House + Hound Vol. 1, No. 1

PREMIER ISSUE

PUBLISHER’S GREETING

Welcome to the first issue of House + Hound. I am beyond excited to introduce this new magazine to the world!

House + Hound was built from the ground up by Erik Schubert and me. We have long loved all things design and dogs, so it only makes sense for us to create a magazine that celebrates both. And of course, with a touch of orange.

Years ago, I bought the URL houseandhound.com, paying far more than I ever thought I would. Initially, this was simply going to be a fun way to promote the dog-friendly real estate business for Unit Realty Group. As time went on, all I could think about was the magazine called Horse & Hound. I went to Erik with this nagging thought and said, any chance you want to go back into the magazine business? Well, since you are reading this, you know his answer.

I then started talking to people I knew who love dogs and own design or dog-related businesses about advertising in or contributing content for a cool new magazine called House + Hound. Think Dwell magazine meets Horse & Hound. I got some pretty great responses from those who knew me, but as I

started to reach out to people who didn’t know me, they thought it was fake. Thankfully, some of those decided to take a chance and have a call with me. Then others started connecting me with people they knew. And off to the dog races we went.

Even though this first issue is on the lighter side, we have some great articles written by advertisers and friends, with more lined up for future quarterly issues. Please be sure to click on the ads and articles to learn more about our great contributors and advertisers.

Please feel free to interact with us by asking questions, sending along ideas, or connecting us with prospective advertisers and contributors. You will notice a bit of a Boston slant to the magazine since I live here, but as we grow, we will be looking more national and international for content and advertising.

I hope you keep coming back as we grow the magazine; follow us on Instagram, and share with everyone you know. Lastly, a huge thank you to those who have encouraged us and who those took a chance by advertising and contributing to the first issue of House + Hound. — Joe Schutt

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1

OUR TEAM

Joe Schutt @joeschutt PUBLISHER

PREMIER ISSUE

COVER IMAGE BY: Kolibas Media

KolibasMedia.com

Erik Schubert CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emily Coughlin ADMINISTRATOR

 Instagram @househoundmag

 Youtube @HouseAndHound

Web: houseandhound.com

Shop: houseandhound.shop

Disclaimer: The information provided by House + Hound (“we,” “us,” or “our”) on our emagazine is for general informational purposes only. All information on our emagazine is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on our emagazine. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of our emagazine or reliance on any information provided on our emagazine. Your use of our emagazine and your reliance on any information on our emagazine is solely at your own risk.

External Links Disclaimer: Our emagazine may contain (or you may be sent through our emagazine) links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us. We do not warrant, endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information offered by third-party websites linked through the site or any website or feature linked in any banner or other advertising. We will not be a party to or in any way be responsible for monitoring any transaction between you and third-party providers of products or services.

Professional Disclaimer: The emagazine cannot and does not contain legal advice. The legal information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of legal advice. the use or reliance of any information contained on our emagazine is solely at your own risk.

ADVERTISERS | CONTRIBUTORS

PET STORES - TREATS

2 DOGS TREATS

Boston, MA + Beyond www.2dogstreats.com

THE FISH & BONE

Boston, MA + Portland, ME www.thefishandbone.com

MY ZONE BLUE

Boston, MA + Beyond www.myzoneblue.com

POLKA DOG

Boston, MA + Beyond www.polkadog.com

BOARDING

THE URBAN HOUND

Boston, MA

www.urbanhounds.com

ARCHITECT/DESIGN SERVICES

HACIN

Boston, MA + Beyond www.hacin.com

SPATIAL RELATIONS

INTERIOR + EXTERIOR DESIGN

Greater Denver, CO + Beyond www.spatialrelations.com

HOTELS

XV BEACON

Boston, MA www.xvbeacon.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

ALAVI + BRAZA, P.C.

Greater Boston + Beyond www.alavibraza.com

Marc Walz

HOME CIRCLE FURNITURE

Greater Boston www.circlefurniture.com

HOME SERVICES

ECOLOGIC ENTOMOLOGY

Greater Boston www.ecologicentomology.com

VETERINARIAN SERVICES

SOUTH BAY VETERINARY GROUP

Boston, MA www.sobayvet.com

BAYCOAST MORTGAGE

Greater Boston + Beyond www.baycoastmortgage.com

UNIT REALTY GROUP

Greater Boston + Beyond www.UnitBoston.com

PET RESCUE

LAST HOPE K9 www.lasthopek9.org

TRAINING

Vivian Zottola, MSc, CBCC HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIP THERAPIST

www.bostonk9concierge.com

RENTING WITH DOGS

Are you thinking about renting in Boston with your fur kid? You’re not alone!

While Boston is becoming increasingly dog-friendly, finding a pet-friendly apartment in Boston is often easier said than done. Whether it is low inventory, high prices, or landlords/agents who just don’t know how wonderful tenants with dogs are, finding that rental can be tough. However, there are a few tips and tricks to help you find the perfect place for you and your pup.

As a REALTOR®, my first piece of advice is to put together your doggie resumé. This resumé will include, but not limited to: references from your trainer, doggie daycare, a previous landlord, proof of vaccinations, a photo of your dog, a description of the breed and maybe even a printout

of the breed standard showing temperament. We have a list of items on our blog to help you assemble a complete package. Remember, not everyone knows how awesome dogs are, so sometimes you have to help

BY JOE SCHUTT, REALTOR® Unit Realty Group

When looking at properties online, most will say they are not pet friendly, but in my experience, that is because the landlord and listing agent never really had a discussion around it since it can be relatively easy to rent properties in the Boston area, so why bother, just say no. Well, the longer that property sits on the market, for whatever reason, why not check in and see if the landlord is willing to accept a pet.

them understand how amazing your fur kid is. You may have to sell this to the agent as well as the landlord by educating them on dogs. And you can do this with your doggie resumé.

You can also check out a few pet-friendly apartment complexes. These complexes usually have more lenient pet policies and often have on-site amenities such as dog parks and wash stations. But remember, when you start adding extras, your pricing will increase, sometimes significantly. And these buildings aren’t always available in an area you may want to live in.

Do you know the difference between pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent?

It’s important to be honest, and upfront about your pet. It’s also important to be prepared to pay a pet deposit. This is usually a one-time fee ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Additionally, many landlords require renters to pay pet rent each month. This fee helps cover any pet-related damages that may occur during your stay. In Massachusetts, this extra charge is illegal. The problem is, if you refuse to pay the pet fee, a landlord may refuse to allow you to move in. And unfortunately, pets are not a protected class. I am not going to go into detail here, but service dogs fall into a completely different category and therapy dogs aren’t necessarily covered under the law. Do your research.

Are you looking to possibly get a pet in the future? You will want to make sure your apartment will accommodate this request. It does not hurt to ask upfront. Or make sure the apartment is pet friendly before renting. Trying to break your lease because you got a dog after signing can quite possibly be very expensive.

Another thing to consider is the breed of your dog in regard to insur-

ance. Not all insurance companies will write policies for landlords or condo complexes based on certain “high-risk” breeds. In the past, we have gone the extra mile for our tenant and asked for the condo’s master insurance company’s information to check the breed restriction list. At the end of the day, our due diligence helped, and our rental client was able to rent the apartment in a condo complex.

Finally, ensure the apartment you’re considering is a good fit for your pup. Look for apartments with plenty of open space for your pup to

play, and make sure the area is safe and has plenty of grass and trees. Additionally, research the local dog parks and other dog-friendly locations. Renting in Boston with your pup doesn’t have to be difficult. With some research and preparation, you can find the perfect pet-friendly apartment and ensure you and your pup have a happy home.

Definitely check out Unit Realty Group’s dog-friendly rentals page of for more information about petfriendly buildings, renting with dogs, the doggie resumé and rentals and sales available around dog parks. ■

H + H FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Red Dingo’s Dog Harness ‘Classic’

• The narrow body straps helps prevent matting

• Body loops from 12” to 45”

Tall Tails’ Natural Leather Bone Toy

• 6” leather dog fetch toy

• Made with vegetable-tanned leather and reinforced layers of natural wool and felt

• No glue, toxic, or artificial substances

• Perfect for a games like fetch and tug-of-war

• Ideal for small dogs up to 25 lbs, who love to retrieve and tug

• NOT a chew toy

Rubold’s Fur Perfection Dematting Tool for Dogs

The precision teeth provide gentle and precise dematting even for dogs with sensitive skin.

Owley’s Dog Car Seat Cover

“Travel Buddy,” Dog Hammock

The Travel Buddy Dog Seat Cover is a must-have accessory for dog owners who want to travel by car with their pets in the back seat.

• Keep your seats clean: place this dog hammock in the back to protect your seat upholstery from dirt, liquids, hair, and scratches

• Scratchproof: solid side walls thickened with recycled PVC inserts protect your car doors against canine teeth and nails

Messy Mutt’s Non-Spill Travel Bowl

This flexible silicone no-splash bowl is a perfect addition for the car, travel kit, or anytime you’re on the move. Just fill it with your mutts favorites and watch them dig in-without all the spillage.

• Easily washable: just vacuum this dog seat cover to remove pet hair and wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and liquids

• Stable fit: 4 headrest straps, two seat anchors, metal clips, and a non-slip bottom securely hold the car hammock in place

Our Homes and Hounds Give Us a Sense of ‘Belonging’

As anyone who has had a home or a sense of ‘home,’ knows, the term transcends brick and mortar. It connotes ‘family’ and the sense of nurturing and sharing that ‘family’ inspires. One can imagine the happiness, grief, and material things that one has with one’s family, either by birthright or by choice, in the word ‘home.’

If ‘family’ makes a house a home—a place of safety and security, and hopefully of belonging—then adding a hound to that family enhances our sense of security and belonging. House + Hound will endeavor to show our readers how and why there’s magic in dog ownership, in giving your dog the respect he needs as a valued member of your family and appreciating all the value your dog gives you.

Our connection with our dogs enables us to feel more deeply, to be aware more keenly of our surroundings,

BY HUNTER K. MARGOLF Spatial Relations Interior + Exterior Design

and to be reflective of the changes that occur within ourselves and our places. Why is this? The bond between humans and dogs stretches back many millennia. Dogs were domesticated from wolves, and the relationship of humans to domesticated wolves was symbiotic: the wolf-dogs helped humans hunt in exchange for food and shelter.

One of the ways that wolf-dogs were able to create bonds with humans was by predicting and responding to dangerous situations. They learned this behavior in wolf packs. So, too, do our dogs want to protect us from threats.

But one of the biggest differences between wolves and dogs is that dogs were bred to relate to humans. And dogs teach us so much about enjoying every moment for what it is. As the philosopher Schopenhauer said, “It is just this characteristic way in which the animal gives itself up entirely to the present moment that contributes so much to the delight we take in our domestic pets. They are the present moment personified, and in some respects they make us feel the value of every hour that is free from trouble and annoyance, which we, with our thoughts and preoccupations, mostly disregard.”

In other words, they are protective of us and loving of us just the way we are. They become family, with the same kind of loyalty and unconditional love we want from family. At House + Hound we celebrate our furry friends who emerged from the forest so long ago to help us. ■

LIFE-ENHANCING DESIGN

Providing wellness and an intentional approach to interior design for how you really live . Let us help you create the environment for your best life, health, and home.

The Urban Hound Hotel & Daycare

129 Malden Street

Boston, MA 02118

urbanhounds.com

Welcome to the House + Hound Business Spotlight. I hope you enjoy this first interview with Rebecca Wilson, owner of The Urban Hound, Boston’s premier full-service dog care facility.

Joe Schutt: So Rebecca Wilson of the Urban Hound, we’re so excited to have you in the office today for House + Hound magazine.

Rebecca Wilson: Thank you.

So a doggy hotel, people must think you’re crazy.

They did think that I was crazy.

You did it early on.

I did. We’ve been open, the hotel part of the business, [for] eleven years actually.

Eleven years of a doggy hotel when nobody was doing doggy hotels.

Rebecca: Yes, in a part of the city where nobody wanted to venture to.

Why does your business exist? I know you started with dog walking, but what led you down that path with dogs?

You know, I grew up in New Hampshire and knew that I always wanted to work with animals in some capacity. I moved to the city for college, never left, was a graphic designer by trade, and then actually sold real estate. I worked for Coldwell Banker in Boston’s South End.

I remember that.

A long time ago. I couldn’t find anybody reliable to come and take care of my dogs, they would say that they came to walk the dogs, but they didn’t come to walk the dogs. So after a while I just thought, you know what, let’s try it. Then the hotel kind of developed because we just had so many clients that needed overnight care. I was taking [the dogs] to my house and my wife was like we need to not have so many animals in the house. So, I just started thinking about the hotel and it just kind of …

… evolved from there. It evolved from there.

What made you pick the South End in particular?

I lived in the South End, so it was just kind of a natural thing. I walked, when I was walking dogs, I walked in the South End and Back Bay, and it just worked. The South End was really desirable, and also the South End is really the only place, especially at that point in time, that had any free standing buildings that were even available.

Yeah. And let alone affordable.

What is your favorite thing about owning your own business? I mean, I know it’s the Doggy Hotel and the grooming, it’s all about the dogs, you love the dogs, but what is it about the business, besides the dogs, that you love?

Wow, that’s a tough question. I love my employees. I love seeing the joy that they have working in this environment. I feel like we attract a very certain group of people, and they’re all very kind and very genuine humans. I just enjoy spending time with them every day, and I still love coming to work every day. I don’t think a lot of people can say that. I think especially when I don’t really have to do that every day, but I still, you know, I wake up every morning and still love to go to work.

So, you know, there’s a lot of big boxes that are out there, especially since the whole industry has gone

into a multibillion dollar industry. What do you think you, as the urban hound, have that the big box doesn’t?

One thing that we are told often is that we could have a client come to the door that we haven’t seen in a few years, they could have moved and then come back, and we still know their face, we still know their name, and we still know their dog. We really pride ourselves on that, I do in particular. I know every single person that comes through my door. I think that means a lot to people that I, every morning, can say “good morning, Joe. How is Myron? How is Irving?” If you’re walking by I can lean out the door and say, hi, and I think that is a lot different than a lot of the big box places that don’t have that connection with their clients.

What is the funniest and or craziest thing that has ever happened in your business?

I walked these two little terriers, and loved them. They had been clients since I started walking in 2003. One, he was so fresh and he

bit people all the time. He would just get their pants, he didn’t draw blood or anything, but this is also when you wouldn’t really walk over to this section of the South End that much. I was walking him one day with his little sister, and I’m happygo-lucky walking down the street, and he bit a homeless person. Which that isn’t the funny part, the funny part was that I then literally ran to the ATM and got this gentleman like $300 cash. He was so grateful and was like, “oh my God, you didn’t have to do that,” and I was like, “no, no, no, I did have to do that. And can I buy you lunch?” So, it wasn’t funny, it was crazy that this little tiny dog allowed me to kind of make a connection with this person that I never would have made a connection with. I ended up chatting with him, and it just ended up being a really nice moment, but it could have been an actual disaster. That was part of the reason, I don’t know if you knew, but we teamed up with the St. Francis House right before the pandemic hit. We had opened a space over there, and our whole purpose was to help people that were homeless, that were looking

to get into the dog care profession, and we were trying to help guide them and to teach them and to be able to employ them, if not with us, with other dog care businesses locally.

Wow, that’s impressive.

Yeah, it was a really awesome project, but unfortunately COVID hit and then it just...

Like a lot of things disappeared. It disappeared, but the program was a really wonderful thing and it excited me.

Maybe you’ll bring it back.

Maybe, it’s that thing though that dogs bring people together and they help people. They’re very therapeutic.

Absolutely.

Our final question today is where does Rebecca see the Urban Hound going in the future? Expansion, other neighborhoods, other cities?

You know, it’s funny you ask that, because pre COVID we had done the St. Francis House venture, and we were looking to expand. Now I’m not so sure, you know, it’s funny how things change. I was ready to amp up and to kind of spread my wings a little bit more, but then COVID hit and it gave me the opportunity to reevaluate the business and really change the structure of how I was doing things. I’m enjoying it, I’m enjoying not being as busy and not …

As corporate, keeping a small, family-owned run, feel kind of thing.

Yeah, and it’s been really nice. It’s been really nice. So, I don’t have an answer for you. Eventually, I’d love to have a sanctuary for my retirement, and be able to save all the animals from shelters, and let them live out their last lives in green grass on a giant farm in Vermont.

Rebecca Wilson, founder of the Urban Hound, our first spotlight business in House + Hound.

Yes, I’m very excited. Thank you. ■

STAGING YOUR HOME

BY JOE SCHUTT, REALTOR® Unit Realty Group

Preparing your home to sell can be daunting. Working with a REALTOR who understands the ins and outs of marketing your home can be a lifesaver.

When your agent mentions “staging,” does it make you cringe? Don’t let it. Staging can mean more than pulling everything out of your house and bringing in all new furniture. As a marketing strategy, staging is tailored to fit the needs of the subject property to benefit the sellers’ schedule and bottom line. It can be as simple as decluttering, moving

furniture, painting, and minor repairs, or involved as renovating a kitchen to moving out and having the entire home staged with furniture matching the space. The goal is to remove perceived obstacles that would detract from a property in potential buyers’ eyes and also make it a bit vanilla to make it appealing to as many people as possible.

Your agent can work with you to determine the best way to proceed according to your situation. And remember, you need to remove your ego from the process and look at

your home the way a buyer would. I suggest going to some open houses to see what others have done.

Recently I’ve had the pleasure of working with two different sellers who enlisted the services of professional stagers. In both cases, the units sold quickly with multiple offers to choose from owing to strategic staging improvements like fresh paint and property touch-ups.

Now I want to talk about the hound in the house! I continue to see many articles stating the need to remove

all things “dog” when preparing to put a property on the market. I call dog poop on that one. I’ve sold many units with a “dog presence” with no problem. The pet business has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, and people love their pets. Just treat pets like you do with children in a home. Also, sellers merely need to repair any damage the pets may have caused, deep clean, and put all the toys away. Further, clean up

the dog poop and reseed any grass staining if there’s outdoor space.

Check out these recent pet-friendly homes that were staged before I listed them for sale.

• 33 Bay State Rd Unit 3, Boston, MA 02215, was listed for $1,225,000. It sold with multiple offers for $1,250,000.

• 34 Ward St Unit 2, Boston, MA 02127, listed for $500,000 and is currently under agreement with multiple offers.

Both units were already in pretty good shape, so a fresh coat of paint* was all they needed to become market ready. That and stagers brought in some great transitional furniture to present them as inviting homes instead of soulless houses. ■

*PRO TIP: My go-to paint color is November Rain from Benjamin Moore. Being a neutral putty color, it works for most interiors, plus the hint of blue-green reacts to its surroundings and light in wonderful ways.

otto for a Dog House BY ARTHUR

I love this little house because It offers, after dark, A pause for rest, a rest for paws, A place to moor my bark.

GUITERMAN

www.unitboston.com

DESIGN WITH YOUR

YOUR DOG IN MIND

BY WALTER GRAFFT-HACIN Hacin

Art curation by Becker Fine Arts, metal island by Solutions in Metal, photography by Trent Bell Photography.

At Hacin, being dog-friendly has always been a part of our firm’s ethos and we’ve welcomed many pet team members and clients to our studio over the years. The firm was responsible for designing Boston’s first dog run, Peter’s Park in the South End, as well as Provincetown’s Bark Park. In addition, we’ve designed many homes that accommodate both our human clients and their furry friends during the last three decades. For House + Hound’s inaugural issue, we asked Walter, Hacin’s official mascot and top canine associate, along with some of his friends, to reflect on the firm’s residential work from a pup’s point of view.

A few years ago, Walter offered to participate in our North End Loft photoshoot, despite grueling hours and the lack of squirrel views from the harborside residence. After the experience, he offered his candid insights into the design of the two-story loft space, located within the shell of an 1840s mercantile wharf building. Long hallways for fetch, with curated artwork as a striking backdrop, were a favorite feature of Walter’s, as well as tranquil bedside views. While the primary bedroom purposely faces the harbor to observe the Boston sunrise every morning, even the secondary bedrooms offer lovely cityscape vistas and natural light (depending on which side of the dogs-in-bed debate you’re on). Walter’s only critique of the project would be that the home’s custom floating metal island provides no foothold to access the counter in search of treats; however he was willing to overlook this detail in exchange for a visit to Polkadog Bakery, a short walk from the residence.

Another canine associate in Hacin’s office, Ollie, suggests matching your interior’s color palette to your furry friend. A high contrast dog such as Ollie thrives within a similarly contrasting design environment and our Four51 PH project is his perfect complement, featuring subdued light and dark tones with varied textures. Black steel windows and unique metalwork are juxtaposed against a curated array of elements sourced from makers worldwide, including hand-pleated wallpaper and art pieces created with materials such as charcoal and smoke. Custom staircase by Solutions in Metal, art by Blaise Rosenthal, photography by Bob O’Connor.

Art isn’t just for humans. At Hacin, the design team is no stranger to strategically integrating a client’s art collection (or dog bed) into a home to complement the interiors for both humans and pets alike. Our Chestnut TH 2 project features a neutral palette to act as a subdued backdrop for an existing collection of colorful and varied art for the client, a well-travelled couple with eclectic tastes. This antique family portrait provides interest in the main living space and is the perfect spot for a furry friend to lay their head between walks. Art sourced by client, photography by Bob O’Connor.

Make it durable (and comfortable). In a recently completed Cape Cod residence located on Chatham’s Oyster Pond, the design of the interiors necessitated beautiful, yet lasting materials to survive the property’s objective as a vacation home and gathering place for family. Not only did the furniture and finishes need to be hardy to withstand beach visitors coming and going, but also to accommodate the client’s two dogs- so far, they’re fans! ■

Extraordinary spaces for extraordinary people dogs

H + H BREED PROFILE

Miniature Schnauzer

Obviously, if you know me, you know the first House + Hound breed profile will be the Miniature Schnauzer. Irving and Myron wouldn’t have it any other way.

I grew up with lab mixes and German Shepherds, but when Erik and I met, he brought a feisty Mini Schnauzer named Muriel into the relationship. I fell in love with the breed and have been a dedicated Schnauzer dad for 23 years. Muriel, Ruebin, Seymour, Irving, and Myron have brought so much love and joy over the years.

Some of the Schnauzer characteristics to love are their dedication,

their brilliance, and the fact that they have hair and don’t shed. On the flip side, they can be very stubborn and must be groomed more regularly than a short-haired dog with fur. In my opinion, totally worth it!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says this about the breed:

The Miniature Schnauzer, the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, is a generally healthy, long lived, and low-shedding companion. Add an outgoing personality, a portable size, and sporty good looks, and you’ve got an ideal family dog. Stocky, robust little dogs standing 12 to 14 inches, Miniature Schnauzers

were bred down from their larger cousins, Standard Schnauzers. The bushy beard and eyebrows give Minis a charming, human-like expression. The hard, wiry coat comes in three color patterns: salt and pepper, black and silver, and solid black. Created to be all-around farm dogs and ratters, they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive. The Miniature Schnauzer is a bright, friendly, trainable companion, small enough to adapt to apartment life but tireless enough to patrol acres of farmland. They get along well with other animals and kids. Minis are sturdy little guys and enjoy vigorous play. Home and family oriented, they make great watchdogs. ■

BREED PROFILE

O u r p r a c t i c e f o c u s e s o n r e p r e s e n t i n g b u y e r s , s e l l e r s , c o m m e r c i a l a n d r e s i d e n t i a l l e n d e r s , a n d c o n d o m i n i u m c o n v e r s i o n s I f y o u a r e c o n t e m p l a t i n g o n b u y i n g , s e l l i n g , r e f i n a n c i n g , o r i n v e s t i n g i n r e a l e s t a t e o u r t e a m o f r e a l e s t a t e a t t o r n e y s a r e h e r e t o g u i d e y o u t h r o u g h t h e p r o c e s s a n d g e t y o u t h e r e

IRVING + MYRON’S FAVORITES*

POLKA DOG BAKERY Chicken Strips Shorties

CLOUD STAR—Tricky Trainers Freeze Dried Beef Liver

BOCCE’S BAKERY Bac’n Nutty Training Bite

COOKIE PAL Dog Biscuits

MY ZONE BLUE Lamb Treats

Moving with dogs and cats can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet friends. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand how pets can become anxious, scared, or even sick during a move. Making the transition as smooth as possible isn’t always easy, but here are some tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your cats and dogs.

1. Start preparing for your move as early as possible. Moving is a big change, and pets can be sensitive to changes in their routine, especially cats. To help them adjust, start preparing at least a few weeks before the move. This can include packing gradually, maintaining their regular feeding and exercise schedule, and gradually introducing them to their carriers or crates. You can even start taking them to their new neigh-

borhood to get used to the smells and walking routes. A ride in the car can be stressful, especially for a cat. If you are moving a long distance, start taking them on short car rides to help prepare them.

2. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and have had a recent checkup before you move. This will help ensure they’re healthy and protected against any potential illnesses they may encounter during the move.

3. Keep your pets away from the action on moving day. Keep your pets in a separate room or in their carriers to minimize stress and prevent them from running away. Make sure they have plenty of water, food, and a comfortable place to rest.

4. Consider using pheromone products such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs. These can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation during the move. These products mimic the natural pheromones that pets release when they feel calm and safe and can be used in the form of sprays, diffusers, or collars.

5. Give your pets plenty of attention and affection during the process. This can help them feel more comfortable and secure in their new environment.

6. Take breaks during long trips if you’re traveling a long distance with your pets to allow them to stretch their legs, use the bathroom and drink water. This can help prevent motion sickness and reduce stress.

7. Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip information with your new address and phone number. This will help ensure that you can be reunited with your pet in case they get lost during the move.

8. Contact your veterinarian; there are many prescription medications that can really

help to reduce the stress associated with the move. These medications include trazodone, gabapentin, and acepromazine.

9. Once you’re in your new house, be sure to keep their routine as normal as possible. For dogs, lots of exercise will help to ease the anxiety and allow them to explore their new surroundings. If you have cats, make sure the cats have a place where they can escape in solitude without any added stressors. Be sure to place food, water, and litter boxes in a private place where they will feel safe.

Moving can be a stressful experience for both you and your pets, but with a little preparation and care, you can help make the transition as smooth as possible. Remember to be patient with your pets during this time, and give them plenty of love and attention to help them feel secure in their new home. ■

BY PEDRO MEJIA, PH.D. My Zone Blue

It’s not uncommon to hear about technological advances from tech innovators and Silicon Valley that try to extend human life beyond what we currently consider normal. From young blood transfusion and body parts replacement to body cryopreservation and gene editing, some seem to come straight out of a sci-fi movie.

The ethical issues of these endeavors are controversial and hotly debated, with as many supporters as detractors. But, regarding our dogs’ longevity, I think it’s safe to say that most of us agree on one thing: we all want our furry companions to stay with us for as long as possible.

Because of their status as family members, pet dogs enjoy many of the same perks that people do. Comfortable shelter, food security, access to vaccines/drugs/a relatively comprehensive health care system, and even a couch with Netflix at night are a few of their privileges.

As pet parents, we can proudly say that thanks to all the care we provide (and all the money we spend), our pets are much less likely to die from starvation, a treatable infection, an injury, or being eaten by a predator. As a result, our dogs live longer. However, the fact that some dogs can make it into their late 20s proves there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

But here’s the amazing thing, scientists now know that the lifespan of animals can be extended without any genetic or pharmaceutical intervention (or any other sci-fi-movie-like creepy technology). More im-

portantly, contrary to what many people believe, those extra years do not have to be filled with diseases and debilitating conditions. I’m not talking about immortal beings living in a grim, never-ending existence. Instead, I refer here to prolonging the healthy years of life, a.k.a. health span, the years a dog lives without disease. It’s about improving the quality of life, and it’s about aging gracefully. It’s putting more life into the years, not just adding more years to dogs’ lives.

The obvious question is, how can we make our dogs live longer and healthier naturally? Mounting scientific evidence demonstrates that dogs’ life and health span can be extended or shortened depending on what we feed them.

Take, for example, what some veggies and fruits can do to protect dogs’ health. Researchers at Purdue University studied the effect of dietary intake of veggies on cancer incidence, the leading killer of dogs. They found that Scottish Terriers consuming any type of vegetable (cruciferous, leafy greens, and/or orange-yellow vegetables) three or more times per week had a 70% reduction in the risk of developing and dying of bladder cancer. Interestingly, the more dogs consumed any type of vegetables, from 3 times a week up to 14 times a week, the more they were protected against bladder cancer.

Fruits also benefit dogs by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can damage organs and lead to cancer. This has been shown in multiple studies where dogs are fed blueberries and strawberries as food supplements.

Another powerful and perhaps counterintuitive strategy to keep your dog healthy and slow down aging is not food, but rather, the lack thereof. Intermittent fasting is the most robust and studied method that prolongs animals’ healthy years and lifespans. Experimental data has accumulated during the past 100 years, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. Hundreds of scientific studies and publications agree on the positive effects of dietary restrictions on health.

And dogs are not the exception when it comes to reaping all the benefits of fasting. A publication in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association assessed the effect of reducing the amount of food of a group of Labrador Retrievers by 25%, allowing a control group to eat 100% of their food. The same diet was fed to all the dogs, but restricted dogs got less. What they found is fascinating despite such a simple “treatment.” The Retrievers in the food-restricted group lived around 2 years longer than those in the group eating a full amount of food. Also, in these dogs, the onset of clinical signs of late-life diseases appeared at a mean age of 12 compared to a mean age of 10 in the group fed normally. This means an average of 2 extra years of a healthy life! That’s the power of intermittent fasting.

Other studies have confirmed these findings. For example, one study demonstrated that dogs fed only once a day had superior overall health, as shown by better scores in nine aspects of health measured: dental, skin, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, kidney, cardiac, neurological, liver, and cancer. Not only one or two aspects but all of them! With no calorie counting, forbidden foods, or weighting and measuring rations, it’s an efficient, realistic, inexpensive, and practical method.

Based on this extraordinary science, my company My Zone Blue pet food, is dedicated to formulating dog diets that mimic the beneficial effects of fasting but without hunger. We also design functional treats with the optimal amounts of fruits, veggies, and other superfoods that prevent and support multiple health conditions.

Being a family of scientists and pet lovers, we spend a lot of time and effort researching the literature and providing a “digestible” version of the current knowledge on pet nutrition in our Bowl Conversations blog at https:// myzoneblue.com/blogs/my-zone-blue-blog

Extending the lifespan and, more importantly, the healthy years of our dogs seems now within reach with these simple and safe nutritional interventions. Virtually any dog-parent can easily take advantage of them and enjoy more quality time with their loved companion. ■

XV Beacon hotel, where well-behaved dogs are welcome!

Beacon hotel, where well-behaved dogs are welcome!

XV Beacon hotel, where well-behaved dogs are welcome!

The 63-room luxury boutique hotel, recognized for peerless personal service, sophisticated interiors and luxurious custom amenities, distinguishes itself with its sense of heritage, peacefulness of home and utmost discretion.

The 63-room luxury boutique hotel, recognized for peerless personal service, sophisticated interiors and luxurious custom amenities, distinguishes itself with its sense of heritage, peacefulness of home and utmost discretion.

The 63-room luxury boutique hotel, recognized for peerless personal service, sophisticated interiors and luxurious custom amenities, distinguishes itself with its sense of heritage, peacefulness of home and utmost discretion.

As

patio season fast approaches, check out these cool places where you can dine with your dog!

BY VIVIAN ZOTTOLA, MSC, CBCC BostonK9Concierge, LLC

Our relationship with dogs has developed over thousands of years, and for millions of people, dogs are an integral part of their families. We make noble efforts to take dogs into our lives, providing them with the safety and security of a home, good food, mental and physical exercise, and social experiences. Yet even still, many encounter challenging behaviors. Relationship challenges develop because many overlook that our dogs are individuals with particular likes and dis-

likes. Our dogs are very different species with unique sensory perceptions.

Dogs experience the world through a very different lens. They have evolved to understand the world using their “umwelt” and developed behaviors that serve functional and biological purposes. Barking, chewing, digging,

and chasing are normal behaviors for dogs; however, some do not translate well to living in city dwellings. Living in the human world is a struggle for dogs. The trade-off for living with us is suppressing some of their natural urges. I’m sure you agree they are superstars for it!

Many challenges between people and their dogs occur when a need is unsatisfied or unmet. Barking behavior, for example, is a natural behavior for dogs;

Dogs experience the world through a very different lens

however, in a condominium, it may cause disturbances. Dogs alert bark – stranger danger! However, they also bark to communicate an unmet need or some dysregulation. They may bark because they are hungry, need to potty, are bored, and or afraid of being alone. Using the starting point of asking the question, why is my dog barking, and, if necessary, working with a qualified veterinarian or behavior specialist to evaluate the underlying function of their behavior is a first step toward determining the answer and providing a humane resolution.

Since dogs cannot understand the nuances of a human-centric world, guardians must guide them through it. Thankfully, there are places in the community designed to welcome dogs — dog parks, dog-friendly coffee bars, restaurants, and walking trails. We can buy many services and products to help protect them emotionally when we are not home, including subscriptions to dog television programs, dog walkers, sitters, and daycares. The best guardians keep their dogs on a schedule, provide mental and physical stimulation, and keep up with veterinary appointments. They take the time to learn best practices in humane training

and learn their particular interests guiding them toward their favorite activities. Whether their dogs love to smell, run, swim, or play fetch, their guardians offer them safe and rewarding ways to find fulfillment.

When homebound, we can improve our dog’s welfare by enriching their surroundings. Again recognizing dogs possess a unique sensory perception, including superior smell, hearing, and sight, we adjust our home to ensure they are safe and comfortable. Providing dogs access to natural light, fresh water, foraging activities, dispensing engagement toys, natural or ambient relaxing sounds to drown out the noise, and reducing harsh chemicals, including air fresheners, make for a better experience. Scheduling a daily dog walk or two where the dog is free to smell to their heart’s content and romp around with a friend (or not) has been shown not only to put them in a better mood but also tire them out when back at home. Evidence shows that implementing simple changes to improve a dog’s homebound experience reduces distress and improves welfare. Home is where the dog is; a happy dog makes for a heart-filled home. ■

The Best Treats for Your Best Friend

Official Off-Leash Dog Parks

Boston Common Dog Area E3

Peters Park Dog Park E4

RUFF North End Dog Park F2

Carleton Court Dog Park E4

Mansfield Street Dog Park B3

• South Boston Bark Park F5

• Ronan Park F6

• Back Bay Fens D4

• Fresh Pond Reservation A1

• Nunziato Field and Dog Park D1

• Larz Anderson Park B6

• Harry Downes Field C5

• Brookline Ave Playground C4

• Jean B. Waldstein Playground B4

• Daniel J. Warren Playground B5

• 119 Addington Rd B4

• Griggs Park C4

• Amory Playground C4

Coolidge Park B4

Edward L. Leathers Community Park D1

Zero New Washington Dog Park E1

Danehy Dog Park B1

Tudor Dog Park D3

• Fort Washington Park D3

• Corcoran Field C1

• Bremen Street Dog Park G2

• Paul Revere Landing Park F2

Pet-Friendly Parks

• Corey Hill Outlook Park B4

• Blackstone Square E4

• Charles River Esplanade E3

• Castle Island H4

• Chestnut Hill Reservoir A4

Hoyt Field C2

Gold Star Mothers Park E2

Indie Pet Stores (H+H picks)

The Fish & Bone E3

Polkadog Bakery - South End E4

Polkadog Bakery - Seaport F3

Polkadog Bakery - North End F3

Polkadog Bakery - Jamaica Plain C6

• Polkadog Bakery - Chestnut Hill A5

Big Box Pet Stores

• Unleashed by Petco F2

• Unleashed by Petco B3

• Unleashed by Petco E4

• Petco B3

Daycare / Boarding

• Urban Hound Hotel & Daycare E4

Adoption Centers

• Animal Rescue League (Boston) E4

MSPCA Animal Adoption Center C5

Last Hope K-9 Rescue F3

Vets & Animal Hospitals

• South Bay Veterinary Group E4

• Boston Animal Hospital F5

• South Boston Animal Hospital F4

• VCA Brookline Animal Hospital C5

• Neponset Pet Ctr. & Animal Hosp. F7

• East Boston Animal Hospital H1