Friends of mine in Georgia have told me of hearing coyotes’ “nighttime symphonies.” A coyote was recently spotted prowling New York City’s Central Park. They’ve even been reported raiding garbage cans in Beverly Hills!

As urbanization has advanced, coyotes have literally expanded around and through it. This means that coyotes, though rarely dangerous to humans, will prey increasingly upon both livestock and house pets.

A feline testament to such depredation may be found in Gracie; an eight-year-old female cat belonging to Reno residents Scott Sindorf and Jennifer Cardinal. The story of Gracie’s harrowing ordeal has already been covered in a Reno Gazette-Journal article of February 5, 2006, written by Jeff DeLong. For the benefit of any PetFolio readers who haven't seen that article, I’ll recap the basic points of the story.

Approximately 4:00 a.m. on October 30, 2005, Scott and Jennifer were awakened by what sounded like a cat fight in their back yard. Going out to investigate, Scott saw a juvenile coyote with its teeth in Gracie’s neck, attempting to make a meal of her. The coyote, no doubt startled by the sudden appearance of a human, dropped Gracie and disappeared into the night. Scott immediately rushed Gracie to the emergency veterinary hospital at Neil Road and Damonte.

It was somewhat questionable at first whether she would survive. The following 22 hours were grim. The attending veterinarians suggested that with several puncture wounds in her throat, including one in the trachea (windpipe), plus a dislocated hip, perhaps euthanasia would be a more humane alternative. Scott, however, held firm in this determination not to lose what he and Jennifer regarded as a family member.

Once Gracie was stabilized, Scott found a veterinary specialist who, after $1,400 worth of surgery made it possible for Gracie to return home and recover in the bosom of her loving family. They won’t, needless to say, let her outside again without close supervision.

Being a cat lover myself, I couldn’t help but be impressed when I interviewed Scott and Jennifer for this article. It was obvious they considered, and treated Gracie as part of their family. How many other people, after all, would spend nearly $4,000 by the time it was all said and done, to say nothing of the emotional trauma, to save the life of a cat? Neither did they blame the coyote. Jennifer, in fact, was careful to point out that coyotes were here before people (and their pets).

What I think that we can all learn from this is that in such dire circumstances as Gracie’s, the attitude of the pet’s “human parents” is the key to its survival. The world certainly needs more people like Scott and Jennifer. They were the angels of mercy, who saw to it that Gracie got to live yet another of her nine lives.

John Tuomala is a former U.S. Army soldier and Reserve officer with no previous writing experience. A hard-core cat lover, he lives and works here in Reno, NV.

Many parents wish they could send their kids abroad, but are hesitant to send them alone. Or, they wish they could accompany them to camp, but don’t want to intrude on their independence. Finding a summer camp that offers a fabulous destination and exciting activities for children—and a getaway for parents is like finding “a needle in a haystack.”

At CCI’s Youth Riding Camp, your child enjoys the thrill of traveling abroad and improving equestrian skills; and you get to enjoy your own Irish vacation (with or without the horses!).

Whether children attend alone under the expert supervision of the camp’s professional staff, or are accompanied by a parent, the camp offers horse-crazy youths the ultimate summer camp dream-come-true, or creates a lasting memory for a family.

For the Kids!

Children stay with host managers Sue and Dan Foley in their beautiful manor house in the rural Irish countryside at the Clonshire Equestrian Centre, just outside of Adare, Ireland’s “prettiest village.” An ideal and safe setting to learn the art of equestrian sports, Sue, Dan, and their three children create a “home away from home” environment that comforts campers unaccustomed to being away from home.

Among Ireland’s most respected instructors, Dan has brought many young show jumpers up the ranks to the national level and enjoyed considerable success in eventing. Sue is certified by the British Horse Society, and an accomplished hunt seat rider and winner at the world-renowned Dublin Horse Show.

Clonshire’s large arenas, polo field, cross-country course, and miles of countryside are waiting to be galloped by horse-loving youngsters who typically spend at least three hours every day on horses and ponies appropriately matched to each child’s skills. Horse care, lessons, demonstrations, trail rides, competitions, and daily training in the disciplines of show jumping, cross country, and dressage fill each day with fun.

Each Friday, Clonshire hosts its weekly horse show. Any camper is welcome to compete, and since youngsters from around the world attend the camp, children get a taste of international competition.

Children that stay longer than one week can further their skills and compete more. Those who stay two weeks can compete in a Show Jumping Association of Ireland horse show. A modest fee is required to compete in these shows and includes registration, entry fees, and two extra lessons with Dan Foley.

A one-week program, during June, July, and August (Saturday to Saturday), includes seven nights accommodation with the Foley family, six days of riding, all meals, horse/pony, tack, instruction, horsemanship training, and airport transfers and tax, at a rate of $1,795 per child.

For the Adults!

While your child is having a grand time, you can sharpen your skills in an intensive hunt seat or cross-country training vacation at the Clonshire Equestrian Centre

Spend three hours or more each day riding on the flat and over jumps, including hunter, cross-country, and equitation fences and natural obstacles; and in addition to instruction, the programs include several hacks in the surrounding countryside in order to improve balance, pace control, and eye for distances.

An afternoon off is built into the schedule for time to visit local hunt kennels, tack shops, golf courses, pubs, castles, and other historic sites in some of the most beautiful country in the world. Parent accommodations are a short distance from the Centre at the famed Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare—and offer a 10 percent discount to parents of children at camp!

If a training vacation is not your style, the family can rent an authentic Irish country cottage on the grounds of the Clonshire Equestrian Centre. As your excited children run to start their day, you can collect your horse from just outside your door and take a lesson, or simply enjoy a refreshing ride across the Irish landscape.

The cottages sleep up to five and are just minutes from the village—which is full of shops, museums, antique stores, and sightseeing; or go fox hunting, clay shooting, fishing, golfing and more.

Today, more pets are aging gracefully and living longer. And they have their humans to thank. To add years of good health to your feline or canine’s life, holistic veterinarians agree—a healthy lifestyle is key. Pets live longer if they eat right and get physical. In addition, other secrets may contribute to a longer life.

Here are 10 valuable tips on how you can help your pet turn back the clock while fighting off the negative effects of old age and ill health.

Stay-young Secret #1: A Natural Diet

A good way to keep your pet’s body youthful and healthy is by dishing up a high-quality or premium natural commercial base food.

Holistic vets advise that chemicals found in typical supermarket commercial pet food may increase cancer risk, cause liver damage, and shorten a dog’s life span. Turn to an all-natural pet food. That means a pet diet that offers high-quality, minimally processed ingredients without fillers, sugar, or chemical preservatives. Look for a food that lists at least two sources of animal protein and fat, such as chicken or liver, as primary ingredients, along with a good source of carbohydrates, such as whole rice or barley and a few veggies and other sources of nutrients to top it all off. You can find natural dog food at pet shops and health food stores or through mail-order services.

Stay-young Secret #2: Natural Supplements

To maintain good pet health, holistic vets recommend an all-natural diet plus a quality, general, natural vitamin and mineral supplement. The specific needs of your pet will vary depending on its size, age, state of health, level of stress, and the quality of its base diet. Check with your vet on the correct dosages and requirements of your pet.

Stay-young Secret #3: Pet Fitness

A healthy diet combined with regular physical activity (yes, for cats, too!) can help strengthen the heart and lungs, maintain muscle tone, and burn fat and calories. This, in turn, means a fit, trim, and happy pet.

Stay-young Secret #4: Fewer Vaccines

Most holistic vets and an increasing number of traditional vets advise pet guardians to consult with their vets and pare down the shots they administer to their pets to the lowest level possible without endangering the health of the animal. For more information on the American Animal Hospital Association guidelines and vaccinating your pet, visit www.healthypet.com

Stay-young Secret #5: Pearly Whites Protection

Tooth bacteria not only affects humans, but our four-legged furry companions, too. A painful mouth can cause a decrease in appetite, improperly digested food, and a pet that just doesn’t feel well, say vets. To stave off tooth woes, regular vet check-ups and a home dental routine can preserve your pet’s teeth. Consult your vet about the best dental treatment for your cat or dog.

Stay-young Secret #6: A Healthy Skin and Coat

Experts largely agree a healthy, shiny coat and skin is a reflection of its overall health and well-being. It goes back to your pet’s diet. “A beautiful coat is skin deep,” says Robert Goldstein, VMD, a Westport, Connecticut holistic vet, coauthor of The Goldsteins’ Wellness & Longevity (TFH, 2005).

Stay-young Secret #7: Pure Water

While a good diet and exercise are major longevity boosters, so is H20. Water keeps wastes and toxins flushed out of the body. Dr. Goldstein adds, “It aids the lymphatic system, adrenal glands, and of course, the kidneys. It promotes excellent health.”

Stay-young Secret #8: A Healthy Environment

A clean lifestyle boosts human longevity—and can add years to pets’ lives. Indoor air pollution and house and garden pesticides can be toxic to pets, according to Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, author of Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). He recommends feeding your pet organic foods whenever possible, vacuuming and dusting frequently, and ventilating your house well.

Stay-young Secret #9: Avoid Deadly Traps

Dr. Pitcairn also warns against outdoor pitfalls. These include exercising your pet along busy streets, carrying your pet in the back of a pickup truck, and letting your pet drink from or play in puddles or other contaminated waters.

Stay-young Secret #10: Oodles of Love

Love, above all, is a key ingredient to boosting a dog’s lifespan. What is the best way to ensure a longer, healthier life for your beloved pet? Keep your human-animal bond full of fun and passion. Go ahead—schedule playtime—whatever your pet’s age. Pick up your pet’s favorite toy or treat; it will boost the love quotient. Also, don’t forget to talk to Fido or Fluffy, it’s one of the best creature comforts.

Not only will these fountain-of-youth loving gestures boost tail wags and contented purrs, they will contribute to a longer life and positive living for you and your pet.

Cal Orey is the author of 202 Pets’ Peeves, The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, and The Healing Powers of Vinegar (revised and updated Sept. 2006). For more animal-related information, go to www.calorey.com

It's Art Paws in the Park, returning for its sixth year on Sunday, July 16th at the McKinley Arts and Cultural Center. Created by the Hermitage Gallery six years ago as part of Artown, Art Paws in the Park is a fun, fanciful art fair for pets and their owners to enjoy together. Four years ago, PetFolio became the host of the event.

Festivities include pet psychic readings, animal portraiture and photography, games, and everybody's favorite, an opportunity to make art with your pet—all it takes is poster board, some non-toxic paint, and your furry friend's feet! Also on hand will be pet product vendors and a variety of animal rescue and enthusiast groups.

And this year, all that fun can also help sick or injured pets in our community. For the first time, PetFolio will give the proceeds from donations collected at Art Paws to this year's "pet" charity, the Shakespeare Animal Fund (SAF).

Funds Helping Friends

When Jennifer Webb's beloved cocker spaniel, Shakespeare, became very ill in 2003, she was unwilling to let Shakespeare go. She spent hundreds of dollars on treatments—which she insists she'd do again—but nothing worked. She had to put Shakespeare to sleep in November of 2003.

But it left Webb wondering what people who couldn't afford such treatments went through. She couldn't have lived with herself knowing that something could have been done to treat Shakespeare, and that money was the only obstacle. So in 2004, Webb created the fund, a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping people afford the high cost of veterinary care.

"It's often the elderly who have nobody but their pets, and they'll do anything they can, but sometimes it's still not enough," says Webb. In fact, she remembers one elderly gentleman whose boxer needed an operation; the man went without electricity for four months in order to pay for it. "It's not just an animal thing. We're helping people."

Any pet owner, and any breed of pet, is eligible, although assistance is primarily given to those with annual incomes below $35,000. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Awards usually run between $75 and $150, and are paid directly to veterinarians. While Webb says the SAF's policy is that gifts are one-time only, they'll never let an animal suffer. SAF also tries to negotiate with area vets to arrange payment plans or lower fees.

A small amount like $150 may not seem like much, but for someone who's unemployed, or living on a fixed income, that $150 can mean the difference between life and death for their pet. For instance, one elderly woman called Webb to ask if SAF offered grief counseling. When Webb asked when the pet had died, the woman replied that he was sick, and would probably have to be put to sleep. A check from the SAF kept the dog alive.

In another case, a woman called, hysterical, saying that her dog had been hit by a car and broken its pelvis. The woman had been scared that the vet would put her dog to sleep, so she hadn't been to the vet. The SAF stepped in and got the dog to the vet and back to good health.

Stories like these have interested people from around the country. One of Comic Relief's major fundraisers made a video of SAF in action and is interested in helping raise money for the SAF. Meanwhile, a local video company has donated the creation of an SAF video, which Webb intends to send to media outlets around the country, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, to raise funds and awareness about the organization. And Webb has created an SAF business template, so that other cities around the country can create their own Shakespeare Animal Fund.

The SAF is entirely funded by donations, and run by a team of about 25 volunteers. Those volunteers will be manning booths and activities at this year's Art Paws in the Park. While the event is free, some activities require donations; those proceeds will go entirely to the SAF to help ill or injured pets. Webb would also like to remind those who attend that the SAF also really needs volunteers who can give a few hours a week to helping to make pets' lives better.

"We're really excited this year to be partnering with the Shakespeare Animal Fund," says Landess Witmer, PetFolio's publisher. "They exist completely to help animals in need, and we think that's pretty amazing. They're a young organization, but they've done so much so quickly that we wanted to help. So now through Art Paws, people can help animals by doing something we all like to do—to go out and play."

To make a donation to the Shakespeare Animal Fund, mail it to P.O. Box 8201, Reno, NV 89507. Or visit their Web site at www.shakespeareanimalfund.org

And make sure you stop by Art Paws in the Park on Sunday, July 16, 2006, from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the McKinley Arts and Culture Center. For details about the event or more information call 775-322-1538.

The first thing you’ll notice is the shop’s Victorian theme, with fine wood cabinetry and faux fireplace. Let your eyes wander over the myriad items, from rhinestone dog and cat collars to horse cookie jars to porcelain dog and cat statuary from Italy. A large selection of rare Steiff dogs and cats and other animal characters are protected in the store’s glass cases for the collectables crowd. Also offered is a variety of exquisite porcelain and glassware plates, stemware, sugars and creamers, table settings, and more. Breed-specific key chains, tapestries and totebags, to Victorian style gift cards are only part of the store’s wide array of merchandise individually selected to fit the budget of any shopper.

“We have a 1,600-square-foot warehouse that houses many more items to offer our customers the best selection of products available,” Pete said.

The items sold at the store vary from original works of art to handmade dog-breed beer steins from Germany. A life-like Labrador greets you as though waiting for a biscuit—but when you reach down to pet him, you’ll find he’s really an impressive resin statue with a real leather collar!

Would you like your jewelry to express your affection for your favorite breed of dog, cat, or Thoroughbred? My Fair Pet carries an extensive selection of both solid gold and sterling silver pet-motif and breed-specific charms, charm holders, pendants, sterling watches, earrings, and more in an array of styles that will delight any gift recipient or jewelry lover.

Decorator furnishings for the home, office, or garden abound—from paintings of pets to throw pillows and lap blankets, cat motif decorator baskets to tabletop chess sets with cat and dog kings and queens. Music boxes that whinny when opened, equine bookends, and the Painted Ponies line of statues and ornaments will please any horse lover.

Odd as it may sound, many of the items offered at My Fair Pet were discovered at home and trade shows and gift fairs in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. The Naumans stock over 5,000 items in their inventory from more than 400 vendors, hand-picked by Pete and Desiree themselves. A trip to the store will entertain the most esoteric tastes, and will prove to be time well spent.

The Naumans keep five dogs, three cats, love horses and all pets. They even offer a self-published children’s book, The Adventures of My Fair Pets, A Story of Friendshipp, available at the store, and are supporters of animal-aid groups such as Tahoe Trails and Tails, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and recent donation of a computer system to the Shakespeare Animal Fund. “In time, as our business grows, our ultimate dream is to provide a CT scan machine for Reno pets, because now, as we’ve personally experienced, people must travel to Sacramento for these services—a difficult and tedious trip with an pet that’s in pain and not feeling good. We believe every animal has the right to a good healthy life,” Desiree said.