Pet Lifestyles Magazine November 2023 - Adoption & Rescue Edition

Pet

Adoption & Rescue Edition | Nov 2023

A Candid Conversation With

Julie Castle

CEO, Best Friends Animal Society

Rescue & Shelter Guide

Why You Should Rescue

Holiday Tips & Tricks With Your Pet

PAWliday Gift Guide

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Contents ADOPTION & RESCUE

13 Shelter & Rescue Directory 26 Briana’s Foster Journey 27 Brioreo’s Journey 28 Why I Rescue: And Why You Should Too

PET WELLNESS

7 PET SPOTLIGHT

PET LIFE

4 Editor’s Letter 7 Julie Castle: CEO, Best Friends Animal Society

The Natural Pet Relief Option.

Natural Grass

Odor Control

29 Dr. Stephanie Liff, D.V.M.: Choosing A Veterinarian 30 Kate Perry: Dog Training Tips 32 Kate Perry: Holiday Tips 33 Dr. Stephanie Liff, D.V.M.: Holiday Safety Tips

Natural Absorption

Interlocking Trays

34 PAWLIDAY Gift Guide 40 Ilyssa Panitz: Pet Parenting Tips

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR When my now Co-Publisher, Bill Mason, called me about bringing back Pet Lifestyles Magazine, I couldn’t jump fast enough. Of course this also included more responsibilities at our sister magazine, New York Lifestyles Magazine, which I was more than happy to take on. Bill and I had worked together for a number of years as I was writing columns for both magazines, as well as when I was the Co-Founder of Rock & Rawhide wherein, we had Pet Lifestyles Magazine at several large-scale adoption events. I was always impressed by Bill’s professionalism and fortitude as well as his compassion and ability to motivate people. To have that kind of human as a partner was a total no-brainer. And I haven’t looked back since!

It has been an incredible journey bringing Pet Lifestyles Magazine back to life. Given my passion for the pet space, my long career as a journalist as well as a marketer and wanting to make a difference in the lives of our furrever friends, the emotional rollercoaster has been amazing. And one I would not give up for all of the squeaky toys in the world.

The pet space is a complicated one. From a business POV, it is the last sector wherein mom and pop shops (small business) still compete with big box stores in terms of overall retail sales.

From an emotional POV, it can really tug at your heart strings in a way no other can. From sad rescue and adoption stories to abuse issues and more, the pet space can be very difficult to stomach. But from that darkness can come an astonishing amount of light, and hope. As an example, I started rescuing animals when I was six years old. That passion drove me to start an animal advocacy with my wife called Rock & Rawhide. In just five years, out of our over decade of work as an advocacy, we were able to help completely change the results of the adoption and rescue community in New York to adoption rates never before seen. We saw so much compassion, so much love and hope for our voiceless furrever friends. It is that sentiment, that passion, that drives me every day to help publish this magazine.

As the laws of our land change more and more in favor of rights for animals, so do the laws governing how animals are bought and sold. These laws are beginning to reflect the longheld belief that dogs and cats are not property, that they are in fact sentient beings who are members of the family. As such, retail laws in states like New York are changing wherein pet stores can no longer sell animals, rather they must adopt them out. This brings about an opportunity to really drive effective change. Going forward, I believe, more and more retailers will partner with rescue organizations to offer animals onsite, while capitalizing on the sales of needed accessories, food, treats, toys and more. This means there will be a deeper relationship between retail and rescue; a dream I have had my entire life.

And our Pet Lifestyles Magazine will be here to help our community achieve that dream. With this edition of the magazine, the focus of adoption was paramount to all of us. And I could not be more proud to call this issue a win.

Remember: Adopt, don’t shop!

Stay pawesome, Sean-Patrick M. Hillman Editor-in-Chief & Co-Publisher

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Pet

ISSN 2474-770X

Vol. 6 #4 | November 2023 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor in Chief & Co -Publisher SeanPatrick M. Hillman Art Director Scott Cuollo

Executive Editor Melanie Carden Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributors Kate Perry • Dr. Stephanie Liff. DVM Ilyssa Panitz • Catherine Dine Andrew Kaczmarek

Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Jamie Babbit - Director of Integrated Sales and Marketing

Internet Presence Michael McKenzie Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group New York Sales Office (917) 440-4448

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 petlifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /petlifestylesmag X: @petlifestylesny Instagram: @petlifestylesmag Linkedin: linkedin.com/showcase/petlifestylesmagazine All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. Pet Lifestyles Magazine is published 4 times annually. © 2023 Pet Lifestyles Magazine.

COVER CREDITS

JULIE CASTLE Photography Courtesy Best Friends Animal Society

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PET SPOTLIGHT

JULIE CASTLE

CEO, BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY A PERSONAL LOOK AT THE BEST CEO IN ANIMAL RESCUE AND ADVOCACY

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Animal rescue and advocacy is one of the single most rewarding, and spiritually satisfying endeavors in the world. When you save a life, the serotonin that releases into your blood stream can cause a euphoria that can only be akin to a narcotic. Thankfully it is neither illegal, nor can it kill you. But it does have its dark side. Rescue can also be emotionally challenging and a difficult path to walk in life. From abuse to torture to abandonment, animal rescue can leave you psychologically scarred forever. The types of behavior, and the horrifying events, that you bear witness to can lead to everything from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to severe depression. So, it takes a certain type of human to be able to endure, and overcome, these types of traumatic experiences.

It also takes an old soul...a compassionate one...to address these kinds of situations. That type of human is Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society.

I recently had a chance to sit down with Julie and talk about her journey to becoming CEO and what, from her own perspective, led her to become the veritable Queen of Rescue, for lack of a better phrase. Please bear in mind, and in the interest of full disclosure, I have known Julie Castle for a long time.

I have worked with her and the Best Friends Animal Society team over my many years in rescue and advocacy. My wife, our first dog Snickers, and I even did the very first Best Friends Animal Society “Strut Your Mutt” fundraising walk in Manhattan when we started our Rock & Rawhide animal advocacy.

So, yes, I do have a slight personal bias here in that I have nothing but love and respect for this rescue maverick. But that didn’t preclude me from asking the tough questions.

Often, folks in rescue are inspired by a childhood experience. Growing up, did you have a lot of animals or pets around you?

“As a kid we had a lot of different animals. In your formative years, you always have that one really special pet. And mine happened to be a Brittany Spaniel named Sam. Sam was not your typical Brittany Spaniel. He was super chill. But I loved this dog more than anything in the world. We would go hiking together. We were outside together all of the time,” said Julie. In Castle’s case, Sam would later inspire her to want to do more to help animals in need. But it wasn’t until recently that the CEO realized just how much Sam meant to her, “It’s funny, I was having dinner with one of the founders of Best Friends and we were talking about our good friend, Emmylou Harris, who has her own rescue. We were listening to one of her songs and it reminded me that all little girls who grow up with a dog, that is their best friend. And that for me was Sam.” Knowing that she was thinking about her beloved Brittany Spaniel, Sam, and that Castle had recently lost some furrever friends of her own, I had to broach the topic of the passing of a pet. Especially as Julie knew I had recently lost two of my own to cancer in the last couple of years.

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With the memory of Sam passing, and your recent losses with respect to furrever friends, what do you think of how we address the loss and mourning of a pet?

Essentially, Julie Castle approached my question the way I had prayed she would...with her usual compassionate and thoughtful way,“There really is a special bond that you create with animals, that are created between sentient beings. It’s a hard loss to get over.

What I tell people is to give yourself time to grieve. I mean 20 years or so ago, if you lost a beloved pet, mainstream America was like, meh, get over it. I think more and more people are recognizing that pets are part of the family now. So, it isn’t ‘just get over it’ now,” said Castle. “There is a deeper connection here (than with a human passing) that is really really special.”

No one should be surprised that Julie is so passionate about animals, let alone saying goodbye to them. I, personally, have been through the bereavement process more times than I care to count, so I know Julie has endured much more. But I wanted to know what drove this intrepid woman to later spearhead the no-kill nation by 2025 movement.

What would you say, besides your love of Sam, is the moment that you were bitten by the rescue bug? What has kept you going these last 27 years in rescue?

“It really started before I arrived at Best Friends. I was in college and didn’t have animals with me at that time. We weren’t allowed to have pets in our apartment. So, I thought I could go to the local animal shelter and sneak in some cats, which I did. I went down to the local shelter which was near the dump. It was a cinderblock building with a tin roof. I walked into the shelter. There was a guy with cowboy boots and a cowboy hat on sitting with his legs up, reading the paper. I looked around and there were no animals. I asked him, ‘Where are all of the animals?’ He said he took care of them. I asked him, ‘What does that mean?’ He went on to describe that every morning he took all the animals, put them in a barrel and hooked up his Chevy truck exhaust to this barrel. And that’s how they were disposing of animals at this little shelter. And he said, ‘But hey I’ve got a couple of kittens under my desk. You are welcome to have them.’ So, I got down on my hands and knees and scooped up these two little kittens.”

As Julie was answering this question, you could see the emotional rollercoaster in her heart as she, at moments, had to pause to hold back the gamut of emotions ranging from happy to sad to frustration. “I remember thinking, ‘What is this? What are we doing?’

I was just 19 and just thought this is ridiculous. First of all, we domesticated these animals. And this is how we are relating to them?

To kill them all in this way?”

The fact that after 27 years in rescue, Julie Castle is still at the top of her game should also come as no surprise. After all, like many members of Generation X, Castle started in the proverbial mail room at Best Friends Animal Society, rising to become CEO.

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Like many of our fellow GenXers, you started out as the low woman on the totem pole, working your way up the ranks at Best Friends to become CEO. How did that start?

“I was on my way to the University of Virginia School of Law. I decided to go with some friends to Mexico because we knew it was the last opportunity for vacation we had before real life started. So, we hopped in my 1979 Dodge Colt which had different color panels around the entire thing because I had so many accidents. We drove down to Puerto Vallarta and stayed there until, one morning we woke up and realized that we had just enough money for gas to make the long drive home and one candy bar each. We were 1,800 miles from home, so we decided to drive straight through as we didn’t have any money to sleep anywhere. One of the friends we were with begged us to stop at this animal sanctuary in Southern Utah. I was like there is no way we are stopping. And she was so insistent that we all finally just gave in. When we got there, I pulled into this magnificent canyon in Southern Utah with these sheer red rock cliffs...just an absolutely incredible spiritual experience. And I took a tour with one of the founders. Visited all of the animal areas. Started to talk to them about their philosophy and I was just like, ‘This is what I want to do. This is incredible.’You go from this cinderblock building that is basically this killing machine to this place that is thinking about this problem in a totally different way, and it just made total sense to me."

It was clear that Julie Castle had found her path. She knew exactly what she wanted to do and why.

"We pulled out of the sanctuary and stopped at this gas station. I put a couple of quarters in the pay phone. I called my Dad and said I am not going to UVA. I am going to move to Southern Utah and work at an animal sanctuary. He was pissed and honestly don’t think he ever got over that. He didn’t live long enough to see where the thing went. And that’s okay. I can remember I showed up to Best Friends. I didn’t have enough money to rent an apartment, so I lived in my van. And showered at the local gym. My first paycheck was $183, and I can just remember it was so fulfilling. It was that Mark Twain quote, ‘The two most important dates in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover what you are supposed to do.’ And that was that. I have been here ever since.” (For reference, the full Mark Twain quote is: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”)

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When you think about the early days at Best Friends, and the time you have spent helping animals, what were those days like?

“I have legitimately done almost every job in the organization. In the early days, it was so much fun because it was truly a DIY situation.

As an example, one day I was asked to install an irrigation system. I had no idea how to do this. So, I went to the local hardware store and asked them what I needed to learn to do this. Of course, they told me, and I just went out and did it. I learned a lot about a lot of different things and a lot about myself.”

As the Best Friends Animal Society website states, Julie Castle was literally doing everything, including cleaning the kitchen sink, across her MANY roles and responsibilities at Best Friends Animal Society: Julie did whatever job or chore was needed to keep the organization running, including animal care, landscaping, off-site adoptions, answering the phones, taking visitors on sanctuary tours in one of several beat-up old cars and “tabling” in front of grocery stores for donations.

As the organization grew, in 2000, Julie led No More Homeless Pets in Utah, a statewide no-kill coalition led by Best Friends that comprised more than 160 rescue organizations, animal control agencies and veterinarians. During her six-year tenure, Utah achieved a 50 percent reduction in shelter deaths statewide In 2007, Julie was tapped to lead Best Friends’ community programs and services division, re-envisioning a Best Friends-led network of shelters and rescue groups into a mission-oriented collaboration now known as the Best Friends Network, which boasts thousands of partner organizations nationwide. Identifying the primary reasons for animals entering shelters, she established Best Friends core initiatives to address three areas of focus: pit bull terriers, community cats (otherwise known as feral cats), and puppy mills and pet stores.

In so doing, she led the organizational move to narrow Best Friends’ work into these highly focused and effective c hannels of a ctivity, including spearheading the development of the organization’s first legislative team. The work stemming from that decision has changed the national landscape in terms of the pet trade, pit bull legislation and community cat programming.

In 2011, Julie was asked to lead Best Friends’ marketing and communications divisions. She streamlined Best Friends’ messaging to a single call-to-action campaign, Save Them All, which has doubled Best Friends Animal Society’s brand awareness. During her tenure, Best Friends earned the Harris Poll Brand of the Year four times.

In 2014, Julie took on leadership of the organization’s fundraising efforts. Under one combined division, the communications, marketing and development teams were able to flourish, with the result that in four years, fundraising grew from $70 million to $114 million, and membership grew by 30 percent. In 2016, Julie put a stake in the ground on behalf of Best Friends to take the entire country to no-kill by 2025.

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We all know your no-kill nation target by 2025. A big part of what is happening is tied to Breed Specific Legislation laws. As an example, Best Friends just helped overturn one of the worst laws on record in Miami wherein residents are now allowed to have Pitbulls. Yet you seemed more passionate than most in our space about this issue. Is there a reason why?

“I am not one who is going to write stuff off. For me, Miami was about putting it in a box and letting it simmer because things were so bad. Between the coalition down there and our legislative team who are so smart, to really find this loophole to get through the BSL situation in Miami was really remarkable. The thing that is stunning to me is that we are in 2023 and have been through massive changes since Covid. And to think that we have discriminatory practices toward people and pets because of the way an animal looks. It’s most of these dogs with the big block heads that all get categorized into one breed. And if you believe them, these animals are all bad, they’re all vicious. We know that’s not true. They have their own personalities, their own DNA, just like humans. The fact that society is still upholding this is so bizarre to me. It’s one of those things where the number of deaths from that one ordinance, countless deaths... thousands and thousands of these dogs have lost their lives to this stupid piece of legislation. It was a monumental moment for us. And not for just that breed...but for animals everywhere.”

If there is one key takeaway from this interview, it is that Julie Castle firmly believes in everything Best Friends Animal Society is and does, “At the end of the day, what this place embodies is just true grit. It is about the impossible becoming possible.” Quite frankly, even as much as I know Julie, after this interview, these are the ways I can describe Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society: Maverick. Brilliant. Humane. Compassionate Leader. Modest.

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ADOPTION & RESCUE

ORGANIZATIONS ON THE GROUND SUPPORT THOSE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By PLM Staff

Every year, we get asked about what rescues and shelters our readers should adopt from, or support. Adoption is the best way you can help our rescues and shelters overcome the current crisis of overcrowding, and help to stem the amount of animals being euthanized in facilities across the country to make room for more homeless furrever friends.

As we approach 2024, please take a moment to look through the populations that these amazing facilities have for adoption or foster.

Every single one of these beautiful animals deserves a loving and responsible home.

SHELTERS

ANIMAL CARE CENTERS OF NYC Individuals from all over New York City come to Animal Care Centers every day of the week for reasons as diverse as reclaiming lost pets, adopting new furry family members and getting resources to help them keep their pets in homes.

We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). www.nycacc.org

THE ANIMAL HAVEN (CT) The Animal Haven, a no-kill animal shelter located in North Haven, CT, provides humane refuge to homeless, abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs, while we strive to find them loving, permanent homes. www.theanimalhavenct.org

ANIMAL HAVEN Animal Haven is a skilled rehabilitation and training team. We’re a family of passionate staff, volunteers, and supporters committed to enriching the lives of homeless pets from the moment they enter our care. And — we’re both a friend and resource for life.

So, we’re here for animals and their adopters whenever they need us. www.animalhaven.org

ANIMAL RESCUE FUND OF THE HAMPTONS, INC. The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) has been helping homeless and abandoned animals since 1974. Over the last 49 years, tens of thousands of cats and dogs have received compassion, food, shelter, medical care, training, and ultimately their forever homes with new families through the committed efforts of our staff and volunteers. As we approach our 50th anniversary, this project ensures ARF’s future for the next 50 years: Forever Home. www.arfhamptons.org ASPCA The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world.

Our organization was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with programs that extend our anti-cruelty mission across the country, we are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. We are a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and are proud to boast more than 2 million supporters across the country. www.aspca.org NOVEMBER 2023

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BIDEAWEE Bideawee’s mission is to create and strengthen the human-animal bond through best-in-class lifesaving and compassionate care for pets and the people who love them. From our founding in 1903, as one of our country’s first no-kill animal welfare organizations, Bideawee has been a leader in rescuing dogs and cats and successfully integrating them into loving homes. We do this by providing the highest quality shelter experience, medical care, socialization and adoption services within a disciplined and sustainable financial structure. We are a compassionate team of dedicated staff, board members and volunteers, and our work demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the well-being of animals and their people in our community. www.bideawee.org

CHICAGO ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL Chicago Animal Care and Control protects public safety and ensures the humane care of animals through sheltering, pet placement, education and animal law enforcement. www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cacc.html

CUYAHOGA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER Social Tees Animal Rescue is a non-profit (501c3 ) no-kill rescue Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter is a temporary home for dogs that are found on the streets by the county dog wardens. Dogs are held for 72 hours in order for the owner to claim them. After the holding period, unclaimed dogs may be available for adoption. www.cuyahogadogs.com 14 | PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

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CAMP PAPILLION ANIMAL SHELTER Camp Papillon Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no kill, animal welfare organization, dedicated to the prevention of cruelty and suffering of all animals. Camp Papillon Animal Shelter strives to end cruelty to animals in any form, including the suffering and killing of homeless, unwanted, neglected and/or abused companion animals and works tirelessly and with compassion to provide a safe haven to all animals in our care. Camp Papillon takes pride in placing unwanted animals in the right, permanent and responsible home. www.camppapillon.org

CONNECTICUT HUMANE SOCIETY Way back in 1881, a Hartford High School senior named Gertrude O. Lewis wanted to find a way to help animals of Connecticut.

She gathered support in her community – including some of Connecticut’s most prominent citizens of the time – and that very same year, Gertrude founded the Connecticut Humane Society.

And all these years later, the work continues. CHS is the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, serving thousands of pets every year. www.cthumane.org

DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES Launched in 2018, Dallas90 is a community outreach campaign

by Dallas Animal Services designed to generate support of and participation in Dallas Animal Shelter’s effort to find positive outcomes for all healthy and behaviorally sound pets, which we have shown can exceed 90% of our shelter population. www.bedallas90.org

HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER MIAMI The Humane Society of Greater Miami has been helping homeless animals in Miami-Dade County since 1936. Today, more than 400 homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens each day are cared for at the Soffer and Fine Adoption Center in North Miami Beach. www.humanesocietymiami.org

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF NEW YORK For over 100 years, the Humane Society of New York has been a presence in New York City, caring for animals in need when illness, injury or homelessness strikes. In 1904 we were founded to protect the city’s horses against abuse. Members fought for laws to punish negligent owners and place watering troughs in streets and parks. As funds allowed the Society expanded to include a free medical clinic and a small adoption center for cats and dogs. Today our hospital and our Vladimir Horowitz and Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center help more than 38,000 dogs and cats annually, and their numbers continue to grow. www.humanesocietyNY.org

HUMANE SOCIETY OF WESTCHESTER The Humane Society of Westchester, founded in 1911 as the New Rochelle Humane Society, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the human/animal bond through the compassionate care and treatment of animals throughout the communities we serve in Westchester County and beyond. To that end, our goal is to create a living environment that is not just a shelter, but a transitional home for stray, lost, abandoned, injured, and abused animals, until they can ultimately be placed in loving permanent homes. www.humanesocietyofwestchester.org

LIBERTY HUMANE SOCIETY Liberty Humane Society’s mission is to foster a community of compassion and respect, and provide animals in need with a chance at a lifelong, loving home.

We care for, treat, and find homes for thousands of animals every year. Rehoming animals who have nowhere else to go is one of the most urgent aspects of our mission, but our long-term goal is to build a community in which those services are no longer needed.

Liberty Humane Society is an open admission shelter that contracts with Jersey City and Hoboken. This means that every stray animal found in these cities is brought to LHS, day or night. www.libertyhumane.org

LOS ANGELES ANIMAL SERVICES LA Animal Services operates six shelter locations throughout Los Angeles, which are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8am to 5pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 5pm.

Sick, injured, and dangerous animals are accepted into shelters without appointments. In 2022, the number of animals being brought into our shelters outpaced the number of pets we have found homes for, so through our Shelter-At-Home program we are asking the community to help lost pets find their way home without having to go to a shelter, and if pet owners can no longer care for their pet, look at other alternatives and solutions to surrendering their companion animal into our Centers. www.laanimalservices.com NOVEMBER 2023

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MT. PLEASANT ANIMAL SHELTER For more than 50 years, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter has been providing exceptional care for homeless animals, working tirelessly to find a permanent, loving home for every cat and dog we serve. Our priority is to save abandoned animals within our community; however, our efforts don’t end there. We also partner with shelters around the country to save at risk animals from being euthanized. Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter never euthanizes any animal for time or space reasons. Adoptable animals reside with us until they find their forever home. We become their loving family until they become a part of yours.Mt. Pleasant animal shelter is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that is solely funded by contributions, grants and bequests. www.Njshelter.org

PAWS ADOPTION CENTER PAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s homeless and at-risk pets. PAWS is the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable, basic veterinary care for pet owners and rescue organizations that cannot otherwise access it. Each year, PAWS finds loving homes for thousands of animals in need, and enables thousands of families to keep their cherished pets. PAWS is working to make Philadelphia a no-kill city where every savable pet is guaranteed a home. www.phillypaws.org

RESCUES

ADOPT A BOXER RESCUE Adopt A Boxer Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home unwanted and abandoned boxer dogs. We work within Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, northern Virginia, Washington DC, New Hampshire (within an hour of Massachusetts) and Rhode Island (adoptions only). When boxers are in need, AABR volunteers respond. www.adoptaboxerrescue.com

ALMOST HOME ANIMAL RESCUE & ADOPTION, INC Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was formed by a group of dedicated and compassionate volunteers on Long Island with many years of shelter experience. Almost Home maintains a no-kill policy towards animals and treats families that come to us with respect rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats from private homes and municipal shelters, and to place them into responsible homes. www.almosthomeli.org 16 | PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

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ALL ABOUT SPAY NEAUTER INC All About Spay Neuter Inc. is a 501(c)3 not for profit animal rescue comprised of all volunteers.

We are members of the New York City Mayor’s Alliance, Partners in Caring with the ASPCA, and dedicated to improving the lives of feral cats through TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return). We primarily focus on the overpopulation of feral cats. We can’t succeed alone, and need the support of community members like you to really make a significant impact. Learn more about our work and how you can get involved. www.allaboutspayneuter.com

AMERICAN BULLDOG RESCUE We are a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to rescuing and finding forever homes for bull breed dogs in need. American Bulldog Rescue is not a shelter, but an all-volunteer group where the dogs receive loving care in a network of dedicated foster homes until the time when their forever family is found. We are based in eastern Pennsylvania and work with adopters and shelters in the mid-Atlantic region. www.americanbulldogrescue.org

ANCHOR PAWS RESCUE We are a community resource center bringing animals and people together. We provide adoption, education, and fostering services in a professional and compassionate way.

We receive no federal or state funding and rely solely on community donations and adoption fees to support our care for the animals. www.anchorpawsrescue.org

ANIMAL A.I.D. OF MISSISSIPPI Animal A.I.D. of Mississippi is a non-profit 501(c)(3) rescue organization currently a foster based dog and cat rescue, but with BIG plans to build an animal sanctuary in Pass Christian, MS. With 20 acres on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, our volunteer organization is dedicated to providing shelter (currently in foster homes), protection, nurturing, and love to the most vulnerable and forsaken injured or abused dogs and cats in our community. www.animalaidms.org

ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION OF TULSA For more than 25 years, ARF has been helping homeless pets of the Tulsa area find loving homes. We do this by rescuing homeless animals out of area shelters that were possibly in line for euthanasia, placing them in foster homes, providing their comprehensive veterinary care, and finding suitable adoptive homes. www.arftulsa.org

ANGELS AMONG US PET RESCUE Angels Among Us Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving dogs and cats from shelters and high-risk situations in Georgia. Many of the animals who come into our program are over-bred, ill, injured, neglected, or abused. Sadly, without rescue, many of these precious animals would be euthanized or end up in even worse circumstances than before. It’s their right to get a helping hand, and it’s our privilege to offer one. www.angelsrescue.org

ANIMAL LIGHTHOUSE RESCUE A non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of stray dogs in Puerto Rico, called “satos.” Our team of volunteers in New York City works closely with El Faro de los Animales, a no-kill shelter in Humacao, PR. Our mission is to better the quality of life for abandoned satos by transporting them to New York City, finding them temporary homes within our foster network, making sure they are healthy and adjusted, and ultimately placing them into their perfect “furever” home. www.alrcares.org

ANJELLICLE CATS RESCUE Anjellicle Cats Rescue (ACR) is an all-volunteer registered 501c3 cat rescue committed to helping make New York a no-kill city. As one of the most active cat rescues in the 5 boroughs, ACR is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and adopting out homeless and abandoned cats, with a focus on shelter and community animals. Many of these felines are sick, injured or dismissed as unadoptable. Through a coalition of volunteers and caregivers, each rescued cat is welcomed with kindness and medical care into a foster home to prepare it for adoption into a permanent, loving home. Anjellicle Cats Rescue believes that no animal should be ill-treated and strives toward a day when awareness, education and compassion have replaced euthanasia as a solution to companion animal overpopulation. www.anjelliclecats.com NOVEMBER 2023

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ARIZONA SMALL DOG RESCUE At Arizona Small Dog Rescue, we’re proud to be a nonprofit, no-kill dog rescue shelter in Phoenix. We’re a team of passionate volunteers and staff committed to saving the lives of small dogs across the Valley.

We take in owner surrenders, small dogs, large or small breed puppies, moms and pups, and save countless dogs from kill shelters and overcrowded organizations. www.azsmalldog.org

BOBBI & THE STRAYS Roberta “Bobbi” Giordano was called to get involved in rescue at an early age — her first animal intervention was at age nine! In 1998, she established Bobbi and the Strays as a 100% non-profit, no-kill animal rescue organization. Since the beginning, we have been dedicated to rescuing animals from the streets, overcrowded shelters, neglect and abuse situations and abandonment. www. bobbiandthestrays.org

BRICK CITY RESCUE Brick City Rescue Inc (BCR) is dedicated to finding loving, stable homes for all adoptable homeless dogs in NJ with a main focus on Bully Breeds. We encourage compassionate and responsible behavior and supply training, food, shelter and medical care to all of our animals. We serve as a community resource, disseminating valuable information to the public by promoting responsible pet ownership and providing education regarding breed discrimination. www.brickcityrescue.com 18 | PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

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BIG DOG RANCH RESCUE Big Dog Ranch Rescue was founded in 2008; since then, we have saved the lives of more than 50,000 dogs. Our mission is to save 5,000 dogs every year, to heal and place them with loving families and to educate people about the proper care for dogs and the importance of spaying and neutering. Our Mission is to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Educate until every dog has a loving and safe place to call home. www.bdrr.org

THE BOXER RESCUE We are a group of volunteers, dedicated to finding loving forever homes for unwanted, abandoned, and surrendered Boxers. Our rescue works within Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. We strive to not only save boxers, but to educate the public about responsible dog ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and how to best meet the needs of this amazing breed. www.theboxerrescue.org

COMPASSIONATE ANIMAL RESCUE EFFORTS OF TULSA Founded in May of 2016, CARE Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer, no-kill, rescue organization in Oklahoma, determined to give dogs a voice when there is no one advocating for their well-being. Placing the greatest importance on rescuing dogs in immediate risk of needless euthanasia, animals living in horrific situations and/or facing abuse and neglect, CARE Rescue is resolute in providing a future for dogs simply in need of a loving and responsible home. www.carerescueok.org

CITY CRITTERS City Critters is a New York State 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 1994. Our mission is to improve the lives of companion animals in our city by rescuing and placing stray and abandoned cats, promoting spay/neuter programs, and working with members of our community to find humane solutions to problems involving homeless animals. Donations to City Critters are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. www.citycritters.org

DELAWARE PET RESCUE Delaware Pet Rescue was established in 2004 as “Delaware Puppy Rescue” with the primary focus of rescuing pregnant dogs, mothers with new litters, homeless puppies from shelters, and puppy mill survivors. 2012 brought the expansion into cat and kitten rescue, and the subsequent renaming of our organization to “Delaware Pet Rescue”, to better reflect the variety of lives we save! In 2020, we started to include small animals in our program as well - mostly guinea pigs, but also some rabbits and hamsters sprinkled in too! www.delawarepetrescue.org

FOR OUR FRIENDS DOG RESCUE For Our Friends, Inc. is a nonprofit, no kill, all volunteer run dog rescue group. We are devoted to saving dogs from urgent situations in NYC/Long Island, including strays, owner surrenders and those at risk in municipal shelters. www.forourfriends.org

Grey2K USA Formed in 2001, GREY2K USA Worldwide is the largest greyhound protection organization in the world. As a non-profit entity, we work to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and end the cruelty of dog racing on both national and international levels. We also promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds across the globe. www.grey2kusa.org

HAPPY LIFE ANIMAL RESCUE Happy Life Animal Rescue (HLAR) is a nonprofit, foster-based, Hudson Valley animal rescue organization. HLAR is based in Patterson, New York, and serves the entire Hudson Valley and beyond. We are dedicated to rescuing homeless animals who are victims of abuse & neglect, shelter overpopulation, and owner surrender. We are also committed to promoting local spay/neuter programs. www.happylifeanimalrescue.org

HOMEWARD TAILS ANIMAL RESCUE Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Founded in 2002, we secure temporary and permanent homes for thousands of dogs and cats annually who are rescued from under-resourced communities and shelters or whose owners can no longer care for them. www.homewardtrails.org NOVEMBER 2023

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HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY House Rabbit Society (HRS) is an international nonprofit animal welfare organization with two primary goals To rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent homes for them & through education, we seek to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits — and to improve bunnies’ lives — by helping people better understand these often misunderstood companion animals. www.rabbit.org

HUSKY HOUSE Husky House is committed to the rescue, shelter, care and adoption of stray, abandoned and unwanted animals in the Tri-State area. We are also dedicated to furthering the public’s education concerning the issues of proper pet care and the importance of spaying and neutering all dogs and cats alike. Husky House is dedicated to helping abandoned Siberian Huskies as well as all breeds of dogs, including mixes, have a second chance in life and a place to call home which they so richly deserve. www.huskyhouse.org

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JERSEY PITS RESCUE, INC. To provide necessary care to stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs for the purpose of finding them loving, permanent homes. We also provide medical care and financial aid to prevent overpopulation through spaying and neutering. We aim to inform and educate the community on the importance of spaying and neutering their dogs and the proper way to care for their animals. www.jerseypitsrescue.com

KOREAN K9 RESCUE Korean K9 Rescue exists to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from South Korea and to place them with loving forever families in the United States. We envision a world where all dogs can live happy and free.

We work to undo devastating conditions impacting thousands of dogs in South Korea. Many other dogs we help endure terrible mistreatment at puppy mills and other illegal or poorly run animal facilities. www.koreank9rescue.org

LONG ISLAND GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE LITTLE SHELTER ANIMAL RESCUE & ADOPTION CENTER Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter nestled on six wooded acres in Huntington, Long Island. We have been dedicated to saving abandoned dogs and cats and placing them into loving forever homes since 1927.

Age, physical condition, and socialization issues are never criteria for rescuing a dog or cat whose life is in jeopardy.

We hope to end pet overpopulation and place all dogs and cats into loving forever homes. www.litteshelter.org

LOUIE’S LEGACY Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue is one of the nation’s largest fosterbased animal rescue organizations, with major bases of operation in both Ohio and New York City, serving a large section of the midwest and northeast. As a professional 501c3 rescue organization we collaborate with volunteers, fosters, animal welfare partners, and shelters to rescue animals in need and place them in our temporary foster care. We place a high priority on the quality of care, including both medical and behavioral support, for all of our animals. We also value and honor the contributions of the hundreds of wonderful people and organizations who support Louie’s Legacy in our lifesaving work. www.louieslegacy.org

LONG ISLAND GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc. (LIGRR) is a nonprofit organization operated exclusively by volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of life of Golden Retrievers who are neglected, abused, or abandoned. Services are also provided to owners who can no longer care for their Golden Retriever. It is our mission to provide veterinary care and loving adoptive homes for any Golden in need - no matter whether the dog is a young puppy or a senior citizen. www.ligrr.org

MAIN LINE ANIMAL RESCUE We’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish with our programs and unwavering commitment to animal welfare.

More than ever, we look ahead hopefully and optimistically to a time when all animals are treated with respect and have the loving homes they deserve. www.mlar.org

MUDDY PAWS RESCUE The mission of Muddy Paws Rescue is to build and support a thriving community of dog-loving humans dedicated to ending unnecessary euthanasia of companion dogs. We do this through shared learning and education, direct lifesaving, and continuous innovation. www.muddypawsrescue.org NOVEMBER 2023

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NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE As the leader in the no-kill movement, North Shore Animal League America is committed to saving and rehabilitating the lives of homeless animals and educating the public about the joys and responsibilities of rescue.

Founded in 1944, we’re one of the world’s largest, most comprehensive no-kill rescue and adoption organizations. We are headquartered in Port Washington, N.Y. with 2,000 shelter partners across the country and around the globe. www.animalleague.org

QUEEN CITY CATS VT Queen City Cats is a group of compassionate volunteers committed to improving the lives of lost, abandoned and stray cats in the greater Burlington area and working with the community to obtain that objective. We advocate for the responsible care of cats by promoting spay/neuter programs, fostering and adoption and by providing humane education and essential resources to their human companions. www.queencitycatsvt.org

RAHR TO THE RESCUE Founded by Tara Harper Rahr and Frederick “Fritz” Rahr in 2021, Rahr to the Rescue is born from the love of dogs. We are a partner to Rahr & Sons Brewery in Fort Worth, TX. Our ongoing mission is to promote adoption, raise awareness of the overpopulation problem and inspire change. ​Where there is heart, there is hope. Help us change the future and save our pups! www.rahrtotherescue.org

RENEE’S RESCUES Renee’s Rescues is a non-profit, dog rescue, specializing in the rescue and care of dogs and puppies saved from puppy mills. We are based out of Delaware, but we support rescue efforts across several states, with a particular focus in Lancaster, PA. Our short term goal is to rescue and safely adopt out as many puppy mill dogs and puppies as possible, and to ensure that they receive the loving homes they deserve. Our long term goal is to stop the practice of puppy mill breeding www.reneesrescues.org

RESCUED TREASURES PET ADOPTIONS Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions is a 501c3 non-profit pet rescue run solely by volunteers who have a passion to help society’s abandoned cats and dogs. Each year in the United States 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters. While Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions cannot solve this problem, we have dedicated ourselves to saving as many as we can. www.rescued-treasures.com

RUFF START RESCUE Ruff Start Rescue is dedicated to saving the lives of animals in need. We improve animal welfare in communities through adoption, education, and providing resources for people and pets. www.ruffstartrescue.org

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SAMMY’S HOPE Placing homeless animals in loving, forever homes while providing shelter, socialization, medical care and enrichment, since 2010. www.sammyshope.org

SAVING HOPE ANIMAL RESCUE At Saving Hope we would love to see that every animal knows love and kindness. No animals should have to endure needless pain and suffering. We are providing a voice to those that need it most. The animals that sit chained up with limited access to food and water. Those dumped on back roads to become someone else problem.

We believe in not only helping the animals but educating the public and the community on how to do better. www.savinghoperescue.org

SECONDHAND HOUNDS Secondhand Hounds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue in Minnesota. Founded in July of 2009, our many volunteers have made a positive impact on the lives of many dogs and cats in our community. Our organization provides safe shelter, proper veterinary care and daily necessities for animals at risk, while working hard to find each a permanent, loving home!

Secondhand Hounds rescues dogs from kill shelters around the Midwest and from owners who can no longer provide care for their dogs. We rescue cats from local shelters and owners who can no longer provide care for their cats. Please help support us today by donating, fostering, or volunteering. www.secondhandhounds.com

SAVING GRACE ANIMAL RESCUE OF MARYLAND We are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue. As a rescue, it is our mission to end the neglect of animals across the east coast by rescuing them and helping find their forever home.

We want to save the lives of pets and enhance the lives of people by finding the perfect new fur-baby for each family! We do not have a facility, our fosters accept these rescue dogs and cats into their homes out of their love for animals. www.savinggraceanimalrescuemd.com

SEAN CASEY ANIMAL RESCUE The purpose of this endeavor is to aid unfortunate animals in the interest of a higher quality of life. We take in rescued, confiscated, neglected, injured, ill, unmanageable, or otherwise unwanted animals from private owners, zoos, shelters, and other public organizations. These animals are cared for, and/or rehabilitated to the best of our ability and means until which time they can be found healthy, happy homes – whether it be through adoption to qualified candidates or legally released into habitats suitable to the specific species in conjunction with licensed wildlife rehabilitators. www.nyanimalrescue.org

SMALL MIRACLES CAT & DOG RESCUE Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue is a private, nonprofit, no-kill shelter dedicated to providing the best possible care and finding forever homes for as many homeless cats and dogs as we are able.

We have found homes for more than 12,000 cats since our founding in 2006 and more than 7,000 dogs since we expanded to serve dogs in late 2011. www.smallmiraclesrescue.org NOVEMBER 2023

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SOCIAL TEES ANIMAL RESCUE Social Tees Animal Rescue is a non-profit (501c3 ) no-kill rescue in NYC finding forever homes for abandoned dogs and cats. We are a foster-based, community oriented organization founded on the principles of responsible pet ownership and creating a supportive environment for our staff and volunteers. Ensuring access to thorough veterinary treatment and the wellbeing of our animals are our highest priorities, and we pride ourselves in matching each animal with the family best able to meet its needs for life. www.socialteesnyc.org

STATEN ISLAND HOPE ANIMAL RESCUE Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue specializes in the rescue and placement of abused, unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We never discriminate on the basis of health, age or breed. By involving and educating the community, Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue hopes to raise the public’s awareness of the difficulty homeless animals face, as well as realizing the benefits of adopting an animal in need. www.statenislandhopeanimalrescue.org

A STONE’S THROW DOG RESCUE At our organization, we are committed to rescuing dogs who would otherwise be homeless or face a bleak fate. We depend entirely on the generosity of our foster volunteers, who open their homes and hearts to help us continue saving lives. Our rescue is all-inclusive, welcoming all breeds and dedicated to ensuring that every dog, regardless of size, has a happy ending. www.astdogrescue.com

TOBIE’S SMALL DOG RESCUE The Mission Of Our Non-Profit Organization Is To Provide Temporary Care And Shelter For Stray, Abandoned And Relinquished Dogs, And To Place Into Responsible And Caring Forever Homes. We Also Try To Create Awareness And Support For The Humane Treatment Of All Animals And To End Animal Overpopulation Through Education And The Promotion Of Spaying And Neutering. www.tobiessmalldogrescue.org

WAGGYTAIL RESCUE A small dog and cat 501(c)3 rescue based in New York City (NYC) and dedicated to the rehabilitation and rehoming of small breed dogs and other animals in need. We do not have a physical shelter location. All of our animals are graciously fostered by our volunteers. www.waggytailrescue.org

YORKIE 911 RESCUE Founded in July 2010, Yorkie911 Rescue, Inc is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization comprised of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about rescuing, vetting, and re-homing Yorkshire terriers and other small breed dogs. Given our many years in rescue, we’ve come to realize that saving every needy dog is impossible, but we remain forever grateful for the ones we do save. www.yorkie911rescue.com

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“Every dog owner should have this tool on their bookshelf” -The Examiner “With straight-for ward, easy techniques, Kateʻs book is like having your very own dog trainer by your side. Her guidance covers every important area of a dogʻs life, from socialzation and puppy kindergarten, to handling dog separation anxiet y or fears like thunderstorms. She truly helps dogs have their best life with the people who love them” -Dianne Delorenzo DVM Abingdon Square Veterinary Clinic

“Training for Both Ends of the Leash takes dog training to a whole new level” -Animal Wellness Magazine

w w w.kateperrydogtraining.com NOVEMBER 2023

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ADOPTION & RESCUE

FOSTERING BRI… AND OTHER DOGS

SERIAL FOSTERS HELP THE COMMUNITY

By Catherine Dine and Andrew Kaczmarek

It all started during Covid. Come Labor Day 2020, it was clear we wouldn’t be going back to the office for a while.

Both of us had pretty demanding schedules, being in our mid-20s and working in finance and consulting, but we realized that working from home would allow us the time to foster a dog.

We often frequented the dog-friendly coffee shop at the end of our block in New York City, where we learned about a local foster agency, Social Tees. As we ventured into fostering, we never imagined that it would become such a large chapter in our lives, let alone one that has unfolded seven times over.

Each foster holds a special spot in our hearts, but for this story, we will focus on our foster #4, Bri (short for Briana). Bri, with her endearing giant pointy ears and playful spirit, arrived in our lives as a 7-month-old pit mix. She and her sister journeyed from Tennessee to New York, and while her sister got adopted within the first few weeks of being in New York, Bri spent about seven months between two foster homes before finding her forever family.

We had Bri for about three months, from January 2022 to March 2022. We cherished every moment with her, from her quirky love for pink toys to her sassy yet irresistible demeanor. She loved to play dress up with mom and play rough with dad. She also loved monitoring what was going on outside as she perched on the couch looking out the living room window. We loved her so much and saw the potential for her to be an amazing family dog, but no applications were coming in for her.

Bri loved the attention. She would give big hugs and kisses to anyone who would look her way, but there was one neighbor that she became particularly interested in – Sean-Patrick Hillman. We knew this neighbor from walking our previous foster dog and knew his love for dogs as well as his extensive experience in animal rescue. After many meet and greets, we could tell that he seemed extremely interested in Bri. The timing wasn’t perfect as he and his wife wanted to take some time after their two previous dogs had passed away - but Bri worked her magic and stole their hearts. Bri was an energetic and strong dog that would require some training, and Sean-Patrick and Kylie were up for the challenge! We knew that they would be a perfect match for Bri. While we were sad to see Bri leave our home, we were extremely happy because it also meant that we would be able to see Bri grow up living right next door.

While we don’t get to see all of our previous fosters after they get adopted, we are reminded of them in so many ways - photos around the house, custom mouse pads, and the random Apple TV photos that pop up. We have come to love the fostering lifestyle, but it’s not always easy! As many people do, we fell in love with our first foster dog. Unfortunately, she did not share our love for New York City with all of its sudden loud noises. That led the rescue to deny our chance to adopt her. We were heartbroken and didn’t think we could go through that experience again. However, after some time passed, we agreed that we were ready for another dog in our lives. A comment we hear a lot is, “I could never foster because I wouldn’t be able to give the dog up.”

We understand this feeling completely, but have learned that once you have the experience of helping more than one dog, it becomes a very fulfilling job.

With time we realized that fostering was an opportunity to help more dogs find their furrever home and to share ours with more pups!

Fostering has been a perfect match for us as we love dogs but also have pretty busy work and travel schedules. While we know we could make our schedules work with a dog, we have grown to love the flexibility fostering does allow. Fostering has also given us the invaluable experience of working with dogs of all different breeds and ages. Our story is a testament to the incredible impact that fostering can have on the lives of animals, families, and communities. There are countless dogs out there waiting for their chance at a loving home, and fostering is the bridge that connects them to their forever families. We are so proud to have played a small part in that, and in Bri’s life.

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ADOPTION & RESCUE

HOW A DOG FROM TENNESSEE STOLE OUR HEARTS THIS IS BRIOREO’S ADOPTION JOURNEY

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

In March of 2022, nine months had passed since my wife Kylie and I lost our dog, Rolo, to a sarcoma. Nine months prior to that, we lost our other dog, Snickers, to lymphoma. And while we have both had animals our entire lives, losing those two took a serious toll on both of us. Historically, I have always been more adaptable to this situation than Kylie. That is not to say that she is more emotional than me. I would say we are equally emotional about our furrever ones. It is to say that I seem to bounceback a little faster than Kylie with respect to this kind of situation. And having had multi-pet homes my entire life, getting a new pet when one has passed was a common occurrence as a child. You don’t love them any less. You just want to fill that void that becomes so difficult to endure after the passing of a furrever friend.

We had discussed getting another dog across the nine months after Rolo had died. It had not been the right time for Kylie. You see, on top of losing Snickers and Rolo, Kylie had also lost her Nana as well as her best friend, Ali, to colorectal cancer that year, and was faced with helping a horrific multiple canine abuse situation on Long Island that left her traumatized. Yet the Sisters of Fate seemed to have a different path in store for us…

A few short weeks after our last conversation, a dog named Briana found me. Actually, stole my heart while hugging me would be a more apropos statement – I was in StuyTown where we live, talking with a neighbor and my friend Natella outside. Next thing I know, I feel this dog holding on to me. I look down and see this incredibly sweet, loving, beautiful dog giving me a hug as if she knew I was still mourning Rolo. I look at the pet parent, and immediately recognize her as a foster Mom I had met in the Fall (you can read Bri’s Foster family story on page 26). Catherine and Andrew were her foster parents’ names. They told me that Briana was with Social Tees rescue, an organization I had worked with many times over the years, and that she was rescued from Tennessee.

Natella pulled me aside after Briana left and said to me that I would be crazy to not adopt her…especially knowing how much I missed having a dog at that time. “I have never seen a dog and a human look at each other that way in my entire life. You have to adopt her,” said Natella. She was right. We both knew Briana had chosen me as her Dad. Now I needed to figure out how to make Kylie comfortable with this. While I knew she would eventually want to have another dog, Kylie was still in mourning. Yet I knew that Briana choosing me would be the linchpin I needed to get Kylie to meet this puppy.

Over the next few days, I saw Briana several times as she dragged her foster parents across the quad in our community to see me each time. When I explained this to Kylie, she started to become excited to meet her. A day later, it happened. While initially hesitant, as soon as they met, Kylie fell in love with Briana. We filed her adoption paperwork the next morning.

Once our application was approved, Kylie and I tackled the big question… were we going to change her name? Yes and no. Kylie and I have always named our pets after foods we love. I had a Siamese named Peanut and another named Butter growing up. Kylie and I named our dogs Snickers and Rolo. And with Briana’s coloring, we wanted to call her Oreo. But we also didn’t want to have to put her through retraining her name given that she was just moving into her new furrever home. So we compromised. Her nickname was Bri, so we added Oreo, hence Brioreo. And, yes, we still call her Bri. Over the course of the next 18 months, Bri quickly became an integral part of our lives. She gets walked miles every day; I cook her meals for her every day using fresh ingredients. As I work from home often, Bri basically lives in my home office during the day (when she isn’t being walked or played with).

Now, this beautiful, sweet Southern girl from Tennessee who stole my heart is the Official Spokesdog for Pet Lifestyles Magazine! Yes, she is spoiled. But what furrever one doesn’t deserve to be?

NOVEMBER 2023

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ADOPTION & RESCUE

WHY I RESCUE AND WHY YOU SHOULD TOO

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman If you know me, then you know how passionate I am about animals. Hell, I am the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Publisher of a pet magazine for crying out loud! And if that isn’t enough for you, then how about the over 100,000 animals I have helped to save or home in the last 30 years? Or the fact that my wife and I helped to completely change the face and paradigm of adoption in the biggest city in the country at Animal Care Centers of NYC? Working in rescue, adoption and advocacy sounds like a noble cause. But it is not for the faint of heart. Nor is it for everyone. And while my rescue journey began some 41 years ago at the ripe old age of six, it wasn’t until 2010 when Kylie and I formed Rock & Rawhide, a non-profit animal advocacy organization, that I REALLY started to advocate for animals in a significant way. Don’t get me wrong, I adopted a lot of animals throughout my life, helped friends adopt more, etc. But it wasn’t until cofounding Rock & Rawhide that I was able to make a real difference. No, I am not saying you should start your own rescue or other non-profit. What I do recommend is that you join a rescue or shelter team as a volunteer.

This is why I rescue, and why you should too!

Animals have been a part of the human family for millennia. Some of the earliest cave drawings by Neanderthals and early humans contain images of pets and the like. Fast forward to today and you see people on the streets of major cities with their dogs going almost everywhere, and even cats and pigs in some places (a pot-belly pig that gets walked in the neighborhood lives near Stuyvesant Square). In suburbia, you would be hard pressed to find a family that doesn’t have at least one pet.

In other words, pets are literally part of the modern-day nuclear family.

Now, imagine walking through a shelter in New York City. Especially the canine ward. As you walk past the cages, you hear dog after dog barking, excited and wanting to show the love they have in their hearts. They are desperate for a companion. They are literally alone on this Earth with no one to help them. And it’s not like they understand what is happening to them, or why. This is the primary reason why I rescue…to help the voiceless, our furrever ones, find new, loving, and responsible homes. I have provided every single pet I have ever had with nothing but love, adoration, nutritious food, structure, and support. When we started Rock & Rawhide, my wife and I wanted to help make sure that the animals at shelters and rescues had that same experience in a loving home.

Think about this…if you have a pet, when you get home from work, or finish working at your desk at home, your dog or cat knows it’s their time with you.

You are literally their entire world. Without you, they don’t walk (dogs), eat or play. They have no one else to love them. They have no one else to keep them active. Now go back to that scenario when you are imagining you are walking through a shelter. Think about all of those animals sitting in cages, waiting for someone to love them. It just breaks my heart…and it should break yours too.

If you have never rescued an animal from a shelter, or adopted from a rescue, then I invite you to reach out to the many shelters and rescue organizations featured in this edition of Pet Lifestyles Magazine. Any of them would be willing to take you on as a volunteer, adopter or foster. I have done all three.

And you should too!

I rescue because without animals, life just would not feel right. I rescue because it is the right thing to do. I rescue to save lives. And you should too (are you sensing a theme here?).

Photo Credit: Animal Care Centers of NYC

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Volunteer. Donate. Foster. Adopt. TODAY

NOVEMBER 2023

PET WELLNESS

CHOOSING A VETERINARIAN IS NO DIFFERENT THAN CHOOSING A HUMAN DOCTOR

By Dr. Stephanie Liff, D.V.M.

Congratulations, you have arrived home with your new furry friend and now you need to know the next steps, including choosing a veterinarian to care for your pet. This sounds like an easy enough task but here are some things you should consider while making this choice.

The first thing to consider is convenience. You want a vet that works into your lifestyle, including where they are located, the hours the clinic is in operation and their policy on emergency or urgent care visits. None of these questions has a specific right answer, but if you work the standard New York City lifestyle of 8-12 hours per day, for example, you need a vet with weekend hours.

The next major thing to consider is quality of medicine and price point. There is a range in quality, similar to a private doctor you may see vs a walk-in urgent care clinic, and each different provider fits a specific niche.

If you wish to obtain routine care at a low-cost clinic, or a vaccine clinic, that may work for your family and your pet, but it is important to understand the different levels of care so you’re making an informed choice. These types of clinics often administer treatment (basics like vaccines, heartworm/tick testing) without a full physical examination. The vaccines are standard quality and safe, but they may try to administer more at one time than in a private practice. In a private vet clinic, your vaccines will be administered as part of a doctor or nurse visit, with discussion on your pet’s specific needs, and concerns you may have in conjunction with a full physical examination.

This style of care delivery is more comprehensive, and with it comes with an increased cost. The next care quality consideration is if your chosen clinic can accommodate for non-wellness visits. Some clinics will see basic sick visits, such as skin and ear infections, but refer you to an emergency or specialty clinic for more severe illness.

While neither approach is wrong, it’s just important to understand what that might look like as you’re choosing a vet.

The final, but equally important factor, is a match between your desired personality and the one delivered by the clinic. Basically this is the vibe, and it’s not just the doctor that drives this. You may love the doctor but feel the support staff leaves something to be desired, or vice versa. I have known countless clients that prefer certain doctors and nurses to others in the same practice. And that is ok, but you just need to understand if you will be able to stay with one provider or if the clinic functions more on a “see who is available” scheduling system. These factors are important as you build a relationship with your vet and if that is your goal, ask those questions when making your choice. In many clinics, the “book as needed” protocol works well in having open capacity for clients, but may limit your ability to bond with your vet.

Another point to consider, though not essential to everyone, is communication styles and the level of technology you are comfortable with in a medical setting. For example, can you text with your doctor or email? Do you want that option? Do you want to have access to your records digitally through an app or does that not bother you? These communication and technology options are evolving as software catches up to consumer demand, but if it matters to you to have these choices, you should inquire from your vet it they have the option to email or text with you. And whether or not you can monitor your pet’s wellness through an APP that has access to their medical records.

I hope these tips are helpful to you and your new furrever friend. I want to reiterate that it’s important for you to define your most important needs when making this choice. If you get the impression your questions are met with resistance, that may be telling in terms of how the practice functions.

You can also inquire from neighbors about their experiences, or look on a local blog, review site and more which is as good of an indicator as any for making an informed choice! Happy vet searching!

Dr. Stephanie Liff is the owner of Pure Paws Veterinary Care NOVEMBER 2023

PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29

PET WELLNESS

SO YOU’VE ADOPTED A NEW RESCUE…NOW WHAT? YOU NEED TO START TRAINING ON DAY ONE

By Kate Perry

As a dog trainer, I’m here to guide you through behaviors and patterns to help you get the best results for you and your dog. I like to think of myself as a social worker or cheer leader for dogs, especially those that don’t know their place in the world yet and are waiting for you to help define it.

Being a dog parent means investing the time necessary in the care of an animal that operates with a communication system that is different from ours. For rescues specifically, it could mean gathering clues about their negative past experiences, patiently helping them to overcome those experiences, and shepherding them into your world as gently as possible.

When I’m working with the pet parent of a new rescue, I gently remind them that a foster parent to a child wouldn’t simply provide the child with nutritious food, shelter and a loving new home.

They would also offer guidance with education and schooling, to help the child cope and grow. So why not do the same for your new rescue? It’s all part of the balance in caring for them. The reality is that rescues may require more or different guidance from you as they become more comfortable in their new home.

How we feel affects how we behave.

With all rescues, first and foremost, I recommend a comprehensive veterinary exam to take care of the medical side of things. What you will want to ask your vet specifically will depend on your dog’s age. Once we know our new pet has a clean bill of health, we are better prepared to work on the behavioral end.

I love working with veterinarians who understand how crucial socialization is to the overall well-being of puppies.

Scientific studies have shown that the most impressionable age bracket in a dog’s life is between six and sixteen weeks, so careful and positive introduction and exposure during this period is crucial to help with their coping skills throughout life. And socialization does not end in Puppy-hood, it is a lifelong necessity at every stage in a dog’s life. Look for a vet who promotes this balance and makes you feel safe and confident that your dog’s behavior and health are progressing in tandem.

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The Importance of Positive Reinforcement Training Use your ever-building dog community, from your vet to your trusted neighbor (the one with the well-behaved dog!) to your local pet store, to connect with a reputable and certified dog trainer or behaviorist.

Be sure to select one who’s had extensive experience working with rescues as many rescues come with unique behavioral issues, like resource guarding, separation anxiety and fear of people, which might not be obvious right away.

Keep in mind that your new rescue doesn’t know that this could be their last stop, and not another temporary home Trust must be built slowly, one a day at a time.

A popular guideline is the rule of 333 – 3 days of decompression from feeling overwhelmed, during which time you may see minimal eating, drinking and eliminating 3 weeks to build relaxation and confidence in your routine and environment, allowing new personality traits to surface.

3 months to acknowledge that your dog is in his/her forever home, meaning that this is the dog you can look forward to sharing a decade or more with.

Be careful not to fall into traps that perpetuate unwanted behaviors. If you happen to adopt an excited, side-tongue-hanging puppy who just can’t get enough of you, try to decide quickly which habits you’d like to see stick around and which you could do without.

Jumping and “love biting” may be cute when you’re first meeting, but allowing this behavior on a regular basis teaches your pup that “This is okay, I should keep doing it!” Ask yourself, could this behavior become problematic? If the answer is yes, train yourself to ignore it, then provide better options. One of my favorite mantras is “If you’re going to correct it, redirect it.”

I suggest a TURN YOUR BACK strategy here. If your dog is jumping on you, turn your back, wait for a few seconds for your dog to stop, then step on leash and ask your dog to SIT and then immediately reward this behavior.

If your dog is more uncertain and skittish, lower your intensity. Try not to inundate them with tons of direct eye contact. Instead, give them space. Let them know they have shelter, and their very own safe place. If they are accustomed to a crate or containment area, supply them with one. I recommend a wire crate covering all sides with a light fabric or sheet for air flow since dogs run hotter than we do and place a fan toward the crate for increased comfort and a white noise effect.

If they are fearful of the outdoors and won’t eliminate there, as are many transplants of more tranquil settings, then set up a tall sturdy playpen and line it with wee wee pads. This will provide them with a calmer place to eliminate if they are feeling anxious about leaving the home. Have a slow and steady approach one day at a time.

At the end of the day, any dog in a home is far better off than one in a shelter!

In closing, rescuing a dog does not have to be a fearful and daunting endeavor. On the contrary, it can be the most rewarding and loving journey for you and your rescue.

Afterall, you have provided a forever home to a very lucky and thankful dog.

As a rescue dog owner, myself, when I adopted my Pug, Sophie and my Chihuahua, Walter, my goal was to have healthy, happy dogs who enriched my life. I trust that if you are reading this and have recently rescued a pooch, or are thinking about adopting a rescue, your goal is most likely the same.

My purpose here was to provide you with some guidelines and tools that will help you achieve a better and deeper bond between you and your rescue. I hope that by sharing these tips with you there will be a greater understanding and cooperation at both ends of the leash.

Kate Perry is the owner of Kate Perry Dog Training and the author of “Training For Both Ends of the Leash”

NOVEMBER 2023

PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31

PET WELLNESS

TIPS & TRICKS

TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE DURING HOME ENTERTAINING

By Kate Perry

That wonderful time of year is upon us with homes filled with laughter, joy and the pitter patter of little paws running amok amongst a sea of gifts and guests to fill the house. Every holiday season, we get asked for advice on how to keep pets entertained, or how to keep them well-behaved, as people have family and friend gatherings throughout November and December.

Typically, cats leave most house guests alone and are fairly well-behaved during the holidays. That is unless you are making a traditional Italian Christmas dinner, in which case when you start to make the seafood dish, make sure to keep any felines out of the kitchen or you may find one or two less servings will be available for your guests! But, when it comes to canines, it can be tricky depending on the size of your home, how many guests you have over, or how well behaved those guests are!

Make sure you contain your pooch in a safe area while unattended, either in a crate, playpen, or gated-off area.

Supply safe toys and chew bones to keep them distracted.

My recommendations include: Busy Buddy Twist and Treat or 3” hollow, sterilized bones, filled with yummy treats (cream cheese, peanut butter, cottage cheese, yogurt). We also recommend stuff-less skinny soft toys.

For cats, if you have a concern about them interacting with your guests, then contain them in a bedroom where they will be safe and comfortable. As long as it is only for a couple of hours at most, you won’t even have to move their litter box!

If your dog is a social butterfly, make sure that you are keeping a close watch on them. Let them enjoy brief moments of interaction and then put them in a safe area so that you too can enjoy the festivities.

Recommended Occupiers Wooden Puzzle Games Stuffless Toys

Hollow Sterilized Beef Bone

Busy Buddy Toys: Twist n’ Treat Tug-a-Jug

Snuffle Mat

Decorations, plants and Christmas trees are beautiful and make the home smell welcoming, but they are not necessarily pet-friendly. Here are some issues to look out for:

∙ Tree ornaments, tinsel, candles, dreidels, wrapping paper and ribbons.

Dangers: choking, burns, intestinal blockage, stomach infections.

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pain, fever.

∙ Mistletoe, Poinsettia, Xmas tree pine needles, holly.

Dangers: gastric distress, mouth irritation/allergies and death.

Symptoms: drooling, stomach pain, shock, difficulty breathing, vomiting.

∙ Cords & Lights

Dangers: electric shock, death, burns.

Symptoms: abnormal breathing and heartbeat, loss of consciousness.

∙ When it comes to food and drinks, watch out for tainted water

(someone always “spills” into Fido’s water bowl), chocolate (especially dark chocolate), fat trimmings, nuts (especially macadamia, almonds, walnuts, pistachios). You also want to be mindful of sap in Christmas tree water, and the satin stand cover. Dangers: Pancreatitis with fatty foods. Gastric and respiratory distress from sap water can also cause seizures, coma.

Symptoms: Vomiting, tremors, difficulty in breathing.

∙ If you are serving alcohol, or have guests that are partaking in recreational

marijuana, be mindful of where your pets are. While we may all enjoy imbibing, it can be lethal to pets, especially in larger quantities.

When it comes to Christmas day, or throughout Hanukah, remember that wrapping paper can act as prey to our furrever friends. For cats particularly, they love reflective wrapping paper. For dogs, any kind of wrapping paper can be considered their nemesis of the moment! The best method to avoid any issues is to ball up the paper and then toss it down a hallway or across the room for your pets to play with for a moment...but only a moment as they can swallow the paper and those dyes can make them sick. This allows them momentary play to satisfy their prey drive.

Lastly, many people think that pets are a wonderful gift for the season.

Please do not purchase a puppy or kitten or “chick” for anyone. Often this results in disaster and a visit to the local animal shelter to surrender that animal. While the gift is intended as well-meaning, there are a lot of factors to consider. In this case, I would recommend a stuffed toy cat or dog.

Kate Perry is the owner of Kate Perry Dog Training and the author of “Training For Both Ends of the Leash” 32 | PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2023

PET WELLNESS

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

By Dr. Stephanie Liff, D.V.M.

The cooler temperatures are finally here which means the NYC population isn’t running to the beach every weekend; and the start of fall and winter holiday seasons are abound. However, for your pets, this season may introduce new risks and things to look out for. In recognition of our favorite fall holidays, let’s review safety tips for your pets The most popular holiday for family gatherings is Thanksgiving. Th is ce lebration oft en inv olves dec adent tables full of tasty treats as well as travel to your family or hosting visiting guests in your home.

Sure, turkey in moderation is fine for most pets, but remember your pet largely eats the same diet for every meal every day and may have a negative reaction to new treats. If you want your pet to partake in the festive meal, please restrict access to a limited amount of lean protein if they can tolerate that. Avoid any skin or bones that can cause GI obstruction or pancreatitis.

Not every pet is welcoming of new people in their home, so if your pet struggles with this, talk to your vet IN ADVANCE to discuss how to manage this. Their recommendations may include medication to be given, so you need some time to obtain the medication and make sure it has the intended affects on your pet.

If travel is in your plans, please make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines, to facilitate intrastate or international travel. You may also need sedatives, so ask your vet well in advance. Also, if your pet is on medication make sure you have plenty for the duration of the trip. Finally, if travel is not inclusive of your pet, make sure you have a trusted pet sitter or day care facility lined up. This is a busy time and availability can be limited!

Next up on the holiday schedule is Christmas and Hannukah. Between wrapping paper, tinsel on the trees and Holly plants, a decorated home is beautiful, but it can also be lethal to a pet.

Yes, dogs love to chase crumpled wrapping paper. But many of these papers (usually the cheaper versions) contain chemicals that can be harmful to your pet. You can still throw the crumpled up ball of Christmas joy down the hall for your dog to chase it, but make sure that he or she does not ingest it.

Holly plants are lethal to dogs, and children. Specifically the berries on these beautiful, seasonal plants are toxic. If you want to have them in your home, please make sure that they are out of reach of your dog, cat or child. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, but it is safest to just not allow your pet access to these plants at all. Other toxic plants include Lilies and poinsettia; Lily toxicity can be fatal to cats and Poinsettia can cause irritation of the mouth, stomach and esophagus, so again, please prevent access for your pets.

Tinsel is one of those decorations that have caused argument after argument across many families. Some love them for their simple shine and ability to add accent to a Christmas tree. Some hate them because they are messy and when the family dog eats them, their poop is often lined with silver-streaks.

Tinsel is okay to use, like many things, in moderation. Just be mindful that if your dog does ingest tinsel, you must monitoring the dog’s defecation. If your dog is having trouble passing tinsel, and you see some hanging out of their rectum as they poop, please do not pull the tinsel string out. You can damage your dog’s rectum and intestines. Normally, a dog can express these kinds of things out with some effort (you will note the dog may “rock back and forth” on its hind legs a little as it tries to ease the tinsel out). However, if your dog is distressed and this is the reason, then you need to contact your vet or an animal ER. It is better to err on the side of caution here.

Dr. Stephanie Liff is the owner of Pure Paws Veterinary Care

NOVEMBER 2023

PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33

PET LIFE

PAWLIDAY GIFT GUIDE GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Celebrating the holidays is always fun. Well, most of the time. But it is the art of gift giving that can make such a difference to a holiday celebration. And pets, or pet lovers, as a recipient are no different. We have compiled a menagerie of toys, games, and gifts that are PAWFECT for all!

FOR PETS

THE JOLLY TUFF FLYER The Jolly Tuff Flyer is not only an excellent choice for landbased play but also floats effortlessly on water, making it perfect for splashing around during pool or beach adventures.

Additionally, this toy is specifically designed and guaranteed to withstand the mighty jaws of powerful chewers, providing a safe and durable play experience that will stand the test of time. Specially formulated “tuff ” rubber and unique “treaded” surfaces help clean teeth while dogs chew; ideal for water-based catch & fetch – it floats! $9.99 at www.jollypets.com

REMEMBER TO PAWS BANDANA Dogs are a man’s best friend and this bandana is a dog’s best friend. Your dog has a personality in its own right, so let it shine through with this great accessory “Remember To Paws.” $16.99 at thepath.myspreadshop.com 34 | PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2023

MYDOGTOY MyDogToy, maker of beloved brands Tuffy®, Mighty Toys ®, Silly Squeakers ® and DuraForce ®, launched its newest holiday dog toy collection with 11 new dog toys. Each features the brand’s signature craftmanship and fabrication to withstand the toughest players and chewers. MyDogToy is known for its high-quality dog toys, and owners now have an extensive, fun holiday collection to spoil their fur-babies with this Christmas. $29.49 at www.mydogtoy.com

LIFE EXTENSION SUPPLEMENTS Give your dog the gift of life with the Life Extension® DOG line. It includes: Multivitamin & Probiotics with A, C, D, E and B vitamins and colostrum from cow’s milk for immune health; Hip & Joints with glucosamine complex and PEA and MSM for comfort; Stress & Behavior with calming L-theanine and melatonin; and Skin & Coat, which delivers high-potency omega-3 fish oil. All Life Extension® DOG line formulas are soft chews in pet-approved flavors. $29.95 - $36.00 at www.lifeextension.com

FOR PETS

SPA DOG BOX A luxury gift box subscription that’s fit for royalty. Each SpaDog box features unique & elegant gifts like designer jewelry, gourmet treats & lavish grooming items. Your first box ships immediately, with a personalized card included. Even the box is so fancy, they’ll want to save it! $65 for 1 month - $35/ month for 12 months at www.spadogbox.com

NYLABONE POWER CHEW BASTED BLAST DUAL FLAVORED CHEW TOY Come for the bacon...stay for the steak! Our Basted Blast chew toys surprise dogs with 2 layers of indulgent flavor in 1 longlasting bone. We start with a steak-flavored chew toy and use our exclusive basting technique to add an enticing layer of bacon flavor on top. As your dog chews through the bacon-flavored layer, the lighter color inside will be revealed. This means they discovered the delicious steak flavor and can keep chewing for ongoing satisfaction! Made of tough nylon, these dual flavored dog chew toys stand up to extreme chewers and are proudly made in the USA. Plus, our veterinarian-recommended chew toys help clean teeth as dogs chew. It’s time for your dog to taste the baste!

From $7.99 at PetSmart

NYLABONE HEALTHY EDIBLES MEATY CENTER TREATS Nylabone’s meatiest creation yet, Healthy Edibles Meaty Center treats are the ultimate savory indulgence, featuring a crave-worthy meaty center packed with irresistible flavor! These dog treats are as healthy as they are delicious, containing limited ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Plus, each dog treat is highly digestible and features dental nubs that help clean teeth through chewing action. Proudly made in the USA, Nylabone’s longlasting dog chew treats are great for rewarding and occupying your meat-loving furry friend! $16.99 at PetSmart

K&H BUCKET BOOSTER PET SEAT COLLAPSIBLE Just like the K&H Original Bucket Booster, this version has a unique “knock down” design that ships collapsed and can be assembled in minutes; then knocked down/collapsed again for space saving storage. This collapsible pet car seat provides a safe and controlled location for your pet to ride, all the while elevating them for an easier view out the window. The K&H Bucket Booster has a durable heavydenier fabric exterior and contrasting plush quilted fleece interior for your pet’s comfort. The heated version includes a 7-watt heater with a 70» cord that plugs into your vehicle›s USB port that can be removed and stored in warmer months. $155.99 at www.khpet.com

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PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35

FOR PETS

DELICIOUS PUP CAKE Our furrever friends deserve a flavor adventure of their own. That is why our Chef created the Delicious Pup Cake...a nutritious, tasty cake all their own! Made of natural apple sauce, natural peanut butter, flour, egg, and pumpkin puree, this cake will have your dog clamoring for more! Topped with a Greek Yogurt and Natural Peanut Butter frosting, your pup is sure to have a full and happy belly!!! Each cake is approximately 4” in diameter and between 1-1.5” tall. $20 at www.hillbites.com

DOG TUTUS BY TUTU BLOSSOM Do you love dressing your dog up? With Tutu Blossom, it doesn’t matter what size your dog is, they can all be divas in PAWty dresses.

The bigger the better! We all expect a small muffy fluffy in a dress, but there’s something special about a big-hipped dog dressed up.

Tutu Blossom will custom design a tutu to your cutie’s size. PAWty dresses for all! From $25 at www.tutublossom.etsy.com

PRIDE & GROOM DELUXE DOGGY BAG All dogs are good...this one’s for those who are REALLY good. Win the best giver award with this chic gift set including 16 ounces of coat specific shampoo and THE FINAL COAT conditioner, PROUD, our beloved signature scent, and a loud and proud IN DOG WE TRUST bandana, all tucked neatly into our cute canvas gift bag. $85 at www.prideandgroom.com

LAMB CHOP SANTA TOY The holidays are even more special with Lamb Chop for pets! These adorable dog toys will bring you back to the days of Shari Lewis’ TV show, where she featured the iconic sock puppet Lamb Chop.

Dressed for the holiday season, this dog toy shows Lamb Chop laying down wearing an adorable Santa hat. Plush, squeaky, cuddly, and cute, Lamb Chop dog toys are the perfect stocking stuffers for dogs. This 6” mini version is suitable for small dogs. Please supervise your pet while this product is in use. $3.99 at www.target.com

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FOR PETS

CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE PLUSH DOG TOY Designed to resemble your favorite Christmas Sugar Cookies, this Candy Cane Christmas Sugar Cookie Plush Dog Toy is a fun, festive, and super cute gift to give your furry best friend. It’s a soft plush dog toy shaped and decorated like a candy cane! While you and your family enjoy human Christmas treats, your pup can have fun playing with this soft squeaky dog toy! 8” tall. $16.99 at www.target.com

CHIWAVA DOG BAG This pre-packed bag from Chiwava is filled to the brim with holidaythemed cat toys like crinkle balls, bells, rattlers and feathers. You get 17 toys in all, which will provide plenty of fun for your cat throughout the end of the year and into the next! $7.98 at www.amazon.com

ORGANIC PET GRASS KIT You’ll have fun planting this organic cat grass from The Cat Ladies, and your cat will have fun eating it once it sprouts. Cat grass is great for aiding your cat’s digestion, and this organic mix is safe and tasty. $19.90 at www.amazon.com

CUSTOM HOLIDAY BANDANA FOR DOGS Dressing up isn’t just for humans, your pets have moods and personalities, too. If you want to make them look stylish and stand out in a crowd, personalized bandanas are a fun and easy option.

Made of quality 100% cotton fabrics, our bandanas are comfy, lightweight and breathable, so that your pets won’t even notice they’re wearing them. Ideal for everyday wear, photoshoot, Christmas, New Year, birthday parties, weddings or just to make your pet look best, fashionable and cute on every occasion. $19.95 at www.personalfury.com NOVEMBER 2023

PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37

FOR PET LOVERS

CUSTOM PRINTED FLEECE BLANKET: The Printy Pets Fleece Blanket is your pet’s favorite new luxury item. Keep your beloved fur baby warm and cosy, wrapped in our ultra soft Fleece Blanket. Our #1 Best Seller and loved by pet parents around the world, our fleece blanket is sure to receive compliments from friends and family!

From $69 www.printypets.com

SILVERCUT CUSTOM PET KEYCHAIN We create Life-Like jewelry that embodies the special bond between pets and their owners with precision and detail. $39.95 at www.silvercut.com 38 | PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2023

CUSTOM KNIT SWEATER Lose that ugly Christmas sweater from the office holiday party…take this year’s holiday sweater contest to the next level with a custom knit of your favorite pet! $138 at www.knitwise.com

EMBARK DOG DNA KIT A dog’s health isn’t solely a product of genetics, but of diet, environment, and lifestyle. We’ll help you give your dog the best of everything. Decode breed mix, screen for health conditions, find relatives — all this and more with Embark! From $159 at www.embarkvet.com

FOR PET LOVERS

ORNAMENTS BY ELVES From the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest Great Dane, Ornaments

by Elves have an enormous selection. Most are extremely detailed and realistic, and some are even cute and funny. Their talented elves are ready to personalize your ornament with your dog’s name, year and a sentiment if you wish. They’ll even include a hand drawn paw print if you so desire. Whether you want to commemorate your dog, your ‘grand’ dog, or a friend’s dog, you will find the perfect decoration for your Christmas tree. These also make terrific, inexpensive gifts for your favorite groomer, dog walker, or veterinarian. No bones about it, you’ll love our selection! $18.95 at www.ornamentsbyelves.com

APPLE AIR TAG HOLDER This silicone Apple AirTag holder gives your pet lover the ability to keep track of their pup using the Find My app. It lies flush against the collar, so it’s not likely to detach. $14 for 2 at www.chewy.com

RUDOLPH MUSIC PLUSH TOY FOR KIDS Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer 10 inch Musical Light Up plush toy will bring joy to kids of all ages this holiday season. The 10 inch character plays the classic Rudolph song and the nose lights up when a button is pushed. The toy comes with an auto shut off or can be manually shut with the press of the button. It’s the perfect Christmas gift. The musical light up Rudolph is made with 2 non-replaceable button cell batteries. The batteries and mechanism are housed inside the toy and are inaccessible for the safety of the child. The sound and light should function through several hundred play cycles. $12.99 at www.target.com

CUSTOM PHONE CASE This premium custom Swaponz® InfiniteSwap™ Phone Case Set features a slim black protective case with one customized, interchangeable and reusable Swap. Customized your Swap with sharp, high-quality pictures, art or graphics. With Swaponz® InfiniteSwap™ patented technology you can change the Swaps as often as you’d like! Set includes: 1 Swaponz® InfiniteSwap™ Phone Case + 1 Custom Swap.

InfiniteSwap™ patented technology enables Swaps to firmly adhere to the special material on the case without any stickiness whatsoever.

Drop tested protective phone case. Ultra-slim profile, anti-slip sides for secure handling. From $49 at www.swaponz.com NOVEMBER 2023

PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39

PET LIFE

COORDINATING THE FAMILY PET WITH YOUR EX-SPOUSE

By Ilyssa Panitz

Going through a divorce can cause couples to fight like cats and dogs (pun very much intended).

According to The High Conflict Institute, approximately 20% of all divorces are defined as combative. When that happens, there is often a complete breakdown in communication between both sides. Whether or not you and your former spouse are on speaking terms, the ongoing matters you both agreed to in the divorce settlement still need to be honored, such as following a visitation plan with the family pet, so you don’t wind up back in court.

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers cites they have seen a steady increase in pet custody cases within the last five years and currently, one out of every four divorce actions involve a household pet. States such as New York, California, Illinois, Alaska, and New Hampshire now have statutes in place that recognize household pets the same way they do children in a divorce matter.

How can divorcing couples relay information regarding their furry bestie if they don’t want to dial their ex’s number and call them? There are apps for that!

Katherine Miller, a New York based Attorney and author of New Yorker’s Guide to a Collaborative Divorce, tells Pet Lifestyles Magazine, “When tensions between two sides are high, using a Parenting App can be an excellent tool for divorcing couples to limit unwanted stress and reduce their legal bills when coordinating a visitation schedule for the family pet and managing other matters related to the pet’s care such as dividing responsibilities, uploading the pet’s appointments and receipts for pet related expenses.”

Co-parenting apps are often recommended by lawyers such as Miller in a contentious divorce and according to MomJunction.com, there are 15 different ones to choose from; each one being affordable.

Our Family Wizard is a co-parenting app that was created back in 2001 and offers a variety of memberships levels beginning at $100 for the year. Rebecca Perra is the Judicial Education Coordinator for Our Family Wizard and tells us, “With tools like secure messaging, shared calendars, and expense tracking, divorced or separated parents and pet owners can upload everything onto the site because the app is an excellent resource to not only organize and arrange your time with the pet but to also exchange financial information, store all documents such as your pet vaccination records from your vet, as well as your pet license details, calendar of appointments and so much more.”

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DComply, which launched four years ago, is another co-parenting app divorcing couples are finding useful. Co-founder Marco Munoz tells the magazine, “The primary feature that pet-parents are using is called, ‘quick bills’.” This section allows the user to send a bill plus the receipt and then request payment from the other side.

“The value behind this method,” according to Munoz, “is fact based. Once the user sends the co-parent an invoice, so there is no argument over whether the bill was paid or not, it minimizes negative communication.”

The other feature clients with pets are utilizing,” Munoz says, “is for recurring bills such as those who send a pet to places such as doggy day care. Here, one pet co-parent can send a bill that will automatically charge the other pet parent for their portion of the expense, so again, it lessens the argument over money and/or chasing the other side for a reimbursement for their share.”

Other important factors to note, co-parenting apps save you cash. Miller highlights, “Using these apps can limit the need for attorney consultations or court interventions which can save couples a fortune in legal fees and overall divorce costs.”

Perra, who is also an attorney notes, “Joining a parenting app also provides emotional support for two sides trying to figure out how to resolve the family pet concerns because co-parenting apps help and teach parties how to communicate better and improve positive outcomes as they navigate going from one household to two.”

Lastly, another advantage to using a co-parenting app is that it can limit the confusion as to the specifics of the arrangement set forth in your legal paperwork.

Barbara Gislason, an Attorney, and author of the book, “Pet Law and Custody,” tells us, “A parent portal can be useful for managing the family pet schedule, which you upload and can see on your computer or phone screen. You can also make changes to the set schedule if you both agree to the terms and you can upload your divorce documents which convey the clear, detailed, and show the executed underlying agreement which is ideally memorialized in a court order.”

Ilyssa Panitz is the “Only” Divorce Journalist and the host of “The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz”

NOVEMBER 2023

202 | PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2023