JULY 2017 The Costco Connection 107
Additionally, the earlier a pet starts taking
a joint supplement, the better.
Working at the zoo
My experience with our pets led to having the veterinarians at the Columbus Zoo,
where I am now director emeritus, give
glucosamine and chondroitin to many zoo
animals. We have used these supplements
to help our gorillas move easier, as well as
our moose, koalas and bears. These animals
typically live longer than their wild counterparts, so keeping them healthy and
happy is our highest priority. Animals have
been a part of my life for so long that I can’t
help but be an advocate.
Suss your supplements
According to our veterinarians, pet
supplements are not created equal; there
are big differences in quality. So now, when
I’m asked which joint supplement to use,
I always suggest doing what Suzi and I did:
First, talk with your veterinarian, then use
the product they recommend. C
Jack Hanna ( jackhanna.com) is an
American zookeeper who is the director
emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium ( columbuszoo.org).
FOR YOUR PETS
THECOSTCOCONNECTION
Costco carries vitamins, joint supplements,
cat and dog food, treats, dog beds, ;ea-control items for dogs and cats, kennels
and crates, cat trees and cat play areas,
and more in select warehouses and
year-round on Costco.com. Pet prescriptions can be ;lled at Costco pharmacies.
OUR DIGITAL EDITIONS
Click here to watch Jack Hanna talk
about his experience with animals.
(See page 8 for details.)
BY JACK HANNA
AS A BOY growing up in Tennessee, I loved
being around animals. We had several
family pets, but it really turned heads when
I brought my donkey, Doc (and three
ducks), to college. I feel fortunate that my
love for animals of all kinds has become
my life’s work.
Helping our pets
Our family wouldn’t have been com-
plete without furry family members. Our
girls grew up with an English sheepdog, a
bull mastiff, a golden retriever and many
more pets. After the girls were grown, dogs
were still a big part of our family. When we
aren’t traveling the world, my wife, Suzi,
and I love spending time outdoors, hiking,
swimming and exploring with our dogs by
our side. Recently our beloved dogs Tasha
and Brass passed away. While we’re waiting
for the right time to introduce a puppy into
our lives, we take every opportunity to spend
time with our “granddogs.”
Throughout my career I have relied on
the help and support of veterinarians, so
when ours recommended a joint health
supplement to help keep Tasha and Brass
active, we followed her orders without ques-
tion. She explained that not all joint sup-
plements are the same and told us it’s
critical to use high-quality glucosamine
and chondroitin sulfate to help protect
dogs’ joints and slow their cartilage break-
down. Suzi and I were thrilled with the
results we saw in our dogs. After a couple
of weeks, they were climbing stairs easier
and moving about more comfortably.
Over the years, I’ve talked to lots of
veterinarians and have learned an awful
lot. For example, exercise, a healthy diet
and regular veterinary checkups play an
important role in dogs’ joint health. Also,
I thought only big dogs had joint problems,
but small breeds also have issues as they
age and can benefit from joint support.
Helping
pets stay
active
Love for
animals
Animal expert
Jack Hanna with
Wrangler (left) and
Journey (right).
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