V12I6 (Dec/Jan 2010-11)

ANIMAL WELLNESS

DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

Living pawsitive!

Gift Ideas

Festive RECIPES ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

smells

SOMETHING

How artificial scents affect your animals

COZY

Winter

What’s BLACK DOG

PAW CARE

syndrome?

ZEOLITES The minerals that detox and heal

Chillin’

Chinese Herbs

Tips for canine anxiety

SIT, STAY,

Ramp itUP

Smile!

Aids for elders

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6

DECEMBER/JANUARY Display until Jan. 25, 2011

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6

---AWM V12I6 COVER-FINAL.indd 1

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

11/5/10 1:55:31 PM

2

animal wellness

animal wellness

3

Contents December 2010/January 2011

18 features

56

18 Top 5 seasonal safety tips

Rich food and sparkly decorations are hallmarks of the festive season. They give us a lot of enjoyment, but can cause digestive havoc in your dog or cat.

22 Adopting online?

The internet makes it easier than ever to find the right dog or cat for you. Just make sure the sites you visit operate with the best interests of the animals at heart.

26 Festive flare Want to try something different this holiday season? Try treating your companion (and yourself!) to some healthy dishes with a Portuguese flavor.

36 Something smells

Artificial scents may make your house fresh and fragrant, but the chemicals that go into them can be toxic.

40 Green up for the holidays 5 earth-friendly gift ideas for your animal companion.

4

animal wellness

44 Zest for zeolites

Your animal’s body is bombarded with harmful substances every day. These uniquely-structured minerals can help detoxify him and promote healing.

48 Sit, stay, smile!

Need a gift idea for that hard-to-please friend or family member? A special portrait of their dog or cat might be just the ticket.

55 Changing tack How a puppy’s brush with parvo inspired these entrepreneurs to give up selling office supplies and start formulating nutraceuticals for animals.

56 Chillin’ with Chinese herbs

Your dog is scared of loud noises, hates being left alone and is jumpier than a jack-in-the-box. Chinese herbs can calm him down by getting to the heart of canine anxiety.

64 Rover come home

All too often, missing dogs and cats are never found again. But this organization uses a unique approach to help bring happy endings to lost animal cases.

74 Treat his tootsies

Help your canine companion put his best foot forward this winter (and all year round) with a set of protective doggie boots or socks.

80 Ramp it up

Is he having trouble jumping on the bed or getting into your vehicle? A pet ramp or set of steps can make life a lot easier for your senior or disabled companion.

84 Black dog syndrome

The term is sometimes used to describe feelings of depression, but it can also refer to a very real phenomenon often seen at animal shelters.

36 Columns 14

Yakkity yak

52 Warm & fuzzy 60 Dr. Martin Goldstein 70

Communication

26

86 Passages 88 Book reviews

Departments

98 Tail end

8

Editorial

12 Mail bag

22

30 Holiday gift guide 47 Product picks 68 The scoop 76 Animal Wellness resource guide 90 Ad spots 95 Classifieds 97 Events calendar animal wellness

5

Get your 3rd year for $1!

Buy a 2-year subscription to Animal Wellness Magazine for $34 US ($48 CAN) and get the 3rd year for only $1!

1

$

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:

Lawrence Stolte

Outdoor fun doesn’t have to end with the arrival of winter, as this happy canine hiker can attest. In milder climes, in fact, winter is the perfect time for spending time outside.

If you get snow and ice in your region, though, you’ll have to take a bit more care, such as making sure your dog has paw protection (see page 74) and maybe even a cozy winter coat.

6

animal wellness

Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Meaghan McGowan Graphic Designer: Deanna Hall Cover Photography: Lawrence Stolte Tail End Illustration: Leanne Rosborough Columnists & Contributing Writers Mary Lynn Bushong Janet Caplan Jaclyn Castek Darcy Deming-Fisher Audi Donamor Martin Goldstein, DVM Sara Jackson Lyn Johnson-Schutter Nancy A. Kaiser Deva Khalsa, VMD Lynn McKenzie Sandra Murphy Barbara Nefer Mark Robinson Jean Scherwenka Debbie Swanson Charlotte Walker

for the 3rd year

disease prevention natural diets and nutrition natural health care

Volume 12 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 $19.00 in the U.S. and $26.00 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© 2010. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher.

Publication date: November 2010.

Improving the lives of animals... one reader at a time.

animal wellness

7

editorial

Blessings

Counting our

I

sn’t it funny how our animal companions seem to know when the holidays are coming? In our house, the animals love all the hustle and bustle. Our dogs Sasha and Muffie watch, grins on their faces and tails wagging, as the boxes come up from the basement.

Kate, our cat, can’t wait for the tree to go up so she can dart in and out of the branches. While I really enjoy their enthusiasm for the holidays, I also know this is the time of year when I need four eyes in the back of my head.

I think it all started with our family dog – a Bichon named Lacey – who miraculously survived 16 holiday seasons. She loved all the holiday preparations, too, and especially the baking. Ever wondered what happens when a 12-pound dog eats an entire plate of shortbread cookies? Let’s just say it was messy. Then there was the time she stole a pound of butter that was softening on the table in preparation for baking.

Once again. messy! Another year she snatched a family sized chocolate bar and snarfed it down under my bed.

Messy doesn’t even begin to describe that one!

Now that I’m older and wiser, I try to be more diligent and keep things out of reach. But still my two ingenious rescue dogs managed to locate three hidden boxes of chocolates (post X-mas remnants) at my parents’ house while we were out shopping. Needless to say, they made short work of these and, while it was serious at the time, I can’t help laughing about it now.

8

animal wellness

When I think about it, that’s what it is to have animals in your life – a mix of joy and worry, humor and love. They make you feel alive and in touch with life because of their uncanny ability to just be. And that’s a blessing – at any time of year.

In this issue, you’ll find an article on the top holiday safety tips for your companions, along with some nifty earth-friendly gift ideas. There are also some tasty festive recipes with a Portuguese flavor that you and your best buddy can share – and much more!

We wish you and yours Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

animal wellness

9

contributors

1

3

2

1. Veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa, VMD, CVA, authored Dr. Khalsa’s The Natural Dog and co-authored Healing Your Horse: Alternative Therapies.

She lectures internationally and is a professor at the British Institute of Homeopathy. She has almost 30 years of experience in holistic modalities.

Turn to page 40 for Dr. Khalsa’s earthfriendly holiday gift ideas.

2. 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 twotime recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada’s Silmaril Kennel Trophy for the Human/Animal Bond. In this issue, she offers some tasty treat ideas for the festive season – page 26.

3. Lynn McKenzie is an Animal Intuitive and publisher of The Divine Mission of Animals newsletter. She helps others attune and awaken to the teachings and wonder that all sentient beings wish to share. Lynn offers nationally

10

animal wellness

4

available teleclass training on healing and communicating with animals, and a self-study audio program on crystal healing for animals (AnimalEnergy. com). See page 70 for her article on power animals.

writer living near Boston. She contributes regularly to many animal magazines, and lives with her family and a collie named Duncan. On page 22, Debbie looks at what you need to know when adopting an animal online.

4. Sara Jackson lives on a 12-acre farm in American Canyon, just outside the Napa Valley. She is a graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and has a BFA in Screenwriting. She is a freelance writer and has written a number of short stories, two scripts and a book called Jack’s Dreams Come To Life (sarajacksonwriter.com). Turn to page 56 for Sara’s article on the hazards of synthetic fragrances.

7. Jaclyn Castek is a freelance writer based in the Tampa Bay area. She enjoys writing about animal health and wellness and other issues important to animal lovers. She most enjoys addressing serious but not well known issues that animals are facing.

Check out page 84 for Jaclyn’s look at a phenomenon called “black dog syndrome”.

5. 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. For her article on the Missing Pet Partnership, an organization that helps find lost animals, turn to page 64.

6. Debbie Swanson is a freelance

8. Nancy A. Kaiser lives in the healing Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her dogs, cats and a horse. She is the author of Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of Healing & Transformation, a book about her recovery from trauma with the help of animals and nature. Nancy operates Just Ask Communications (NancyKaiserAnimalCommunicator. com), a practice devoted to healing the human-animal bond through enhanced

5

7

6

8

communication and understanding. For this issue, she writes about the life lessons she learned from her Labradors – page 52.

9. Jean Scherwenka lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and their rescued Lab mix Maggie. Her articles have appeared in many magazines.

Turn to page 56 for Jean’s article on Chinese herbs for canine anxiety.

Darcy Deming Fisher lives on a 40-acre

9

ranch in Arizona with her husband and numerous four-leggeds. She and her husband have rehabilitated many animals with chronic physical and mental issues. They also own zeoliteforums.com and animalzeolites. com. Darcy is an accomplished Grand Prix Dressage rider and trainer. Turn to page 44 for her article on zeolites and what they can do.

Mark C. Robinson is the founder of the animal care website

HandicappedPets.com. He is also the chairman of the Handicapped Pets Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caretakers of disabled animals. He lives in Amherst, New Hampshire. Check out page 80 for his article on pet ramps.

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter. For this edition, she explores the world of animal portraitists – turn to page 48.

animal wellness

11

mail bag ANIMAL WELLNESS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

SPECIAL ISSUE

Living pawsitive!

NUTRITION

How safe

TI’S

HAI heroes

IS HIS FOOD?

Since Haiti’s devastating earthquake in January, an astounding 27,000 animals have been treated. Who are the heroes behind this effort and what has it meant to the people of Haiti?

THE CHANGING FACE OF

ANIMAL LAW

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

10

TIPS for a

LONG LIFE

Can your dog get

Sarah Sterling via email

DEPRESSED? 6 ways to keep her off the shrink’s couch

THE DEAL grains with Should he eat them or not?

Editor’s note: It’s been said before, but disasters of this scale bring out the

A CASE OF

How nutrition, herbs & acupuncture helped Tess back to health

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 5

ness

Cushings

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Display until Nov. 16, 2010

8 healthy snacking STEPS TO

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 5

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com 8/19/10 2:31:53 PM

---AWM V12I5 COVER-FINAL.indd

12

1

animal wellness

Thanks for your article on Haiti’s animals in your Oct-Nov issue. It always seems that a few months after a disaster has happened, the news drops it and you never hear anything more about it. It was refreshing to see that you made the Haiti earthquake and the animal work going on there into a cover story. Just because it’s no longer in the news doesn’t mean there’s not still a lot of work to be done.

It’s gratifying to know that help is being given to both the animals and people in Haiti.

best in most people! And it’s always reassuring to know that rescue efforts and rebuilding projects continue long after such catastrophes have dropped from news headlines.

Your article on organic foods answered a lot of questions for me and my husband. We’ve long been confused about the use of the word “organic” on food packaging, and wondered if there were any rules or regulations about its use. It’s like the words “natural” or “green” – so many products use these words, but what do they actually mean?

Are they really natural or green as the average person understands these words? From now on, we will make a point to look for products that are marked “USDA Organic”.

Britte Callahan, via email

Editor’s note: Like you, some of us were also puzzled about what “organic” actually means, so researching this article cleared up the misconceptions for us too. Whether you’re shopping for your human or animal family, it’s always wise to do your homework and become an informed consumer!

I did not agree with some of the things Alana Stevenson had to say in her article “The Best Reward” (Aug/Sept 2010). One thing in particular I didn’t agree with is the comment she made about the training collar (or as she called it, the “choke collar”).

The article states: “Choke collars, as their name implies, ‘choke’ the animal. They can damage the trachea and spine, and constrict a dog’s air passages. The choke collar teaches nothing. It simply punishes.”

Not true! This collar was never meant to choke the dog and it won’t and doesn’t if it is used properly. If and when used properly it is a great tool!

Jeremy Martin, via email

Editior’s note: Most positive reward-based trainers do not promote the use of choke collars.

Even in the best hands, choke collars can cause injury when a dog pulls on the leash, causing it to constrict and put a lot of pressure on his windpipe. There are several other collar choices that eliminate this risk.

PET KELP- NUTRITION BOOSTERS FOR DOGS AND CATS

by Pure Ocean Botanicals Pet Kelp, nutrition boosters for dogs and cats. Multi-vitamins from ocean kelp PLUS full dose holistic supplements in great tasting formulas. Give them the nutrients they need, plus the extras they deserve!

www.petkelp.com 707-955-5357 animal wellness

13

yakkity yak Dangerous driving Millions of Americans take their dogs on road trips, day trips and even while running short errands. A survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo asked people about their habits behind the wheel when their dogs are in the vehicle. They found that drivers often engage in risky behaviors: • 59% participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog.

• 55% pet their dogs while driving.

• 31% admit to being distracted by their dog.

• 21% allowed their dogs to sit in their laps.

While it’s fun to take your dog on your travels, it’s important for everyone’s safety, including his, that he be properly restrained with a doggie seatbelt or secured in a crate. AAA.com/petbook

Expensive accidents Each year, millions of people are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the majority don’t file claims for damages, according to David Pearsall of the Business Insurers of the Carolinas, the company that underwrites the majority of bonding and liability insurance policies for the members of Pet Sitters International, dog bite claims can be very costly, with payouts ranging from $2,500 to $30,000. “Joggers, bicyclists, small children and strangers trying to break up fights between dogs are common dog bite victims,” Pearsall says.

Is he a canine cop?

Whether it’s protecting the sofa from fallen crumbs, or acting as a therapy dog at the local hospital, all canines serve their human companions in unique ways. The National Museum of Crime & Punishment presents America’s Next Top Dog: Canine “Cop” of the Year, a nationwide contest to identify the dog that serves his or her family or community best.

Any U.S. resident is eligible to enter the contest. Monthly winners will receive a featured spot on the museum website and e-newsletter; a press release sent to their local newspapers and TV stations; and an annual family pass to the museum.

They’ll also qualify for a nationwide vote to determine the Canine Cop of the Year – the grand prize winner receives a trip to Washington, D.C. and a photo feature on the cover of the CANINE COP 2012 calendar. crimemuseum.org

Keep walks short on stormy winter days.

Weather wise Want to know if the weather is suitable for your animal companion? The new Personal Petcast at weather.com puts your worries to rest when determining how your dog or cat will fare in today’s weather. Simply input your city or zip code and the size, age, and coat length of your companion. Personal Petcast features include dog and cat comfort indexes based on the weather, hourly flea and mosquito activity, and more.

14

animal wellness

Farside, a Jack Russell terrier mix, is poised to accept emergency phone calls in this tongue-in-cheek image. He was crowned Top Dog contest winner for the month of September.

Bali beating rabies Across the world, hundreds of thousands of stray dogs are killed by mass cullings in an attempt to curb the spread of rabies. But Bali’s government has committed to a more humane and successful approach to eradicating the disease, implementing a model program that other countries can begin to use as part of their own rabies control efforts.

The Bali government signed an agreement in September authorizing a mass vaccination campaign to immunize nearly 400,000 dogs. The island-wide program is being funded by the World Society for the Protection of Animals, working closely with the Bali Animal Welfare Association, and is an essential first step towards the government’s goal to eradicate rabies from the island by 2012. wspa.ca

“I’m an alley cat ally.”

- Angela Kinsey

Photo Courtesy WSPA

Hundreds of thousands of Americans provide care for stray and feral cats and advocate on their behalf.

Learn more at www.alleycat.org.

During an outbreak of rabies on Bali, the government responded by culling stray dogs using strychnine. WSPA worked with local member society BAWA to oppose the cull and encourage an island-wide vaccination program. This boy’s dog is now safe from the disease.

animal wellness

15

yakkity yak Of mutts and meteorology Meteorologist Janice Huff loves animals as much as she enjoys forecasting the next sunny day or tracking an approaching storm system. The weather reporter for NBC4 New York recently adopted a shelter dog named Porter after spotting the Lab pup on LX New York’s weekly pet segment, “Maria’s Pet Project”, hosted by Maria Sansone.

Janice’s previous dog died over a year ago, and she and her husband had been looking for a new dog ever since. “It was love at first sight,” Janice says of Porter. “I called up my husband immediately to tell him we had found our dog, and amazingly, he had been watching the show and was calling me at the same time about Porter. That kind of kismet doesn’t happen often so I know Porter was meant to be with us.”

To date, more than 60 dogs appearing on LX New York’s pet segment have been adopted.

Running blind While serving in Iraq, Lt. Col. Kathy Champion contracted a virus that left her legally blind. She hasn’t let it slow her down. A graduate of Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Florida, she’s committed to raising $2 million for Southeastern’s Paws for Patriots, a program that partners visually impaired and other disabled veterans with professionally trained guide dogs.

On November 21, Kathy led Southeastern staff members and Despite her blindness, Lt.Col.Kathy volunteer puppy raisers in the Champion is working to raise $2 million for Paws for Patriots.

Women’s Half Marathon of St. Pete.

“This run is just one of the ways I am working toward my goal,” she says. “It is my way of giving back to the program that has given me back my independence.”

Southeastern also places facility therapy dogs at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland to help encourage soldiers as they recover from their injuries. guidedogs.org

Goldens and cancer

Janice Huff is delighted with her new canine companion, Porter.

If your animal’s appetite seems insatiable, take him to the vet – it could signal an imbalance or illness.

16

animal wellness

Canine cancer scientists at the University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, Broad Institute of MIT, Harvard in Massachusetts, and Uppsala University in Sweden are teaming up with two animal health foundations to find out why golden retrievers are so susceptible to cancers arising in the blood, lymphatic and vascular systems. The three-year project, which began this past summer, will be funded with a $1 million grant from the Golden Retriever Foundation and Morris Animal Foundation.

The goal is to identify the genes and describe the genetic changes that lead to the high prevalence of cancer in this breed. The scientists will also determine how the risk could be reduced, and whether DNA tests could aid in diagnosis and treatment. breenlab.org, modianolab.org, dogdna.org

Don’t let the bedbugs bite The bedbug epidemic has many people concerned about the health of their families, homes and animals. “Perhaps the biggest danger pets could face from bedbugs is the use of pesticides to exterminate them,” says Dr. Tina Wismer, the ASPCA’s Senior Director of Veterinary Outreach and Education. “However, the chemical pyrethrin, which is often used in eradicating bedbugs, can be safe if used correctly around pets. Pet owners should discuss safety precautions with their exterminator or their vet before beginning the treatment process.”

The ASPCA suggests contacting a professional exterminator to eliminate bedbugs. For those who decide to do it themselves, carefully follow all directions and precautions outlined on pesticide product labels. Typically this involves keeping dogs and cats out of treated areas until the insecticide product is dry and the area well ventilated. aspca.org

Pit Boss crosses the border Shorty Rossi may be only four feet tall, but he has a bigger heart than most people. As head of Shorty’s Rescue in Los Angeles, the ex-con turned entertainment guru is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and training the most misunderstood of canine breeds -- the pit bull. Pit Boss, a reality series that debuted in the US in January 2010, premiered in Canada this past fall on The Pet Network.

Pit Boss is a compelling real-life drama that tells the story of Shorty and his team – Ronald, Ashley and Sebastian, all little people like himself – as they struggle to find safe and loving homes for abused, abandoned or neglected pit bulls, and to improve the image of the breed through education and community involvement.

animal wellness

17

Top 5 Seasonal safety tips

Rich food and sparkly decorations are hallmarks of the festive season.

They give us a lot of enjoyment, but can cause digestive havoc in your dog or cat. These five cautions will help keep the holidays happy for both of you.

by Lyn Johnson-Schutter

I

t’s almost time to gather with friends and family for the annual festival of eating as much traditional fare as we can possibly consume in one sitting – or two or three. We might suffer from indigestion later, and have to watch the calories for a few weeks, but for us, the pleasure is usually worth the discomfort of too many mince tarts or that extra helping of ham.

18

animal wellness

Dogs and cats, however, are a different story. Eating too much of the wrong things can give him a lot of grief, and may even be life-threatening. These five holiday safety tips will help ensure the season stays joyful for both of you.

to healthy snacks 1Stick

Brewster was a four-year-old Rottweiler. His family was well known for their holiday parties. Alaskan crab, Cajun appetizers and succulent jumbo shrimp graced the buffet table. Brewster learned that if he strategically placed himself between the sliced turkey and the punch bowl, he could become the recipient of many a handout. No one could resist his endearing nature and those luminous brown eyes.

INTRO

SPECIAL! Buy a 1-year subscription to Animal Wellness Magazine and get the first six years FREE on CD!

Guests thought it was a riot when they tossed chocolate bon-bons high in the air for Brewster to catch, sometimes two at a time. After about a dozen mid-air catches, the fun suddenly ended. Brewster stopped and the grin faded from his face. He collapsed and died.

“Chocolate contains theobromine,” says veterinarian Dr. Frank Butts. “It can cause heart failure, seizures or even death. Though the reaction is not always instantaneous, chocolate, as well as other caffeine products, can be harmful, even fatal to your dog.” Dr. Butts also recommends that people beware of peanuts and nut products. These are not good snack foods for Rover.

Tell guests not to give your animal any candy, nuts, chips or other snacks; substitute healthy natural treats from the pet food store, or give him a few bits of lean meat or fresh veggies or fruit, like carrots and apples.

the beverages 2Ban

Fifi and Fluffy will want to share Grandma’s eggnog, but don’t let them.

Dairy products potentiate diarrhea. “The exception is cottage cheese, which we recommend for an upset stomach,” says Dr. Butts. “An occasional small scoop of vanilla ice cream might also be okay.”

Tell guests not to give your animal any candy, nuts, chips or other snacks.

only

19

US

$$26 CAN

Topics include: disease prevention natural diets and nutrition natural health care 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 animal wellness

19

If you feed your animal leftover bean casserole, you will probably see it again – on your sofa or carpet.

When the poker game is in full swing and the Miller Lite is making the rounds, Lester might act like he wants a sip.

Not a good idea. Even though your companion may try to tell you otherwise, alcohol is an absolute no-no for dogs and cats. Don’t let him have any beer, wine or liquor. The same applies to pop. Whatever time of year, pure filtered water is the best possible beverage for your animal.

ham it up 3Don’t

Heidi, a rambunctious Pomeranian, is used to eating

After carving the holiday turkey, dispose of bones in a tightly wrapped box or bag. Do the same with all plastic and aluminum foil wrappings. Make sure the garbage container has a secure lid.

Remember that dogs and cats have a much stronger sense of smell than we do. They’re notorious for finding and scarfing down tasty garbage wrapped in cellophane or foil.

anything that falls within her range – that is, any part of the 2,500 square feet of floor space in the McKinley family’s four-bedroom home.

With three children in residence, Heidi knows just where and when she can scrounge a cookie, cracker or peanut butter sandwich.

Last Christmas, Heidi was given several ham biscuits as a holiday treat. For the next two days, she threw up on everything, from Dad’s recliner to the Persian rug in the living room. She was dehydrated and lethargic when she made her visit to the local animal hospital. Her family cancelled their three-day ski trip to Colorado and spent $1,200 on her vet bill. Heidi spent New Year’s hooked to an IV. Was the ham biscuit worth it? Ask Heidi, and she’ll tell you she’d eat more if given half a chance. Ham is a popular holiday meat, but it’s very rich and difficult for many animals to digest, so ignore the begging.

4

Screen the leftovers

Giving Spike a five-course dinner of leftovers, complete with gravy, fat trimmings and a slice of Mom’s pecan pie, will not make him a happy camper. Suddenly introducing a lot of rich food to his diet is a good way to invite indigestion, vomiting and diarrhea. If you feed your animal leftover bean casserole, you will probably see it again – on your sofa or carpet.

“There are a lot of foods harmful to pets,” Dr. Butts says. “Undercooked red kidney beans can cause intense abdominal pain and diarrhea. Onions can cause anemia.

Spinach, beets, rhubarb and potato peels are also on the list of bad foods for pets, as well as grapes and raisins.”

It’s okay to give your animal some leftovers, but stick to lean meat and veggies such as broccoli or carrots, and never give him cooked bones. A bit of gristle is okay, but don’t feed him fat trimmings or gravy.

20

animal wellness

the decorations 5Watch

As most animal lovers know, dogs and cats often ingest things that we would consider inedible. That includes holiday decorations.

Morgan Maxwell is an indoor Persian cat who one year found the Christmas tree just too tempting.

may be if ingested, but it’s best not to take any chances. Other poisonous plants include holly and mistletoe. Either don’t bring them into the house, or keep them well out of your companion’s reach. Check the floor regularly for fallen leaves or berries.

Keep the joy in the season by following these suggestions, and the furry members of your family will make it safely into the New Year.

Among the branches hung glass balls that pinged as he swatted at them. As the holidays progressed, Morgan learned that if he jumped from couch to tree and hung on for a minute or two as it swayed, he could make numerous decorations fall to the floor, where he would then chase them from room to room. If he did the jump just right, the entire tree would come crashing to the floor.

As if this wasn’t enough to satisfy Morgan’s never-ending need for amusement, he soon discovered the tinsel that also hung from the tree. He ate about two pounds of it before a family member caught him in the act. He was taken to the vet straightaway.

Morgan lived, though the surgery needed to remove the tinsel cost his family $700.

If possible, keep your animal away from the Christmas tree. If this isn’t possible, stick to unbreakable ornaments and avoid the tinsel.

Poinsettias are another holiday favorite that dogs and cats might like to nibble on. Sources disagree on how deadly this plant

animal wellness

21

Adopting online?

The internet makes it easier than ever to find the right dog or cat for you.

Just make sure the sites and online organizations you visit are operating with the best interests of the animals at heart.

by Debbie Swanson

hen John and Ella Olson decided to get a dog, they headed to the local shelter. They wanted a small adult dog, suitable for life in their apartment, and one that would be good with children.

W

coworker, who pointed her to an online pet adoption website. The couple soon met with a handful of dogs matching their criteria, and within a few weeks, adopted Stella.

They saw many nice canines, but none that met their criteria. Frustrated, Ella mentioned her plight to a

“She was at a shelter just over two hours away from us,” says Ella. “We’d never have found her if we didn’t

22

animal wellness

go online.”

Thanks to the internet, potential adopters are no longer limited to the cats and dogs available at local shelters. An online search can yield dozens of adoptable animals across the country.

But there’s a catch. Just as with anything else, there are disreputable pet adoption sites as well as legitimate ones. It’s vital to learn how to tell the difference.

Look at their reputation One of the most well known online pet adoption services is Petfinder, which has adopted out 13 million animals since its inception in 1995. One reason for its popularity is its strong reputation; Petfinder screens every adoption agency before allowing it to post animals on their website.

“In addition, all our adoption partners look out for one another,” says cofounder Betsy Saul. “If someone gets on there who doesn’t have the best interests of the animals in mind, we’ll hear about it, likely from more than one person.”

The best way to screen a site is to look for the following red flags: Quick transactions: Any organization looking to find permanent homes for their animals should require applications, personal reference checks, a vet reference, a phone interview or even a home visit. Avoid sites that offer you an animal with little or no questions asked.

Find out who pays for the transportation, and make sure there are procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of the animal while he’s in transit.

No health guarantees: The site should offer proof of recent vet checks and a full disclosure of any known medical information about the animal. If your potential companion comes with no health history, move on.

No interest in population control: Reputable adoption centers are committed to ending animal overpopulation, and won’t release a dog or cat that hasn’t been spayed or neutered, or a puppy or kitten that doesn’t have a spay/ neuter agreement. If your dog or cat is arriving intact, find out why.

Too much pressure: Dedicated adoption sites shun impulse shoppers. A reputable site might inform you that other families are looking at the same animal as you are, but they won’t put pressure on you or offer incentives. If the site you’re working with comes across like a late night TV commercial, keep looking. animal wellness

23

Making the right match Reputable online adoption sites offer a number of benefits. They include helping you choose the right dog or cat for you. Many people walk into their local shelters knowing just what they want, yet come out with a completely different animal based on a sympathetic reaction. Sometimes it works out, but other times, the mismatched animal is back at the shelter in a few days.

Looking at adoptable animals online can reduce these mismatches. “Our search engine will screen out pets, and show you only those that match what you’re looking for,” Betsy explains.

For example, say you’ve decided to get an adult dog, possibly a German shepherd, within your local area.

Entering this data into a search engine will yield only the dogs that meet your criteria, reducing the possibility of a change of heart after the fact.

No surprises, please

Thinking of adopting an animal around the holidays?

Don’t be surprised to find that some organizations close down during the holiday season. This isn’t just to give their staff a vacation, but to prevent a dog or cat from going home amid the chaos of the season.

Other places won’t release an animal unless every family member is present. Again, this wise step is to prevent a dog or cat from becoming a possibly unwelcome holiday gift.

If you have your heart set on giving someone an animal as a holiday gift, ask to purchase an adoption gift certificate (or make your own on the computer). Couple this with a plush stuffed animal and some pet supplies, and present this to your gift recipient. After the festive season ends and life settles down again, go shopping together to pick out the right animal.

Browsing online from your own home is also a more relaxing experience, enabling you to think clearly and thoroughly before acting.

Long distance considerations While long distance adoptions are quite common, careful consideration is necessary when an animal is located hundreds of miles away. Whenever possible, always try to meet the dog or cat before committing.

“Keep in mind when reviewing websites that the size of the animal may be different from how it appears in a photo/video, and that it is hard to determine his temperament,” says Gloria Marti, president of Save a Sato, an organization committed to helping the stray dogs of Puerto Rico. Gloria recalls the story of a woman who traveled to Puerto Rico to pick up a dog she fell in love with on the internet, only to discover he was much larger than expected. She ended up with a completely different dog.

If a long distance animal catches your eye, make a phone call to his present caregivers, ask to see video, and discuss his health background. If you’re still interested, make arrangements for a meeting. Perhaps someone will meet you halfway with the animal, or you could plan a road trip around going to see him.

If you decide to go ahead without a meeting, transport becomes an important issue. Find out who pays for the transportation, and make sure there are procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of the animal while he’s in transit.

“All the animals we send out of Puerto Rico have a travel and vaccination certificate and are evaluated by a vet two to three days before traveling,” says Gloria.

Taking an animal across borders raises other considerations. “Those who come to Puerto Rico to bring an animal back with them should always check with their state and city laws for quarantine and other regulations, and call the airline they are traveling on to find out their policy for transporting animals,” Gloria advises.

Like any internet opportunity, research and the right questions will help you steer clear of problems. If you take an educated approach, it may lead you to your new best friend!

24

animal wellness

animal wellness

25

Festive flare

Want to try something different this holiday season?

Try treating your companion (and yourself!) to some healthy dishes with a Portuguese flavor.

by Audi Donamor

P

ortugal is a magical place I visited years ago and I have many fond memories of it. Imagine arriving in a village where very few have ever gone to the “big city”, where electricity is limited and a common oven, situated in the middle of the village, is used every day, with the most amazing aromas wafting through the air. That’s paradise; that’s Portugal.

I will never forget sitting at the table with our Portuguese friends, enjoying their annual family celebration with a bounty from the sea and land, like sardines and prawns, fresh from the beautiful ocean waters, served with the most wonderful fruits and vegetables, and the very best homemade bread. I’ll

26

animal wellness

also never forget Blackie, a beach dog who shared our lives and hearts during one of our magical stays in Portugal.

Food is a reflection of who we are. It offers us a window into our history, celebrates our culture and traces our values.

Food is like a book of life. This festive season, why not give your holiday fare an exotic flare with some delicious and healthy recipes reminiscent of Portugal. You can share them with your animal companions as well as your human friends and family. As always, try to choose organic products whenever possible.

Caught ya cod Ingredients • 6 fresh cod fillets (you can also use other white fish such as tilapia or sole) • 3 tomatoes, thinly sliced (equal to three cups) •1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips •1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped •1 tablespoon paprika • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder (or 1 cube)* •1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt •Freshly ground pepper to taste (optional) • 1/4 cup first-pressed extra virgin olive oil •1 cup filtered water*

Instructions Layer red bell pepper strips and sliced tomatoes in a large cast iron pan. Arrange the cod fillets on top. Add olive oil and filtered water. Combine the paprika, chicken bouillon powder and cayenne pepper, and sprinkle over the peppers, tomatoes and fish. Add freshly ground pepper and chopped parsley.

Turn stove burner to high. As soon as you hear the sound of the liquid coming to a boil, or very small bubbles begin to appear, turn the heat right down to a low simmer and cover the pan. Cook for 1/2 hour. Remove the pan immediately from the stove, and transfer fish and vegetables to a serving platter.

The dish is ready to serve to your human family.

Make sure it is at room temperature before serving to your animal companions. Do not leave the dish on the counter to cool, but refrigerate until ready to serve. This recipe is delicious even when served chilled, and it can also be gently reheated.

*In place of the chicken bouillon powder and filtered water, you can use 1 cup of chicken stock.

animal wellness

27

Tsimmes

Tsimmes is a stew of vegetables and/or fruits cooked slowly over very low heat. It can be made with or without meat.* I am always reminded of tsimmes when I think about our time in Portugal, visiting the old Jewish quarter in the city of Tomar. I enjoy making tsimmes a variety of ways; this recipe uses one of Portugal’s most loved spices, cinnamon.

Poaching fish Fish is almost a dietary staple in Portugal, and is lovely poached.

Use a pan large enough to lay each piece of fish down flat.

Then add enough liquid to just cover the fish. Bring to a simmer. If you see big bubbles coming up from the bottom of the pan, it’s too hot. The ideal temperature for poaching fish is between 165ºF and 180ºF.

Ingredients • 3 pounds sweet potatoes or yams, cut into chunks • 6 red delicious apples or other apples of your choice •2 large carrots • 2 cups pure unsweetened, not from concentrate apple juice •1/4 cup first-pressed extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup organic maple syrup (honey can also be used) •1/2 teaspoon sea salt •1 tablespoon cinnamon •Zest of 1 lemon •1 cup unsulphured, sun dried cranberries

Instructions Preheat oven to 375ºF. Combine chopped yams, apples and carrots in a large Pyrex or other baking dish. Add apple juice, olive oil and maple syrup. Add cranberries and then sprinkle with lemon zest, sea salt and cinnamon.

Cover dish with foil and place in oven for 2 hours. This is a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time. It can easily be reheated and it tastes great straight out of the refrigerator.

It also makes a terrific hostess gift!

*It is very easy to add meat to your tsimmes.

Simply cut 1 pound of stewing meat into 1” cubes. You can also use flanken, also referred to as boiling beef. Sear the meat then add it to your tsimmes to bake along with the fruits and vegetables.

Turkey time biscuits

This is a great recipe for using up any turkey leftovers, and the addition of garlic, parsley and Parmesan cheese gives it a European twist.

Ingredients • 2 cups turkey sludge (boil the remains of your turkey and scrape off every last bit of remaining meat) •2 garlic cloves •1 tablespoon parmesan cheese •1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped •2 whole eggs •2 cups whole grain flour of your choice • 1 tablespoon first-pressed extra virgin olive oil

Instructions Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or mixer. Form dough (the dough will pull away from the side of the food processor or mixing bowl.) Lightly flour a cutting board or counter. Knead the dough about 12 times and then let it stand about 10 minutes. Roll out the dough to about 1/2” in thickness, and cut into desired shapes. You can also place the ball of dough in the middle of the cookie sheet, and using a rolling pin, or even the side of a glass, roll the dough out to each corner of the cookie sheet and lightly score with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Before popping the cookie sheet in the oven, you can sprinkle the biscuits with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, or add a sprinkle of oregano or even catnip for that special feline in your life.

Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the oven down to 200ºF and bake for about 30 more minutes. Turn the oven off and allow the biscuits to cool completely and get really hard. Store in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. Refrigeration is recommended. These biscuits freeze well too.

28

animal wellness

animal wellness

29

Holiday Slobproof!

Finally! Stylish, comfortable furniture for dogs, slobs and those who love them- Slobproof! Furniture for Real Life –Clean, Green and Made in the USA!

www.slobproof.com 1-888-444-5593 Mention code Animal Wellness and get 10% off of your order.

Aïkiou New from Aïkiou, the Stimulo is a bowl for cats that will have them hunt and search for their food like they would do in nature. Using the different tubes, they will need to exercise to get their meal. This will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle while having fun and being entertained.

Visit us at: www.aikiou.com

Deserving Pets Deserving Pets Vital Vities include all the ingredients for vibrant good health in their preventive supplement for pets.

The icing on the cake - pets just love it.

Get the Holiday Gift that keeps on giving… both health and good taste! We believe your pets deserve the best. A happy and healthy holiday season to all!

www.deservingpets.com 877-318-4825

Paws-itive relief Muttluks feature fleece inner lining, self tightening reflective straps and genuine leather soles for a soft, flexible fit.

Proudly designed and made in Canada.

Available in 8 different colors and sizes.

Please call 1-888-MUTTLUK

or visit www.muttluks.com

Honest Pet Products We’re a company doing our part to make this a better planet, for pets and for people! We provide natural, pet toys made of sustainable, ultra-durable hemp and wool. Our hemp products are handmade by disabled adults, and our wool products are handcrafted by impoverished women supporting their families.

www.HonestPetProducts.com or 1-800-790-3385

Smoochy Poochy Don’t get caught unleashed this holiday season!

Smoochy Poochy, designer of the most versatile optional hands-free leash on the market. Made from an array of colorful nylon webbing or ‘alternative to leather’ materials.The perfect lead that targets your dog’s lifestyle activities: walking, training, jogging, shopping, & visiting.

Endless possibilities!

Canadian connection: info@smoochypoochy.com 416.407.8898 U.S. connection: englewood@barkandfitz.com

201.567.1424 /Kimberly

30

animal wellness

Just Because SUPPLEMENTS Older dogs are more predisposed to develop infectious diseases like arthritis, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, cancer, kidney, heart, and liver diseases. Just Because For Dogs has developed a SENIOR immune supplement containing ingredients targeted to help modulate the immune system to extend your dogs quality of life in their senior years.

www.justbecausefordogs.com 1-866-974-3647

gift guide

Special advertising feature

BRAND NEW PRODUCT TO THE U.S.! ONLY AVAILABLE FROM TGPS! The COOL PET PAD is a revolutionary new selfcooling pet cushion that cools without refrigeration, water or electricity. No maintenance, no mess. Automatically re-charges itself. YOU DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! No more hassle filling with water. No more mold. No more leaks. Place on the floor, bed, crate, car or outside. This is cool.

www.thegreenpetshop.com

Pamper your Pooch this holiday season...

The DERMagic Groom & Go Travel Kit is the perfect gift for dog lovers and their four-legged friends. For healthy skin and coat, DERMagic works! We Guarantee it.

The Honest Kitchen The Honest Kitchen’s famous gourmet Nuzzles duck & cherry cookies are free of wheat, corn, soy and rice. Made with only the purest ingredients, they are irresistible even for fussy pups! Available in 1 lbs and 8 oz eco-friendly boxes, they make a perfect holiday gift.

www.DERMagic.com

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

Give the gift of Life to the Max The award-winning book that tells the life story and lessons learned from a rescue dog named Max. Perfect for anyone of any age who loves or who has lost a dog friend.

Hardcover just $17.95. 25% goes to animal rescue

www.lifetomax.com

“Peanuts” said it all !

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” That’s what you get with a Chilly Dog bed! A quality pet bed for dogs who love a snuggle bed and some privacy. Your Chilly Dog Pet Bed is a washable, warm and portable with a built-in blanket.

www.chillydog.com

Show your heart!

Wear T.A.O. Pet Edition Jewelry…

Designers Victoria and Michael Gloster, pet-parents to thirteen rescue animals, have created fanciful jewelry depicting whimsical dogs and cats.

Truly designed from their hearts, the Glosters’ T.A.O. Pet Edition jewelry combines their love for animals with the theme of connection that informs all of their designs.

www.glosterglobal.com

Aïkiou Wouldn’t it be fun if your dog would eat more slowly or if he could be more challenged? That’s what the Aïkiou (IQ) bowl is all about. Your dog will have fun using his senses to search for food in the different compartments while eating at a healthier pace. This will help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Visit us at: www.aikiou.com animal wellness

31

Holiday LOOKING FOR THE IDEAL GIFT FOR A NEW PET PARENT? Keep holiday spirits high with GET SERiOUS!® ODOR, STAiN & PHEROMONE Extractor. The only COMPLETE cleaner removing ALL 3 attractions! Your pet ‘naturally’ STOPS re-soiling, potty-trains quickly, and homes stay CLEAN, pretty and fresh ensuring a joyous season for all! Nontoxic-Biodegradable-Nonflammable-Noncaustic! DOG+CAT SERiOUS!® formulas: PetSmart, WholeLifePets.com, 800PetMeds.com, local retailers nationwide & Canada!

Coupon/info: GetSeriousProducts.com

1-800-ThisWorks

CLASSY CAT AND DOG Stoneware dishes on ATTACHED pedestals, allow pets to stand or sit comfortably while eating.

Resists tipping and sliding, as pedestal is heavier than dish. A wide shallow style for moist food, and a 1/2” deeper not as wide one for dry food or water. Wholesale Enquires welcome.

Buddy Beds Memory Foam SUV Travel Beds Your dog can ride in luxury and comfort too.

Our Memory Foam SUV Travel Bed eliminates all painful pressure points. Now you can remove the bumps and bouncing of SUV travel.

Folds for easy carrying. Our waterproof liner protects memory foam from muddy paws and all accidents.

BuddyBeds.com

CLASSY CAT AND DOG

Why am I smiling?

877-245-6007 or visit www.classycatdishes.com

Reduced hip inflammation and pain...that’s why! And I tasted the Egg Nog. I’m getting a Pet’em Pad for Christmas. I peeked at the gifts to go under our tree, and there it was...my name on the tag... --Bailey K.

Get your own at www.petempad.com Robert: 1-623-444-9547 Checkout Code “PET” for 20% holiday discount.

WOW the Holiday Walls!

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!

photowow.com

Tired of looking for the leash?

Get Smart Collar! A Leash and collar in one! Automatically retracts when not in use. Built-in retractable leash locks on and off easily. Made of heavy duty snag free nylon for long lasting durability. Kevlar leads tested to 250 pounds! To order call toll free

(800) 336-1968 ask for Sandi www.love2pet.com

32

animal wellness

The Drinkwell® Platinum Pet Fountain The Drinkwell® Platinum Pet Fountain is Veterinarian designed and features a patented free-falling stream of water to entice pets to drink more! A charcoal filter removes bad tastes and odors, giving your pet fresh and filtered water.

Holds 168 ounces, providing convenience to pet owners by cutting down on refills! www.petfountain.com

gift guide

Special advertising feature

Give your pets amazing toys they’ll love this holiday season!

Amazing Treat Machine toys are exciting interactive cardboard pet toys for dogs and cats. Great project for kids to assemble and decorate! Paws up entertainment for you and your best friend.

www.AmazingTreatMachine.com 1-888-492-2071

Dr. Rose’s Remedies Dr. Rose’s Remedies skin treatment salve and spray are 100% all natural products. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antifungal. Dr. Rose’s are made with all human grade ingredients. They can be used for most skin conditions from hot spots in dogs to rain rot and wounds in horses.

Buddy Beds Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Beds Take away the pain! Give your dog the comfort they deserve. Voted “Best Pet Bed”. Our memory foam orthopedic dog bed eliminates all painful pressure points. Tired of buying dog bed after dog bed? Our dog beds last for years.

The waterproof liner protects your investment.

www.BuddyBeds.com

drrosesremedies.com

Pet Kelp- Nutrition boosters for dogs and cats

by Pure Ocean Botanicals Pet Kelp, nutrition boosters for dogs and cats. Multivitamins from ocean kelp PLUS full dose holistic supplements in great tasting formulas. No fillers or synthetic vitamins. Available in Skin & Coat, Joint & Bone or Antioxidant formulas. Give them the nutrients they need, plus the extras they deserve!

Katpak

www.petkelp.com 707-955-5357

The KatPak is a simple litter box solution for feline travelers to use in vehicles or at any destination.

Made of a heavy-duty biodegradable paper it folds flat for easy travel and opens up concertina-style like a large shopping bag when the litter is placed inside. Suitable for cats of all sizes. Large cutout handles makes it easy to close up and throw away without having to handle the litter.

www.thegreenpetshop.com

Help dogs like Sandy Candy!

4 PAWS FOREVER The Original Pet Memorial Jewelry & Gift Co. We specialize in creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from your pet’s actual paw prints. Send us a picture of you pet’s paw today and we’ll create a truly unique piece of jewelry that you will treasure forever.

What can you buy for $25 that’s meaningful, ever-lasting, will retain its value and provide a warm, fuzzy feeling? Answer: Hope for a homeless animal. Sponsor a dog like Sandy Candy! Help bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets®:

bestfriends.org

www.4pawsforever.org 775.626.8811 animal wellness

33

Holiday NEW 3IN1 STRETCH DOG LEASH

SOJOS Now available in our NEW BEEF recipe, SOJOS COMPLETE DOG FOOD MIX is a wholesome, GRAIN-FREE blend of fruits, veggies, nuts and herbs combine with RAW freeze-dried USDA BEEF. Simply add water and you’ve got a FRESH, HOMEPREPARED meal in a snap.

• Solid natural rubber • Solid brass hook • Solid brass attachment ring • Traffic leader handle • Available for small, medium and large dogs.

ROKstraps.com

Just Because Dog Treats

www.sojos.com 1-888-867-6567

The philosophy of Just Because Dog Treats was to create a range of treats that dogs with special needs will love. These types of dogs have strict diets and limitations, and for some with certain allergies it could be life threatening. So, we make every single treat from scratch using the very best ingredients. We don’t use any added sugar, salt, wheat, coloring or preservatives. We choose to use natural meat stocks, cheese and even vegetables for flavour.

pureclean2go All natural ingredient cat & dog odor eliminator and stain remover. Convenient to use anywhere, just pour PureClean2Go in spray bottle, add water, shake well and spray. Safe to use on any surface. Spray it directly on your pet and instantly eliminate odors, even skunk.

www.justbecausefordogs.com 1-866-974-3647

www.pureclean2go.com (702) 609-7409 sales@pureclean2go.com

Mussel Dog® Tis’ the season of health for your best friend! Mussel Dog® is a plankton based Omega 3 fatty acid loaded with extremely high levels of antioxidants and is sourced from the pristine waters of New Zealand to ensure safety and quality as a natural joint, skin and cardiovascular support formula. 90Day Money Back Guarantee!

DOG TRAINING GAME The Out Of The Box Dog Training Game is the pawsitive training solution for you and your dog.

Perfect for teaching new behaviors, refining skills, preventing behavioral issues. Plus it’s just something fun to do with your dog! An ideal holiday gift!

1-800-423-4612 MusselDogSpecial.com

Dogs Say the Darndest Things: Are You Listening? An Animal Communicator’s Dialogs with Dogs.

Have you ever wondered what a dog might say to humans if we were to listen? Now’s your chance!

Experience these amazing dialogs while enhancing your own animal listening abilities. $15.95

www.maiakincaid.com 928-282-2604

34

animal wellness

www.inquisitivecanine.com 805.650.8500

Got Balls?

Pastel Painting Giclees (6) to choose from supporting dogs & cats spay/neuter clinics.

Commission Portraits & Animal Communication available. Think Great Gifts!

RosezellasWay.com or call 520-349-3909

gift guide

Special advertising feature

Animal Naturals K9 Show Stopper - Premium Dog Coat & Skin Formula and More!!

Outside Appearance Reflects Inside Health! Stunning coats and solid physiques so striking they literally stop the show! Engineered to be Easy! Eliminates expensive guesswork, trial-and-error supplementing. Perfect ratios every time.

Quick, clean, convenient and saves money. No more playing “hide the supplement” because your dog will LOVE it!

www.k9power.com 1-800-597-6937

KONG Wobbler

The KONG Wobbler is a food dispensing toy and feeder that sits upright until pushed by a dog’s paw or nose, then dispenses treats or dry food. It is an excellent alternative to traditional food bowls, extending the joy of feeding time and preventing unhealthy gulping.

Suitable for dogs over 25 pounds.

Sunstone Designs Art Jewelry Custom Dog Tags For the Dog as Unique as You Are! Custom Dog Tags in Sterling Silver and Mixed Metals and a variety of Unique Jewelry for the Animal Lover in You!

The KONG Company, www.kongcompany.com

303-216-2626

www.sunstonedesigns.com

Traveling for the Holidays?

Rated #1 pet supplement in natural, Rescue Remedy Pet can be used for a calming effect in any stressful situation such as travel, separation anxiety, and more!

Visit www.rescueremedy.com/pets for more information.

Sleepypod Air solves this size restriction dilemma. It contracts in size to fit in the space below a range of airline seats during the restricted times of takeoff and landing. Once in the air, simply expand Sleepypod Air so your pet is allowed the largest space possible.

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.

www.sleepypod.com 1-213-341-1088

litterzipper.com 1-443-618-7136

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.

www.evangersdogfood.com

Sleepypod Air

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 animal wellness

35

smells

Something

Artificial scents may make your house fresh and fragrant, but the chemicals that go into them can be toxic.

by Sara Jackson

36

animal wellness

Y

ou’ve seen the ads for all those air fresheners, room sprays and scented laundry products with their flowery, pine forest or sea breeze fragrances. They make your home smell nice and fresh, but don’t let those “natural” scents fool you.

Most scented commercial household products contain chemicals that can have a detrimental effect on the physical health of your human family, and especially your animal companions, who are much more sensitive than we are. Some of these chemicals have the potential to cause cancer and brain damage in humans, so it’s reasonable to assume they’re also harmful to dogs and cats.

Two absorption routes A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group tested 43 common chemicals found in household products, including scented ones, and discovered that dogs have higher levels of these substances in their bodies than humans do. How is this possible, when many of these products don’t seem to come into direct contact with your animal?

Veterinarian Dr. Gloria Dodd says there are two main ways animals come into contact with fragrance chemicals – by inhaling the fumes or rubbing against your clothes or skin.

“Researchers have found that through inhalation, these chemicals get into the animal’s bloodstream and affect every organ the blood touches,” Dr. Dodd says. “Secondly, the chemicals can get into his system through physical exchange with the person’s skin or clothing.”

Take fabric softeners, for instance. The chemicals that leave your clothes feeling so soft and fresh-smelling are released into the air and also stay in your clothes for a long time. So your companion may either inhale the fumes or absorb them through his skin when he snuggles up for a belly rub or a scratch behind the ears. “The chemicals in fabric softeners are pungent and strong smelling – so strong that they require the use of heavy fragrances just to cover up the smell,” adds veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa. “Dryer sheets are particularly noxious because they are heated in the dryer and the chemicals are released through dryer vents.”

So is it the smell or the actual chemical that your animal reacts to? According to Dr. Khalsa, inhaling these toxins has basically the same negative effect on an animal as direct skin contact or ingestion. “When you inhale pollens or smoke, you get an allergic reaction,” she says. “Inhaling is just the same as skin contact or ingestion.”

Your companion may either inhale the fumes or absorb them through his skin when he snuggles up for a belly rub or a scratch behind the ears. animal wellness

37

Symptoms and treatment When animals come into contact with synthetic perfumes, their bodies will begin reacting to them. Symptoms to watch out for are sneezing, and nasal and eye discharge.

The liver can become toxic, affecting digestion, and immune and musculoskeletal symptoms can also emerge. Chronic disease may result, or the eventual development of cancer or organ failure.

Itching is another sure sign of a reaction to the chemicals your companion has come in contact with. Dr. Khalsa adds that gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur, but most veterinarians don’t attribute these signs to toxins and chemicals in the environment.

If you suspect your dog may be reacting adversely to any household product, whether it’s scented or not, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Dr. Dodd recommends seeking out a holistic veterinarian who is familiar with detoxification and support methodologies. “Orthodox veterinarians would only give steroids and antibiotics, which make the health of the animal worse,” she says.

Dr. Dodd adds that effective treatment consists of detoxification with homeopathic remedies called nosodes.

Support may also be needed for the liver, and respiratory and immune systems, using homeopathy, ortho-molecular supplements and oral oxygen drops.

Preventing exposure In order to make yourself and your home toxin-free, consider switching all cleaning products – scented or otherwise – to those made with all-natural ingredients. Baking soda is great when used in either homemade cleaners or just sprinkled right on the surface to be cleaned. If you have carpets, cornstarch does as good a job as most carpet cleaners. Lemon juice or white vinegar helps remove grease, mildew and hard water stains.

If you want fragrance, add a touch of lavender oil or rose water to your homemade cleaners. You can also buy naturally-scented non-toxic cleaners, room sprays, laundry products and deoderizers. And instead of reaching for a bottle of synthetic perfume, try essential oils such as eucalyptus, jasmine, lavender, rose or sandalwood. Just be sure to use caution with essential oils if you have cats.

At the end of the day, we really don’t need to use synthetic fragrances and scents. As Dr. Dodd so aptly puts it: “Just keep clean – forget the perfume!”

38

animal wellness

According to the Environmental Working Group, gaps in our public health protection system allow many chemicals on the market without any type of mandatory safety testing. The EWG also states that chemical companies do not have to prove products are safe before putting them on store shelves.

Add a quarter cup of baking soda to your wash cycle, and a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, advises Dr. Khalsa. It’ll make your laundry as soft as if you’d used a brand name fabric softener.

animal wellness

39

Green upfor the holidays

5 earth-friendly gift ideas for your animal companion.

by Deva Khalsa, VMD

ermit the Frog once famously said, “It’s not easy being green.” But times have changed. Now, being green is synonymous with healthy living and care for the planet. The holiday season gives you a wonderful opportunity to include your dog or cat in some green gift giving. After all, they embody the very essence of love and help us connect to the natural world.

K

That’s why it’s so perfect for dog leads, collars and especially dog and cat toys. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington grew hemp on their plantations.

Ben Franklin made hemp paper. The Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were written on hemp paper. Levi Jeans were originally made from hemp.

Hemp takes the lead

An earth friendly plant, hemp is biodegradable and sustainable, and replenishes the soil in which it grows.

Hemp is the strongest and most durable fiber on earth.

40

animal wellness

Fabrics made from hemp are naturally anti-bacterial and mildew-free so they’re safe for your animal to play with and chew on. The Good Dog Company and Earth Dog are two sources of hemp leashes, collars and toys for dogs and cats.

Animals actually seem to prefer hemp. Perhaps they’re attracted to hemp toys because of all the health benefits the plant contains. Mary Wolff, the owner of Honest Pet Products, bought her two little Yorkies just about every toy she came across but found they loved her cloth-covered coasters. This started her on a journey to create her own pet products, and hemp fit all her requirements. She tested hundreds of toys and found that dogs and cats preferred hemp toys above all others.

Mary took her earth-friendly philosophy a step further when she joined Snow Leopard Enterprises, an organization that supports Central Asian craftspeople so they have no need to kill endangered snow leopards to survive – she sells natural wool toys made by Mongolian craftswomen.

Gift him with comfort Pet beds are a favorite gift idea this time of year.

How about a bed that’s also biodegradable? The Dog Gone Smart Bed is made with all-natural and organic materials, and features a unique NanoSphere finishing technology that was developed in accordance with the criteria of bluesign®, a stringent production standard for Environment, Health and Safety specifications for textiles.

NanoSphere uses nanotechnology to permanently transfer the non-stick properties of certain leaves found in nature to the fabric, making it resistant to dirt and water.

Meanwhile, Earth Dog creates washable hemp beds. My Labrador digs right through his current bed, so I’m planning to treat him to a hemp bed this holiday.

E f o H T T U O

B OX

DOG TRAINING

The Pawsitive Training Solution for You & Your Dog! ACTIVITIES IDEAL FOR: • Dogs of all ages–puppy to adult • Training new behaviors • Refining skills • Resolving behavior problems • Creating a stronger bond • The perfect gift for yourself or others • A new way to have fun with your dog!

The Out of the Box Dog Training Game is an effective, practical and affordable way to help dog lovers raise a healthy and happy pet.

Playing the game makes learning fun– so you’re training your dog and you don’t even know it!

Fun, rewarding & interactive.

Get in the game today!

CONTACT: lll#

^cfj^h^i^kZXVc^cZ#Xdb

info@theinquisitivecanine.com

-%*#+*%#-*%%

The Dog Gone Smart Bed is made from organic materials and features a natureinspired finishing technology that makes it resistant to dirt and water.

DEVELOPED BY CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER JOAN MAYER

animal wellness

41

Something for her bathroom With landfills overflowing and increasing in size year by year, biodegradability is an important consideration when purchasing pet products. Non-biodegradable cat litters significantly add to our landfill burden.

Innovative companies have created litters that are designed to break down safely in the environment, without leaving toxins behind. World’s Best Cat Litter is made from renewable whole kernel corn. It’s 100% biodegradable, and can be safely flushed down the toilet, even if you’re on a septic system. Unlike clay-based clumping litters, it’s safe for your cat so you’re helping her health as well as the planet’s.

Hustle up holiday food If our animals could send letters to Santa, “good food” would probably be at the top of their wish list. Creating something delicious for your dog or cat is economical and healthy, and you can also help the earth if you use organic and/or locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

These recipes from my book Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog are easy to prepare and will be greatly appreciated by your furry friend.

If you’re too busy to cook for your companion during the

42

animal wellness

Ingredients

Love ‘em liver treats

2 pounds calf liver 2 cups uncooked oatmeal 4 tablespoons whole wheat flour 4 eggs

Instructions

Place a good amount Place all ingredients in blender and mix until smooth. e until it is about mixtur Spread sheet. of olive oil on a 10” by 15” cookie until mixture is firm. ½” thick. Bake at 350ºF for 30 to 35 minutes or and take out parcels Cool and cut into treat sized squares. Freeze extra for treats as needed

Healthy holiday muffins Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour 2½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg 1/3 cup olive oil 2 large eggs

Instructions

1¼ cups canned pumpkin pure e ½ cup milk 1 cup coarsely chopped turkey brea st 1½ cups coarsely chopped cranberries, fresh or frozen 1 tablespoon dried parsley for garn ish

Preheat oven to 400°F and oil a powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. 24 mini-muffin pan. Mix the flour, baking pumpkin and milk. Combine wetIn another bowl, mix together the oil, eggs, and the cranberries. Fill mini-mu and dry ingredients. Fold in the turkey pinch of dried parsley. Place one ffin tins. Sprinkle tops of muffins with a Bake for 20 minutes, checking aftecranberry in the center of each muffin. r 10 or 12 minutes for doneness. and serve.

Cool

If our animals could send letters to Santa, “good food” would probably be at the top of their wish list. holiday, you can buy ready-made healthy treats from an animal bakery. For example, the Dog Treatery makes all-natural dog treats you can package up as a gift for your special canine friend, or give to fellow dog lovers.

Stocking stuffers It’s been said that good health is the most important gift of all. With this in mind, a quality supplement or treat made from natural ingredients makes a great stocking stuffer for your dog or cat.

By giving your companion supplements made from natural chemical-free ingredients, you reduce the chances that he’ll get sick and require conventional medications, which can add toxic drugs to the environment when your animal excretes urine and waste. Deserving Pets and NUPRO are just two companies that offer natural high quality supplements for companion animals.

For a tasty and healthful treat, Priscilla’s Kitty Grass offers all-natural pesticide-free cat grass grown from a special blend of grains. And for something a bit different, treat your companion to some healthy Coco Therapy coconut oil or chips made from USDA certified organic coconuts.

Some of the best ways to spoil our furry companions include home cooked food, soft comfortable beds, great toys and supplements that can’t be distinguished from yummy treats. Can it get any better? Enjoy a warm and loving holiday season!

Companies Coco Therapy, cocotherapy.com Deserving Pets, deservingpets.com Dog Gone Smart Pet Products, doggonesmartbed.com Earth Dog, earthdog.com Honest Pet Products, honestpetproducts.com NUPRO, nuprosupplements.com Priscilla’s, kittygrass.com The Good Dog Company, thegooddogcompany.com World’s Best Cat Litter, worldsbestcatlitter.com animal wellness

43

for zeolites Your animal’s body is bombarded with harmful substances every day.

These uniquely-structured minerals can help detoxify him and promote healing.

by Darcy Deming-Fisher

Zeolites are formed naturally when lava from volcanoes flows into water and creates a mineral.

44

animal wellness

W

e can do a lot to reduce our exposure to toxins. But they’re still a big issue because they’re in our air, soil, water and most of the food we eat – all things we can’t avoid. In fact, many health professionals believe that the majority of illnesses and diseases in humans arise from toxins in the body. It’s no different for our companion animals.

In fact, a recent groundbreaking investigation into the extent of chemical exposure in dogs and cats, conducted by the Environmental Working Group, discovered that our animals actually have higher levels of toxicity in their bodies than we do. This alone could account for the marked increase in chronic health issues addressed by veterinary offices across the country.

Toxins and disease Heavy metals, like lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, chemicals, pesticides and herbicides all have resounding health implications for dogs and cats. Scientists believe that high toxin levels in our animals are behind ever-increasing rates of cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes and more. Our animals are like the “canary in the coal mine” with their compressed life spans, their close proximity to the ground, and their smaller size. They may exhibit health problems from exposure much more quickly than we do, and may actually be warning us about potential hazards in our environment.

There are lots of things we can do to reduce our exposure to toxins, but the diseases and chronic illnesses we are seeing in such overwhelming numbers are nevertheless primarily due to a “toxic body burden”, an inability of the body to keep up with toxin removal on a daily basis.

Enter zeolites It’s frustrating and worrying, but there are things you can do besides trying to avoid all harmful chemicals, which is impossible in today’s world. Helping the body detoxify itself is one effective way to protect yourself and your animals.

Zeolites are one way to do the job. Formed from a combination of the four elements – water, air, earth and fire – zeolites occur when volcanoes erupt and lava flows into both salt and fresh water lakes, creating a unique mineral. One of the few negatively-charged animal wellness

45

minerals in nature, zeolites (specifically clinoptilolite zeolite) feature a unusual cage-like structure that naturally draws into itself positively charged particles like mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic and other heavy metals, as well as chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, carcinogens, allergens and pre-viral components. Once trapped within the zeolite’s “cage”, these harmful substances are excreted from the body safely and naturally.

has been underway for 13 years. Zeolites were used during the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, when 500,000 tons of them were used in and around the Chernobyl reactors to help decontaminate the reactors and soil. Zeolites were also used for the construction of protective barriers and for agricultural applications in polluted areas. Children were fed cookies and biscuits laden with zeolite to help remove radiation from their bodies, while dairy cows were also fed zeolites to remove radiation from their milk.

When zeolites are mined and in a “raw” state, the cages may already be full of bacteria, fungus, heavy metals, and other substances they’ve picked up from their natural environment. But biochemists devised a method to “activate” or clean the cages of mined zeolites. There is no risk of contamination when these cleaned zeolites are ingested by humans and animals. Their absorptive capacity is in the range of 90 square feet per gram of zeolite.

What’s the dosage?

Once inside the body, zeolites capture heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and other positively charged toxins.

Amazingly, they do this in a hierarchical manner. They first remove lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other heavy metals. Once they have removed those from the system, which may take many weeks or longer, they then trap pesticides, herbicides, plastics and so forth. Eventually, when those elements are also gone from the body, the zeolites will become a natural trap for viral particles, helping to prevent the production of viruses.

Activated zeolites are available as a supplement suspended in liquid. This liquid can be taken by both humans and animals and will remove toxins from the body (60% in the bloodstream and 40% in the GI tract), thus helping put the body in an optimal state of health. One company that offers activated liquid zeolites is Waiora (waiora.com).

Zeolites also have the ability to balance the body’s pH to a more alkaline state. Having a balanced pH has many long term benefits, not the least of which is to create an environment that’s antagonistic to disease; most diseases cannot thrive in an alkaline environment. Acidity creates pre-conditions for cancer as well as viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Once the body is free of the vast toxic load that’s causing chronic illness, and the pH becomes more alkaline, the immune system can deal with things the way it was designed to, often bringing about the most remarkable turnaround in the animal’s overall health.

Zeolites are not a new or untried fad. They have been used in Asia for over 800 years to promote health and well being. In the US, they’ve been used with animals for 30 years, and human research

46

animal wellness

Currently, many zeolite products on the market are designed for humans, but they are being effectively used for animals as well.

At zeoliteforums.com, you can listen to audio interviews with veterinarians and biochemists regarding the use of zeolites in animals.

Zeolites are not size specific as much as they are condition specific. For example, a Labrador and a horse would be given the same maintenance dose for detoxification. It is recommended that animals get a dose of five to ten drops three times a day for the first month when detoxifying. After that, you can give them three drops three times a day for maintenance.

If you’re dealing with a chronic health issue, you can increase the number of times a day you give your animal zeolites. The reason for this is that zeolites only stay in the body for five to seven hours. By giving the product at more frequent intervals, you will achieve a constant level of zeolites in the system to maximize the absorption of toxic elements.

It is important to understand that zeolites do not heal, cure or treat any health condition or illness, including cancer. What they do is remove harmful toxins from the body and balance pH levels to a more alkaline state, thereby creating an optimum environment for the body to heal itself as nature intended.

Zeolites are a group of minerals, some of which are crystalline in form.

Product picks Wellness from the sea Will work for food In the wild, dogs spend a lot of time hunting and searching for food. Most domesticated dogs don’t get that kind of mental stimulation. The Aikiou Interactive Dog Food Dish satisfies this instinctual need by encouraging dogs to work for their meals. You hide food inside the bowl’s compartments, which your dog can access by sliding the doors open or spinning the central wheel. It gives him stimulation and entertainment, while reducing digestive problem. Available in pink or blue. $24.95 aikiou.com

Is your dog getting enough essential fatty acids in his diet? Mussel Dog from Great HealthWorks is a plankton-based Omega 3 fatty acid supplement loaded with extremely high levels of antioxidants. It’s sourced from the pristine waters of New Zealand and acts as a natural joint, skin and cardiovascular support formula. It not only enhances joint mobility and improves skin, coat and heart health, but also supports respiratory wellness and normal brain activity.

60 capsules – $49.95 www.greathealthworks.com

Eco toy

Coconut therapy Virgin coconut oil is one of the richest natural sources of lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid also found in human breast milk. Because of this, coconut milk has similar nutraceutical effects to breast milk and helps prevents viral, bacterial or protozoal infections. CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil gives your dog or cat a healthy daily dose of lauric acid, while their Coconut Chips are also a tasty and excellent source of dietary fiber.

Oil – $16 Chips – $8 cocotherapy.com

Looking for a quality durable dog toy that’s environmentally-friendly? The Eco-Tugger from Honest Pet Products looks like a bone, but is actually made from hemp, a sustainable crop and one of the strongest natural fibers on earth. This interactive non-toxic toy will stand up to the roughest play and is naturally antibacterial and anti-microbial. It’s available in three sizes for all breeds of dog, and is machine washable for easy care.

8” – $8.99 12” – $11.99 16” – $19.99 honestpetproducts.com

animal wellness

47

“A

n artist friend surprised me one Christmas with an exquisite pencil drawing of my two tabby cats,” says Florrie. “That was six years ago, and it’s the only gift that stands out in my mind from that holiday. It hangs in my hallway and I look at it every day.”

Animal portraiture has become a popular trend in recent years, as more and more people come to regard their dogs and cats as family members.

Ravetta Photography in St. Louis is seeing a demand for animals not only in individual portraits, but also in family portraits and even graduation pictures. An artistic photograph, painting or drawing is a wonderful way to celebrate your animal companion, and will also keep his memory alive after he passes on.

But as every dog lover learns early on, you can rarely focus your camera (let alone make a sketch) faster than your pup can put a nose print on the lens or become a retreating backside. Cat people fare no better – a cute pose turns into a blur or a hunched-up blob of fur blending in with the rug.

Sometimes, getting a good portrait means turning to the professionals.

Photo opportunity

Need a gift idea for that hard-to-please friend or family member? A special portrait of their dog or cat might be just the ticket.

by Sandra Murphy

48

animal wellness

A professional animal photographer is used to working with reluctant or overly-enthusiastic models and may have more patience than you can muster. Each artist has his or her own techniques and specialities. Adam Williams of Benton Park Photography, for example, works with natural light in his clients’ homes, and lets the animals create their own poses in a setting where they feel most comfortable.

“I always see and photograph pets as personalities,” says Toronto Pet

rango . ary Fish A raits by M well as appearance rt o p se e s Th a y lit a n erso capture p

Photography’s Piotr Organa. “Pet photography works best when dogs and cats are treated with dignity and respect.” Piotr takes his own backdrops and lights for photo shoots in the client’s home or at an outdoor location. “I photograph mostly the faces of my dog and cat clients, with as much expression as possible.”

Mary Fish Arango is known for her action shots of dogs running full out with all four feet off the ground.

“An obedient, well-mannered dog, with a solid recall, sit-stay, down-stay and stand-stay will have the easiest and most favorable photo shoot,” she says. “Dogs who are clever about posing are a bonus, both for the photographer and the client.” Mary finds clicker trained dogs cooperate well and offer photogenic poses and behaviors. If you want to have your dog photographed, she suggests training him to hold his position while you stand, sit, kneel, somersault or crawl on the ground – it will prevent him from breaking the pose and investigating the photographer when he or she moves.

“Each breed needs a different trick of the trade to get the best shot,” Mary adds. She recently did a photo shoot with five off-lead bloodhound puppies, as yet untrained; she recruited eleven helpers to herd and recapture any escapees.

Brush work Dog trainer Liz Palika of Kindred Spirits takes a lot of dog pictures for training purposes, but for her Australian shepherd, Dax, she wanted something different. “Dax was my husband’s dog and she was a warrior,” Liz says. She animal wellness

49

Paul Boddum’s series of three paintings captures Brody in action.

turned to artist Sheri Wachtstetter for a painting. “We met and Sheri took several photos of Dax. She got Dax’s expressions, spirit and the fire in her eyes, as well as the softness.” Sheri finished the watercolor in time for Liz to give it to her husband for Christmas.

Along with oil canvases of animals, artist and animal lover Ann Marie O’Leary of Annieo’s Pet Portraits also paints collages, plates and “little easels”, which include a decorative easel that can bear the animal’s name or a special quote or saying.

Artist Paul Boddum has seen a steady increase in business since he began painting commissioned pet portraits in 2002.

While many of his portraits are gifts, he says some of the most touching stories come from the in-memoriam portraits. “I allow myself one good cry before I begin, and then put that aside to do the honor of memorializing a special animal.” Paul paints from photographs and strives to make each painting as unique as the dog or cat. “What drives me are the experiences, and the personal stories of deep bonds and love. I have done portraits of dogs with their heads out of car windows, dogs in a boat, and a dog in a tuxedo who was part of a wedding.”

Working in pastels from photographs, Bernadette Kazmarski likes to meet the cat or dog and take her own pictures to highlight his best qualities, such as a super-fluffy tail or foldover ears. If a meeting is not possible, she gathers details from a number of pictures, adding toys or de-cluttering the background to remove distractions. For one cat family, Bernadette combined individual photos to create a pastel of five cats, and added a bay window setting. “In the end, any portrait means I work closely with my customer, sometimes at an emotionally difficult time,” she says. “A portrait is not just a picture of the subject’s physical characteristics; it captures his emotional and spiritual traits too.”

50

animal wellness

Artist Terry Albert learns a lot about dogs and cats through pet sitting, fostering, boarding and training. Her art is done in watercolors, pastels and/or colored pencils. Working from photos, she creates a head or full body portrait with a solid color or scenic background. “Close-up photos of your dog or cat work much better. Get down at eye level with her and try for straight-on photos instead of looking down.”

You can even have your dog or cat’s likeness recreated in glass.

Working from a photo, artist Carl Pawlik hand engraves pieces of glass and affixes them to a wood base. He uses no lasers, computers or chemicals. Depending on the size, two or three lights are inserted in the base to highlight detail. Clients may also add a name, dates or a short saying.

Whether you’re commissioning a portrait for yourself or as a gift for someone else, it’s important to gather some photos of the animal and decide what kind of pose and background you’d like. If you’re ordering the portrait for a special occasion, be sure to allow enough time for its creation. Combining photos and translating the essence of your dog or cat into art is a process that can’t be rushed. Know what you want and communicate it clearly to the artist or photographer.

And be open to his or her suggestions – their experience is as much a part of their art as their talent. As Florrie discovered, the resulting portrait will be a lasting remembrance of love shared.

Animal portraitists

Annieo’s Pet Portraits, petportraitsbyannieo.com Benton Park Photography, bentonparkphotoco.com Bernadette Kazmarski, bernadette-k.com Comfy Cozy Pet Furniture, comfycozypetfurniture.com/pet_portraits Kindred Spirits, kindredspiritsk9.com Mary Fish Arango Photography, maryfisharangophotography.com Paul Boddum, paulboddum.com Ravetta Photography, ravettaphotography.com Terry Albert, terryalbert.com Toronto Pet Photography, torontopetphotography.com

animal wellness

51

warm & Fuzzy Life lessons from

Labradors

by Nancy A. Kaiser

C

ompanion animals come into our lives to answer our souls’ cries for help. These teachers come in all species and appear when the student is ready.

Two of my greatest teachers came while my soul was screaming in pain. Their arrival coincided with my prolonged and painful recovery from the end of my 27year marriage through divorce, and the deaths of my two previous Labrador teachers, Shadow and Licorice.

Puppies to the rescue Six weeks before the new pups were conceived, I lost my soulmate Shadow. His death left a gaping hole in my heart. Without his brother by my side, I simply wouldn’t have been able to cope. Licorice granted me another five months until I had to say good-bye to him too. As I sat on the vet’s floor with Licorice’s grey head in my lap, stroking him and crying, I thought about the two new brothers that were waiting to join me.

Two weeks later, when the pups arrived, I was battered from two years of intense loss, grief, anger, fear and pain.

I was devastated and in dire need of help. My new pups taught like university professors, yet they were only babies.

I named them Hana and Saba after my two favorite places on Earth.

Shortly after I brought them home, I became dreadfully ill with flu-like symptoms and a horrific cough that lasted for weeks. Caring for and housebreaking my new pups became infinitely difficult. While I struggled to get well, a

52

animal wellness

When puppies Hana and Saba came into the author’s life, they helped heal her broken heart.

rainy spell made my forays outside with them very taxing.

Hana was excellent about doing what he needed to. But Saba, the dog that loved leaping around in water, hated the rain. The last thing I needed was to be walking around in the rain, but each time the pups went out, I had to don my rain gear and accompany Saba, only to have him sit stubbornly by my feet under the umbrella. Of course, the trick was to outwait him, which is fine if you have your health and lots of patience. At the time, I had neither.

Learning forgiveness One day, after standing in the rain too long, I picked Saba up, shouted angrily at him and stormed into the house. He looked at me with adoring eyes, questioning my startling outburst.

Instantly, I felt immense remorse and shame. There was simply no excuse for losing my temper with him. At ten

Their happiness, joyful exuberance and life-loving, blissful natures were powerful lessons for a woman who’d misplaced all those childlike traits. weeks old, Saba was too young to understand. Guilt overwhelmed me, and I felt worse emotionally than I did physically.

I had spent about an hour thoroughly admonishing myself, when tiny sweet Saba strolled over and plopped down on my foot. With his simple touch, tears flowed and all my self-loathing disappeared. Saba’s lesson of forgiveness was so powerful. My heart melted with his teaching. His gesture allowed me to let go of my guilt and shame and move out from under my shroud of negativity. Animals are masters of living in the now, and Saba’s instant forgiveness was perfect proof. If people had the same degree of forgiveness, our world would be at peace.

I truly believe that others reflect the things we most need to learn. Saba mirrored my need to forgive my ex and finally accept that our divorce was neither right nor wrong. It just was. The immediate release I felt when Saba forgave me was extraordinary. It took me some time to emulate him, but I have achieved forgiveness, and that has allowed me to release the last of my anger and resentment.

No Artificial Fillers No Artificial Flavors No Artificial Preservatives No Sorbitol No Brewers yeast

Double the healing The healing that Hana and Saba gifted me with was truly astonishing. They’d look at me with adoring eyes, melting my wounded heart. With their heads on my feet, they were telling me: “You’re special, and we love you.” My self-esteem soared for the first time in ages. My love for them was so intense it almost hurt.

• 7,000,000 dogs are overweight in the USA • Skin allergy & Senior immune supplements now available!

• Created using windmill power

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

Hana and Saba today.

diabetic and overweight dogs.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS MADE IN THE USA

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

53

My new pups taught like university professors, yet they were only babies.

The healthier I got, the more I began to enjoy my new puppies and learn their powerful lessons.

While I taught Hana and Saba to sit, stay, and not pee in the house, they taught me profound lessons about myself. I learned how to trust again, how to love without condition, how to stay in the present moment and make the most of it, how to live in joy, how to take life less seriously -- and most challenging, how to forgive and let go.

It is impossible to be unhappy around Hana and Saba. They look at life from one perspective only – that of play. The simplest thing becomes a toy. Their happiness, joyful exuberance and lifeloving, blissful natures were powerful lessons for a woman who’d misplaced all those childlike traits.

Every day, these two dear souls teach me that I am worthy of being loved and am in turn capable of loving. When they look at me with their loving glances, they pierce any negativity within me. These two special dogs helped me regain my happiness, joy and passion for life, all of which had been missing for too long. I couldn’t have attracted more skilled teachers. They had big paws to fill after Shadow and Licorice, but they’ve filled them admirably.

Hana and Saba are living up to their names – two of the most healing places on Earth!

54

animal wellness

t ack

Changing How a puppy’s brush with parvo inspired these entrepreneurs to give up selling office supplies and start formulating nutraceuticals for animals.

by Charlotte Walker Cindy and her mother Pat are the driving force behind Amber Technology and its unique nutraceuticals for animals.

W

hen Cindy Van Komen and her mother Pat Griffiths decided to start a home business to help support their families, their first choice was office supplies and computer parts. “Then my daughter’s puppy came down with parvo, a viral disease that is usually fatal to dogs,” says Cindy.

The vet’s prognosis was grim, but Cindy’s daughter refused to give up. “She pleaded with my mother to create an herbal solution that might save him,” says Cindy. “My mother had, over the years, developed quite an ability in the area of herbal treatments. She set out to create a remedy that might help.”

The treatment worked and the puppy rapidly recovered.

“We had a vet ask for some of the herbal solution to test.

We found more dogs with parvo and other intestinal dysfunctions in our area, and when given the herbal solution, they all recovered.” Excited by the results, Cindy and Pat knew they were on to something, so they changed the whole focus of their business. “Here was something we could make, and provide to the world, and feel good about. We didn’t have much of a passion for office supplies anyway!” The only thing the women kept the same was the name of their company – Amber Technology.

The next challenge was figuring how to market their herbal remedy, which they called Parvaid. “We couldn’t sell it as a cure without FDA approval,” says Cindy. “We

investigated the approval process and discovered that the red tape and expense were more than we could bear.

After discussing it with our attorney and veterinarians, we decided to sell Parvaid as a food supplement that may help parvo victims recover.”

Nearly five years later, Amber Technology has grown to include more than 20 products and has nearly 400 dealers across the country. “We offer products for heart health, parvo infections, respiratory health, digestive system health, urinary tract health, ear infections, and an all-natural antibiotic called Vibactra Plus,” says Cindy’s husband, Rick Van Komen, who is also a co-owner of Amber Technology. Cindy adds that the herbal and technical know-how comes from her mother. “She has read many books on medical science and microbiology.

Along the way, she became interested in herbs and has studied them in great detail.”

Since the company’s inception, Cindy, Pat and Rick have never lost sight of their desire to help correct health problems in animals. “We’ve saved animals from kidney failure, from having their paws amputated or their thyroid glands removed,” says Rick. “We also helped a cat regain his voice after eleven years of only being able to make croaking sounds. We believe our first responsibility is to the health of our customers’ pets, and are continuing to develop more all-natural products that help solve health and healing issues for those animals and give them a fighting chance for survival.” animal wellness

55

Chillin’ Chinese herbs with

Your dog is scared of loud noises, hates being left alone and is jumpier than a jack-in-the-box. Chinese herbs can calm him down by getting to the heart of canine anxiety.

by Jean Scherwenka

“W

e’ve got to get help for this dog or she’s going to kill herself!” Jason Givens said to his wife Michelle.

The couple had returned home that evening to find Denbigh, their English springer spaniel, frantically barking, wild-eyed with anxiety and covered with slobber.

Denbigh’s first anxiety attack occurred when she turned seven, and her attacks had been escalating ever since. After trying what seemed like everything Western medicine had to offer, Michelle called holistic veterinarian Dr. Chris Bessent.

Her treatment protocol included Chinese herbs. They worked for Denbigh when nothing else did.

56

animal wellness

Anxiety means deeper problems From the Chinese perspective, Denbigh’s anxiety attacks were a warning that something more serious was going on in her body. Anxiety in dogs can manifest in different ways including a fear of thunder and other loud noises, fear aggression, and in Denbigh’s case, separation anxiety. In Western medicine, we think of anxiety as a neurosis or emotional behavior issue. But according to Dr. Bessent, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) sees anxiety as a physical issue that reflects a disturbance in the dog’s heart shen.

Ideally, Chinese herbs are used in formulas rather than

In her book Four Paws Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs, pioneer holistic vet Cheryl Schwartz explains heart shen as “the spirit of the body” housed in the heart “from which happiness and well being arise.” Dr. Bessent describes a healthy heart shen as the ability to feel relaxed in a new environment, or the ability to settle in. Animals with poor heart shen have difficulty doing that. “[Western] thinking is very linear,” writes Dr. Schwartz.

“If A happens, B follows. There is health. There is disease. In Eastern thought, however, things are more circular. Eastern medicine talks about balance and imbalance.” In order to maintain health, Dr. Schwartz stresses the importance of recognizing an imbalance before it becomes a disease.

What makes him anxious?

Thunder or loud noises. Your dog becomes anxious, clingy and agitated when his high sensitivity to barometric pressure warns him of a coming storm. When the storm hits, he paces, may cry or bark at cracks of thunder, hide under things, or cower in a corner and shake. After the storm, he may have trouble settling down; some dogs can be restless for hours, even days afterward. Fireworks and other loud noise can set off similar reactions.

Fear aggression. When meeting other dogs or people, your dog becomes aggressive, sometimes even biting.

Separation anxiety. Your dog panics when left alone and resorts to destructive behavior. He may chew up the carpet, shred your couch, or bloody his own nails and teeth by clawing and chewing at the door. These are all indications of his overwhelming anxiety because you are gone.

animal wellness

57

Where to find Chinese herbs It’s not a good idea to buy and use Chinese herbs without professional assistance. Ideally, Chinese herbs are used in formulas rather than singly. The herbs work in synergy, which means the whole formula provides a greater effect than the sum of its parts, and with few or no side effects.

Holistic veterinarians practicing Chinese Medicine usually carry a line of Chinese herbs they can prescribe to their patients.

Independent holistic pet stores, meanwhile, like to promote animal wellness by educating themselves on the products they sell. They usually carry Chinese herbal formulas and can help you understand how to use them.

Visit herbsmithinc.com for more info.

Left unchecked, poor heart shen can develop into other conditions. A tranquilizer might have enabled Denbigh’s family to live with her anxiety while they tried various training methods to manage her behavior. But her heart shen problem would have remained and the untreated disharmony deep within Denbigh’s body could eventually lead to more serious problems.

Five elements of Chinese medicine Chinese medicine distills the entire world into five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Some of

these elements control others, and all are affected by one other in a cyclical way. For example, the heart is the fire element, and the kidneys are the water element.

So it makes sense that the kidneys (water) control the heart (fire).

“When there is an imbalance or disharmony in the heart fire, the kidneys, being the water element, should be able to control it,” explains Dr. Bessent. “Chinese herbs tonify (strengthen) the kidneys. This increases their ability to control the heart, which then allows the animal’s body to keep anxiety in check.” Western medicine’s anti-anxiety meds or tranquilizers work fast to relieve a dog’s anxiety symptoms, but the proper Chinese herbal formula goes straight to the dog’s heart shen problem and resolves it by strengthening the kidneys.

Don’t be fooled by appearances Westerners tend to be hooked on a quick fix. “I gave my dog these herbs, and he was no different next morning,” we might say. But Chinese herbs start their work from the inside out, and though at first we may not see it, improvements have begun.

Furthermore, dogs actually experience added benefits from the slower herbal healing process. Most herbal formulas contain a combination of active ingredients that work synergistically, where one ingredient helps buffer the strong effects of another. In this way, the herbs cause little or no negative side effects.

Dr. Bessent also points out that if you miss giving your dog a dose of herbs, he will not experience the sudden setback he would if you missed a pharmaceutical dosage. And what if, after a year or so, you decide your dog is doing so well he doesn’t need the herbs any longer? Even if you stopped giving them to him too soon, he would not experience a dramatic or sudden relapse; he would undergo a slow, gradual reversal of his progress. It could be two or three months before you recognize some subtle signs that the anxiety is returning, at which time you could simply put him back on the herbal formula and again begin his gradual progression toward health.

Little Denbigh is now 13 years old and free of anxiety. “She’s happy all the time,” says Michelle. “Is she going to live much longer? I think probably, but I’m not sure. But every minute she lives is going to be a better minute, for her and for me.”

58

animal wellness

I

nspired by the heartache of losing her beloved dog Mercy after a routine dental procedure in 1992, Lise Guerin was determined to find another way to maintain the dental health of dogs and cats. After numerous consultations and rigorous testing with medical professionals on different continents, Leba III was created from a combination of safe and effective herbs, including mint (Lamiaceae) and Rose (Rosaceae) stabilized in 25% ethyl alcohol (human, food grade) and distilled water.

The herbs are the active ingredients, changing the chemistry in the mouth, stimulating the enzymes and causing the tartar to soften and fall off. “It works with the saliva by stimulating the good flora,” Lise explains. “You hear a lot about probiotics now, because we know that to maintain health in a live system, you fight bad bacteria with good bacteria.” When you use a product with an antiseptic, it kills both the good and bad bacteria and puts the chemistry in the mouth even more off balance. Leba III has a different action.”

By 1994, veterinarians all across Canada were buying Leba III to use in their practices. Soon, the product was available in the U.S. and was being distributed to pet stores and sold directly to consumers.

Helping other animals and protecting them from what happened to Mercy means the world to Lise. “We received an email recently from a customer in New York whose dog had terrible teeth and breath. She wrote, “It has been life changing as we now allow her to sit with us for hours instead of minutes! Thank you for making such an easy to use and effective product.” Testimonials won’t bring Mercy back, but they celebrate her memory.

For more information on Leba III visit www.lebalab.com or call 1-866-532-2522.

animal wellness

59

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

My ten-year-old cocker/poodle mix has been having random front leg shaking in a standard “sit” position (back legs down, front legs up). It started a year-and-a-half ago with just the left leg. If I pick up the leg by her foot, it continues shaking. This happens off and on, with no pattern noted. It doesn’t happen more often after exercise or upon waking.

We had her thyroid tested, and it’s fine. Now both her legs are doing it. She sits normally with her back legs.

With the signs you describe, the most probable area of concern would be the neck. I compliment you on your understanding and application of proper health practices. However, even though your dog has not received vaccines for four years, multiple and unnecessary vaccinations given years before could still be related to the cause of his shaking. Of all possible treatments, and depending on a definitive diagnosis, I would suggest acupuncture as the first addition to therapy.

Q

She gets a raw diet with herbs/veggies/fruit and exercises an average of 30 to 60 minutes a day. She has had no vaccines since I rescued her at age six. I have consulted the only two holistic vets around, and one regular vet, to no avail. Her past owners fed her cheap kibble and vaccinated her. We are currently using MegaCPlus by Orthomolecular Specialties.

A

I commonly see shaking in many dogs as they get older.

Many times, the actual cause remains undiagnosed despite comprehensive work-ups. My practice works closely with a board certified neurologist who is also certified in acupuncture. In my practice, with situations such as your dog’s, I recommend a consultation with him. So consulting with a certified neurologist would be a good idea. He/she could give you extra input as to what may be causing this condition.

60

animal wellness

My dogs’ diets are made up of a super premium dry food (approximately 50%), meat canned food (approximately 35%), and various cooked foods (approximately 15%). I have been occasionally using a product called Transfer Factor Canine Complete by 4Life, after reading about the importance of transfer factors in boosting immunity. Do you have any advice about using this particular product?

If not, do you suggest daily use of a multivitamin and an antioxidant supplement? Should I also add an enzyme or probiotic product?

A

Quality canned, home-cooked and raw foods are ideal diets for dogs. If you continue to feed dry food, grain-free choices are preferred. I am familiar with the Transfer Factor supplement and do feel it is very good.

I have learned that there are dozens of transfer factors in each individual’s body, and if the transfer factors in this supplement happen to align with those that are deficient, giving it is even more beneficial.

The other supplements you list are the most common ones I recommend for routine use, along with a good quality fish oil and an antioxidant supplement when dogs start getting above five years of age.

Q

CANINE LIFE

®

we’ve got you covered

VERSATILE NUTRITIOUS CONVENIEN T DELICIOUS

from coast to coast!

Creating a Fresh Whole Foods Diet for Your Dog’s Optimum Health!

Special Cancer Formulation available

www.theskyesthelimit.com • www.westcoastcaninelife.com A percentage of the proceeds from all Canine Life products is donated to The Smiling Blue Skies ® Cancer Fund. www.smilingblueskies.com

Both my Cairn terriers are being treated for canine flu, with pneumonia. I almost lost both of them and it is still touch and go with my six-year-old because her heart has been affected. This disease is new in Connecticut, and there is virtually no information about it. There is apparently a vaccine, but my vet doesn’t even know if my dogs need it, or if they are now immune. Do you have any information to share?

A

I am far from an expert on this subject, because to date, I have not seen what appears to be one case of this illness at my practice. I consulted my staff doctors about their experiences and the few cases they have possibly been involved with responded well to the correct antibiotic therapy.

A lot is still unknown about canine flu and even the vaccine. If you had not already had such a horrible experience with your two dogs, I would probably have treated this topic like the human related ones, such as the swine flu scare, and just focus on their health. My initial investigations pointed to the fact that, even though there was potential danger, it was not that much worse than other respiratory illnesses. But your experience does pose concerns with this virus.

To date, though, I have not vaccinated one dog for canine flu. I am generally opposed to any vaccines that are not well animal wellness

61

proven and considered “core”. The vaccine for CIV is less than perfect and has not been shown to effectively prevent disease and/or contagion. Given that your dogs already had the illness, I personally would not recommend vaccinating them now, even though I don’t know if clinical disease leads to natural immunity.

Would it be harmful for her to stay on steroids permanently?

A

To help them along, however, Pneumotrate by Progressive Labs and homeopathic Pneumo-Drops by Professional Complementary Health are two remedies we have used successfully for years.

For heart support, CV Formula by Rx Vitamins is a very good supplement.

Q

We have a year-and-a-half-old English shepherd named Sophie. Since she was a puppy, she has been vomiting bile nearly every day. The only time she hasn’t vomited is when she was on steroids or when I changed her food to pure beef (steak) that I cooked myself. She also licks her paw and anal region constantly.

We have had her to several different veterinarians and we have changed her food countless times. Her most recent vet thinks she is allergic to some protein, because of her good behavior on the steroids. Cooking beef for her usually eliminates, or at least minimizes, the vomiting. The problem with this, other than the expense, is that she is receiving no extra vitamins and no fiber, both of which I think she needs.

All the vets have done blood work and x-rays to check for other conditions.

62

animal wellness

I have lots of experience with conditions like this. What you are describing could possibly be part of the inflammatory bowel disease complex. It sounds like it has a food allergy component to it.

Staying on steroids for a prolonged time definitely has detrimental side effects.

Despite much controversy on its efficacy, my doctors and I have seen tremendous benefits from the data we’ve obtained by running food allergy tests based on blood sampling. The other method is good old trial and error, which it seems you have already done.

With regards to adding a fiber source, especially from grain, remember that dogs are primarily carnivores. They do not have a requirement for grain consumption. Meat should be their primary food component. For additions to the meat, you can add assorted vegetables, either well processed or slightly cooked. I also do not mind potatoes, both sweet and white. They are a carbohydrate but not as “heavy” as grain. They also tend to be more GI friendly.

A good homeopathic remedy for the upper GI system is nux vomica. I also used Nausea by BHI/Heel for many years with excellent response.

Holidaygift offer!

Give the gift of Animal Wellness for only

$10 U.S. $12 CAN. 1 yr. (6 issues) ANIMAL WELLNESS

DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

TOPSeasonal

Living pawsitive!

SAFETY TIPS

Greenup

FOR THE HOLIDAYS 5 earth-friendly gift ideas ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

smells Festive RECIPES SOMETHING

Holiday ISSUE

SIT, STAY,

Ramp itUP

Smile!

Immortalize her with a portrait

$5.95 USA/Canada

Aids for elders

Winter

What’s black dog

syndrome?

PAW CARE AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6

For a long, healthy life!

Summer issue!

FOR DOGS AND CATS Four steps to success

Find out why dill is the Top Herb of 2010

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

TAKE HIM TO DOG CAMP!

KA-BOOM! MEET PANCHO

THE “DISH” ON PET BOWLS

PET PRODUCTS MOSQUITOES BE GONE!

“YOU’RE GETTING

– OUR COVER CONTEST

WINNER!

TOXIN TALK

Relaxing moves Try this 5-step dog yoga session

pamper

YOUR POOCH ON THE ROAD

MUSHROOMS

LEAFY

ACCESSORIES

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3

$5.95 USA/Canada

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

---AWM V12I3 COVER-FINAL.indd 1

THE MAGIC OF

What’s safe and what’s not

An eye on CATARACTS

TRENDY TRAVEL

JUNE/JULY Display until July 13, 2010

sleepy”

Is hypnotism for dogs a solution or a quack cure?

See inside for his story

How to choose the right dishes

4/22/10 2:42:02 PM

Greens

Give her diet a healthy boost

APRIL/MAY Display until May 18, 2010

$5.95 USA/Canada

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2

AWM V12I2 COVER.indd 1

2/18/10 6:00:13 PM

STEM CELL

Connect online with fellow animal lovers

MANAGING

DIABETES

Is he HYPERSENSITIVE?

OMG,

HE’S NAKED!

STRESSED

THE TRUTH ABOUT

AWM V12I1_cover FINAL4.indd 1

12/16/09 1:47:59 PM

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 6

AWM V11I6_cover FINAL.indd 1

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

ANIMAL WELLNESS

STYLE

GPS AND

TO GO

MICROCHIPS

Trendy crates, carriers and strollers

APARTMENT

HUNTING?

Find out how to avoid it

How to find an animal friendly pad

Enter our

FOR FUR BABIES

DECEMBER/JANUARY Display until Jan. 12, 2010

DOG PARKS

city dogs

VOLTAGE

FENG SHUI

BRAIN

Cover Photo & Story Contest!

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 6

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

the coolest

MATTER Check out the best

The dangers of stray

Meditate with your dog or cat

SPICE UP HER DIET

ANIMAL BEHAVIORISTS

$5.95 USA/Canada

OUT?

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

TEAM EFFORT Work with your vet to stay informed

FEBRUARY/MARCH Display until Mar. 16, 2010

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

TIPS FOR AGING GRACEFULLY

The needs of hairless breeds

COLOR THERAPY Flower essences can help

ANYTHING

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

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

TWEET,TWEET!

SIZE DOESN’T

EAT

GIFT IDEAS!

How to weather the recession

Living pawsitive!

URBAN ANIMALS

DOGS WHO

GREAT

TIPS FOR TOUGH TIMES

For a long, healthy life!

celebrating

Living pawsitive!

ISSUE

Helping dogs & cats with arthritis & more

10

For a long, healthy life!

Holiday

Living pawsitive!

THERAPY

ANIMAL WELLNESS

For a long, healthy life!

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009

AnimalWELLNESS AnimalWELLNESS AnimalWELLNESS DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY 2010

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2010

ANIMAL WELLNESS

ECO-FRIENDLY

Control without chemicals

Fireworks safety for your dog or cat

Subscribe online:

Living pawsitive!

LANDSCAPING

SimplyDill-icious

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3

For a long, healthy life!

Special GREEN ISSUE!

Living pawsitive!

CANINE LIFESAVERS

HOW TO

ANIMAL WELLNESS

AnimalWELLNESS AnimalWELLNESS APRIL/MAY 2010

JUNE/JULY 2010

ANIMAL WELLNESS

fitness

DECEMBER/JANUARY Display until Jan. 11, 2011

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6

TRAINING &

COZY

GAMES

Mental play for puppies & kittens

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Display until Nov. 17, 2009

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

10/23/09 4:37:53 PM

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com/awmgift 866-764-1212 or call us toll free

Offer expires January 31, 2011

animal wellness

63

MISSING rme e v o R come ho never found re a ts ca d n a s g o sing d to All too often, mis unique approach a s se u n o ti a iz n a again. But this org lost animal cases. to s g in d n e y p p a h help bring

by Barbara

B

loodhounds are expert at finding things, but what do you do when the bloodhound is the one who goes missing? “I had a trained bloodhound named A. J. that I used on missing persons cases,” former policewoman Kat Albrecht explains. “One day he escaped into the woods. Police dogs are only authorized to look for missing persons, so I was on my own even though I was part of the department. I called my friend Jeannie, who had trained her golden retriever to track people. She understood how to follow scents,

64

animal wellness

Nefer

so instead of sniffing a pillow and tracking a human, we had her smell a stinky dog blanket. She found my bloodhound within 20 minutes.”

This happy ending ignited a spark of inspiration in Kat’s mind. “Dogs can detect all sorts of things like mold and termites, so why not train one as an animal detector?

Why wasn’t anyone training dogs to find lost pets?”

Persistence pays off

Kat posted her idea on an internet forum for trackers. To her surprise, the normally chatty group responded with a resounding silence. Finally one person commented: “Why would we waste our time training a dog for that?” Kat let it drop but says the idea continued to haunt her.

Eventually, she decided to take action on her own. She set about the task of training a retired corpse detection dog named Rachel to track companion animals. Rachel, a Weimaraner, quickly caught on. She found two lost cats and a dog in her first four searches. “At that point I realized I was on to something,” says Kat. “It was a major paradigm shift in my life. I knew the idea was bigger than me, and I had to find a way to make it happen.”

Her first attempt was in 1997. “I saw an Oprah episode on volunteerism and decided I needed a non-profit organization. I wanted to help as many people as possible, and teaching people to train dogs seemed to be the way to do it.” This initial effort lasted two years, but the group was unable to get non-profit status due to Kat’s inexperience. Next, she tried it as a business, but that faltered too.

Despite all this, Kat remained committed to the idea and refused to give up. “There is a real need for this service,” she says. “Animal groups like the American Humane Association have disaster teams that respond to major events, but what about the everyday disaster of losing a beloved cat or dog? So many pets end up

Missing Pet Partnership volunteer Landa Coldiron sets out on a tracking mission with her bloodhound, Ellie Mae.

“She found my bloodhound within 20 minutes.” euthanized in shelters or living in feral colonies because their people never find them. So many lives could be saved if a Missing Animal Response team could get there right after a cat or dog escapes. There is funding and grants for things like spay/neuter, but we couldn’t find anything to finance this kind of service.”

In 2005, Kat launched a nationwide effort to train animal detectives to track missing dogs and cats. “We had seminars across the country and trained 150 people,” she said. “Some were good, but others did things in questionable ways. It takes 18 months to properly train a dog, but some were rushing the process and charging hefty fees. That prompted me to take a hard look at how we were doing things.”

animal wellness

65

Three dogs are certified to track cats, three to find other dogs, and two more canines are close to certification.

Finding lost friends Three years later, Kat renewed her original plan of creating a non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery of lost companion animals, and the Missing Pet Partnership (missingpetpartnership.org) was finally born. The organization offers tracking services and advice on finding lost animals. “We changed our goal to training volunteer teams,” she says. The organization is based in Seattle, Washington. “We need to make this work in one city so it can be a blueprint for other locations, from Los Angeles to New York.”

The Missing Pet Partnership currently has a core of 30 volunteers, with 12 people who actively take dogs out on cases. Three dogs are certified to track cats, three to find other dogs, and two more canines are close to certification.

“It takes a very flexible schedule to be able to do searches, and the volunteers all have full-time jobs, so the searches are limited right now,” Kat says. But the group also helps in many other ways, including a robust website filled with animal recovery information and a telephone helpline.

As of this past summer, the Missing Pet Partnership has assisted nearly 300 people, with 71 calls coming in on the Fourth of July alone (many animals bolt in fear at the sound of fireworks).

The group is very persistent when needed. They recently recovered a dog that had been on the run for four months.

The crafty canine was too smart for baited traps, but was eventually lured with a “magnet” dog and captured. Kat says it took nine volunteers and a dose of tranquilizer slipped in food to finally accomplish the task. She gets creative when the situation requires it, even constructing a drop net for certain rescues.

Kat emphasizes that it’s critical to understand how lost cats and dogs respond when they’re frightened by fireworks or have simply got out of the house. “Dogs run when they’re panicked, and cats hide,” she explains. “You shouldn’t call a panicked dog, even though that’s the natural reaction.

When you call and pat your legs, the dog sees that as a dominant, threatening gesture. We instruct people how to calm the dog down so they can catch him. Dogs are usually eventually picked up by people, so we recommend a ‘marketing campaign’ with neon posters.

“Escaped cats look for the first place they can hide,” Kat adds. “Often they’re under a neighbor’s deck or somewhere else in the area, so you can catch them with a humane trap.”

Although the group’s main focus is felines and canines, two percent of their calls involve other animals such as turtles and ferrets. Two dogs are being trained to follow specific scents so they can track these particular species.

The Missing Pet Partnership is funded entirely by donations, fund raisers and search fees. A search costs $250, although phone advice and website access is free. Professional animal detectives often charge $800 or more. Kat says she hopes to eventually get grants and corporate sponsorships because she wants to make search services available and affordable everywhere in the country.

Volunteers use equipment like this Amplified Listening Device, which in this case detected the faint meows of a trapped cat.

66

animal wellness

The organization always needs more funds and volunteers.

Though it’s still in its early stages, Kat’s eventual dream is to be funded, staffed and training Missing Animal Response teams across the United States. “You can find every other service out there under the sun for animals, like vet care, pet sitting and even massage, but when they get lost, you’re on your own,” she says. “That’s exactly what we want to change.”

animal wellness

67

the scoop Beef in the bag For a hearty, natural meat-based meal for your dog, Sojos introduces its new Complete BEEF Dog Food Mix. The mix contains raw freeze-dried beef along with a blend of high quality fruits and vegetables. It’s packaged in a re-sealable pouch, and comes in twopound or eight-pound bags. It’s perfect for those who want to offer their dogs healthy fresh protein along with rotation diet options. sojos.com

Goodness plus The better the pet food, the healthier your companion will be. Pronature Holistic is formulated with natural biotechnology and made with fresh regional organic meat (grain-fed chicken, turkey, duck) and fish along with brown and wild rice, pearled barley and oat groats, and a blend of herbs, fruits and vegetables. Highly palatable and digestible, the diets are available in a variety of flavors for your dog or cat. pronature.ca

Further your education As of January 2011, animal professionals and advocates can gain credentials to advance their careers in the humane field. It’s when the spring term for Duquesne University’s Humane Leadership Bachelor’s Degree Program kicks off. The regionally accredited online program offers courses directed at animal care and control professionals. They include “Animal Health and Behavior in a Shelter Environment”, “Studies in Humane Education”, “Compassion Fatigue” and many more. duq.edu/leadership/humane

68

animal wellness

Chip off the old block AKC Companion Animal Recovery recently pledged 25 Proscan 700 universal microchip scanners to Georgia shelters in support of Georgia House Bill 1106. The new law, which came into effect this past summer, requires shelters statewide to scan pets for microchips twice, to make sure the chips aren’t missed the first time. Before the bill’s passage, supporters worried that the potential costs to shelters would doom the legislation, but AKC CAR’s donation has eased those fears. HomeAgain and Bayer also pledged 20 scanners each. akccar.org

Yum…stew!

Tripe treats Tripe is nutrient-rich stomach lining. It absorbs digestive juices and contains naturally occurring essential fatty acids Omegas 3 and 6. PetKind offers this natural nutrition to your canine companion with their holistic Tripe Treats. There are two to choose from: Grain Free Green Beef Tripe for mid to large size dogs, and Green Lamb Tripe with Chicken for dogs of all sizes. petkind.com

Who doesn’t like home-cooked stew? Dogs love it too, and it’s good for them as well. To commemorate its 75th anniversary, Evangers Dog & Cat Food Company has introduced its Signature Series of grain free slow-cooked stews for dogs.

The stews feature chunks of chicken, turkey, lamb or beef in gravy with farm fresh vegetables. evangersdogfood.com

Lined with comfort Accidents happen, especially as your companion gets older. To help protect his bed against urine stains and odor, Buddy Beds recommends their Premium Waterproof Liner. It’s made from the same high performance materials you find in backpacks, tents and ski jackets and prevents liquids and odors from being absorbed into the dog bed. The liner also protects the bed from bacteria, microbes and dust mites. It’s machine washable and comes in three sizes. buddybeds.com

Streamlining rescue Rescuing animals doesn’t stop with removing them from bad situations. Often, animals need to be transported to facilities some distance away for care or rehabilitation.

The ASPCA has unveiled its first-ever Animal Transport Trailer, a custom-built 60-foot-long vehicle designed to save the lives of animals that fall victim to natural disasters or cruelty and neglect. The trailer will increase the ability of ASPCA’s Field Investigation and Response team to rescue animals from life-threatening situations, and will also further the organization’s mission of responding quickly to large-scale emergencies.

Members of ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement, Field Investigation and Response and Veterinary Forensics teams stand proudly in front of their new Animal Transport Trailer. animal wellness

69

communication

What’s your

poweranimal?

Teachers come in many forms, both human and animal. Along with dogs and cats, wild creatures can also offer us important lessons – we just have to open our minds and hearts to their gifts.

by Lynn McKenzie

T

he morning after her mother died, Charlotte asked for a spiritual sign or message to comfort her in her grief.

Just a few minutes later, she got out of bed, looked out the window, and was thrilled and astonished to see a beautiful yearling fawn in the backyard. “I’m convinced it was a message from Mom, to let me know she’s okay and still with me,” says Charlotte. “Mom loved deer; I believe they were one of her power animals. Now, every time I see one, I think of her.”

You may have heard the term “power animal” and wondered what it means.

Also referred to as animal totems, animal teachers, animal guides or spirit animals, power animals can be our teachers, healers, protectors, helpers and supporters. They are said to bestow us with personal power, strength and understanding. The gifts and blessings power animals present to us are often referred to as “medicine”. According to Jamie Sams and David Carson, authors of Medicine Cards, this medicine is “anything that improves one’s connection to The Great Mystery and to all of life” and includes “the healing of body, mind and spirit”.

An ancient tradition The concept of power animals originates in the shamanic traditions of inwellness 70animal animal wellness

If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other.

– Chief Dan George digenous cultures around the world. Their beliefs are based on the principle that nature, and all sentient beings, possess a sacred wisdom, and that the only way the divine (however we may define it) can speak to us is through nature, especially the animal kingdom. They believe that each and every being that resides on Mother Earth is inter-connected and inter-related, and thus we are all one. This rationale encourages living in true harmony with the earth and all her beings.

Soggy Dog Seat Covers

No more tangled, filthy blankets that won’t stay in place!

• water, sand & hair repellent • sand & hair shakes off • durable • light weight • machine washable • quick dry • easy to install!

• works in cargo areas

For the most part, people in modern society have become far removed from their connection with nature and animals. To truly live in harmony with Mother Earth and be open to her gifts, however, we need a “back to nature” approach. We need to become more in touch with our natural surroundings on a day-to-day basis, and re-awaken our innate ability to “listen” to nature and learn from the animals.

Discovering your power animal There are many schools of thought as to how many power animals each of us has. Personally, I believe there are no hard and fast rules, and that we each have a number of them, although many people may have one main power animal that stays with them throughout their lifetime and tends to be the “head honcho”. Others come and go, to help us during certain times or with specific projects in our lives.

Ask for Soggy Dog at your local pet store 604-833-4907

www.soggydog.ca

Other schools of thought say we each have nine set totem animals that

What does it mean?

Any living creature can be a power animal, but here are a few examples to get you started.

Horse – personal power (earthly and divine), movement, balance, magic Bear – introspection, listening to our inner voice, aligning with rhythm and flow Eagle – connection with spirit (or the divine), vision, power and healing Dragonfly – wisdom, shifting of perceptions, shining our light in powerful ways Snake – t ransmutation, healing (i.e. the caduceus symbol), life, death, rebirth, shedding the old and resurrection Frog – n ew beginnings, fertility, cleansing, healing, awakening creativity animal wellness

71

It’s important to note that power animals can be mammals, fish, reptiles, birds or insects, and no one animal is more significant than another. correlate to the Native American medicine wheel: one for each of the four directions (north, south, east and west), one each for “above”, “below” and “within”, and two more that walk on each side of us to represent our masculine and feminine aspects.

You have power animals continually at your disposal as personal guides and helpers. They are with you to impart their wisdom, and help you gain more understanding of your character and power. Power animals will also help highlight some of your personal life lessons.

There are a number of different ways to determine your own personal power animals.

You can learn the most from your power animals by studying their unique habits and traits and relating them back to your own life. It’s also important to delve deeply into what each of these animals means to you on a personal level.

• The simplest method is to consult one of the many oracle decks available today. Each has its own set of instructions, preparation rituals and ceremonies.

• Meditate and ask your power animals to come forth and show themselves to you.

• Participate in shamanic journeying.

• Another way is to simply take a close look at your own personal life experiences, interactions, synchronicities, dreams and visions. These will tell or show you a lot.

If, like me, you’ve always been drawn to the magic of the horse and what it represents in your life, you can be pretty sure horse is one of your totems. If you see a fox three times in one week, even though you live in a very built-up part of the city, you can be sure he has come your way for a reason. It’s important to note that power animals can be mammals, fish, reptiles, birds or insects, and no one animal is more significant than another.

What can you learn?

72

animal wellness

To interact with your own power animals, or “activate their powers”, simply call them in (either silently or aloud) much as you might offer a prayer when embarking on a new venture. You may also ask for your power animals’ protection or strength during difficult times.

If you possess the skill of animal communication, or have a connection with a professional animal communicator, you can explore your interaction with power animals on a much deeper level to tap into their teachings, lessons and healing powers.

animal wellness

73

Treat her tootsies Help your canine companion put her best foot forward this winter (and all year round) with a set of protective doggie boots or socks.

by Ann Brightman

W

inter or summer, your dog’s paws are under siege from outdoor surfaces. Whether it’s snow, ice or road salt, sharp stones or hot asphalt, her tender pads can be easily injured when she’s out and about. Issues can also arise indoors, especially if you have slippery floors or need to protect your hardwood from scratches.

“Paw protection is critical to the health and well being of your dog, not just in the winter but all year round,” says Andrea Friedland of Pawz Dog Boots. “Many of our customers use boots to protect their pooches from lawn chemicals, pesticides, pad rashes, allergies, sand irritation and dog-run bacteria. Many people also use them for dogs that need assistance with traction control and medical applications such as covering or protecting a post-surgical bandage from getting wet or soiled on a walk.”

If you’re shopping for a set of dog boots, it’s important to make sure you choose a high quality product, and that they’re properly sized to your dog’s feet.

What to look for Quality, comfort and fit are three of the most important factors. “We make dog boots for comfort and pliability,” says Carol Skowronek of Tammy and Teddy’s. “We use high quality fleece, waterproof nylon and deer hide.

When you buy a boot, check the inside seams for stiffness or sharp or scratchy surfaces, and see what the boot has inside it. The lining should have a texture, such as a grid; dogs do not like walking on cushy surfaces.”

74

animal wellness

“Dogs prefer a dog boot with no padding,” Andrea agrees.

“It allows the dog to feel the ground and provides a sense of security.” Pawz makes waterproof natural rubber boots that are molded to fit a dog’s foot. “A lightweight boot that doesn’t restrict the dog’s range of motion allows him to walk, run and play as if he has nothing on his paws,” says Andrea.

Woodrow Wear makes cotton dog socks rather than boots.

“Socks are soft, light, breathable, fit the foot well and are generally quite comfortable,” says Lorraine Walsten.

“People should look for a good fit, comfort (so the dog will wear them) and washability.” Socks are ideal for indoors, and help prevent dogs from slipping and falling on slippery floors or scratching hardwood with their nails. Although not designed for outdoor use, the socks will protect a dog’s feet from hot pavement, and if treated with waterproof spray, can also be used on snow and ice.

Get the right size Correct sizing is crucial. Most companies offer a range of sizes and their websites have charts and measuring instructions to help you choose the right product. “We

Soothe her soles If your companion won’t accept footwear no matter what, there’s an alternative in the form of a natural cream you can apply to her feet before you take her out. Invisible Boot by 100% Natural for Pets is made from beeswax, oils and plant extracts and creates a barrier to protect the dog’s pads from cold, salt, ice and heat.

The company also offers a Paw Rescue spray that cleans residue from a dog’s feet and nails while soothing and softening rough, dry or irritated pads. Both products are non-toxic so are harmless if the dog licks them off. recommend you measure from the big heel pad to the longest toe pad,” says Andrea.

“Measure the dog’s paw thoroughly,” adds Carol. “Usually the stores will allow your dog inside, so ask if you can try the boot on before purchase.”

Lorraine advises that it’s wise to find a retailer who will accept returns or exchanges. “Not all dogs of the same breed and weight have the same size feet,” she says.

Will she wear them?

A number of techniques will help your dog accept her new footwear.

“Prepare your dog for her walk,” advises Andrea. “Have her at the door with the leash attached and a couple of small treats in your pocket. Put the boots on and take her for her walk so she can feel the ground and easily acclimate to the boots. Divert her from being curious about them with a treat.”

Carol adds that you can try putting the boots on when your dog is calm and tired. “Put one boot on just like you would a collar,” she says. “Leave it on about 20 minutes the first time.

Don’t make anything of it, or you’ll have trouble putting it on next time.

Just ignore your dog and you will see her accept them.”

Inside the house, recommends Lorraine, you can help your dog accept socks or boots by throwing a favorite toy, or calling her with a healthy treat in your hand. She’ll soon learn she can move in her new footwear and will adapt quickly.

With winter coming on, a set of dog boots or socks might make the perfect holiday gift for your pooch. She’ll be able to use them all year round!

Pawz Dog Boots

Companies

100% Natural for Pets, natural4pets.com Muttluks, muttluks.com Pawz, pawzdogboots.com Tammy and Teddy’s, tammyandteddys.com Woodrow Wear, woodrowwear.com animal wellness

75

COMMUNICATORS NEW YORK

FLOWER ESSENCE THERAPY CALIFORNIA

Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: www.ark-angels.org Compassionate Consultations and Reiki Energy Healings with Love.

ONTARIO Sue Becker Kitchener, ON Canada Phone: (519) 896-2600 Email: suebecker@cyg.net Website: www.suebecker.net

Communication, Counselling, Back Flower Remedies, Tellington TTouch. Consults, workshops, teleclasses, mentoring.

!NIMAL #OMMUNICATION

!

www.AnimalParadiseCommunication.com • 703-648-1866

,ET THE ANIMALS !

ILLUMINATE YOU

V IRGINIA

DOES YOUR PET HAVE “ISSUES�?

RESOLVE THEM– ONCE AND FOR ALL!

Essential Healing Flower Essence Therapy can resolve emotional/behavioral issues for dogs, cats, horses, including: • Behavior problems stemming from past abuse/neglect • Cat litterbox issues • Fearful, timid, overly sensitive animals • Grieving or depressed animals • Odd, bafing behaviors

THE RIGHT ESSENCES AT THE RIGHT TIME CAN WORK WONDERS! • 25 years experience • Proven track record • In depth, personal consultations • Individualized formulas chosen from 1,000 available essences • International availability by phone or Skype Judy Aizuss, M.S., Essential Healing: 415-459-2383 E-mail: judy@essentialhealingbyjudy.com Website: www.essentialhealingbyjudy.com

www.AnimalParadiseCommunication.com • 703-648-1866

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE CALIFORNIA

WASHINGTON Communications With Love Amboy , WA USA Phone: (360) 247-7284 Email: morgine@tds.net Website: www.theanimaltranslator.com

Promote your

holistic business Inexpensively to

a targeted market!

Our readers are looking for quality natural services and turn to Animal Wellness Magazine as the leading source for wellness information. If you provide a holistic service or product you are eligible to advertise in the WRG.

For advertising information: email wrg@animalwellnessmagazine.com or call 866-764-1212

76

animal wellness

ALBERTA Steven Marsden, DVM Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic Edmonton, AB Canada Phone: 780-436-4944

ARIZONA 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

CALIFORNIA Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 Caroline Goulard DVM CVA (949) 813-4107 Aliso Viejo, CA USA Phone: (949) 813-4107 Email: c.goulard@cox.net Website: www.carolinegoularddvm.com Acupuncture, Chinese herbals, Tui-na

INTEGRATIVE VETS

' "$ !# & " ' ! #" ' " ' " # "

%%% !

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

communicators - flower essence therapy - holistic healthcare - integrative vets

Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825 Shingle Springs Vet Clinic Shingle Springs, CA USA Phone: 530-677-0390 Email: drb@deanbaderdvm.com Website: www.deanbaderdvm.com

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

CONNECTICUT

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

KENTUCKY

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

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

ONTARIO

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

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

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

Homeopathy, Nutrition, Food Sensitivity Testing, Flower Essences, Herbalism, TTouch ( +# +* ! &% ( "% . % &%

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 Toll Free: (609) 645-2120 Phone: (609) 823-3031 Website: www.alternativevet.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

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 Aquapuncture, Cancer Therapies, Chiropractic, Herbal Almonte, ON Canada Medicine, Homeopathic, Nutritional Balancing, Phone Phone: 613-253-7473 Consultations

NEW YORK

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

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

Autumn Drouin, D.V.M., N.D. and Sasan Haghighat, D.V.M., C.V.A. North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: holisticveterinarian@gmail.com Website: www.holistic-vet.ca

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

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

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 Rockledge Veterinary Clinic Rockledge, PA USA Phone: (215) 379-1677 Email: rockledgevet@aol.com Website: www.rockledgevet.com

RHODE ISLAND

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

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.

animal wellness

77

natural product manufacturers/distributors - natural product retailers - reiki the

UTAH

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

CONNECTICUT

NATURAL PRODUCT RETAILERS BRITISH COLUMBIA

Cranimal aka I & W Research West Vancouver, BC Canada Phone: (360) 326-6446 Email: info@cranimal.com Website: www.i-and-w.com/ www.cranimal.com

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

VIRGINIA

NEW YORK

CALIFORNIA

Holistic Petcare

for all your pets Nutrition & Supplies

BY WHISKERS

OPEN NOW TORIA, IN AS ENS! E U Q

1-800-WHISKERS • 212-979-2532

19-25 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105 • 718-626-8590

Animal Lovers Pet Shop Torrance, CA USA Toll Free: (888) 544-0490 Phone: (310) 378-3052 Email: animallovers.petshop@bizla.rr.com Website: www.animalloverspetshop.com

WWW.1800WHISKERS.COM

P.O.R.G.I.E.

UTAH

Amber Technology LLC Lake Point, UT USA Toll Free: (877) 727-8243 Phone: 801-966-8895 Email: customerservice@ambertech.com Website: www.ambertech.com

NATURAL PRODUCT

Pet Ownership Requires Getting Informed and Educated A HEALTH STORE FOR PETS Natural & Organic & THEIR PEOPLE Products 951-784-9070 www.porgienaturalhealth.com

www.ambertech.com

Pet Kiss Inc. Palmdale, CA USA Phone: (661) 949-7374 Email: petkissproducts.com Website: www.petkiss.com

MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

ARIZONA

with your

brand’s

vision?

CALIFORNIA

Iceland Pure Vista , CA USA Phone: (760) 727-7333 Email: ice@icelandpure.com Website: www.icelandpure.com Onesta Organics San Diego, CA USA Phone: (619) 295-1136 Email: info@onestaorganics.com Website: www.onestaorganics.com Primal Pet Foods, Inc. San Mateo, CA USA Toll Free: (866) 566-4652 Phone: 650-570-7400 Website: www.PrimalPetFoods.com

78

animal wellness

COLORADO

Need help

Azmira Holistic Animal Care Tuscon, AZ USA Toll Free: (800) 497-5665 Phone: (520) 886-8548 Email: info@azmira.com Website: www.azmira.com

Holistic Pet Inc. Arvada, CO USA Phone: (303) 888-5101 Email: service@holisticpetinfo.com Website: www.holisticpetinfo.com

Only Natural Pet Store

REDSTONE MEDIA GROUP offers full service multi-media capabilities for your advertising and marketing needs. • Copywriting • Graphic Design • Scriptwriting

Contact us

• Video shooting • Video editing • Digital design

1-866-764-1212

9am– 5pm E.S.T.

www.RedstoneMediaGroup.com

Visit our online store for a huge selection of natural products for your pets!

1-888-937-6677 www.onlynaturalpet.com

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

erapy - schools & wellness education - supplements - trainers & behaviorists

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

TEXAS

REIKI THERAPY CALIFORNIA

Raw diets • Supplements • Grain-free treats

UĂŠĂŠ

UĂŠĂŠ Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?iĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŽĂ“ĂŠÂœĂ˘ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂŁĂŠ}>Â?Â?œ˜°

Pick up & delivery Pick delivery available available in in Houston, TX

COLORADO

WashingtonDCPetFood.com Washington, DC USA Phone: (202) 291-2404 Email: orders@thebigbadwoof.com Website: www.washingtondcpetfood.com

Well Animal Institute Brighton, CO USA Phone: (303) 514-0076 Email: info@wellanimalinstitute.com Website: www.wellanimalinstitute.com

Order RAW diets & treats online for dogs & cats!

FLORIDA

Massage Therapists Integrative Veterinarians Trainers & Behaviorists Pet Sitters Natural Product Retailers, Manufacturers & Distributors

NEW JERSEY

My Crystal Companion Brick, NJ USA Phone: (732) 458-8700 Email: hcvparamount@aol.com Website: www.mycrystalcompanion.com

SCHOOLS & WELLNESS EDUCATION

Shelters & Rescues Reiki Chiropractic Acupressure Acupuncture

SUPPLEMENTS CALIFORNIA

Cycles-of-Life Newbury Park, CA USA Toll Free: (800) 498-6640 Phone: (818) 889-9344 Website: www.cycles-of-life.com

TRAINERS & BEHAVIORISTS CALIFORNIA The Inquisitive Canine Ventura, CA USA Phone: (805) 650-8500 Email: joan@theinquisitivecanine.com Website: www.inquisitivecanine.com

Advertise your business in theWellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

animal wellness

79

Ramp it up

Is he having trouble jumping on the bed or getting into your vehicle? A pet ramp or set of steps can make life a lot easier for your senior or disabled companion.

by Mark Robinson

This ramp provides good traction and is sturdily constructed (HandicappedPets.com)

I

can sit for hours watching a puppy or kitten bounce around the house – leaping on the bed, careening onto a couch cushion, pouncing on a windowsill and bounding upstairs. I once had a dog that seemed to just fly through the open door of a car, whether invited or not.

But those days don’t last forever. As our fur friends get older, especially when they’re recovering from injury or illness, they just don’t jump as high as they used to. Getting up on a bed or couch can become almost impossible.

There are several ways you can help an elderly, disabled or handicapped animal get around more easily. These include rear lift harnesses

80

animal wellness

or leashes, dog wheelchairs and throw rugs for firm footing. One of the most basic tools is a handicapped pet ramp or set of steps.

There are a wide variety of steps and ramps to choose from and each has different applications.

• Soft foam pet steps are ideal for around the house.

They are lightweight, easy to move, and won’t hurt your shins if you scrape against them in the dark. Foam pet steps come in several shapes, sizes, colors, fabrics and heights. Typically, they cost between $50 and $100, so they’re very affordable. When choosing foam pet stairs, consider not only your furniture and décor, but also the size and shape of your dog. For example, a smaller dog may be better with a five-step version, with the steps set fairly close together. A larger dog may do well with a three-step version.

• Wooden pet steps and ramps can be used if the installation is going to be relatively permanent. They can be finished to match your furniture. They are often placed beside a bed or couch on a part of the floor not often used by people.

• One of the most common uses for pet steps and ramps is to help animals get up into vehicles. Jumping up on the backseat of a car, into the rear of an SUV or the back of a truck bed can be impossible for a handicapped animal. And the idea of lifting a heavy dog into a car can be daunting.

There are three primary categories of ramps for use with vehicles: folding pet ramps, telescoping ramps, and expanding (accordion style) pet steps. You need to choose the correct type based on your vehicle, where your dog rides, available storage space, and your ability to lift the ramp. Make sure the product you buy will fit in the trunk, behind the seat or wherever else there is storage space.

Telescoping and folding ramps A telescoping ramp has an internal sliding mechanism so the bottom half of the ramp slides out from under the top part. Telescoping ramps are very easy to use and ideal for their portability.

Typical folding pet ramps are between 35” to 40” folded, and will unfold to 70” to 75”. Tri-fold ramps can fit in a space as small as 26”. These ramps have reinforced animal wellness

81

hinges. Some will lock into place.

When buying a ramp, pay attention to the following: • Does the ramp have good traction on the walking surface? Your dog needs to feel a firm footing.

• Is the ramp washable and rust-proof?

• It should have the ability to lock in both open and closed positions.

• Is the ramp’s height right for your vehicle?

• It should have raised sides for the dog’s comfort and safety.

This is particularly important if he uses a wheelchair.

Compared to the folding pet ramp, a telescoping pet ramp is a bit easier to open and more adjustable because it can slide open to any length between 40” to 72”. A folding ramp has only two sizes, folded and unfolded. Some telescoping ramps, however, have more moving parts and can be difficult to open if debris gets in the mechanism.

Both folding and telescoping pet ramps weigh between 12 and 18 pounds and can support weights of up to 400 pounds. Ramps like this should not be used for heights greater than 30”, as the angle may become too steep for the dog.

For larger pickup trucks with a tailgate height of up to 36”, you’ll need a ramp that extends to 85” to 90”.

A ramp works best with an SUV or pickup truck when it can be laid flat against the bumper or tailgate. Getting into the side door of a car, into the front or back seat, can be a bit awkward based on how far your doors will open. One product, PetStep, offers a side entry support strap that holds the ramp securely in place while the dog climbs into the back seat.

Expanding steps Expanding pet steps unfold into a staircase that allows the dog to easily walk up into a vehicle. Folded, the steps are about the size of a small suitcase. Unfolded, accordion style, with models ranging from three to five steps, they can be used for heights up to 40”. They tend to be a bit heaver and more expensive then folding or telescoping pet ramps, but are much more versatile and can fold into a compact 22” square.

Choosing the right ramp or steps is simple when you consider how, when and where they will be used. When your best couch companion needs help getting up, these simple devices give him the freedom to come and go as he pleases, with comfort and ease.

Pet ramp sources HandicappedPets.com, HandicappedPets.com Pet Loader, petloader.com PetSTEP International, PetStep.com These indoor steps look attractive while giving dogs access to their favorite chair (Solvit Products).

82

animal wellness

Ramps for Dogs, Ramps4Dogs.com Solvit Products, solvitproducts.com

animal wellness

83

Black dog syndrome

The term is sometimes used to describe feelings of depression, but it can also refer to a very real phenomenon often seen at animal shelters.

by Jaclyn Castek

A

s animal lovers, we know how indispensable shelters and adoption agencies are. According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated six to eight million animals were taken in by shelters last year, and half of them were adopted.

This number is the highest it’s ever been, but it still leaves three to four million animals without homes. Many of these animals are overlooked by potential adopters solely because of their appearance. For example, a family comes in to adopt a dog but is interested only in the cutest or most purebredlooking puppy in the facility, regardless of breed or behavioral requirements. This phenomenon is often referred to as “black dog syndrome”. The name arises from the fact that black dogs are the hardest to get adopted out of shelters and rescues.

“Employees at our shelter constantly witness visitors scanning the kennels as they walk down the aisles in search of a new friend,” says Pam Backer, director of shelter operations at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “They merely glance at the black dogs but stop completely when they approach a ‘colored’ dog.”

Why are these dogs shunned?

Black dog syndrome does not occur simply because people dislike the way black dogs look. Sherri Skidmore runs an organization called the Black Dog Rescue Project, which

84

animal wellness

works to bring awareness to black dog syndrome and improve adoption rates for these dogs. She believes there are several reasons behind the phenomenon.

“Black dogs are harder to photograph than lighter or multicolored dogs, and many potential adopters are now searching websites that post pictures of adoptable dogs in their area,” Sherri explains. “Negative influences from the media may also play a part, because black dogs featured in television shows or movies are typically aggressive, menacing characters. Commercials and print ads rarely feature black dogs because they are much more difficult to photograph than lighter dogs.”

Promoting black dogs Sometimes, just the way a shelter is set up can make a potential adopter discriminate against color, breed or size without even realizing it. Poor lighting and walls painted with darker tones are two factors that can lead to lower black dog adoption rates.

“When the public is in a shelter ready to adopt, and they walk down the aisle to start choosing, looks come first, not behavior,” says Rachel Bulman, public relations director for the SPCA of Lakeland, Florida. “When people start a human friendship, it’s the interaction they have that determines their compatibility, not the color. The shelter environment is our

worst enemy because adopters cannot see interaction first, only color and size.”

Finding creative ways to make all dogs look adoptable is important. “We can’t help what the public thinks when they walk in the door, but we can promote black dogs in a variety of ways to help lessen their time with us,” says Pam. “This can include taking them to offsite adoption events, promoting them on local TV and radio stations, and raising awareness about the syndrome. We also have adoption counselors who are very good at pointing out the great attributes of each dog. All these tactics allows people to see the personality as opposed to just the color of the dog.”

“Some shelters have attempted to tackle the problem by having black dogs wear colorful bandanas,” adds Sherri.

“They may also promote black dogs by running ‘black dog specials’ at a reduced fee or even for free. All these are great ideas. Anything a shelter does to draw attention to black dogs will help improve their chances for adoption.”

Balancing the homemade diet is essential.

makes it easy!

Struvite crystals, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, ibd, obesity & allergies can be avoided with a raw meat diet.

Provide your beautiful cat with optimal nutrition.

Leave your emotions at the door If you are interested in adopting a dog, especially for the first time, evaluate your individual needs and lifestyle prior to visiting your local adoption facility. It is also important to try to keep your emotions out of the way when trying to choose between the available dogs.

www.knowbetterpetfood.com | 1.866.922.6463

Title photos: © Rachel Cooper

“Human emotions play a huge part in black dog syndromerelated cases,” says Rachel. “When it comes to a cute, cuddly puppy versus a bigger but already trained dog, the puppy will win out over the older dog 80% of the time. We have to think outside the box and realize that each dog should have a chance.”

When trying to decide which dog you want to adopt, consider not only his temperament and personality, but also your own temperament and personality, as well as that of anyone else living in your home. The last thing a shelter wants is a dog being returned because he got too big or was too hard to train. When visiting an adoption facility, let any pre-conceived notions go. Each dog, no matter what his color or breed, has his own personality and traits, some good and some not so good, depending on your wants and needs, available time, patience level and lifestyle.

Pam offers a great piece of advice when it comes to dog adoption, “Be open minded and don’t be afraid to give a black dog a chance. They have just as much to offer as a dog of any other color.” animal wellness

85

Life

passages after Murray

by Janet Caplan

L

ast year was a rough one for Huey, our ten-year-old cocker spaniel. He lost Murray, his very best pal. Murray was sick and we had no choice but to put him down the previous Christmas. He was over 14 years old, and the best “big brother” any dog could want.

Missing Murray For the first week or so after Murray’s death, Huey aimlessly wandered the house, sniffing under sofas and chairs and behind doors. Did he think Murray might be hiding?

His appetite waned. Uncharacteristically, there was always something left in his bowl. Huey still loved his daily walks but there was no doubt his interest and energy level sagged.

Rather than tug at his leash to continue, he would retreat into the house after his outing and find a quiet spot away from any commotion. He could sleep the day away.

A few weeks after Murray’s death, we returned to the vet’s office to pick up his collar. Huey accompanied us in the car.

On our arrival at the clinic, he jumped into the back seat and stood at the window on his hind legs, anxiously awaiting Murray’s return – wasn’t he coming home?

It took Huey a long time to recover from his loss.

Trying to adjust Huey has some special talents. Chief among these is his ability to “reach out and talk” to you, sort of telepathically. He seems to get things across, not just through his behavior or mood, but through his eyes. It’s all in how he looks at you and the intensity of his stare. Huey intends to make a connection, and he gets your attention!

Huey’s communicative abilities came into play for me some weeks after Murray’s death, as we were all falling back into our old routine. I was working three mornings a week and leaving Huey to his own devices until early afternoon, when I would return and take him on a long and much needed walk. As I left for work each morning, I’d put my key in the lock and automatically glance back through the glass paneled door…only to fasten my eyes on Huey staring mournfully back. How could I leave him alone? This went from being a struggle to a huge issue.

We decided Huey needed a new dog companion and spent time searching for another cocker spaniel. It wasn’t long before we located a reputable breeder with a beautiful new litter of four pups. Off we drove, with Huey, through an ice and snowstorm, to check them out and hopefully bring our new puppy home. We chose Griffin, a gorgeous, green-eyed tricolored spaniel. The two seemed a good fit – or so we thought at the time.

86

animal wellness

Griffin turned out to be more than any puppy should be: more energetic, more obstreperous, more fun, more destructive, more aggressive and more trouble. Most importantly, he and Huey were incompatible. Griffin was so aggressive that Huey would just walk away from him and disappear into another room. This was not the Huey we knew and loved, but it became the status quo and a grave concern.

After working with Griffin in a variety of ways, including ongoing discussions with the breeder and our vet, we all realized he was just not going to work out. We sent him back to the breeder when he was nine months old. We knew it was for the best, and have been assured by the breeder several times since that all is well with Griffin.

Coming to terms It took Huey several months to come around again after Griffin left. He remained cautious and tentative. He was eating properly again and loving his walks, but he remained somewhat aloof and reserved. In the past, he’d shown great exuberance with new people and situations, but that was no longer evident. His surprise jumps into my lap to be cuddled were missing, and he ceased greeting me insanely when I entered the house. After a couple of months, he eased up and relaxed, but it was another couple of months before I actually felt that he was okay again.

As the primary dog walker in the family, I get to spend a good deal of time with Huey. He also accompanies me in the car when I run quick errands.

We’re almost, but not quite, joined at the hip. He looks to me as his almost constant companion. Yet I had no clear answers as to how he was really feeling after Murray’s death, or why things with Griffin didn’t work out.

Was Huey truly depressed, isolated, feeling unloved and unwanted? Did he need time to grieve his loss? You worry, because you really love your dog but can’t tell him his best buddy is dead and won’t be coming back. You want him to be happy again, so you bring home a new pal. All the dog knows is that his world has changed, and what he knew and trusted has vanished. In the process of trying to make Huey’s world right again, I temporarily lost his trust, because in his eyes, I was the one who turned it upside down. It took him awhile to come back to himself, and it took me awhile to rationalize how it all transpired.

And now? It’s taken some time, but we’re just fine again.

Murray was Huey’s best friend.

ancient wisdom modern solutions Dr. Rose’s Remedies Skin Treatment is an all-natural herbal salve that promotes rapid and complete healing of skin ailments. It can be used on a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, and horses. ÝÛ?]YdkÛogmf\k ÛZmjfk ÛZjmak]kÛ and lacerations ÝÛ?]dhkÛkh]]\Û`]Ydaf_Ûg^Û surgical wounds ÝÛI]da]n]kÛafyÛYeeYlagfÛYf\ÛajjalYlagfÛ associated with inter-digital infection ÝI]da]n]kÛal[`qÛkcaf ÝDgaklmjar]kÛkcaf ÝKj]YlkÛjYafÛjgl ÝKj]YlkÛ`glÛkhglkÛÛ 610-558-4610 | drrosesremedies.com tony@drrosesremedies.com

animal wellness

87

Book reviews Releasing Your Pet’s Hidden Health Potential Author: Dr. Richard Palmquist Title:

“After more than two decades of clinical practice and two hundred thousand patient visits, I am pleased to say that there is much more to veterinary medicine than what we teach our students in veterinary schools,” writes integrative veterinarian Dr. Richard Palmquist in the introduction to Releasing Your Pet’s Hidden Health Potential.

In this fascinating and easy-to-read book, Dr. Palmquist opens new doors to regaining and maintaining health in dogs and cats. Learn about your animal’s body systems and how they work, and what effective treatment entails. You’ll also discover how to evaluate your companion’s health, why nutrition is a foundation for wellness, and how your dog or cat becomes susceptible to disease. There are chapters on integrative medicine, cancer, and stem cell therapy as well as tips on working with animal health care professionals, and how to use drugs wisely.

Thoughtful and well-rounded, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants their animal companions to be the best they can be.

Publisher: Richard Palmquist

The Lost Dogs Author: Jim Gorant

Title:

Animal lovers and sports fans alike were shocked and horrified when Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick was convicted of running a brutal dog fighting operation. Over 50 pit bulls were seized from his farm, and Vick served a two-year prison sentence and was court ordered to pay nearly a million dollars in restitution. But what became of the rescued dogs?

In The Lost Dogs, sports editor and writer Jim Gorant presents an in-depth follow-up on these pit bulls, most of which turned out to be wonderful if fearful animals in desperate need of love and understanding. Gorant introduces us to these amazing dogs, most of which have ended up in loving new homes and even as therapy dogs helping children, troubled teens and cancer patients.

This hard-to-put-down account covers the entire journey these dogs took, from their dramatic rescue in 2007 through their rehabilitation and fostering process, to their happy new lives in homes with people who give them all the TLC they so richly deserve.

Publisher: Gotham Books

How Many Dogs?!

Author: Debby McMullen, CDBC Title:

What’s better than one dog? How about two, three or even more? Problem is, when you adopt more than one canine companion, behaviorial problems and conflicts can sometimes arise within the “pack”. According to dog trainer Debby McMullen, living in harmony with multiple dogs hinges on positive reinforcement training techniques, proper living space management, and good feeding habits.

In How Many Dogs?!, Debby shows you how to add new dogs to your household without creating friction. She covers topics such as group training, walking and exercise, playtime, and resolving issues with problem dogs – all based on positive training techniques. Find out how to become the benevolent leader of your pack, safely diffuse tense situations between dogs, and maintain mealtime manners. There are even tips on how to help your dogs cope with the loss of one of their companions.

Whether you have two dogs or ten, this book will help you keep the peace and ensure a happy and secure pack.

Publisher: Tanacacia Press

88

animal wellness

Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs Author: Lew Olson, PhD Title:

A good diet can mean the different between a happy healthy dog, and one that suffers from a variety of ailments, such as allergies, obesity, diabetes and other common conditions. In her new book Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs, American Kennel Club judge and canine nutritionist Dr. Lew Olson introduces you to the benefits of home feeding your canine companion.

The first section presents canine nutrition basics, including a history of dog food, digestion anatomy, and what you need to know about protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Part II focuses on how to feed your dog the easy way, whether you choose a raw or cooked diet, and offers pointers on how to feed puppies, senior dogs, working dogs and picky eaters.

The book also includes a section on special needs diets for dogs with heart issues, cancer, kidney problems, skin conditions and more. There are lots of recipes to try, and case study stories of dogs that were helped with natural, homemade diets.

Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs is an excellent resource for both novice and seasoned home-prepared feeders.

Publisher:North Atlantic Books

animal wellness

89

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009

EQUINE WELLNESS

food & treats

If you would like to advertise in Ad Spots, please call:1-866-764-1212

Equine

Your natural resource!

WELLNESS

IMMUNE INVASION

How to review your vaccine protocols

DATING

Getting a “FEEL” for it

EQUINE WELLNESS MAGAZINE

GAME

Learning the native language of horses

Tips on choosing the right stallion for your mare

FACE TIME

EAPD

What do swirls tell you about your horse’s personality?

Using horse sense to help you learn about yourself

PASTURES OF PLENTY

LAUREL’S STORY

How to boost your hay-eating horse’s immune system

What you can do in the face of serious injury

KNOW YOUR

BUDDING HEALTH

H2O

Discover the healing power of plant and tree buds

September/October 2009 Display until October 13, 2009 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5

Subscribe Today!

1-866-764-1212

EquineWellnessMagazine.com

Classes and training

www.EquineWellnessMagazine.com

To discuss the special needs of your dog call: 877-312-2122 To meet our satisfied customers visit: www.wheelchairsfordogs.com

Subscribe Today!

Health products & services

1-866-764-1212

90

www.FelineWellness.com

Pet Supplies for those who care Dr. Kim Danoff

360 Maple Avenue West, Suites A&B Vienna, Virginia 22180

703-938-2563 • info@greenpetstore.com

www.greenpetstore.com

Organic Eco-Sustainable Healthy Pet Products One Convenient Shopping Experience

organicdogsandcats.com animal wellness

food & treats

dog catcher near?

AR IS HERE! THE PUNK COLL

Organic hemp dog collar with one of a kind 3 foot retractable line sewn into collar, always there when you need it.

Forgot your leash? Just pull to be in compliance with local laws and calm the leash crazy!

Neighbordog Gear, LLC • 877-440-4512 NEIGHBORDOGGEAR.NET • CASEY@NEIGHBORDOGGEAR.COM

™

Colour your pet's world with the brightest and best fruits and vegetables! ™

We support The Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

Special GREEN ISSUE!

Living pawsitive!

LANDSCAPING

FOR DOGS AND CATS Four steps to success

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

ECO-FRIENDLY PET PRODUCTS MOSQUITOES BE GONE!

Control without chemicals

“YOU’RE GETTING

sleepy”

Subscribe Today!

Is hypnotism for dogs a solution or a quack cure?

TOXIN TALK

THE MAGIC OF

What’s safe and what’s not

MUSHROOMS

An eye on CATARACTS

LEAFY

ANIMAL WELLNES

S

y life!

For a long, health

Living pawsitive!

Toothsome

Sr ITstronge DBr teeth, TI Tips for cleane gums and fresher

WHO WON?

breath

WINNERS!

MAGAZINE ANIMAL WELLNESS

deficie How hormonal d and can affect spaye neutered dogs

Y’S HENR g powers healin

Animal-friendly remodeling

Shedding extra pounds

N

Top SEVE ng tips dog par&enti happiness

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 11

VOLUME

da

1 11 ISSUE

2/18/10 6:00:13 PM

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

ADVERTISE

www.AnimalWel

om lnessMagazine.c

1-866-764-1212 •AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

animal Living pawsitive!

wellness

For a long, healt hy life!

TOP 20 SUPPLE TS for cats andMEN dogs Does your

"GOLDEN OLDIE"

need a new friend ?

Find out the lates t buzz about hone y

EAR YE! EAR YE!

RUFFING IT WITH DOGS

DISTRIBUTE MAGAZINES • SUBMIT STORIES

How to help him teeth “brush” his own

Y/MARCH FEBRUAR 2009 March 23, Display until

$5.95 USA/Cana

1-866-764-1212

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Tips for longeared dogs

Is your cat a

Pool safety for cats

CL ASS CLOWN? VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3

Why training go hand-in-hand

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2

AWM V12I2 COVER.indd 1

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

Check out our als Amazing Anim st Photo Conte

Menopausal Mutts ncies

Greens

Give her diet a healthy boost

$5.95 USA/Canada

JUNE/JULY 2008

ARCH 2009

FEBRUARY/M

Animal WELLNESS

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 2

Mention Code: BFFAW-11 to Receive 10% OFF Entire order of $500.00 or more!

APRIL/MAY Display until May 18, 2010

Health products & services

APRIL/MAY 2010

ANIMAL WELLNESS

www.endlesspawsibilities.ca 250-881-5135

Surviving the pet food recall

JUNE/JUL Y Display until July 22, 2008

$5.95 USA/Cana

da

VOLUME

10 ISSUE 3

www.AnimalWel

lnessMagazine.c

om

animal wellness

91

Health products & services

(Since 1989)

EVOLUTION DIET PET FOOD AND HEALTH CONSULTING SERVICE

fÓx°ää i> Ì Ê ÃÕ ÌÃÊÜ Ì Ê >Ì > ÞÊ Ü>À`i`Ê> `Ê VVÀi` Ìi`Ê-«iV > ÃÌÊ À VÊ7i à > ]Ê À°Ê vÊ i> Ì Ê-V i ViðÊÊ www.petfoodshop.com NATIONAL 1-800-659-0104 LOS ANGELES CA 1-877-469-7381

UÊ ÊÌ iÊ i iwÊV > Ê*À Ìi Ã]Ê âÞ iÃÊ vÊ>Ê,>ÜÊ i>ÌÊ iÌ]ÊLÕÌÊ >`iÊvÀ Ê

i> iÀÊ* > ÌÊ*À Ìi ÃtÊÊ UÊ ii`ÊÎä¯Ê iÃÃ]Ê* V Ê1«ÊÎä¯Ê iÃÃÊ 7>ÃÌi]Ê1«Ê/ ÊÎä {ä¯Ê VÀi>Ãi`Ê viÊ > `Ê i> Ì Ê Ý«iVÌ> VÞIÊÊÜ Ì Ê1«Ê/ Ê nä¯Ê iÃÃÊ iV> Ê"` ÀtÊ- ÕÀViIÓääÓÊ Ê-ÌÕ`Þ°Ê Ì½ÃÊ iÊ}iÌÌ }Ê>ÊÎä¯Ê `Ê> `Ê6iÌÊ Ê ÃV Õ Ìt UÊ Là ÕÌi ÞÊ}Õ>À> Ìii`\ÊÊ Ê Ì L Ì VÃ]Ê-ÌiÀ `Ê À ÜÌ Ê À iÃ]Ê Ãi>Ãi`Ê > ÃÊ ÀÊ - >Õ} ÌiÀ ÕÃiÊ7>ÃÌiÊ>ÃÊv Õ `Ê Ê 6 ÀÌÕ> ÞÊ Ê i>ÌÊ*iÌÊ `ð

I am looking to YOU for HELP! Learn how you can help Romanian League in Defense of Animals www.rolda.org secure online donations appreciated (tax-deductible donations;EIN:32-0176929)

Rescue. Sterilization. Education. Action.

Subscribe Today!

1-866-764-1212 www.FelineWellness.com

ANIMAL WELLNES

S

y life!

For a long, health

Living pawsitive!

Toothsome

Sr ITstronge DBr teeth, TI Tips for cleane gums and fresher

WHO WON?

breath

WINNERS!

MAGAZINE ANIMAL WELLNESS

deficie How hormonal d and can affect spaye neutered dogs

Y’S HENR g powers healin

Animal-friendly remodeling

Shedding extra pounds

N

Top SEVE ng tips dog par&enti happiness

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 11

92

$5.95 USA/Cana

VOLUME

da

1 11 ISSUE

om lnessMagazine.c

www.AnimalWel

animal wellness

1-866-764-1212 •AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

wellness

For a long, healt hy life!

Does your

"GOLDEN OLDIE"

need a new friend ?

Find out the lates t buzz about hone y

EAR YE! EAR YE!

RUFFING IT WITH DOGS

DISTRIBUTE MAGAZINES • SUBMIT STORIES

How to help him teeth “brush” his own

Y/MARCH FEBRUAR 2009 March 23, Display until

Living pawsitive!

Tips for longeared dogs

Is your cat a

Pool safety for cats

CL ASS CLOWN? VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3

Why training go hand-in-hand

ADVERTISE

animal

TOP 20 SUPPLE TS for cats andMEN dogs ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

Check out our als Amazing Anim st Photo Conte

Menopausal Mutts ncies

JUNE/JULY 2008

ARCH 2009

FEBRUARY/M

Animal WELLNESS

Surviving the pet food recall

JUNE/JUL Y Display until July 22, 2008

$5.95 USA/Cana

da

VOLUME

10 ISSUE 3

www.AnimalWel

lnessMagazine.c

om

EQUINE WELLNESS

Your natural resource!

WELLNESS

IMMUNE INVASION

How to review your vaccine protocols

DATING

Getting a “FEEL” for it

EQUINE WELLNESS MAGAZINE

GAME

Learning the native language of horses

Tips on choosing the right stallion for your mare

FACE TIME

EAPD

What do swirls tell you about your horse’s personality?

Using horse sense to help you learn about yourself

PASTURES OF PLENTY

LAUREL’S STORY

How to boost your hay-eating horse’s immune system

What you can do in the face of serious injury

KNOW YOUR

BUDDING HEALTH

H2O

Discover the healing power of plant and tree buds

September/October 2009 Display until October 13, 2009 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 5

Subscribe Today!

1-866-764-1212

EquineWellnessMagazine.com

www.EquineWellnessMagazine.com

Pets add years to our lives.

Now it’s time we add years to theirs.

Forever... your pet’s paw print discover how...

Health products & services

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009

Equine

raw food diets • all natural dry & canned foods • natural health books supplements • organic treats • toys & much more!

Visit our website today! Discount code: AW0909

www.PawprintsJewelry.com

For a list of all our locations and contact information visit

Jewelry

www.tailblazerspets.com

Franchise opportunities in Canada. Call 1-800-567-9389 or visit web page

HealtH.../retailers & access...

Traction for all dogs on slick surfaces Fashionable Keeps paws warm Added protection for injuries

Eddie’s Wheels for Pets – The Gift of Mobility is the Gift of Life • Setting a new standard in mobility carts for disabled animals.

• House-friendly, easy to use, custom built to match your pet’s disabilities.

• Warranteed for the life of the animal.

www.eddieswheels.com • 888-211-2700 animal wellness

93

HealtH.../retailers & access...

Find out what makes us unique!

BEFORE DOGtorX ™

DOGtor X™ helps and supports the following for dogs:

Receive a

bag E E R F wy’s he C & of Stella

h treats Carnivore Crunc coupon by entering the ESS code WELLN a e ac pl u yo when r of de or um im min e. $15.00 onlin

3 WEEKS AFTER DOGtorX™

BEFORE DOGtorX ™

Choose from Duck, Beef or Chicken- A $10.49 VALUE that only lasts until 12/31/2010 so slurp yours up today.

www.endoftheleash.com

The Smiling Blue Skies ® Cancer Information Centre Home of Smiling Blue Skies® Jewelry, Ceramics, and Limited Edition Gifts We support precious pets and people!

www.smilingblueskies.com

www.petequinox.com 650-637-9594

My Crystal Companion Cremains of the life you love, captured in crystal

A beautiful way to remember

www.mycrystalcompanion.com 732-458-8700

Teeth cleaning for dogs.

Also offering anesthesia-free teeth cleaning clinics in Colorado.

Vet Supervised!

Dr.Turie Norman, DVM

The Director of Well Animal Institute

303-514-0076 | www.wellanimalinstitute.com

S

y life!

For a long, health

ARCH 2009

Living pawsitive!

Sr ITstronge DBr teeth, TI Tips for cleane gums and fresher

WHO WON?

breath

MAGAZINE ANIMAL WELLNESS

Menopausal Mutts deficiencies

WINNERS!

How hormonal d and can affect spaye neutered dogs

Y’S HENR g powers healin

Animal-friendly remodeling

Shedding extra pounds

N Top SEVE

ng tips dog par&enti happiness

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

ISSUE 1 VOLUME 11

$5.95 USA/Cana

VOLUME

da

1 11 ISSUE

gazine.com

lnessMa www.AnimalWel

animal wellness

1-866-764-1212 •AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

wellness

For a long, healt hy life!

Does your

"GOLDEN OLDIE"

need a new friend ?

Find out the lates t buzz about hone y

EAR YE! EAR YE!

RUFFING IT WITH DOGS

DISTRIBUTE MAGAZINES • SUBMIT STORIES

How to help him teeth “brush” his own

Y/MARCH FEBRUAR 2009 March 23, Display until

Living pawsitive!

Tips for longeared dogs

Is your cat a

Pool safety for cats

CL ASS CLOWN? VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3

Why training go hand-in-hand

ADVERTISE

animal

TOP 20 SUPPLE TS for cats andMEN dogs ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

Check out our als Amazing Anim st Photo Conte

JUNE/JULY 2008

FEBRUARY/M

Animal WELLNESS

Toothsome

94

10 DAYS AFTER DOGtorX™

• Reduces arthritis inflammation • Strengthens Tendons • Regulates Cortisol production • Regulates Insulin production • Reduces Depression and Anxiety • Soothes Hot Spots • Helps restore thinning fur • Helps boost overall immune function

ANESTHESIA

ANIMAL WELLNES

PET LOSS/COMMUNICATORS

ALL proceeds to cancer treatment and research, and the building of Canada’s first cancer centre for animals, University of Guelph Pet Trust.

Two time re of the Golde cipient n Club of Can Retriever ada Kennel Trop Silmaril hy Human/Ani for the mal Bond, Recipient of the G Christopher RCBC Burton Memorial Trophy

DogtorX

™

Surviving the pet food recall

JUNE/JUL Y Display until July 22, 2008

$5.95 USA/Cana

da

VOLUME

10 ISSUE 3

www.AnimalWel

lnessMagazine.c

om

Classifieds Animal Communicators

Animal Health

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

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.

END OF LIFE DECISIONS – Gain Peace of Mind knowing what your animal friend is truly feeling and desires as the time nears for passing. Receive Support, Compassion & Understanding. Animal Communication with Love.

Morgine 360-247-7284 Pacific morgine@tds.net www.communicationswithlove.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 (509) 526-5020 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 CAROL SCHULTZ - Animal Communicator/Interspecies Life Coach. Interactive, compassionate and insightful Consultations and Healing for all animal species. (815) 531-2850 www.carolschultz.com Founder/ Director of www.AnimalSpiritNetwork. com online learning institute, Animal Healing Arts Education and Professional Development.

HOLISTIC PET INFO – Natural pet products and information on animal diseases. Free educational videos.

Shop for vitamins, nutritional supplements, grooming and training aids, and holistic healthcare remedies. www.HolisticPetInfo.com.

(877) 573-8227 CAN-C.BIZ - Offer the breakthrough natural eye drops for both humans and your precious pooch. Used by thousands for aging eye problems including cataract reversal. For more information go to www.can-c.biz email info@can-c.biz call (561) 459-1874 CRANIMALS.COM - The benefits of cranberry and other dark berries are the antioxidant-boosting key to unlocking the full potential of your dog, cat or puppy. Buy online www.cranimal.com/buyNow.html AZMIRA HOLISTIC ANIMAL CARE - The award winning leader in Natural Foods, Supplements, Herbs, Homeopathy, Flower Essences and Organic Topicals. Since 1982.

800-497-5665 www.azmira.com

Associations CANADIAN ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORKERS ASSOCIATION www.c-amba.org A growing group of qualified, complimentary practitioners working to maintain the highest Standard of Ethical Practice for the benefit of and respect for the lives we impact.

Books & Publications 1000s OF DOG BOOKS, DVDs AND TRAINING TOOLS IN STOCK - Ready to ship. Dogwise has what you want! (800) 776-2665; www.dogwise.com

Distributors/Retailers Wanted JUST BECAUSE FOR DOGS Treats for dogs with special needs!

Overweight, Diabetic, Allergic to Wheat. All treats are made using “Human Grade” all natural ingredients.

Inquiries at: www.JustbecauseforDogs.com or call (866) 974-DOGS SOJOURNER FARMS PET PRODUCTS - 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 at: www.sojos.com or (612) 343-7262

ANIMAL ESSENTIALS - 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 @ (888) 463-7748 or info@animalessentials.com GREAT LIFE PERFORMANCE PET PRODUCTS™ - Natural and organic foods, grain and potato free foods , treats, freeze dried foods and supplements. Quality is our #1 ingredient.

Nutritional excellence in our pet food.

Step up to Great Life! www.greatlife4pets.com 1-805-577-9663 e-mail 4greatlife@sbcglobal.net

All in one complete package- three separate bags in one box, providing your pet with flavour, the variety, and ingredients he requires for good health. Inquiries @ 949-614-8190 or www.rotationspetfood.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.

Flower Essence Therapy

CRANIMALS PET PRODUCTS IS EXPANDING WORLDWIDE - We need distributors and retailers (USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, NZ). We offer superb sales support and generous starting specials.

Email: distributors@cranimal.com, phone: (360) 326-6446 ext 1, www.cranimal.com

RESOLVE YOUR PET’S ISSUES! Individualized formulas chosen from 1,000 available essences. In depth phone consultations, 25 years experience, proven track record. For information and appointment contact Judy Aizuss, M.S., 415-459-2383, judy@essentialhealingbyjudy.com. www.essentialhealingbyjudy.com

BUDDY BEDS - Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Beds. Voted “Best Pet Bed” by Pet Age Magazine.

Eliminates all painful pressure points. Waterproof liner protects the memory foam. Vet Recommended. www.buddybeds.com (303) 744-0424

ALDARON ANIMAL ESSENCES Bach Flower remedies for behavioral wellness. Our behavior support formulas gently, safely reduce fears and reactivity, improve stress thresholds, facilitate recovery from emotional trauma, and more.

Formula line and custom blends available. Free US shipping. www.aldaronessences.com

NORTHWEST NATURALS - #1 frozen RAW pet food – Best valaue in RAW frozen pet food – Most convenient – IW Bars and Nuggets – USDA raw materials – USDA facilities – Become a Distributor/Retailer today! www.rawnaturalpetfood.com (503) 517-9800 PAIN RELIEF THERAPY FOR PETS AND THEIR PARENTS - Interested in selling Pet’em Pad Electromagnetic Therapy products?

Visit www.petempad.com for product and Dealer information, or E-mail Robert@emsolution.biz.

(623) 444-9547. www.emsolution.biz ONESTA ORGANICS - Hypoallergenic, whole food-based functional pet food products are 100% manufactured in the USA. They’re USDA certified organic and free of pesticides, hormones, and GMOs. www.onestaorganics.com.

Phone (619) 295-1136 PRIMAL PET FOODS – Our products incorporate the freshest, 100% human-grade ingredients offering your pet nutrient-dense, highly digestible foods and treats.

For product information, visit primalpetfoods.com or call (866) 566-4652.

ROTATIONS PET FOOD - It’s a revolutionary feeding system that addresses all your pets dietary needs with a full balanced, smoothly integrated mix of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Food & Treats SunnyPaw - Vegan, gluten-free, organic SNACKS for your dog solid red oak FEEDING STATIONS - organic cotton hand-knit WALKING SCARVES. We make things good for you, your pet, and our planet!

484-879-2998 www.SunnyPaw.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. (800) 659-0104; CANADA (888) 683-7387

Continued on next page

animal wellness

95

Classifieds Gifts & Accessories FOR THE LATEST IN GIFTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR ANIMAL LOVERS Visit www.pjpublications.com.

To save 15% on your first order please enter AWM15 at checkout.

Healing Essences 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.

Holistic Veterinarians EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC HOLISTIC CENTRE - Dr. Paul McCutcheon & Dr. Cindy Kneebone.

We provide a wide variety of integrative diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Please visit our website to explore our services. www.holisticpetvet.com eyac@holisticpetvet.com 416-757-3569, 805 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, ON, M4B 2S7 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 AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER - Dr. Mark Newkirk, Alternative Cancer Therapies, Nutritional Supplement programs based

on your own pets’ blood tests, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Ozone Treatments, Laser Pain Therapy, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination),.

Phone consultations. www.alternativevet.com email: mnewk@aol.com phone: (609) 823-3031

REIKI FUR BABIES - One price - two Reiki practitioners!

Exponential healing energy! Candy hears what your animal is saying.

Ming pinpoints disease and sends healing angels. Animals named it Warrior Reiki! Clients in over 20 countries. www.reikifurbabies.com/testimonials/

Paw Protection

Rescues & Shelters

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 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

Pet Stores ANIMAL LOVERS PET SHOP - We provide an extensive assortment of organic, natural and holistic foods and supplements for dogs, cats, reptiles and birds as well as toys. www.animalloverspetshop.com (310) 378-3052

Reiki 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 HEALING WITH LOVE - NOT DRUGS - Gentle Reiki treatments for animals and their people by an Usui Master. “Amazing!”--RR, NYC. “Purrcival hasn’t been this lively in ages.”--DKA, NJ BernieLibster@optonline.net (201) 288-8617 Distant treatments available.

FOR ANIMALS NEEDING HEALING AND SUPPORT – Reiki (distance and in-person), Flower Essence and essential oil recommendations, Telepathic connections – contact Alison at alkruk@earthlink.net or visit www.alisonkruk.com Small classes also offered.

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

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.

JOURNEY’S END RANCH - Where unwanted and abandoned dogs, mustangs, wild burros and one little pig can heal and have peace.

We need your help to continue our work. Please become a supporter.

Website: www.jersanctuary.org (928) 757-7182 Kingman, Az. Taxexempt 501(c)3

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) 782-1963 (voice) www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com (847) 782-5725 (fax)

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 TREETOPS (est. 1991) - Offers comprehensive certification programs in canine massage, equine massage, first aid, herbal remedies. Distance learning and online instruction available.

Details at www.treetopsweb.com or www.e-trainingfordogs.com or (866) 919-TREE (8733) ANIMAL BEHAVIOR DEGREES ONLINE- Associates, Bachelors, Masters in Dog Training, Companion Animal Science, Behavior Counseling and Shelter Administration 12-week online semesters. 5-day labs with animals, Externships in your community. Financial assistance. American College of Applied Science (800) 403-DEGREE (3347) www.amcollege.us FLDOE,CIE #3145 THE INQUISITIVE CANINE - Fun, rewarding, interactive, training resources dedicated to empowering dog guardians with a rewarding education that will help them further develop and enhance their everyday relationships with their dogs. Contact us www.inquisitivecanine.com/ or call: 805-650-8500

LEARN THE PetMassageTM METHOD FOR CANINE MASSAGE – Original PetMassageTM Books, DVD’s and CD’s, home study courses and workshops. 7-Day Foundation Workshop 7-Day Advanced Workshop, 5-Day PetMassage WaterWorkTM (canine swimming pool massage), NCBTMB CE hours for all on-site workshops.

Sign up for FREE Online newsletter www.petmassage.com 800-779-1001 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) 5312850, info@animalspiritnetwork.com

Subscribe Today!

1-866-764-1212 www.FelineWellness.com

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.

96

animal wellness

Events PetMassage 7-Day Foundation Workshop November 7-13, 2010 Toledo, OH This Seven-Day Foundation Workshop is an excellent beginning to your hands-on learning experience. We acknowledge that no one can become an “expert” at anything in just seven days. However, this course is a good preparation to become adept at the basic skills of PetMassageTM. Learn to help your own dogs. And train to create your successful start-up PetMassageTM business.

For more information: Beth Farkas 1800-779-1001 info@petmassage.com www.petmassage.com Evaluation & Ethics in Animal Massage November 12-14, 2010 Central Bark Doggy Day Care Manitowoc, WI This class includes evaluation of animals as athletes and as candidates for massage therapy; instruction in sports massage; an examination of practical business issues; an introduction to other holistic modalities used with animals; and, whenever possible, a visit to a shelter or rescue to work with the animals.

For more information: Blue Sky School of Professional Massage 262-376-1011 depere@blueskyedu.org www.blueskyedu.org November 20,2010 Eatontown, NJ Home 4 The Holidays Once again the Monmouth County SPCA is proud to be celebrating Home 4 the Holidays on Saturday November 20, 2010 at the Homeward Bound Adoption Center located in Eatontown, NJ. The event will be held from 11am to 5pm with fun activities for the entire family. The day is going to include a gift auction, kids coloring contest, bake sale, kitty photo contest, child and pet photos with Santa, a giving tree of toys for the adoption

center animals and a grab bag of coupons.

Some of the scheduled activities will require a donation for participation.

Be sure to visit the MCSPCA Homeward Bound Adoption Center at 260 Wall Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724. The adoption center is open seven days a week, Monday thru Friday from 1pm to 5pm and on Saturday and Sunday from12pm to 5pm.

You can also check out our feline flirts and canine companions online at www. monmouthcountyspca.org or call 732-4401525 for more adoption details.

For more information: Francesca Alexander 732-542-0040 francesca@monmouthcountyspca.org www.monmouthcountyspca.org Animal Communication Workshops Fall 2010 Workshops - Nov 27 International On-line Classes Home Study Programs Peterborough, ON, Canada Learn the steps to turn on your natural ability to intuitively communicate with animals. 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, behavioral issues, health issues, and death and dying.

who are attuned to Reiki/other energetic modalities, and want to learn how to adapt these concepts and techniques for use with animals.

You will learn the emotional, mental and physical aspects of illness in animals. The benefits of vibrational medicine for balancing the body, mind, and spirit of animals. The science behind vibrational healing and how it affects animals. An in depth understanding of: the animal’s chakras, auric fields, secondary and tertiary energy fields. How to balance the chakras, cleanse the auric fields, and open the meridian pathways.

Adapting Dr. Hayashi’s hand positions to the animal’s physiology. Applying many of the Reiki techniques to animals. How to use grids and witnesses for sending healing long distance....plus many other techniques that will help bring an animal to a place of harmony and balance.

For more information: Carol Schultz 815-531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com http://tinyurl.com/yz3re8a

For more information: Ingrid Brammer 705 742 3297 animalillumination@gmail.com www.animalillumination.com

BM120: Holistic Business Visioning & Planning Instructor: Kathy Kawalec Wednesday evenings (4 weeks) beginning January 19, 2011 Internationally availble teleclass This course will take you through the steps to create a clear and inspired vision for your business that is aligned with your soul and serves the dream you have of your “whole” life. You will create your Inspired Vision, Long Term Goal, and Guiding Principles, plus learn to use your limiting beliefs and patterns as inspired teachers.

As we engage the Law of Attraction, we’ll keep you moving on your path.

AR206: Adapting Reiki for Animal Wellness Tuesday evenings, beginning January 11, 2011 Internationally available teleclass Instructor: Linda Epstein This three week teleclass series is for those

For more information: Carol Schultz 815-531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com http://tinyurl.com/y9r4rtr

Post your event online at: animalwellnessmagazine.com/events animal wellness

97

Tail end

Rhys’s trophy

by Mary Lynn Bushong

H

ere in the southern US, snowfalls are greeted with a great deal of emotion. For adults, it’s disgust and chagrin at the way the precipitation will disrupt their lives. Children, on the other hand, greet snow with great joy and anticipation. It’s the key to at least one day of freedom and an opportunity for some special fun.

The autumn that Rhys, a two-year-old female Doberman, came into our lives was also when we had one of the earliest snowfalls I can remember. An energetic and loving dog, Rhys had very specific ideas of what she thought was fun. She loved to steal the collar off our other Dobe’s neck. Zeus didn’t care. He thought Rhys was the most wonderful girl in the world. She would hide the collar in different places, but one day we discovered it in a very unusual place.

As occasionally happens when a dog moves to a new home, Rhys forgot her manners for a short while. She began defecating in the house. Before she remembered those manners again, she found a new use for Zeus’s collar. We came home one day to find a large brown pile on a bedroom floor. Neatly encircling it was Zeus’s collar. Two napkins had been dropped on top with nose indentations from being pressed down. We called it her Poop and Collar Sculpture. I don’t know what Rhys was thinking, but we obviously had a very artistic dog.

By the time the snow came, she had put that chapter behind her. But, unbeknownst to us, she had something else up her sleeve.

Snow falls here infrequently, so we don’t have sleds and toboggans. Instead, we substitute large plastic garbage bags or chunks of cardboard. The boys wasted no time building a sliding track of snow and slush on the bit of hill behind the house.

Rhys and I went outside when we heard the shrieks of laughter. The boys thought it would be fun if I took a turn sliding down the hill on a bag. I thought it would be fun if Rhys slid down in my lap. Rhys didn’t agree.

After several futile attempts to get her in my lap, I decided to go on my own. Just as I pushed off at the top of the hill, Rhys jumped on the bag behind me and put her paws on my shoulders. She wasn’t after a ride, she was after my hat. I found that it’s very difficult to steer a bag sled and defend your hat while whisking down a snowy hill, laughing your head off.

Near the bottom of the hill, I had to take firm hold of the bag to avoid a tree. That was all the advantage Rhys needed. She grabbed my hat, leaped off the bag, and raced through the yard with her trophy.

The boys wanted me to go down the hill again, but once was quite enough, thank you very much.

If you have an amusing story you’d like to submit, send it to: Tail End, at submissions@animalwellnessmagazine.com

98

animal wellness

animal wellness

99

100

animal wellness