contents
6 6.
animal lover's profile
Platinum Fence
rescue 12. k9 & wines 8.
Chateau La Paws
14.
match.rabbit
18
8
society tails 18. fun things to bark about 20. work like a dog 22. I want to work here 24. bark list 16.
26. 28. 30. 31.
food for thought let's pawty
Ristorante Massimo
marketplace
Artisans, Eateries, Merchants
flips + flops
notes
publisher Nancy Dewar
nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com 603.498.3237
design Mrs. and Mr. Design
Publisher’s Note
info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
director of sales & marketing BlakeLee Greene bntgreene@comcast.net (978) 317-5846
thanks to our contributors… Stephen Bottomley BlakeLee Greene Anne Lamoriello Mindy Wogan Dawn Price
Happy holidays & cheers to a wonderful 2019! Our dogs…we are their whole world. Let’s all strive to be more like them! Love unconditionally. Stop and smell the roses (or great whiffs). Live in the present. Make real eye contact. Bark when you feel like it. Enjoy treats. Truly engage. Don’t judge. Run with a great pack. Thanks to all for being part of the loyal Seacoast Bark pack. With much gratitude…
Cheers + Chow…
Nancy
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL PAW-TNERS! Let’s Take a Ride Bournival Jeep Toyota of Portsmouth
Let’s Do Home-Stuff
Sea Dog Brewing Company
The Natural Dog
Interested in advertising with us? Have a good story idea or a suggestion on a great animal or person to feature?
Canine Cupboard
Please email Nancy Dewar/Publisher nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com (603) 498-3237
Plum Island Coffee Roaster Souffles Commune
Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths
Let’s Listen
Fairway Mortgage RE/MAX on the Move
Just Dogs The Beach Dog Daycare In-Dog-Neat-O 2 Grooming Studio The Equestrian Shop
Do Not Shout Delivered
Holistic Animal Healing Clinic
Let’s Get Pretty Drinkwater Flowers & Design
Knowles Tree & Mulch
Plum Island Flower Shop The Elephant’s Trunk
Excentrique
Bella Intimates
Diane Crespo Fine Art
Seacoast Bark is distributed at stores & businesses in: Portsmouth, Exeter, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Greenland, Stratham, Seabrook, Kittery, Newburyport, Rowley, Ipswich & everywhere in between!
Let’s Look Out for Our Animals
Ristorante Massimo
Platinum Fence
Published by Bark Media Group LLC six times a year. Hampton, NH Copyright © 2018 Bark Media Group LLC
Let’s Go Out
Smuttynose Brewery
Allen Wayside Furniture
Home ReNewed
cover photo Caroline Woodham Photography www.woodhamphoto.com
Pet Turf Gone to the Dogs Training
Let’s Be Smart William O’Malley/ Investment Planning
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animal lover's profile
A True LAB LOVER By Nancy Dewar
Hampton resident Blake Chichester is a big guy with a robust booming voice and brilliant blue eyes that twinkle. Every time I speak with Blake, I think he missed his calling. He should be doing voice- overs for commercials, as his deep voice resonates and is so memorable. He is also a very kind man with a big heart…especially when it comes to Labs! Blake’s wife, Martha, is also a huge dog lover and is as warm and gregarious as her husband. Blake, owner of Platinum Fence, grew up in Rye and grew up with this loyal, loving (and often ball-focused) breed. As a child, his grandmother always had Labs; and Blake was always bringing stray dogs home. His first dog was a Lab mix named Monday, who was constantly by his side till he joined the Navy.
Following his 3 years of service working on submarines, Blake returned to the Seacoast in the late 70’s when the country was experiencing an economic downturn. To help spur job growth, President Carter had started the CETA program in 1977; a public service employment program designed to stimulate the economy. Blake started working for the town of Rye cutting road markers under this program and then joined a landscaping company installing fences. “There were only about four kind of fences back then,” Blake said. “Nothing fancy. Pretty basic like chain link and stockade.”
Blake went out on his own 20 years ago and started Platinum Fence, whose name now appears on literally thousands of fences throughout the Seacoast. His crew usually includes two shop men who build the fences, two to three installation guys…and of course, always a loyal Lab accompanying him throughout the work day. These days his paw-tner is Brody, a big mellow, yellow 4-year old Lab who is never far from Blake’s side…and his Mom Martha’s side when he is home. The Chichester’s other past loves include Java, a chocolate Lab and Buddy, a handsome yellow guy. Martha and Blake got Brody from Puddledock Retrievers, a highly regarded breeder located in Morrill, Maine. It was love at first sight when they set eyes on him. Blake laughed and said, “He was really kind of a turn-key puppy. Normally you get a pup at around 8 weeks. The breeder kept Brody a few extra weeks to train him. So, he arrived with a big vocabulary, crate-trained and house broken. He came home just perfect!” After getting Brody, they followed up with a few more months of additional training with Terence Kirby, owner of My Dogs Mind in Hampton.
Not only does Brody join Blake at the office, but he’s usually with him in the truck while
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out on jobs. “I keep lots of cookies in the truck, so he stays close by when I get out!” Platinum Fence primarily works within a 30-mile radius of the Seacoast, and about 75% of their work is residential. Blake said that fencing began to get a bit fancier when he started his company. Vinyl fences came out in the late 90’s; decorative tops, etc. They now do a lot of AZEK fences; a high-end product like vinyl but made from an advanced composite material that looks exactly like natural wood, yet won’t rot, warp or peel.
In addition to decorative fencing, the company also does a lot of work with dog owners; i.e. functional fencing! Blake recently got a call from a woman who has a German Shepherd puppy from the Czech Republic. This line (Czech German Shepherds) was bred to pass health standards and display superior working ability; specifically patrolling their borders with Germany and Austria, apprehending people and protecting their military owners. The breed is also known for their incredible jumping abilities. The woman was told by the breeder that she would need at least a 6’ fence to contain the dog. Platinum designed a tall custom fence which will be installed soon, though Blake says that 90% of dogs are easily contained with a 4’ fence.
animal lover's profile “We treat our dogs like kids. Well, they are!” I think that pretty much says it all!
Platinum’s biggest dog fence to date covered about 1.5 acres, and they also do a lot of projects for horse stables. Outstanding customer service is important to Blake, and he works hard to make sure clients are happy with the entire process from start to finish. A couple from Florida had bought a large house, sight unseen, in Stratham. They called Blake saying, “Our realtor gave us your name for a fence, and we need one right away. We have three dogs that love to run and don’t stick around.” Blake told the home owner that he was about 6- to 8-weeks out for new projects but would try to accommodate him for a premium price. The new home owners had not only a fence for their dogs within two weeks, but also a custom shed with fencing on the roof for the wife’s chickens and ducks!
A bit of irony…there is no fence at Martha and Blake’s home, as Brody likes to stay in his own yard unless food is involvedl. Blake laughed, “The only time he wants to go somewhere is when he smells our neighbor’s grill…and then we always know where he is.” Like many Labs, Brody is a chow-hound. “He’d eat all day if we let him!”
In addition to Brody, the Chichester’s have another amazing dog in their yard…an original dog statue by renowned metal sculptor Dale Rogers from Haverhill. They got the statue in 2005 when Dale was just starting out; one of the first (now famous) rusty dogs! While driving to an appointment in Haverill, Blake noticed an amazing dog sculpture on some land by the expressway. He pulled off and drove the back roads until he finally found Dale’s home. Since that time, his statues have become very well known. Dale has public work permanently installed in over 90 communities across the country. His sculptures are displayed in private collections in 49 states. And he stages “The Big Dog Show” at various public locations throughout New England, loading his army of 8-foot and 10foot dogs onto a trailer moving from event to event. I’ve known Blake for years, dating back to our dog-walking days at Plaice Cove in Hampton with Java and my dog Jazzy. I think the world of him and of his huge love for dogs. And, Brody certainly lives a charmed life. His parents are empty-nesters and he’s like an only child! Martha and Blake’s daughter Elizabeth is married, and they have two grandsons, ages seven and four. So, in addition to joining Blake at work, Brody
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 7
goes to doggie daycare two days a week, has a personal dog walker who drops in two days a week…and a grooming service (Nancy Massett’s In-Dog-Neat-O mobile grooming) that stops by when it’s time for a bath, blowdry, brush-out and paw-dicure! Regarding Brody, Blake said, “We treat our dogs like kids. Well, they are!” I think that pretty much says it all!
P.S. If you’re thinking about having a fence installed this spring, it’s probably smart to give Blake a call soon in order to get on the schedule, as they get jammed once the weather warms up! (PlatinumFence.com) (DaleRogersStudio.com)
rescue
A PAWS-Mitzvah Project That Raised Over $80,000 By Mindy Wogan – Middleton, Massachusetts
I am the person who never wanted a dog. I admit that – although it seems strange given I now spend about 60 hours a week volunteering for dog charities including my own! Growing up we didn’t have a dog. My mom had been bit as a child and was afraid of them. I got married, bought a house, had my son and still never wanted a dog. But then came our daughter Molly. At 3-years old we knew Molly was a dog lover. I remember her getting a birthday gift that was this suitcaselike package with a doll, various clothing for the doll and a tiny plastic dog. She unzipped it, took out the dog, handed the rest back and said, “Just dog!” So, started Molly’s quest to get a dog. In first grade everything she wrote was about dogs. Her teachers couldn’t believe we didn’t have one. In second grade she made a computer presentation on why we should get a dog. She had so many stuffed dogs there was barely space in her bedroom for her. And in third grade, I finally gave in. I had finished all the training, poop cleaning, toy destroying behavior with my children…so why not take that on with a dog?
Molly and my husband spent every day on the computer showing me hundreds of cute dogs. And while they were all cute, none spoke to me. Until Riley – then known as “Blondie Baby” at Great Dog Rescue New England. There was something about this little 8-week pup that made me want her. And so we did. And it was the best thing we ever did. She was our life. We were so grateful we decided to volunteer to give back in thanks. So, at just shy of 10-years old, Molly and I marched up to Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester and started volunteering weekly. Sometimes my husband and son came too. One day as we were leaving the shelter, they asked us to walk just one more dog. We were late – and the dog they wanted us to walk had been barking in her crate the entire time we were there. We looked at each other in doubt, but they needed us so we took her outside. This dog blossomed out of the kennel. She would come running at us 90 miles an hour and stop short just at my feet, sit down and stare at me. And do that doggie head tilt. I’m sure you already know she got right in our car and came home with us. Enter Gracie. The person who never wanted a dog now had two!
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Gracie came with a letter from her Southern rescue mom that brought us to tears. She had been thrown out like trash as a pregnant mom. By the time Gracie was found by animal control, she had been hit by a car, had pneumonia and then gave birth to 10 babies on the shelter floor. Her rescue mom at EARLS Hope Rescue spent 6 months nursing her back to health – and then sent her North to find a family of her own…us!
It was Gracie’s letter that started Part 2 of our family story. When it came time for Molly to choose a project for her Bat Mitzvah good deed, it was natural it was animal related. She decided that she would help the groups that brought us our dogs and try to help a few more, as well. She sent letters to almost 20 rescue groups hoping to come up with 13 (for the Mitzvah) that she could help. Her goal was to raise $2,500 and do some volunteer hours for each. A lofty goal for a 12-year old. Molly started a Facebook page to share the experiences. The response to her letters was overwhelming. She had 13 groups on board very quickly – in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Georgia.
rescue You never know what will change your life, where your inspiration is going to come from, what will move you to do something about a problem that you see, what impact you will have, what doors can be opened, and what is waiting on the other side to give you kisses.
She designed a logo; and we made keychains, toys and treats to sell at events of these different rescue groups. In the first six weeks she collected over $12,000. We knew she was on to something. In the year of Molly’s project, she collected over $80,000, received $40,000 worth of product from companies and volunteered over 400 hours. We made two trips to Georgia during that time to volunteer with EARLS Hope Rescue and pulled many dogs from high kill shelters with their help. These trips were emotional, to say the least.
So, when the project concluded, we just knew it couldn’t end. It had helped too many and become such a part of both of us. I always tell Molly how her goodness and selflessness inspires people – but mostly she inspires me…the lady who didn’t want a dog! So, we turned the PAWS Project into the PAWS Project Foundation and became a 501c3.
We continue to raise money and save dogs. We have now made five trips to Georgia to work with EARLS Hope Rescue and pull dogs from high kill shelters in Georgia. We even drove a transport of 50 dogs we sponsored from Georgia to Massachusetts and
Maine for adoption. What a long, loud, smelly and amazing experience. And we got to see the smiles on the peoples’ faces when they picked up their dogs. After all, these happy endings aren’t just for the dogs; they are also for the families that adopt them.
We partner with Road Trip Home who transports the dogs twice a month to their partner shelters that include Cape Ann Animal Aid, Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland and the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. Our other partner is Great Dog Rescue New England, where I am an adoption coordinator and review applications, check references, interview the adopters and manage home visits. Each dog from these five shelters goes to their new home with a letter from Molly that includes their picture, their background story and gifts from us for the new parents and for the dog.
We are starting a free spay and neuter program in Georgia to help people who can’t afford to fix their pets. We work every day to try and make a difference. And we have so many supporters cheering us on. We have received monetary donations from people in all 50 states and from abroad. Animal
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 9
lovers are everywhere. And to say I have become one, is the greatest understatement of all times!
So, I guess when I reflect on our journey over the last two years, I am struck by these thoughts: You never know what will change your life, where your inspiration is going to come from, what will move you to do something about a problem that you see, what impact you will have, what doors can be opened, and what is waiting on the other side to give you kisses.
To learn more about the PAWS Project Foundation or to donate, please visit their website. (www.PawsProjectFoundation.org)
dogs and wine
K9’s + Wine
Wine for a Paws-Cause By JoAnn Actis-Grande
Our four-legged friends bring barrels of joy to our everyday lives. Dogs inspire us to pour out our hearts and wallets, making sure they are well treated and have a happy home.
dog lovers...making this a fun gift for any of large amounts of money to this non-profit your K9-crazy friends! over the years. Some of that money also goes toward supporting Tour for Life. These The Chardonnay has ripe melon, orange mobile rescue and adoption units travel to blossom and spice aromas with fresh cities all across the United States partnering tropical fruit and crisp, green apple flavors with local animal shelters to encourage and leading to nutty, vanilla accents and a facilitate adoptions. lemon meringue finish. The Pinot Noir's character delivers Bing cherry, strawberry The wines are delicious, reasonably priced and blackberry briar aromas with long, and can be purchased online at their website heady accents of vanilla and caramel notes. (www.chateaulapaws.com). The Red Wine blends blueberry, raspberry and black forest cake aromas open the nose, It seems more and more wineries all over followed by dark berries and sage notes on the palate. Soft and velvety in texture, the the world are getting into the We-Love-Dogs wine has a fruit-driven profile that pairs scene! Look around, you will find wines well with a variety of foods. named after dogs, books on winery dogs and
Front and center of K9’s & Wine is Chateau La Paws Wines, a brand created by Napabased Diageo Chateau & Wines, which was since purchased by Treasury Wine Estates. Their mission is simple: wine lovers supporting rescue dogs in need, helping them find a permanent chateau of their own. Winemaker Marty Spate has dedicated over 16 years of winemaking experience and a lifetime love of dogs into producing three different types of Chateau Le Paws wines Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Red Blend. Wine brings people together while sharing with friends and fellow dog-lovers. More Chateau La Paws has a unique approach than great wine, every bottle of Chateau La starting with the bottle itself. The distinct Paws sold helps thousands of dogs across and playful wine bottles can be easily the country find fur-ever homes via the identified by labels featuring a rotating vintner's partnership with North Shore cast of adorable rescue dogs from the Animal League America, the country’s North Shore Animal Shelter located in Port largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption Washington, NY. These wonderful labels, organization. Founded in 1944, they have shot by celebrity dog photographer Carli placed more than a million animals in happy Davidson, immediately grab the attention of homes, and Chateau La Paws has donated
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most wineries are dog friendly. Wine is going to the dogs – and we love it! Cheers!
Portsmouth resident JoAnn Actis-Grande is the wine editor for Taste of the Seacoast, writes on wine & travel for Coastal Home and writes the ‘Let’s Talk Wine’ – a weekly column for Seacoast Media Group. JoAnn is an avid traveler who visits wine regions all over the world. You may read many of her great articles on her new blog: www.WineJag.com. She can be reached at joann@winejag.com.
match.rabbit
HOW I MET MY TRUE LOVE
Real love stories about rabbits & their humans By Mark & Lisa Wiitala – Deerfield, NH
Dogs and cats are wonderful friends in our lives. My wife and I have found rabbits are no different. It started when early on a Saturday morning my wife said, “We need to go to the pet store.” She wanted to see some birds and possibly get one. At the pet store in Raymond we looked at all the birds, but none felt right. We then went into the room with bunnies.
She picked up a bunny and never put her down. On the way home, we named her Diva. Little did we know she’d live up to that name! Diva is very independent though lets you know that she is dependent on you and you better do as she wants. A head-butt here…or that pose you can’t refuse when she wants a snack. We have found rabbits, at times, will act like a dog. They have very good noses. Other times they can be like a cat and want nothing to do with you. Then there are the times when it’s all about love and attention. Like any baby animal, after time her “rodent tendencies” went away and the wood in our house was finally safe! Diva is an American Fuzzy Lop with wool like hair that holds no dander or allergy producing qualities. At 3-years of age, she is now 4 ½ pounds of pure love and fun.
For fun, head to YouTube and search “rabbit binking.” You’ll quickly see why rabbits are so entertaining. “Binking” tells you they are happy, and it is an uncontrollable urge for them. Rabbits will sleep most of the day and at night eat large amounts of hay. They are very quiet. No barking and no whining.
A house rabbit is very clean. They groom themselves a lot and smell like fresh linen. Plus, there’s no smelly litterbox, and you can train them in less than an hour where to go. A house rabbit is a true companion who will love you as much as you love them. Before considering a rabbit in your home, visit the House Rabbit Society at rabbit.org and learn all about these lovable friends.
(Note from Publisher: Every time I meet with Mark, Marketing Manager of Toyota of Portsmouth, he entertains me with stories about Diva. I never knew that rabbits were so fun, funny and that they make wonderful pets who truly connect with their “parents.” Nor did I know about “bunny binking,” their hilarious way of communicating happiness, excitement & joy. The bunny-binking videos on YouTube will certainly make you laugh.)
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society tails
HAPPENINGS & EVENTS AROUND THE SEACOAST NHSPCA’s 24th Annual Auction for the Animals Photos by Andrew Warren Photography & Photobooth Planet
The NHSPCA’s 24th Annual Auction for the Animals was held on Saturday, November 17th at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. The Auction is one of the Seacoast’s premier events and attracts over 300 animal lovers, including community leaders and generous donors. This year’s event was an elegant evening full of good company, delicious food and magnificent auction items. The best part? It was another record-breaking year of fundraising for the animals of the New Hampshire SPCA! Thank you to all the outstanding sponsors, donors and volunteers. And a special thanks to Pam Bailey of RE/MAX on the Move…a big supporter of the NHSPCA and one of Seacoast Bark’s big supporters!
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out and about
Sled Dog Derby
Flower-Power
fun things to Smuttynose Yappy Hours
A Winter Yappy Hour
Kudos to Smuttynose Brewing Company! Now that it’s too cold for their fun weekly Yappy Hours, they are bringing it back winter-style and taking the party inside with their new “Snouts-Out Sundays.” Every Sunday from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm they will have different dog vendors at their Hampton brewery…so dog owners can stop by, have a pint with friends, bring their pups and shop a bit.
Flower-Power Paw-tners
Nothing says “love” better than flowers! So, when you are looking for a gorgeous arrangement for any occasion, visit one of our flower-power paw-tners…Drinkwater Flowers & Design in Hampton or Beach Plum Flower Shop in Newburyport. Owners Angela Bramante and Pat Cannon (re-
bark
ABOUT spectively) are both huge dog lovers, and chances are you’ll be greeted by one of their adorable canines. Keep them in mind for Valentine’s Day too…and why not send a bouquet to your pup on this special day? We bet they’d include a few biscuits too!
Mush On
If you’re looking for a fun winter event, bundle up and head on up to Laconia for the 90th Laconia World Championship Dog Sled Derby. This year’s event is slated for February 15th-17th and will be held at the Laconia Country Club. This could be a nice weekend getaway in a beautiful part of New Hampshire. Watching these magnificent creatures is truly a treat, though your pups must either stay at home or in the car so as not to distract them! (lrsdc.org)
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2 Tons of Food Doug Abrams & Toto (Toto…2003-2018)
Two Tons of Food
Simply a big shout-out to Jenn and Doug Abrams of Allen Wayside Furniture. They recently donated 2 tons of dog & cat food to the Midcoast Humane Society in Brunswick, Maine. Two-tons…that’s 4,000 pounds of kibble, cans and more that Doug personally drove up to the shelter! The Abrams are huge animal lovers and enormous supporters of many rescue organizations. Thanks so much for your ongoing generosity.
Bone Appetite
Speaking of food…the ever-growing popularity of food trucks is now giving dogs something great to bark about. Lucky dogs in Seattle are giving 2-paws-up to the “Seattle Barkery,” a mobile café that specializes in canine cuisine. Owners Ben & Dawn Ford,
out and about
Flannel PJ’s from Bella Intimates
Fetch App
Bone Appetite
professional dog walkers, came up with the idea when they began making homemade dog treats for their clients. Their bacon pupcakes, peanut butter pretzels and beefy carrot bagels were such a hit that they decided to take doggie dining on the road. This craze is popping up in other places, as well. “Bow Wow Bones” in Austin has many pups smiling, as does Chicago’s “Fido to Go.” This might be a great new venture for someone here on the Seacoast...pamper our special pooches with a Rovin’ Chuck-Wagging Pup Truck!
Working on a Bark-Park
A committed group of dog lovers are working on getting a new dog park in North Hampton. The Friends of the North Hampton Dog Park have formed a 501c3 non-profit to raise funds to make the park a reality. They are currently
working with town departments to determine if any town land would be available. The group is also open to obtaining land from a local property owner. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to donate, you can connect via Facebook (Town of NH Dog Park) or send an email to: northhamptondogpark@gmail.com.
Get Snuggly
There’s nothing better in the dead of winter to snuggle in…in wonderful, luscious flannel jammies! We love this “Think Pawsitive” ensemble and think many dog-lovers will too. The flannel is really thick, and the whimsical design is simply fun. They are available at Bella Intimates in Rye, along with other fun designs for animal lovers. There are cat PJ’s too, as owner Shelley Manougian is a huge
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cat lover, and this lovely shop is named after her very special cat, Bella!
Tech Notes
Microsoft offers an app that is doggone fun and funny! Their Fetch app, which uses machine artificial intelligence, “looks” at a photo of your pooch and then determines what breed it is! If it can’t make an exact match, it gives percentages of the closest match. Simply upload a photo of your dog to get the results. If you upload a photo of a human, the app kicks into a totally fun mode and makes an “informed guess” as to what type of dog breed the person most resembles. The results from this crazy app may be shared via social media…giving family and friends a good howl when they learn what breed YOU are! So…GO FETCH!
work like a dog
RAWZ Courage By Nancy Dewar
Cape Neddick residents Janet and Jim Scott Jr. are no strangers to personal hardship and tragedy. But they also are shining examples of how to maneuver through difficult times and create goodness for others on many different levels.
Both of the Scott’s sons experienced life altering accidents most of us could never imagine. Andrew, their middle child, accidently fell off a hotel balcony in 2005 while on his senior class trip to Mexico. Fortunately, Janet had accompanied the group and had him flown immediately to Texas for emergency surgery. Though paralyzed from the waist down, Andrew now has a wonderful, full life. A resident of Rye, NH, he married a gal he knew from college, teaches high school in Beverly, MA and also coaches high school hockey and baseball from his wheelchair. Janet said, “The kids absolutely adore him and after games they pick him up and put him back in the bus.” Son Jim Scott III was a junior in college when his brother had his accident. A year later, July 4th, 2006, the Scott’s oldest son had a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. He was unconscious for 6 weeks and one-hundred percent of his left side was paralyzed. After 6 weeks in ICU and another 6 weeks at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston, Jim III moved back to his parents’ home. Andrew was also living there, so the Scotts’ had two grown sons at home in wheel chairs. “It was 2 years of pure hell. When I was depressed, pep talks from my brother sure helped,” young Jim said.
A decision, all around a dog, changed the trajectory of their lives. While in graduate school, Andrew decided he wanted to get a puppy. While discussing dog options, the family learned that a fully-trained service dog can cost up to $35,000 or more. Andrew opted not to get a service dog and instead got Sophie, his beloved Golden Retriever. Janet said, “It was during these discussions, talking about whether or not to get a service dog, that we had an ‘Ah-Ha’ moment.” The Scotts’ decided to start a new pet food company that not only offered the highest quality ingredients, but also gave back all the profits to causes near and dear to their hearts, including service dogs. This was the beginning of RAWZ, whose tagline is: “The next best thing to feeding raw.” Jim and Janet were no strangers to this industry. Jim’s father, Jim Sr., purchased the Gloucester-based Old Mother Hubbard Biscuit Company in 1961. A Navy veteran from World War II and educated in animal nutrition, Jim Sr. often referred to himself as “a chicken farmer!” The company, which made their iconic ‘freshly baked dog bone biscuits,’ eventually moved to Lowell and was a family affair with all the children involved in the business.
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Jim and Janet knew each other in high school and even had a date in high school. Janet laughed and said, “Not a good one!” They reconnected some years later “at one of those Thanksgiving alumni dances” and began dating. Talk about true love, Janet even joined Jim at weekend dog shows dressed as Old Mother Hubbard to hand out dog biscuits! After 38 years of marriage, I’m sure they still must chuckle about the early days. In the late 1990’s, Jim and his family started another pet food company; Wellness. It was totally built on the concept of “pets’ wellingbeing” with an emphasis on high quality ingredients and nutrition for our pets. The company had 130 employees and international distribution when the Scotts’ sold it in 2008. Jim’s 5-year noncompete was almost over when the Scott family had their “Ah-Ha’ moment. Their passion for animals, the industry and their desire to give back were all a big impetus in starting RAWZ. But son Jim III was also part of the mix. Though partially paralyzed on his left side, Jim was living independently in Portsmouth with his special rescue Clooney (a gorgeous silver Lab) and attending the community-based day program at Krempels
work like a dog
Center in Portsmouth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with brain injuries. Jim was also working but due to his injury, he experiences fatigue and his short-term memory was affected. Janet explained, “His injury makes it difficult for him to work in the outside world. Though his shortterm memory is sometimes challenged, his long-term memory is fine. He has to figure out how to get things done differently. We wanted to give him a job, as everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning.” So RAWZ, officially launched in 2015, is a win/ win for many! 100% of profits (after taxes & reserves) are donated to: - NEADS (New England-based nonprofit providing service dogs to people in need; neads.org) - NSD (Canadian-based National Service Dogs; nsd.on.ca) - Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (extensive range of therapeutic services; spauldingrehab.org) - Northeast Passage (athletics & programs for people with disabilities; nepassage.org) - Krempels Center (programs & services for people living with brain injury; krempelscenter.org)
In addition to their cause-based philosophy, RAWZ is committed to quality pet nutrition
and healthy ingredients. Their products are somewhere between grain-free/meal-free and a raw diet. The Scotts saw a huge gap between heavily processed dry foods and a raw diet. Their foods are made with dehydrated chicken versus meal. In case you don’t know what “meal” is, essentially, it’s made from heating a mass (or mess) of animal scraps, removing the moisture and fat and what’s left is meal. Their website outlines where all ingredients are sourced. All are human-grade, and none come from China. RAWZ offers meal-free dry kibble options for dogs and cats that are also grain/potato-free and contain no rendered chicken fats. Their canned 96% meat products offer healthy hydration without manufactured fillers. They also have freeze-dried raw options for dogs that are made from 100% human-grade food. “Aujou by RAWZ” is the newest addition to the company’s product line; delectable shredded meats and fish with other tasty ingredients packed in a juicy pouch…for both dogs and cats; a purr-fect meal and also great mixed in with kibbles.
“Our recipes are all about the animals. They are high protein/low fat. The cost to feed a 50-pound dog is about $2.25 a day…less than a cup of coffee,” explained Janet. “We worked with a team of fantastic animal nutritionists and pet food formulation experts to create the next best thing to a raw diet.” The Scott family worked hard to create a successful pet food company with Old Mother Hubbard. They then went on to create one of
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the first lines of truly nutritious food for pets; Wellness. They experienced great success with this company through lots of hard work. And, unfortunately, later experienced some big challenges. No amount of money can make up for children going through such struggles. But Jim and Janet Scott not only were steadfast in helping their sons. They took their passion for animals, animal nutrition and their knowing “that we all need a reason to get up every day,” and are helping not only animals and their kids, but many other organizations that help others…along the way.
Where to Find RAWZ The Canine Cupboard 220 State Street Portsmouth
Natural Dog 155 State Street Newburyport
I want to work here
Vodka for Dog people By Nancy Dewar Photography by Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Many know of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which launched 21 years ago in Austin, Texas with a very special recipe developed by founder Bert ‘Tito’ Beveridge. Yes, that really is his last name! What sets Tito’s apart from other liquor brands is that it’s not just a vodka brand. In fact, some might say that vodka comes second at this amazing company. Instead, animal rescue, spaying & neutering and philanthropic activities take a front seat with the company’s Vodka for Dog People program. In recent years, Tito’s Handmade Vodka has partnered with 6,000-plus fundraising events per year and worked with over 800 animal-related non-profit groups annually, including shelters, rescues, service dogs, transports and more. According to Vodka for Dog People Program Manager Beth Bellanti, “Tito sees us as a philanthropy-based company that happens to sell vodka."
Rescuing dogs has been part of the company’s history from day one. The Tito’s distillery is in a rural area outside of Austin with many feral dogs wandering around the land. Packs started showing up at the distillery as they could smell the food Tito was feeding his beloved dog Dogjo. Tito, a passionate animal lover, began feeding these dogs as well; hence the beginning of what are now known as “Distillery Dogs.” One of the first packs of Distillery Dogs included four dogs and one coyote. One of those four dogs, Stella, was pregnant and had seven puppies, which were then adopted by friends and a few Tito’s employees. This marked the beginning of the company’s rescue efforts. Since then, over eighty dogs have been dumped at and then adopted from the distillery in Austin.
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I want to work here
Beloved Taki
Back in the beginning stages of the company, Tito’s worked closely with Emancipet, a nonprofit, low-cost spay & neuter clinic located just down the road from the distillery. Then six years ago -- to assist in raising funds for the clinic -- Tito’s launched their Vodka for Dog People blog and began selling pet products on their site with all profits going to the clinic. Up until that point, Tito’s had been supporting rescue groups and events in the Austin area, and not long afterwards, the company’s support went national -- and is now gaining legs overseas.
Tito’s regional sales teams wanted to get on board, so the team is now heavily involved in reviewing and approving support for charity events in their local markets. For those interested, there is a link on the Tito’s Handmade Vodka website for consumers to apply for support from Tito’s for their own fundraising events. Some of the fun events put on by Vodka for Dog People include the always popular Yappy Hours and the “Kiss Me Now” kissing booth, which is a big hit with dog lovers! Tito’s offers other fun things to bark about, as well! Their office is dogfriendly with about 20 to 30 “office dogs” total, and an average of 5 to 7 dogs at work any given day. Beth Bellanti noted, “Dogs at work change the entire atmosphere. People work longer and harder. We’re a real tight village here. We even trade dog sitting with fellow team members.” Beth is currently consulting with other companies on implementing dog-friendly office programs.
Taki, a large shepherd mix, is the official distillery dog and Tito’s favorite. She always gets a dog meal from the food truck that visits the distillery, and the truck staff sign her name for her. The company is in the process of instituting a program to cover dog adoption costs for employees. They’ve also started an organic farm project so employees can have healthy, fresh veggies. How’s that sound? Sounds like a dream job to me - I want to work at Tito’s Handmade Vodka!
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Rescuing dogs has been part of the company’s history from day one. The Tito’s distillery is in a rural area outside of Austin with many feral dogs wandering around the land.
great local goods
THE SEACOAST BARK LIST
great gear + goods to go fetch...…
Table Top + Table Scaping……
Excentrique,
located on Pleasant Street in the heart of historic Newburyport, offers a collection of eclectic goods – vintage, modern and classic elements, as well as refurbished design pieces. At the shop, you’ll find natural elements of the season, antique furnishings and custom fabrications. We love this delightful shop as it offers unique treasures for all!
14 Pleasant Street – Newburyport, MA (508) 572-2245 ExcentriqueWNewbury.com
Fun Paper Placemats
Tea Towels
Seasonal Decor + Accents…
Vintage Crystal + More…
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For Animal Lovers… …
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Nutrition Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy During the Winter food for thought
By Dawn Price, Registered Dietitian Owner of The Natural Dog, Newburyport, MA
Diet:
Adjust Caloric Intake Accordingly Caloric intake during winter months often needs to be adjusted. Whether calories should be increased or decreased depends upon activity level and time spent outdoors. Increasing calories is a good idea for dogs taking part in activities such as snow shoeing, cross country skiing or winter hiking. Dogs that spend less time outdoors during winter months with lower activity levels should decrease caloric intake during these months. Kibble is very dense in calories and if overfed, may pack on a lot of calories quickly. Not all food has the same caloric value per cup of food, so it is important to feed according to package directions. Decreasing the amount of kibble and adding fresh or raw foods to the diet is a good way to manage a healthy weight in dogs. In addition, a high quality, whole foods, meat based diet will help ensure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.
Support Joint Health & Immune System
During the winter, the cold and dry weather can affect your dog’s joints. Joint supplements should be used for older dogs and dogs suffering with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin, anti-inflammatory agents and omega fatty acids are often helpful. Adding fish oil and supplements containing green lipped mussels are good choices for supporting joint health. Keeping your dog’s immune system strong during winter months helps ward off illness and lethargy. Adding supplements contain-
ing berries and/or medicinal mushrooms will help support the immune system. Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are powerhouses that have an abundance of phytochemicals as well as antioxidants to fight free radicals. Medicinal mushrooms promote healthy immune and cell function. They are natural “immuno-modulators,” which means that they can go into the body and adjust the immune system either up or down depending on the condition or issue.
Special Care for Skin, Coat & Paws
During the cold, winter months, it is important to take extra care of skin, coat and paws. Dry, flaky skin can be treated by adding omega fatty acids. There are many choices and it is recommended to rotate oils. Some good choices are coconut oil, salmon oil, and sardine oil to name a few. Using paw balm as preventative care will to help treat dry and cracked pads. It also creates a semi-permeable barrier which protects the skin from snow, ice and chemicals that may be present. Always choose a paw balm made with natural ingredients.
Holiday Reminders
Pay close attention to what your dog is consuming during holiday parties and events. There are many foods that can be potentially harmful and should be avoided.
Chocolate: The toxicity can vary based on the type of chocolate, the size of your pet and the amount
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they eat. It is safest to consider all chocolate off limits for pets.
Sweets and baked goods: These are often too rich for pets and can cause gastrointestinal issues. In some cases, an artificial sweetener called xylitol (often found in baked goods, candy and chewing gum) has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.
Unhealthy table scraps: Gravy and fatty meats should be kept away from pets. Many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets including onions, raisins and grapes. During the holidays, when our own diets tend toward extra-rich foods, table scraps can be especially fattening and hard for animals to digest and may cause pancreatitis. Yeast dough: Yeast dough can cause problems for pets including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
Dawn Price has a BS in Nutrition & is a Registered Dietitian. She worked for many years as a dietitian at Massachusetts General Hospital & Lawrence General Hospital. She decided to pursue her passion for animal nutrition & joined the sales team of a large pet food distributor. She was promoted to Sales Manager & was responsible for covering New England & Canadian territories providing nutrition seminars to retail stores & veterinarians. Dawn was also the instructor of Canine & Feline Nutrition at North Shore Community College for many years. She opened her store, The Natural Dog, in 2005.
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Doggone Grrrrr…eat Entertaining let's pawty
Treat Your Pups to Great Treats! “Authentic Italian Food Is More Than Our Passion… It’s Our Life’s Work.”
I’m a lot like my Dad. I love food & love reading recipes! Here are a few of my new favorites…offering an assortment of flavors that should thrill any pup’s palate.
Assorted Ulti-Mutt, Tasty Dog Treats…
Happy Holidays…Buone Vacanze! Happy New Year…Felice Anno Nuovo!
Recipes from MyBakingAddiction.com.
Mia
Directions
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats
Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir flour, oats & cinnamon together. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin & peanut butter. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats 1 C pumpkin puree 2 eggs ½ C oats 3 C whole wheat flour 3 T of all-natural peanut butter ½ t cinnamon (optional)
For Sweet Potato Treats 1 C of canned sweet potato (or fresh potato) 1 ¾ C whole wheat flour 1 egg (beaten)
For Apple Carrot Treats 1 C of whole wheat flour 1 C of grated carrots 1 egg ½ C unsweetened apple sauce
Pour onto a floured surface & roll dough to ½” thick. Cut with cookie cutter. Dough will be a little sticky…a dusting of flour for your hands & the rolling pin will help! Bake for 30 to 35 minutes till golden brown. Treats will harden as they cool.
Sweet Potato & Apple/Carrot Treats Preheat oven to 350°F.
Stir ingredients together in a large bowl until dough forms. Roll dough into small balls & place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Press dough down slightly so the biscuits are about ¼” thick. Bake till golden brown; 10-12 minutes for soft treats.
Massimo’s Mia
In Italy, Christmas Eve is celebrated with “The Feast of the Seven Fishes,” dishes of fish & other seafood. Massimo & his large, loving family celebrate this tradition every year with an array of delectable Italian dishes. Ristorante Massimo also offers a wonderful selection of fresh fish & seafood entrees… not to be missed!
59 Penhallow – Portsmouth (603) 436-4000 www.RistoranteMassimo.com
Massimo is not only passionate about food, but also his adorable Mia, a 2-year old Maltese/Shih Tzu! And Mia shares her Dad’s passion for food. So, a big thanks to Mia for sharing some of her favorite recipes…and her wonderful holiday style. Grazie…bravo cane! (Thank you…good dog!)
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-the SEACOAST
BARK~IT place-
marketplace for artisans, eateries, merchants & more
All Pets Need a Good Home!
Do Not Shout Delivered Never miss another bark or conversation! We Come To You
Looking for the best coffee in Newburyport? We’ve got you covered!
Bella & Stella Wasiuk
10-Year Supporting Sponsor of the NHSPCA Keep your furry family safe. Call Pam for a complimentary “Please Rescue Our Pets” window cling. Pam Bailey RE/MAX On the Move Cell: (603) 770-0369 Office: (603) 964-3300
“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” Hearing Aids Customized to Each Patients’ Individual Needs Family Owned & Operated Since 1978 by Tony & Darrylin Wasiuk Request an In-Home Appointment. (978) 466-8888 www.DoNotShoutDelivered.com
Group Classes & In-Home Training
Pastel Pet Portraits
54R Merrimac Street
(in the boatyard between Michaels & NBPT Lighting
14 Market Square 33 Pleasant Street (in historic downtown)
“We bet you know one girl who would rather tumble off a horse than fall for a boy!” Unknown
Great Gift Idea “All dogs love to learn. Clicker training with positive reinforcement is a great way to enhance the bond with your dog. Dogs crave mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Clicker training teaches you & your dog how to communicate with each other. In a way, you’re learning to speak dog & your dog is learning English. I’m certified through the Karen Pryor Academy. I’ve been training dogs for over ten years. I would love to work with you & your dog.” Theresa Giannino Six Bourbon St. – Peabody, MA 35 minutes south of Newburyport (617) 291-2149 www.GoneToTheDogsTraining.com
Downtown Portsmouth in Market Square Directly Above Book & Bar Thurs & Fri Noon – 8pm Sat 10 – 7 Sun 11 – 4 40 Pleasant Street – Suite 202 - Portsmouth (603) 493-1677 www.DianeCrespoFineArt.com dianecrespofineart1@gmail.com
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Tack, clothing & accessories for all sizes & ages. www.EquestrianShop.com 40 Essex Road Ipswich, Massachusetts (978) 356-1180
doggy thoughts
FLIPS + FLOPS By Flip-Flop
Editor’s Note: These are simply musings from Flip-Flop, an exuberant & opinionated shaggy dog. They are not any sort of product endorsement or “dis” by this publication or any member of our editorial team. Just a bit about stuff she likes (Flips) and stuff she doesn’t (Flops)!
Paw Wax
Photo Credit OldOrchardBeachMaine.com
I don’t think there’s anything better to keep paws from freezing than this nifty Musher’s Secret paw wax made from 100% natural waxes. It prevents ice build-up, snowballing and protects my paws from nasty winter salt and chemicals. I can chase other dogs (that are chasing balls) for hours with just a quick dab on each of my four. This is a real winter winner!
Flip Flop Dog Boots
Fun Winter Traditions
There are so many wonderful things to do over the holidays. A few of my favorites include the First Night New Year’s Eve celebration in Portsmouth, even though the fireworks can be a bit scary. I also love going to the Polar Plunge at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunkport on New Year’s day as there are a lot of pups there too. Another fun January 1 event is the Lobster Dip in Old Orchard Beach. Many of the costumes are pretty doggone funny!
Humans have been wearing shoes and boots for centuries because they need to. Dogs would have been wearing dog boots for centuries…if they needed to! Though you peeps may think this trend is a hot one, believe me…it isn’t. There is nothing more mortifying than trotting around town, going hiking or going anywhere…in dog boots! Putting them on is a pain and keeping them on is more of a pain.
Bad Holiday Traditions
Of all of the holiday traditions, I find fruitcakes among the worst! I’ve never seen anyone eat a piece of fruitcake. I wouldn’t eat a piece of fruitcake. Now, believe it or not, there are all sorts of dog fruit cake recipes all over the web. And what’s worse? These versions contain no alcohol to spice it up. I mean really…alcohol is about the only tolerable ingredient in the recipe. Please don’t send me any fruitcakes… ever…that would be a total growler.
Ugly Sweaters RC Pets Cabin Sweater
Classic Clothing
Hurtta Parka
With all of our fashion options, I prefer a clean and classic look…especially when it comes to outdoor gear (not that I really wear any with my long, shaggy fur coat). But from my observations at the dog park, the stylish sweaters & coats from RC Pets are among my favorites. You can find them at the Canine Cupboard in Portsmouth. I also love the winter parkas by Hurtta, available at Just Dogs in Newburyport.
Even though your old maid aunt may love those ugly Christmas sweaters…dogs don’t! Though you may think they’re funny, we don’t appreciate being the source of your big belly laughs. We enjoy wearing a stylish sweater any day…well, if we must. But looking like an elf or Santa may quickly push us into canine therapy, at your expense. We think wearing our fur is just fine!
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