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Serving Northwest Arkansas pets and people since 1990
ACCREDITED PRACTICE
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Paws for Thought Editor’s Letter
S
o much has been going on the last couple of months! There have been some fun events, such as the grand opening of the Fayetteville Shelter’s new facility, Camp Bow Wow’s grand opening, and Big Wag’s second birthday celebration! Plus, there are still more events being planned, so be sure to check out the calendar of events! NWA is quickly becoming the place to be if you are a pet owner, and that is a far cry from the way things used to be 20 years ago! People are becoming more responsible pet owners. In doing so, we are all learning to appreciate and enjoy our pets a great deal more than we did in the past. Along those lines, I hope you’ll be sure to read the article about Tyson Foods’ Pet Product Group and the article about the new roadside pet vendor ordinance that the city of Springdale is considering. Both of these things play a part in the lives of our pets. ArkanPaws Magazine is striving not only to entertain, but also to educate and to provide important information that will help pet owners to make informed decisions with regard to their pets. This issue’s cover features a cat! ArkanPaws Magazine is not exclusively for dogs. We want to feature articles about all kinds of pets! We’re particularly interested in featuring articles about not only dogs and cats, but also about small mammals, tropical and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, and even large animals, such as horses. Pets come in many shapes and sizes, and all of them are dear to us! We want to hear about our readers’ unique experiences with their pets, whether the pet be a chicken or a lizard! It’s time for our big cover design contest!!! We’re looking for a spectacular drawing, painting, sculpture, or photograph of a pet, to feature on the cover of next year’s first issue! The contest is open to both professionals and amateurs alike, and will be judged by a panel of local artists. The person who submits the winning cover design will be spotlighted with a feature article, in addition to winning a check for $100 and other goodies contributed by area businesses! (If you have a business and would like to sponsor our contest, please contact us. Sponsors will have their business logo printed on all promotional materials and will be given recognition in articles about the contest, which will run in our next two issues!) There will also be second and third prize awards! Next year, ArkanPaws had hoped to switch to a monthly format, but it has been decided that we will continue, for now, to be a quarterly publication. We’re still growing and it’s a learning process. I would like to thank our readers and advertisers for all of the wonderful comments and feedback we’ve been receiving! I am delighted that the magazine is being so well received, and that our readers are patronizing the businesses that help support ArkanPaws! Sincerely,
Leslie K. Ray Editor-in-Chief
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ArkanPaws
PUBLISHER
Leslie Ray ™
ArkanPaws Magazine™ is published four times a year on a quarterly basis by Angel Pet Sitters, Inc., PO Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72766. ArkanPaws Magazine™ is distributed free to newstands and businesses throughout NWA. Mailed subscription rate is $12.00 per year in the United States. U.S. Postage paid at Springdale, AR. ArkanPaws Magazine™ is distributed freely to readers in Northwest Arkansas. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. The opinions and views of the articles in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of ArkanPaws Magazine™. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ArkanPaws Magazine,
PO Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72762 PRINTED IN THE USA
ArkanPaws Magazine™ is in no way affiliated with any other businesses using the name “ArkanPaws”, and is therefore not to be associated with such.
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
MANAGING EDITOR
Leslie Ray
Edna Zemites
ART DIRECTOR
SALES DIRECTOR
Debbie Calhoun
Leslie Ray
PRESIDENT
Leslie Ray ArkanPaws Magazine P.O. Box 6601 Springdale, AR 72762 Phone: 479.750.7171 arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com CORRECTION In a Breeder Spotlight article that appeared in the summer 2008 issue of ArkanPaws Magazine, we listed incorrect contact information for Aquadot Labradors. The correct phone number is (479) 925-2444. Email is aquadot@dluxlink.com. We apologize for the error.
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CONTENTS 8
Leslie Ray
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Digital Pet Artist
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Directory of Non-Profit Organizations
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Business Spotlight Tyson Pet Food Group
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Non-Profit Spotlight Fayetteville Animal Shelter
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Pet Events Recap A Roundup of Pet-Related Events
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Pet Events Calendar
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Breeder Spotlight L’Amour Kennels
25 22
Roadside Pet Vender Ordinance Will it Pass?
25
Pet Gallery
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Pet Training Zellie: A Therapy Dog’s Story
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Ask Bitsy Classifieds
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Pawsitive Play A Fun Page for Kids
30 COVER ART BY LESLIE RAY
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Business Directory/ Ad Index
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Opt to Adopt! Whiskey Hi, my name is Whiskey and I am a super sweet Saint Bernard mix! I am kind and gentle and ready to love, so please come by and meet me today! This wonderful dog will be spayed/neutered, Rabies vaccinated, and microchipped before going home. Please come by the Fayetteville shelter for a visit. For more information, call 444-3456.
Bridgette Meet Bridgette's owner could not keep her anymore and now she needs a new home. She has a pretty red coat with white paws. She loves to play with a ball and squeaky toys. She really is a sweet dog and would make a great companion or family dog. Please come meet Bridgette to see if she might be right for your home. For directions to the Fayetteville shelter, call 444-3456. Bridgette would love to meet you!
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Digital Pet Artist
W
Whether it’s painting, drawing, or designing, Leslie Ray has a penchant for art. Pull pets into the mix and you’ve stumbled on her passion … pet portraits. “With a degree in studio art, and a working background in commercial art and graphic design, it was only natural for me to expand my horizons and delve into digital art,” says Leslie. She explains that digital media lends
itself to just about anything, from portraits to still life to landscapes. “There’s a versatility that is almost beyond compare. It’s like being handed a box full of every type of artist media available. The allure is irresistible,” she gushes. While Leslie’s first loves are painting and drawing, she says that her busy schedule doesn’t allow her the time to devote to either these days. She claims that digital art has been a great alternative for her, allowing her freedom of expression in an otherwise hectic schedule. She has done portraits of horses, dogs, cats, even pets with their
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people. Most of the work she does is from photographs. Some of the photos are submitted by the individuals who commission the art, some photos she takes herself and then creates a portrait from her own photo. The resulting artwork can look almost threedimensional, depending on the “texture” she chooses to use. The art can be made to look like an oil or acrylic painting, a poster, or even a watercolor. Leslie adds to that feeling through the use of photographic paper, canvas paper, canvas cloth, or watercolor paper. Small art prints, up to 13” x 19” can be printed by Leslie herself. Larger works, or giclée prints, have to be ordered from a printer with large-format capability, and can be made as large as 30” x 40”, and in some cases, even larger. Prices for Leslie’s work vary according to subject matter, style, and size. Leslie studied art and languages throughout high school, then majored in English and Art in college. Her talent drew her to graphic design, where she gained experience working with advertising agencies and printing companies. “I loved seeing my work come to fruition, and it was amazing to see it in print. The very first thing I designed was a menu for an upscale seafood restaurant. I drew two very detailed swordfish for the menu cover, and when I saw it in print, I was hooked!” Born in Kansas, raised in the Republic of Panama, Leslie was exposed to not only different cultures, but different styles of art and different types of pets. She was influenced by preColumbian artifacts and pottery, colorful Diablico (carnival) masks, and the lovely Pollera (Panamanian national dress). Her pets included exotics such
as parrotlets, a monkey, a coatimundi, a vulture, a boa constrictor, and others. “I had an idyllic childhood,” says Leslie, “I loved the outdoors, my pets, and my art. I couldn’t have been happier.” Moving to the U.S. was a big change. The culture shock Leslie experienced wasn’t anticipated, since she had vacationed in the U.S. while visiting relatives on many occasions. But, the U.S. has a much faster-paced society, and she had to adapt. “It was a good thing that I did. The world of graphic design is all about deadlines,” she says. Upon her return to the U.S. from Panama, Leslie landed in Texas, where she met her husband, Art. In 1984 they moved to Northwest Arkansas, settled down and had their family. They have three children: Hilary, Evan, and Billie Jean. They also have three fur-kids: Ribbie (a Shiba Inu), Bitsy (a Min-Pin), and Micha (a Chihuahua). Leslie’s husband, Art, a charter pilot, has been very supportive of her endeavors. “I don’t think he’s had much choice,” she says, grinning. “He’s just learned to go with the flow. He’s always been encouraging, and that helps me to persevere.” In addition to creating commissioned art, Leslie owns and manages Angel Pet Sitters and ArkanPaws Magazine. G
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Enter to Win ... Deadline: Oct. 15, 2008 2009 ARKANPAWS MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN COMPETITION REGISTRATION FORM MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO ArkanPaws Magazine, P.O. Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72766
-
ENTRY FEE: $5.00 EACH PIECE MAXIMUM OF 3 PIECES - REGISTRANT MUST BE AN ARKANSAS RESIDENT PAYMENT MUST BE SENT WITH REGISTRATION PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE:
Illustration courtesy Linda Pickens
ArkanPaws Magazine Cover Design Contest
NAME______________________________________________________ Phone_______________________________ E-mail____________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________ City______________________________ State_________________ Zip________________________
CIRCLE APPROPRIATE BOXES BELOW: Has this art been photographed before?
YES
NO
Have these pieces been submitted to another magazine for possible publication?
YES
NO
ArkanPaws Magazine has my permission to photograph my art and to reproduce and publish photos of my work.
YES
NO
TITLE OF PIECE_______________________________________________________________________ Type of Media_______________________________________________ SIZE/DETAILED DESCRIPTION______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I have read and agree to all the rules of the ArkanPaws Magazine Cover Design Competition, and will not hold ArkanPaws Magazine, Leslie Ray, the photographer, designer, printer, or any other representative of ArkanPaws Magazine liable or responsible for the judging, presentation, rendering, loss of entry, or use of my art work. SIGNATURE
X______________________________________________DATE________________________
COMPETITION RULES The ArkanPaws Magazine Cover Design Competition is not a competition between entries. Each entry will be rated on a 100 point rating system by our panel of judges. 1. Finished artwork must be 5-3/4" x 8-3/4". Text area of art must be 5" x 8". Entries can be larger, but prefer them to be scaled. If not, we may have to crop artwork to fit. 2. Competition is for Arkansas residents only, and is open to professionals and amateurs, adults, high school and college students. 3. Subject matter is pets. Any type of pet will be allowed, however, emphasis is placed on domestic pets rather than exotics. People may be allowed in the art work, but the focal point MUST be the pet. Additionally, if people are in the art work, artist must provide written permission from the person(s) in the piece, allowing ArkanPaws Magazine to publish their image. 4. Entry fee is $5 per piece, limit 3 pieces total per artist/entrant/registrant. No PayPal, credit card, or money order payments. ALL entries must be paid by personal, business, or cashier’s check. Mail entries to ArkanPaws Magazine, P.O. Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72766. 5. Art must be original. No copies of other artist's work, no decals, no copies of published work, etc. Every entrant must be prepared to prove originality with original photos, preliminary sketches, or other proof, if originality is challenged by the screening committee, judges, or readers of ArkanPaws Magazine. It is the responsibility of the artist to prove originality to the judges and/or be eliminated. At the close of the competition the decisions of the judges are final. 6. A piece of art which has won another competition may be entered in the ArkanPaws Magazine cover design competition, provided the piece is free of encumbrances, such as exclusive use rights granted to another publication, website, etc. 7. Sculptures and pencil drawings will be allowed, but will be judged on how well they will reproduce for the cover of ArkanPaws Magazine. 8. Do NOT ship or deliver artwork to ArkanPaws Magazine unless instructed to do so. We are only accepting digital reproductions of artwork. Art entries must be submitted as photos in high resolution (300dpi minimum). For sculptures and 3-dimensional pieces, please submit at least 3 photos (taken from different angles) of each piece. 9. Entries (in digital format), must be sent via e-mail to: arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com. If you should have issues while uploading your entry, please call us at 479-871-9092 to arrange for another mode of delivery. 10. Each submitted entry will receive an e-mail confirmation. If you do not receive an e-mail confirmation within 24 hours of sending your entry, please contact us at 479-871-9092. 11. Entries are not competing against each other but against a point system and all artwork will be judged by the same point system. The point system breakdown is as follows:
SPONSORS
20 - Originality and freshness of concept 20 - Application of color theory and/or values 20 - Adequateness of subject matter 30 - Design - harmony, unity, proportion, etc. 10 - Technical skill
Springdale
Rogers
10
Springdale
Springdale
ArkanPaws • Fall 2008
Springdale
Fayetteville
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NWA Pet-Related Organizatons Bella Vista Animal Shelter, 855-6020 petfinder.com/shelters/AR27.html Border Collie Rescue of the Ozarks, 236-5351 bcrozarks.com Centerton Animal Control, 795-0078 petfinder.com/shelters/AR143.html City of Gentry Animal Shelter, 736-8400 members.petfinder.com/~AR194/index.html City of Springdale Animal Services, 750-8166 petfinder.com/shelters/AR91.html Fayetteville Animal Shelter, 444-3456 petfinder.com/shelters/AR47.html
Lone Pine Ranch Animal Shelter lonepineshelter@yahoo.com petfinder.com/shelters/AR98.html Lost Love Animal Rescue, 283-8563 petfinder.com/shelters/AR177.html Madison County Pet Shelter, 738-1505 petfinder.com/shelters/AR64.html Northwest Arkansas Save Our Strays, 531-2255 petfinder.com/shelters/AR178.html Ozark Mountain Bassett Rescue, 263-3483 ombr.org
For Pets Sake, 927-1809 for-pets-sake.org
Pug Rescue of NWA pugmomma72712@yahoo.com petfinder.com/shelters/AR67.html
Good Shepherd Humane Society, 253-9188 petfinder.com/shelters/AR36.html
Rogers Animal Shelter, 621-1197 petfinder.com/shelters/AR125.html
Humane Society for Animals, Inc., 636-3703 petfinder.com/shelters/AR50.html
Siloam Springs Animal Services, 524-6535 petfinder.com/shelters/AR111.html
Humane Society of the Ozarks, 444-7387 hsozarks.tripod.com
Weimaraner Rescue of Arkansas, 530-0330 petfinder.com/shelters/AR199.html
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
A Passion for Pet Products BY LESLIE RAY
B
elieve it or not, I didn’t seek out Tyson to do this article. Kendra Waldbusser, who is in marketing with Tyson’s Pet Products Group, contacted me. It was a friendly gesture on her part, to let me know how much she enjoyed ArkanPaws Magazine’s premiere issue. A few e-mails and phone calls later, Kendra invited me to meet the team at Tyson headquarters so that I would have a better picture of what the Pet Products Group does (since until then I’d been unaware that it existed). What impressed me about the people I’ve met, in the course of gathering information for this article, was how refreshingly down-toearth they are. But, our business chats soon evolved into sharing stories about pets and how they enrich our lives. Kendra had worked for Tyson 11 years in quality assurance before joining the Pet Products Group. She says it was her passion for pets that moved her to join the division, and she loves it! Her aim is to bring a quality perspective to Tyson’s pet products. She speaks proudly of where Tyson is now in terms of its pet products, and is enthusiastic about Tyson’s goals for the future. What drives Kendra’s attitude toward work is her and her husband’s fur-kid, Buster, a four-year-old harlequin Great Dane. She says their life often revolves around him. “For me, a pet is a lifetime commitment. I have always had Danes and I know they rarely live past 10 years, but I am going to give them the absolute best life I can, for their whole life.” Brad Johnston, Director of Sales and Marketing, says his goal is to make Tyson’s pet products a larger focal point. He pointed out that all Tyson employees purchase pet foods from pet food manufacturers that Tyson provides ingredients to, so they have a vested interested in those manufacturers having the best food. (On a side note, it was mentioned that Tyson’s employee benefits package includes an option to purchase pet health insurance through VPI—Veterinary Health Insurance). Brad has two dogs: a black Lab named Gunner, and Fritz, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. He sees his dogs as his companions but is a firm believer that dogs should do what they were meant to do, and Gunner is a prime example—a hunting dog par excellence. Gunner was
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trained by Brad himself. He says he wouldn’t enjoy hunting if it didn’t involve Gunner. I asked Brad what, if anything, he has learned from being a pet parent. He said, “It’s taught me patience,” and smiled broadly. Nick Tyler, Vice President of the Pet Products Group, is as passionate about his work as Kendra and Brad. When I brought up the concerns I had about the pet food recalls in 2007, he explained that Tyson’s Pet Products Group has always held itself to a high standard. In light of what happened during the recalls and the strengthened pet food regulations, Tyson’s ingredients are more in demand than ever. Pet food manufacturers recognize Tyson as a leader in pet food ingredients and are striving to improve their quality by including Tyson ingredients in their pet foods. He is currently the proud pet parent of Abbie (a Yorkie), Kate (a Golden Retriever), and Deek (a black Lab). He beams as he tells me that Abbie goes with him everywhere, including to youth sports, where he is a coach. The kids give him grief about having a small dog. Abbie likes to hang out with Nick’s lab, Deek, and she sleeps at Nick’s feet at night. “She’s my buddy”, he gushes, seeming quite comfortable saying so. As I was leaving Tyson headquarters, Kendra gave me many photographs of Tyson team members and their pets. She emphasized that they were all only too happy to show how much they love and respect their pets, and how much a part of their families their pets are. When I returned to my office and poured over the photographs, I saw happy faces of people and pets. The photos drove home something that is hard to convey…that companies are comprised of
individuals, and those individuals are what bring success to the company. Every company should have such wonderful employees, and set the example Tyson is setting by providing only the best quality pet products! What Tyson Does Tyson Foods is the largest supplier of pet food meat ingredients in the United States. The Tyson Pet Products Group, a division of Renewable Products, op-
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erates eight protein conversion facilities across the country. These facilities process approximately 38% of the live weight of a chicken into pet food ingredients such as chicken meal, chicken by-product meal and fat. Other ingredients that Tyson markets include chicken hearts and livers, ground chicken, naturally sourced cartilage mixes and palatants. Chicken meal and chicken by-product meal are sold in a dry meal form commonly used to make cat and dog food kibble and provide a high quality source of protein and amino acids. Chicken fat is sold is liquid form and used in a variety of pet foods as an essential source of flavor while also improving the quality of the skin and coat of the pet. Tyson uses a patented technological process to convert the chicken connective tissue into a powder that contains glucosamine and condroitin that are essential in maintaining the strength and mobility of joints in dogs and cats. The cartilage is sold as a dietary supplement to pet food manufacturers who market products to improve hip and joint health. Chicken hearts, livers and ground chicken
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are collected at most of Tyson’s USDA federally inspected poultry processing facilities and delivered fresh and frozen to pet food companies. These are principal ingredients in most canned wet pet foods for dogs and cats. These ingredients provide a key source of flavor and essential amino acids in the pet diet. Liquid and/or dry palatants derived from pork and chicken components form the outer layer of all dry dog and cat food. The term used in the pet food industry for these products are “palatants” but on the human edible side Tyson would most likely call them gravy or flavorings. Where Tyson is Going In January, 2008 Tyson Foods announced an alliance with Kemin Industries, a global leader in pet food antioxidants, to manufacture and distribute palatants in the United States. As a result of this initiative Tyson will be investing over $3M in a facility in Scranton, AR to expand Tyson’s current capabilities for producing both liquid and dry products. The goal of this alliance is to help position Tyson as the leading supplier of domestic pet food ingredients. As a company we are very focused on the companion animal market segment. Pets these days continue to be viewed more and more as part of the family, and with that in mind “pet parents” want the very best for that member of the family. The pet products division makes up a major part of one of the four “Tyson Pillars” that are seen as essential elements of our core business. We will continue to seek opportunities that increase nutritional benefits to pets while adding value to our products and shareholders. G
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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Fayetteville Animal Shelter BY LESLIE RAY
O
FAS sponsors a monthly a rabies clinic.
access our available pets 24 hours a day in ver 5,000 animals are taken in by the comfort of their homes. Meeting face to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter each face and romping with a dog in the dog year. Many of the animals are dogs park or a cat in the meet and greet room and cats that have gotten lost or their owncan help to make sure it’s a match after ers can no longer care for them. The shelter you’ve looked at all the wonderful pets ontakes in animals from unincorporated Washline. ington County and seven smaller cities surAn adoption application is the second rounding Fayetteville. Stray animals are step to adopting along placed on a lost list and with talking with an held for five days in adoption counselor, hopes that an owner will where information is call or come to the shelgiven and all questions ter looking for their pet. can be asked. The Although 28% of the adoption fee is $60 and stray dogs are reclaimed includes the spay or by their owners sadly only neuter, which is per3% of cats are reclaimed. formed by the full-time To help with getting anivet at the shelter’s clinic , mals back to their homes, rabies vaccination, FAS offers microchipping Local resident Mary Haney poses with booster shots, microchip, for $20 to the public, the her two new pals adopted from FAS. de-wormer, flea/tick chip is a permanent form treatment, city license tag, heartworm test of identification that can be scanned by for dogs and feline leukemia test for cats. any shelter or vet clinic. The identification Each adopter also receives an adoption number can then be traced back to the owner. All pets should have their rabies vacpacket with a training DVD and a sample cination tag and city license tag attached bag of Hill’s Science Diet food. Please reto their collars. Tags will always help in getmember rabies vaccinations must be given ting a pet back home. every year along with renewal of city liOnce a pet has been temperament cense. tested, the dog or cat is moved to the adopIf you are at least 62 years of age, physition areas. On any given day 175 to 250 anically challenged, or suffer from a chronic illmals are housed at the shelter. Many of the ness, you may qualify for our Compassionate pets available for adoption are placed on Hearts Program. Under this program, the our petfinder website, www.fayettevilleaniadoption fee is waived if the animal you mals.petfinder.com. This allows anyone to want to adopt is already spayed or
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neutered, although the adoption applicafriendly staff and volunteers. We have edution process itself still applies. Everything in cation programs that can be tailored to your the adoption packet is included. group, and we also have helpful information A myth about shelter animals is they are and articles concerning animal training or all big mixed breed dogs and Tom cats. solutions to animal-related problems. These That is not the case in shelters today. We alare available to the public. We also have a ways have small breed dogs for adoption, video and book library in our education 30% of the dogs in the shelter are purebreds room for your use. and many wonderful breeds of cats from And, of course, we are always looking for Siamese and Ragdoll to American Curl are new volunteers to assist our current crew of tireless and talented individuals. Our volunwaiting to be adopted. teers do everything from bathing and brushFayetteville’s only Dog Park is located next ing animals to walking to the shelter and is open and playing with them. to the public from 8 a.m. Our P.A.L.s (Pet Assisto Dusk every day. The tance League) can be park is divided into two found every Saturday at section so dogs can play Farmer’s Market on the together or alone. It’s a square in Fayetteville great place for adopters showing dogs available to let their dogs meet pofor adoption and two tential family members. weeks out of each Fayetteville Animal month they are at PetSServices also operates a Officer Joe Hackler scans an incoming mart with Cats and kitLow Cost Spay/Neuter tens looking for new program for individuals of dog for a microchip. FAS offers microchipping for $20 to the public homes. For those volunlow income. Fayetteville teers who want to get down and dirty, there residents can complete an application, proare many dishes to wash, blankets to launvide a copy of their photo identification der, and cages & runs to help clean. Findalong with income verification such as, a wing a forever home for one of our homeless 2, recent check stub, or income tax statepets will touch your heart in ways you may ment. Qualifying incomes per household have never thought possible. start at $29,100 for 1 person and go up to $44,950 for 5 persons in a household. The Fayetteville Animal Shelter is open MonIf you have not been to the shelter before, day thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and or haven’t done so recently, please come Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more inby our wonderful shelter and visit with the formation please call us at 444-3456. G
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EVENT RECAP Here are just a few of the pet-related events that took place in Northwest Arkansas recently. Let us know about your upcoming event, and you may see yourself in the pages of ArkanPaws Magazine!
Happy 2nd Birthday, Big Wag Gourmet Dog Bakery!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACKIE & CHAD COLLIE, PETS ROCK
Right, the Fayetteville Animal Shelter celebrates the opening of its new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Below, cool doggies at the Camp Bow Wow grand opening.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FAYETTEVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBORAH BILLINGSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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Above, winner of the Camp Bow Wow Pet/Owner Looka-Like Contest.
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NWA Pet Calendar of Events Wednesday, Sept. 10 — 7 p.m., Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club (NWAKC) meeting, Peterson Granite, Springdale Saturday, Sept. 13 — 1 to 4 p.m., AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day (RDOD), Murphy Dog Park, Rogers (rain date September 14th) Thursday, Sept. 18 — 6 p.m., For Pets Sake (FPS) meeting, Pontiac Coffee House, Springdale Thursday, Sept. 18 — 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., Strut for A Mutt (dinner, show, after party entertainment) Dickson St Theatre, Fayetteville Saturday, Sept. 20 — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Pawsn-Spas Dog Wash, fundraiser for Animal Haven Rescue, Fayetteville Wednesday, Sept. 24 — 7 p.m., Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club (NWAKC) meeting, Peterson Granite, Springdale Saturday, Sept. 27 — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gulley Park, Fayetteville. PetPalooza, Sponsored by ArkanPaws Magazine, Northwest Arkansas Young Professionals (NWAYP), Yuppie Puppy, and Sporn Vendor Booths $10, call 479-4187999 for info. Free to the public and their dogs! Saturday, Oct. 4 — 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Weiner Dog Races, hosted by Bella Vista Animal Shel-
ter, Loch Lomond, Bella Vista (rain date Oct. 11) Sunday, Oct. 5 — 1-4 p.m., Barktober Fest, hosted by Dog Scouts, Bella Vista Wednesday, Oct. 8 — 7 p.m., Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club (NWAKC) meeting, Peterson Granite, Springdale Saturday, Oct. 11 — JB Hunt Park, Silent Grove Rd., Springdale Wednesday, Oct. 15 — Deadline for ArkanPaws Magazine cover design contest. See page 10 for details. Friday, Oct. 17 — 6 p.m., For Pets Sake (FPS) meeting, Pontiac Coffee House, Springdale Wednesday, Oct. 22 — 6 p.m., Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club (NWAKC) meeting, Peterson Granite, Springdale Saturday, Oct. 25 — Basset Waddle, fundraiser for Ozark Mountain Basset Rescue, Rogers (possibly at Murphy Dog Park) Wednesday, Nov. 12 — 6 p.m., Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club (NWAKC) meeting, Peterson Granite, Springdale Saturday, Nov. 15 — Santa Paws at Big Wag Dog Bakery, photos by Pets Rock
To have your event listed free, please send event information to Leslie Ray at arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com.
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BREEDER SPOTLIGHT
L’Amour Kennels
J
une and Terry Sayre started L’Amour Kennels in early 2000, when they purchased their first parti-colored Cocker Spaniel. June was just looking for a companion dog, since their daughter had married and the Sayres had not had a family pet in a number of years. They found their first Cocker puppy through an advertisement in the newspaper and went to see them. The breeder of the puppies they went to see told
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the Sayres the dog that had chosen June had several Champions in his background. Terry asked what it would take for a dog to become a Champion, and the next thing he knew, June was on the computer, researching the AKC (American Kennel Club) and the American Spaniel Club. Through this research, June and Terry learned the points system, and where and how to earn them. June, who was eager to embark on entering her first dog show, chose the nearest dog show that she and Terry could enter that weekend. It was June 19, 2000, June and Terry’s 19th wedding anniversary. The show June had chosen to participate in was in Texarkana, Arkansas. The rest is history. From that first dog show, Terry and June were hooked! They now are the proud parents of Ch Dalmar’s Son of a Parti Guy. Terry says there’s a story to tell behind the names of the dogs, in particular about Ch Dalmar’s Dirtwater Duchess, although he hesitated to tell it. (Which I’m certain he hopes will pique your curiosity enough to give him a call!)
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June and Terry are not what you would call active breeders. They have bred two litters to date which produced 1 Champion male (USA) and 1 Canadian Champion male. Terry loves to show the dogs in the conformation ring. Recently, the Sayres have added Whippets to their household, and June will start lure coursing (a performance event) in September with the eldest dog. June and Terry are active members of the Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club. Both are officers and show chairmen, and both strive to better the dog world through education of the public. Terry enjoys talking to people who attend the dog show for the first time. He explains what goes on in the rings, how the dogs are groomed and prepared for the show, about the breed standards, and how the different dog groups are classified (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding.) As dog lovers, the Sayres try to encourage people and families to research the breed that they are looking for. It is imperative to learn which health problems affect each
particular breed, and what type of testing must be done to ensure that these conditions are not passed on to their puppies. Some of these tests are extremely expensive, but since we feel that our pets are family members and life long companions, it is worth the expense. We are also strong believers in spaying and neutering to prevent an unwanted litter, or to prevent the breeding of dogs that will produce defective offspring. Contrary to popular belief, letting a male breed a female or allowing a female to be bred does nothing for the dog but create puppies. When that happens, the “friend” who told you he wanted a puppy when you bred your dog, will suddenly make himself scarce, because he doesn’t really want one. It’s best to leave breeding to those who are willing to go to the effort and expense to breed healthy dogs. G
L’AMOUR KENNELS
479-770-6564
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Roadside Pet Vendor Ordinance Will It Pass? BY LESLIE RAY
F
or going on two years now, I’ve been trying to convince the city of Springdale that we need to have an ordinance which will prevent roadside pet vendors from selling puppies. It’s been an issue that my conscience won’t allow me to let alone. On any given Saturday or Sunday during the spring and summer months in particular, you can see puppy vendors parked along the roadsides in Springdale. The most popular location, by far, is Sunset Avenue, between K-mart and Harp’s, on the north side of the road. Here, the vendors set up, as though they’re tailgating at a Razorback game. They pull out their portable pens, crates, or even boxes, and put the puppies out where drivers can see them. They sit around and wait for someone’s child to spy the puppies and scream, “Mommy, can I have a puppy?” Inevitably, some harried parent will pull over. They tell their child, “we’re just going to look,” but ten minutes later, they’re walking towards their car, the child holding a tiny fluff ball, the parent’s wallet a whole lot lighter. You may think that puppies sold by the roadside are a bargain. They’re not. Selling for anywhere from $100 to $500 apiece (or even more), the cost of the puppies alone is-
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n’t even a drop in the bucket. You have to consider how much they will cost the new owner over the course of 15 years, which is the life expectancy for most dog breeds. Sadly, many of the puppies will never live that long. That’s because the vast majority of dogs sold by roadside vendors are bred by puppy mills and backyard breeders, who don’t go to the expense of having their breeding “stock” tested for inherent conditions or diseases. Vendors will often tell purchasers that they “guarantee” the puppies they sell. But, the truth is, it’s not much of a guarantee. They say that the new owners should take their puppy to the vet within a few days, for a checkup. But, a checkup is not going to reveal conditions that may not surface for a year or more. Hip dysplasia, patella luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, demodectic
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(red) mange, deafness, epilepsy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other conditions could present themselves in due time. The cost to treat these conditions can easily set someone back many thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, most people don’t invest in pet insurance, so they’re not prepared to pay the cost of surgery or long-term treatment. Instead, when a life-threatening condition presents itself, the pet owner is more likely to either have the pet euthanized, or surrender their pet to a shelter, in the hopes that someone with higher means will have the pet treated. (Not likely, but it’s a way to rationalize their predicament.) Most of the above-mentioned conditions can be prevented; if the breeder either tests their breeding stock or keeps track of the puppies they sell, to learn whether any of them develop issues. A reputable breeder will not breed a dog that they know has produced puppies with inherited health issues. They learn of these things through the responsible owners to whom they sell the offspring of their dogs. Puppy mill breeders and backyard breeders, however, generally do not have their breeding stock tested, as it is
very expensive to do so. And, they don’t usually communicate with the owners of the puppies they sell. Another issue…most roadside pet vendors don’t require the puppies they sell to be spayed or neutered, which reputable breeders do. (It’s called a “limited registration”, meaning the puppy will not be allowed to be registered with the AKC if it is not spayed/neutered.) By requiring spay/neutering, the breeder is helping to curb overpopulation of unwanted pets. The number of pets that are surrendered to animal shelters across the nation is staggering. It puts a huge burden on the cities to find a way to fund housing and feeding shelter animals, and yes, euthanizing them. Many pet vendors argue that if they didn’t sell purebred dogs, most people couldn’t afford to buy them. However, that is a gross misconception. Browse the internet at any given moment, and you’ll find hordes of puppy mill vendors selling puppies for exorbitant prices. In contrast, many reputable breeders will actually give away their “pet quality” puppies to homes that they have screened thoroughly, in order to ascertain that the puppies are going to good, “forever” homes. In short, pet vendors do not take responsibility for the pets they breed. They are more interested in making a profit than ensuring that the pets will be cared for in a humane and caring manner. Another big issue concerning the purchase of pets by the roadside…impulse purchases, such as the scenario I described in my introduction. What person hasn’t come home with a puppy or kitten at some point in their life, maybe just thinking they’ve rescued the poor animal from a worse fate? Later, they realize the pet just doesn’t figure into their lifestyle. Maybe they bought a puppy and discovered it was much harder to house train than they thought, so 6 or 7 months later, the dog is still urinating and defecating in their home, and they finally give up. What do you suppose happens then? The result of the majority of these situations is that the pet owner surrenders their pet to the city shelter.
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While I could go on and on with excellent arguments that support the need for an ordinance to stop roadside pet vendors, I think that most of us already realize that allowing the sale of pets by the roadside is not prudent. The puppies are often in the sun for hours on end, dehydrating. In some cases, vendors will hold puppies out where drivers can see them, endangering not only the puppy, but the people in their vehicles. Springdale is currently the only major city in NWA that doesn’t have an ordinance making roadside pet vending illegal. The only current protection is a weak vendor permit ordinance that is rarely enforced by police, because they have more serious matters to attend to. If an ordinance is passed to prevent the sale of pets by the roadside in Springdale, it will contain wording that will allow animal control officers, as well as the police, to fine the vendors up to $500 per incident. A first-time warning has been discussed, but frankly, it’s not in the city’s best interest, since all a vendor needs to do is
change their business name and they could easily get yet another warning, thus circumventing a fine. In my opinion, the only way to approach the pet vending issue is to pass the ordinance and enforce it stringently, fining every pet vendor, without warning. Once they’ve been fined, it’s highly unlikely that they will attempt to sell puppies by the roadside again. In closing, I realize that having written this article may be a moot point, as the Springdale City Council will meet on Tuesday, August 26th, and the ordinance may be passed at that time. However, I believe in being proactive, and we should all be prepared to continue to support the passing of this ordinance should it be relegated to a third reading before it is voted on. If that is the case, I hope that those of you who share my concern will voice your opinions to the Springdale city council members, in an effort to put the roadside vending issue to rest, for once and for all. G
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BENTONVILLE 479-464-9364
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NWA PET GALLERY Here’s just a few friendly faces that call Northwest Arkansas home. If you would like to have your pet published in ArkanPaws Magazine™, send photos with a brief note giving us permission to feature your pet in our magazine. Digital photos should be 300 dpi jpegs. Email them to arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com, or mail high quality prints that are at least 4x6 to Pet Gallery, c/o ArkanPaws Magazine, P.O. Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72762. Photos cannot be returned.
Bogie Ella
Pippi
Max & Sully
Boston
Puppy love
Josie & Nick
Cassy
Cecil
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PET TRAINI
Zellie A Therapy Dog’s Story
W
henever I hear let’s go for a car ride, I know it is going to be something fun: the dog park, a store that lets me go inside, or my favorite—going where people tell me how pretty I am and pet me a lot! I am told that my job is to be
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loved on. I don’t know why so many humans complain about their jobs. I love my job! My person, Julie, and I have been through a test and are a ‘team’. What we do is called pet therapy. Julie and I completed our testing through Therapy Dogs International. TDIis one of many organizations that evaluate people and their animals to become registered therapy teams. Cats, dogs, bunnies, and even miniature horses can be involved in pet therapy. I am a dog. I was abandoned by the side of the road when I was a very small puppy. A nice lady found me and took me to her house
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job!” They took my picture and gave Julie some papers to fill out. I have been doing therapy work for several years now. I go to nursing homes and Circle of Life Hospice. Some of my pet therapy friends go to schools and hospitals. Many people want me to visit them, but there just isn’t enough time to visit everyone. There is a pet therapy support group called Helping Paws, which meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm. The meetings are currently held at Peace Lutheran Church at 805 West Olrich Street, in Rogers. For information, please call 479-636-3581. We also have a Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/helpingpaws If you are interested in learning more about pet therapy, you can go to the web sites listed below to learn more. where I lived for the first year of my life. But, then the lady decided she didn’t want me anymore and gave me away. Luckily, Julie found me. She said I was beautiful on the inside and outside and could make many people happy. Thus began my life as a therapy dog. The first thing I had to do was to go to school to learn basic obedience. Besides having a wonderful personality, mild temperament and love for people, I needed to know how to walk nicely on a leash, to sit and to lie down when I was told to. I had to learn stay and come, too—pretty basic stuff. After finishing obedience school, Julie and I took the TDI test. It was a little hard, and Julie was nervous, which made me nervous, too. But, I had confidence in us as a team. During the test, people looked at me to make sure my ears and coat were clean and they tried to get in our way as we walked. They petted me in kind of a rough way, too. I was told that some people cannot control their hands and may do this. Someone in a wheel chair rolled up and petted me. The chair didn’t bother me—I just sat next to it. I did well in the obedience part of the test. At the end of the test, the evaluator said we had passed!! Everyone cheered and said, “Good
www.tdi-dog.org www.therapydogs.com
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Dear Bitsy, I'm an 8-year-old Border Collie named Jersey. Should I be more or less active at my age? I do tend to prefer the air conditioning to the outdoors. I only run when my person has a treat for me, and my fur family is all trying to get to her first. I admit that I'm not as lean and fast as I once was. Okay...to be honest, I could lose a few pounds. Should I be working out more? If so, do you have any suggestions on how to exercise and still be safe and cool in this heat? — Jersey C. Dear Jersey, Being an 8-year-old border collie, your activity level should be a bit higher, and you'll have to change your diet as well. Opt to eat treats in the form of lean turkey, string cheese, baby carrots or even raw green beans! A word of warning though; stay away from raisins and grapes. Like chocolate, they are toxic to us dogs. Substituting half your regular kibble with canned pumpkin also works. Some safe forms of exercise are: walking during the coolest times of the day, and swimming. You'll be surprised how much fun you'll have exercising, especially if your person goes with you! — Bitsy Dear Bitsy, My two little dogs love to go outside in our back yard, so I installed a pet door for them. They've been very good not to dig under the
fence, but every time I go outside and try to use the gate, they do their best to slip past me so they can run off. I'm weary of having to chase them down! Should I take the dog door back out, or is there something else I should be doing? — Anxious in Avoca Dear Anxious, No need to take the dog door out. We really need our exercise, and the determination of your fur-kids to get out and run indicates that even with access to the backyard, they may not be getting enough! I have to admit, if I lived near a big field, I'd probably want to run off too! There are some wonderful new dog parks in NWA now, so leash everybody up, jump in the car, and drive over to the park! Of course, you'll need to keep an eye on your buddies, especially if they've not had much experience hanging out with other canines. You might even consider contacting a trainer who can help you learn some "tricks" to keep the pups occupied each day. When my person wears me out at playtime, the last thing I have energy for is running off! And, lastly, the trainer can teach you how to get your doggies to come to you. You should never chase a dog to get us to come back...it doesn't work! — Bitsy
Send your letters or e-mails to Ask Bitsy, c/o ArkanPaws Magazine, P.O. Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72766 or arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com.
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We will create a beautiful tribute for your pet, and a percentage of the cost will be donated to a local shelter or rescue! Contact us for special rates.
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ACROSS 1 Dog command 7 Dog treat 8 Rabbit 9 Dog breed that fetches 10 Pet bird 11 Smallest dog breed 12 Dog’s snout 15 Doggie neckwear 16 Angry dog sound 18 Tongue hanging out 20 Long-haired cat 24 Word for dog 25 Weasel-like pet 26 Name of pet food ingredient manufacturer 27 Flop-eared rabbit
DOWN 2 Striped cat 3 Short for Rottweiler 4 Tropical fish home 5 Fluffy dog breed 6 Happy cat sound 11 Patchy color cat 13 Name of therapy dog 14 Oriental cat breed 17 Word for cat 18 Dog or cat foot 19 Hard-shelled pet 21 Reptile 22 Dog lead 23 Dog striping 24 Kitty grasses
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Business Directory Advertiser
Page
Artists & Photographers Debbie Calhoun Freelance Graphic Designer www.2deb.com ......................................27 Cho Blu Studios 479.283.0063 www.chobluestudios.com ...................................17 Four Legs Photography www.fourlegsphotography.com ....................................................................19
Page
American K•9 Academy 479-AMERICA (263-7422) www.akadog.com...................................11 Angel Pet Sitters 479.750.7171 www.angelpetsitters.com ....................15 Camp Bow Wow Doggie Day and Overnight Camp 479.268.4120 www.campbowwow.com ....................................3
Linda Picken Art Studio 479.273.9217 www.lindapicken.com ..........NA
Canine Connection 479.444.0300 www.canineconnection.info ...........14
Leslie Ray, Digital Pet Portraits 479.750.7171 www.angelpetsitters.com/portraits.html ...................................................................................5
Critter Sitter 479.466.7068 www.crittersitter4u.net .........................................26
Non-Profits For Pets Sake 479.927.1809 www.for-pets-sake.org.......................7
Other Services Crown Air Charter Pet friendly air charter 479.750.9191............................................IBC Custom Maid Housekeeping 479.225.6388 custommaid@live.com.....................19 EntreManure™ K-9 Waste Removal 479.381.POOP (7667) www.poopfreelawns.com...................NA
Pet Products Big Wag Gourmet Dog Bakery 479.631.2924 www.bigwag.com.............IBC Tyson Pet Products Group 800.643.3410 www.tyson.com ...................................IFC
Pet Services A Cherished Dog Home Boarding 479.750.7171, 479.871.9092 www.acherisheddog.com ..................................20
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Dog Party USA 479.306-4660 www.dogpartyusa.com ...........................7 Dog Watch Day Care & Boarding Fayetteville 479.582-3647, Bentonville 464-9364 www.dogwatchonline.com ................................24 Doggie Heaven Daycare & Boarding 479.721.RUFF (7833) www.doggie-heaven.com..................................26 Faithful Friends Dog Trainers Judy 479.443.9951, Vickie 479.925.3536 ...................................17 Speckled Pup Center Professional Grooming & Boarding 479.524.8141 .............................................24
Veterinary All Pets Animal Hospital 479.273.9299 www.allpets.vetsuite.com .........................3
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