TulsaPets Magazine January 2022

4 TulsaPets • January/February 2022 I hope the new year of 2022 is off to a good start for you and your pets — dogs, cats, lizards, or whatever! I’m sure we all look forward to many enjoyable times as the winter progresses and we start to navigate our way through the unusual challenges of the past two years. As you settle down for some reading time with this issue of the magazine, don’t miss the first installment of our new feature, “Pets and Their People,” highlighting a colorful pair in the Tulsa Arts District. Common Bonds, an organization supported by the Kirkpatrick Foundation, is working to save more shelter dogs and cats in Oklahoma by reducing the percentage of euthanasia. Learn about the Common Bonds partners’ three- pronged approach to meeting the goal of 90 percent adoption of shelter animals. “Fire dogs” are in the forefront. You will enjoy reading about Owasso Fire Department’s new therapy dog in training, Fahren, from Anthem Service Dogs. Anthem has focused on placing service dogs with individuals, and the partnership with the Owasso Fire Department is a test case. Fahren is learning how to be of service to community members and firefighters. We also have a story about the fostering of a traditional spotted Dalmatian mother named Peggy and her new arrivals — six pups. And don’t miss a fascinating account of taming Australian lizards from Kim Doner, who keeps us intrigued with stories about exotic creatures. It is surprising to learn that bearded dragons are playful and affectionate. Learn how to provide these little guys with just the right conditions to bring out their trusting, responsive natures. As always, Mary Green offers good solid training tips for dogs and their owners. Your dog’s behavior is determined partly by his breed and background. What might seem to you like bad behavior could be just how your dog is hard-wired. Knowing more about your dog can help you to find ways to modify behavior while still remaining true to the dog’s genetic background. In a sensitive and touching story, Karen Dugan Holman remembers a very special dog she grew up with. Her unforgettable bond with that one particular dog is a source of strength in her adult life and her work with rescue dogs. So kick off your shoes, crunch some popcorn, sip some cider, and enjoy our magazine! Happy New Year, Marilyn and Elmer TulsaPets Volume 16, Number 1 PUBLISHER Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@tulsapetsmagazine.com EDITOR Rowena Mills 918.274-9251 hrmills444@yahoo.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Amanda Watkins WEB MANAGER/AD SALES Steve Kirkpatrick 918.230.2493 steve@tulsapetsmagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@tulsapetsmagazine.com Steve Kirkpatrick 918.230.2493 steve@tulsapetsmagazine.com Rosalie Childs 918.630.5775 rfchilds@me.com Rowena Mills 918.274.9251 hrmills444@yahoo.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heide Brandes Lauren Cavagnolo Kim Doner Mary Green Karen Holman Jennie Lloyd Rowena Mills 918.520.0611 www.tulsapetsmagazine.com P.O. Box 14128 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-1128 ©2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. FROM THE PUBLISHER Elmer ON THE COVER Violet Photo by Cindy Alvarez, Snoots Pet Photography