Community Tails

Canine and Feline Education for All

APS of Durham presents Community Tails, an educational series of events aimed at pet owners that will cover key topics related to their pets' health, behavior, and overall well-being. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical advice from industry professionals to better care for their pets and address common challenges they may face. Ultimately, the goal is to empower pet owners with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance the lives of their pets and strengthen the human-animal bond.

Events will be held monthly from 6:30pm-8pm at Pour Taproom (202 Corcoran St, #200) in downtown Durham and are free to the public. We will have RSVPs set up for each to ensure we can accommodate all guests.

Event Schedule

May 13: How to be an Advocate with John McHugh

John McHugh is a graduate of UNC-Law and a 20 year veteran of North Carolina politics. He’s worked on campaigns for the NC House and Senate, two different North Carolina Governors in a number of different policy positions and is a registered lobbyist in North and South Carolina. He volunteers for animal welfare organizations like the APS and sometimes fosters kittens. He lives in Cary and loves his wife, his dogs, beer and Star Trek, in that order. RSVP here!

June 24 – Emotional Support Animals and their Rights with Dr. Matthew Connor

Dr. Matt Conner is a psychiatrist in private outpatient practice in Durham since finishing residency at Duke in 2011. He serves on the Private Practice Committee with the North Carolina Psychiatric Association and on the board of the Durham Ballet Theatre. Two of his tattoos are paw prints from a deeply-mourned Yorkshire Terrier and a goofy Maltipoo.

 

July 8 – Litterbox Issues with  Dr. Beth Hraban

Dr. Hraban is a veterinarian at the Morrisville Cat Hospital. She grew up in Nebraska and knew from a very early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She obtained a B.S. degree in veterinary science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2004 and then attended veterinary school at Kansas State University, graduating in 2008.

 

Aug 19 – Why is my Cat Vomiting with Dr. Wendy Simpson

Dr. Simpson is the owner and primary veterinarian of the Morrisville Cat Hospital. She has been a feline practitioner since 1997. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Virginia Tech. In 1995, Dr. Simpson graduated from North Carolina State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, and then she completed an internship at Auburn University in small animal medicine and surgery.

 

Sept 16 – Tips & Tricks to Engage Your Dog’s Brain with Paula Heubusch

Paula is the owner and operator of Imagine Dog Training, which has been created to help people and dogs in difficult behavioral situations, specializing in anxiety and aggressive behavior remediation. Paula’s goal is to spread the word about leadership training so people know there are other methodologies than positive training or dominance-based tactics available to pet owners. She works with her clients to find the best strategy for their individual situation to help each dog become their best self.