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FALL/WINTER <strong>2022</strong><br />
Amazing True Stories<br />
NJ PETS &<br />
Pet Parents<br />
Fall & Winter Fun<br />
BEST LOCAL<br />
ACTIVITIES<br />
Happy Holidays!<br />
Make This<br />
Your Best<br />
Season Ever<br />
Pro Advice<br />
HEAR THEIR<br />
STORIES
Revolutionizing Patient Care<br />
To Help <strong>Pets</strong> Live Their Best Lives<br />
We understand the special bond you share with your pet and<br />
that’s why we’ve dedicated our practice to providing the most<br />
comprehensive and advanced veterinary services for all types<br />
of companion animals — from cats and dogs to exotics, pocket<br />
pets, reptiles and birds.<br />
As an emergency, specialty, and referral practice, we collaborate<br />
with primary care veterinarians throughout the region. With over<br />
50 doctors and 20 veterinary disciplines, our AAHA ® accredited<br />
facilities offer the most progressive medical, dental, diagnostic, and<br />
surgical care. Through state-of-the-art technology and cutting-<br />
edge treatment options, our only focus is to keep your pet healthy<br />
and happy. What’s more, we’re available 24/7 365 days a year in<br />
Robbinsville so we’re always here when you need us.<br />
Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty Centers<br />
• Acupuncture<br />
• Anesthesia<br />
• Avian and Exotics<br />
• Cardiology<br />
• Clinical Pathology<br />
• Dentistry/Oral Surgery<br />
• Dermatology<br />
• Emergency/Critical Care<br />
• Internal Medicine<br />
• Interventional Radiology<br />
• Neurology<br />
• Oncology<br />
• Ophthalmology<br />
• Radiation Oncology<br />
• Radioiodine (I-131)<br />
• Radiology<br />
• Rehabilitation and<br />
Pain Management<br />
• Sports Medicine<br />
• Stem Cell Therapy<br />
• Surgery<br />
• Theriogenology<br />
Central NJ Main Hospital<br />
315 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd. • Robbinsville, NJ 08691<br />
Southern NJ<br />
Satellite<br />
2834 Route 73 North<br />
Maple Shade, NJ 08052<br />
Jersey Shore<br />
Satellite<br />
507 Route 70<br />
Brick, NJ 08723<br />
(609) 259-8300 northstarvets.com
FALL/WINTER <strong>2022</strong><br />
3 Welcome Letter<br />
By Dr. Daniel Stobie,<br />
Chief of Staff, NorthStar VETS<br />
4 Real <strong>Pets</strong>, Real People<br />
Fun stories of choosing pet names,<br />
amazing animal success stories, sweet<br />
photos of vets and their pets, and more.<br />
PHOTOS: (COVER) OSCAR SUTTON/UNSPLASH; (SUITCASE AND BEACH) SHUTTERSTOCK<br />
16<br />
20<br />
9<br />
• LOOK for our next issue coming in spring/summer 2023.<br />
• SUBMIT your #BESTFRIEND photo. See details, page 32.<br />
FEATURES<br />
12 Seasonal Fun<br />
With Your Dog<br />
Pumpkin picking, camping, an<br />
off-season beach trip and more.<br />
16 Vacation Mode<br />
A guide to local dog-friendly hotels,<br />
things to do and places to eat.<br />
20 Holiday Gifts for<br />
<strong>Pets</strong> and Pet Lovers<br />
Holiday shopping just got a whole<br />
lot more fun (and cute).<br />
13<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 1
IN THIS ISSUE<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
Happy, Healthy <strong>Pets</strong><br />
23 Spotlight on<br />
Specialty Medicine<br />
Fascinating innovations<br />
and medical techniques.<br />
24 What Is<br />
Integrative Medicine?<br />
Fusing Western and Eastern<br />
allows for a holistic approach.<br />
Nibbles & Bits<br />
26 Holiday Meals:<br />
Tips & Tricks<br />
Make a big gathering a success—<br />
even when Fido is around.<br />
27 Foods to Avoid<br />
& Holiday Dangers<br />
How to take care with turkey,<br />
trees and other holiday staples.<br />
28 Delicious, Healthy<br />
& Homemade Treats<br />
Simple recipes for dog and<br />
cat goodies.<br />
29 What Kind of<br />
Pet Food to Buy<br />
Make smart purchasing decisions.<br />
30 Something to<br />
Chew On<br />
Helpful tips for caring for your<br />
pet’s teeth.<br />
23<br />
Only one ingredient<br />
28<br />
29<br />
Pet<br />
Perspectives<br />
Page 31<br />
#BESTFRIEND<br />
Page 32<br />
2 NorthStarVETS.com
WELCOME<br />
Dr. Daniel Stobie<br />
One of my greatest pleasures<br />
in life is working on my farm<br />
while my dog, Otto, rides with<br />
me on the tractor. The warm<br />
afternoon sun on my skin, a gentle breeze at<br />
my back, and the smell of fresh-cut grass in<br />
the air bring me joy, but there is something<br />
about being with a beloved companion that<br />
is satisfying to the soul. I’m sure you know<br />
what I mean, because you probably feel the<br />
same way about spending time with your<br />
own pet.<br />
In this issue of Pet Perspective, we continue<br />
celebrating that human-animal bond,<br />
deepening our relationships with pets, and<br />
looking at the training and new technologies<br />
available to ensure our pets stay healthy.<br />
Be sure to read about the newest available<br />
service at NorthStar VETS, Integrative<br />
Medicine. Additionally, we have many<br />
touching, inspiring and heartfelt stories<br />
about pets, and plenty of fun ideas for ways<br />
to enjoy your time with them over the next<br />
few months.<br />
As warm weather fades and colder<br />
weather sets in, we wish your family warmth,<br />
health and happiness. We’re grateful for<br />
you and your time spent enjoying this<br />
magazine. May your fall be beautiful, your<br />
holidays bright, and the new year filled with<br />
many small, happy moments between you<br />
and your furry, feathered and scaly family<br />
members!<br />
terinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty Centers<br />
Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty Centers<br />
315 Robbinsville-Allentown Road<br />
Robbinsville, NJ 08691<br />
2834 Route 73N, Maple Shade, NJ 08052<br />
507 Route 70, Brick, NJ 08723<br />
609-259-8300<br />
Produced for NorthStar VETS<br />
by 62 Media Group<br />
62 Elm Street, 3rd floor<br />
Morristown, NJ 07960-4110<br />
973-539-8230<br />
Warm regards,<br />
Daniel Stobie<br />
Daniel Stobie, DVM, MS, DACVS<br />
Chief of Staff, NorthStar VETS<br />
• FREE Pet Emergency Care Handbook<br />
Download at northstarvets.com/ebook<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 3
Real<strong>Pets</strong>,<br />
RealPeople<br />
■ Amazing real pet stories ■ Adorable photos ■ Tips & tricks<br />
JAKE AND HIS DOG SIBLINGS<br />
THENAMEGAME<br />
WHAT’S IN A NAME? A WHOLE LOT!<br />
CHOOSING A PET’S NAME is half the fun of welcoming an animal<br />
into your home. Here, the pros at NorthStar VETS dish on their<br />
reasons for choosing unique names for their dogs and cats.<br />
PHILIP JEFFERSON<br />
REGINALD SEYMOUR<br />
BURGER<br />
“Phil is from Rugrats. He was found<br />
with his sister, which we named Lil<br />
(Lillian). We thought it would be<br />
funny to have a pet named Jeff, so<br />
Jefferson became a middle name.<br />
Reginald we put in there because<br />
he is a very regal man. Seymour,<br />
I honestly don’t even remember<br />
how that came about. Burger was<br />
my mom’s maiden name, and Phil<br />
is quite large, so we thought it fit.<br />
When he was a kitten we called<br />
him a slider.”<br />
—Donna, Veterinary Technician<br />
ROAN<br />
“I have a blue nose pittie that<br />
I named Roan, which means<br />
‘little seal’ in Irish Gaelic.”<br />
—Bridget,<br />
Veterinary Technician<br />
OSWALD COBBLESPOT<br />
(OZZY)<br />
“He was named after a Batman<br />
villain called Penguin because<br />
Ozzy is black and white,<br />
just like a penguin.”<br />
—Jeanette,<br />
Client Liaison<br />
MINION<br />
“I did a Facebook poll when I<br />
got Minion. It was Minion versus<br />
Sheldon, and Minion won. He grew<br />
into his name. He is named after<br />
the fish in the Megamind<br />
movie—matching grills.”<br />
—Sabrina, Veterinary Technician<br />
Supervisor, Robbinsville<br />
SAMPSON<br />
“When we adopted my<br />
Sampson eight years ago,<br />
he came with his name<br />
and was quite a bit leaner<br />
than he is now. About<br />
two years ago, when my<br />
partner moved in, he took<br />
one look at my (mostly)<br />
white fur baby—who is<br />
alarmingly oval-shaped at<br />
this point—and said, ‘Well, you’re a potato.’ Unfortunately, it stuck, and Sampson<br />
now responds to Potato as well as he does his real name, which is to say, almost<br />
never, thanks to his beagle/bulldog stubbornness.”<br />
—Jessica, Veterinary Technician<br />
CARRIE<br />
“I’m a huge Star Wars fan. Carrie’s<br />
mother’s name is Leia and her<br />
father’s name is Jabba the Pup. I also<br />
tend to name my dogs after older<br />
movie stars (Bogey was named after<br />
Humphrey Bogart), so Carrie is<br />
named after Carrie Fisher.”<br />
—Dr. Christopher Shapley,<br />
Integrative Medicine Veterinarian<br />
CHEVY<br />
“We bought a puppy for our<br />
boys, and he arrived in a basket<br />
with a big, red bow on Christmas<br />
morning. Because it was Christmas,<br />
we exhausted all the Christmas-themed<br />
names: Blitzen,<br />
Dasher, etc. None seemed to fit.<br />
We were then into the second<br />
day and still no name. We went<br />
through the president names,<br />
planets and more. By this point,<br />
we had returns to the mall, and<br />
as we drove home, we passed all<br />
kinds of cars. Suddenly, a Honda drove past. Then a Ford drove past.<br />
We were working on a theme! From the front seat, my husband said he<br />
wasn’t a fan of Fords. Then all at once, all four of us shouted, ‘Chevy!’ That<br />
was it! When we arrived home, we went right to his kennel and called out<br />
‘Chevy!’ He was so excited to see us, and we knew that would be his name.<br />
—Beth, Veterinary Technician Supervisor, Maple Shade<br />
4 NorthStarVETS.com
REAL PETS, REAL PEOPLE<br />
SUCCESSSTORIES<br />
Puffy<br />
Stanley<br />
Diamond<br />
Meet Some Truely<br />
Amazing <strong>Pets</strong> and Vets<br />
PUFFY IS A MIRACLE BUNNY! Unbeknowst to her family,<br />
Puffy chewed on a lamp cord —which proved very dangerous<br />
for the sweet animal. First, she got electrocuted. Second, she<br />
ingested several tiny pieces of toxic copper, which could have<br />
perforated her gastrointestinal tract, put her organs at risk of<br />
shutting down, and caused other issues. Third, the shock Puffy<br />
got when eating the wire caused fluid to build up in her lungs.<br />
The challenge for the Avian and Exotics team at NorthStar<br />
VETS: If chelation therapy (the administration of chelating<br />
agents to remove heavy metals from the body) was started before<br />
the metal passed through Puffy's intestines, the treatment<br />
would leach more copper into her blood, causing additional red<br />
blood cell destruction and organ shutdown.<br />
A blood donor made it possible for Puffy to undergo a transfusion,<br />
and, miraculously, the metal passed without getting stuck<br />
or breaking through the intestines, so chelation therapy could be<br />
started. Her organs suffered no permanent damage.<br />
She is now home, where her family reported she is back to her<br />
mischievous self again.<br />
STANLEY, A 6-MONTH-OLD PIT BULL TERRIER, was on a<br />
hike with his family when he suddenly vomited twice, collapsed<br />
and had a seizure—a terrifying situation for all. He was<br />
immediately brought to the Emergency team at NorthStar<br />
VETS. His heart rate was high, blood pressure low, and he was<br />
nonresponsive.<br />
All signs pointed to anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions are a<br />
common reason dogs come to the emergency room. Simple<br />
allergic reactions are often characterized by hives and facial<br />
swelling and are usually treated with antihistamines and<br />
steroids. Severe allergic reactions are called anaphylaxis and<br />
can cause anaphylactic shock. In humans, it often involves<br />
problems breathing. In dogs, anaphylaxis affects the gastrointestinal<br />
tract and circulatory systems. Dogs often vomit, have<br />
profuse diarrhea and collapse.<br />
Luckily, Stanley was stabilized with fluids, antihistamines,<br />
anti-nausea medications, epinephrine and steroids.<br />
The tough pooch made a good recovery.<br />
DIAMOND THE CHICKEN HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM:<br />
She suddenly couldn’t get food through her system. Unlike<br />
humans, when chickens swallow food, it goes into a storage<br />
sack along the side of the neck (called a crop). From there, it<br />
goes bit by bit into a stomach-like region of the body before<br />
moving on to the ventriculus, which crunches up food so it’s<br />
ready for the intestines.<br />
With Diamond, some dietary indiscretion (mainly grass and<br />
feathers) plugged the crop’s exit, so everything she ate after<br />
that filled the sack until it became a large, pendulous lump in<br />
front of her chest.<br />
The Avian and Exotics team at NorthStar VETS performed<br />
a successful surgery in which they opened Diamond’s crop,<br />
pulled out the large grass-and-feather clump—along with her<br />
undigested food—flushed everything out, ensured there were<br />
no other issues, and closed her back up.<br />
Now Diamond is back home hunting and pecking with the<br />
rest of her flock.<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 5
New Jersey's<br />
OBEDIENCE<br />
CHAMP<br />
WILLIE<br />
The Australian shepherd<br />
was named winner of the<br />
Westminster Masters<br />
Obedience Championship.<br />
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER<br />
FOR THIS NEW JERSEY POOCH!<br />
Willie, an Australian shepherd from<br />
Flemington, won the seventh annual<br />
Masters Obedience Championship at<br />
this year’s Westminster Kennel Club<br />
dog show.<br />
Willie, a 5-year-old male handled by<br />
Kathleen Keller, took the top score in<br />
a competition where the pooches and<br />
handlers “execute a routine of exercises<br />
that mimic the desired behaviors of<br />
a dog at home, on the road, or while<br />
in the company of other dogs,” as the<br />
Westminster Kennel Club describes it.<br />
“The sport of dog obedience demonstrates<br />
a handler and a dog’s ability to<br />
work as a team,” according to Westminster.<br />
Willie—who was officially entered<br />
with the name of OTCH Blue Skies At<br />
Dejavu UD OM1—scored 397.5 out of a<br />
possible 400 points.<br />
To honor the champion, the Westminster<br />
Kennel Club donates $5,000 to<br />
an American Kennel Club training club<br />
of the winner’s choice or to the AKC<br />
Humane Fund.<br />
Willie isn’t the first Garden State dog<br />
to show top-notch behavior at Westminster.<br />
A canine from New Jersey has<br />
won the Masters Obedience Championship<br />
every year since its inception in<br />
2016. Go Jersey!<br />
For pet parents who are looking<br />
to embrace obedience at home, the<br />
practice can help pooches with a variety<br />
of issues, according to Westminster.<br />
Among them are avoiding unwanted<br />
behaviors such as jumping on people,<br />
digging, barking or chewing; ensuring<br />
the safety and well-being of pets;<br />
deepening the human-dog bond; and<br />
benefiting family members, neighbors<br />
and community members.<br />
My Pet<br />
ATE WHAT?!<br />
WELL, THAT’S NOT DOG<br />
FOOD! From light bulbs to<br />
glue, pets have been known<br />
to gobble up everyday household<br />
items. The best thing to<br />
do if you find yourself in this<br />
situation? Turn to your veterinarian.<br />
When dealt with quickly,<br />
a foreign object can be removed by<br />
inducing vomiting, through endoscopy, or surgically,<br />
as a last resort. Here is one real example:<br />
HOOK, LINE AND SINKER: The<br />
NorthStar VETS Internal Medicine<br />
team was thankfully<br />
able to remove this fish<br />
hook that a pooch named<br />
Leroy had swallowed<br />
while on vacation with his<br />
family. Using endoscopy,<br />
the team carefully and<br />
successfully removed the<br />
hook from Leroy’s stomach,<br />
avoiding surgery.<br />
RESCUING A RESCUE PUP—Again<br />
Hound mix Mai was rescued a number of times in his life:<br />
first by Zani’s Furry Friends in New Jersey, then by the<br />
doctors at NorthStar VETS, and then by his forever family.<br />
Mai, a beagle mix, was just a puppy when he and his sister, Tai, were<br />
taken in by Zani’s Furry Friends, a rescue group, during the early days<br />
of the pandemic in 2020. But just a few days into his stay at Zani’s,<br />
Mai was seriously injured when he was run over and knocked out by<br />
bigger dogs.<br />
“I picked him up, ran him into the shelter, did a little CPR on him,<br />
which woke him up a little bit,” says Zani’s volunteer Michael Ripinsky.<br />
“He was in really bad shape, so I rushed him over to NorthStar<br />
VETS—got him there in about ten minutes.”<br />
With massive chest trauma and bite marks, Mai (below right, with<br />
Tai) stayed at NorthStar VETS for two weeks, where he was treated<br />
by Dr. Steven Berkowitz of the Emergency and Critical Care team.<br />
“He saved him, he didn’t give up,” says Ripinsky. “You could tell it was<br />
personal for him.” Ripinsky says Mai had a 50-50 chance of survival.<br />
Thankfully, the dog made it. A turning point in Mai’s recovery, Ripinsky<br />
says, came when Tai joined a video chat with the NorthStar VETS<br />
team. At first, Mai became so wild upon seeing his sister that the video<br />
call had to be stopped, as Mai was ripping out his tubes. But a few days<br />
later, Mai was well enough to return to Zani’s. “It was just something<br />
about seeing his baby sister,” says<br />
Ripinsky.<br />
Zani’s later helped place Mai<br />
and Tai in a forever home together,<br />
which was a priority for<br />
the rescue group. “They’re<br />
beautiful, beautiful dogs,”<br />
says Ripinsky.<br />
PHOTOS: (WESTMINSTER) COURTESY OF C. FRAUSINI FOR WKC<br />
6 NorthStarVETS.com
REAL PETS, REAL PEOPLE<br />
VETERINARIAN ADAM CHRISTMAN has a massive following—both in the office<br />
and on social media. Meet the TikTok sensation (and his adorable dogs)!<br />
Brick-based Adam Christman is a veterinarian with a<br />
far-reaching following on TikTok that's 870,000 people<br />
strong (Dr.adamchristman52) and on Instagram<br />
that's 60,000 people strong (@Adam_Christman).<br />
The Jersey boy is an animal lover with four (adorable)<br />
dachshunds of his own: Chelsea, Connor, Carl and Clark<br />
W. Griswold.<br />
What led you to social media?<br />
When Covid hit, I said, ‘Oh my gosh, my fellow pet parents<br />
are having such a hard time.... Let’s answer basic<br />
questions so you won’t have to be on the phone for<br />
10 minutes with a veterinarian.’ I didn’t expect my<br />
account to grow, so it’s turned into this platform of<br />
inspiration and funny and feel-good education.<br />
What are common questions you get on social media?<br />
The number-one question...is always something that has to do<br />
with behavior. Separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, crate training,<br />
puppy training. Unfortunately, the scope of the question<br />
goes beyond a TikTok conversation, but I’ll give a tease-out,<br />
like, ‘Here are a couple tips.’ ... A big hot topic is access to care.<br />
I’m big on community.... I feel like now, more so than ever, with<br />
everything going on in the world, if you just love animals, it<br />
makes you a kinder human being.<br />
What places do you take your pets in New Jersey?<br />
Asbury Park is a lot of fun—it’s very dog friendly. The<br />
Wonder Bar does a fantastic job.... I wish we had<br />
more pet-friendly restaurants because, let me tell<br />
you, if you build it, they will come. —Falyn Stempler<br />
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ADAM CHRISTMAN<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 7
VETS AND<br />
THEIRPETS<br />
The veterinarians, technicians and<br />
other staffers at NorthStar VETS<br />
don’t just treat animals, they<br />
love them at home!<br />
Here, they show off their adorable<br />
DOGS and CATS.<br />
Veterinarian (Avian and Exotics)<br />
Dr. Kristin Britton with her pit<br />
bull mix Molly Wren, who<br />
is the “sweetest” rescue.<br />
Veterinary Assistant Sara with her dog Coco.<br />
Veterinary Technician (Emergency and<br />
Critical Care) Christine with her rescue<br />
cats Dean (left) and Merry.<br />
Veterinary Technician (Emergency and<br />
Critical Care) Nina with Moe, who was<br />
rescued from a terrible situation but is now<br />
“gorgeous, happy and loves to snuggle.”<br />
Medical Director (Emergency)<br />
Dr. Stacey Rebello with her dog Snacks.<br />
8 NorthStarVETS.com
REAL PETS, REAL PEOPLE<br />
Training Manager Sarah with Rollo, her Maine coon cat.<br />
Veterinary Technician (Ophthalmology) Melissa<br />
with her yorkie/bichon mix Roxy, who loves<br />
peanut butter, squeaky toys and walks.<br />
Veterinary Technician Supervisor Destiny with her domestic<br />
medium-hair Cairo, who eats “dinner at the table with us.”<br />
Veterinary Technician Shayna with<br />
Oliver, the hospital cat at<br />
NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville.<br />
Veterinary Technician (Rehabilitation)<br />
Aylah with her miniature schnauzers<br />
Magnolia, Mindy and Delphi—who<br />
are all retired show dogs.<br />
Veterinarian (Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine)<br />
Dr. Christina Montalbano with her dog Moon.<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 9
LIFE ON THE<br />
FUNNY FARM:<br />
Laurie Zaleski<br />
runs NJ’s Funny Farm animal rescue,<br />
where she saves animals as<br />
much as they have saved her.<br />
PHOTO: (LAURIE ZALESKI) COURTESY OF AMANDA WERNER<br />
10 NorthStarVETS.com
REAL PETS, REAL PEOPLE<br />
Oh my God,<br />
I loved it.<br />
Are you kidding?<br />
FUNNY FARM: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue<br />
Animals tells the story of Funny Farm rescue and<br />
sanctuary, one of the largest animal rescues in the<br />
Northeast. But the book also shares the inspirational<br />
story of how the Mays Landing nonprofit came to be.<br />
Author Laurie Zaleski details how she, her two siblings and her mother escaped an<br />
abusive household and scraped by—thanks in large part to a small home filled with<br />
animals, including cats, dogs, geese, skunks, raccoons and much more.<br />
Rooted in humble, difficult beginnings, Funny Farm now cares for hundreds of<br />
animals and welcomes visitors for free. Here, Zaleski talks about the sanctuary,<br />
her mother’s influence and her book, which was published this year.<br />
Your love of animals, and Funny Farm<br />
itself, began with your mother, Annie,<br />
and hard decisions she had to make.<br />
What can you share about her story,<br />
those choices and your childhood?<br />
I always say that my mother was going<br />
to be a nun, and then she married the devil.<br />
We abruptly left after a little while. My<br />
father was very abusive, and we moved into<br />
a little shack in the woods. My mom didn't<br />
have any skills—she was right out of high<br />
school and had babies right away—so she<br />
never had a job.… So she started cleaning<br />
cages at our local shelter, and then, all of<br />
a sudden, she started bringing all these<br />
animals that had no other hope. They were<br />
going to be euthanized.<br />
People always said we saved those animals,<br />
but really, those animals saved us....<br />
Those animals are what kept our minds off<br />
our own situation. My mom always said,<br />
'As bad as we have it, somebody always has<br />
it worse.’ So that’s how the original Funny<br />
Farm started, and I made a vow to her:<br />
'Mom, one day I’m going to buy you a farm<br />
of your very own.’ When I was in my 20s,<br />
she was diagnosed with cancer, and I finally<br />
said, 'Well, it’s now or never. I better get her<br />
something.’<br />
She died at 52, right before I made the<br />
settlement on the property.<br />
How did you and your siblings react to<br />
all these animals in your home?<br />
Oh my God, I loved it. Are you kidding?<br />
What kid wouldn't want all these animals<br />
in bed with you or whatever? I was in my<br />
glory. All of us kids got the love for animals<br />
that my mother had.<br />
Any favorite animals or stories?<br />
The horse was definitely a fan favorite,<br />
because he was our only horse for a long,<br />
long time. His name was Shannon O’Leary.<br />
He was born on Saint Patrick’s Day. He was<br />
a stallion, so he had a bit of an attitude. We<br />
had that love-hate relationship. He was<br />
just like a dog, because there were no other<br />
horses that he grew up with.<br />
Then the pig, Petunia—we had her as a<br />
little, itty-bitty baby. She grew to be a regu-<br />
lar hog that you would normally slaughter.<br />
Eventually, she had to move outside, but<br />
that pig would sleep in bed, usually with my<br />
mother.<br />
How old were you when you promised<br />
your mother that you would buy her a<br />
farm?<br />
Probably like 10 or 11, when I was cognizant<br />
of what was going on. When we left,<br />
I was 5, and I remember everything like it<br />
was yesterday. The abuse that my dad was<br />
doing, hitting her—she left bleeding—I believe<br />
that she would have died if we didn't<br />
get out. He was abusive to us, too. So by the<br />
time things were settling in...I was going,<br />
'Mom, I’m gonna buy you a farm!’<br />
I could not find a farm that I could afford<br />
anywhere. And then this place opened up,<br />
and she fought that cancer for a couple of<br />
years. She lived way longer than the doctors<br />
ever anticipated. I never saw someone fight<br />
so hard to stay alive in my life.... She went<br />
kicking and screaming. I never saw somebody<br />
have such a zest for life, even though<br />
I feel like she had a crap life. But she made<br />
the best of everything.<br />
How did you make your promise a<br />
reality?<br />
My siblings and I all got scholarships<br />
to go to college.... I went to art school and<br />
optical school—all artists have to have a<br />
second job. I landed a job at Campbell’s<br />
Soup. I was making good money there,<br />
and then I started working at McGuire Air<br />
Force Base. That’s when I was like, I can do<br />
this. My sister gave me a little money to put<br />
down, because I only had so much, and it<br />
was a really run-down farm.<br />
Where does the name Funny Farm<br />
come from?<br />
My mom named it Funny Farm because<br />
it's 'fit for lunatics and full of animals.' She<br />
always said that. We were taking in all the<br />
animals that were disabled, unwanted. And<br />
some were definitely mental cases.... You<br />
know how people can be bipolar? Animals<br />
can be, too. So she would help anybody that<br />
she possibly could.<br />
In addition to caring for animals, Funny<br />
Farm runs a program for kids, right?<br />
Yes, we have a Kindness Program.... I<br />
don't have children of my own, but I see a<br />
lot of kids come through here, and I hear<br />
about the bullying.... So we go to schools<br />
for free, and we have three children’s books,<br />
and we talk about how if all of these different<br />
species can get along, so can you.<br />
What do you hope people take away<br />
from reading Funny Farm?<br />
I want it to be a tribute to my mother.<br />
She was like my superhero.... I want it to<br />
be inspirational. You should never give up.<br />
People, I think, give up way too easy.<br />
You have to take chances sometimes, and<br />
you have to keep pressing on with what you<br />
believe in.<br />
I really wanted to take the reins. My<br />
mother started this, and I love animals<br />
equally, if not more, than she did, so it was<br />
easy for me to pick up where she left off. I<br />
never thought that the farm would be this<br />
big or successful. It has surpassed my expectations.<br />
I know that she’s smiling down<br />
for sure. <br />
—Gary Phillips<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 11
Seasonal<br />
✴<br />
FUN<br />
With Your Dog<br />
The air is crisper, and<br />
it’s the perfect time<br />
for an outdoor<br />
adventure<br />
with your dog.<br />
Luckily, New Jersey<br />
has terrific seasonal,<br />
outdoor activities<br />
that are pet friendly.<br />
Just remember to<br />
wear appropriate<br />
clothing and<br />
bring your pup’s<br />
necessities!<br />
12 NorthStarVETS.com<br />
PHOTO: LORREN LOKI /UNSPLASH
SEASONAL FUN<br />
Apple and pumpkin picking are favorite<br />
fall activities for New Jerseyans—<br />
and a smattering of farms are dog friendly.<br />
ORT FARMS (25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, 908-876-3351;<br />
ortfarms.com) is a fun, family-friendly spot with seasonal offerings<br />
such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, food trucks<br />
and special events on many weekends throughout the fall. Dogs<br />
are welcome at Ort Farms, as long as they are leashed, and they<br />
can even join their pet parents in the pumpkin patch. (Although<br />
pooches cannot take a hayride to the patch, they can walk there<br />
with their human pals.) Dogs are not permitted in the fruit and<br />
vegetable areas of the farm.<br />
WARD'S PUMPKIN PATCH (552 Route 17 North, Ridgewood,<br />
201-523-0918; wardspumpkinpatch.wordpress.com) has a plethora<br />
of pumpkins, specialty gourds and squash in October, and then<br />
sells Christmas trees in the winter under the name Ward<br />
Farms. Pooches are welcome, as long as they are leashed.<br />
WINDY BROW FARMS (359 Ridge Road, Fredon Township,<br />
973-579-9657; windybrowfarms.com) is a Sussex<br />
County staple known for growing over 45 different types of<br />
apples. The property allows leashed dogs on the farm, but only<br />
in outdoor areas. Dogs are not permitted inside the farm store,<br />
though if you're there with a pal or family member, leave Fido<br />
outside and make your way in for some homemade baked goods.<br />
ALSTEDE FARMS (1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, 908-879-7189;<br />
alstedefarms.com) has been running since 1982 and is home to<br />
fruit and vegetable picking (including pumpkins), a petting zoo,<br />
hayrides and more activities for the whole family. The farm is dog<br />
friendly, as long as canines are leashed and pet parents pick up<br />
after them. Dogs are not permitted in the picking rows.<br />
GO<br />
APPLE OR<br />
PUMPKIN<br />
PICKING<br />
Sure, the cooler months aren’t the typical time to head<br />
down the Shore—unless you’re a pet parent. The reason?<br />
As crowds thin and summer ends, several New Jersey<br />
beaches open up to dogs in the off-season.<br />
BOND<br />
AT THE<br />
BEACH<br />
ASBURY PARK lets pooches play<br />
unleashed on the Asbury Park Dog<br />
Beach between September 15 and<br />
May 15, as long as they are properly<br />
supervised. (During high season,<br />
pooches are allowed in the evenings<br />
and early mornings.) Also, between<br />
September 15 and May 15, leashed<br />
pooches can join their humans for a<br />
stroll on the boardwalk.<br />
BRIGANTINE allows dogs on the<br />
beach between October 1 and May<br />
29. Leashes are required and shouldnot<br />
be longer than 6 feet. Pet parents<br />
are expected to clean up.<br />
MALIBU BEACH WILDLIFE<br />
MANAGEMENT AREA in Longport,<br />
a beautiful and undeveloped<br />
beach, allows leashed dogs all year.<br />
OCEAN CITY beaches open up to<br />
dogs between October 1 and April<br />
30, provided they are leashed.<br />
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 13
GO<br />
CAMPING<br />
A number of New Jersey<br />
state parks welcome<br />
pets to select<br />
campgrounds, with an<br />
additional $5/night fee.<br />
CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK, BASS RIVER STATE<br />
FOREST, and ROUND VALLEY RECREATIONAL<br />
AREA all welcome pets.<br />
They are open year-round, so you can enjoy a camping<br />
trip with your pet this fall or winter.<br />
As for the rules, domestic dogs and cats are the only animals<br />
allowed outdoors on park grounds, with a maximum<br />
of two pets per camping permit. Guests must fill out a pet<br />
registration and certification during check-in. But if you’re<br />
staying in a trailer or motor home, caged birds, reptiles and<br />
amphibians are OK. All pets must be vaccinated.<br />
<strong>Pets</strong> are not allowed in buildings, on swimming beaches,<br />
in swimming waters and in campsites not designated for<br />
pets. Pet parents are responsible for their animals’ behavior<br />
and making sure pets are on leashes 6 feet or less; they can<br />
never be left alone.<br />
The campgrounds' quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6<br />
am, so barking and other pet noises during these hours must<br />
be controlled. Any injuries should be reported to the State<br />
Park Police immediately. Find out more at nj.gov.<br />
For wine lovers, nothing is better<br />
on a crisp fall day than time<br />
outside at a vineyard or winery<br />
—and New Jersey has plenty that allow<br />
pooches. However, pet parents must be<br />
careful if dogs get close to grapes, as<br />
the fruit is toxic for pooches.<br />
BENEDUCE VINEYARDS<br />
(1 Jeremiah Lane, Pittstown, 908-<br />
996-3823; beneducevineyards.<br />
com), a family-owned spot, offers<br />
wine tastings, live music and more. Its<br />
main varieties are chardonnay, riesling and<br />
KICK BACK<br />
AT ONE OF<br />
JERSEY'S<br />
WINERIES<br />
gewürztraminer. Friendly, leashed dogs are allowed outside.<br />
AUBURN ROAD VINEYARDS (117 Sharptown Auburn<br />
Road, Pilesgrove, 856-769-9463; auburnroadvineyards.com)<br />
welcomes leashed dogs to the outdoor portions of the property<br />
and offers open-mic nights and performances, in addition<br />
to wine flights, tours and great food at the Enoteca Wine Bar.<br />
Another dog-friendly spot to check<br />
out is WORKING DOG WINERY (600 Perrineville Road,<br />
Hightstown, 609-371-6000; workingdogwinerynj.com),<br />
which allows pups outside on the lawn.<br />
PHOTOS: (CAMPING) SHUTTERSTOCK; (WINERY) CHELSEA PRIDHAM/UNSPLASH<br />
14 NorthStarVETS.com
SEASONAL FUN<br />
✴<br />
KEEP<br />
PETS<br />
SAFE<br />
IN COLD WEATHER<br />
WHETHER YOUR PET LIKES to chase falling<br />
snowflakes or prefers to stay inside by the fire,<br />
the winter season can be full of adventures.<br />
However, a few extra measures may be required<br />
to help your dog or cat stay safe and<br />
healthy during these colder months.<br />
HERE ARE A FEW QUICK TIPS that can help you<br />
and your pet enjoy your winter wonderland.<br />
PHOTOS: (COLD SPRING) COURTESY OF HISTORIC COLD SPRING VILLAGE; (DOG) EMILY THOMPSON/UNSPLASH<br />
TAKE A<br />
TRIP BACK<br />
IN TIME<br />
HISTORIC COLD SPRING VILLAGE<br />
(720 US 9, Cape May, 609-898-2300;<br />
hcsv.org)—which is on the New Jersey<br />
Register of Historic Places—offers visitors<br />
the chance to experience southern New<br />
Jersey's past firsthand. An open-air living-history<br />
museum, it features a recreated<br />
rural town from the “homespun era.”<br />
Although much of the village closes at<br />
the end of September, special events take<br />
place year-round. Plus, the brewery—<br />
which welcomes dogs and has heat lamps<br />
outside—is open all year.<br />
Another favorite place to explore history<br />
is BATSTO VILLAGE (31 Batsto Road,<br />
Hammonton, 609-561-0024;<br />
batstovillage.org), located in the Wharton<br />
State Forest on what was once a site for<br />
iron ore and glassmaking. You will get an<br />
inside look at hundreds of year<br />
of American history, plus thousands<br />
of years of land use in the region.<br />
Dogs are welcome outside at<br />
Batsto Village.<br />
✴ KEEP DOGS ON A LEASH.<br />
A dog’s sense of smell can be<br />
hindered by freezing temperatures;<br />
this is one of the reasons why more<br />
dogs get lost during the winter than<br />
any other season. Always keep your<br />
dog on a leash and make sure your<br />
pet is wearing a tag and has been<br />
microchipped.<br />
✴ WIPE OFF YOUR PET<br />
AFTER PLAYING.<br />
Other than cold toes and a wet<br />
belly, snow can cause more serious<br />
issues. As dogs or cats clean<br />
themselves, they can ingest salt,<br />
antifreeze and other harsh chemicals.<br />
Snow or ice can also get stuck<br />
between their paws, potentially<br />
causing them to bleed.<br />
✴ NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG<br />
OR CAT IN THE CAR.<br />
Vehicles can become extremely cold<br />
during the winter. Make sure your<br />
dog or cat isn’t left alone in the car<br />
or they could risk freezing to death.<br />
✴ WINTER FASHION IS<br />
ALL THE RAGE.<br />
Sweaters, jackets and booties can<br />
be both adorable and essential<br />
for keeping your pet warm. Some<br />
breeds are unable to grow a long,<br />
thick coat, so a warm winter vest<br />
may be necessary to keep their<br />
body heat in and the cold out.<br />
✴ WATCH OUT FOR<br />
SLEEPING CATS.<br />
Some outdoor cats may try to find a<br />
nice, dry spot to take a nap. Unfortunately,<br />
some cats may climb under<br />
the hoods of cars in order to find<br />
shelter from the cold. Before starting<br />
the engine, bang on the hood a few<br />
times to wake up any sleeping cats<br />
and give them a chance to move.<br />
✴ CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS.<br />
Vitamins can provide essential<br />
nutrients that can help protect your<br />
pet inside and out. Contact your veterinarian<br />
to make sure supplements<br />
are appropriate for your pet.<br />
✴ BRING YOUR PETS INDOORS.<br />
Dogs and cats that enjoy the<br />
freedom of the great outdoors may<br />
not love the idea of being cooped<br />
up inside, but a warm living room<br />
can provide safety from freezing<br />
temperatures, disease, and other<br />
animals looking for a fight over food<br />
or a place to stay warm.<br />
✴ CARE FOR YOUR PET’S SKIN.<br />
Like humans, dogs and cats can get<br />
dry skin during winter. Certain gels<br />
and creams can help keep your pet’s<br />
paws, ears and nose moisturized<br />
and prevent painful cracking. Ask<br />
your veterinarian what products are<br />
recommended for your pet’s skin.<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 15
E<br />
D O M N O I T A C A V Whether you’re planning a getaway<br />
with Fido or have travel plans and<br />
need to bring your dog along<br />
for a day or two, here are some<br />
great spots in New Jersey<br />
that have dog-friendly<br />
hotels, things to do<br />
and places to eat.<br />
PHOTO: ROBERTO-NICKSON/UNSPLASH<br />
16 NorthStarVETS.com
VACATION MODE<br />
HIGHLAND HOUSE<br />
PHOTOS: (HIGHLAND HOUSE) COURTESY OF HIGHLAND HOUSE; (BEACH) CLAUDIA-LOVE/UNSPLASH<br />
CAPE MAY<br />
Cape May may be known for its beaches,<br />
but it's really a terrific year-round destination.<br />
The architecture, famed holiday decorations,<br />
breweries, wineries and more make it a place<br />
that you (and Fido) should visit this season.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
• HIGHLAND HOUSE is a charming, pet-friendly bed and<br />
breakfast. <strong>Pets</strong> can stay in all guest rooms and suites, and<br />
they can freely frolic in a fenced play area on the grounds.<br />
131 North Broadway, 609-898-1198;<br />
highlandhousecapemay.com<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
• HEAD TO THE BEACH! While dogs aren’t permitted<br />
on Cape May’s beaches during summer, they are allowed<br />
to spend time on the sand between November and March.<br />
Pooches must be leashed at all times.<br />
• CAPE MAY WINERY & VINEYARD is a beautiful spot<br />
that is open year-round for people and their pooches—as<br />
long as the dogs are “both dog and people friendly,” as the<br />
winery puts it. Dogs must be leashed at all times and stay off<br />
the furniture. They are not allowed on tours, at tastings, on<br />
the deck or during special events.<br />
711 Townbrook Road, 609-884-1169;<br />
capemaywinery.com<br />
CAPE MAY OPENS UP BEACHES TO DOGS IN THE OFF-SEASON.<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
• THE RUSTY NAIL caters to both people and dogs. In<br />
addition to serving a full menu of salads, seafood and bar<br />
favorites, the restaurant—which is open from May through<br />
October—has a separate menu for pooches, featuring items<br />
like the Doggie Bowl (grilled chicken or steamed veggies) and<br />
the Hot Diggity Dog (a plain, all-beef hot dog without the<br />
bun)—plus all-natural pup treats for dessert.<br />
205 Beach Avenue, 609-884-0017;<br />
caperesorts.com/capemay/rusty-nail<br />
• COLLAR AND BONE proves that people aren’t the only ice<br />
cream lovers. This doggie ice cream shop and boutique serves<br />
up pooch-friendly sundaes and features a treat bar. It also<br />
sells dog toys, accessories and other items for pets.<br />
421 Washington Street, washingtonstreetmall.com<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 17
ATLANTIC CITY<br />
Bet on this: You’ll have a blast in<br />
AC in the off-season—and so will Fido.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
• THE SHOWBOAT HOTEL offers a Boardwalk Bow-Wow package<br />
that includes organic treats. Animals can also expend some energy<br />
at the hotel's on-site pet park.<br />
801 Boardwalk, 609-487-4600; showboathotelac.com<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
• THE ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK is the country's oldest—<br />
and a must-visit spot. Luckily for pet parents, dogs are welcome to<br />
stroll there between September 16 and Memorial Day.<br />
• ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE invites dogs to play on its 2-acre lawn<br />
and come inside the museum year-round.<br />
31 S. Rhode Island Avenue, 609-449-1360; abseconlighthouse.org<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
• BACK BAY ALE HOUSE allows diners to enjoy their meal—and<br />
great bay views—with dogs in the outdoor seating area.<br />
800 N. New Hampshire Avenue, 609-449-0006; backbayalehouse.com<br />
HAPPINESS IS VACATIONING<br />
WITH A FRIEND.<br />
HOBOKEN AND<br />
JERSEY CITY<br />
Whether you’re in Hoboken or Jersey City for<br />
business or pleasure, take some time to explore<br />
these neighboring cities and have some fun.<br />
PRINCETON<br />
The picturesque town is filled with things to do, from<br />
strolling the beautiful campus and shopping the small<br />
boutiques to exploring history and spending time outdoors.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
• EXTENDED STAY AMERICA SUITES allows up to<br />
two pets; fees apply. Cats and dogs allowed.<br />
3450 Brunswick Pike, 609-919-9000;<br />
extendedstayamerica.com<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
• MOUNTAIN LAKES NATURE PRESERVE features a<br />
2.3-mile loop that is a flat walk with a lot of shade, making it<br />
a great spot to bring your dog (and the rest of your family).<br />
It is located just outside downtown Princeton.<br />
30 Mountain Avenue, princetonnj.gov<br />
• PRINCETON UNIVERSITY is a must-visit spot. Take<br />
Fido on a walk around campus while you view the<br />
Gothic architecture and enjoy the beauty.<br />
1 Nassau Street, 609-258-3000;<br />
princeton.edu<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
• WITHERSPOON GRILL has a<br />
dog-friendly outdoor space, complete<br />
with heat lamps for chillier months.<br />
57 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-6011;<br />
witherspoongrill.com<br />
18 NorthStarVETS.com<br />
WITHERSPOON<br />
GRILL<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
• W HOTEL HOBOKEN is a chic waterfront option that<br />
welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds, as well as cats. A $25 daily fee<br />
and a flat $100 cleaning fee are added to the room.<br />
225 River Street, Hoboken, 201-253-2400; marriott.com<br />
• THE WESTIN JERSEY CITY NEWPORT allows two dogs<br />
weighing up to 40 pounds each for no fee. Dogs can’t be left<br />
unattended. They receive complimentary bowls, beds and toys.<br />
479 Washington Blvd., Jersey City, 201-626-2900; marriott.com<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
• LIBERTY STATE PARK offers great walking opportunities<br />
and amazing views of the New York City skyline and Statue of<br />
Liberty. You can also take a moment of reflection<br />
by visiting the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial.<br />
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City; nj.gov<br />
• THE CHURCH STREET DOG RUN<br />
is walking distance from downtown<br />
Hoboken and features separate areas<br />
for large and small pooches.<br />
401-499 Willow Avenue, Hoboken<br />
• DEPARTED SOLES BREWING<br />
COMPANY loves its furry friends and<br />
shares a building with Prato Bakery.<br />
Bring baked goods, sandwiches and<br />
your pet, and grab a beer.<br />
150 Bay Street, #2a, Jersey City,<br />
201-479-8578; departedsoles.com<br />
DEPARTED<br />
SOLES<br />
BREWING<br />
COMPANY<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
• BLUE EYES RESTAURANT is<br />
an upscale Italian joint and ode to<br />
Frank Sinatra, a Hoboken native. It<br />
is dog friendly outdoors and offers a<br />
riverfront view of the skyline.<br />
525 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken,<br />
201-683-6861; blueeyesrestaurant.com<br />
PHOTOS: (WITHERSPOON GRILL) COURTESY OF WITHERSPOON GRILL; (DOG AND BOY) SHUTTERSTOCK; (DEPARTED SOLES) COURTESY OF MATT POTENSKI
VACATION MODE<br />
PET CAN STAY WHEN YOU'RE AWAY<br />
DOGGY<br />
VACATION<br />
SPOTS<br />
Sometimes you need<br />
a pet-free vacation!<br />
Here are spots where you can put<br />
your pet while you enjoy some<br />
relaxation of your own.<br />
Barker Lounge<br />
Barker Lounge prides itself on<br />
keeping dogs entertained and<br />
allowing them natural and<br />
healthy ways to use energy.<br />
Barker offers services such as<br />
daycare, boarding<br />
and grooming. Barker also<br />
emphasizes proper grouping<br />
techniques to make sure your<br />
dog is safe when interacting<br />
with other dogs. Locations in<br />
Cranford, East Brunswick<br />
and Livingston.<br />
thebarkerlounge.com<br />
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ORT FARMS<br />
ORT FARMS<br />
MORRISTOWN<br />
History, culture and food collide in Morristown, where you<br />
and Fido can explore treasures from yesterday and today.<br />
WHERE TO STAY<br />
• WESTIN GOVERNOR MORRIS is located near historic downtown<br />
Morristown. Dogs and cats weighing up to 75 pounds are allowed. Fees apply.<br />
2 Whippany Road, 973-539-7300; marriott.com<br />
WHAT TO DO<br />
• MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK allows you to see<br />
Revolutionary War sites with your pup, so long as your dog is leashed.<br />
30 Washington Place, 973-539-2016; nps.gov<br />
• ORT FARMS in nearby Long Valley has a plethora of fall activities,<br />
like a pumpkin patch and corn maze, and welcomes leashed dogs.<br />
25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, 908-876-3351; ortfarms.com<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
• SMARTWORLD COFFEE lets your pup join you for breakfast, whether<br />
you’re sitting inside or out. The establishment even offers treats.<br />
74 South Street, 973-359-9800; smartworldcoffee.com<br />
• THE COMMITTED PIG is a Morristown favorite, open for breakfast,<br />
lunch and dinner. It's dog friendly for patrons seated outside.<br />
28 W. Park Place, 862-260-9292; thecommittedpig.com<br />
Morris Animal Inn<br />
Open since 1960, Morris Animal<br />
Inn features amenities such as<br />
background music in each room,<br />
24-hour security and lightning<br />
protection. The inn features<br />
indoor and outdoor play areas,<br />
pools, and a grooming salon and<br />
spa, among other features and<br />
amenities. Locations in Montville,<br />
Morristown and Warren.<br />
morrisanimalinn.com<br />
The K9 Resorts Daycare<br />
& Luxury Hotel<br />
This award-winning pet hotel—<br />
with eight New Jersey locations—<br />
was founded by brothers Jason<br />
and Steve Parker, who have been<br />
in pet care since their teens. The<br />
hotels are designed in zones<br />
to prevent overcrowding—<br />
and reduce pet stress.<br />
k9resorts.com<br />
<br />
—Thomas Neira<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 19
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!<br />
Gift<br />
Guide<br />
Holiday gift shopping just got a<br />
whole lot more fun. Here are<br />
our picks for presents for the<br />
pets and pet lovers in your life.<br />
GIFTS FOR<br />
PET LOVERS<br />
Pillow Pal<br />
One (or more) of these hand-sewn,<br />
wool pillows is a bark-worthy addition<br />
to any living space. Available in pug<br />
(seen here), golden retriever, Bernese<br />
mountain dog and Boston terrier. 8 x<br />
12 inches.<br />
• $25 each at uncommongoods.com<br />
Cup of Cuteness<br />
Just look at the mugs on that mug!<br />
That morning cup of coffee or tea<br />
gets a whole lot cuter with this porcelain<br />
Hot Dogs mug from Rifle Paper<br />
Co. Hand-wash only; not microwave<br />
safe. Also available in cat print for the<br />
feline lover in your life.<br />
• $22 at riflepaperco.com<br />
Bookmark This<br />
Montclair-based veterinary oncologist<br />
Renée Alsarraf treated cancer in<br />
dogs for more than 20 years. When<br />
she was diagnosed with cancer herself<br />
at age 51, she realized how much<br />
she needed the animals she helps.<br />
Her new book from HarperOne is an<br />
inspiring read for any pet lover.<br />
• $27.99 at bookstores and e-tailers<br />
In the Bag<br />
This roomy tote bag is perfect for<br />
any cat and art fan. The eye-catching<br />
feline print comes from artist Paul<br />
Lovering.<br />
• $55 at fineartamerica.com<br />
Game On<br />
It's never too late to hop on the puzzle<br />
trend! Pick up Le Puzz's 500-piece<br />
Howdy Pawtner puzzle for some immediate<br />
holiday fun. 25 x 18 inches<br />
when completed.<br />
• $32 at lepuzz.com<br />
20 NorthStarVETS.com
GIFTS FOR<br />
PETS<br />
Beachy Keen<br />
Dogs can embrace the spirit of the<br />
Shore year-round with one of these<br />
eye-catching beach badge-print collars<br />
or leashes. Features towns including<br />
Manasquan and Bay Head. Available<br />
in various sizes and colors.<br />
• $22-$30 at Stella e Luna, 500<br />
Bay Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach,<br />
732-714-2221, or stellaeluna.com<br />
Toy Joy<br />
Dogs will have a ball with this nosework<br />
toy from <strong>Pets</strong> So Good. Pet parents<br />
can hide treats in the cup and<br />
donut portions; sniffing around to<br />
find the treats can release stress and<br />
anxiety and offer a sense of satisfaction<br />
upon completing the task. 10.6 x<br />
10.6 inches.<br />
• $20 at petssogood.com<br />
All Dressed Up<br />
Give a gift that's fashionable and functional.<br />
A warm coat or sweater keeps<br />
a pooch looking cool while staying<br />
safe, even on the coldest days.<br />
• $19.99-$26.99 at CB Pet Market stores<br />
in Bedminster, Clinton, Garwood,<br />
Livingston and Washington<br />
Out of the Box<br />
BarkBox is the gift that keeps on giving.<br />
A box arrives monthly, filled with<br />
two toys, two bags of all-natural pet<br />
treats, and a chew.<br />
• Subscriptions start at $23/month at<br />
barkbox.com<br />
Cozy Comfort<br />
Harry Barker's comfortable, stylish<br />
bed is the perfect place for Fido to<br />
rest his paws. Eco-friendly and available<br />
in two sizes.<br />
• $130 at harrybarker.com<br />
Support your<br />
local merchants<br />
when doing holiday<br />
shopping this year.<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 21
HAIR<br />
COMES<br />
TROUBLE<br />
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR GROOMING<br />
WITH CB PET MARKET<br />
A Dog That Is Groomed Once a Year Will See It as<br />
Punishment.<br />
A Dog That Is Groomed Once a Month Will See It as<br />
Another Part of Their Healthy and Happy Life!<br />
HOT SPOTS? MATS? PERSISTENT<br />
DOGGY SMELL? OH MY!<br />
What if we told you that the solution<br />
to these common woes could be<br />
answered with one simple change?<br />
Meet your pet’s new best friend, a<br />
regular grooming routine!<br />
Hair hygiene is essential to your<br />
pet’s wellbeing and failure to groom<br />
regularly can often lead to serious<br />
health consequences. During these<br />
holiday rush months, CB Pet Market<br />
salons see it all - dirty dogs, matted<br />
dogs, fleas or ticks hiding within, and<br />
more. Holiday grooming appointments<br />
should be followed up with regular<br />
grooming appointments to have your<br />
pet looking and feeling their best all<br />
year long.<br />
DETECTION AND PREVENTION<br />
Professional pet grooming is one<br />
of the most effective ways to identify<br />
underlying conditions early on.<br />
“Seasoned groomers can help pet<br />
owners understand what’s hidden<br />
beneath the fur,” said CB Pet Market<br />
President Claudia Loomis. “When<br />
we see a pet regularly, we will notice<br />
lumps, bumps, or unusual changes in<br />
their overall condition.”<br />
COAT AND SKIN HEALTH<br />
Regular brushing removes dirt and<br />
dead hair, while also preventing tangles<br />
and mats. When a coat is not frequently<br />
or properly brushed, it begins to twist<br />
upon itself, causing an uncomfortable<br />
tension that can lead to severe matting<br />
and hot spots. To keep unruly hair at<br />
bay, pick up the Chris Christensen Pin<br />
or Slicker Brush at CB Pet Market.<br />
These brushes are durable, long<br />
lasting, and lightweight - all the musts<br />
to make brushing a breeze! The CB Pet<br />
Market staff will help you pick out the<br />
perfect brush for your pooch’s coat type.<br />
Never cut out a mat with scissors,<br />
as this can easily catch and cut your<br />
pet’s skin. When matting is severe,<br />
having a professional groomer<br />
remove mats with clippers is the only<br />
option. To keep mats from forming,<br />
brush with the Chris Christensen Ice<br />
on Ice spray from CB Pet Market to<br />
prevent breakage and tangling.<br />
BRUSH UP ON MISSED SPOTS!<br />
Ears, nails, and teeth are often<br />
overlooked on pets when they are<br />
not regularly visiting the grooming<br />
salon. CB Pet Market recommends<br />
Earth Bath Ear Wipes infused with<br />
witch hazel to keep your pet's ears<br />
naturally free of wax and discharge.<br />
CB Pet Market also offers Earth Bath<br />
Tooth & Gum Wipes as an easy way<br />
to clean from plaque, tartar & odor<br />
causing bacteria.<br />
Without regular nail trimming, it<br />
can be painful for your pet to walk<br />
and even stand as the nails curl.<br />
It’s a similar pressure on the feet<br />
that you would feel from wearing a<br />
shoe size too small! Nail trimming<br />
should be done weekly to prevent<br />
the growth of the quick. For easy<br />
at-home nail trims, you can pick up<br />
the Millers Forge Nail Clipper at any<br />
CB Pet Market. The plier-style design<br />
provides quick and precise cutting,<br />
making nail trims easy and painless.<br />
BUT MY PET DOESN'T LIKE<br />
GROOMING, WHAT DO I DO?<br />
The best gift we can give our pets<br />
is starting the routine young. CB Pet<br />
Market offers “Puppy’s First Groom,"<br />
a specialized service that gently<br />
introduces puppies to grooming. Old<br />
dogs, too, receive gentle treatment!<br />
Just like anything with dogs, it’s<br />
all about Routine, Routine, Routine!<br />
Taking them out of their element<br />
provokes stress, so start slow and<br />
gradually introduce a new grooming<br />
regime. A dog that is groomed once<br />
a year may see it as punishment, but<br />
a dog that is groomed once a month<br />
will see it as another part of their<br />
happy and healthy life!<br />
CB PET MARKET HAS 5 RETAIL<br />
STORES AND 2 GROOMING<br />
SALONS IN NEW JERSEY. FIND<br />
PET FOOD, SUPPLIES, AND<br />
MORE: CBPETMARKET.COM
HAPPY,<br />
HEALTHY<br />
PETS<br />
PUTTING THEIR WELLNESS FIRST<br />
Spotlight on<br />
Specialty Medicine<br />
A look at innovative pet treatments and techniques<br />
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE<br />
At NorthStar VETS, Integrative Medicine<br />
services are offered by a specially<br />
trained team. Blending all of the best<br />
elements of Eastern and Western medicine<br />
into daily practice, a comprehensive<br />
program is tailored to your pet’s<br />
individual needs.<br />
Eastern and Western medicine are<br />
not conflicting or contradictory, but can<br />
merge for the best possible outcome for<br />
NorthStar's patients. The appropriate<br />
pharmaceuticals and herbal formulations<br />
can be combined for long-term<br />
well-being.<br />
In fact, having an open mind to a<br />
multimodal approach can ensure the<br />
most success. This type of medicine<br />
employs a holistic approach in an<br />
all-encompassing manner to treat the<br />
underlying causes of the maladies your<br />
pet may be experiencing and ensure the<br />
best possible outcomes.<br />
With a whole-pet approach to therapy,<br />
patients are evaluated on the basis<br />
of their environment, disease, condition<br />
or pain score, and lifestyle, as well<br />
as results from diagnostic modalities<br />
such as blood tests, ultrasound and<br />
radiographs (X-rays). The Integrative<br />
Medicine service works with the other<br />
services to ensure your pet’s condition<br />
is addressed from all angles.<br />
Integrative Medicine includes:<br />
• Acupuncture<br />
• Herbal formulations<br />
• Dietary and lifestyle counseling<br />
• Customized therapeutic plans using<br />
holistic and conventional medicine<br />
Diseases/conditions treated:<br />
• Obesity and weight management<br />
• Neurologic conditions<br />
• Maintenance of overall health<br />
• Harmonizing with Internal<br />
Medicine therapies<br />
REHABILITATION AND<br />
PAIN MANAGEMENT<br />
Rehabilitative and Pain Management<br />
services are provided by a team of veterinarians<br />
with advanced training and<br />
certification in canine rehabilitation<br />
and acupuncture.<br />
Based on a thorough assessment<br />
of your pet’s medical history, current<br />
physical challenges and lifestyle—<br />
along with your goals for your companion—NorthStar<br />
VETS develops a<br />
comprehensive rehabilitation and pain<br />
management program that is tailored<br />
to your pet’s individual needs.<br />
Indications for rehabilitation:<br />
• Postoperative orthopedic<br />
or neurologic surgery<br />
• Osteoarthritis<br />
• Weakness related to age or<br />
metabolic conditions<br />
• Neurological conditions<br />
• Soft-tissue injuries<br />
• Weight management<br />
• Conditioning for working dogs<br />
and canine athletes*<br />
*NorthStar VETS particularly enjoys working with<br />
these patients during the initial postoperative recuperation<br />
period and then in conjunction with their<br />
performance trainers—transitioning them back to<br />
their normal training regimen.<br />
Benefits of rehabilitation:<br />
• Improve joint range of motion<br />
• Improve muscular strength and<br />
coordination<br />
• Facilitate healing and return to function<br />
• Prevent further muscle atrophy<br />
• Improve mobility and quality of life<br />
• Decrease pain<br />
• Promote physical and mental well-being<br />
Physical rehabilitation veterinarians use<br />
the same equipment and techniques that<br />
are used in human physical therapy,<br />
such as:<br />
• Electrical stimulation modalities (NMES)<br />
• Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy)<br />
• Manual therapy (massage, stretching,<br />
joint and/or soft-tissue mobilization)<br />
• Therapeutic exercise for improving<br />
range of motion, strength and balance<br />
• Therapeutic laser therapy<br />
• Thermotherapy (heat and ice)<br />
• Multimodal pain management<br />
In addition to physical rehabilitation,<br />
NorthStar VETS offers complementary<br />
rehabilitative and pain management<br />
services including:<br />
• Acupuncture<br />
• Stem cell therapy<br />
• PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy<br />
• Wheelchair/cart fitting<br />
• Assistive devices- harnesses, slings, etc.<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 23
HAPPY, HEALTHY PETS<br />
SURGERY<br />
When advanced surgery is necessary,<br />
your pet is in the best of hands at North-<br />
Star VETS. With more than 70 years of<br />
collective experience, the board-certified<br />
Veterinary Surgery team has a depth and<br />
breadth of expertise that is unsurpassed<br />
in this region. From the most routine<br />
surgical procedure to the most complex,<br />
NorthStar VETS offers a full range of surgical<br />
services on an elective as well as 24/7<br />
emergency basis.<br />
In addition to offering traditional<br />
“open” surgical procedures, surgeons have<br />
advanced training in minimally invasive<br />
techniques for smaller incisions, less blood<br />
loss and a faster recovery for your pet.<br />
NorthStar VETS is also on the cutting<br />
edge with such advances as stem cell therapy<br />
and platelet-rich plasma for treating<br />
arthritis. Sophisticated on-site diagnostic<br />
imaging equipment ensures the most accurate<br />
presurgical planning and comprehensive<br />
postoperative management.<br />
NorthStar VETS understands that<br />
having your pet undergo surgery can be<br />
stressful. Rest assured, the team will go<br />
over the procedure with you in advance so<br />
you fully understand what to expect, call<br />
you with a status report as soon as your<br />
pet is out of the operating room and in<br />
recovery, and provide a a special comfort<br />
room for pet parents to visit.<br />
Specific procedures surgeons perform:<br />
• Orthopedics<br />
• Canine cranial cruciate ligament repair<br />
• Soft-tissue surgery<br />
• Thoracic/cardiopulmonary<br />
• Gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary<br />
• Oncologic (cancer) and reconstructive<br />
surgery<br />
• Neurologic<br />
• Urinary tract surgery<br />
The Surgery Department is a big part of the<br />
reason NorthStar VETS earned the 2012<br />
Veterinary Economics Hospital Design of the<br />
Year award. It includes:<br />
• Four state-of-the-art surgical suites<br />
• Recovery and ICU areas with radiant<br />
floor heating and heated cages<br />
• Around-the-clock staffing by skilled and<br />
caring veterinarians and veterinary<br />
technicians<br />
• Modern pain management to keep<br />
your pet comfortable: constant rate<br />
infusions, injectable medications, nerve<br />
and joint blockade/local anesthetics,<br />
oral medications, spinal or epidural<br />
administration of analgesics, transdermal<br />
narcotics, and an attentive and caring<br />
environment, not just for pets, but for pet<br />
parents, too.<br />
Questions and ANSWERS<br />
• What is Integrative Medicine?<br />
Integrative Medicine is a medical<br />
approach that combines Western<br />
and Eastern medicine. It allows for<br />
a holistic approach that is individually<br />
tailored to the patient. Pharmaceuticals,<br />
surgical techniques, acupuncture<br />
and herbal formulations<br />
can be safely combined for the<br />
maximum benefit to our patients.<br />
• What are ways in which it can<br />
help animals?<br />
The potential is limitless. I utilize<br />
my Western and Eastern medical<br />
training to help a myriad of maladies<br />
in my patients. I utilize TCVM<br />
(Traditional Chinese Veterinary<br />
Medicine) to treat everything from<br />
musculoskeletal and neurological<br />
disorders to internal medicine, as<br />
well as dermatological diseases. I<br />
can combine Western and Eastern<br />
modalities to best fit my patients'<br />
needs at the time.<br />
• How do you decide whether to<br />
use one of these approaches?<br />
I always start off with a pattern<br />
diagnosis. A pattern diagnosis is<br />
very similar to a Western examination<br />
with the addition of an<br />
Eastern approach (evaluating the<br />
tongue, femoral pulses, hair coat,<br />
emotional state, etc.). It also greatly<br />
depends on the patient’s current<br />
state of health. If the patient’s<br />
condition is considered critical,<br />
then a Western approach is ideal<br />
to start, and an Eastern modality<br />
can be added in at the appropriate<br />
time. However, even in critical<br />
cases, both Western and Eastern<br />
modalities can be used as lifesaving<br />
treatments. As my instructor<br />
Dr. Xie, would say,: ‘It depends,’<br />
and I have found myself saying<br />
that many times. it depends on the<br />
Dr. Christopher W. Shapley<br />
patient; It depends on the client and<br />
my colleagues’ input on the case.<br />
• What can acupuncture help with?<br />
Anything and everything! I literally<br />
have dozens and dozens of books,<br />
charts and quick reference guides<br />
for almost every illness and scenario<br />
imaginable. I am able to consult and<br />
offer treatments for a very wide range<br />
of illnesses.<br />
• How do holistic and conventional<br />
medicine work together?<br />
They easily complement one another<br />
and can very safely be used together.<br />
There can be a synergistic relationship<br />
between Eastern and Western<br />
medicine.<br />
• What are the obesity and weightmanagement<br />
treatments?<br />
There are often a wide variety of<br />
underlying diseases contributing to<br />
obesity. It can be as simple as a need<br />
for nutritional guidance to endocrine/<br />
metabolic or mobility issues that contribute<br />
to obesity. Once the underlying<br />
cause has been addressed, then<br />
the path to weight loss and future<br />
management can start.<br />
• Anything else we should know<br />
about Integrative Medicine?<br />
I feel as though the most important<br />
point for readers is that TCVM is<br />
viable and scientifically tested, as well<br />
as a proven medical modality. There<br />
are a very large number of scientific<br />
studies showing the safety and efficacy<br />
of acupuncture and the herbal<br />
formulations used in modern TCVM.<br />
Integrative Medicine truly is the best<br />
of both worlds and has limitless potential<br />
to help our patients.<br />
Dr. Christopher W. Shapley is an<br />
Integrative Medicine Veterinarian.<br />
• FREE Pet Emergency Care Handbook<br />
Download at northstarvets.com/ebook<br />
24 NorthStarVETS.com
A PET LOVER'S GUIDE | With CB Pet Market<br />
Surviving the Howliday Blues<br />
The holidays bring with it a change in routine and extra commotion, and your pets are feeling the stress too! If you notice your<br />
pet acting clingy, pacing, or excessively panting, it may be a sign that they are feeling overwhelmed with the holiday bustle.<br />
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to reduce the stress level for your furry companion and help them enjoy the season.<br />
QUALITY TIME<br />
Walking the dog, playing with the cat, or simply<br />
being present with them are great ways to<br />
reduce stress. The Chris Christensen Wood<br />
Pin Brush is perfect for those chill-out nights.<br />
The wood pins eliminate pulling by delicately<br />
detangling. Regular grooming is not only great<br />
for their health, but it also solidifies the pethuman<br />
bond!<br />
• $37.00 at CB Pet Market<br />
POWER OF THE FLOWER<br />
The flower essences of Bach Rescue Remedy<br />
provide ultimate relaxation. This unique<br />
blend of flowers are a natural way to promote<br />
composure and calmness in your pet amidst<br />
the rush. Simply add a few drops to their water,<br />
food, or skin for an easy dose of calm.<br />
• $22.99 at CB Pet Market<br />
SUPPLEMENTS<br />
Calming aids are great for helping get the edge<br />
off and promote relaxation in pets. Some of our<br />
favorites are Progility Calming Aid Chews or<br />
Pet Releaf Soft Chew Edibites.<br />
• Progility $2.99 - $39.98 at CB Pet Market<br />
• Pet Releaf $23.99 at CB Pet Market<br />
CHEWS & ENTERTAINMENT<br />
Biting and chewing relieves pet stress by<br />
releasing endorphins and increasing serotonin!<br />
A new chew is the perfect early present for your<br />
pup. Happy Dog of Cape Cod Antler Chews<br />
are naturally shed antlers from free-range<br />
Montana Elk. These long lasting, all natural<br />
chews are odorless, mess free, and do not chip<br />
or splinter like bones.<br />
• $14.99 at CB Pet Market<br />
For those who crave entertainment, we<br />
recommend the Starmark Treat Ringer<br />
Orb or KONG Classic. These chew toys are<br />
complimented with treat rings and stuffers for<br />
hours of entertainment!<br />
• Starmark Orb: $14.99 at CB Pet Market<br />
• KONG Classic: $11.99 at CB Pet Market<br />
For the cat, try the Silver Vine Cat Toy. Silver<br />
vine is a more potent alternative to catnip,<br />
it produces similar euphoric effects such as<br />
sedation, rolling, and licking.<br />
• $7.99 at CB Pet Market<br />
As you make your way through the holiday<br />
madness, keep in mind that the biggest hint<br />
to relieving our pet’s stress is to spend time<br />
with them. Funny how that turns out to be the<br />
best way to relieve our stress too!<br />
FIND ALL THESE AND MORE AT CB PET MARKET<br />
Locate a store near you: www.cbpetmarket.com
NIBBLES<br />
& BITS<br />
FUN FOOD • PLACES • RECIPES<br />
P<br />
et parents—<br />
like most<br />
people—look<br />
forward to the holidays<br />
all year. But<br />
having a dog in the<br />
house during a holiday<br />
meal can complicate<br />
the festivities—and<br />
necessitates<br />
some planning on<br />
your part. Luckily,<br />
we have some expert<br />
advice that'll make<br />
the holiday season<br />
that much sweeter.<br />
Holiday Meals:<br />
Tips and Tricks for Pet Parents<br />
The holiday season is all about food,<br />
fun, and spending time with family<br />
and friends—furry or otherwise.<br />
As much as we love our pets, preparing<br />
for and hosting a big Thanksgiving,<br />
Christmas or Hanukkah dinner with<br />
a dog in the house can be a challenge.<br />
Whether it's a pooch you know will<br />
start begging for table scraps as soon<br />
as you sit down for your meal, or guests<br />
who just cannot resist giving Fido<br />
pieces of food from their plates, some<br />
pre-holiday planning is definitely in<br />
order for pet parents.<br />
So what do the experts suggest when<br />
it comes to mealtime? If your main<br />
concern is a dog who will bark for food<br />
or otherwise disturb your dinner, it is<br />
important to make sure that the pooch<br />
has an activity or food of their own to<br />
keep them busy during your holiday<br />
dinner.<br />
“Give your pet something to do to<br />
keep them occupied when you have<br />
family and friends over,” recommends<br />
Dr. Nicole Starinsky of the NorthStar<br />
VETS Emergency and Critical Care<br />
team.<br />
To keep the begging minimal to nonexistent,<br />
Dr. Starinsky suggests keeping<br />
your dog or dogs in an isolated area<br />
during dinner—away from the dining<br />
room or wherever you are eating. You<br />
can even use a crate.<br />
Then, keep your furry friend occupied<br />
with a Kong toy or puzzle toy<br />
filled with a pet-safe recipe. Rubber<br />
Kong toys have a special space for food,<br />
which can keep pets distracted while<br />
they search for their treat—and give<br />
them much-needed mental and physical<br />
stimulation.<br />
“This allows them to have a special<br />
snack at the same time the family is<br />
enjoying a special meal, but does not<br />
risk them getting into something dangerous<br />
that drops on the floor,” says Dr.<br />
Starinsky.<br />
In general, table scraps and treats<br />
should not comprise more than 10<br />
PHOTO: ROBERTO NICKSON/UNSPLASH<br />
26 NorthStarVETS.com
NIBBLES & BITS<br />
PHOTOS: JESSICA-LOAIZA/MOCKUP GRAPHICS/UNSPLASH<br />
percent of a dog’s daily caloric intake,<br />
says Dr. Starinsky. If a dog is on a<br />
special diet, a veterinarian should be<br />
consulted before any special treats are<br />
introduced.<br />
What can dogs enjoy from your<br />
plate? In general, most fruits—including<br />
apples, bananas, pears and<br />
strawberries—and vegetables are safe<br />
in moderation for dogs. Bland turkey—<br />
without those trimmings we people<br />
love, like stuffing and gravy—is also<br />
typically safe, although turkey skin,<br />
bones and drippings can be a choking<br />
hazard for pooches, so be careful when<br />
offering up pieces of the Thanksgiving<br />
favorite.<br />
“When in doubt, ask your veterinarian<br />
first,” advises Dr. Starinsky.<br />
Before or after dinner, a fun activity<br />
to get dogs—and little ones—involved<br />
is making a paw-print ornament,<br />
which can become a keepsake for years<br />
to come. All you’ll need is 1 cup of flour,<br />
a half-cup of salt and a half-cup of<br />
water—plus a a few craft supplies.<br />
Combine all ingredients in a bowl<br />
and mix until dough forms. Roll the<br />
dough on a floured surface and cut<br />
shapes with a cookie cutter. Gently<br />
press your pet's paw in the center and<br />
poke a hole at the top of the shape<br />
with a straw for hanging. Bake at 200<br />
degrees for two hours. Let cool, paint if<br />
you’d like, and thread with ribbon.<br />
HELPFUL HINT:<br />
ASPCA<br />
Poison Control<br />
If your pet has a microchip, you<br />
can enroll it with Home Again—<br />
even if the device isn’t a Home<br />
Again-brand microchip. In addition<br />
to all the benefits that come with<br />
the annual membership (currently<br />
$95), you get free consultations<br />
with the ASPCA Poison Hotline<br />
for as long as the<br />
membership is active.<br />
Call the hotline at<br />
888-426-4435.<br />
SOME FOODS TO AVOID<br />
Chocolate<br />
Chocolate can cause agitation,<br />
hyperactivity and varying<br />
degrees of gastrointestinal<br />
signs. Heart arrhythmias,<br />
neurologic disturbances and<br />
death are also possible if<br />
a dog eats too much.<br />
Meat skin, bones<br />
and drippings<br />
They are a choking hazard.<br />
Foods with<br />
grapes and raisins<br />
While the toxic dose of grapes/<br />
raisins remains unknown and<br />
seems highly variable between<br />
pets, a single grape has been<br />
known to cause kidney failure<br />
in susceptible animals.<br />
Definitely not worth the risk!<br />
Macadamia nuts<br />
Macadamia nuts are toxic.<br />
Baked goods<br />
Sugar isn’t good for<br />
your pets, so avoid pies,<br />
desserts and baked goods.<br />
Foods with pits<br />
Fruit pits can cause<br />
gastrointestinal obstructions<br />
requiring emergency surgery.<br />
Onions and garlic<br />
They can cause damage to<br />
the red blood cells, resulting in<br />
hemolytic anemia in animals.<br />
Winter<br />
and Holiday<br />
DANGERS<br />
• WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE!<br />
Christmas trees can be very<br />
hazardous to pets. Trees are often<br />
sprayed with numerous harmful<br />
pesticides, leak sap that can cause<br />
stomach upset, and shed needles<br />
that can cause vomiting and<br />
intestinal blockages. Of course,<br />
drinking the water from the tree<br />
stand can also cause serious<br />
illness, and glass and other types<br />
of ornaments can be hazardous<br />
as well.<br />
• BE CAREFUL WITH TINSEL<br />
Tinsel can pose significant danger<br />
to pets if ingested, resulting in an<br />
intestinal obstruction called a linear<br />
foreign body. A linear foreign<br />
body occurs when something<br />
stringy wraps around the base<br />
of the tongue or anchors itself in<br />
the stomach so that it cannot pass<br />
through, then slices through the<br />
rest of the intestines.<br />
• WATCH THOSE CORDS<br />
Electrocution is a more common<br />
emergency among pediatric patients<br />
and is most likely to happen<br />
when pets chew on electrical<br />
cords. This can cause pain, burns,<br />
irregular heart beat, respiratory<br />
distress, impaired consciousness<br />
and death. Unplug decorations<br />
when not in use and when pets<br />
aren’t supervised.<br />
• HOLD THE SALT<br />
Salt-based walkway de-icers can<br />
be harsh on pets’ paws, leading<br />
to irritation and burns. Wipe<br />
your pets’ paws when they come<br />
indoors. Additionally, eating these<br />
chemicals can be highly toxic.<br />
Consider using pet-friendly deicers<br />
on your walkway.<br />
• KEEP YOUR PET AWAY<br />
FROM ANTIFREEZE<br />
Antifreeze is extremely poisonous<br />
and can cause severe damage if<br />
your pet ingests it. Clean up any<br />
leaks or spills with products containing<br />
propylene glycol to keep<br />
your pet from getting sick.<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 27
Delicious and Healthy<br />
HOMEMADE<br />
TREATS<br />
FOLLOW THESE RECIPES FOR TREATS<br />
YOUR DOG OR CAT WILL LOVE.<br />
Only one ingredient<br />
Gingerbread<br />
DOG TREATS<br />
INGREDIENTS:<br />
3 cups whole wheat flour<br />
½ tsp. ground ginger<br />
¼ cup vegetable oil<br />
½ cup molasses<br />
½ cup water<br />
INSTRUCTIONS:<br />
Preheat oven to 325° degrees.<br />
Lightly grease a cookie sheet.<br />
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and ginger. Mix<br />
in the oil, molasses and water, and let sit for 15 minutes.<br />
Dough will be drier than regular gingerbread dough.<br />
Let the machine run for 30-60 seconds until the dough<br />
is uniform, then turn off and remove bowl.<br />
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough 1/4 inch<br />
thick. Cut out treats with cookie cutters and transfer to a<br />
baking sheet.<br />
Bake for 20 minutes until firm, and let cool completely<br />
before sharing with your favorite furry friend.<br />
Fun for the holidays<br />
Sweet Potato<br />
DOG CHEWS<br />
INGREDIENTS:<br />
3 sweet potatoes or yams<br />
INSTRUCTIONS:<br />
Preheat the oven 250° and line a baking sheet<br />
with parchment.<br />
Slice the sweet potato lengthwise 1/4 inch thick.<br />
Bake on a cookie sheet for 45 minutes, flip them,<br />
and bake for another 45 minutes until shriveled.<br />
Cool completely and transfer to an air-tight container.<br />
Treats can be stored up to 2 weeks.<br />
28 NorthStarVETS.com
NIBBLES & BITS<br />
What<br />
Kind of<br />
Pet Food<br />
Should<br />
You Buy?<br />
There are so many brands and so many types of pet<br />
food. The experts help whittle down the choices so you<br />
can make smart decisions when purchasing.<br />
PHOTOS: (DOG) KABO GIK/UNSPLASH; (CAT) LINA ANGELOV/UNSPLASH<br />
Four-Ingredient<br />
CAT TREATS<br />
INGREDIENTS:<br />
Cats love tuna!<br />
5 oz. canned tuna (undrained)<br />
1 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1 large egg, lightly beaten<br />
2 tbsp. olive oil<br />
INSTRUCTIONS:<br />
Place a rack in the center of the oven and<br />
preheat to 350°. Line a baking pan with<br />
parchment.<br />
Add tuna to the food processor and pulse<br />
until finely chopped.<br />
In a large bowl, combine tuna, whole wheat<br />
flour and egg. Mix until combined. Add olive<br />
oil and stir until fully incorporated.<br />
Scoop dough and form into 1-inch balls.<br />
Place on a lined baking sheet and use the<br />
tines of a fork to press firmly on each ball.<br />
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the<br />
dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut out treats with<br />
cookie cutters and transfer to a baking sheet.<br />
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until treats are<br />
slightly browned. Remove from the oven and<br />
let cool. Transfer to an air-tight container.<br />
• Read carefully.<br />
When picking a food off the shelf, the most important thing to<br />
look for is the Association of American Feed Control Officials<br />
(AAFCO) Nutritional Adequacy Statement, which is usually<br />
found under the feeding recommendation table, says Dr. Ross<br />
Taylor, DVM, Emergency Veterinarian at NorthStar VETS. “It<br />
will say how the nutrition was finalized: formulated (calculated<br />
on paper), tested (fed to animals and tested for absorbed<br />
nutrition), or equivalent to another food that was tested. It<br />
will also say what life stage(s) it is for: gestation/lactation<br />
(pregnancy/nursing), growth (puppies and kittens), maintenance<br />
(adults), all life stages (all of the above),” he says.<br />
• Don’t go raw.<br />
“Raw diets are not recommended, even the store-bought variety,<br />
because of the risk for foodborne pathogens like salmonella,<br />
E. coli, etc. Because of this, there are a lot of extra steps and<br />
equipment needed to ensure proper preparation and cleaning.<br />
Unless you are working with a veterinary nutritionist to make<br />
sure the diet is balanced and complete, home-cooked diets are<br />
also discouraged,” says Dr. Taylor.<br />
• Get specific when necessary.<br />
Puppies and kittens should ideally be fed a food labeled for<br />
“growth”, though “all life stages” is also acceptable, until<br />
time of spay/neuter or about 1 year of age, whichever comes<br />
first. Large/giant breed puppies should be fed a large/giant<br />
breed-specific puppy food, because they grow more rapidly<br />
over that same life stage and have different nutritional requirements<br />
than smaller-breed dogs.<br />
• Know when to go with a prescription food.<br />
Dr. Nicole Starinsky, DVM, Emergency Veterinarian, says,<br />
“Prescription pet foods are prescribed and formulated for<br />
specific reasons, such as decreasing the formation of urinary<br />
crystals that can contribute to stones and bladder inflammation,<br />
decreased protein content for kidney disease, and novel<br />
proteins that don’t activate a pet’s immune system, leading to<br />
gastrointestinal disease or allergies.”<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 29
NIBBLES & BITS<br />
Something<br />
To Chew On<br />
Helpful tips for<br />
caring for your<br />
pet’s teeth<br />
Hamilton Pet Meadow 609.586.9660<br />
1500 Klockner Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619<br />
Carlstadt Pet Meadow 201.262.1113<br />
225 Broad Street, Carlstadt, NJ 07072<br />
info@petmeadow.com • petmeadow.com<br />
Become A<br />
Hero To A<br />
Pet in Need.<br />
vet-i-care.org<br />
Daily brushing may help<br />
to save teeth, prolong life<br />
and decrease the number of<br />
anesthetic dental cleanings<br />
needed by your pet.<br />
• If you can’t brush your pet’s teeth,<br />
consider special dental diets and treats<br />
to decrease plaque and tartar. Contact<br />
your veterinarian to see what the<br />
doctor recommends for your pet.<br />
• Read those labels! The Veterinary<br />
Oral Health Council provides a seal of<br />
acceptance for veterinary diets, treats<br />
and water additives that have been<br />
shown to decrease plaque or tartar.<br />
• Keep an eye on what your pet is<br />
chewing. Ice cubes, rocks and bones<br />
can break your pet’s teeth.<br />
• Notice a decreased appetite or<br />
chewing tendencies? That may be<br />
due to painful teeth, so contact<br />
your veterinarian.<br />
• Even puppies and kittens benefit<br />
from a thorough oral exam to check<br />
for normal tooth eruption and<br />
normal bite.<br />
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK<br />
30 NorthstarVETS.com<br />
Final Vet-i-Care Ad 4.5 x 2.375.indd 1<br />
1/18/<strong>2022</strong> 2:27:37 PM
Pet Perspectives<br />
But, the cat did it.<br />
I'm so overdue<br />
for a hare cut!<br />
I thought you said<br />
you saw a mouse?<br />
Please stop throwing<br />
the darn stick!<br />
SUNDAY FUNDAY<br />
PHOTOS: ROBERTO NICKSON (UNSP<br />
I just saved a ton<br />
of money on my car<br />
insurance.<br />
AHHHHHHH!<br />
A little to the left,<br />
harder, harder!<br />
No more<br />
digging,<br />
I can just<br />
fly over it!<br />
PHOTOS: UNSPLASH<br />
Pet Perspective Fall/Winter <strong>2022</strong> 31
Casey<br />
Chanel<br />
Ava with her dog Kittle<br />
#BESTFRIEND<br />
REAL (AND ADORABLE!) NEW JERSEY PET PICS<br />
Pip<br />
Tabbi<br />
Tiny<br />
Bella<br />
Noodles<br />
Mayble<br />
Pepper<br />
Charlie (left)<br />
and Wilson<br />
Lance<br />
You love ’em!<br />
We love to see them.<br />
• LOOK for our next issue in spring/summer 2023.<br />
Want to see your dog,<br />
cat, bird or bunny on the<br />
pages of Pet Perspective?<br />
Submit<br />
YOUR PICS<br />
Submit your best photos to<br />
pbarnes@northstarvets.com<br />
32 NorthStarVETS.com
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