Biovet Testimonials Kaya, a 13-year-old Husky-Lab mix. She had severe hip and arthritis pain in her hind legs. Four days after taking the Biovet Antioxidant Pet Wafer, her pain subsided. After just seven days, she is able to walk normally. Thank you Biovet! - S. Lamb Hopi, a 15-year-old yellow lab. She had lost her strength in her hind legs. Thanks to Biovet Pet Wafer, her quality of life has improved. She is back to chasing cats again. - D. Durazo The Biovet Pet Wafer has brought back the sparkle in my dogs’ eyes. Their coats are soft and silky again, thanks to Biovet. The best part is that they look forward to their daily “treat.” They love the taste. - T. Costa Riley is half bull mastiff and half lab. He has Lymphoma, and the Chemo has made his hind legs weak and wobbly. Thanks to Biovet Dismutase, he is improving. Thank you, Biovet. - E. Cushing A 10-year-old Border Collie Mix could not stand on his hind legs. The right leg had atrophied and he could not put weight on it for two years. Thanks to Dismutase, in two days he was walking. In just one week, he was putting weight on the leg he had not used in two years. - M. Mitchell Sylvie, a long-haired miniature Dachshund, had become paralyzed in her back legs. Thirteen months after surgery and twice-daily doses of Dismutase, Sylvie walked again! Thank you, Biovet. - M. Fisher
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FALL 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
18 Cover Story
Canine Camping Adventure without Leaving Home!
20 I Love My Dog 22
Doodles Are Oodles of Fun!
Celebrate Life Fifty The 2-legged Pit Bull!
24 Dogs in Love! 28 Famous Dogs 30
With Friends on Facebook!
An Extraordinary Dog Leonidas the Amazing 3-Legged Dog!
32 Pet Lifestyle Experts Meet 12 Amazing Pet Lifestyle Experts!
44
Champion The Calgary Model
46 Devotion 49
Operation Blankets of Love
Inspire Paws Chicago No Kill Model
50 Passion
Hello Bully
53 Dedication
CANDi International
54 Motivate
The Gentle Barn
56 Courage
Japan Disaster
60 Compassion
Animal Rescue Corps
40 True Grit
62 Action
42 Pit Bull Ambassadors
64 Entrepreneur Profile
100 Mile Walk for Pit Bulls
8 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
No Kill Resource Guide Bibi Rogers – 4U2ReUSE
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 9
FALL 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
68 Fitness
83 Nutrition
69
84 Taste – Fruits 85 Flavor – Veggies 88 Safety
70
Disc Doggin!
Fitness Dock Diving! Explore The Golden State of California
71 Dog Culture
A Real Dog Aficionado
72 Entertainment Movie Night!
73 Relax
Dog Parents Chill Out!
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables!
Keeping Pets Safe
90 Natural Health
With Dr. Elliott Harvey
92 Hygiene
Daily Grooming Checklist
94 Health
Advocating for Our Dogs
76 Dog Travel
98
78 Working Dogs
100 Dog Parent Families 104 Bedtime Books 107 Featured Author
Traveling with Fido Guard Duty Dogs
80 Dr’s Corner
A Trip to the Veterinarian
Training Can We Bring the Dog?
Dawn A. Marcus, MD
108 Happily Ever After
Linus Goes to a Forever Family!
109 Happily Ever After
Mama Dog and Her 2 Pups!
110 Happily Ever After Sadie’s Miracle!
112 Everyday Doggie Heroes Troy, Tinkerbell, and Jackson all waiting for a cookie from their mama, Nancy Allen!
10 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
Outbound Hound & Handsome Dan’s Rescue
– “Macbeth” Shakespeare
Are You Feeding FRANKENFISH to Your Dogs? If you read the last three ads written about Solid Gold dry dog food, then you realize that your dog’s life depends upon what you feed them. The articles were: 1) Does GMO Mean God Move Over? , 2)Chicken and the Egg and Salmonella Poisoning, and 3) Sundancer – Our New Dog Food with Curcumin. Solid Gold has been the leader in natural dog and cat food since 1975. We introduced the Hund-N-Flocken natural dog food with lamb and fish. Hund means dog, Flocken means flakes in German. The FDA said that there was no such thing as a natural dog food. We told them that Hund-N-Flocken had been a top seller in Germany for 20 years. They said, “Oh!” If you import a dog from Germany, frequently the export papers say that if you don’t feed the Solid Gold Hund -N-Flocken , and the Solid Gold Sea Meal powder, they will not guarantee the health of the dog. About six years ago, Solid Gold introduced a bison and Alaskan wild caught salmon in our “Just a Wee Bit”, for the small dog. For the large and giant breed, we introduced Wolf Cub and Wolf King. The owner of Solid Gold had flown to Alaska to interview the fisherman. Two were chosen. They were the only hook and line fishermen. So, if they caught a small fish, it was thrown back. Soon, as usual, other dog food companies copied us. But they used big nets. Within four years, the wild Alaskan salmon was fished out. Only FARMED salmon was available. Farmed salmon is fed GMO corn. The corn is sterile and cannot reproduce. The salmon are sterile and cannot reproduce. Guess what happens to the people and dogs that are fed this salmon? Solid Gold no longer uses salmon. They are concerned that the GMO salmon may cause cancer. GMO means Genetically Motified Organism Our Holistique Blendz dog food was introduced in 1985. Holistic does not mean natural or organic. It is fishbased and low 18% protein especially for the older dog to spare the liver and the kidneys. It is also for white dogs that are light-sensitive (photo aging). At a recent dog show, a dog food vendor was next to the Solid Gold booth. The salesman told us that his company also now had holistic dog food. We asked him what holistic meant. He said they put apples in it. Oh well! In April, 2011 the news said that in New Jersey, it is unlawful for people to plant tomato seeds. You now have to buy GMO tomato plants from the same company that developed GMO soybean and corn. The chemical company said they are doing this to protect the public. Seems that bugs will get on the tomato plants. For 20 years, I just washed off the bugs from my father’s tomato plants. These GMO plants were found to cause two harmful strains of bacteria that damage the intestinal tract and cause leaky gut syndrome. Dogs were developing leaky gut syndrome and infected anal glands. We use non-GMO tomatoes in our dog food. They are high in lycopene which is good for the heart and circulation. Any fruit or vegetable that is red supports the circulatory system, hormone system and thyroid system. In the recent radiation Japanese disaster, the red sea algae was rushed to Japan to build up the immune and hormone systems. Our Sea Meal contains 19 types of seaweed, including red sea algae. Always use our Sea Meal powder with our dog food. It keeps the dogs from chewing at the root of the tail and licking their feet. Our new Solid Gold dog food is Sundancer, which contains curcumin. To find out how curcumin works with cancer, see http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/turmeric-000277.htm In 1958 the US Congress wanted to fund a study for the use of curcumin and cancer. The big pharmaceutical companies objected and said it would interfere with revenues from their cancer drugs. The new World Order says that if you control the food production, you can control the people (and dogs). Read dog food labels, don’t feed Frankenfish and other GMO products to your dogs and cats. You can depend upon Solid Gold to produce the finest and healthiest pet foods. Solid Gold Holistic Animal Nutrition Center 1331 N. Cuyamaca, El Cajon, CA 92020
For a catalog or store near you, call or email us at: (619) 258-7356 (M,W,F 10-5 PST) or E-mail us at sarah@solidgoldholistic.com or www.solidgoldhealth.com
A
E R B NEW
S D I K F O D E ney w o D e i m a By J
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF
THE AMERICAN DOG MAGAZINE! SUMMER 2011
SPRING 2011
WINTER 2010 TH E A ME R I C A N D O G
T HE A ME R I CA N DO G
T HE A ME R I CA N DO G
Volume 3 Issue 4
Volume 4 • Issue 1
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T HE A ME R I CA N DO G
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We hope you enjoy reading about the amazing dogs, inspiring role models, and special stories featured in the fall 2011 issue. Have a wonderful day! Sincerely, Jamie M. Downey, Founder/Publisher with Cheyenne, Chester and Cassie
14    Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
J amie M Downey Founder / Editor in Chief
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER
JAMIE M DOWNEY
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
HEATHER GREEN
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
SHARYN BERGLUND
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
NANCY ALLEN
EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
JAMIE M DOWNEY LAUREN WINEBERG KELLY MAYER MICHAEL ANTONE
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
HEATHER GREEN
SENIOR EDITOR
DAVID REVIERTER
MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR COPY EDITOR COPY EDITOR BOOK REVIEW EDITOR ADVERTISING DIRECTOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
CASEY RODARBAL SONDRA LEVINE DEBORAH JOHNSON NANCY ALLEN JAMIE M DOWNEY KIM THORNTON
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
JAMIE M DOWNEY
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
JOHN HADDOCK
BUSINESS MANAGER SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER
ANN JAMISON EMMA BROWN
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: HEATHER GREEN, JAMIE DOWNEY, TAMRA MONAHAN, KRISTINA BOWMAN, KIM WOLF, ABE ORTIZ, DEBRA JO CHIAPUZIO, ALEKSANDRA GAJDECZKA, KAREN SNOOK, JOSEPH FRAZZ, EILEEN BALDESHWLER, LISA PRESNAIL, OSCAR RABIERO, LINDSAY MORRIS, STUDIO 22, JODI SMITH, MARIE SHELTO, CAROL DIMAGGIO VIZCARRA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: SASHA LEVINE; DR. ELLIOTT HARVEY; DAWN A MARCUS, MD; KELLY NICHOLE MICHEAL; BILL BRUCE; JULIE MAZZOLA; DAISY BALAWEJDER; COURNEY CHANDEL; JAMIE DOWNEY; TAMRA MONAHAN; CELIASUE HECHT; EMMA DAUK; NANCY ALLEN; SCOTLUND HAISLEY; LINDSAY MORRIS; DOUG & ELIZABETH SIMPSON; DR. KATHERINE TUCKER-MOHL; LORILEIGH MORELAND How to reach us: The Dog Publishing, DBA: The American Dog 20269 E. Smoky Hill Rd. #B-136 Centennial, CO 80015 Phone: (303) 840-6111 (Colorado) info@theamericandogmag.com www.theamericandogmag.com For advertising inquiries advertise@theamericandogmag.com Letters to the Editor/Story Ideas: Email to: editor@theamericandogmag.com
Subscription rate is $20 per year within the United States. Add $20 postage per year for Canadian subscriptions. We do not ship to foreign countries. U.S. funds only. Subscribe online: www.theamericandogmag.com
Subscribers: If the postal service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. Email change of address to: subscribe@theamericandogmag.com Postmaster: Please forward change of address to: The Dog Publishing 20269 E. Smoky Hill Rd. #B-136 Centennial, CO 80015 Copyright 2011 No part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the publisher. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials that are damaged or lost. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
16 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
COVER STORY
Canine
CAMPING ADVENTURE
w ithout L eavin g H o m e!
Got a dog, some kids, a tent? Then devise your own charming campground right in the den, the backyard, or any corner of a room and let the kids and dogs enjoy a creative “camping adventure” in your own home or backyard! Forget the TV and all the high-tech electronic devices, like PS3, iPod, Wii, or Xbox 360, and just have some good old-fashioned fun! Remember the days when the family would sit around the dinner table playing Monopoly or Scrabble all night—and how much fun you had? Well, it’s time to bring back the fun from the good ol’ days where kids actually talked to each other and enjoyed playing together! All you need is a pop-up tent, pillows, a few blankets, some board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, maybe some puzzles or a deck of cards, a box of crayons, paint, a big pad of drawing paper, and their favorite children’s books. Make a huge bucket of popcorn, cut up some fresh fruit, and let the fun begin!
Kira and Mariah
18 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
COVER STORY
Remi
Kira
Photos by Heather Green
Mariah and Remi
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 19
Doodles
I LOVE MY DOG
Traits of these popular, gorgeous, and gregarious Hybrid Doodles are: Fun-loving, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, energetic, good with kids, allergy-friendly, and many Doodles are hypo-allergenic because of their short hair. These Doodles also make great therapy and assistance dogs since they are easy to train and really smart! Most of these fabulous Doodles pictured below have quite an army of friends and can be found on Facebook chatting with all their other Doodle buddies about their latest activities or fundraising events and just having a dog gone good time! Look for all these dogs on Facebook and become their friend! Chico, Bruno, and Archie hang out on their mom's page, Carol DiMaggio Vizcarra, who is a professional photographer!
"Goldendoodle" Putter and Lily 20 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
"Deacon Doodle Smith"
photo by Jodi Smith
"Lucy Labradoodle"
I LOVE MY DOG
are oodles of fun!
" Bocker Labradoodle"
photo by Carol DiMaggio Vizcarra
Bruno
Chico
"Oscar Doodle"
" Mowgli the Goldendoodle" "GibbsTheradoodle"
photo by Studio 22
photo by marie Shelto
Archie
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 21
CELEBRATE LIFE
FIFTY THE 2-LEGGED PIT BULL!
Fifty Might Be Missing
50% of His Legs,
But He Is 100%
Awesome! by Kelly Nichole Michael (Fifty's mom!)
photo by Eileen Baldeshwiler
Once upon a time, Fifty had 4 legs and was living in a happy home. Then one day, a terrible incident caused him to lose his two right legs. He was shot by a police officer four years ago because of his breed—a Pit Bull mix—but his sister, a Shepherd mix, was left unharmed. His family did everything they could to help him, but the doctor had to amputate his two injured legs. Though his family loved him and spent $6000 on his amputation surgery and recovery, inevitably they lost their home in this struggling economy. Unfortunately for Fifty, every apartment his family tried to move to said, “No Pit Bulls allowed.” So, they were forced to give up Fifty in order to have a place to live. At the shelter where the family had relinquished him, Fifty’s days would have been numbered if he had 4 legs like the rest of the other Pit Bulls. But his disability was actually the one thing that kept him alive. Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus knew they could help him find a special home, so the rescue pulled Fifty out of the high-kill shelter after Diane, the shelter manager, told them that they just had to take a chance on this awesome guy. Fifty lived in a foster home for 9 months and garnered very little interest until I heard about him and his situation. He was mine within 48 hours! I work at Integrative Pet Care in Chicago, Illinois,
22 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
so I have all the resources necessary to take care of a “differently abled” pup. Trust me, this boy is spoiled rotten! He gets to swim in a resistance pool with massage jets, he receives therapeutic massages every week from Canine Massage Chicago, and he comes to work with me every day. In November of 2010, the dog rescue I am most involved with, One Tail at a Time, started a fundraiser to help purchase a prosthetic limb for Fifty. When Fifty’s Facebook fans caught on and helped spread the news, we found a donor in Florida, Ronnie Graves, who donated a prosthetic for free! The prosthetic limb has since arrived and, with the help of Robin Spencer and Al Kuro here in Chicago, we are currently getting him used to walking with it! Fifty has a Facebook account with 4800 fans, and he likes to help get other dogs rescued, advocate for the Pit Bull breed, and post funny photos of himself and his “siblings.” The outpouring of care and love from my friends, family, and complete strangers since I adopted this incredible 2-legged dude has left me speechless many times. Team Fifty is definitely an awesome Team to be on!
For more information or to contact: Visit: www.fitythepitty.blogspot.com Become a Facebook fan: Facebook.com/BionicFifty
DOGS IN LOVE!
Photos BY Abe Ortiz
RAINBOW DIAMOND & AUGUSTUS “BEANS” WEINERSCHNITZEL Rainbow Diamond and Augustus Beans Weinerschnitzel (“Beans”) are a happily engaged pair of Dachshunds. Beans proposed to Rainbow on Christmas 2010 (You Tube— Rainbow’s Engagement www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arm3OqzyBk8). They met a few weeks after Beans’ dad, Abe Ortiz, had gone over to do a photo shoot with Rainbow at Holly and Sean Hirshberg’s house. He thought that the two would most likely get along, so he brought Beans to Rainbow’s house the next time he went over. Beans was impressed by Rainbow’s passionate commitment to her career as The Anti-Puppy-Mill Spokesdog for Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas. Rainbow fell in love with Bean’s gentlemanly manner and career as a Spokesdog for Lafmil Photography. They immediately began courting and quickly knew that they were right for each other. They spend time together swimming and hanging out during photo shoots. Rainbow and Beans got engaged at Christmas, but a wedding date has not been set. It is sure to be the wedding of the century, rivaling the royal family! Both Rainbow and Beans, and their relationship, can be followed on Facebook at “Rainbow Diamond” and “Augustus Beans Weinerschnitzel.” Beans’s dad can be found at www.lafmilphotography.com and Rainbow’s parents run the nonprofit, The Dinner Garden (www.dinnergarden.org).
24 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
DOGS IN LOVE!
EMMA ZEN CHIAPUZIO & AMBASSADOR DOC-BARKER Doc-Barker, the Canine Ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and Emma Zen, the leader of TEAM O2™ (a nonprofit corporation for Pet Oxygen Masks) are—on top of all else they do—Therapy Dogs! It was over a year ago when these two dogs met at a Wellness Days Event, hosted by Cal State University in San Bernardino. An organization for therapy dogs had contacted both Sherry (Doc’s mom) and Debra Jo (Emma’s mom) about bringing their therapy dogs to the Wellness event so students could learn how to de-stress before taking their tests by spending time with the dogs. There were a lot of people and therapy dogs in a big room and Doc-Barker and Emma Zen were on separate sides of the room. “Doc-Barker made every effort to intermix with Emma Zen,” says owner Sherry Buchbinder. And Debra Jo says, “I’ve never seen Emma Zen so interested in another dog before. Somehow these two dogs just connected and really liked each other. It was as if they had been looking for each other forever, true and honest soul mates. They touch each other constantly as if it were a bond only someone in a long-term relationship would understand.” Both dogs travel to multiple states, and if there’s a pet event or expo in those areas with canines or kids you’ll probably see both dogs working! They brought together two humans who didn’t know each other at the start of their dog courtship, but now the moms have fast become good friends. “We really didn’t have a choice; if you saw them collectively you’d understand. Emma Zen is this old soul, and Doc-Barker is someone she knows and trusts,” Debra Jo says. Some things are just meant to be! You can follow both dogs on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/AmbassadorDocBarker or www.facebook.com/emmazenchiapuzio
Photos BY Debra Jo Chiapuzio
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 25
DOGS IN LOVE! Photos BY Kim Wolf
SARGE WOLF-STRINGER & MARY TODD LINCOLN From the moment Sarge and Mary Todd Lincoln met in 2009, this odd couple has rarely been apart. Sarge is a 16-year-old Elderbull who was rescued at age 14 from an alleged dog fighting operation in Philadelphia, and Mary Todd Lincoln is a 9-year-old Pug who was rescued at age 7 from a puppy mill in central Pennsylvania. They were both adopted from the Pennsylvania SPCA, just three months apart by their parents, Kim Wolf and Thaddeus Stringer. Mary Todd was instantly drawn to Sarge’s ears, and she cleans them every night before going to bed, and Sarge just loves the attention his younger girlfriend bestows upon him. Although they now live in New York, these two lovebirds have traveled together with their family from Maine to Florida. Their most memorable trip was to Fort Lauderdale, where they swam together in the Atlantic Ocean. But their most rewarding activity (for their parents, at least) is when they visit schools together to teach kids about responsible pet ownership. Sarge and Mary Todd Lincoln are a great example of two individuals who are perfect for each other despite their differences in size, age, and appearance. To follow their adventures, visit www.elderbulls.blogspot.com or become a fan on Facebook at “Sarge Wolf-Stringer.”
26 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
Sadly, Sarge Wolf-Stringer went to heaven as we were going to print on this issue and he will be deeply missed by all his fans. Sarge’s legacy still lives on through Facebook with his brother, Junior the Bobblehead, and of course, Mary Todd Lincoln.
evopet.com
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Available at independent pet specialty retailers E. S., Alcorn, H. L. & Jacobsen, K. L. (2002). Nutrient composition of whole vertebrate prey (excluding fish) fed in zoos. * Dierenfeld, http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/zoo/WholePreyFinal02May29.pdf. “EVO” is a registered trademark and “The Ancestral Diet Meets Modern Nutrition” is a trademark of Natura Pet Products, Inc. ©2011 Natura Pet Products, Inc. NPP-11123
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“EVO” is a registered trademark and “The Ancestral Diet Meets Modern Nutrition” is a trademark of Natura Pet Products, Inc. ©2011 Natura Pet Products, Inc. E20116-DD1
evopet.com
An Extraordinary Dog
LEONIDAS
THE AMAZING
3- LEGGED
DOG! Sasha Levine reports
photo courtesy of Katie Barnett
Leonidas is a Delta Society Registered Therapy Dog (along with his brother Liam) who educates kids about dog safety, bullies, bigotry, love, and forgiveness. Anthony Barnett, Leo’s Dad, awakes early every morning to lounge around with his three Pit Bull dogs and have a quiet breakfast. When Katie Barnett (Leo’s mom) wakes up, the energy level skyrockets and Leonidas, the three-legged electric ball of happiness who was named after the King of Sparta, starts his “zoomies” and “wrestlemania” with his sister Katrina. This dog’s capacity for happiness is amazing, considering all that he had to forgive. In May 2008, Anthony spoke to the Mid-America Bully Breed Rescue (www.mabbr.org) and contemplated the tragic circumstances of a brown and white puppy. He asked them, “What will his quality of life be?” The 3-weekold Pit Bull had been suspended over
a fence as bait for dog-fighting conditioning. Consequently, the majority of the pup’s left leg and his right paw had been ripped off by another dog. Two bystanders anonymously brought the puppy to the shelter, and because of the shelter’s anonymous-surrender policy, the abusers have never been held accountable. Katie explains, “The shelter told us he was in good spirits and would just slip and slide around on the floor. We decided to foster ‘the brown puppy with no feet,’ and in a matter of days we realized he was meant to be part of our family.” Pinups for Pit bulls donated funds and Dr. Tom Liebl donated his time and skill to Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas, for the leg amputation. “Soon after that,” says Katie, “Leonidas started on his journey to be a therapy dog.”
at daycare, or—if it’s a working day for Leo—he will go to a school for advocacy classes or to the Veterans Hospital to work with PTSD groups. This incredible dog also attends a Baker University ethics class once a semester and has helped a local minister with a sermon on forgiveness. “He also likes to hang out with the guys from the University of Kansas Collegiate Veterans Association,” says Katie. “Leonidas would like to point out that he thinks the ‘D’ should be dropped from PTSD. Post traumatic stress is a normal reaction to terrible circumstances, not a disorder. Leonidas is happy to help people work through their bad times to get to the good.”
The Barnetts own a doggie daycare, so depending on the day, Leonidas either has fun playing with his friends
Find Leonidas on Facebook at: “ Leonidas the Amazing 3 – Legged Dog”
30 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
For more information please visit: www.gamedogguardian.com
pet lifestyle experts
Amazing PetLifestyle
Meet 12
Experts!
32 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
pet lifestyle experts
WENDY NAN REES
Wendy Nan Rees, the Pet Lifestyle Advisor™, founded the all-natural pet treat company Lip Smackers Inc. 25 years ago. Now, this bestselling author’s newest book is Dog Lover’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life with Your Dog. Her other books include The Natural Pet Food Cookbook, No Barking at the Table Cookbook, and No Catnapping in the Kitchen. A percentage of the proceeds from her book The Name Game, a collection of celebrity essays and pet names, goes to the nonprofit PAWS. Wendy’s success is even more amazing because she overcomes the many obstacles of severe dyslexia and ADHD every day. She became the “Pet Lifestyle Advisor™” on Animal Planet’s Petsburgh, USA and also helped create Cedar Green®, a line of all-natural pet odor eliminators. In 2000, Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Presently, Wendy is thrilled to say she is cancer-free and working on her Internet radio show Wendy’s Animal Talk, her new podcast called The Barking Connoisseur™, and her book/movie called A Dog’s Voyage Around The World™. Wendy lives in Los Angeles with her dogs Senator, Cappy, Little Man, and Sammy. Visit: www.wendynanrees.com for more info.
photo courtesy of Kristen Levine
photo courtesy of Wendy Nan Rees
KRISTEN LEVINE
Kristen Levine is a pet lifestyle advocate, educator, and journalist. Like many of us, Kristen Levine developed an emotional connection with animals at an early age. Even as a child, she recognized the importance of humans making lifelong commitments to companion animals—she could sense one being’s value to another. Using the humananimal bond as her inspiration along with dogged determination, Kristen turned her life passion into a journey of professional success. In addition to founding Fetching Communications, a global marketing agency dedicated to the pet industry, Kristen’s projects include serving as Bissell’s Pet Lifestyle spokesperson for the company’s line of pet clean-up products and being a member of Toyota’s pet safe travel team. She also writes about pet lifestyle issues for various national print and online publications. Her personal mission is to elevate pet adoption as the number one way Americans add pets to their families. Visit www.fetchingcommunications.com and www.kristenlevine.com for more info.
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 33
pet lifestyle experts
COLLEEN PAIGE
Colleen Paige is one of America’s premier family and pet lifestyle experts, child and pet safety expert, and a former firefighter/ paramedic. She is also an animal behaviorist, sentry/law enforcement dog trainer + consultant, bestselling author, designer, music producer, and editor of Pet Home Magazine and Style & Bliss Magazine. Colleen’s expertise in the field of animal behavior and pet friendly interior design has been shared with TV viewers in shows like Evening Magazine and ABC News in Los Angeles and in scores of popular national publications such as The Los Angeles Times, People, and The New York Times. Aside from training and consulting in all areas of pet behavior and safety, combining both of her passions—animals and music—she is the CEO of FURocious Music, a record label promoting music artists with a positive message, who care about the planet. Proceeds from FURocious Music go to support her Animal Miracle Network, which is the hub of numerous lifesaving pet holidays she founded, including National Dog Day, National Cat Day, and National Wildlife Day. Visit www.ColleenPaige.com and www.AnimalMiracleNetwork.com for more info.
photo courtesy of COLLEEN PAIGE
HARRISON FORBES Harrison Forbes’ 20+ year career as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist has propelled him into the spotlight as a bestselling author, popular radio/ TV host, and pet expert for national news stories. Harrison began hosting Pet Talk Radio Show at News Talk FM 101.5 in Feb 1994. Pet Talk Radio went on to national syndication in Los Angeles, New York, and 80 other markets for several years. Having been involved in the training and importing of over 700 police service dogs, Harrison has also been called upon to train dogs for films in Hollywood. This illustrious and extensive career in dog training has propelled Harrison into being the “go-to” guy for national pet stories. He has appeared on Larry King Live, is the resident pet expert on LIVE! with Regis and Kelly, and has appeared on Fox, CNN, The Early Show on CBS, and The Today Show. He is a contributor to People Magazine’s peoplepets.com and bestselling author of the book Dog Talk. Visit www.harrisonforbes.com for more info.
photo courtesy of HARRISON FORBES
34 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
pet lifestyle experts
STEVE DALE
Steve Dale, a certified dog and cat behavior consultant, reaches more pet owners than any other pet journalist in America. Steve writes a twiceweekly syndicated newspaper column (Tribune Media Services), he’s a contributing editor at USA Weekend, and host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute. He’s also a columnist for Cat Fancy and a regular on WGN Radio in Chicago. He is also host of a podcast at www.wgnradio.com. He’s a Chicago Tribune blogger at www.chicagonow.com/stevedale. On TV, Steve has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, National Geographic Explorer; Pets Part of the Family, PBS, various Animal Planet Shows, and many others. In print, he’s been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Redbook, veterinary publications, and dozens more. Steve has also written introductions or contributed chapters to many books, including Bonding With Your Dog and Dog Spelled Backwards. He’s the author of American Zoos and DogGone Chicago. Steve serves on the Boards of Directors of the CATalyst Council, the Winn Feline Foundation, the Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, and the American Humane Association. Visit: www.stevedalepetworld.com for more info.
photo courtesy of STEVE DALE
CHARLOTTE REED
photo courtesy of Charlotte Reed
Charlotte Reed, a popular pet care and lifestyle expert, is also a notable entrepreneur. In 1995, she abandoned life on Wall Street as a corporate lawyer to open Two Dogs & A Goat Incorporated, a premiere, full-service pet care provider in New York City. Reed is the founder of The Business of Pet Writing Conference, and recently has created www.PetCentricAuthors.com, the first Internet site dedicated to promoting authors and their pet books. She is the author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette (Adams Media, 2007). Charlotte writes the column Pet Solutions for the magazine First for Women, and she is The Pet Socialite blogger for NBC’s Petside.com. In 2011, she will release her new magazine, Canine Culture, Arts and Style. In addition to her writing career, Reed also works as a pet industry consultant. Although many manufacturers have hired her as a spokesperson, she also works with advertising, marketing, and social media firms as a pet trend expert, providing a unique understanding of what drives pet consumer behavior. Charlotte is the owner of four dogs, two cats, and one parrot. To learn more about Charlotte and her other projects, visit www.charlottereed.com.
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 35
pet lifestyle experts
LESLIE MAY
Leslie May, founder of Pawsible Marketing, is a successful veteran marketer with over 20 years of experience. Leslie is frequently sought after as an expert in pet business marketing and has been featured in articles in Pet Business Magazine, Pet Style News, Pet Product News International, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more. Her love of animals and her growing menagerie of cats and dogs were the inspirations to take her firm into a branded niche service, which exclusively helps owners of pet-related businesses with all their marketing needs. Pawsible Marketing has since spawned several companies and groups, including www.JohannTheDog.com (an online portal offering toys and products for active, sporting, and agility dogs), www.RaiseAGreenDog.com (presenting tips and information for raising environmentally-friendly and healthy dogs), and Rescue Me (helping lost pets find their forever home). Each is focused on a different aspect of serving those beloved furry friends. Visit www.pawsiblemarketing.com and www.johannthedog.com for more info.
photo courtesy of LESLIE MAY
WARREN ECKSTEIN Warren Eckstein is an internationally known pet and animal expert who has devoted over 25 years to teaching both pets (more than 40,000) and their people to live happily together through his unique “Hugs and Kisses” approach to animal behavior, care, and training. He has been the Pet Expert for NBC’s TODAY show for a decade. For more than 14 years, Warren was the regular pet and animal expert for the national television show LIVE! With Regis and Kelly. Warren hosts his own syndicated radio show, The Pet Show with Warren Eckstein, which has been heard on the top-rated WOR Radio in New York for 26 years and is syndicated in more than 150 markets in the U.S. and Canada. He also hosts a similar program on News Talk KRLA 870 AM Radio in Los Angelesand has been broadcasting in L.A. for 24 years. Warren is the author of 11 books. Visit his website www.thepetshow.com for more info.
photo courtesy of WARREN ECKSTEIN
36 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
pet lifestyle experts
SUSAN HARTZLER
Susan Hartzler is a consumer dog product expert, award winning writer, and the President of Alpha Dog Public Relations. Susan keeps up to date on all the latest trends for dogs. She and her current pack, Baldwin and Bliss, have launched their own iPhone publication, DIY Doggie, a guide to unique things you can do with your dogs to keep them in optimal health on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Through Alpha Dog PR, Susan offers tradition media placement and social media networking for her clients in the pet industry. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and has received the “Angel on a Leash” award earlier this year for a story she wrote for Animal Wellness. Her short story, “Growing Up Dog Weird” is included in the New World Library book Dogs and the Women Who Love Them. Another short story she wrote will be included in the upcoming Simon & Shuster book The Divinity of Dogs. She and her dogs are certified through Therapy Dogs International to visit children in the hospital. Baldwin is a Puli, and Bliss is an Australian Shepherd. They live happily with their feline sister Cyd Cat the Contessa de Calico. Visit www.alphadogpr.com for more info.
photo courtesy of SUSAN HARTZLER
JENN FADAL
Jenn Fadal has now become the leading pet wellness & lifestyle expert across the country. Her writings are featured in national publications where she is a frequent contributor to BellaDOG magazine, Pet Product News International, as well as other area and industry-wide publications. Jenn is the pet correspondent for Daytime, a nationally syndicated lifestyle show that is part of the Southern Living family, and the pet correspondent for Better TV, a syndicated lifestyle show which is part of the Meredith network. She is also a frequent guest on Martha Stewart Living Radio. In addition, Jennifer is Founder of Wag the Dog, Inc., a Natural Pet Health and Lifestyle store in Tampa, FL. Through this company she has worked directly with clients to provide their family canine or feline with the very best in health, wellness, lifestyle, and training. Additionally, she has become an advocate for numerous animal rescue organizations and shelters, serving their Advisory boards and as a pet community representative. Visit www.jennfadal.com for more info.
photo courtesy of JENN FADAL
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 37
pet lifestyle experts
KARI WHITMAN
Kari Whitman, celebrity interior designer, pet lifestyle expert, and television personality, is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, with a large celebrity client base including Jessica Alba, Virginia Madsen, Emilio Estevez, Don Henley, and Kristen Bell. Her work has been featured in magazines such as In Style, Genlux, People, Avenues, Home and Décor, In Touch, and US Weekly, among others. Kari also hosted her own show, Designer to the Stars, on the WE Network, was a featured designer on The Dude Room on The Discovery Channel, and is currently developing a new show focusing on her life and design. Kari’s true passion is animals, and she is the founder of Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs from Los Angeles County shelters the day they are scheduled for euthanasia and finding them loving homes. Kari has her own line of Greener Pup environmentally friendly dog beds at www.greenerpup.com and you can visit www.kariwhitmaninteriors.com for more info.
photo courtesy of KARI WHITMAN
WENDY DIAMOND Wendy Diamond is an entrepreneur and the world’s premiere pet lifestyle expert. She and her dog Lucky are frequent expert contributors on the Today Show, FOX News, CNN, and media outlets around the world. She has appeared in and on TIME Magazine, The View, New York Times, People magazine, The New Yorker, Vogue, CNN, CBS’ Early Show, The Oprah Show, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Philadelphia Enquirer, Extra, MTV, VH1, E!, New York Post, Daily News, London Times, HELLO! Magazine, and local media outlets all over the world. With her charismatic presence and undeniable pet knowledge, the endangered animal advocate and rescue promoter, bestselling author, and TV personality resides in New York City with her children, Lucky and Pasha. As the tireless voice of disenfranchised animals, Wendy Diamond looks to improve the quality of lives for all animals homeless, sheltered, endangered, or otherwise. Wendy has been heralded as the “Martha Stewart of the milk and bone dish” (The New Yorker), dubbed “Pet Diva” by the New York Post, crowned the “Canine Queen” by Forbes. Wendy is the expert pet lifestyle contributor for NBC’s TODAY Show. Visit www.wendydiamond.com for more info.
38 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
photo courtesy of WENDY DIAMOND
TRUE GRIT photos by jamie m downey
JULY 12-17, 2011
THE FINISH LINE EVENT CELEBRATION ON JULY 17TH HOSTED BY CANINE REHABILITATION & CONDITIONING GROUP Visit: www.teampitafull.org/100milewalk and www.dog-swim.com David Edelstein spent six days to complete the 100-mile walk and says, "The 100 Mile Walk for Pit Bulls is to raise awareness of the true American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and The Staffordshire Bull Terrier...their character and nature as a breed and as a family pet, to debunk the urban legend of a what a Pit Bull is and what it is not, to demonstrate the loyalty, obedience, humor and love that is Pit Bull, to promote responsible ownership of Pit Bulls and ALL animals, and to gain the community's support in overturning local breed-specific laws in Denver, CO, that directly discriminate against these breeds based on misinformation."
40 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
TRUE GRIT
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 41
Ruby
PIT BULL AMBASSADORS
PHOTO BY LISA PRESNAIL
D o lly
Ruby is certified as a therapy dog and a service dog. Ruby even has her own book, Ruby's Tale! Find Ruby on Facebook at: "Pat Bettendorf Ruby's Tale" or visit her website at: www.rubystale.com
Hector
Dolly is an AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen as well as a therapy dog. She was abused and used as a bait dog before she was rescued. Now she has her own foundation at www.dollysfoundation.org and you can also find Dolly on Facebook at: "Dolly the Pit Bull"
Hector was one of the abused victims of Michael Vick's dogfighting ring. After he was rescued and given a chance to live he went on to become a certified therapy dog. Find Hector on Facebook at: "Hector the Pit Bull" or visit his website: www.pitbullunited.com
Sarge
W alla ce Sarge is certified with "Pals For Life" to do pet visitation at nursing homes, rehab centers and libraries. He was rescued from an animal abuser after 14 years and he will turn 17 this year. Find Sarge on Facebook at: "Sarge WolfStringer" or visit his blog: www.elderbulls.blogspot.com
Wallace is the 2006 Cynosport World Champion and the 2007 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Champion for Freestyle Flying Disc. Find Wallace on Facebook at: "Wallace the Pit Bull" or visit his website: www.pitbullunited.com
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Sadly, Sarge Wolf-Stringer went to heaven as we were going to print on this issue and he will be deeply missed by all his fans. Sarge’s legacy still lives on through Facebook with his brother, Junior the Bobblehead, and of course, Mary Todd Lincoln.
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CHAMPION
Responsible Pet Ownership— The Calgary Model By Bill Bruce, Director of Animal & Bylaw Services, City of Calgary, Alberta
When I first entered the world of municipal animal control, I expected that I would be dealing with dangerous, feral animals that had serious behavioral issues and would not be suitable pets. It was, after all, the pound. What I learned in my first day was that I could not have been more wrong. As I walked around and looked at the shelter dogs and cats, I was surprised that almost all of these animals were socialized and comfortable with people. I could take a cat out of his cage and hold him with no resistance. In fact, most of the cats would usually come to the front of their cages, calling for attention and contact. The dogs were a similar experience; they came toward the bars anxious for contact. If I asked them to sit, they usually did. As I would visit other shelters, I experienced very similar behaviors. It was clear to me that these animals had been in a home environment, were socialized, and had somehow ended up in a shelter.
human relationships had failed them. We needed to shift away from the traditional government animal-control model to a model that supported a community of responsible pet owners. We had to actually change how people were managing their animals in the community. The most effective way to do that was by utilizing clear expectations, education, and by removing the barriers that prevented people from doing the right thing, not by enforcing more regulation.
These experiences lead me to question whether we really had a problem with pet overpopulation—stray, nuisance, or aggressive animals—in North America, or whether all of these animals were in the shelter because their
We started with four basic principals of responsible pet ownership that we asked of all pet owners:
1. Provide a license and permanent
2. Spay and neuter (unless you are
3. Provide the proper training, so-
4. Don’t let your pet become a threat
identification for your pets.
a qualified breeder or working with one).
cialization, exercise, medical care, diet and grooming for your pet.
44 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
or nuisance to the community.
If everyone followed these four simple things, I would be out of a job. But more importantly, if everyone followed these simple principles, our rights to have our breed of choice and to have multiple dogs would be protected because all the animals would be cared for, trained, and socialized. At the very core of this program is licensing for dogs and cats. A good license program adds value to the community. First, a license is the lost pet’s ticket home. A lost dog with a license is returned to her owner and is often driven straight home without coming into the shelter. In 2010, 88% of lost dogs were returned to their owners. Cat licensing has only been in place for four years, but already 55% of lost cats are being returned to their owners. In Calgary, Canada, 91% of dogs and 55% of the cats are licensed. Effective returnto-owner programs are the best ways to reduce the number of animals in shelters and reduce shelter euthanasia. Last year, 210 dogs and 158 cats were euthanized at Calgary’s municipal shelter because no owner could be found and the animals could not be adopted out to new homes because of serious health or temperament issues.
CHAMPION
In addition to providing the ticket home, licensing also provides the necessary resources to fund the programs needed to provide sheltering, staff, education programs, enforcement, and even a free spay and neuter programs for low-income citizens. These programs operate with no tax funding and generate all of the necessary revenue primarily through the animal-licensing programs. The education programs are focused on kindergarten through grade 6 and teach everything from humane animal treatment to bite prevention to safety around wild and domestic animals. The proactive education programs, as well as serious approaches to addressing aggressive canine behavior in communities, has reduced dog bites to less than 10 per 100,000 human population. Building a responsible pet ownership program has allowed Calgary, a city of 1.1 million people to enjoy a very high return-to-owner rate, a low euthanasia rate, low canine-aggressive incidents, and a financially sustainable program. Calgary also continues to enjoy a breedneutral community without arbitrary pet limits. Future goals for this program include increasing the return-to-owner
rates even more, reducing animal euthanasia, reducing aggressive canine incidents, and continuing to operate sustainable self-funded animal services for the community. Bill Bruce has been with the City of Calgary since 1981 and joined the Animal and Bylaw Services in 2000. Bill came into the Animal and Bylaw area with a vision of moving the focus from enforcement to a broader goal of achieving and maintaining compliance to the City’s bylaws, utilizing tools such as clear, understandable bylaws and policies, partnerships, conflict resolution techniques and public education to raise awareness and improve voluntary compliance. In the Animal Services area the focus has been to create a community of responsible pet owners in collaboration with all of the groups involved with animals in the community with specific goals to reduce the number or aggressive incidents involving dogs, increase the return to owner rates for both dogs and cats, reduce euthanasia and work towards becoming a no more homeless pets municipality. Bill is a believer in continuous improvement and is committed to improving the quality of life in the community for both people and animals.
photo courtesy of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 45
DEVOTION
photos courtesy of OBOL
OPERATION BLANKETS OF LOVE
Saving lives by providing comfort to homeless animals in shelters, rescue groups, fosters, and sanctuaries, making the pets more adoptable Sasha Levine reports
By hard work and dedication, Eileen Smulson, Founder and President of Operation Blankets of Love (OBOL), transformed a small, local project into a nationally known, award-winning response team and advocacy organization. “My inspiration is my first pet, Ginger who was found on a desert highway as a puppy....I never wanted a homeless animal to suffer like Ginger again.” One day, Eileen noticed a sign at an animal shelter asking for blanket donations. She knew she had to do something. She put her years of fundraising experience into action, and she was able to collect and donate about 400 comfort items. The shelter staff was overjoyed! She soon received requests from other shelters and rescues. As a result, Operation Blankets of Love began. “Our goal is to give the stray, sick, abandoned, and neglected homeless animals a second chance by supplying what they need to make them more comfortable and more adoptable.” Eileen states that giving shelter animals blankets and pet beds allows them to relax in their new surroundings. Because the blankets reduce their stress, the animals appear friendlier. “This allows potential adopters to more easily see the animals as part of their homes and lives.” OBOL collected and distributed more than 400,000
comfort items since its inception. This equals more than one million dollars in supplies. Eileen estimates that by providing hundreds of items to 1500 or more homeless animals a month, the adoption rate in animal shelters and rescue groups has increased, consequently saving lives and lowering the rate of euthanasia. “OBOL is busy growing so that we can help even more homeless animals,” says Eileen. Because they are devoted to spreading inspiration to others and being a voice for homeless animals, OBOL created humane education programs for grades K-12 and regularly presents public awareness campaigns. In a short period of time, they have inspired hundreds of people across the country, educating them about shelter needs, spaying, and neutering, and about how to conduct OBOL Supply Drives so they may help their local shelters. Besides that, OBOL provides items and assists in the transport of the 200 homeless animals to new homes per month. The group coordinates free pet-adoption events with local shelters, rescue groups, and animalloving individuals. OBOL is also a networking hotline that assists callers with information on where to take found animals and how to adopt a homeless pet. And the group assists rescue groups in emergency situations
46 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
by transporting animals and providing items like blankets, towels, medicine, and food to dogs who were the victims of hoarders, dogfighting rings, and other sad situations. The list goes on and on! “We help save the lives of homeless animals in many unique ways.” Eileen calculates that OBOL reaches one thousand or more homeless animals a month. “We even help rescue groups that save the lives of rabbits, pot bellied pigs, horse and farm animals of all kinds.” Animal Planet’s show Pit Boss recently featured OBOL, which resulted in a flood of donation requests from across the country. In less than two years, OBOL has expanded to cover the greater Los Angeles area and more than twelve counties within California, comprising of more than 500 cities. To continue their vital work, they need financial donations from individuals and from the corporate world.
For more information or to make a donation: Operation Blankets of Love 11862 Balboa Blvd PMB 187 Granada Hills, CA 91344 www.operationblanketsoflove.com (818) 402-6586 email: eileenobol@aol.com
INSPIRE
PAWS Chicago’s No Kill Model Inspiring Sheltering Transformation across the Country
photo by Heather Hasely
photo by Heather Hasely
PAWS Chicago’s No Kill model is spreading across the nation. Since featuring its state-of-the-art Adoption Center on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009, PAWS regularly receives requests from animal welfare groups seeking guidance. As a result, PAWS Chicago regularly opens its doors to enable shelters around the country to learn about this new model and take new methodologies back to their home states. Over the next year, PAWS Chicago will formalize its learning center into a No Kill Academy, where individuals can learn comprehensive solutions to pet homelessness, incorporating information on programs—spay/ neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter, adoption and volunteers—facilities, shelter medicine, and a pragmatic, business approach to leveraging limited resources. A No Kill Mission PAWS Chicago is breaking the status quo of traditional sheltering—the model utilized by the majority of animal shelters, with homeless and unwanted pets taken in and the majority killed. Rather than change policies and processes, many traditional open-door shelters opt to conceal this killing from the public. As PAWS Chicago and other progressive No Kill shelters are proving, there is a different way. By sharing the wealth of knowledge and research conducted since PAWS was founded 14 years ago, the organization is accomplishing its goal of transforming the fate of homeless pets in communities across America.
photo by Heather Hasely
By Julie Mazzola
photo by Sebastian Sparenga
photo by Sebastian Sparenga
“PAWS Chicago is a true resource for shelters around the country who want to break free from traditional animal sheltering, where so many sweet animals are killed, and work towards building a No Kill community,” said Paula Fasseas, PAWS Chicago Founder and Chair. “Sharing our best practices, facility protocols and business model, and providing support to shelters who want to transform their own organizations, is making a life-changing difference in the lives of more and more homeless animals.”
Progressive No Kill Adoption Program
PAWS Chicago’s four-prong approach to No Kill combines:
Advanced Shelter Medicine Program
Targeted and Accessible Spay/Neuter
The majority of shelters operate by using herd management strategies of the past, where animals are housed in cages that lead to rapid transference of illness amongst the population. At the first sign of disease, animals are euthanized and those exposed are also killed.
The PAWS Lurie Clinic targets spay/ neuter to low-income families who would otherwise be unable to afford the costly surgery that prevents unwanted litters from being born. Every day of operation, an average of 84 animals are spayed or neutered at the Lurie Clinic, totaling more than 17,000 each year. With the launch of the state-ofthe-art GusMobile spay/neuter van, PAWS Chicago is going deeper into Chicago neighborhoods that are most in need and performing 65 surgeries each day. Comprehensive Volunteer Program Much of PAWS Chicago’s success has been built around an engaged and enthusiastic community, motivated to help save animals’ lives; more than 7,000 volunteers support PAWS Chicago’s programs and perform 70% of the work at the adoption center.
At PAWS Chicago, the adoption program guarantees life to the animals in its shelter. Dogs and cats are housed in suites instead of cages, with toys, beds and natural light, helping prevent behavioral deterioration and illnesscausing stress that is commonly found in traditional shelters. Approximately 80% of PAWS Chicago’s new pets come from the city pound, which is the optimal partnership to lead to No Kill success.
Maddie’s Fund, a foundation to build a No Kill nation, has launched shelter medicine programs across the country. These programs fund veterinary schools to train students and research shelter medicine with a focus on preventing healthy shelter pets from getting sick and helping the sick pets get well quickly.
For more information or to make a donation: PAWS Chicago 1997 N. Clybourn Ave Chicago, IL 60614 www.pawschicago.org
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 49
PASSION
HELLO BULLY Is a Pittsburgh-Based 501c3 Nonprofit Dedicated to Rehoming, Rehabilitating, and Repairing the Reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier! By Daisy Balawejder, President of Hello Bully
photos courtesy of Hello Bully
Linus, a confiscation from a suspected dogfighter in Florida. Adopted and now living happily with his sister Lucy.
Theo came to Hello Bully by way of the Missouri 500 case - the largest dogfighting bust in history. He is living happily in the suburbs and enjoys the life of a beloved companion.
Ohio 200 Alumni Ferdinand the Bull during a photo shoot. Proceeds from this project helped to fund Ferdinand's knee surgeries. Ferdinand was adopted this spring and is loving his new life.
Hello Bully began in 2005 after the passing of our first Pit Bull, Kaneda. I had adopted Kaneda from a shelter in 1995 and immediately realized that owning a Pit Bull was different than owning any other breed. While he was easily the sweetest, most easygoing dog I’d ever met, people would see him and cross to the other side of the street. He was a wonderful dog, and after he passed away, my husband and I decided we wanted to do more for Pit Bulls. Hello Bully’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and repair the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier. We promote adoption, speuter (spay/ neuter), ethical rescue and responsible ownership. We truly believe that the “Pit Bull problem” has more to do with people than it does with dogs. Hello Bully has nearly 100 active volunteers who help to run our programs; we have no paid employees. In partnership with local shelters, we run Pittsburgh’s only free Pit Bull Spay/ Neuter Program, Pit Fix Plus. Since the start of our program in July 2008, we have speutered nearly 1200 Pit Bulls. Fundraising events bring in the money needed to sustain the program. We offer free training seminars, and our behavior team members help owners in need to keep their dogs in the home and out of shelters. We also have a “Pit Bull 101” educational program that is tailored to the general public and is available at no cost. In addition to our outreach efforts, we also rescue dogs who need our help. We pull dogs from animal control, neglect situations, dogfighting busts, and from owners who are no longer able to care for their dogs. Notably, in the summer of 2010, the Humane Society of the United States asked Hello Bully to help with more than 200 Pit Bulls
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confiscated from a suspected dogfighter in Ohio. More than 50 Hello Bully volunteers provided much-needed daily care to the dogs. Meeting before the sun rose and carpooling close to 100 miles, cashing in sick days and using vacation time, our volunteers always made sure that each dog received critical care and everyday enrichment. Some rescue dogs simply need a safe place until a permanent home can be found, while others—specifically dogs who have spent their lives on a chain— need to be carefully introduced into a world that is very foreign and can be extremely overwhelming. It can take months before they are ready to be adopted into a home. Regardless of their past, all dogs are evaluated and treated as individuals. Over the years we have relied on our volunteer foster families, who work with our behavior team to help set these dogs up to succeed in their forever homes. Hello Bully recently began our search for a property where we can create a halfway home for Pit Bulls in need. We see a need for something that is more transitional than a traditional shelter, especially for Pit Bulls who have only ever known life on a chain. We are excited about the opportunity to help these dogs on their journeys from yard dogs to beloved family companions. With the continued support of the public, and the amazing dedication of our volunteers, Hello Bully sees a bright future ahead for our organization and for the dogs we are able to help.
For more information or to make a donation: Hello Bully 4885-A McKnight Rd #197 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 www.hellobully.org
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CANDi International—
Saving the Lives of Stray Cats and Dogs through Spay, Neuter, and Adoption Programs Supported by the Tourism Industry, Travelers, and Pet Lovers. Sasha Levine reports
After selling her travel business, Dargal Interline, in 2005, Darci Galati decided to take a vacation with her family to Cancun, Mexico. “At the time my twin girls were eight and my youngest daughter was five, so they were old enough to see and become disturbed by seeing the stray dogs and puppies on the streets. During our two week stay, we spent a lot of time outside of the resort so it wasn’t hard to miss them because they were everywhere, which is very common in Mexico.” They also became attached to several starving cats they fed each evening. “On our last night at the resort, my girls and I cried knowing that according to hotel staff, the resort would likely poison these cats—a horrible death of suffering and pain.” Darci explains that she subsequently found out how the local government handles the stray dog overpopulation. She says that before each tourist season begins, the government pound picks up truckloads of dogs (strays and even family pets). Then, they take them back to a warehouse where the dogs are destroyed by electrocution. “That night my girls asked me if I could help the stray dogs and cats and I told them that I would, a promise that has profoundly changed our lives.”
This was how she became the President and Founder of Cats and Dogs International (CANDi). Her first notion was to build a shelter, but reconsidered after further research because it seemed unsustainable. Then the idea dawned on her: the travel industry, as well as the travelers themselves who witness these heartbreaking scenes, might be willing to help. “With their support of CANDi’s programs that include locally sustainable spay/neuter campaigns and education programs, tourism businesses can show their pet-loving and environmentally conscious customers that they really care.” Darci says that since CANDi was founded in 2006, the organization has conducted five spay/neuter clinics in Cancun, sterilizing thousands of dogs and cats, and preventing millions of animals from being born into a life of suffering. “Vets and volunteers from Canada and the U.S. are flown in and one of our major sponsors, Air Transat, donates rooms and local transportation for our group.” They have also created CANDi’s Cat Café Program. “Many resorts treat the cat overpopulation problem at the resorts as a ‘pest/rodent problem.’ The method of control is generally to
poison the cats.” Under the Cat Café Program, the resort sets aside an area where cats are given shelter, food, and water. Through CANDi’s partnerships with local animal organizations the cats are altered and given health care. CANDi hopes that many tourism corporations will realize that animal lovers make up a major percentage of tourists. “A study was done over a three year period in Puerto Rico which revealed that Puerto Rico was losing over 15 million dollars a year because of the stray dog problem. Tourists simply would not return. Even after this study was done, to date, no new policies have been implemented. CANDi is working on changing that.” Darci explains that by supporting humane animal treatment policies and procedures, tourism businesses may display the Tourism Cares™ logo, which would attract more tourists. If you would like to help these animals, Darci says travelers should spread the word about CANDi and its programs. They are also looking for volunteers and donations. For more details about this amazing organization, visit www.candiinternational.org.
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 53
MOTIVATE photos by Karen Snook
The Gentle BarN
To rescue, rehabilitate, and give sanctuary to abused animals The American Dog reports
The Gentle Barn is a delightful place to visit where you may feed a pig, pet a goat, and hug a cow if you happen to be in Santa Clarita, California, on any given Sunday. The sanctuary, founded in 1999 by Ellie Laks and currently co-directed by Ellie and her husband Jay Weiner, is devoted to the healing and recuperation of neglected and abused animals. Once healed and acclimated to their loving surroundings, the animals facilitate that same healing for children in need. By connecting with these animals, the kids learn a unique kindness and respect for living creatures. Both Ellie and Jay wanted to give something back to animals because it was the animals who had always been there for each of them throughout the trials of growing up. In December 2010, an animal shelter in Cadis, Ohio, was in desperate need of funds and was overrun with seemingly unwanted dogs, so The Gentle Barn decided to lend a hand. “Unlike most of the shelters across America who suffer from pet overpopulation and the
need to put dogs down to make room, this shelter was causing dogs to suffer because of money issues and structural issues. We knew we could help restructure their facility to create indoor runs and save not only the immediate dogs but dogs for the rest of time,” explains Ellie. They’ve placed over 60 dogs in forever homes and taught the warden how to network with other rescues and volunteers. Since then, the shelter has not had to euthanize any dogs. They also removed the shelter’s gas chamber. “Animals have no voice and they deserve one,” says Ellie. “Animals are far more wise and wonderful than most people see. Animals saved me when I was a child and I want to give my life to them now so they may be saved.” And that is exactly what Ellie, Jay, and the volunteers at The Gentle Farm do on a regular basis. One rescue stands out vividly for Ellie: a hoarding situation in Lancaster, California three years ago. They helped save about 200 farm
54 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
animals, 200 dogs, and 40 cats. Ellie says that though it was the longest, hardest 10 months of their lives, after the animals were all safe and in loving homes, it was well worth it. “As a nation, we don’t all have to do huge heroic acts, if we all just be kind to those in front of us it would be a better place for all of us! Thanks for your support. We can’t do our wonderful work without people helping us!” The Gentle Barn is so inspiring, they were even featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show. You can visit their sanctuary on Sundays to meet the animals or visit their website, www.gentlebarn.org, to watch the clip and to learn more about this wonderful sanctuary.
For more information or to make a donation: The Gentle Barn 15825 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita, CA 91390 (661) 252-2440
COURAGE
JAPAN DISASTER
Triple Threat: photo courtesy of Kinship Circle, Japan 2011
“ Rikuzentakata Shi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Fellow Kinship rescuer Ron Presley and I searched for any signs of life. The only creature we found alive was one snake. To scale: I am the tiny red dot in the center-right of the screen.
by Courtney Chandel, Volunteer for Kinship Circle
I deployed with the first Kinship Circle volunteer team on 3/26/11, shortly following the disasters in Japan. We immediately understood how, due to the earthquake and tsunami, so many people and animals never made it out alive. Coastal towns were wiped off the map. Besides buildings, whole roads were pulled up and out to sea, and large fishing vessels were stranded on land far away from any waterline. Everything was backward. We saw boats where buildings should have been, and the buildings were out in the ocean. The destruction went on for hundreds of miles of coastline.
At harbors and inlets, buildings, cars, and everything else was simply smashed and blended together. Above, this inlet in the town of Rikuzentakata Shi where thousands had died was at least a mile from any ocean shore. We could not see, hear, or even smell the ocean from here. Fellow Kinship rescuer Ron Presley and I searched for any signs of life. The only creature we found alive was one snake. As people evacuated from destroyed areas, there was also a 20-kilometer (approximately 12.5 miles) mandatory evacuation zone surrounding the nuclear power plants which were
56 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
affected by the tsunami. This meant there were a lot of abandoned animals, mostly cats and dogs, chained or roaming the streets in the cold without food or water or the comfort of a familiar hand. Non’s Story—A Family Affair Fukushima, Japan (3/29/11) “10 days!” a woman cried on the phone. Most evacuees imagined a one-day leave from the nuclear exclusion zone in Fukushima Prefecture. But 10 days had passed since the caller left her white Shiba Inu, Non, alone at her house in Oguma. “Can you rescue him?”
COURAGE 9.0 Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Contamination—3/11/11 to the Present This was the first time that American animal rescuers attempted to go deep into the nuclear exclusion zone. At this point it must be said I was advised I could not go ahead as part of Kinship Circle. Security had tightened up considerably the week before, and there was no telling how Non’s rescue would go. People found in the zone were being arrested and fined. Spending time in a foreign jail wasn’t really on my “To-do” list. Nevertheless, after grabbing our gear (and Geiger counter!), founder of the shelter Animal FriendsNiigata Isabella Gallaon-Aoki, and I tried getting into the exclusion zone during daylight anyway, but watched as one vehicle after another was turned away at the checkpoints. We even tried driving a winding indirect and dubious route along the terrifyingly narrow mountainside “roads,” where one wrong bobble of the steering wheel meant a 50-foot fall down the side of a cliff. We felt we were making progress after nearly 2 hours of this until toward the road’s end, when we came upon a huge pile of rocks which cut off our road completely; these were no doubt rocks that had avalanched down during the earthquake. In despair, we had no choice but to back up and retrace our nerve-wracking first path into the mountains and out again. We drove another route through the cold and dark forests for our final try into the zone, and as always, never seeing another car or human being along the way. Many groups of graceful shrines and eerie multicolored reflectors dotted our way up and down the winding road through the silent and ancient forest. It was a serene and welcome contrast from the hundreds of miles of stark destruction which was so much of what I’d seen since first arriving in Japan. Now at night and on the edge of a deserted town with no power, we stopped briefly when we finally came upon a check post...seemingly unmanned. Bright red warning lights
popped ominously against signs exclaiming “Danger!” Intimidated, we stopped. But, thinking of the trapped dog who lacked food and water for 10 days, we made a decision, and Isabella simply put the pedal to the metal. Holding our breath, we blew by the check post—looking back just long enough to see that no one followed. Oh, Thelma and Louise would have been proud... Before we could exhale, we sped past two more similar unmanned posts. We slowed down enough only to go around the incredibly deep and wide fissures in the earthquake-cracked road. In some spots, in order just to pass, we had to find huge boards from destroyed structures and drag them over the wider fissures. But after a while when we saw no more posts, we felt we could say, “I think we got in.” Suddenly we saw a brown spaniel-mix running wildly along the inside of a very long, unlit tunnel. I got out of the SUV to head off one side of the tunnel, and Isabella drove on down to the other end to turn around so that we could hopefully corral him. Once I was alone in the pitch black, with nothing at all to see, I thought I heard a creeping sound or two. But as I whirled around, would see nothing but black and hear nothing but my own panting breath. Before too long headlights appeared to reveal that the dog was well behind us, nearly at the mouth of the tunnel. He turned away sharply and disappeared down into a gated backyard of a house. We made a note to revisit here. Soon we were less than three miles from the crippled Fukushimia nuclear plant. Among its ominous slow pulses of light, the area was silent except for the sound of barking dogs. Their yelps reverberated into a singular echo. We scanned the empty homes, unable to tell how many animals were chained up or awaiting rescue inside. Finding an address in Japan can be a formidable task, even with a GPS.
Often the streets aren’t named, and when they are they’re numbered. But more often than not, the street signs don’t exist. Houses are not numbered either. In addition, Non’s people told us, “Our house is hard to find.” Nevertheless, we trawled through the dark streets of the smashed town, listening and calling for dogs. We got out now and again listening carefully to where the barks were coming from. At one corner, the smell of death wafted up strong and sure. I thought “Oh no, this is really strong! There must have been more than a few creatures who died right here.” Through more investigation, we noticed a grocery store a few paces away that had smashed glass all around it. Shelves that had toppled over in the quake were covered with the contents of oozing cartons and jars. It was only the smell of rotting meat—a huge relief. We continued our search. Nearing Non’s area, we heard strong barking and frantic woofs resonate near a home. We followed the woofs to a backyard, and there he was—the white Shiba Inu we were so worried about, barking, lunging, and growling—showing signs of severe emotional trauma that I knew so well after years of rescuing animals of disasters. As it was, it was fine with us; Non was alive, and we were so glad to see him! Not that I wanted to get bitten, however. So, I climbed atop a stone wall and stone-stepped onto the roof of Non’s doghouse where I could then kneel astride and where he couldn’t attack me. Our catch pole fell too short during our first few tries of looping him, and I thought I was going to fall right off the doghouse and soon into his jaws. But after he was looped, he quieted right down and came along relatively peacefully. Mission accomplished, we set out to Non’s temporary home at Animal Friends Niigata and into cell phone range to call Non’s family. We left plenty of food and water for two other
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 57
COURAGE
photos courtesy of Kinship Circle, Japan 2011
Kinship Circle’s Courtney Chandel feeds and comforts a dog outside a no-pets evacuation center in Rikuzentakatashi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
dogs we saw, a cat who darted into the shadows, and for many others who were too traumatized to come out tonight. There really is no other call than the one letting an evacuated family know their beloved companion is alive. There were tears from Non’s family again. Only this time, they were tears of relief and triumph. 30 Really Is the New 20 Non was reunited with his family. What could have been a tragic and heartbreaking homecoming was supplanted by a joyful away-from-home family reunion! However, the saga in Japan continues. Since March 26 until the end of July, Kinship Circle Animal Rescue teams have rescued and fed animals up and down the affected areas of the coast without stopping for a breath. “Two disaster phases overlap now,” says Kinship Circle executive director Brenda Shoss. “We are in emergency sheltering mode for animal victims of the earthquake and tsunami. But for the radiation part, it’s as if someone keeps hitting the rewind button on ‘crisis.’ Each time evacuations empty
a district, the area is police barricaded under nuclear emergency law. The 20-kilometer zone, fully sealed since the end of April, can be an animal death sentence. Many farmed and companion animals are trapped without food, water or care. They die from dehydration at a faster rate than starvation.” Since Non’s rescue, the 20-kilometer zone has been expanded in many areas to an alarming 30-kilometer zone. Back to the Future In some areas, the zone will even have been expanded to 50 kilometers! This will mean certain demise for many animals trapped in the zones. To find out what actions you can take today to help animals avoid this fate, please visit www.kinshipcircle.org to help us continue our work to assist where it is needed the most. Also, like many “underdog” agencies, we need support to keep our many operations going and to continue our work in animal disaster response, investigative and research campaigns, humane education, and many other programs. Because as we know, if we all don’t do it, who will?
58 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
C
ourtney Chandel is a Registered Nurse who has been rescuing animals in and around New York City for nearly 15 years. After experiencing the tremendous outpouring of support from all over the world and from other states after September 11th, she began her national and international disaster rescue avocation starting with two deployments to Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Since then, she has returned to Louisiana to respond to Hurricane Gustav and Rita, and has deployed to Chile following the 2010 earthquake and tsunami there. She has made two response deployments to Japan in the spring of 2011. She has received the “Golden Heart Award” and “Key to the City of New Orleans” from the Humane Society of Louisiana for her rescue response following Hurricane Katrina and following this, she received a Proclamation for “Outstanding New Yorkers” from the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, designating August 22 as “Courtney Chandel day throughout the Borough of Manhattan.” Between deployments she performs difficult rescues at home in New York City by using skills learned from being in extreme situations during disasters.
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 59
COMPASSION
Scotlund Haisley Takes You Inside a Puppy Mill Rescue By Scotlund Haisley
Photos by Kristina Bowman
As we drive down the long dirt road and I roll down the window letting the dusty air waft in, I look to the team riding with me. I can see that they smell it too—the unmistakable stench of death. We sit in silence, preparing for the horrors we are about to encounter. We’re driving toward a 50-year-old puppy mill in middle America. We’re driving toward it, and we’re driving to end it. We arrive, and local law enforcement descends upon the puppy miller’s property. The search and seizure warrant is served and we can immediately begin rescuing the animals. Their suffering ends today. The Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) team, made up of staff and volunteers,
operates quickly and diligently so we can get the animals out safely as soon as possible. To build our court case, we must assess the entire property before the extraction of animals begins: We set up the evidence table and mark the structures with evidence tags; we inspect the premises and take a preliminary head count; and our vet visually examines the animals for anyone who may be in critical condition. During this time we also send out press releases and alerts to our supporters. Spreading awareness is essential to our mission. Dogs have been suffering at this puppy mill for more than 50 years, but the case started just a week and a half ago when ARC received a tip that described
60 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
a horrific scene: the odor of urine and feces so strong it burned the informant’s eyes; dogs crammed six or more at a time into 2’ x 2’ wire cages; dogs covered in their own excrement with overgrown nails and severely matted fur; and an overwhelming cacophony of what sounded like hundreds of dogs. As I walk down row after row of cages, I wear my safety mask in an attempt to filter the overpowering odor of ammonia. I meet hundreds of dogs who are malnourished, dehydrated, and suffering from heat exhaustion. Live dogs are trapped in cages with the decaying corpses of dead dogs. I see nothing but misery and hopelessness in
COMPASSION
Scotlund Haisley promising two puppy mill dogs they will never have to birth another puppy
Scotlund pulls this scared, matted dog out of the darkness and into the light to finally end her suffering
Ady Gil, ARC supporter and volunteer, freeing a puppy mill dog from hell
their eyes. On the Internet, the puppy miller advertised dogs in perfect health happily romping in a lush, green yard. In reality, it is anything but.
and shelter partners for placement. We would do it at no cost to their community. They had only one question for us: How quickly can you get here?
The assessment complete, the ARC team starts the extraction process. In the first cage, I find a dog whose fur has matted to the cage, growing into knots around its bars. I have to cut her free. When I lift her, I see that she has been trapped in her own excrement. Her feet are raw from standing in urine and on wire for most, if not all, of her life. I pass her to a volunteer who gently embraces the dog’s frail body and carries her to the intake table where the dog is examined and given an ID number and a tag. Photos are taken, and she is placed into a kennel in one of our rescue trucks to be taken to the emergency shelter, where the she will begin her medical and emotional rehabilitation.
Back on scene, the team has been working tirelessly for hours loading up three truckloads of dogs. It’s nearly 1 A.M. as the last dog is carried away from misery. As I look at the nowvacant puppy mill, it’s hard to believe only hours earlier this property had been overrun by dogs with no hope for salvation. Our final count is more than double what we estimated, and that number will grow as the pregnant dogs give birth to puppies who will now never know the suffering their parents had to endure.
Only days earlier, we spoke to the district attorney’s office explaining the tip we had received. We described how Animal Rescue Corps could complete the investigation, work with them to write the search and seizure warrant, bring in the resources to rescue the animals, provide the necessities for a temporary emergency shelter and transport the animals to our rescue
As the team heads toward the temporary shelter, I put on our ARC playlist. I look back at the team as Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” begins to play. Their faces, like mine, are exhausted but there is a sparkle in everyone’s eyes inspired by what we have just accomplished. Today, hundreds of dogs experienced kindness for the first time in their lives. Today, we gave the unborn puppies the opportunity to live, knowing nothing but joy. Today, we put compassion into action. But our work is far from over.
We have many long days ahead: hundreds of animals will be fed, watered and cleaned; veterinary exams and treatments for all the animals will begin; placement with rescue and shelter partners will be finalized and transports will be arranged; and an evidence package will be handed over to authorities. Our goal is not only to help a community and save lives, but also to make a lasting impact —to bring puppy millers and others who profit from animal abuse to justice, and to do our best to ensure not one more animal will suffer at their hands. When this case is wrapped up, we will continue looking into the dozens of tips that fill the reportcruelty@animalrescuecorps.org inbox every day. I would love to run out of work for Animal Rescue Corps but until all animals are free and safe from cruelty we won’t stop. We can’t stop. Please join us at www.animalrescuecorps.org/join.
For more information or to make a donation: Animal Rescue Corps 1380 Monroe St. NW #326 Washington, DC 20010-3452 www.animalrescuecorps.org Find us on Facebook: Animal Rescue Corps
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 61
ACTION
NO KILL
KILL BUS O N
MOVEMENT RESOURCE GUIDE
The No KILL Movement is all about ending the killing of healthy, adoptable animals in shelters across the nation. Please join the movement and become a "fan" of these No Kill organizations on Facebook to keep up-to-date with the latest news and info. ANIMAL ARK
NO KILL CALIFORNIA
NO KILL MONTGOMERY
AUSTIN NO KILL COALITION
NO KILL CHATTANOOGA
NO KILL NATION
AUSTIN PETS ALIVE
NO KILL CENTRAL FLORIDA
NO KILL NEW HAMPSHIRE
BUILDING A NO KILL SOUTH FLORIDA
NO KILL COALITION
NO KILL NEW JERSEY
NO KILL COLUMBUS GA
CITIZENS FOR A NO-KILL PHILADELPHIA
NO KILL NEW YORK
NO KILL CONNECTICUT
NO KILL NJ
NO KILL CSRA
NO KILL NYC
NO KILL DELAWARE
NO KILL OHIO
NO KILL FLORIDA
NO KILL ORANGE COUNTYCALIFORNIA
FIXAUSTIN.ORG FIX FRESNO FIXNATION FIXUNITEDSTATES.ORG FIXSANFRANCISCO.ORG NEVADA HUMANE SOCIETY NEW MEXICO PETS ALIVE
NO KILL FORT WORTH NO KILL GEORGIA NO KILL HOUSTON NO KILL ILLINOIS COMMUNITY NO KILL IOWA COMMUNITY
NOLA NO KILL TASKFORCE
NO KILL KERN COUNTY
PAWS CHICAGO
NO KILL KNOXVILLE
PHOENIX PETS ALIVE
NO KILL LEHIGH VALLEY
ROANOKE NO KILL COALITION
NO KILL LOS ANGELES
RYAN CLINTON, NO KILL SPCA OF TOMPKINS COUNTY NO KILL ADVOCACY CENTER NO KILL ADVOCATES UNION NO KILL ALABAMA NO KILL ARIZONA NO KILL ARKANSAS
NO KILL LOUISVILLE NO KILL MACON NO KILL MAINE No Kill Maricopa NO KILL MARYLAND NO KILL MASSACHUSETTS NO KILL MEMPHIS
NO KILL OREGON NO KILL ORLANDO NO KILL PENNSYLVANIA NO KILL PHOENIX NO KILL REVOLUTION NO KILL REVOLUTION CROSS POSTING USA NO KILL RHODE ISLAND NO KILL SA NO KILL SAN BERNARDINO NO KILL SAN DIEGO NO KILL SONOMA COUNTY NO KILL SO. CALIFORNIA NO KILL SOUTH CAROLINA NO KILL TAMPA
NO KILL MICHIGAN
NO KILL TEXAS
NO KILL ATLANTA
NO KILL MILWAUKEE
NO KILL TX ADVOCATES
NO KILL BATON ROUGE
NO KILL MINNESOTA
NO KILL TRIANGLE
NO KILL BIRMINGHAM
NO KILL MISSISSIPPI
NO KILL VIRGINIA
NO KILL BLOUNT
NO KILL MISSOURI
NO KILL: WASHINGTON STATE
62 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE
BIBI ROGERS, Founder of 4U2ReUSE Tamra Monahan reports
Bibi Rogers is a woman with a mission. As a passionate friend of the earth, she would like to reduce the amount of trash dumped into landfills by reusing rubbish instead of throwing it out. To accomplish this, she created 4U2ReUSE, a company with a line of pet products made from discarded materials. By turning trash into doggie treasures, this innovative entrepreneur helps dog owners become more than just pooper scoopers—they transform into responsible environmentalists who remove dog waste and human trash.
Many of Bibi’s products are crafted from kite boarding sails that can no longer be repaired. As an avid kite boarder, Bibi noticed that her fellow boarders would throw away their sails when they were damaged. Realizing this is bad for the environment, she collects the discarded sails and transforms the colorful fabric into leashes, collars, portable water bowls, and pet carriers. As well as respecting the environment, these products offer pragmatic, practical solutions to pet necessities and are handy for active owners and their pets.
“I have a mission with my business and my products to raise awareness about the problems with consumption that creates trash,” Bibi says. “For my products, I reuse materials that would have been discarded, like the kite sails that would have ended up in a landfill or in the ocean. I also purchase materials that are made out of recycled plastic water bottles.”
One of her most popular items is the iPICKUP dog waste bag carrier and biodegradable bags, both of which are environmentally safe and friendly. The waste bag carrier easily and securely attaches to a leash and conveniently dispenses a roll of dog waste bags, which are made of non-genetically modified cornstarch, a renewable resource that decomposes naturally in
64 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
about the same amount of time as organic material. In addition, these biodegradable bags are inexpensive and are delivered on a monthly basis, so dog owners never have to worry about running out of poop bags. Not only does Bibi want to help pet owners become more eco-friendly, she is also committed to changing the way future generations treat the earth. With some of the money from 4U2ReUSE, Bibi hopes to start a foundation that will teach children about the importance of saving the environment, because she believes they are the key to saving the earth. “The only people that can actually save us from this debacle of consumption are our kids. If we can educate them, we will have a chance.”
For more information or to contact: Visit www.4u2reuse.com
Design Services:
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Cracking your identity’s genetic code is not strickly about the product, about the past, or even about things-it is about tapping in to an essence and ethos that defines who you are to the folks who matter: your core customers, your potential customers, and your employees.
Scott Bedbury, a new brand world
“
• publishing • logos • branding • adverting • non profit • invitations • multimedia • web design
Kelly L. Mayer Design www.kellylmayer.com kelly.l.mayer@gmail.com The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 65
FITNESS
WALLACE THE PIT BULL loves catching a frisbee!
DISC DOGGIN! photo by Joshua Grenell
To watch a dog fly through the air in pursuit of his Frisbee— and catch it in mid-air—is to watch one of the most impressive, defying-gravity stunts around. This incredibly popular sport, called Disc Dog, requires only a Frisbee, a four-legged buddy and a level play area.
Dogs of all kinds love to perform in this competition and some of the world champions have been mixed breeds and shelter rescues. This is also a great sport because it gives the dog a job to do, keep him entertained and is a terrific way to bond and work as a team with your dog. This summer, buy a Frisbee so you and your dog can have a blast and get a great workout chasing after the flying disc. There are hundreds of Disc Dog Clubs nationwide and you can join one to meet other athletic dogs and owners—and if you think your dog has what it takes to be a champ then enter some of the tournaments organized in most every state.
68 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
FITNESS
DOCK DIVING! If you have an athletic dog who is born to run, loves the water, and will chase after any object you throw his way, then make plans for Fido to get involved in a dock diving club this summer! Dock diving is a popular sport for the canine athlete in which dogs run and leap off a 40-foot dock into a pool of water after a lure thrown by their handler. The dog that jumps
the farthest is the winner. Any breed of dog can participate in this sport but obviously a love of the water is a must. There are four different tournament events: Big Air, Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve and the new sport, Iron Dog. There are age classifications as well. Dock Dog events are held regionally, nationally and internationally.
Photos courtesy of Las Vegas Pet Photos
For more information about dock diving or to find a club near you, check out these links: www.dockdogs.com (official web site for this premier sport) www.splashdogs.com (West Coast) www.cascadedockdogs.com (Washington & Oregon) www.chesapeakedockdogs.com (Maryland & N. Virginia) www.dixiedockdogs.com (Atlanta & NE Georgia) www.houstondockdogs.com (Texas) www.keystonedockdogs.com (Pennsylvania) www.lasvegasdockdogs.com (Las Vegas & surrounding regions) www.rockymountaindockdogs.com (Colorado/Nebraska/Wyoming) www.tidewaterdockdogs.com (Virginia Beach, VA areas) www.wisdockdogs.com (Wisconsin)
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 69
EXPLORE
THE GOLDEN STATE OF
CALIFORNIA
MAMMOTH LAKES:
NAPA VALLEY:
SANTA BARBARA:
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA:
ENJOY THE MANY HIKING TRAILS and CRYSTAL CLEAR LAKES
TAKE A SWIM IN DOG-FRIENDLY ARROYA BURRO BEACH
70 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH DOG-FRIENDLY WINERIES
TAKE A ROAD TRIP ALONG THE FAMOUS 17-MILE-DRIVE
A REAL DOG AFICIONADO
DOG CULTURE
does all things dog-related and is immersed in the dog culture scene! You can always find a true dog-loving aficionado..... watching, reading, doing, talking, attending, or involved in all the activities below!
DOG TV SHOWS
DOG MOTION PICTURES
DOG BOOKS
DOG NEWSPAPERS
DOG MAGAZINES
DOG BLOGGERS
CANINE CHARITY WALKS
DOG HAPPY/YAPPY HOUR
DOG PARTIES
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
BLACK TIE GALAS
AWARD CEREMONIES The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 71
ENTERTAINMENT
movie night
What better way to enjoy the weekend with the family than to rent a "Dog" movie, make some buttery popcorn, and have everyone, including the dogs, snuggle together on the sofa with blankies to watch the movie!
BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA
THE REVENGE OF GALORE
HOTELS FOR DOGS
MARLEY & ME
MARMADUKE
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
CATS & DOGS
DVD photos by Jamie M Downey
72 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
RELAX
DOG PARENTs NEED TO CHILL OUT TOO! Spend an evening with a few good books, a nice bottle of wine, some New York cheesecake - all in the comfort of your big oversized, stuffed chair. . . snuggled under a warm blanket!
photos by Jamie m Downey
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 73
FAMOUS DOGS
W ith F riends
"GIBBS THERADOODLE"
"CHARLTON DANE"
"WHISKEY RIVER SMITH"
"HAGRID BOERBOEL"
"DOZER HOWARD"
"WINCHESTER HAYES"
"TEAGAN'S FAN PAGE"
"DUKE"
"PHOEBE THECYBER CRIMEDOG"
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FAMOUS DOGS
oN Facebook!
"ECHO THE DEAF PITTIE MIX"
"DOLLY THE PIT BULL"
"EMMA ZEN CHIAPUZIO"
"RAINBOW DIAMOND"
"ZOEY SHAFFER"
"SAJE MAN"
"GUS WILLIAMS"
"STACEY MAE"
"MOKI THE RHODI" The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 75
DOG TRAVEL
Ten Tips for Traveling with Fido by CeliaSue Hecht
Summer and fall are when many families travel. According to the American Pet Products Association, 72.9 million U.S. Households own a pet (roughly 65% of the U.S. Population), and 25% of pet owners take their pet on vacation with them. When you are traveling with your pooch this fall, here are some ways to make it easier for you and Fido.
1 Prepare your trip and vehicle ahead
of time. Call ahead to make sure that your pet-friendly hotel, inn, motel, or B&B knows that you are bringing your dog and that you agree with their pet policies (fees, weight limits, and amenities). Dogs like to have familiar things around them so bring their comfort foods, treats, and toys to remind them of home. Pack a separate bag with your dog’s goodies, food, treats, portable bowls, toys, bones, pillows, blankets, pet waste bags, and other paraphernalia. Bring your vet’s phone number, medical records, ID tags, photos of your pet, and other info with you. Medications and a pet first aid kit are also a must.
extra car oil, gas can, a flashlight, a spare tire, camping gear, water, towels, pillows, extra cash or credit card and other items you might need (pet shampoo, scissors, bandages, ointments and creams and oils) just in case. 3 Harness your dog with a pet seat belt or put him in a crate or kennel to keep him safe while you drive. 4 Feed your dog a few hours before you leave and wait a couple of hours after you arrive at your destination to ensure that your dog’s tummy will enjoy the trip. Food should be easily digestible, portable, and healthy. eep your dog hydrated. Bring 5 K ice cubes if it’s hot. Walk your dog just before you leave and take potty breaks along the way and after you arrive. Schedule fun stops along the way to beaches, dog parks, pet-friendly wineries or pet stores to alleviate the monotony. 6 Find out ahead of time nearby places to visit including restaurants where you can take your pooch and fun dog-friendly activities in the area.
health certificate that shows that your dog has a rabies vaccine. If your dog is a banned breed, be aware of restrictions and avoid cities and states where these bans are applicable. 8 Keep to a regular schedule while you are away, similar to your schedule at home. 9 Be sure that your pet has an ID tag with your home and local contact info (cell phone) attached to her collar or leash, just in case she gets lost. Dogs do not like to be left alone in a hotel room, strange places, or even in the familiar confines of your car. Do not ever leave your four-legged friend unattended in a parked vehicle— especially not on warm days. The temperature in your vehicle can be a lethal 120 degrees, even with the windows slightly open in the summertime.
For more info or to contact: Visit her blog at: www.celiasue.wordpress.com
Keep maps, important phone 2 If you are traveling between Become a friend on Facebook at: numbers, and driving directions 7 CeliaSue Hecht in your glove compartment. Bring states, federal law requires a
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"Overall, this is the best dog training video I've seen. Yes, better than the Monks of New Skete, or any pop culture TV show on Animal Planet. These folks really care and are sincere about helping people create a true and long lasting relationship with their dogs. Highly recommended to all dog owners!" ~Amazon review
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 77
Working Dogs
Guard D uty—
Baby Girl, a Maremma, stands guard on the Wyoming range against predators who threaten her flock of sheep.
by Ta m r a Mon a h a n
High up on a hill overlooking the vast, beautiful landscape of a Wyoming ranch, a lone guard sits and watches, waiting for danger. Below, sheep contentedly graze, unaware of the predatory threats surrounding them: foxes hungry for a lamb, coyotes searching for their next meal, poachers looking for an easy kill. The guardian watches and waits, knowing his canine instincts and ferocious skills will safeguard his herd. He was born to serve and protect. He is a guard dog. Centuries ago in Europe and Asia, shepherds bred dogs to have an instinctual desire to guard small animals,such as sheep and goats. Modern day ranchers use these same ancient breeds—Komondors, Anatolian Shepherds, Akbash, Maremmas, and Great Pyrenees—to protect their herds. These dogs are well suited for the job because of their fierce loyalty and imposing size, standing at least 25 inches
at the shoulder and weighing more than 100 pounds. The concept is simple: assimilate the dog into the livestock so that all the animals feel like one herd. When the dog has been accepted as part of the herd, he lives with the goats or sheep in a corral, fenced pasture, or across wide open grazing land. As a natural pack leader, the dog becomes the alpha animal protecting the herd from threats. “Their job is to be a presence for anything that comes along that is foreign to them,” says Eric Barlow, a sheep rancher and veterinarian in Gillette, Wyoming. Eric’s dogs, who stay with his sheep as they roam across 20 square miles, have different guarding styles. Baby Girl, a Maremma, always stays with the sheep regardless of where they go. Other dogs such as Zero, another Maremma, choose to stay farther from the sheep, roaming around the herd in wide circles, keeping an eye out for predators.
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To a guard dog, potential threats range from docile animals, such as cattle, to predatory animals, such as coyotes and foxes. Some dogs even focus on raptors flying overhead and follow the birds until they’ve flown away from the livestock. When they sense danger, the dogs make a stand, barking and charging at the intruder, which is usually enough to scare it off. Guard dogs are large, ferocious canines who can take on most predators, but they also learn to be gentle protectors. They’re raised with the livestock from puppyhood, so they view the sheep and goats as their clan. Anyone or anything outside the clan is treated as a potential threat, which may include the rancher. Most dogs who stay out on the range with their sheep will accept the rancher as a trusted human and allow him to come close for feeding and care. Other dogs, however, will not come close enough to eat their food until the rancher has left.
Dogs Who Serve and Protect…the Sheep!
photos by Tamra Monahan
Working Dogs
A n n i e , a n A n a t o l i a n S h e p h e r d , l i v e s w i t h h e r h e r d o f g o a t s a s t h e i r p r o t e c t o r.
The advantage of having a dog that does not interact with humans, including the rancher, is that they won’t be tempted to leave the sheep and seek food from people they encounter, such as utility and oil rig workers. The disadvantage is the inability to help the dogs if they’re in trouble. Eric says that his feral guard dogs are on their own in terms of care, which makes him uneasy. If they get sick and need his attention, he usually can’t get close enough to give it.
small parcel of land near Fort Collins, Colorado. When they lived in Fort Collins, predators were not much of a threat, and James and Lora felt that they could protect their goats. When they moved to the country, however, their powers of protection were no match against coyotes who hovered dangerously close to their goats in the pasture.
“There’s a fine line for these dogs between ignoring people and being comfortable with them because sometimes I need to get close to help them with things like porcupine quills or broken legs or if they’ve been in a fight,” he says. “I want the dogs to be independent, but comfortable with me. I want them to come and greet me, then go back to the sheep.”
Night after night, they heard their goats bleat in fear as coyotes yipped and howled around the fence, and the couple realized they needed help fending off predators that were intent on killing their livelihood. They searched for a trained livestock guard dog and found Annie, a huge 130-pound Anatolian Shepherd with gigantic paws, a powerful bite, and a heart of gold. When Annie reported for duty, the coyotes stayed away and the goats calmed down.
James Haught and Lora Wittenberg encountered a different set of problems raising award-winning dairy goats on a
“Before we got Annie, the coyotes were coming up to the fence every night. The first night she was on the job, she
started howling like a wolf, and they immediately stopped,” Lora says. “Most of her protection comes through intimidation. If necessary, she will attack the coyotes, but so far they haven’t tried to get in the pen. They’re smart and they stay away because they know she’s here.” From the first day, Annie loved the goats, but they weren’t too sure about having a large dog in their midst. Goats naturally see dogs as predators, yet Annie quickly made friends with them by getting down in a submissive posture, crawling on her belly toward the goats, and gently licking them. Now, Annie stays with the herd all the time. In fact, she gets nervous and cries when she’s not with her goat buddies. Lora says although Annie likes playing with their other dog, she’s happier with the goats. For Annie, life is hanging with her herd and, making sure they’re happy.
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 79
DR’S CORNER
A Trip to the Veterinarian— photo courtesy of wheat ridge animal hospital
It Can Be a Good Thing! By Kathe r i n e T u c k e r- M o h l , V M D Sen i or A s s oc iat e Eme rg e n c y V e t e rina ria n Whe at R i d ge Anim al H o s pita l
Today starts out so well. A brisk walk around the block, and a long late morning nap on the couch. Then comes the question: “Want to go for a car ride?” My response: an emphatic “Yes!” (punctuated by a vigorous tail wag with a whole body wiggle). But instead of a trip to the lake for a swim or to the store to pick out a new toy, we arrive at the veterinary clinic. All of the sudden my tail becomes glued between my legs, and I start trembling in fear. Echoing around me are the cries of other dogs, and I fear that the worst is coming—what if I never leave this place? When the veterinarian arrives in the exam room, my normal exuberant kisses are replaced by a snarl, and I am issued that embarrassing and uncomfortable muzzle. After what seems like an eternity, filled with poking and prodding, I am released from this prison, and I hastily drag my owner back to the car before she changes her mind. Do you know a pet like this? For many dog and cat owners, a trip to the veterinarian can be a source of significant stress and anxiety. In some cases, owners may forego bringing their pets in for annual wellness exams because the experience can feel so traumatizing. Here are some tips that can help make veterinary visits a little easier for you and your pet.
the lips to examine the teeth and gums. Reward your pet’s good behavior at home.
2 Help your pet adjust to car rides by
3 Bringitemsthatcarryafamiliarscent
4 Make trips to the veterinary clinic
5 Remember that your pet will detect
6 For cats, habituation to a carrier can
taking very short rides to start, and then gradually extend the length of the drive. After every successful trip, reward your pet with treats and attention. for your pet, such as a favorite toy, t-shirt, or towel. that do not involve examinations or procedures. Just go in and spend some time in the waiting room, visit with the staff, reward with treats and then go back home. This helps your pet get used to the clinic and sets the pet up for a less stressful experience when it’s time for an exam or procedure. and respond to your own anxiety and stress. Remain calm during the visit and your pet should respond in kind. be key to reducing the stress that is frequently associated with transportation. A carrier with an easily removable top is ideal. Leave the carrier open at home with some comfortable bedding so your cat sees the carrier as a comfortable and secluded hiding space.
1 Rehearse
the veterinary visit at home. If you have the opportunity to start this with your pet at a young age, all the better. Familiarize your pet with common parts of the doctor’s physical exam, including touching the pet’s feet and lifting
plan to minimize waiting time and contact with other animals. At our clinic we have instituted special VIF (very important feline) appointments. Upon arrival, these felines are escorted directly to a designated exam room, where they are given the opportunity to explore the feline friendly spaces and hiding spots before the exam begins. Contact with other animals is minimized, and the goal of these slower paced appointments is to make wellness care for felines less stressful for both cats and their owners. Remember, our pets are masters at hiding signs of illness. Just because your pet isn’t “acting” sick does not mean that he or she does not need a wellness exam. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet and discuss a plan for keeping your dog or cat at optimum health.
7 Let your veterinary team know if For more information:
80 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
your pet tends to become stressed or anxious at the vet. Discuss a
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Our general practitioners work together with our board-certified specialists to ensure that your pets receive the most advanced treatment available, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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$11.95 for one tag and $20.00 for 2 plus $2.00 shipping
photo by Jamie Downey
NUTRITION
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables! Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help protect people from diseases, and even cancer. So why not make sure your dog is getting a few servings of veggies and fruit in their daily diet to help improve your dog's health and well-being also!
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 83
TASTE photo by Jamie M Downey
Jamie M Downey, Publisher of The American Dog Magazine, enjoys cooking for her dogs and she wanted to share a few of the delicious meals she prepares in the kitchen for her ravenous canine kids! Labs love to chow down, and then eat some more, and her dogs' favorite room is the kitchen! We hope you enjoy these two dishes featured with fruit and vegetables that you can incorporate into your dog's favorite dry food! A little variety is the spice of life and your dog will appreciate your efforts to add some new flavors to their meal!
FRUITS: F ruit-Filled Burgers Mix blueberries, strawberries, and bananas in a blender to get a stew, and the pour into dog bowl over dog's favorite kibble. Put grated broccoli, carrots, and cabbage on top of the fruit stew, then sprinkle in blueberries. Add the grilled burgers, and top the burgers with a bite of cantaloupe and strawberries! Yummy!
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FLAVOR photo by Jamie M Downey
VEGGIES: S crambled Eggs with Diced
Zucchini and Grated Carrots
Scramble organic, free-range eggs in a frying pan while you dice up fresh zucchini and saute in olive oil over medium heat. After the eggs are scrambled and the zucchini is lightly cooked, then scoop a generous heaping of scrambled eggs over your dog's favorite dry kibble and put a few spoonfuls of diced zucchini over the eggs. Sprinkle some grated raw carrots over the food bowl and watch your dog dig in! The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 85
safety
KEEPING PETS SAFE Over 2 Million Family Pets Are Stolen Every Year! By Jamie M Downey
The pet theft epidemic is all about stealing dogs. Family pets are kidnapped at a startling rate throughout the country and sold to animal research facilities for profit. Purebred dogs are dog-napped from backyards and sold on Craigslist or through classified ads for hundreds of dollars, and Pit Bull-type dogs are stolen to be used as bait dogs or turned into fighting dogs. Regardless of the thieves’ tactics and intentions, the outcome for a stolen dog is bleak. According to animal welfare organizations like IDA (In Defense of Animals), PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), and LCA (Last Chance for Animals), “It is estimated that 2 million dogs and cats are forcibly stolen every year from owners’ property or by deception through ‘free-to-good-home' ads. These family pets are taken by common thieves and unlicensed dealers known as ‘bunchers’ for resale. Bunchers steal pets off the street, from owners’ yards and vehicles, and anywhere else the animals are in public view.” Two million beloved family pets are abducted and forced to finish the remainder of their lives in hell. If you divide that staggering number by the days in a year, that accounts for 5,479 pets stolen every single day. Why would someone want to steal your mutt, purebred, or mongrel? Most dogs are stolen for animal research or, more obviously, for money. This is a billion-dollar business. According to IDA, “The most consistent and highest-paying client is often
the research industry. Hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs are used as laboratory subjects in universities and testing and research institutions every year. Research institutions prefer to experiment on animals that are accustomed to humans, as they tend to be docile and much easier to handle.” Other corporations that do research on animals include private and public hospitals, medical schools, paint and pesticide manufacturers, the Department of Defense, medical supply/equipment and pharmaceutical companies, and the National Institute of Health. There are a number of websites that will educate you regarding stolen pets that are used in biomedical research and testing, such as www.navs.org, www.aavs.org, www.parkc.org, and www.wwail.org. According to parkc.org, “Each year, millions of non-human animals are tortured and killed for the sake of research. They are burned, starved, irradiated, shocked, mutilated, kept in isolation, poisoned, drugged, electrocuted, and the list goes on and on. The use of non-human animals in laboratory testing is scientifically unjustifiable, and the suffering endured by the animals is unconscionable. And painful, invasive testing on animals could go on for years.” Also, these dog-nappers, or bunchers, can make up to $50 per animal, and licensed class A or class B dealers can get $50 to $700 each for a purebred or premium dog.
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Be a responsible dog parent and do your part to keep your pet safe and out of danger. Below are suggestions from Last Chance for Animals (www. LCAnimal.org) on what you can do to protect your pet: •K eep your pet indoors, especially when you are not home. Do not leave animals unattended in your yard; it only takes a minute for thieves to steal your pet. Do not let your pet roam free in the neighborhood. Keep companion animals safely inside your house when you are expecting repair personnel, meter readers, landscape workers, or guests. •P roperly identify your pet with a collar and tag, microchip and/or tattoo. Know where your pet is at all times. Maintain up-to-date licenses on your pet. Keep recent photos and written descriptions of your companion animals on hand at all times. Also, spay and neuter your pets, since fixed animals are less likely to stray from home. •B e aware of strangers in the neighborhood and report suspicious behavior. It is better to keep your dog safe now than be sorry later. ** I wrote this article 4-1/2 years ago, and it was printed in the March 2007 issue of The Colorado Dog Magazine. Unfortunately, nothing has changed and pet theft is still at an all-time high. ~~Jamie M. Downey
Ivan
Charlie Ava Mimi
Lucy
NATURAL HEALTH with Dr. Elliott Harvey
Essential Fatty Acids Essential nutrients are those that must be supplied in the diet. This tells us that “essential fatty acids” (or EFAs, also known as unsaturated fatty acids), must be supplied to your dog through his diet. There are two types, omega-3 and omega-6, and you can find them sold by their acronyms: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Omega-6 Fatty Acids Cis-linoleic acid (LA) Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) Arachidonic acid
Omega-3 is derived from fish oils and flax seed oil, and omega-6 is available from vegetable and seed sources like sunflower, safflower, primrose, borage, and black current. EFAs are important in the diet of dogs because they serve as powerful protection against degenerative diseases. They have been linked to proper retinal development; they also help protect and build liver cells, maintain healthy skin and coats, assist in the maintenance of strong joints, and modulate an amazing number of cellular processes from one end of the dog to the other! EPA and DHA also have anti-inflammatory effects, which are believed to ward off age-related muscle loss. Anti-inflammatory supplements, more importantly, are protective against some cancers. Chronic inflammation has been linked to chronic diseases, and maintaining your dog on supplements that reduce inflammation is an aid to good health.
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What is so bad about inflammation? When injuries occur, the body responds with a cascade of events that increase blood cells and heat the surrounding tissue causing swelling and pain. That is inflammation, but in the case of injury, it can help to heal. The real concern is another type of inflammation deep within cells; once this type of inflammation occurs, it causes disruption within the cell and continues at a low level. That is a cause of chronic inflammation resulting in chronic diseases. Omega-3 and Omega-6 ratios The ideal ratio for EFAs in the diet of your dog is 4:1 omega-6 to omega-3, yet commercial foods are often found in ratios of 20:1(or higher). Studies have shown that omega-6 EFAs form products that inhibit immunity and promote inflammation, the very effects you should avoid! Clinical
and Your Dog and experimental studies suggest that individuals genetically predisposed to chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, and allergies can reduce the genetic incidence of these diseases by 40% with the addition of omega-3 fatty acids. This is because omega-3, on the other hand, reduces inflammation, supports immune function, promotes healthy skin and coat and is important for proper development of the retina and visual cortex. Omega-3 EFAs appear to protect the brain against environmental pollutants, making it an essential supplement for the aging dog. Although the alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in flax seed oil offers numerous benefits on its own, many of the beneficial effects of ALA in flaxseed oil are due to its metabolic conversion to EPA. However, some studies show that, even under ideal conditions, only 20% of the ALA ingested can be converted to EPA.
This percentage can be much smaller in many individual dogs. Many factors may impair the conversion of ALA to EPA, including stress, vitamin deficiencies, and high levels of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids in the diet. Some disease states, such as diabetes and eczema, are also associated with impairment of the enzyme needed to convert ALA to EPA.
photo courtesy of Great Life Performance Pet Products
NATURAL HEALTH
Chia Seed The same green plant that grows like hair on Chia Pets is rich in omega-3 EFAs, fiber, high quality protein and offers other amazing health benefits. Only Great Life and Vet Preferred pet foods are including Chia seeds (oil) in their formulas—it is a great addition to the diet of dogs. Did you hear about the new super antioxidant vegetable that has higher antioxidant values than blueberries or açai berries? Great Life will be announcing this soon.…
If you have any questions: Visit www.doctorsfinest.com e-mail pethealer@gmail.com
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 91
HYGIENE
DAILY GROOMING
HEAD-TO-TOE CHECKLIST
( f o r y o u r d o g)!
(It’s your responsibility to provide for your dogs’ daily hygiene needs) _____ EARS – need to be cleaned regularly so wax doesn’t build up and to avoid infections _____ EYES – if your dog has tearing or staining –wipe eye area with warm damp cloth _____ TEETH – brush teeth to prevent tartar and plaque build-up _____ MOUTH – if your dog has bad breath get a mouth wash or spray _____ SKIN – inspect your dog’s body and check for any fleas, ticks, or lumps _____ NAILS – keep nails trimmed short and clipped every month _____ HAIR CUT – some dogs continually grow hair and need to be trimmed monthly _____ PAWS – inspect to make sure there are no foxtails or thorns buried in paws _____ BRUSHING – helps reduce shedding, prevents matting or tangling of hair _____ BATH TIME – will keep your dog smelling fresh and clean ** Make sure you consult with your veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary like eye discharge, foul odor in ears, open wounds, infected cuts, really bad breath, swollen gums, or a skin condition such as dandruff or eczema.
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I MAY BE DEAF... BUT I CAN STILL SHOWER YOUR WORLD WITH HAPPINESS!
MORGAN
izzy
PERDITA
lily
ECHO
ADOPT A “SPECIAL NEEDS” DOG and your life will be filled with love, gratitude, adoration, and purpose! Contact your local animal shelter or animal rescue group in your city and save a life. Don’t wait! This public service message created by Jamie Downey, Publisher of The American Dog Magazine to make adoption the first choice when deciding to add a wonderful dog to your family. Please consider adopting a special needs dog and giving them a forever home!
HEALTH
Advocating for by Lorileigh Moreland, Owner of Pet Empawrium
An increase in voluntary recalls, brought about by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), is feeding fear and mistrust in our food sources, human and canine. None of our dog foods—canned, kibble, treats, or raw— are immune any longer. Even if you make your own dog food, you and your dog could be involved with a recalled food! Recalls are enraging, frustrating, and sometimes tragic. Foods that end up in your dog’s bowl and make them ill are a manufacturer’s worst nightmare, especially for the foods at the top of the pet food chain. It behooves dog food manufacturers to respond quickly, empathetically, and responsibly to any adverse effect their food might have on your dog, even if they are exaggerated. The mettle of a manufacturer shows best in how they handle these crises. Every manufacturer, processor, packer, and holder (including distributors and pet supply stores) of foods for your dog’s consumption is required to do the following: manufacture foods that are safe for your dogs to eat, produce them under sanitary conditions, ensure they contain no harmful substances, label them accurately and truthfully, and report any reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to animals or humans. These are the very basic regulations
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imposed on dog food production by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) and the Reportable Food Registry (RFR). Other organizations monitoring, regulating, and influencing your dog food include the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), The Pet Food Institute (PFI), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These organizations consist of dog food renderers, ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, and packers. Even with all of these organizations and their mega-regulations being imposed upon your dog’s food, you still can’t be certain that your dog’s food is 100% safe. You, as your dog’s advocate, have the principle responsibility in making sure that your dog’s food is safe. It is up to you to do your research, and then to decide on which manufacturers and retailers you feel comfortable trusting the well-being of your dogs to. The importance of knowing and trusting your choice of manufacturers and retailers can’t be overstated. Who manufactures the foods you choose for your dogs? Do they understand and know their sources? Do the manufacturer and the retailer have a recall protocol? What steps has the retailer taken to assure you of the food manufacturer’s safety record? Do the
HEALTH
Our Dogs: Food Safety
retailers understand all the regulations they are currently being held to? Are your retailers storing foods properly? Are their dry foods and cans stored in cool, dry, pest-free locations? Are their raw foods stored in freezers at 0°F to inactivate any microbes? Safe handling practices require a vigilant approach to knowledge on the part of retailers and an ability to impart that knowledge to you. If you do encounter an adverse situation with your dog’s food, contact the manufacturer and take it back! All specialty pet supply stores should always take back the foods they carry if they are in or accompanied by the original packaging and within the expiration date range. Then, they should also assist you in contacting the manufacturer. You must remember that how your pet’s food is purchased, stored, handled, and how you report adverse effects makes a difference! It matters in your dog’s health and well-being. It is often the catalyst to help other dogs. It may even save a manufacturer its product and reputation. Here are some basic guidelines for the safe and healthy handling of pet foods by you and your family at home: Always wash your hands after handling anything your dog consumes. Never assume that any dog food is free from bacteria.
Always pick up and wash all dishes and utensils used by your dog immediately. Don’t forget to wash down preparation surfaces too. This will prevent bacterial spread. Don’t feed your dog in the kitchen. If you have a crate, that is the best place to feed your dog. Otherwise, try the laundry or mud room. It probably has a sink and room for a prep table. Have soap for hands and dishes available, as well as wash rags and towels. Keep kibbled food in the original bag. Healthy, natural dog food companies spend a lot of time and money to make a safe environment for their food. If you have a container, place the entire bag into it. If your dog doesn’t like the food or becomes ill and the food is suspect, you will need the bag for identification. Keeping the food in its original bag will prevent you from being tempted to mix the fresh food with the old food. If the old food goes rancid, so does your fresh food. Keep your dry food in a cool dry place. Heat will break down naturally preserved foods causing rancidity. Keep empty cans for a week to 10 days. Once again, if your fur-child doesn’t like the food or becomes ill and the food is suspect, you will need the can(s) for identification.
Store opened wet (canned) food in the refrigerator, either with a cover on the can or in a food grade storage container or bag. Do not reheat in the microwave. Instead, place in a sink of lukewarm water to warm up if necessary. If your fur-child turns his nose up at a familiar food, take his word for it. Return the food, with its original packaging to the store where it was purchased. If you suspect an adverse event, contact the manufacturer and the FDA. Always thaw fresh-frozen raw foods in the refrigerator. Clean up spills and leaks immediately. If you are in a hurry, place sealed food into a sink of cool water, never warm. Patties are great to have on hand for those times we forget to thaw those huge chubs. Never microwave fresh-frozen raw food. You defeat the purpose of feeding raw.
For more information or to contact: Visit: www.petempawrium.com Blog: www.petempawrium.wordpress.com Email: Magic@petempawrium.com Phone: (303) 467-777
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 95
TRAINING
Can We Bring By Doug and Elizabeth Simpson, Owners of Tenderfoot Training
When was the last time one of your friends invited you over and asked you to bring your dog? Been awhile? Perhaps your friends would rather you didn’t bring your dog. Ever wonder why? Is it because he tends to jump on people when he greets them? Or is it because he jumps up on furniture? Remember when he lifted his leg on their table? Oh! And what about the time he got possessive over the dog toys and growled at their dog? Let’s not even mention when he chased their cat all over the house and knocked over the lamp. If you want your dog to be welcome in other people’s lives and homes, you have to work on his social skills. Just as kids need to have manners in order to be welcome in nice restaurants, your dog should have good manners in order to earn invitations into your friends’ and family’s homes.
Though it seems like common sense, not everyone has the same expectations of a dog’s behavior as you do. So it’s best to make sure your canine companion is acting his best for everyone’s sake. For instance, your friend’s or family’s prize garden is probably viewed by your dog as a playground, so try to ensure that your dog is under control during visits. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to go to someone’s home and have everyone comment on your dog’s good behavior? It will take time and effort to achieve this. You don’t show up for a competition unless you have practiced and prepared. There are so many things you can do to help prepare your dog for visiting friends. 1.
Ask the homeowners what are the rules they have for dogs while in their home.
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alm attitude: A calm attitude C leads to calm reactions. Energy leads to energized reactions. Teach your dog that calmness wins him what he wants. He must be calm to be fed, to go out the
door, to approach other people, and to get attention from you. Teach your dog to be calm and the invitations will flood in. 2.
alm greetings: Teach your dog C to greet calmly and patiently. He should only get attention from other people when he is sitting patiently.
3.
o jumping up or pawing: People N generally don’t want a dog to leap up at them and soil their clothes, and they also don’t want paws scraping down their arms and legs. If your dog is a jumper, you’ll need to find a friend to practice this skill with.
4.
o licking: No one wants a bath N from a dog.
5.
bility to hold a long sit-stay or A down-stay: This is always useful and very impressive. If your dog has a well rehearsed sit- or downstay, then most of your problems
TRAINING
the Dog? photos by jamie m Downey
disappear. The trick is to teach the sit-and-down-stay commands in an easy environment, and then work towards more difficult environments. Your dog’s ability to do a sit-down-stay for 30 minutes while everyone stands in line for the BBQ could come in very handy. 6.
7.
bility to stay out of an area: A Teach your dog to stay out of spaces like the areas surrounding the BBQ and the picnic table. Create a bubble he can’t come into without your permission. You will need to practice at home around your own dining table. ociability with children: He S should know children and not feel nervous in their presence. It is good idea to teach him to lie down around little kids so he is calm and not likely to whack them in the face with his tail.
8.
9.
ousetraining manners: Be sure H to give the dog a chance to soil outside before taking him into the house, and take him out regularly so he isn’t tempted. Be sure to pick up after your dog. almness with other animals: C Your dog is a guest and should not harass the household pets. If he doesn’t have experience with other animals then keep your dog on a leash to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
espectfulness of everyone’s 10. R personal space: Dogs need to learn to respect people’s personal space so they don’t run them over. If your dog learns to respect your space, your dog can easily translate this rule to apply other 2-leggeds’ space, as well. 11. N o barking: A quiet dog is a good dog to be with.
12. H ygiene and cleanliness: Your dog should be well groomed so he doesn’t shed hair all over your friend’s home. 13. C omfort in a crate: If you are visiting friends for the weekend, it would be ideal for your dog to be crate trained. A dog who loves his crate is home anywhere in the world so long as he has his crate. This skill cannot be stressed enough when traveling with your dog. Know your dog’s limitations; if he can’t handle the household rules, then keep him on a leash. Sometimes you need to manage behaviors while you are still teaching them. Better to set him up for success with some restrictions then to let him make mistakes and fail.
For more information or to contact: Doug and Elizabeth Simpson www.tenderfoottraining.com (303) 444-7780
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 99
DOG PARENT FAMILIES
Dog Parent Families
who love their dogs and treat them
like family!
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DOG PARENT FAMILIES
Beth and Steve Brown with their 16-dog “Fur Crew” Beth and Steve have sixteen fur kids. “Steve and I purchased a king size bed for the dogs…. You should have seen the salesman’s face when my crazy husband informed him it was for the 9 dogs that sleep with us!” Beth says. Their family began with Rudy, a now-8-year-old Mini Schnauzer. Then came Petie, a shy Pit Bull whom Beth’s sister rescued from a dumpster. “All the other members of my crew are Dachshunds.” They added Riley, Raegyn, and Ruste as puppies; Spike and Destini came from retiring breeders; Bekah, a returned pup, is now in her forever home; Lily was a grand-dog who needed more attention; then came the wirehaired wieners—Tuesdae, Reese, and Gabe (the latter was a gift from Beth’s breast cancer survivor “sister”); Heath is a puppy-mill survivor; Dodger’s previous family tried to euthanize him because of his fear of the husband (“Steve is working on his man fears,” says Beth); Jasmine is a backyard-breeder survivor; and the last member of the crew will be 9-week-old Baker. The Browns adore each and every one of their babies. In 2009, Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer and her dogs sensed her pain. “[They] would be really quiet and just crawl up in my lap or lay with me on the couch and give me kisses every once in a while.” They helped her recover and, Beth says, asked for nothing in return except love and care.
Rebecca Menapace with Hans, Heidi, and Greta Ever since Rebecca was a child, she gravitated towards all things canine. “Many people might think I am a little odd, because I would far more prefer the company of my dog, any dog, to that of most people. The love is so whole, unconditional, nonjudgmental, and unending.” Rebecca says she is one of those crazy people who takes her fur-babies— Hans (a German Shepherd), Heidi (a Rottweiler), and Greta (a Dachshund)—to every place possible where they are welcome. She loves coming home to their joyous welcomes and simply lying quietly next to them in bed at night. Rebecca says that as a part-time groomer, she not only loves her own dogs, but everyone else's dogs too. “I have puppy play dates in my yard several times a month. Because I know how important it is for dogs to just be dogs!” The only vacation Rebecca and her family have had in years has been to stay at her best friend’s cabin next to a beautiful creek, where all dogs are welcome. One of the first things she asks people is whether they like dogs. “If the answer is no, then that’s usually where the relationship ends. How could anyone not just love these awesome creatures! Dogs are just simply good for your soul!”
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DOG PARENT FAMILIES
Kyla Ballesteros with Tiberius Kyla thought her two lovely Rottweilers, Nero and Wizz, were enough for her. Then, a friend of her sister’s took in a stray Pit Bull who was found on the side of a road. Turns out the stray Pittie, Tiberius’s mom, was pregnant! Kyla’s sister talked her into going to the friend’s house to see all the puppies, and when Tiberius was placed on her lap, “it was love at first sight,” Kyla says! Now, Tiberius is Kyla’s co-pilot. “In my neighborhood everyone recognizes him and not me. I buy better brand name food for him than I do myself, and I don't cook for myself, but won't hesitate to buy him some steak or ground beef and happily cook him a delicious meal!” On the weekends Tiberius goes everywhere with Kyla. Her entire SUV is dedicated to Tiberius, but she says that he prefers the middle row where his blanket and toys are. Kyla says they like to frequent the outdoor cafés and go to PetSmart® where everyone knows him and gives him belly rubs. Her father took exactly 2 days to warm up to Tiberius. Now, Kyla says, “Dad is just smitten!” They swim in the pool together and keep each company. Kyla makes donations to pet charities in Tiberius’s name, and everyone in her family knows she signs cards with both their names. “I couldn't love him more if I tried.” photo by Portia Shao of Positive Vista Photography
Anastasia and Rafael Torres-Gil with daughter Crystal and dogs – Coco, Leon, Peanut Lee, & Brownie Coco was Anastasia’s muse to change her career from lawyer to dog couture designer (www.myfavoritecouture.com). Anastasia’s Louis Vuitton purse had worn out, so she transformed it into a dog hoodie, which spurred her to created more dog designs for Coco. She now donates 25% of her company’s proceeds to the Santa Cruz SPCA, and the rescue dogs model the outfits to facilitate their adoptions. Anastasia, her husband Rafael, and their daughter Crystal met Coco on a donation visit to the Santa Cruz SPCA. “She looked like a cross between Yoda and a wild-haired raccoon.” The staff told her the dog was a “Porkie” (a Pug/Yorkie mix). “Since we have a pet mini pig at home, I knew it was destiny to adopt her.” She was told Coco was a “special needs dog” due to her age and her seizure disorder. “I always say that we especially needed her.” They adopted their other three dogs, Leon and Peanut Lee (Chihuahua/Terrier mixes) and Brownie (a purebred Chihuahua) from the Santa Cruz SPCA as well. Brownie—initially a skinny, frightened dog— improved rapidly. Soon he gained weight and rested in Anastasia’s arms comfortably. The dogs have been treated like family ever since. Each Sunday night, they make a pot roast with carrots for the dogs. In addition to their diet kibble, they get some of the roast and juices. “So, do I treat my dogs like my children? ... Crystal says, ‘Mom offered to make me and Coco matching prom dresses earlier this year. I think she was kidding, but these days you never know.’”
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DOG PARENT FAMILIES
India Lipton and Shirley Lesser with Charlton Dane India and Shirley have wanted a Great Dane for many years but waited until their lives would be a good fit for raising one. They did a good bit of research on the breed and learned as much as they could before Charlton Dane joined their family as a puppy. Now all of India and Shirley’s days start off with “What are we going to do with Charlton today?” India says Charlton has been in training since he was about 4 months old and they hope to have him compete in agility, rally, and obedience, with acting and modeling as hobbies, as he matures. For now though, they are having a blast building his foundation skills, doing charity work, and taking Charlton to all sorts of events around town. “He loves traveling no matter where we go and we love all the adventures we have found with him” India says! Like any parent, India and Shirley say that they are fully responsible for ensuring that Charlton is well behaved, confident, happy, and healthy. They spend time thinking of how to socialize him, train him, and keep his mind and body occupied. India and Shirley also mentioned that after watching the movie Marmaduke they were inspired to create a monthly Great Dane event, called Dane Day at the Park, in Richmond, VA, which is becoming quite popular. These ladies have a family motto, “celebrate everything,” and they found a dog that seems to agree. You can follow Charlton on Facebook at Charlton Dane.
Marianne Hymanson with Acuna, Mariah, Trista, & Danea After suffering a life-threatening medical condition and being in a wheelchair for several years Marianne says that her Keeshond Acuna was there through all of it and helped comfort her. “I couldn’t go back to being a computer software engineer, and I knew there had to be something more and better I could do still facing my own limitations.” She decided that raising and training puppies for a national service dog organization was the way to go. “Some of my pups didn’t make the program because there are always more dogs in the final class than there are people. I took all these wonderful pups I raised back into my home.” These fur kids include Mariah, a Black Lab/Golden Retriever mix, Trista, a small Yellow Lab, and Danea, a Golden Retriever. Marianne says they make wonderful therapy dogs for kids’ reading programs, autistic children’s class rooms, nursing homes, and hospice care. With four dogs, Marianne keeps a very tight daily schedule: a nightly dinner, then a game of fetch, and (with the exception of high summer) each gets a turn jogging/walking next to the bicycle. Next comes the nightly play session, then they all relax with a little TV or reading, if they’re not scheduled for therapy visits. “I feel really blessed to be helping others in a small way, and now to have that big family, all be that of the 4-legged variety.”
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BEDTIME BOOKS All books reviewed by Nancy Allen
Ivan! A Pound Dog’s View on Life, Love, and Leashes by Tim McHugh
This is a great book because “it provides a voice for adopted dogs.” We read all about Ivan’s life (both the good and the bad aspects), and we learn how mistakes made can be corrected. We see how adopting a dog makes changes not only for the dog, but for the people he lives with. Hopefully, after reading this book, more people will take a trip to the shelter to look around and come home with the soon-to-be love of their lives.
Unleashed: Proven Training Methods to Build a Relationship of Respect with Your Dog by Brad Pattison
This is a must-read book on dog training if you have any hard-to-correct issues with your dog. The author gives you real-life success stories so you can see how dog problems can be truly solved if you want “your dog to be a healthy, happy member of the family.” This veteran animal trainer will show you the way to have the dog you’ve always truly hoped for.
How the Dog Became the Dog: From Wolves to Our Best Friends by Mark Derr
This is a wonderful book that will tell you the history of dogs. You will learn about “the wolf that comes to stay.” You’ll discover how and why dogs and humans came together and how each benefitted from this sociable arrangement. Dogs are our “closest animal companion,” and although some questions will never be answered, the author gives us tremendous insight into the origins of our beloved canine friends and “the danger of pure-breeding dogs.”
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship by Tom Ryan
Following Atticus will make you fall in love with this little dog. Tom’s life changes dramatically when he adopts a dog. The book unfolds as we learn what Tom does, how his life changes, how he grows, and how he becomes the person he always wanted to be. The antics in the town are amazing in how they show the ability of humans to react in nasty, mean, and evil ways but also reveal “a community coming together to give their total support when needed.” It’ll be hard to put this book down because you will definitely want to see what happens next.
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BEDTIME BOOKS
Amazing Dogs: A Cabinet of Canine Curiosities by Jan Bondeson
This is a very engaging book about “history’s most amazing dogs.” Bondeson covers some of the most extraordinary dogs: from Lassie and Rin Tin Tin (celebrity stars), to talking dogs, turnspit dogs, dogs collecting for charity on their own, rat pit killer dogs, and even dog ghosts. The book has many illustrations and is a great read to find where, how, and why the dog has become “more closely associated with the human race than any other domestic animal.”
The Mutt and the Mustang (Based on a true story) by Judith Archibald
This book will delight readers everywhere with the friendship that develops between a dog and a horse. Kody is a sad, rescued canine until he becomes “a special dog” through interactions with an old rescued mustang. A portion of book sale proceeds will go to horse rescues and/or humane societies. This is truly a fantastic book that displays rescue animals living a wonderful life. Children reading the book will also realize the importance of helping animals wherever possible.
Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom by Jennifer S. Holland
Animal lovers will find these tales unique and heartwarming. “Imagine a predator cuddling its prey.” Some of these stories will have you totally mystified as to how friendships between certain animals are even possible. This book proves that friendship is not just a human act. The animals in Unlikely Friendships form loving, kind bonds—which include some unlikely friendships between very different members of the animal world. This book will help you realize why we love animals as they truly love us in return.
The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Arthritis in Dogs and Cats by Shawn Messonnier, DVM
This is an important reference not only if you want to learn how to alleviate your dog’s painful arthritis but also if you are interested in recognizing possible arthritic symptoms in your young dog. By making recommended lifestyle changes for her benefit, you may eliminate these problems. This book discusses what to do before arthritis strikes and what to do if the disease is already there.
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Featured Author
Dawn A. Marcus, MD Author of: The Power of Wagging Tails: A Doctor’s Guide to Dog Therapy and Healing
By Dawn A. Marcus, MD, Professor, Dept of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh
Doctors know a lot: how your body’s put together, how the mind and body influence each other, and how to fight many diseases. I got my best education about how to really connect with patients by holding the end of my soft-coated Wheaten Terrier therapy dog’s leash. He offers no sentiments, advice, or explanations. By simply reveling in the moment of connecting with a stranger, he produces profound transformations more powerful than most pills can achieve. I may have the title and initials after my name, but my therapy dogs are truly the experts connecting with people in need. They take away fears, stress, and sadness with a seemingly simple smile, thoughtful gaze, and wagging tail. I’ve always been a skeptic. And when our volunteer coordinator spoke to us new therapy dog handlers about getting started, I was convinced she was exaggerating the impact these dogs would make. Dogs are cute and hard to resist, but how can they give more than a moment’s distraction or temporary smile? The first therapy dog visit I made with Wheatie opened my eyes to the incredible power behind the therapy dog’s wagging tail. Sarah had pretty disfiguring surgery to the side of her face as part of her cancer treatment, and visitors had started avoiding her room. Wheatie looked passed Sarah’s wounds and simply saw a wonderful new friend. Sarah’s
surgery had made her speech difficult to understand, but Wheatie didn’t care. As she grabbed his beard and shared her secrets, he didn’t need her to repeat what she’d said or pause so he could add in his own stories. For ten minutes, Sarah sat nose to snout with Wheatie, gently caressing him and casting her stress and burdens onto him. And for those precious moments, Sarah was no longer a cancer patient—she was simply Wheatie’s new best friend. Wheatie’s eyes told Sarah how terrific he knew she was and how glad he was to share time with her that afternoon. That visit and our later ones to Sarah brightened her hospital stay and changed how I looked at my dog. As a scientist, I began to scour the literature for research seeing if science could prove my suspicions were right— that my volunteer coordinator was spot on and there really is a healing power that happens when a therapy dog enters your room and your life. Medical study after study confirmed what I was seeing with my dog—seemingly ordinary visits from a seemingly ordinary dog were doing the extraordinary. Stress was reduced, pain lessened, and patients became healthier after 10-minute visits with a therapy dog. Hearing story after story from other therapy dog handlers witnessing similar healing benefits from their dogs visiting children through seniors helped to reinforce what I learned was
true—there’s something about a dog in the room that has incredible healing power. There’s a lot our dogs can teach us about health, caring, and healing. That’s the power of the wagging tail. Visit Amazon.com to purchase a copy of The Power of Wagging Tails: A Doctor’s Guide to Dog Therapy and Healing.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Larocco
For more information please visit: Dr. Marcus’ library at: www.dawnmarcusmd.com Get daily health & fitness tips at: www.FitAsFido.com Become a friend on Facebook at: “Dawn A Marcus”
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 107
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
LINUS Goes From the Dog Fighting Ring to
A Forever Family! By Tim and Emma Dauk (Linus' parents)
In April 2011, an anonymous tip to the Humane Society of the United States [of a suspected dog fighting and cock fighting ring] led law enforcement officials to a home in Union County, Florida. Linus was one of over twenty dogs, all Pit Bulls, and many more chickens, that were seized from the property. When the HSUS arrived, they found the dogs tied to trees and posts with heavy logging chains. Others were in cramped cages. Linus, along with all the other animals confiscated, were cared for in a temporary shelter facility coordinated by the HSUS, and a group of volunteers from all over the United States. After everything had settled, and the owner had turned over all the animals and they were released from the court system, Linus was placed in the care of
the Pittsburgh based non-profit, Hello Bully. Hello Bully, a Pit Bull rescue and advocacy group, immediately placed him in foster care with us. That was on May 15th, 2011. After a few weeks of adjustment and integration, he was introduced to his foster sister, Lucy. The two were a match made in heaven. Seeing how well Linus and Lucy got along, we decided to adopt him. Linus was rescued in April from a terrible situation, and just three months later he has already learned so much. He is now working toward his Canine Good Citizen certification. Linus is a very calm dog. While he enjoys playing and being a normal puppy, he also loves to lie down next to you and relax (unlike his sister who only wants to play). He really loves food too. He follows anyone around
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who has food, and he immediately sits (obviously expecting a treat of some sort). Even when he was initially rescued, he was always a polite dog. He never jumped on anyone, or “demanded” attention. Linus demands attention by gently resting his head on any part of you he can, and looking up at you with his big eyes. While Linus has not yet started doing therapy work, he can frequently be found at Hello Bully events. He also likes to frequent Starbucks where he lounges with his family at the outdoor seating area. Passersby are invited to pet Linus, and are always surprised to hear about his background. Linus creates quite a crowd when he is out and about. He is a wonderful example of what an American Pit Bull Terrier can be, regardless of their background.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER photos by Oscar Rabeiro
A PICTURE POSTED ON FACEBOOK
HELPS SAVE A MAMA DOG AND HER 2 PUPS! The American Dog reports
This story is living proof that everyday people and actions can change the world. One act of kindness—as simple as a phone call, an email, a Tweet, or a Facebook message—can save a life and, in this case, saved three! On June 25th, 2011, at eight o’clock at night, Bernie Berlin, Owner of A Place to Bark Animal Rescue, received an urgent email from Jamie Downey, Publisher of The American Dog Magazine. Jamie had seen a posting on Facebook that had really disturbed her. A mother dog and her two puppies were being dumped at West Palm Beach Animal Control. The mama dog was crying, shaking, and being dragged to the counter. An unknown person had videotaped it and posted the picture of the mama dog grabbing the owner and holding on—begging him to keep her—on Facebook, hoping someone could save these dogs. Jamie sent the urgent email to Bernie, knowing she had a working relationship with Peggy
Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach, and told Bernie that The American Dog Magazine would donate $200 if all three dogs could be rescued out of the shelter. Even though it was late, Bernie immediately contacted Niki Gottesman, who is the intake director at Peggy Adams Rescue. Luckily, Niki said they would make room to take all three of the dogs in. Seems like a simple save, right? Well, sometimes there are more to things than meet the eye. On the day the dogs were picked up, Bernie received a call informing her that the two puppies had umbilical hernias the size of grapefruits. This kind of hernia is lifethreatening and requires specialized surgery. After consulting with the on-staff veterinarians, they agreed they could do the puppies’ surgeries. Straight away, Bernie was on a flight to Florida to check on the pups and coordinate any other details needed to help further them along in the
adoption process. Upon her arrival, the puppies seemed happy and were being readied for surgery. During the short time in which this article was being written, the pups have had their surgeries and have become ready for adoption. The mama dog is still extremely shy and may have to go to A Place to Bark for further socialization. But, Bernie is happy to say, “All three dogs are saved and will go on to find their forever homes. It just takes time, some teamwork, and most of all the finances. The bottom line is LIFE! Life should not be disposable.”
For more information or to make a donation: A Place to Bark Animal Rescue P.O. Box 649 Portland, TN 37148 www.aplacetobark.com You can also visit Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League at www.hspb.org
“One simple act, everyday, can make a no-kill nation a reality, to make every story a happily ever after!” ~Bernie Berlin The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 109
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
2 Rattlesnakes,
1 Pit Bull, and a Miracle! By Lindsay Morris (Sadie’s mom)
My husband Matt and I decided to take our dog Sadie along on our Memorial Day weekend camping trip to Angeles National Forest, in Los Angeles County’s San Gabriel Mountains, not far from Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation located in Acton, California. We had adopted Sadie from a rescued litter of Pit Bull-mix puppies about two years prior from Linda Blair’s rescue organization. Since it was one of the busiest weekends of the year we hadn’t even tried to book a campsite in the Forest. Instead, we ventured off the beaten path to Devil’s Canyon, a wilderness area, which required no reservations. As soon we began our descent into the canyon, we pulled off Sadie’s harness. She galloped ahead, but then stayed and waited for us to appear around each bend. After we set up camp for the night she snuggled between our two sleeping bags in our creek-side tent. The next morning we decided to take a hike. Sadie leaped like a gazelle through the tall grasses, she was so happy. It was noon when we started to pack up and prepare lunch. Matt suggested we refill our canteen with water from the stream, using our newly purchased
filtration system. We crouched at the water’s edge—Matt, squeezing the pump, and I, holding the canteen. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sadie swinging something. I turned my head, and screamed, “Drop it!” Sadie dropped what I feared she’d picked up: a snake. We ran to her side and she stared at the 3-foot-long rattlesnake gyrating in the grass. Matt grabbed a large rock and smashed the snake’s head. But then Matt noticed Sadie was bleeding and there were several pairs of puncture wounds on her face. As a certified naturalist trained in outdoor first aid, I knew getting to a vet—not touching or trying to remove venom ourselves—was our only hope. I also knew we had a window of opportunity, just hours, before serious tissue damage would occur. Matt scooped up Sadie and swung all 60 pounds of her over his shoulders and began to run. I raced after him, grabbing the canteen on my way. We didn't get far. It was a rough creek-bed trail; the water flowed above our ankles, and we had to scramble over fallen trees and boulders. After about 15 minutes of
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struggling, we knew Matt couldn’t carry her the entire way out. He put her down so he could rest a moment. Just then, I saw a couple wading in the creek. “Help us!” I screamed. Sadie, despite her condition, jumped up and ran to greet her new friends. Then, she crumpled to the ground, visibly weakened by the bites. I suggested we slip her into a backpack. The man (we were so upset, we never learned our good samaritans’ names) lent me his pocket knife, and I tore open the lining of my pack to allow for Sadie to slip in upright. The woman offered Matt her hiking poles so he could maintain balance with Sadie strapped to his back, papoose-style. That worked for another half mile or so until Sadie began squirming so much that we feared she’d fall out. Matt lowered the bag. This wasn’t working. He suggested he stay with Sadie; the couple and I could run to get help. Just as we set off, Sadie jumped up and ran in front of us on the trail. She wanted to walk. And so we let her. She could smell the trail and helped steer us the right direction, occasionally stopping to sip water in the creek and cool her little feet. And then we heard a rattle.…
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
photos By Lindsay Morris
It all happened so fast; the snake latched onto Sadie’s neck! She shook her head with such force that the snake swung off and into the air. The snake was gone, but damage was done. Sadie’s throat and chin were bleeding. There wasn’t much time, and we feared the worst. We prayed that rattlesnakes wouldn’t strike more than twice, and we let Sadie continue on foot, with Matt walking in front of her and me staying close behind. The man ran ahead and the woman acted as caboose, instructing us which way to turn to stay on the trail. This worked for about another half hour (we'd been on the trail for more than 2 hours). But Sadie was slowing down. The trail was steep and the hillside was sheer from a recent fire. There was no way we were going to get out of there while carrying her at that point. So we did what we could: We cheered. We clapped. We whistled. And Sadie kept going. Her indefatigable spirit was contagious and pushed our tired bodies faster as we charged onward. It took us three hours to hike the four miles back to our car. Our plan was to drive to a bar/ restaurant near the trailhead and call
for help. As luck would have it, I thought, a ranger truck was in the parking lot. I ran inside and found the ranger who called the station from his radio. Meanwhile, the bartender had called 911. Neither the ranger nor the paramedics could help us; they would not send a medivac for a dog. We only had one option: Get her to a vet. We frantically dialed clinic upon clinic only to hear recorded Memorial Day messages as we drove 18 miles out of the San Gabriel Mountains to Studio City for the closest emergency vet. By then, four hours had passed. The next night, as we stood in front of a bloated creature that no longer resembled Sadie, a veterinarian said, “We’re running out of options.” She was hooked up to machines and vials. An alarm sounded indicating that her heart rate had surpassed 200 beats per minute. Her head was the size of a watermelon, and the swelling had spread to her abdomen. An awful smell and black fluids spewed from her mouth. The vet did not think Sadie would last the night. Still, we authorized more antivenin and a blood transfusion.
We wept and stroked her ears, the only parts of her not swollen. Sadie started to sniff my hand. I pulled off my sweater and placed it in front of Sadie’s nose as we said goodbye. The next morning’s report read that the vet had recommended euthanasia and that Sadie had then sat up and vocalized. The report went on to state that, later, when the time had come to transfer her to another hospital, Sadie had “walked to the van.” No one could believe the transformation that had occurred. Today, six antivenin doses, six blood transfusions, six days in vet hospitals, and nearly $15,000 later, Sadie continues her miraculous recovery. To help promote awareness and raise funds toward medical bills, we launched a Facebook fan page named “Smiles for Sadie,” because we never thought we’d see her smile again. Thanks to doctors, fans, friends, family, and complete strangers, it’s a miracle that Sadie survived. This dog can't stop smiling now, and neither can we.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/smilesforsadie.
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EVERYDAY DOGGIE HEROES photos by Aleksandra Gajdeczka, please visit: loveandaleash.wordpress.com
Adoptable foster Kermit and former foster Maddie
Outbound Hounds and Handsome Dan’s Rescue Sasha Levine reports
In a well-known 2007 court case, NFL star quarterback Michael Vick was found guilty for all charges related to conducting an illegal dog-fighting ring on his premises for over five years. People were shocked. Anyone who had even a slight fondness of dogs was aghast at the cruel treatment these animals were forced to endure. Vick was sentenced to serve 23 months in prison. The trial was over. But what would happen to the 66 dogs (55 of whom were Pit Bulls) that were removed from his
property? Even most animal advocacy groups thought these dogs to be too vicious for anything but euthanasia. In a world where some people electrocute and beat dogs to death for poor fighting performance, there are also those who exist way on the other end of the spectrum, whose kindness and wisdom create a safe haven for beings otherwise thought to be beyond rehabilitation. Heather Gutshall and Mark Stoutzenberger have been
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rescuing, training, and rehabilitating mistreated dogs for many years. After Best Friends Animal Society was granted custody of 22 of the dogs who considered to be suffering from the most psychological and emotional trauma, Heather and Mark decided to offer one of the most timid of the bunch a forever home. A recent update from Bestfriends.org reads the following: “Handsome Dan used to pace and walk in circles because he was so terrified of the
EVERYDAY DOGGIE HEROES Heather and Josephine with Handsome Dan
Mark with Betsy
The family, Heather, Mark and children Cam (not pictured) and Josephine founded Handsome Dan's Rescue
Kermit
Betsy
Handsome Dan
world. Even trying to get him to go on a walk would send him running. But with the help and love of his trainers and caregivers, Dan became quite a confident boy! January 1, 2011, marked the one-year anniversary when Handsome Dan was officially adopted into his home… It’s been a busy year for this celebrity of a dog ever since.”
dogs with the intention of fostering and placing dogs who have been rescued from severe abuse and neglect, often including the victims of dog fighting. According to Heather, Handsome Dan’s Rescue also provides training and behavior support to newly adopted Pit Bull-type dogs from Providence shelters and a grant program for free spay/neuter vouchers. Because the dogs in their program typically require extra care, including medical, training, and rehabilitation, the rescue is small by design.
for two dogs, Trinity and Oscar, both victims of dog fighting. Fortunately, those two particular dogs were already in foster homes by the time we spoke with JoAnne Hutchinson (co-founder of PAWS), but she knew right away that we would make a great foster home for some other dogs who were in dire need of our help. Three days later we picked up our first foster dog and we haven’t looked back.”
Heather is a Professional Dog Trainer and a C.L.A.S.S. (APDT’s Canine Life and Social Skills) Evaluator, and Mark runs a home for at-risk teenage boys. The couple founded Outbound Hounds—a business that offers group park trips, training, and pet sitting services—to help fund their true passion: Handsome Dan’s Rescue. They formed the rescue for Pit Bull-type
“At the time we started fostering, we had two dogs of our own. We found the rescue group PAWS New England through a poignant video on the internet that sent out a heart wrenching plea
After a placing about 30 foster dogs into forever homes, Heather and Mark knew they were ready to start their own rescue group. Heather explains that Handsome Dan’s Rescue allows them to go a bit further into the background of potential applicants, enlist and support positive training
The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2011 113
EVERYDAY DOGGIE HEROES
Heather and Mark with Handsome Dan and former fosters Betsy and Gozer (dogs left to right)
techniques with foster dogs, form relationships with local shelters, and take in dogs that others would not. One such example was a dog, said to be highly dog aggressive, who was surrendered to the Providence Animal Rescue League. “We took our Australian Cattle Dog, Ocean, who we use as a sort of barometer to help us evaluate the behavior of potential foster dogs, to meet the pup, and after observing him for a few hours we knew we could manage his issues, even help him to be better with dogs and teach him some manners,” says Heather. After several months of training in a positive and healthy environment, the pup—now named Gozer—met his new dad, Patrick, and has become a terrific companion. A few years later, Patrick’s girlfriend adopted another foster from Handsome Dan’s Rescue, a Pit Bull dog named Betsy. “When Betsy first came to Providence Animal Control her white paws
were so yellow from having to stand in her own urine for several weeks at a time that it took us two weeks with a special shampoo just to get the white back. She had infections in both eyes and all four paws. She was so fearful that she cowered in the corner of her kennel run every time a person would walk by her.” But after the right amount of love and care, Betsy was ready to go home and live in her new forever home. Heather says that these were just two examples of wonderful dogs who would never have stood a chance in a shelter, but now after just a little extra effort, they are thriving. Currently awaiting adoption from Handsome Dan’s Rescue is Kermit (a.k.a. Kermit the Dog). He is described as a stunning red adolescent male rescued by the PSPCA on April 11, 2011 from a fighting operation. “Sadly, one-year-old Kermie was born into the world of dog fighting, a world of
114 Fall 2011 | The American Dog Magazine
neglect and cruelty. But don’t worry; he is not a monster... just the opposite! He is sweet and loving to all people he has met, young and old. (Including the wide range of children he has encountered in his foster home!)” Heather says that the world has failed Kermit up to this point, but he deserves a happily ever after ending, as well. If you think you might be able to provide Kermit with a loving home or if you would like to learn more about Outbound Hounds located in Providence, Rhode Island and Handsome Dan’s Rescue, visit www.obhounds.com or follow “Handsome Dan” on his Facebook page.
To contact or make a donation: Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs (401) 338-2590 www.obhounds.com
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