lancaster county pet spring 2015

LCPLCPLANCASTER COUNTY PETLANCASTER COUNTY PET

PREMIERE ISSUESPRING 2015

Lancaster, PENNSYLVANIA Pet and AnimalLancaster, PENNSYLVANIA Pet and AnimalINformation, Services and EventsINformation, Services and Events

Lancaster, PENNSYLVANIA Pet and AnimalINformation, Services and Events

Lancaster City Mounted Police+TNR Program(Trap-Neuter-Return)

+Lancaster County SPCA

SPRING 2015 1

6 Lancaster County Mounted Unit The horses and officers that protect our city and serve our community BY SAMANTHA ST.CLAIR

12 TNR Program How to help stray cats in the community through spay and neuter services BY SAMANTHA ST.CLAIR

FEATURES

C O N T E N T S

DEPARTMENTS

3 Letter From Editor Welcome to LCP!

4 Tips Fun Facts and Information About Pets, from travel to local laws

5 Events Local events from April-June 2015

10 The Good Stuff Our Favorite Toys, find a new gift for your best friend

14 Community Dr. Hall, a veterinarian with a good cause

15 Health Five Healthy Snacks to Share with Your Dog

16 Meet the Breed Siberian Husky, a breed with stunning looks and high intelligence

18 Seasonal Dangerous Plants, plants you should avoid having around your pets

19 Fun Focus Agility, an athletic canine sport that can help you bond with your dog

20 Rescue Highlight Lancaster County SPCA, helping pets of all varieties in many ways

22 Pet Services Sit & Stay, resources for grooming and hotel services

24 Information Pet Resources and Contact Information

12TNR

Program

2 LANCASTER COUNTY PET

PublisherCecilia Cove, LLC

Editor in ChiefSamantha St.Clair

Managing EditorViolet Brown

Contributing EditorJoyce Freiwald

Art DirectorSally Heineman

SalesHelen Venesky

PhotographersSamantha St.Clair

Helen Venesky

ContributorsJoey Venesky

Jody Newman

Published by Cecilia Cove, LLCP.O. Box 44, Marietta, PA 17547

717.406.7811 • lancastercountypet.com

Advertising inquiries email:[email protected]

Caring for pets... and their people, too.

Our doctors provide a range of general medical and surgical services. We can takecare of your dog, cat, rabbit, pot-bellied pig,

ferret, and a variety of birds. Stop in with your furry or feathered friends and check

out our recently remodeled hospital!

For New Clients - Get a Free Pet Health ExamComplete our online form to instantly receive your Free Pet Health Examcoupon for VCA Bridgeport Animal Hospital in Lancaster, PA. Our veterinarians and veterinary staff looks forward to meeting you soon.

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VCA HOMEDELIVERY

PrimaryCare

VCA BridgeportAnimal Hospital

AdvancedCare

PreventiveCare

PetGrooming

?Pet

BoardingPet

Counseling Care

1251 Ranck Mill RoadLancaster, PA 17602

Phone: 717-393-9074Fax: 717-393-6619

Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 7:30 PMFri 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sat 8:00 AM - 11:30 AMSun 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

vcahospitals.com/bridgeport


HAVE ANY FEEDBACK TO GIVE US?Or perhaps you have ideas for topics you’dlike to see in our publication - or a unique

story about your own pet! If so, please contactus at [email protected] to

give your ideas and feedback. We thoroughly appreciate all of your ideas and comments.

Lancaster, PENNSYLVANIA Pet and AnimalINformation, Services and Events

Lancaster, PENNSYLVANIA Pet and AnimalLancaster, PENNSYLVANIA Pet and AnimalINformation, Services and EventsINformation, Services and Events

SPRING 2015 3

I WANT TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO LANCASTER COUNTY PET.As a new magazine our whole team is looking forward to getting to know the pets and owners of Lancaster County. We’ve already met a lot of greatpeople and animals while putting together articles for this first edition.If these first few months are an outlook on what we have to look forward to, well, we are surely excited to keep meeting more fellow pet lovers!

It is with this idea of community that I want to bring attention to one of our main goals as a publication. We want to connect with pet owners in the county and make this publication about all of you by hearing your experiences and insights, as well as providing you with new information.From heartwarming stories of adoption to informational tidbits about petcare, we know the best sources are right here in the community. We look forward to speaking with both experts as well as everyday pet owners.

Our other main goal is to provide a rich source of information on pet health,care, training and everything else out there we find valuable for pet owners to know about. We will be the source for everything ranging from upcomingevents, to debate topics on animal ownership issues, to where you can walkyour dog or ride your horse. We want to explore everything Lancaster County has to offer to its pet community.

Exploration is best achieved through not only our knowledge, but yourknowledge as well. We want to keep in contact with all of our readers. Feel free to contact us with issues you’d like explored, or breeds you’d like highlighted, or anything else you feel others need to know about. We areopen to hearing the voices of Lancaster’s pet owners - in fact, we’d love tohear from all of you.

As animal lovers who have dedicated much of our lives to both our own petsas well as animals in shelters, we look forward to continuing this publicationand meeting many more animal lovers in Lancaster County as time goes on.Please enjoy our first issue.

HELPFUL TIP

THE LATIN PHRASE “MULTUM IN PARVO” IS

OFTEN USED TO DESCRIBEPUGS. IT MEANS “A LOT OFDOG IN A SMALL SPACE.”

Throughout our magazine you’ll find informative bubbles.

E D I T O R’ S L E T T E R


T I P S

TipS to Tails

According to the AmericanKennel Club (AKC), the mostpopular breed in Pennsylvaniais the Labrador retriever.

Fun Facts about PetsA person living in

our Commonwealth owning or keeping a DOG or CAT over 3

months of age shall have the dogor cat vaccinated against rabies.

Dog Licenses are needed IN LANCASTER COUNTY

Contact: Lancaster CountyGovernment Center

150 N Queen St., Lancaster717.299.8222

PETS ON VACATIONAccording to a Pet Travel Survey,just under 50% of travelers willtake their pet with them in the next three months, while another40% will be taking their four-leggedfriends on a road trip within thenext year. Dogs are definitely themost popular traveling companion.Approximately 86% of owners saythey choose to vacation with theirpet, with only a quarter of thoseowners taking their cats. Just under60% took their dogs with them whenthey traveled last year. Those travel-ing with pets also prioritize their animals, nine out of ten of those surveyed say they would changetravel plans if it would make it moreconvenient to take their pet.

Lancaster County nowcontains an estimated 5,000farms with 425,336 acres inagriculture. Average size is 78 acres.

Cats are prone

to dehydration in

the Spring. Keep

their bowl filled

with fresh water.

SPRING 2015 5

KPETS host PENN Animal CanineBlood Bank Saturday, April 25THAT FISH PLACE – THAT PET PLACE 237 Centerville Road, Lancasterkpets.org

Spring Fling - Pitties.Peace.LoveSunday, April 26 • 10:00am – 2:00pmAdoption Event and Toy SalePLAYFUL PUPS RETREAT850 Milton Grove Road N.Elizabethtownpittieslovepeace.com

Gumbo Cook-Off for Animal RescueSaturday, May 9 • 1:00pm – 5:00pmTen contestants will compete for top honors. All proceeds benefit local animal rescues. $25 entry fee. Plus, a Yards Brewing promotion!SHANK’S TAVERN36 South Waterford Avenue, Mariettashankstavern.com

Feathered Sanctuary Grand OpeningSaturday, May 16 • 1:00pm – 4:00pmFEATHERED SANCTUARY EXOTIC BIRD RESCUE 1674 Kirkwood Pike, Kirkwoodfsebr.webs.com

Lancaster Bird ExpoSaturday, May 23 • 9:00am – 5:00pmLANCASTER FARM AND HOME CENTER1383 Arcadia Road, Lancasterlancasterbirdexpo.com

New Holland Arts and CraftsSaturday, June 27 • 9:00am – 2:00pmLancaster County Craft FestivalNEW HOLLAND COMMUNITY PARK401 East Jackson Street, New [email protected]

Events APRIL | MAY | JUNE

2015

Park City Center’s Annual Shop for a Cause EventSaturday, April 18 • 10:00am – 8:30pmPARK CITY CENTER, CENTER COURT 142 Park City Center, Lancasterparkcitycenter.com

Leo’s Helping Paws Bow Wow BingoSunday, April 19 • 11:30am EPHRATA RECREATION CENTER130 South Academy Drive, Ephrataleoshelpingpaws.org

A HORSESHOE IS SAID TOBRING GOOD LUCK. SOMEBELIEVE THAT TO HANG ITWITH THE ENDS POINTINGUPWARDS IS GOOD LUCK.

Have an upcoming Summer Event? Share it with us!

Events are subject to change. Please contact event host.

LANCASTERBIRD EXPO

SPRING FLING

GUMBOCOOK-OFF


written by Samantha St.Clair photographed by Samantha St.Clair

Keeping Lancaster Safe

The Lancaster CityMounted Unit

We do everything officers in cars do.– OFFICER MCVEY (The Mounted Unit answers the same calls as any other officer and responds to crimes).

““


“If you are trying to find a good restaurant in town, you should always go to a cop. They always know the best places to eat,”McVey stated. They are always willing to help people, no matterthe situation - be it as serious as a possible crime, or as simple as finding the best places in town to visit. If you are concernedabout how dangerous this job is to the horses, you may be comforted to know nothing serious has happened to them.

“We have been fortunate,” said McVey, “most of the injuries occur when the horses are goofing around in the fields.” How-ever, when potential threats do occur, the horses are treated likethe human members of the team. People who harm them orthreaten them may face jail time. The horses are trained to dealwith all sorts of people. For example, they have been trained tobump people over with their shoulders when chasing peopledown - and no one is outrunning these horses! Thankfully, theteam gets to meet a lot of nice people in their daily work as well.

The Horses The horses love the community as much as the officers do. When you see one of them in town, you should certainly feel free to go talk to the officers and ask questions - and of course,you may also be greeted by the friendly horses on staff. While

K E E P I N G L A N C A S T E R S A F E

What is the Lancaster Mounted Unit? It may be somewhat strange to walk around Lancaster City and see a horse walking by. These horses catch your attention due to theirlarge size, and of course, the officer on their back. There is nothing to worry about, though,they belong there. They are the Lancaster CityMounted Unit and they are there to keep thecity safe, organized and running smoothly.

The Lancaster Mounted Unit began in 1979 and has been astrong team ever since. Today there are four horses: Duke, theoldest, Liam, Ozzy and Charlie, the youngest. Their main riders include Officers Eric Lukacs, Scott McDonald and Greg Berry.While officers are typically thought of as patrolling in cars, theMounted Unit spends nearly all of their time with their horses.

“I haven’t driven a car in 15 years,” joked Officer Wayne McVey,a soon retiring Mounted Unit Officer. These officers begin andend their days with the horses. When they are not patrolling thecity, they spend their time caring for the horses - from feeding to barn maintenance, to getting the horses prepped to go out on the town, the daily tasks involved keeps them quite busy. Of course their number one job is to be a presence in Lancaster- both to be a friendly part of the community and to keep up with regular police duties.

Duties of the Mounted Unit “We do everything officers in cars do,” noted McVey. TheMounted Unit answers the same calls as any other officer and responds to crimes. They also act as a crime deterrent since they can be seen from so far away, towering above everyone on their horses. Having such a high vantage point is a huge advantage compared to what other officers can see as they cansee into cars and can watch over crowds of people much easier.

“One horse and rider is equal to 10 officers on foot,” said OfficerMcVey when discussing how the Mounted Unit is often used for crowd control. If they need people to move back from anarea, the horses are much better suited to making it happen. The Mounted Unit can have people moved back while the other officers can move in to handle the issue. It is due to thesereasons that the Mounted Unit is set apart from other officers,each benefiting the city in both similar and different ways.

McVey also noted that Mounted Unit Officers are generally afriendlier presence for the community, as people feel more relaxed when they are around the horses. This makes people want to talk to the officers more. McVey noted this was one of the best parts about working with a horse. The Mounted Unitisn’t all about serious crimes. They also help people navigate the city.

SPRING 2015 9

Donating to

the Mounted Unit

The Mounted Unit operates on donations from the public in order to care for their horses.Horses cost a lot between feed and supplies and vet bills amongother care costs. The Mounted Unit runs events to get donations,one such large event is held everyyear with the Columbia RidingClub. If you are interested in attending events that benefit the mounted and canine units, you can follow them on Facebook,Lancaster City Police MountedUnit, where events will be posted.

(Top Left): Police horse Charlie sporting his police attire(Middle Right): Officer Greg Berry on Charlie and Officer Eric Lukacs on Duke(Bottom Right):Duke loves to greet people

you are most likely allowed to pet the horses, the officers prefer if you ask before doing so. Since they are on a job it is important to make sure they have the time to greet you.

While all of the horses share common attributes, they each have unique personalities as well. Two of the horses featuredare Duke and Charlie, the oldest and youngest horses of theteam. Duke, easily distinguished from the others by his whitecoat, is the head of the herd. He is more laid back and enjoysbossing the other horses around. Charlie is known for being the most social horse in the Mounted Unit. Perhaps it is his curiosity that makes him love attention.

“He is the first one to put his head down and rub against people.” McVey commented about Charlie, the horse that he rode when he was part of the unit.

The common attributes between all of the horses are their eagerness please. Three of the Mounted Unit horses are draftbreeds, or draft crosses, which are known for having a calm demeanor. Good police horses are also not easily spooked. The size of the draft horses is also an advantage since it acts as a better crime deterrent.

If you are trying to find a good restaurant in town, you should always go to a cop.

“ “


T H E G O O D S T U F F

NEVER GIVE A BONE TO A CAT. BONES CAN

SPLINTER AND CAUSE A CAT TO CHOKE.

Nylabone Durachew WishboneOriginal FlavorGreat for powerful chewers, Playful Pups Retreat • $10.99

Our favoriteS

KONG Moppy KickerooPromotes wrestling andhind paw kickingDrake’s Pet Store • $5.99

Waggers My Little WolfSalmon-Licious Recipe Dog TreatsDrake’s Pet Store • $6.99

“Fish” lead by Lupine4’ to 6’ with padded handle. Lifetime guarantee even if chewed.Playful Pups Retreat • $13.99

SPRING 2015 11

Humane Pennsylvania believes that the best way to keep pets happy

and healthy at home is to make sure they have access to high quality

and affordable veterinary care!

Humane Veterinary Hospitals Lancaster and Reading are open to the public

and accepting new patients!2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602

(717) [email protected]

1801 N. 11th St., Reading, PA 19604610-921-VETS (8387)

[email protected]


The reality is, most stray cats are too feral to be placed in homes.

SPRING 2015 13

They can be seen just abouteverywhere – in the city, in thecountry, and perhaps near your

home. Stray cats may be seen as aproblem or perhaps a lost cause.Have you ever wondered about helpingthese cats, either by giving them ahome or trying to find them a home?

The reality is, most stray cats are too feral to be placed in homes.There is, however, one way you can help local strays and thecommunity as a whole.

The Pet Pantry is one organization that provides a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program for stray cats in Lancaster. The TNR program is a low cost spay/neuter clinic that helps in manyways. Population control is the base in controlling other issuessuch as diseases and injuries. In controlling the population, thereare less cats to invade resident homes and yards where they can potentially pose a threat to both humans and their pets.

Without a TNR program, cat populations can get out of control.They are just cats though, right? As innocent as the situation mayseem, stray cats pose a number of threats. They can spreaddiseases to both humans and other animals, such as rabies andworms. There is also a lower chance of survival for the stray catsthemselves when there are too many of them, especially whenthey are all intact. Intact cats are more likely to fight with eachother, which can lead to serious, life threatening injuries. On top of these issues there would also be a lack of resources for thestrays, leading to starvation. TNR can help with all of these issues.

The TNR program in Lancaster County has been highly beneficialfor the community. In 2014 alone the Pet Pantry altered 767 straycats. It can take 5-10 years for a Trap-Neuter-Return program toreally make an impact on the community, and due to joint effortsof various organizations in the area, Lancaster’s TNR programshave been quite successful. No one likes to see animals suffer

TNR ProgramLow cost spay/neuter clinic

T N R P R O G R A M

and bringing stray cats to one of these clinics may just be one of the best ways you can help them live longer and happier lives. While having an owner who can provide them food, shelter, andlifelong veterinary services, adopting a stray cat is not an easy solution to the problem. While these cats can become somewhattrusting of the people who feed and care for them in the area,they rarely make good pets. There is a small window of opportu-nity for socializing feral kittens before they too are unable to fitinto home lifestyles. Often times these cats will have severe behavioral problems when people try to adjust them to home living. While it may seem like the right thing to do, it is importantto realize these cats have known a whole different world for theirentire lives. It is stressful for cats to adjust to new environments.Also, with cat overpopulation in shelters already high, it is unrea-sonable to consider adding feral cats to shelters as well.

In the end, the TNR programs are the most feasible solution tothe feral cat problem. Once altered, these cats are much calmerand less enticed to fight with other cats. In addition to changingtheir behaviors, TNR programs will also provide other servicesfor the cats while they are in the veterinarian’s hands. They canreceive basic vaccines, such as rabies and distemper, and can betreated for injuries. While it is sad to think about feral cats livingoutside their entire lives, never knowing what it is like to be lovedand cared for, you can show your love by giving them the bestpossible care you can.

The Pet Pantry offers low cost spaying/neutering as well as basicvaccinations to feral cats for $30 with an additional fee of $15 ifother problems need to be fixed. This service is only available toferal cats. The Pet Pantry tries to hold two TNR clinics a month. If you need to bring in several cats there is no need to try to rushand bring them all in at once. The Pet Pantry offers these servicesoften so people can bring a reasonable amount of cats in at atime, knowing that the service will be available in the future. If thestray cats you see are missing the tip of one of their ears, you canbe assured they have already been cared for by a TNR clinic.

written by Samantha St.Clair


If you are looking for a veterinarian in the areathat works on just about any pet out there,Dr. Hall may be the vet for you. With 35 years

of experience, Dr. Hall knows how to treat animalsof all types, from dogs and cats to exotics such asbirds. Growing up on a dairy farm, Dr. Hall hasalways been around animals. His love of animalsled him down the veterinarian career path.

“I had allergies to hay so I knew I didn't want tostay on a dairy farm,” he joked, reflecting on his first job. After his time working on a dairy farm, hiscareer focuses were entirely on veterinary medicine.Originally a large animal vet, Dr. Hall became inter-ested in exotics and switched to becoming a smallanimal and exotics vet. While birds are his favoritespecies, he loves any and all animals that walk intothe Bridgeport Animal Hospital.

It is a rarity today to walk into a small vet clinic - but when you go to visit Dr. Hall at the Bridgeport Animal Hospital, you get just that.

“You get the consistency of seeing the same peoplewhenever you visit,” said Dr. Hall. The staff all haveexperience working with all types of animals thatcome to the clinic - which includes just about anything aside from large animals and reptiles. The friendly people you work with when visiting the Bridgeport Animal Hospital are perhaps oneof the nicest parts of this clinic.

Another huge plus? Dr. Hall works with various rescue organizations such as the FeatheredSanctuary and Operation Scarlet. So, not only will you be treated kindly by knowledgeable staff if you go to the Bridgeport Animal Hospital, but you can also be assured that your veterinarian helps local rescue groups.

C O M M U N I T Y


MANY BIRDS CAN LIVE FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS AND MACAWS CAN LIVE

FOR 80+ YEARS.

Human HeroDr. Hall (Bridgeport Animal Hospital)

1251 Ranck Mill RoadLancaster, PA 17602717-393-9074vcahospitals.com/bridgeport

Dr. Hall attending to an injured swan

SPRING 2015 15

BananasIt is great to start your day eating a banana with your breakfast. If your pupis begging you for some banana goodness, feel free to share a piece with them -but be careful, they can become addicted!

CucumbersCucumbers are good snacks for us to dip in some ranch to go along with other meals. While your dog can’t enjoy the ranch, they can enjoy a slice of cucumber with you (just don’t tell them you’re leaving the good part off!)

BlueberriesThey are tiny and delicious. You don’t have to worry about cutting up blueberries when you share them with your dog, and they make great littlerewards to have your dog do tricks for.

Pumpkin PuréeWhile this may not be the best snack to share, you can still have some withyou when you eat to give to your dog. It may seem strange to us to eat plainpumpkin, but dogs often love it.

WatermelonIf you are dreaming of summer, you may be thinking watermelon would be a great snack. Well, your dog thinks so too! This snack can help provide hydration for both you and your canine friend. Just remember to remove the seeds from anything you give your dog.

It is always recommended that you speak with your veterinarian before any changesto your dog’s diet, especially if your dog is known to have allergies or other troubleswith foods. As with anything you feed your pet, it is always best to do so in moderation- however, you shouldn’t feel so guilty giving your pup one of these healthy (but stillsmall) snacks off your plate!

H E A LT H

It is something many of us do. We sit down to eat and the temptation to feed our dogs a tablescrap is present. Even if our dogs are trained to lay down when we are eating, they still stare from across the room with those impossible to resist eyes. But should you be feeding your pup anything off your plate? Well, there is a solution to your terribletemptations. The following five snacks are humans foods you can share with your dog - and they are healthy for you, too.

DOMESTIC DOGS ARE OMNIVORES, THEY FEED ON A VARIETY OF FOODS

INCLUDING GRAINS, VEGETABLES AND MEATS.

Five Snacks to Share With Your Dog


Meet the...SiberianHusky! “Part clown, part snuggle bug,part athlete” -MaPaw SiberianHusky Rescue written by Samantha St.Clair

M E E T T H E B R E E D

SPRING 2015 17

It is hard not to stare when yousee a Siberian Husky. They area beautiful and unique breed,

both in looks and in personality.With a large variety of coat colorsand patterns, and eyes that canrange from brown to ice blue, theycertainly stand out among otherbreeds. While this eye-catchingbreed may be appealing in looks,anyone considering a dog simplyfor beauty should take a step back.The husky is more than that - theyare athletic, intelligent, and areunlike most other dogs.

The Siberian Husky can be a lot of fun and can be a great familypet for someone who is able to meet their needs. They are wellknown for their personalities, which are often times very silly!They are a pack animal and therefore love family settings. Whenproperly socialized and trained they can be a friendly and wonderful addition to the family.

However, if you are looking for the normal family dog that playsfetch and is content to nap by your feet, then the husky might not be your match. Huskies are known by many as the cats of thedog world - with some good reason. The key to training a husky is finding what motivates them as they can be quite stubborn andtend to do things only when they know there is something in it for them. They also are known for being terrible fetching compan-ions. Be expected to play fetch by yourself, as they will often dono more than watch the toy fly before wandering off to continuetheir business!

While they will not chase after toys, they do love to run. The Siberian Husky is an athlete and thrives in an active environment.They were bred to work and love to do so. If you are active, orwant good motivation to become active, the Siberian Husky willcertainly keep you moving. However, because of this nature theycan easily become bored without regular exercise. Bored dogsoften result in bad dogs. To make up for a lack of stimulation thehusky can become destructive. Their love for running can alsoget them in other troubles since they will go through extremes toget out of confinements to fill their desires. Because of this,huskies cannot be left unattended even in fenced yards, and theyshould never be allowed off leash when not in a secure area.

Aside from a running partner, they also make great hiking companions and can participate in various dog sports includingmushing and agility. They can participate in mushing year round -either with sleds, or with the equivalent on wheels when there isno snow. The best part about dog activities is they are a lot of fun and you can meet a lot of other people who have a love fordogs as well.

Athletic andintelligent,and knownfor their personalities,which areoften timesvery silly!

SOURCE:

A special thanks to MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue(www.sibes.com) for providing information on the breed. Please visit their website to find out more information as well as to find resources on where you can adopt a Huskyif you are considering adding one to your family!

If you are looking to become a first time husky owner, it is impor-tant to do your research. Huskies have some needs that do not fitevery lifestyle. Huskies shed excessively which is not ideal foreveryone. They also have a high prey drive which can be anissue with smaller animals in the home. While they do have somequirks that may not appeal to everyone, the husky has a lot ofgood qualities, too. They are pack animals that love family lifeand will bond with their family members. Their silly antics alsomake for great entertainment, as huskies are sure to keep theirowners smiling! Take into consideration all of the positives andnegatives of the breed after you have gathered more information.Ask yourself what you are looking for in a dog and really thinkabout it before getting any dog, as it is a lifetime commitment.


S E A S O N A L

TOP SPRING FLOWERSDangerous to Pets

The cold snowy days are now behind us and warmer tempera-tures are around the corner. Our four-legged family membersare “chomping at the bit” to headoutside to graze and investigate.Their curiosity will have them nibbling on anything growing. So before you head to the closestnursery, be mindful of the typeflower or plant, indoor and outdoor, you bring home. Theseplants can be deadly to your cat,dog or rabbit.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOGHAS BEEN STUNG BY A BEE.

1. REMOVE THE STINGER2. BENADRYL

3. ICE

Day Lily or Easter LilyIt is hard to believe that these spring beauties are deadly to cats. The green shootsof early growth are equally as dangerous and may cause renal failure. It is suggested to keep this flower away from your feline friend. These are harmless to dogs.

Castor Bean PlantThe Castor Bean plant is also known as the Mole Bean or African Wonder plant.It is grown as an ornamental plant as well as a crop. Ingestion of the bean or the foliage is deadly for cats and dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and eventually death.

English IvyUsed frequently for decoration, the English Ivy plant is toxic for dogs and cats. Eating the foliage may cause vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. Cats in particular are drawn to the long draping vines.

Garden HyacinthThis spring bulb, along with Daffodils and Crocuses, are toxic to both cats and dogs. Eating the bulb may cause diarrhea, vomiting and trigger dermatological reactions as well.

SPRING 2015 19

If running with your dog throughan obstacle course sounds like fun,agility just might be the sport for you.

Canine agility is perhaps one of the mostpopular dog sports out there. It deter-mines the athleticism and obedience ofa dog, all while also testing the bondbetween human and companion. Agilityrequires teamwork between a dog andtheir master as they work together torun a course consisting of jumps, tunnels,weave poles, and “contact obstacles” suchas the dog walk and teeter.

Perhaps one of the greatest parts about agility is that it is open to anyone willing to give it a try. While it may take a dog with some motivation, dogs of allbreeds can and have competed in agilitytrials. From tiny Chihuahuas to hyper Border collies, any breed is a possibility in this sport. In fact, dogs from sheltersalso make great candidates for fun andcompetitive agility.

While your dog may or may not becomea star agility runner, there is always something to be proud of with this sport.Whether it is claiming titles in trials ortraining your dog to do jumps in thebackyard, agility is one of those sportsthat makes owning a dog and getting exercise a lot of fun. You choose how serious you wish to make agility - will you go on to get first place in hundredsof competitive runs, or will you simplymake agility a fun event to spend somequality time with your dog?

Regardless of how far you choose to take it, there is nothing like spending time with your dog, and agility is one of the greatest ways to get out and have fun with your best friend.

Finding a trainer to help you get started is fairly easy! There are several trainers in the Lancaster County area that haveagility classes. Once you are sure your dog is ready and would like to compete,there are also trial locations close by.Always keep one thing in mind, though -any dog sport is all about having fun!

F U N F O C U S

Fun activities -agilitywritten by Samantha St.Clair

If you are interested in findingout more about agility or sign-ing up for classes, one of manytraining facilities in the area isRocky Creek Dog Agility!

LANCASTERCOUNTY SPCA: “They are not just shelter

animals, they are our animals.”

If you want a unique pet with a personality to match your family, the Lancaster CountySPCA just might be the right match for you! As one of Lancaster’s adoption centers,they adopt out all kinds of animals - from dogs to cats to rabbits and reptiles; it would

be hard to not find a friend there. As an open admission shelter, the LCSPCA takes instrays, owner surrenders and cruelty cases in a variety of conditions. As a result of theirefforts, they have adopted out over 700 animals since they moved to their new buildingin September of 2014. The LCSPCA has not only helped countless animals find newhomes, but has also helped owners find their pets when they get lost.

The LCSPCA’s mission involves helping pets get back to their owners or find new owners. However, it doesn’t stop there. They network with rescues to help get petsadopted faster. They also educate the community about the importance of adoption, pet care, and a variety of other pet related topics. The staff of the LCSPCA all sharethe same goal: to help animals in every and any way possible.

To make all of this possible, the LCSPCA relies on the public. One of the first ways youcan help any animal shelter is, of course, to adopt a pet. If you are looking for a new pet, adoption might be a good first choice. There are many misconceptions about shelter animals and how they are damaged or have major behavioral or health problems. The reality is, most of the animals that go into any animal shelter are surrendered by theirowners due to moving or allergies. Perhaps the best part about adoption is that you can easily find a perfect match since you get to meet the animals there and can learnabout their personalities, which can be difficult to do in other circumstances.

Aside from adoption, the Lancaster County SPCA also invites people who perhaps can’town pets or just love working with animals to volunteer and visit with their adoptableanimals regularly. Volunteering can be fun for kids and help them learn about proper animal care and handling. Becoming a volunteer can also help people get through toughtimes in life by giving them a way to help their community and help homeless animals feel loved. Most importantly, volunteers help make the shelter run smoothly.

If you cannot volunteer or adopt, there are still many other ways you could help thehomeless animals of Lancaster County. The LCSPCA is always in need of donations as they rely solely on the community. Donations can include money for medical funds, but can also be as simple as food or toys - every little bit helps. Another way to help,which can be as simple as the click of a button, is to share their shelter as well as theiradoptable pets on social media. Who knows, you may help a pet find their perfect forever home!


R E S C U E H I G H L I G H T


P E T S E R V I C E S

Sit and Stay

GROOMERS

Lancaster has many highly skilled andtalented groomers, so let them give yoursweet, hairy four-legged family member a spa day.

A Pooch Parlor 1200 Corporate BoulevardLancaster, PA 17601 • 717.285.5826 apoochparlor.com

Bath Biscuits and More 3695 Marietta AvenueLancaster, PA 17601 • 717.285.1337 bathbiscuitsandmore.com

Best Friends Grooming Boutique610 Rohrerstown RoadLancaster, PA 17603 • 717.464.2646bestfriendsgrooming-supplies.com

Deb the Dog Groomer1027 Dillerville RoadLancaster, PA 17603 • 717.394.8134debthedoggroomer.com

Wags Wash & Groom Spa146 College AvenueLancaster, PA 17603 • 717.517.8615wagslancaster.com

PET DAY CARE AND KENNELS

When it comes to leaving our belovedpets, be it a day or a week, only the bestboarding and day care establishmentswill do.

Gochenauer Kennels, Inc.995 Fruitville Pike Lititz, PA 17543 • 717.569.6151gochenauerkennels.com

Oscar's Pet Resort 5521 Willow RoadLancaster, PA 17601 • 717.397.0726oscarspetresort.com

Playful Pups RetreatMilton Grove Road N. Elizabethtown, PA 17022 • 717.689.3408 Playfulpupsretreat.com

PET FRIENDLY

ACCOMMODATIONS

Most devoted pet owners will tell youthat they would prefer their four-leggedcompanions join them on out of townvisits and vacations. We thought these“pet friendly” accommodations wouldoffer comfortable lodging.

Best Western Premier Eden Resort & Suites222 Eden RoadLancaster, PA 17601 • 717.569.6444edenresort.com

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Lancaster2045 Lincoln Highway E.Lancaster, PA 17602 • 717.290.7100hawthorn.com

Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center2300 Lincoln Highway E., Route 30Lancaster, PA 17602 • 717.299.5500lancasterhost.com

The Hotel Lancaster26 East Chestnut Street Lancaster, PA 17602 • 717.394.0900thehotellancaster.com

HORSE BOARDING

If you are looking for full care boardingin lush green farmland you are sure tofind a good fit nearby.

Bridge Acres Stables, Inc.2470 Hunsicker RoadLancaster, PA 17601 • 717.393.2702bridgeacresstable.com

Stonewood Farms574 Trail Road N.Elizabethtown, PA 17022 • 717.367.8198stonewoodfarmpa.com

Trevelyan Farm1200 Penn Grant RoadLancaster, PA 17603 • 717.871.0110trevelyanfarm.com

FOR CAT GROOMING USE A METAL COMB AND WORKTHROUGH THE FUR FROM

HEAD TO TAIL.

Pet Friendly Accommodations Information

• A “pet friendly hotel” is a hotel that not only allows guests to bring their cat, dog, or other small pets, but also provides items and services for your pets to make your pets and you feel more welcome and comfortable.

• A “pet tolerant hotel” allows guests to bring their cat, dog or other small pets, but will offer minimal or no services or items for your pet.

• Pet friendly hotels may not charge extra for pets. However, many do charge either for your entire visit, or per day that you stay in their hotel. Each hotel is different in the amount they charge.

• While many charge non-refundable fees, there are some that charge a deposit that is refundable if your pet causes no damage during your stay.

• Hotels will vary on which pets they will allow, some are dog friendly but not cat friendly.

Below are just a few of the many businesses in the area.This list will be updated each issue.

SPRING 2015 23

The success of our rescue program relies on the numberof foster homes we have available. The more fosterhomes we have, the more dogs we can save! We needvolunteers to provide short-term in-home care for ourdogs in need until they are adopted. All food and vet-erinary care is paid for by Pitties.Love.Peace.

Fostering can last from a week to several months.Werescue dogs from high-kill shelters, rehabilitate the sick,love and train unsocialized dogs, and maintain a 100%spay/neuter program. Our goal is to find safe and lovingforever homes for all of our rescues. Make a differencein a dog’s life, become a foster today.

Foster applications available online atwww.pittieslovepeace.com

Can I Crash at Your Place for a While?


ADOPTION AGENCIES

IN LANCASTER COUNTY

Humane League of Lancaster County2195 Lincoln Highway E.Lancaster, PA 17602 717.393.6551 humaneleague.com

Lancaster C.A.R.E.S237 Centerville Road, Suite 2Lancaster, PA 17603717.381.2275lancastercares.org

Lancaster County SPCA848 South Prince StreetLancaster, PA [email protected]

Pet Pantry of Lancaster County, Inc.26 Millersville RoadLancaster, PA 17603717.983.8878PetPantryLC.org

I N F O R M AT I O NDOG PARKS

Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park901 Buchanan Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603cityoflancasterpa.comPark was completely renovated in 2013.The park has both a small dog and largedog area, both with splash pads, a doxitunnel on the small dog side, and a tennisball launcher on the large dog side.

The Overlook Dog Park Manheim Township Recreation Dept.1241 Lititz PikeLancaster, PA 17601 717.290.7180 ext. 3100overlookdogpark.orgSeveral acres in this dog park has separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs.

HORSE RESCUES

Charming Acres Rescue Inc.717.606.4885charmingacresstables.weebly.com

Timberlake Horse Haven Pennsylvania Horse Rescue Non-Profit Organization 3009 Newark Road West Grove, PA 19390 717.224.4937www.timberlakehorsehaven.org

EMERGENCIES SERVICES

ORCAOrganization for Responsible Care of Animals401 East Orange StreetLancaster, PA 17602717.397.8922orcarescue.orgThe primary goal is to rescue any ill, or injured, or distress animal (domestic or wildlife), stray or abandoned and toprovide, on the Animal-Alert Hotline.Emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to helpour area animals, free of charge!!

PETSPets Emergency Treatment ServicesCompassionate Emergency and Specialty Health Care for Your Pet930 North Queen StreetLancaster, PA 17603717.295.7387lancasterpetemergency.com

Pet resources


lancastercountypet.com

Some of our Features will include:

Lancaster’s Hidden Gems: Looking for something fun to do this summer? Nothing can make summer morefun than getting to visit some farm animals! The perfect place to do this is at the Long's Park Petting Zoo.

Farm Cats: We look into the roles of cats on Lancaster County farms and controlling their present populations.

Real Estate: Find out the best places to live in Lancaster County that are close to accommodations for youand your pets’ needs. From neighborhoods close to great parks, to areas near horse trails, Lancaster has manypet friendly communities.

In every edition we provide more information on Lancaster County and pet care in our regular departments - from fun activities and facts to community members making a difference and much more.


Don’t miss our Summer 2015 issue!LCP is a community resource for pet and animal-friendlyinformation, business services and social events. Advertisers are promoted on the LCP website and ongoingsocial media campaigns.

717.406.7811 lancastercountypet.com

Advertising inquiries [email protected]

Your business will reach 25,000+ readers in Lancaster County!Complimentary copies of Lancaster County Pet will be available at the following locations:

• Veterinarian Offices • Animal Shelters• Dog-friendly Hotels• Pet Boutiques and Stores• Pet Daycare Facilities• Dog Grooming Salons• Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce• Lancaster Visitors Center• Lancaster General Hospital• Grocery and Drug Stores• Horse Breeders, Trainers and Boarders• Restaurants• Medical and Health Offices• Spas and Salons

lancaster county pet spring 2015

Documents