ArkanPaws Magazine Premiere Spring Issue 2008

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Paws for Thought Editor’s Letter

N

ot everyone has the opportunity to do something they’ve dreamed of. In that respect, I consider myself incredibly lucky.

Growing up, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I also wanted to be an artist.

Guess what? I’m not either. But, I did achieve two things that I’ve aspired to: I work with animals and I’ve also been a graphic designer. For years, I’ve tried to think of a way to combine both loves, pets and art. Well, I think I’ve finally figured a way. Welcome to ArkanPaws Magazine, the publication for pets and their people! I present Northwest Arkansas with its own pet magazine—a source of educational and entertaining articles and stories, combined with wonderful covers by local artists and photographers. For our first issue, nationally-known pet artist Linda Picken was kind enough to provide us our cover art. I’m so delighted with the adorable puppies and kittens that grace our cover! And, our pages are chock-full of excellent articles by local businesses and individuals. I’m learning that talent abounds in NWA! Check out our directories for pet businesses and organizations, and don’t forget to look at our event calendar—there are several pet events scheduled in the coming months, and you certainly wouldn’t want to miss them! Some of them are dog walks, so take your dogs out for a day of fun and sun. They need exercise and a change of scenery just as much as we do! We hope that you will enjoy this, our first issue, and we encourage you to patronize our advertisers. Without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. There are so many pet businesses in our area that I never even knew existed. With any luck, ArkanPaws will help to spotlight their products and services! If our readers have any stories, photos or suggestions to make, we welcome them. You can reach us by e-mail at arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com.

Leslie K. Ray Editor-In-Chief 4

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ArkanPaws

™

PUBLISHER

Leslie Ray CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

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.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ArkanPaws Maga-

zine, PO Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72762 PRINTED IN THE USA

Edna Zemites SALES DIRECTOR

Leslie Ray MANAGING EDITOR

Leslie Ray ART DIRECTOR

Debbie Calhoun PRESIDENT

Leslie Ray ArkanPaws Magazine P.O. Box 6601 Springdale, AR 72762 Phone: 479.750.7171 arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com

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CONTENTS 8

Linda Picken Pet Artist Extraordinaire

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Directory NWA Pet-Related Organizations

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Business Spotlight Big Wag Gourmet Dog Bakery

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Breed Showcase Afta Shelties

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Spring Calendar of Pet Events

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Pet Tails Puppies by the Pound

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Non-Profit Spotlight Lulu is just one of the many pets that call Northwest Arkansas home.

For Pets’ Sake

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Ask Bitsy Column

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NWA Pet Gallery

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Pet Training Cat’s in the Cradle

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Pawsitive Play A Fun Page for Kids

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Business Directory Classifieds Ad Index

8 COVER ART PROVIDED BY LINDA PICKEN

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Linda Picken Pet Artist Extraordinaire

BY LESLIE RAY

I

f you’re a pet lover, you’ve probably seen and admired art by Linda Picken. Linda’s beautiful work graces everything from greeting cards to puzzles and popcorn tins. Her work is very popular, and with good reason—it is stunning. Her paintings cover everything from domestic pets to wildlife, which are meticulously detailed proving that her subjects are rendered with love and an eye for perfection.

Because her work is so impressive, I was delighted and honored to be invited to visit Linda in her home. Visions of grandeur swirled in my cluttered mind. What would she be like, this artist who is literally worldrenown? Her work is so impeccable that I feared she might judge me the same way she scrutinizes her vivid masterpieces. Gulp.

Linda answered the door wearing a brilliant turquoise sweater that accentuated her remarkably blue eyes and radiant smile. I was taken aback by her delightfully casual demeanor, and equally taken aback by the sheer volume of work that she has displayed in her home.

Linda is nothing

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with tales of some of the other pets she’s had in her life, among them dogs and peacocks. She described some quail that used to visit her backyard, and a kestrel that she babysat for once upon a time. In case you didn’t deduce it from her paintings, Linda is an animal lover in every sense of the word.

During the course of our enjoyably relaxing visit, I learned that Linda didn’t begin painting in earnest until she was 22 years of age. She painted a wide variety of subjects, but it wasn’t until she started painting dogs that she felt she had hit on something lucrative.

People fell in love with her Labs, Goldens, Beagles, Poodles, and more. In short, the public couldn’t get enough of her pet art. Her husband, Neal, promoted Linda, and helped her atshort of a dynamo. I had no idea how prolific an artist she is! Oil paintings hung from every wall. Her work is displayed on furniture and even incorporated in the decor of her home. She is completely engrossed in her work, and it shows.

While given the grand tour of her home, I was introduced to her kitties: Jessie, also known as “Bin Laden”, due to his curious habit of attacking your hand when you least expect it; Kiki, an elegant tuxedo kitty; and Topper, a grey tabby that I recognized from one of my favorite paintings by Linda, “Hobbs and Topper”. But, the menagerie didn’t end there. Linda regaled us

tend art shows across the country for 30 years until their retirement in 2003. That she was able to continue the pace for such a long time is certainly a testimonial to the unflagging love that Linda has for what she does.

Linda said she is “three-quarters retired”, and then showed me her current project, a line of dog breed and puppy paintings for a national firm. I’m not sure Linda has quite grasped the meaning of the word “retired”!

Linda’s work alone didn’t astound and impress me; it was her life stories that were icing on the cake. When her children were still

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young, Linda’s husband left his full-time job to help her pursue her dream. Together, they’ve built her talent into a phenomenal legacy and a profitable business. Along the way, the colorful couple gained some new interests and met some interesting (to say the least) people, some artists, some not.

Linda’s devoted husband, Neal, is owner and fencing instructor of Arkansas Fencing Academy in Springdale. He has helped train some notable athletes. While Linda purports not to be a “sporty” type, Neal likes bicycling and has been an inspiration to his daughters, who both took up fencing at a young age. One of Linda’s daugh-

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ter’s still resides in NWA, while the other has made the east coast her home. Recently, Linda and Neal became proud grandparents to a bouncing baby boy.

It was with genuine regret that I left Linda’s idyllic home, nestled in the Bentonville countryside. It has been a long time since I’ve been the guest of such a cheerful and generous host. I feel blessed to have made Linda’s acquaintance, and I’m proud to be able to display her work on the cover of this, our first issue of ArkanPaws Magazine. G

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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

Lone Pine Ranch Animal Shelter lonepineshelter@yahoo.com petfinder.com/shelters/AR98.html Lost Love Animal Rescue, 283-8563 petfinder.com/shelters/AR177.html Northwest Arkansas Save Our Strays, 531-2255 petfinder.com/shelters/AR178.html Ozark Mountain Bassett Rescue, 263-3483 ombr.org

Fayetteville Animal Shelter, 444-3456 petfinder.com/shelters/AR47.html

Pug Rescue of NWA pugmomma72712@yahoo.com petfinder.com/shelters/AR67.html

For Pets Sake, 927-1809 for-pets-sake.org

Rogers Animal Shelter, 621-1197 petfinder.com/shelters/AR125.html

Good Shepherd Humane Society, 253-9188 petfinder.com/shelters/AR36.html

Siloam Springs Animal Services, 524-6530 petfinder.com/shelters/AR111.html

Humane Society for Animals, Inc., 636-3703 petfinder.com/shelters/AR50.html

Weimaraner Rescue of Arkansas, 530-0300 petfinder.com/shelters/AR199.html

Humane Society of the Ozarks, 444-7387 hsozarks.tripod.com

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W a g g i B

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Gourmet Dog Bakery

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hese aren’t your grandmother’s cookies.

But that hardly seems to faze the customers at BigWag Gourmet Dog Bakery in Rogers. Perhaps that’s because dogs actually prefer liver to chocolate chip. Or maybe it’s simply because they are so overwhelmed by the smells of treats being baked as they shop. Whatever the reason, dogs and their owners are happy customers of this growing pet business.

BigWag Gourmet Dog Bakery opened in July 2006 with 13 basic treat recipes and a lot of hopes and dreams. Since then, everything has expanded. There are now over thirty varieties of treats available daily and a number of special treats for holidays. In addition to treats, BigWag now carries holistic and grain free dog foods, spa products, collars and leashes and a variety of toys for the hard to please canine. They even make pupcakes and barkday cakes for birthdays or other special occasions.

“My favorite thing to do is probably the barkday cakes,” says Erin Hague, store manager. “People just love them. It’s such a treat to see people’s eyes light up when they pick up a cake made especially for their dog.” Cakes at BigWag are made with all natural ingredients and then topped with mashed potatoes instead of icing. The potatoes can be colored and used to decorate the cakes in a variety of ways, including paw prints and flowers. “I always love to do something new though,” says Erin, “I had one customer request a playing card motif.

That was a lot of fun, because I got to be creative.”

The BigWag family has also expanded.

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“We didn’t own a dog when we opened,” admits Erin, “because we opened two weeks before Cary and I got married, and we didn’t want to get a dog, then leave it while we went on our honeymoon. But we fixed that as soon as we got back!” Nearly two years later, the Hague’s “employ” Hannah and Sam, rescues from the Roger’s Humane Society, as their official taste testers.

“They love it,” says Erin, “and it’s definitely a job I didn’t want.”

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But the most important change BigWag has undergone in the past two years is it’s expansion from mere business to valued member of the pet community. “When we started, we knew so little about what Northwest Arkansas had to offer dog lovers,” co-owner, Cary Hague says. “In fact, we only found Murphy Dog Park because we had to delay our opening due to oven problems.” Since that day, BigWag has become a staple at most pet events, providing everything from treats for the

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Easter Egg hunt to a six foot long cake at the Mardi Gras Pawty in 2007. “When we can’t actually attend an event, we still try to provide gift baskets or treats for goody bags,” says Erin.

“It’s important to help out the rescues, humane societies and shelters of the area, because they do important work. “We’d take every dog home if we could,” says Cary, “but since that’s not an option, we feel like this is the next best thing we can do.” Hannah and Sam couldn’t agree more.

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BREED SHOWCASE

Bambi, 10 months

Afta Shelties

BY BEV LLEWELLYN

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fter showing horses (Tennessee Walkers/Racking Horses) for twenty years, I decided I wanted a change of pace. I loved the beauty of Shetland sheepdogs, did some research, and launched my career of showing and raising Shelties. That was in 1995. I was getting older and wanted to do something different with my life.

Breeding is a rewarding endeavor, but being a responsible breeder is hard work. I have all of my dogs and bitches tested before they are bred. Tests for Shelties include: hip dysplasia, thyroid, Von Willebrand Dis-

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ease (bleeders), and Collie Eye Syndrome. A male is chosen that best blends with the females’ qualities, and I breed for the following: first and foremost, for health; then for temperament, which is of great importance; and finally, for conformation (which is to say, the standard of the breed). When babies arrive, they require much attention, especially as they approach 3-4 weeks old.

Worming is attended to at 2, 4, & 6 weeks of age. The pups are given their first distemper shot at 8 weeks of age, along with a nasal inoculation against Bordetella (Kennel Cough). Puppies are regularly weighed,

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from birth, and their height is measured dogs dearly, and hope and pray that none starting at 7 or 8 weeks. They also get a well of them ever wind up in a shelter. baby check up by the veterinarian around A member of the Northwest Arkansas 6-8 weeks of age. All of these things help to Kennel Club since l994, I’ve served as presiensure that the puppies will be healthy and dent three times, as vice president, treashappy. urer, and as a board member. I’ve helped The differences between puppies that will teach conformation classes, as well. The be pets and those that will be show kennel club is a wonderful group of people, prospects are simple. Being too small (must and I thoroughly enjoy being a member. be 13-16 inches in height I’ve also been active for the show ring), too in the American Shetlarge, having an under land Sheepdog Associabite or an overbite, or tion. As a member of the having testicles that Board of Directors, I’m in won’t descend, will all charge of 8 states, apdisqualify a puppy from pointing the Breeder Rebeing shown. Pups that ferrals in those states. I’m are not of show quality also Chairman of the must be found loving new AKC Sportsmanship homes as pets.

Award for the American I socialize all of my Shetland Sheepdog Aspups in my home and sociation for 2008. generally raise only one I show my own dogs litter at a time. I breed as an owner/handler dogs for myself, not to sell and I’m in the process of — Kennel owner Bev Llewellyn as pets. My intention is to applying for my Sheltie libreed show dogs that cense. I thoroughly enjoy embody the best qualities of the breed. this gentle breed of dogs, and am proud to When I have to place pet quality pupbe one of the people in the country that pies, I invite prospective pet owners to my has the honor of protecting the standard home to meet the babies, always reminding that guides the breeding of the dogs. I have them not to pick one out. Since the pups finished many champions and enjoy them are still very young, I don’t know yet which all as my pets first. G will be for show and which will be pets. Interested families have the opportunity to meet Bev Llewellyn can be reached at bev@ all of my dogs, to meet me, and to see how aftashelties.com or www.aftashelties.com. the dogs are raised and socialized. I have been extremely lucky to have always had a waiting list for my pet quality puppies. I care deeply for them, and am, explicably, particular about which homes they go to. As a responsible breeder, I have a pet contract that new owners must sign. They must promise to spay/neuter their puppy when it is old enough. The contract also has a clause stating that the owner may return their dog to me at any time, should they be unable to care for it. When any of my dogs are returned, I find them good homes. I love my

I thoroughly enjoy this gentle breed of dogs, and am proud to be one of the people in the country that has the honor of protecting the standard that guides the breeding of the dogs.

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ArkanPaw Spring i Calendar of April Sunday

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Tuesday

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Passover Begins

Earth Day

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Dog Days, Frisco Park, Downtown Rogers 9a.m. – 1p.m.

National Pet I.D. Week

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Convenient Pull-Out Calendar

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™

endar of Pet Events

-Out Calendar

May Sunday

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... featuring the art of Linda Picken, www.LindaPicken.com

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Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s National Dog Bite Prevention Day Week

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Bentonville Bark Park Dog Walk, Walton Blvd. & NW “A” Street, Bentonville 9a.m. – 1p.m.

Dogwood Walk, Humane Society of the Ozarks, Gulley Park, Fayetteville 9a.m. – 12p.m.

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Woofy Walk, JB Hunt Park, Springdale 9a.m. – 12p.m.

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Adopt a Pet!

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Memorial Day

Coming up in June ...

SATURDAY, JUNE 7 – Paws-n-Spas Dog Wash Fund Raiser, Dog Days Doggie Day Care, 901 SE Walton Blvd., Bentonville, AR – 1-4p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20 – Take Your Dog To Work Day

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PET TAILS

Puppies by the Pound

BY MICHELLE ADELMAN

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n assignment originally dedicated to a story about two cats was abruptly put on hold as I couldnít help but to share my recent experiences at my local animal shelter. My very first day at the animal shelter started at 10AM this morning. I walked into the crowded lobby and waited for someone at the front desk to acknowledge my presence. I was anxious to get started because after all there were a dozen puppies waiting behind a closed door to be played with. Finally I was given the instructions to sign my name in the three ring binder and then I was led to a back room past the stack of cats to where a bundle of puppies were jumping up and down at the sight of a new being to smell and explore. The only directions I was given was to sanitize my hands after I touched each puppy.

I was left to my own devices as to what to do with the little youngsters. The first puppy I cradled in my arms was a nameless German Shepherd mix that had the kind of spunk that takes two cups of coffee to keep up with. After ten minutes in the playroom, with the puppy bouncing around and playing with his squeaky monkey toy, I decided to name him Pepper. His spicy puppy personality gave me such an excited feeling that I couldnít help but to roll around on the floor and join in on the bouncing around and the jumping about.

With six more puppies to play with, Pepper and I had to end our little visit. I placed Pepper back in his little cubby and moved on to another little girl puppy mix who I decided to call Ham. Only after I played with her in the play room for a few moments was I able to gage how adorably chubby she was. Her big belly took up most of her body.

I was certain that her name had to be Ham because as she ran around the room chasing after me, she was snorting like a little piglet.

A Jack Russell Terrier was next. A quiet, shy lit-

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tle fellow, Jack sat on my lap and cuddled with me the whole time we were in the room together. I kept trying to get him to run around and play a bit, but all he wanted to do was to be held and tickled behind his ears.

The morning flew by as I played with puppy after puppy.

Before my shift was over a Border Collie puppy was placed among all of the other orphaned puppies. He too had no name and was eager to get down to playing. I stayed a little longer only to have my heart stolen. I named the new addition Arnold. He was so gentle and caring, sweet and unbelievably adorable. All puppies have something special about them, but this one had a little something extra. Like Jack, Arnold was calm and a bit timid. He wanted to sit and cuddle rather than run around and jump all over the place. I sat with Arnold and gave him the reassurance that he was safe and loved. It was incredibly hard to put him back into his cubby.

I said my goodbye to the puppies and promised that I would see them for my next shift on Thursday morning. The hardest thing was turning around and walking away from jumping bodies and barking mouths. On my drive home I

wished that I had the rest of the day free so I could have stayed longer. The puppies need someone to pay attention to them and share some love. I was so happy to give the puppies whatever time I could spare. Such an inspirational morning led me to share my experience in a message of awareness. I hope that future dog owners will look to their local shelters for puppies first before they go anywhere else. And of course I urge anyone with extra time on their hands to get involved at the local shelters. Giving orphaned dogs some time and affection not only makes their day a little less monotonous, but it will also do wonders for you, that I promise. G

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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

For Pets’ Sake

BY LAURIE BECKMAN

“

Pets don’t make our whole lives, but they do make our lives whole.” I don’t recall where I first read this, but it is so true. We grow up with a household pet that is part of our family and sometimes we take them for granted. After marriage, it’s often a toss up as to what comes next, a pet or a baby. As ‘empty nesters’ many enjoy the companionship of a pet because they prove to be loyal, affectionate and entertaining. And by the time we retire from full time employment, we have had several wonderful pets over the years. For most seniors the pet is all that is left of the “good ol’ days”. Sometimes a pet is the last companion after the death of a spouse, giving the pet a special, and important, status.

Here in Northwest Arkansas, there is an organization that is certainly doing what it can for the benefit of domestic pets. For Pets’ Sake, chartered in Sept of 2004, is a tax-exempt animal welfare organization working to help pets, their owners and the community.

Co-founders, Leslie Ray and this writer, hoped

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for an organization that would focus more on service to the community while caring about animal welfare. For Pets’ Sake was organized to offer assistance to seniors with pets, provide discount micro-chip clinic for the general public, rescue and foster on a limited scale, develop short educational programs on animal safety and welfare for area elementary schools, and network information with other animal groups in Northwest Arkansas.

I have been fostering dogs for FPS since the very beginning. Callers with a pet to place are asked to act as a foster home until we can place the animal in a permanent home. I’m not sure why more folks aren’t in-

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terested in being a foster home for pets. It’s temporary, for goodness’ sake. I mean just that—“FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE”—because fostering is not a long term burden on the foster home. A little care giving creates a bridge from hopelessness to happiness for a dog or cat that could be the perfect pet for a family. Another advantage of fostering: it allows the organization to form a general profile of the animal. Does it get along with other pets? Or kids? Is it gender aggressive or scared of storms?

Discovering these things can lead to a better placement for the dog AND for the people.

In January of 2006 FPS launched the Best Friends program—assistance for senior and disabled citizens. To qualify, applicants must document their status of age or disability. Assistance can be in the form of transportation

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for client and pet to a grooming salon or vet office, food for a few days, pet sitting for an owner who must be hospitalized over night and/or $75 cash in annual assistance for vet bills. Although FPS advocates pet owners to spay/neuter all pets, this program is designed to cover vet expenses that are not covered under any other plan or program. If a client needs to have a pet spayed/neutered we will refer them to a discount program in their county and then cover the other medical expenses for them. Example, one Springdale senior adopted a small dog from a local shelter and called us to help with shots, tests, and spay surgery. I referred her to the Humane Society of the Ozarks for a discounted spay price of $40 and FPS covered $75 of her other $80 vet bill. She paid a total of just $45 from her own

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pocket to have her new pet tested, vaccinated and spayed. Seniors who have used our program plan to use it again.

FPS is having their first discount micro chip clinic for the public to I.D. pets. This is the third item on the FPS agenda. The micro chip clinic will be from 9am to 12 noon on Saturday April 26th at the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, located downtown on the square. The discount micro chip fee is about half the going rate in this area. Each chip is encoded with a serial number and injected under the animal’s skin between the shoulders. The owner’s name and contact information are then registered with a national directory. Most vet clinics, shelters and rescues have the scanning equipment to detect the chip number, which allows them to obtain the owner’s contact info from the

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national registry. Bingo! Little lost dog goes home instead of going to the dog pound. For information regarding our upcoming microchip clinic, please call 927-1809, or e-mail forpetsake@hotmail.com.

FPS offers high fashion dog collars for sale on their web site. These are cotton blend fabrics in bright colors and are comfortable for the dog. They’re machine washable, too! There’s even fabric collars for all you razorback fans.

By next winter, FPS will be in the middle of their second art show at Arts Center of the Ozarks. This show will give cash prizes and FPS will host a wonderful reception for the opening. Check our web site (for-pets-sake.org) by summer to obtain details and entry forms. G Laurie Beckman is president of For Pets’ Sake.

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Dear Bitsy, I wish my dog, Jack, could communicate his needs. Sometimes I feel he wants something, but I can’t figure out what it is. He follows me around the house and when I’m in the kitchen, he sits and watches everything I do. When I sit down to watch TV, there he is. If I go to the bathroom, he wants to go in, too. If I don’t let him in, he sits outside and scratches on the door. Why does he do these things?

— Amy H. Amy, Jack IS communicating his needs, but you’re not paying attention! Jack wants to be with you. He looks to you for companionship.

Following you around is his way of saying, “Let’s hang out together!” Sometimes, we don’t need to be fed to be happy. A hug, a pat on the head, a neck massage, or just some kind words go a long way. Better yet, go outside and throw the ball for Jack. He would be SO happy to know you want to spend quality time with him!

Dear Bitsy, My owner only feeds me dry food. I’m SO tired of dry food! What can I do to make her give me something special every now and then?

—Rover

Rover, You’ve hit on an age-old question. Why do humans feel they have to feed us the same thing, day in and day out? Don’t they realize how boring it is? Yes, they do. But, the media has taught our owners that varying our diet is a no-no. I suppose that, to some degree, it’s true. But, it’s nice to get a treat now and then!

I suggest doing something to get your owner’s attention. You might try dancing around on your hind feet, pretending you like to watch TV, or bringing them all of the socks they’ve “lost” in the last year. That should do it. If not, try to refrain from eating your owner’s favorite shoes in retaliation. I guarantee you won’t get any special treats for at least a year if you try that trick. G Send your letters or e-mails to Ask Bitsy, c/o ArkanPaws Magazine, P.O. Box 6601, Springdale, AR 72766 or arkanpawsmag@hotmail.com.

Animal Quotes "The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals."

— Anonymous "An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language."

— Martin Buber "A cat is a puzzle for which there is no solution."

— Hazel Nicholson "Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!"

— Theophile Gautier ArkanPaws • Spring 2008

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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.

Boy, The next Air Bud soccer star!

Dieter, Wienie watchdog extraordinaire!

Doobie, Will only drink from the faucet!

Brandy

Abbie Casper, Elegant and mysterious!

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Rosco, World’s largest German Shepherd?

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Domino

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Boscoe, Good kisser!

Jessie

Gretchen, Summersaults for a tummy rub

Lucy, Modeling her girly girl nail tips Spike, Loves massages

Macy

ArkanPaws • Spring 2008

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PET TRAINING

Cat’s In the Cradle

BY DENISE HOLMES

W

hen a new baby is on the way it’s easy to overlook the needs of a pet, especially if the family friend is a cat. Their silent and confident prowling often leads us to believe that they will be quietly accepting of a new arrival, but this isn’t always the case. Cats are very territorial and don’t take kindly to abrupt changes.

Left to their own devices they may eventually get used to the idea of a baby in the house, but there are definitely some things you can do to make sure the transition is easier and less stressful.

Let’s start by dispelling the myth that the cat will

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steal the baby’s breath.

Your cat is exploring, utilizing her sense of smell to sniff the baby’s mouth to discover what he has eaten, usually milk . . . Mmm. My cat actually sniffs my mouth quite frequently. She is especially prone to do this if I have been gone for a while; I suspect it’s part greeting, part nosey. The point is this: it isn’t dangerous or unusual behavior, and your cat is NOT stealing the baby’s breath.

In addition to sniffing the baby’s breath, your cat may want to sleep with the baby.

A crib is an elevated, warm cozy place that cats just can’t resist.

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Though many new parents concern themselves with the cat sleeping in the crib and perhaps smothering the baby, I can assure you this is rare. If this is a genuine fear for you and do not intend to allow your cat in the cradle, then you should restrict her access before the baby comes, as well as purchase or design a place especially for her. A cat tree might be a great diversion from the crib. Just remember, anything you do not intend to allow the cat to do once the baby arrives, begin making those adjustments A.S.A.P. If you have a lap cat, then now is the time to begin to get her used to the idea of sharing or vacating the lap space.

This is best done through use of a doll. Wrap the doll in one of the blankets that will soon be used for the baby and douse it with some

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baby powder, Mustela, Burt’s Bees or whatever product you intend to use. This will help your cat get used to the smell of baby.

Next, make sure your cat has something pleasant to do while you hold the baby. She used to sit in your lap; now she needs something equally enjoyable. Some catnip or a Kong (yes, I know it’s a dog toy) stuffed with a bit of tuna might give her something interesting to do and make her feel good about the baby. The point of this exercise is to begin to provide your cat with positive associations that will lead it to understand that when the baby is being held, good things happen.

You will not only need to address the physical changes that will occur in your household (being denied access to a room or a lap, encountering a new smell), but you will also need to address the auditory changes. Cats have approximately 32 muscles in each ear designed to detect the slightest movements of prey or predator.

That equates to sensitive. Babies can be loud and produce a lot of strange noises. If you’d like your cat to not spend the next three months under the bed, then getting her used to the sounds of a baby is crucial. Have a FWB (that used to be ‘friend with boat,’ now it stands for ‘friend with baby’) bring their infant over for an hour or so. This will help accustom the kitty to the sight, sound and smell without it being a permanent arrangement.

A short interval of positive or even neutral exposure is the goal.

You should repeat this activity many times, extending the duration of each visit.

If you don’t have a FWB, then you may want to add a CD of baby sounds to your arsenal of ‘love the baby’ weapons. You

A cat tree might be a

great diversion from the

crib. Just remember, anything

you do not intend to allow the

cat to do once the baby arrives, begin making those adjustments A.S.A.P.

ArkanPaws • Spring 2008

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will need a variety of sounds from a newborn. Having newborn sounds instead of ‘infant’ sounds is very important. It doesn’t take long for their voices to gain strength and begin to change. So, the first sounds your child makes are the types of sounds to which your cat should be introduced. Once you have the sounds, make sure you play them everywhere your newborn is likely to be. A portable CD player is great for this.

There is also an iPod docking station designed for the crib rail, which is perfect for creating sounds right from the source. Remember volume, duration, location. Don’t just turn it on and walk away. No one wants to listen to a baby cry for 20 minutes, not you, not the cat.

One final tip for creating harmony in your new family is the use of a pheromone plug-in diffuser. It’s similar to a plug-in air-freshener, except the scent it dispenses is an analogue of the cat’s facial pheromone. When your cat rubs her face on things, she is marking it

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as hers, and this gadget puts that scent right into the air. It might be the single best product ever invented for the comfort of kitties.

You can’t smell it, it won’t wreak havoc with your asthma or allergies, and combined with other strategies, it will greatly reduce the amount of time she spends hiding or misbehaving when the new arrival arrives. G

For more information on preparing and introducing your pets to a newborn, visit www.LoveTrustTeach.com.

My New Best Friend is available for purchase and download via Internet only, and includes 10 audio files recorded from real newborns, as well as a step-by-step guideline for use.

Denise Holmes, a behavioral specialist, has been helping pets train people since 1978.

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Help Jack Find His Way Through the Maze!

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START

FINISH

Pet Riddles Q: What do you get if you cross a sheepdog with a rose?

A: A collie-flower!

Q: What’s the unluckiest type of cat to have?

A: A catastrophe!

Q: What kind of dog does Dracula have?

A: A bloodhound!

Q: What do you get if you cross a cat with a lemon?

A: A sourpuss!

ArkanPaws • Spring 2008

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Business Directory Artists

Pet Sitting/Grooming/Training A Cherished Dog Home Boarding 479.750.7171 or 479.871.9092 www.acherisheddog.com

479.283.0063 www.chobluestudios.com 479.273.9217 www.lindapicken.com Leslie Ray Digital Pet Portraits 479.750.7171 www.angelpetsitters.com/portraits.html

Food

Angel Pet Sitters 479.750.7171 www.angelpetsitters.com The Canine Connection 479.444.0300 www.canineconnection.info Dog Party USA 479.306-4660 www/DogPartyUSA.com

479.631.2924 www.bigwag.com

Non-Profits Dog Watch Doggie Day Care and Boarding Fayetteville 479.582-3647 , Bentonville 464-9364 www.dogwatchonline.com

479.927.1809 www.for-pets-sake.org Humane Society of the Ozarks 479.444.7387 http://hsozarks.tripod.com

League of Arkansas Professional Pet Sitters 479.750.7171 www.lappsonline.org

Classifieds Beautiful female golden retriever mix needs a good home! One year old, current on shots, spayed. Affectionate and smart! 479-927-1809.

Looking for love in all the wrong places? Look no more! Nikki is a sweet black lab mix longing for a family! She is only 6 months old, with current shots and spayed. 479-927-1809.

Check our directory for shelters, rescues, and animal welfare organizations offering adoptable pets!

Hand made fabric dog collars in a variety of colorful prints! Comfortable and machine washable! Great assortment of art prints by the artist Linda Picken!

Visit our website to see and purchase: http://for-pets-sake.org/cart.php

Reach Over

10,000 Pet Owners!

Place your classified ad here! Only $1 per word for standard text ad.

AD INDEX Advertiser

Page

A Cherished Dog .........................................................................................................................5 Angel Pet Sitters........................................................................................................................IFC Artist Linda Picken.....................................................................................................................BC Big Wag Gourmet Dog Bakery...............................................................................................IBC Canine Connection ..................................................................................................................22 ChoBlue Studios .......................................................................................................................IBC Dog Party USA ............................................................................................................................15 Dog Watch .................................................................................................................................10 For Pets Sake ..............................................................................................................................21 Humane Society of the Ozarks Dogwood Walk ......................................................................3 LAPPS .............................................................................................................................................7 Leslie Ray, Digital Artist ..............................................................................................................28 TrustLoveTeach / Denise Holmes..............................................................................................11

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