Editor's Note

Welcome to a brand-new year and our first issue of 2006. I hate to ask, but how are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions? By now, those of you who conspired to make certain changes in your life in ’06 are (hopefully) well on your way to shedding those post-holiday pounds, planning that dream vacation, learning a second language, or reaching whatever goals you promised for yourself in the year to come.
    I’m wondering, how many of you have created New Year’s resolutions with your pets in mind? It’s an easy oversight, but their lives evolve just like ours do, and they, too, change. As pet guardians, we more or less oversee their well-being, so it’s up to us to make sure that they stay fit, eat right, receive the attention they deserve, and so forth. I propose that all pet guardians add an addendum to their New Year’s resolutions that is inclusive of pets.
    I’ll go first. My two cats are in need of a visit to the veterinarian. It’s been awhile since their last check-up and they hate going, so I’ve put it off. However, I know I shouldn’t. I love them too much to ignore their health. From here on out, I resolve to put their well-being first and take them in for more routine visits to the vet. The timing couldn’t be better. This is, after all, our first exclusive health and wellness issue.
    The decision to create a wellness issue was born out of the idea that many readers believe the wellness of their pets is as important as their own. As we researched and brainstormed ideas for this issue, we were surprised to learn that the bodies of our pets are as complex as ours. We discovered hundreds of topics worth covering, but had to whittle it down to just a few.
    Veterinary care has changed tremendously in the last century and now includes innovative practices that writer Jackie Bertner explores in her story on the evolution of animal healthcare. One of these innovations includes blood transfusions. Greg Presto looks at this growing trend and how it can benefit the health of our pets.
Cosmetic surgery has become a hot topic of late, especially with legislation pending in California. Writer Jeff Fleischer weighs in on the pros and cons of declawing cats and cosmetic tail and ear cropping in dogs.
    Naturally, nutrition is a constant topic and occasional source of frustration to pet guardians. We want to give our pets food that is rich in vitamins and minerals and satisfies their cravings as well. Katie Marsico asked the experts what’s really best for them. Long-term care and responsibility for animals living with a chronic illness is inevitable for some of us, especially for pet guardians who are living with senior animals. Pet expert Steve Dale offers sound advice on how to manage chronic pain.
    Speaking of New Year’s resolutions, we here at Tails resolved to make changes in the magazine this year that would benefit you. The first big change is that we are now printing eight times a year instead of six. Look for us at your favorite pet-supply store, shelter, veterinarian, groomer, day-care center, and at other fine places eight times in 2006. Due to the strong demand for a handy pet directory of all the pet-friendly businesses in the area; it will be included with our summer issue.

We hope that your pets and you resolve to live happier and healthier lives in ’06. Happy New Year!

Jason A. Heidemann
jason@ChicagolandTails.com