Pittsburgh petconnections sept oct 2017 digital edition

Live Stingray Encounter

is one of several new attractions at the 2017 Pittsburgh Pet Expo.

“Pittsburgh Pet Expo” Entertains November

3 - 5 at Convention Center

Largest pet expo on East Coast features competitions, celebrities, demonstrations & adoptions

Gather the family – along with the family dog, cat or even ferret on a leash – and head to the Pittsburgh Pet Expo presented by Healthy Pet Products November 3 - 5 for continuous entertainment, celebrities, samples and seminars at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pet Expo will feature competitions, celebrity meet-and-greets, demonstrations, shows, adoptions, giveaways, photos with Santa and much more. Two full acres of pet-related fun will set the scene for three days of non-stop entertainment and 200+ exhibitor booths.

New in 2017

Cat Show

Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Food & Litter presents The International Cat Association’s World of Cats when 50+ breeds will compete in the largest cat show to take place in Pittsburgh in decades!

Pet lovers can celebrate their affection for animals of all types – from dogs and cats to birds and fish to snakes and turtles to rabbits and potbellied pigs — at the largest pet expo on the East Coast.

The three-day extravaganza will features a costume contest, daring dock diving dogs, “Rescue Me Rodeo Round Up” grooming competition, “Ask the Vet” sessions with experts from Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital, educational programs by “That Guy with the Birds” Kenny Sprouse, demonstrations by Steel City Reptile Expo and plenty more entertainment.

Stingray Encounter

The world’s only self-contained stingray exhibit will offer an opportunity to safely view and touch these wonderful creatures during this unique hands-on educational experience.

Cutest Pet Photo Booth

Meet the winner of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2017 Cutest Pet Contest. Also, pose with your pet to see what you would look like on the cover of Pittsburgh Magazine’s “cutest pet” issue.

Adoption Opportunities

Looking to add a new member to the family? Whether you’re considering adopting a playful kitten or a mature canine companion, opportunities will abound. Representatives from local animal shelters and breed rescue groups will serve as “matchmakers” to help you find the perfect four-legged friend.

Expo Favorites

Pets on a leash are welcome to attend throughout the weekend – and enjoy many opportunities to take part in the festivities, including:

Costume Contest – Dress up your pet and compete for prizes at the ever-popular Pet Costume Contest. Val Porter of 102.5 DVE will serve as emcee of the Sunday afternoon competition for dogs of all sizes and competitors of all species. Complete contest rules and registration form are available at PghPetExpo.com.

Pet Photos with Santa – He’s making a list…and checking it twice…and spending three days at the Pittsburgh Pet Expo! Create a lasting memory by placing your pet on Santa’s lap for a special holiday photo.

Free Treats & Giveaways – Your beloved pet can sniff out the best deal at the Pet Expo – free samples and giveaways at many vendor booths throughout the Convention Center.

The Pittsburgh Pet Expo is presented by Healthy Pet Products and is sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals, Rachel Ray Nutrish, Fromm Family Pet Food, Dollar Bank, UPMC Health Plan, Hands On Grooming Gloves, the Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Humane Animal Rescue, Pittsburgh PetConnections, iHeartRADIO and Yelp.

For more information visit PghPetExpo.com

PET EXPO AT A GLANCE

November 3-5

Friday, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Downtown Pittsburgh Admission

$10 adults

$9 seniors (55 & up)

$9 active military

FREE children 10 years and younger

HALF PRICE ADMISSION for everyone

Friday evening compliments of Rachel Ray Nutrish.

DISCOUNT OFFER: Spend $10 at either Healthy Pet Products location October 1 - November 5 and receive 2 FREE tickets to the show.

Human-Animal Bond

Even the Tiniest of Pets are Remembered at Pet Memorial Sunday Ceremony

”What is the smallest pet you’ve cremated?” is a question Deb Chebatoris, owner of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation, is often asked when talking with families about arrangements for their pet’s cremation. Until recently, goldfish and sugar gliders were the 1A and 1B of the smallest pets....until Maxwell.

Maxwell was a fire-bellied newt and lived a happy little life with his human, going everywhere with her. Travel was made easy due to his size, for Maxwell was about the size of a quarter. He was bright eyed and inquisitive.

However, after 12 years, he finally succumbed to an illness and his family wanted to have him cremated so they could keep him with them still. The family called and asked if it was possible to cremate a newt. “I could see no reason why he could not be cremated,” Deb said, so he was brought to Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation wrapped in a paper towel and carefully placed in a little box.

“I am always amazed at how perfectly our pets are fashioned and being in this profession, I see that even the very smallest of pets, is perfect.” Deb continued. “To say a family was pleased at the outcome of the cremation always sounds a bit odd, but after you appreciate the detail that it takes to perform a cremation this small, you can see the loving care and concern that is a part of every cremation performed at Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation.”

“Caring for people who love their pets”

“Last year a military couple got the sad news while on deployment that their dog had passed away while being cared for by a family

By Bernadette Kazmarski

member,” said Deb. The couple searched for a place they felt comfortable to cremate their beloved animal companion. When they returned from their deployments they flew from the east coast to the Midwest where they retrieved their dog, rented a car and drove nine hours to bring their dog’s body to Deb for an attended cremation though they had never been to the Pittsburgh area, and then drove 7 hours to get home. “They chose my service after an exhaustive internet search of pet cremation services from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River,” Deb said.

While this couple had never heard of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation, they chose CCPC because of the level of care they could see was given to both the pets and the people, from accommodating their time schedule with an attended cremation to the beautiful handmade cloth bag and silk rose they were able to take home, a part of every cremation done by Deb at her facility in Bridgeville. Deb’s been providing this compassionate type of service as well as support to her families all over Western Pennsylvania for 12 years, and that’s how she knows the importance of a remembrance ceremony for pets we’ve lost.

Which is one of the reasons Deb hosts a Pet Memorial Sunday ceremony each September.

As part of the ceremony three speakers discuss our relationships with our pets before and after their death: “Our Last Moments Together”, “Our Grief Response” and “The Joy of Pets: Adopting Again After Loss”.

Families add their part to the ceremony

Pet owners in attendance were also invited to offer their own “Words of Tribute” which are read by the speakers as part of the ceremony. Participants’ tributes share with all attending what was so very special about their departed pet.

While holding a lit candle, attendees were given a Release Recitation focusing on the transition from being in this life to being a treasured memory.

Pet Memorial Sunday Remembrance Ceremony

The second Sunday of September was set aside as a time to remember our pets by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories. Deb has hosted a ceremony on Pet Memorial Sunday since 2005 for families who have lost a pet.

“Our society does not normally have a ritual to help families transition through the loss of a pet. This event is an effort to meet that need,” said Deb.

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation hosted its annual Pet Memorial Day remembrance ceremony on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Melrose Cemetery in Bridgeville. Anyone who is dealing with grief over the loss of a pet was welcome to attend.

The dove release

One of the most touching parts of the ceremony is the dove release. To symbolize letting go, a single white dove is offered to each person to touch. Each touch is a final goodbye, a transfer of the family member’s grief and a release of the soul of their beloved pet as the dove rises to the sky.

A permanent remembrance

After the ceremony pet owners participated in submitting their pet’s photo and tribute which, along with photos and remarks from this year’s event, were made into a video/slideshow, the “Tribute Scroll”, added to the CCPC website for families who wished to remember the day and share it with family and friends. The 2017 Tribute Scroll as well as Tribute Scrolls from past years can be viewed at www.ccpc.ws/ tribute-scroll/.

To find out more about Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation please visit www.ccpc.ws or call Deb Chebatoris at 412-220-7800.

CARMAA

Dogtoberfest

October 7th

Carmaa-petadoption.com

Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh 9th Annual Paws for the Cure

October 8th

pittsburgh.info-komen.org

Animal Friends

Muttster Mash

October 21st

Thinkingoutsidethecage.org

Humane Animal Rescue

Jam On Walnut

October 21st

HumaneAnimalRescue.org

Bird Fair

Pittsburgh

October 22nd

Pittsburgh Pet Expo

November 3-5th

Pghpetexpo.com

wwwbasketsofnature.com

Phone: 724.831.9437

Email: contact@basketsofnature.com

Featured Organization

Premier Pet Care and Rehabilitation

An Integrative Pet Care Center

By April Minech

PITTSBURGH PREMIER

Pet Care & Rehabilitation

Is your pet not feeling their best? Let Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care and Rehabilitation fix that!

Of course, we want what’s best for our pets, and learning about all the options available to them is a great way to start. Most of us are familiar with basic issues that our pets need help dealing with, such as those itchy, licky spots (official name: lick granuloma), arthritis, lumps and bumps, and common surgeries. While you probably know about antibiotics and surgery, have you heard of laser therapy? The good doctors at Premier Pet offer integrative care with many holistic and nonsurgical treatments that have been proven to work, in addition to their excellent standard of care.

Dr. JJ Patlola is the founder of Premier. A dedicated and brilliant veterinarian, He completed his D.V.M in 2004. He did his Masters in Dept. of Animal Science, University of Vermont. During his masters he did research work on the effects of vaccination on the immune status of neonates. His recommendations are very useful in the field. Dr JJ sharpened his skills using state of the art, cutting edge techniques. He is a well-known and highly regarded veterinarian in the area. He also developed expertise in performing stem cell therapies and offered those services to numerous clients with great success. Through the years he developed a strong interest in canine rehabilitation and alternative medicine.

Dr. Judy Kuechenmeister graduated from the University of Georgia in 1990. In her career she has practiced on large animals, zoo animals, exotics, and small animals. Dr. Judy also has been in practice in Pgh for past 19 yrs. She enjoys surgery and developing relationships with clients and pets, so our pets have the best quality of life possible.

Take acupuncture. Around for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is becoming more popular as people and their pets reap benefits and share the results by word of mouth. Once considered almost mystical, courses are now offered for vets wanting to offer more options for their patients. And it’s an extensive process to add to a veterinary resume. “I traveled to Florida for training, practical , and four-hour written exam,” says Dr. Judy Kuechenmeister. “You have to put in extra effort beyond what’s required for western medicine.” Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions, particularly those that

involve inflammation and pain such as arthritis, degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc disease, tendonitis, sprains and muscle spasms, and trauma recovery.

Another service offered is laser therapy. Veterinary cold laser therapy provides a noninvasive, pain-free, surgery-free option that can be performed in conjunction with existing treatments. Laser treatment for dogs uses deeppenetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins, and it stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace. Basically, it stimulates the body’s own healing powers. Premier Pet offers a free session with every surgery they do, and the doctors have noticed an decrease in healing time for their surgeries, including regular spay and neuters. They offer a consultation with your first visit and treatment, so you can learn about the process and see the results for yourself. And if you think the treatment is working for your pet, you can check out their package deals. The lasers can help everything from hot spots and constant licking at wounds, to arthritis and healing from surgeries. Laser can be a great solution for chronic conditions as well, breaking the cycle of some behavior related conditions.

Premier Pet can help your dog though rehabilitation with their extensive array of services. Starting with manual therapy. They have balance and strengthening exercises, joint mobilizations, massage, stretches, facilitation of range of motion. All task oriented training is performed by our experienced staff members supervised by the vet. They even have an underwater treadmill, and therapeutic ultrasound. The ultrasound treatment is great for relaxing muscle spasms and the related pain that comes with them. The sound waves are deep penetrating and provide a soothing massage. For joints, the treatment stretches out collagen fibers that make up scar tissue that leads to limited use of the joint.

As for the western based care we are familiar with, Premier Pets offers the highest standard as well. Along with the varied background of their veterinary staff, they start with fear-free handling, a newer idea to decrease the stress

most pets have during a vet visit. We’ve all seen our dogs’ faces when they realize they’re at the vet. That panicked, ears back oh-no look. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Fear-free vet technicians use with peanut butter stuffed toys, treats and lots of praise and pats to help your dog have a positive experience. Dogs are given treats as a veterinarian peeks into their eyes and ears, feels their belly, and listens to their hearts. If a dog becomes concerned and backs away, the veterinary staff stops the exam and gives him a break. After allowing the dog a few minutes to calm down, the vet tech will entice the dog to participate again. Basically, fear-free veterinary exams move at your dog’s speed. By not forcing your dog through a traumatic vet visit with restraint, the dog has a chance to relax and the visit will go better for everyone involved.

The staff plays a big role in the level of care Premier can provide. Dr. Michael G. Savko, a wellknown and respected Pittsburgh native leads the chiropractic services. A certified chiropractic sports physician and reiki provider, Dr. Savko puts both people and their pets at ease. And supporting staff seem to have that special energy that naturally calms pets coming in for services. “Animals are not afraid of me”, says certified vet tech of 25 years Jayne Kohnen. “No matter their personality or temperament”. And that enthusiasm is shared by Kalena Megginson, licensed vet tech and recent graduate in training. She has three ferrets and helps with the exotic care as well as rehabilitation. “I love seeing the improvement in our patients” she notes as her favorite part of working there.

To round out the complete care, Premier has certified groomer and rehabilitator Lauren A. Steele on board. She became interested in pet rehabilitation when her own dog started having medical issues as he got older. Now she helps dogs feel good on the inside and look good on the outside!

If you are interested in learning more about the techniques described here, you can visit the Premier Pet Care web site at www.premierpetcareandrehab.com, or stop in and ask the friendly staff in person.

HumaneAnimalRescue

Rescue & Shelter

Fall Enrichment Fun… with Your Pet!

By Suzanne Denk, Animal Enrichment Specialist

Crisp fall temperatures are just around the corner and you may be looking for some indoor fun with your fourlegged friends. Here are some enrichment activities that are just what you need to keep your pets stimulated (both physically and mentally!) once the cool weather arrives.

Bubbles for Cats

Everyone loves bubbles, and your cat is no exception! Bubbles can provide something new for your feline friend to look at and the fun, unpredictable movement stimulates her mind. The adventurous kitties will love the excitement of popping them! You can even find several different brands of bubbles that land without popping, can be easily wiped up and are safe for your pet to eat.

Rabbit Enrichment Toys

Wheat

Grass Containers

Grow wheat grass in a small plastic container – apple sauce or dressing cups work very well. Your rabbit will enjoy grazing on a healthy snack in a fun new way!

Cardboard Ball

Cut a paper towel tube into rings. Insert one ring into another to make an X. Continue to add rings to create a round ball. Add hay to the center and allow your rabbit to have fun tossing and tearing.

Egg Carton Puzzles

Dogs enjoy playing games to find hidden treats. A quick and easy way to give your dog a fun activity is to hide treats in a cardboard egg carton or cereal box and let him get to work! This activity will allow your dog to use his mind and his nose. And, tearing the cardboard helps to channel your dog’s energy and gives him an appropriate alternative to chewing on the sofa!

If you’re looking for more fun games to play with your pet check out ThinkingOutsideTheCage. org/Enrichment!

Oct. 21

South Park | Edgebrook F ield

Pet Health & Wellness

PVSEC Changing Culture of Veterinary Medicine

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center recognizes the significance of the human-animal bond.

By Lori C. Harbert, LCSW; Director of Social Work Services Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center

“Our clients will tell you their pets are a member of the family.”

Over the last decade our pets have taken on new meaning. No longer are animals just animals they have evolved into fully functioning family members. As the bond with our animals intensifies so does the need for emotional support.

PVSEC is a large specialty care practice with 24-hour emergency services. Unfortunately, the patients seen at PVSEC are often very ill. This leads to owners dealing with very difficult and highly emotional situations. For every patient that is treated there is a human with their own unique set of circumstances and bond with their animal. PVSEC recognized that their veterinarians and medical staff needed assistance meeting the emotional needs of their clients.

Veterinary social workers provide emotional support to both clients and staff, short term crisis support, help facilitate client decision making, and provide support to clients during or after a decision to euthanize their beloved family member. Veterinary social work is a term coined in 2002 by Elizabeth Strand, PhD. from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Understanding the bond between an animal and their owner is different for each situation.

Veterinary social workers assist clients in understanding their emotional connection to their pet and help to facilitate healing when they lose a beloved animal.

Client Support

In January 2017, Rebecca Barkley lost her beloved dog Senji. Senji was 17 years old and the center of Rebecca’s world. Senji had many medical issues and was a longstanding patient at PVSEC. Rebecca traveled many emotional miles with Senji. “It was not long until I realized that I must prepare myself for THAT day… in Senji’s life and mine.” Although, my life is full with children and grandchildren whom are my life, still the thought of losing Senji was devastating me beyond which I could understand. I have had every dog, cat, and critter imaginable that you could have in a lifetime but there is that ONE special animal. After the loss of Senji I was shocked by my reaction. I could not cope! I could not stop crying, I felt out of control. Senji was the center of my world for many years. At this point is when I turned to the social work department at PVSEC. The social worker helped me understand my grief and my connection to Senji.”

Veterinary social workers are skilled at developing rapport with their clients. Our connection is quickly developed through the mutual understanding and sharing of the intense emotions related to grief and loss.

Veterinary Staff Support

As a Veterinary Social Worker at PVSEC my primary responsibility was working with the clientele but as I have built relationships with the staff it has evolved into equal amounts of time spent with clients and staff. It is amazing the dedication, compassion, and love that is devoted to each animal. Many of the veterinary staff can spend days, months, even years engaged in the treatment of a particular pet. In that time frame, they can build significant and meaningful relationships with pet owners. When they are unable to fix or change an outcome for a pet owner the grief and loss

Directories

Animal Educational Exhibits

Nor th:

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 Ar t www.ladybugdelightz.etsy.com

Visit our online di re ct or y at pghpe tc onnections.c om/Dog-Cat -Di re ct or y Pet Portraits

412-407-2590 www.PittsburghPainting.com/portraits

Nor th:

Nicole Begley Photography nicolebegleyphotography.com

Vibrant Images

724-774-1731 | www.vibrantimages.photography

South:

Kara Jones Photography kjones.smugmug.com

Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear PawsnClawsEyewear.com

Animal Rescue Organizations

Nor th:

Animal Friends

412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 | www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue 724-869-9185

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuar y 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org Western Pa Humane Society 412-321-4625 | wpahumane.org

South:

Animal Care & Welfare 412-24 4-1372 | 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: Animal Rescue League 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org

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

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

West:

CARMA A

412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area: SPAAR www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org

Bird & Supplies

Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com

Dog Training

Nor th:

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

Nor th Shore: Western PA Humane Society 412-321-4265 | wpahumane.org

South:

Paula’s Professional Dog Services 412-818-2482

Dog Training Clubs

South:

Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club Phone: (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

Nor th:

Rockin’ Horse Stables

724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com

South:

Coventr y Equestrian Center

724-206-9902

Manon’s Farm

724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260

SydMor Equestrian Center

724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com

Equine Holistic Care

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

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

Equine Tack Stores

Nor th:

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

South:

Lowr y’s Western Store

724-228-1225 | lowr yswesternshop.com

Equine Veterinarians

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

Holistic Pet Practitioners

Pet Chiropractor

Nor th:

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

South: Manning Chiropractic & Wellness Center 412-341-2505 | drastridmanning.com

Holistic Practitioners for Guardians

East End:

Judith Levy Wellness

Coaching /Energ y Modalities 412-726-2659 | www.judithlevywellness.com

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: Char tiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws

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

East End:

Precious Pets Memorial Center & Crematorium 412-351-PETS (7387) | preciouspetspgh.com

Greater Pittsburgh: Car ved Stone by Serena 724-941-2664 | www.carvedstonebyserena.com

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

Pet Fencing

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Dog Guard Pittsburgh Dog Fence 412-287-5820 | Pghdogfence.com

Pet Grooming

Nor th:

All About Dogs

724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info

Larr y’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | larryslaundromutt.com

Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620

Happytailzpetspa.com

Healthy Pet Grooming 724-759-7567

Larr y’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | Larr yslaundromutt.com

South:

Candelore’s Barking Beauties 412-872-5550

Creative Canine Cuts 724-223-9020

Grand Slam Grooming 412-221-5081 | grandslamgrooming.com

Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming 412-885-4027

Pets at Home Dog Grooming 412-655-7297 (PAWS) The Pet Salon 412-279-5331 | petsalonusa.com

Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-464 4 | woodysdogbath.com

East:

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

Candelore’s Barking Beauties Pet Grooming 412-872-5550 | candeloresbarkingbeauties.com

Cat Around Town Cat Grooming 412-461-3700 | 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

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Fragasso Financial Advisors

412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com

Fundvelopes

412-595-8641 | fundvelopes.com

Matt Arch Foundation www.connectarian.com

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-225-164 4 | www.onehourair.com

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

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

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

East:

The Gateway at Summerset 855-401-2700 | www.gatewayatsummerset.com

Glen Highland Farm www.glenhighlandgetaway.com

South:

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

Amore

877-716-6840 | amoreapar tments.com

Pet Grooming Schools

Nor th:

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

Pet Resor ts - Boarding, Daycare, Grooming & Training

Nor th:

Camp Bow Wow - Ross Township campbowwowpgh.com

Dog stop - Nor th 724-935-DOGS ( 3647) | www.thedogstop.net

The Dog Stop - Sewickley 412-766-DOGS( 3647) | www.thedogstop.net

Lucky Paws Pet Resort

724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresor t.com

South:

Camp Bow Wow - Castle Shannon campbowwowpgh.com

Grandma’s Dog Daycare 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com

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

The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd. 412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net

Pinch’s Place 412-4 45-8550 | pinchsplace.com

Pampered Paw Resort

724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com

East:

Camp Bow Wow - Highland Park campbowwowpgh.com

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

The Dog Stop - Monroeville 412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net

The Dog Stop - East End 412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net

East:

The Dog Stop - East: Strip District 412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net

Countr y Lane Pet Hotel

412-824-7991 | www.countr ylanepethotel.com

West:

Camp Bow Wow - Greentree campbowwowpgh.com

Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort

724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Pet Retail/Supply

Nor th:

Healthy Pet Products

412-366-0700 | healthypetproducts.net

South:

Healthy Pet Products

412-831-3700 | healthypetproducts.net

Oddball Pets & Aquariums 412-884-2333 | oddballpets.com

Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-464 4 | woodysdogbath.com

East:

Petagog y petagog y.com | 412-362-7387

Petland East Side Village 412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Canine Health Supplements

614-937-8309 www.lifevantage.com/pegg ymills#canine Fan Reps 412-439-3063 | www.fanreps.com Pawdentify and Links-It Collar Tags www.pawdentify.com

Paws in the Sand 814.434.4857 | www.pawsinthesandpettreats.com

Close 2 Ur Hear t Jewelry

Baskets of Nature

724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com

Dig It Collars dig-it-store.com

Pet Sitters

Nor th Furr y Family Pet Sitting 412-999-9524 | www furr yfamilypetsitting.com

Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care

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

South:

Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover) 724-4 48-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

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

Veterinar y Hospice & Mobile Services

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

Veterinar y Pharmacies

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

Veterinar y Hospitals

Nor th: Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

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

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

South:

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

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

VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500

East: The Big Easy Animal Hospital 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com Monroeville Pet Hospital 412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com

Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care & Rehab 412-795-1215 | premierpetcareandrehab.com

West: VCA MetVet West Animal Hospital 412-788-6400 vcahospitals.com/met-vet-west

Veterinar y Specialty & Emergency Ser vices

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pittsburgh Veterinar y Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc. 412-366-3400 | pvs-ec.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com

East:

AVETS - Allegheny Veterinar y Emergency Trauma & Specialty 412-373-4200 | avets.com

Veterinar y Technolog y Schools

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pittsburgh Career Institute 412-281-2600 | pci.edu

List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com

Advertiser Locator

Page 22 - A All About Pets Veterinary Hospitals

Page 36 - B Animal Elegance

Page 9 - M Animal Friends

Page 11 - C Animal Rescue League

Page 21 - D Beaver Animal Clinic

Page 19 - Best Breed Pet Food

Inside Front Cover S VCA Castle Shannon

Page 34 - F Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation

Page 18 - Q Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center

Page 19Page 7 - W Country Lane Pet Hotel

Page 29- Costa Real Estate

Page 32 - G Coventry Stables

Page 36 - Dog Guard Pittsburgh Dog Fence

Page 37 - Dog Stop

Page 19 - H Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa

Page 31 - Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice

Page 6 - Keystone Training Club

Page 1 - I Healthy Pet Products

Page 35 - J Jefferson Memorial

Page 31 - P Larry’s Laundromutt

Page 27 - Manning Chiropractor

Page 27 - Mia Bella’s

Page 23 - K Murray Avenue Apothecary

Page 3 - Oxymagic Carpet Cleaning

Page 36 - Paws Here Awhile

Page 19 - Pampered Paw Resort

Page 7 - Petagogy

Page 18 - Pets at Home

Page 19 - Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming

Page 35 - Pinch’s Place

Page 31 - Pittsburgh Career Institute

Page 19 - Y Pittsburgh East Nissan

Back Cover - N Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center

Page 8

- Baskets of Nature

Page 31 - O Rockin Horse Stables

Page 21 - Dr. Michael Savko

Page 19 - V Woody’s Dog Wash & Boutique Pet

Page 28 - Sam’s Painting

Page 3 - Pittsburgh Pet Concierge Page 33 - SydMor Equestrian Center

Page 25 - U Washington Area Humane Society

Page 9 - Pgh Pet Expo

Page 7 - Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care & Rehab Page 3 - Dig It

Integrative Holistic Medicine

Integrative: combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine

Holistic: providing more options for therapy

• Acupuncture

• Herbal Medicine

• Spinal Manipulation • Supplements • Natural Nutrition

Vaccine Counseling

Massage Therapy

Healing Touch

Dr. Doug has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 1993. He is certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Doug has treated thousands of challenging cases.

For complete care for your animal companion, see Dr. Doug. Call Beaver Animal Clinic today to set up a holistic exam for your pet.

Dr. Doug | The Holistic Vet

357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009 | 724.774.8047 beaveranimalclinic.com

“Dr. Savko IS the Bar and Platinum-Star-Standard!”

“Let me begin by saying Dr. Mike is beyond AMAZING! I cannot believe we who have pets have the good fortune of having access to such a talented, loving, caring, empathetic, and knowledgeable individual.

I was devastated with the news that Lucy had IBD. I was reluctant to have a scope done, but needed to get answers. After the diagnosis, she was put on steroids and other meds. I did not want my cat living on meds. I wanted better. After discussing things with my vet and trusted pet sitter, I enlisted the help of Dr. Savko.

AMAZING! I was speechless after the first visit. I noticed a visible difference

IMMEDIATELY! Dr. Savko understood the problem and had an outline for a course of action that would HEAL Lucy. I do not want to manage a condition. I want to HEAL the condition. Dr. Mike has done that. He is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and above all, he is honest. He told me in the very first phone conversation, “if I cannot help Lucy, I will tell you.”

The progress is INCREDIBLE. Lucy is now off her daily doses of Miralax and she is on a much lower dose of steroid. He has done this in just a few visits. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Savko.

I don’t care how big or small the issue with your pet, CALL DR. SAVKO!

Veterinary approved and supervised services provided at the following locations: Holiday Park Animal Hospital, Plum Greenfield Veterinary Hospital, Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care and Rehab, Penn Hills Donovan Veterinary Hospital, Ligonier Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo

Years Experience

“miracle worker”

“a very supporting and caring doctor” “wish I would have known about you sooner” “best time/money we ever spent” “you have given us hope”

Kitty Korner

Cat Resource Guide

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

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.

TNR and Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs

Homeless Cat Management Team

http://www.homelesscat.org

City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents

City of Pittsburgh offers five free spays/neuters to all city residents www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm

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

PENNSYLVANIA

Animal Friends

www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org

Humane Animal Rescue

Please call each branch while the two shelters continue their merger.

East Liberty Shelter (formerly Animal Rescue League)

http://www.animalrescue.org/

North Shore Shelter (formerly Western Pennsylvania Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org

Clarion Paws

Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County Low Cost Spay / Neuter Clinic: spayneuterclinic@clarionpaws.org

Trap-Neuter-Return: tnr@clarionpaws.org http://www.clarionpaws.org/

PET & OUTDOOR OR FERAL CATS

Beaver County Humane Society

http://www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

Butler County Humane Society

http://www.butlercountyhs.org/FelineSpayNeuter.asp Washington Area Humane Society http://washingtonpashelter.org/services/

EASTERN OHIO

Angels for Animals

http://www.angelsforanimals.org/snWhy.asp

Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties

These are organizations which are not day-to-day clinics but organize, host, sponsor or otherwise provide access to spay and neuter services.

Catnip Acres (Greene County)

http://www.catnip-acres.org/clinics.html

Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County)

http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/ Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh

Reimburses partial funds to help spay/neuter feral cats (funds not always available)

412-521-5352

Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (LCARF) http://www.lcarf.com/ Operation Spay/Neuter Butler, PA (for Butler County residents only) http://operationspayneuter.com/ Pet Search

http://www.petsearchpa.org/

SNIPP: Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg)

http://www.snippindianapa.org/

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics

These are independent clinics that offer services on site during regular business hours.

Fix ‘Ur Pet

http://fixurpet.org/

Frankie’s Friends http://www.FrankiesFriendsCatRescue.org/ Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html

Wexford Spay/Neuter Clinic

http://www.spayaz.com/wexford-pa/

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

Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip)

http://neuterspay.org/

Love That Cat (online search)

http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

Spay USA

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

Emergency and After-hours Care

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC)

http://www.pvs-ec.com/

VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital

http://www.vcahospitals.com/castle-shannon

VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center

http://www.vcahospitals.com/northview A-VETS http://www.avets.us/

Pet-friendly Rentals

In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: http://www.fostercat.org/friendly.html

Nationwide (United States only) http://www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments

Shelters and Shelter Services

Adoption, surrender, low-cost clinics, pet food pantries, referrals, etc.

Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org

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

Animal Friends (AFI) www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org

Animal Advocates animaladvocates.net

Washington Area Humane Society www.washingtonpashelter.org

Butler County Humane Society www.butlercountyhs.org

Beaver County Humane Society www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

Animal Cruelty Laws by State (United States)

Animal Legal & Historical Center www.animallaw.info/articles/armpstatecruelty.htm

Cat Rescue Resouce Guide

Wellness For Guardians

Some business minds shine from the start. Take Lani Lazzari, creator/owner of Simple Sugars. You may know her name and brand from her success on Shark Tank, but her mom, Gina Lazzari, told us it started way back when Lani was 11. “She wanted an iPod, and I said sure. As soon as you earn the money for one.” Unintimidated, Lani began crocheting hair scrunchies and selling them at school for $2. “She had her iPod in 3 months.”

The idea to create Simple Sugars came one Christmas, when Gina suggested they make presents to give out to family and friends. Since Lani was sensitive to many commercial skin products, she did some research and created a scrub sensitive and fun enough to use on her own skin. The gifts were such a hit, she decided to create the business and at 13, launched Simple Sugars with the help of her mom.

Lani’s own experience with eczema led her to seek out natural ingredients. Through her research, she found that simple refined sugar was the gentlest exfoliant to start with. Sugar has a small, round crystal and dissolves easily in water. (Interesting fact: sugar is also used in vet hospitals and clinics as a safe and gentle debriding agent for pets.) Another natural

By: April Minech

is emu oil (all products are available without the oil for vegan conscientious customers.) The oil is deep penetrating but won’t clog pores or leave you feeling greasy. It naturally contains antiinflammatory properties and has a low allergy potential, as well as containing vitamins and skin softening nutrients. The scrubs also appeal to pregnant and new moms because they are a onestep product: cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing in 5 minutes with no chemicals.

This scrub has literally changed my life and I don’t have to use medicated creams anymore! It’s still the only thing I’ve found to give me relief from itchy skin. I really appreciate it! - Faith

In 2011, in an effort to create some big buzz about the company, Lani planned a crosscountry trip to promote Simple Sugars through appearances and social media with a goal of catching the attention of Ellen and securing a spot on her show. While Ellen didn’t notice their efforts, shark tank producers did. Gina remembers the exact moment they were sitting at lunch and Lani got the email: she was invited to audition as one of 40,000 other contestants for the shark tank program!

Producers of the show loved her feel good story, and during her pitch she caught the interest of Mount Lebanon shark Mark Cuban. Everything is produced in-house, on their pink production floor. (Really, it’s hot pink!) The offices all have a pink and positive theme, and the employees are happy and colorful characters as well. Every Christmas, Simple Sugars lets each employee pick a charity for the company to donate to, and of course, some animal welfare groups always make the list.

While they don’t have a line specifically for pets, many regular customers have shared results of using the sugars on their own animals. The company has received more than a few testimonials from people touting the benefits for their pets, like this Boston Terrier owner who tried it as a bath

scrub for her dog with skin issues. “It worked on Sydney the same way it worked on my skin. The gentle scrub felt so good when I was washing her, she closed her eyes and almost purred. Any my hands were so soft after her bath,” said Mary S, a regular user. “And we both smelled like green apples!” Another email came from a horse owner, who used it on her horse’s hooves for a foot treatment.

While Simple Sugar doesn’t make any claims for treatment or pet use, the results are undeniable. Volunteered emails and letters come in monthly with success stories from people and their pets. The gentle scrubbing comes from small sized sugar granules, and is all natural. Lani’s philosophy is simple, “If it’s not got enough to eat, why put it on your skin?”

The Simple Sugars family are pet lovers, and fur kid members include Cooper, a St. Bernard, and Honey, a Pittie mix. Cooper offered to help out at our photo shoot, and enjoyed rollicking with his owner Alex, Lani’s brother, and generally wrecking the office that day with hair, slobber and big puppy kisses. He had a bag of treats the size of big man’s lunch, and seemed to think he was the star of the story. He even put on a Simple Sugars T-shirt for our group shot!

To learn more about Simple Sugars and all the wonderful products available, visit www. simplesugarsscrub.com

Manon Farm Donates Proceeds from their Beauty and the Beast Performance at PETCON 2017

Kimberly and Kelly Manon produced the incredible fairy tale on horseback at PETCON Pet & Equine Expo last May. They collected $400 in donations at the event, and recently awarded the proceeds to our local Washington, PA puppy rescue, the Puppy Connection.

The Puppy Connection Rescue’s mission is to increase public awareness of the puppy overpopulation issue and provide solutions to end the killing of adoptable animals. To save and improve the lives of dogs that have been abused, abandoned or rejected. To rehabilitate, vaccinate, spay and neuter them, and find them a loving forever home. The donation form the Manon Farm will directly go to veterinary care. Jeanie Sexauer, of the Puppy Connection is shown below holding “Kenzie”, along with the cast.

About the Event

The Manon’s and the rest of the staff rehearsed for months and trained the horses to the routine, riding to the music of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast. They performed the fairy tale each day of the PETCON event at the Washington County Fairgrounds May 13-14th, 2017. The show was a huge hit and people donated generously during each of the performances.

Kelly Manon played “Belle” and rode the Percheron cross Dressage horse, “Sir Dozer”. Jake Bush played “the Beast” and rode “Dwayne”, the Quarter horse.

Performance ideas by Manon farms for next year, include Frozen and Aladdin! They hope to increase awareness for animal welfare and raise more money in 2018.

Equine Affairs

“Bananaering”A Horse

By Kristen Hermann

Training horses require them to be capable of bending in both directions. A horse has a horizontal spine back to front, and it has to be gymnastically trained going both left or right. I created a slideshow on understanding the biomechanics of training a horse, and I used a picture of a banana to show how the horse should bend. Using a banana as a visual was effective because everyone knows how a banana is shaped. While giving the slideshow, however, many in the audience did not understand bending the horse, so the banana visual helped. Then recently in a lesson, I said to the student, “Is your horse banana-ed left?” And we laughed because she knew what I was talking about and she understood when I said it that way. Using the word “bent” or “positioned” for training just doesn’t seem to create the same visual as is your horse “bananaed”!

Horses are very similar to humans in the fact that they are either left or right-sided. A more knowledgeable rider will know if their horse either likes to bend right or left and train it accordingly. The process of training the horse gets it to work or use itself equally in both directions. One of the ironies of training horses is that we want our horses to bend both right and left, but how many of us riders are ambidextrous and use ourselves equally on both sides? Yet, we expect our horses to be flexible both ways. In addition to asking my horse to bend both left and right, I also expect the horse to stretch both forward and back. I call this a four-way stretch: laterally (side to side on both sides) and longitudinal (back to front and front to back).

A rider needs to determine if the horse bent right, or it the horse positioned left. The average horse likes to bend right, just like the average person is right-handed. Only about ten percent of the horses are bent left as are only about ten percent of riders left-handed. So, since the majority of horses are bent right, and the majority of riders are right handed, many find it difficult to bend the horse left. But if the rider can see which direction the horse likes to bend, by having the awareness that the horse prefers a certain way, then it is easier to fix.

Why do we care if our horses are bent in either direction? Well, one good reason is to keep them sound and in alignment. It is like

Yoga for Horses. If the horse moves efficiently and effectively in both directions carrying equal weight on all four limbs, then not one area of the horse’s body carries the burden of overuse. Training the horse to use its body with balance both longitudinally and laterally is good training.

When the rider understands that their horse is more than likely a bent right horse, then it becomes easier for them to know they have to banana their horse to the left. What happens with a horse that is allowed to be bent right when tracking left on the circle is that the shoulder falls in and the horse’s spine is not following the arc of the circle. Yes, it becomes a pretzeled banana, just kidding. In the visual to the right, you can see a horse popping its shoulder and how the side reins are used to keep that shoulder in alignment with the rest of the horse. So, we position or banana shape our horse so that it will move more effectively and efficiently in the direction it is traveling. Only with riding, we use the rider’s reins and legs and not side reins. Can you imagine driving a car on a circle with the front tires pointing in the opposite direction it is traveling? You would be buying tires regularly. It is the same with our horses, their spines need to be positioned, bent or banana-ed in the direction of travel.

So, the next time you mount your horse note which way it likes to look most often. If the horse nonchalantly keeps looking to the right very likely, that is the side it prefers to bend. Then put your horse on the circle to the opposite direction and see if it bends that direction. If not then you have to ask the horse to be bananaed in that direction. And how do you do that? By using your three natural aids to communicate to and signal the horse to be positioned or bananaed in that direction. The inside rein is called the “softening rein,” and it bends the horse in the neck from the shoulders to the poll. As the horse’s neck bends, its body too bends around the rider’s inside “active leg,” and the outside “supporting rein” keeps the horse from “falling in.” Yes, the secret to riding is the ability to use the aids in coordination and in timing with the horse’s three natural gaits. In my opinion, knowing when to do what and why is important. Why the horse should be looking where it is going by positioning, bending or bananaering them makes good training sense. I like looking where I am going! There is no doubt figuring out the nuances of riding is like a bowl of fruit, when you learn how to mix it up just right it is real tasty!

Legend of Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....