Issuu

FROM THE PUBLISHER

CORRESPONDENCE

pghpetconnections@gmail.com

WELCOME TO OUR HOLIDAY EDITION

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

NEWS & EVENTS:

From The Publisher

Welcome to Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine’s!

Winter 2019, Volume 7 Issue 1

PetConnections teamed up with CARMAA for Dogtoberfest 2021 on Oct. 2nd , to support area rescue and shelter organizations and the event was a big success! Please see the event section for the pictures and the wonderful costumes from our Pet Parade and Costume Contest!

THIS ISSUE:

News

Welcome to our Winter 2019 issue!

This issue has articles to emphasize the Human-Animal Bond, starting in that section with a heartwarming article about Topper, a sweet Chihuahua. Topper is also honored in our Remembrance section.

Animal Friends highlights their continued support of veterans through their match program.

We welcome Ease Animal Massage, Buzzy Photography, and O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel to our supporting advertisers!

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Centers Veterinary Social Worker, Amanda, gives tips for surviving the holidays with the loss of a pet.

Introducing our new sister publications coming out in March, Integrative Healing magazine for people (and, of course, a pet section!)

CORRESPONDENCE

info@pghpetconnections.com

6/30/19. www.petconnections.pet 11

724 -292-7387

We are also pleased to announce some fun new things that we have in the works for PetConnections!

The Humane Animal Rescue writes about their “Operation Petsburgh” and their commitment to save as many pet lives as possible. Murray Avenue Apothecary explains the use of and many benefits of CBD oil in pets

Dr. Becky Morrow covers vaccinations in your pet.

Bernadette Kazmarski outlines stress behaviors in cats. There are many more great articles this issue. Enjoy!

PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY

focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses

OUR SAP PARTNER:

Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

We will be publishing pictures of your pet from winners of our new weekly social media photo contests! Also new, our membership sign-up button on our Facebook page, where you can receive news about events and contests, special discounts from our advertisers, discount event tickets, join our PetConnections Birthday Club for Pets, submit your story to be published in our Human-Animal Bond section or Remembrance, and more!

We are working with our licensing partner dvm360TM magazine to pair great content! The partnership will mean online national and global exposure for PetConnections magazine!

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF

Carla Mader, Managing Editor

Kara Jones Photography, Photography

Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer

Edward R. Moats, Content Editor

Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager

Edward R. Moats, Media Account Manager

ADVERTISING SALES

This Issue

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Animal Friends’ and CARMAA’s highlighted in our event section.

“dvm360 TM is the veterinary profession’s No. 1 print resource for news, product resources, tools, and practice solutions. dvm360TM captures the voice of the profession and delivers relevant, real-world coverage while meeting the everyday clinical needs of small animal and equine veterinarians.”

Our cover features Manon Farm’s Princess Showcase riding show! See the Equine Affairs section article inside, April Minech! Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be Ginger”, Animal Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition articles, with more great tips, in Feathered Also, we are revisiting Integrative Healing for Pets with Dr. Doug, in our Pet Holistic section.

PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: March, June, September, and special Holiday issue in early December! Our print copy distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much greater than in print with now over 400,000 impressions! To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.

Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center

Our rescue section features Nate’s reptile Rescue. PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about winter safety for pets. Our Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. Equine Hermann writes about Learning from Source.

Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, providing services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections. Be well and we wish you a wonderful Holiday season with your family and pets! Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah!

Kristin Hermann

PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: Early February, May, August, and November. Our distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much greater print with now over 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.

www.petconnections.pet 11

April Minech

Bernadette Kazmarski

Edward R. Moats

Cover Photo: Hayden and Harper Stewart

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.

Warmly,

Carla Mader Publisher

Pittsburgh | Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine

Please submit any correspondence to: pghpetconnections@gmail.com

PetCon Expos

Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet Follow and “Like” us on Facebook!

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Photo By: Erica Stewart

“BonFrog” with Grinch

Surviving the Holiday Season after Losing a Beloved Pet

HOLISTIC PET CARE

HOLISTIC PET CARE CBD for Animals

New Year’s Revolution: 5 Feeding Tips for a Remarkably Healthier Pet in 2022

KITTY KORNER A Bucket of Stress

EQUINE AFFAIRS Dressage Education - Rider’s Be Wary PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Power of the Shot - How Vaccines Save Pet Lives

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Intertwined - A Dog’s Life and the Heart it Belongs To

ByAprilMinech,photocreditDebbieThomas

When we start a new chapter in our lives with an animal, we aren’t always aware of how profoundly that journey will affect us. Sure, we know of the daily thingsfeeding, cuddling, company, probably cutesy nicknames and more pics on our phones than family. But the little niche they carve out in our hearts is the biggest - and most important - part of the adventure.

Topper, a chihuahua from rural Greene County, and Lisa Stoekle, shelter volunteer, have one of those stories. Lisa shared her time helping dogs and was thinking about adopting a pit bull after learning how sweet the bully breed could be and had thoughts of working with the dog towards possibly becoming a therapy pet. She had no plans of even considering a chihuahua, having had them in her family growing up and remembered those particular dogs as being unsocialized and “nasty little things” that no one was allowed to touch or even look at.

experiences became an emotional glue for both of them. The first time she had her large family over for dinner, she shared that she had adopted a dog, and everyone could meet him when they arrived. “They all wondered how this pit bull I planned to adopt would be,” she says. As each member arrived and rang the doorbell, her father would announce “release the hound!” and Topper would come barreling down the steps to smother them with doggie greetings and kisses. “We all had a good laugh and Topper loved all the attention”.

One day while cleaning kennels, she looked up and saw a tiny little guy watching her. “You better eat your food,” she told him. “They’re going to take that away in a few minutes.” The dog looked at her again, then a small puddle formed under him. “I’ll clean that up for you,” she said to him. He watched her mop up from as far back in his cage as he could, then moved to the front as she stepped out and walked down the kennel hall to return the mop. “I’m going to take him outside and hand feed him,” she thought. As they sat under a tree together, the bond formed instantly.

For the next few days, Lisa carried him around the shelter in the crook of her arm, the tiny, timid, almost broken little dog taking comfort in her kindness. She decided to take him home for a cage break to spend the night and as she drove away from the shelter, she told him “You never have to go back there.” The next day she called the shelter to tell the staff what they already knew; she wanted to adopt him. “Come on in,” they said. “We filled the paperwork out last night.

It took some time for Topper to get used to his new life. He mostly slept for the first few weeks decompressing and taking in his new surroundings, and months before the love and patience made him feel like he was finally home. “It was a full year before he found his voice,” Lisa recalls, “and I heard him bark for the first time.”

Slowly, Topper started blossoming with the time and care Lisa put into helping him become comfortable with the world around him. She took him out to meet new people and other little dogs, and to some doggie classes and discovered that he already knew a lot of commands. He tried so hard to please her, and the ever-growing bond that came from those

He would strut around guests and show off when he was in a room full of new people; of course, they were all there to celebrate him. At the pet store, he allowed strangers to hold him while mom ruffled through her things to pay. When he welcomed a man in a wheelchair (which is very scary to a lot of dogs) and sat in his lap, Lisa thought maybe he had the personality to be a therapy dog. Alas, it was not to be. Like expectations for potty training in schools, dog therapy class frowned upon his enjoyment of leg lifting and he moved on to a different career.

Topper loved Lisa’s parents as well. When her dad auditioned for an amateur role in a play called “The Last Romance” (about a couple who meet at a dog park), he jokingly mentioned he could bring his own dog. He got a call saying he didn’t get the part, but would the dog still want a role? They used a stuffed animal up until that point, but once Topper got on stage he really shined. His stage name was “Peaches”, and he took to the part instantly. He became the star of the play and had his own fan club. The actors loved him, he gladly wore the costumes and greeted the audience after each performance.

Topper and Lisa shared many escapades together. He didn’t like to go potty on wet grass, so Lisa would put a tarp in the yard to peel back so he always had a dry spot to use. Neighbors would honk when they drove by and saw “Toppie’s Tarp”, knowing it was a harbinger of bad weather. He had his own chair at the kitchen table, so he didn’t have to look at feet when company came over. He once led a parade.

Sadly, Topper and Lisa’s time together was stopped short in August when his kidneys suddenly failed with no explanation. Brokenhearted, Lisa shared the news in her circle of friends. When word spread of his passing, Lisa received over 60 cards expressing sympathy and sharing stories of how Topper, and watching his connection with Lisa, had touched their lives.

Drop a pebble in the water, Though its end you may not see, It may reach, like widening ripples, Down a long eternity.

ANIMAL FRIENDS, thinkingoutsidethecage.org

2022 PENGUINS & PAWS CHARITY PET CALENDARS ARE ON SALE NOW!

WE’RE THRILLED TO PARTNER WITH THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS FOUNDATION AND EDGAR SNYDER & ASSOCIATES FOR THIS YEAR’S CALENDAR. PRE-ORDER YOURS NOW AT THINKINGOUTSIDETHECAGE.ORG/PENS!

HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE, humaneanimalrescue.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH AND JANUARY 23RD AT 11 AM

CAT CAFÉ BENEFITING THE HUMANE ANIMAL RESCUE OF PITTSBURGH

THREADBARE CIDER AND MEAD - THREADBARE CIDER HOUSE

AnimalFriends is honored to serve our veterans and the brave individuals of our Armed Forces! Through our Animal Friends for Veterans program, we proudly offer:

• Customized matchmaking services and underwritten adoption donations for dogs, cats and rabbits.

• Free, nutritious food through our Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank.

• A 20% discount* on all wellness and vaccines at our Animal Wellness Center.

*Income qualification is required.

• A 10% discount on spay/neuter surgery for any cat or dog living with a veteran in need. *Income qualification is required for non-pit bull breeds.

• Behavior consultation and training classes for owned or recently adopted dogs, cats and rabbits.

• Emergency boarding for dogs, cats or rabbits of veterans in crisis.

Animal Friends for Veterans is currently funded by the Maj. Ben Follansbee Memorial Fund, named for a highly decorated Airborne Ranger, who tragically took his own life in 2012.

To learn more about Animal Friends for Veterans visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/Veterans

Surviving the Holiday Season After Losing a Beloved Pet

ByAmandaDugan-VeterinarySocialWorker

As we all know, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. The to-do lists are extensive, with cooking or baking, multiple family gatherings, shopping, and decorating being just a few items found on peoples’ lists. But what if the holiday season is challenging for you to get through? Whether it be from feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the holiday hustle and bustle, or perhaps the tragic loss of a family member or close friend. What about the loss of a beloved pet?

Pet loss is beginning to become more widely acknowledged; however, we still have a long way to go before it’s where it needs to be. Pet loss in general is hard, but pet loss around the holiday season is even tougher. Why, may you ask? Trying to grieve around the holidays while experiencing other usual stressors brought upon by the season, can make one’s grief complicated. Some people may feel that they are too busy to cry, or show emotion surrounding the loss, or that they just simply don’t have time. While others may not be able to function at all because their grief is just so debilitating. It’s important to remember that everyone grieves differently and that there

is no “correct way” to grieve the loss of a beloved pet. The bonds that we have with our pets are unlike any other bond we have in our lives. They see us when we are at our lowest, most vulnerable points, through our successes and greatest victories, they love us unconditionally, and they rely on us. Most of us don’t step back to think about just how significant our bonds with our beloved pets are, and that for the most part, they’re more than just pets…they’re family. These are all factors that play into the significance of the grief and the emotion that we feel when they cross the Rainbow Bridge.

The holiday season is a busy one for most, and a lot of people feel that they must have “perfect” celebrations for the holidays to be considered successful. When you are grieving the loss of a beloved pet, it’s important to understand that grief is unforgiving and will hit at any time. Unfortunately, grief doesn’t take vacations or sick days. Pet owners who are grieving should be reminded that it’s okay to not be okay, especially around the holidays. When the emotional roller coaster hits, let yourself feel it. Give yourself time to break down or reflect when you

need to. There is nothing wrong with doing this. It is actually very beneficial in helping to process the emotion behind the grief. Some may feel that by doing this, they’re taking steps backwards in moving on, but processing that deep emotion allows for more progress to be made in the long run.

Another thing to keep in mind is to remember to be patient and kind to yourself. You are going through a significant loss, and you don’t have to always have it all together. It’s okay if you don’t bake all those cookies or attend every single event you’re invited too. It may be helpful to some, but others may find that taking it easy is what’s best for them. Whatever works for you, and whatever makes you most comfortable, is what you should do. When you start feeling like the dam is about to break, carve out some you-time. Do something for yourself, whether it be some deep breathing exercises, gratitude practices, reading your favorite book or watching your favorite movie or TV show. Taking this time to give yourself that space to not be okay will help with alleviating some of that emotion so that it doesn’t build and build until it’s overwhelming and pouring out of you in other avenues.

There are many self-care activities that the bereaved could do to help them through a very emotional time of year, such as the holiday season. A big self-care tip would be to plan ahead for what festivities you would like to participate in, and which ones you feel you need to pass on this year. Remember to do

what you feel will be best for you, and what makes you the most comfortable. With that being said, it’s still important to stay connected somehow throughout the holidays. Even a card, or a simple phone call can help with eliminating the risk of isolation in these times.

It may also be helpful to honor your beloved pet(s) by trying to incorporate them into some of the celebrations that you partake in. For example, lighting a candle by their picture(s) during special times over the season can help bring a sense of peace and connection to the beloved pet(s).

Another way to incorporate their memory into your celebrations can be to hang photo ornaments on your tree, or have other customizable knick-knacks made to place around your home for decorations. These can serve as gratitude triggers that can help you reflect on special memories you’ve created in those moments or with the faces you see.

It’s easy for the bereaved to dread the holiday season, especially if the loss just happened. However, it’s extremely important to check in on them and offer love and support. If you or a loved one is struggling, sometimes an empathic listener and a familiar presence could make all the difference. So, reach out this holiday season, and let them know that they are not alone and that someone out there loves and cares about them and what they’re going through.

Take care of yourself this holiday season.

This is Henry and Keisel, two of our many dog donors!

•

RESCUE & SHELTER

Operation Petsburgh

Operation Petsburgh is one of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP)’s most critical and innovative programs. By transporting at-risk animals from areas where resources and medical care are limited to HARP’s East Side and North Side shelters, these dogs and cats are given a second chance at life. The animals then fulfill a great need for more four-legged family members in our community.

One of Operation Petsburgh’s most important elements is the skilled medical staff and expertise provided by Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. All animals arriving via transport undergo a complete medical evaluation and may receive other services, such as behavioral training, needed for a successful adoption. In some of the cases, more extensive medical treatment may be required.

HOLISTIC PET CARE

CBD for Animals

As a Holistic Clinical Pharmacist, I am always looking for holistic and natural approaches to health for people and pets. CBD or Cannabidiol is the perfect natural cannabinoid supplement to compliment good lifestyle choices and the desire for quality of life.

CBD hemp oils have become more common and as mainstream products are being marketed to pet owners, you may ask, “Should I give my Pet CBD oil?”

My answer is a definite “Yes!!!…but” because not all products are created equally and there are some things consumers should be aware of before purchasing a CBD product.

The good news is pets can benefit from CBD in much the same way humans do. Our furry friends, as well as most animals, have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance within the body – including regulation of the communication between cells, the body’s immune response, and autonomic functions like appetite, sleep, and metabolism. Basically, the ECS helps the body maintain itself.

Now you may ask,” How do I choose a CBD Hemp Oil product for my pet?”

First and foremost, you must buy the product from a reputable source. A reputable source is one that does third party lab testing on their finished products and can produce a Certificate of Analysis to prove that the products actually contain what is on the product labels. Since 2015 the FDA

has sent warning letters to CBD manufacturers who claim there is more CBD in the bottle than there actually is. Up to 75% of CBD products were found in one study to be mislabeled and misbranded.

Our LabNaturals CBD Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp Oils have proven zero THC per third party testing, which makes them an excellent choice, especially dogs who are naturally much more sensitive to THC’s psychotropic effects.

Second, make sure to purchase CBD oil from a business with professional expertise in health, wellness, and supplementation. It is also important to have someone check your animal’s medications for potential interactions. Finding a pharmacist well versed in both CBD and pet medications is best to be sure that all information is accurate. We are animal Compounding Experts at Murray Ave Apothecary.

At LabNaturals CBD, we are pharmacists for humans and our furry family members and we have done our research into the exciting new world of CBD and cannabinoid supplementation. If you have questions, we will always do our best to answer them as completely as possible. We ensure the purity, consistency, and safety of all our products and compounds because that is exactly what you and your pets deserve.

Susan Merenstein, Pharmacist/Owner

LabNaturals CBD

4227A Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 421-4996

& WELLNESS

The Power of the Shot - How Vaccines Save Pet Lives

ByBeckyL.Morrow,DVM

As a pet parent, I’m sure you have gone to the vet to get your dog or cat her “shots,” but do you know how they protect your pet or what diseases are being prevented? Being a shelter vet and facing the reality of outbreaks that can wipe out entire populations gives me a unique perspective on how many lives can be saved by vaccinating. Before we discuss what diseases the vaccines are protecting your furry family members against, let’s cover how they work, in general, and why puppies and kittens need so many “boosters.”

Vaccines essentially “trick” our immune system into thinking a foreign invader, usually a virus, has entered the body. While it seems rude to prank our immune systems, there is a very good reason for doing so. After the immune system builds up defenses to “fight off” the perceived “infection,” it remembers the invader and can respond much more rapidly in the future when the real virus attacks. It would be like the FBI having a picture of a criminal and using facial recognition software to stop him right after he enters the door - before he can do any harm. Because law enforcement knows what the intruder looks like ahead of time, they have a whole team of officers ready when he breaks into the building. The police force represents the antibodies and specialized cells that are standing and waiting to respond to a pathogen after the individual has been vaccinated. Without vaccines, it would be like the criminal enters the building with no one to stop him. Not only that, more and more criminals keep entering, unchecked. They may be eventually stopped by the police force, but not before they caused destruction of the property.

So why do we give puppies and kittens (and babies!) a series of booster shots? The reason is that young animals have some limited immunity that they acquired, mainly through nursing, in the form of “maternal antibodies.” While the maternal antibodies are present, they will fight off the invader before the puppy or kitten can develop their own immune response (antibodies and specialized cells that will attack). Since there is no way of knowing exactly how long the maternal antibodies will remain active in the system, we need to keep giving the booster shots until an age where we know they cannot interfere with the vaccine working.

Typically, in puppies and kittens with homes, we give booster shots every three to four weeks until about 14 weeks of age, but in shelters and rescues, where the risks of exposure to infectious diseases are much higher, we give boosters every two weeks (the shortest time between vaccines that will still give a full immune response) and for a longer duration. In some cases, as with the rabies vaccine, there is not a booster until one year later, mainly because it is not given until a bit later in the pet’s life (12 weeks of age in most cases based on Pennsylvania state law).

Now let’s talk about the core vaccines that all pets need. Rabies is certainly a disease that everyone knows about. It is invariably fatal, and all animals need to be protected against it for their benefit as well as the benefit of humans. Rabies vaccines either contain “killed virus” and a chemical called an adjuvant

to cause the immune system to take notice, or a recombinant vaccine, where a small piece of the rabies virus is connected to a harmless virus that allows the immune system to respond without illness. After the initial one-year booster, the killed vaccine can be administered every three years, while the recombinant vaccine may be boosted in one to two years.

What is often called the “distemper vaccine” for dogs and cats is actually very different in each species. The core vaccine for dogs, often abbreviated as DA2LP2, helps to protect them from canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, leptospirosis, canine hepatitis, and upper respiratory viruses (adenovirus and paramyxovirus). Distemper and parvovirus are especially frightening for a puppy or even an unvaccinated adult dog to get since they are oftentimes fatal infections. Even with intensive care dogs can die from the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological disease associated with distemper and the vomiting and diarrhea that leads to blood infections and severe dehydration. Leptospirosis causes kidney and liver disease and can also infect humans, another important reason we vaccinate animals against it.

Feline “distemper” vaccine, or FVRCP, includes protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis (or feline herpesvirus), feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus. Just as with the canine parvovirus, feline parvovirus (also called panleukopenia) causes vomiting and severe diarrhea that can lead to death through septicemia (bacteria in the blood stream) and dehydration. Parvoviruses are highly contagious, requiring only a small amount of virus that is passed in the stool for exposure. Unfortunately, parvoviruses also can remain infectious in the environment for many, many months. Just like with the human flu shot, a cat vaccinated against calicivirus, and herpesvirus can still get infected, but tend to have much less severe symptoms.

Other non-core vaccinations can be selected based on specific risk factors for your pet. Some owners choose to get a Lyme vaccine for their dog if they have problems with ticks. Many people have their dog vaccinated against “kennel cough,” which includes protection against the bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, as well as the upper respiratory viruses. As the name implies, it is mainly for dogs going to kennels or doggy daycares and is very important in shelters as well. Although mostly used in shelter settings, some kenneled dogs are also vaccinated against canine influenza, a virus that can cause respiratory infections including pneumonia. Cats that go outdoors or have potential exposure to cats with an unknown FeLV status, should definitely be vaccinated against feline leukemia virus. This is a fatal disease in many cats, that is easily preventable. Although there is a vaccine for FIV and FIP, neither vaccine is recommended by specialists or the vast majority of veterinarians.

While this article is just a brief overview of the topic, I hope it gives you a better understanding of vaccines and how they can keep our pets healthy. Remember to talk to your veterinarian to determine what is right for Fluffy or Fido based on their health status and risks.

DIRECTORIES

ANIMAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

North:

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org

The National Aviary nationalaviary.org

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Renee Takacs, M.A., | intuitguide.com

ANIMAL-RELATED ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & RETAIL

April Minech Custom Portraits | Pet Inspired Art www.ladybugdelightz.etsy.com

North:

Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography 412-983-0981, https://www.facebook.com/ Behind-the-Lenz-127787624032093/

Buzzy Photography 412-371-5212 | anita@buzzyphoto.com

South:

Kara Jones Photography, kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear, PawsnClawsEyewear.com

ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

North:

Animal Friends

412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org

Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 | www.beavercountyhumanesociety.

org

Frankie’s Friend Rescue 724-889-7011 | www.frankies-friends.org

Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue, 724-869-9185

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org

South:

Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org

Droopy’s Basset Rescue 888-9 GET DROOL | www.droopysbassetrescue. com

Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org

Animals Against the Odds Rescue/Rehab www.aato.rescueme.org

East:

Humane Animal Rescue 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org

HAR Wildlife Center 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org

SW PA Pugs with Special Needs 724-763-2790 | swpapug.org

West:

CARMAA, 412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area: SPAAR, www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org

Guardian Angels Pug Rescue, 724-537-3466 www.facebook.com/guardianangelspugrescue

Humane Society of Greene County 724-627-9988 | greenepet.org

PEARL Parrot Rescue, www.pearlparrots.com

BIRD & SUPPLIES

Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com

DOG TRAINING

North:

AKIN Family Dog Training (Lilian Akin) 412-732-8091 | akinfdt.net

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Happy Pets Training/Christine Flint 412-373-9583 | www.happypetstraining.com

Success Just Clicks, successjustclicks.com

North Shore:

South:

Paula’s Professional Dog Services, 412-818-2482

DOG TRAINING CLUBS

South:

Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club 412-220-8100 | www.thecanineclub.com

Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club 412-653-6880 | gtotc.com

Keystone Canine Training 412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com

Xcel Canine Training Center 412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com

EQUINE BOARDING, LESSONS & TRAINING FACILITIES

North:

Rockin’ Horse Stables 724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com

South:

Coventry Equestrian Center, 724-206-9902

Manon’s Farm, 724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260

SydMor Equestrian Center 724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com

EQUINE FEED & SUPPLY

AGWAY - SOUTHERN STATES

North:

Mount Nebo Agway, Sewickley, PA | 412-364-4430

Beaver Agway, Beaver, PA | 724-775-0535

Mars Agway, Mars PA | 724-625-2340

South:

Eighty Four Agway, Eighty Four, PA | 724-222-0600

East:

Ligonier Agway, Ligonier, PA | 724-238-6207

West:

Imperial Agway, Imperial, PA | 724-695-7388

EQUINE HOLISTIC CARE

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

EQUINE TACK STORES

North:

Shady Acres Saddlery 412-963-9454 | www.shadyacressaddlery.biz

South:

Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com

EQUINE VETERINARIANS

Dr. Brian Burks, DVM - Fox Run Equine Center 724-727-3481 | foxrunequine.com

HOLISTIC PET PRACTITIONERS

Pet Chiropractor

North:

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Greater Pittsburgh:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

EASE Animal Massage 412-447-8490 | www.easeanimalmassage.com

HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS FOR GUARDIANS

East End:

Judith Levy, Coaching/Energy Modalities 412-726-2659 | www.judithlevycoaching.com

South:

HOLISTIC VETERINARIANS

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Dr. Qiang Li VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500

PET BURIAL, MEMORIAL & CREMATION SERVICES

South:

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws

Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz

Greater Pittsburgh: Thousand Hills Pet Crematory 724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory. com

Sunny Acres 412-292-6701 | sunnyacres.6@gmail.com

PET GROOMING

North:

All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info

Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620 | Happytailzpetspa.com

Healthy Pet Grooming 724-759-7567

Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | Larryslaundromutt.com

South:

Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com

East:

Animal Elegance

412-361-1177 | www.animal-elegance.com

Cat Around Town Cat Grooming 412-466-7877 (PURR) | cataroundtown.com

West:

Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson), 724-225-4827

PET FRIENDLY BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS

Bactronix, 412-375-7886 | www.bactronix.com

Good Nature Organic Lawn Care

888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com

Simple Sugars Scrub, Simplesugarsscrub.com

UBS Financial Services

412-665-1914 | lee.oleinick@ubs.com

Village Shoppes Scenery Hill

Elves Lair Christmas & Gifts, Jan’s Tea Shoppe - 2nd Street Coffee Roasters, Velvet Envelope, Westerwald Pottery, Two Old Crows, www.sceneryhillpa. com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Fragasso Financial Advisors 412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com

J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement 724-746-8870 | www.jdwaterproofing.com

Matt Arch Foundation, www.connectarian.com

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com

OxyMagic, 412-781-4110 | www.oxypgh.com

Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh 412-342-0500 | www.komenpittsburgh.org

Locations:

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh Southwest 710 Trumbull Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205

412-276-WAGS (9247)

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh North 2327 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-931-WAGS (9247)

Camp Bow Wow Highland Park 1325 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-362-PLAY (7529)

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh East 1610 McClure Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15146

724-733-CAMP (2267)

North:

Baskets of Nature

The Dog Stop - Sewickley

Lucky Paws Pet Resort

South:

Grandma’s Dog Daycare

Dog stop - North 724-935-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net

412-766-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net

724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com

412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com

Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa 724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com

The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd.

724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com

Dig It Collars, dig-it-store.com

Trixie’s Dog Fashions www.trixiesdogfashions.com

O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel, www.O2Dermpet.com

PET SITTERS

North

412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net

Furry Family Pet Sitting 412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com

Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care

Home & Farm Sitting 724-219-7801 | Noboarders-petcare.com

South:

Pets at Home

412-655-7297 (PAWS)

East:

Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover) 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

VETERINARY HOSPICE & MOBILE SERVICES

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

East

Pittsburgh East Nissan 412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com

Unique Home Solutions www.uniquehomesolutions.com

South: Southpointe Chamber, www.southpointe.net

PET-FRIENDLY LIVING

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pinch Property Services 412-445-8550 | PinchPropertyServices.com

East:

The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm www.glenhighlandgetaway.com

South:

American Destiny Real Estate Services 412-983-2220 | www.adr-usa.com

Amore 877-716-6840 | amoreapartments.com

PET GROOMING SCHOOLS

North: Pa Academy of Pet Grooming, 412-759-7620

PET MINISTRIES

South:

Christ United Methodist Church 412-277-1096 | christumc.net

Westminster Presbyterian Church 412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org

Camp Bow Wow, www.CampBowWow.com

PET RESORTS - BOARDING, DAYCARE, GROOMING & TRAINING

East:

Pampered Paw Resort

724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com

Pittsburgh Pet Concierge

412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

The Dog Stop - Monroeville

The Dog Stop - East End

The Dog Stop - East: Strip District

412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net

412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net

412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net

Country Lane Pet Hotel

Walkers Pet HoTail

724-327-7297 | www.WalkersPetHoTail.com

West:

Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort

724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

PET RETAIL/SUPPLY

North:

Oddball Pets & Aquariums

412-884-2333 | oddballpets.com

Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com

East:

Petagogy, petagogy.com | 412-362-7387

Petland East Side Village

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Asgard Raw Dog and Cat Food 412-408-3355 | www.asgard-raw.com

Doggone Awesome Pet Services, 724-212-0427 www.doggoneawesomepetservices.com

VETERINARY PHARMACIES

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Murray Avenue Apothecary 412-421-4996 | MAApgh.com

412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com

412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com

North:

VETERINARY HOSPITALS

Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center 412-884-3162 | www.cheyennevet1.com

VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com

South:

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital – Washington location 724-503-4887 | www.aapvet.com

All Life Veterinary Clinics, 724-381-3446

East:

The Big Easy Animal Hospital 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com

Monroeville Pet Hospital 412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com

VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY SERVICES

North/South:

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc.

412-366-3400 | 724-809-2000 pvs-ec.com

List your business today! pghpetconnections@gmail.com

Frankie Friends Veterinary Services 724-889-7011 | www.frankies-friends.org/low-costveterinary-services 724-889-7011

KITTY KORNER

A Bucket of Stress

ByBernadetteKazmarski

A cat is confident one moment and the next is acting defensive or fearful. A normally friendly and happy cat is suddenly beating the crap out of a housemate. Kitty is obviously enjoying a good petting from head to tail, then BITE. What changed the dynamic?

Some people think you’re joking when you talk about cat stress, thinking of the domesticated indoor feline who sleeps 22 hours a day (really it’s right around 16, but that still seems like a lot), has someone else clean her toilet, and only has to worry that the pull-tabs work on all her cans of food.

And yet behavioral studies have, well, “stressed” the prevalence of feline “stress”, not only in observing and interpreting their behavior but in setting up their “household” with these things in mind.

Cats don’t experience the world as we do, so in order to understand we need to think like cats for a bit. Cats are very close to their original biology even though they are domesticated animals and have lived with humans for tens of thousands of years. They react to their indoor life through the eyes of a cat living outdoors without all the accouterments we give them, where they are not only predator but also prey to other animals, where ensuring their safety from predators and other dangers—just staying alive—is the most important thing on their agenda, food and reproduction coming after that.

This is what makes deciphering cats so difficult—when we’ve taken care of their safety we think they know they don’t have to look over their shoulders all through the day. But they are still compelled by biology to do just that because, living in nature, a good bit of their time is actually spent ensuring that their territory is safe, and monitoring it to ensure it stays that way, patrolling it, rubbing their faces on some things and scratching on others to leave their scent and physical marks for themselves and other passersby.

This routine is imprinted on their behavior, and they need to follow this daily pattern even inside your house. If one part of the routine is prevented or unavailable or changes, they feel the stress of a threat to their personal safety. And just like humans, one stressful thing can pile atop another, and another, and…where individually a cat could deal with each stressor, several at once can be overwhelming, and, just like humans, they have a little meltdown. Or a big one.

How did we not see it coming? We know that cats hide pain as a biological response to preserving their own safety—they also hide stress and fear for the same reason. You may never know these things are a problem until your cat starts up with some odd or destructive behavioral issues that seem to come out of nowhere without careful observation.

The sources of cats’ stress have been discovered and confirmed with behavioral studies of cats. Dr. Marci L. Koski, Certified Feline Behavior & Training Consultant and owner of Feline Behavior Solutions, described thinking about your cats as having a “stress bucket.” Stressful things can go into the bucket from various sources:

“When the stress bucket overflows, that’s when problems start cropping up,” says Dr. Koski. “You can let stress out of the bucket by turning down the faucet letting things in (correcting/reducing the stressors themselves) or turn on a spigot to let stress out (through play, etc.).”

She noted that the size of the stress bucket is variable for different cats – “older cats typically have smaller stress buckets, for example.” Not only can you try to remove some stressors, like changing the litterbox setup or blocking the view of outdoor animals, but you can also add to your cat’s day with fun things that help distract them from the stressful issue and, in time, help them adjust:

Don’t underestimate “boredom” as a stressor. A cat’s daily activities in nature, patrolling her territory, marking things with her scent and marks, includes climbing trees, visiting other cats and possibly even people, then the whole process of hunting for food—cats are actually very busy animals. They sleep many hours to help them rest after periods of intense activity. “Boredom” happens when nature tells them to do these things, but there is no opportunity to do so, and no opportunity to work off the energy the body provides to spend on that active time, and that’s when cats either eat too much, or get in trouble.

Matching up the best relief activity for the stress can take some tinkering, but it all starts with observation. Watch your cats closely at any time, not just when they have behavioral issues. Get a baseline on how they act when they are confident, and when they act out, start with looking at what is different about the situation.

If they enjoyed two pets but bit you on the third, try petting them only twice, then stopping to tell them how much you love them before resuming.

If two cats start having conflicts, where and when does it happen?

Don’t set up areas or buy toys you think they will like, choose them by observing their own natural preferences.

And remember, they’re not just being jerks, there’s always a reason behind their behavior. If working to relieve stressors doesn’t work, a call to a certified cat behaviorist or a visit to the veterinarian is in order.

CAT RESOURCE GUIDE

CLINIC REGISTRATION

FREE CLINICS (ferals only)

11/13 – in memory of John E. Fitzgerald and his cat Fitzy 12/11 – open for sponsorship

FAST TRACK CLINICS

Pet/friendly cats: Females $55, Males $40

Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs

TNR AND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PITTSBURGH AREA

Homeless Cat Management Team

207 Allegheny St., PO Box 100203, Tarentum, PA 15084, 412-321-4060 http://www.homelesscat.org/

FeralCatsandRescuedCats.Feralcatsmustarriveinahumanetrap.Check thewebsiteforclinicdates.Allappointmentsmustbemadebycallingthe phonenumber.Nowalk-ins.Ferals:$30.00FastTrack,no-chargeatfreeclinics. RescuedCats:Females$55.00,Males$40.00Bothincluderabies,earmiteandflea treatments.Otherservicesavailable.

Homeless Cat Management Clinic Schedule through July to December

Our clinic is located at 207 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, PA 15084. All appointments include surgery, pain medicine, rabies vaccine and flea treatment.

Fix ‘Ur Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic

LowCostSpayNeuterWashingtonCounty,Inc.,DBAFix‘UrCat 18WestPikeStreet,Canonsburg,PA 1531

BY PHONE: call 412-321-4060 and leave a message. Please include your name and phone number in your message. Someone will return your call and complete your pre-registration. HCMT is all volunteer and this may take some time. Clinics fill up quickly and it’s best to call at least two weeks in advance of the clinic you want to attend. BY EMAIL: Email cathomeless@gmail.com with your name, number of spots you need and which date you are registering for. You will receive a confirmation email ONLY if you are registered. NOTE: dates may be added and are subject to change.

Pet/Freiendly cats includes rabies vaccine and flea treatment: Female $55, Males $40

• East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Upper St. Clair NEW

• East End • South Hills • Strip District • • Monroeville • Wexford • Upper St. Clair NEW

City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents CityofPittsburghoffersfivefreespays/neuterstoallcityresidents http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/animal-control/spay-neuter.html

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties SHELTER PROGRAMS

Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County) Packagesat$65and$85

CallFaithforAvailableDatesandAppointments (724)941-5683press1

Low-cost spay/neuter and animal services in and around Allegheny County

More dates may be announced and dates are subject to change. Check www.homelesscat.org/clinic-info for the most up to date information.

North Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic

Call724-405-7FIX(7349)foranappointment.Spay/neuterclinicsareby appointmentonly.Pets:$60forfemales,$50formalesFerals:$50 Downloadandcompleteapplication,mailinforappointment. https://www.fixurcat.org/spay-and-neuter/

E-Mail:faith.b2@verizon.net http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/

*Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19.

Animal Friends https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/pet-care/spay-neuter/ Pet/friendlycats:$65spayorneuter,includespainmedication–vaccinesrequire areanadditionalfee.

Feral/OutdoorPackage:$50,includespainmedication,rabies,FVRCP,eartipand

Frankie’s Friends 7305thAvenue,NewKensington,PA15068,724-889-7011

This is an ever-changing list of resources for pet owners in Pittsburgh and beyond including low-cost spay and neuter programs for pets as well as TNR for community cats, after-hours emergency care, help with veterinary bills, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. This information is provided for reference only and subject to change without notice. Please contact the organization or agency before using their services.

3967WilliamFlinnHwy,AllisonPark,PA15101,412-213-7353

Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet

Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip)

Love That Cat (online search) http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

OpenMonday-Friday.Nolongerofferingwalk-inservicesforferals. Pet/TNR:Spay$56,Neuter$37,visitwebsitefordetailsandscheduling. Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedicaltreatments. https://spayaz.com/locations/pittsburgh-north-hills/

Byappointmentonly,nowalk-ins.Usewebsiteorcalltoschedule. http://www.frankies-friends.org/

Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh

Spay/neuterforpet/feralcats:Neuter$50,Spay$65,includesrabies,earmite treatment,fleatreatment.Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedical treatments.

Reimbursespartialfundstohelpspay/neuterferalcats

http://www.spayusa.org/search.php

Spay and Neuter Early, a Humane Alliance Campaign http://www.whentospay.org/get-your-pet-fixed

Get Your Fix.org

http://getyourfix.org/

ASPCA searchable map of low-cost clinics in US & Canada https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ low-cost-spayneuter-programs

http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency

Walk-in,urgent,emergencycareaswellassurgeriesandregularwellness 560McNeillyRd.,PittsburghPA15226,Phone:412-998-9030,Fax:412-998-9034

Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society)

Humane Animal Rescue, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League) www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org

www.washingtonpashelter.org www.butlercountyhs.org www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS BY STATE (UNITED STATES)

VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center

EQUINE AFFAIRS

Dressage Education - Rider’s Be Wary

byKristinHermann

I came to Pittsburgh in 1978 to train with one of the only dressage trainers in the United States. I found him in the back of a Dressage & Ct magazine and put together that he was just outside Pittsburgh, and so was my grandmother. I interviewed one Easter weekend, totally intimidated by his European accent and lambskin winter coat. Needless to say, I got the job! Who doesn’t need an enthusiastic young adult in their barn?

At that time, dressage was just surfacing in the United States. The United States Dressage Association, or USDF, was founded in 1973, and our first local GMO was founded, I believe, 1976. Since then, I have been educating myself.

At the time, I attended as many clinics as I could, and back then, we got many older European men who taught the “classics.” Nowadays, when you attend a clinic, it can be anybody! America is the melting pot of everything!

So many European trainers have infiltrated American Dressage you never know what you are going to get. There are basically three dressage styles worldwide: the German method which the USDF has adopted, the French style, and then the baroque or Spanish. So, when one goes to clinics, you have to decipher which method you will experience. Or you can read about that person’s bio.

As far as taking lessons, we have to be careful where we choose our training or teacher because nowadays everyone says they teach dressage. But do they show dressage, do they actually train dressage, do their students show, or do they just let the trainer show their horse? And do they actually know what dressage training is? There are so many variables when it comes to trainer and student.

I have found that most students choose a trainer because they click with that trainer’s style or personality. And often, it is just logistics like travel time to the barn. But

other than just putting your expectations into one trainer as your education guideline, all students of dressage should read the classics. You mean I can’t just see it on YouTube, I have to engage my mind by reading?

When I came to Pittsburgh to learn dressage, I was given a list of books to study. I still have those books all underlined and highlighted. Now maybe I am old fashioned, but reading is still a good experience. And all of these books were written by what we call the classicists. Today there are so many books, how could anyone know where to begin, every trainer has a book!

Many aspiring riders flock to the teacher with the highest dressage scores or the one that competes the most. But that “teacher” could be borrowing a horse that someone else trained just for scores. The question is, are they truly invested in your education or their own success? You have to figure it out.

You can tell when a trainer has a passion for teaching and not just their own elevation. At least, I hope you can. Just because you can show, and win does not mean you can teach! We have teachers, riders, and trainers; rarely do you find these three qualities in one person.

The American Riding Instructors Association published in their fall 2021 issue an article about Ten Tips to Teaching Students to Learn, I thought I would share it here. And reading it inspired the thoughts above. Caveat Emptor….

RidingInstructorMagazine-Fall2021: https://issuu.com/americanridinginst/docs/riding_ instructor_-_fall_2021_-_final/12 Anothergoodresourceforthosewhoreallywant educationisfromtheUSDFhttps://yourdressage.org

In Loving Memory of Topper

15th Year Anniversar y

There is a special place in the southern suburbs of Pittsburgh that is open, cozy, and tranquil respite from the bustle of the surrounding community. Affording beatific vistas of rolling hills and wooden glens that wrap around friendly nearby neighborhoods. Jefferson Memorial Cemetery has provided a a peaceful resting place since 1929 when it was founded by Harry C. Neel.

Jefferson Memorial Park was founded in 1929 and passed down to his only son, John D. Neel, who is credited with the growth and innovation that has made Jefferson Memorial what it is today. John’s eldest son, also Harry C. Neel, currently runs the business as President and CEO. Harry’s oldest daughter, Dagny V.N. Fitzpatrick, joined the sales department of Jefferson Memorial and is now Vice President in charge of Family Services. Harry’s second daughter, Whitney R. Neel, joined the Funeral Home team in 2013 and will become the family’s 1st Funeral Director upon completion of her mortuary degree in December 2016.

Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Facts

• A fully handicap accessible facility

• 18,500 square feet of floor space, beautifully decorated in Williamsburg décor

• 5 visitation rooms

• Hospitality room and lounge with parquet hardwood flooring

• East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford

• Lighted parking lot that holds 178 cars with 6 handicap accessible parking spots

Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Facts

• A chapel with vaulted ceiling and cushioned pews to seat up to 115 people

• A children’s room that offers parents and guardians the ability to express their condolences without a babysitter (adult supervision is required)

• Jefferson cemetery consists of 340 owned acres with 170 acres developed and 180 acres available for future development

• 1500 average annual interments

• 38 traditional ground burial gardens including 4 lawn crypt sections for double depth burials

• 14 mausoleum cremation niche units

• 14 gardens that contain cremation niches

• 24 garden statues of bronze or marble

The Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial

• Mausoleum Crypt spaces constructed for casketed burial that includes 5 separate buildings and 4 private mausoleums

Unlike many cemeteries and funeral home’s today, Jefferson Memorial has a place dedicated to our furry friends that’s open, cozy and, tranquil – The Garden of Faithful Friends. Within the garden is the Faithful Friends Mausoleum, which houses crypt spaces for your pet, and unlike any other cemetery in the area, space for you and your pet. In that same building are niche spaces for pet and human cremated remains.

The mausoleum is an elegant visual feature that expresses meaningful sayings and showcases people with their pets. Like a full-service funeral home, Jefferson Memorial offers visitation opportunities to all pet families.

We at Jefferson believe that a pet who gave love and loyalty through life deserves the respect and dignity of having their remains placed in a lasting and final resting place, just as you would your human counterpart, for they too are a part of the family.

We have developed a distinctive pet room that consists of an arrangement room, a display room for caskets, urns and memorials, as well as a visitation room. Our before needs representatives and Family Service team aim to serve our pet families in every way we can.

We all love our pets and want to know they are in a safe and respectful place. Our Garden of Faithful Friends allows your pet to stay at your side forever. It truly represents our motto – Family is at the Heat of Everything We Do.

For more information on how we can help you in your pets time of need, please reach out to our trained professional representatives at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz or call us directly at 412.655.4500.