On July 24th at Frontier Park in Show Low, there were dancing dogs, high flying disc catching dogs, beauty pageant contestant dogs and doggies just behaving well. Some furry friends were be­ginners in the world of agility (like
Maverick, at left, with friend Debbie from Java Deli) and others were seasoned veterans (like Gypsy, above, who loves having fun with her owner, Debbie Maerker of First Dog Sports). If you and your furry friend missed this event, fear not. The White Mountains are full of opportunities for fun with dog sports. …

by Judy Todd
It’s August and that means it’s time once again for the spirited return of Happy Tails Food Festival, Raffle & Auction. This is the most important fund­raising party of the year for the Humane Society of the White Mountains. Simply put, all the homeless and abused animals count on this community to help rescue them that day, Saturday, August 21st. They bet all their dog and kitty chips on it. Most of the shelters in our county and surrounding coun­ties are closing, and all strays from Apache and …

by Dr. Elizabeth Ellis
Dogs and cats often love kids, but it may be a ma­jor adjustment, particu­larly if you are just wel­coming a new child in to your household. All of the excitement and anxiety can affect your pet and it is often difficult to predict how your cat or dog will react. It is important to consider how your pet has responded to babies and children in the past as a starting point. For ex­ample, have they been exposed and had positive experiences? Have they displayed fearful or ag­gressive …

Beaver Creek Guest Ranch, south of Alpine Arizo­na, is working with the White Mountain Audubon Society to host a Bird Watchers Field Week for any Audubon members and their guests, August 21st to 29th, 2010. Audubon members can stay at the ranch with a fifty percent discount ($50 per person per night-discount rate) including meals. Guests can participate in activities and presenta­tions about Raptors, the Mexican Grey Wolf rein­troduction, Humming Bird banding, beginning and advanced bird watching and much more, all pre­sented by world class wildlife professionals. Local area field …

Going to a barbeque, house warming or dinner party any time this summer? It is often customary to arrive baring gifts. How cool is a bottle of wine that benefits the animals at the local Humane Society? Humane Cellars is available to order online at www.hswm.org. The Humane Society of the White Mountains receives $7 for every bottle of wine purchased. The entire collection includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sparkling White Wine, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. I would like to propose a toast for wine with a cause! -Ed.

 ©Mary Stuever
I have recently been reminded, that here in the arid Southwest, water is a huge attractant. Last week, I returned home from an Arizona forestry field trip where a central theme had been the environ­mental impacts of large populations on watered environments. I was debriefing with a friend and my mother, and explaining that hordes of humans were not the only animals attracted to water. In my own home town, a rural suburb near Albuquerque, a herd of free-roaming horses often come into my neighborhood to drink at my …

My pet is how old?
by Dr. Marna Hall, Aspen Ridge Animal Hospital
Often times during our veterinary visits we are shocked to find that our 6-7 year old dog or cat is being considered a geriatric. We as veterinarians often get the response “What do you mean that my 100 pound, 6 year old Golden Retriever is actually pushing 60? How can that be?” When exactly do we consider pets to be Senior Citizens?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) states that generally, small breeds live longer than larger breeds and …

By Amie Rodgers
Once a week, Bob and Linda Gates (best known for their work with the annual Run to the Pines car show) visit Solterra Assisted Living. Although they are nice enough people, it is their down-right-loveable Chow-German Shepherd mix Ossita that gets all the attention. Whilst Ossita worked the room, I recently had the opportunity to find out more.
Who is your furry friend?
Bob: “Her name is Ossita, which means ‘little girl bear’ in Spanish. We call her Ceta. We’ve had her since she was just a little …

By Dr. Elizabeth Ellis
Last month, we discussed vaccines- what they are, what they do, and why they are so important to your pet’s overall health and well-being. We also touched on why saving money in the short run by skimping on vaccines, or using over the counter vaccines can cost you more money and heartache in the long run. This month, we will discuss some specific vaccine recommen­dations for your pets.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all cats receive the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) …

June
June 12 Weekend Warriors! On the Road Again with off-site adoptions of Adorable Adoptables Puppies! Dogs! Kittens! Cats!! This will be held at the Pinetop Safeway 10 am – 3pm.
June 26 GRAND OPENING! Micro-chip Clin­ic, ONLY $10 & raffle for GREAT gift baskets, Membership & Adoption Sponsorship Drives, and Adorable Adoptable Puppies! Dogs! Kittens! Cats! This will be held at The Pet Food Warehouse, 600 N. Old Linden Road, Show Low 10am – 3pm July 3 Off-site adoptions at Team Depot’s Kids Workshops! To be held at Home Depot, 5601 …