The Pet Set

By Stephanie Ernst

In May I strolled into a vet’s office and paid for a box of Frontline. The next day, I was looking at the unopened box when the obvious question suddenly hit me: What the hell am I doing? I get anxious about getting this stuff on my own skin, so why am I putting something so noxious and toxic on the skin of friends I love?

Dog Days of Summer

By: Rachel Pelizzari

Another sweltering St. Louis summer is just around the corner - temperatures are going to soar and humidity will be riding up on the shirttails. When the weather report advises to keep pets inside due to high temperatures and extreme heat, they know exactly what they are talking about. I love to enjoy the sunshine with my little dogs and look forward to our time outdoors. Sunshine is healthy and helps the body produce Vitamin D, but too much exposure to the sun can be very dangerous for a dog. If left outside in the heat too long it does not take long for a dog to become overheated.

Don't Declaw That Cat!

By: Stephanie Ernst

As noted in previous columns (e.g., "Fat Cats and Corpulent Canines"), I am a fairly regular visitor to vet¹s offices, and more than once in recent months, I¹ve been in the waiting room when someone has come to pick up his or her cat after surgery‹not for spaying or neutering, not for tumor removal, not for a torn ligament, but for declawing. I cringe every time.

Saving Green on Grooming

By: Rachel Pelizzari

Times are tight and we are all looking for places to cutback. With J.J. and Willis’ grooming tab adding up to $80.00 last month, I knew I had to find an alternative for these guys. I don’t even get my own hair cut once a month, much less pay $40.00 to do so. I’m a licensed cosmetologist, how much different can dog and human hair be? As I look at J.J. with the front of his head now shaped like a square, the difference is very evident. I made my fur baby a victim of the hideous "at home bang trim by mom." This confirmed that it was time to find out how to do some of their grooming at home and stretch the time between the boys’ visits to the groomer.

Brushing - Brushing Rover’s coat on a daily basis is the best start to proper exterior care. It may seem tedious or inconvenient, but will benefit you and him. Brushing daily eliminates an abundance of stray hairs left on carpet and furniture. This will help ensure that you and your guests aren’t covered in dog hair by being in your home. With less loose hair, money can be saved by fewer trips to the dry cleaners.

By: Stephanie Ernst

She looked like a tightrope walker attempting her craft while inebriated—or maybe an equally drunken, unskilled swimmer. Those are the only ways I know to describe the sight of Mabel the foster pit bull in her boots for the first time this winter. Not one of her four legs lifted up and forward like normal—for whatever reason, the sensation of wearing the boots compelled her to swing her legs way out to the side instead.

Saturday Feb. 7, at the American Legion 162, 9305 South Broadway. The doors open at 6 pm.  The cost is $20 per table, and up to 8 peopel can be at a table.  There will be a 50/50 drawing, cash prizes, attendance prizes and more.  For more information, please call Arlene at 314-461-8081 or 314-387-4717, or email her at kulade5@yahoo.com.

Beware of Cats Wagging Tails

By: Kathy Sciranko

Guest Pet Columnist

When you see a dog looking at you with its tail waving in the air, you know whatthat means: the dog is happy, which in turn generally makes you happy. Not sowith cats. If you see a cat looking at you with its tail waving in the air, beware!

By Stephanie Ernst

I’ve spent a lot of time in vet’s offices in the last several months, with dogs who have needed a great deal of care. And being in vet’s offices every few weeks has left me sad, not for my own canine friends, but for a great many of the dogs and cats we’ve encountered on these trips. They’ve been there for various reasons, and some have been very young, whereas others have been very old. But far too many of them have had one thing in common: they were fat. Really fat.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company is performing "The Little Fir Tree" at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 22 and 11 a.m. Dec. 23. Attendees are encouraged to bring items to contribute to the Rep's donation drive for Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Most-needed items include dog and cat collars, rawhide dog chews, peanut butter, litter boxes, Purina ONE Lamb & Rice Dry Food, paper towels and wire dog crates of all sizes.

Get into the holiday spirit while celebrating compassion for animals at the 11th annual Hope for the Holidays Gala, presented by Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Hosted by Kathleen England of KSDK and Stray Rescue Founder/Executive Director Randy Grim, the night will feature a "Taste of St. Louis" buffet (including food from more than 25 St. Louis restaurants), live music from acoustic guitar duo Mead & McMahon, celebrity guests from National Geographic's TV show "DogTown," and members of the Best Friends Society in Utah who helped rehabilitate the Michael Vick dogs.