Even though Saree didn’t do so great at cross-country in middle school, she is excited to run her first-ever long race with the Half and support PAWS NY–and we’re thrilled to give her a shoutout today!

Read Saree’s full Q&A below to learn about her pet family members Onny and Cody, where she likes to run in NYC, and more!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

After cheering on my friend at the TCS NYC Marathon, I impulsively signed up because of how inspiring the day was. The 2023 United Airlines NYC Half will be my first long race. 

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I saw someone running for PAWS NY during the TCS NYC Marathon. I had been following PAWS NY for a while, and when I received an email asking for volunteers for this year’s Half, the timing was perfect. 

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

I have a kitten named Onny, who I rescued this past summer. I grew up with animals my whole life. Special shout-out to my parent’s dog / my brother Cody the Goldendoodle. 

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been running since I impulsively registered for the Half! I love running in Central Park or wherever my legs take me. 

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

In my free time, I like relaxing with my cat Onny, going to Pilates, listening to podcasts, and trying new foods with friends. 

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

1. This summer I am going to Paris with my Grandma. 
2. I am left-handed. 
3. In middle school, I was kicked off of my cross-country team because I couldn’t run!

Saree, we know you can prove that cross-country coach wrong this year!

Click here to donate to Saree’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

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PAWS NY: What advice do you have for getting cats into their carriers for a trip to the vet?

Dr. Hildenbrand: For most cats, their home is their sanctuary; it is safe there. This way, when they see the carrier come out, they’re like, “I know this means I’m leaving and it’s not going to be fun.” I tell people to take the carrier out well in advance, even days before your appointment. The cat will get used to it being there, they may even sleep in it. You can use treats to lure them into the carrier too.

If you’re really having a hard time getting them into the carrier, then you can talk to your vet about getting medication beforehand so you can help get them into the carrier. Talk about it with your vet personally because they might have other recommendations that are more specific.

Also, carriers that have multiple ways of going in—like top down or from the front—are easier on owners because some cats don’t like one way or the other. Carriers that have more ways to open can be easier as well.

PAWS NY: What are the most important things for cat guardians to understand about cat health?

Dr. Hildenbrand: Cats are notorious for not telling us when they are hurt until its very late. One way you can combat that is by getting to know your cat and knowing what their normal is. By knowing their normal, then you know when they are not acting like themselves. You can see the signs early on and know when to bring them to your vet.

Also having them get annual check-ups, especially as they get older, is important, because it can help us identify problems earlier. We can do screening and bloodwork, so we have a good point of reference for the future if anything happens.

PAWS NY: What tips do you have about cat grooming?

Dr. Hildenbrand: Cats are very good about maintaining themselves, typically. People ask me, “should I bathe my cat?” I usually say no. Cats are very good about grooming themselves. If you have a larger cat who might be a little overweight and can’t groom properly and reach areas. Longer-haired cats can get matted, so those are some areas where you can help with grooming. You can try to see if the cat likes to be brushed; some cats love it and some cats hate it.

In terms of getting their nails trimmed, if you can start them early with that, it’s the easier thing to do. Lots of positive reinforcement. Give them treats and Churu to give them positive reinforcement for getting their nails done. If they’re not really open to it, you can go in steps: positive reinforcement for showing them the nail trimmer, then touching their foot, and so on. It might take some time, but you can get there. Monitor that and make sure their nails aren’t growing into their paw pads. And you can always go to a groomer or vet to get help if nothing is working.

PAWS NY: What about advice for giving a cat medication?

Dr. Hildenbrand: It usually depends on what the medication is. I think the less hands on you can be with a cat, the better. Once they decide they aren’t into something, you don’t have a lot of wiggle room. If you can give it in a very benign way, like food or a Churu, that’s the way to go. Pill pockets or a soft cover to just cover it up. If it’s a powder, you can sprinkle it into food.

If you’re having trouble giving medication, you can also work with your vet. Sometimes there are ways for us to give it in a different form. People usually know what works for giving medication to their cat, so then you can go from there.

We hope this advice is helpful! Watch the full video here and DM us with any additional cat health questions!

The post Cat Health Month: Advice from a Vet appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Read Kyle’s full Q&A below to learn more about the dogs in his life, his favorite places to run, and some exciting family news!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I have done three marathons and probably more than 10 half-marathons. I ran the 2021 TCS NYC Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY, and the 2022 NYC Half. 

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I love pets and I understand how important it is to have a pet. Sometimes your pet may be the one that helps you when you are having a rough day.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

I do! I have a nine-pound Chihuahua name Joy. She was originally my grandmother’s dog, but when my grandmother passed away, my wife and I took care of her. I also grew up with dogs, specifically Great Danes. When our dog passed last year, my grandma’s dog Joy helped us get through it.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been consistently running for approximately five or six years. I recently moved out of NYC but when I lived on the Upper East Side, I loved running at Carl Schurz park. When I moved to Rego Park, I loved running at Flushing park.

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

Read, relax, hang out with my dog!

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

I am an avid Knicks fan. Also (and possibly more important), my wife is expecting so I am going to be a dad!

What are your goals for this race?

My ultimate goal is to run it in under 2 hours.

Congrats on the family news, Kyle! We’re so excited to cheer you on and know you can reach your two-hour goal! 

Click here to donate to Kyle’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

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Online Tickets Sales Have Ended, But You Can Purchase Tickets at the Door!
Follow event updates or post about the event on Twitter at #PAWSNYevent

When: Monday, May 20th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm

Where: Slate, 54 West 21st Street, NYC

Details: Tickets are $30, and with each ticket you will receive 1 complimentary drink, hors d’oeuvres, and automatic entry into our door prize drawing!  Below is a list of some of the prizes you could win, just by attending the event!

• – Case of IPA and other brewery goodies from Lagunitas Brewery
• – Gift card and gift basket from Fairway Market
• – two week supply of cat food from From Scratch Pet Food
• – spa gift certificate to Skintology
• – 4 movies passes good for select theaters
• – two 30 minute cat sitting sessions donated by Paws at Play NYC
• – Total Wellness 3-Day Experience from Biscuits and Bath (includes 3 days of doggy daycare, 1 fun walk, 1 train & play, and 1 bath and brush out)
• – Dog and cat gift baskets from Petland Discounts and Pet Central
  
• – Boo-Boo Cover-Up

We also have some very special silent auction items:

• – 4 exclusive Mets tickets, section 6 right at home plate. These tickets are incredible, and not normally available to the public. Special thanks to Alexandra and Steven Cohen!
• – 6 months of unlimited doggy daycare at any Spot location (retail value of $3,800!)
• – Be a Vet for a Day (and get a free exam for your pet), donated by Park East Animal Hospital
• – Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet (retail value approximately $670!)
• – Pet Lover Package, which includes dog & cat gift baskets, gift card to a local pet shop, and certificates for services at New York Dog Nanny!

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