V8I1 (Feb/Mar 2006)

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SPECIAL NUTRITION ISSUE!

TOP 10 Fruits &Veggies

Fighting FAT Tips on

Choosing the right

PROTEIN for your dog FEB./MAR. 2006

Display until Mar. 20, 2006

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1

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How to make

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contents 22

76

44

features 18 Fight fat with diet and exercise

32 Today's premium foods combine convenience with quality

Slimming solutions for your dog or cat

for bathing a cat

Photo: Kenny Williams, If Your Horse Could Talk

the best protein for your dog?

It's easier than ever to serve up good health to your animal

22 Survival techniques Believe it or not, it can be a calm experience

44 How do you choose

37

Top ten fruits and veggies for your best friend Add these power-packed foods to your companion's diet

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Click on the coloured tabs to view our regional editions for this issue.

Breed-specific nutrition for canines

51 Good luck and

serendipity help Colonel find his way home again A happy ending to a nerve-wracking experience

ONTARIO REGIONAL SECTION

Photo: Patti A. Gardiner

60

Click on this icon to visit featured links

55 8 best essential oils for dogs

Aromatherapy for your canine companion

60 Taking the stress out of vet visits

How to make trips to the doc easier on your best friend

70 Dogs of Dreamtime 93 Enter our Kiera comes back

76 Preventing and

healing laminitis Why a holistic approach works best

Amazing Animals Photo Contest!

Send us your best shots and you could win!

80 Animal-friendly composting

It's good for the whole family

CALIFORNIA R E GIONAL SECTION

ATLANTA

REGIONAL SECTION

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contents columns 12 Yakkity yak

Volume 8

Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Senior Editor: Ann Brightman Los Angeles Regional Editor: Tasha Hardy Southern Ontario Regional Editor: Ann Brightman Atlanta Regional Editor: Nannette Ferrell Senior Graphic Designer: Yvonne Hollandy Graphic Designer: Stephanie Wright Photography: Becky Turnbull Illustration: Leanne Rosborough

90 Animal passages

26 Dr. Martin Goldstein 94 Book reviews 52 Best behavior!

106 The tail end

Columnists & Contributing Writers Luise Bolleber Sharon Callahan Audi Donamor Martin Goldstein, DVM Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D Nell Liquorman Andy Lopez Shawn Messonnier, DVM Paul Owens Nancy Perkins Gillian Ridgeway Lisa Ross-Williams Margaret Rousser Karen Shanley Kate Solisti Sandra Topper

84 Animal

communication

departments 8 Editorial 10 Pony express 31 Product picks 65 Wellness

resource guide

Issue 1

88 What’s gnu?

96 Ad spots

Administration & Sales President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager Lesia Wright Information Services Director Vaughan King Business Development Manager Samantha Saxena Administrative Assistant Joanne Rockwood Marketing & Sales Associate: Jeremy Slotegraaf

103 Classifieds 104 Advertisers index

Submissions: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to Animal Wellness Magazine, 164 Hunter St. West, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9H 2L2. 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: submissions@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 copyrightŠ 2006. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher.

Publication date: January, 2006

National Sales Manager: Lesley Nicholson (866) 764-1212 lesley@animalwellnessmagazine.com Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr (213) 793-1867 becky@animalwellnessmagazine.com Canadian Regional Manager: Anne Gibson (866) 464-5214 or (416) 504-4310

Photo: Becky Turnbull

Our Cover: Bender, a Borderjack, seen here at eight months old, thrives on an active lifestyle and the love of his guardian, Becky Turnbull.

agibson@animalwellnessmagazine.com Northern California Representative: Suzanne Pieper (707) 331-0356 suzanne@animalwellnessmagazine.com Southern California Representative: Tasha Hardy (213) 804-7025 tasha@animalwellnessmagazine.com Georgia Regional Manager: Nannette Ferrel (770) 374-3966 nannette@animalwellnessmagazine.com Classified Advertising: Lesia Wright classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com

To subscribe: Subscription price at time of this issue in the U.S. $19.95 and Canada is

$24.95 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, 164 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9H 2L2 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. Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

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EDITORIAL A dog in cat's clothing A friend recently told me that the three biggest stresses in life are moving, having a baby and divorce. I wished she’d told me that before I moved and had a baby in the same month. The divorce thing hasn’t happened yet (a miracle, given the circumstances) but our home is not exactly the place of peace and harmony I envisioned. That’s probably because we’re also renovating. In fact, I feel like I’m living through one of those home improvement shows, minus the team of professionals that burst in and whip a house into shape within seven days. We’re now into our fourth month.

In a way, I think we’re filling our time. After losing two dogs this year, we knew we needed an emotional break before welcoming a new canine to the mix. The renos fill in the time that would normally be spent taking care of the dogs.

The cat, however, has her own agenda. Katy is no longer content to spend her time doing feline things.

Perhaps fearing that we’ll get out practice, she’s become decidedly more dog-like.

She’s now the official treat begger, door greeter, watchcat, and baby sitter. She loves everything to do with the baby and can often be found sniffing his head or snuggled up on one of his blankets. She even curled up next to him under his covers one day.

And just when I thought I’d seen it all, Katy pulled her best move out of the drawer. Late one night, after everyone had turned in and I was in bed reading, I heard a series of loud meows from the kitchen. The meows got closer as Katy made her way up the stairs to my room. Bounding in, she raced over, dropped a package and looked up at me expectantly. I glanced down to see not one but an entire bag of pompoms.

Katy loves to play fetch with these fuzzy little balls but since they often go missing under the fridge or stove, I always keep the bag tucked away on the kitchen counter. Obviously in the mood for some fun and not able to find a single pompom anywhere in the house, our little feline/canine knew exactly where to go. But since she couldn’t extract one herself, she decided to bring me the whole bag. I broke up laughing, got out of bed and played fetch with our little wondercat until she decided she’d had enough. Then she curled up on the end of the bed and went to sleep.

Next week, I think I’ll teach her how to bark.

May your new year also be full of wonderful surprises,

animal wellness

animal wellness

pony express dear animal wellness magazine . . .

I was just reading your magazine and came to the article “Get him up to scratch” (Dec/Jan 2006). I thought it was very good but you might want to add some other things to this. The author says a scratching post provides exercise but it does more than just this: it sharpens claws, helps cats stretch, lets them scent their spot. It will also not always keep them from scratching the upholstery. You cannot train a cat not to scratch, as it is instinct. But you can help things out by having the scratching post taller then the cat (so that he can get a proper stretch), firmly attach it to something (so as to not scare the cat if it falls over), have a desirable texture like carpet, bark or heavy upholstery. Also, put it near a sleeping spot as the cat will scratch as soon as he wakes up. If he scratches your couch, then put a post nearby and once he uses it all the time, slowly move it away from the couch. You can also use sprays, trim nails,

use Soft Paws, or reward the cat when he scratches somewhere else. Adult cats only have one or two favorite places to scratch so let them have it.

Carrie Austin, VT, Fredericton, NB

Editor’s note: Thanks for your helpful comments. A scratching post is a necessary accessory for any indoor cat, and as you pointed out, serves a multitude of purposes, both physically and behaviorally.

My children and I were absolutely thrilled with your Tail End story, “Molly and the paper pirate” (Dec/Jan 2006). It so happens that we have a Toller (what we call Little River duck dogs in the States) and two pugs! Red is 11 and no longer up to antics most days... our pugs, Violet and Pablo, have helped him hang in there just a little bit longer with theirs. Please let the author, Ms MacMillan, know that her story has warmed our hearts and left us laughing.

Rita Ippolito, via e-mail

Editor’s note: Glad you enjoyed the story. It sounds like your canine friends are great characters too! We hope your pugs continue to keep Red young at heart, and that you will enjoy his company for many more years to come.

Three cheers for nontoxic lawn care (Oct/Nov 2005) – another way to show your love for your animal friend and be a responsible guardian.

It is also important to be aware of insidious exposures to noxious chemicals that can occur in your community via inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption.

For example, as I entered a mall, I noticed an employee carrying a readily available herbicide. I was horrified because my senior Labrador retriever was occupying the area about to be herbicided without so much as posting a warning sign! (His predecessor used to have an annual springtime seizure that coincided with our neighbor’s chemical lawn care applications, though he never set foot on the property.)

I urge people to acquaint themselves with neighborhood pesticide/herbicide applications in parks, schoolyards, highways, railways, power lines and forestry crown lands to protect your pet. If you live in an agricultural belt, aerial application is another concern. These chemicals drift and persist. We all live downwind. Why not lobby all of the above to adapt nontoxic practices for the health and well being of all?

M. Morris, Nelson, BC

Editor’s note: You’ve made some excellent points. Although we can all take responsibility for what we put on our own lawns, it’s also very important to be aware of what sorts of toxins are being applied at a neighborhood or municipal level, and to take steps to protect yourself and your animal companions.

Your voice does count. Many cities, including Toronto, Ontario and San Francisco, California have successfully lobbied their municipal governments and now enjoy bans on or a reduction in cosmetic spraying.

we want to hear from you!

Address your letters to Editor, Animal Wellness Magazine, and send to PMB 168 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 164 Hunter St. West, Peterborough, ON K9H 2L2 or by email to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

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Rome turns animal-friendly Italy’s capital city made history this past autumn when its municipal government implemented new rules for the better treatment of all companion animals, from dogs to cats to goldfish. Drafted by Rome’s Office for Animal Rights, the new laws are more comprehensive than anything on this side of the Atlantic. For example, people are now required to walk their dogs daily or face a $625 fine, while legal recognition is being given to Rome’s famous “cat ladies,” who look after the city’s legions of stray felines. Choke and electrical collars have been banned, as have declawing and ear-clipping. The rules even extend to goldfish guardians, who are now required to provide their fish with full-sized aquariums. Critics are skeptical about Rome’s ability to enforce the new rules, but it’s a move in the right direction.

Vatican view over Rome

Chicago may become fois gras-free

Concerned about the welfare of all animals, from wild tigers to domestic ducks, Loretta Swit recently spoke out in support of Chicago’s proposed ban of fois gras.

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animal wellness

Photo: Actors & Others for Animals

After listening to actress and animal rights activist Loretta Swit compare the production of foie gras to torture at a notorious Iraqi prison, the Chicago City Council Committee on Health voted unanimously in support of Alderman Joe Moore’s move to make Chicago a foie gras-free zone. Fellow celebrities Sir Paul McCartney, Wendie Malick and Sir Roger Moore joined Swit in her support of the proposed ban, which would not only reduce the number of ducks and geese being abused to make this so-called “delicacy,” but would also send a message to other American cities to do the same. If the proposal becomes law, violators could face fines of up to $500.

Going on holiday?

Taking Rover on spring vacation?

Be sure to take travel safety into account, especially if you’re intending to fly. Although airlines are now required to report any complaints they receive from passengers about animal mistreatment or neglect, this doesn’t prevent incidents from occurring.

From May through September of last year, at least 1 6 animals died, 1 6 were injured, and three were lost.

The moral? Traveling by air is still risky for dogs and cats, so consider driving rather than flying, or leave your companion at home in the care of a responsible pet sitter. If you must go by air, check out “Tips for Safe Pet Air Travel” at www.hsus.org.

Helping shelters save lives We’re one step closer to becoming a no-kill society. Last October, Maddie’s Fund gave a $ 1 .7 million grant to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to support a six-year shelter medicine program. The Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program was designed to educate veterinarians and veterinary students in the field of animal shelter medicine. Ensuring that homeless animals receive quality medical care helps shelters implement and sustain a no-kill status that guarantees homes for all healthy and treatable animals. Iowa State University and Auburn University have also received similar grants. animal wellness

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Yakkity Yak Photo: Todd Steiner © www.SeaTurtles.org

An Olive Ridley turtle comes ashore to dig a nest for her eggs.

Coming out of their shells Good news on the sea turtle front. Over the last few months, millions of Olive Ridley turtles have hatched on Mexico’s Pacific beaches and made it safely into the sea, protected from poachers by armed government guards. While only a fraction of the babies will survive to adulthood, the large number of hatchlings indicates the endangered turtles are making a recovery, a big step forward in a country where raw turtle eggs are coveted as an aphrodisiac. Similar efforts are being made to help save Mexico’s other sea turtles, including the Hawksbill and the Leatherback.

Dog dials 911 When an emergency dispatcher heard nothing but heavy breathing after answering a 911 call in Lake Parsippany, New Jersey, she immediately alerted police to investigate. But when officers arrived at the home of Sylvia D’Antonia, they found nothing out of the ordinary. Apparently, the woman had been teaching her German shepherd, Slayer, to dial 911 in the event of an emergency by knocking the phone off the hook and stepping on the key pad. Perhaps not surprisingly, the police weren’t terribly amused by Slayer’s demonstration and charged D’Antonia with disorderly conduct.

Ananova

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animal wellness

Yakkity Yak Heads-up on popular treat A Seattle TV station recently reported that Greenies, the popular toothbrush-shaped dog treat used to clean teeth and freshen breath, could actually pose a serious health threat to canines. The report cited several examples of dogs who suffered bowel obstructions requiring emergency surgery when large chunks of Greenies failed to dissolve in their abdomens.

If your dog needs something to clean his teeth, you might want to consider an appropriate-sized raw bone or raw chicken neck.

Hope for African elephants Over the last century or more, poaching, habitat destruction, civil war and other threats have placed African elephants in serious jeopardy. In an effort to help save these majestic and intelligent creatures, 1 2 West African countries have signed a treaty that will initially work towards stabilizing existing elephant populations in the region, and ultimately boost their numbers through improved conservation and stronger anti-poaching measures. To encourage human co-operation, plans are in the works to compensate farmers for crop damage caused by elephants, while scholarships will allow game guards and wildlife officers to get university degrees in wildlife management. It’s also hoped the conservation efforts will increase tourism and boost local economies.

BACON OR APPLE FLAVOR!

For another Healthy Pet Systems success story, turn to page 53...

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Yakkity Yak Collar for a cause Colorful “message” bracelets have become highly popular over the last couple of years. Now your dog can join in the fun with the “Be Kind” CauseCollar™ from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The blue and brown accessory collar (not to be used as a substitute for your dog’s regular collar) is imprinted with the “Be Kind” slogan. It’s made from silicone, has a buckle closure, and can be trimmed to fit any size of dog.

The collar is part of a new national kindness campaign with the support of The Friends of Amigo Foundation, an organization that champions animal welfare issues. The collar costs $3 and can be ordered online at www.causecollar.org – proceeds go to HSUS’s Companion Animal Programs.

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How old did you say?

Harriet is a true Methuselah among reptiles.

Not long ago, the giant Galapagos tortoise, who lives at a zoo in Queensland, Australia, celebrated her 175th birthday. Weighing in at over 300 pounds, Harriet’s exact birth date isn’t known, but DNA testing has revealed she was born around 1830, five years before Charles Darwin made his ground-breaking voyage to the Galapagos archipelago. Talk about living history!

Ananova

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with diet and exercise

by Shawn Messonnier, DVM besity is a severe and debilitating illness, and the most common nutritional disease in both animals and people. Estimates suggest that up to 45% of dogs and 13% of cats are obese, and even these figures may be too low according to many veterinarians, judging by the number of obese animals they see every day in practice.

Current medical opinion states that an animal is obese if he weighs 15% or more over his ideal weight. While people often use their animal’s actual weight to gauge obesity, it is probably more accurate to use a body composition score instead.

Body composition is measured by looking at the animal from the top and sides and feeling the areas over his ribs and spine.

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It more accurately reflects obesity than a certain magical number.

The problem with obesity Can you prevent obesity? Absolutely.

As is the case with people, most obese animals are made that way. They aren’t born fat. So how does obesity happen?

An overabundance of calories, paired with a lack of good aerobic exercise, is almost guaranteed to give you a fat animal! Many guardians give their animals frequent treats and snacks and feed them whenever they beg for food.

People may believe they are being caring and loving by rewarding these begging behaviors, but they are actually killing their companions with kindness by setting

them up for all the medical problems that can occur with obesity. These include: orthopedic conditions (including arthritis) ruptured ligaments intervertebral disk disease difficulty breathing reduced capacity for exercise (and in severe cases any movement at all) heat intolerance increased risk of complications from drug therapy (it is more difficult to accurately dose medications in obese animals) cardiac problems hypertension cancer When you realize that excess body fat

occurs in the cavities of the chest and abdomen (in fact, it is often deposited there first) as well as under the skin (what we see as “fat”), it is not surprising that obesity can cause so many medical conditions.

Treating obesity involves restricting calories and increasing the metabolic rate with a controlled exercise program.

In other words, diet and exercise are the two most important factors when it comes to fighting fat.

Additional therapies Several natural therapies may be helpful for treating obesity in some animals.

These include chromium, carnitine, herbs such as cayenne, ginger, and mustard, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), white bean extract, epigallocatechin

gallate (EGCG), and coenzyme Q10. They are widely used with variable success, although they have not been thoroughly investigated and proven at this time.

A new supplement, VetriLean by VetriScience, appears promising. It contains the clinically tested starch blocker

Eating right Contrary to popular belief, store-bought “Lite” diets are not usually adequate, as they are not designed for weight loss but rather weight maintenance.

Additionally, many contain chemicals, by-products, and fillers, and are not part of a holistic program.

Homemade restricted-calorie diets are the first choice for obese animals (see my book, The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, for an example of a homemade diet for overweight animals). The second choice would be processed “obesitymanagement” diets available through veterinarians, although many of these also contain chemicals, by-products, and fillers. These “obesity-management” diets can be used until the target weight is obtained, then replaced with a homemade maintenance diet if possible.

Foods that are high in fiber increase metabolism and are therefore an important part of weight loss diets. The fiber contained in vegetables decreases fat and glucose absorption. Fluctuating glucose levels cause greater insulin release which over time leads to diabetes; since insulin is needed for fat storage, decreased or stable levels are preferred. Fiber also binds to fat in the intestinal tract and increases the movement of food through the intestines. animal wellness

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Phase 2 pet®, a white bean extract. This ingredient has been shown to cut starch digestion by up to 75%. Also in the formula is EGCG from green tea extract. It boosts metabolism, inhibits carbohydrate digesting enzymes, helps maintain normal blood insulin levels (which promotes the burning of fat), and controls appetite. Chromium polynicotinate, meanwhile, is a niacin-bound chromium that supports appetite control and helps build muscle and burn fat.

Because diseases such as hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus can be associated with excess fat, overweight animals should be screened for these disorders prior to treatment for obesity.

must be personalized to your dog or cat’s needs and abilities. Work with your veterinarian to determine a regimen that is best for your animal.

Combining a sensible diet and appropriate supplements with the correct exercise program is the best way to help your dog or cat lose weight. As with anything else, though, prevention is better than a cure, so keeping your animal from becoming obese in the first place is the preferred approach.

Exercise is key As with humans, a regular program of supervised exercise is very important for animals on a weight-reduction program. In fact, exercise must be implemented along with a weight loss diet in order to achieve maximum results. As well as burning off excess calories, mild exercise reduces hunger, improves muscle strength and aerobic ability, has positive effects on all the body’s organs, and is mentally stimulating for both animals and guardians. (It can decrease behavioral problems as well).

There is no one best exercise program for every animal; it

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Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of The Arthritis Solution for Dogs, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, and the awardwinning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, as well as the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s program, The Natural Vet, on Sirius Satellite Radio. His veterinary practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, is located in Plano, Texas. www.petcarenaturally.com

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Survival techniques for bathing a cat Believe it or not, it can be a calm experience

C

by Nell Liquorman

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Chances are that bath time is never going to be your cat’s favorite activity, but you can make it a lot less stressful with these easy tips. I have been using them since 1985, after adopting a traumatized shelter cat that was extremely difficult to bathe, and they really do work. My two current cats don’t mind being bathed either; in fact, it seems to make them feel special!

1 2

. Pick a dry day if possible. Dry air will help the cat dry faster, which means she will be uncomfortable for a shorter period of time.

. Make sure the cat does not feel “ganged up on”. Only one person should do the bathing, unless the cat is unmanageable, or is a new cat that is not yet predictable.

3

. Do not immerse the cat in water. Cats do not like deep or rising water, so choose a bathing set-up that allows the water to run away from the cat. A sink or shower with a sprayer is best, but a bucket of water and a plastic cup to pour water over the cat will also work. It just takes a little longer. Be sure to cover the drain with a cloth that will keep the pads of her paws from slipping through drain holes, but that will allow the water to drain away. Use very warm (not hot) water.

4

. Use a gentle, natural bath product that won’t dry the cat’s tender skin. Avoid commercial shampoos that contain harmful chemicals. Before you start with the cat, prepare some sudsy cloths to make the bathing time a little shorter.

Allow the cat to put her front feet up on the side of the sink or tub, or even on a bucket that is full of water. This will help her feel more in control. If you get suds too close to her eyes, nose or mouth, wipe them off in a direction away from the face, using a clean dry cloth.

5

. Comfort the cat by talking to her and gently massaging her during the bath. She will seem calmer if she is distracted from the water. It is important not to hurt her feelings or make her feel forced into having a bath. If the cat is a “shiver-puss”, keep a warm wet cloth draped over her back as you bathe the other parts. This may also give her a feeling of security.

6

. Rinse really well. Rinsing is really important because a cat will vomit if she licks off any kind of suds. You must go back and rinse the cat thoroughly if this ever happens.

7

. Squeeze as much water as possible from the cat’s fur, using a small towel. If the cat shivers, wrap her in a towel to help retain her body heat. Do not do this unless the cat animal wellness

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Do not immerse the cat in water.

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Cats do not like deep or rising water, so choose a bathing set-up that allows the water to run away from the cat.

shivers, though, as you can cause her to overheat. Blot out as much water as possible, and let the cat lick herself. Shaking off is a good thing, so don’t discourage it. Some cats like to be rubbed with a towel, while others hate it, so let the cat decide.

8

. Long before the bath, introduce the cat to a hair dryer to see if you will be able to use it. If it stresses the cat, don’t use it. Just keep the cat in a warm spot away from drafts until she is dry and comfortable again. If you can use a dryer, it should be slightly warm and at a low speed. It would also be helpful if the dryer does not make

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Cool as a cucumber! Bath time is a cinch for the author's feline friend.

a lot of noise. Be gentle, and do not overdry. If you do, the cat will start itching and scratching, even if she does not have fleas.

By following these suggestions, bathing your cat should soon become much less stressful. With patience and persistence, it may even turn into a pleasant experience for you and your feline friend.

Nell Liquorman is the author of Keep Fleas Off, a step-by-step guide to a bathing and grooming treatment program that helps make cats, dogs, and other animals “invisible to fleas”. www.liquorman.net/keepfleasoff

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holistic veterinary advice

talking with dr. martin goldstein Dr. Marty Goldstein has been practicing holistic veterinary medicine for more than 25 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.

Send your

Dr. Goldstein’s column to: Dr. Martin Goldstein, Dr. Marty responds to questions in only. We regret he cannot respond to every question.

questions for

e-mail: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com his column

Q

RoseBud, my almost ten-year-old English mastiff, has just been diagnosed with histiocytosis. A 2cm hypoechoic nodule was found on her spleen. I was told nothing could be done. Is there anything you can recommend? I have started to make her food but can you recommend any supplements and what to expect in the coming months?

A

I am assuming the diagnosis was made not just from a sonogram, but an actual needle sampling of the nodule. I don’t agree that nothing can be done, as one of my more successful cases in the last couple of years involves a dog that had this diagnosis that then progressed to highly malignant histiocytic sarcoma; two years later, that dog is now very healthy and cancer free. The general rule with tumors in the spleen is that the spleen should just be removed. This is because they are very fragile and a rupture of even a small mass can lead to serious bleeding. You can start on alternatives, monitor RoseBud closely with sonograms and not opt for surgery if the mass does not grow. In general, I hesitate to give advice for cancer patients without a first-hand examination, but some of my favorite anti-cancer products are artemisinin, beta sitosterol, dimethylglycine, Poly MVA and the herb convolvulus arvensis. There are so many additional products and protocols available that I highly recommend consulting with a veterinarian experienced in this field.

Q

My dog Sam is an eight- or nine-year-old golden retriever.

In July, we noticed he was not his usual self and was not responding to us. We also noticed he was bumping into things.

He becomes very tired following his walk and sleeps afterward.

Last year he had what appeared to be paralysis on the left side of his face. We were told by a vet that this could have been caused by antifreeze. We seemed to have treated this with multivitamins because he regained the movement of his face, although it is still not fully symmetrical.

Sam has also been diagnosed with cataracts and an infection in his ear. The vet prescribed some conventional medicine. I would like to know what I can do with herbs or homeopathic remedies to help Sam. We are currently

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giving him multivitamins and high doses of vitamin C.

It sounds as if Sam’s problems could be caused by the cataracts or possibly some neurological problem.

If his bumping into things is due to the clouding of his lenses, a new product called Ocluvet eye drops might prove promising. I have seen facial paralysis problems caused by Lyme disease, and they can be very responsive to treatment. One good remedy for this type of condition is Neuralgia by BHI. In either case, I would definitely recommend a more comprehensive workup, including full blood work, so you’ll have a better idea in which direction to proceed.

A Q

My two-year-old Sheltie has been diagnosed with corneal dystrophy. He’s on a home cooked diet of chicken breasts, organic brown rice, mixed organic vegetables and fruit, and a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. Since it’s a disorder of the metabolism of fats in the cornea, he’s also on lecithin. He also takes eyebright drops morning and night. Is there anything else you can suggest?

A

So far, what you are doing is good. I wouldn’t mind you removing fruit from the meal mix, however, as the sugars can aid in a negative fermentation process in the GI tract. Two good eye supportive supplements I have used are Visioplex by Progressive Labs and Oculotrophin by Standard Process Labs.

I have had success treating this condition using Similason #1 homeopathic eyedrop. If fat metabolism problems show up in blood results, you can add Megalipotrophic by Doctors Mutual Service and Lipocomplex by Progressive Labs.

Q

My nine-year-old (sterilized) female cat cries for food every time I go into the kitchen. She weighs about 12 pounds and has a huge stomach. Her ribs are impossible to find. I live in a developing nation where the vets have little experience compared to the U.S. They cannot find anything physically wrong with her, but warn me she should not get any fatter.

Recently we put her on a lower calorie food for the “less

holistic veterinary advice active cat.” I can’t get her to do any active playing. In fact she usually lies down to play with a string. Stairs seems to be no problem for her and she enjoys chasing bugs, mice and lizards. She’s been on 60 grams of food since we’ve had her, about eight years. One vet suggested only 40 grams but she cried incessantly. Do you have any suggestions?

A

More often than not, quality of food is much more important than quantity. Too many commercial pet foods, especially the dry bagged ones, are laden with processed carbohydrate by-products. Cats, being true carnivores, are just not meant to eat anywhere near this abundance of carbs, which congests their systems and overworks pancreas function. Also, it is not so much the actual food but the ability of the cat’s digestion and metabolism to handle it. If you had a car that was running poorly, you wouldn’t search for the best available fuel but would have the engine tuned up, thus enabling it to handle and process the gasoline.

Similarly, with cats and dogs, metabolic enhancing supplements really help. Key among these (without having specific blood samples run) would be digestive enzymes, antioxidants and a good multivitamin/mineral supplement. This would, of course, be in conjunction with feeding “real” food, tending more towards what cats would eat if they were still in the wild.

Q

DE W ALE AN R TE S D!

I have a three-month-old Shih Tzu named Juli. Last week she started getting a small lump on her neck. I took her to a vet and he gave her some antibiotics. Three days later, she started getting another on her back. I took her back to the vet and he did the same thing. The problem is, neither of the lumps is going away. They feel like they are filled with fluid and are just under the skin. When Juli plays with my other Shih Tzu, the lumps seem to get harder and bigger. Do you have any idea what these could be?

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A

It would be good to have a veterinarian do a fine needle aspiration for cytology (no sedation required).

I say this because I have recently seen several mast cell tumors in three-month-old dogs. One of the characteristics of these tumors is that they do fluctuate in size when manipulated. If this or something similar were the diagnosis, it would make a big difference in the proper approach to therapy. Remember that the nickname for the skin is the “third kidney”. It is a powerful eliminative organ. These may just be cysts that will either run their course or could be lanced by your veterinarian. Also, it is common for animals to have local reactions to vaccinations and the neck is a common site. Before giving Juli any more vaccines, please read the series of articles about over-vaccination in Animal Wellness (Volume 7, Issues 2, 3 and 4).

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holistic veterinary advice

Q

My dog has just fractured the top third of his bottom canine tooth, leaving the pulp exposed, which is obviously very painful and sensitive for him. I’ve taken him to my vet who has given him some antibiotics and pain killers, and told me that sometimes the tooth can heal itself. However, if it is no better in a few days I have to take him back to have the tooth removed. I have read that removing the lower canine can create problems for the dog such as dryness of the mouth and damage to the tongue, and that the surgery will also be quite extensive. Is there any alternative to removing the tooth? Is it possible to cap the tooth as in human dentistry?

A

I have seen countless dogs over the years with broken teeth, including canines, with no clinical problems whatsoever. As you stated, this is a very extensive surgery, so I would recommend against doing it at this point. Standard Process Labs makes a good supportive supplement named Biodent. There are also homeopathics, from arnica to those available for teething children, that could help with the hopefully temporary discomfort. And yes, dentistry has really advanced recently in veterinary medicine and I have seen teeth capped, even beautifully in gold.

Q

My friend has a ten or eleven-year-old cat. In the past few weeks she has become unsteady on her feet and is prone to terrible spasms in which she stretches and twists and rears back her head. After every seizure she becomes quite hungry.

We gave her small doses of wheat grass juice which seemed to help. She eats raw organic meats and holistic cat food but still small amounts of water. I wonder if the spasms might be from lead poisoning or some other type of poison. She doesn’t seem to be suffering in any way but we are baffled. Could you please give us some idea of what we are dealing with?

A

It would be very difficult to tell you what the problem is without a direct physical examination by a veterinarian. I strongly recommend that you have this done. Although a poison can not be ruled out, especially one like lead that could affect the nervous system, this would not be high on my list. What you describe sounds more musculo-skeletal, and these problems can be readily addressed by things like acupuncture, chiropractic and many nutraceuticals, remedies and herbals. If it did wind up being a poison or some form of toxicity, then the approach would be different. So a diagnosis is vital before proceeding.

Q

My 14-month-old male cocker spaniel, Boo, has been showing symptoms that I attributed to being a growing boy. He is excessively clumsy and walks like a prancing horse. Also, he will walk or step down on the dorsal side of his right front

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animal wellness

animal wellness

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holistic veterinary advice paw about one-third of the time. I took Boo to our vet and he expressed concern for Wobblers Syndrome. This does sound in part to be a very accurate description of Boogie’s symptoms; however, it concerns me that his problems all seem to be in the front legs and all my research shows that Wobblers seems to primarily exhibit symptoms in the hind legs. Also, Wobblers is said to be exhibited in large breeds in almost all cases.

Could you please share your insight?

A

If you brought Boo to my clinic and I was working with him directly, the first thing I would do would be to refer you to a specialist in the field of orthopedics/ neurology for a proper opinion/diagnosis. Given his breed and young age, I agree that this does not seem like Wobblers, but nowadays you just never know.

Also, I have seen Wobblers affect the front legs, even initially. Without doing a first-hand examination and diagnosis, I hesitate to recommend any treatments.

Q A

We have a black Lab that is six years old. We have never had to board him until two years ago. They required him to have all the shots. Now he has seizures and what the vet is calling fatty tissue lumps on both of his hind legs. May this have been caused by the shots? What can we do for him?

Of all the things I am opposed to, vaccination requirements put on animals being boarded, groomed or even annually is top of the list. There is so much current documentation showing that the protection given by most puppy and kitten vaccinations are lasting for many years and typically for life. Vaccinations can most definitely cause a seizure disorder. I have seen epilepsy successfully treated using alternatives. There is a homeopathic by Professional Health Products called Epilepsy Drops. Also, herbal formulations containing skullcap, valerian and chamomile can help, as well as brain glandulars such as Neurotrophin by Standard Process Labs. Acupuncture can be very effective. I would advise not to try different things but to seek the treatment of a knowledgeable veterinarian in this field.

By the way, it is very common for middle-aged Labs to have fatty tumors. The herb Chih-Ko & Curcuma

by Seven Forests is good for this, but shouldn’t take precedence over the treatment of the epilepsy.

Dear Readers: The brand names I recommend in my column are suggestions only. There are other brands with similar formulas. As with any product, it’s important to buy a brand you can trust.

Editor’s Note: This column is for information purposes only. It is not meant to replace veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your animal any remedies. For a listing of holistic veterinarians, please refer to our website at www.animalwellnessmagazine.com.

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animal wellness

awm Product Picks Ugh…hairballs!

A leash with a difference

If you have a cat, you’re probably familiar with hairballs. To help with the problem, Pet Naturals of Vermont introduces Hairball Relief Plus. This new product doesn’t just help your cat eliminate hairballs; it also addresses the factors that make your cat prone to hairballs in the first place, including skin problems, excessive shedding and grooming, and GI and urinary tract issues. The unique formula of essential fatty acids, fiber, lecithin, biotin and zinc help reduces shedding and hairball formation and supports skin and hair health. And it tastes like chicken, so your cat will enjoy taking it!

4 oz: $14 www.petnaturals.com

Does your dog pull while on walks? Depending on what kind of leash you use, it’s not only hard on your arms and shoulders, but it also puts serious pressure on your dog’s neck, spinal cord and esophagus.

Larz Petgear makes life easier for both of you with their special Z-Leash System. Z-Multi Flex Dog Leashes incorporate one to two sections of shock cord that give you 12” of increasing tension flex; in other words, the harder your dog pulls, the harder it is for him to pull. Not only are the leashes safer and more comfortable to use, but they also automatically help correct pulling behavior.

Single flex: $32.00 Double flex: $46.00 www.larzpetgear.com

Nuggets of nutrition

Savory snacks

Want to feed raw, but don’t like handling meat?

Northwest Naturals offers its frozen raw diets in compact nuggets that are as easy to serve as kibble.

Made from high-quality ingredients including whole, fresh muscle and organ meats, ground bones, fresh vegetables and herbs, the grain-free diets are flash-frozen to preserve nutrient integrity. Choose from Beef, Chicken or Turkey nuggets for dogs, or Salmon with Chicken Dinner Nuggets for cats.

6 lb bag: $16.99-18.99 www.nw-naturals.com

Jerkey treats are tasty, convenient, and easy to feed, but most commercial products are full of additives, preservatives and synthetic flavorings that make them an unwise choice for your dog or cat. For a healthy, all-natural, real-meat alternative, consider Country Pet Dog & Puppy or Cat & Kitten Jerkey Treats. They’re made from whole, range-fed lamb or venison meat and are totally free of artificial preservatives and colorings, antibiotics and growth hormones. They’re not only delicious, but also good for your best friend!

3 oz: $6.50 8 oz: $12.49 www.canz.com

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Today’s

premium foods combine convenience with quality “I

by Ann Brightman

“I always thought that feeding my cats a healthy diet meant I had to learn how to home-prepare all their food,” says Janice. “As much as I’d like to, I just don’t have the time for that. And I don’t really know enough about nutrition to feel comfortable making cat food from scratch.”

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Janice voiced her concerns to a holistic vet, who assured her she didn’t need to become a gourmet cook to feed her felines a good quality diet. Nowadays, premium food manufacturers are offering a wide variety of frozen raw, canned and packaged diets made from wholesome, natural ingredients.

These products are designed with busy, health-conscious consumers in mind, and are specially formulated and packaged to be as easy to feed as any mainstream commercial pet food, with one big difference – they’re a lot healthier. “I was amazed to learn about all the choices there are nowadays,” says Janice. “I didn’t realize that good quality pet food could be so convenient.”

These products are designed with busy, health-conscious consumers in mind...

Packaged foods – the ultimate in ease When canned and dry dog and cat foods first came out, it was hailed as a big step forward in pet care. Unfortunately, the majority of these foods then and now are made with inferior ingredients including meat by-products, fillers and unhealthy additives. The good news is that an increasing number of manufacturers are coming out with packaged diets carefully formulated from fresh, whole, natural ingredients, and without the artificial colors and preservatives that characterize most commercial foods. Companies such as Nature’s Variety, Evanger’s, Timberwolf Organics, and Breeder’s Choice specialize in high quality nutrition for dogs and cats, and offer a wide variety of canned and/or dry foods in healthy flavors and formulas you’d never find on a mainstream grocery store shelf. Some are even made from organic ingredients, or are specially formulated for animals with allergies.

canned It’s in the can

“We do everything we can to make the best product possible,” says Holly Sher of Evanger’s. “To keep things fresh, you have to order every day exactly what you’re going to make the next day, and ensure it gets used. Our meat, fruits and vegetables come in the day before we used them.”

As with several other premium manufacturers, Evanger’s animal wellness

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offers a complete line of protein sources for dogs and cats, from chicken, beef, fish and lamb, to pheasant, rabbit, duck and bison. “We also do a special hand-packed canned line,” adds Holly. “The food isn’t ground up, so when you open the can you see the complete chicken thighs or hunk of beef, along with added peas, carrots and pasta.” (Cooked bones are included in chicken diets, but are specially processed so they become soft enough to be safely edible.)

dry

Dry selections Kibble is perhaps the most convenient food for dogs and cats because it keeps well and is easy to store. Again, though, commercial dry foods are made from poor quality ingredients, are full of carbohydrates, glutens and artificial additives, and contain very little real meat. In fact, these foods are lacking in the nutrition dogs and cats need to stay healthy and have actually been linked to a variety of diseases, including kidney disease and diabetes, especially when they make up the bulk of the animal’s diet.

Some companies are also switching to resealable bags that are not only extra convenient, but go one step further to help preserve the food's freshness...

Fortunately, you now have the choice of buying dry diets that are far superior in nutritional value to mainstream commercial kibbles. Not only do these foods place the emphasis on whole meats rather than grains and meals, but harmful artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin are replaced by natural alternatives like vitamins C and E, mixed tocopherals and rosemary.

Packaging is also specially designed to help ensure the food enjoys a long shelf life. For its Pinnacle line, for example, Breeder’s Choice uses an oxygen barrier bag that helps prevent the nutrients in the food from being oxidized and degraded over time. Some companies are also switching to resealable bags that are not only extra convenient, but go one step further to help preserve the food’s freshness once the package has been opened. “We use poly metallic bags that add another two months to the life of the food,” adds Holly. “They also don’t rip as easily as paper bags.”

raw

Raw doesn’t mean messy Think raw, and a lot of people picture a slab of bloody meat that has to be handled, cut up, and mixed with other ingredients to make a complete meal, a job that some regard as distasteful and time-consuming. But when it comes to the frozen raw diets on the market today, nothing could be further from the truth. Raw diets from companies such as Amore, Urban Carnivore, Northwest Naturals, Steve’s Real Food and Bravo are just as neat and convenient to feed

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35

as anything that comes out of a can or bag. “We have one, two, five, and ten-pound blends of chicken, turkey, lamb or beef with added bone, organ meats and vegetables,” says Bette Loughran of Bravo.

convenient and long-lasting, freeze dried food is ideal for those who travel or camp with their animals, but it can also be used on a regular basis or as nutritious treats. All you need to do is add water for a wholesome food for your dog or cat.

Just as importantly for those who don’t want to have to cut or handle raw food, many of these diets are formed and packaged to make them quick and easy to feed. Some come in compact tubes or scored bars of various sizes, while others are shaped into ready-to-serve patties, medallions or nuggets.

“We make eight-ounce patties with paper in between so they’re easy to separate,” says Bette. “They look just like a regular hamburger patty.”

To create their freeze dried foods, Steve’s Real Food prepares their ingredients the same way they do their raw frozen diets. “The product goes to a freeze-drier where it’s put in a large vacuum chamber,” explains CEO Gary Bursell. “They vary the temperature up and down slightly, which forms ice crystals on the kibbles, then use air to blow the crystals off. What that does is extract the moisture from the product while preserving all the nutrients. And convenience is one of our long suits because we make the food in the form of kibbles so people can easily count them out.” Nature’s Variety also offers a line of freeze dried diets that come in the form of medallions; several flavors are available, including chicken, turkey, lamb, beef and venison.

As with packaged foods, a varied selection of whole meat proteins is available in raw frozen form, including diverse choices such as goat, quail and elk, so your dog or cat has the chance to enjoy plenty of variety.

freeze dried How about freeze dried?

Several premium food companies also manufacture lines of freeze dried food, using the same whole, natural, healthy ingredients they put into their raw frozen foods. Lightweight,

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animal wellness

With all the product selections available today, it’s getting easier than ever to feed your dog or cat a nutritious, natural diet. “I’m going to gradually switch my cats to a premium canned food, and maybe try them on a frozen raw diet once in a while as well,” says Janice. “It’s a relief to know that I can feed them healthy meals without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s like having the best of both worlds!”

Top ten

fruits veggies for your best friend

by Audi Donamor

A

n apple a day keeps the doctor away. This is true, not only for you, but for your companion animals too. In fact, providing your dog or cat with a variety of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables can help him live a healthier, longer life, even reducing the risk of certain diseases, including cancer.

Choose orange, red, yellow, and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables to support your animal companions’ daily diet. Buy organic produce whenever possible, and say “no” to dyed, waxed, irradiated and genetically engineered items. This is particularly important because the skin on fruits and vegetables is usually the most concentrated source of nutrients, so you don’t want to have to remove it.

Our animals do not have the necessary enzymes to break down cellulose walls, which are indigestible carbohydrates found in the outer layers of fruits and vegetables like apples, broccoli, green beans, and carrots. We have to break down the walls for them, so these powerpacked foods become as bio-available as possible.

This can be accomplished in a variety of ways: •A food processor, blender, or grinder can quickly create a wonderful purée for your feline and canine family members. Most fruits just need a fast spin in a processor.

•Cooking and steaming vegetables will also break down the cellulose walls.

•Juicing produces lots of fantastic pulp.

Visit your local organic juice bar or health

food store, and ask if you can have some of their extra pulp. The pulp freezes beautifully, so you always have something on hand when you can’t do the work yourself, and you can use it as a base for wonderful frozen treats and biscuits.

The following ten fruits and vegetables are major players when it comes to the health and well being of our feline and canine family members.

1

1. Carrots The carrot is one of the kings of the vegetable patch. There are over 100 varieties, from deep purple and white to the brilliant orange we are most accustomed to. Each is a storehouse of nutrient power that’s good for our canine and feline friends.

Carrots contain pro-vitamin A (betacarotene), vitamins B, C, D, E and K, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, animal wellness

37

Not all fruits and veggies are good for your animals. Here’s what to avoid or limit.

copper, and iodine. They support the immune system, aid digestion, and are also recognized as a glandular tonic, skin cleanser, and eye conditioner.

Avoid onions. The American Journal of Veterinary Research has reported that onion induced oxidation of canine red blood cells has caused severe reactions in some dogs, even those who consumed only small amounts. A sensitive dog may develop Heinz-body anemia; symptoms include lethargy, red urine, and pale or bluish gums, especially with exercise.

For your feline friend, try some cooked puréed carrot. Consider parboiled carrots for a teething puppy. For trips on the road, you can even try Frontier 100% organic carrot powder.

• •

Grapes and raisins have the potential to be toxic to your canine companion. A bunch of grapes, or even just a few raisins, can lead to acute renal failure. Pesticides, heavy metals, and fungal contaminants have been ruled out as causal agents, so take extra care with this popular fruit.

Symptoms of toxicity include abdominal pain, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• •

Spinach and Swiss chard contain oxalic acid, a compound that interferes with calcium absorption. Serve them with care.

Limit vegetables from the nightshade family, including eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, as they can aggravate inflammatory conditions, like arthritis.

If your canine companion has arthritis, give papaya and mango a try instead.

2

2. Broccoli

Broccoli, a phyto nutrient-dense member of the cruciferous family, is a low glycemic vegetable king pin. This means it does not cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels.

Broccoli contains lots of vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as vitamins A and D. It is one of the most important cancer fighting vegetables. It contains no fewer than three cancer protective biochemicals, including sulforaphane, which boosts the immune system.

Other members of the cruciferous family include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, rutabagas, kohlrabi, bok choy, kale, Swiss chard, collards, and turnips.

Clinical studies are currently examining the role of cruciferous vegetables and their possible link to lower cancer rates.

Broccoli should be fed in moderation, because it can depress thyroid function if fed in large amounts. When it comes to the cruciferous family, try cooked rather than raw, because cooking releases indole, a cancer fighting enzyme.

3

3. Green Beans

Green beans are considered one of the world’s healthiest foods. They are an excellent source of vitamin A because of their concentration of carotenoids, including beta-carotene. Green beans also include vitamins C and K, calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, protein, riboflavin, thiamin, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin K stands out because it is important for maintaining strong bones.

Vitamin K-1 activates osteocalcin, the major non-collagen protein in bone, and acts as an anchor for calcium molecules inside bones.

Green beans are heart smart, too.

4

4. Pumpkin

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experiencing occasional bouts of constipation or diarrhea, pureéd pumpkin may be just what the doctor ordered. It’s a terrific stool softener, which makes it a perfect remedy for constipation, often helping dogs or cats with an upset stomach or indigestion. Since pumpkin is very rich in fiber, all you have to do is add one or two teaspoons to your animal’s food. The dietary fiber contained in pumpkin absorbs water, so it is also a great remedy for diarrhea. If your cat or dog is a little bit on the roly-poly side, pumpkin can help because it quickly creates a feeling of being full.

5

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin E. They also provide many other important nutrients, including an abundance of vitamins A, B-6, and C, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine, and iron. Sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate and another example of a beta-carotene rich vegetable, which may be a significant factor in reducing the risk of certain cancers. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and help promote a healthy gastrointestinal system.

6

6. Tomato

Over 72 different studies have demonstrated that tomatoes have the ability to lower the risk of some kinds of cancer. The secret to the tomato’s success is lycopene, the chemical that gives tomatoes their bright red colour.

Tomatoes that have been processed by cooking actually contain more lycopene, because cooking breaks down the cellular walls, allowing carotenoids to be more concentrated. To make tomatoes even more beneficial, add a little fat

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animal wellness

like cold pressed olive oil. This simple trick allows the lycopene to be even better absorbed into the body. Along with lycopene, tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

7

7. Apples

That simple apple a day can be used in so many ways. Apples are the perfect training treat, and applesauce is an ideal base for all kinds of biscuits as well as fruit and vegetable mixes for home cooked and raw diets. One apple contains the equivalent of about 1,500 mg of vitamin C. Researchers have found that red delicious, northern spy, and Ida red apples contain more potent disease fighting antioxidants than other red apples. In fact, red delicious were shown to have higher antioxidant levels than seven other varieties. Pectin, the fiber found in apple skins, is fermented in the intestines; this produces short-chain fatty acids that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and support the cells of the intestinal lining, making apples yet another excellent cancer fighting food. Keep in mind that organic apples may contain around one-third more antioxidants than regular apples.

8

8. Blueberries and Cranberries

Scientists from the United States Department of Agriculture have discovered that blueberries and cranberries contain significant levels of resveratrol, a natural compound found to have anti-cancer qualities and is also believed to reduce the risk of heart disease. Blueberries are mini Continued on page 42

Tasty, healthful recipes for your

animal human family!

Easier-than-pie baked granola apples Ingredients 4 red apples, e.g., Delicious 3/4 cup granola, with no added salt or sugar Sprinkling of cinnamon and carob Instructions

Use organic ingredients whenever possible. Preheat oven to 350°F. Hollow out unpeeled apples. Fill each apple with granola, packing it in as tightly as you can. Place the apples in a shallow Pyrex baking dish, and sprinkle with cinnamon and carob. Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool to room temperature. Serve plain, or add a dollop of goat milk yogurt or Balkan style yogurt. The human members of your family might enjoy adding some all-natural vanilla ice cream.

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Carrot flan This recipe comes from England, and the original version appeared in Juliette de Bairacli Levy’s wonderful little book, Nature’s Children. You can have lots of fun with the basic recipe, using different fruits and vegetables to suit your human and furry family’s tastes.

Ingredients 2 cups finely grated raw carrot (or zucchini, sweet potato, or apples) 6 raw egg yolks 6 tablespoons filtered water (or substitute homemade broth or fruit juice for an extra nutritional and taste boost) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Instructions

Use organic ingredients whenever possible. Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat the egg yolks, water, and salt together. Add the grated raw carrot to the egg mixture and combine thoroughly. Turn mixture out into a greased Pyrex baking dish. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. You will know when the flan is ready when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cut into strips or squares and let the whole family enjoy this wholesome dish. animal wellness

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Continued from page 40

Online Sources of Information www.nutritiondata.com The Nutrition Data website provides nutrition facts, calorie counts, and nutrient data for all foods and recipes. www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/ The United States Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Laboratory is a standard reference database, absolutely packed with information. www.dole5aday.com The Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Facts Charts include a breakdown of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and folate content for over 100 fruits and vegetables.

powerhouses of antioxidants. These antioxidants come from anthocyanins, the pigments that give blueberries their deep blue color. Like cranberries, blueberries help prevent urinary tract infections because they contain condensed tannins, the compounds responsible for keeping bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder.

A sprinkle a day keeps UTIs at bay.

is not commonly allergenic, and doesn’t contain measurable amounts of goitrogens, oxalates, purines, or pesticide residues. Try giving your cat a little bit of cantaloupe with a dab of yogurt and a sprinkling of catnip.

10 9 10. Watermelon

9. Cantaloupe

www.napcc.aspca.org The Animal Poison Control Centre is part of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If you ever think your animal may have been poisoned, call 1-888-426-4435; don’t forget to always have your veterinarian’s name and telephone number readily available, and the phone number and address for the nearest veterinary critical care centre.

Cantaloupes belong to the same family as the cucumber, squash, and pumpkin. They are an excellent source of vitamin A due to their very high concentration of beta-carotene, and help support good vision. Cantaloupe is also a good source of vitamin B-6, vitamin C, fiber, folate, niacin, and potassium. Cantaloupe is considered an especially safe fruit because it

The United States Department of Agriculture Research Service has declared that watermelon packs a more powerful lycopene punch than tomatoes – 40% more, that is!

Watermelon also contains vitamins A, B-6, C, and thiamin. Dogs love it and many of our feline friends enjoy a cold, crisp piece of watermelon too.

Audi Donamor

has been successfully

creating special needs diets for dogs and cats for ten years.

Talkin’ Pets ................with Jon Patch “Talkin’ Pets” offers live, fun-filled discussions about pets and our other friends in the animal kingdom. Host Jon Patch and his expert guests have made this program America’s favorite pet show!

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animal wellness

2006 SCHEDULE FEBRUARY Animal Obesity MARCH Trainer Q&A To find a radio station in your area, go to:

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animal wellness

43

How do you choose

best protein for your dog? the

by Kate Solisti

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animal wellness

A

few years ago, a book came out called Eat Right for Your Type, by nutritionist Dr. Peter D’Adamo. His concept is that we should examine our personal nutritional needs based on our blood types. For example, those with O blood have what he refers to as the “original hunter gatherer” blood type; in other words, according to Dr. D’Adamo’s theory, a person with blood type O will be healthiest on a meat-based diet with hardly any refined grains and sugars.

Dr. D’Adamo also noted that genetic heritage as well as blood type plays a part in individual nutritional needs. This approach to human nutrition got me thinking about dogs. Canines do have blood types, but there was very little information about the differences between them. I began looking into what foods specific breeds would encounter in various climates and environments all over the globe, and wondered how important these geographical factors were in shaping our dog breeds. I asked myself the question: “Aren’t dogs genetically different depending on their inherited genes, just as people are?”

My research revealed that dog breeds developed and thrived by eating local prey and human “leftovers.” The prey varied somewhat, but the human “leftovers” varied considerably!

Certain climates and environments support different meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and grains. Many dog breeds evolved to assist humans in producing food or living off the land. Herding dogs were bred to herd sheep, goats and cattle. Coastal breeds assisted fishermen. Other dogs helped hunt deer, elk, wild pigs, rabbits, birds and so on. All dogs ate whatever foods were available in their homeland, and as carnivores and carrion feeders, were great opportunists, eating whatever they could find – alive or dead!

The importance of “ancestral” foods How is this relevant today? Do dogs bred as companions still require their “ancestral” foods? I believe they do, and that eating “ancestral” meats, vegetables, fruits and some grains can be a key element in supporting vibrant health. After all, a Chihuahua raised by the Aztecs in central Mexico ate very differently from a Saint Bernard living in the Alps! I have found that when we gear the “foundation” meats, fish and vegetables to the regions our dogs developed in, magical health changes occur.

Take the Samoyed who had brown tear stains, a dull coat and scratchy skin. One week on a fish and sweet potato based food and she was a new dog! Northern breeds such as Samoyeds, huskies, malamutes and American Eskimo dogs evolved in very cold climates and ate high-fat diets of fish, seal, whale and caribou. Grains were non-existent. Root vegetables and

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some berries were available during the very short growing season. These breeds consistently do poorly on poultry and grain based dry foods. Some individuals have done all right on lamb or beef, but typical commercial dry foods contain far too many grains for these dogs.

German breeds, meanwhile, evolved in a land that raises a lot of beef and pork.

Boxers, great Danes and German shepherds evolved shorter colons and need the right meats and fibrous vegetables with a few specific grains in order to prevent gas and life-threatening bloat.

The dogs of the British Isles often ate a great deal of fish if they lived close to the coast. In fact, coastal breeds and swimming bird-retrieving dogs need fish oils for healthy joints, skin and coats.

Staple grains of the British Isles were barley and oats.

Asian breeds were traditionally exposed to fish, poultry and rice. Even though they developed where fermented soy foods were available, research shows that dogs are incapable of breaking down protein from soybeans. Unfortunately, soy shows up in many processed dog foods as a viable protein source. No one, to my knowledge, has ever “tested” whether or not chows,

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Sharpeis, or Pekinese can utilize soy.

Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Tibetan spaniels, terriers, and mastiffs evolved in the Himalayas on yak and millet, and there’s no soy there! And on it goes.

and chicken and fish for Asian breeds.

Even ostrich is available, although I’m not sure which breed apart from the Rhodesian ridgeback ate ostrich with any frequency!

Personalizing your dog’s diet

It’s also easy to make homemade cooked or raw meat meals using ingredients from your dog’s ancestral diet. For some of my breed-specific homemade recipes, see Animal Wellness Volume 5, Issues 4 and 5, and Volume 6, Issues 1 and 3.

How do you find out which ancestral foods your own dog’s breed ate? Start by reading some good books on your breed, then find out which foods the people local to your dog’s ancestral region hunted, grew or raised before the age of supermarkets.

One book I’ve found helpful is William D. Cusick’s Canine Nutrition, Choosing the Best Foods for Your Breed. With a little research, you can put together a shopping list of ancestral ingredients best suited for your dog’s particular breed.

Happily, there are many raw frozen and premium canned and dry foods that incorporate different meat, vegetable and grain choices. We can purchase rabbit and venison for our sight hounds, fish and sweet potato for northern breeds, beef and buffalo for red meat lovers, duck for our retrievers,

Keep in mind that besides your dog’s breed, you must also take into consideration his individual lifestyle, age, and health needs. Done with care, breed specific nutrition can make a big difference to your canine companion’s health!

Kate Solisti is the author of The Holistic Animal Handbook, A Guidebook to Nutrition, Health and Communication.

She has produced two videos on dog and cat nutrition and preparing raw food diets at home.

Kate

does private

nutritional counseling sessions including meal planning for individual animals.

She is also an animal communicator with 13 years’ experience and is author of the series Conversations with Dog, Cat and Horse. www.akinshipwithanimals.com

Breed specific protein requirements Breed Beagles English & American foxhounds Basset hounds Bernese mountain dog Greater Swiss mountain dog Great Pyrenees Cocker spaniel Irish setter Papillon Rottweiler Scottish terriers West Highland terriers Shelties Collies Border collies Skye terriers Norwich terriers Welsh terriers Schipperkes Min. poodles Pembroke Welsh corgi

Meats

lamb alternated with rabbit, chicken

cooked halibut, salmon, cod alternated with lamb, chicken

Vegetables

potatoes parsley carrots

Here is a handy chart to help you choose the ancestral meats, vegetables and grains for your dog. Remember to buy free-range, organic meat whenever possible, especially if you intend to feed raw.

Organic veggies and grains will supply the best vitamins and minerals.

Grains

Breed

Meats

Vegetables

Grains

oats whole barley

Labradors Golden retrievers Chesapeake Bay retrievers Newfoundlands Curly & flat coated retrievers Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers American water spaniel Irish water spaniel Portugese water dog Standard poodle

duck chicken fish – trout or salmon goose

potatoes sweet potatoes green beans apples

occasionally oats or whole barley

Pekinese Japanese Chin Shih Tzu Chinese crested Shiba Inu Akita Kyi Leo Japanese spitz

chicken fish lamb occasionally tofu

beets green beans steamed beans bean sprouts

brown or white rice

carrots green beans sweet potatoes potatoes

oatmeal whole barley

Huskies fish plus venison, Malamutes Samoyeds elk or buffalo American Eskimo

sweet potatoes

none

Greyhounds Afghans Whippets Irish wolfhound Scottish deerhound Saluki Sloughi Lurcher

rabbit chicken turkey venison

figs apples potatoes

brown rice whole barley bulgur oats

Chihuahua Bichon frise Maltese

chicken fish

avocado figs

brown rice

German shepherd Doberman Schnauzer Boxer Great Dane Dachshund Yorkshire terriers Norfolk, fox and Staffordshire terriers English bull Neopolitan mastiff Pug Airdale Old English sheepdog Borzoi

beef lamb

steamed cabbage steamed collards steamed kale

oats whole barley

Copyright, The Holistic Animal Handbook, A Guidebook to Nutrition, Health and Communication by Kate Solisti-Mattelon, Council Oak Books 2004.

animal wellness

47

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animal wellness

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Reunited

home again

Good luck and serendipity help Colonel find his way

L L

ike many families, the Woods have a special place in their hearts for their animals, especially their recently adopted American pit bull terrier, Colonel.

Their new four-legged friend, named to honor the family’s military background, quickly adapted to his fellow housemates, Muttley, a shepherd mix, and Hector, an adult green iguana.

On Friday, September 16, Colonel was playing in his backyard when a fireworks display commenced at the nearby high school’s homecoming event. Startled by the blasts, Colonel escaped, and in his confusion ran straight towards the source of the noise.

As the frantic pup galloped through the neighborhood, dodging cars and people, he caught the eye of an animal lover named Kim. After pulling off to the side of the road, Kim managed to convince the now limping Colonel that she could be trusted in this strange new world of loud bangs, squealing tires and raised voices.

While the Woods were doing everything possible to locate their canine companion, Kim took Colonel directly to the veterinarian’s office to have his injuries evaluated.

Leaving Colonel with the vet for treatment, Kim returned home briefly to check PETS 911. Lo and behold – there he was!

She immediately contacted the Woods to reassure them that Colonel had been recovered.

Within 36 hours of his disappearance, the Woods once again had their beloved dog back at home. Although a little worn from his misadventures, and with several cuts to his front paws, Colonel was overjoyed to be reunited with his family. In fact, as the Woods reported with pride, his personality has bounced back “and then some!”

The Woods filled out an online information form like the above sample.

At their end, the Woods had begun scouring the neighborhood, putting up flyers, contacting animal rescues and trying to stay hopeful. As part of their all-encompassing search efforts, they also posted a description and photos of Colonel on the Lost and Found section of www.PETS 911. animal wellness

51

best behavior!

Best behavior!

Is your dog or cat behaviorally challenged? Ask our experts how you can get them on the road to better behavior.

Suzanne Hetts, PhD

Gillian Ridgeway

Paul Owens is the author of The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training,

Dr. Suzanne Hetts,

now also available on

internationally

DVD. Certified by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and endorsed by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, Paul is the director of Raise with Praise, Inc., based in Burbank, California. www.dogwhispererdvd.com.

known speaker and author.

Gillian Ridgeway Director of Who’s Walking Who Dog Training Centres, located in Toronto, Ontario. She is the author of “Citizen Canine” and is a regular speaker at the University of Toronto on learning theory.

She can be reached at www.whoswalkingwho.net.

a certified applied animal behaviorist

Littleton, Colorado, is an

in

her husband,

She and Dr. Dan Estep, help

pet parents and professionals better understand animal behavior.

www.animalbehaviorsssociates.com.

Q

My terrier cross, Alice, totally explodes whenever the doorbell rings, barking like crazy. Sometimes I have to shut her in another room so we can hear ourselves speak. I don’t think this problem is unique to Alice. My neighbor’s dogs spend the whole time they’re in the backyard barking their heads off, even if they’re only out for a short while. Is there any way to teach dogs when it’s appropriate to bark?

Barking dogs can be quite a problem for any family.

The best way to teach a dog to bark at appropriate times is to teach her to not bark at the door at all.

This way, when there is a problem, your dog’s natural instinct should appear and she will alert you.

Telling a dog off for barking usually does not work.

It is best to teach her an alternate behavior. Start by teaching Alice to lie down on a mat for a treat reward. Then, add to this by ringing the doorbell and immediately taking her to her mat. Give her another reward. This should be repeated many times. Soon, upon hearing the doorbell, Alice should be happy to scoot to her mat instead of barking.

If you find this difficult, try putting a leash on Alice while indoors. When the doorbell rings, you can have her accompany you to the door. Ask your guests not to greet her until she is sitting quietly.

Ask Alice for a sit/stay and reward her with a toy or treat. The more this behavior is rewarded, the more likely it is to occur.

The other point to keep in mind is that dogs should not be given a room with a view. They are much more inclined to incessantly bark if they can see out the windows. To help alleviate excessive barking, try making sure Alice doesn’t always have the opportunity

52

animal wellness

Visit

them on the web at

Dear Gillian:

A

is the

to keep a watchful eye on the neighborhood.

As far as barking outdoors goes, it is best kept to a minimum by supervising the dog. This behavior can become self-rewarding, meaning that the dog might start to enjoy running and barking for no particular reason. The use of a citronella collar might be useful in this instance. The collar does will not harm the dog but will spray out a mist that interrupts the barking frenzy. This can be a very useful tool for helping to keep peace with the neighbors.

Dear Dr. Suzanne:

Q

My four-and-a-half-year-old cat, Matilda, has lately had this thing where she needs me to be awake quite early in the morning. She becomes extremely needy, lovey, and needs me to be paying attention to her. I thought she just wanted to be fed, but even if I get up to feed her it still doesn’t always stop. I love her when she is like this, but as a student I need my sleep and she often does this on a daily basis. She will meow and meow and jump over me until I wake. She is a very talkative kitty anyway but I don’t know what to do about this behavior. I do not have any doors in my apartment so I can’t shut her out of my room.

A

Cats are by nature crepuscular animals. This means their highest activity periods are at dawn and dusk, so Matilda’s behavior is quite normal and expected.

In addition, her behavior has been reinforced with food and attention. With a student lifestyle, you may be gone long hours and Matilda has found these early morning hours a consistent time for you to be accessible to her.

One possibility is to use an automatic feeder that

Photo: Todd Buttenham

Paul Owens

best behavior! can be set to deliver a small meal a few minutes before Matilda is likely to start her pestering. You might also try to spend more time in the late evenings before bed playing with and petting Matilda. This may help not only because it keeps Matilda up later, but because it will increase her quality time with you during a more acceptable period. A portable screen “door” that attaches with a pressure rod and Velcro to any door frame can be mounted to keep Matilda out of the bedroom, although this would not affect her meowing. You may have to try completely ignoring Matilda’s needy behavior for awhile, even though it may take some time for the behavior to extinguish.

You could try a set of earplugs to help you get through this period!

A chat with her veterinarian may be in order to discuss the use of melatonin, a chemical found in the body that influences sleep/wake cycles. As a last resort, you might try correcting the behavior with an ultrasonic noisemaker that you can keep within easy reach of the bed. For this to be effective, you must activate the noisemaker without interacting with Matilda – no touching her, looking at her or speaking to her. The noisemaker must be activated as soon as Matilda begins her pestering. Any delay will decrease its effectiveness.

Another Healthy Pet Systems success story: This product is just amazing! We have been giving Buddy & Molly, #1Flexor and #1 Longevity supplements for about 2 years now and the results have just been amazing! Buddy is a 12 year old Beagle mix and Molly is an English springer spaniel, almost 6. Stairs really started to be a problem for Buddy due to his hips and we pretty much chalked it up to his age and really didn’t think their was anything that would help him. That was before we met Dr. Sulkowski and Healthy Pet Systems. I was telling him about Buddy’s situation and he said try these products and see what you think. First of all, it’s so easy to use and the dogs just love the taste. Just mix it into their food and, viola! Secondly, Buddy was climbing stairs like he was a puppy again in a matter of no time, not only that, he was jumping on our bed! He couldn’t do that before! We were so impressed and could not get over the result. We are very faithful to Healthy Pet Systems and highly recommend the products to family and friends! It is well worth every penny plus more! Thanks to Dr. Sulkowski and Healthy Pets Systems, both Molly and Buddy will live a long healthy life!

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Dear Paul:

Q

My five-month-old golden retriever gets so excited that she “dribbles” urine as soon as she sees me. In the morning, I hurry to put her outside but she can never make it down to the yard; she usually goes on the step. If I don’t watch her, she’ll come back in and pee on the kitchen floor. I have to crate her when I go out because I can’t trust her. I would prefer not to have to do this. Is there any way I can get her trained more quickly?

A

First of all, we want to make sure the puppy has no health-related issues. Your vet will help you with this.

If it’s “dribbling,” it may be because she’s excited.

To help solve this problem, I suggest you act less affected when greeting and leaving your puppy.

This means staying calm and almost non-reactive when you arrive and depart so as not to trigger the dribbling. You can also teach the puppy to lay down whenever you come into the room. That will help because most puppies won’t dribble if they are in a down, relaxed position.

If this is housetraining-related, keep in mind that many dogs are not housetrained until they animal wellness

53

best behavior! reach the age of seven months, although most puppies learn to “hold it” through the night by the time they are four months old. The four steps we humans need to consistently follow – and I emphasize these repeatedly – are: the puppy out to the preferred elimination area 1 Take at regularly scheduled times. This is important so the puppy can learn to predict elimination times and he or she will begin to hold it for longer and longer periods.

You should give the puppy about three minutes to eliminate. If she doesn’t eliminate in that time, take her back into the house and keep her leashed to you for ten minutes (so you can interrupt her if she starts to eliminate), then repeat the routine. encourage her while she’s sniffing the 2 Gently ground and label the behavior with words such as “hurry up”, “go potty”, “outside”, etc. Eventually the words will actually stimulate the behavior. your dog with a $10,000 treat (chicken, turkey, 3 Reward cheese, etc) and lots of praise after she eliminates. your puppy inside for free time or, if your 4 Bring puppy is old enough, take her for a walk. This

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Louise I. Morin, VMD VCA Delaware Valley Animal Hospital

positive experience, which doesn’t involve food, is known as a “life reward”.

Never put your puppy in the house and then leave right after she has eliminated. The puppy might associate your departure (something negative) with her elimination, and begin to delay your departure by holding it for longer periods of time. Lastly, you can redirect your puppy’s attention by holding a treat in front of her and hurrying her along from the crate to the elimination area, thus giving less time to think about eliminating.

Whatever you do, never reprimand or punish your puppy for her elimination behavior. Be consistent and follow a schedule (more housetraining tips are available on my site, www.dogwhispererdvd.com).

Is all else fails, hire a professional trainer to show you how it’s done.

If

you have a dog or cat with a behavioral issue,

please submit your questions to:

For more information or to carry our effective products, please call 800.784.4355 x219

Best Behavior,

at

feedback@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

Editor’s note: This column is for information purposes and is not meant to replace behavioral training. To properly address your animal’s needs, please consult a behaviorist.

8

best essential oils for dogs

by Sandra Topper

I Photo: Lorrie Beaulieu

f you’ve ever breathed in the soothing fragrance of lavender or rubbed a little tea tree oil on a mosquito bite, you know how effective essential oils can be. Used with care, they can also be good therapy for your canine friend. The main rule of thumb is not to use animal wellness

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Keep oils away from kitties and birds

them full strength. Generally, all those trained in aromatherapy agree that no more than a 3% to 4% solution should be used – for example, only 18 to 24 drops of essential oil should be added to a one-ounce solution, be it vegetable oil, water or other medium.

It’s always best to consult a qualified therapist for the correct use of essential oils, but the two most versatile essential oils I would use for dogs are tea tree and lavender.

1

Tea tree essential oil is good for healing sores, cleaning ears and repelling insects.

It also tastes bitter and may deter dogs from biting and chewing. Keep a small one-ounce bottle of vegetable oil on hand that has 24 drops of tea tree added to it. Apply several drops of the solution to a cotton ball and gently wipe in and around the crevices of the dog’s ears. For small hot spots or other minor skin conditions, clean the area well with a medicated soap, dry thoroughly with a clean towel, and then apply using your finger a few drops of the tea tree solution. Always consult your veterinarian when a more serious condition arises such as the development of a sore spot more than an inch across that is red, inflamed or oozing.

2

Lavender essential oil may calm nervous tension. If your dog enjoys being brushed, a few drops added to the bristles will instill a feeling of calmness. Over time, your dog will associate the lavender aroma with the loving attention you give him. This conditioned response may ease the tension when you take him in the car or to the vet. A few drops of lavender can be added to a foot bath to relieve sore paws

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animal wellness

Photo: Jennifer Rowles

Never use essential oils in the presence of cats and birds. Unlike humans and dogs, felines and our feathered friends lack the necessary enzyme in the liver needed to break down these substances.

API HEALTH

“

“

The main rule of thumb is not to use

them full strength. Generally, all those

trained in aromatherapy agree that no more than a 3% to 4% solution should be used.

that have been irritated by the cold or by road salt. Please note that a dog’s paws should never be placed in a warm foot bath immediately after coming in from the cold. Allow his paws to warm up naturally for an hour, then soak them for only two to three minutes in warm water. A couple of tablespoons of Epsom Salts may also be added to the water. After the soak, be sure to dry your dog’s feet very thoroughly, paying special attention to between their toes.

Listed below you’ll find additional essential oils that may be used with dogs, particularly as a deodorizing spray or natural insect repellent. They can be used lightly on the dog’s coat or on his bedding. Always avoid spraying the face. Combinations of these oils work very nicely to help control pests, ward off airborne viruses, control bacteria, and keep your dog and your home smelling fresh. They can be mixed in various combinations of up to 96 drops in four ounces of spring water. Adding a half ounce of vodka to the solution will help to break down the essential oils in the water, however, some separation will occur so remember to shake well before using. Store in a spray bottle away from strong light.

3

Mandarin is an excellent oil that may help to alleviate depression and the winter blues, and is a good pick-me-up for both dogs and people.

Environmental diffusing in the morning will help boost your spirits for that early morning walk.

4

Chamomile can be very soothing and relaxing to the emotions and to the skin. For calming yourself and your dogs in the evenings, try combining it with lavender for environmental diffusing. Go easy on the chamomile, however; its aroma is powerful at a ratio of 1:6 (one drop of chamomile to six drops of lavender).

Another way to diffuse essential oils rather than just making a spray is to use an aromatic diffuser

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“I know it’s raining, but can we PLEASE go outside?”

with a circulating fan, or you can try a water vaporizer that allows you to add essential oils.

5

Rosemary is known to be very uplifting and fresh. It’s nice when used in a combination with lavender as an environmental spray to freshen bedding and carpets.

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6

Patchouli may help to ease minor itchy dry skin conditions, especially when used with chamomile and lavender.

Combine four drops of chamomile, twelve drops of lavender and eight drops of patchouli in a one-ounce base of almond, grapeseed or light olive oil. Apply small amounts to affected areas, using small circular motions. Do not apply to skin conditions that appear to be infected; always consult your veterinarian.

Rosewood is a good immune system stimulant. Environmental diffusing is the most effective way to incorporate rosewood into your dog’s life.

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8

Geranium is highly aromatic and its properties may help to repel insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, horse and deer flies. A combination of geranium, lavender and citronella essential oils can be made into a spray that is especially useful during the summer months. Try blending together 30 drops of lavender, 20 drops of geranium, 30 drops of tea tree and 16 drops of citronella with four ounces of water and one-half ounce of vodka, keep in a spray bottle and shake well before using. Use this blend several times a day if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or in woodland areas. Avoid the face and eyes; spray on your hands first and then apply behind the dog’s ears and around his neck. Liberally spray the underbelly, back and tail. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Note: Essential oils are merely to be used in conjunction with other modalities to help promote a healthy lifestyle. Essential oils and aromatherapy should never replace traditional medicine.

Sandra Topper is trained in aromatherapy and reflexology and is a Certified Natural Product Advisor through the Canadian Health Food Association.

She is the founder of Natural Sense, a Canadian company that distributes pure essential oils and spa supplies to therapists across North America. A few years ago, she and her 12–year- old daughter created a product called TOBY, named after their golden who died of spinal cancer. For every bottle of TOBY sold, Natural Sense donates $1 to Pet Trust, at the Veterinary College, University of Guelph. Visit www.naturalsense.com or call 1-888-Tea-Tree.

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animal wellness

animal wellness

59

Taking the

stress

stres

out of vet visits

by Margaret Rousser

60

L

animal wellness

Let’s face it. Most animals don’t enjoy going to the vet.

In fact, depending on your dog or cat’s temperament, a vet visit can be a harrowing experience for both of you. Growing up, I can remember accompanying my parents on our annual trip to the vet with our two dogs. One of them, an animal who daily struck fear into the hearts of mailmen, tried so hard to get away from the vet that he broke a leather collar.

I now have a cat, appropriately named

Monster, whose behavior at the vet’s office used to be equally embarrassing.

The worst of it haunts me to this day.

Early one morning, I dropped him off at the clinic on my way to work, as he was exhibiting signs of urinary blockage.

Two hours later, I received a phone call at my job: “Ms. Rousser, we need you to come pick up your cat. We can’t get him out of the kennel.”

Upon arriving at the vet’s office, I was ushered into the back area, where Monster’s kennel was placed so high

Photo: Patti A. Gardiner

ss

I had to get a stepladder to get him down. The room cleared as everyone expected psycho-cat to go ballistic once he got out. As I cautiously opened the door, a menacing hiss issued from inside. I spoke softly to Monster and gingerly placed my hand within smelling distance. After one whiff, he meowed and calmly walked to the door, allowing me to lift him out. Monster was once again the cat I knew and loved. But it was short-lived. The vet still had not had a chance to examine him, so since I have experience with

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The essence of calm Flower essences can effectively reduce vet visit anxiety. They can be applied before and during the trip to the clinic, and even while you’re in the waiting room.

• Gently rub a drop or two on your animal’s ear tips or paw pads.

• Alternatively, rub a couple of drops between your palms, and wipe them gently over your animal’s body.

• “You can also put some in a spray bottle and spritz the inside of your car or cat carrier,” says Sharon Callahan of Anaflora.

Bach’s Rescue Remedy is a good flower essence combination to have on hand for vet visits, while companies such as Anaflora offer special formulas for particular emotional states and situations. “We have one specifically called Stressless Vet Visits,” says Sharon, who adds that there are also a number of individual essences that are excellent for reducing stress and anxiety.

Oregon grape – helps the animal expect the best from the vet, or from anyone else who might be handling him.

Red clover – for deep states of fear and panic White clover – for milder, everyday anxiety White yarrow – a shielding essence that helps prevent the animal from picking up the fear or panic of their guardian, or other animals at the vet’s office

Heartsease – creates a heart opening and ease for moving through stressful situations Lilac – balances the animal and helps prepare them for veterinary treatment Palmachristi – meaning “Hands of Christ,” it has a soothing effect and facilitates treatment

PRODUCT SHOWC ASE

62

animal wellness

Stay calm during the exam. Your animal takes his cues from you, so if you stay relaxed, your dog or cat is also more likely to do so.

animals (and the techs were a little afraid of him), I restrained him so she could palpitate his stomach.

Suddenly, the monster returned with a vengeance. He hissed, spat, and bit my arm.

We love and cherish our animal companions, so most of us also wish there was some way to make vet visits easier. Since my experience with Monster, I’ve learned a few tips that have helped make things less stressful for everyone involved.

Whenever possible, be with your dog or cat while he is being examined. Because you have a relationship with your animal, your presence is comforting to him. That is why Monster was so willing to come out of his kennel for me, but swatted at anyone else who tried.

Stay calm during the exam. Your animal takes his cues from you, so if you stay relaxed, your dog or cat is also more likely to do so. Avoid overly emotional responses to simple procedures like temperature-taking.

Speak to the vet in conversational tones and maintain a relaxed body posture. Remind yourself that although these few minutes might be uncomfortable for your companion, he would be a lot more uncomfortable if he developed a disease that could have been prevented or alleviated by routine checkups.

If you can, take your animal other places besides the vet’s office.

This will reduce anxiety on the ride to and from the exam. If you purchase things from your vet’s office, like food or medication, bring your animal along for the ride. This shows him that the car and vet’s office are not always negative experiences.

Bring along a handful of your animal’s favorite healthy treats. This is the most important advice you will ever receive. Positive reinforcement is the key to any type of behavior

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63

modification. Just be aware of what you are reinforcing!

A common mistake people make is giving their animals treats when they display anxious behaviors. This inadvertently trains them to be anxious. Give your animal treats only when he is sitting quietly and calmly, and pay as little attention as possible to the anxious behavior.

The calm behavior may be fleeting at first, but it will become more prevalent once the animal learns he will get a treat for it. This training will reduce stress, as well as minimize or eliminate the need for any tranquilizing drugs during exams or other travel.

Your dog or cat may never look forward to his vet visits, but these suggestions can make them a lot less stressful for him, as well as easier on you and your vet. They have certainly helped Monster calm down.

He hasn’t bitten anyone in years, and at his last visit, he didn’t even hiss. In fact, my vet now confesses he is one of her favorite patients!

Margaret Rousser has a degree in Animal Behavior Management from Moorpark College, and has eight years’ experience working with animals for the film industry as well as some of the top zoos and aquariums in the

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

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Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: 905-830-1030 Email: drautumn@sympatico.ca Website: www.holistic-vet.ca Bach Remedies, Clinical Nutrition, Herbs, Homeopathy, Physical Therapies

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Secord Animal Hospital Dr. Joanna Milan Toronto, ON Canada Phone: 416-486-1700 Email: secordanimalhospital@yahoo.ca Acupuncture, TCM, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and Flower Remedies

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Integrated Touch Therapy Circleville, OH USA Toll Free: 800-251-0007 Phone: 740-474-6436 Email: wshaw1@bright.net Website: www.integratedtouchtherapy.com

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Dogs of Dreamtime

by Karen Shanley 70

animal wellness

No more than eight weeks old, with round puppy tummy, she was obsidian black, with fluffy white shawl around neck and chest. She had a white muzzle, with a blaze traveling up and over the top of her head, meeting up with white scruff between shoulders. Four white socks. Little tan eyebrows. No tail.

As I was busy soaking in every detail, I could have sworn I heard her say, “I’ve come back to be with you.”

Kiera had been such an exceptional companion that I was afraid any other dog would always suffer from the comparison.

“

s

“

She was just sitting there, cool as a cucumber, staring right up at me. She was so still, I wasn’t sure she was real. As I inched forward for a closer look, I could see her bright eyes blink and her body vibrate with excitement. She was exceedingly happy to see that I’d come, but she was more concerned with making sure I got a real good look at her, and that I burned the picture into my brain. Until I did, she was unwilling to move. I can’t tell you how I knew this exactly; it was something in the way she locked her eyes onto mine. So I took in as much of her as I could and committed it to memory.

Kiera had been such an exceptional companion that I was afraid any other dog would always suffer from the comparison.

That Kiera would come back to solve this problem for me would be just like her.

Mesmorized by this thought, I moved trancelike around the kitchen that morning, while some other part of me got my four-year-old daughter’s breakfast ready. Andrew sat with the morning paper in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.

This startled me so much that I woke up.

The dream had been so vivid and so real that, for a moment, I wasn’t sure where I was.

Could it be possible. . .?

My beloved Sheltie, Kiera, at eleven years, had died from a brain tumor not quite one year before. She’d been my unswerving friend and safehold through some of the most significant changes in my life.

She’d seen me through change in relationship, career, and geographic location, as well as the milestones of marriage, birth, and death.

Having gone through a spate of human and animal losses within the last few years, I knew that Andrew would have two reactions to my dream. He hated the thought of seeing me set myself up for more loss, even if it was a loss that was more than likely at least a decade away. And he was enjoying the benefits of an animal-free home – no hair on clothes, no tripping over

The ache from her absence was still very much with me. I’d reconciled myself to remaining dogless. animal wellness

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Our core values: Respect Communication Team Work Excellence Innovation

furry bodies, no worrying about when we had to get back home or how much dog exercise needed to be fit in.

Taking all of these recent developments into account, I knew that Andrew’s response would be a flat “No,” so there was no point in going there. I tried to put the idea right out of my head.

And I did.

Until a few nights later, when a remarkably similar dream played itself out. The same little Aussie puppy sat stock-still again, looking up at me. This time, I sat down next to her, to pet her. She couldn’t contain herself any longer; she bounded up into my arms and slathered me with puppy kisses.

Again, she announced – quite clearly this time – that she’d come back for me.

Again, I awoke with a start. Lying there, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

This was all too much to contemplate.

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It occurred to me that if I was going to try to find her, she was already around eight weeks old. That meant I’d have a couple of weeks at most to track her down before she might be sold to any buyer who happened to be in the market for an Australian Shepherd female pup.

I was nervous about talking to Andrew about these dreams. It wasn’t that he was unreasonable or unfeeling. It was just that I didn’t want to force another dog on him when he felt that he was finally home free.

Weighing it all out, I decided I’d have a better-than-even chance if he was made aware of how much this meant to me.

At the first quiet moment, I decided to bring it up.

“Boy, have I been having some really weird dreams lately,” I began.

I hurriedly went on to explain that I’d been having these dreams where Kiera made it clear that she fully expected me to come and find her.

He didn’t even comment on the strangeness of the dreams, or what they might mean. He just said, “Please, I can’t do another dog. I like our life the way it is.

Besides, even if I said yes, what would be the odds that you could find her? If she has come back, she could be anywhere in the country.”

Andrew had landed a one-two punch.

Realistically, I hadn’t considered what the search might mean. I conceded Round One. The conversation turned to other subjects.

The next night, she came again. This time I could see that she was in some kind of farmlike setting with several other puppies and dogs. I awoke thinking this would help rule out some breeders. But it would still be an incredible long shot, notwithstanding the whole idea of her reincarnating to be with me again in the first place. I was beginning to feel a little nutty.

Christmas was less than a week away.

I was normally much more organized about the holidays, but I was hopelessly far behind this year. I wasn’t one to go in for the commercialism of the season anyway, but I always liked to take some time to find a few really thoughtful gifts.

As it was, by necessity, presents would be sparse this year. Andrew and I had agreed not to get each other anything.

Christmas morning rolled around. By late morning, the stockings had been emptied, and the bottom of the tree was looking pretty bare. There had been a few surprises and much to be thankful for. I was about to go upstairs to start breakfast when Andrew motioned to me and took out a white envelope from his back pocket.

“What are they?” Andrew asked.

“Well, Kiera’s come back. . .”

The card contained three words: “Go find her.” There was a blank check inside.

The words hung in the air.

The magnitude of his gesture opened the

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“

After everyone had gone to bed, I burned the midnight oil, compiling my hit list of breeders. I started calling the next morning.

Andrew arrived home that night a few hours after me and, wanting to be supportive, asked how my search was going.

I sat down at the kitchen table and scratched my head. “I feel like I’m searching for the Dalai Lama.”

~

I’d accumulated pages of material on locations, litter due dates, coloration and sex of available puppies, breeding genealogy of sires and dams. Almost all of the breeders I’d contacted owned or were mating with a Gefion Hall sire or dam.

I called the place at once and got the answering machine. The woman was away and wouldn’t be back until the end

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I sat down at the kitchen table and scratched my head. 'I feel like I'm searching for the Dalai Lama.'

“

floodgates. I broke down and wept.

of the week. I left my name and phone number. After what felt like an eternity, the phone call came.

Yes, she had a litter, but all the black tris were spoken for, except for one male. I felt as though somebody had kicked me in the stomach.

That night I went to bed physically and emotionally exhausted. Even so, a fitful

night’s sleep followed. By dawn, I was feeling completely frustrated. I sat up, thinking that I should just forget about trying to sleep and get up to start the day. But my body was so heavy with fatigue that I decided to try one last time and flopped back down.

Somewhere between sitting and hitting the pillow, in a semi-conscious state, I saw her! She was as real as if she were in the room with me.

I popped back up like a jack-in-the-box and rubbed my eyes. In short order, I was wide awake. “Okay,” I promised her, “I won’t give up.”

I rang the breeder from the day before. I got directions and left immediately. I pulled into the long private drive that opened onto neatly maintained fenced fields.

The breeder, Georjean Hertzwig, met me at the gate with a warm handshake.

As she motioned me through the first of three gates, she mentioned that she’d

been expecting another party, but it was fine that I was early, and would I like to go see her puppies.

I was close on her heels as we went through the next gate to get to the field where the puppies were romping. I could see four or five pudgy little bodies bouncing off each other as we approached.

Georjean clicked the latch on the last gate that gave us entrance into the enclosure, when I saw, from across the field, a furry black-and-white blur making a dash for my legs.

I scooped it up before it crashed into me.

I held her at arm’s length. There were the little tan eyebrows, and the white granny shawl, and the blaze that went clear up and over her little noggin. Not that I needed to conduct the inspection. I knew. As sure as I was standing there, I knew.

I’d found her.

We were eye-to-eye, her eyes saying to mine, What took you so long?

Reprinted from Dogs of Dreamtime (copyright date 2005) by Karen Shanley, published by The Lyons Press, Guilford, CT.

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Preventing and healing laminitis:

Why a holistic approach works best

M

by Lisa Ross-Williams

Most people with horses have heard of laminitis and founder, and many have had personal experiences with these insidious conditions. According to Dr. Chris Pollit, Director of the Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit at Queensland University, chronic laminitis and founder are the second biggest killer of horses after colic.

Photo: Kenny Williams – If Your Horse Could Talk

A common belief is that laminitis is a hoof problem.

In reality, it is a whole body issue that shows up in the hoof. More and more hoof care providers and holistic experts are finding that horses who lead a more natural life are much more resistant to this condition.

Often laminitis and founder are referred to in the same context, but this is misleading. The laminae is the connective tissue that attaches the hoof wall to the coffin bone; laminitis is an inflammation of the laminae. The condition follows certain stages: • Developmental stage – occurs within the first 24 to 40 hours (depending on the cause), during which inflammation is beginning.

• Acute stage – foot pain is obvious due to major inflammation and an increase of pressure within the hoof capsule.

• Chronic phase – the laminae are beginning to give way, releasing their hold on the coffin bone.

HOOF WALL COFFIN BONE LAMINAE

SOLE

Founder occurs when the laminae can no longer hold the coffin bone in place and it moves to an unnatural position within the hoof.

Signs and symptoms 76

Often, but not always, signs of laminitis appear only in animal wellness

Photos this page: Paige Poss www.ironfreehoof.com

Bulging sole from coffin bone rotation.

Depression or softness of the coronary band.

one or both front feet.

laminitic candidate to begin with.

1.

• Grain overload is a fairly common trigger. Ingesting too much grain results in a high concentration of starch. This causes an over-population of hindgut bacteria such as Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus equines and Lactobacillus spp, which not only lower the pH of the intestines but also kills off other good gut bacteria.

During the developmental stage, the horse may appear a little “off”, depressed and may show signs of fever, slight dehydration or colic.

2. Pain begins during the acute phase.

The horse may start shifting his weight, holding up the affected limb or lying down. He may also assume the classical founder stance, placing his front feet forward and rocking back on his hind end to shift the weight off his painful toes. Often, the hoof will be warm and exaggerated pulses might be felt over the fetlock.

3. Once the horse has moved to the chronic and founder stage, physical signs can be observed in the hoof. These include flaring, a stretched white line, depression or softness near the coronary band, ridges in the hoof wall, an abnormally flat or bulging sole, and in some cases, penetration of the coffin bone through the sole. Although this sounds gruesome, it’s important to understand that just because a horse has a laminitic attack, this does not always mean that the condition will move to full founder.

Common triggers A trigger can often be determined, but it usually is just the “straw that breaks the camel’s back” and the horse was a

organs at the expense of the extremities and hooves. Laminae starved of glucose are inferior and weak, making them more susceptible to inflammation and separation.

Preventing laminitis, naturally Feed a low starch/sugar diet. A rice

• Grass founder is caused by the fructan or sugar in lush pasture grass. The high sugar causes an increase of the Streptococcus bacteria, leading to digestive upset and low gut pH. During certain growing conditions or times of the year, the fructan content in grass can skyrocket. Even some hays have higher sugar content, depending on the type and growing conditions.

• Medications such as some steroids, antibiotics and even vaccinations can trigger laminitis.

• Gastrointestinal conditions such as colic, colitis or enteritis may be a factor.

• Other serious illnesses, such a retained placenta or other major infection, may release toxins into the body and set off laminitis.

• Metabolic issues involving glucose uptake problems are another major trigger. In horses with these problems, such as insulin-resistant and Cushings horses, the body can redirect the glucose to major animal wellness

77

bran base is an excellent choice to help prevent laminitis, and is appropriate for insulin and Cushings horses.

Learn about appropriate grazing times and elevated sugar hays for high risk horses. Normally, the safest times to graze are early morning and on overcast days, when grass is in the growing stage and not seeded, or unstressed by drought or poor soil. High risk times are late afternoon and evening, or when the plants are stressed. If possible, stay away from high fructan hays. These include warm season crops such as Timothy, Orchard and Brome. Stick with cool season grasses such as Bermuda and native prairie mixes. You can find out more at www.safergrass.org. It’s also very important that the horse receive vitamins and minerals for maintaining a strong immune system and healthy hooves.

healthy foot, there is no unnatural pressure pulling at the hoof wall. To get a better idea of this principle, place your fingernail on a hard surface and push down. The pull you feel in the underlying tissues is the same as in a horse with long, overgrown hooves that stretch the sensitive laminae.

Cut out unnecessary chemical and pharmaceutical treatments. Some medications and vaccinations can be a trigger for a laminitic attack or set the horse up as a candidate because of toxins within the body. Frequent overuse of chemical worming products can upset good gut bacteria, raising the chance of a digestive upset.

Healing a horse with laminitis

Conventional medicine often looks at this disease as a hoof problem and concentrates in “fixing” the hoof with corrective showing, numerous drugs and stall confinement. A natural caregiver understands that this issue must be addressed holistically, as a whole body WormGuard Plus problem. The healing Broad Spectrum regimen encompasses basic guiding princiSafe and Effective for ples such as “respect Elimination of All Intestinal Parasites nature’s power of healing”. Laminitis, • animal and fowl wormer although a very emo• 100% all natural ingredients tional and stressful experience for both • kills mechanically not chemically horse and guardian, is not a death sentence.

• eliminates all intestinal tract worms Most horses can return to a normal • money-back guarantee! life with proper care.

DEALERS Although the whole WANTED! healing regimen is For more information or to order contact beyond the scope of The Holistic Horse: Toll-Free: 877-774-0594 this article, here are Canadian customers call: 870-898-3641 some guidelines.

Ensure your horse has balanced feet, preferably barefoot. This reduces the chance that a mild laminitic attack will progress to founder. In a balanced

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animal wellness

1. Cut out all fresh

grass, grains, molasses, overly processed concentrates, legume hay (for now) and switch to free-choice low sugar grass hay. If the horse is not used to eating grass hay, take four to six days to change over, allowing the gut bacteria to balance.

Ensure your horse is on a vitamin/mineral mix designed for grass hays, using rice bran and flax as a carrier. Vitamin C is also beneficial for inflammation and boosting the immune system; two to four tablespoons of crushed rose hips are an excellent addition, and also provides copper, important for hoof growth and lacking in most equine diets.

2. Create a more natural environment.

Movement is crucial to healing. Provide turnout 24/7, and spread hay in small piles to motivate the horse to move.

Avoid extremely soft footing or deep shavings, but do provide him with a soft, comfortable place to lie down when he needs a break. Contrary to conventional advice, lying down is not detrimental to the horse and gives his painful feet a break. Once the horse begins to move more comfortably, a calm companion will give him mental as well as physical stimulation.

3. Remove shoes and find an experienced natural hoof care provider to begin the trimming rehabilitation process.

Although this person will be your partner during the process, it’s important that you also educate yourself. Ask the hoof care provider to explain the basic trim principles and research the valuable barefoot trimming resources available, including www.barefoothorse.com.

4. An herbal solution such as Better than Bute (BTB) by Equi-Global can be beneficial for pain and inflammation without the side-effects of conventional NASIDS. Try to give the minimum dose for only as long as needed. Products that contain devil’s claw should not be given to pregnant mares.

5. Homeopathy remedies and dosages are picked according to the horse’s individual symptoms. If inexperienced in the

use of homeopathy, consult a professional.

Common laminitis remedies include: • Aconitum napellus – given as soon as symptoms show, or preferably following a known trigger.

• Belladonna – appropriate when the horse exhibits sweating, full-bounding pulse and throbbing arteries; can be given together with Aconitum • Nux vom – beneficial in cases involving toxicity • Calcarea fluorica – can be given either at the beginning of the chronic phase and may reduce tissue involvement.

6. Dr. Joseph Thomas, PhD (www.forloveofthehorse.com) has created some effective Chinese herbal solutions for the different stages of laminitis. “Laminitis follows a stage course so we must learn to ‘listen’ to our horse’s behavior and movement to understand where each stage begins and ends,” he says.

Laminitis can be a devastating condition but it does not have to be crippling, or a death sentence. Most often, it can be prevented by adopting a more natural equine lifestyle and reducing possible triggers or conditions that make the horse a candidate. If laminitis does strike, a holistic approach can help mean your equine partner is sound and rideable again in six to nine months.

Based in Arizona, Lisa Ross-Williams is a natural horse care consultant, clinician, and host of

Phoenix radio If Your Horse Could Talk.

She has dedicated the

talk show,

herself to extensice research and hands-on experience.

Lisa has Basic Veterinary Homeopathy course through the British Institute of Homeopathy, holds an associate degree in Environmental Plant Science, and is currently studying to be a certified Equine Iridologist. www.naturalhorsetalk.com completed the

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Animal-friendly

composting

Dog photo: Lukas Chyrek

is good for the whole family

by Andy Lopez

M

aking compost is like making cake. There are plenty of recipes and many different ways to make it, but all compost needs water to cook

with, energy to heat it up, carbon matter to feed the bacteria, green matter for nitrogen and living bacteria to convert it into food for plants. Combine these elements in the right way and you have compost! By using compost that’s rich in minerals and bacterially active, you can bring your soil and everything else back to a balanced state of being.

Composting should be an animal-friendly project. By adding only natural products such as rock dust or organic compost starters, you will not be using anything that could harm

80

animal wellness

your four-footed companions. My dog has eaten compost in the past; it gave her a mild case of the runs, but that is the extent to which it should affect your animal.

Where and when to compost You will need a location that gets the •morning sun, if possible. If it gets too

much sun, however, it may dry out and you will need to water it more often. factor in locating a spot involves •theAnother type of system you are using – is it a bin or a pile? Which one you choose depends on how much space you have. The bigger the size of your property and the more compost it will produce, the more bins or piles you will need. Also, local city rules determine what you can and can’t do.

need oxygen. They require environments that do not need to be turned over regularly.

I suggest you rely on the aerobic microorganisms since they work faster than the anaerobic type to get the job done.

Should you bin or pile?

Personally I feel piles are the best way to make compost (if you can do it) because they allow the compost to heat up enough to control diseases. The smaller bins will not heat up as much. Whether you use bins or piles depends on the following factors:

1. Local city rules 2. The amount of space you have 3. The size of your property 4. How much time you have

Your compost set-up should have easy •access to your kitchen, outdoor water supply, and space for storing materials.

The compost set-up should be in •contact with the soil. This not only allows

microorganisms to enter the composting process, but also permits proper drainage, which is crucial. of year is also important. If •youThelivetime in a region where winters are heavy, you should make compost before the freezing weather sets in, then allow it to sit during the winter.

Protect the compost from rain by covering •it with a tarp.

If you have the space, a compost pile is better than a bin.

Aerobic or anaerobic?

Two types of microorganisms work the compost. Which type you have depends on how you make your compost.

Tips for your compost pile

1.

up. Use a water filter to remove chemicals since chlorine kills the friendly bacteria.

Don't over-water, though, since too much moisture will drown it.

Aerobic microorganisms require an open-air oxygen-rich environment. They need compost bins or piles that are turned over regularly to expose them to oxygen.

2. Anaerobic microorganisms do not

watering enough? Compost •needsArea you little bit of water in order to heat

• Add enough of each type of material in

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order to get the mixture to heat up:

–

Green materials such as grass clippings, new leaves, vegetable wastes, etc.

–

Brown materials such as dried leaves, dried plants (run through shredder), etc.

–

Some type of animal manure such as rabbit, horse, cow, llama, etc.

– –

Use rock dust as a mineral source.

Add a bacterial product such as SuperSeaweed (see my website), to increase friendly bacterial count.

not add any chemical fertilizer to your compost. This •is Do a no-no! You can increase the nutritional level of your

compost by adding a good organic slow-release fertilizer like those available from Peaceful Valley Farm Supplies (www.groworganic.com).

• Do not use anything with sewer sludge in it!

Avoid adding meat and dairy wastes, except for crushed •eggshells.

When the compost is ready, you must use it as soon as possible; otherwise insects, rodents, and other creatures will use it for themselves! If you have dogs or cats, remember to use common sense when applying compost. Rake the compost in well and keep your animals off the lawn or garden until it has been watered in and dissolved; otherwise they will get it all over themselves and track it into the house. If your animal insists on eating the compost, it could mean that the ingredients have not completely broken down.

Composting is an excellent way to keep your lawns and gardens healthy, naturally and organically, and it’s infinitely safer for your dog or cat than chemical fertilizers and other commercial lawn and garden products. Compost is Mother Nature’s best hope for our planet, and our animal companions.

Andy Lopez,

The Invisible Gardener, Florida and has a BS degree in business. He has been specializing in Organic Gardening since 1960. He has written several books, including How To Heal The Earth In Your Spare Time & Natural Pest Control: Alternative to Chemicals for the Home & Garden. His radio show, ‘Don’t Panic, It’s Organic’ is heard on several radio stations and is simulcast and archived on Live365.com.

For more information on Natural Pest control, visit www.invisiblegardener.com also know as

attended the university of

82

animal wellness

animal wellness

83

animal communication Mita’s story “On September 19, 1992, my husband Alan, our son Adam, and I drove to Nashua, New Hampshire, to acquire a red Siberian puppy,” says Kathy. “The only puppy available was a sweet but timid girl. When I first picked her up, she held her breath and formed an ‘O’ shape with her mouth, which we later referred to as her ‘Mr. Bill mouth.’ Mita’s fear of being held, along with the ‘Mr. Bill mouth’, stayed with her all her life.”

Mita and Adam form a fast bond.

Right: Mita too.

Mita

and the

circle of life

by Sharon Callahan

T

he moment I met Kathy Armstrong, it was obvious she possessed three

great gifts – intuition, the ability to think outside the box, and the courage to speak openly and directly from her heart. These gifts were put to the test when her beautiful Siberian husky, Mita, became ill.

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animal wellness

Mita lived happily with Kathy’s family and her two dog sisters, Kishka and Shinobee, with no health issues until the age of ten. Then, she developed a tooth abscess which required extraction. Knowing Mita’s personality, Kathy felt this procedure would be traumatic for her, so she contacted me for an animal communication session. I had been working with Kathy’s dogs for several years already. “I felt it was important that Mita fully understood the procedure she would undergo,” Kathy says. “During our session, Mita expressed concern about being crated, so I contacted our veterinarian, Dr. Josh Atz, and requested that I be able to stay with Mita the day of the procedure until it was time for surgery.” After confirming this was possible, I explained the plan to Mita, and that helped alleviate her fears.

“It wasn’t until the day of Mita’s surgery that I finally got up the courage to tell Dr. Atz I had been working with an animal communicator,” adds Kathy. “I was unsure what his reaction would be, but was delighted to find him interested and open to what insight Sharon could provide. Mita’s surgery went well and since that day, there have been many occasions when Dr. Atz has inquired as to what our girls revealed to Sharon concerning various events in their lives.”

Kathy listens to her intuition Although Mita had always been the healthiest of the three dogs, Kathy had a fleeting thought one summer evening in 2003 that Mita would be the first to die. “I thought this was strange as Mita had not experienced any signs of aging or ill health, but I had also learned to listen to my intuition.” By September, Mita had been diagnosed with kidney disease. The only symptom she displayed was a decreased appetite so the diagnosis came as quite a shock. During a communication session, Mita told us she had no immediate plans to leave, and felt fine. She said she still had more to teach the people she loved. “Over the next few months

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Mita’s health stabilized,” says Kathy. “She was active, happy, her appetite returned to normal and our bond of love deepened.”

In March, her appetite began fluctuating again. Blood tests revealed her kidney disease had progressed. “Since Mita’s future was uncertain, and I wanted the best for her, I requested that Dr. Atz contact Sharon directly so we could all work together to support Mita in the highest way possible,” says Kathy. “He agreed, and gave Sharon a call.”

Preparing for transition During a communication session in November of 2004, Mita gave us the impression that she was walking in two worlds – the physical world and the world of spirit. She indicated that when the time was right, she would have to make a decision whether to stay on earth or focus her attention completely in the invisible world. She assured us that she was not in any pain but just felt weak. “Dr. Atz and I had discussed giving Mita IV fluids via a needle under the skin, but when Mita told Sharon she did not want this done, he agreed we needed to honor her request,” says Kathy.

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Kathy had an intuition “Like any approach to helping our patients through that Mita would leave diagnosing, managing, treating, healing, and understanding, them at Christmas. At I think animal communication is one more tool in our medicine bag.

11 p.m. on Christmas The bigger the bag you carry, the more information you can get and night, Mita collapsed, the more options you can provide. Nothing about animal communication never to get up again. replaces or usurps the role or use of medicine, but the ability to get “Although the decimore information from our pets in such a loving way (I don’t want to sion to say goodbye poke, prod, position, push, or invade…I want to talk with you) to her was agonizing, should not be dismissed even by those skeptical of its reality. we knew Mita needed Indeed, what other ‘diagnostics’ allow the guardian to be free of her physical and animal to be brought closer together? body,” says Kathy. “We In short, it can be a very useful didn’t want to hold her medium to utilize.” back with our grief. I spoke with Dr. Atz and requested that when Mita was given the injection, we all visualize it filled with white light, asking that it be used for Mita’s highest good. Dr. Atz agreed and on December 29, he lovingly assisted her transition. As Mita was leaving, I said to her, ‘I send you light, I send you love, I send you wings to fly’.”

Mita’s return The following February, Kishka was also approaching transition. Mita indicated through Sharon that she was waiting to greet Kishka on the other side. Once Kishka was “settled”, Mita said she would return to us in a new body, giving me

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animal communication

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lots of signs along the way so I would have no doubts.

On May 29, Kathy received a referral to a Canadian husky breeder.

“I was told there were two litters due. The first was due May 31, and the next about ten days later. I decided to call back on my birthday on June 4, knowing that if the litter was born that day it was a sign from Mita that she had returned. The morning of my birthday, I called to inquire about the puppies to find they were in the process of being delivered! My intuition told me she would be in a gray body. At the time of my call, a gray female was ‘on the ground’. I couldn’t have been more excited, especially when Mita confirmed through Sharon that her soul was now residing in that gray puppy body.

On the first of August, Kathy and her husband drove to Canada to get Mita. “When she was first placed in my arms and I spoke, she turned her head as if to say, ‘I know your voice.’ Once she saw my face, she started kissing me repeatedly. Her reaction with my husband was the same. When I picked Mita up the second time, something amazing happened - she did a perfect ‘Mr. Bill mouth’. That said it all. We returned home with Mita on her previous birthday of August 2.” When she entered the house, Kathy reports, Mita ran right to her water bowl as thought she remembered exactly where it was, then raced through the house as if she owned it. “There was no question that our girl was back.”

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animal wellness

Flower essences to ease separation at death

Angel's trumpet — angelic attunement

Everlasting — love that knows no bounds

Bleeding heart — eases grief

Peony — movement into the light

Azalea — beauty in the face of adversity

FEATURES

86

Anaflora Flower Essences. She is also the Healing Animals Naturally with Flower Essences and Intuitive Listening.Visit her website at anaflora.com author of

P.O. Box 3655 • Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Bo tree — enlightenment

Imortalle — immortal life

Red

and white clover — eases present and future fears

animal wellness

87

what’s gnu?

High-tech treatment

Along with a respiratory and circulatory system, our bodies (and our animals’) also have an electromagnetic system.

Cells, tissues and organs have their own specific oscillations that influence and correlate with one another to form an individual’s overall oscillation pattern or spectrum.

In an unhealthy animal, foreign substances such as bacteria, toxins, parasites and allergens disturb this pattern. BICOM 2000 is a computer-controlled diagnostic tool that uses electrodes and resonance technology to pick up and identify these disturbances. It also helps treat the related illness, be it allergies, joint problems, pain or metabolic disorders, by sending healing electromagnetic frequencies and biofeedback information to the animal, stimulating his body’s self-healing powers. www.bicomresonance.com

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Disc catching is one of the fastest-growing canine sports today. Not only is it excellent exercise for you and your dog, but it’s also loads of fun and a great bonding experience.

Hyperflite’s Disc Dog Training DVD shows you how to train your dog to become a skilled disc grabber.

With action-packed film footage, tips and techniques, canine disc World Champions Peter Bloeme and Jeff Perry introduce you to the exciting world of disc sports and take you step-by-step through the training methods used by the experts. To help you get started, the DVD comes with a free Jawz flying disc. One word of warning – both you and Rover may find this sport addictive! www.hyperflite.com

Probiotics to the rescue

An imbalance in intestinal flora can cause a range of problems, from allergies and yeast infections to skin problems and digestive upsets. New from Cycles of Life is Geneflora for Pets, a probiotic formula containing Bacillus coagulans (L. sporogenes). Unlike L. acidophilus, these hardy, beneficial bacteria easily survive stomach acid so they can reach the intestines intact. Geneflora also contains gelatin for joint health, fiber acacia to feed the good bacteria, and proteolytic enzymes to reduce inflammation and enhance digestion. www.cycles-of-life.com

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Three-fold healing

On their own, aromatherapy, massage and Vita-Flex (a variation of reflexology) are immensely healing therapies that can bring balance to body, mind and spirit. Now you and your dog or horse (essential oils should not be used on cats) can enjoy the benefits of all three modalities with the Raindrop Technique Kit. The kit includes nine high-quality therapeutic-grade essential oils and blends and two massage oils. To learn how to apply the Raindrop Technique, a DVD or video is also available.

WellHealedPet@aol.com

Treats for special needs

If your dog has allergies, you need to be careful what treats to give him. At least, you did until now. New from Ark Naturals, Sea “Mobility” Venison jerky strips are made especially for allergic dogs who also need joint support. Made from natural venison, the strips contain no corn or wheat, major causes of allergies in many dogs. Each strip also offers therapeutic levels of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM for good joint health. www.arknaturals.com

Be seeing you

You may not realize it, but animals are just as prone to eye problems as humans are.

Eye Care for Animals ensures your dog, cat or horse gets the care he or she needs by providing high quality, cutting edge ophthalmology services, from cataract or tumor removal to glaucoma treatments and retinal reattachment. The organization is staffed by board certified veterinary ophthalmologists and specialists and has clinics across the U.S., including in California, Arizona, Kansas and Illinois. www.eyecareforanimals.com

Taste test

Animals are like kids – they’re more likely to take their vitamins if they taste good. Healthy Pet Systems has recently introduced a second flavor to its duo of nutritional supplements.

Now available in apple as well as bacon-flavored powder, their Longevity Formula provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals for good health and strong immunity, while the Flexor Formula is especially designed for animals with arthritis, joint problems or dysplasia. www.vithealth.com

Picture perfect

Pet portraiture is an increasingly popular way for people to immortalize their beloved animal companions. Warren Ingalls, who has been a full-time artist for ten years, specializes in detailed, richly-colored pet portraits done in graphite and colored pencil. Working from photographs, Warren uses his talent to capture not only the appearance but also the essence and soul of the animal. Estimates are free. www.IngallsArt.com animal wellness

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animal animal passages passages

Waking Nicky

by Nancy Perkins

W

When I was a teenager, my aunt had a Bichon Frise that she adored. To everyone else, Buddy was a little ball of fluff with a huge attitude. He was nasty when she had visitors. He was so possessive of Aunt Bev that he would try to keep us away from her, and would growl and nip at our ankles when we got close. While I found him annoying, it was evident my aunt was extremely attached to him.

I’ll never forget the day he died. My mother answered the phone, and I could hear my aunt crying on the other end. I was expecting her to be upset, but I hadn’t expected her grief to be that bad. Normally happy and peaceful, Aunt Bev was inconsolable for a long time. I thought she had truly gone crazy when I heard she was paying to have Buddy cremated so she

Left: Nicky at eight years old.

Opposite: Nicky as a puppy with Katie, Nancy, and Adam.

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animal passages

could keep his ashes on her mantel.

It was hard to be at home

I had never lost a dog I adored so I couldn’t understand what Aunt Bev was going through. That was until I became an animal guardian myself and experienced the loss of our own precious dog.

my insides had been ripped out. I was a wreck, just like Aunt Bev when she lost Buddy.

without him...

As I write, I can see Nicky’s box of ashes on top of our piano. We lost our beautiful yellow Lab just a few weeks before Christmas. He had battled cancer for about six months. On the night before he died, Nicky had a seizure and fell down a flight of stairs.

We knew we couldn’t prolong his suffering any more, and the vet came the next day to put him to rest.

A sudden cold settled on the house after Nicky was gone. It was hard to be at home without him. I realized I was feeling what other bereaved animal lovers experience – an emptiness as if

Because Nicky was so special, I wanted to give him a suitable burial in the backyard, but my neighbor said it was illegal in our area. I called a few pet cemeteries in southern Ontario, but they were all too far away. I wanted Nicky to stay close to us.

Then, I remembered the little urn of ashes on Aunt Bev’s mantel.

I decided to have Nicky cremated, and chose a pet crematory in Guelph, Ontario. When I called, the voice of the director was very calming.

He explained the process in detail and the different options available. I could have Nicky cremated alone or with other dogs, so of course I chose the first option. I also chose to have him waked before the cremation. I’ve always believed that a wake helps one

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come to terms with the death of a loved one, providing the necessary closure, and I needed this for Nicky as well.

My husband loved Nicky, but decided he’d rather not come to the crematory.

We felt our sons, ages six and ten, were too young for the experience, and my daughter Katie was away at university, so I went on my own.

We had a horrible snowstorm the day of the wake, and I was late. The directors waited for me, however, and I had about 15 minutes alone with Nicky before he was cremated. He was lying on a blanket and looked like a puppy peacefully sleeping. They had bathed and brushed him and his coat was shiny. He looked so different from the day he died. I said my final goodbyes and tied his favorite scarf around his neck.

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One of the attendants then escorted me to a waiting room where I sobbed quietly to myself. The room was comfortable and cozy with leather couches and a large fish aquarium.

Soothing music was playing overhead.

The walls were decorated with lovely pet poems. I sat on a comfy couch and read an assortment of dog magazines that were on the coffee table.

The attendant helped me choose a box for Nicky’s ashes. They had a nice assortment of urns and wooden boxes to choose from. I chose a cedar box because I liked the look of the natural wood – it had a warm feeling to it.

When I was inside beside

Nicky’s cremation was over, handed his cedar box of ashes a cardboard carton. Tucked in the box was a copy of the poem

“Rainbow Bridge”, tied with a ribbon.

As I drove home through the snowstorm, I experienced a sense of peacefulness that I hadn’t felt since before Nicky died.

Nicky’s cedar box now sits on top of the piano beside one of our favorite pictures of him. It looks like it belongs there. When the weather is warmer, I may bury it in our garden, but I like having it just where it is, making us feel that Nicky is close by.

I had guests last week and someone asked about the box. When I told her it was my deceased dog, she didn’t look impressed. But it doesn’t matter – Aunt Bev would understand.

Enter our 4th Annual

Amazing Animals Photo Contest!

You could win an original portrait of your animal, a gift basket full of natural goodies, free food, and more!

Enter our Amazing Animals Photo Contest and you could win one of 20 prizes up for grabs, plus your photo will appear in an upcoming issue of Animal Wellness Magazine for all to see. What a great tribute to your special friend!

You can enter in one of the categories below, or simply let our judges choose which category fits best. Enter by April 14, 2006 for your chance to win.

• Best photo • Most artistic • Best bond • Biggest attitude • Best nature-lover

• Funniest • Happiest • Best eyes • Most athletic • Best pals 2005 "Best Photo" winner "Suzie" by Joanne Lowe, Toronto, ON

The rules are simple: 1. Send a digital photo, scanned at a minimum of 5"x7", at 300 dpi resolution in a tif, jpeg or pdf format to: photos@animalwellnessmagazine.com or send a good quality hard copy original photo (not a color copy) of your animal to: Photo Contest, Animal Wellness Magazine, US: PMB 168, 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122

CAN: 164 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, ON K9H 2L2

2. Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number, along with your animal's name, sex and age (if known) and a short description of the photo. Hard copy photos must have contact information printed on the back of the photo.

3..You may submit a maximum of two

Thanks to our sponsors:

photos of each animal in your home.

4.. All photos become property of Redstone Media Group. Redstone Media Group reserves the right to publish all photos in Animal Wellness Magazine, and on our website. We regret that photos cannot be returned.

5. Winners will be notified by phone or mail and winning photos will appear in a future issue of Animal Wellness.

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Do dogs go to

Heaven?

Heaven?

Yes,

and they are free to visit us, and even return to us in a brand new body.

Heavenly Paws

by Lynda J. Austin will bring great comfort to those who love animals. It portrays how the love bond and cycle of life are never broken.

www.heavenly-paws.com Available at: www.authorhouse.com or www.amazon.com

BOOKreviews Title:

Tails Are Not for Pulling

Author:

Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen

Small children love animals, but they don’t always understand that it isn’t okay to squeeze or pinch them or pull their tails. Tails Are Not for Pulling is an educational book that teaches preschoolers to be kind and gentle with the animals in their lives, whether it’s a dog, cat, hamster or rabbit. Written by children’s author Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen, this book uses simple sentences and big, colorful pictures to convey the message that animals are for loving, not teasing.

At the back of the book, parents and caregivers will find important suggestions for teaching youngsters to be kind to animals, how to explain why some grown-ups are cruel to animals, and what children should do if they see an animal being abused. There are also some interesting informational tidbits about animals and how they communicate with each other and with humans. Tails Are Not for Pulling is a valuable addition to any small child’s library.

Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing

Title:

Healthy Animal's Journal

Author:

Christina Chambreau, DVM

Your animal’s health involves a wide range of factors, from diet and supplementation to exercise and veterinary visits. It can be difficult keeping track of everything you need to know and remember, but homeopathic veterinarian Christina Chambreau makes the job easier with the Healthy Animal’s Journal – What You Can Do to Have Your Dog or Cat Live a Long and Healthy Life.

This handy book helps you create a personalized record of your beloved companion’s health and well being. Along with tips on how to recognize signs of illness and what to do to improve your companion’s health and longevity, the book includes information on nutrition, over-vaccination, alternative treatments and more. Dr. Chambreau also shows you how to use the blank journal pages to track your animal’s health, recognize signs of trouble, and record his response to various foods, treatments and therapies. Practical and informative, the Healthy Animal’s Journal helps you take an interactive role in your best friend’s wellness.

Publisher: TRO Productions

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BOOKreviews Title:

Dogs Bite

Author:

Janis Bradley

A lot of media attention is given to dog bite incidents, but how much of the resulting hype is really justified? While there’s no denying that dog bites can be dangerous, statistics show that more children die from choking on marbles or balloons than in dog attacks, while more adults are killed in bedroom slipper related accidents.

In Dogs Bite – but Balloons and Slippers are More Dangerous, dog training instructor Janis Bradley takes a detailed look at the cultural phobia surrounding dog bites and suggests that much of the public’s fear is exaggerated, blown out of proportion by the media and by dubious research. She then discusses the many benefits of dogs and show how they actually save lives by reducing stress and illness in their guardians.

The book also looks at dog bite legislation and liability, and closes with some simple strategies for reducing dog bites. A must read for everyone, whether dog lover or no.

Publisher: James & Kenneth Publishers

Title:

Soothing Stories and Music for the Solo Dog

Author:

Debi Weldon

It’s a fact that dogs can benefit both from the calming qualities of music and the sound of the human voice. Debi Weldon combines the two in her new CD Soothing Stories and Music for the Solo Dog. This unique CD includes twelve delightful dog stories set to selections of classical music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and other famous names. From “A Walk in the Park” to “A Day at the Beach,” each story looks at the world from a canine point of view with wit, humor and doggy enthusiasm.

Soothing Stories and Music for the Solo Dog makes a great “pet sitter” for when your pooch has to be alone. The music and voices will calm and entertain your dog and help lessen boredom and separation anxiety. But that’s not the only way you can use the CD. Listening to it in the company of your canine companion is a great stress-buster – classical music is as relaxing to humans as it is to dogs, and the stories will bring a smile to your face.

Publisher: Debi Weldon Productions

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health products & services

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Many people enjoy the comfort and health benefits of memory foam, developed for NASA for its space program.

Why shouldn’t your beloved pet? It eases pressure on their joints by molding to their body and providing much deserved comfort. We now also have pine pet beds via special email order for $100-$300.

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classifieds Accessories PAWSOME – Dog Collars, Leashes, Harnesses, Muzzles. Featured in movies and magazines for their exquisite style, comfort and craftsmanship.

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Animal Communicators LYNN McKENZIE, International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing. Create harmony and awareness in your relationships, restore health, improve behavior, enhance performance, resolve conflict, connect with animals that have crossed over. Workshops and lessons available. Coming soon, correspondence and internet training in Animal Energy Healing. www.animalenergy.com, lynn@animalenergy.com, (416) 219-3803.

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, email (315) 329-0116, angelwhisperer@ark-angels.org ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WITH LOVE – Alive, and in Spirit. Counseling (choosing a new friend, behaviors, illness, dying, grief, lost animals.

Healing, Classes (including Tele-conference), Personal Guidance, Wisdom from your animals, dolphins, Totems and others. Affordable. Morgine (360)-247-7284 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. Consultations by phone/in person, lectures, workshops.

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Cindy Westen: www.chatswithanimals.com; (760) 533-4603; cwes10@earthlink.net.

ASSISI INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL INSTITUTE – Dedicated to promoting respect, reverence, and ethical stewardship for all animals through workshops and consciousness raising activities. Wide variety of animal communication and Tellington TTouch classes throughout the US, Canada and Europe. www.aiaianimal.org, or call (510) 569-6123.

WONDERING WHAT YOUR ANIMAL IS THINKING or feeling, experiencing behaviour or emotional problems with them? Have concerns about their death or dying? To request a telepathic communication go to www.komfortkonnections.com.

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(541) 385-6846 www.maiakincaid.com

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Restore your health naturally. Profits support animal rescue. www.north-west-naturals.com FURVANA – Holistic Animal Options offers certified Tellington TTouch and Reiki for all Companion Animals. Private sessions or workshops available. Contact Connie Riehl (419) 332-1937 or furvana@juno.com To People Who Want To Strengthen Their Pets’ Immune System By 437% – But Can’t Get Started Contact: Ilias Koné (514) 631-9193 after 6.00PM EST or email iliaskone@look.ca CHANGE YOUR PET’S LIFESTYLE AND HEALING WILL FOLLOW – Removing toxins from your home is the easiest thing you can do.

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HAPPY PET PRODUCTS – All natural food and supplements for cats and dogs. High in minerals and Chlorophyll. Promotes shiny coat and deodorizes. Promoting healthy, quality pet products. www.petluv.net (800) 690-1866.

Associations INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK Professional Assn. to support, network and promote complementary care for animals through continuing education, website, newsletter and insurance. Welcome practitioners of animal massage, acupressure, Vet’s, Vet Tech’s, Reiki, Animal Communication, Flower Essence, Aroma, Sound and Magnetics.

(800) 903-9350 www.IAAMB.org

Business Opportunity INCOME OPPORTUNITY – RESCUE GROUPS, VOLUNTEERS, AND PETSITTERS. Allows wholesale discount of needed air purifiers for pet odors, bacteria, virus control to help eliminate cross contamination between animals. Profit $250 + per retail sale. For information call toll-free 888-820-2363.

DEALERS WANTED – Can be home-based.

Earn income selling THE ALL NATURAL ELECTROLYTE DRINK!... for dogs. Consumable – repeat business. Perfect business for Breeders, Handlers, Trainers, Kennels, Pet Sitters, Groomers, Vet Clinics, Rescue Groups, K9 Sports Clubs, Traveling Vendors, etc. Sell direct to people you know, your peers and at dog events.

Income limited only by the time you want to devote to the business. Serious inquiries... call (866) 493-7634 or email to HydroDog2@aol.com.

PET CONSULTANTS WANTED – Looking for people who are passionate about pets, work from home, host Pupper’ware Parties, make your own hours, be your own boss, ground floor opportunity. www.mypetparty.com nina@mypetparty.com or (862) 368 5296 PET LOVERS WANTED – Earn a FT Income w/PT effort introducing unique pet care line to pet professionals/stores/pet owners. Full training and support.

Free details. Call Michelle at (866) 827-8614. www.oxyfreshww.com/michelle/

Collectibles WORLD’S LARGEST SELECTION OF FIGURINES, jewelry, artwork and other dog gifts and collectibles in your breed. Selection changes daily. www.dogcollectibles.com 365 Boston Post Rd, #241, Sudbury, MA 01776 (978) 443-8387

Flea Control EarthSafe Yard Treatment – Get rid of the fleas in your backyard with a safe product that can be sprayed on grass & bushes. Check out our other Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products at www.earthsafe.net or call us at (310) 352-6999

Healing Essences CANADIAN FOREST TREE ESSENCES – 15 vibrational essences of exceptional quality for animal care, including Animal Whisper, Animal Rescue and Animal Restore. Animal Wellness Magazine’s Stamp of Approval. Therapeutic practitioners and wholesale/retail inquiries welcome.

Visit www.essences.ca, call (819) 682-0205 or email cfte@essences.ca to learn more.

Health GRAND ADVENTURES RANCH – We offer the finest holistic nutritional supplements. Learn simple ways to keep animals healthy, eliminate vet bills, and make a great living doing the same thing! Contact national bio-nutritional consultant Kay Aubrey-Chimene at (800) 797-8274 or www.grandadventuresranch.com.

Holistic Breeders

DR. DEE BLANCO, LOS ANIMALES HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE – Nutrition and Vaccination Consultations. Telephone conference call format with written hand-outs.

Discussions include 6 common nutritional errors, how to build a species appropriate raw food diet; health benefits of a natural diet; the basics of vaccinology; balancing disease verses vaccine risk; the use of homeopathic nosodes; and legal requirements and much, much more. (505) 986-3434. drdeeblanco.com

Nutrition

CRYSTAL POND – CFA shown Persians in BiColor & Himalayan. Very clean, few breedings. PKD Neg. Distinguished bloodlines. Raised Naturally using species appropriate diet, Herbals and Homeopathy for optimal health. http://calicogypsy-ivil.tripod.com

PREMIUM HEALTH FOOD FOR DOGS AND CATS – Delivered fresh to your door. Check out our autoship program and SAVE! Business Opportunity Available. http://www.foods4dogs.com Margaret Ropp – Independent Distributor of HealthyPetNet™ products

Holistic Veterinarians

Pet Portraits

EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC – A variety of holistic healing services are available to our patients, including: Homeopathy, Hair Analysis, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Computerized Organ Stress Immune Testing, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Nutrition, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Paul McCutcheon (416) 757-3569 Fax (416) 285-7483 eyac@ca.inter.net www.holisticpetvet.com

ANNIEO’S PET PORTRAITS – Specializing in oil painting for 28 years. Nationwide clientele. Portraits of any pet of your choice, people with pets also.

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

ESSEX ANIMAL CLINIC – Dr. Janice Huntingford, Dr. Glen Porteous, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional and Alternative Medicine and Surgery. Herbal Therapies and Holistic Medicine, Pet Massage, Physio and Rehab Therapy. Phone consultations available. (519) 776-7325 Essex ON. essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net www.essexanimalclinic.com 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 DR. CYNTHIA HARCOURT VETERINARY SERVICES – A holistic office and mobile service welcoming your interest in working with you and your animal using homeopathy, nutrition, flower essences, CEDS (food sensitivity and organ stress testing), herbs, therapeutic touch and Tellington Ttouch. Located at 21894 Woodbine Ave., Queensville, ON (approximately 45 minutes north of Toronto). Phone (905) 478-1995 Fax (905) 478-8097 NORTH-EAST NEWMARKET VETERINARY SERVICES – Dr. Autumn Louise Drouin, Veterinarian, Naturopath. Cozy outpatient office.

Detailed history, physical examination, laboratory tests. Individualized treatment protocols suit patient’s condition and client’s needs.

Homeopathy, Herbs, Clinical Nutrition, Bach Remedies, Physical Therapies. (905) 830-1030 Newmarket, ON www.holistic-vet.ca MARGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER – Dr. Mark Newkirk, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Metabolic Balancing, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination), Nutritional Supplement programs based on your own pets’ blood tests, Alternative Cancer Therapies. Phone and internet consultations. www.alternativevet.com email: mnewk@aol.com phone: (609) 823-3031

Schools & Training COMPANION ANIMAL TOUCH & THERAPIES – Offers instruction in small animal massage therapy as well as maintenance and sports massage and a wide range of holistic products for animals. www.AMTIL.com (847) 782-1963 INTRODUCTORY & ADVANCED ANIMAL MASSAGE WORKSHOPS – Taught by experienced LMT. Canine & Equine Massage Videos, Workbooks & Anatomy Charts for sale.

Integrated Touch Therapy, Inc. Free brochure.

(800) 251-0007, wshaw1@bright.net, www.integratedtouchtherapy.com. CEU’s available.

LEARN THE PetMassageTM APPROACH TO CANINE MASSAGE – Effective, gentle, reactive movement techniques. 7-Day Foundation Workshop, Advanced Levels: Instructor and WaterWorkTM, NCBTMB Category A Provider for CEUs. (800) 779-1001 www.petmassage.com BECOME A PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER – Hands on, intensive training courses.

McMahon’s Dog Training Academy. Established 21 years. Make your passion your profession.

Day or evening classes. (905) 358-4515 www.mcmahondogtraining.com K9mcmahon@aol.com ANIMAL MASSAGE PROGRAM – Home study option, Herbal and Aromatherapy Workshops, Pet First Aid. Comprehensive training for horse and dog lovers by licensed professionals in an enthusiastic, supportive educational environment. CEUs available.

Treetops – (705) 435-6174 www.treetops.on.ca

Travel DogFriendly.com – Dog travel guides with United States and Canada dog-friendly lodging, attractions, parks, beaches and restaurants. Books and free online guides at www.dogfriendly.com/guides.

ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SEABROOK ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA – Only thirty minutes to historic Charleston. Dog-friendly villas and homes available on private resort island. Beach, pools, golf, tennis, equestrian center. Seabrook Exclusives (888) 718-7949 http://www.seabrookexclusives.com/pet_friendly.html http://www.seabrookexclusives.com/

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD 1-866-764-1212 or classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

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Index to Animal Wellness Display & Ad Spot advertisers – Volume 8 Issue 1 4Pets Inc. .................................................................24 Advanced Vapor Technologies .............................23 Alternatives For Healing ........................................98 American Anti-Vivisection Society .......................23 American BioSciences Inc. ...................................35 American College of Applied Science ................100 Amixx Pets ..............................................................96 Amore Pet Foods ....................................................59 Anaflora ...................................................................99 Animal Amulets ......................................................71 Animal Energy ........................................................96 Animal Land ..........................................................102 Animal Lights .........................................................99 Art By Mel .............................................................101 Assisi International Animal Institute ....................28 Barf Direct.com ..............................................51, 102 Biologic Vetnx ...................................................16, 56 Blissful Biscuits ......................................................96 Blue Ridge Bones ...................................................94 Bones Galore ..........................................................85 Bonnie Blumenfeld, RVT .......................................98 Botanical Dog .........................................................97 Bowowow & Dogma ............................................100 BRAVO! ....................................................................41 Breeder’s Choice ....................................................43 California Veterinary Supply .................................97 Canine College ........................................................73 Carter Craft Ltd. ...................................................101 City Cats Biz ............................................................24 Conscious Talk Radio .............................................74 Creative Pet Supply ...............................................95 Cycles of Life ..........................................................36 D3 Pet Productions ................................................91 Dewey’s Wheelchairs For Dogs ...........................99 Diane’s Little Lambs ..............................................58 Dinovite Inc. ............................................................80 Diva Doggie .............................................................10 Dixie Dig LLC ........................................................101 Dog Bed Works ......................................................64 Elec Western Medical Devices Ltd. ......................98 Elemental Acupressure .......................................100 EnLighthouse, Inc. .................................................91 Equatorial Group, Ltd. ..........................................102 Equissage ...............................................................77 Essex Cottage Farms ............................................63 Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. ............................83 Evolution Diet Pet Food Corp ................................96

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Eye Care for Animals .............................................72 Flea Free .................................................................99 Flexi USA ................................................................64 Four Paws Sleeping ...............................................98 Fresh Pet Club, Inc. ..............................................101 Furry Angel ...........................................................100 Gail M Jewell, DVM ................................................99 Get Serious! Products .............................................13 Great Life Performance Pet Products ..................20 Gulf Island Dog Biscuit Co. ...................................57 Happy Pet Products, LLC ......................................98 Happy Tails Animal Rescue ..................................97 Healthy Paws Pet Nutrition Centre .......................96 Healthy Pet Systems .......................................15, 53 Heart of my Heart Pet Boutique ...........................75 Herbie’s Herbs ........................................................57 HydroDog ................................................................27 In Defense Of Animals ...........................................92 Infrared Heat & Massage for Dogs ......................61 Ingalls Art ................................................................75 Interdependant Pictures ........................................54 K9 Companions ......................................................85 Kelly-Ann Ridge ......................................................96 Larz Equipment Inc. ...............................................45 Lebalab Inc. .............................................................19 Lynda Austin ...........................................................94 Mandala Riding & Awareness Centre ................101 Mass Mutual/Michel Financial Group ................108 Moe Toys .................................................................97 MVP Laboratories, Inc. ..........................................58 My Crystal Companion ........................................100 National Animal Supplement Council ..................34 Natural Canine ........................................................97 Nature of the Pet .....................................................97 Nature’s Variety ........................................................3 Nickers International, Ltd. .....................................46 Northwest Naturals ................................................29 Northwest School of Animal Massage ................40 Nu Hemp/KicX Nutrition Inc. ................................75 Nutro Products, Inc. ...............................................39 Only Natural Pet Store ...........................................81 Optimum Choices, LLC. ........................................86 Paul’s Pet Food .......................................................38 Pawmax ..................................................................99 Pawprints Jewelry ..................................................28 PawSteps ................................................................86 Pet Care Insurance ...............................................107

Pet Naturals of Vermont ................................7, 9, 11 Pet Planet Resort & Day Spa ..............................102 Pet Science Labs ................................33, 41, 47, 53 Petlane ....................................................................99 PolyMVA ..................................................................30 Precious Pets.org ..................................................101 Primal Pet Foods, Inc. ............................................27 Prozyme Products Inc. .............................................2 RoverWrap ..............................................................98 SitStay.com ............................................................30 Sittin’ Pretty Cat Productions ..............................102 Smiling Blue Skies .................................................98 Soggy Dog Manufacturing ..................................101 Sojourner Farms Pet Products .............................82 Solid Gold ................................................................87 Solo Pet Doors ........................................................15 Spirit Talk Magazine ............................................102 Steve’s Real Food, Inc. ............................................5 Stratford Career Institute .....................................100 Symbiotics ..............................................................54 Tail Blazers ..............................................................97 Talking Pets Radio ..................................................42 Tellington TTouch ...................................................99 Terri Steuben ..........................................................96 The Good Dog Company .....................................101 The Holistic Horse ..................................................78 The Integrated Animal .........................................100 The Invisible Gardener ...........................................99 The Musical Rainbow ............................................98 The Plant Mill Gifts & Garden Art ........................97 The Urban Carnivore .............................................82 The Wholistic Pet ...................................................33 Timberwolf Organics .............................................21 Tobz Corp ..............................................................101 Treetops Rocklyn Limited ....................................100 Tripett .......................................................................17 Triple Pet .................................................................98 Trips with Pets ........................................................95 Uptown Poochie ....................................................101 V. Pavel Ltd. ............................................................45 V-dogfood, LLC .......................................................64 Vitality Science, Inc./Pet Flora .............................62 Water Rover/G4 Ventures, Inc. .............................14 Well Beings - Senior Cat & Dog Products ............97 Whiskers Holistic Pet Products ............................96 Whole Children Whole Planet Expo .....................79 Yeshe Dorje Foundation .........................................25

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• Georgia Pet Sitters Association www.georgiapetsitters.com • New Leash on Life Fulton County, Georgia • Singita www.singita.org • Mass Mutual www.massmutual.com • Poly MVA www.polymva.com If you believe in Animal Wellness Magazine and want to join us in promoting a healthy lifestyle for animals in your area contact sam@redstonemediagroup.com

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SPECIAL TRAINING ISSUE: • Top 10 training tips • Training a deaf dog • Cat training • Age-related supplements for dogs & cats • Lyme disease

• Toxoplasmosis • Mercury in fish • Pet-friendly household cleaners • Astrology and cats animal wellness

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a girl’s best friend

A dog is a girl’s best friend

by Luise Bolleber

W W

hat do you do when your boyfriend decides he doesn’t want to move into your new house with you after all? You cry for awhile, then arrange your furniture and paint walls by yourself. You eat a pint or two of Haagen Daz coffee ice cream and watch When Harry met Sally about three times.

And then you go out and get a dog!

You know a dog will be a loyal companion, and you are ready for such a commitment.

You go crazy at the pet supply store and buy him fancy bowls, a variety of toys, a brush and comb, fleece doggy bed, a collar and leash and custom dog tag, pet stain remover, and a car seat cover. You also buy a copy of The Art of Raising a Puppy and a Bissell Little Green Clean Machine.

You want a dog that’s better behaved than your boyfriend so you take him to puppy kindergarten. He becomes versed in commands like Sit, Stay, Down, and Come, the most important words in a dog’s life besides his

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name and “Let’s go for a car ride”.

Your dog needs lots of exercise so you incorporate him into your workout routine by taking daily walks. Sometimes you have to hose him down after he has deliberately run through every mud puddle, ditch, and stream in the park, or spend 30 minutes picking out all the burrs stuck in his fur, but you enjoy the walks as much as he does.

Eventually, your eight-pound puppy turns into a 50-pound dog. Your life revolves around him. You go home on your lunch break and right after work so you can let him out and play with him.

He goes with you when you run errands on weekends. He sleeps on the floor by your bed. And just as they used to ask about your boyfriend, your friends and

family now ask where your dog is if he isn’t with you. You wonder how you ever lived without him.

After several years, you meet a wonderful man and get married. Your husband loves your dog as much as you do, which is fortunate for him, otherwise you wouldn’t have married him. You hear through the grapevine that your old boyfriend is still dating around and living in the same crummy apartment. You have no hard feelings. After all, if he hadn’t backed out of your life, you wouldn’t have found your sensational dog and terrific husband.

So what do you say to a girlfriend when she and her boyfriend break up? Tell her to thank her lucky stars because fabulous things are just around the corner. She will want your advice, and you can say, “I’m so happy you asked. Let me tell you about my dog...”

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

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puts up with your snoring and never whines. She loves you when the world has maligned you. She accepts you in your unpleasantness. She kisses you, listens to you and keeps you company. She warms your heart and brings joy to your life.

She

A lifetime of love deserves a lifetime of care.

SM

She’s more than a dog, she’s family and she loves you unconditionally. But what would conditions look like if you were not here to take care of her? At MassMutual, we understand how much you care. That’s why we provide you with financial tools such as life insurance to help make sure she enjoys a safe and secure future*.

Call Frank Sena, Vice President, at 413-744-4410 to schedule a no-obligation financial analysis with a MassMutual financial services representative. We care for animal companions as much as you do.

MASSMUTUAL IS A LEADING SPONSOR OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES GENESIS AWARDS. * This is not pet insurance. MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing designation (or fleet name) for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliates.

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ANIMALWELLNESS To advertise in the Ontario Region section of Animal Wellness Magazine, contact Anne Gibson at: 416-504-4310 agibson@animalwellnessmagazine.com

ONTARIO R

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G

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Helping the underdog is all in a day’s work for Lin Gardinor

by Ann Brightman

Y

ou might think that caring for one special needs dog would be challenge enough. Not for Lin Gardinor.

She and her husband, who reside in the Oshawa area, have opened their home to no fewer than five deaf dogs, including a trio of great Danes, as well as one hearing dog. “Three are

our own, and the other three are fosters,” says Lin. Her devotion to helping dogs with hearing loss started around 12 years ago. “I was working full-time at a hospital in Toronto and part of my job was to teach people who were deaf how animal wellness – ontario region

i

Lin’s canine family of deaf dogs keeps her on her toes.

to drive,” Lin explains. “I had to have sign language for that. At the time, I had rescued a dog named Brytni, and although she could hear perfectly well I taught her sign language just for the fun of it.” As it turned out, Brytni seemed to appreciate Lin’s non-verbal cues, and responded extremely well to them. “She’d had a horrible life and was really nervous,” says Lin. “I guess she’d been yelled at a lot.” Lin and Brytni subsequently did sign language demonstrations at fairs and other events. “At one fair, we met a woman from the Port Perry pound. She called me several days later to tell me they had an Australian shepherd that needed someone who knew sign language, because she was deaf and they were going to put her to sleep.”

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Lin adopted the dog, who turned out to be a very special animal. “Her name was Maggie-Mae and she ended up being quite famous,” says Lin. “She learned to respond to more than 130 ASL signs. We did a lot of presentations for Brownie groups, seniors and others, and she even got profiled on TV programs, including one for Animal Planet.”

Maggie-Mae has been gone four years now, but Lin says she left behind a powerful legacy. “A lot of people say it’s because of her achievements that they adopted a deaf dog. She inspired me as well, because I learned not to be intimidated by her deafness.” Lin went on to adopt three deaf great Danes, Miss Olyvia, Miss Molly Dukes, and

“ I

have this overwhelming

urge to help and protect the

“

Miss Annie. Two other deaf dogs, including a Jack Russell terrier named Miss Macy, and one hearing dog, round out the current canine household. All the dogs are given the best of care, including a raw diet and access to complementary therapies when needed, such as acupuncture and chiropractic. And it doesn’t stop there. Lin and her husband also have a 14-year-old adopted special needs son, Justin, who is both blind and quadriplegic. “Teddy, the puppy, just loves him,” says Lin. “He waits for Justin to come home and climbs onto his wheelchair to say hello.”

underdog. My mother was a foster

mom for children, so there was always somebody to nurture.

Although Lin has her work cut out for her, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I have this overwhelming urge to help and protect the underdog,” she says. “My mother was a foster mom for children, so there was always somebody to nurture when I was growing up at home in England. We also had dogs, a Dalmatian and later a German shepherd. I learned that just because a person or an animal has problems, you don’t give them up. Deaf dogs are just as worthy of adoption as any other dog.”

Lin spreads the word whenever she can by helping people with their own deaf dogs, answering questions, doing some training or instruction, or simply lending an understanding ear to those who want to talk. She also takes her dogs around to seniors’ homes. “We visit seniors because a lot of them can’t hear either,” says Lin. “Miss Molly Dukes is especially good with them.”

Thanks to Lin and her canine companions, it seems a growing number of people are coming around to her own way of thinking. “I don’t get as many calls from shelters as I used to, but I don’t think that’s because there are fewer deaf dogs around,” she says. “I think it’s because more people are willing to open their hearts to a dog with special needs.”

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How massage and Tellington TTouch got Jordi back on his feet

by Deborah Brady Degnon

atching Jordi trot down the sidewalk of his Annex neighborhood in Toronto, you would never imagine that just months ago he couldn’t even walk across the living room floor. I first met the twelve-year-old bichon frise when his guardian, Kathy, contacted me for pet massage.

After meeting Jordi, I was impressed with his outgoing and friendly demeanor, but alarmed by his poor health. He was

partially lame in the rear end; his hind legs could only support his weight for a few steps, then he would fall over. To complicate matters, he had diabetes and Cushings disease. Yet Jordi was thrilled to have a visitor and struggled over to greet me with happy yapping and a wagging tail.

Getting started With consistent weekly massage, I was able to increase the animal wellness – ontario region

v

Healing touches Massage and Tellington TTouch are gaining recognition as effective health care options that complement regular veterinary care. Practitioners are more easily accessed than ever before and guardians can learn many of these techniques for themselves in fun group workshops.

These therapies not only improve your companion’s well-being, but they provide an enjoyable bonding experience for you and your animal.

Massage involves gently touching and moving muscles, connective tissue, and skin to promote increased circulation to all the organs and tissues of the animal’s body. Tellington TTouch, meanwhile, is a gentle method for enhancing the mental, emotional and physical well-being of an animal. It consists of three parts: TTouches, Leading Exercises and Confidence Course.

Benefits of massage and TTouch Enhance and maintain health Relieve stiffness and arthritic pain Increase confidence and learning ability Improve athletic performance Reduce stress Increase muscle tone Improve flexibility Identify concerns to address with vet Gentle behavior modification

With Deborah’s help, Jordi now enjoys increased mobility and health.

muscle strength and joint flexibility in Jordi’s hindquarters.

The massage also removed toxins by increasing lymph flow as well as the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cells through improved blood circulation. I used light pressure massage techniques such as tapping, skin rolling, joint compression and mobility.

Over time, I added some acupressure and Tellington TTouches. The TTouches, which are circular movements of the skin using different hand positions, are named after different animals. Jordi really enjoyed “tarantulas pulling the plow” (two thumbs held together are pulled along the skin by walking the fingers along the animal).

Jordi makes progress By the second week, Jordi was able to pull himself up with less effort. He could walk a few steps but his balance was still poor and he would fall frequently. The solution came in the form of a simple custom harness which gave extra support to his rear legs. This “rear gear” system allowed the little dog to practice his balance just as a child practices balancing on a bicycle with training wheels. Jordi and Kathy practiced walking with the rear gear, making frequent turns.

By the third week, Jordi was much more mobile and was

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Within two months, Jordi’s walking improved

Retail Opportunity for Pet Lovers

significantly. He is now able to run outside without his rear gear and can even hop up and down curbs. able to walk a couple of blocks on his rear gear. Kathy also noticed that he was happier and more energetic. His leg muscles were stronger and toned up, so I started adding some range-of-motion exercises for his rear legs.

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Within two months, Jordi’s walking improved significantly. He is now able to run outside without his rear gear and can even hop up and down curbs. To prevent a possible setback, Kathy carries him up and down stairs. His legs have noticeably improved muscle tone and flexibility and his back appears to be straighter. Another positive side effect was that Jordi’s insulin dosage was reduced by 25%. We have also been able to reduce the frequency of Jordi’s touch sessions to once a month. He has much more energy and an improved appetite, and Kathy says he is happy.

www.globalpetfoods.ca

Working to help Jordi regain his mobility has been a rewarding experience. It was a joy to watch this little dog make so much remarkable improvement.

Kathy and Jordi are both enjoying his new independence.

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Coupon valid for first visit only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts. No Cash Value. (both offers expire March 31, 2006)

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SHEBA gives

Siberian huskies

a second chance at a happy life

by Lorraine Houston

N

Nearly everyone has a favorite breed of dog. For husband and wife team Paul and Nedi Sweeney, that breed is the Siberian husky. For many years,

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Premium Pet Food & Grooming 2003/04/05 Reader’s Choice Award Winner from Scarborough Mirror

Where pets are family too!

Premium Quality Pet Foods Including: Eagle Pack Solid Gold Wysong Natural Life Nutro Natural Choice

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Guildwood Village Shopping Centre 123 Guildwood Pkwy.

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Nedi Sweeney and MacKenzie enjoy the crisp autumn air during a woodland walk.

(416) 724-1637

the Roslin-based couple had been taking in homeless and displaced Siberians from shelters and individuals who could no longer keep them. “As one Siberian turned into two, then four, six and eight, we realized the magnitude of unwanted dogs out there,” says Paul.

Seeing a niche that needed to be filled, Paul and Nedi officially formed the SHEBA Foundation (www.shebafoundation.petfinder.org) in 1995. The non-profit Siberian husky rescue organization was named after the Sweeneys’ then 11-year-old Siberian, Sheba; the initials also stand for Siberian Husky Emergency Boarding and Adoption. SHEBA’s goal is to give the dogs a second chance at the life they deserve by finding them new homes, and to help the public understand that this breed, although magnificently beautiful, is not for everyone. Siberian huskies are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise.

SHEBA is more than adoption and education. The Sweeneys have implemented programs and events that assist humans as well as dogs.

One is the Quinte Vocational Support Services program (QVSS), which involves two groups of six to 12 developmentally challenged adults who come to the rescue site twice a week to help care for the dogs. Their duties include brushing, walking and playing with the huskies, or simply sitting and petting them.

During the winter, recreational dog sled rides at the “Sweeney Resort” are a big hit with visitors. Paul recalls an Australian family who were visiting relatives in Ontario. “They wanted to know if they could get

1.705.428.3486 or visit us at: WWW.PRECIOUSANDPURE.CA animal wellness – ontario region

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animal wellness – ontario region

SHEBA’s goal is to give the dogs a second a picture of their children sitting in the basket of the dog sled, because no one back home would believe it,” says Paul. After the photograph had been taken, Paul took the children for a ride, then sent them into the house where Nedi gave them a cup of hot chocolate.

“Seeing their father’s delighted expression, I asked him if he would like to take the dogs for a run, adding that all the trails loop back to the house so he couldn’t get lost,” continues Paul. “After thinking about it for about an eighth of a second, he asked how to get the sled around corners.” Paul showed him the basics, and off the man went. “I went into the house and after almost 40 minutes came back out to see him coming over the hill after what must have been his third or fourth trip around the trails. His eyelashes were almost frozen together, he had icicles hanging from his moustache and a smile that went beyond ear to ear.”

chance at the life they deserve by finding them new homes, and to help the public understand that this breed, although magnificently beautiful, is not for everyone.

It’s experiences like these that add extra joy to the Sweeneys’ work. And, of course, helping beautiful dogs find new homes with loving guardians is the icing on the cake. “SHEBA is our way of giving back to these dogs some of the love and loyalty they have shown us over the years,” explains Paul. “There is no way to describe the feeling you get when you watch a scared, confused soul slowly come out of his shell and begin to live his life and develop his own personality.”

LORRAINE HOUSTON IS AN EVALUATOR FOR THERAPEUTIC PAWS OF CANADA AND ST. JOHN AMBULANCE THERAPY DOGS, THE DIRECTOR OF SPEAKING OF DOGS, AND THE AUTHOR OF NOBODY’S BEST FRIEND. AN ADVOCATE FOR HUMANE TRAINING AND RESCUE/SHELTER DOG ADOPTIONS, SHE HAS FOSTERED OVER 300 DOGS AND FOUND HOMES FOR THOUSANDS MORE.

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Keeping kitty ’s teeth clean

F

by Marnie Astley

From hygiene and diet to medication, genetics and vaccines, many factors are involved in the degree of dental health we enjoy. The same philosophy applies to our feline friends. Their dental health is also dependent on a range of influences.

Some we can’t do a lot about. For example, according to veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve, genetics in some cat breeds have a bearing on their dental health. Other factors, however, we can do something to control: I’m convinced there is an association between over-vaccination and poor dental health. We didn’t see the tooth decay we do now since booster shots became an annual event. Minimizing vaccination is therefore an important step towards helping preserve the health of your cat’s teeth and gums.

Chemicals in our water systems, especially an excess of

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fluoride, as well as medications like tetracycline and doxycycline, can stain the teeth. Giving your cat only pure, filtered water can help protect his teeth from the effects of these toxins.

It’s a myth that dry food cleans the teeth. A grain-free diet including raw meat chunks and bones will all but eliminate any tartar. Raw meat has tough, stringy connective tissues that act much like dental floss, while chicken neck bones are nature’s toothbrush.

Home dental care Try to get your cat accustomed to having his teeth brushed from a young age, as this can really help prevent plaque and tartar. Plaque starts out soft, but turns hard and brown as

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Happy Tails for Cats & Dogs An overnight stay for you and your animal. www.happytails.on.ca Summer Park House Weekend getaway for you and your animal. www.summerhousepark.ca Rainbow Cottages Weekend getaway for you and your animal. www.rainbowcottagesresort.com Essex Cottage Urban Wolf/King Raw and prepared food for your dog or cat. www.urbanwolf.cc Red Umbrella Inn A two night stay (in a jacuzzi cabin) for you and your animal. www.redumbrellainn.com

Lake Edge Cottage Weekend getaway for you and your animal. www.lakeedge.com Second Tub A dog grooming day at the spa.

(905) 785-6968 King Edward Hotel An weekend stay at a 5 star hotel for you and your animal. www.lemeridien.com Dr. Maggie Pet Food Supplements Products for your dog or cat. www.drmaggie.ca The Cat’s Den Small animal enclosures. www.thecatsden.net Bow Wow & Dogma Holistic grooming for your dog.

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Angel Scent Aromatherapy One canine massage session and/or two aromatherapy pet care packages. www.angelscent.ca Canine Wellness Center Therapeutic or recreational swimming. www.caninewellness.com Animal Behaviour Services A session with a certified behaviourist. www.animalbehaviour.ca

Critter Comfort Animal massage. www.critter-comfort.com Doggie Detailing Grooming for your dog. www.doggiedetailing.com Global & Ryan’s $100/$50 gift certificates. www.globalpetfoods.ca Canine Life Raw food for your dog. www.theskyesthelimit.com

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For full rules and regulations please call 1-866-764-1212

TIPS FOR TEETH Coenzyme Q10 is a very powerful antioxidant.

Applied to pockets of infected gum tissue, CoQ10 appears to reduce infection.

Fragaria is a homeopathic remedy obtained from the wild strawberry. It softens, slows down and helps prevent tartar build-up. It’s effective for gingivitis where mouth ulcers are present. Give 1 pillule of Fragaria 3C once a day to start, then 1 per week.

Look for natural products such as Wysong’s Dentatreat, a blend of dental-active natural cheeses and other ingredients that discourages the growth of plaque-producing bacteria.

time goes by. When hardened, it is called tartar. If plaque is removed when still soft the job of cleaning your cat’s teeth becomes much simpler!

Brushing can be easy if you take a clean facecloth, wrap it around your finger, and gently rub around the gum line, paying close attention to the upper teeth which attract the most plaque. Specially formulated pet toothpastes and toothbrushes are available (be sure to choose a naturallyformulated product), or you can try making your own.

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DIY tooth polish 1/3 c (30%) baking soda 2/3 c (70%) arrowroot or rice flour For heavy tartar, add 15 ml or one tablespoon of food grade organic diatomaceous earth (used in sensitive tooth formulas for humans). To make the toothpaste more palatable, you can flavour it by finely grinding to a powder some desiccated liver, dried salmon flakes, or dried tuna, chicken, lamb or pork snacks found in pet shops. Store the powder in an airtight container; then, making only enough toothpaste to last a few days at a time, add enough glycerine to make a paste. Refrigerate.

Also on the market are some safe paste plaque retardants that you can feed to your cat, as well as enzyme products that help clean the teeth. There are also products that can be added to an animal’s water to reduce plaque build-up; however, these contain anthium dioxide, also known as chlorine dioxide, a bleaching agent that should be avoided. Do not accept at face value catch phrases such as “veterinarian approved” or “made with human food grade ingredients” -- find out exactly what you are using on your cat.

With a little daily TLC, you can help prevent painful dental conditions and maintain your kitty’s “pearly whites.”

MARNIE ASTLEY HAS BEEN PRACTICING RAW FEEDING AND THE USE OF MEDICINAL HERBS FOR OVER 30 YEARS. SHE LIVES WITH HER FELINE FRIENDS IN SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO. RAISE YOUR PAW FOR RAW – WWW.RAWPAWS.LINK.INFO – HOLISTIC MAILING LIST ON YAHOO.

Vet techs

Photo: Ontario Vet Tech Association

enjoy multi-faceted careers

Among a vet tech’s many responsibilities are assisting with diagnostics, surgery, and other medical procedures.

by Julie Jones

“I

’ve always wanted to work with animals,” says 18-year-old Lori, who is busy researching careers that will allow her to realize her dream. “I can’t remember ever being without a

>>>

animal wellness – ontario region

xv

HAPPY TAILS >>> The Muskoka retreat, for the furry elite!

Recently, the OAVT endorsed an in-class educational program called “Be A Tree”. This is a fun and non-

• dog adventure trips • woodland trails • paw-print painting • powder snow sports

threatening

presentation

teaches children how to behave around dogs they may encounter.

• fireplace lounge • cable tv (animal planet)

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cat or dog when I was growing up, and I love pet-sitting and volunteering at the local shelter. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.” Lori isn’t alone. Many people decide from a young age that they want to spend their lives working with animals, whether large or small, slippery or fuzzy. They’re driven to seek a profession that can make a positive difference to the critters who give us so much joy and unconditional love.

Veterinary technology is just such a profession. Imagine a career where knowledge, skill, care and compassion combine to form an individual who, under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, is directly involved in total patient care.

What is veterinary technology?

Registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) are important members of your animal’s health care team. Through the years, the profession has evolved to become recognized and respected both by animal guardians and members of the animal health community. RVTs assist veterinarians by performing a variety of tasks, including collecting patient samples, performing diagnostic lab work, administering prescribed medications, delivering and monitoring anesthesia, monitoring patients during surgery, critical care monitoring, client relations, nutritional counseling, and some administrative work.

What are the qualifications?

In addition to college training, successful graduates in the veterinary technology field must write a registration examination and complete mandatory continuing

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education credits in order to maintain RVT status.

The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (www.oavt.org) provides its members with many opportunities to stay abreast of new techniques and advances. One of these is an annual conference, which includes well attended sessions on traditional science and medicine as well as animal behavior, animal rehabilitation, therapeutic touch, nutrition, and many forms of integrated medicine.

Currently, an RVT has a few additional ways to further advance his or her career. Extra post graduate courses are available in areas of specialization such as dentistry, hospital management, critical care, and anesthesia. Many other post grad courses continue to crop up.

What else can a vet tech do?

Not all technicians adhere strictly to traditional veterinary practice. Many choose to work in wildlife rehabilitation, zoos, industry sales, or teaching. Some begin their own businesses, such as pet sitting. Many technicians also find a spot in specialty hospitals offering services to exotics, or therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and therapeutic touch. In all these areas of specialization, RVTs work under the direction of an appropriately designated veterinarian.

RVTs are also concerned with public health. Recently, the OAVT endorsed an in-class educational program called “Be A Tree”. This is a fun and non-threatening presentation that teaches children how to behave around dogs they may encounter. The OAVT can send a local member to your child’s classroom or interest group to deliver this important message.

On a personal note, I can say that being a RVT has brought me challenges and rewards that I would never give up.

Having worked in hospitals devoted to the humane care of animals, some with feathers, some with scales, I can honestly say that no two days are ever alike!

JULIE JONES IS A REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN, A PAST OAVT MERIT AWARD WINNER, AND ALSO RECEIVED THE PET HOSPITAL CO. TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD. SHE HAS SERVED MANY YEARS ON THE OAVT BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND IS CURRENTLY THEIR COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR. FOR DETAILS ON THE BE A TREE PRESENTATION, E-MAIL JULIEJONES@ROGERS.COM.

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Avoid years of stress, inconvenience, and embarrassment!

Schedule an affordable in-home consultation with applied animal behaviourist Nathan J. Penny (MSc.) and begin solving your pet’s behaviour problem today!

(416) 425-4869 or (905) 304-3602

www.animalbehaviour.ca

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Pet friendly resort goes the extra mile for four-legged guests The Red Umbrella Inn welcomes both feline and canine guests.

Y

You’ll notice two things when you first arrive at the Red Umbrella Inn just north of Minden. First is the incredible beauty of the location. The resort is set among mature pines and birches on the shores of Twelve Mile Lake, and is surrounded by spacious lawns and well-landscaped gardens and walkways.

The second thing you’ll notice is the dogs. Wherever you see people relaxing and enjoying themselves, you’ll see their four-

legged companions having fun along with them. During the summer, activities range from fishing and canoeing to paddling at the “Doggie Beach” or swimming and sunbathing in the deeper waters off the main dock. “It doesn’t matter what the guests are doing, one or two dogs are right there enjoying it with them,” says the inn’s general manager Susan Tustin.

Winter offers guests and their canine companions just as

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PET FRIENDLY! Please call now and

ask about our special doggie welcome packages with organic doggie tea menu.

KEEP FEEDING YOUR DOGS! Many people stop cleaning their yards when the leaves or snow fall.

You can avoid the poop mine field by calling Poop-Patrol.

We clean yards all year round, as long as you keep feeding your dogs.

In the fall we blow the leaves out of the way so we can find the goods!

416-410-POOP 37 King St. E. Toronto, ON M5C 1E9

(416) 863-9700

www.toronto.lemeridien.com

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animal wellness – ontario region

www.POOP-PATROL.com scoop@poop-patrol.com

much to do. “There’s cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, or walking across miles of unspoiled snow,” says Susan. “Whatever the activity or the season, we offer the opportunity for people and their dogs to do things together.”

The original inn was built in 1928, but it wasn’t until 1993 when the Tustin family purchased the inn and cottages and decided to allow animals to share in the entire vacationing experience. “We’re avid dog lovers ourselves, and felt it was unfair to ask anyone to leave their best friend at home while they vacationed elsewhere,” says Susan. “Cats are also more than welcome, and we even had a couple of parrots last year.”

meticulous cleaning job after every guest has left.

Combining an idyllic location with a love for all creatures great and small, the Red Umbrella Inn makes the concept of a truly pet-friendly resort a welcome reality in the Haliburton Highlands. As Susan says, “Why leave your best friend at home when you can enjoy Ontario’s beautiful northland together?

TO

LEARN

MORE

ABOUT

THE

RED UMBRELLA INN, 705-489-2462.

VISIT

WWW.REDUMBRELLAINN.COM OR CALL

To ensure the best possible getaway experience for animal-loving guests, the Tustins have gone a step further than many other pet-friendly accommodations by putting in place some unique policies and options.

All breeds of dog are welcome in the lakeview rooms and lakeside cottages, and even in the full Jacuzzi suite.

To safeguard both children and animals, and to avoid any accidents between an over-excited dog and youngster, kids under 16 are not allowed.

No pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers are used on lawns or gardens.

“Because of the controversy over the harm or benefits of vaccinations, shots are left up to each guest’s discretion,” says Susan.

Since animals are not allowed by law in the dining room or lounge, meals can brought to your accommodation if separation anxiety is a problem for your companion.

Extra doggie sheets and towels are provided for each four-legged guest.

The housekeeping staff does a

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ONTARIO REGION marketplace

Ontario Living Pawsitive Postings Sunday February 19th, 2006

Speaking of Dogs Presents Trish King Reading Dogs, and People Too! Crowne Plaza Don Valley Hotel Toronto, ON www.speakingofdogs.com or 416-444-4190

Petopia doggie daycare launches a new location in February near the DVP & Eglinton Toronto, ON 12,000 square foot indoor facility including 6,000 square foot play area http://www.petopia.ca/info.html Call 416-429-pets for more info

Speaking Friday Feb, 17th at the Psychic Expo

Charlotte Szivak Animal communicator & healer Airport Convention Center Call 905-297-0452 www.charlotteszivak.com

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Announcing Dr. Rona Sherebrin TCM, acupuncture, Tuina, AT: Dufferin/Queen Animal Hospital, Toronto, ON 416-536-9965 dr.rona.sherebrin@sympatico.ca Friday, January 27, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

Paws for a Cause Benefit Concert

Hamilton Place Hamilton, Ontario A Smiling Blue Skies Canine Cancer Fundraiser Proceeds are going to the University of Guelph, OVC – Pet Trust for Canine Cancer.

For more information you can contact Michelle Belliveau at 905-515-0182 or michelle@pawsforacause.ca www.pawsforacause.ca

“The Hip Hound Hang-Out!” Dog Daycare • Dog Walking Professional Pet Grooming • Dog Boutique

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ONTARIO REGION marketplace EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC

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Dr. Joanna Milan Joanna’s practice is exclusivley dedicated to complementary care in the areas of acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and neutra-ceuticals for companion animals.

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Ph: 519-746-3838 Fx: 519-772-0101

Secord Animal Hospital • 416-486-1700 3271 Yonge St. • Toronto, ON

Dr. Jennifer Heick Chiropractor, Animal Chiropractor

Dr. Autumn Louise Drouin VETERINARIAN N AT U R O PAT H 905-830-1030 www.holistic-vet.ca North-East Newmarket Veterinary Services 987 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON

HOLISTIC & CONVENTIONAL VETERINARY CARE

balancing both for the well being of your pet DR. MARGARET HACKING Ballantrae Animal Hospital STOUFFVILLE, ON

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Rexdale Animal Hospital Homeopathic Treatments Massage Therapy Dentistry Surgery Wellness Exams Natural Dog Foods Nutritional Supplements Grooming & Obedience Classes

DOGS, CATS, BIRDS, SMALL ANIMALS, REPTILES and more...

Dr. Chris Elson (416) 740-PETS (7387) 815A Albion Rd., Rexdale, ON (East of Islington) animal wellness – ontario region

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ONTARIO REGION marketplace

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Helping pet guardians through the entire process of pet loss • Pre-planning • Cremations • Urns & Memorial Gifts • Urn Placement • Support

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www.thistledownsoaps.com xxiv

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ANIMALWELLNESS

CALIFORNIA Photo: Judith Fuhrman

To advertise in this section of Animal Wellness Magazine, contact: San Francisco – Suzanne Pieper: 707-331-0356 or suzanne@animalwellnessmagazine.com Los Angeles – Tasha Hardy: 213-804-7025 or tasha@tashahardy.com

REGION Writer/producer

Elaine Zicree pays tribute to canines in new film

Elaine Zicree’s beloved St. Bernard, Lily, assists with some screenplay editing.

W

riter/producer Elaine Zicree has been on a roll since she broke into show business 20 years ago.

Her work as an off-Broadway producer/director led to stints with numerous television networks and studios, most recently on a pilot for Showtime, and another in association with Tom Fontana (Homicide, Oz). She even received a nomination for the 2003 Humanitas prize for her efforts on the Emmy-nominated Liberty’s Kids, a highly regarded animated television series on PBS, which starred Michael Douglas and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

So, why would Elaine suddenly switch gears to create an

independent film starring an English mastiff?

Elaine has loved dogs since she was a child, and has shared her home and rescued many a canine. She was inspired to write the screenplay, Caesar, by her sister and a novelist friend, both of whom came from troubled backgrounds.

“The thing that created the bridge between these girls and the rest of humanity was the love of dogs,” explains Elaine. She says that at one point, her sister was so distanced from people she was amazed that something alive wanted to touch her. Her dog helped create a sense of self and self esteem that she never animal wellness – california region

i

experienced before. Elaine wanted to capture the power of the relationship on screen.

Set in modern-day Arkansas, Caesar is about an “average Joe” who dreams of heroic endeavors. He wakes up at age 41 to find himself in a life in which nothing he does, or is, matters. This motivates him to do one small, good thing. When the consequences escalate, he discovers that he can’t back down... and slowly he comes to recognize the very real and enduring courage hidden in the hearts of “average Joes”.

Originally, Elaine envisioned Caesar as a Saint Bernard, but because of the breed’s frequent use in comedy films, she decided to put a new large breed in the spotlight; a mastiff. She tells a story about taking her dog Ellie to a favorite dog park and meeting a giant Neapolitan mastiff named Caesar.

“There was this 250-pound lumbering dog, with a slight personality defect of timidity, just like in my screenplay, trying to hide behind saplings,” laughs Elaine.

After this, Elaine wrote the dog Caesar as a Neapolitan mastiff, but a dog trainer told her that Neapolitan mastiffs are often that timid, and it would be difficult for such a fearful dog to be on set. She decided to substitute an English mastiff, because he would probably be comfortable during shooting, and English mastiffs are more social dogs in general.

For Elaine, writing the screenplay reminded her of all that our canines bring to our lives. “Dogs don’t care if you’ve got a lot of money, if you look good that day or if your name is in the newspaper,” says Elaine. “All they care about is if you’re kind.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CAESAR PLEASE GO TO HOLLYWOODFUNDING.COM CLICK ON “FILMS”.

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animal wellness – california region

AND

Photo: Kim Beagle

doggy daycare Deciding on

Daycare is a great way for canines to play, interact and socialize.

I

It’s seven thirty in the morning and you’re driving Fido to his favorite doggy day care. As you struggle to balance your coffee and a leash, all you can think about is getting on the plane to Hawaii in a couple of hours. But as you’re driving away, do you ever wonder what Fido does all day? What kinds of activities he participates in? Whether he’s safe? Animal Wellness Magazine decided to interview Kim Beagle of Planet Doggy day care to find out.

AWM: What kinds of advantages are there for guardians and their dogs by having a doggy day care in their lives?

KB:

Dogs are no different than children when it comes to wanting attention. They are very social creatures and don’t like to be left home alone all day. By destroying a couch or your new leather pumps, your dog is trying to tell you that he is bored. Day care provides the perfect release by letting them be dogs and play so that when they go home, they’re relaxed.

AWM:

Is there an application process for getting a dog into day care?

KB:

My day care is somewhat exclusive. Dogs have to be fixed, friendly, and the parents are interviewed as well. To me, this is more than just a business; it’s looking after a loved one. The environment needs to be safe in order to insure everyone’s well-being.

AWM: KB:

What is the environment like at Planet Doggy?

I was thrilled to find a large house for my day care. The dogs have 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor area to

play in as well as couches, chairs, a jungle gym, toys, and fire hydrants for their use. People can also watch their “kids” play via the doggy cam that is set up in the sunroom. (They tune into my website to access the camera.)

AWM: How do you look after the dogs’ health and well-being?

KB:

The overall health of the dogs is very important to me (what are they eating, how often, what kind of snacks, and so forth). I have a very good working relationship with a few veterinary offices, so that any one of my clients can be seen at a moment’s notice. We also do a monthly animal first aid class by the Red Cross.

AWM:

Tell us about a typical day at your facility.

KB:

In the morning, parents pull up at about the same time to drop off their four-legged friends. The dogs all bark to let me know when the next arrival has entered the gate, and then the greetings start all over, until everyone scheduled has arrived.

For the rest of the day they have various playing options: pool, toys, jungle gym, tunnel, out back area, front area, sun room to watch the street and passers by, chilling on any of the couches and chairs, playing fetch with me, or playing with whomever they take a liking to. Similar to a children’s day care, they have dog friends. On occasion I turn on a video for them.

AWM:

What happens at the end of the day?

KB:

The dogs know when pick up time is near, between four and seven in the evening. On occasion, a dog will just sit there and refuse to go, like he’s saying: “How about you come in here and play?” There are times when I think: “I wouldn’t mind trading places for the day.”

PLANET DOGGY DAYCARE IS PASADENA’S PREMIERE DOG PARADISE. IT HAS BEEN VOTED BEST PET SITTER IN PASADENA FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS. animal wellness – california region

iii

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Photo: Becky Starr

How to help provide for

lifetime animal care

by Larry E. Nevonen, JD, CA Insurance License # 0519206

I

was deliberately vague when I used the word lifetime in this article’s title. Whose lifetime did I mean? Yours?

Your pet’s? Clearly, the best answer is both, and your estate plan can include a financial strategy that provides for the lifetime care of your pet.

independently. The presence of Tawny and Tuxedo, their two cats, has had a positive impact on my parents’ outlook on the world. We think of them as part of our family, and have a plan in place should my parents no longer be able to care for them.

Having a pet is both a joy and a responsibility. I am fortunate that both my parents, at ages 89 and 90 years, are still living

Do you have a lifetime care plan for your animals?

Many people do not. When people don’t have a plan,

Open 7 days a week, 10am-7pm

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“

“

If you prepare in advance, you have the power to require that your animal companion is cared for under terms set by you.

many of those “Who is going to take care of Fluffy or Fido?” emergencies find their way to the Humane Society.

By then, it may be too late to implement the solutions you prefer. To be effective, plan your preparations before the unforeseen event occurs.

Five pieces that will help solve the puzzle By now you are probably wondering what puzzle pieces make up a good plan. Consider addressing these five pieces: Who takes physical care of the animal?

Who is going to pay for that care?

Under what circumstances should the successor caregiver step in?

What level of care of the animal are they expected to provide?

Is there a legal and financial structure in place to facilitate these choices, and is the successor caregiver in agreement?

While these five questions represent a logical structure for approaching this problem, people often have difficultly identifying a person who is ready, willing and able to take on the responsibility of guardianship. This is when having your estate planning documents in proper order become critically important. It is those documents that will authorize professionals to follow your instructions about what you want in terms of care of yourself and care of your pet. If you prepare in advance, you have the power to require that your animal companion is cared for under terms set by you.

Without those instructions your pet care provider will be forced to guess about what you would want.

As Steven Covey, author of the book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, asks: “In the event of an emergency, why do airline cabin attendants instruct people to put the oxygen mask on themselves before their children?” The answer, of course, is that by looking after yourself first, you’re making sure you can then take care of your children. Caring for yourself is caring for your dependants. It’s the same when it comes to taking care of your animal companions: organized estate planning is good for you during your lifetime, and good for your pet when you are no longer able to provide that care yourself. Remember that effective estate planning

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can only be accomplished by working with your team of tax and legal advisors, and other financial professionals.

LARRY NEVONEN IS THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE MANAGER FOR THE MICHEL FINANCIAL GROUP AND HAS TRAINED PROFESSIONALS IN ESTATE PLANNING AND INSURANCE FOR OVER 15 YEARS. INSURANCE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PLAY AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS, AND ARE OFFERED THROUGH THE

MICHEL FINANCIAL GROUP. YOU CAN

CONTACT

LARRY BY EMAIL AT LNEVONEN@FINSVCS.COM.

COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION: EHRUSSELL@FINSVCS.COM 310-407-2800 MICHEL FINANCIAL GROUP “THE RIGHT PEOPLE, THE RIGHT COMPANY”™ 1865 CENTURY PARK EAST, SUITE 1950 LOS ANGELES, CA 90067

CALIFORNIA marketplace Lost Pet Detection TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! K-9 Search Dog can help locate your pet!

818-442-2952 Landa Coldiron

Certified Missing Animal Response Technician

larescuedog@sbcglobal.net

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with The Tellington TTouch Method A gentle approach to influencing your animal companion’s behavior, health and performance.

Cynde Van Vleet

Guild Certified TTouch Practitioner

PHONE: (949) 492-1924 www.icpaws.com

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Essences for Stress, Trauma & Traditions • Cultivate Well Being, Positive Social Behaviour & Quality of Life

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www.floralspirit.com 714-235-7346 donna@artwindows.com

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CALIFORNIA marketplace DYANNA McCAIN, DVET HOM

The Original Shock Absorbing Leash System.

Designed in Australia over 10 years ago, Now in the USA! • Neoprene Collars • Harnesses • Fold-a-bowls • Frisbees • Doo Bags

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Phone: 310-863-2300 Fax: 661-822-8620 Email: parislivery@dslextreme.com

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Second Chance For Rabbits

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An all volunteer non-profit corporation P.O. box 59022 Norwalk, CA 90650 (562) 807-0071 (818) 903-2382 secondchance@bigfoot.com www.secondchanceforrabbits.org

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Shelter and Adoption Services PO Box 1646 Oak View, CA 93022

805-649-1090

www.calcoastalhorserescue.com

ANIMALWELLNESS To advertise in the Atlanta section of Animal Wellness Magazine, contact Nannette Ferrell at: 770-374-3966 nannette@animalwellnessmagazine.com

ATLANTA

R

E

G

I

O

N

Purrrrr...

Look what’s new in Atlanta!

by Caroline Stoeppler

IPPW is the “pet” project of Laura Saunders, an Inman Park resident who lives with her family of rescued dogs and cats. Laura worked for many years Inman Park Pet Works owner Laura Saunders is also a talented artist, finding inspiration as Director of Companion Animal Services with the for work such as “Bright Eyes” (above) from her own family of cats and dogs.

SPCA in Los Angeles. She coordinated and implemented all community outreach and mobile adoption events, including the development of spca-LA store-front Pet very now and then a business opens that just gets it Adoption Centers and retail centers. right. Inman Park Pet Works in Atlanta, Georgia is one of those rare enterprises. Glance above the counter Inman Park Pet Works also coordinates pet adoption days by and you’ll see the famous Gandhi quote, “The greatness of a hosting various agency outreach programs. Providing quality nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” The goods, promoting community art, and the potential for finding owner is a long-standing animal lover, and it shows. wonderful homes for needy pets is the driving force behind this venture. For a schedule of special upcoming events, go to This remarkable new pet boutique/pet art gallery is located in www.InmanParkPetWorks.com. the heart of one of Atlanta’s trendiest intown communities.

IPPW caters to discriminating dogs and cats and their families by featuring high-end natural food and treats, the very latest in IF YOU ARE, OR KNOW OF, AN INTERESTED ARTIST WHO WOULD pet couture and accessories, and other fine (and hard to find) LIKE TO HAVE THEIR ART WORKS DISPLAYED AT INMAN PARK PET products. But, what makes this shop stand out from the rest WORKS, C O N TAC T L AU R A S AU N D E R S AT (404)522-454 4 O R is the pet art gallery featuring original works of dog and cat L AU R A L S AU N D E R S @ M S N . C O M . INMAN PARK PET WORKS IS LOCATED art by local artists.

AT 914A AUSTIN AVENUE, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30307.

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DOG ACADEMY

Where the red

A Jabula Dog is a Happy Dog! Obedience classes available: Stage 1 Beginner Stage 2 Intermediate Stage 3 Advanced

Flyball Racing: Stage 1 & Stage 2

Also available: Private Lessons, Puppy Play School, Training Camp, Trick Training, Freestyle Dancing and Agility!

228 Weeks St. Decatur, GA 30030

For class information:

404.373.6258

WWW.JABULADOGS.COM

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M

Meet Fern, your socially conscious guide to “Petropolitan” Atlanta. Living in the South’s most happening city for pets can leave even the most brilliant redbone coonhound at a loss for what to do next and where to go to do it. Fern will track down and sniff out the best places, people and things for the pets in this city.

Paws Playhouse, Toco Hills Shopping Center, Atlanta Any doubt about dogs having fun at daycare can be wiped away with one simple look at the Puppy Cam. This is one of Fern’s favorite places to spend her days and, when required, her nights. The owner and his marvelous staff offer a safe and friendly environment for dogs of all sizes. In order to become a playmate in this exclusive social club, dogs must meet a strict set of requirements and pass a temperament test. But, once you become a playmate, the possibilities are

Fern goes . . .

Your animal’s guide to life in Atlanta

endless... day care, sleepovers, bathing, grooming and best of all super cool humans at your beck and call. Rumor has it, this is where all the coonhounds go to play and you should too!

Tell the gang Fern sent you, a little name dropping never hurts.

(404)633-5555 or www.pawsplayhouse.com

•Visit the new pet art gallery at Inman Park Pet Works

Paw Chic, Medlock Bridge Rd, Duluth

•Volunteer at a local animal shelter – Find a list of local

While humans shop at Neiman Marcus, style conscious cats and dogs head to Paw Chic. For some, it’s quite the trip, but it’s worth every tug on the leash. Everything there is fetching!

What dog wouldn’t give their right paw for a chance to lounge in a feather down bed while sipping spring water from a hand painted bowl? Fern would! From the tempting aroma of the bakery to the divine collection of accessories, Paw Chic has something to make you roll over and purr!

(404)814-2462 or www.pawchic.com

A Soapy Puppy, Village at Crooked Creek, Alpharetta Did someone say massage? It’s a regular service at A Soapy Puppy, the newest place for pets in Alpharetta. Scheduled to open in late January, this business has turned a bath and clip into a day at the spa. Fern’s favorite is a bath in lavender/ chamomile shampoo, followed by a hot oil treatment and a full body massage. If she’s up for it, she’ll hang out for an evening agility or a Rally-O class. Yep, this spa offers training!

In a hurry? No frills baths and self wash are also available.

Stop in and say hello to Chaleigh, a happening Westie setting the stage for style in North Fulton. www.soapypuppy.com

www.inmanparkpetworks.com

•Make

your pet a star at Short and Sweet Studios www.shortnsweetstudios.com

shelters and rescue groups – www.spot.org

•Join friends for cocktails and help homeless animals at a Hair of the Dog event – www.hairofthedog.org

DID FERN FORGET TO MENTION YOUR FAVORITE ATLANTA “PET-TRACTION?” WELL, LET HER KNOW WHAT ATLANTA IS MISSING BY EMAILING HER AT FERNSATLANTA@AOL.COM. SHE WILL TRACK IT DOWN, SNIFF IT OUT AND LET EVERYONE KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING.

Hey

Georgia Residents!

Animal Wellness today for a chance to win an AW gift basket!* Subscribe to

Lint Roller Party, Wag-a-Lot Midtown West – February 25, 2006 Did someone say party? Who better to party with than Atlanta’s pet lovers? This annual event benefits Best Friend’s Society and No More Homeless Pets Atlanta. Vern Yip, formerly of Trading Spaces, and Thomas Roberts, of CNN, are this year’s Honorary Event Chairs. Mark your calendars... because this is a not-to-miss event. After all, Fern will be there, so why wouldn’t you? www.wagalot.com Other fun things to do while waiting for spring to arrive: Take a K9 Freestyle Dance class with Jabula Dog Academy •www.jabuladogs.com

valued

at

$100 *contents may differ from image shown Contest expires July 31/06

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/gasubscribe animal wellness – atlanta region

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ATLANTA METRO AREA SHELTERS Barrow County 770-307-3012 Bartow County 770-387-5153 www.bartowga.org/animalshelter/index.html

DeKalb County 404-294-2996 www.dekalbpolice.com/ac/

Hall County Humane Society 770-532-6617 www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA93.html

Douglas County 770-942-5961

Henry County 770-954-2100 www.co.henry.ga.us/AnimalControl/AnimalControl.htm

Bartow County Humane Society 770-383-3338 www.bartowhumane.org

Fayette County 770-487-6450 www.admin.co.fayette.ga.us/animalshelter/info_animals.htm

Carroll County 770-834-8150 www.Petfinder.com/Shelter/GA38.html

Floyd County 706-236-4545 or 706-236-4537 www.floydcountyga.org/animalcontrol

Chamblee Animal Control 770-986-5019 (lost pets only)

Forsyth County 770-888-2500 www.forsythco.com/newcomers.asp?info=nc_animal

Cherokee County 770-345-7270 www.cherokeega.com/ccweb/departments/animal_shelter and www.petfinder.org/shelters/GA50.html Cobb County 770-499-4136 www.cobbanimalcontrol.org and www.petfinder.org/shelters/GA137.html Coweta County 770-254-3735 www.coweta.ga.us/Resources/animal.html

Fulton County (Managed by Southern Hope Humane Society) 404-794-0358 www.fultonanimalservices.com

Newton County 770-786-9514 www.co.newton.ga.us Oconee County 706-769-3956 www.oconeecounty.com Paulding County 770-445-1511 www.paulding.gov/living/animalcontrol.asp Rockdale County 770-785-5927 Spalding County 770-467-4772 www.spaldingcountyanimalshelter.com

Gwinnett County 770-339-3200 www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com

Walton County 770-267-1322

Hall County 770-531-6830 www.hallcounty.org/depts/animal_control.asp

ATLANTA METRO RESCUE GROUPS Small Dog Rescue and Humane Society www.smalldoghumane.org

North Georgia Chapter of the House Rabbit Society www.houserabbitga.org

Paws Atlanta www.pawsatlanta.org

Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends www.aarf.org” www.aarf.org

Pigs as Pets Association www.pigsaspets.org

Stray Atlanta www.strayatlanta.org

Animal Action Rescue www.animalactionrescue.org

No More Homeless Pets Atlanta www.atlantapets.org

Field of Dreams Gun Dog Rescue www.gundogrescue.org

Cindy’s K-9 Angels, Inc www.cindysk-9angels.com

For a list of rescue groups in the Atlanta Metro area, please visit http://www.petrorphans.com and click on the Rescue List.

RESCUESPOTLIGHT

F

ield of Dreams Gun Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding families for pointers, setters, retrievers and spaniels that otherwise would be alone.

Everybody loves a good sport, don’t you want one of your own?

Meet Maggie, a female buff cocker spaniel that was found abandoned under a trailer. A good Samaritan crawled

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under the trailer to get Maggie and brought her to the “dog ranch” that is Field of Dreams Gun Dog Rescue.

Maggie is now on natural food, supplements and medication to help her become the dog she should be. Pretty soon she’ll be ready for a new human to share her abundance of love with – will that be you?

VISIT MAGGIE

AND HER OTHER FRIENDS AT THE RANCH IN

CONYERS OR

CHECK EVERYONE OUT ON THE WEBSITE AT WWW.GUNDOGRESCUE.ORG.

POOP WANTED! Airport Park’N Bark Pet Resort & Doggie Daycare

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678-278-0137

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ATLANTA DOES IT RAW! RAW DIETS THAT IS!

Kibble, cans, raw frozen diets, freeze dried diets, raw frozen bones and slow roasted treats!

New RAW INSTINCT Grain Free Kibble Visit our website for a store near you.

888-519-7387 • WWW.NATURESVARIETY.COM animal wellness – atlanta region

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ATLANTA marketplace “Animal Land Pet Movers, the way we treat pets is moving.”

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door-to-door service domestic and international fully bonded and insured licensed by the USDA

877.379.8625 www.petmovers.com

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Doggy Daycare, Boarding & Grooming Do-It-Yourself Wash Solid Gold & Eagle Pack Dog Food 8 Live Web Cams

WWW . PAWSPLAYHOUSE . COM

To locate a pet sitter in your area, visit us at: www.georgiapetsitters.com

“The Most Trusted Pet Care Professionals in Georgia”

ATLANTA EVENTS Have an idea or event?

Please send them to:

nannette@animalwellnessmagazine.com

DISTRIBUTE MAGAZINES • ADVERTISE • SUBMIT STORIES Become a part of the animal wellness movement and help educate your friends and family on health and wellness issues for animals.

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contact: Nannette Ferrell Atlanta Regional Manager Tel: 770-374-3966 nannette@animalwellnessmagazine.com