Fall 2015
Bonding with Your Pet Tips
Ask a Trainer: Trainers Thoughts
Happy Birthday Rescue and Shelter Pets Bluff City Bark Magazine
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contents features Meet Loki:
14
The pup with the “Blue Steel” look
8 Happy Birthday to all Pets!
14
August 1st is Universal Shelter
departments 22
Bonding with your Pet
DOGS
3
My Letter
4
Pet Holidays
10
Ask A Trainer
20
Puperscopes
23
DIY: Fall Treats
On the cover....
Loki and Katie helping us celebrate all shelter pets birthday! “like” us on facebook @Bluff City Bark
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On Our Site
My Letter Well folks, summer is coming to a close and the kids will soon be back in school. If your summer was anything like mine, you have plenty to celebrate; weddings, birthdays, & maybe even the announcement of the impending arrival of the newest Bluff City Bark staff writer, BABY MCCABE! Even with all of the hustle & bustle of celebrating others, getting the kids ready to go back to school, & planning for new arrivals, let’s not forget to celebrate our pets! August 1st marks Universal Shelter Dogs’ Birthday!!! Happy Happy Birthday to every shelter dog out there! Baby McCabe & I will save you a piece of cake.....maybe!
Bluff City Bark Creator
Katey McCabe
Contributing Writer Tiffany Warmbrod
Copywriter Elise Starling
HOW TO CONTACT US
Info@bluffcitybark.com Website: bluffcitybark.com SUBMIT YOUR EVENT
Do you have a pet related event coming up? Email us at info@ bluffcitybark.com and submit your event. We want to share any pet related event in the Bluff City area.
DON’T MISS OUT Never miss an issue! Sign up for our Newsletter and get the latest Bark News. Bluff City Bark is very excited to be Memphis, TN’s first pet magazine. We are very dedicated to publishing helpful and educational information to our community. We welcome submissions from writers and photographers anytime. Please email to katey@bluffcitybark.com with questions and creative ideas for articles.
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Pet Holidays
August August 1st: Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs Day August 10th: Spoil a Dog Day August 17th: National Black Cat Appreciation Day August 22nd: National Take Cats to the Vet Day August 26th: National Dog Day
September National Disaster Preparedness Month September 9th: National Hummingbird Day September 13th: Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day September 13th: Dogs in Politics Day (aka Checkers Day) September 20: Puppy Mill Awareness Day September 21-27th: Adopt a Less Adoptable Companion Animal Week September 28th: World Rabies Day
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Pet Holidays
October Adopt-A-Dog Month Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month October 1-7th: National Dog Walking Week October 5-11th: Animal Welfare Week October 29th National Cat Day October 31stL National Pit Bull Awareness Day
November Adopt a Senior Dog Month National Senior Pet Month Pet Cancer Awareness Month November 2-8th: National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week November 17th: National Black Cat Day
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Featured Adoptable Pups Colton! Meet Colton a 6 month old gorgeous golden retriever!!! Colton is fully vaccinated, heartworm negative, and neutered! Colton loves to be around children and other dogs. Colton was dumped in rural Tennessee with his brother. The good Samaritan where he was dumped took care of him and fed him but needed help. We were happy to help and got him neutered and fully vetted and now were looking for his forever home! If you are interested in adding Colton to your family please complete our application on our website Baileysarms.org
Judah is the sweetest, happiest fella. He had an obstruction, and his owner could not afford to pay for the surgery. Once Judah was able to get the surgery he needed, the owner then decided he didn't want Judah anyway. We really love Judah around here and think he is so handsome. He would love to play with you in your backyard or just sit on your couch and lounge! Please give this precious boy a chance at a happy life. We know you won't regret it! For more information about our hours, location, adoption fees, and adoptable pets, please go to www.sunnymeadows.org. You can also find online applications on this website. If you're interested in adopting or fostering Judah, please email us at tnsafehavenforpets@yahoo.com.
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Happy National Shelter and Rescue Pets Birthday!
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August 1st is known by many as DOGust the First, a universal birthday for all shelter and rescue pets everywhere. North Shore Animal Rescue League started this holiday to give these wonderful animals awaiting their forever home some much deserved recognition and Loki is happy to help us celebrate!.
WE WISH YOU
Happy My Friend
This holiday gives adoptable and adopted pets a truly designated date to celebrate. Many adopters will choose their pets adoption day as their birthday, but what about the millions of pets that are still without a home. These pets need to celebrate this happy day as well. Help your local rescue or shelter celebrate this day with a donation, a box of treats, an item from their wish list or any kind gesture to make their adoptable dogs feel special. Bluff City Bark Magazine
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This issue of Ask the Trainer will feature each trainer’s thoughts on the best thing a person can do for the dog they just adopted from a shelter. There are two things every new adopter should do when bringing home a dog from a shelter. First, set reasonable expectations. Second, make “patience” your mantra. Problems begin when we expect the new dog will love us unconditionally and will want to please us. What does “please us” mean? Have you ever gone to visit a friend’s house and realized their family rules are different from yours? Careful supervision and instruction will be necessary to help the new dog make the necessary adjustments. For example, you may have to potty-train your new dog, even if he is three years old. Some behavior issues may not emerge immediately. Experts call it the honeymoon period, and it can last anywhere from two weeks to six months. Don’t be surprised; just expect it and deal with it accordingly. And when things do go wrong, don’t curse your dog and take him back to the shelter. Look in the mirror and repeat after me: “Rome was not built in a day” and “This too shall pass.”
Elta Woodliff, M.Ed, CPDT-KA The Dog Tutor www.dogtutoring.com Bluff City Bark Magazine
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It is important to carefully manage your dog’s behavior as he/she gets used to the new environment. For the first 4-12 weeks, your dog may try different behaviors and select the ones that work. A dog will generally repeat behaviors that result in him/her getting food, attention, touch, or shelter. Make sure to positively reinforce the behaviors you like with a word like “good” or “yes” followed by a treat. Manage the environment so that your dog does not repeat unwanted behaviors. For example: use baby gates to prevent access to rooms; keep counters clear of food and tempting items to avoid counter surfing; keep the floor free of items that you don’t want your dog to chew on, like shoes or clothing. Gradually expose your dog to friends and new places. Remove your dog from any situation that produces stress, and note that he/she will need behavior modification to handle similar situations in the future. With the help of a positive reinforcement trainer who has experience with behavior modification, you can continue to work on house manners and on any behavioral issues.
Martha Bernal, ABCDT Wet Nose University www.wetnoseuniversity.com When we bring a dog into our home, we want to spend all of our time playing and bonding with them. While bonding with our canine friend is important, it is even more important that we help our dog learn to be alone. Without the benefit of learning that their humans leave and return, dogs can develop separation anxiety. These dogs are truly in a panic, often destroying parts of the home, injuring themselves as they frantically try to escape their kennel or even the home, vocalizing their anxiety, and eliminating in the house.
I need to learn that you will return and keep myself busy with fun activity like a kong
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Make it a point to put your dog in his or her kennel with a yummy stuffed Kong and leave the house for short periods of time, anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or two. When you do leave the house, do not draw attention to it. When you return to the house, do not pay attention to your dog until they are calm and relaxed. You want your dog to view your coming and going as just another routine thing that you do.
Ann Marie Easton, PhD, CPDT-KSA, PMCT Pawsitive Companionship, LLC www.pawscompanion.com Major life changes, like being adopted into a new family/home, can be stressful for your new best friend. Because of this, dogs may exhibit behaviors uncommon to them while they are adjusting. Your new dog likely doesn’t know you are her new family. All she knows is that, once again, she is in a new place with strange smells, noises, and people who act differently. This can be scary.
quickly by establishing a consistent routine, which she will find reassuring. If your dog knows what she can expect from you and what you expect from her, she will feel more secure, less fearful, and less likely to experience anxiety. Create a schedule that includes your dog’s mealtimes, playtimes, relaxing times, waking and sleeping times, as well as potty breaks. Post the schedule in a visible area as a reminder to all family members. Just remember: Routine = Security Stability. When your new dog is not left guessing when she will receive her next meal or potty break, she’ll be able to focus more on bonding with her new family.
Valerie Campbell, ABCDT Knick Knack Patty Whack Pet Services www.pattywhackdogs.com
You can help your new dog adjust more
Routine = Security Stability
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Meet Loki and Katie! You may have seen this adorable pup’s photo on facebook by some iconic Memphis places. Katie, Loki’s best friend and mom took her love of photography, Memphis and Loki’s love of treats and turned into a fun project for Memphis animal lovers to enjoy. We met up with the two for some questions and a little fun. When and where was Loki adopted? Loki was adopted on October 3rd, 2010 from a now defunct rescue group in Dyersburg, TN. Like so many other groups do in Memphis, they pulled Loki from MAS before he could be euthanized. His original Petfinder ad said he was a 9 to 10-monthold Havanese mix, but now that he’s had a chance to grow into himself, it’s more likely that he’s some kind of a schnauzer mix. As with most rescues, his age is unknown, but I decided to give him a birthday of December 25th, 2009 which would make him a bit over 5 years old. Why did you pick Loki? Originally, I had applied to adopt other dogs through rescue organizations in Memphis, but since I had just moved to the area and had not established myself with a vet I was turned down. Feeling dejected, I told myself this rescue was my last try for a while. I have allergies and they had listed a poodle mix that was for adoption that I thought might be a good fit. On the drive up to Dyersburg, the rescue group messaged to say that they also had a Havanese mix called Remmington I could see that someone had planned to take that day, but at the last moment decided against it. When I got there, the poodle mix was stand offish and quite a bit unfamiliar with a leash. Remmington was calm, walked politely on a leash, and was eager to interact. I knew right then that Remmington was the dog for me so that night I came home with a scrawny little boy with a tiny blue bow on his head and he was Loki from then on.
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What made you decide to start taking pictures of Loki? I started training him using only positive reinforcement with the help of a clicker and a variety of treats. When he hears the treat bag crinkle, he becomes incredibly focused and he seems to say “what can I do so I can get one of those?” He now knows a variety of tricks from basics like sit and stay to more complicated routines like rolling himself up in a blanket like a burrito. I’ve
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always had a passion for photography and it seemed like a no brainer that I should take photos of Loki. He will hold a “wait” and “look at me” like a pro and seems to have a natural ability to “work” the camera! If there was such a thing as a doggy “Blue Steel”, I think Loki’s mastered it.
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Is there any place that you wish you could have taken a picture, but you couldn’t? Before I started taking photos, I came up with a list of over 52 possible locations to choose from so I would always have a backup in case any didn’t work out . There were a few locations that were eager to get involved, but were not pet friendly due to health codes. We were very lucky in that we pretty much got permission to shoot in every location we asked - people were really excited about the project and were eager to get involved!
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What made you decide to turn Loki’s pictures into a book? Originally, that was my dream ending to this project! I wanted to create a project that people could follow along with on social media and then finally be able to hold a physical copy in their hands at the close. I think that a fun photo project like this about Memphis can be enjoyed by many people, from animal lovers and Memphis lovers, to visitors to Memphis looking for unique places to visit. What will the book be about? It’s going to be a photo book of our cumulative 52 week photo project that can act as both a coffee table photography book as well as a mini tour guide of wellknown and lesser-known locations in Memphis. When will it be out? It’s still in the design stage, but we hope to have it out in time for the holiday season!
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Where can people find the book when it does come out? Hopefully in local bookstores here, online through the website (www.52weeksofmemphis.com), and in some of the actual locations where we took the photos! Do you have a passion for photography? Absolutely! Since high school it’s been the one hobby that’s stuck with me everywhere I’ve gone - from Australia to Japan, from New York to National Parks of the western United States I’ve always had a camera with me. There are many wonderful photographers and pet photographers in Memphis and I’m just now dipping my toes into the pet photography field too! (www. kathrynwillisphotography.com) It’s something I really enjoy and hope to keep pursuing and improving on in the future!
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Puperscopes
Written by: Emily Anderson
What does your pups’ future hold? Leo: Friends keeps giving you advice, but it doesn’t always make much sense. Remember that birds have a different outlook than cats, and they’re all different from you. Close your eyes and ears, and let your instincts and nose lead you to the right places.
summer adventures. Make sure you’re fully rolling in and slobbering over every experience instead of simply marking off your checklist.
Virgo: You’re putting a lot of pressure on those around you to be perfect. If your human comes home tired and doesn’t immediately pet you, just wait patiently! Not only does this strengthen your moral virtues, it’ll make the two of you happier in the long run.
Aquarius: You’ve got so many idealistic goals in your bowl that you might be having trouble deciding which to do first. Just grab the tastiest-looking one and run with it! Don’t bury it until you know you’ve gone as far as your paws will take you.
Libra: Some things at home don’t seem fair. The turtle is simply given treats whereas you have to perform pointless tricks such as lay down, stay and roll over. Remember- you’re smarter so more is required. What may seem a curse is actually a blessing. Scorpio: If life feels bone dry, it’s only because your watery waves are currently calm. Enjoy this peace while it lasts because soon unwelcomed critters will burst into your life, and you’ll have to rely on your serene ocean to keep from instantly showing your teeth. Sagittarius: Dog days are around the corner, but this only adds the heat to your fiery spirit. If there’s something in your life chaining you down, simply choose to break free and soon you’ll be exploring un-dug territory! Capricorn: The earth is heating up, but this doesn’t interfere much with your carefully planned
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Pisces: The tides are changing rapidly and this could be making you feel overwhelmed. Don’t be a scaredy cat! Instead, tap into your fishy nature and plow your way deep into the unknown ocean. That’s the only way to discover your individual doggy-paddling style. Aries: All this lounging in the sun has given you ample time to invent a million new ideas. Now you’re too excited to know where to begin! Digging up moles while simultaneously burying bones won’t get you anywhere. You should first list your priorities and tame your fire to be useful instead of destructive. Taurus: The bull dog in you has decided to stay without budging. Be careful so that playful romps don’t become actual fights! Take some time to lay belly-up in the grass and reconnect with your inner earth.
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Gemini: Lately you’re the doggy everyone in the park is running to for advice. Don’t just mindlessly yap dictums, but actually listen to your friends’ problems. Then they’ll know you have the gift of bark AND it’s credible. Cancer: The backyard seems to be spinning faster than normal, causing all of your organized toys and bowls to roll amok. Just do a few long and slow pants and use your emotional energy to steadily put things back where they belong. For this month, your best friend is your steadfast nature.
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Bonding With Your Dog : A Personal Experience As an avid dog lover and owner, I have come to learn many things about training dogs and getting them to trust you and follow your guidance. At one point, I had a rescue dog that was very abused in her previous home and used for fighting, therefore she was always on edge and slightly aggressive. This is where I learned that with a little patience and understanding, you can bond with any dog. I found through communication, touch, love, and lots of learning that even the most difficult dogs can come around. Bonding is important for dogs and the owners alike because it makes it easier to train them. It is so easy in our busy lives to forget that we have to do more than just feed them and keep them alive. I, too, am guilty of coming home from a long day and not wanting to give them much attention and then wondering why they are acting up later. Taking the time out to give them more attention will result in less discrepancies and a happier household in general. Here are some tips on how to bond with your dog: 1. Pet Your Dogs Petting your dogs when you are with them makes the world of a difference. They feel loved and comforted, and will relax more and more around you the longer you do it. 2. Exercising A tired dog is a good dog! Even a short walk, or tossing the frisbee in the backyard for 20 min will do wonders. 3. Talk to You Pups Dogs understand more than you think, and they respond well to positive speak. I have found they enjoy listening to all the gossip from work as well as how long it took you to fax that expense report today. Just talk to them. Bluff City Bark Magazine
4. Training Teaching dogs tricks and training them reminds them that you are the boss and they must listen to you as well as trust you. It is also a fun activity for them in general. 5. Give them Attention I feel its important that all dog owners consider this fact: You are your dog’s world. You can go out and do fun things and have a job and friends, but your dog cannot. The moment that you step in the door, it’s their favorite time of the day. It’s the moment they have been waiting for all day. So please always remember to take the time out to show them you love them! www.bluffcitybark.com
Pet Recipes
DIY
Sweet Potato Pretzels
Sweet Potatoes are not only a superfood for dog, it’s high on the nutrition scale with lots of Vitamin A, C, Iron and Maganese. These are great for a healthy coat and immune system. These easy treats are not only easy to make, but make cute presents for other pet lovers.
Ingredients: • • • •
2 Sweet Potato 1 and ¾ Cups Wholemeal (Whole Wheat) Flour 1 Tablespoon Flaxseed Meal 1 Free Range Egg (Beaten)
Preheat oven to 350. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper. 1. Peel and dice sweet potatoes into cubes and bring to boil in saucepan of water. 2. Drain sweet potato and allow to cool. Puree in food processor. 3. Combine flour and flaxseed in a large bowl. 4. Beat egg and set aside a small amount (approx. 1 Tablespoon) for later. 5. Add sweet potato puree, and remaining beaten egg to dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a dough. 6. Take a bit sized piece of dough and roll into a 10 inch tube (about the thickness of a pencil). 7. Take each tube and make into a U shape, twist the ends together and fold back to form the Pretzel shape. Ensure the ends of the pretzel are tucked under and secured. How to make a Pretzel 8. Place the pretzels onto the lined baking tray. Using pastry brush, brush the remaining beaten egg lightly on top of the pretzels. Place in the oven. 9. Bake Pretzels for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and serve. * Makes around 20 treats. * Try Almond or coconut flour for dogs with allergies to whole wheat flour. ** The above recipe is for treats only and should not replace your dog’s regular meal plans. Always check with your vet about any major changes to your dog’s diet.
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Thank you for supporting Bluff City Bark and your local animal rescues, shelters and welfare organizations.
Visit our site for more articles and a directory of Memphis area pet services. www.BluffCityBark.com Bluff City Bark Magazine
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