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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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