V11I6 (Dec/Jan 2009-10)

ANIMAL WELLNESS

DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

Holiday

Living pawsitive!

ISSUE

DOGS WHO

GREAT

EAT

GIFT IDEAS!

ANYTHING

Rocks, cloth and plastic should not be part of her diet

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

TIPS FOR AGING GRACEFULLY

OMG,

HE’S NAKED!

STRESSED

The needs of hairless breeds

OUT?

WHY IS HE ANTISOCIAL? You may need to change your own responses

Meditate with your dog or cat

FENG SHUI FOR FUR BABIES

SPICE UP HER DIET VOLUME 11 ISSUE 6

DECEMBER/JANUARY Display until Jan. 12, 2010

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 6

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Contents December 2009/January 2010

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FEATURES 18 AGING GRACEFULLY

Dogs and cats age gradually, so changes in health or behavior may not be obvious.

Find out what to look for and how to help your senior adapt and stay comfortable.

22 PLAY IT SAFE

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They look fun, but not all those dog toys on store shelves are good for your canine. With the market flooded by cheap imports, check you’re getting a product that’s safe and non-toxic.

26 STRANGE TASTES

Does your dog try to eat rocks, cloth or plastic? This condition is called “pica” and can be caused by medical, behavioral or lifestyle issues.

30 SPICE UP HIS LIFE!

Flavor and nutrition – spices offer the best of both worlds. This holiday season, add some zest to your dog or cat’s diet with these healthy recipes.

34 PEACE ON EARTH

The festive season can be a stressful time for you and your companion. These three meditations will help you both find inner serenity.

44 MAKING THE SWITCH

Changing to a holistic or integrative vet?

Here’s what to expect – and ask – during your animal’s first visit with his new doctor.

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50 SOLID FOUNDATION

68 THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

58 SOOTHING SEIZURES

73 OMG, HE’S NAKED!

62 LOOK UNDER THE TREE!

80 IS HE ANTISOCIAL?

64 FENG SHUI FOR FUR BABIES

88 THINK YOU HAVE A COVER CANINE?

A strong background in holistic health care led this naturopathic doctor to start a company of her own.

Epilepsy and other seizure disorders can be frightening and their causes hard to nail down. Acupressure is a gentle and simple way to alleviate them.

Giving your dog a new toy this festive season? Ask Santa to bring him a safe and durable quality product that will stand up to lots of play and fun.

This ancient Chinese art of placement isn’t just for people. It can also enhance your dog or cat’s health and happiness.

How two Canadian women promote healthy canine nutrition, from coast to coast.

From the Chinese crested to the Sphynx, hairless breeds are gaining in popularity.

But they have special needs and characteristics that furred animals don’t.

Helping a fearful or “unfriendly” dog involves more than training. It also means changing your own behavior and responses.

Enter our Cover Dog Photo and Story Contest and you could win!

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30 COLUMNS 14

Yakkity yak

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Warm & fuzzy

52 Dr. Martin Goldstein 84

Communication

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Passages

89

Book reviews

98

Tail end

22 DEPARTMENTS 8

Editorial

12

Mail bag

25

Product picks

69

Animal Wellness resource guide

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78

The scoop

91

Ad spots

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Events calendar

97

Classifieds

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Get your 3rd year for $1!

Buy a 2-year subscription to Animal Wellness Magazine for $34 US ($44 CAN) and get the 3rd year for only $1!

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$

TOPICS INCLUDE: product recommendations integrative Vet Q & A gentle training, and so much more!

Call or go online today – your animals will thank you!

1-866-764-1212

9am– 5pm E.S.T.

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

Spela Znidarsic

“The hills are alive. . .” and Montana, or Tana, as she’s known, loves exploring them with her photographer mom, Spela Znidarsic. Originally from Idaho, this adventurous six-year-old Australian shepherd now calls Slovenia, Europe home. Tana keeps busy playing Frisbee, doing agility or swimming in the crystal clear lakes and streams near her home. But her favorite activity is hiking in the Alps, and she loves to bring her toys along!

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EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Meaghan McGowan Graphic Design Intern: Deanna Hall Cover Photography: Spela Znidarsic Tail End Illustration: Leanne Rosborough COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sharon Athanasiou Audi Donamor Martin Goldstein, DVM Lisa Loeb Karen Grace Mangini Lynn McKenzie Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Barbara Nefer Kathleen Prasad DeAnna Radaj Dana Smith-Mansell Amy Snow Debbie Swanson Charlotte Walker Marta Zaraska Nancy Zidonis

for the 3rd year

disease prevention natural diets and nutrition natural health care

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 6

ADVERTISING SALES CONT...

Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Lesia Wright classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscription price at time of this issue is $22.95 in the U.S. and $24.95 in Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, PMB 168, 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CDN MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 107 Hunter St. E., Unit 201. Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9H 1G7

ADMINISTRATION & SALES President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager: Lesia Wright Circulation & Communications Manager: Jamie Conroy Operations Director: John Allan IT Manager: Rick McMaster Administrative Assistant: Libby Sinden SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 107 Hunter St. East, Unit 201 Peterborough, ON, Canada K9H 1G7.

We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned.

We reserve the right to publish all letters received.

Email your articles to: jamie@redstonemediagroup.com.

ADVERTISING SALES National Sales Manager: Lesley Nicholson, (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 lesley@redstonemediagroup.com

Subscriptions are payable by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check or money order. The material in this magazine is not intended to replace the care of veterinary practitioners. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, and different views may appear in other issues. Redstone Media Group Inc., publisher of Animal Wellness, does not promote any of the products or services advertised by a third party advertiser in this publication, nor does Redstone Media Group Inc. verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with such advertisers.

Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME: Animal Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at sales@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2009. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: November 2009.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS...

ONE READER AT A TIME.

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EDITORIAL

‘TIS THE SEASON! A

s the holiday season approaches, my “spidey senses” always get a little sharper. It’s not because of the kids, at least not the human ones. It’s the four-legged critters that keep me on my toes. I still remember the Thanksgiving, several years ago, when I discovered feline footprints in the pumpkin pie I had carefully pulled out of the oven just hours before. These days, the pie cools inside the microwave, safe from curious critters.

I could also well relate to the article on “pica” (p. 26), since I have a couple of canines (think Lewis and Martin or Laurel and Hardy) who love to entertain themselves by getting into anything that remotely smells of food.

That includes the kids’ lunch bags (we’ve gone through four this year alone), plastic storage containers (and I’ve been trying so hard to be green), backpacks, purses and even briefcases. Nothing is safe from Sasha’s shepherd/ husky jaws. If she can smell it, she can open it and get it.

Muffie, our little Shih Tzu/poodle, and Sasha’s sidekick, goes right along for the ride. We try hard to keep things out of reach, but sometimes things happen beyond our control, especially before and after the holidays. Like the time we were visiting my parents and decided to go out for dinner for a couple of hours. We dutifully corralled the dogs in the sizable laundry room (which I dog-proofed), laid down their beds, gave them some toys and told them we’d be back soon.

When we did arrive back home, we were completely surprised to have the dogs greet us at the front door. But surprised doesn’t begin to describe how we felt when walked into the family room. Torn bits of wrapping paper and ribbon covered the floor like confetti. Upon closer inspection, we discovered the remnants of not one, but two chocolate boxes and another hard plastic

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box that had previously contained chocolate truffles.

Our dogs, both obviously cuma sum laude graduates of the Houdini School of Escape, had rooted through my parent’s spare room and uncovered three boxes of chocolate left over from the holidays. They dragged their bag of treasure out of hiding and proceeded to gorge themselves. The only thing left was some of the tin foil wrappers that covered the truffles. Needless to say, we hustled out of there pretty quickly. After a vet visit and a couple of days of chocolate elimination out of both ends, the dogs felt better and we’d scooped up most of the tin foil “packages” the dogs left in the yard.

Luckily, Muffie and Sasha recovered fully and I can write this column with a smile on my face. But I’m already getting prepared for this holiday season. Anyone know where I can find some lockable stainless steel Christmas stockings?

We hope you enjoy this special Holiday Issue of Animal Wellness. I know my dogs will appreciate the holiday recipes (p. 30), as well as all the safe, non-toxic toys (p. 22 and p. 62). And if you know anyone with antisocial dogs (another one you can relate to when you have a rescued canine), an epileptic dog, or who’s thinking of making a switch to an integrative veterinarian, this issue is a must-read.

From everyone here at AW, have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Dana Cox Editor-in-chief

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CONTRIBUTORS

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1. Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide To Canine Acupressure and Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. They own Tallgrass Publishers, which offers Meridian Charts for dogs and cats, acupressure manuals and DVDs, and a new Introduction to Canine Acupressure Training DVD. They also founded Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute, which offers training courses worldwide, including a Practitioner Certification Program (animalacupressure.com or email info@animalacupressure.com). Turn to page 58 for their article on acupressure for seizure disorders.

2. Kathleen Prasad is coauthor of Animal Reiki and The Animal Reiki Handbook.

She is also an animal Reiki teacher, founder of Animal Reiki Source and President of the Shelter Animal Reiki

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Association. You can find out more about energy healing and Reiki for animals through her website animalreikisource. com. Learn how to do three relaxing meditations with your animal in Kathleen’s article on page 34.

3. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier authored the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite Radio, and creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics. His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas. In this issue (page 44), he offers tips on switching to a holistic or integrative vet.

4. Audi Donamor has been creating special needs diets

for cats and dogs for a long time. Following the loss of her beloved golden retriever, Blues, she founded The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund through the University of Guelph’s Pet Trust. She is the only two-time recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada’s Silmaril Kennel Trophy for the Human/Animal Bond. For this edition (page 30), she celebrates healthy spices for the holiday season.

5. Lynn McKenzie is an Animal Intuitive and publisher of The Divine Mission of Animals newsletter. She specializes in helping others attune and awaken to the teachings and wonder that all sentient beings wish to share. Lynn offers nationally available teleclass training on healing and communicating with animals, and a self-study audio program on crystal healing for animals; she can be reached at AnimalEnergy. com. Check out her article

on the gift of animal communication on page 84.

6. DeAnna Radaj is the owner of Bante Design LLC, an integrative lifestyle design company that fuses Eastern and Western philosophies.

She is a nationally recognized speaker and author and has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows; visit bantedesign.com for a list of all workshops and appearances.

DeAnna is also an avid adventure traveler and nature photographer, and lives in Milwaukee with her two dogs.

For her advice on feng shui for animals, turn to page 64.

7. Barbara Nefer is an animal lover and freelance writer living in Celebration, Florida.

She shares her life with three cats, two horses, and a Quaker parrot. In this issue. she tells you how to help your animal age gracefully – see page 18.

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8. Sharon Athanasiou’s passion for animals inspired her to start Snuggle N’ Luv, a petsitting/dogwalking/behavioral training business in South Florida. Knowledgeable in raw and grain-free feeding, she also offers nutritional consulting. Sharon actively volunteers for Get A Life Pet Rescue and Coastal Poodle Rescue. She lives with her husband, Tommy, two dogs and a Himalayan cat. In this

issue, she provides suggestions on dealing with fearful dogs (page 80).

9. Marta Zaraska is a full time freelance writer. She is a Canadian of Polish origin, and has written for major Polish magazines and newspapers, as well as English language publications including the Globe and Mail.

She lives in France with her husband and two hyperactive

English cocker spaniels, who work hard at impeding her attempts to finish her fourth novel. Turn to page 22 for Marta’s article on toy safety.

10. Debbie Swanson is a freelance writer living near Boston.

She contributes regularly to many animal magazines, and lives with her family and a collie named Duncan. On page 26, Debbie writes about pica, and what to do about it.

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter. Read about the special needs of hairless breeds in her article on page 73.

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MAIL BAG Born to be a star:

PRESTON CASANOVA n has How the irresistible Pomerania of fans. won the hearts of legions

BY ANN BRIGHTMAN

stature has proof positive that reston Casanova is diminutive celebrity status. The nothing to do with most popular ica’s “Amer of title the white Pomeranian won after viewers Greatest American Dog, dog” on the hit show tants in the the other nine contes voted for him over ent canine the adorable and intellig competition. Since then, including shows, TV and rcials comme has appeared on many and happy-goTMZ. His sweet face Access Hollywood and the globe and delighted fans across have ality person lucky ide. inspired thousands worldw

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Nativo, shares his life with Laura The lucky Pomeranian who’s also model and producer a successful actor, from the environment ranging issues in d actively involve to cancer research. enjoying t team. And while they’re The two make a brillian ing of their challenges at the beginn success now, both had she was when debut TV her made careers. Though Laura n’s program on the popular childre only five, appearing cancer of her mother from breast death the Room, Romper With on the child actor’s life. a year later cast a shadow shouldered support the family, Laura her father working to sister. r younge herself and her the responsibility of raising ed from s and would have benefit Though she loved animal until she friend, Laura had to wait the comfort of a canine a dog when I that dream. “I wanted was grown up to fulfill “My says. she never allowed one,” was a little girl, but was power of the didn’t understand the dad was very strict. He tion.” human-animal connec

I adored the story on Preston Casanova in your Aug/Sept issue! I have a soft spot for Pomeranians because my aunt and uncle used to have one when I was a kid. And I was reminded again when I was at an outdoor musical festival recently and saw a family picnicking with their three Pomeranians. I just had to stop and ask if I could pet them! These little dogs have such sweet happy faces and personalities, so I’m not surprised that Preston is so popular. Thanks for including this delightful story!

Margaret Burkholder via email

Editor’s note: You’re not the only one who loves these endearing little dogs! Out of the more than 155 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, Pomeranians ranked Number 13 in popularity in 2008.

for acting, lost sight of her passion Despite all this, Laura never

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WHAT’S COOKING?

We’re planning to produce our own Animal Wellness cookbook, and we want our readers to help make it the best it can be! What would you like to see in a cookbook for your dog or cat? Write with your suggestions to editor@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

Dr. Michael Fox had a recipe in the Aug-Sept 09 issue where he states that buckwheat is one of the most nutritious grains available. Buckwheat actually isn’t a grain, although it’s a common misconception.

Chris Roberts Barkwheats Dog Biscuits via email

Editor’s note: We did some research and found that according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, buckwheat isn’t a cereal grain but a fruit or nut that comes from a broad leaf plant. (Buckwheat honey comes from the nectar of the plant’s flowers.)

Buckwheat is a good substitute for people or animals who are sensitive to wheat or other cereal grains.

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We could really relate to the woman named Kiera who was quoted in your article “Are you ready?” about disaster preparedness (Aug/Sept 09). A very similar thing happened to us a few years ago. We also live in an area where we thought there would never be a disaster that would require us to leave our homes. But that spring some kids set fire to some plastic or chemicals behind a local factory and the resulting fire destroyed part of the factory and created huge clouds of thick black smoke. We had to unexpectedly leave our homes for several hours and take our two dogs with us. It was a rush getting everything together and making sure we didn’t forget something, like leashes and food and the medication for our one dog. We just weren’t expecting this, so we weren’t ready. Luckily, we could stay at my sister’s place in the next town and the dogs were okay with that so it wasn’t too bad, but it really got us thinking.

After we got home, we took a tally of our neighborhood and noticed all the areas where things could possibly go wrong. For instance, we live on a busy highway frequently used by tanker trucks, many of which carry flammable or toxic materials. Plus, we are only a mile or so from the railway tracks, where wrecks and spillages could also occur. And there are several factories in the area, plus a gas line to the north of us. We didn’t want to scare our two young daughters with all this, but it was a wakeup call, and made us realize that just because we don’t get floods or earthquakes or hurricanes here, that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be a manmade disaster. Our family worked together to create evacuation kits for each of us, plus the dogs, so if there is a next time, we will be ready.

I read Lynn McKenzie’s recent article “Clear as Crystal” (June/July 09). Could you tell me if it matters whether the crystals or gemstones have been commercially “polished”? Does it affect their ability to promote healing? If I were to enclose a stone in a mesh bag and then attach it to a dog’s collar, would that also influence its effectiveness?

I run the Animal Kinship Ministry at the Center for Spiritual Living in San Juan Capistrano, California.

Rose Tingle via email

Editor’s note: We passed your question along to Lynn, who responds: “The healing properties of crystals are the same whether the crystals are polished or not. I quite often enclose stones in little pouches but I recommend only natural fabrics be used, or they can even be attached with good quality wire wraps. Many people use cotton, silk or suede pouches…silk might be too fine unless you have a delicate toy dog! I stay away from synthetics as I believe they will block the vibrational healing.”

Thanks for your article – hopefully it will get other people thinking too.

Alan Seames via email

Editor’s note:

What a great idea to assess your neighborhood or town for potential danger spots! It’s sometimes easy to assume the areas we live in are immune to disaster, but as you and Kiera found out, even regions that aren’t prone to serious storms or earthquakes can become the victims of unforeseen accidents, such as toxic spills or chemical fires. Being prepared, no matter where you live, helps ensure things will go smoothly for you and your animals should you ever have to leave your home for any length of time.

No Artificial Fillers No Artificial Flavors No Artificial Preservatives No Sorbitol No Brewers yeast • 7,000,000 dogs are overweight in the USA • Created using

windmill power

• Only 25 calories per treat • Heart and intestional healthy for all dogs • This product is safe for

diabetic and overweight dogs.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS MADE IN THE USA

Treats for special dogs with special needs www.justbecausefordogs.com animal wellness

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YAKKITY YAK BREACH OF TRUST

EATING HUMANE

More and more, people are looking for the “No Animals Were Harmed” end credit disclaimer at the end of movies. It’s their assurance that animal actors used in those productions were not killed or injured, and that their well being and safety were assured by the American Humane Association.

Cage free…organic…natural…certified…. These terms can be confusing and misleading. The World Society for the Protection of Animals can help you make the food choices you want for your human and animal families.

The organization has rated food labels such as “free range” and “USDA organic”, and has also conducted a Humane Food Survey ranking the top 25 US supermarket chains. A searchable database lets you find out how your local store compares to others – visit EatHumane.org.

Unfortunately, some movies are misleading the public by inserting unauthorized “No Animals Were Harmed” end credits that have not been granted by American Humane. These productions were not monitored on set by American Humane and its Certified Animal Safety Representatives. The films include Adam, District 9, Easy Virtue, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, and Shrink.

American Humane has sent the production entities, studios and/or distributors a cease-and-desist letter demanding that the unauthorized disclaimers be removed immediately. americanhumane.org/film

WE’RE NOT SO DIFFERENT Ever wonder if your cat or dog might be prone to the same health issues you are? Veterinary Pet Insurance has released a list of the top ten “human” conditions that also affect our companion animals:

American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative, Marissa Bellis, with the canine star of Underdog. Unlike this movie, some productions have been using the AHA end credit without permission.

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1. Allergies 2. Bladder infection 3. Arthritis 4. Diabetes 5. Skin cancer

16. Gum disease 17. Acne 18. Stomach ulcers 19. Cataracts 10. Laryngitis

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SMART LAW Punishing dogfighters with jail time is well deserved justice, but what if they go back to this illegal sport after they’re released? This past summer, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law some new legislation that prohibits convicted dogfighters from owning unsterilized dogs or those deemed vicious by a court, making it more difficult for perpetrators to return to the activity once they have served their time. The law is the first of its kind in the United States.

“This will give law enforcement more tools to crack down on people who fight dogs,” says Ledy VanKavage, senior legislative analyst for Best Friends Animal Society. “It will also help lessen the likelihood that convicted dogfighters, once released from prison, go back into the breeding business.” Best Friends, which took in 22 fighting dogs rescued from football star Michael Vick in 2007, helped get the bill to the governor’s desk.

THE “HAPPY BILL” What if you could claim your dog or cat’s care expenses on your tax return? Sound too good to be true? It might not be, thanks to Congressman Thaddeus McCotter’s efforts to pass a bill that would make animal care expenses tax deductible.

Bill HR3501 (referred to as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years or HAPPY Act) was introduced on July 31 and would allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 in a taxable year for qualified animal care expenses.

“We encourage all animal lovers to contact their members of Congress and voice their support for HR3501,” says Monica Leighton, president of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

View the bill at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501.IH.

ANIMAL GUARDIANSHIP IS CURRENTLY AT ITS HIGHEST LEVEL, WITH 71.4 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS IN THE U.S. HAVING AT LEAST ONE ANIMAL. – American Pet Products Association animal wellness

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University of Alberta photo: © Creative Services, University of Alberta.

YAKKITY YAK NEW NUTRITION COURSE

HEADS UP

Most students going for a career in animal health don’t get taught much about nutrition. That’s no longer the case at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, which introduced a new Companion Animal Nutrition course this fall. The course is offered by the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and is one of the first of its kind in Canada. It covers everything from the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats to the concept of wellness diets and current issues in pet food nutrition and manufacturing. ualberta.ca

If you live in Canada, you may find it tough to buy many homeopathic and herbal remedies for yourself and your animal come next spring. In its effort to regulate natural health products, Health Canada is demanding that herbal and homeopathic product label claims are backed by overly stringent pharmaceutical-style double-blind studies and human clinical trials, even when a remedy’s safety has been established. The high cost of conducting these trials is beyond the means of many smaller companies, and Health Canada is also reporting a licensing backlog, so the April 2010 deadline may arrive before many remedies are approved. As a result, some of the natural products you rely on may be removed from the shelves of health food stores across the country.

Write your local MP to voice your concerns, or visit your health food store to see if they have a petition you can sign.

UP COMES TO DVD DOES FIDO COME FIRST? Have you made provisions for your dog or cat in your will? Would you take care of his medical needs over your own? If so, you’re not alone, according to the American Pet Products Association’s new 2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey. Here are some stats: • 21% of survey respondents take their dogs with them when traveling by car, on an average of five trips per year.

• If faced with choosing between a large medical expense for themselves or their dogs, 15% said they’d attend to their dogs first.

• 7% said they had made financial provision for their animals in their wills.

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If you saw Disney/Pixar’s animated film UP this past summer, you’ll know that Dug the “talking” dog is one of the most beloved characters in the movie. The film is now available on DVD and Bluray with a number of bonus features, including one called “Canine Companion” in which the filmmakers explain the process of creating CGI dogs. The feature offers an interesting introduction to the behavior and language of dogs, with comments from renowned animal behaviorist and veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar.

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10/23/09 9:51:09 AM

GOOD AS GOLD The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has gone green. The organization’s new corporate headquarters in New York City was recently awarded the LEED CI “gold” rating from the U.S. Green Buildings Council.

One of the few green office spaces in the city, the 35,000square-foot space makes use of renewable resources.

Bamboo was used for new flooring. Technology was made more cost effective through the use of low energy network servers, sensory lights that anticipate the need for additional illumination, and telephones and computers that enter “sleep” mode when not in use.

Additionally, heating and cooling is made more efficient through the use of natural sunlight and temperature controls that adjust 26 zones, in lieu of the usual five or six, and puts less strain on internal systems.

ASPCA photo: © Anita K. Edson/ASPCA

The organization is saving 28% on energy costs, allowing it to put more funds toward helping animals.

Sensors measure natural light and react by turning artificial lights on or off.

IF YOU’RE HAVING DINNER GUESTS THIS HOLIDAY, REMIND THEM NOT TO FEED CANDY OR OTHER HUMAN TREATS TO YOUR DOG OR CAT. animal wellness

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10/26/09 9:54:52 AM

AGING

gracefully Dogs and cats age gradually, so changes in their health or behavior may not be obvious.

Find out what to look for and how to help your senior companion adapt and stay comfortable.

BY BARBARA NEFER

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s your companion slowing down? Are his senses not as sharp as they used to be? Maybe he’s eating less and is no longer meticulous about grooming. He might be struggling with the stairs, or having a few accidents in the house. If your dog or cat is older than seven, he may simply be showing signs of aging.

same time, you should also look for ways to maintain his quality of life and help him adapt by keeping him as safe and comfortable as possible.

The average canine lifespan is 13 years. This varies depending on the dog’s size, with many small breeds living well into their teens. Cats live 14 to 16 years on average.

Cats and medium to large dogs generally start to show signs of aging between the ages of seven and 11, while small dogs may not show any visible signs until they’re ten. Whatever the case, as your animal companion gets older, you should be on the alert for symptoms that could indicate a health problem (see sidebar on page 20). At the

Exercise wards off obesity in older animals and helps them stay limber and maintain their muscle mass.

For dogs, veterinarian Dr. Thomas Bankstahl recommends activities like walking and swimming. He adds it’s often better to take several short walks through the day rather than a single long one. Swimming relieves the dog’s weight while giving his joints a better range of motion. You can also do gentle range of motion exercises with your dog or cat’s legs.

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SEVEN STEPS TO A HAPPY SENIOR

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MOBILITY

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• Senior dogs and cats can benefit from a little help getting to high places such as furniture and beds. Use a pet ramp to help him get up to your lap or access his favorite spots.

• If you have a two-storey home, have a litter box available on each floor so your older cat doesn’t have to navigate stairs.

• A baby gate can keep older arthritic dogs from tackling the stairs.

• Dr. Bankstahl recommends an orthopedic bed or other padding to increase comfort while your dog or cat is resting.

• Slippery floor surfaces or rugs that slide easily underfoot can cause an older animal (or person!) to fall and injure himself. Rugs should have a rubber backing that prevents slippage.

• Make sure your animal’s bed provides adequate protection from hard floor surfaces and is away from cold drafts.

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HEARING

If your animal is losing his hearing, be careful not to startle him. Warn other people, especially children, not to approach him from behind or touch him while he is sleeping. This reduces the risk of getting bitten or scratched by an inadvertently frightened animal.

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VISION

As sight declines, try to avoid making any big changes in your household environment. Blind cats and dogs can maneuver quite well as long as they remain in familiar surroundings. If you go away on vacation, have a pet sitter come to your home rather than take your dog or cat into a new environment. If you have an older dog, bring along a flashlight when you’re out with him at night, or use a leash with a built-in light.

Use a pet ramp to help him get up to your lap or access his favorite spots.

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NUTRITION

Obesity can worsen other aging problems, advises Dr. Bankstahl. A high quality diet made from lean, whole meat-based ingredients is best.

Avoid low end foods filled with grains and carbohydrates – these can put on weight and may exacerbate other health problems. A holistic veterinarian can help you choose the right food for your senior based on his current condition and test results. All cats, especially older ones, benefit from eating a high quality canned food because its higher water content helps flush the kidneys.

Older cats can lose their sense of smell, which may cut down their enthusiasm for eating. Heating the food in the microwave for 20 seconds can bring out the fragrance and make it more appealing.

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COAT AND SKIN

Groom your older animal regularly, especially if he is not able to do it himself anymore. This will help prevent mats and keep his coat in good condition. It also gives you a chance to check for any lumps, sores or other potential problems that may need to be examined and treated by a vet. animal wellness

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TEETH AND GUMS

All cats and dogs should have their teeth brushed daily throughout their lives, advises veterinarian Dr. Michelle Jack. This is especially important as they age. Proper dental care prevents bacteria from entering through the gums and potentially causing organ damage. A high quality diet also helps prevent dental problems as an animal ages.

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MENTAL HEALTH

Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity, says Dr. Bankstahl. “Teach your old dog new tricks,” he says. Besides learning new commands, senior dogs can benefit from going to training classes. Both cats and dogs enjoy puzzle toys. If your canine friend is alone for much of the day, doggie daycare can offer a fun and stimulating environment.

Animals give you many years of companionship and unconditional love. You can repay this devotion by minimizing the effects of aging and giving your older companion the best possible quality of life for as long as he’s with you.

SENIOR HEALTH ISSUES Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and painful dental infections are most common medical issues in older cats, says Dr. Jack. Cats are also prone to certain cancers and may develop a thickened heart muscle. She adds that elderly dogs suffer from most of the same problems.

They also tend to get hypothyroidism, in which thyroid function decreases. Leaky heart valves are another common problem in older canines.

Many of these problems are treatable, especially if caught early. Be alert for physical and behavioral changes. For example, stiffness going up and down stairs can signal arthritis, while acting “lost,” inappropriate vocalization, and not recognizing commands can indicate senility.

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Dr. Bankstahl recommends you watch for these important physical signs: weight loss, changes in appetite, increased thirst or urination, breathing problems, coughing, difficulty getting up, weakness, and an unpleasant mouth odor. Also be alert for behavioral changes like accidents in the house, changes in sleep patterns, abnormal vocalizing, irritability, unresponsiveness and staring off into space.

If you observe any of these signs in your dog or cat, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, it’s a good idea to have senior animals examined every six months.

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Play

IT SAFE They look fun and colorful, but not all those dog toys on store shelves are good for your canine. With the market being flooded by cheap imports, you need to check you’re getting a product that’s safe and non-toxic.

BY MARTA ZARASKA

D

id you know the average American dog lover spends over a hundred dollars a year on treats and toys?

At the same time, though, reports of potential hazards presented by dog toys are mushrooming, partly because there’s no agency overseeing the $40 billion dog toy market. These hazards can include anything from needles left inside stuffed toys to chemical-laden paints and choking dangers. With the holidays approaching, you want to make sure the toys you buy for your companion won’t harm him or make him sick.

GET THE LEAD OUT In 2007, Texas lab ExperTox tested four dog toys sold at Wal-Mart. The list of chemicals found in them was quite impressive and included lead, chromium, arsenic, cadmium

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and mercury. One toy had what the lab described as “elevated levels” of lead – almost one part per million (ppm).

Lead is the toxin dog lovers should be most concerned about, according to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney, Vice President of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. Lead poisoning can cause abnormal behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, hiding in dark places and convulsions, which in younger dogs might be mistaken for distemper. In chronic form, lead poisoning results in anemia and weight loss. If not treated, it can cause death.

According to the American Pet Products Association, many American manufacturers make their toys in accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s

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(CPSC) guidelines for lead content in children’s toys.

Products intended for kids can’t contain more than 300 ppm of lead. This is way above the 1 ppm that ExperTox called “elevated levels”.

Although this sounds scary, veterinarian Dr. Steve Marks of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine hasn’t seen even one dog ingest lead via toys in his 20 years of practice. In most cases, dogs get sick after eating or sniffing lead-based paint (which may be applied to some toys), or chewing on scrap metal or leaking batteries. Dr. Gwaltney adds that just because a toy contains lead doesn’t mean it’s dangerous to your dog. “Tests these days are so sensitive that pretty much everything you are going to check will have some tiny amount of lead in it,” she says. “There was a warning on the Internet about 30 ppm of lead in some dog toy. We figured the animal would have to eat a toy like that every day for 16 years to get a dose that would be a problem.”

But what about a pocket-sized dog? Surely what is safe for a ten-year-old child wouldn’t necessarily be okay for a Chihuahua, especially since kids don’t spend the majority of their playtime chewing and licking their toys.

“CPSC has built in so many safety margins to their risk assessments that the difference is not going to be significant even if we are talking of a very tiny animal,” says Dr. Gwaltney.

Still, you should be careful when choosing a toy for your dog. Imported products don’t follow CPSC guidelines and some may contain as much as 100 times the amount of lead that’s considered safe. The ones to watch out for are toys with painted surfaces, as it’s the paint that usually contains the lead.

If you are worried one of your dog’s toys might have lead in it, purchase a home test kit (the reliable ones require you to take a sample and send it off to a lab). If the amount of lead found is significant (over 300 ppm) you can ask your vet to test the dog’s blood. Since lead poisoning is not a common disease, your veterinarian might not suspect it right away, even if the dog has all the symptoms. But don’t worry – once treatment begins, the prognosis is good.

DON’T CHOKE ON IT When it comes to safety, think choking hazard. Although tennis balls are a common dog toy, for example, they are often a problem since dogs can chew them in half and try to swallow the bits. The rule of thumb is to know your animal wellness

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dog. Don’t give him a new toy and then leave him alone. If he chews tennis balls to pieces you can still give them to him, but monitor him and take the ball away after playtime.

Last but not least – squeakers. If your dog is like mine he will try to get that tiny plastic pouch out of his toy as fast as possible. Once he does, throw the squeaker away. It’s common for dogs to choke on them. In addition, the polyester filling dogs sometimes tear out of plush toys (often in search of the squeaker) is not toxic per se, but if ingested in large amounts it can cause stomach problems, including inflammation. If it causes a blockage, it may even require surgery.

When you go shopping for dog toys, take the accompanying checklist with you. That way, you’ll help ensure the gift you buy for your companion gives him many hours of safe and healthy playtime!

7 STEPS TO SAFE TOYS 1) Check where the toy was made. Choose products made in North America or Europe over those mass-produced and imported from other countries, where safety standards are often less stringent.

2) Read labels, check the manufacturer’s website, or call to ask if they test their products for toxicity.

3) Inspect the toy for loose parts and pieces that might easily come off and be a choking hazard.

4) Don’t give children’s toys to dogs.

For example, dogs might chew off and choke on the eyes and noses of stuffed animals.

5) Remember – no toy is indestructible. If your dog is an energetic chewer, buy products made of durable materials such as natural rubber.

6) Be size-wise: make sure the toy is not too small for your dog and that he can’t easily swallow it or choke on it. If you have several dogs, base the size of toys you buy on the size of the largest dog.

7) Don’t leave your dog unattended with a new toy.

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PRODUCT PICKS WON’T TAKE A TABLET? NUTRITION FOR LIFE When you see a named whole meat listed first on the ingredient label of a pet food, you know you’re looking at quality. The Blue Buffalo Company’s line of BLUE Life Protection Formula dry foods features real meat, fish or poultry as the first ingredient. They also add whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, as well as LifeSource® Bits, a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, cheap fillers, artificial preservatives or colors.

6 lbs dog formula: $16.99 3 lbs cat formula: $10.99 bluebuff.com

SPOIL HIM WITH SALMON! Dogs and cats love salmon, so it makes an excellent and healthy treat choice. Grizzly Fillet Treats from Grizzly Pet Products are made from pure dehydrated wild salmon strips.

Simple and all-natural, the treats are not only delicious, but a good source of protein and Omega 3 essential fatty acids. So your companion gets a big health boost while enjoying something he likes. This product makes a great training treat, and contains no additives.

3 oz: $9.95 grizzlypetproducts.com

If your dog or cat consistently spits out his vitamin pills unless you crush them up, why not consider a liquid supplement?

It makes life a lot easier.

OptiPet Multi from Omega Alpha is a liquid multivitamin that offers your companion a full spectrum of necessary nutrients, including vitamins B, C, D3 and E as well as betacarotene and calcium, selenium, choline, lecithin, inositol, and magnesium.

Just mix with his food. $10-12.99 for 120 ml $32-36.99 for 500 ml omegaalpha.ca

BERRIES ARE THE BEST Berries may be the smallest of fruits, but they’re packed with health benefits. Cranimals is a certified organic whole food antioxidant supplement produced by extracting fresh, raw Kosher certified cranberries, raspberries and blueberries. Just add the powder to your dog or cat’s food and you’ll be giving him a powerful defense against aging as well as protect him from urinary tract infections, chronic itching and arthritis, heart disease, macular degeneration and cognitive decline. Available in three formulations – Original, Very Berry and Gold.

4.2 oz: $17.99 cranimal.com

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STRANGE

tastes Does your dog try to eat rocks, cloth or plastic?

This condition is called “pica” and can be caused by medical, behavioral or lifestyle issues.

BY DEBBIE SWANSON

L

ucky, a two-year-old yellow Lab, was repeatedly swallowing cloth and socks. His veterinarian, Dr. Janice Huntingford, knew some investigation was in order.

“A dog that age is past the puppy stage, and should know better than to keep going after those objects,” she says.

“After tests ruled out any medical issue, we took a look at his lifestyle.”

Discussions with Lucky’s family revealed that the dog ate these objects when he was home alone. He was well cared for, yet lived in a busy household. “We found he was chronically under-stimulated,” says Dr. Huntingford.

“The family soon made some changes, such as increasing

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his daily exercise, and using doggie daycare to break up his hours alone. They put his food in work toys so he’d have to use the toy a bit to get the food out.”

While this was a step in the right direction, it wasn’t an instant solution. “They also had to teach Lucky not to eat these items,” Dr. Huntingford adds. “During the training process, I recommended they use a basket muzzle on him when he had to be left alone, to prevent further problems.”

This combination of changes soon did the trick and Lucky lost his habit of going after non-food objects.

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WHY EAT NON-FOOD ITEMS? Pica is a condition in which dogs crave the ingestion of unnatural food sources. While it may seem unusual, it’s actually fairly common.

“Pica may be quite different from a dog that just likes to chew,” explains veterinarian Dr. Rob Butler. “Differentiating between acceptable items to chew and nonacceptable items is a learned behavior and therefore a very important part of early puppy training.”

When a grown dog continues to chew and swallow inappropriate items, you should first consider an underlying physical problem and discuss the situation with a vet, who should rule out any medical or nutritional causes.

“Pica could be related to nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalance, intestinal parasites or diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s, gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease,” says Dr. Butler. “A review of the dog’s diet and blood work may be indicated.”

BEHAVIOR AND LIFESTYLE Once medical or nutritional causes have been ruled out, a little digging into the dog’s lifestyle may uncover the cause. “Lack of exercise or stimulation, feelings of anxiety, depression or frustration can result in this problem,” says Dr. Huntingford. “Chewing can be very satisfying, and a dog will chew to relieve anxiety.”

If your dog is a repeat offender, try keeping a “dog log”.

Record his daily activities, noting exercise, outings, length of time spent alone, or visitors coming by. Also note outside events such as garbage pickup, children passing to and from a bus stop, and other activities that may stimulate your dog. When a pica incident occurs, this log may help point to a pattern. Another possibility is to set up a video camera to observe the dog when he’s alone.

“Lack of exercise or stimulation, feelings of anxiety, depression or frustration can result in pica.”

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“I once saw a dog who was kenneled much of the time, and who wanted to get at something outside,” says Dr. Huntingford. “Frustrated, he began swallowing the rocks inside his kennel.”

TRAINING AND OTHER TIPS • Provide toys and treats – In addition to seeking the cause of the problem, spend some time reminding your dog about chewing do’s and don’ts. Provide a variety of safe and appropriate toys and treats for chewing. When you catch him in the act of chewing the wrong object, take it away with a firm “no”, and replace it with one of his toys.

Keep in mind that not much can be done after the deed is done. “If you come home from work and find an object half eaten, you can’t correct the dog then,” says Dr. Huntingford. “All he’ll know is that you came home from work and yelled at him. He won’t make the connection between the yelling and the chewed object.”

When you go out, make several safe chew toys or treats available to him so he can transfer his chewing needs to them.

• Increase activity – While working towards a solution, it’s helpful to increase your dog’s activity, both mental and physical. Add some extra time to his walk before you leave for work. Arrange for a visit by a dog walker or neighbor to break up long hours alone. A tired dog is less likely to seek ways of entertaining himself.

These pheromones can be distributed by a diffuser, spray or collar, and will have a calming effect on the dog.” Always seek the advice of a professional before giving your dog any remedy, even a natural one.

While it can be frustrating, dogs with pica can learn to curb their chewing. Understanding the cause, making some lifestyle changes, and renewing training efforts prevent further problems and keep your dog’s digestive system free of foreign objects.

SAFETY ALERT Swallowed objects present a medical hazard to your dog. “Persistent vomiting, with an absence of any stool or sometimes small amounts of diarrhea, may indicate your dog has swallowed something,” says Dr. Butler. Contact your vet if you suspect a problem, even if you didn’t catch your dog in the act of swallowing something.

• Improve housekeeping – This is a must. Children’s toys, shoes and clothing, food packaging and other items should be cleared away out of reach, and trash cans should have tightly-fitting lids or be kept in a locked cupboard.

• Crating or confinement – If the dog is accustomed to and comfortable with crating, use that when he’s alone as long as you won’t be gone too long. Otherwise, confine him to a well picked-up room. Use a gate rather than closing the door; feeling “cut off” from the rest of the house may heighten his anxiety.

• Natural remedies – “A number of Chinese herbs will help with anxiety issues,” says Dr. Huntingford. “Flower remedies may also help with issues such as boredom, fear or frustration. Another natural solution is dog-appeasing pheromones, a natural substance that dogs produce in calm times.

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SPICE UP HIS LIFE! C

Flavor and nutrition – spices offer the best of both worlds to your dog or cat. This holiday season, add some zest to your companion’s diet with these healthy recipes.

BY AUDI DONAMOR

innamon, ginger, cloves…this time of year, the festive aromas of spice fill many a household. Aside from adding flavor to food, many spices also offer a lot of nutritional value. And you can share those benefits with your dog or cat!

The earliest evidence of spice use goes all the way back to 50,000 BC. Like herbs, spices can be made from seeds, flowers, leaves, bark, roots, saps and other plant products; the difference is that spices are “dried and ground” while herbs are “fresh”. Ground leaves, seeds and bark last six months, while ground roots last one year.

Read on to add some extra spice to your companion’s life, not just during the holidays, but all year round. Just remember, as with anything else, to check in with your vet before adding something new to his diet.

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SIX FAVORITE SPICES Here are just a few spices that deserve a place of in your kitchen.

Cinnamon has a long history. As early as 2,700 BC, it was recommended for the treatment of nausea, fever and diarrhea. Cinnamon was also added to food to prevent spoiling, and during the bubonic plague, sponges soaked in cinnamon and cloves were put in sickrooms.

Today, cinnamon is used for a variety of gastrointestinal problems, including nausea and flatulence. It is also recognized for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. One teaspoon of cinnamon contains as many antioxidants as half a cup of blueberries!

Cayenne, also known as capsicum, packs a really powerful punch, so a little goes a long way. It’s rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and vitamins A, B and C. It stimulates all the body systems, acts as a tonic and has antioxidant properties. Cayenne is valuable as a systemic stimulant, because it helps regulate blood flow and strengthens the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. It is especially helpful for treating arthritis, poor circulation and heart conditions.

Very small amounts aid digestion, stimulate appetite and dispel gas. Cayenne has even been found to stop itching.

to support the kidneys and a variety of digestive ailments, including anorexia and irritable bowel syndrome. Doggie breath? Cardamon leaves keep the breath fresh and support healthy gums.

Cloves are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat indigestion, diarrhea and even ringworm and other fungal infections. India’s traditional Ayurvedic healers have used cloves since ancient times to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. Like many other spices, cloves contain antioxidants.

Ginger is recognized as a valuable digestive aid. It helps increase the production of digestive fluids and saliva, and therefore helps relieve indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the pain of arthritis and muscle spasms. It is also known to support kidney function, healthy skin and respiratory function.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, supports the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, and is widely recognized for its anti-cancer properties. (For more on turmeric, see Volume 10, Issue 6.)

Cardamon is one of the world’s oldest spices. It contains cineole, an expectorant that helps support the lungs and make breathing easier during allergy season. It is also used

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Ingredients

Bison burger bits

1 pound organic ground bison (also labeled “buffalo”) 2 cups all purpose gluten-free or whole grain flour of your choice, or try sweet potato flour 1 tablespoon dried, rubbed oregano or 2 heaping tablespoons fresh oregano, finely minced 1 tablespoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese Dash of cayenne 3 heaping tablespoons fresh Italian parsley leaves, finely minced 2 garlic cloves, finely minced 1 egg 1 tomato, minced 1/4 cup beef or vegetable broth, or filtered water Fresh blueberries and cranberries, or sun dried unsulphured berries of your choice

2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender.

3. Take small pieces of dough and form small balls, roll them lightly in rolled oats, place on cookie sheet and lightly flatten, using your “fingerprint” -- the perfect size for holding a blueberry or cranberry. A teaspoon makes perfectly sized bits.

4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer bits to a plate that can be put in the fridge to cool. Store in the freezer in a Ziploc bag until you are ready to defrost, warm and serve. This recipe makes 63 treats and can be easily doubled.

Instructions

1. Choose organic ingredients whenever possible.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F.

Winter sun carrot and apple soup

Instructions

Choose organic ingredients whenever possible. This soup can be

Ingredients 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups pureéd carrots (with peel), or try sweet potato, yams, squash or pumpkin 1 cup pureéd red apples 1 tablespoon extra virgin cold extracted olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

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served raw or cooked.

For raw soup, simply combine all ingredients and add a tablespoon or two to your animal’s regular meals.

Bring to a boil. As soon as you see bubbles forming on the surface, turn down the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Cool soup to room temperature before serving to your animal companion. For an extra taste treat, add a dollop of goat’s milk yogurt just before serving.

You can also freeze this delicious and nutritious soup in ice cube trays for future treats and meals.

For cooked soup, combine all ingredients in a medium sized pot.

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PLANT ENZYMES

Sweet and savory spice snacks

& PROBIOTICS

Supplement for Dogs & Cats

Ingredients

4 cups whole flour. Use one whole flour or a combination of flours. E.g. whole brown rice flour (contains bran and germ), whole oat flour, whole barley flour, chickpea flour, potato, quinoa, tapioca, hemp and coconut.

1 cup filling. Choose from fresh fruits and vegetables and hormone-free, antibiotic-free protein sources. Try bison, chicken, turkey, venison, rabbit, fish, ostrich, emu or duck, or choose unsweetened applesauce, organic canned pumpkin, butternut squash, banana or berries. You can make a vegetable and fruit blend, like sweet potato and cranberries.

1 part spice or herb combination. Consider 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons ground carob powder for fruit based sweet treats; and 1 finely minced garlic clove and 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon ground dried parsley) or catnip, for savory treats that contain meat or fish. Here are a few more spicy combinations to try: • Apple pie spice: 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon • Pumpkin pie spice: 1/4 cup ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon ground cloves • Pudding spice: ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground ginger.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until the dough pulls away from the sides of the work bowl.

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead well. Cut into desired shapes or squares and place on cookie sheet. Or, take small pieces of dough and roll out to the thickness of a pencil, and using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut pieces appropriate to your dog or cat’s size (like mini biscotti) and place on cookie sheet. Another alternative is to form the dough into a ball, place it in the centre of your cookie sheet, and using a rolling pin, roll it out to the edges and score with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

An all natural digestive aid with plant enzymes and probiotics, this product assists in the digestion and absorption of nutrients which are necessary to maintain your pet’s good health. Animal Essentials’ Plant Enzymes & Probiotics relieves the extra burden placed on the digestive system by breaking down fats, carbohydrates, cellulose and protein.

animalessentials.com

Bake for 20 minutes, then turn oven down to 175°F and bake for 40 more minutes.

Turn oven off and allow the biscuits to cool completely in the oven, before storing them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.

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The festive season can be a stressful time for you and your companion. These three meditations will help you both find inner calm and serenity.

BY KATHLEEN PRASAD

T

he holidays are nearly upon us, with all their demands on our time and attention. Dogs and cats, through their close connection to us, are aware of and deeply affected by the stress we endure. In short, when we are stressed, our animals are stressed.

If you can put yourself in the right frame of mind ahead of time, you can more easily avoid or at least lessen the impact

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of the stress you’re sure to encounter in the busy weeks ahead.

Meditation is one of the easiest, most immediate ways to achieve a calm and peaceful state of mind. It is widely known for its healing benefits. In the words of Deepak Chopra, an MD known for his study of mind/body/spirit connections to health: “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” In doing so, you can help yourself, and in helping yourself, you will help your dog or cat.

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When you meditate, you find an inner state of calm and stillness that can bring you back to your true self – the part that exists above and beyond the stresses in your life. The purpose of meditating with your animal is to create a space of calm and peace within yourself, and in doing so, invite your animal to join you there. Our animals, simply by their presence, can often help calm us as well. They are great meditation assistants!

SETTING THE SCENE • To prepare for meditation, choose a space in your home near your animal where you will not be disturbed by anyone else. You may place yourself next to your dog or cat, or across the room from him – anywhere in the near vicinity is perfect. Try not to pick him up or disturb him; just find a place where he can approach you and climb into your lap if he wishes.

• Find a comfortable position, sitting on the floor or in a chair. Make sure your spine is straight, and your shoulders, arms and legs are relaxed. Rest your hands palms up or palms down (whichever you prefer) on your lap.

• Close your eyes and take a nice, deep cleansing breath.

As you breathe in through your nose, imagine light, healing energy flowing in and filling your body. As you exhale, imagine all your stresses releasing and flowing out of you. Repeat this breath two to three times.

• Place your hands, palms together, in front of your chest.

Set the intention that you are open to receive healing, peace and relaxation for yourself, and that you are willing to facilitate this healing, peace and relaxation for your animal as well, in whatever ways he is open to receive. You may return your hands to your lap, or keep them palms together during the meditation.

You may place yourself next to your dog or cat, or across the room from him – anywhere in the near vicinity is perfect.

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THREE PATHS TO PEACE One you have prepared and set your intention, you are ready to begin. Try one of the following meditations:

1

INNER SANCTUARY:

Visualize a physical place in your life – a sanctuary – that brings you the most peace and calm. Let yourself imagine all the details of the place, engaging your five senses as you do so. How does this place look, what colors do you see, what do you hear, and how does it smell, taste and feel? See yourself there and allow your heart and emotions to reach out and bask in the tangible peace of this sanctuary. Imagine your very being surrounded in healing light, just by visualizing this special place. Feel peace and calm resonating throughout your whole being as you continue the visualization for five to 15 minutes.

2

GRATITUDE AFFIRMATION: Sit with the words “I feel gratitude; each day is a precious gift” inside your heart and body for several minutes. Allow your mind to think about all the people, animals, places and situations in your life for which you are grateful. Feel the meaning and truth of gratitude permeate your whole being – body, mind, emotions and spirit. When you feel encompassed in gratitude, offer it as a gentle, loving bridge of light from your heart to your animal’s heart. Remember to include all the feelings that go with the word. Continue holding the affirmation for several more minutes.

3

CIRCLE OF HEALING:

As you sit, visualize your heart as a rose blooming with healing white light.

Imagine this rose is composed of perfect peace, balance and harmony. Feel this light gradually spread through-

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out your body. After several minutes, see the energy of your animal’s heart, and those of other family members, human and animal, as a beautiful rose of healing white light located within the center of their being. Visualize serenity and peace surrounding their heart energy and then connect their hearts with yours in one healing circle of light.

Visualize this unified heart as perfectly in balance, at peace, connected and completely healed. Hold this visualization in your mind for several more minutes.

Connecting to your animal through meditation is easy, fun and beneficial for you both. Although stressful situations like the holidays may be unavoidable, responding with stress and upset don’t have to be. Preparing yourself ahead of time by spending time every day with your dog or cat in meditations of peace, gratitude and healing is a great way to embrace the positive, no matter what stressors come your way. Try it and see – your companion will enjoy it too!

Animals respond very well, and often immediately, to our focus and intention on peace and calm. Typical responses include coming over and lying on your lap or by your side, relaxation and yawning, falling asleep, snoring and dreaming.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

BLING BLING 4 PETS It’s the perfect gift for every person on your list that owns a cat or a dog… a Pet ID Tag made with love. Our tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit every pet on your list.

Visit us at: www.BlingBling4Pets.com

SMILING BLUE SKIES ® Jewelry celebrates the special bond between precious pets and people. Each piece is one of a kind, and is made with .999 pure fine silver and semi-precious stones. Proceeds support The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund and the building of the Institute for Comparative Cancer Research, University of Guelph Pet Trust.

Please visit www.smilingblueskies.com

OVERINDULGED IN HOLIDAY GOODIES? Give the gift of Good Health! The Aunt Jeni’s Home Made Enhance line of holistic supplements offers something for everyone on your list. USA-made with whole-food ingredients, nothing synthetic. Proceeds help support local rescue. Free Shipping! For more information, visit us online:

www.auntjeni.com or 800-928-6853

SNACK 21 PET TREATS IT’S GENIUS! MIKE treat-release puzzle toys exercise your dog’s brain! Put treats inside and watch your dog solve the puzzle. Designed to be used on their own or connected/linked to LEO toys. Feed dinner from the toys instead of a bowl & slow down gulpers.

Excellent for hard chewers!

To order 1-800-523-7979 or www.caninegenius.com

-Salmon Skin Rolls- An alternative to rawhide, Salmon Skin rolls from Pacific 21 Mercantile Ltd. provide a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Made from 100% dried Wild Pacific salmon skin, the chews have no digestion issues and contain no additives, preservatives, colors or artificial flavors and are ideal for use with rubber treat toys.

Visit us at www.snack21treats.com

COVER UP THE DIRTY WITH DIRTY LITTLE COVER UP! Enhance and protect your potted plants indoors or on a patio. They are water resistant and come in 2 sizes embellished with natural looking artwork and fit almost any size or shaped pot. Attractive and easy to use.. Just trim to fit!

Available at www.dirtylittlecoverup.com

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HOLIDAY BEST GIFT EVER! Voted #1 best gift by pets everywhere, animal communication lets your pets talk in plain English. Treat yourself or a friend to their precious thoughts and unique perspectives in a conversation with one of America’s most talented telepathic communicators:

Colette St.Clair Telepath, Medium & Animal Communicator 1-888-208-2600

NEW INTERACTIVE TOYS TIRED OF BEING PULLED IN ALL DIRECTIONS? Nothing feels more natural than a Walkeez Choke-FREE harness. Specially made for stubborn pullers. It’s safe, effective & veterinarian-approved. Walkeez uses the calming design of Tellington Touch. Fits all breeds. Available colours: red, black, purple & blue.

Made for the furry, perfect for the family. Paw Pets are soft, extremely durable puppets and toys for play and training with pets of all sizes. Bay Woof: “Sustainable Shoppers Recommendation.” Brandt Wilson, Behavioral Consultant: “Paw Pets are a great training tool”. Play with your Pet!

www.getpawpets.com 1 (866) 454-3353

www.allpetnaturals.com.

Toll FREE 1-877-232-PETS (7387)

CRANIMALS GOLD

GABRIELLA

Handcrafted Collection Exclusive collars, accessories and coats for large Breed Dogs, make our big Boys and Girls feel good in the cold and look chic and stylish at the same time! All our pieces are hand made in Gabriella’s studio with love and care.

Cranimals Gold is a unique combination of vegan DHA Omega 3, cranberry extract, choline and beta carotene to ensure optimal growth rate, cognitive development, trainability, coat, eye, heart and urinary tract health in puppies. Gold is also suited to geriatric dogs and cats.

visit www.cranimal.com for our organic supplement options

www.collectiongabriella.com

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GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE INQUISITIVE CANINE AKA OUT OF THE BOX A pawsitive training solution that teaches, reinforces and inspires real-world manners in your dog through techniques designed to reward and motivate everyone involved! Enhancing Your Relationship With Your Dog for Life! $19.95

www.inquisitivecanine.com 805.650.8500

PET’EM PAD There is no better gift for your four- legged friend than freedom from chronic pain. The Pet’em Pad enhances and promotes a natural healing process to bones and tissue, and musculoskeletal issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia through increased circulation, oxygenation and nutrient assimilation to the area being treated. (Can be used by pet parents too!)

LAVENDER SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER FOR DOGS

robert@petempad.com www.PetemPad.com 602-571-3865

Lavender essential oil has been used in folk medicine for centuries to help promote healthy skin and coat. We created the finest extra mild shampoo for dogs using the highest quality Lavender essential oil and extracts. This product contains no artificial colors or fragrances.

Visit www.naturesorganicpet.com OR CALL 866 760-9565

WOW THE HOLIDAY WALLS! GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH

From your photos, choose from 40 fun and unique looks printed up to 42” x 42” on paper or canvas, and stretched or custom framed after you approve a proof. Great quality, prices, and service. It’s easy and fun to WOW the walls this holiday season!

TOLL-FREE 800-453-9333

Life’s Abundance: Complete support for the health and wellbeing of your dogs and cats.

Formulated by a leading holistic Veterinarian Dr. Jane Bicks. No Inquiry about Holistic Pet Food Life’s Abundance.

www.CathysPetSalon.com 410-546-5166 animal wellness

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HOLIDAY HOPE BROWN CRYSTALS Crystals offer subtle vibrational healing that can help your dog or cat feel better. Rose Quartz helps balance emotions, Amethyst assists with physical problems and pain, while Clear Quartz gets to the root of an issue and brings in positive change. Just clip on to your animal’s collar and watch it go gently to work.

www.hopebrown.co.uk

THE HONEST KITCHEN WARM WHISKERS’ Warm Whiskers’ versatile Pet Therapy Jacket is the answer for pet’s physical ailments such as hip dysplasia, arthritis and any other joint, spinal and/or muscular pain. It comes in five sizes, fitting dogs and cats from 5 to 200 pounds. The strap allows for placement of the heatable/freezable pack anywhere.

The Honest Kitchen, renowned for its ground-breaking line of human grade foods for dogs and cats, offers handmade gourmet cookies that are perfect for the holidays. Smooches (made with chicken and cranberries), Nuzzles (duck and cherries) and Pecks (buffalo and blueberries) are healthy, too: they’re free of wheat, corn, soy, rice, salt and preservatives.

www.thehonestkitchen.com 1-866-437-9729

www.warmwhiskers.com 800-233-0201 www.wapitilabsinc.com

FROLICAT™ BOLT™ GREYHOUND GIFTS Wear your heart on your sleeve and save greyhounds! Order a marcasite pin or silver necklace for someone you love. We also offer dogshaped chocolates, greyhound dolls, t-shirts, handmade notecards and other “greyt” holiday gifts. Every purchase supports GREY2K USA’s campaigns to end the cruelty of greyhound racing nationwide!

Call toll free 1-866-247-3925 visit www.GREY2KUSA.org/gifts

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FroliCat™ BOLT™ is an award winning interactive laser toy that provides hours of fun for you & your feline friend. Simply hold BOLT in your hand or place it on a flat surface, turn it on & watch your cat pounce, chase & bat at the exciting laser patterns.

www.FroliCat.com

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GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

CLASSY CAT AND DOG DESIGNER DINNERWARE Unique raised bowls on attached pedestals, handmade in Canada. Attractive, durable and especially beneficial for older arthritic pets. Several sizes, colours and heights available. Can be personalized. Lead free, dishwasher and microwave safe. Splash backs, ovals for all long-eared dogs and other custom options.

classycatdishes.com

ZOOGEN SERVICES AKA PERPETUA.US Celebrate your special dog with a Life Jewel™ DNA Pendant. Each pendant is hand-crafted with your choice from 12 DNA colors and settings in gold or silver. DNA collection is easy and options are available for hair and cremated ashes. For information see our website at:

www.perpetua.us or CALL 800-584-2434

SCOOPFREE® ScoopFree® is the only self-cleaning litter box that uses disposable litter trays to provide unbeatable odor control & hassle-free convenience. Simply throw away the disposable tray every few weeks & replace it with a new one. Also available is ScoopFree Ultra, which comes with 3 extra features for the ultimate in cat care: Privacy Hood, Adjustable Rake Delay, & Health Counter.

WAPITI LABS, INC. Sourced from trusted, farm-raised herds, 100% naturally shed Wapiti Labs Elk Antler Chews are the longest lasting chews available on the market. * For the toughest of chewers * Won’t splinter like other hard chews * A great source of essentials nutrients for healthy teeth and gums * 5 sizes (Tips to SuperChunk)

763-746-0980 info@wapitilabsinc.com www.wapitilabsinc.com

KITTYSLICKER The Kittyslicker™ is a one-of-a-kind fun tool discovered by kitties for kitties that helps stimulate bonding and nurture a beautiful, sable soft coat. Starting the bonding process early helps form a strong, inseparable, loving and rewarding friendship for life.

Call 310 538 0322 or visit Kittyslicker.com

www.ScoopFree.com Receive FREE shipping and a FREE FroliCat™ Bolt™ for the holidays with the purchase of this product; visit www.scoopfree.com/animalwellness . animal wellness

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HOLIDAY LITTERZIPPER is a waste disposal scoop which transfers waste directly into an attached bag.

Uses any bags, but zipper-types work best. Just scoop it, bag it, then toss it in the trash. No mess, no odor. Great for the beach treasure hunters as well.

litterzipper.com 443-618-7136

CANINE LIFE GET SERIOUS!® ODOR, STAIN & PHEROMONE EXTRACTOR Keep holiday spirits high with the “perfect gift” for new pet parents! GET SERiOUS!® handles their 2 biggest challenges! Speeds-up “Potty Training” & “Cleans-up” completely! Unbeatable Stain, Odor, and most importantly, the “only” Pheromone extractor – all in one application! Pets aren’t “confused” and soiling stops! Everyone’s cheering GET SERiOUS!®. Read reviews & more:

Canine Life hypoallergenic muffins are the ultimate in nutritional convenience. Canine Life meets the NRC daily requirements, and uses only organic and human quality ingredients. From bag to bowl, Canine Life provides everything your dog needs to be happy and healthy. Feed them for life; feed them Canine Life!

www.theskyesthelimit.com 905-331-4455

www.PetSmart.com www.getseriousproducts.NET

SMOOCHY POOCHY

KENYA RESIST? Collars from The Kenyan Collection are the perfect gift. Designed one by one by Maasai Mamas, no two are alike so you are sure your gift is unique. Not just pretty, they are durable for the most active of dogs.

www.thekenyancollection.com or call 540 338 3166

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“Don’t get caught unleashed this Holiday Season! Smoochy Poochy offers the most versatile optional hands-free lead in the market. Durable nylon webbing or luxurious waterproof leather-like construction. The perfect lead for leisurely walking, training, shopping, visiting.

Endless possibilities…U.S. customers contact

www.barkz.com or 425-822-0292.

Canadian customers contact info@smoochypoochy.com or 416-407-8898.

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GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

InstinctsTC InstinctsTC powdered premix for making homemade cat food by the Feline Future Cat Food Company was developed as a foundation supplement for daily nutritional support to complete fresh, raw meat as a cat food. The resulting cat food mimics the nutritional composition of a mouse. 2008 marks the 10-year anniversary of InstinctsTC - backed by 13 years of research. www.felinefuture.com or call 1-877-9FELINE

SLEEPYPOD The award winning Sleepypod is the cutting-edge living space designed to move with you and your pet. 3 functions in 1: everyday bed, a convenient carrier, and a safe car seat. Sleepypod provides unmatched comfort and security. In times of fear or stress the dome top can be kept opened or closed.

sleepypod.com

WOODROW WEAR POWER PAWS Woodrow Wear’s Power Paws are a unique solution for a dog’s medical/ traction issues, and fashion! Testimonials include “Bill no longer struggles to stand on hardwood/tile floors,” and “Daisy adapted to them in 3 minutes and now waits for them.” Power Paws are made of cotton and elastic for comfort, fit, and easy adaptability.

Available for $19.99 at retailers and vets offices, or online at

www.woodrowwear.com.

HALO HEALTHSOME™ BISCUITS EVANGER’S Evanger’s unveils NEW Signature Series featuring Chunks in Gravy to celebrate its 75th anniversary.

Evanger’s concentrated on avoiding ingredients that are commonly used in this style of food such as by-products, wheat gluten, and grains. These palatable and nutritious dinners come in four flavors: Beef, Chicken, Lamb, and Turkey in 5 and 12-ounce cans.

Calories from treats count, so like all Halo products, these provide nutrition from pure, real food ingredients.

Whole grains, pure proteins, fruits and vegetables, baked to perfection! $4.95.

800-426-4256 www.halopets.com

www.evangersdogfood.com animal wellness

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MAKING THE SWITCH

Changing to a holistic or integrative vet?

Here’s what to expect – and ask – during your animal’s first visit with his new doctor.

BY SHAWN MESSONNIER, DVM

M

aking the decision to switch from a conventional to a holistic or integrative veterinarian is pretty easy.

You want the best care for your dog or cat, and a holistic or integrative veterinarian offers the most choices. But how do you find one? And when you do, what should you expect from your first visit?

FINDING AND SELECTING A VET Finding a holistic or integrative veterinarian can be more challenging than finding a conventional practitioner.

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) and The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine both have hundreds of members, but not every city or town has one. While referrals from friends and family members can be helpful in situations like this, they may not take their companions to a vet who uses alternative therapies, so that limits your options.

The easiest way to find a holistic or integrative vet is to visit ahvma.org or viim.org respectively and see if there’s

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anyone nearby. If there’s only one, then he or she is your only choice. If there are several, I recommend visiting each doctor and his or her staff, and choosing the hospital where you feel most comfortable (where everything “feels right”). If there are no holistic veterinarians in your area, some members of the AHVMA will do phone consults with either you or your animal’s current veterinarian.

SIX QUESTIONS TO ASK Let’s say you’ve found a vet you like and have scheduled your dog or cat’s first appointment. What can you expect from that visit?

I believe it’s important for a holistic veterinarian to be a member of AHVMA because it shows ongoing education in the holistic field. However, membership is open to anyone, and I know some members of AHVMA who I would not necessarily consider holistic, even though they include the use of supplements in their treatments. While each holistic and integrative doctor has his or her own

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way of doing things, I suggest you ask the following questions (in addition to any of your own) in order to determine if the veterinarian is really as holistic as he or she claims to be.

1

“WHAT FOOD DO YOU RECOMMEND?”

The brand recommended is not as important as the quality of the food. If the veterinarian has the typical popular mass-marketed brands on his shelf, s/he’s not really holistic. Instead s/he should recommend and/or sell natural brands of food. Additionally, s/he should be open to discussing the possibility of preparing a diet at home, whether cooked or raw. In general, a holistic or integrative veterinarian will be better able to discuss nutrition and recommend the best diet that fits the needs of you and your animal.

2

“WHAT VACCINATIONS DO YOU RECOMMEND?”

Vaccinations in and of themselves are not bad and do not need to be avoided completely. However, holistic and integrative veterinarians know that vaccines are only one part of an animal’s health care, and that frequent vaccinations are both unnecessary and potentially harmful. Instead, the veterinarian should recommend a blood antibody test called a titer test, which allows him or her to determine if and when an animal needs immunization.

I recommend visiting each doctor and his or her staff, and choosing the hospital where you feel most comfortable (where everything “feels right”).

Great Life Healthy Tips 4 Pets From Elliott Harvey MH

“GRAIN & POTATO FREE” ANTI ALLERGENIC FORMULAS

Nutritionally Alive Food An Elegant Meal with the Taste to follow

A New kind of Kibble

Raw Food Layered on Holistic Kibble • Buffalo, Chicken or Salmon in our grain/potato free line • Chicken, Buffalo, Lamb or Salmon in our regular line • Our exclusive Nutri- Active Freeze Dried Raw food is saturated on all kibbles.

• Helps eliminate many ailments afflicting pets today • Quality is our #1 ingredient • No recalls ever • Superior active nutrition formulas with or without grains • No refrigeration Great Life Performance Pet Products™ has earned and maintained the reputation of being a cutting edge, health conscious, leading pioneer in creating and manufacturing healthy pet food, treats and supplements since 1994.

Dr. Elliott Harvey MH. author of “The Healthy Wholistic Dog” states “We are constantly challenging ourselves to find better ingredients to keep us up to date with animals’ nutritional requirements.

The Original “Nutrition Plus” freeze Great Life “Unleashed” is our latest dried coated kibble with free range and most nutritionally active food protein sources, organic fruits and to date. vegetables, 7 billion active probiotics with inulin, full spectrum digestive plant enzymes, organic sprouts and more.

1-805-577-9663

www.greatlife4pets.com animal wellness

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3

“DO YOU USE CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS FOR ANY ILLNESS?”

A truly integrative or holistic doctor is open to whatever treatment will help your companion recover from a disease and stay healthy. As such, s/he should offer many different treatment options for your dog or cat, including all the treatments available to conventional veterinarians (surgery, medications, etc.) as well as a number of “alternative” therapies including acupuncture, nutritional supplementation, flower essences, homeopathics or herbal remedies.

HOLISTIC MODALITIES DO YOU OFFER IN YOUR PRACTICE?” 4“WHAT

Each holistic and integrative doctor has developed expertise in certain therapies. It is impossible for any one doctor to be able to do everything. In my practice, for example, I offer homeopathy, herbal remedies, flower essences, acupuncture and nutritional therapies.

I refer clients and their animals for other therapies that may benefit them, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy and Reiki. If you are interested in a particular modality, it’s important to discuss this with the veterinarian. In general, most holistic and integrative vets are skilled in and can offer at least two or three of these healing modalities.

Those five years of age and older have the same testing done at least twice a year unless they are being treated for specific problems, in which case I usually recommend a visit every three to four months.

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“DO YOU RECOMMEND I GIVE MY DOG OR CAT ANY SUPPLEMENTS?”

Holistic and integrative veterinarians accept that while complete and natural diets can usually meet a dog or cat’s nutritional needs, no diet in the world can meet every animal’s health needs. Therefore, we routinely place our patients, both healthy and sick, on a variety of supplements. Each vet has his or her favorite brands, but in general, some combination of the following supplements can help your dog or cat: antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics, fish oil, health maintenance formulas and choline (especially useful for older animals).

You’ve already made the most important choice you can for your companion – choosing a holistic or integrative veterinarian who will focus on keeping him healthy and, if he gets sick, can offer you a variety of treatment choices.

Use the information in this article to help you narrow down your selection, and get your dog or cat started on a program to keep him as healthy as possible.

In general, a holistic or integrative veterinarian will be better able to discuss nutrition and recommend the best diet that fits the needs of you and your animal.

5

“HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SEE MY ANIMAL IF HE’S HEALTHY, AND WHAT WILL YOU DO AT EACH VISIT?”

There is no right or wrong answer other than to know that a truly holistic or integrative veterinarian is very interested in keeping your companion healthy and in preventing disease. Therefore, regular veterinary visits and necessary laboratory testing are important. In my practice, animals under five years of age coming for an annual visit (unless they have a medical problem that needs more frequent attention) get a physical examination, blood testing, urine testing and a fecal analysis.

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WARM & FUZZY

KINDRED SPIRITS

BY KAREN GRACE MANGINI

A

s the spray from the hose came bursting out after her, she came sliding over to the edge of her cage, desperately looking for a way to save herself. Her dirty face pressed up against the meshed metal, and our eyes met.

Her skinny little backside began to wiggle uncontrollably. I instantly felt my heart overflow. That’s my dog! I thought.

The shelter told me she been brought in after a recent arrest at a puppy mill farm. Because she’d been raised in deplorable conditions, she had no idea how to have an appropriate relationship with anyone. Two couples had adopted her but brought her back to the shelter because she attacked their children. She had since been kept isolated in a tiny cage and declared unadoptable. In fact, she was to be put down that afternoon.

Half an hour later, I was leaving the shelter with her. Her quick temper showed itself instantly. On the way home, she leaped up and tried to bite me. I instinctively grabbed her snout and, staring her straight in the eyes, loudly said “No!” She started back and gave me a look I will never forget, a strange cross between utter relief and intense curiosity.

LEARNING ABOUT LOVE That was the beginning of my adventure in experiencing real love. I had no idea what love was until I met this dog

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I named Mandy. The truth is, her upbringing sounded a little like mine. I came from an acutely dysfunctional and abusive household. By the time I was 15, I was acting out so much my parents tried to make me a ward of the courts. I became willful and feisty, just like Mandy.

It wasn’t easy training her. She had a trust issue – something I could understand. Yet I wanted a well-behaved dog I could take anywhere. It seemed this dog and I were lacking in the same areas, so I decided to just listen to my instincts and start with what I knew. As a child, I needed understandable boundaries and lots of consistent love and affection. So I gave Mandy what I needed and craved.

For months, I instinctively ignored her bouts of frustration and aggression and calmly began to give her loving attention and to set clear boundaries only when she was relaxed. This worked, except for one thing. She would still try to bite me whenever she felt threatened. It was how she’d learned to protect herself. Even though I could relate, it was unacceptable now.

I finally ended up using the controversial “alpha dog rollover.” It took a few weeks, but she finally got it. For the first time, those wild eyes relaxed and looked up at me for approval. I explained this was her forever home. I

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would be the protector now and all she had to do was play. She was a relieved little puppy!

TRUE COMMUNICATION I read somewhere that animals communicate in pictures, so I began sending clear images of desired behavior to her.

I incorporated techniques of focused consciousness, mind power and intentional thought in a dog training manner.

With every new trick, I would get her attention and project that image to her.

As with children, consistency was paramount. That was the secret.

For example, I would leave Mandy with my mother for the weekend. She had two other dogs. After a few times, my mother told me I couldn’t leave her there anymore. She said Mandy barely left the door after I left; she moped around all day, stopping only long enough to be nasty to her own dogs.

Next time I was to leave town for the weekend, I sat Mandy down and got her full attention. I created a clear, focused image in my head of the sun slowly coming up then going back down as the dark of night took over. I projected this image to her twice. I then imagined myself coming through my mother’s front door. I made this image as clear and detailed as possible and also included the delighted emotion of reuniting.

After projecting this vision to her, I left for the weekend with high hopes. Upon returning, my mother said Mandy was fine. She knew I was coming home.

I taught her all kinds of tricks using communication. It became effortless.

I kept a clear image in my head of the desired scenario. I saw what we would be doing, the places we would go, and how she would behave around other people and dogs. Most importantly, I embodied the emotion encased in that

image, how I would feel about her, how people would respond to her, and so on.

My instincts were right. With understanding, patience, love and leadership, Mandy turned out to be a mild mannered, affectionate, purebred blonde cocker spaniel, who looks very much like Lady from Lady and the Tramp.

Every place I take her, people stop me, wanting to experience her wisdom and calm healing energy.

WORKING TOGETHER Mandy is now a therapy dog certified with the Delta Society. She works with children in hospitals and schools for the developmentally disabled. I taught her many tricks, like sneezing on command, dancing and praying, and she brings joy, healing and compassion to the youngsters we visit.

Mandy didn’t just teach me compassion and increase my capacity to love. She also led me to a new career and gave my life a completely new meaning. I am now a dog trainer and have developed a dog training system using the techniques I learned while training Mandy called the BowWOW! method. My mission statement is to do my part to change our relationship with animals.

My specialty is in training “untrainable” dogs to be therapy dogs for the Delta Society through Paws 4 Healing. I’m also rescuing unwanted dogs from shelters in the hopes of rehabilitating them and turning them into therapy dogs. My ultimate goal is to start a service that trains and places dogs as permanent residents at nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

My dog and I came from similar backgrounds. We were both misunderstood.

All we needed was a little patience and understanding to grow into our true loving selves. animal wellness

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SOLID

FOUNDATION A strong background in holistic health care led this naturopathic doctor to start a company of her own.

BY ANN BRIGHTMAN Dr. Newman with two of her animal friends.

D

r. Lisa Newman was stunned when her ninemonth-old Rottweiler died of parvo, even though the puppy had been vaccinated against the disease. She did some detective work and realized her pup’s diet was the culprit. “I was shocked to learn what she had been eating – ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT and byproducts – in her scientific, vet-recommended diet, and what effect this had on her digestive tract, leaving her more susceptible to parvo,” she says.

At the time (1982), Dr. Newman was studying human naturopathy and working as an AMTA certified therapeutic massage practitioner and health consultant certified in clinical homeopathy, herbology and nutrition.

When her human clients began asking for advice for their animals too, she identified a niche that needed filling. “I saw there was not a great understanding of holistic care for animals. As the universe brought more cases (and vets who saw my results) to my door, I figured I was meant to focus on animal care. I began formulating my own products because I was concerned about the lack of quality natural products for animals.”

Dr. Newman’s interest, experience and knowledge came together to form Azmira Holistic Animal Care, a company that today offers over 120 high quality natural care products for dogs, cats and other animals. “These include foods, nutritional supplements, behavioral remedies, immune stimulating and symptom reversing herbs, homeopathy, and topicals such as organic shampoos, wound sprays and safe dips.” The products are available globally through vet clinics, natural pet and health food stores and web-based businesses.

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Azmira’s trademark offering is Dr. Newman’s Holistic Animal Care Lifestyle, a step-by-step systematic approach to preventing and healing disease, and the subject of her book Three Simple Steps to Healthy Pets. “It’s a naturopathic lifestyle that encompasses the use of natural healing, healthy diet and living through nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, clarity of mind and heart, and body therapies like therapeutic touch or chiropractic and energy work such as acupuncture or Jin Shin. This is the best way to not only reverse disease, but to prevent it. There is no one thing that can cure all! They are needed in combination as they all have different functions in the body. This is what I learned working with thousands of successful cases that many others had given up on.”

Azmira’s mission includes educating people about holistic health care for animals. The company offers a full range of free educational materials. “As I always say in my seminars, the more an owner or veterinarian knows and understands, the better it is for the animal.”

As if she wasn’t busy enough, Dr. Newman is also a founding member of the Veterinary Research Council.

“This is a veterinarian-driven organization committed to proving the value of natural remedies and protocols.”

Azmira also donates products and funds to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and no-kill shelters around the world.

Dr. Newman is proof positive that a solid background in holistic healthcare and a strong dedication to healing animals adds up to a winning formula.

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HOLISTIC VETERINARY ADVICE

TALKING WITH

Dr. Martin Goldstein

DR. MARTIN GOLDSTEIN HAS BEEN PRACTICING HOLISTIC VETERINARY MEDICINE FOR 30 YEARS. BASED AT SMITH RIDGE VETERINARY CENTER IN SOUTH SALEM, NEW YORK. DR. GOLDSTEIN IS THE AUTHOR OF THE NATURE OF ANIMAL HEALING, PUBLISHED BY RANDOM HOUSE. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR HIM ON “ASK MARTHA’S VET WITH DR MARTY” ON SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO NETWORK CHANNEL 112 EVERY MONDAY AT 8PM EST (WWW.SIRIUS.COM).

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS FOR DR. GOLDSTEIN’S COLUMN TO: DR. MARTIN GOLDSTEIN, E-MAIL: INFO@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM DR. MARTY RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS IN HIS COLUMN ONLY. WE REGRET HE CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY QUESTION.

Q

Do you have any helpful information about recovery time for ACL surgery in a large breed dog? My 17-month-old standard poodle tore his, and had surgery almost four weeks ago. The vet said he has great bone structure, no genetic health issues, and that his injury was just a freak accident. He said torn ACLs are the most common injury in large breeds. However, this has been such a big expense…how do I know it was done correctly and what is the best way to discipline my dog’s movements so it will not happen again?

A

My experience with healing post ACL surgery is that it varies patient to patient depending on factors such as which surgical procedure was used, the patient’s own rate of healing and his or her tolerance for pain. An experienced orthopedic surgeon, especially one who has worked directly with your animal, would be in a better position to give you more definitive answers.

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Here are a number of products we have successfully used over the years: Glycoflex by Vetri Science Labs, Ligaplex by Standard Process Labs, Collagen Complex

by Professional Complementary Health, homeopathic Traumeel or Traumed by Heel.

These supplements will also help the integrity of the normal knee just in case something pre-disposed the injury.

Q

My chow-Lab mix has arthritis in his shoulders and three of his knees (I have had every bone in his body x-rayed). I have him on Metacam daily and he gets an Adiquan injection when he needs one, usually every two to three weeks. I would like to know other things I can do to keep him out of pain as much as possible. What supplements and/or food can you recommend?

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A

Systemic arthritis tends to be associated with a generalized toxin buildup condition. Few things add more to toxic waste buildup than a poor quality diet. For proper feeding, aim towards high quality meats and vegetables with few to no grain/carbohydrate ingredients. This can be accomplished in your kitchen or by purchasing any of the newer generation premium grain-free foods. Keep in mind that foods in cans are generally healthier than dry foods in bags. A raw diet, if the animal can acclimate, is excellent.

Supplements to address arthritis are many. Here are several common ones we use or recommend at my clinic: Dasequin

by Nutramax, Glycofelx III by Vetri Science Labs, homeopathic Muscle Joint Drops by Professional Complementary Health, and Dog Gone Pain by American Bio-sciences. Also consider looking into stem cell therapy by Vet Stem, through a veterinarian using this technology.

Q

I have a 17-month-old Bernese mountain dog.

A few months ago, he was yelping in pain when he moved a certain way, and seemed very stiff. I took him to the vet who told me his hips are the source of most of the pain. She said they are not awful, but not perfect, and that when she sees a young dog with growing pains she will press around the long bones and get a pain reaction.

She did this with Jaxon but did not get any reaction; yet when she had him turn in tight circles he would yelp in pain.

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Continued from page 53 She said we will have to wait until he is finished growing to see what will be. She put him on Deramaxx and the pain disappeared. I have Jaxon on a reduced protein preventative diet plus some long grain brown rice with veggies, chicken or beef. I read in your book about hip dysplasia and want to know what you would suggest so his hips will develop as close to good as possible – e.g. Cosequin or collagen complex?

A

Getting the opinion of a board certified orthopedic specialist would be a good idea. Cosequin or a good glucosamine/chondroitin product could be very a helpful addition. Cosequin’s newer generation product is called Dasequin and we are already witnessing good client feedback. I also like the green lipped muscle product Glycoflex, as well as Muscle Joint Drops and Dog Gone Pain.

Q

We have a three-year-old white female boxer who constantly licks her feet until they are raw and red between her toes. She sleeps soundly through the night but the moment she wakes up, she starts to lick. This has been going on for about a year now. She also has a smelly, yeasty wax in her ears that I clean regularly.

I have always fed both my boxers high quality food and over this past year have experimented with a variety of brands and formulas such as lamb and rice, duck and oatmeal and an all-fish food. I’ve tried to eliminate anything with wheat in it, including treats. Nothing seems to work except when the vet recommended an allergy prescription diet.

But when I read the ingredients on the side panel, it doesn’t look very healthy. What should I do?

A

This does sound to be allergy related. Feeding foods that are grain based could contribute to the condition. Many times, though, diet alone does not solve the problem.

That’s when specific supplements and/or remedies can bring major relief. The first supplement to add is a good fish oil. The herb nettle or stinging nettle has an antihistamine effect. The product I like is Spring Tonic by Animals Apawthecary. Homeopathically, I use Skin Aid

by Professional Complementary Health. animal wellness

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Q

I adopted a badly abused little basenji/shepherd mix. She had a cherry eye, which was removed at the same time she was spayed.

She is doing fine, but I think her eyes are very dry because she keeps rubbing at them. My house is extremely dry in the winter and my husband and I find that we need to use eye drops to keep our own eyes lubricated. We use Systane. Can I use something like that for my dog? If not, what would you recommend? Can I use just plain water?

A

I have never prescribed Systane so cannot comment on its usage. My favorite products for ocular conditions like this are the topical homeopathic eye drops made

by Similasan. There are two – one for dry, red, irritated eyes and the other for red eyes caused by allergy. We tend to use the former more than the latter but the correct product to use is the one that works better for your dog. If her condition continues and does not respond to therapy, you should have your veterinarian – or better, a veterinary ophthalmologist – assess this diagnostically.

but these too should contain high quality ingredients and be grain free. Home cooking is another alternative.

In cases like this, mixing cooked meats with a mixture of boiled sweet and white potatoes has proven a very good remedy.

Feeding raw most closely simulates what a dog would be eating naturally. I have seen very chronic cases of intestinal disease get better literally within days of starting a raw diet. Supplements I’ve used with success are colostrum, Acetylator by Vetri-Science Labs, and homeopathic Diarrhea by Heel or Diar Relief by Dr Good Pet. A good probiotic and digestive enzyme, such as Prozyme, would also help.

Q

I have a six-year-old female Australian shepherd. Until about two months ago, she always had great looking stools, but lately they look like jelly or have mucus in them. The stools are not very well formed either. They always used to be. I do rotate between the dry kibble foods, and give some canned food, and she gets some of our healthier scraps. I have fed raw off and on, but have not done so in the past year. What would cause her to have jelly or mucus in her stools? What should I be doing about this or her diet? Does she need a certain test? She is otherwise very healthy. She does agility and seems to be in good condition.

A

Mucus can be part of an eliminative process by the intestines. The first thing you need to do is have her stool tested by your veterinarian to make sure there are no worms or parasites causing this condition.

I am not too fond of dry dog foods, especially ones that contain grains and byproducts. Canned foods are better

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SOOTHING SEIZURES Epilepsy and other seizure disorders can be frightening and their causes hard to nail down. Acupressure is a gentle and simple way to alleviate these conditions.

BY AMY SNOW & NANCY ZIDONIS

Using the thumb method during a treatment.

I

t was late in the evening and time to get ready for bed.

Spencer, our six-year old greyhound, trooped out to the backyard with our three other dogs to take care of business. The other dogs bounced back into the house as usual after a few minutes, but Spencer was not with them.

In the next instant, we heard a commotion out on the patio. We ran out the back door to find Spencer lying on his side on the flagstones, writhing uncontrollably and salivating. His eyes were half closed and glassy and we knew immediately he was having a seizure. All we could do was clear the area so he wouldn’t hurt himself.

The entire seizure episode probably took less than two minutes, but when your dog is having one, especially for the first time, it’s frightening and feels like hours. We

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knew not to panic and to keep Spencer as safe as possible, but we wanted to help him and reduce the effects of the seizure. We also knew if this was the first, there would probably be more.

WHAT CAUSES SEIZURE DISORDERS? A seizure is a neurological dysfunction or misfiring of the neurons most often in the cerebrum section of the brain.

Studies show that the chemical balance of the neurotransmitters is compromised. Some dogs experience mild seizures while others endure lengthy, more severe episodes.

Unfortunately, there is another category of more extreme situations when a dog is stricken in quick succession with severe, relentless seizures that often result in death.

The veterinary community is not exactly sure why dogs

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experience seizures, nor why the number of dogs with seizure disorders is on the rise. There are many possible triggers, including hereditary defects, toxins (household cleaners, tick repellents, fertilizers, foods, etc.), tumors, brain damage, hyper or hypothermia, certain medications, hormonal imbalance, distemper, Lyme disease, kidney disease, liver disease – the list goes on. Many seizure disorders are deemed “idiopathic”, meaning “unknown cause”, since it is difficult to track the pathology.

SEEK VETERINARY HELP FIRST When your dog has a seizure, the first step is to consult with a holistic veterinarian and follow his/her recommendations. Usually, the dog will be given some form of anti-convulsant to help avoid or minimize future seizures. As an initial method of controlling the episodes, this is the most reasonable way to help your dog.

While he is taking the prescribed medication and following your vet’s recommendations, you might want to turn to canine acupressure to help mitigate the severity and duration of the seizures, and the use of drugs.

According to Chinese medicine, most seizure disorders are related to an invasion of Wind that affects the Liver organ system.

ACUPRESSURE AND SEIZURES Acupressure has been used for thousands of years to maintain the health of animals and humans. This touch therapy is gentle and non-invasive, yet powerful. Acupressure is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories.

According to Chinese medicine, most seizure disorders are related to an invasion of Wind that affects the Liver organ system. To the Western mind, associating wind with seizures may seem strange. Take a minute to picture a strong wind blowing the limbs of trees in all directions while other branches and dust are chaotically swirling in the air. Now have that wind blowing inside the dog’s body, creating a similar internal chaos and movement. The dog’s involuntary movements and loss of consciousness during a seizure are similar to the chaos created by a strong wind. animal wellness

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The Liver organ system is responsible for the smooth and harmonious flow of life-promoting energy called chi (also seen as qi or ki and pronounced “chee”). When the Liver is compromised in any way, by toxins or disease, it becomes vulnerable to an invasion of Wind. In turn, the Wind will disrupt the harmonious flow of chi in the dog’s body, leading to a seizure. To prevent and/or minimize seizures, we need to restore the natural balance of Liver chi and calm the nervous system.

A SESSION FOR SEIZURES The acupressure chart with this article offers acupoints that can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and may even completely resolve the disorder.

They can also help reduce the amount of medication a dog may need to receive to control the disorder.

Keep in mind that acupressure is not a substitute for veterinary care. As well, these points are not intended for during a seizure. The intent is for the guardian to consistently offer this acupressure session every five to six days.

This session is designed to specifically dispel internal Wind, strengthen Liver chi, rebalance the autonomic nervous system, and clear the mind of anxiety.

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HOW TO DO IT The acupoints shown in the chart are to be stimulated in succession (one at a time) on both sides of the dog’s body.

By stimulating a point, we simply mean applying gentle pressure to the point with the soft, fleshy portion of your thumb at a 45° to 90° angle to the dog’s body. You do not have to apply much pressure because this is energetic work, not tissue manipulation.

While holding the acupoint, count to 30 slowly or until the dog moves away or demonstrates some form of release.

Energetic releases can include yawning, licking lips, stretching, passing air, demonstrating the need to move, even falling asleep. Remember to repeat this procedure on both sides of the dog since the body is bilateral. If the dog gives any indication of pain, please stop immediately and work the points on his other side. If the dog continues to be uncomfortable, try again at a later date when he’s not as sensitive.

Depending on your dog’s condition, regular acupressure sessions can go a long way to controlling the disorder. It may not completely eliminate it, but it will make life a lot less stressful for you and your dog.

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SEIZURE PREVENTATIVE CARE ACUPOINT Governing Vessel 17 (GV 17)

Gall Bladder 20 (GB 20)

Liver 3 (Liv 3)

Commonly used for epilepsy of any degree of severity, and known to strengthen the autonomic nervous system A powerful acupoint that dispels internal Wind, helps calm the mind and nourishes the brain Uses the dog’s original chi to strengthen and balance the Liver so that Wind cannot invade his body Has a direct energetic connection with Liver chi; is used to enhance and balance Liver function, thus helping prevent seizures

Diagram: Š Tallgrass Publishers

Bladder 18 (Bl 18)

CHARACTERISTICS

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D

og lovers enjoy buying gifts for their best friends.

According to the American Pet Products Association, 80% of dog guardians purchase gifts for their canines and over half these gifts are purchased during the holiday season.

Needless to say, many of those pooch presents are toys, which along with food and treats are a canine’s favorite things.

Canine Genius, caninegenius.com

While it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of holiday shopping, don’t just grab the first dog toys you see. Take the time to choose the right product for your companion. Opt for high quality toys made from tough, durable materials that won’t fall to pieces after a few hours of rough and tumble play. Yes, they’ll cost more, but it’s worth it.

Kong, kongcompany.com Paw Pets, getpawpets.com

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Giving your dog a new toy this festive season?

Ask Santa to bring him a safe and durable quality product that will stand up to lots of play and fun.

BY CHARLOTTE WALKER

It’s also crucial to make sure the toy is safe and non-toxic (turn to page 22 for more on toy safety), and that it’s in the right proportion to your dog’s size. Many toys designed for little dogs won’t stand up to a big dog’s strength and exuberance, while a toy that’s too large will frustrate a smaller pooch.

release toy, or does he like something that involves lots of running, chasing and interactive play with you? Select a toy based on his play preferences and exercise needs.

Check out these cool and trendy toys, and your canine holiday gift list will be complete!

Also ask yourself how your dog likes best to play. Is he content to settle down by himself with a chew or treat

West Paw Design, westpawdesign.com

Comfy Cozy Pet Furniture, comfycozypetfurniture.com

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Feng Shui FOR FUR BABIES

This ancient Chinese art of placement isn’t just for people.

It can also enhance your dog or cat’s health and happiness.

BY DEANNA RADAJ

Y

ou might think Feng Shui applies only to humans, and that it won’t do anything much for your animal companion. Not so! Dogs and cats are just as sensitive to energies and environments, if not moreso, than we are. This means the Feng Shui principles you apply in your own space can have a profoundly beneficial effect on them.

BACKGROUND BASICS Feng Shui is a science that’s at least 5,000 years old. It began in China and was used to pick out gravesites. The

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better the site, it was believed, the more auspicious your descendant’s fortunes would be.

Literally translated, Feng Shui means “wind and water”. It’s the balancing of these two elements that helps create good “chi” or energy in your space. There are three schools of Feng Shui.

1

. The Form School is the oldest. It uses geographical formations in the placement of a building.

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2 3

THE BAGUA BOARD

. The Compass School uses a lo-pan (compass) to help calculate auspicious directions.

Accompanying this article is a Bagua board showing the colors, elements, shapes, and items for “cures” for each Life Area. Use this board to determine where in your home or a particular room each Life Area is located, and what changes are needed in that area to improve the relevant aspect of your life, and/or your animal’s.

. The Black Hat Sect or Bagua School is the “Western” version used primarily in North America. This school uses a Bagua board (translated into an eightsided figure) that is divided into nine Life Areas.

After you align the board with a home or room’s entryway (more on that later), you can determine which Life Area you want/need to “activate”, using colors, elements, shapes or personal objects. This is the school I will be referring to in this article.

The bottom three areas (Knowledge, Career, Helpful People) are aligned with the entryway wall of a home or room.

In other words, you can only enter a room via one of these three areas. The Wealth area will always be in the far left corner of the space, and Relationships in the far right.

THE BAGUA nd ge

Career/Life Journey

pe op le/ Tra ve l

Lit Gr ter ay, bo Me x/ ta an l, C ge ir l fi cle gu , rin es

e, ar es qu hi , S op th tr ar ns/ , E bo ue ib Bl ow r Sh

led ow

Kn

Black, Water, Free-flowing lines/shapes, Metal water dish

He lpf ul

lth We a

Green, Wood, Rectangle, Photos of your animal

Yellow/earth tone, Earth, Square, Nothing

Creativity/Kids

White, Metal, Circle, Animal toys/bed for puppies

Health

hip

ns

/A

lin Pur es p lea /sh le, W sh ape ate or s, r, F co $$ re lla m e-fl r w et ow ith al c in cry ha g sta rm ls /

tio

bu

Red, Fire, Triangle, Red treat jar

, are you qu of , S re l rth ctu a Ea pi nim k, ed/ r a Pin al b you im nd An a

Family

la Re

an

ce

Success/Fame

Feng Shui is about moving energy effectively throughout a space. Make a drawing of your home’s floor plan, including the furniture. Then take a pencil and, without taking it off the paper, start at the front door and go in and out of each room, moving around furniture to determine traffic flow. This is how energy moves through your space. If you find a room has too much furniture, or the furniture is blocking a door, move it!

Entry wall Front door

Front door

Front door animal wellness

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APPLICATIONS FOR ANIMALS How can Feng Shui help your animal companion? As mentioned earlier, dogs and cats are very sensitive to their environments and to energy. They can subconsciously detect imbalances in your space. Too much clutter, too many chemicals, or blocked doorways can all cause energy to become stuck and/or toxic. Watch where your dog or cat hangs out, and which areas he avoids. This could give you a big clue as to what areas in your home are “blocked”, and can also validate Life Areas of concern for you.

Stuck or toxic energy can also manifest as anxiety, depression or other ailments in both people and animals.

In dogs and cats, signs can include excessive barking for no reason, unaccountable fear, unwillingness to go for a walk (when he usually can’t wait), inside marking or an unwillingness to use the litter box. (Of course, when these behaviors appear, it’s important to first rule out medical problems with a trip to the vet.)

If you have a dog in training school, add the Earth element to the Knowledge area to help enhance his learning ability.

TRY THESE ANIMAL FENG SHUI CURES: • Clean and/or de-clutter your animal’s space and/or any area he shies away from.

• To help with bonding, add pink to his collar/leash. You can also add pink to his bed or bedding with blankets or monogramming to promote a positive relationship.

• For food or water dishes, use metal or anything made from the earth element (e.g. ceramic, stone).

There are three cycles of elements in Feng Shui: Productive (increase/pump up), Mitigating (the “go between” for conflicting elements), and Destructive (what you use to stop/decrease an overabundance of an element). You can use the actual element, or a representative shape or color – see the Bagua board for guidance.

Productive Cycle: Use: Earth to increase Metal, Metal to increase Water, Water to increase Wood, Wood to increase Fire, Fire to increase Earth

Mitigating Cycle: Use: Earth between Fire and Metal, Metal between Earth and Water, Water between Metal and Wood, Wood between Water and Fire, Fire between Wood and Earth

Destructive Cycle: Use: Earth to decrease Water, Metal to decrease Wood, Water to decrease Fire, Wood to decrease Earth, Fire to decrease Metal Only use this principle if you are confident in your knowledge of Feng Shui; otherwise, get a consultation from a Feng Shui practitioner.

Feng Shui is an effective tool for creating a healthy, balanced space for you and your dog or cat. Using the five elements, colors, space planning and personal items, you can implement “cures” to help activate Life Areas and improve the health and happiness of everyone in your home, human and animal.

IT’S ELEMENTAL For a balanced space, you ideally want a mixture of all five elements of Fire, Wood, Water, Metal and Earth. For Feng Shui purposes, you feature or use more of the element relating to the Life Area you are working on. For example, if you have a dog in training school, add the Earth element to the Knowledge area to help enhance his learning ability. The Earth element could be represented by an attractive stone or crystal, a house plant in a terra cotta pot, a clay sculpture, etc.

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WHERE’S HIS BED? One of the big causes of animal stress is where his bed (or yours, if he sleeps on it) is placed. Keep all beds, human and animal, out of the “death” position (the space in direct line with the entryway).

It’s called the death position because a body is brought out of a room “feet first”; therefore, when you sleep with your body in direct line with the door, you are “imitating” a corpse. (Yes, I know -- some of you may be moving your beds tonight!).

Whenever any piece of furniture is in line with a door, the person or animal sitting or sleeping there is in direct line with the “rush” of energy that enters the room. This can bother sensitive people and especially animals.

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THE SKY’S

the limit

BY ANN BRIGHTMAN

L

iza Cowell’s dog Skye was only two years old when she fell ill a decade ago. “After two months of working with the vet, I did my own research to find a healthier alternative, as Skye was literally at death’s door,” Liza explains.

She searched the internet and discovered Canine Life, a natural dog food pre-mix created by Liza’s mentor who was studying to be a nutritionist (and who wishes to remain anonymous because of health issues). Developed nearly 15 years ago, the pre-mix is made from organic ingredients including whole grains, healing herbs and other nutrients. Combined with fresh meat and veggies, it makes wholesome baked muffins for dogs. “To create it, historic nutritional texts were studied, along with the nutritional principles of luminaries like Juliette de Bairacli Levy, Dr. Richard Pitcairn, Dr. Donald Strombeck and Dr. Randy Kidd. The studies also included work in traditional Chinese medicine, herbs and homeopathy.”

“After seven months of treatments, supplements and a nutritious diet, Skye was given a clean bill of health,” says Liza. “My vet believed Canine Life contributed to her recovery by supporting her immune system during treatments.”

Liza was so impressed she approached her mentor and offered to make Canine Life available to the public, both as the pre-mix and as pre-made muffins. She called her new Ontario, Canada-based company The Skye’s the Limit for Canine Life Ltd. “This phrase truly captures my belief when it comes to nutrition for dogs.”

Liza (left) with Skye and business partner Tessa Fisher.

Joanne baking for Abbey and Maya.

retrievers. “After ordering Canine Life from Liza, and seeing how well my dogs did, I also approached her mentor and West Coast Canine Life began producing pre-mixes and muffins in early 2004,” she explains.

Canine Life is now available across North America. A range of formulations is available, including custom made muffins for dogs with special needs. “We also offer guardians a variety of proteins and vegetables to choose from when ordering pre-made muffins.” Both companies use fresh, local organic ingredients.

One thing that makes Canine Life unique is that all the muffins are home baked by a network of stay-at-home moms. “It’s a win-win situation,” says Liza. “The moms contribute to their family’s income while still being home with their children, and we get a dedicated team of bakers who take pride in creating a nutritious diet for dogs.”

Both Liza and Joanne emphasize education. The Skye’s the Limit helps its retailers educate customers, and works with various regional rescues, while West Coast Canine Life offers canine nutrition workshops and seminars.

“As well, partial proceeds from the sale of all products are donated to the The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund, part of the University of Guelph’s Veterinary College and Teaching Hospital Pet Trust. The fund supports cancer treatment and research and the building of Canada’s first cancer center for animals.”

For Liza and Joanne, and the many dogs they’ve helped, the sky truly is the limit!

Canine Life also has a west coast branch, thanks to Joanne Fraser, who lives in British Columbia with her two golden

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Animal Communicator

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Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 x1 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: www.ark-angels.org

Compassionate Consultations and Reiki Energy Healings with Love.

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Communicator/consultant. Behavioral, emotional, spiritual issues and healing. Consults, workshops, telecourses. Reg’d

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communicators - holistic healthcare - integrative vets - natural

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Judy Stolz DVM ND Arizona City, AZ USA Phone: (520) 494-9571 Website: www.drstolz.com

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca Tree of Life Veterinary Care Courtenay , BC Canada Phone: (250) 338-2316 Website: www.animalhealingchoices.com

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CALIFORNIA

Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: (323) 304-2984 Caroline Goulard DVM CVA Aliso Viejo, CA USA Phone: (949) 836-3772 Email: c.goulard@cox.net Website: www.carolinegoularddvm.com Acupuncture, Chinese herbals, Tui-na

Coddingtown Vet Clinic Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 546-4646 Creature Comfort Oakland, CA USA Phone: (510) 530-1373 EverGlo-Naturals Gloria Dodd, DVM Gualala, CA USA Phone: (707) 785-9171 Email: everglo@mcn.org Website: www.holisticvetpetcare.net Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643

Homeopathy and nutrition for dogs, cats & horses.

Phone consultations available.

Holistic Veterinary Center Calabasas, CA USA Phone: (818) 880-0838 Website: www.holistic-vet-center.com

KENTUCKY

Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Canterbury Tails Vet Clinic Ware, MA USA Phone: 413-967-4545 Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.com Parkway Veterinary Hospital West Roxbury, MA USA Phone: (617) 469-8400

NEW JERSEY

Mark Newkirk, VMD Margate Animal Hospital & Alternative Care Center Margate City, NJ USA Phone: (609) 823-3031 Website: www.alternativevet.com

Aquapuncture, Cancer Therapies, Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathic, Nutritional Balancing, Phone Consultations

NEW YORK

Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: (916) 454-1825

Animal Holistic Care Mark Haimann, DVM Floral Park, NY USA Phone: 718-631-1396

Shingle Springs Vet Clinic Shingle Springs, CA USA Phone: (530) 677-0390 Email: drb@deanbaderdvm.com Website: www.deanbaderdvm.com

SmithRidge Veterinary Services Dr. Marty Goldstein South Salem, NY USA Phone: (914) 533-6066 Website: www.smithridge.com

CONNECTICUT

Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com

Specializing in Holistic Analysis for pathogens, allergies, chronic degenerative diseases, etc.

Home Vet Weston , CT USA Phone: (203) 222-7979 Website: www.homevet.com

ILLINOIS

Ness Exotic Wellness Center Lisle, IL USA Phone: (630) 737-1281 Email: nessexotic@aol.com

ONTARIO

Conventional & Alternative Medicine, Homeopathy

Burgess Veterinary Mobile Services Dundas, ON Canada Phone: (905) 379-3824 Website: www.burgessvet.com

Acupuncture, Animal communication, Flower essences, QXCI Biofeedback therapy,Reiki Nutritional Counselling

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INTEGRATIVE VETS CONT’D

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Cynthia Harcourt, DVM Queensville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 478-1995

Homeopathy, Nutrition, Food Sensitivity Testing, Flower Essences, Herbalism, TTouch

East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 757-3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Website: www.holisticpetvet.com Essex Animal Hospital Janice Huntingford, DVM Essex, ON Canada Phone: (519) 776-7325 Email: essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net Website: www.essexanimalhospital.ca

Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional & Alternative Medicine & Surgery, Holistic Medicine, Physio & Rehab Therapies

Goderich Veterinary Clinic Goderich , ON Canada Phone: (519) 524-2631 Email: holistic@hurontel.on.ca

Complementary Medicine, Homeopathy

Guelph Animal Hospital Guelph, ON Canada Phone: (519) 836-2782 Email: info@guelphvet.com Website: www.guelphvet.com

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, Therapeutic Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Janet Knowlton, DVM Almonte, ON Canada Phone: (613) 253-7473 Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: drautumn@sympatico.ca Website: www.holistic-vet.ca

Bach Remedies, Clinical Nutrition, Herbs, Homeopathy, Physical Therapies

Secord Animal Hospital Dr. Joanna Milan Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 486-1700 Email: secordanimalhospital@yahoo.ca

Acupuncture, TCM, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and Flower Remedies

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Waterloo North Chiropractic Massage Jennifer Heik, DVM Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 746-3838

PENNSYLVANIA

Beaver Animal Clinic Beaver, PA USA Phone: (724) 774-8047 Website: www.beaveranimalclinic.com

RHODE ISLAND

Sharon R. Doolittle DVM Smithsfield, RI USA Phone: (401) 349-2668 Website: www.holisticanimalvet.com

UTAH

Shannon Hines DVM Orchard Animal Clinc Centerville, UT USA Phone: (801) 296-1230 Website: www.outskirtspress.com/ holisticpetcare

Providing holistic pet care with Acupuncture, Chiropractic, CranioSacral, Homeopathy, Herbs, Traditional Chinese

VIRGINIA

TEXAS

Jody Kincaid, DVM, ND Anthony Animal Clinic Anthony, TX USA Phone: (915) 886-4558 Website: www.anthonyanimalclinic.com

Holistic Healing Center - Holistic Consultations

Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic Bedford, TX USA Phone: (817) 354-7676 Website: www.harwoodoaksanimalclinic.com Acupuncture, Bowen, Essential oils, Nutritional support

Dr. Shawn Messonnier Paws and Claws Vet Clinic Plano, TX USA Phone: (972) 712-0893 Email: shawnvet@sbcglobal.net Website: www.pettogethers.net/healthypet Integrative health care for pets.

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OMG,

HE’S NAKED! From the Chinese crested to the Sphynx, hairless breeds are gaining in popularity. But they have some special needs and characteristics that furred animals don’t.

BY SANDRA MURPHY

Peaches the Chinese crested lives with Carole Deans in the UK.

F

aced with the job of removing pine sap, chewing gum or some other gooey, smelly, hard-to-remove ick from your dog or cat’s coat, you might be forgiven for thinking, if only you didn’t have hair.

But people living with hairless breeds have their own itch to scratch. These breeds have their own distinct needs and characteristics, and it’s important to consider them before adopting one. Hair free is not carefree!

SCOOBY -- AMERICAN HAIRLESS TERRIER Scooby McGurk is an American hairless terrier who’s either moving at warp speed or asleep. “Scooby hates snow and must be protected from the sun so he has a wardrobe of his own, says his person Greg Melien.

“Although these dogs are fun to dress up, don’t baby them; they’re terriers.” Scooby lives in Canada so he wears a shirt in the summer and a snowsuit with a tail warmer, hat and boots in the winter. animal wellness

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“These dogs need stimulating activity, mental and physical,” Greg adds. “Our pack walks at least five kilometers a day in addition to four or five play sessions.

Scooby was the first American hairless terrier to pass the Level 1 Search and Rescue program and now is training to become a mold detection dog. At ten years old, he shows no signs of slowing down.”

This is a good breed for people with allergies. Born with hair, the American hairless terrier sheds head to tail until, by eight weeks of age, he’s completely hairless.

Unlike other dogs, these terriers sweat when overheated.

Grooming means up to three baths a week because they are prone to grass allergies and rashes.

American hairless terriers need a fenced yard. And be warned, they love to dig. Descended from the rat terrier, this breed weighs up to 15 pounds and can live 15 years.

ELVIS AND PEACHES -- CHINESE CRESTED The Chinese crested only have hair on their heads, feet and tails. They weigh about ten pounds and have a life expectancy of 12 years. Although delicate in appearance, they love to climb and dig, and they can be noisy. “Elvis sings when the phone rings and Peaches joins in,” says Carole Deans of her two Chinese cresteds. “They’re glued to me, night and day. I call them chocolate chip dogs – have one, want more.”

The skin of Chinese crested dogs can tear relatively easily.

To keep the skin supple, bathe with gentle shampoo, pat dry and apply lotion – but too much can cause an acnelike condition. Carole uses aloe vera gel or coconut butter for Elvis and Peaches.

QUIXOTE -- XOLOITZCUINTLE

Quixote the Xolo is a winning agility dog.

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It’s quite a mouthful, but the Xoloitzcuintle (show-low-itsqueen-tli) can also be called the Mexican hairless or Xolo.

These dogs range from under ten pounds to 40. Coloring can change with age, from slate gray through fawn, solid

Quixote the Xolo photo: © Barbara Griffin (page 74) Tang the Cornish Rex photo: © Gwen Welch (page 75)

“Hydrocortisone creams or beta carotene can be used to treat cuts or rashes,” says veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk.

“But sunburn is the big thing. Chronic sun exposure can lead to dry wrinkled skin, sunspots and even cancer, so protection’s important. Waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF should be used, but no more than twice daily.” The Chinese crested also faces tooth loss when young, so no chewies or bones for this dog.

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EVEN MORE UNIQUE… The Peruvian Inca orchid dog has dark round eyes that squint due to an over-sensitivity to sunlight.

All the dogs of this breed in the United States are descended from a dozen dogs imported long ago. The Spanish first saw this hairless breed in Peru in the 1500s. It’s thought they took the dogs with them as gifts for the Chinese. In fact, the Peruvian Inca orchid may be the origin of the Chinese crested.

Nicknamed Moonflower, these are nighttime dogs. An urban myth says that the Inca kept these dogs in an orchid-filled room during the day to protect them from the sun, and let them out to run in the cool of the night.

or spotted, with some facial hair or hair on top of the head similar to a Mohawk.

Known as the Velcro dog, a Xolo will escape anything, climb anything and do anything to be with you. Without any hair, Xolo seem to radiate heat. Their need for closeness can be soothing to those with joint pain, and makes them great therapy dogs.

“Xolo are passionate about running in agility,” says Barbara Griffin, who lives with five Xolo and is president of Xoloitzcuintle Club USA. “Quixote holds 58 agility titles. He was at a kill shelter and labeled unadoptable.

I rescued him and found he’d been abused – x-rays showed a broken hip and severe neck damage. He’s the first Xolo to achieve the honor of being invited to this year’s AKC Agility Invitational.”

Xolo respond well to structure and positive reinforcement. Make training a family activity or he will bond only to the one who feeds and trains him.

Without training, he will run the house. Grooming? Let his natural protection do its job and don’t over-bathe, use oils or lotions. You can look forward to as many as 20 years of companionship with a Xolo.

HAIRLESS CATS – THE SPHYNX Touching a Sphynx cat is like holding a warm peach or chamois cloth. As kittens, Sphynx look as if they have too much skin and too little body; grown, they are strong with sturdy bones and good muscle development. They have an abundance of energy, are full of mischief and love to be the center of attention. When cold, they prefer a human lap but if one isn’t available, look for your Sphynx to curl up with a handy dog, other cats or under the covers – think of him as a live hot water bottle for your bed.

Scooby the American hairless terrier is wearing a snowsuit. Hairless animals need protection from cold and wet weather. animal wellness

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“It’s best to keep hairless, very short-haired or white cats indoors as sunburn often leads to squamous cell carcinoma,” advises Dr. Newkirk. “With white cats, it is found on the ear tips and nose. While sunscreen can be used, the cat’s natural grooming means he would ingest the product.” This could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potential liver or kidney problems depending on the ingredients.

People who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to the dander (dead skin cells) or saliva left after cats groom themselves. Bathing your Sphynx will prevent the buildup of oils normally absorbed by hair, and will wash away dander and saliva. Make bathing, nail clipping and ear cleaning routine.

PREFER SOME HAIR? If so, consider Cornish Rex or Devon Rex cats, originally from England. Cornish Rex have large ears, high cheekbones and are known for their wavy, close-to-the-skin fur. Their coats have been compared to cut velvet in look, but they feel like nothing else. Devon Rex have coats ranging from thin suedelike fur to a looser, short mop of curls. Rex are wash and wear – ears, nails and a bath or wipe down with a damp cloth is the most they require.

Tang is a Cornish Rex.

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Rex are entertaining – some say a cross between a cat and a monkey because of their clowning and ability to climb. “If you want to do a crossword, forget it,” says Gwen Welch of her two Cornish Rex cats. “Tang lies on my shoulder, pats my cheek, and then pulls my head around so I can see him. Really, you can’t ignore them. A quiet Rex is a cat you should check on. Senna might be sitting on top of the entertainment center or helping himself to snacks.

They’re mooches too.”

Hairless breeds are so in tune with their people it’s like having your mind read. You’ll learn more than you teach. If you have the time, energy and attention to devote to them, the skills to stay a step ahead, and lots of love to give, hairless dogs and cats will reward you a thousand times over.

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For more information Canadian Hairless Terrier Association, hairlessterriers.ca American Chinese Crested Club, http://accc.chinesecrestedclub.info Xoloitzcuintle Club USA, xoloworld.com Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of America, peruvianincaorchid.com Cat Fanciers Association, cfainc.org

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THE SCOOP GO LIVE When buying a probiotic for your animal or yourself, it’s important to ensure it contains enough “live” bacteria.

LB17 “Live” Probiotic Biomass from Osumex contains more than 70 natural and organic ingredients, including 17 strains of live lactic bacteria, digestive enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

The ingredients are allowed to ferment naturally for three years – thanks to the way the bacteria are exposed to the temperature extremes of summer and winter during this fermentation process, they are potent, resilient and able to stay alive without refrigeration. osumex.com

TEA TIME There’s nothing like a cup of tea, and it’s good for your companion too. The Honest Kitchen has unveiled the first in a line of medicinal herbal teas for dogs and cats.

Lithe Tea for dogs is formulated to help support healthy mobility, bone and joint function. It contains alfalfa, white willow bark, yucca, ginger, red clover and boswellia. Just add boiling water, let steep and cool. You can add it to your animal’s food. thehonestkitchen.com

FOR STRUGGLING NEW YORKERS Though the economy is starting to recover, a lot of people are still finding life tough. Since July, animal guardians in New York City having been getting a hand up with the launch of the Low Cost Vet Mobile. This new mobile veterinary clinic helps cash-strapped NYCers at risk of having to give up their animals because they can no longer afford veterinary care. Developed by Garo Alexanian of Companion Animal Network and staffed by local veterinarians, the program provides people with affordable, preventive veterinary care. The clinic’s location alternates between Animal Care & Control’s Manhattan and Brooklyn locations, two of the busiest points of entry to the city’s shelter system.

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Glen Bonderenko, Animal League Vice President of Development (left), presents the award for outstanding corporate support to Steve Hoffman, Director of Marketing-Companion Animal, Fort Dodge Animal Health.

CORPORATE SUPPORT Most animal rescues and shelters have to survive on donations. Occasionally, though, big corporations step forward to help out. North Shore Animal League America, a large no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, recently bestowed its award for outstanding corporate support on Fort Dodge Animal Health. The Animal League praised the company as a highly valued, long time sponsor of its national Tour For Life, a series of cross-country cooperative adoption events. Fort Dodge is also a supporter of the Animal League’s global Pet Adoptathon. AnimalLeague.org

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SUPER SALMON

BAKED KIBBLE

Protein-based diets low in calories and saturated fat are the healthiest choice for dogs and cats. Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company has added a new protein-packed vitamin rich Super Premium Wild Salmon diet to its Hand-Packed line. Along with being a good source of protein, wild salmon is a heart-healthy fish that’s very high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for skin and coat health as well as overall well being. evangersdogfood.com

When it comes to manufacturing dry food, baking at low temperatures is much healthier than the conventional extrusion process, which uses high heat that destroys a lot of the nutritional value. Mulligan Stew has announced the release of its new Premium Baked Kibble for dogs. It’s baked utilizing wind powered energy, and features a patent-pending formulation for optimal cellular health that contains natural meat and fish proteins, cruciferous vegetables, whole grain brown rice, amino acids and carotenes. mulliganstewpetfood.com

CONTOURED FOR COMFORT

APP FOR ANIMALS

Doesn’t your dog or cat deserve a stylish recliner to relax on after a hard day of play? Sleepypod introduces the new Crater Dot, a contoured lounge for your pampered companion. The clean lines of the design are inspired by organic shapes from nature, and give the animal something to lean against and settle into. The removable and washable Plush Dot center comes in three elegant colors to suit a range of decors: Mossy Green, Lunar Gray, and Blossom Pink. sleepypod.com

Breaking news and other information about the American Humane Association’s work to protect children and animals is now available for iPhone users who download the organization’s free “Be Humane!” application from the iTunes App store. Using the app, iPhone users can watch a short video about American Humane and view pictures from the organization’s Animal Protection, Children’s and Human-Animal Bond Divisions. You can find the app at your app store by searching for “Be Humane.” americanhumane.org

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Is he antisocial?

Helping a fearful or “unfriendly” dog involves more than training.

It also means changing your own behavior and responses.

BY SHARON ATHANASIOU

She’s not friendly!” calls a woman, referring to her white miniature poodle. I am walking in their direction with Penny, the well-behaved pug I’m caring for while her person is out of town. With one big pull, the woman forces her poodle’s leash backwards. Her totally silent dog looks up in bewilderment, first at me, then at the woman, who proceeds to tell him in an uncomfortable tone to mind his own business.

Penny, thankfully, didn’t seem to take this too personally.

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I meet lots of people with dogs who, as they put it, “don’t like other dogs.” Perhaps their dogs bark when another pup comes into view, or drag on the leash in an attempt to get up close and personal with fellow canines. Or, as in this case, don’t really do anything at all.

What these people don’t realize is that they are the ones encouraging antisocial behavior. Their dogs never get a chance to mingle, since other furry friends are strictly off limits.

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When a dog is not socialized, he can exhibit signs of aggression (barking, lunging, growling, baring teeth), fear (trembling, tail between the legs), or desperation for canine interaction (jumping up on other dogs, whining, dragging the owner at the other end of the leash). As a result, what happens?

The poor pooch ends up with the notorious label: “Doesn’t like other dogs.” And the vicious cycle continues. No socialization equals poor behavior equals no doggie play dates. And on it goes.

NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT Zoey is a Shih Tzu who lives across the street from one of my clients. She was very happy-go-lucky when I first met her one on one, but when I had a dog with me, she seemed terrified. Concerned about her fear, her person scooped Zoey up in her arms, speaking in soothing tones and telling her everything was okay.

The problem is, there was no danger to shield Zoey from. The dog I was with was completely nonaggressive, and just as small as she was. Nevertheless, Zoey was receiving affection from her person while she was scared, so this negative behavior was being reinforced. Zoey felt there must be something to be afraid of even when there wasn’t.

DO’S AND DON’TS DON’T put your dog under “house arrest” by not walking him because you are worried how he will react to other dogs. An unwalked dog is a frustrated dog, and frustration will only intensify existing behavioral issues, and can even create new ones.

DON’T feel anxious or worried about situations that haven’t actually arisen while walking your dog. If you do, your dog will pick up on your negative energy and mirror it. Predicting a bad outcome is bound to bring one.

DO remember the three C’s: stay calm, cool and confident, just as you’d like your dog to be. In nature, wild dogs communicate with other animals via energy; it is a very, very powerful tool.

DO keep an eye on your dog’s body language, and do the same with the dog he is approaching or being approached by. For instance, a tail between the legs may show fear, but that doesn’t mean you have to cross the street.

DO keep a safe distance from the other dog, yet still allow them to interact with one another. This lets you maintain sufficient control should you need to pull back the leash.

DO become alert to a rigid tail that sticks straight out from the body. This is usually a sign of aggression or dominance. Of course, a wagging tail is known as the symbol of canine friendship.

DON’T hesitate to consider help from a professional animal behavior expert if socializing remains an issue even after several attempts to correct the situation, or if the problem is too severe to handle yourself.

Ask for references.

Socialized dogs are much less likely to show fear or aggression when meeting other dogs.

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Careful not to offend the nurturing doggie “mom”, I gently explained she was doing the opposite of what I was sure her intention was – to give Zoey confidence in the presence of other dogs. We began a weekly regimen of walking Zoey with my toy poodle, Fluffernutter. At first, Zoey was somewhat resistant, and would stay a minimum of three feet away from Fluffernutter at all times. I ignored her apprehension, and simply gave her the freedom to be as close to or far from Fluffernutter as she wished. I wanted her to come to the conclusion, all on her own, that there was nothing to fear.

By only our second walk, Zoey began showing signs of curiosity towards Fluffernutter. By the third walk, they became pals. Zoey’s person reported she was becoming more interactive with other dogs as well. Our walks still continue — and Zoey races down the stairs whenever Fluffernutter and I enter her home. Only now, it’s to run towards Fluffernutter, not away from him.

AVOID AVOIDANCE When I was first introduced to Ruby, a beautiful Chow mix, I was told not to let her near other dogs, as “she doesn’t get along with them.” But her cheerful, sweet demeanor didn’t seem to match up with that warning. My first few times

Dogs allowed to interact with other canines are happier.

What these people don’t realize is that they are the ones encouraging antisocial behavior.

with Ruby, I carefully observed her reaction when she saw other dogs from a distance. The only thing I noticed was lots of excitement. Many times, an overly enthusiastic dog can be confused with an aggressive one, since the behaviors are similar (e.g., barking, rushing/charging).

Since Ruby is a strong dog, I first made sure I’d be able to handle her should she get out of control. But that turned out to be a non-issue. It appeared that Ruby’s actions, which had been mistaken for hostile behavior, were actually caused by her lack of dog interaction. Because of this misunderstanding between Ruby and her person, she was

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Zoey and Fluffernutter greet each other.

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not allowed to make any new canine acquaintances, and as a result, her frustration grew.

Ruby’s tail wagged happily as I slowly and carefully allowed her to approach other dogs during our walks.

She never made direct eye contact with them — a classic sign that she meant no harm. I gave her praise and affection after her dog interaction, to reward her calm, gentle behavior.

Think of it as the child who has no friends, and then makes lots of them. He gains confidence! He feels accepted and included. For a dog, this confidence translates into a more balanced, contented canine who has no fear of strange dogs. In fact, he will look forward to meeting new dogs, since his recent experiences with fellow Fidos have been positive ones. And I’ve never met a dog who had too many friends!

Penny is a well-behaved pug thanks to the author’s approach.

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COMMUNICATION

In all the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays, remember to give a present to yourself.

Animal communication is a wonderful way to connect on a deeper level with your companion, and may bring some extra gifts you weren’t expecting.

BY LYNN MCKENZIE

A

s an animal lover, what’s one of the best presents you could give yourself this season? How about a chance to talk with your dog or cat through animal communication?

In an animal communication session, a communicator tunes into the soul or spirit of an animal, even if he has crossed over. She is able to relay important information to you about how your animal is feeling, what his wants and desires are, and even deeper, more profound information of a spiritual nature, which is quite often the juiciest part for the receiver. A session is like a two-way conversation where you may ask questions of your animal companion; he will share his feelings with you and you may share yours with him.

To give you an understanding of the special gifts animal communication can bring, let me share a few case studies of consultations I have done.

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THE GIFT OF HEALTH Often I am called to communicate with animals who have health conditions that are difficult to diagnose due to their elusive nature. While animal communication is never a substitute for veterinary care, it can certainly help when vets are at a loss as to where to look next.

In one case, a family asked me to do a session with their dog Ocean when even a teaching hospital was unable to diagnose his health problem. Ocean conveyed to me that his duodenum needed testing. The tests proved accurate and may have saved the dog’s life by revealing the source of his problem. This was truly a gift, for obvious reasons.

It was actually Ocean who told me where his problem was; I was just the “translator”. Hopefully you won’t find yourself in a situation like this, but if you do, you are now armed with another tool to help get to the bottom of it.

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THE GIFT OF TRANSITION Sometimes I’m called on to help with emotional end-oflife situations. In these cases, animal communication can bring about a feeling of peace and understanding as well as alleviate a lot of anxiety for the guardian. It also gives both parties an opportunity to express any thoughts or feelings they may wish to share.

Over the last few months I had the privilege of working with Hugh and his beloved feline companion Puzzle, a highly evolved soul. When we first connected, Puzzle had just been diagnosed with advanced kidney failure.

Hugh’s main goal was to understand Puzzle’s perspective on the situation, identify any special needs he may have had, and get a feel for anything else that would make him more comfortable.

Over the course of his last days, Puzzle shared his needs and assured Hugh he was fulfilling his last spiritual tasks and that all was in divine order. He also made it clear he was still enjoying his time in the physical realm, and would transition when he was ready.

creating a whole new life for herself. When Lisa first brought this sweet being into her life, she had no idea it would change so dramatically.

During the course of Lulu Belle’s short life, Lisa was guided through communication to leave her career in real estate and follow her true bliss – to create an online fashion boutique. Fashion had always been a passion for Lisa, so now when she wakes up in the morning she doesn’t dread going to a job that doesn’t make her heart sing.

Now she does something she loves with the full support of her animal friend (now in spirit form), who continues to offer guidance from the other side. Lisa’s online venture proved to be such a successful endeavor that she also launched a physical boutique, all with the help of Lulu Belle. What a gift!

The most frequent feedback I receive from clients is that their sessions give them a deep sense of inner peace.

Couldn’t we all use the gift of more peace in our lives, especially this time of year?

When Puzzle’s time came, Hugh felt prepared and enlightened by all his cat had shared. Hugh told me the gift of animal communication “shone a light on his own blind spots due to being so close to the situation”. Knowing he could “stay connected and check in for updates with Puzzle” was the best gift of all.

THE GIFT OF DREAMS I believe our animal companions come to us as spiritual guides and even continue to guide us from the other side once they have crossed over. During the last number of years, my practice has evolved toward helping people connect with and learn from the divine guidance offered by their animals. Many clients have used the gifts that come from their companions to make major changes in their lives and businesses, something I find very exciting!

A wonderful example is my client Lisa, who received and acted upon communication from her animal companion Lulu Belle.

The information she received led to a life altering experience that involved following her heart’s desire, changing careers, and

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PASSAGES

HANNA and the CLAUS

BY DANA SMITH-MANSELL

H

anna was a tiny puppy, but her personality was huge. From the first day I met her at the kennel where she was born, she always to seemed to be asking: “Hey, what about me?” This little white Westie looked up at me from her pen and insisted I notice her. She joined our family at ten weeks of age.

Sadly, Hanna was diagnosed with kidney disease when she was barely six months old. It was a devastating blow to her and to us. Nevertheless, she loved life and all it had to offer. She never missed an opportunity for adventure or affection. Even when she didn’t feel well, she always tried to show her zest for living by gaining attention – bringing a ball or performing any number of tricks. She

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Hanna loved the holidays, and was always ready to celebrate.

was never one to be ignored; if you dared try she’d plant herself in your line of vision and stare. If that didn’t work, she’d vocalize a few short “yaps” and spin into a 360° turn. It was almost as if she was saying: “It’ll be okay!”

When Hanna was first diagnosed, we never dreamed she would live to be 12½, but amazingly she did. Eventually, though, her illness caught up with her. As the end drew near, we took every opportunity to provide her with plenty of stimulation. I have always firmly believed that numerous forms of visual, physical and emotional interactions help the body heal by encouraging a focus on new and exciting adventures and perhaps providing some relief from ailments. Stimulation gives the mind and body something different to think about and “take in”.

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ON PARADE Hanna was always “ready,” especially for Christmas. She could barely wait to get to the presents under the tree.

Christmas morning was so special because she loved it! With this in mind, we wanted to make her last Christmas the best ever. So on the night of the Santa Claus Parade, we decided to take Hanna along.

Surely the marching bands and crowds of people would provide substantial input and excitement.

(My dogs are not intimidated and are well socialized, so noises do not negatively affect them.)

Hanna and Trevar (our Scottie) donned their red holiday sweaters and we set off for the center square on that brisk December night to await the arrival of Santa Claus.

Hanna enjoyed the sights and happily wagged her tail at people passing by.

Whenever someone spoke to her, she responded gleefully. We were filled with emotion, since we were unsure how much longer Hanna might be with us. We felt her time was short, but remained hopeful she would be able to share this one last Christmas with us.

We soon found ourselves at the square, sharing space with excited children, talkative families and plenty of noise and lights. When the parade started, both dogs seemed to take it all in. As each fire truck passed, their interest and attention perked.

Some of the firefighters seemed to be sounding their sirens just for the dogs, looking directly at them and noticing their keen attention.

With our encouragement, both dogs responded with a terrier stance and a tail wag. The bands marched by and the drums made our feet vibrate.

Hanna and Trevar didn’t miss a beat.

Neither barked nor showed any sign

of fear – it was as if they wanted to see what was coming next.

SEEING SANTA We humans were getting cold, but the fire truck bringing Santa finally came into view. We kept saying, “Here he comes, maybe he’ll have presents,” knowing the word “presents” in our house always receives an excited dog response. The sirens started to blow and children cheered as Santa made his way down the street.

Finally Santa was in front of us, dressed in his bright red and white suit and sitting atop a blaring fire truck. Hanna pulled to the end of her leash and began barking and wagging her tail. We were amazed at her attention. Santa looked right at her and sent her and Trevar a hearty wave and a robust smile. Hanna responded by tugging to get closer, wagging her tail and barking happily.

She saw Santa, and he saw her!

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It was an emotional moment that helped us realize more than ever how much Hanna attended to and loved life. She filled our hearts that night with her uncanny spirit of hope and love, giving us a cherished memory to last a lifetime.

We had a wonderful Christmas that year, and were blessed to still have Hanna with us when the big day dawned. Her usual holiday spirit filled our home and our lives one last time.

Christmas will never be the same without her, but she left us a special gift. We are blessed by many outstanding memories of an extraordinary friend – what a treasure and a comfort to our grief.

Of all these memories, “Hanna and the Claus” will always hold a special place in our hearts. animal wellness

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ANIMAL WELLNESS

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Is your dog a hero? Does he have a claim to fame? And does he take a good photo? If so, enter our 1st ever Cover Dog Photo and Story Contest and your pooch could appear on the cover of an upcoming issue of Animal Wellness Magazine! Each winner will also receive a special prize.

Enter by January 15, 2010, for your chance to win. What a great way to celebrate your special friend!

THE RULES ARE SIMPLE:

1

Send us a short story about why you think your dog should be on our cover, along with a maximum of five professional quality digital images of your dog, scanned at a minimum of 5”x7” at 300dpi resolution in a tif, jpeg or pdf format to: photos@animalwellnessmagazine.com. Or send a good quality hard copy original photo or slide (not a color photocopy) of your dog to: Photo Contest, Animal Wellness Magazine US: PMB 8174 S. Holly S., Centennial, CO 80122 CAN: 107 Hunter St. E., Unit 201, Peteroborough, ON K9H 1G7

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Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number, along with your dog’s name, sex and age (if known). Hard copy photos must have contact information printed on the back.

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3 4

All photos become property of Redstone Media Group.

Winners will be notified by phone or mail and winning photos will appear on the cover of a future issue of Animal Wellness Magazine. Winners will also be contacted for interviews for an accompanying cover story to appear in the same issue.

TIPS FOR WINNING PHOTOS! • Closeups are preferred, but action shots are also welcome. If a closeup, the dog should be facing into the camera.

• Outdoor shots with good lighting are best.

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• Be sure the photo background isn’t too busy or cluttered, and that it provides enough visual contrast to the dog.

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: Energy

Healing for Dogs AUTHOR: Nichole Wilde, RM, CPDT Your hands can heal! So says Reiki Master and dog trainer Nicole Wilde in her new book, Energy Healing for Dogs. This book celebrates the gentle, non-invasive powers of energy healing, something anyone can learn to do.

The author takes a thorough, comprehensive approach, starting with an explanation of what energy is, and the different types of energy healing and how they work, along with scientific studies demonstrating their efficacy. You’ll find out how to read canine body language, how to prepare for energy work and what you need to know and do to tune into and channel healing energy to your dog.

Nicole also takes you step-by-step through a healing session, in which you’ll learn different hand positions and patterns and other techniques for relieving pain, inflammation and/or emotional distress in your canine companion. This book is the perfect read for anyone interested in energy work.

Publisher: Phantom Publishing

TITLE: The

Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care AUTHORS: Celeste Yarnell, PhD and Jean Hofve, DVM

If you’ve been waiting for the ideal guide on how to take care of your cat holistically, your patience has just been rewarded. The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care is written by two long-time experts in the field, veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve, and Celeste Yarnell, holistic cat breeder and founder of Celestial Pets.

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Delightfully illustrated with engaging color photos, this book offers everything you need to know to enjoy a healthy, happy holistic cat. Makes a great gift.

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BOOK REVIEWS Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog AUTHOR: Deva Khalsa, VMD TITLE:

Those who want total control over what they feed their dogs enjoy home-preparing the food. In Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog, veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa takes an in-depth look at the importance of healthy nutrition for optimal health.

Developed over decades of practice and study, her integrative approach combines traditional veterinary medicine with nutrition, vitamins and minerals, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and spinal manipulation.

Dr. Khalsa helps you design a healthy nutritional program for your dog by providing a history of dog food as well as chapters on nutrition for novices, cooking up good health, raw diets, and the benefit of supplements. One whole section is devoted to recipes you can make for your own dog, from casseroles and loaves to stews, soups, snacks and treats, and meals for special needs dogs or holiday celebrations.

Including a Foreword by veterinarian Dr. Martin Goldstein, this book is a great guide to healthier eating for your best friend.

Publisher: BowTie Press

TITLE: A

Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II AUTHOR: Colleen Sell

What are you getting the dog lovers on your gift list? How about A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II? In this delightful volume, editor and author Colleen Sell brings together a collection of 50 more stories by dedicated dog lovers. From the humorous to the moving, each true tale demonstrates the amazing nature of the human-canine bond.

Meet Sheppi, the comical but maternal Australian shepherd who mothered a litter of stray puppies and two baby goats, and Norma, a black Lab who empathized so much with her human mother when the latter cracked a bone in her foot, that she also started to limp. And don’t miss the story of the feisty little shih tzu who courageously defended his family from a coyote.

Once you start browsing through this book, you’ll probably want to buy a copy for yourself too!

Publisher: Adams Media

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EVENTS Animal Communication Workshops Oct 24, Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 23 International On-line Classes In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of what Animal Communication is and how it works.

You will learn how to send and receive information and interpret what you are receiving. You will go through various exercises to prove to yourself you can do it and gain valuable experience. You will be given insight into the uses of your new skill including finding lost animals, behavioural issues, health issues, and death and dying. Monthly Workshops Home Study Programs For more information: Ingrid Brammer 705 742 3297 Peterborough, On ibrammer@sympatico.ca www.animalillumination.com Special Needs National Pet Adoptathon October 15- December 25, 2009 Hurricane Pets Rescue is a non-profit nationwide disaster relief/animal welfare organization started in 2005 following hurricane Katrina. Our goal is to help families locate their lost pets or find homes for orphaned animals across the USA. The Special Needs National Pet Adoptathon will start on Oct 15 and will end on Christmas day. Our goal is to find homes for at least 50 special needs pets Nationwide.

For more information: Celene Albano 305-866-3596 CeleneAl@aol.com www.hurricanepetsrescue.org Level 1 Animal Communication Telecourse with Sue Becker Wednesday evenings (8 weeks) beginning January 6, 2010 In this 8-week long teleclass, you will learn the essentials of how to get in touch with your animal friends telepathically, understand their perspectives and learn what levels of communication are possible. Increase your awareness and understanding of animals through exercises and meditations. Learn to quietly focus your mind and practice allowing yourself to be open to animals’ messages, humor and wisdom through thoughts, images, impressions and much more...

For more information: Teleclass (telephone) Sue Becker 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net www.suebecker.net George R Brown Convention Center Hall A Houston, Texas The Houston Cat Club’s 58th Annual Charity Cat Show will benefit The Houston SPCA, Citizens for

Animal Protection, the Homeless Pet Placement League, The Houston Humane Society, and The Winn Feline Foundation.The show will feature: A CFA Feline Agility Competition, Pedigreed Cat Competition, Household Pet Show, Book Signings, Special Guests, Shopping and much more!

For more information: 713-853-8000 www.houstoncatclub.com The Houston Cat Club’s 58th Annual Charity Cat Show January 9-10, 2010 GS102: The Animals’ Perspectives and Stories about Death Instructor: Teresa Wagner Monday evenings (2 weeks) beginning January 11, 2010 Internationally available teleclass The objective of this teleclass series is to share stories from the animals to enhance our understanding about the diversity of what is possible in death, the other side, and coming back, from the perspective of the animals. This is not a class on the dogma of any particular religious, spiritual or metaphysical belief system.

You will hear stories offered as information to help you clarify your own beliefs. Hopefully, this may in some way add to your own comfort and peace during the inevitable and often painful times of losing animal loved ones.

For more information: Carol Schultz (815) 531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com http://animalspiritnetwork.com/calendar/ month.php

Adopt a Pet-Athon February 13-14, 2010 Parc Downsview Park, Toronto Come out and meet many different pet adoption groups and find your forever pet! Indoor 30,000 sq ft of pets and pet related items including: *Special meet the rescue speed” dating” event *Bring your dog and join in the fun in the special off-leash play area *Pet vendors, Special Guests, and Raffles for FREE prizes... and much more!

For more information: www.AdoptAPetathon.com VideoONDemand: Intro Shamanic Journeying Instructor: Carla Meeske This three session class introduces you to the core concepts of shamanic journeying and teaches you to easily access the non ordinary reality realms where your Spirit Helpers reside.

It is ideal for those who are new to the concepts of directly connecting with spirit to receive advice and information. You will gain the ability to access your personal healing spirits for advice empowerment and protection. And you will gain the confidence to succeed in the Shamanic Healing for Animals program.

For more information: Carol Schultz (815) 531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com http://animalspiritnetwork.com/calendar/ month.php Animal Spirit Cafe - Mastery Hour&Forums Animal Spirit Cafe -- The online gathering place for animal lovers and healers Ongoing Virtual - Teleclasses, Downloads, & Online

Introduction to Animal Communication Telecourse with Sue Becker.

Tuesday evenings - 4 weeks starting February 2, 2010 This course looks at our animal friends on many levels. How do they perceive their world - and us? How can we reach a deeper and richer level of communication with our animals, increasing our understanding and theirs as well? This course touches on body language and calming signals then moves into the realm of telepathy.

Learn easy every-day methods you can use to help your animal to understand and feel safe.

Expect to take your relationship with your animal friend to a new level. This course is also an excellent preparation for any Level 1 Animal Communication Workshop.

This Cafe is a place we have all dreamed of... where we can meet with a global community to share information and learn about holistic animal care and intuitive healing arts. It’s an interactive and compassion-focused sharing circle of collective intelligence and inspiration.

The Cafe sponsors several Mastery Hour live teleconferences throughout the month, connecting you to experts in animal communication, shamanic animal healing, animal Reiki and other holistic animal care topics. The online forums foster authentic dialog with colleagues, students and instructors...all sharing the common goal of expanding awareness and understanding of the animals in our lives. The Cafe is hosted by Animal Spirit Healing & Education® Network online learning institute.

For more information: Sue Becker 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net www.suebecker.net

For more information: Carol Schultz 815-531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com http://animalspiritnetwork.com/cafe

Post your event online at: animalwellnessmagazine.com/events 96

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CLASSIFIEDS Animal Communicators

Books & Publications Cont’d

Healing Essences

LYNN McKENZIE, International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing. Create harmony and awareness in your relationships, restore health, improve behavior, enhance performance, resolve conflict, connect with animals that have crossed over. Workshops and lessons available.

Coming soon, correspondence and internet training in Animal Energy Healing. www.animalenergy. com, lynn@animalenergy.com, (214) 615-6506, Ext. 8642.

ANIMALS AND THE AFTERLIFE: TRUE STORIES – This book is a helpful resource and a comforting gift for anyone grieving the loss of a beloved pet. At www.AnimalsAndTheAfterlife.com or call 1-800-654-5126 EBOOK - DESIGNING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR PUPPY - Learn how to change your environment using health-inspired design elements providing healing spaces for your puppy to blossom. www.WellnessDesigns.org - (717)885-3254

PETS HAVE EMOTIONS TOO! - Canadian Forest Tree Essences offers Vibrational Tree Essences for cats, dogs, horses, alpacas and other animals…

Available for vets, animal communicators, retailers and individuals. Web: www.essences.ca, Email: cfte@essences.ca, Tel. 888-410-4325.

ANIMAL REIKI SOURCE - The leader in Animal Reiki Education: Animal Reiki Training Programs, Practitioner Directory, informational articles, free e-newsletter, monthly telemeeting and many more resources. For more information visit: www.animalreikisource.com

Holistic Veterinarians

CAN WE TALK? Animal and Soul Communicator, Janice DeFonda says, “Yes! Bless your Hearts and Souls through the communion this connection can provide. Share your Love, laugh, cry, grow and expand the depth of your understanding with your Animal Friends. Extend your connection with those who are in spirit and Restore Harmony and Balance through energy healing.” Phone Consults (315) 329-0116 angelwhispurr@gmail.com www. ark-angels.org

FOR THE LUV OF ANIMALS REIKI - Peace Wellness Unconditional Luv. We come to You. All animals large or small. Call: Cindy 540-687-5698 / 703-507-4648 wlfthor@aol.com

PET LOVERS WANTED - Join a team of home based business owners. Great tax deductions.

Earn $700-3,000/mo. very part time. Not sales.

Do what you already do. Call Michelle at 561 702 5459. www.oxyfreshww.com/michelle/

LOVING ANIMAL COMMUNICATION - Provides assistance and guidance with Health Issues, Training, End of Life Decisions, Lost Animals, Animals in Spirit, or Personal Messages just for you. Satisfaction Guaranteed Contact Morgine Today: 360-247-7284 Pacific morgine@wildblue. net www.TheAnimalTranslator.com <http://www. theanimaltranslator.com/> SUE BECKER – Interspecies Communication, Registered Practitioner of Tellington TTouch and Bach Flower Remedies. Resolve problems and stress, improve behaviour, deepen understanding and your relationship. Emotional healing, animals in spirit. Consultations by phone/in person, lectures, workshops. Call (519) 896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net www.suebecker.net JANET DOBBS – WORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONS. Animal communication, Animal/human Reiki. Deepening the bond between animals and humans. For information about hosting a workshop in your area. janet@animalparadisecommunication.com, (703) 648-1866 or www. animalparadisecommunication.com SHIRLEY SCOTT - Internationally known Animal Communicator & Clairvoyant connects with your pets here or in spirit. She reads emotional/behavior/health problems, provides classes & workshops in animal communication & training. www.animaltalkhealing.com http://www.animaltalkhealing.com 509-526-5020 DEANNA’S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION - An intuitive, heart-centered and practical approach. Consultations available for living and inspirit animals. Learn more about Deanna, her work and her love for animals. Visit www.talks2animals. com. 617.823.1783 INGRID BRAMMER – On-line classes, on-site workshops, and home study programs available that will teach you how to intuitively communicate with animals with explanation of how it is possible.

Contact Ingrid 705-742-3297 or ibrammer@sympatico.ca or www.animalillumination.com Animal Health GENEFLORA FOR PETS – Naturally Building Your Pet’s Health With Every Scoop. Recommended

by Veterinarians, Groomers, Breeders and Animal Lovers Just Like You! www.Cycles-of-Life.com or call: 800-498-6640.

Books & Publications DOGWISE KNOWS DOG BOOKS AND DOG PEOPLE! - Thousands of dog books and videos online at www.dogwise.com or (800)776-2665

Business Opportunities

Distributors/Retailers DISTRIBUTORS & RETAILERS WANTED - Treats for dogs with special needs! Overweight, Diabetic, Allergic to Wheat. All treats are made using “Human Grade” all natural ingredients. Inquiries @ www.

JustbecauseforDogs.com or call 1-866-974-DOGS DISTRIBUTORS & RETAILERS WANTED - Our foods offer the superior nutrition of naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals and enzymes that you can’t get from a cooked, processed pellet. No preservatives. Nothing artificial. Just all-natural, human-quality ingredients Natural food and treats since 1985. Inquiries @ www.sojos.com or 612.343.7262 DISTRIBUTORS & RETAILERS WANTED Developed by leading experts in the field of holistic animal care, Animal Essentials™ supplements are made from the best natural ingredients available.

Plus, all are safe and easy to use ... with flavors and aromas that appeal to most dogs and cats.

Inquires @ 1.888.463.7748 or info@animalessentials.com

Dog Walking/Pet Sitting HOME ALONE PROFESSIONAL PET CARE - Toronto dog walking & cat sitting, customized for your furry friend and to fit your busy lifestyle. Central & south-west Toronto. www.homealonepets.ca (416)504-4310. Vet referred, customer preferred.

Food & Treats FRESH HOMEMADE JERKY’S - Doggie’s Unlimited offer’s three fresh jerky’s for your pets.

Paw “lickin” Good Beef Jerky, Caymus’s Chicken Jerky and Jayden’s Turkey Jerky. All made with fresh meat and six vegetables. Made fresh and shipped same day to insure freshness.

Visit us at: www.doggies-unlimited.com EVOLUTION DIET PET FOODS; ERIC WEISMAN, DOCTOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE CONSULTING SERVICES 20th Year. Support our Totally No-Kill Pet Rescue: Purchase Evolution Diet. Virtually Only Pet Food NOT USING ANY Factory Animal Slave Farm Ingredients, Steroid Growth Hormones, Antibiotics, Chicken Meal - Fish Meal, Documented Healthy Dogs 19+ Human Years, Cats 22+. www.evolutiondietpetfood.com. U.S. 1-800-659-0104; CANADA 1-888-683-7387

Gifts SHOP FOR DOG LOVER GIFT IDEAS - Including breed specific dog gifts including labrador retriever, bulldog, and dalmation! Shop for gifts for dogs and owners at Dog Lover Headquarters. www.dogloverheadquarters.com

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC - A variety of holistic healing services are available to our patients, including: Homeopathy, Hair Analysis, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Computerized Organ Stress Immune Testing, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Nutrition, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Paul McCutcheon (416)757-3569 Fax (416)285-7483 eyac@ca.inter. net www.holisticpetvet.com ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL, REHAB & K-9 FITNESS CENTRE – Dr. Janice Huntingford, Dr. Glen Porteous, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional and Alternative Medicine and Surgery. Herbal Therapies and Holistic Medicine, Pet Massage, Physio, Therapy Pool, Underwater Treadmill and Rehab Therapy. Phone consultations available. 519-776-7325 Essex ON. essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net www.essexanimalhospital.ca GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in veterinary acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the animal and client. Guelph Animal Hospital (519)836-2782 www.guelphvet.com NEWKIRK FAMILY VETERINARIANS (FORMERLY MARGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL) AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER - Dr. Mark Newkirk, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Metabolic Nutritional Analysis, Ozone Treatments, Laser Pain Therapy, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination), Nutritional Supplement programs based on your own pets’ blood tests, Alternative Cancer Therapies.

Phone consultations. www.alternativevet.com email: mnewk@aol.com phone: (609) 823-3031 NORTH-EAST NEWMARKET VETERINARY SERVICES – Dr. Autumn Louise Drouin, Veterinarian, Naturopath. Cozy outpatient office.

Detailed history, physical examination, laboratory tests. Individualized treatment protocols suit patient’s condition and client’s needs. Homeopathy, Herbs, Clinical Nutrition, Bach Remedies, Physical Therapies. (905)830-1030 Newmarket, ON www. holistic-vet.ca

Paw Protection TAMMY AND TEDDY’S BOOTIES AND MORE - Custom made boots for healthy and special needs dogs. Highest quality available. Fit guaranteed.

Hand crafted in the USA. www.tammyandteddys. com Phone number 860-749-6552.

Pet Feeders KEEP ANTS & BIRDS OUT OF YOUR PET’S FOOD WITH THE OUTDOOR PET FEEDER – www.theoutdoorpetfeeder.com (602) 245-4247

Pet Portraits ANNIEO’S PET PORTRAITS - Specializing in oil painting for 31 years. Nationwide clientele.

Portraits of any pet of your choice. Credit card, personal check or money order. 44 Church St., Tilton, NH 03276. (603) 524-3778 Website: www. petportraitsbyannieo.com

Reiki

Rescues & Shelters ROMANIAN SHELTERS - 450 animals need your support for food, sterilization! Please help tails to wag! Visit our website www.rolda.org for updates. ROLDA 501-(c)-3 charity in USA, EIN: 32-0176929.

Schools & Training COMPANION ANIMAL TOUCH & THERAPIES - Hands-on training for small animal massage therapy providers at locations in IL, WI, VA, and NC. Learn to work with animals safely, effectively, and professionally from an experienced instructor. info@ companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com 847-7821963 (voice) www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com 847-782-5725 (fax)

Schools/Training KIDS PetMassage DOGS – LEARN AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL - Jonathan Rudinger, founder of the PetMassage Institute created the new book Dogs Kids PetMassage, the DVD, PetMassage: A Kids Guide to Massaging Dogs, the fun CD, Doggie Songs for Kids, and the PetMassage for KidsTM Curricula for after-school, summer school, scouts and camps. Order the program and receive a FREE patch. www.petmassage.com/KidZone 800779-1001 ANIMAL HEALING ARTS TRAINING & CERTIFICATE STUDY PROGRAMS - Animal Spirit Healing & Education® Network provides distance learning and on-site courses in Animal Communication, Shamanic Animal Healing, Animal Reiki, Grief Support Skills, Flower Essences, Species Behavior, Tellington TTouch, and Holistic Animal Health. Learn more at www.

AnimalSpiritNetwork.com or contact Founder, Carol Schultz, 815-531-2850, info@animalspiritnetwork. com CANINE AND EQUINE BODY WORKER CERTIFICATION - Serious hands on training from leading specialists and veterinarians for hands on work. Progressive certifications beginning at 250 hours to the Master’s series of over 2000 hours.

CE courses offered: advanced massage, MFR, CST, acupressure, anatomy, and more. USA and worldwide. NCBTMB approved. Selection of courses AAEP and RACE approved for CEH. Visit: www. equinology.com and www.caninology.com Write: office@equinology.com or call 707 884 9963 INTERNATIONAL ASSN. OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK - www.IAAMB.org Professional association supports, networks and promotes complementary care for animals through continuing education, website, referrals, newsletters, insurance, conferences, lobbying and credentialing.

Welcome practitioners of animal massage and bodywork. 800-903-9350 IT’S REALLY ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP – Holistic Pet Training – A positive, practical approach. $19.95 ppd. Check or M.O. to Kathryn Gerwig Address: Positively Pets, PO Box 559, Perrysville, OH 44864

1-866-764-1212 or classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com

Animal Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

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FOUR DOGS AND A HOLIDAY

BY LISA LOEB

Four dogs and a holiday. It seemed a great idea. I love dogs, I thought. I’m a dog trainer. It’ll be a snap! I knew each dog and liked them all. Why shouldn’t they make a lovely group?

The first to arrive was Magoo, a Lab mix puppy nicknamed Party Boy due to his gregarious nature. Baxter, a Cavalier, scampered in all shiny in his groomed black coat. Later, an apricot poodle named Penny joined the crowd.

As our little home filled with one canine guest after another, my mixed breed Lady glumly stared up at me as though I must have lost my mind. Three strange dogs parading into our house. She retreated to her safe perch on the back of the couch as Party Boy, Baxter and Penny sniffed out the new accommodations. Inquisitive noses and tails poked aberrantly into objets d’art as the posse moved swiftly from room to room.

At liberty in the backyard, Baxter found piles of leaves to dig and treasures to locate, including pinecones. He delighted in bringing them to the doorstep, his face filled with joy as I jettisoned the sticky torpedoes through the sky.

Party Boy, by far the biggest and strongest, was still very much a puppy. He chewed just about anything including plants and garbage cans. The only thing he liked better

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than chewing was socializing. While walking through the neighborhood he eyed all dogs and people, hoping for an introduction. He was also very vocal. I had made him a cozy retreat down in the basement but when I left him, loud insistent cries throttled out his mouth. He does not believe in quiet time!

Of course we had a lot of rain that week. One evening, I was on my hands and knees scrubbing mud prints off the kitchen floor, when Baxter noticed my position and joyfully mounted me. Penny, meanwhile, came around the front and scrubbed my face with licks and swipes from her long moustache. I called a time out. Maybe I had too many dogs?

Finally, the sun came out and I let them all in the backyard. Party Boy took the alpha role but Penny soon turned the tables. Dashing around the yard, she used her prowess to taunt him. Enticing him to chase, she darted off to leave him lumbering after her. The game continued until Party Boy stopped and cocked his head in her direction.

You could see the thoughts turning in his head. After an afternoon of play I was thrilled to see them all panting – nap time!

At the end of the holiday, I wrote glowing reports for their guardians. Sending them off with love, the only thing left to remind me of the week were smudge marks on my glass doors. I wiped them clean and have since felt quite content with my one quiet dog on the couch!

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