsidetx.com

vcawestsidevet.com

Spring

VCA Westside Animal Hospital 6034 Broadway Street Pearland, TX 77581 281-485-9840

VCA Champions Northwest Animal Hospital 8901 Louetta Spring, TX 77379 281-370-0773

vcachampionsnorthwest.com

vcawestsidetx.com

Spring

VCA Four Seasons Animal Hospital 3730 FM 2920, Suite 110 Spring, TX 77388 281-825-4994

VCA Champions Northwest Animal Hospital 8901 Louetta Spring, TX 77379 281-370-0773

vcafourseasons.com

vcachampionsnorthwest.com

VCA Four Seasons Animal Hospital 3730 FM 2920, Suite 110 Spring, TX 77388

VCA Woodlands Animal Hospital 428 Rayford Road Spring, TX 77386 281-367-7553

281-825-4994

vcawoodlands.com

vcafourseasons.com

VCA Spring Animal Hospital 1811 Spring Cypress Spring, TX 77388

281-353-5167

vcaspring.com

VCA Stafford Oaks Animal Hospital 927 Dulles Ave Stafford, TX 77477 281-499-3538

VCA Southwest Freeway Animal Hospital 15575 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-8387

vcaswfreeway.com

vcastaffordoaks.com

Tomball

Sugar Land

VCA Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital 2627 Cordes Dr.

Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-3737

VCA Tomball Veterinary Hospital 28800 Tomball Parkway Tomball, TX 77375 281-351-5441

vcatomball.com

vcalexingtonblvd.com

Texas City

VCA Mainland Animal Hospital 7232 Medical Center Drive Texas City, TX 77591 409-948-8401

VCA Southwest Freeway Animal Hospital 15575 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-8387

vcamainland.com

vcaswfreeway.com

Tomball

VCA Tomball Veterinary Hospital 28800 Tomball Parkway Tomball, TX 77375 281-351-5441

vcatomball.com

Texas City

VCA Mainland Animal Hospital 7232 Medical Center Drive Texas City, TX 77591 409-948-8401

vcamainland.com

Letter from the Editor

On the cover

TIMES GONE BY

100 Years have passed since the Houston SPCA began serving the Bayou City's animal community! This vintage photo depicts the humble beginnings of one of Houston's most prominent charities that has been saving creatures great and small for decades. In our feature, we are celebrating their success with a look at their development through the years and the many services they now provide in the realm of animal welfare. From cruelty investigations to disaster response, community outreach, veterinary care and more, the Houston SPCA has saved thousands of animal lives. Join us in celebrating their centennial achievement and be sure to save the date for their 100th birthday bash, April 27!

What a milestone! The Houston SPCA turns 100 this year and we are honored to help this amazing organization celebrate their commitment to the Houston animal community and the thousands of animal lives they have saved. Just think, when the Houston SPCA started in 1924, the first Winter Olympics opened in France, J. Edgar Hoover was appointed as the first Director of the FBI, and eggs were 32 cents per dozen! Although the world has changed drastically since this time, one thing has not changed: animals need our help and thankfully there are loving people and charitable organizations like the Houston SPCA committed to saving all creatures.

In the feature story, you'll learn about the history, timeline, and many achievements of the Houston SPCA along with vintage photos and more. The public is invited to celebrate this huge milestone on April 27th from 11am to 6pm where attendees can enjoy food trucks, live music, balloon animals, giveaways, demonstrations, adoptions, a beer garden and more. Bring the family for a fun 100th Birthday Party bash!

April also launches many events and happenings so be sure to check out the news section to save the date for a number of events including: Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism's 6th Annual Bark Mitzvah on Sunday, April 14th; a heartworm prevention offer at The CAP Cornelius Clinic; adoption specials at CAP sponsored by West Houston Subaru (50% off!); PLUS plan to take your Best Shot of your pet(s) in the gorgeous Texas wildflowers and enter our 16th Annual Pets in the Wildflowers contest, generously sponsored every year

by Sunset Animal Hospital. Entry begins April 1 on our website - just click on the contest banner and upload your photo. You'll find all of the details on page 18. Yes, April is busy and that's just a glimpse of what pet enthusiasts can look forward to! Visit HoustonPetTalk.com and join our newsletter to get ALL of the info right in your inbox!

I would also like to take this opportunity in my editor's note to say thank you to Dr. Jennifer Hennessey, a long time supporter of Houston PetTalk and a huge factor in helping Houston's animals, for her commitment to the veterinary industry. I could write a book of her incredible accomplishments! She is leaving our Houston pet community for the next chapter of her life and passing her practice along, Animal ER of Northwest Houston, to the capable hands of Dr. Michelle Withrow. Read her farewell story on page 42-44. We will miss her amazing talents, great articles, huge heart and impact on our animal community!

And finally in this issue, I want to point out that shopping is ALWAYS on tap right LOL? Check out our shopping guide and the announcement in the news section that Dog Gone Fun Agility has opened a food and products store at their extensive training and event center in Magnolia. Their food selection is top of the line...they even have fresh eggs!

April is a beautiful month in Texasthe flowers are vibrant, the weather is great, festivals and events are happening throughout our area, wine trails are offering specials...I could go on and on about one of the best times of the year to be outdoors so take your pets and go have a joyful romp together!

Art Director: ANDREW

Where in the World is PetTalk?

Send your Travel photos featuring PetTalk

You never know where on this planet you might find a PetTalk reader enjoying their copy! If you’ve snapped a travel pic of yourself or one of our readers, send your photo to info@houstonpettalk.com.

NAVASOTA, TEXAS

Pickleball phenoms, Carol Turner and Christina Abazajian, are having a "dill" of a time at Navasota High School playing their favorite sport. We are so honored they would take a break to read PetTalk in the midst of such an important moment...thank you ladies for sharing!

Secede Henrietta

Ilove to get pawdicures. From picking out some outrageous color, to the hot tub soaking of my quad-paws, to those blue scrubbing bubbles and the hot stone massage, and on to the finale - the painting of my 20 digits, I love it all! I'm sure there are lots of great nail shops but mine is divine...it's relaxing and I love the Vietnamese "atmosphere". The workers are so calm and even though it seems they are mut tering slightly above one decibel, the gal across the room responds. Canine hearing is exceptional but in the two-legger world, Vietnamese could give us a run for our money. Of course I also love Vietnamese food (which goes without saying) - Vermicelli Bun, Bánh khúc, Bún Thit Nng and Pho. But I digress. I'm here to talk about our government's financial debacle, not my love for the Vietnamese.

While relaxing in the midst of my nirvana nail experience, some nitwit asked for the news to be turned on. Off went the relaxing Vietnamese chanting music and on came CNN's Wolf Blitzer. It was like being yanked out of a dream that you're lying in bed with George Clooney, all to find you are being prepared for a colonoscopy.

Ok, fine. What's a dog to do but the same thing we always do - make a little noise of objection but in the end, settle down and try to ignore our surroundings. So as Wolf droned on, I fought to get back to my state of bliss from Blitzer. Just as I started to daydream of a ga nache infused meaty bone, I heard Wolf talking about proposed budget cuts by Congress and there was CONTEMPLATION of a government shutdown if agreement wasn't reached. Not sure why this caught my ear but probably because I thought I heard him say CASTRATION and I immediately thought of cousin Henri.

On Why Texas Should

would affect me. It should be embarrassing that I was only thinking of myself in this serious time of national belt tightening, but I moved on from that thought.

My stress level skyrocketed when Wolf said

could have more in common with Europe than we ever wanted. Our all-beef hot dogs could become all-equine hot dogs, giving a whole new meaning to "dog and pony show".

show called "Bad Boys Rain". Of course neither one of them will be savvy enough to catch the typo in their show title.

Adding further BITE to this debacle is the chance that other countries will view our inability to curb spending as a sign they should not sell us more stuff we can't pay for. I'm not sure I can withstand a shortage of Grey Goose Canadian Vodka, French Champagne or Worcestershire

Whether or not our country actually goes to hell in a hand basket remains to be seen but all the doom and gloom discussions sure have made for interesting chatter at the Salty Dog. I'll share a few comments

Anyway, during Wolf's lengthy diatribe of how this budget crisis would cause untold destruction of civilization as we know it, I became increasingly alarmed at how this phenomenon

In addition to our military deficiency allowing a foreign invasion, budget cuts could also bring about cuts that are closer to "my heart"... disruption of the food supply and food safety. Without the ever watchful eye of the FDA, we

According to Lonnie (he's a Lab who had his tail docked and has STS - Short Tail Syndrome), he is worried that there will be a teacher layoff thus reducing the quality of education in the classroom and therefore people will be stupider. Yes, he used the word stupider leading me to ask if there had been a layoff when he attended school. Next was Rocky the Rottweiler who firmly believes that cuts in government spending means all Forest Rangers will die of starvation and there will be an invasion of Grizzly Bears. I think Rocky had a few too many knocks in the head at the boxing gym. As for me, I think the answer to this dilemma lies in secession. Texas should just secede from the Union. It's obvious we have everything a country would need: Everyone in the world knows where it is, the odds of meeting an astronaut are high, we don't need to conceal handguns (we'd rather you know we can shoot you), we invented Dr. Pepper, we have ZZ Top, Schlitterbahn, and scrumptious BBQ. And the best reason is what we don't have..State Income Tax - duh!

Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway

Interfaith Ministries’ Wags & Whiskers Fundraiser

It was a sold-out show in February as more than 265 philanthropic animal lovers donned their best Western wear and kicked up their boots and raised more than $113,000 at Hotel ZaZa - Museum District. The 11th Annual Wags and Whiskers Brunch benefitted Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Animeals program, which provides pet food, toys and preventative vet care supplies to over 1,300 pets of homebound seniors in IM’s Meals on Wheels program.

The “Bow Wow West” themed event featured a celebrity pet fashion show produced

by Todd Ramos, a silent auction, delicious lunch hosted by event Co-Chairs Shirin and Saied Alavi along with Dr. Vasant Garg and Dr. Kim Tran.

Emcee Casey Curry welcomed guests and four-legged furry cowpokes to a Rootin’ Tootin’ fun and inspiring program honoring long-time Animeals supporter Greater Good Charities, an organization that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Learn more about the organization at IMGH.org.

Photos by Quy Tran

Casey Curry, Todd Ramos, Deborah Duncan

Moose and Nadia Tajalli

Dandy and Beth Wolff

Rev. Dr. Tamla Wilson, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Joy Sewing

Karen Jankowski and Bella Donahue

Sparrow and Freddy Cruz

West Houston Subaru April Adoption Events With CAP

West Houston Subaru Special Needs Adoption supporting Citizen’s For Animal Protection shelter, continues monthly in support of animals with special needs of varying kinds. West Houston Subaru sponsors 100% of all adoption fees for all special needs adoptions. If you are looking to add a fur baby to your home that may require a little extra TLC, check out the available

adoptees at Cap4Pets.Org.

Additionally in April, West Houston Subaru will sponsor 50% of all adoptions at Citizens for Animal Protection during the Tour for Life Adoption Event April 1-7. Visit the shelter at 17555 Katy Freeway, Houston 77094 during the event to adopt!

Dog Gone Fun Agility Opens Retail Store

Did you know the Houston area is home to the largest indoor training and event facility in Texas? Located in Magnolia, Dog Gone Fun Agility offers a huge variety of dog training classes and hosts a large number of dog competitions PLUS they recently opened a product store for your doggy shopping needs! From a variety of high quality pet food and treats to beds, leashes, toys, crates and more, dog parents can find everything…even fresh eggs!

Brands featured in the new store include Pet Deli, Vital Essentials, Instinct, Fromm, Honest Kitchen, Grandma Lucy’s, Dirty Dog Rugs and Shammys, plus many more. The focus on the best foods available is a key driver of the product selection. If you haven’t visited the facility, plan to shop and watch an upcoming agility competition or learn more about classes including agility, obedience, dock diving, scent work, puppy class, flyball, frisbee, barn hunt and AKC Titles.

Learn more about this awesome training center and the newly opened store by visiting DogGoneFunAgility.com.

HIT US WITH YOUR BEST SHOT!

16TH ANNUAL WILDFLOWER PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY: APRIL 1-15

VOTING: APRIL 16-23

It's time for our longest running contest (16 years!) in celebration of the beautiful Texas Wildflowers, sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. The flowers started blooming in March and are gorgeous now in April so if you haven't taken photos with your pet(s) yet, there is still time to capture a fun photo and enter our 16th annual contest (no humans in photos please). Entry is from April 1 to April 15, public voting is April 16-23 to select Finalists. Sunset Animal Hospital will select the winner, who will receive a $200 certificate for services at Sunset.

To enter, visit HoustonPetTalk.com or our

SPONSORED BY

FACEBOOK page beginning April 1 and click the link to the entry page and upload your photo. Be sure to include your pet's name. If you are a professional photographer, please note your entry as Professional Division. The winning photo, finalists and ALL entries will be published in PetTalk's June issue!

Sunset Animal Hospital is located at 2959 SW Freeway and is open 24/7 offering top quality medical treatment for your pet. Thank you Sunset for your generous sponsorship! Learn more about them at SunsetAnytime.com.

2023 Winner

Finn

Rorschach Olive Sam

Luffy

Meowster

TJ

Stella

Freddy B Ready

Houston Philanthropists Appointed Honorary Fellows of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics

The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics recently announced the appointment of Susan and Dan Boggio as its eleventh and twelfth Honorary Fellows. The award is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Centre and/or the protection of animals.

Susan and Dan follow a distinguished, select group of Honorary Fellows, which include the Nobel Laureate for Literature, Professor J. M. Coetzee, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, Professor Joy Carter, and the late multi-Emmy award winning television personality, philanthropist, and educational pioneer, Bob Barker. An Honorary Fellowship is the highest award that the Centre can bestow.

The focus of their philanthropic endeavors include helping children, animals, and those most in need. Susan has been Board Chair of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF-USA Southwest Region, Founding Board member-UNICEF

International Council, Board-BARC Animal Foundation, and member of the anti-human trafficking Houston 20. They founded the Susan and Dan Boggio Fund for UNICEF, the focus of which includes education, children with disabilities, and child trafficking.

Susan and Dan’s many honors include the UNICEF Helenka Panteleoni Global Humanitarian award, Interfaith Ministries’ For All Humanity Award, and the Melcher Humanitarian Award. Exceptionally, they have a girls’ school building named in their honor outside Calcutta, India.

Director of the Centre, the Revd Professor Andrew Linzey commented: “Susan and Dan are fantastic champions for animals and have admirably committed their lives to the relief of suffering of the weak and vulnerable, both animals and humans."

Congratulations to Dan and Susan for this well-deserved achievement!

April Heartworm Prevention Discount At Cap’s Cornelius Clinic

With longer days and warmer weather come outdoor playtime for our new fur babies. However, something as innocent as a backyard romp can turn into an unplanned disaster. That’s why The CAP Cornelius Clinic is offering pet parents a 10% discount on heartworm prevention throughout the month of April. Treating your pet can mean the difference between playtime and a trip to the emergency room.

Heartworms can be expensive and danger-

ous. Infected pets can present an array of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. In some cases, heartworms can be fatal. Preventing them is simple and safe.

Don’t take a chance on your pet’s health. Get peace of mind when you book an appointment for heartworm testing and to purchase your preventatives.

With days like Tech Tuesdays and Walk-in Wednesdays, it’s easy to keep your pet happy and healthy. While visiting the clinic, you can

safeguard your pet with a host of vaccinations and wellness services like nail trims, microchips, and more.

Visit The CAP Cornelius Clinic at 17555 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77094 between Barker-Cypress and Park Ten Boulevard. As a nonprofit clinic, your appointment will help save the lives of homeless animals across the Houston area.

Photos provided by CAP

HHS Fun Run May 18

Join Houston Humane Society on May 18 for their 42nd Annual K9 Fun Run & Walk. In addition to raising essential funds to support their lifesaving work, it’s an opportunity for animal lovers to join together to make a difference for pets and wildlife in need. Be part of a community that is committed to creating a more humane Houston for animals and the people who love them. The event will be held at Mason Park, 541 S. 75TH Street on May 18 so mark your calendars to join the fun run or visit the festival that will include music, food trucks, alumni parade, vendors and a costume contest. Find more information at HoustonHumane.org. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor at the K9 Fun Run, contact Brittney Nguyen at FunRun@ Houstonhumane.org.

Blessing of The Animals April 13

The 12th annual “Blessing of the Animals” will take place on Saturday, April 13 from 1pm until 3pm at Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX.  People of all faiths can bring their dogs, cats, hamsters, fish or other pets to receive an individual blessing from one of the church’s pastors.  Attendees will also receive a FREE digital photo of that special moment from Nikky LaWell Photography.  Plus, pet owners can have their dogs microchipped for only $20, courtesy of CAP (Citizen's for Animal Protection).  There will be face painting for the kids and adoptable pets from Golden Beginnings Rescue and Westie & Scottie Rescue of Houston.  Additional pet organizations like Rover Oaks Pet Resort, Westbury Animal Hospital, Faithful Paws pet therapy, Pet Supplies Plus, Three Dog Bakery, PupFit and Canine Companions for Independence will also be available for attendees to visit at the event.  Come

help honor and celebrate our wonderful pet companions!  For more information, visit the website at: BellaireUMC.org/bota.

Photo courtesy of Bellaire United Methodist Church

Photo courtesy of Dog Petting Crew

Ironman Foundation Adds Doggie Dash To Event April 20

Benefiting Operation Pets Alive, the IRONMAN Foundation is sponsoring an Ironman Kid’s Fun Run and for the second year, the IRONMAN Foundation is adding a Doggie Dash (1/2 mile or mile walk/run with your dog) following the kid’s race. This year’s event will be held at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, 77380, on Saturday April 20. There are several ways to participate and support OPA at this event.

The IRONKIDS Texas Fun Run and Doggie Dash offers young athletes the opportunity to feel the excitement of competition while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living. Running clubs are welcome! Each athlete receives a goodie bag with a race bib, finisher shirt, medal, and the pride of calling themselves an IRONKID!

The event activities begin at 8:30am. Opening ceremonies and warm-up at 9:30am.

The Doggie Dash follows the children’s races and begins at approximately 11:15am. During the Doggie Dash, each leashed, vaccinated dog (age 6 months+) and their handler (age 12 and over) have the option to compete in two courses. Their “Doggie Bag” features a dog’s race bib and bandana. When the dash is done, competitors earn a finisher dog tag. Event organizers ask that all dogs be socialized and comfortable with being around crowds and other dogs. This event is for fun and participants should distance themselves accordingly for safety during the dash.

The festivities will include a photo booth, arts and crafts, ambulance tours, snow cones and games. To learn more or to sign up, visit https://memorialhermann.org/patients-visitors/ classes-events/ironkids-texas-fun-run-anddoggie-dash-april-20-2024-0830am.

Groomers, trainers, vets, treat shops, pet adoptions, food trucks, music and more will help shape an afternoon of joy at Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism's 6th Annual Bark Mitzvah on Sunday, April 14th from 11:30am to 2:30pm! Free and open to the community, there will be food and fun for all! Rabbi Steve Gross will lead a Bark Mitzvah service for all canines.

To RSVP your canine for the Bark Mitzvah, please contact Justin at 713-782-4162 or Justin@hcrj.org.

Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism is located at 801 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057.

Bark Mitzvah March Muttness Photo Contest

March 18 to April 3

Emancipet's “March Muttness Photo Contest” is winding down but you still have time to enter! The contest, which began March 18th, accepts photos of dogs and cats from pet owners through April 3.. Throughout the contest the public will vote on their favorite pet photo. Each entry and vote will be $1, and contestants will be narrowed down throughout the contest. The winning pet will be featured on exclusive Emancipet merchandise for sale in their online retail store, along with a prize pack. The prize pack will include dog or cat basketball themed items, toys, feeders, Emancipet branded items and more! For details and to enter, visit Emancipet.org.

Photo by Judy Bluestein Levin –Jewish Herald-Voice

Love Tails Photo Contest

Sponsored by Bingle Vet

1stPlaceWinner

We know how much our readers LOVE their pets and many of you showed us just how much in our recent LOVE TAILS photo contest, sponsored by Bingle Vet. The entries were super-creative and LOVE-LY! Finalists were selected by public voting and a panel of judges from Bingle Vet chose the winning photo. Meet winner Meowster the cat who snagged a $200 gift certificate for services at Bingle Vet. Don't miss more contests at HoustonPetTalk.com.

ABOUT BINGLE VET:

Bingle Vet is a family-owned veterinary practice committed to the compassionate care of pets while providing impeccable service to pet parents at two locations: Spring Branch/Memorial (2025 Bingle Rd. Houston, TX 77055) and Katy (5215 FM 1463, Ste. 400, Katy, TX 77494). Check out their 10-Minute Guarantee and homemade cookies - they want to make sure you and your pet leave their clinic happy! Visit them at BingleVet.com.

Meowster

Tex

Heidi

2nd Place

3rd Place

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Finalist

Mera Simba

TJ

Rorschach

Mochi & Matcha

#ShareWithUs!

IS THERE ANYTHING CUTER THAN YOUR PET? OF COURSE NOT! WE AGREE, SO WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO PROVE IT...PLAY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND LOOK FOR OUR THEMED CONTESTS. YOU SHARE WITH US, WE SHARE WITH OUR READERS. EVERYBODY WINS!

1. @heidi_bella_hanke Getting ready to cheer on her favorite team! Let’s go Astros!!

2. Pepper is always baseball ready! Astros Baseball is LIFE!

3. Hank has been an Altuve fan since day 1, Let’s go Astros

4. Henry's Game Face!!

5. Tito’s been an Astros fan for 15 years! Let’s go Astros!

6. Sweet Maple is ready for some Astros baseball!!

7. Magic’s first season as an Astros fan!

8. Paul, Astros smallest, BIGGEST fan!

9. Shayne is ready to cheer on her PURRRfect team!

1 6

4 5 7 8

2

3

YEARS CELEBRATING

HOUSTON SPCA

A CENTURY OF SAVING ALL CREATURES

Intro

by Michelle Mantor; Houston SPCA Content by

Photos provided by Houston SPCA

Charitable organizations are a bedrock of the American society by providing people an opportunity to work toward shared ideals, hopes and for the common good. In my own life, I feel best when I give not take, when I help instead of stand idle, and when I work as part of a team rather than as a lone wolf. Giving and helping is very satisfying! Thankfully we have many charities that make our world a better place and no doubt, one of them is our very own Houston SPCA.

Started in 1924 with the goal of helping all animals, the Houston SPCA has endured the test of time and proudly flourished through 100 years in the Bayou City. It's hard to imagine what challenges the organization faced so many decades ago. The world was quite different: Calvin Coolidge became the

first President to deliver a radio address; women had just earned the right to vote; speakeasies were on the rise due to prohibition; and a gallon of gas was just 19 cents, yet a group of people had enough empathy and compassion for animals to start an animal welfare organization. These early pioneers recognized what many of us know as a truth today: how we treat animals is a reflection of humanity by mirroring our compassion and as stewards of the earth, it's our actions that must prevail in their humane treatment and preservation.

Over the last 100 years, many individuals have been an integral part of the Houston SPCA's longevity - feeling the pain when heartbreaking situations occurred as well as cheering on the many successful stories and outcomes. From humble beginnings in a tiny

Julie Kuenstle;

little shelter, the organization grew to include ambulance operations, community outreach, wildlife conservation and today, operates the largest animal cruelty investigation team in Texas. To those many people, whether they be employees, donors or volunteers, we salute your generosity of spirit and say thank you for making our animal community a better place.

Join me in celebrating 100 amazing years of the Houston SPCA as we highlight their history and many moving parts that work for the betterment of animals in our feature story. Without them, thousands of animals would enure untold suffering. Their work is challenging yet rewarding and their story is inspiring!

Humble Beginnings in 1924

In an era when animal welfare was just starting to become a widespread concern in cities across the US, a small group of compassionate and dedicated leaders first committed to the welfare of Houston’s horses as well as women and children in need, which led to the legal formation of what is today the Houston SPCA. It was those compassionate individuals who saw an immediate need and took action to protect and care for those who were suffering from neglect and abuse.

The very first location, affectionately called The Shelter, was a small house at 216 Jackson Hill Street with no running water, air conditioning or heat with an outhouse described in archives as ‘leaky.’ Help for animals in need at that time included horses, sheep, cats and dogs.

Then & Now

It was from those humble beginnings that the Houston SPCA evolved through the years to become a pioneer in animal rescue and protection in the Gulf Coast region and beyond where best practices in rescuing animals were born out of necessity. Animal cruelty investigations, the region’s only 24-hour animal rescue ambulance, veterinary services, adoptions, disaster response and relief, native wildlife and exotic rescue.

As the Houston SPCA commemorates a century of service, its impact is evident in the lives of the countless millions of animals they have served. Today, the organization is one of the most comprehensive animal welfare rescue and protection organizations in the US. Its state-of-the-art, 12-acre campus not only provides sanctuary and healing to animals in need but also serves as an educational hub for

the community to foster a love and respect for all living beings.

“This significant milestone in our organization’s history demonstrates our steadfast commitment to protecting animals who suffer from neglect and abuse, and the unwavering pursuit of justice on their behalf,” said Patricia Mercer, President and CEO of Houston SPCA. “It’s also a time to envision the future of animal welfare in Houston and the gulf coast region where we must continue to innovate, recognizing that the journey towards a more compassionate world for animals is constant,” added Mercer. Mercer joined the Houston SPCA in 1984 and for the past 40 years has led the rescue and protection organization into what is now one of the largest and most comprehensive animal welfare organizations in the country.

Significant Milestones

1924

Houston SPCA established by compassionate individuals.

1930s

Houston’s only animal rescue ambulance hits the road.

1940s

Houston SPCA announced phone number to report animal cruelty (Wayside 1744) and opens animal shelter at 519 Studemont Street.

“THIS SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN OUR ORGANIZATION’S HISTORY DEMONSTRATES OUR STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING ANIMALS WHO SUFFER FROM NEGLECT AND ABUSE, AND THE UNWAVERING PURSUIT OF JUSTICE ON THEIR BEHALF.”

PATRICIA MERCER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF HOUSTON SPCA

Houston SPCA has been centrally located in our community for the last 100 years and all locations have been within an 8-mile radius of the William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals on Old Katy Road, which is its current location.

» First location: 216 Jackson Hill Street, named “The Shelter”.

» 1934: 69th and Clinton Drive was added as a second location to help more animals with the city of Houston.

» 1948: 519 Sachs Street (later renamed Studemont Street) One employee, Mrs. Appleby.

» 1994: 900 Portway Drive for 25 years before it was transformed into a Pet Wellness Clinic for owned pets, Foster Care, Rehoming Center, Triage and Animal Hospital to support the new, current campus on Old Katy Road.

» 2018: Houston SPCA’s William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals opens to the community at 7007 Old Katy Road.

1994

Brand new shelter at 900 Portway Drive opens.

2000

4 tigers, 4 lions, 2 leopards and a wolf rescued by cruelty investigators.

2007

Houston SPCA opens Wildlife Center of Texas, serving over 3,000 injured and orphaned native wild animals in first year.

2008

Houston SPCA leads animal rescue and relief efforts after Hurricane Ike.

Patricia Mercer, President and CEO of Houston SPCA.

To The Rescue: Animal Cruelty Investigations

A MILESTONE IN ANIMAL WELFARE: THE INTRODUCTION OF CRUELTY INVESTIGATORS

As early as the mid-1930s, the rescue and protection organization began relying on the community’s eyes and ears to report animal cruelty when they encouraged Houstonians to dial “Wayside 1744” to speak with a humane investigator about potential animal abuse. By 1945, archive records show they conducted 2,638 investiga-

tions and inspections each year for animals in need including horses, sheep and goats in the greater Houston area. Armed with an unyielding commitment to the mission, they rescued animals from dire situations, worked tirelessly to educate the community and bring justice for the neglected and abused animals through the court system before the organization had even reached its half-century mark. In the 1980s, the Houston SPCA responded to the community’s call for more animal protection by building a team of animal cruelty investigators who work closely with local law enforcement. Their

2011

lifesaving work caught the attention of Animal Planet in the 1990s when they produced the series Animal Cops: Houston featuring Houston SPCA’s animal cruelty investigations for 13 years and is still in syndication across Europe. Today, the Houston SPCA serves the community with the largest, full-time animal cruelty investigations team in Texas with more than 7,000 cases reported annually. There are currently 11 animal cruelty investigators including two Harris County Precinct 1 Constables who office on the Houston SPCA campus. Report animal cruelty at 713.869.7722 or at HoustonSPCA.org.

2014

24 HR. Animal Rescue Ambulance

THE ONLY 24-HOUR ANIMAL RESCUE AMBULANCE ON THE GULF COAST

Adonated rescue van with a ladder secured to the top was used to respond to reports of animals in need including those trapped in sewers, car engines, or even on roofs of homes as early as the 1930s. It was often called, according to one newspaper report, “Houston’s Animal Ambulance.” Born out of necessity, it was another service the community needed, and the Houston SPCA was there to step in for the city’s most vulnerable animals: animals who are unowned and injured. Today, the Houston SPCA still has the only 24hour animal rescue ambulance in the Gulf Coast region with a team of highly trained emergency

veterinary medical technicians (EVMTs) who can quickly assess injured animals’ medical needs as soon as they arrive at the scene of an injured animal or an animal in distress. Under the guidance of Chief Animal Welfare & Medical Officer Dr. Roberta Westbrook, this experienced team also provides supportive care for animals in their hospital as well. Collectively, this team responds to more than 7,600 calls and travels more than 132,000 miles annually while providing exceptional patient care for animals 24 hours a day, 365 days per year who otherwise have no one to care for them. This essential service serves all of Harris County and provides immediate assistance to animals injured, orphaned or in distress. A call for help can be answered at 713-880-HELP (4357).

2017

Rescued over 2,300 animals in aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

2023

2018

Houston SPCA’s William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals opens.

Veterinary Services

PIONEERING PROGRESS IN VETERINARY SHELTER MEDICINE

Known for its unwavering commitment to animal rescue and protection, the Houston SPCA stepped in the last half century to help play a pivotal role in standardizing animal health and well-being services for homeless animals in our community. It focused on utilizing the significant advancements in veterinary medicine, as they became available, throughout the decades.

In the early seventies, Dr. L.D. Eckermann, longtime Houston SPCA supporter, board member and award-winning veterinarian was among the local veterinarians who began volunteering on days off to lend his expertise and provide medical care to shelter animals. It was this initiative-taking gesture that helped reduce the spread of contagious diseases in shelter environments and saved lives. “A century ago, the concept of veterinary care for homeless animals did not exist and sadly, an afterthought. There is still more work to do, but access to veterinary care for homeless pets has dramatically changed for the good,” said Eckermann.

The Houston SPCA hired their first, fulltime veterinarian in 1985 along with several graduate technicians to provide essential care for the thousands of homeless animals rescued from neglect and abuse. Decades later, while continuing to integrate advanced medical technology, they currently serve homeless pets with a veterinary team of 50 that includes veterinary support staff as well as veterinarians for the more than 56,000 animals cared for each year.

Dr. Roberta Westbrook, Chief Animal Welfare and Medical Officer at the Houston SPCA, graduated from veterinary school 20

Dr. Roberta Westbrook, Chief Animal Welfare and Medical Officer at the Houston SPCA

Dr. L.D. Eckermann

years ago. As a student, she recalls venturing out on her own to perform spay and neuter surgeries at a local shelter to help the animals and hone her surgical skills. “The opportunity to serve homeless pets really resonated with me. I did not realize it at the time, but it was preparing me for a whole new career in shelter medicine that I find is still so rewarding,” said Dr. Westbrook.

Today, the Houston SPCA is now home to a new Pet Wellness Clinic for the community’s pets, as well as an animal medical center with a busy trauma center equipped with the very latest diagnostics including urinalysis, ultrasounds and digital radiography to help the organization make an impact and ensures animals receive the same quality of care as

Veterinary Nurse Coordinator, Melvin Davis

they would in a private veterinary practice. This commitment extends to specialized care for older animals and those with chronic conditions, ensuring they too have a chance at a better life.

As advances in pharmaceuticals continue, the Houston SPCA continues to seek out new methods to improve the lives of the homeless animals in their care. Most recently, the rescue and protection organization has been using a new drug that provides an effective treatment method for parvo, a contagious and deadly disease found in some puppies. In conjunction with fluids, antibiotics, and nutritional support, it has proven to quell even the most horrific symptoms in some patients in less than a week.

Disaster Response

Since the 1980s, the Houston SPCA has been at the forefront of responding to natural disasters to help animals in need such as Hurricane Ike in 2008, TriCounty Fires in 2011 and the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. They also host workshops and share online resources to prepare pet owners for emergencies, ensuring animals are not left behind to fend for themselves. After the record-breaking number of hurricanes hit the gulf coast during the pandemic in 2020, the Houston SPCA stepped in to rescue 430 animals out of harm’s way in Louisiana and provide veterinary care before finding them new homes in Houston and around the region.

Today, the Houston SPCA is the lead nonprofit agency responsible for providing rescue, recovery and relief efforts for animals in the aftermath of disasters such as oil spills, wildfires and hurricanes with boats in the water as rescue teams reach animals trapped in flooded homes. In 2017, Houston SPCA rescued 2,300 dogs and cats and 80 displaced horses, farm animals and native wildlife in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. They also reunited 300 pets with their original owners and distributed over 120 tons of pet food, crates and other supplies to more than 300 pet owners in our community as well as 50 local animal welfare

organizations through public libraries and the Houston Food Bank.

Significant Disaster Responses:

» 1983 – Hurricane Alicia makes landfall near Galveston

» 1992– Hurricane Andrew

» 1998 – San Jacinto River flood

» 1999 – Tornado in Bridge Creek, Oklahoma

» 2001 – Tropical Storm Allison – took in nearly 1,000 animals

» 2008 – Hurricane Ike

» 2011 – Tri-County Wildfires

» 2017 – Hurricane Harvey

» 2020 – Record-breaking number of hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast

Wildlife Rehabilitaion

Nestled in the heart of Houston, the story of the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas began when passionate and dedicated wildlife rehabilitators Sharon Schmalz, Margaret Pickell and Debbie Mitchell recognized the urgent need for a dedicated facility to support all the injured, orphaned and ill native wildlife impacted by urban expansion and environmental challenges in the greater Houston area. A unique opportunity arose to help significantly more wild animals at the Houston SPCA in 2007, and later expanded into a new, state-of-the-art facility when the Houston SPCA built the William and Evelyn Griffin Campus for All Animals in 2018.

From birds with broken wings, orphaned baby squirrels and opossums, to injured bobcats, pelicans and bald eagles, each creature brought to the Center represented a unique challenge and a new opportunity to make a difference. The community’s support plays a pivotal role in help saving wild animals as more than 360 different species have been in the care of the Center since its inception.

Throughout the decades, the wildlife staff and volunteer teams experienced a steady increase in the number of wild animals needing care. “We saw the need for wildlife

rehabilitation in Houston continue to grow year over year,” said Brooke Yahney, Director of Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas. “As our city’s population expanded, so did the loss of their habitats,” said Yahney.

The Center’s capabilities expanded exponentially in areas of rescue, rehabilitation and release as well as disaster response and education outreach. But it was right after Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 when the Center’s resilience was tested as thousands of injured or orphaned wild animals were brought into their care. The ability to respond to natural disasters also reinforced the Center’s role in the community, fostering a deeper connection between Houstonians and their support of native wildlife.

An estimated 92,591 wild animals have come into their care since 2008. Today, the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas is an integral part of Texas’ environmental conservation efforts. As one of the largest and most comprehensive wildlife response centers in the US, the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas took in more than 14,000 wild animals in 2023.

Exotics Rescue

The Houston SPCA saw a surge in the popularity of exotic pets around the early 2000s and with that came cases of inadequate care, neglect and abandonment. For the last several decades, the Houston SPCA has stepped in to meet the needs of dozens of neglected, emaciated and abandoned exotic animals including but not limited to tigers, bears, primates, lions, leopards, emus, grey and hybrid wolves, and rare reptiles. Each rescue required the animal welfare organization to meet a set of challenges head on including transport, proper nutrition and much needed medical care after being kept in small enclosures,

often in backyards in deplorable conditions before they were rescued. The animal rescue and protection organization collaborated with sanctuaries and zoos around the country to ensure the rescued animals, now imprinted by humans, could live out the rest of their lives in environments that closely resembled their natural habitats. The intervention and collaboration also put a spotlight on the ethical consideration of keeping exotic pets by individuals to prevent future cases of neglect and abuse. There were so many exotic rescues during a two decade-period, the Houston SPCA built its own exotic enclosure that is still in use today.

Community Outreach and Education

Over the last century, the heart of the Houston SPCA’s mission to protect animals has always been connected to supporting the people in our community through outreach and education. As early as the 1930s, adults, teens and children have benefitted from special community events and programs created by the Houston SPCA to help change the mindset and instill a sense of empathy and responsibility towards all animals.

From the Big Cat Show at the Shamrock Hotel in the 1950s to Houston’s only televised telethon for homeless animals in the early 90s and countless other community events hosted by passionate celebrities, individuals and groups, all had the same purpose. To support, inspire and raise awareness for Houston SPCA’s mission to improve and protect the lives of animals in our community and to alleviate their suffering and abuse.

Humane education such as school visits, field trips and Scout tours teach animal lovers of all ages about proper pet care, the importance of spaying and neutering pets and how pet adoption can make a difference in saving lives. It has proven to be an essential part of our community as it plants the seeds for a future generation of animal advocates. Education programs also extend to adults when animal cruelty investigators strive to help owners keep their pets, by ensuring they are following state law and sharing ways to improve the pet’s quality of life.

Today, Houston SPCA's humane education programs have reached over 200,000 students, parents, and teachers just in the past two decades. Their reach also includes

educators, administrators, school counselors as well students as young as pre-kindergarten age. They have long supported Scout troops with a special presentation and tours on their campus to assist in earning a pet badge.

Since 1996, the Houston SPCA has hosted its popular summer camp, Critter Camp, where curriculum and activities are designed to inspire kindness, empathy, and a sense of community service while educating students on topics such as safety with domestic animals, the prevention of animal cruelty, and responsible pet ownership.

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My Farewell

By Dr. Jennifer Hennessey DVM, CVJ, CCRP, CVAT

After 28 years in emergency veterinary medicine, I still define my career as serving others rather than as work or a job. Although tasked with saving lives, I truly feel that delivering veterinary medicine is what gives me life. My life and its meaning are interwoven with the moments consulting with and comforting clients while caring for their beloved pets; this veterinarian’s daily purpose is fueled by assisting others. Despite the white coat however, I bear no superhuman cape or superpower to blunt the physical or emotional tolls of being an emergency care provider and hospital owner. As a career first, I write to you not about pet care and instead more on this veterinarian’s decision for selfcare.

While passion fuels the endless hours ‘on duty,” I am limited by being human and now must prescribe what is best for my health. I recognize the tolls of excessive stress and sleep deprivation while serving this great community which extend beyond fatigue, including depletion in energy and havoc on body systems. After a decade owning my own emergency hospital, I have made the choice to step back to preserve not only my life, but also the mission of Animal ER of Northwest Houston. It has been an adventurous and emotional journey, and on my

“HOW LUCKY I AM TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT MAKES SAYING GOODBYE SO HARD.”

WINNIE THE POOH

hospital’s 10th anniversary, I officially closed my career chapter in Greater Houston with a decision to create a new life story centered on the renewal of my vitality.

Promoting the art of compassion within emergency veterinary medicine has been the central drive of my life’s energy and focus. Animal ER of Northwest Houston opened in March of 2014 in my decision to provide

Photo by Taylor Morgan

Photo by Eye Candy by Candace

after-hours care for pet families with emphasis on supporting the bond between pet and pet owner. Serving others while leading a staff team requires sacrifices including lost family time and skipping the luxury of rest or sleep. It is not without a mixture of emotions that I reflect on all the re-prioritization, sacrifice, and moments spent supporting staff while toting my young kids by my side.

Opportunities to extend resources beyond the hospital to impact my commu-

nity has fueled my passion to serve further, encompassing my definition of success. I feel blessed by the chance to have made an impact as a founding partner of the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce, helping law enforcement and investigators achieve justice for voiceless victims of abuse. Animal ER also has developed a unique partnership with the fire department supporting efforts to assist animals at scenes. As if emergency care is not challenging enough, a decade of

events and natural disasters has proven that a mission focused on caring for community is unstoppable. In 2017’s devastating Hurricane Harvey, my staff and I spent 9 days straight working around the clock as the only open veterinary hospital. Taking on over 200 rescued pets plus patients, while functioning as a donation hub for areas impacted, we distributed over 77 tons of pet food and over $60K in medical supplies supporting area recovery efforts. During the 2020 pandemic,

Photo by David Postma

Photo by TEye Candy by Candace

I extended Animal ER operations to being open 24-7 rather than being open after-hours to meet the demands of high case volume, despite the challenges of industry-wide staffing and supply shortages.

As if the gift of saving lives and serving the community are not “thanks” enough, Animal ER has been awarded a long list of achievements with more business awards than my shelves can hold. On February 20th 2024, a bittersweet final day as hospital owner, I accepted our 28th award, 2023 Small Business of the Year, from the CyFair Houston Chamber of Commerce.

After setting out on my mission to serve the hearts at both ends the leash, I am grate-

ful to now preserve my health, the hospital, and my dream by crowning Dr. Michelle Withrow as new owner and my successor. Honoring and continuing the hospital’s award-winning legacy while maintaining our unique element of being a privately-owned emergency practice, Animal ER will be under the ownership of Dr. Withrow moving forward.

With stethoscopes packed, I am headed to Alaska to find new ways to make a difference and redefine myself. Planning a slower paced schedule comprised of family time and travel, I will be reflecting on my adventure packed career. Now choosing an arctic lifestyle, I will continue supporting this amazing profession

through various publications, while volunteering and seeking other philanthropic passions. After giving Animal ER my “all”, I bid farewell, although this “mother” could not have asked for a better career closure than to watch my hospital baby stay on course, continuing my service mission.

I want to thank everyone who has inspired my veterinary journey and will forever cherish the friendships, relationships, lessons, and memories gathered along the way. It has been an honor and privilege serving Greater Houston with a purpose, preserving the beautiful bond between pets and their twolegged family members.

Photo by Eye Candy by Candace

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Spring Gardening Know What Can Harm Your Pets!

Springtime always seems to arrive with an explosion of birds singing while butterflies and bees stay busy pollinating our gardens. The flowers and weeds have begun to bloom and it is time to start your spring gardening. We want to share a few precautions you can take to keep your animals safe in the yard.

Before you buy new plants to adorn your garden, a quick Google search can inform you about the safety of them around your pets. There are many, many plants that can cause our pets significant problems, from illness to death.

Mulch is another thing that we often add to freshen up our flower beds in the springtime. Your choice of mulch is important. The mulch made from cocoa bean shells smells like chocolate and can be a tasty temptation that is not worth the risk. Remember that chocolate is toxic to our

Dr. Laura Noaker

pets, and the cocoa bean shells used for mulch are also toxic for the same reasons. Eating this mulch can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, a very fast heart rate, tremors and seizures, and even death.

Now that you have your plants growing and thriving, it can be very frustrating to watch slugs and snails chew the leaves up. Did you know that the bait sold at most garden shops is extremely toxic to cats, dogs and wildlife? Most baits come in granular, liquid, spray, dust, pellet, meal, gel and paste forms, and contain a chemical called metaldehyde. To attract the slugs and snails, bran or molasses is often added, unfortunately making the bait tasty to other animals as well. Even a small amount of this chemical consumed by your pet can cause severe symptoms. You may first notice drooling, vomiting, panting and anxiety which can progress to depression, a wobbly gait, muscle tremors, seizures and a very high body temperature. The high body temperature, called hyperthermia, can cause damage to internal organs.  Rapid eye movements, called

nystagmus, may also occur, especially in cats.  Emergency treatment is needed to prevent further symptoms, respiratory failure, liver failure, and death.

Acorns are still around, too, and they contain tannins, a type of chemical that is toxic to dog and cats.  If eaten, acorns can cause your pet stomach and intestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.  Acorns can also cause intestinal blockages, choking and even dental trauma if they are hard enough when chewed.

As always in an article about plants, we want to mention the severe toxicity of sago palms and lilies. For dogs, it is especially important to teach them commands like “leave it” and “drop it” because while your yard may be free from dangerous plants, mulch and other items, squirrels often carry sago palm seeds, for example, and drop them in your yard.

We want you to have a safe and beautiful springtime. No matter the season, if an animal emergency occurs, our critical care team is here for you and your pets, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Anticipatory Grief Dealing With Loss Before It Has Happened

In today’s society, our pets truly are family. We rely on their constant companionship in ways we never had before. During the pandemic, pets were some of our sole sources of joy and comfort. For pet owners that work from home, their pet is their “coworker” and sometimes even shows up for online meetings, endearing themselves to their owner’s work community. They give us so much...which makes losing them so earth shattering.

Finding out that your pet is terminally ill can be a heartbreaking moment. Some pet owners report that losing their pet is harder in some ways than losing a human member of their family. Grief can be complicated, and often physically painful. Grieving for a pet can bring up a lot of emotions from the past, especially if the

byline

Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV  BluePearl Pet Hospice PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com

pet was connected to a deceased loved one. Sometimes the pet that is dying is a service animal who got their owner through some very challenging times. This can place another layer onto their grief.

One type of grief is especially common with pet owners: anticipatory grief. This is a set of emotions and experiences that occurs when you know that your pet is terminally ill, and you are awaiting their death. We are already grieving them, and yet they are still with us. Anxiety can be a large part of this experience. We become anxious about leaving our pet even for short periods of time, worrying that something will happen when we are gone. We decline social events so that we can be there with our pet. We question our decisions about their care, and we struggle with the decision to euthanize.

Anticipatory grief, also sometimes called “pre-loss bereavement”, is more difficult when there is a lack of support or understanding.

Sometimes people who mean well will say hurtful things when someone is going through anticipatory grief. Often these people don’t know what to say so they say things that they think are helpful or will make their friend or loved one feel better. Statements like “It’s just a dog. You can get another one.” are very hurtful and minimize the grieving person’s feelings. Anticipatory grief can be very lonely when we are struggling with when to euthanize our pet and we do not have support. Finding a pet loss support network can be essential. There are many groups online as well as in person. Even just having one other person that has been through a similar situation gives us a great deal of support. The following resources can be a starting point for grief support:

» Aplb.org

» VeterinaryWisdom.com/resource-center/ support-for-pet-parents/#resources

» Pet-Loss.net

Local Charity Is Reducing The Stray Cat Population Trap Neuter Release (TNR) Requires Commitment

In October 2020, our team of volunteers organized to focus on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) of cats in the 77009 zip code of Houston. After completing about 450 TNRs through sponsored Spay/ Neuter surgeries at scheduled dates and times from Best Friends Animal Society, Friends for Life and our friends at Team Feral, we began to discuss ways to TNR on our time and schedules in order to cover more ground. The decision was made to form a 501(c)(3) in July 2022, and Fur A Pawsitive Future was born.

As a team, we recognized a problem and did something to be a part of the solution. We have met so many people along the way and this work has opened avenues for us to discuss the current situation with stray animals in Houston and

educate our neighbors about resources. Not only do we encourage people to engage with TNR, we also recruit people to become fosters for rescue organizations. Most importantly, cat colonies are healthier and we have prevented countless generations of cats from being born into homelessness on Houston’s streets. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with other rescue groups and with BARC (Houston’s City Animal Shelter) including the project we embarked upon with a 130+ cat colony at a City of Houston Housing complex.

Our 3 board members include: President, Dr. Shireen Hyrapiet; Vice-President, Tami Rushing; and General Secretary, Verenise Calzadillas Macias, who also hold the leadership positions in the organization as well as doing all of the legwork. We like to say we are a small but mighty group who have collectively TNR’d over 1100+ cats at over 100+ colonies and have facilitated the rescue of 700+ cats permanently

off the streets of Houston since 2020. Our team has full time jobs and are involved with TNR on a strictly volunteer basis. One of the things we are most proud about is our robust data collection and gathering and our innovative mapping of all of our cat colonies using ArcGIS. We do not share this map publicly for the safety of the cats.

As a registered 501(c)(3) we are able to use social media channels to raise funds and formally apply for grants. However, funding remains our number one priority without which we cannot continue this life-saving work. With funding, we hope to encourage more people to join in our efforts to TNR, to cover transport fees for friendly cats out of Houston, and to care for sick and injured ferals and strays. Someday, we hope to be in a position to fund anyone in the city who needs to spay or neuter a street cat!

To learn more about our organization or to donate, please visit us online at FurApawsitiveFuture.org.

Conservation Corner

A Tiny Vet Tale: Exceptional Medical Care for Even the Smallest Residents

By: Rachael Shappard HoustonZoo.org

As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo. This issue, we highlight veterinary care at the Houston Zoo. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

Whether it’s a mammal, reptile, bird, or even insect, all of the animals at the Houston Zoo receive extraordinary care from the veterinary team, no matter how big or small they may be. Together, with the help of the Zoo’s entomology and veterinary team, one of its smallest critters received

exceptional treatment thanks to the ingenious design of a temporary neck brace.

Guests who have visited the Houston Zoo’s Bug House before may have spotted the Peruvian jumping sticks, which are actually stick-like grasshoppers. Recently, one of our female Peruvian jumping sticks went through

molting (typically this happens around six months old) and shedding of her exoskeleton.

However, after the post-molt process, Julie, one of the entomology keepers noticed that she had a crease or weakened area around a non-joint area of the “neck,” which is actually her thoracic region but resembles the neck.

Photos By: Houston Zoo

“We noticed her old molt was next to her. She was 'floppy' still - they are very soft and pliable and fragile after molting - so we knew it was molting related,” said Julie LaTurner, Houston Zoo entomology keeper. “It was obvious that something didn't quite go right.”

Since these grasshoppers spend most of their time climbing and being up in tree branches, it was essential to keep her head level as the crease on her neck was causing her head to flop all the way back due its weight when she climbed upwards. This species of insect is a type of grasshopper and are native to the tropical rainforests of South America.

Julie worked closely with the Zoo’s veterinary team to determine a solution to help keep this invertebrate’s neck in a neutral position. She had the brilliant idea to create a miniature neck brace that would provide temporary support for this insect while its exoskeleton hardened. On the veterinary side, Dr. Melissa helped make a miniature, flexible neck brace using the shaft of a sterile Q-tip and some soft

microspore tape to secure it to the insect’s body.

“If we hadn't come up with a solution, she would not have been able to eat with her head in the unnatural position, and it was probably also physically uncomfortable. This was ultimately to give her a chance to live," said LaTurner.

After having the neck brace removed, the Peruvian jumping stick was able to support her head and lived out the rest of her days in normalcy with her critter companions.

Invertebrate species all over the world are in decline due to habitat loss and, at times, invasive species. The Zoo uses recycled content toilet paper to protect bugs and other animals’ forested homes. Trees are not used in recycled content toilet paper. Every time guests visit the Zoo, they are protecting wildlife by using our recycled content toilet paper. Guests can also continue to protect wildlife by purchasing recycled content toilet paper at the grocery store.

GUESTS WHO HAVE VISITED THE HOUSTON ZOO’S BUG HOUSE BEFORE MAY HAVE SPOTTED THE PERUVIAN JUMPING STICKS, WHICH ARE ACTUALLY STICK-LIKE GRASSHOPPERS.

“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”

~ Charles Darwin

Why I Love Animals is a monthly feature

written

by our Editor with the mission of educating the public on the value of all species.

By: Michelle Mantor Photography by Prudence

WHY I LOVE ANIMALS

Meet Ellie, the adorable rabbit ambassador at the Houston Zoo. Her colors are rather unusual and so is her story. She was found hanging out in the elephant yard and the keepers noticed her immediately since she looked very different from the wild rabbit population typically seen at the Zoo. The keepers got her out of the elephant yard and to safety where she was given the name Ellie. She went home with an education staff member for a short time and then was responsibly donated to the ambassador program to be a representative for her species.

Although Ellie isn’t the “typical” wild animal you would expect to find at the Zoo, her story allows the Zoo to communicate with guests the importance of responsible pet ownership. Did you know rabbits are the third most popular pets in the U.S. right after cats and dogs? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 1.5 million U.S. households own an estimated 2.2 million rabbits so it’s important that organizations like the Houston Zoo help educate the public about their specific needs and limitations. Before getting a pet rabbit, be sure to do extensive research from multiple sources. Typically, pets turn out to be more work and cost more money that most people think!

Pet rabbits can live up to 15 years, depending on breed, so life span is definitely a consideration. Bunnies do best when they’re kept indoors in an areas of the home where people hang out

— ideally in a large, enriched enclosure or with free run of an entire room so they can be part of the family. Their habitat should be big enough to fit food and water bowls, at least one litter box and at least one hideout, while still allowing them to take several unobstructed hops in a row. The hideout is important because pet bunnies behave like their wild counterparts which are prey animals. When faced with danger, they either freeze or run for cover so giving them a safe space to feel “hidden” is important. Diet will also be a major role in your rabbit’s health. Grasses, hay and veggies are all good but consult with an expert or your veterinarian to ensure you are providing proper nutrition.

Speaking of diet, we asked Ellie’s zookeeper, Natalie Jones, to tell us a little about Ellie’s habits and nutrition. Seems our lucky rabbit that was saved by the Zoo staff eats a variety of vegetables, greens, grain, and hay in her daily diet and her favorite snacks are blueberries and grapes. During our photoshoot, she was fairly social for a rabbit faced with cameras, lights, people, etc. and she even took a bite of lettuce from my hand. So cute!

Ellie is one of many ambassador animals at the Houston Zoo that are “hoppy” to represent the animal kingdom and remind humans of their infinite value. Visit her at the Houston Zoo on your next trip, along with the many other amazing creatures that make our planet wild!

Ellie’s zookeeper, Natalie Jones