Jan/Feb 2015
Midsouth’s Community Pet Magazine
Meet MidSouth Pug Rescue Reading your Dogs Tail Wags
2015 Pet Resolutions Bluff City Bark Magazine
Meet the Dog Behind the Man www.bluffcitybark.com
contents features 18 2015 Pet Resolutions
Start off 2015 doing more with your furry friends
14 16 Tips and Guide to Moving with Pets
14 Meet to Dog behind the Man
We meet with Brian “Skinny” McCabe and his girl Maude
24 Tail Tales: Reading your dog’s tail wags
On the cover....
Meet Brian “Skinny” McCabe and his best gal and our Mascot, Maude. pg 14 “like” us on facebook @Bluff City Bark
follow us on twitter @BluffCityBark
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On Our Site
departments 4
Area Pet Events
4
Pet Holidays
Bluff City Bark Creator
Katey McCabe
10 Featured Rescue 20
Memphians and their pets
26
Ask A Trainer
31
Maude’s News
28
Puperscopes
Contributing Writer Tiffany Warmbrod
Copywriter Elise Starling
HOW TO CONTACT US
30 Pets of Instagram
Info@bluffcitybark.com Website: bluffcitybark.com SUBMIT YOUR EVENT
interests 5
12 Lessons to Learn from your pets
8 Walk Your Dog Month
6 Spay & Neuter
Awareness Month
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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Upcoming Events January
12th
22nd
Positive Dog Training & Behavior Seminar: Be a better pet parent in 2015
Painting with a Twist
Join Memphis Pets Alive in Painting with a Twist. Where: Painting with a Twist The Positive Dog Trainers of the Mid-South will 3116 Village Shops Drive #22 host a seminar in conjunction with National Train Germantown, TN 38138 When: 7-9pm Your Dog Month at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County on Monday, Jan. Contact: info@memphispetsalive.org for more info 12th at 6:30pm. There will be 5 short talks on various subjects ranging from how dogs learn to adolescence to how to teach your dog not to jump. The seminar is free and open to the public, but a donation of a needed item is appreciated. A list of items can be found here, https:// memphishumane.org/donate/donate-neededitems
Make sure to visit our calender for more information on these events and more at bluffcitybark.com/calendar
Pet Holidays January
National Train your Dog Month Walk your Pet Month 2nd National Pet Travel Safety Day 14th National Dress Up Your Pet Day 22nd Answer your Cat’s Question Day 24th Change a Pet’s Life Day
Bluff City Bark Magazine
February
National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month Pet Dental Health Month Responsible Pet Owners Month Unchain a Dog Month 14th Pet Theft Awareness Day 20th Love your Pet Day 22nd Walking the Dog Day 23rd International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day 24th World Spay Day
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12 Lessons To Learn From Your Pet They are our best friend, our secret keeper and our loyal side kick. Our pets mean everything to us, but what can we learn from them? For the new year, we should take a look at our pets and how they live their lives and try to incorporate a little into our lives.
1
Enjoy the small things in life
2
Don’t let a bad time ruin your day
3
Be loyal
4
Enjoy car rides
5
Greet your loved ones at the door like your haven’t seen
them in years
6
Find something you love to do over and over again
with joy. 7
Don’t be afraid to get dirty and feel free
8
When someone is having a bad day, try to make them smile with a simple gesture
9
Don’t worry about how you look, it’s how you feel inside
that matters
10 Meet new people, like they are your new best friend 11 Don’t hold grudges 12 Make life simple
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r e t u e N n y Spa Awareness
written by: Tiffany Warmbrod
T
his issue, we are celebrating Spay and Neuter Awareness, with the upcoming World Spay Day in February. Spay and Neuter services tend to be a very controversial topic in the world surrounding pets. Breeders, obviously, are against; while rescues, vets and other animal advocates are for the service. The bottom line is that spaying or neutering your pets save lives. Regardless of your current views, please make sure you are arming yourself with the knowledge to continue to be a responsible pet owner. Here are just a few things to take into consideration if you are on the fence regarding spay and neuter services: •
Spay- refers to females and is the act of removing an animal’s
ovaries and uterus so she may not reproduce
•
Neuter- refers to males and is the act of removing an animal’s
testicles so he may not reproduce.
•
Medical evidence indicates that female pets are usually
healthier if spayed before their first heat.
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•
Neutering your male pet before 6 months can prevent testicular
cancer.
•
Male dogs are chemically wired to find a mate, which can
sometimes lead to roaming away from home. Without the hard
drive, your dog will not be so inclined. Sadly, nearly 50% of all pets that enter
a shelter/rescue are euthanized. Around 25% of those pets are purebred.
•
Your dog’s hormones will not affect their ability to protect you in your home.
•
Spay/neuter services can be offered for $100 or less in many cases. This
one-time cost FAR outweighs the financial responsibility of caring for a litter.
•
Spayed/neutered pets are often times better behaved pets.
Here are a list of places beyond your local vet that can help with spay and neutering pets. •
Mid-South Spay & Neuter Service (901) 324-3202
•
Petvax Complete Care Center (901) 373-9496
•
Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County (901) 937-3900
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Walk Your Dog Month
written by: Tiffany Warmbrod
T
he holidays have made their exit and now is the dreaded time for New Year’s resolutions. Of course always atop the resolutions list is to lead a healthier lifestyle, lose weight, be more active, etc. New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for humans, however. Just because they can’t tell you, your dog could benefit from sharing in your healthier lifestyle resolution. If you are anything like me, winter is an uninviting time for getting out and about. Somehow, the comfort of a good pair of sweats just seem to trump any and all thoughts of extra activity. Even your bed knows what time of year it is and refuses to “let you go” in the mornings. Bluff City Bark Magazine
The last thing on my mind is getting out in the colder temperatures to walk Maddox! It takes a great deal of willpower within us humans, but walking your dog is something that is beneficial for the both of you. Unfortunately, dogs rely on us to get the majority of their daily exercise. So power through and get that pup out on the streets! Here are a few tips to make your winter walks a little more enjoyable:
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• Socialize your dog. Whether you’re hanging out at a friend’s house with other pups or venturing to the dog park, socialize your dog as much as possible. This not only allows them to exercise with others, but also will prevent any behavioral mishaps that could arise around other dogs. By socializing, your dog will begin to pick up on subtle clues from other dogs who may not want a new playtime BFF.
• Unless venturing out to an off-leash dog park, be sure your dog is on a leash. Dogs essentially have a GPS in their noses, and one unfamiliar smell could send them barreling across a busy street or into an uninvited yard. Be sure to keep your dog’s leash short, but not too tight. • Make sure your dog knows who is in charge. Your dog should walk beside you, not in front of you. Be sure to reinforce proper walking behavior with a treat and praise. • Dog waste can be hazardous to the health of other animals, and can really upset neighbors. Be sure to bring waste bags with you to scoop up any waste your dog may produce on your adventure. • Bring water for yourself and your dog. It is just as important for our pets to stay hydrated as it is for us two-legged folks. You can find collapsible bowls at any number of local pet stores. Or, if your dog is anything like my Maddox, they’ll have no problem drinking straight from the bottle! • Don’t travel the same route over and over. Spice it up! Just as you may get bored with the same scenery, your dog does too.
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e u c s e R g u P h t Midsou
Rescuing Pugs, one “forever” home at a time.
Bluff City Bark is proud to have MidSouth Pug Rescue as our featured rescue. This rescue is the area’s pug specific rescue. Their mission is to support the pug breed and to find those who have been in dangerous or unhealthy living environments. We spoke with Cheryl Goodman, President of MidSouth Pug Rescue for a Q&A about the rescue. Bluff City Bark Magazine
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Featured Rescue
How did the MidSouth Pug Rescue start? I used to volunteer for pug rescue of Memphis. When the president of that group decided to retire at the end of 2010, I started MidSouth Pug Rescue in 2011.
How many dogs do you currently have in foster care? We currently have 3 pugs in foster care; we have had as many as twelve.
Do you ever go to the shelter and rescue from there? Where do most of the dogs that you have for What made the founder want to start adoption come to you from? a rescue? We take every unadoptable pug that I have had pugs for 30+ years. When comes into either the Memphis shelter the previous pug rescue founder or the Nashville shelter (they adopt out decided to retire, I knew there was still the healthy ones) we take every pug a need. I was semi-retired and had the that comes into the Collierville shelter, time to devote to it. as well as from various other shelters around the Mid-South. One third of our pugs come from shelters; one-third are Is there a board? owner-surrenders, and one-third are We do have a board consisting of 3 strays where we are unable to find their members; myself, our vice-president, owner. Bobbie Lepper, and our secretarytreasurer and vet liaison, Madeline Lee. What are the future plans for MidSouth Pug Rescue? We plan to continue to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home pug dogs that need us.
How many people work and/or volunteer there? We have no paid staff, but have a varying number of volunteers. We don’t have a facility, so all our rescues are placed in foster homes. Do you have a Wish List? Pugsize harnesses, leads, dog beds, toys, blankets, treats, Hill's Science How are you funded? Diet Small Bites food, and of course We are funded by individual donations cash, which can be applied to our vet and any grants we can qualify for. We bill (which averages about $2,000 a also have an adoption fee which helps month.) to pay the vet bills.
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A Few Adoptable Pugs from MidSouth Pug Rescue
sonny
Mr. P Mr P was found stray. He is a male pug about 8 years old. He is completely deaf, and wants to be with his “person� at all times. He recently had a mast cell tumor removed , but seems to be doing well. He needs someone who is home all day and will let him sleep at their feet during the day and in their bed at night.
Sonny is a 10 year old male pug. He was surrendered by his owner because he developed diabetes and they were unable to get him under control. He also had cataracts in both eyes. His diabetes is now controlled and he's had successful cataract surgery. He needs an owner who is familiar with both pugs and diabetes, since he needs special food and insulin injections twice a day on a strict schedule. Visit www.midsouthpugs.org for more information on adoption and how to donate towards these sweet adoptable pugs. Bluff City Bark Magazine
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hugo
Hugo is a male pug about 7 years old. He came to us from a shelter in Alabama, underweight , with kennel cough and serious skin issues; most of his fur was gone and his feet were swollen from the mange. His foster mom gave him daily foot soaks, and 3x a week scrubby baths, plus medication. His kennel cough and mange have cleared up and he has gained weight but he still has an issue with food allergies and chronic yeast infections. Recently one of his eyes popped out; the vet was able to get it back in and stitched it, but it is still red and healing. Hugo has many ongoing vet expenses, but he has the sweetest personality and is learning how to play with toys and other dogs.
The 2015 Pin-Up Pugs Calendar! If you’d like to purchase a 2015 Pug Calendar to benefit MidSouth Pug Rescue, pay $15 + $3 for shipping via Paypal to midsouthpugs@ gmail.com.
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Meet the Dog Behind the Man
Brian McCabe, owner of Hi Tone on Cleveland, may be a cat lover, but when it comes to dogs, Maude is his best friend. Maude, 2yr old St. Bernard, was rescued in Memphis, TN when she was around 6 months old and left in a yard starving.
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She weighted only 60lbs and lacked love and attention a dog her age and breed needed. When I heard the rescue that I worked at had a St. Bernard that needed extra love and care, I asked Brian if he could take on another dog. Having one already and 6 cats, the house was at its max. Knowing Maude would need some special attention and care, he said, “Look at that face! We have to add her to the family”. So from then on Maude has been by his side. Brian McCabe, who may have his plate full this coming year with purchasing the Hi Tone and starting his own T-shirt line, Dirty Cotton, he always makes time for his girl Maude. Trips to Overton Bark Park and the occasional trip to Hollywood Feed, are two of their favorite things to do together. “I’m glad
that no matter how bad my day has been, this big goofy girl still thinks the world of me!”
Maude who lives with one other dog, Heffalump, a 9 year old wirehair terrier mix and 4 cats, all rescued(2 have been adopted) enjoys her days playing with her siblings, laying on the couch watching movies and finding bones that Heffalump hides around the house. “She always greets me at the door with a smile. I’m glad that no matter how bad my day has been, this big goofy girl still thinks the world of me!” says McCabe.
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How to Move With Your Pet It’s 2015 now, which means time for some new changes in our lives. For some of you, this may mean moving into a new home. Whether it be a short or long distance move, moving can be stressful to anyone, including your pets. Here are some things to consider before, during, and after the big move.
Before Get your pet acclimated to the kennel or crate that they will be traveling in. Start by leaving the crate in a familiar spot, and then giving them treats, toys, or food inside the crate. Eventually, you will be able to close the doors for some time and even carry them around in it or go for a short drive with them in it. Get to know the area you will be moving to by doing research online, reaching out to the community via facebook, message boards or even do a trial run through the neighborhood if it is close enough. Tip: Taking them for a long walk will help with energetic dogs. Letting them get some energy out before the move will calm your nerves and theirs’.
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During Be sure to bring enough water and food for your trip as well as a small pet emergency health kit, toys and grooming materials. The more that your pet feels familiar with the objects around them during the trip, the less stressful it will be for them. Be sure to let them out to stretch and use the bathroom every 3-4 hours if your move is a far distance. For more difficult pets to move (i.e. fish or reptiles) it may be worthwhile hiring a professional animal relocation company. Tip: Have a friend or pet sitter come over and walk your pet when movers are there so your pet is not so anxious with new people in the house, says Stacy Early with Sit, Stay, Play Pet Sitting. After This is the time to meet your new neighbors, and what better way than to get your pet familiar with their surroundings with a friendly neighborhood walk. This is also a good time to find the nearest parks and recreational activities for your pets as well as some new furry friends! Be sure to research and visit the nearest vets’ offices to find out which one is best for your family. Most importantly, get your pets use to their new home gradually and comfortably to prevent runaways within the first weeks. Keep them in a “home base” room where their crate, toys, food and etc. are for a little while and then eventually they will start being able to explore the rest of the house and neighborhood. Don’t forget to update their tags and microchip! Tip: Stay with your pet when they are outside for the first few weeks and be aware of places that your pet could escape and fix them immediately.
Pancake
If lost ple ase call (901) 888 -8888
Written by: Hana Meskovic
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New Years Resolutions for You n Your Pet Tis the season and tidings are over, which means now it is time to reflect on the past year and get ready start anew in 2015. Although we may have many resolutions for ourselves, we tend not to think about including our pets in these resolutions. So here we present the top ten New Years Resolutions for you and your pet! 1. Walk More! Getting more exercise is a popular one on the list. This will be an easy and healthy way to bond with your pet! Try new routes. You will find your pants getting looser as well as your mind becoming more clear. 2. Play more! This coincides with getting more exercise and you can have fun doing it! Playtime is essential to bonding with your pet as well as giving them fun activities to distract them from negative behaviors. 3. Learn something new! Whether it be a new trick, how to stay off the couch, a new walking route, or when is the best time to ask for treats, learning something new is an important part of human and animal development. 4. Make an appointment with the vet Yearly check ups are vital to your pet’s health. Just like we visit the doctor yearly for preventive measure, it is important to do the same for your pet. This is also a good time to ask for advice about their food and behaviors. 5. Groom more, if not daily! Brushing and grooming your pet daily is beneficial to everyone involved. Brushing daily helps keep hair off of clothes and furniture. It also keeps coats healthy by evenly distributing oils. This also shows your pet you love them by taking care of them daily.
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6. Update Pet ID info A lot may have changed this year. If that includes your contact information, then it is time to update your pet’s contact information also. This will prevent any headaches later on this year when Fido decides to chase that squirrel a little too far. 7. Improve your diet! We all want to eat healthier in 2015. You can accomplish this for yours by making sure their food is up to date, switching to organic/all natural, or by making your own pet food or snacks! 8. Socialize more What a better way to make new friends (furry or non) than to get out there and be a part of the community. Whether it be park visits, outdoor cafe sessions, volunteer opportunities, or community events; social events can be beneficial to you and your pets health and happiness. 9. Spend more time on dental hygiene Dental hygiene is often overlooked in our daily pet care, yet it is still very important for our pet’s health! Ask your vet about the best ways to care for the furry one’s teeth. 10. Consider Fostering! Maybe you are pet, but don’t know it completely. Or you lifestyle is conducive consider fostering find out whether or will be benefiting community. And you furry friend find a
considering getting a how you feel about are not sure if your for owning pets. Well, as a trial period to not it is for you. You yourself as well as your get to help a sweet forever home!
What are your new years resolutions? Share your resolutions with #bcbresolutions Written by: Hana Meskovic
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Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue Christmas Party & Fundraiser
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The Savior Foundation
Pictures with Santa Fundraiser at Hollywood Feed
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s e l a T l Tai
What is your dog’s tail trying to tell you? Learn how to “read” your dog’s tail wag.
Dogs use their tails to communicate and show their emotions. Research conducted by neuroscientists at the University of Trento, Italy, has found that dogs tend to wag their tail more towards the right when they are happier and more towards the left when feel threatened or have negative emotions. Dogs can pickup on these wags and can affect how to interact with fellow pups. Here are some positions to help read your pups tail wag.
“I’m so excited!!”
“I’m relaxed”
Tail up high and wagging vigorously.
Tail in a relaxed state, gently wagging.
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“I’m nervous, I don’t like this” under belly, knees slightly bent.
Tail tucked
“I’m missed you! I’m so happy!”
Tail wagging side to side or circular motion, they also do the “Wiggle bum” dance.
Learning to read your pup and others tail wags can help prevent situations that aren’t good for your pet and could prevent an argument or fight. Keep your pet safe and happy when interacting with new dogs. Their emotions can’t be spoken, but they can be read.
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Ask a Trainer
January is National Walk Your Pet Month, so we had lots of questions for our trainers on good pet walking behavior. Every pup loves to take a long walk, but proper walking skills take time and work. Here are some Q & A’s about dog walking training.
What is the best leash or harness to use when walking a dog that pulls? Susanna Starling Body harnesses are the best tools for decreasing pulling. The leash attaches to a band that goes across the dog’s chest and prevents the dog from leaning forward and pulling. They work on the principle that wherever a dog’s front goes, the rest of the dog will follow. The best-known harnesses are Easy Walk by Premier, Sense-ation by Softouch Concepts, and Freedom Harness by 2 Hounds Design. The leash attaches to the front of the Easy Walk and Sense-ation harnesses. The Freedom harness utilizes a leash with a clip at both ends. One end of the leash attaches to the ring in the center of the front band and the other to the back of the harness. The most important thing about any harness is properly fitting it to the dog. All are
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easy to use, but be sure to make yourself and your dog familiar with the harness before heading out on your first walk. Martha Bernal, ABCDT Wet Nose University I adopted a puppy that hasn’t been leash trained. What is the best way to teach? Sara Long Two common problems with puppies on walks are: dashing and darting about or digging in and refusing to walk. Fortunately, the solution for both is the same: Teach your puppy to stay beside you! Smear a layer of peanut butter on the business end of a long wooden/plastic spoon and freeze. Have your dog sit beside you. Hold the spoon up in the air with the hand on the side where you want your dog. Say, “Let’s go,” and straighten your elbow so that the coated spoon is down, directly in front of
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Ask a Trainer your dog’s nose. Begin walking. Your dog
will be so focused on licking the spoon that he won’t leave your side! Initially, take 10 steps with the spoon down then 2 steps with the spoon up. Repeat. Slowly decrease the steps with a “down” spoon and increase the steps with an “up” spoon, until you have more “up” than “down” steps. Be consistent. Use a front-clasp harness to discourage pulling. Valerie Campbell, ABCDT Knick Knack Patty Whack Pet Services I have three dogs that I love to walk at the same time. I'm constantly stopping and pulling. What is the best way to walk three free spirited pups so we can all enjoy our walks? Bill Todd Teach each individual dog to walk on a loose lead. Put a dozen high-value treats in your pocket and start outside your front door. Speak your dog’s name. When your dog looks at you, give a treat. Take three steps and stop. When your dog looks at you, treat. Repeat. Anytime you feel your dog’s weight at the end of the leash, stop. When your dog looks back at you, call them to you and give them a treat. You are teaching your dog to check in. When you have used half the treats, return home repeating the process. Tomorrow aim for the end of the driveway. When he can do this without pulling, go to the first streetlight, etc. The more he checks in with you, the farther the two of you will walk. When each dog has perfected this, you are ready for walking with two dogs. Only when they have demonstrated they can walk in pairs, add the third dog. Realistically, it may take a few weeks. The benefit is walks will be safe and enjoyable for the dogs and for you.
I am a senior citizen who loves to walk my Bichon, but she walks under my feet. When she sees another dog, she pulls me towards them. How can I get her to walk safely at my side and not knock me over when she sees other dogs? Dee Louviere Try tossing a yummy treat for her to find as you walk. Always tossing the treat to one side will move her away from you and keep her on your side. Dogs pull towards other dogs to greet or to force them to move away. Bichons are known for their outgoing personalities; yours likely wants to greet. Teach your dog to look at you when you are home, when walking with no other distractions in sight, and when walking with a dog in sight. Reinforce with high-value treats. Ask your dog to sit and reinforce with treats. With practice and consistency, your dog will look to you when she sees another dog. If your dog is not friendly towards other dogs, this behavior issue requires a consultation with either Elta Woodliff or me to modify your dog’s behavior. Ann Marie Easton, PhD, CPDT-KSA, PMCT Pawsitive Companionship, LLC
Elta Woodliff, MEd, CPDT-KA The Dog Tutor
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Puperscopes Written by: Emily Anderson
What does your pups’ future hold? Capricorn (earth) Dec 22nd-Jan 19th- It’s time to
start a new project. Your naturally highly organized and practical skills are at a peak, so use this energy to its fullest. Now is not the time for socializing but for focusing. Get that bone chewed up! Practice ‘staying’ for longer than usual. This month is about doing, doing, doing!
Aquarius (air) Jan 20th-Feb18th- In the next few
weeks you might notice an increase of passions and desires. Go with it. Instead of your usual cat-chasing, try some bird-watching or bone-digging. Don’t let it bother you if your master seems confused or tries to stop you! While you need to be respectful, you also have to do some things for yourself soon or you might begin to feel expended.
Taurus (earth) Apr 20th- May 20th- You’re a born
leader, and you’re going to feel that much stronger in the next few weeks. Next time you go to the dog park, whether at Overton or Shelby Farms, try rallying up the other pups for a full-fledged intense game of chase! Everyone will have a great time and good karma will be sure to come back around.
Gemini (air) May You like to bark, bark, bark! Try
nurturing this skill with another animal that likes to communicate as much as you. Sometimes even cats are fulfilling companions with their more intrinsic way of looking at the world. New friends are on the horizon!
Pisces (water) Feb 19th- Mar 20th-The stars are in
your favor for some love, whether that’s new friends at the park or a new relationship with the pup down the street. Listen closely to yourself and follow your instincts. If you feel like barking, bark! If you feel like playing, play! The new doggies around you will appreciate your honest and transparent personality.
Aries (fire) Mar 21-Apr 19- Your usually active and
playful nature will be heightened this month, making you feel more restless than usual. Don’t bombard your owner with your energy, though! Instead, cultivate that vigor towards a new hobby or activity. This is the perfect time to finally track down that rodent that’s been teasing you. Bluff City Bark Magazine
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Cancer (water) June 22nd- July 22nd- You’re
always giving to everyone around you. Take a little more time for yourself this month. Protecting that front door is important, but don’t let it wear you out! If you start to feel overexerted, explore the house for a new favorite napping place. Your instinct will lead you to a secret gift for yourself, and the alone time will leave you refreshed and recharged.
Leo (fire) July 22nd- Aug 22nd-Your career will exponentially advance this month. Be ready to take any truly good-sounding opportunity to the fullest! If you see a squirrel, go for it! If your owner seems to be teaching you something new, watch and listen carefully! The stars are in your favor.
Virgo (earth) Aug 23rd-Sept 22nd-You might
notice your emotions kicking into full-gear lately. It’s ok. The peaks and lows are times for real introspection. Try to answer questions that you usually put off: Why do you bark at only the mailman? Why is that one bush your favorite? You will learn much about yourself this month if you’ll only try.
Libra (air) Sept 23rd- Oct 23rd- New interests keep
popping up, don’t they? This is a great opportunity to advance yourself internally, but you need to choose wisely and then stick with it! Be sure to share your newly acquired information with other animals, dogs specifically. K-9’s will appreciate your new expertise.
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Scorpio (water) Oct 24th- Nov 21st- Your magnetic nature will be intensely high this month. Don’t be confused if your master or other pups seem drawn to you. Welcome any interactions with open arms. This will leave you feeling exceptionally social and emotional in very positive ways. This month is about you giving to others.
Sagittarius (fire) Nov 22nd-Dec 21st- Your reckless nature will be especially honed in this month. You might find yourself dragging your master with the leash or barking at passerbys more than usual. While keeping yourself in check, give into these impulses. They make you feel alive, and the risks are usually fun and rewarding! www.bluffcitybark.com
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Maude’s New
News From Maude Since joining my new family, every Christmas we travel and visit my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I always know when it’s time to go when momma gets our travel bag together with water, food, and my comfort blankey. I love road trips, but there are a few things I don’t like about traveling. The thing that I hate the worst is when they leave the car. I love the new smells and people I meet when I travel. Daddy says I’m a good road trip pup! That makes me happy. The best part about going to see my family is I get to run, run and run with my best friend Taco. We have so much fun together. BFF’s Maude’s Rules on Traveling: -Always pee before you leave the backyard -Naps are a good thing, because when I get there, it’s party time! -Most importantly, take in the scenery. I’m a lucky dog to get to travel and see so much. Many dogs don’t get to experience life like this. I wish they could though. -Don’t sit on your sister, give your loved one some room to lay down and rest too. -Don’t bark at the person handing your momma food thru the window. They won’t give you any, so don’t ask. -Try not to sit in the middle of the car if you are as big as me. They don’t like that and will always say “Lie Down!!” Bluff City Bark Magazine
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Pet Recipes
DIY
Pup-R-Mints
Homemade Breath Freshening Dog Treats Ingredients: • • • • • • • •
1 cup whole wheat flour 1 egg 6-8 sprigs of parsley 6-8 sprigs of mint 1/3 cup plain yogurt 1/2 cup of beef broth 3 Tbsp. coconut oil 2-3 drops peppermint extract
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 Blend, chop or use a food processor to combine all ingredients until well combined. Depending on your pups size, roll an appropriate amount of dough into a ball and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden in color. Treats can be refrigerated up to one month.
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