The Controversial Tidy Cat Billboard. Photo credit: GypsySmiles.tumblr.com/

Tidy Cat has issued an apology over a controversial billboard it had in the Cincinnati market. The billboard compared a Cincinnati neighborhood to a litter box as part of its “NoMorePU” campaign.

The cat litter brand, owned by Purina, had placed a billboard ad that read:  ”You’re so over Over-the-Rhine #lifestinks.” The billboard was about a mile north of the city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, which experienced a rash of race riots about 10 years ago.

The neighborhood has seen some positive change over the last few years and the billboard offended some vocal residents–who immediately took to the social networks of Twitter and Facebook as well as the Tidy Cat website to voice their opinions on the disparaging billboard.

Purina issued an apology and has since replaced the billboard with one that encourages pet adoption.

Photo Credit: Mansfield News Journal

Sami and Chloe are the true definition of a team. Sami Stoner, a junior at Lexington high school in Ohio has met a myriad of challenges head on, with conviction, and purpose. She is the kind of young lady who does not believe in the word “can’t”. Sami has not just pursued, but demanded the opportunity to meet her goals and achieve her dreams. At age 16, Sami is legally blind, but she wasn’t born with this disability. Her story is truly inspirational.

Sami has always been an athletic girl who loved running. She ran not just for the competition, but out of sheer enjoyment, and she was very good at it. However, she started experiencing vision problems in eighth grade at age 14. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with a hereditary disease called Stargardt disease. This disease causes rapid macular degeneration which destroys central vision leaving only a bit of peripheral vision. Her family was devastated, but Sami refused to give up her love of running.

Determined to defy the odds, she ran with a teammate, Hannah. They were inseparable and Hannah gave Sami verbal cues on where to go and what lay in the path ahead making running possible. When Hannah graduated it seemed as if Sami was destined to give up running, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer and pressed on.

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A grizzly bear, a mountain lion, and a monkey are roaming loose in Zanesville, Ohio, after the owner of an animal preserve set them free and then took his own life.

More than 45 animals including bears, monkeys, lions, tigers, and leopards have been shot and killed since Tuesday night in Zanesville, Ohio.  A grizzly bear, a mountain lion and a monkey are still on the loose after apparently being set free by the owner of an animal preserve who then shot and killed himself.

Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said he ordered officers to shoot the roaming animals because public safety was in jeopardy. Sadly, many of the animals were shot at close range. Authorities hope to tranquilize the remaining animals when they are located, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium director emeritus Jack Hanna told FOX News Channel.

Several school districts canceled Wednesday classes as worried residents took refuge indoors, the Zanesville Times Recorder reported.

Lutz said that the animals were intentionally freed from the preserve because not only were the gates open, but some of the pens were also cut open.

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Hey, Pet People!

Steph here with a special ‘Steph Tails All’ ADOPT-A-DOG month post. October is a great time to spotlight dogs in need of a home and most importantly promote adoption. I wanted to share two recent cases that really touched my heart this week…

The first are two pitbulls in Cleveland that braved the streets together, protected each other, and now need a home together.

The other is in regards to the handsome young rottie lad pictured with me above. Sadly, both the pitbulls and rottweiler breeds are clouded with misconceptions and ignorance. Due to the popularity and needs of both breeds, it’s critical that these dogs are placed in safe homes with responsible pet owners.

Maybe its because I’m a softie for my hometown of Cleveland or just the bad rap pits get — but I could not get the story of Eddie and Sadie out of my thoughts. For the Love of Pits in Northeast Ohio is a small rescue made up of entirely volunteers that are doing the best they can with limited resources. Like many pitbull rescues they can not keep up with the demand for the pleas of help they get.

According to For the Love of Pits, Sadie and Eddie have an inspiring story of love, devotion and the desire to live. Eddie and Sadie found each other on the streets of Cleveland after being dumped like garbage. Eddie is the younger of the two and obviously depended on Sadie (approx. 3 yrs. old) to stay alive. Sadie stepped in like a big sister and protected the two of them. Both were on the streets for awhile and became emaciated and Sadie suffered infected open wounds, ear infections and an exposed tooth nerve. Thankfully a good samaritan found them and For the Love of Pits. Under the group’s care, they have both healed, received training and have been fixed. Sadie has been transferred to a foster home for the time being but both need a forever home…would be great to reunite them forever.

Although there is nothing more than the For the Love of Pits would like to do than to keep them together now its simply a tale of survival just to keep them alive. These dogs need either a reputable rescue(s) to rescue one or both of these dogs or a Cleveland-area resident to provide a home for Sadie and/or Eddie. Since time is off the essence here are the exact details:

For the Love of Pits will transfer to reputable rescue(s) in or out of the state.

Rescues must provide vet references, a copy of the adoption contract and any policies, etc. As for reputable fosters with experience, the group could transport but fosters must be in Northeast Ohio or at least within a couple of hours of Cleveland. Fosters need to commit to attending basic obedience classes at an approved (positive based) training facility, attend the group’s handling classes and to sign a foster contract.

For details, to donate or to help, contact shana@fortheloveofpits.org or visit www.fortheloveofpits.org. According to Shana Klein, president of For the Love of Pits, donations are always needed and are greatly appreciated.

And don’t forget about the lovely rottie I told you about. I recently met this handsome guy Chase, a two year-old neutered rottweiler at the H.H. Backer Pet Industry Christmas Show, where I was sniffing out the latest pet product trends!

According to True Hearts of Rottweiler Rescue (THORR), Chase is a smart and as you can see handsome guy that has already earned his Canine Good Citizen title!  He is an energetic and healthy now but came to THORR heartworm positive. Chase currently lives in a foster home with two other rott’n boys and has completed his heartworm treatment plus obedience class! For more information on Chase or to learn more about THORR visit www.thorr.org. You can also find THORR on Facebook.

So, BRAVO to both For the Love of Pits and True Hearts of Rottweiler Rescue (THORR) for their dedication to these misunderstood breeds. Both groups are registered 501(c)3, volunteer organizations. As always, thanks for reading! Check back soon for my regular ‘Steph Tails All’ post, where you can see fun videos, interviews, and get straight forward pet product reviews to sink your teeth into!

–Steph

As many pet-owners know, proper pet-care can be an expensive pursuit. For example, I recently took my cat to the vet to treat a urinary tract infection and managed to rack-up a bill to the tune of almost $200.

Currently, pet care costs are non-tax deductible— but under the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, individuals could deduct up to $3500 a year for “qualified pet care expenses.”

“HAPPY,” or more specifically, “H.R. 3501,” was introduced by Michigan Representative Thaddeus McCotter, and would cover expenses related to pet care as well as veterinary care, but not the cost of adopting or buying an animal, given that your pet is a “legally owned, domesticated, live animal,” according to The Examiner.

Utilizing the tax code properly not only encourages responsible pet ownership by making it more affordable for pet owners to provide adequate veterinary and other necessary pet care, but also reduces the abandonment and unessesary euthanization of pets by people struggling financially as a result of the economic recession.

You can let your representatives know that you appreciate their efforts to support responsible pet ownership by asking them to consider H.R. 3501 favorably.

This bill is currently being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee.

Best Vet

Winner (TIE):
Middendorf Animal Hospital
(859) 647-2007
MiddendorfAnimalHospital.vetsuite.com

Amy Snyder (Animal Hospital of West Chester, formerly with Cincinnati Animal Referral and Emergency Center)
(513) 777-5131
AnimalHospitalOfWC.com

Erin Tepe (Kindred Spirits Vet Health Center)
(859) 356-2242

Other favorites:
The Animal Hospital on Mt. Lookout Square
Krebbs, Kohler and Minnix
Robert Neubauer (Mt Healthy Animal Hospital)

Best Dog-Friendly Parks

Winner:
Kenton County Paw Park
KentonPawPark.com
info@kentonpawpark.com

Runner-up:
Wiggly Field Dog Park

(513) 867-5835

Other favorites:
Otto Armleder Memorial Dog Park
Symmes Township Dog Park
WagsPark (Newtown, OH)

Best Trainer

Winner (TIE):

Mic Foster (Pet Athletic Club)
(513) 621-1300
PetAthleticClub.com

Kuliga Dog Training Club
(513) 347-0989
KuligaDTC.com

Runner-up:
Pawsitive Pet Solutions
(937) 572-3436
PawsitivePetSolutions.com

Other favorites:
Best Friends Pet Care
Mel Bussey (Training Tracks)
Circle Tails, Inc.

Best Overnight Boarding/Day Care

Winner:
Club K-9 Doggy Daycare, Inc.
(937) 291-3647
ClubK-9DoggyDaycare.com

Runner-up:
Dirty Feet Pet Care
(859) 816-9273
DirtyFeetPetCare.com

Other favorites:
Best Friends Pet Care
Pet Athletic Club

Sundance Pet Resort

Best Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Winner:
Dirty Feet Pet Care
(859) 816-9273
DirtyFeetPetCare.com

Other favorites:
Blue Ribbon Pet Care
Canines to Felines Pet Sitting

Best Pet-Friendly Bar/Restaurant

Winner:

Blue Bar
(859) 261-7599
Myspace.com/pikestreetbluebar

Other favorites:
Bean Haus
Culvers (Hamilton, OH)
Indigo (Hyde Park, OH)

Best Pet Boutique

Winner:
Moochie and Co.
(877) 666-2443
MoochieAndCo.com

Other favorites:
Hyde Bark Fashions
GroomingDales Pet Salon and Day Spa
Strasse Dog

Best Pet Photographer

Winner:
That Photo Studio
(937) 433-8771
ThatPhotoStudio.com

Best Dog Food

Winner:
Hill’s Science Diet
(800) 445-5777
HillsPet.com

Runner-up:
Wellness
(800) 225-0904
WellnessPetFood.com

Other favorites:
Iams
Innova
Orijen

Best Cat Food

Winner:

Hills/Science Diet
(800) 445-5777
HillsPet.com

Runner-up:
Wellness
(800) 225-0904
WellnessPetFood.com

Other favorites:
EVO
Iams
Orijen
Purina

Best Dog Treat

Winner:
Zukes
(866) 985-3364
Zukes.com

Runner-up:
Milk-Bone
MilkBone.com

Other favorites:
Greenies
Old Mother Hubbard
Wellness

Best Cat Treat

Winner:
Feline Greenies
(866) GREENIES
Greenies.com

Runner-up:
Whiskas Temptations
(800) 525-5273
Whiskas.com

Other favorites:
Friskies
Pounce
Wellness
Zukes

Best Dog Toy

Winner:
Kong
(303) 216-2626
KongCompany.com

Runner-up:
Nylabone
(800) 631-2188
Nylabone.com

Other favorites:
Chuck It
Kong Wubba
Tuffie Toys

Best Dressed Dog

Bella
Judith Pepin, Mason

Best Dressed Cat

Casper
Afshan Adhami, Cincinnati

Most Adorable Kitten

Pumpkin
Tamara Folino, Mason

Most Adorable Puppy

Gertrude
Kelly Trowel, Cincinnati

Cutest Sleeping Dog

Waldo
Ariel Wulff, Brecksville

Cutest Sleeping Cats

Bear & Mouse
Afshan Adhami, Cincinnati

Goofiest Dog

Gretchen
Patricia Brown, Blacklick

Cutest Senior Dog

Gretchen
Patricia Brown, Blacklick

Most Photogenic Cat

Merlin
Afshan Adhami, Cincinnati

Most Photogenic Dog

Jack
Carolyn Evans, Cincinnati

We ask, you tell.*

Q: How do your pets inspire you?

I have two beloved pets. [They] inspire me by the simplicity of their needs and their surplus of forgiveness and patience. They can lighten a heavy heart with a kiss and a wag.
—Tamara Folino, Mason, Ohio

My three dogs remind me daily to live in the moment! They are happy just “being,” and they don’t hold grudges. They are always forgiving, which is something I strive to be.
—Patricia Cooper, Indianapolis, Indiana

Bernie and Kris are my daily reminders that the most important thing I do is to love them. Everything else is small potatoes!
—Kate McGovern, Westmont, Illinois

I deal with bipolar disease, [and] there are still some days when I don’t even want to get out of bed. But my three rescued dogs love me so much, unconditionally, that they literally give me the will to live.
—Nicole Maclean, Media, Pennsylvania

I have three adopted Pugs with stories inside their heads I may never know. They all have different personalities and ages but are so forgiving of each other’s quirks. I have one boy who has issues with dominance, but his female roommate tolerates his bullying. It sure is a lesson to me as a human to be forgiving and tolerant when I come upon another of my own kind who does the “bullying” routine. If a rescued dog can be tolerant of another’s issues, so should I.
—Joan Norris, Sun City, Arizona

Every day my cats look at me with love and acceptance. They make me feel like the most important person in the world.
—Nikki Venegoni, St. Louis, Missouri

I have had issues with severe depression, and I can tell you [my] dog keeps the really bad times from getting out of hand. I thank God every day for my Maddie.
—CJ Patton, Parker, Colorado

My fur babies inspire me to be happy! Every morning I wake up with four wet noses and wagging tails greeting me. It’s the best way to start the day on a happy, loving note!
—Janice Brody-Flores, Downers Grove, Illinois

Dogs and all animals are wonderful inspirations, and we can learn a lot from them if we only take the time to pay attention in our hurried world.
—Carole Hauser, Shelby Township, Michigan

Best Place for Agility/Instruction

Winner:

Kuliga Dog Training Club
898 Kieley Place, Cincinnati
(513) 347-0989 • KuligaDTC.com

Runner-up:

Circle Tail, Inc.
8834 Carey Ln, Pleasant Plain
(513) 877-3325 • CircleTail.org

Other Favorites:

The American K9 Performance Academy
Queen City Dog Training Club

Best Vet Practice

Winner:
Animal Hospital on Mount Lookout Square
3175 Linwood Ave, Cincinnati
(513) 871-8866 • AHOMLS.com

Runner-up:

Loveland Regional Vet Hospital
300 W Loveland Ave, Loveland
(513) 697-9796

Other Favorites:

Bellevue Animal Hospital
Cincinnati Animal Medical Center

Best Vet

Winner:

Dr. Jeff Werwa
Cincinnati Animal Medical Center
7617 Reading Rd, Cincinnati
(513) 761-8387

Runner-up:

Dr. Joe Bruner
Greater Cincinnati Veterinary Specialists &
Emergency Services
11 Beacon Dr, Wilder, KY
(859) 572-0560 • PetVetER.com

Other Favorites:

Dr. John Cole/Loveland Regional Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Robert J. Gaston/Veterinary Wellness Center

Best Holistic Vet/Practice

Winner:

Robert J. Gaston, DVM
Veterinary Wellness Center
9970 Harrison Ave, Harrison
(513) 367-4111 • VetWellness.com

How does it feel to be a Readers’ Choice Award winner?
I am honored that some of our clients have gone out of their way to vote for me as best holistic veterinarian. We are fortunate to have such great clients.

What drew you to your profession?
From the time I was a small child, I wanted to be a doctor. Though I was originally focused on the human medical profession, my love for animals eventually led me toward the veterinary profession. While growing up, our home seemed to always be the drop-off point for the neighborhood stray or injured animals. That gave me a lot of animal care experience and many trips to the veterinarian’s office. While in high school, I realized that I would prefer to be an animal doctor instead of a human doctor.

How long have you been practicing?
I have been a veterinarian for 20 years. I graduated from the Ohio State University in 1987. For 10 years, while [working] as an associate in other practices and doing relief work, I began to develop interests in alternative medicine such as herbs, nutrition, and alternatives to annual vaccinations. Eventually, I reached a point where my conscience would not allow me to continue to work in the conventional medical paradigm. I understood that it did not serve the best interests of my patients. I reached a crossroads in which I either had to operate my own practice on my terms or I had to find another profession. Fortunately, I was able to begin my practice in March 1998 with a vision to integrate traditional western medicine with alternative therapies, in order to provide optimal heath care for my patients.

How do you think your industry has changed over the years?
When I started holistic practice 10 years ago, I was definitely the odd man out. For example, I had to talk with several kennel owners on behalf of my clients in order to educate them about antibody titers and the fact that annual re-vaccinations were not necessary and possibly harmful. Now, most kennels, service dog organizations, and 4-H programs recognize the potential dangers of over-vaccination and will accept antibody titers for Distemper virus and Parvo virus. Other changes that I have observed: the benefits of fruits and vegetables in the diet of dogs and cats are increasingly being acknowledged; botanical (herbal) therapy is becoming more conventional such as with the use of milk thistle for liver toxicity or damage.

What is your favorite part of the job?
I am fortunate to continually have fresh enthusiasm as a result of constant learning, integrating new therapeutic modalities, a tremendous support staff, and the privilege of seeing miraculous results. I especially enjoy the most challenging, complex referral cases that have not been helped with traditional care and in which I can use a truly holistic approach. By combining an understanding of whole-food nutrition, functional medicine, applied clinical nutrition, immune and gastrointestinal system interactions, spinal manipulative therapy (chiropractic), acupuncture, and homotoxicology, we are able to help many pets with serious chronic problems. One of the best aspects of practice is that, in addition to helping many pets and their [people], I have been able to assist many [people] by introducing them to chiropractic care and by educating them in better nutrition for themselves.

Do you have any pets at home?
I have two dogs and two cats at home: a Golden Retriever; a Labrador Retriever; an old and infirmed indoor cat; and a superior mouser who hunts during the day and sleeps in the garage at night.—RK

Runner-up:

Dr. Erin Tepe/Kindred Spirits Veterinary Health Center
4147 Madison Pike, Covington, KY
(859) 356-2242 • KindredSpiritsVet.com

Other Favorite:
Mt. Healthy Animal Hospital

Best Cat Food

Winner:

Iams
(800) 675-3849 • Iams.com

Runner-up:

Wellness
(800) 225-0904 • OldMotherHubbard.com

Other Favorites:

Eagle Pack
Science Diet

Best Cat Treats

Winner:

Greenies
(866) GREENIES • Greenies.com

Other Favorites:

Catnip
Whiskas

Best Cat Toy

Winner:

Catnip

Other Favorites:

Feather on a String
Laser Pointer

Best Pet Supply Store

Winner:

Petsmart
Various locations
(888) 839-9638 • Petsmart.com

Runner-up:
Complete Petmart
Various locations
CompletePetmart.com

Other Favorites:

Anderson Family Pet Center
Strasse Dog

Best Dog Bakery

Winner:
Strasse Dog
605 Main St, Covington, KY
(859) 431-7387 • MainStrasse.org/strassedog

Runner-up:
Hyde Bark
2727 Erie Ave, Cincinnati
(513) 533-0800 • HydeBark.com

Other Favorites:
Auntie Leila’s Pet Salon and Barkery
Bone Appetit Bakery
Healthy Hounds
Purrs & Gurrs

Best Pet Photographer

Winner:

Connie Lay
Greater Cincinnati Veterinary
Specialists & Emergency Services
11 Beacon Dr, Wilder, KY
(859) 572-0560 • PetVetER.com

Runner-up:
Annette Bryant/Bryant Photography
BryantPhotoGallery.com

Other Favorites

Virgil Sweeden

Best Overnight Boarding

Winner:

Pet Suites
Various locations
PetSuitesofAmerica.com

Runner-up:

Best Friends Pet Care
11216 Gideon Ln, Cincinnati
(513) 489-6300 • BestFriendsPetCare.com

Other Favorites:
Camp Bow Wow
Circle Tail, Inc.

Best Doggie Daycare

Winner:

Camp Bow Wow
4955 Creek Rd, Cincinnati
(513) 745-9850 • CampBowWowUSA.com

Runner-up:

Pet Suites
Various locations
PetSuitesofAmerica.com

Other Favorites:
Club K-9 Doggy Daycare
Strictly Dogs

Best Pet-Friendly Outdoor Café

Winner:
Indigo Casual Gourmet Cafe
2637 Erie Ave, Cincinnati
(513) 321-9952

Runner-up:

Bean Haus
640 Main St, Covington, KY
(859) 341-BEAN • BeanHaus.com

Other Favorites:
Flavors Eatery
Lucky Dog

Best Groomer

Winner:
Kimri Smith
Bow Wow Boutique Inc.
3253 Brotherton Rd, Cincinnati
(513) 321-7444

How does it feel to be a Readers’ Choice Award winner for best dog groomer?
Extraordinary. I knew I had wonderful clients but this is beyond belief.

How long have you been in your profession?
Since 1986 I’ve been grooming pets, but I’ve been working around animals since 1976.

What is your favorite part of the job?
Working with animals everyday. I couldn’t think of a happier job.

Any crazy stories to share?
A few years ago the Cincinnati Zoo shot a commercial at the shop. This was pretty exciting, Thane Maynard was the spokesperson and we were supposed to be grooming wolves. When the commercial aired we got hundreds of calls to see if we really were a shop and if we really groomed wolves. We got many laughs from this.

Do you have any pets at home?
Haley is my 7-year-old Airedale. She was on her way to Airedale rescue when I intercepted her. I’ve had her for three years and love her to pieces. She is my second Airedale rescue. I am a Terrier lover.

How do you think your industry has changed over the years?
The pet industry has drastically changed since I started grooming. Awareness is at an all time high, clients are knowledgeable about grooming and care for their pets. There are so many rewarding careers in the pet industry and the public finally understands the hard work that is involved in caring for their pets. Our equipment is much, much better than ever and in turn we can do a safer and better grooming job than before.—Renee Krejci

Runner-up:

The Animal Ark Pet Resort
2150 Struble Rd, Cincinnati
(513) 825-7387 • AnimalArkPet.com

Other Favorites:

Best Friends Pet Care
Creative Pet Designs

Best Pet -Friendly Bar

Winner:

Lucky Dog Tavern & Grille
7029 Yankee Rd, Liberty Twp
(513) 779-5825

Runner-up:

Crowley’s
958 Pavilion St, Cincinnati
(513) 721-7709

Other Favorites:

Cosmos

Best Dog Walking/Pet Sitting

Winner:

Richelle Gill
Glorified Gophers
Cincinnati
(513) 658-1672 • CoolCrittersOutreach.com

Other Favorites:
Affordable Critter Sitters
Dirty Feet Pet Care

Best Dog Food

Winner:

Eagle Pack
(574) 259-7834 • EaglePack.com

Runner-up:

Canidae
(800) 398-1600 • Canidae.com

Other Favorites:
Iams
Natural Balance

Best Dog Treats

Winner:

Iams
(800) 675-3849 • Iams.com

Runner-up:

Wellness/Old Mother Hubbard
(800) 225-0904
OldMotherHubbard.com

Other Favorites:

Greenies
Milkbone

Best Dog Toy

Winner:

Kong
(303) 216-2626 • KongCompany.com

Runner-up:

Everlasting Treat Ball
TripleCrownDogs.com

Other Favorites:

Nylabone
Tennis ball

Best Dog Park

Winner:

Kenton County Paw Park
At Pioneer Park, Kenton County, KY
(859) 392-0024 • KentonPawPark.com

Runner-up:

Wiggly Field
8070 Tylersville Rd, West Chester
(513) 759-7304 • WestChesterOH.org

Other Favorites:

Kellogg Dog Field
Mt. Airy Dog Park

Best Dog Leash/Collar

Winner:
Lupine
(800) 228-9653 • LupinePet.com

Other Favorites:

Flexi
Gentle Leader

Best Trainer/Training Class

Winner:
Lydia McCarthy
Playful Pooches and Parents,
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center,
6666 Clough Pike, Anderson
(513) 939-DOGS • PlayfulPoochesAndParents.com

Runner-up:
Brie Huddleston,
Best Friends Pet Care,
11216 Gideon Ln, Cincinnati
(513) 489-6300 • BestFriendsPetCare.com

Other Favorites:

American K9 Performance Academy
Kuliga Dog Training Club
Marlys Staley/Circle Tail, Inc.

Tails Readers’ Choice Awards entries and winners were reviewed and approved by the accounting firm of Chamlin and Associates.