Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 26, 2015

9

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, December 26, 2015 


LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND?

PUPS HELP 

PASSENGERS TRAVEL 
UNSTRESSED


Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

To share Christmas dinner 
with? Kudo is your boy! He 
is a 64-pound rambunctious 
young Chow-Shepherd mix with 
a stunning red coat, beautiful 
honey-brown eyes, and the best 
wiggly stubby tail in town! He 
first came to the shelter after 
being found stray in October 
of this year. He was quickly 
adopted after arriving to the 
shelter; not surprising - given 
his good looks and playful 
charm. Unfortunately, Kudo 
came back to the shelter because 
his former family adopted him 
for the children to learn pet-
ownership responsibilities but 
sadly the children could no 
longer commit the time to take 
care of young Kudo. 

 Despite gaining and loosing what was most likely his first home, Kudo remains a frisky and silly young 
pup. He is a lively 2-year-old Chow who loves to walk, play with squeaky toys (lots squeaky toys!), and 
spend time with his people. He is extremely friendly and affectionate with people; though it seems he would 
do best in a single-dog home. He is quickly learning his basic commands and would definitely appreciate 
getting a bit more training. He would thrive in a home with experienced and active pet parents who could 
share the time, care, and affection he truly deserves. After being a homeless pup for most of his young life, 
Kudo would love to have a family and home to call his own...just in time for the holidays! 

 His adoption fee is $145 and includes neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchip and a free wellness exam 
at a participating veterinarian. He currently resides at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society located 
at 851 E. Grand Avenue in San Gabriel. We are located off San Gabriel Blvd., north of Mission and south 
of Las Tunas. To arrange a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Kudo, please stop by any time from 10:30am to 4:30pm 
Tuesday thru Sunday. 

 2016 calendars are available at the shelter for a $10 donation. The photos were selected among hundreds 
submitted by shelter supporters. They make great holiday gifts for the animal lovers on your list! If you 
would like to order a 2016 calendar on line, you can stop by the shelter or do so through Paypal. Go to the 
shelter website at sgvhumane.org for more information. 

 Shelter supporters are encouraged to visit the website to read about the amazing story of Hoppy told by 
his rescuer’s blog. This three legged Chihuahua now has a second chance for a happy life after a terrible 
accident left him alone and helpless trying to survive on the busy city streets. 

If you’re one of those brave souls who chooses 
to travel by air during the holidays, you are 
likely familiar with the long list of stressors that 
typically accompany the experience.

 The inevitable mob scene with it’s inherent 
asses and elbows; the undressing and 
redressing for frisking at the security check 
point; the running as fast as you can through 
the terminal corridors dragging your way-too-
heavy carry-on behind you; the dodging of 
meandering aimless travelers as you attempt to 
get to the terminal on time only to be told the 
flight is delayed and you’ll have to wait for an 
undefined period of time to finally board your 
flight. Well, my hat’s off to you. I personally 
prefer to stick close to home for my Christmas 
and New Year celebrations, but I’m sure I’m the 
weirdo.

 Even the typically easy-going, happy holiday 
traveler who claims the process of hurrying 
up to wait for that plane that will take him 
elsewhere in short order is likely to be affected 
by the rush of the crowds rallying for position in 
traffic on the way into the airport, then rallying 
for a seat to sit in at the terminal, and ultimately 
pushing their way down the isle in the plane to 
find an overhead storage spot for their oversized, 
overweight piece of carry-on luggage.

 Well, there’s the good news and there’s the 
bad news, and now that I’ve touched on a few 
of the less than happy highlights, I know you 
brave vacationing globe trekkers out there will 
be pleased to hear the good news. It’s something 
that is sure to help make your holiday air travels 
a lot less stressful.

 PUPs (Pets Un-stressing Passengers) is 
a unique volunteer program that allows 
travelers access to some of the most fantastic 
fur therapy one could ever hope to find. The 
kind that is sure to keep the blood pressure in 
a healthy zone when things start to get tense. 
The amazing thing about the airport therapy 
dog program is the fact that the dogs seem to 
know which of the waiting would-
be plane boarders most needs their 
attention. It’s the one that is clearly 
on the verge of a melt down due to 
a flight delay or lost luggage.

 Whether it’s the look on their faces, 
the tone of their voice or the change 
in their chemistry, canines are able 
to sense when someone could use 
a pat on their paw! And when they 
sense the tension building, “ruff” 
and ready relief comes to the rescue! 
Stress-relieving canines are popping 
up in airports all over the country, 
offering their “for fun and for free” services to 
those humans who are in need of a moment of 
sanity amidst the commuting chaos.

 I called this news but to be completely honest 
it’s not at all hot off the press. Indeed, the idea 
of having pet-friendly pups available to be 
loved, hugged and petted by stressed travelers 
in airports has been around since the months 
following 9/11.

 Mineta San Jose International is known for 
being the first airport to practice the innovative 
passenger stress-relief-through-pup-petting 
program with several others in the country 
following their lead soon after. Now the idea is 
really catching on, and the trend is undeniably 
popular. Most travelers would agree that it 
is excellent an idea. To me it is simply basic 
common sense. I personally benefit from “fur 
therapy” every day of my life, so I know how 
effective petting a dog can be as a calming 
agent.

 The volunteer PUPS dog and handler teams 
can testify to just how effective the program has 
proven to be and the overwhelmingly positive 
responses they receive when they approach a 
potentially stressed traveler waiting to board 
a plane is most definitely worth the effort. Few 
people refuse to take them up on the offer, and 
those who do take the time to greet a friendly 
canine, go on their way feeling less anxious, 
more relaxed and ready to have a better day 
overall.

 Although the PUPS program has typically been 
limited to airport terminal hospitality, United 
Airlines recently decided to get on board with 
the pets for less stress philosophy by forming a 
dog petting program of their own. Who knows, 
perhaps the infectious nature of this brilliant 
concept will catch on to a point where all airlines 
offer canine therapy in the future? Hey, if that 
happens, maybe I’ll join the ranks of the brave 
souls who are willing to pack their bags and head 
for the airport for the holidays!

FOUR TIPS FOR GETTING HEALTHY WITH PETS

By Dr. Walter Cailleteu, DVM

The new year is a great time to make positive 
change in our lives. By far the most popular change 
that many people make is to get healthy. This may 
include committing to a new way of eating, more 
exercise and taking better care of yourself overall. 
If change is good for you, it can be good for your 
pets as well. Taking your dog or cat along on the 
journey toward wellness can help you share the 
experience of getting healthy and strengthen your 
loving bond with each other. Here are four tips to 
help you and your pet take the first steps.

#1 Look At Food - Food is where most issues with 
weight start. For us, a few extra helpings of chips, 
cookies or soda can add-up to several pounds 
gained in a single year. Your pets are no different, 
and are more than happy to accept an extra bowl 
of crunchies or treats rather than refuse them. 
Also consider what you are both eating. Food 
quality starts by choosing nutrition-dense foods 
that benefit you and your pet. Consult your doctor 
or nutritionist about changing your diet, and also 
make it a point to ask your veterinarian about what 
your pet needs to stay healthy at a good weight.

#2 Get Out And Move -Exercise plays an important 
role in achieving a healthy weight for you and your 
pet. It is recommended that most adults plan for 30 
minutes of cardio exercise a day, and this doesn’t 
mean having to slave away at the gym. Simple 
walks can do wonders for your metabolism, mood 
and mind… and most pets love walking as well! 
Plus, gentle exercise can help improve arthritis in 
both humans and animals. Alternatively, you can 
play with your cat after a long day away from home. 
Try throwing a catnip mouse around, playing hide 
and seek and using a cat tickler.

#3 Have An Exam - You’ve probably heard that 
it’s wise to consult your doctor before starting any 
new diet or exercise regimen. This also applies 
to your pets. A thorough checkup can reveal any 
issues with muscles and tendons, internal organs, 
eyes and ears, and skin and coat. Plus, diagnostic 
testing helps to ensure that all systems are go on 
the inside as well. Be assured before you hit the trail 
with your pet that you are both in the clear.

#4 Be Mindful - A huge part of health comes from 
how we spend our downtime. Sleep is vital to any 
wellness program for you and your pet. Assess 
your sleeping arrangements, including your pet’s 
bedding and consider purchasing a new bed to give 
them a comfortable, safe place for peaceful rest. 
Additionally, spending quiet time together can 
help release stress. Pet your dog or cat, take a nap 
with them, and you’ll find that you both feel much 
calmer and bonded. You may discover that this has 
the biggest impact of all on your health.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com