Meet The Staff

This week Best Friends would like to introduce to you another one of our fabulously talented groomers.

SARA

Sara has been with Best Friends for 6 years now and is not only a certified groomer, but she is also certified as a CSR, ACT and to do Doggie DayCamp. We love our Best Friend employees who have the ability to work in various areas as needed but our Canine Customers prefer Sara to remain in the groom room with them!

Sara lives on the West Side with her two dogs Wilbur and Andy. Sara swears Andy is a true Diva when it comes to wanting to get her own way. Sara and her family also have 5 cats who feel they are the true home owners.

Sara is extremely artisitc and has been going to school for Graphic Arts. She will be graduating in a year and is eagerly awaiting her chance to dive into the Animation Pool of Graphic Arts.

When Sara's not at work making your pets *be all they can be*, or at school studying hard, she enjoys a good book in her down time. When asked who her favorite author is she replied *Who's NOT my favorite?* She enjoys Sci-Fi, action and computer generated imaging films. Like Sara, her favorite foods lean toward the spicier side of life. She really enjoys ethnic foods such as Thai, Indian and Japanese.

Sara says her two favorite things about working here are the people and the pets, so give a big OO-RAHH to Sara and her talents the next time you bring your favorite pet in for their Spa day.

Make Over and Pet of the Week

PET OF THE WEEK

SQUIRT JOHNSON

Hi! My name is Squirt. I'm a beagle mix so it's not so unusual to see my nose to the ground. Except when I get to come and stay at Best Friends and I get to go outside for a play time. I LOVE to run around in the yards and play with my favorite play time people. We like to give good chase to each other.

And a sunny day? WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!! What a RUSH! It's GREAT fun here at Best Friends when it's playtime! I've been coming here for a while now and it's NEVER a bad day here. YIPPEE Play yard here I come!!!!!

MAKE OVER OF THE WEEK

SNOOP HAASE

HI! My name is Snoop. I am a *tri color* Shetland Sheepdog. In my family we have more then one Sheltie so I can tell you it's not a real quiet house. See, one thing we Shelties like to do is BARK. But we love to

run around and play too. Especially if we have any squirrels or birds or bunnies in sight. That's the herding instinct gone awry in us.

All that running around can turn me from a gorgeous Sheltie to looking a bit like the Shaggy Professor in no time. But that's Okay, our favorite groomer, Claire can set that to right in no time. A good bath, trim up and brush out, something she's a treal pro at, can turn my tangles into silk all over again. Until the next bunny and I cross paths anyway!

BEST FRIENDS ANGEL TREE

It's that time of the year again.....Holiday Cheer, Santa Paws, Goodwill toward man... Or in this case toward pets, and the wonderful Animal Shelters who provide them with T.L.C. until they can find them their forever homes.

This year Best Friends will be helping out Southside Animal Shelter with our Angel Tree.

When you come in to visit us or to board/groom your pet please stop by and visit our Angel Tree in the front lobby. Go ahead and browse the pet profiles, maybe one will make it's way into your heart and your Holidays will be forever Blessed! While you're browsing please make a donation, either in the name of one of the pets or just to the shelter itself. You can donate a toy or treats, or you can make a cash donation to the Shelter.

Ask one of our lovely CSR ladies, they will be more then happy to walk you through the donation process. While you're enjoying the warm feeling of giving this season, the pets at Southside will enjoy your touch of love as well.

Meet the Staff

MEET THE STAFF

WELCOME BRITT

Britt is one of Best Friends fabulous ACT (animal care technician). Britt is 26 years old. She shares her home with her boyfriend Greg, their two adorable Chihuahua's Rupert and Layla. They also share it with a bearded dragon names Nea.

Britt has worked for Best Friend's for almost 7 years now. You will most often find her working as an ACT but like most employees at Best Friends, she has made herself invaluable by becoming certified in several areas. Including being certified as a Playtime Associate, Groom Tech, and certified for Doggie Daycamp.

As you can see Britt loves to play with our guests and gives them lots of love. The animals all flourish under her loving care and reciprocate their feelings when they play with her.

When she's not at Best Friends, hard at work, you may find her either taking the *kids* for a walk, at home curled up watching Movies with them or just hanging out with her family and friends. Britt says she is a BIG movie buff and loves all kinds. Like Lays Potato Chips, she can't stop at just one! She also loves to go out to her two favorite Noshing places, Ruby Tuesday's or to the Olive garden.

Britt isn't really sure what she wants to be when she grows up, she says she is still trying to figure that one out. She says it's such a big decision but when she was 6 years old she wanted to be a Vet. Hhmm...is there a future Dr. Britt in the house?

When you bring your pet in to stay at Best Friend's have no fear over their care. When Britt is in the house with them, they will get lots of T.L.C.!

Here come the Holidays!

The holidays are fast approaching! While you're out doing the "Christmas cheer - Goodwill toward man" don't forget about the goodwill to our loving loyal pets! Best Friends Pet Care has a wide variety of toys, treats and leashes just in mind for those holiday moments.

We have stuffy toys for the indiscriminate player.

We have beds and sleeping mat's for the sleepy loafer

And for the habitual chewer, we have a variety of rawhide's, filled chew bones and smoked treats, just waiting to share your pets Christmas Cheer!
We also have kitty toys for the fur-kid who loves to stalk, chase down and *kill*, so don't forget the kitty in your life!

Come and visit us at Best Friends Pet Care and let us help you choose the toy your pet has asked Santa Paws for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just in time for our Thanksgiving check in, Best Friend's Pet Care is offering two wonderful Holiday specials.



Check in on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 and receive 50% off of your boarding for that day. if your pets stays with Best Friends Pet Care through November 26, 2009

We are roasting Turkeys for Thanksgiving again this year as well.

We will be serving our canine guests a special feast with Turkey and Trimmings on Thanksgiving Day. This Holiday special is just $5.00. Ask to see our special menu at check in.

And in the spirit of giving, Best Friends Pet Care will donate holiday meals so that homeless shelter pets will enjoy their Thanksgiving too!

Pet & Make over of the Week

MAKE OVER OF THE WEEK

MOLLY KENNEDY

Hi! My name is Molly. I am a Shih Tzu. An older lady, but one of gentle love and grace. My Best Friends groomer, Claire, loves me to pieces and likes to see me as much as I like to come here. Even though I cling to mommy when she drops me off I really DO like to come and get made all the more beautiful for Claire's efforts.

Of course going home again is just wonderful because mommy always tells me how wonderfully I look. (and it's true...just look at me!)

PET OF THE WEEK

LUCKY MILLARD

Hi! My name is Lucky. I am Golden Retriever mix. I love it when I get to come and stay at Best Friends while my family is gone. It's my own mini vacation with the playtimes, my walk and explores and my playgroups I get to do all the time.

I even get to have a comforting *Spa* bath before I go home so I can be all shiny again when my family picks me up. Everyone here at Best Friends knows me and greets me like a long lost friend.

Happy Act HR 3501 IH

To help keep you up to speed with the latest trends and standards that affect us all, Best Friends wants to make you aware of the upcoming Congressional Bill H.R. 3501. This bill would amend the IRS code to allow deductions (up to $3,500 per year) for pet care expenses. This would include any amounts paid in connection with providing care for a qualified pet, including Veterinary care. It would not include any expense for acquiring a pet. Following is how it reads:



Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act (Introduced in House)
HR 3501 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3501To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for pet care expenses.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 31, 2009Mr. MCCOTTER introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for pet care expenses.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63 percent of United States households own a pet.
(2) The Human-Animal Bond has been shown to have positive effects upon people's emotional and physical well-being.
SEC. 3. DEDUCTION FOR PET CARE EXPENSES.
(a) In General- Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 224 as section 225 and by inserting after section 223 the following new section:
`SEC. 224. PET CARE EXPENSES.
`(a) Allowance of Deduction- In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified pet care expenses of the taxpayer during the taxable year for any qualified pet of the taxpayer.
`(b) Maximum Deduction- The amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) to the taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed $3,500.
`(c) Qualified Pet Care Expenses- For purposes of this section, the term `qualified pet care expenses' means amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet.
`(d) Qualified Pet- For purposes of this section--
`(1) QUALIFIED PET- The term `qualified pet' means a legally owned, domesticated, live animal.
`(2) EXCEPTIONS- Such term does not include any animal--
`(A) used for research or owned or utilized in conjunction with a trade or business, or
`(B) with respect to which the taxpayer has claimed a deduction under section 162 or 213 in any of the preceding 3 taxable years.'.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the last item and inserting the following new items:
`Sec. 224. Pet care expenses.
`Sec. 225. Cross reference.'.
(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009.



You can find this information by going to http://thomas.loc.gov/. Just type in H.R. 305 in the Search Bill Summary & Status, located in the center of the page. Click on Bill Number and click "Search".

Pet and Make Over of the Week

HI! My name is Abby Swing

I am a Border Collie mix. This is my first time Boarding with Best Friends and I am excited to be here. I just love to go outside and explore in their yard. If your family gets you a wonderful Playtime Package when you come to stay here, you get to go outside and play in the yard just like I do!

I have made some new friends while I have been staying at Best Friends Pet Care. With the wonderful care and love I am getting while I stay here, I want to thank my family for bringing me here. Staying here with my new Best Friends makes missing my family easier to bear!

HI! My name is Bobi Wall

I am a Shih Tzu. When I get a little shaggy I love to come and see my Best Friend Claire for a great hair cut. Claire knows just how to make me look my best. When I am all done I look and feel SO young!

Thank you to my mom for bringing me in to see Claire for this special treatment. I LOVE my *spa* days! Now look at me.....don't I look just beautiful??

Pet Expo

The Great Indy Pet Expo is coming again!

November 14-15th at the State Fairgrounds (off of 38th Street) in the Toyota Exposition Hall. Saturday the Expo is open from 10 Am to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Best Friends will be there too so remember to stop by our booth! We will have our famous *Wheel of Fortune*. All you need to do is fill out an entry form (which will also enter you into a drawing for a Pampered Pooch Spa Package), drop it in the box, spin the wheel and hold your breath. The wheel always has great prizes for your pets.

You're welcome to bring along your pets to the Expo as well, as long as they are with a responsible guardian, and they are spayed or neutered and on a 6 foot SOLID leash, (no extend a leads allowed) We're ALWAYS looking to make new friends! (and puppy kisses always make our day better!) so stop by our booth and let us meet your fir kids.

There are always lots of vendors there as well, promoting healthy foods, new toys, treats and clothes for our little shop-a-holic fur friends. If you are in the market for a new rescue, lots of the rescue groups will be present with some of their adoptables as well.

We hope to see you this weekend and the Great Indy Pet Expo!

Mixed Breed Dog Heros

With the Holidays fast approaching us, we like to add a touch of the *heart-warming* to go along with the *hearth-warming* atmosphere in your home. Best Friends likes to recognize the heroes of our furry world. Here's a list of our mixed breed heroes that may not have gotten the national recognition they so fully deserve for their gallant efforts.



In the melting pot of the world, mixed breed dogs are the most popular pets. They have proved time and again that they are just as good as purebreds. In fact, many ‘shrug’ dogs have performed some pretty impressive deeds.


Just a sampling of the dogs who recently earned titles through NAMBR (North American Mixed Breed Registry) are an Irish Wolfhound/terrier named Cassidy who earned the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title in obedience in 2006, a Hound mix named Quincy who earned a Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title in 2006, and in 2004, a Border collie/terrier cross named Cheeta, earned her Utility Dog Obedience Trial Championship (OTCH) title, the highest level of obedience. These are only a few because there are too many to name them all.


Mixed breeds have been known to perform some pretty heroic deeds too. In 2004, in Winnet MT, Smokey Joe, a Blue Heeler/Aussie/Border collie mix received recognition for bravery in saving his owner from an angry cow. Smokey Joe, who was much smaller than the cow, attacked and diverted her attention while the owner escaped.


In 2001, in Richmond Dale Ohio, an Australian/wolf cross named Biyou, pulled her owner from an icy creek preventing his drowning and exposure.


Chips, of ‘Chips, the War Dog’ movie fame, was actually a German Shepherd mix. He was one of many mixed breed heroes of WWII’s Army Dogs for Defense program, who saved the lives of many soldiers.


Another particularly heartwarming story is that of Foxy, an ordinary 7 year old brown and white All-American mixed breed who was hit by a car and taken to a shelter where she underwent 3 surgeries and waited 16 long months for a home. At long last a lady saw something special in her and rescued the little mutt from the shelter. They lived happily until one night, in 2002, on their way out for the nightly walk, the lady fell down the steps and broke her hip. In spite of the waving flashlight beam, help did not come. Foxy and her lady lay in the cold for 1 and ½ hours. Foxy never left her side, and cuddled close to keep her warm. Finally Foxy began to bark incessantly until a neighbor heard the ruckus and came to investigate. Later the County legislator rightfully awarded Foxy with a bag of dog treats and a county proclamation in recognition of her heroic actions.


Another impressive story was told on the news, in December 2006, of an elderly couple who run a wildlife sanctuary in New York. On a particularly snowy night, they went to the outbuildings to check on the animals. The massive snowstorm felled several large trees while they were outside, blocking their path back to the house. That’s when Shana, a German Shepherd/wolf cross who they had rescued seven years earlier, came to their rescue. The huge dog dug and clawed through the brush, which took several hours to tunnel all the way to the house. She then went back, grabbed the couple by the legs, pulled them through the tunnel, under the trees and through an opening in a fence to the house. By then it was about 2 a.m. and power was out. Shana threw herself on top of them to keep them warm until rescuers found them the next morning.


Pretty impressive, indeed. And these are just everyday mutts like yours and mine, proving themselves in a pinch. Doesn’t that make you want to go hug your dog?


Courtesy of Joy Butler

Winter Safety and a quick check list

In our final chapter of the Winter Pet Safety series, we're going to talk about common poisons found during the winter months and give you a brief reminder list of safety for your pet. The staff here at Best Friends hope you have found the information provided in our series to be informative and helpful. Have a safe and happy winter with your fur friends!

Let's start with poisons.......never a pleasant thought but necessary to be aware for the safety of your pets. Many traditions can pose a risk to them.


HOLIDAY FOODS:
Various holiday foods are toxic to your pets, including chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins and onions. Even the fatty meats and table scraps can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Sharp bones from the holiday turkey and other meats can perforate the intestines. Even if they beg don't give them the bones! If you are having a party where alcohol or any of these foods listed are being served, please think about keeping your pet in a back room or in a crate.

HOLIDAY PLANTS
Common winter plants such as Mistletoe and Holly berries are dangerous if ingested and can lead to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems. Lilies are deadly to cats. Poinsettia leaves/stems, balsam/pine/cedar; angel hair (spun glass);
Christmas tree preservatives (don't let your pet drink the Christmas tree water!); snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; Styrofoam; icicles (tinsel) and crayons/paint.

Quick Check list of Safety

1) Keep all pets away from Anti-freeze
2) Do not leave your pets outside unattended when the temperature gets below freezing. They are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite, even death.
3) Short coated dogs should not go outside without a coat or a sweater in very cold weather, except to quickly relieve themselves. Small dogs with short coats are especially vulnerable to the cold.
4) Dogs with fur on the bottoms of their pads often develop ice balls between the pads and toes. To prevent this from hhappening, trim the hair around the feet and toes and apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil, or PAM spray to your dog's feet before heading out. This will prevent the snow from sticking to their feet. (make sure you use edible oil as most dogs will lick their feet afterwards.
5) If your pet walks on salted sidewalks or streets be sure to wash their paws after exposure. Salt is very irritating to footpads and can make them very ill if they lick their feet afterwards.
6) Honk your car horn or bang on the hood of the car before starting it as many times cats or other animals will seek warmth from the engine or under the vehicle.
7) Various holiday foods and plants are toxic to your pets so keep them out of their reach.

If you find you need a place for your pet to play during the day to burn off some of that winter boredom please don't forget our fabulous Doggie DayCamp.

If you have training needs, come speak to our trainer, we have a rotation of classes going on through out the week.

And if your pets coat becomes matted or wet and smelly from too much winter play please come visit our groomers. Just call and make a reservation for any of the above. Our staff here at Best Friends are always happy and willing to please!

You can find out more about toxic plants at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Website at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc
The ASPCA has a 24 hour hotline to deal with pet poisoning cases. A fee per incident (with unlimited follow ups) may apply. They can be reached at (888_ 426-4435.


Contributing to this article:
Kyle Raun; University of Minnesota, Veterinary Medicine
University Commons; Naperville Illinois
Partners for Animal Welfare

Howling good time!

We held our Best Friends Daycamp "Howl-A-Ween" party on October 29, 2009 and I'm sorry but it has to be said, it was a *Howling Success!* We had a rip-roaring, tail-tugging 16 friends come in to play.

With a bustling of leaves and blustering of breeze, it made for the purrrfect party atmosphere. Ghosts, Ghoulies and goblins were creeping around all corners but our campers are made of hearty stuff. They all remained undaunted in their task of having a good time. And with the weather co operating, a great time was had as we all got to play outside!

Before you know it we had worn out partiers who needed a slight break to regain their strength. It takes a lot of hard work hunting down the evil do-ers of Howl-a-ween you know! One you thought of as a friend may have very well turned out to be a foe on this day! As the day wore on and daylight started to shift toward the bewitching hour of dusk, the capes and fangs came out!

But of course we know how to tame even the mightiest *monster*. All it takes is a few treats, a grand hug or two and off they go, Their scariest Howl-a-ween pictures *in paw*, a bag of goodies and smiles for everyone, especially the owners when they see proof of their little angels becoming Halloween Devils, Goblins (and Okay even a ballerina!) and Ghouls. Our Campers went home tired and the owners left happy!

Meet The Staff

This week we would like to introduce another of Best Friends fabulous Groomers
Welcome Claire!

Claire shares her home with a roommate and 3 cats. Two of which she has hand raised from very young babies. She also has a variety of fish. Claire has worked as a Groomer for over 30 years and for Best Friends for over 8 years. Claire likes the fact that she has a lot of returning clients, some even third generation, that come to her specifically for her talents and care.

When Claire is not at work you may find her at home working in her yard or at a neighborhood park, enjoying a calming walk with nature, or far far away on a camping trip. When her tired feet or the weather don't co-operate with her desire to be at one with Nature, you will find her at home enjoying the latest Harry Potter book or watching a movie. She prefers the action or drama of a good mystery or adventure flick.

When she has the opportunity to go out for a nice quiet meal, she prefers AppleBees or a restaurant that serves *good seafood*. Claire says when she grows up she wants to be a beach bum....sitting on the sand listening to Jimmy Buffet.

When you bring your pet in for Grooming, give a shout out to Claire and let her know how much you like the care she gives to your furry friends and what a wonderful job she does!