OkcPets Magazine November 2021

4 OKC Pets • November/December 2021 W hen Kim Doner mentioned Flemish Giants to me as a possible future article topic, I asked, “What in the world are they? I’ve never heard of Flemish Giants!” Well, these oversized rabbits are just about as interesting as anything I’ve published! They’ve got personali- ty, they are easy to socialize, they’re super friendly, and did I mention that they are big? They can weigh up to 20 pounds or more and live to a ripe old age of 10 years. Hats off to you, Kim, for yet another educational and interesting piece on our animal friends! And you can read all about these unusual creatures on page 14. I hope Nancy Gallimore’s article on ‘When Was the Last Time’ makes all of us pet lovers stop in our tracks and take heed. Knowing how fast time flies and how short our pets’ lives are, we’re reminded here to appreciate ev- ery.little.thing. and every.little.moment. we have with our beloved animals. At some point they will become a memory, and memories fade, so go give your pets a huge hug and do something extra special for them today (and every day!). Some guidance for your pet’s golden years is also covered here by Karen Holman. It’s an insightful piece, suggesting changes to look for as your pet grows older and giving pointers on things you can do to help those golden years be a bit brighter. We’ve included a lot more in this issue, from the problem with displaced bears here in Oklahoma to the Veterinary Hope Foundation and a real-life case illustrating the importance of giving heartworm prevention year- round in Oklahoma. To everyone who purchased a holiday ornament for a rescue, a huge thank you! Every dollar donated helps, especially during these times when donations are down and vet bills, supplies, and volunteer time com- mitments are way up for rescue organizations. A most happy holiday season to you and yours! Peace, Marilyn King, with Elmer FROM THE PUBLISHER Elmer OKC Pets Volume 8, Number 6 PUBLISHER Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@okcpetsmagazine.com EDITOR Rowena Mills 918.274.9251 hrmills444@yahoo.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amanda Watkins WEB MANAGER/AD SALES Steve Kirkpatrick 918.230.2493 steve@okcpetsmagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@okcpetsmagazine.com Steve Kirkpatrick 405.397.2740 steve@okcpetsmagazine.com Michael Bell 405.439.8741 michael.okcpetsmag@gmail.com Rosalie Childs 918.630.5775 rfchilds@me.com Rowena Mills 918.274.9251 hrmills444@yahoo.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Bell Heide Brandes Travis Brorsen Kaycee Chance Kim Doner Nancy Gallimore Katy Hawkins Karen Holman Anna Holton-Dean Rowena Mills 918.520.0611 www.okcpetsmagazine.com P.O. Box 14128 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-1128 ©2021 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. ON THE COVER Yadi, a Bernese Mountain Dog. Owned by Angel Askins of Angel’s Pet Funeral Home & Crematory. Photo by Steve Bull, Sirius Photography