Jan/Feb 2013 NA Pet

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January/February 2013 | East Michigan/Metro Detroit | NAPetMag.com

Dogs In Weddings

Ways to Share Your Special Day

Raw Food For Pets

Weighing The Pros and Cons

CRITTER COMPANIONSAlternative Options

Fit for Families

Pain-Free Pets

Natural Approaches For Relief

YOUR RESOURCE FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY PETS

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how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings Healthy Pet or request a media kit, contact us at 248-628-0125 or email:[email protected]. Deadline for ads: 10th of the month prior to each issue.

editorial submissionsEmail articles, news items and ideas to: [email protected]. Editorial deadling: 1st of the month prior to each issue.

calendar submissionsSubmit online: NAHealthyPet.com & click on Pet CalendarEmail to: [email protected]. Please see guidelines on our website first Calendar deadline: 10th of the month prior to each issue.

regional marketsAdvertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

advertising & submissions

8 Pet love Nurturing Joy and Wellbeing by sharon callahan

10 raw Food For Pets Weighing the Pros and Cons by sandra murphy

12 having a haPPY & healthY rabbit Proper Rabbit Care by dr. John m. simon

14 critter comPanions Alternatives for Families by sandra murphy

16 stem cell theraPY Give Your Pet a New Lease on Life by dr. kristine butto brownlee

18 winter adoPtions Removing the Stigma by Patti radakovich

20 i'm Just big-boned! Tips for Watching Your Pet's Weight by chris Pisha

22 natural hooF care Letting Horses Go Barefoot by Patti radakovich

24 Pain-Free Pets Natural Ways to Provide Relief by dr. matthew J. heller

4 petbriefs

8 happypets

10 consciousfeeding

10 trainingtips

12 smallpets

14 petadoptions

16 healingways

18 petsnpeople

20 petcare

22 horsetales

23 horsetales

24 naturalpet

26 petcalendar

29 ongoingevents

30 petresourceguide

31 adoptionspotlights

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© 2013 by Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp., Natural Awakenings of East Michigan and Michigan Healthy Living and Sustain-ability, Inc. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that written permission be obtained in advance. We do not necessarily endorse the views ex-pressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products or services advertised. The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your medical professional and/or veterinarian. We welcome your ideas, articles and comments.

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letterfrompublishers

Happy New Year to all of you; readers, adver-tisers and local distribution locations. We appreciate the support you have provided

Natural Awakenings Pet in 2012, and we're looking forward to 2013 and beyond. To recap 2012, Natural Awakenings Pet continued to grow. We expanded into Wayne county early in the year, which increased our circulation by about 30%. We have plans to continue that expansion in 2013, which we'll announce in future let-ters and emails. We have a couple of new programs we're launching in 2013 as well, that we'd like to tell you about now. First, we have "morphed" our expo series into a seminar-based approach. The plan is to hold (eventually) monthly seminars in which practitioners from our community will give presentations designed to educate and inform all who wish to attend. The goal is to rotate these events throughout our Southeast Michigan market, so that every part of our region has the chance to attend a "local" event. Our first event will be in March 2013, and we'll make the formal announcement on our website, in the next issue of this magazine and via our email list (make sure you're signed up for the list, if you're not...visit our website and sign up there). Next, we are in the final stages of launching an expanded network for both busi-nesses and readers to take advantage of. It will include website-based directories, email notifications, social media channels and much more. Plan on taking part of this cutting-edge approach that will keep you informed, provide opportunities to save on your purchases and much more. Again, we'll announce that soon through the channels mentioned above (another reason to be on the email list). We're sure you'll find these new programs beneficial to you, whether you're a reader, distribution location for the magazine or local business (advertiser and non-advertiser alike). We hope you enjoy this month's magazine. We've collect a great deal of infor-mation to help you keep your pet happy and healthy. That's the mission of Natural Awakenings Pet each issue. You'll notice that there are a couple of articles specifically related to adoptions. We encourage everyone to support the local rescues and help homeless pets find loving families and we're hoping these articles provide some additional help and guidance. So, enjoy your January/February issue of Natural Awakenings. Until next issue here's to happy and healthy pets...naturally!


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MHS 2013 Valentine’s TelethonThank You for Sharing the Love!

Tails are wagging across metro Detroit today in thanks to the Michigan

Humane Society's generous supporters: The MHS 2013 Valentine's Telethon, will be held February 14 on WXYZ Channel 7. Last year they raised approximately $350,000 to help change animal lives! Each tax-deductible gift will help MHS continue to care for the community’s most at-risk animals – those who are homeless, abused or neglected. With so many animals in desperate need of the Michigan Humane Society's life-saving care services, donations to the 2012 Valentine’s Telethon are all the more critical. MHS receives no government funding. Through your support, MHS will bring hope to thousands of pets in need this year. You can also donate securely online or by phone, with a one-time gift, or a monthly gift. Every dollar will help MHS change precious animal lives!

Share the Love! To make a truly life-saving difference in support of the 2013 Valentine’s Telethon, please call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263), weekdays from 8-5, or visit Michiganhumane.org.

Pet Communication Offered as Alternative Veterinary Tool

Petra the Pet Communicator has been working with medically-challenged

and terminally ill animals for many years. She has recently begun working with veterinarians to help them with some of their tougher cases, including behavioral and other issues. “I often get referrals for animals with separation anxiety, urination/marking is-sues, chronic pain, or general malaise. In behavioral cases, I am able to work with the animals to try to identify the root source of the problem. In other cases, I can often point veterinarians toward a particular treatment or area of concern,” said Petra. “Is it 100% effective?" she adds. "No, but neither is any other treatment or tech-nique out there. What I do is unique and offers the pet owner a cheaper, less invasive option in order to help improve their pet’s quality of life.” “Being a pet communicator is not the same as being a pet psychic,” explains Petra. “I use shamanic techniques, an ancient spiritual practice, to communicate with animals and to help offer diagnosis and healing options.” Petra is also able to help owners determine when their animal is ready to let go and move on.

For more information, please visit facebook.com/petra4pets or email [email protected].

One of Petra's clients getting Reiki


Verve Pipe Benefit Concert In support of Stiggy’s Dogs

On Saturday, January 26th at 7pm, at the Brighton Center for Performing Arts, the Verve Pipe is holding a benefit concert for Stiggy's Dogs. Stiggy's Dogs is a local,

non-profit organization that was created in memory of Benjamin Castiglione. Hospital Corpsman Castiglione graduated from Howell High School in 2006 and joined the

Navy that November. Sadly, Corpsman Castiglione’s life was cut short when he was struck by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan. HM3 Benjamin Phillip Casti-glione ("Doc Stiggy") dedicated his life to preserving and improving the physical and emotional health of those serving in his unit, and all who serve. He gave his life working as a Corpsman in Helmand

Province in Southern Afghanistan, taking care of "his Marines" until September 3rd 2009. "Doc Stiggy" was respected by his Marines and known for his determination, and professionalism. To his family he is remembered for his caring nature and his love for family and dogs. Stiggy’s Dogs honors “Doc Stiggy” by 'Rescuing one to rescue another.' Stiggy’s Dogs rescues and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs for military vet-erans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) or Traumatic Brain Injury (“TBI”). The psychiatric service dogs are trained and deployed at no cost to the veteran. Since each veteran has unique qualities and needs, each dog is individually trained to meet that veteran’s needs, and Stiggy’s Dogs offers the veteran and dog pairing a lifetime of support after deployment.

For tickets to the concert, contact Brighton Community Education at 810-299-4130, or visit their website at BrightonPerformingArts.com. For direct donations to Stiggy’s Dogs, please visit the Stiggy’s Dog website at StiggysDogs.org. This event is sponsored by Brighton Area Schools and the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. For more detailed information about Stiggy’s Dogs and their newest Veteran/Dog pairing please contact Founder, Jennifer Petre, at (248) 667-8364, or at [email protected].

Cat Trap Depot Workshop Coming to Warren

All About Animals Rescue, the Petco Foundation and Tru-Catch Traps are

teaming up to offer a one-day seminar on feral cat education and trapping. This day-long workshop includes breakfast and lunch, gifts from the Petco Founda-tion and a brand new Tru-Catch Cat Trap for participants to keep! The workshop features speakers on animal welfare focusing on feral cat care and issues. There will be multiple networking opportunities. Participants are encouraged to dress in comfortable clothes and bring a near life-sized stuffed toy animal to use during the trapping exercise. The workshop will be held January 26 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Fitzgerald Recreation Center located at 4355 E 9 Mile Rd in Warren. The cost of the work-shop is $10. RSVP to [email protected]; walk-ins also welcome.

For more information visit their web-site at: AllAboutAnimalsRescue.org.

Michigan Winter Dog Classic Returns

It’s time for the Michigan Winter Dog Classic, Michigan’s largest dog show,

at the Suburban Collection in Novi. The 4-day event runs from January 17-20. The show features educational dem-onstrations, obedience and conformation judging, breed seminars, and access to many of the 160+ breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Oakland County Kennel Club and the Livonia Ken-nel Club and sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. The Michigan Winter Dog Classic will host more than 7,000 dogs through-out the 4-day show, including several breeds getting ready for the country’s premier Westminster Kennel Club Dog show in February. Dogs will be judged on standards set by the American Kennel Club.

For more information, visit TheMichi-ganWinterDogClassic.com

Farmington Hills Dental Special for Pets

During the months of January and February, VCA Farmington Hills Animal Hos-pital will be offering 20% off on dental care for dogs and cats. The special offer

includes dental exam, anesthesia, clean-ing and polishing, IV Catheter and Fluids.

"Dental disease is one of the most com-mon medical conditions seen by all vet-erinarians," explains Lisa Cameron of VCA Farmington Hills Animal Hospital. "Over 68% of all dogs over the age of three and two-thirds of all cats over three years old

have some form of periodontal or dental disease. The accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the tooth surfaces leads to infection and gingivitis or inflammation of the gums." Those interested in taking advantage of the offer should call for an appointment.

VCA Farmington Hills Animal Hospital is located at 31555 W. 13 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. For more information, call 248-553-2340 or visit their website at: VCAFarmingtonHills.com. See ad page 7.


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4th Annual Love Me Because Event for Harder to Adopt Animals

Love Me Because is an adoption event for harder to place dogs and cats. The

event was started by P.A.W.S. of Michigan but they often invite other groups to join the event, including Wyandotte Animal Control and Shelter to Home. “The purpose of the event is to highlight those animals that have been in the shelter or foster care for longer than other adoptable pets. They could be there because of physi-cal, medical, or behavioral issues, or for no other reason than they just don’t stand out,” said Mary Gasiewski, PAWS volunteer and event committee member. The motto for the event is “Love me because…I am older, I am overweight, no one taught me better, I have medical issues, I have attitude, I am special. Love me because…I need you.” This year’s event will be held on February 2 from 12 to 5 pm at Hood’s DoitBest and Gifts in Wyandotte. Patti Christie, owner of Hood’s, has generously donated her time and space to hold this event every year. The event also features a bake sale and a silent auction and raffle. Each animal will go home with a special blanket made by event volunteers.

For more information, to be a sponsor, or to volunteer, visit Facebook.com/Love-MeBecausePetAdoptionEvent.

Trap-Neuter-Return Training Available for Feral Cat Advocates

All About Animals Rescue in Warren is offering a monthly training for feral cat

colony caretakers - Trap-Neuter-Return: How to Manage a Feral Cat Colony. Classes are offered at the Warren loca-tion the second Sunday of every month (except the first Sunday in May) from 11:30 am to 2 pm. A materials fee of $10 for the TNR guide book is charged (groups only need to purchase one book). The workshop will teach participants how to care for the feral and free roaming cats in their neighborhoods. Participants will gain access to special services, including discount spay/neuter at All About Animals Rescue, free trap rentals, expert advice, and best practices. All steps in setting up a managed colony will be covered, including trapping, feeding, getting the cats fixed, winter sheltering, working with neighbors, health and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with others who can help in the lifesaving efforts.

To register, email [email protected] or call 586-879-1745. For more info: AllAboutAnimalsRescue.org.


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Help for Outside Dogs this WinterWhile most animal advocates agree that all pets should be brought inside to live with their families, it is not illegal to keep outside animals as long as they have adequate food, shelter, and water. Unfortunately, not all pet owners understand what adequate shelter is for

their outside dogs. Two local groups, Michigan Humane Society (MHS) and C.H.A.I.N.E.D., have stepped up to help educate pet owners and provide necessary resources for the dogs.

MHS and C.H.A.I.N.E.D. provide dog houses, straw, toys, fencing, food and treats. They try to work with the owners to ensure the dogs are protected from the elements. Sometimes, owners will surrender ownership of their dogs if they know they can no longer properly care for them. Both groups rely on volunteers and donors to make their lifesaving efforts pos-sible.

To find out how you can be part of the efforts and help outside dogs this winter, visit Chained2011.org or MichiganHumane.org

Winter Birding Events at Metroparks

Several of the Metroparks are offering events for bird enthusiasts this winter. At Kensington, there is a New Year’s Bird Count on January 5. Participants should

bring binoculars and dress for warmth as they help park personnel take a census of Kensington’s birds.

On January 20 & 27, and February 3 & 10, Kensington is hosting Chickadee Chowdown – they provide the bird seed as you watch the birds come and eat right from your hand! At Lake Erie Metropark, the icy waters of the lower Detroit River attract a rich variety of waterfowl and birds of prey during the winter. Hundreds of tundra swans are joined by rafts of canvasback, redheads, bald eagles and other visitors. On January 26, an interpreter will guide participants on a hike for Frigid Fowl:

Detroit River Birding. The winter is also a great time to spot bald eagles at the park – no interpreter or event needed! Hudson Mills is hosting a Live Birds of Prey workshop on February 9 where visi-tors can get up close and personal with birds of prey. Lake St. Clair will host Birds and Breakfast for adults on February 17. And Oakwoods will have a Winter Bird Hike on February 23.

For more info: Metroparks.com, or see the Pet Calendar of Events in this magazine.

"There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before."

~ Robert Lynd


happypets

by Sharon Callahan

It only makes sense that many of the things we do to improve our health and the quality of our personal lives also enhance the physical and emotional well-being of animal companions. A life and home that are a sanctuary of peace and still-ness naturally promote health and happiness in our animal friends, too. The following mindful tips will help bring balance to be-loved animals’ lives, as well as our own.

EAT WELL and take vitamins, and feed animals the wholesome foods that keep them as clean inside as they are clean and well groomed on the outside. A well-tended body feels better and can more easily handle the stresses of everyday life. Consider the body a temple of the soul.

EXERCISE DAILY and spend time outdoors to enjoy nature’s beauty; this is a human antidote to stress, anxiety and de-pression and it works for animals, as well. Playing and frol-icking in the yard with animal companions can enliven their spirits and bodies and bring everyone joy. Sing and dance to release energy and to create peace and joy. Animals love good music and many of them love to dance.

KEEP COMPANY. Be conscious of how much time pets spend alone. Too many solitary hours can be stressful, resulting in inappropriate behavior, depression, anxiety and illness. If family members must be away from home all day, consider an animal sitter or dog walker, or ask a neighbor to check on the animals.

PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS and take lessons in unconditional giving from your four-legged and winged

friends. Giving an unexpected gift to a stranger, helping a neighbor or feeding a feral cat puts our focus on the well-being of others, making life more meaningful. Self-absorption leads to emotional problems and illness, which may reflect in the behavior and health of a companion animal. Make the workplace, too, as peaceful and stress-free as possible. Because stress affects animals, exercise or perform an act of kindness for another before arriving home. A framed Kodak moment with our animal at work will help us stay connected and bring peace and comfort.

PRAY AND MEDITATE. To pray is to ask; to meditate is to listen. Pray for assistance with life challenges. Listen for the still small voice within, as well as the voice of any beloved animal companion. Several times a day, we should check in on our emotional state, which affects the well-being of an animal companion. If we are overstressed, worried, preoc-cupied, depressed or anxious, pause to implement one of the suggestions noted here.

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PERFORM AN ANIMAL “BODY SCAN” twice a week. Sit peacefully, facing Fluffy or Fido, whether resting or standing. Get centered and take a deep breath, exhale, and then resume normal breathing. Place one hand a few inches above the animal’s body and slowly move it from the tip of the animal’s nose, over the head, down each front leg, up to the shoulders again and then over one side all the way to the tip of the tail and down the back leg. Check the pads of the feet by pressing gently to spread the toes, noticing any tender areas. Look in the eyes and ears. Repeat the identical procedure on the opposite side. Feel for any “cold” or “hot” spots in the animal’s energy field or for any other sensation that feels off.

Next, follow the same process while touching the animal. Feel for any lumps, bumps or sore places. Pay

particular attention to the joints in older animals. Check the abdomen with gentle pressure. Note tender areas. Look in your

animal’s mouth the same way, paying attention to gum color, teeth

tarter and any areas that might look inflamed.

Don’t worry over the detec-tion of something ab-

normal. Continue with twice weekly body

scans over a period of weeks, and if a particular area of the animal’s body remains sore or if a lump is detected,

it’s time to make an appointment with a

veterinarian.

Our animal companions sense the love and caring we offer through these ministra-

tions and respond by becoming more relaxed and at ease. We, in turn, are nurtured through their trust.

Sharon Callahan, animal communicator and resident of Mount Shasta, CA, is the creator, formulator and manufac-turer of AnaFlora Flower Essences for Animals.

natural awakenings Pet magazine

a great place to promote your sale or other special events.

For details call: 248-628-0125

I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contained,I stand and look at them long and long.~ Walt Whitman


As with their own food, dog and cat owners are reading pet food labels more closely these days

to evaluate ingredients and their sourc-es. American pet food companies may outsource to foreign manufacturers, some-times with disastrous results. Various brands of dry dog food (kibble) and treats have been recalled for melamine contamination or other problems—even brands manufactured here have been recalled for salmonella contamination. To ensure that what we’re serving our dogs contains a proper balance of protein, vitamins and minerals for over-all health, the Dog Food Advisor rates dog foods and treats by brand name, ex-plains the ingredients, including byprod-ucts not fit for human consumption, and recommends the best options. Owners can sign up for emails about recalls and other alerts at DogFoodAdvisor.com. Other reasons to read labels include potential allergic reactions to foods, espe-cially chicken and corn, common ingredients in kibble. The educational website notes, “Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain of only modest nutri-tional value to a dog.”

Homemade MealsTo have more control over what the family dog or cat eats, many owners turn to home-cooked

Raw Food Diets for Petsweighing the Pros and cons

by sandra murphy

meals, but know-how is key. “A big risk with home-prepared diets is that they are almost always nutritionally inadequate for long-term feeding, even when using published recipes,” advises Dr. Brennen

McKenzie, president of the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association. “Consult a board-certified nutrition-ist for the unique nutri-tional needs of the pet, based on age, breed,

health condition and other factors. Don’t substitute ingredients.” Cooking for pets can be time-consuming. Some owners have found dehydrated foods like those from The Honest Kitchen, made in the United States using human food-grade ingre-dients, both cost-effective and easy to prepare. While the purchase price can be higher than other options, the food rapidly rehydrates to four times its

original weight by adding warm water. A meatless variety allows owners to add their choice of raw meat, meaty bones or cooked meat and can be suitable for sensitive dogs, raw feeders and dogs that need a unique protein source. “Dehydrated foods are also a good way for a squeamish owner to start a raw diet for their dog,” remarks Dr. Laurie Coger, an associate veteri-narian at the Bloomingrove Veterinary Hospital, in Rensselaer, New York, who also offers consultations through TheHonestKitchen.com. Coger sug-gests, “First, determine what a dog or cat needs in his diet, then transition gradually from kibble to a cooked or raw diet. Cats may resist change, while dogs can be more flexible.” Pet food maker Steve’s Real Food is another option as it does not use lamb, pork or venison. Each poses a greater risk of carrying toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can be passed on to pets, especially cats. “If you decide to incorporate raw foods, find a wholesale meat supplier so you can buy in bulk. You’ll need a freezer to take full advantage,” suggests Coger. “Feeding raw is not an all-or-nothing proposition, so mix and match. Cook when you have time, feed raw several days a week and use high-quality dehydrated or dry food when traveling.” Dr. Cathy Alinovi, owner of Hoof Stock Veterinary Service, in Pine Vil-lage, Indiana, found that switching to a raw diet solved an itching problem with her mixed-breed dog. She reports that, “Eighty percent of the reasons my clients bring their pets to me are cured by changing to better food.” Alinovi points out two drawbacks of

serving raw food: “You can’t leave it out all day and it can be a challenge to transport

home on a hot day.” But she’s found that the benefits are many, “Dog and cat furs shine and shed

less; even their behav-ior improves.” Dog owners also note cleaner teeth, with no tartar buildup, cutting down on trips to the vet.

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Not Everyone AgreesFeeding a raw food diet is not without controversy. The American Veterinary Medical Association voted last sum-mer to advise veterinarians to recommend clients against feeding raw meats and bones to pets. Pet Partners, formerly known as the Delta Society, which registers pets as therapy animals, has instituted a policy that states, “Animals may not be fed a raw protein diet. Animals previously fed [such] a diet must be off it for at least four weeks before registering them.” (See PetPartners.org/rawdiet.) Deciding which foods to feed our pets requires extra re-search and meal preparation time, as well as money, but mo-tivated owners like the results they see in their pet’s health.

Missourian Sandra Murphy may be reached at [email protected].

safe Pet Food PrepTo handle raw meat and bones safely, follow the same guidelines as when cooking for family members. When shopping, keep meat, seafood and poultry separate from other foods—double-bag them to keep juices contained. In the fridge, store meat products in sealable con-tainers on the lowest shelf, so that potential drips won’t touch other foods. Fridge temp should be 40° Fahrenheit or lower. Use one cutting board for meats and another for produce. Wash hands before and after handling meat. Sanitize countertops, wooden cutting boards and knives with white distilled vinegar (5 percent), undiluted, heated to 130° F and left on the surface for one minute; then dry with a recycled-paper towel or air dry. It will kill 99 percent of germs. Plastic cutting boards go in the dishwasher. Deep clean wooden boards by scrubbing with natu-ral coarse salt and lemon juice (the second half of the lemon face works as a scrubber); rinse with hot water and dry upright. Keep wood from drying out by periodi-cally applying beeswax or walnut or almond oil. Refrigerate or discard any uneaten food, wash dog bowls after every feeding with soap and hot water, and then let air dry or wipe with a recyclable paper towel. Sponges hoard germs. If used, sanitize them in the microwave at least every other day. Make sure the sponge is wet, not dry. Two minutes will kill 99 percent of most disease-causing germs. Let it cool before han-dling.

Primary sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; OrganicAuthority.com

"In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat"

Warren Eckstein


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smallpets

by Dr. John M. Simon

Most people think rabbits are rodents but that is not true; rabbits are “lagamorphs.”

There are many breeds and varieties of rabbits and their coat comes in various colors and lengths. Rabbits usually make nice, quiet pets. They are commonly docile, non-aggressive and rarely make any sounds. When they are frightened they may make a panic scream or occasional warning growl or they may thump their back legs as a warning signal. Most pet rabbits can be harnessed, leashed and litter box trained. Recom-mended litter box material includes pelleted paper, or pelleted grass prod-ucts. Litters should be non-toxic and di-gestible if consumed. Corncob, walnut shell, shavings or clay litter should not be used.

The Rabbit's DietAs far as diet, rabbits are strict herbi-

vores that feed continu-ously. The following diet is recommended:

• Rabbits can be fed grass hay or Timo-

thy hay. Although young rabbits may

be fed alfalfa hay, adult rab-

Having a Happy, Healthy Rabbit

Proper Rabbit Care

bits should not be because it is too high in calories. Rabbits should be fed no more than one eighth of a cup of high fiber alfalfa based pellets for every 5 pounds of adult rabbit.

• A minimum of 1 cup of dark green, orange or yellow veggies should be fed for every 4 pounds of adult rabbit. Such vegetables include broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, collard greens, parsley, and romaine lettuce, kale, squash and dandelion leaves.

• Small amounts of fruit equal to 1 tablespoonful per every 5 pounds body weight. The higher fiber fruits. Apple, peach, pear, pineapples, strawberries, and blueberry are acceptable. How-ever, avoid grapes and bananas which are too high in sugar.

The Rabbit's HomeRabbit hutches should be built with a partially solid floor and not a dirt or wire floor which results in foot ulcers. Feces should not be allowed to accu-mulate under the cage floor because such a practice attracts flies and other animals. The rabbit house should be strong enough to prevent the rabbit from chewing his or her way out. The enclosure should provide protection from snow, rain, wind, sun and extreme temperatures. Any electric cords should be kept out of the rabbits reach. If the rabbits are kept in an out-


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side hutch the construction must be such that it protects the rabbit from predators.

Rabbit CarePreventive home care for rabbits includes routine hygiene. A weekly home exam should include, at the very least, checking the rabbits ears, teeth, nails and coat. If left unchecked a front incisor can overgrow and prevent eating. Lift the rabbit’s tail and make sure that feces has not dried and pasted the anus closed. Stool left on the fur can attract flies which then lay eggs that hatch into maggots. Weighing your rabbit weekly will detect a loss of appe-tite or a serious health problem. Twice weekly grooming will help detect skin parasites, as well as wounds, sores, scabs and tumors. Rabbits should be dusted with a natural organic insect powder every 2 weeks to repel flies, fleas and ticks. Professional health care for Rabbits includes:

• Semiannual physical exams

• Semiannual stool check for intestinal parasites

• Neuter females to prevent uterine cancer

• Base line blood screens Rabbit Handling

It is very important that children be taught how to interact with their rabbit. Carrying a rabbit is something only adults should do.

Of course picking a rabbit up by the ears is to be emphatically discouraged. When picking a rabbit up, the back end must never be allowed to dangle in the air; the rabbit's back and back legs must always be sup-ported when the rabbit is carried because allowing the rabbit to kick against nothing, in mid air, can result in a broken back and hind leg paralysis.

Dr. John M. Simon is the owner and only veterinarian at Woodside Animal Clinic in Royal Oak where he has been healing dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets and pocket pets for over 30 years using both traditional and holistic medicine. He is a past president of the Oakland County Veterinary Association and has served on the board of the American Holistic Veterinary Association. Dr. Simon is the author of 4 pet-care books and has written numerous articles for a variety of magazines and newspapers. Visit his newly revised website at Doc4pets.com. See ad page 9.


While dogs, cats, fish and birds populate most pet homes, other animals can be just as

much fun to own.

Rabbits“Rabbits are social and love routine. Be late with dinner and a bunny will show displeasure by stomping its feet,” says Pamela Hood, founder of Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue, a state-licensed shelter in Foster, Rhode Island. Her four rules for happy, active bun-nies are: Find a veterinar-ian that knows rabbits,

Critter Companionsalternative adoptions Fit for Familiesby sandra murphy

adopt rather than buy, get a bonded pair and spay/neuter them. Since 2000, Sweet Binks has res-cued more than 1,700 rabbits as recap-tured strays or from shelters meant for dogs and cats. Bunnies can live more than 14 years. “Rabbits eat more than just carrots. Pellets should be timothy hay-based, not

alfalfa, for adult rabbits,” explains Hood. “But limit the amount. Hay should

be 85 to 90 percent of their diet, because the side-to-side chewing

of hay keeps teeth worn down to a livable length and ensures proper

digestion.” Rabbits can be litter box-trained

and run free if the home is pet-proofed. For example, keep electrical cords out of reach or covered with plastic tubing. A lonely, bored bunny can be destruc-tive, so provide wooden and chemical-free wicker toys for chewing. Play with them daily, although most shy away from cuddling. Bonded pairs need to be in sight of one another.

Miniature HorsesMiniature horses are not to be confused with Shetland ponies. Minis are fully

grown horses, bred for pulling carts, not riding. They require the same care as a larger horse and make good therapy animals. An adult mini is about the same size as a standard-sized horse’s newborn foal—about 34 to 38 inches tall at the withers (between the shoul-der blades), although some are smaller. “Trained minis are good, gentle interpreters of emotion,” says Veronique Matthews, founder of Hearts & Hooves, a nonprofit equine therapy organization in Austin, Texas. “We visit abused or autistic kindergarten-age children with a ratio of one child, one horse, one handler.” Walking on a handheld leash, a mini can help a child to cope with fear and anxiety.

AlpacaA few years ago, alpacas were re-garded as the next moneymakers when breeding and sales brought high prices for fleece, along with their waste, sold as soil-enriching manure. After the trend peaked, many herds were sold, often to ill-suited owners, and some needed rescuing. Michelle Zumwalt, a job consul-tant for people with disabilities in Span-ish Lake, Missouri, has hosted rescued alpacas for eight years; the number fluctuates, based on new arrivals and adoptions. “There are enough of them to help supply local organic farms with fertilizer,” says Zumwalt. “These gentle creatures feel safest in numbers; when in danger, they will kick or spit.” Hermit CrabsHermit crabs are likeable for their social, nonaggressive character, ease in handling and low maintenance. All crabs are born in the ocean, although some species leave the water as adults. Pet crabs in the United States are either Caribbean land crabs or the faster and more agile Ecuadorian crabs, which re-quire access to both salt and fresh water. A 10-gallon fish tank with sand of a consistency suitable for castle build-ing that’s three or four times deeper than the height of the largest crab works well. Crabs can grow to six inches in length and live 10 years or more, al-though they don’t reproduce in captiv-ity. As colony animals, they’re much happier in a group.

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Hermit crabs periodically need to replace

the shell they carry on their

back. Provide a shell that is 10 to 15 percent larger and watch as the crab tries it on for size. When crabs molt their underside ectoskeleton, they bur-row beneath the sand for four to eight weeks; place these crabs in a separate tank. “Because crabs are scavengers, we feed them chicken, turkey, seaweed, scrambled eggs and fish. They love car-rots, bell peppers, kiwi and coconut,” says Christine Richards, a maintenance management analyst and hermit crab caregiver in Montgomery Village, Maryland. “Crabs are nocturnal, so use a small flashlight to watch their antics,” she adds. “They love to climb.”

ChinchillasChinchillas, an-

other night creature, can live up to 20 years. A

round body,

tiny hands and large

ears make them easy to

love, remarks Christina Pierce, a federal examiner of financial institutions in Little Rock, Arkansas. “My chin, Gizmo, wants to be where the commotion is and likes to travel,” she laughs. A specialty vet is required for chinchillas, with attention given to their teeth, which grow throughout their life. Give them things to chew on and fresh hay to help file down teeth. Gizmo’s favorite chews are wil-low twigs, peanuts in the shell, alfalfa sticks and lava blocks. “A twice-daily dust bath keeps his fur clean,” notes Pierce, “plus, it’s fun to watch.” It seems that everyone can find a pet that’s perfect for them. It’s just a matter of thinking outside the litter box.

Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

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A stem cell is a primitive cell in every body tissue that has the ability to become any type of

tissue needed for repair. In the case of embryonic stem cells, they can actually make organisms. However, aside from the moral and ethical implications of using embryonic stem cells, they can also become tumors and have a high rate of rejection. Luckily, not all stem cells are created equal. In veterinary medicine, adult stem cells, also known as multipotent, mesenchy-mal, or pluripotent stem cells, are used to help grow new tissue for affected areas. Unlike embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells cannot create organ-isms, only tissues. They can become bone, cartilage, adipose (fat), muscle, tendon, and ligament tissues. They are found in most tissues and can be used to regenerate and repair damaged tissue throughout the entire body. There is no rejection because it’s the organism’s own tissue. There is even a possibil-ity they can regrow damaged organs such as the liver or skin or can regrow nerves. And there is hope that they may correct genetic abnormalities. Just as not all stem cells are created equal, not all diseases are created equal. And not all diseases will re-spond well to stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy works well for animals with osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, some fractures, tendon and ligament inju-ries, autoimmune disorders, chronic hepatitis, and for pain relief in cancer patients. Of course, age, other health conditions, and cost are also deciding factors that may not make a patient the best candidate for stem cell treatment. The first step in determining if your

Giving Your Pets a New Lease on Life with Stem Cell Therapy

animal is a good candidate for stem cell treatment is to find a veterinarian who is certified to perform the procedure. In addition to certification, you should determine how many procedures a vet has performed and ask if any previous patients would be willing to speak to you so you can get a first-hand account of their experiences with the process and the doctor. Once you have found a veterinarian you are comfortable with, you will need to bring in your animal for an evaluation, which may include X-rays, blood work, and an ultrasound. The vet will determine if your animal is a good candidate for treatment. You will want to discuss the treatment plan and realistic outcomes. For example, stem cell treatment will help heal an injury and reduce pain for a certain amount of time, but it will not cure the underly-ing condition such as hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis. If the vet promises you miraculous results such as a cure or lifetime guaran-tee, it would be best to look for another vet. You will also want to discuss costs with the vet. Stem cell therapy is not your run-of-the-mill procedure and it is certainly not cheap. For many people, it is beyond their means. However, companies like

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Once you and the vet have determined that stem cell therapy is a good option for your pet, you will need to schedule the surgery and procedure. Stem cells can be sent out to a lab or converted in-house, depending on the vet and the type of procedure performed.

The first step in the procedure is to har-vest the adipose tissue. Adipose stem cells are the most commonly used stem cells in veterinary medicine because they are found in fat deposits through-out the body and are easy and safe to harvest. They also contain the largest number of stem cells – 100-300% more stem cells than found in bone marrow. They are the fastest stem cells to adapt to the new environment and replicate in as little as three days. Fat is collected from the abdomen, inguinal area, or thoracic wall. The harvest tissue is then sent for processing where the tissue is cleaned, broken down, and stem cells are separated out. If the tissue is sent to a lab, they can bank a portion of the cells for future treatments. This banking of cells does require yearly charges, but saves the patient from having to un-dergo further harvest surgeries.

The next step is the actual treatment. The stem cells are injected into the affected area, such as the joints, and the patient is also given an IV stem cell dose prior to coming out of anesthesia. The whole process can be completed in a just a few days.

It is important to know what to expect after surgery. Most patients will develop a seroma, which is swelling caused by fluid in the affected areas. This swell-ing is normal and will go down in time. Patients will start to see improvement in mobility within 5-7 days from the IV dose. Continued improvement will be seen within 7-60 days after treatment. The long-term results from stem-cell treatment are still unknown at this time. Stem cell treatment for dogs has only been legal since 2007 and since 2003 for horses. Stem cell therapy has also been approved for cats.

A short case study of a stem cell patient demonstrates the effectiveness of this treatment. A 12-year old male dog had chronic osteoarthritis since 2000. He had been on long-term pain medication, joint supplements, and

anti-inflammatories. In early 2008, his owner was considering euthanasia. In May 2008, she opted for stem cell treatment. By the next week, he was chasing the house cats! In December 2008, he started to develop degenera-tive neuropathy. He received an IV stem cell treatment in January 2009 and had immediate improvement. He lived for another three years after his first treat-ment and had a high quality of life until his passing.

Stem cell therapy is a great option for giving your pets a new lease on life. If you feel your pet may be a good candidate, contact a veterinarian who performs stem cell therapy to start the evaluation process.

Dr. Kristine Butto-Brownlee, DVM, CVA, is the owner of Cahill Veterinary Hospital in Flat Rock. She was one of the first veterinarians certified in Michigan to perform stem cell therapy and has been performing treatments since 2007. For more information, visit CahillVeterinaryHospital.com or call 734-782-3131.


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Winter is not traditionally a popular time to adopt a dog. It’s cold, the days are short,

and everyone is hunkered down inside. The list of excuses is pretty long. How-ever, the stigma of winter adoptions leaves many dogs out in the cold, no pun intended. Myth #1 – There are no dogs available for adoption during the winter.

Reality: The numbers of homeless dogs

and cats that are put to sleep every year in the shelters is sobering. There are always more dogs than there are available homes. Contrary to popular belief, winter is no such exception. First, there are the regular strays and owner surrenders that end up at the shelters. Then the dogs that were sur-rendered by their owners because they were changing them in for a younger

model (don’t kid yourself folks, this happens all the time). And finally there are the dogs, particularly puppies, that people got as Christmas gifts that are surrendered when the owners decide they no longer want them after a month or two. So there are plenty of dogs available for adoption in the winter. Myth #2 – It’s too hard to potty train a dog in the winter.

Reality: Housebreaking a dog is the same no matter what season it is. Crate training is a humane and effective tool to housebreak a dog and is recom-mended by many vets and rescue orga-nizations; it is not weather-dependent since the crate is placed inside the home. In fact, unless you have a snow-loving dog, most dogs just want to go out and do their business in the winter and get right back inside, so you may find it easier to housebreak them since they are more motivated to go. If the

Removing the Stigma of Winter Adoptionby Patti Radakovich

By taking a look at the myths surrounding winter adoptions, potential pet parents will see that winter can be a great time to add a new furry family mem-ber to their home.


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snow is deep, you may have to clear a path to make it easier for the dog to go, especially smaller dogs and puppies. Also, keep in mind that many dogs at the shelter are already housebroken. Myth #3 – It’s too cold to walk the dog in the winter.

Reality: If you live in Michigan and plan to get a dog, eventually winter will come back around and you will be faced with this obstacle. If you abso-lutely refuse to go outside in the winter, perhaps a cat would be better suited to your lifestyle. If you are committed to a dog, however, there are ways around the biting cold. First, you can take your dog for shorter, more frequent walks. Make sure to bundle up – both you and the dog! Second, if you have a tread-mill, you can train your dog to walk on it. And third, you can come up with other activities in the house to burn off your dog’s energy, including mental enrichment activities such as games. And just think, a dog can actually help you keep your New Year’s resolution to exercise more by providing the moti-vation to go for a walk! When you do come back in from a walk, make sure to wash your dog’s paws to remove any salt or de-icer pellets that people use on sidewalks, driveways, and streets. Myth #4 – The dog will get bored and destructive since it won’t want to play outside.

Reality: A dog will get bored if not pro-vided with enrichment activities regard-less of the season. Dogs can become destructive if they don’t get the mental and physical activity they need, so it’s important at any time to understand how to fulfill your dog’s needs. There are plenty of indoor activities that you can do with your dog. In fact, engaging your dog in more enrichment activities is an excellent way to deeper the bond between you and your dog. And just because it’s winter, don’t count on your dog not wanting to play outside. Many dogs love the snow! If you have kids, have them take the dog out to play when they go out. If you want to play fetch, you can purchase hollow plastic tubes at the pet store that don’t sink in the snow, making it easier

for dogs to retrieve. Some dogs even love to play fetch with snowballs. Just remember that some dogs need coats (and a few even need boots) and you don’t want to leave your dog out for too long as they are susceptible to frost bite just like us.

Myth #5 – It’s too hard to train a dog during the winter.

Reality: You can train a dog just about anywhere. If you traditionally train your dog outside, consider working on the simpler commands inside the house and save the recall training for outside work. You might also want to consider a group training class at an indoor facil-ity. Group training is an excellent way to encourage your dog’s social skills, a very needed but often overlooked area. Determining the best time to adopt a dog depends on you and your lifestyle. Waiting until after the holidays when the stress and craziness has subsided is a good option as you will have more time to focus on the newest member of your family.

But don’t let a little snow and cold weather keep you waiting until the spring! Winter can be a great time to adopt a dog – there are plenty of dogs available and less people looking, a dog will help keep you active through the winter months, and there are great bonding opportunities for you and your new dog.

And remember: Dogs need the same love, attention, activity, food, water, and shelter regardless of when you adopt them. So if you’re ready for a dog, don’t let the stigma of winter adoptions stop you!


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Pet obesity is out of con-trol and we are killing our pets. We control

everything a pet eats; every kibble, every pizza crust, every french fry, every mouthful. So, if we are the cause…then we are the solution. In rare cases there may be a medical cause, but do not use this as an excuse. If there is a question of disease get your pet tested and treated.

Look at your pet month-ly. If you cannot feel the pet's ribs or see a waist your pet is too fat. Proper weight control is a balancing act of increase/decrease. If you know your pet puts on weight in the winter then decrease the food. Don’t fall into the trap of looking at the size of the bowl and saying “That doesn’t look like much” or “I would be hungry if that was all I got to eat.”

Not all food is created equal. If you are feeding a lesser qual-ity food then you will have to feed more volume to get some nutrition out of it. Higher quality foods may seem more expen-sive, but since the better quality foods are more nutrient-dense you will actually feed less.

There is no such thing as "Winter weight." Fat knows no sea-son. When necessary, cut back on the food, especially during seasons where your pet is less active. Don’t read the bag for feeding guidelines; just look at your pet. Too wide, cut back.

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Too narrow, feed more. If you cannot trust your judgment consult a professional.

Culturally, food tends to equal love. Food is how we comfort, share and bond. No one is saying that you can’t share snacks with your furry friend, but be reasonable. Pets will not politely say “no thank you” to the endless buffet we offer them.

Feeding Tips

1 No one said meals have to come in a bowl. If you have a family member who insists on feeding your pet too many

fatty snacks, then cut way back on the kibble in the bowl. Kibble can also be poured into food dispensing toys that pets can push around the floor to “work” for their food. The Pre-mier Company makes many types that can be purchased at the pet store.

2Set out a designated “treat jar”. Fill it with carrots, rice cake pieces, green beans, etc. that make up that pet’s daily

ration of treats. Family members may dispense snacks out of that jar. When that jar is empty no more treats may be given that day. Approved snacks CAN be a part of this program!

3 Measure the food being dispensed over 1 days’ time. Use a cooking measuring cup and measure how much food you

are putting in your pet’s dish. If your pet is overweight remove 1/3 of the food and split that remaining portion into 2 meals. This is now the pet’s daily ration of food. No more open snack bar all day. In 2 weeks take the pet to the veterinarian just to weigh and see if you are on track. You may have to cut out more food. If your pet seems hungry you may supplement the meal with canned pumpkin or green beans. These are filling and virtually calorie free!

4If you just can’t stand to see you friend looking at you with “those eyes” or begging after you constantly, then take

up a hobby so you can’t see it as often. Go into another room and read a book. Teach your pet a command such as “Go to your place (mat, bed, whatever) so they are performing a task that is incompatible with bugging you for food.

5We won’t spend much time here, but the more you in-crease exercise the better the weight control program will

go.

Chris Pisha is with Morris Hospital for Veterinary Services, 26684 Grand River, Redford, MI, who has been serving the community for over 35 years. For more information, call 313-537-6100 or visit MorrisVet.com. See ad page 18.

If you know your pet puts on weight in the winter then decrease the food.


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natural hoof care: letting Your horses go barefootby Patti Radakovich

Natural hoof care is a movement among horse own-ers and horse lovers to return horses’ hooves to their natural state – that is, unshod. Advocates of this

movement look to the hooves of wild, free-roaming horses as a model to how our domesticated horses should be trimmed to promote healthy, strong hooves.

Jaime Jackson, founder of the Association for the Advance-ment of Natural Horse Care Practices, explains the reasons for going barefoot. “The biology of Equus Caballus, the result of 1.4 million years of natural selection, demands that we work with its nature — not against it. The equine species is genuinely adapted to go barefoot. It is only through human ignorance of the horse's natural state that led us to the incor-rect, and harmful, conclusion that shoes are necessary — or useful. They aren’t, and, moreover, contribute significantly to the lameness we see everywhere around the world.” While there are many elements to natural hoof care, the basic part is the natural trim. A natural trim is a humane, barefoot trimming method which mimics the natural wear patterns of the hooves of horses in the wild. Over time, natu-ral growth patterns emerge to create more naturally shaped hooves. The natural hoof shape supports more natural move-ment in the horse making it easier to return to its natural gaits. A natural trim should only be performed by a certified natural farrier.

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Opponents of this movement claim that shoes are neces-sary because domesticated horses are subject to abnormal, non-natural activities that make their hooves weak and make horses subject to other hoof diseases and, ultimately, lame-ness. Natural hoof care advocates deny this claim saying that the only reason horses cannot go barefoot is because the owners are unwilling to put in the extra effort to transition the horses to a more natural standard of care. Mike Cieslak, a natural farrier in Michigan and owner of Naked Hoof Care, believes that every horse can go barefoot and can transition successfully. In his experience, horses with hoof problems can often benefit the most from a well-execut-ed natural hoof care program. He cautions that the transition period does require more work, but once the horse has been successfully transitioned, it is easier, more convenient, less expensive, and healthier to keep the horse barefoot. Besides natural trimming, there are many elements that go into a natural hoof care program, including diet, housing, and riding. When asked what horse owners should consider regard-ing their horses’ hooves, Jackson replied, “Always to mimic

the natural life style of the horse, which includes his feet. Natural hoof care (NHC) provides a holistic care regimen for producing optimally healthy and durable hooves, within a context of natural boarding. This means also making hard decisions about whether or not to continue shoeing, keep-ing horses in close confinement, using dangerous drugs and feeds that upset his digestive system — which are directly re-sponsible for colic and laminitis, and riding/training horses in ways that are harmful because they violate his natural gaits. NHC is a direct corridor into a healthy way to relate and care for horses.” Horses should be fed a reasonably natural diet and allowed to participate in behaviors and movements that are natural to the horse. Hooves are a window to a horse’s health, so looking to the hooves for critical clues to the health of your horse will alert you in advance to major ill-ness. “Healthy hooves are the product of numerous factors, many of which need to be addressed to ensure a sound foun-dation for your horse,” says Cieslak. “This can mean booting your horse until the hooves develop properly, eradicating chronic fungal or thrush infections, improving the environ-ment and conditions your horse is housed in, and regular exercise to establish or increase proper circulation within the hoof capsule. Dietary changes may need to be addressed in conjunction with your new hoof care program to encourage healthy horn growth and stop recurring laminitic episodes or bouts of chronic founder.” The transition period to go from shod to barefoot does take a lot of time, effort, and dedication on the part of the horse owner. It can be a lengthy process to completely transi-tion depending on the state of the horse at the start. Horses with poor diet, improper housing, and hoof problems take longer to transition. But in the end, allowing the horse to have a healthier, more natural foot and lifestyle is well worth it. Jennifer Vallieres, a natural farrier in Tennessee, sums up the position of natural hoof care advocates by saying, “The truth of the matter is that horses were not born with shoes. Shoes are not natural to the horse and in the long run often do more harm than help.”

For more information on natural hoof care or to find a natural farrier in Michigan, visit aanhcp.net or NakedHoofCare.com.

The transition period does require more work,

but once the horse has been successfully transi-

tioned, it is easier, more convenient, less expen-

sive, and healthier to keep the horse barefoot.


naturalpet

Providing pain relief for pets is im-portant, whether they are recov-ering from an injury or surgery or

suffering from a chronic problem. But recognizing signs of pain in animals is tricky because it’s subjective and its expression varies with each animal. Some pets are stoic when faced with horrible injuries, while others howl over minor ailments. Humans complain, grumble and often self-medicate to alleviate their aches. A pet may need help and be communicating, “I hurt!” if any of the following signs are evident.

n Being unusually withdrawn, inac-tive, restless or exceptionally clingy

PAIN-FREEPETSNATURAL WAYS TO PROVIDE RELIEF

by dr. matthew J. heller

n Refusing to walk stairs or not rising quickly when calledn Avoiding physical contact, such as being lifted or carriedn Whining, whimpering, howling or meowing constantlyn Biting or continually licking a particular part of the bodyn Flattening ears against the headn Loss of appetite

Changes in behavior may be the only way a cat or dog will communi-cate its plea for relief from pain. Keep

in mind that in nature, predators seek out animals that display signs of pain or injury as a preferred target, so it’s natu-ral to hide pain as a protective measure. In the event of a trauma, illness or sur-gery, seek diagnosis and assistance from a trusted integrative veterinarian. Mounting evidence from institu-tions such as the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and American Academy of Veterinary Acu-puncture supports the use of alterna-tive modalities to effectively manage pain and provide relief. Some of the most common include the following approaches.


NutraceuticalsThese non-drug nutrients play a signifi-cant role in strengthening normal body tissues, repairing damaged tissues and improving efficient body metabolism. Pet guardians may use vet-recommend-ed nutraceuticals for up to six to eight weeks to manage low levels of pain.

Homeopathic RemediesHomeopathic remedies, sometimes re-ferred to as homotoxicology, comprise the use of plant and animal materials to stimulate the body into action; ho-meopathy is often explained as, “Like heals like.” Specifically, exposure to a large amount of a toxin (e.g., poison ivy or arsenic or anthrax) would likely cause specific physical problems, but in a small, controlled dose, it may stimu-late the body to heal similar problems. We regularly apply Traumeel, manufactured by Heel, a blend of 12

In decades past, veterinarians were taught that some feeling

of pain could help an injured or post-operative pet to stay

quiet enough, long enough to heal. More recent studies, to

the contrary, show that minimizing any pain generally aids

the recovery process.

Primary source: Purina Pet Institute

homeopathic remedies for temporary relief of minor aches and pains associ-ated with bruises, sprains and injuries such as dislocations, fractures and trauma. It can also ease pain associated with inflammation and arthritis. Forms include dissolvable tablets, ointments and drops.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary MedicineTraditional Chinese Veterinary Medi-cine (TCVM) is a holistic approach that considers each being as a whole—body, mind and spirit—and takes into ac-count both diet and environment. For the practitioner, disease is the result of an imbalance of the body’s energy flow, which needs to be redirected, rebal-anced and restored. Herbal formulas are prepared for pets suffering from musculoskeletal inju-ries due to an acute trauma, like a sprain

or back injury, or a chronic discomfort, such as arthritis. They are available in capsules, powders and tea pills. In medical terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by effecting certain physiological changes, such as increasing blood circulation and reliev-ing muscle spasms. General conditions treated by acupuncture include arthritis; back pain; muscle pain and spasms; and stroke. A simple acute problem like a sprain may require only one treat-ment, where more severe or chronic ailments may require multiple sessions.

Animal ChiropracticVeterinary Spinal Manipulation Ther-apy, also referred to as animal chiro-practic, is applied to correct common misalignments in the spine, restoring motion to the spine, as well as proper nerve and muscle function. Misalign-ment may be caused by trauma, over-exertion or the normal wear and tear of everyday life. Proper adjustment allows the body to fully function and better heal itself. The number of adjustments required to alleviate pain varies based on the severity of the disease or injury. Pain management requires a team effort, but the result—a pain-free pet that feels happier and healthier—is worth it.

Dr. Matthew J. Heller is a holistic veteri-narian and owner of All About PetCare, in Middletown, OH. For more informa-tion, call 513-424-1626 or 866-YOUR-VET, or visit AllAboutPetCare.com.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.~ Anatole France


Submission deadline: The 10th prior to publication. Email or online only. For costs, guidelines and an online submission form, visit: NAPetMag.com. Click on: "Calendar Submissions"

SuNdAy, deCeMbeR 30mhs Dogs, puppies, Cats, Kittens, Rabbits and other small and Furry animals adoption event: West Bloomfi eld - 11am-3pm. If you're looking to adopt a dog, puppy, rabbit, cat, kitten or a small and furry come to this Michigan Humane Society Adoption Event at PetSmart in West Bloomfi eld. 7260 Orchard Lake Road, wesT BLoomFieLD.

SAtuRdAy, JANuARy 5new year’s Bird Count - 8am. Bring binoculars and dress for the outdoors to participate in a census of Kensington’s birds. Experienced leaders will guide teams to various parts of the park. Beginners welcome! Preregistration required. Kensington Metropark Nature Center located near miLFoRD/BRiGhTon, please call 810-227-8910.

SuNdAy, JANuARy 6meet the nature Center animals - 1 pm. Take a closer look at the animals that live in the Nature Center. How would they have spent the winter living outside? What do they like to eat? How do they fi nd their food? Watch the interpreter feed the snakes, turtles, fi sh and frogs to learn more about them. $3 per person. Preregistration required. All ages. Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center located near mounT CLemens, please call 586-463-4332.

make it at the marsh – snowsnakes - 2pm. Marshlands Museum and Nature Center. Lake Erie Metropark is home to many different kinds of snakes, but only the snowsnake comes out during the winter. We’ll help you fi nd one, fi nish it off, and get it ready for the Erie Ice Daze Snowsnake competition. “Snowsnake” is a really fun American Indian game which involves a wooden “snake” pushed down an ice track. Fee: $5 per person. Preregistration required. Marshlands Museum and Nature Center of Lake Erie Metropark in BRownsTown, please call 734-379-5020.

thuRSdAy, JANuARy 10Family Farm Chores - 9am & 3pm. Thursday and Friday, January 10 and 11. If you have ever been in-terested in taking care of farm animals, this one-hour program is for you. Family Farm Chores allows you and your family a chance to assist a staff member as they feed and care for the farm animals. Farm chore helpers are encouraged to pet the animals, take pictures and ask question along the way. Fee: $5 per person. Preregistration required. Please dress for the barn and outdoor weather conditions. Farm Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, please call 586-752-5932.

SAtuRdAy, JANuARy 12young Birders meeting - 10am-12pm. First meeting for newly created Young Birders Club. Meeting will beat the Lodge at Hawk Woods in Auburn Hills. Young birders (ages 10-to 18) are welcome and parents must attend. We will cover the 2013 Young Birders Club program and discuss birding and other nature topics. Refreshments will be served. Oakland Audubon Society , 3799 Bald Mountain Rd., auBuRn hiLLs. Lisa McArthur 517-641-4277.

animal Tracks on T-shirts - 1pm. Bring a white T-shirt or sweatshirt and track it up while learning about the animals that left the tracks behind. All ages welcome. Fee: $4 per person. Preregistration required. Kensington Metropark Nature Center located near miLFoRD/BRiGhTon, please call 810-227-8910.

muskrat Club – Just Visiting - 10:30am. Marshlands Museum and Nature Center. Kids from K through 3rd grade are invited to explore nature and history as part of the Muskrat Club. This month you will be introduced to some of the real “snow birds” that visit us each winter. We’ll take a look at tundra swans and snowy, long-eared, and saw whet owls. Fee: $3 per child. Preregistration required. Marshlands Museum and Nature Center of Lake Erie Metropark in BRownsTown, please call 734-379-5020.

SuNdAy, JANuARy 13preschool nature Club - animals in winter - 1 pm. Listen to a story about animals in winter and how they survive, followed by a short walk, and then come back inside to enjoy a snack and a craft. Fee: $4 per child. Preregistration required. For ages 3 to 6 years accompanied by an adult. Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center located near mounT CLemens, please call 586-463-4332

SAtuRdAy, JANuARy 17The michigan winter Dog Classic 9am-6pm thru 1/20. The Michigan Winter Dog Classic and the All-Beed Agility Trials are part of a 4-day cluster of shows, with the Oakland County Kennel Club. Along with the All-Beed Agility Trials are part of a 4-day cluster of shows, with the Oakland County Kennel Club. Suburban Collection Showplace, noVi. Info: Oakland County Kennel Club, Arden 248-851-9729.

Fun on the Farm – Rabbits - 10am & 1pm. Learn about the life of a rabbit, hear a short story and decorate a coloring sheet. Meet, pet and take pictures of the resident rabbits. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. Farm Center of Wolcott

Event days and/or times may change for a variety of reasons. Please call to verify all events before attending.

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Pet EventsCalendarA wonderful resource for

filling your workshops, seminars and other events.

Two styles available: n Pet Calendar: Designed for events on a specific date of the month. 50 words.

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Mill Metropark in Ray Township, please call 586-752-5932.

SAtuRdAy, JANuARy 19animal Tracks ‘n’ Facts - 1pm, Environmental Discovery Center. Participants will search for animal tracks and other evidence of animal activity, identify the fi ndings and learn about the creature on the spot. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 8 and older. Indian Springs Metropark Envi-ronmental Discovery Center near whiTe LaKe, please call 248-625-7280.

SuNdAy, JANuARy 20Chickadee Chowdown - 2pm, Nature Center. In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunfl ower seeds from your hands. Bird seed will be provided for this short walk along the nature trails. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. This program is for all ages. Kensington Metropark Na-ture Center located near miLFoRD/BRiGhTon, please call 810-227-8910.

WedNeSdAy, JANuARy 23Fun on the Farm – Horses - 10am & 1pm. This is a perfect opportunity to get close to and learn about horses. Hear a short story and get a coloring sheet to take home. Meet, pet and take pictures with a horse. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. Farm Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Town-ship, please call 586-752-5932.

thuRSdAy, JANuARy 24homeschool: winter adventure - 1:30pm, Nature Center. Learn tracks and signs of some of the com-mon birds and mammals of Kensington. Indoor activities followed by an outdoor scavenger hunt to look for winter animal clues. Fee: $4 per person. Preregistration required. Kensington Metropark Na-ture Center located near miLFoRD/BRiGhTon, please call 810-227-8910.

FRidAy, JANuARy 25winter night hike - 7 pm. Dress warm for an

evening walk through the woods looking and listening for animals like the great horned owl, then come back to the Nature Center and warm up with some hot cocoa. Fee: $4 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 6 years and older. Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center located near mounT CLemens, please call 586-463-4332.

Fun on the Farm – Cows & Calves - 10am & 1pm. Pet and groom a calf, listen to a short story and get a coloring sheet to take home. Meet, pet and take a picture with a calf. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. Farm Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, please call 586-752-5932.

SAtuRdAy, JANuARy 26peT aDopTions - 3-5pm. Basil's Buddies has many available cats waiting for their fur-ever homes! FREE. PetSmart Woodhaven, 23470 Allen Rd, wooDhaVen. Basil's Buddies 734-926-1098.

Family Farm Tour - 10am & 1pm. An interpreter will introduce you to the many farm animals that are kept through the winter on the farm. There will be interesting facts and opportunities to meet and pet the animals, take pictures and ask questions along the way. Hot chocolate and a snack will be provided in the farm house after the tour. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. Please dress for the weather. Farm Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, please call 586-752-5932.

Frigid Fowl – Detroit River Birding - 9:30am. The icy waters of the lower Detroit River attract a rich variety of waterfowl and birds of prey during the winter. Hundreds of tundra swans are joined by rafts of canvasback, redheads, bald eagles and maybe a rare visitor from parts unknown. You just never know! Bundle up and head out with an interpreter to see what can be found. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. Marshlands Museum and Nature Center of Lake Erie Metropark in BRownsTown, please call 734-379-5020.

SuNdAy, JANuARy 27Chickadee Chowdown - 2pm, Nature Center. In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunfl ower seeds from your hands. Bird seed will be provided for this short walk along the nature trails. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. This program is for all ages. Kensington Metropark Na-ture Center located near miLFoRD/BRiGhTon, please call 810-227-8910.Family nature Club – winter animal Tracks & signs - 1pm,. Though you may not see many animals in the winter, they leave behind clues! Join an interpreter on a nature walk searching for animal footprints and other telltale signs. Afterwards, warm up with a snack and make an animal track to take home. Fee: $4 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 6 years and older. Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center located near mounT CLemens, please call 586-463-4332.

thuRSdAy, JANuARy 31Fun on the Farm – Chickens (part i) - 10am & 1pm. Come out and learn about chickens. Hear a

www.NAPetMag.com

program is for all ages. Kensington Metropark Na-ture Center located near please call 810-227-8910.Family nature Club – winter animal Tracks & signs animals in the winter, they leave behind clues! Join an interpreter on a nature walk searching for animal footprints and other telltale signs. Afterwards, warm up with a snack and make an animal track to take home. Fee: $4 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 6 years and older. Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center located near please call 586-463-4332.

thuRSdAy, JANuARy 31Fun on the Farm – Chickens (part i)

markyourcalendarCheck out the NEW Mark

Your Calendar Format! Redesigned to offer a more enhanced

presentation for your special event. Includes special formatting and font sizes, as shown, in

segmented areas to create extra visibility.

The Date/Time of your event is here.Location/cost of the event

and address are in this section. Pricing and other details, along with

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information visit: NACalendar.com or call 248-628-0125.


short story and have the opportunity to put a fertile egg in an incubator to hatch out in February. Plus, help collect eggs in the chicken coop. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. Please dress for going outdoors to the chicken coop. Farm Center of Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, please call 586-752-5932.

FRidAy, FebRuARy 8Family adventures in nature (F.a.n.s): owl prowl on skis - 7-8:30pm. By foot or ski join a For-Mar Naturalist for an evening prowl with the owls. Learn about local owls and the unique sounds they make! For familities, all ages and abilities. $3/person. Pre-registration encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BuRTon. Info: 736-7100 Ext. 6 or 800-648-park Ext. 6.

SAtuRdAy, FebRuARy 9Bee Keeping 101 with Jim withers - 1-4pm. This beginner beekeeping class will educate and prepare future bee keepers on the equipment and knowledge needed to start your own hive in the upcoming season. Class will be taught by For-Mar and Withers Mountain Honey Farm's head bee keeper, Jim Withers. For teens and adults, ages 13 and older, all abilities. $5/person. Pre-registration required by 2/7. For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BuRTon. Info: 736-7100 Ext. 6 or 800-648-park Ext. 6.

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SAtuRdAy, FebRuARy 16Family adventures in nature (F.a.n.s): Citizen science: Great Backyard Bird Count - 8:30-11:30am. Thru Feb. 18th. All ages and abilities Join a flock of birders at For-Mar, learn about and participate in the 16th annual Great Backyard Bird Count. This four day event is sponsored by the National Audubon Society & Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Count birds to create real-time snapshot of bird sightings across the continent. For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BuRTon. Info: 736-7100 Ext. 6 or 800-648-park Ext. 6.

thuRSdAy, FebRuARy 21Knee-high naturalist: "we Don't Live here!" - 10-11:30am. Enjoy a puppet show and learn about animals that are not native to Michigan. Bring your parents. For children, all abilities, ages 3-6. $3/child. Pre-registration required by 2/19. For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BuRTon. Info: 736-7100 Ext. 6 or 800-648-park Ext. 6.

SAtuRdAy, FebRuARy 23Bee Keeping 102 with Jim withers - 1-4pm. Withers Mountain Honey Farm head bee keeper Jim Withers, is BACK!!! This Beekeeping 102 class picks up where 101 ended to get you best prepared for the upcoming bee season. Learn all the ins and outs of beekeeping and work with Jim to order all of your beekeeping supplies.For teens

and adults, all abilities, ages 13 and older. $5/person. Pre-registration required by 2/21. For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BuRTon. Info: 736-7100 Ext. 6 or 800-648-park Ext. 6.

thuRSdAy, FebRuARy 28Knee-High Naturalist: Camouflage - 10-11:30am. Search for animals that use camouflage for survival. For children, all abilities, ages 3-6. $3/child. Pre-registration required by 2/26. For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, BuRTon. Info: 736-7100 Ext. 6 or 800-648-park Ext. 6.

the wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb


Sundays

Toenail sundays - Noon-4pm every Sunday. In-store nail trim. Bring in your dog, cat, small animal or reptile and have their nails trimmed. Price is $5 per Pet. washinGTon Township Pet Supplies Plus, 64920 Van Dyke. Info: 586-752-2800.

pet Vaccination Clinic - 10am-2pm. 3rd Sundays only. Midtown Veterinary Services will be in store every 3rd Sunday hosting a Pet Vaccination Clinic. Get rabies/distemper vaccinations at our low cost vaccination clinic. Prices range from $12 to $63 depending on individual/packages. Fees do not include pet's booster vaccines, taxes or county tax fees. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. TayLoR Pet Supplies Plus, 20725 Ecorse Rd. Info: 313-295-6500.

pet Vaccination Clinic - 10am-2pm. 1st Sundays only. Midtown Veterinary Services will be in store every 3rd Sunday hosting a Pet Vaccination Clinic. Get rabies/distemper vaccinations at our low cost vaccination clinic. Prices range from $12 to $63 depending on individual/packages. Fees do not include pet's booster vaccines, taxes or county tax fees. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. wooDhaVen Pet Supplies Plus, 19295 West Rd Info: 734-671-6936.

adoptions - 12pm-4pm. We do adoptions each Sat. & Sunday every month. FREE. PetSmart, BRiGhTon.

Tuesdays

senior Citizen Day - 9am-9pm. Every Tuesday. Seniors (55 and older) will receive a 10% discount on total purchase. Excludes sale items and live animals. washinGTon Township Pet Supplies Plus, 64920 Van Dyke. For more information call 586-752-2800.

50% off Vaccines - 1pm-5pm. Preventive Care Clinic. VCA Farmington Hills Animal Hospital. With your paid examination receive 50% off all due vaccines. VCA Farmington Hills Animal Hospital, 31555 W. 13 Mile Road, FaRminGTon hiLLs. Info: VCA Farmington Hills Animal Hospital 248-553-2340. See ad page 7.

Wednesdays

senior Citizen Day - 9am-9pm. Every Wednesday. Seniors (55 and older) will receive a 10% discount

on total purchase. Excludes sale items and live animals. oRTonViLLe and LapeeR Pet Supplies Plus, For more information, contact store at 248-627-7900 and 810-245-2200.

swim with your Dog indoors - 4pm-6pm. 4ft deep heated pool. 1/2 hour swim with 1 dog. Private sessions. must rsvp $15. Me & My Shadow, 29855 Ford Road, GaRDen CiTy. Robin Honeycutt 734-525-9500.

pet Food Bank - 3-5:30pm. Basil's Buddies Pet Food Bank will be open the 2nd Wednesday of every month. FREE. Trenton/Woodhaven Animal Shelter, 21860 Van Horn Rd, wooDhaVen. Basil's Buddies 734-926-1098.

senior Citizen Day - 10am-9pm. If you are age 60 or over, you are entitled to an additional discount of 10% off of your purchase. FREE. Pet Supplies Plus, 873 S. Main St, LapeeR.

Thursdays

Low Cost wellness and Vaccine Clinic - 5-7pm. The Canton Pet Supplies Plus, located at 43665 Ford Road, will be hosting a Low Cost Wellness and Vaccine Clinic every Thursday from 5 until 7. Dr. John Hermann will be administering the vaccinations. For info on vaccines contact Dr. Hermann at 313-686-5701. CanTon Pet Supplies Plus, 43665 Ford Road. Store: 734-981-9191.

No Ongoing Events for Fridays in this issue.

Saturdays

Vet Clinic - 9am-12pm. 3rd Saturdays only. monRoe Pet Supplies Plus, 859 Telegraph Road. Info: 734-384-9888.

Low Cost Vaccination Clinic - 9am-12pm. Low Cost Vaccintaion Clinics will be hosted by Pet Spa Grooming on the 4th Saturday of each month. Vaccines for dogs, cats and ferrets are available. No appointments necessary. Call Pet Spa or see our facebook page for more information. FREE. Pet Spa Grooming, 41124 Five Mile Rd, pLymouTh. Jessica 734-233-7995.

Vet Clinic - 9am-12pm. 1st Saturdays only. Vet Clinic with Value Pet. ReDFoRD Pet Supplies

sunday

wednesday

Event days and/or times may change for a variety of reasons. Please call to verify all events before attending.

tuesday

ongoingevents Submission deadline: The 10th prior to publication. Email or online submission only. For guidelines, visit: NAPetMag.com Click on: "Calendar Submissions"

Plus, 14835 Telegraph Road. Info:313-255-1633.

pet Therapy at Town Village - 11am-12pm. Meet in a large room with residents who are interested in seeing, hearing about and interacting with your dog. Your dog should be people friendly, not just interested in other dogs. Town Village, 4500 Dobry Drive, sTeRLinG heiGhTs.

adoptions - 11am-3pm. We do adoptions every Saturday. FREE. Peters True Value Hardware Store, 3455 W. Highland, miLFoRD.

adoptions - 12pm-3pm. We do adoptions every Saturday! FREE. Pet Provisions, 5757 Whitmore Lk Rd., ste 200, BRiGhTon.

homefurever Dog and puppy event - 12-4pm. Every other Saturday. We have dogs and puppies for adoption every Saturday. Petco, 1217 Coolidge between 14-15 Mile, TRoy. 248-643-0694. Call for days: Rescue phone: 313-897-4931.

homefurever Dog & puppy adoptions - Every other Saturdays. Dog and puppies available for adoptions. FREE. Petco- Roseville, 32074 Gratiot 131/2 Mile Masonic, RoseViLLe. Call for days: Marilyn 313-897-4931.

adoptions - 12pm-4pm. We do adoptions each Sat. & Sunday every month. FREE. PetSmart, BRiGhTon.

horse-Drawn hayrides - Weekends, noon-4pm. Take a relaxing horse-drawn hayride past the fields and through the woods. Hayrides are $3 per child, $5 per adult. Kensington Metropark Farm Center located near miLFoRD/BRiGhTon. For more information, please call 248-684-8632.

Last Chance Rescue adoption - 12-3pm. Adoptions are being done right on site, lots of animals all shapes and sizes!Recurring event. Pet Provisions, Whitmore Lake Rd, Suite 200, BRiGhTon. 810-227-0967 Vet Clinic - 2-5pm. 1st Saturdays only. A vet clinic from Value Pet. DeTRoiT Pet Supplies Plus, 18956 Livernois. Info: 313-863-5660.

Dog adoption Day - Every Saturday. Cat adoptions every day. Working with Happy Homes Rescue, Almost Home Animal Haven and Companion Pet Rescue. Premier Pet Supply, 31215 Southfield Rd., BeVeRLy hiLLs. Info: 248-647-4310. See ad page 11.

paw prints Grief support Group - Noon-1:30pm. First Saturday each month. Provides pet owners a safe place to meet and talk about the loss of their beloved pet with others experiencing a similar loss. MHS Administrative Office, 30300 Telegraph Rd, Suite 220, BinGham FaRms. Info: 248-283-1000, ext.179.

horse-Drawn hayrides or sleighrides - Weekends, noon to 4 p.m. Take a relaxing horse-drawn hayride or sleighride (snow conditions permitting) past the fields and through the woods. Hayrides are $3 per child, $5 per adult. Kensington Metropark Farm Center located near miLFoRD/BRiGhTon. For more information, please call 248-684-8632.

thursday

saturday

friday

To ride a horse is to ride the sky. ~Author Unknown


VeteRiNARy

woodside animal clinic27452 Woodward Ave, ROYAL OAK248-545-6630Doc4Pets.com

Dr. Simon is the owner of Woodside Animal Clinic in Royal Oak, where he practices both alternative and conventional medicine on dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and rodents. He is the author of 4 pet care books. See ad page 9.

RehAb & theRAPieS

animal rehabilitation center oF michigan, inc.1490 Lochaven Rd., WATERFORD248-363-5061Physical rehabilitation has been proven to help animals return to function more quickly after experiencing an orthopedic or neurological injury. See ad page 19.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our pet community. To find out how you can be included in the Pet Resource Guide email [email protected] to request our media kit.

AdOPtiON / ReSCue

michigan humane societY Adoption Center - 3600 W Auburn RdROCHESTER HILLS - 248-852-7420MichiganHumane.orgThe Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofi t animal welfare organization and is the largest and oldest such organization in the state, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year.

grace greYhound rescueHoundsOfGrace.org734- 347 5061

petresourceguide

adoPt-a-Pet13575 N Fenton Rd., FENTON810-629-0723

FurrY Friends rescueBRIGHTON/SOUTH LYON AREA248-860-5688

take mY Paws rescueFowlerville/Howell area • 517-618-7042TakeMyPaw.org

humane societY oF livingston countY2464 Dorr Rd - HOWELL517-552-8050

bio-turF, llc • 810-348-7547Serving Oakland, Livingston and GeneseeLawn/tree care program that offers organic-based fertilizers. Free lawn analysis. Visit Bio-Turf.com.

ORGANiC LAWN CARe

a-1 organic lawns, llcComplete Natural Lawn ApplicationProducts and programsPO Box 174 - Highland - 248-889-7200A-1OrganicLawns.comWe believe in protecting and preserving your family and home environment with natural fertilizers that use the power of nature to beautify your property. See ad page 17.

GROOMiNG

Jan's Pet grooming25940 Five Mile Rd., Redford313-532-3070Tuesday through Saturday

We have several highly qualifi ed stylists to suit everyone's individual needs. We groom all breeds & cats (large & smal l ) . Crea t ive grooming and coloring.

Pet StOReS & SuPPLieS

Premier Pet suPPlY31215 Southfield Rd., BEVERLY HILLS248-647-4310PremierPetSupply.comOur product focus is on natural & holistic foods,

treats and supplements for all pets. We carry many hard to fi nd and unique items. We invite you to come in and be pleasantly surprised by our service and selection! See ad page 11.

PamPered Pet salon, llc28515 Five Mile Rd. • LivoniaIn the Livonia Plaza734-266-2738 • PamperedPetSalon.bizWe professionally groom dogs of all breeds. We use all natural, non-toxic, biodegradable shampoos and conditioners, all of which are made in Michigan. Providing quality service to the Livonia area since 1974. Have you pampered your pet today?

celebritY Pet comPanY, llc~ Downtown Northville • 248-344-1700124 N. Center St, Northville~ Laurel Park Place • 734-464-588837670 W. Six Mile, LivoniaCelebrityPetsCompany.com

Where you can help your pet feel like a star! Shop for Dogs, Cats and Owners. Voted #1 Best Pet Couture in Detroit. See ad page 14.

bOARdiNG / dAyCARe

4-legged Friends daYcare12615 Stark Rd • Livonia 734-522-PAWS (7297)4-LeggedFriendsDaycare.com

Dog Dayca re . Cage-less, safe, s u p e r v i s e d , indoor/outdoor all day play. Dog & Cat Boarding. Next time you

head out of town bring your pet to us for a fun fi lled day and relaxing nights sleep.

a scooter's resQMacomb, MI586-774-4738 • [email protected]

a reJoYceFul animal rescueMt. Clemens, MIemail only: [email protected]

a reJoYceFul animal rescueMt. Clemens, MIemail only: [email protected]

a hoPeFul heart animal rescueRoseville • [email protected]

ReiKi

reiki & Pet communication Facebook.com/petra4pets [email protected]

In-person (Flat Rock or Berkley) or distance Reiki and shamanic services for pets. Pet communication to resolve issues, at end of life, or just for fun.

ruFFlY PurrFect PeticuresDogs and Cats - All sizesBURTON - 810-742-5777Grooming and shampooing - we use soap free shampoo doesn't wash off fl ea protection.

tender touch Pet sPa973 S. Lapeer Rd., OXFORD248-628-2821

Four Paws ProFessional dog & cat grooming46781 Gratiot, CHESTERFIELD586-949-8210

golden Paws grooming & boarding services1488 S. Lapeer Rd., LAKE ORION248-690-7313


A section dedicated to fostering adoptions through local shelters and rescues. Each spot is sponsored by a local business or individual showing support for pets needing a forever home. To become a sponsor, visit NAPetMag.com and click on "Adoption Spotlights" or call 248-628-0125.

Note: There may be fees associated with some of the listed adoptions. Please call the organization listed for more information. Thank you for helping these pets find good homes!

adoptionspotlights

GRACE Greyhounds

Sweets Female brindle colored

greyhound

sponsored by

call 735-347-5061 or visit houndsofgrace.org

GRACE Greyhounds

Pyrobrindle colored male

greyhound

sponsored by


GRACE Greyhounds

Tazblack male greyhound

sponsored by


Michigan Humane Society

Queenie3-year-old shepherd/akita mix

detroit center for animal care 313-872-3400

sponsored by

PremierPetsupply.com


CeCe4-year-old shepherd mix

rochester hills center for animal care: 248-852-7420

sponsored by



Midnight1-year-old domestic shorthair

sponsored by

berman center for animal care: westland • 734-721-7300



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