V8I3 (Jun/Jul 2006)

animal Living pawsitive!

15 of

™

wellness For a long, healthy life!

warning signs

cancer

Which fish is to eat?

safe

First-aid & CPR Tips every guardian should know

How to build an

animal-friendly

pond

JUN./JUL. 2006

"Boo Boo Zoo"

Display until July 20, 2006

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3

Why animals flock to Maui's

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

animal wellness

animal wellness

animal wellness

contents 18

88

features 18 Why learning

first-aid and CPR for your animal is a smart move Making health and safety a priority can save your companion's life

23 Traveling by air?

Do your homework before taking your furry friend along

animal wellness

52

34 Four common

cancers in dogs and cats Which forms of this disease most frequently affect our animals?

42

Acupressure can help protect your feline friend from cancer Enhance kitty's well being with this ancient healing art

45 12 tips for living

with cancer in your animal companion How to make life easier for both of you

52 It's off to work we go...

with our animal companions!

79

Click on this icon to visit featured links

60 Feeding fish to

your dog or cat?

Here's what you need to know

68 Canine

College Cruise A doggone good time!

79 Creating an

73 Eat, drink and wag your tail

animal-friendly pond

Documentary film focuses on nutrition

76 The Kitty

Grass story How one entrepreneur is helping cats and her community

A garden feature your whole family can enjoy

88 Maui's "Boo Boo Zoo"

Inspired by love, this island refuge cares for injured and orphaned animals

ONTARIO REGIONAL SECTION

animal wellness

contents columns 12 Yakkity yak 28 Dr. Martin Goldstein 57 Best behavior 84 Animal passages

Volume 8

91

Editorial Department

Animal communication

Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Canadian Regional Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Yvonne Hollandy Graphic Designer: Stephanie Wright Photography: www.adairimages.com Illustration:

94 Book reviews 110

Leanne Rosborough Robyn Feeley (www.bungalowart.com)

The tail end

Columnists & Contributing Writers Pamela Berger Audi Donamor Denise Fleck Martin Goldstein, DVM Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D Amelia Kinkade Andy Lopez Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Paul Owens Gillian Ridgeway Amy Snow Joanne Terry Charlotte Walker Nancy Zidonis

departments 8 Editorial

96 Ad spots

10 Mail bag

106 Events calendar

33 Product picks

107 Classifieds 108 Quick reference

69 Wellness

resource guide

86 What’s gnu?

Issue 3

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

guide to our advertisers

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: submission@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

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

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: May, 2006

agibson@animalwellnessmagazine.com

Classified Advertising: Lesia Wright classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com

To subscribe: Subscription price at time of this issue in the U.S. $22.95 and Canada is

animal wellness

Photo: www.adairimages.com

Our Cover: Obilane, a Bernese Mountain Dog shown here at eight weeks old, enjoys a wagon ride. Obi lives on Gabriola Island in B.C. with Shawn and Mia Goodall and their children. The happy, outgoing pup loves kids and spending time outdoors.

$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. Redstone Media Group Inc., publisher of Animal Wellness, does not promote any of the products or services advertised by a third party advertiser in this publication, nor does Redstone Media Group Inc. verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with such advertisers. Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

Dealer Inquiries Welcome: Animal Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale

in retail shops and through various organizations. Call 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at sales@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

Printed in Canada

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

animal wellness

EDITORIAL Everything to gain Last year, our new caregiver’s chocolate Lab died from cancer. That’s not all that surprising these days, but this dog was only three years old. THREE YEARS OLD. Way too young to lose his life to this insidious disease.

Many of us have lost an animal to cancer or known someone who’s been through the experience. At a recent conference I attended, Dr. Martin Goldstein, who specializes in treating animals with cancer, quoted some pretty stark statistics. Fifty-two per cent of dogs die from cancer. That’s up from 47%, according to a 1998 study by the Morris Foundation.

So what can we, as caregivers, do? Well, for starters, we can take a Sun Tzu approach and get to know our enemy. In this issue of Animal Wellness, we look at some of the more common types of cancer that affect our animals, and how we can help our companions and ourselves if they’re diagnosed with the “big C”.

(Next issue, we’ll focus on some of the alternative treatments out there.)

Of course, if your animals are healthy, you can use your knowledge, intuition and wisdom to help keep them that way. As Dr. Marty said, “Disease is the absence of health”. Yes, there are things, such as genetics, that aren’t in our control, but we can have a positive effect on our animals by considering factors such as nutrition, overvaccination, our indoor and outdoor environments and emotional issues.

At Animal Wellness Magazine, we promise to be with you every step of the way, bringing you the kind of information that can make a difference. If you’re a new reader, our new searchable CD-ROM is the perfect resource to start you on your journey (see page 80 for more information). It contains the first six years of content from Animal Wellness Magazine. Browse through it by topic at your leisure. If you’re a long-time subscriber, you’ll find it a great reference tool (as I do!) and a wonderful gift that continues to spread the word about natural health.

Regardless of how you learn about natural health, we applaud you in your efforts. As the woman in the chair next to me confided at the end of Dr. Marty’s seminar, “I came into this sort of skeptical, but when I get home I’m going to look into [natural health choices] for myself and my dog.”

“Wonderful!” I replied. “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.” Including, I thought to myself, a very grateful canine.

Wishing you health and happiness, as always,

animal wellness

animal wellness

awm mail bag Do you know if there are regulations for the manufacturing of dog and cat food? I am specifically interested in whether or not manufacturers have to use the same quality processes that are used in the manufacturing of human-grade pet food. Also, do they have requirements for laboratory data as they do in the food industry?

Sandy Schiller, via e-mail Editor’s Note: In short, the answer is no – commercial pet foods are made according to ingredient definitions accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO). For more information on these definitions, refer to “Food labels 101”

by Jean Hofve, DVM, in Volume 7, Issue 2.

I found the letter from Penny Leisch regarding allergies to be interesting (Volume 8, Issue 2). I have a “hit list” which means I do not feed corn, soy, wheat, or yeast (in any form). I have also found, in eleven years of working with animals and their guardians, that there are many dogs with a sensitivity or outright allergy to flax seed, so I do not recommend flax seed either, and instead recommend that guardians feed wild salmon oil for Omega 3s. Carrots are amazing for many reasons. Root vegetables can be a

BACON OR APPLE FLAVOR!

For another Healthy Pet Systems success story, turn to page 39...

Healthy Pet Systems 1-877-838-7015 www.vithealth.com

10

animal wellness

problem though, as can anything else, so if I am working on an elimination diet with someone, we carefully look at each and every thing being fed, no matter how inconsequential it may seem. I believe that just as we are all different, with varying strengths and needs, our animal companions are all unique too.

Penny wrote about getting a really good test run for allergies, but there are lots of folks that have found the tests (e.g., skin tests) to be unreliable and enormously expensive. I think that skin tests are one means for guardians to find out what is ailing their pet, but daily “watching” can tell so much I believe allopathic medicine and complementary therapies can be combined in a variety of ways and means. Professional guidance should always be sought when you have a concern. At the same time, I think your articles provide a framework for guardians, so they are better able to “read” their pets and provide their veterinarians with detailed observations. The smallest thing can be the key to a mysterious ailment, including an allergy.

S.B., via e-mail Editor’s Note: Allergies are often a tough call as it can be so difficult to determine what the exact cause or causes are. Some animals may have reactions to foods that most other animals can eat without any problems. In stubborn cases, consulting a vet well versed in natural nutrition is the best place to start.

I was a consultant practitioner in Complementary Medicine for many years. I am writing to share my story of a very special dog.

My lifepath changed dramatically in 2001, when I was involved in an almost-fatal car accident. I went from healer to patient and such a huge change brought many challenges. My own road to recovery has been helped by my wonderful companion, my Lhasa Apso, Katie.

we want to hear from you!

Katie may be unique, as I feel she may be the only Tibetan Reiki Master Healer dog in the world! When I had my Tibetan Reiki Attunement (an advanced Master Reiki level), Katie came to my side. I was lying down, and Katie climbed up to lie on my body, and so received her own Attunement to this wonderful healing pathway at the same time as me. It was an amazing experience, and in some ways, I think it changed both our lives.

Since then, I have continued to work sending healing to others, wherever it is needed, and Katie is always at my side, giving me her gentle energies and helping me through each day. She always knows when someone needs healing sent to them. I work over the phone, sending absent (distance) healing to people, and Katie seems to sense when I need extra help. She places her paw on my arm, and I know this may sound strange, but I can really feel the energies she sends, coming through to me.

She is an inspiration, and anyone who knows these beautiful Tibetan dogs will know they are truly special – and perhaps you may forgive me for saying Katie is perhaps just that little bit more special to me!

Dr. Fiona M. Clements-Russell, via e-mail Editor’s Note: Thanks for sharing your story.

What a wonderful example of the healing effect animals can have on our lives!

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Joan Orr, whose article “Lost in Translation – how to ‘read’ your companion’s body language” – featured in Animal Wellness Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 3 – was chosen as best article in an all-animal magazine at the Dog’s Writers’ Association of America Awards for 2005! Joan is president of the non-profit organization Doggone Safe, dedicated to dog bite prevention education.

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

animal wellness

11

Genesis Awards celebrates 20 years The Humane Society of the United States celebrated an exciting landmark on March 1 8 with the 20th annual Genesis Awards. The gala event took place at the Beverly Hilton and included celebrities such as James Cromwell (Six Feet Under), Jorja Fox (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Amy Smart (Just Friends), Kate Walsh (Grey’s Anatomy) and Steve Valentine (Crossing Jordan).

A number of movies and other media were honored, including the Academy Award-winning animated feature Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit, as well as Larry King Live and ABC World News Tonight.

Photo: Long Photography

Actor and Genesis Awards founder Gretchen Wyler, who is retiring in June, was also honored with a standing ovation for her many years of work in the animal welfare field.

The ceremony paid special tribute to the news media for highlighting the plight of Hurricane Katrina’s animal victims. Among those cited for their outstanding coverage were CNN’s Anderson Cooper, ABC’s Good Morning America and KCAL-TV’s reporter David Jackson and photographer Jeff Mailes, who rescued and adopted Gretchen Wyler holds two commemorative the black Labrador named Katrina featured in their trophies she was given to mark her retirement in June at the 20th Anniversary Genesis Awards. two-part report from New Orleans.

Making the connection It’s not uncommon for people and their companion animals to share the same health issues, often because guardians impose their own lifestyle habits on their dogs and cats.

Dr. Henrique Heyne, a holistic vet in Chile, has started asking his patients’ guardians to fill out a questionnaire about their approach to diet, exercise and other wellness aspects. The results not only help him with treatment options, but also enable him to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles that will benefit both them and their four-footed friends.

12

animal wellness

Good teeth key to kitty’s health No one likes going the dentist, especially cats, but good dental hygiene is crucial to your feline’s overall health. A recent study found that cats with common forms of dental disease have a higher rate of testing positive for more serious conditions. Out of 1,167 cats, one in eight with some type of oral disease also tested positive for FIV, FeLV or both. With proper care, cats with FIV or FeLV can live long lives, but early detection is critical and because other signs can often be vague and subtle, dental symptoms can serve as an important marker in diagnosis.

Make your voice heard Each year, a staggering five million dogs and cats are euthanized at shelters across the country. To help save lives, Alley Cat Allies and No Kill Solutions are urging individuals and organizations nationwide to sign and support the Declaration of the No Kill Movement. The declaration calls for fundamental changes in animal sheltering methods; both organizations will provide practical information and assistance to agencies and communities that want to become no kill. To date, more than 6,000 people have signed the declaration. You can join them by visiting www.nokilldeclaration.org. animal wellness

13

Yakkity Yak Ohio overrules pit bull law Breed-specific legislation has become a contentious issue in communities across North America, but here’s some good news. The American Kennel Club, which has long opposed discrimination against particular breeds, is applauding the Sixth District Court of Appeals in Ohio for ruling that state breed-specific “vicious” dog laws were unconstitutional. Among other things, the court noted that the laws violate a guardian’s right to equal protection since there is no concrete evidence to suggest that pit bulls are more dangerous than any other breed, and also that there is no accurate way to properly identify a pit bull.

14

animal wellness

Book wins HSUS award A new book by dog trainer Colleen Pelar has been awarded the Humane Society of the United States Compassionate Care Award for 2005. Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing your Mind (C&R Publishing, 2005) addresses the issues parents face when managing the day-to-day interactions of their kids and dogs. The book also gives guidance on what to look for in a family dog, tips for avoiding bites, and recommendations on how to handle your dog’s death. The Compassionate Care Award goes to the best print, audio or video work that focuses on the humane treatment of dogs, particularly those in animal shelters, animal rescue and rehabilitation, or family settings.

Help wanted!

Best Friends volunteers work to save Katrina's animal victims – more help is needed to rehabilitate these dogs.

Photos: Troy Snow

It’s been eight months since Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, but work continues to help the people and animals affected by the storm. Many dogs have been rescued, but aren’t currently adoptable because of their emotional issues. Best Friends Animal Society is looking for trainers and handlers experienced with special needs animals to help rehabilitate these canines so they can be placed in loving new homes. The trainers will work with Best Friends behavior specialists at a rescue center near New Orleans; the organization will cover the cost of travel and accommodations. www.bestfriends.org.

Yakkity Yak Table for two A new restaurant in China is taking animalfriendly dining to new levels by letting its customers and their animals share a meal at the same table.

The Paradise Pet Club features special menus for dogs, along with drinks and snacks for guardians. The eatery was originally designed just for dogs, but has also been catering to cats, rabbits and other critters.

Patrons are asked to provide a health certificate for their companions before entering the club.

Ananova

animal wellness

15

Yakkity Yak New medical center for shelter animals The Oregon Humane Society is building the first Animal Medical and Learning Center in the United States that incorporates a university veterinary program with on-site care for shelter animals. The center will include examination rooms, three surgery suites, radiology and lab facilities and will provide nearly 50 students a year with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of homeless animals. Also part of the center, the Animal Assisted Therapy Prep School will train animals to provide therapy for patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Construction is scheduled to start this summer, though the organization needs more funds to cover the cost of the project. www.oregonhumane.org.

The Oregon Humane Society's medical center will be the first of its kind in the U.S.

16

animal wellness

GPS for dogs Microchipping, tattooing, and the good old-fashioned collar and tag are the most familiar means of ensuring you get your dog back if he goes missing. Now you can add global positioning system devices to the list, thanks to companies like Globalpetfinder (GPF) and PetsCell. GPF allows you to create a virtual fence around your yard; if your pooch escapes by mistake, an alert is sent to your cell phone or computer along with continuous updates on his whereabouts.

PetsCell, meanwhile, is a collar-based GPS device that also includes a cell phone so your dog can hear your voice.

AD

VE

RT

IS

EM

animal wellness

EN

T

17

Why learning

First-aid & CPR for your animal is a smart move

by Denise Fleck

O

ne morning in February of 1997, Sunny, our yellow Labrador retriever, woke up unable to move and in agonizing pain. We sat on the floor by her bed trying to comfort her as she began to tremble, hoping against hope that someone would come into the veterinarian’s office extra early to tell us what to do. For this most easy-going

18

animal wellness

of dogs who never complained about anything, every movement, no matter how slight, now caused her great distress.

All of a sudden she frantically dashed for the outdoors, letting out a cry that echoed through the house. Sunny answered nature’s call and then collapsed on the ground.

Emergencies similar to this can occur

CPR for animals As in humans, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency technique used when an animal has stopped breathing or has no heartbeat. It involves learning how to do rescue breathing (mouth-to-snout resuscitation) and chest compressions, by following three basic principles or ABCs of CPR – Airway, Breathing and Circulation.

In addition to these techniques, a pet first-aid class should include care for heat stroke, choking, poisoning, gastrointestinal upsets, burns, seizures and wounds as well as emergency prevention. To complete the training, you should purchase or put together your own pet first-aid kit.

suddenly and without warning. Has an outdoor cookout ever been so inviting that your pooch couldn’t resist reaching up for a sizzling treat? Has your cat’s tail ever been accidentally closed in a door? Have you found a dog left in a car and suffering from heat stroke?

Have you ever feared your cat would get bitten by a bee and suffer an allergic reaction? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’ll realize that being prepared applies not just to the Boy Scouts, but to you as well.

Denise Fleck demonstrates rescue breathing on Rex the Akita/border collie. Never practice this skill on a well pet.

not be able to bring your dog or cat back once his heart and lungs have stopped, but by knowing the life-saving skills of first-aid and CPR, you can keep your animal’s organs working until professional medical help is available.

Statistics show that preventable accidents are the leading cause of death among companion animals. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), one out of four additional animals could be saved if just one pet first aid technique was applied.

Many of us have taken human first-aid or CPR courses. However, dogs and cats don’t share the same anatomy as us. Although the concept is the same, the techniques differ. In addition, we can’t ask our dog or cat, “Where does it hurt?” or “Did you just eat something out of the trash?” Pet-specific training is therefore essential.

In an emergency, first-aid is the initial and often most critical step. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can save your animal’s life. The most accomplished veterinary surgeon will

Anyone you entrust the care of your dog or cat to should also know these important life-saving skills. It’s a great responsibility to look after someone’s four-legged friend, and a good pet sitter, animal wellness

19

Right: It is very important to have your own pet first-aid kit so that you will have all the tools you need in the event of an emergency with your dog or cat. Below: A head bandage is applied to Sushi the Akita.

groomer or caregiver should be ready for the unexpected.

“I was caring for two precious Cairn terriers and had just given them a doggie treat when one of them suddenly started choking,” said Tina Kenny of TLC Pet Sitting. “As I watched her desperately trying to cough up the biscuit lodged in her throat, I realized she needed my help. I am so grateful I had taken a pet first-aid class just the

Right: You must apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding and then secure the bandage in place before going to the veterinarian.

Back to school The following organizations offer information and/or classes on pet first-aid and CPR: Sunny-dog Ink (southern CA): www.sunnydogink.com, (818) 951-7962 The Red Cross: www.redcross.org, (202) 303-4498 Pet Tech, Inc.: www.pettech.net, (760) 930-0309 20

animal wellness

animal wellness

21

day before. I quickly took the appropriate action (side chest thrusts) and the biscuit shot out of her mouth and across the kitchen floor. There was nothing quite as rewarding as knowing I had saved the day for this helpless little dog, and her wagging tail and thankful licks let me know she felt the same way.”

Cat mom Heidi Fielding adds that one of the biggest benefits of taking a pet first-aid class is that it gave her “confidence in dealing with an emergency situation.” Knowing what to do is no good if you don’t have the confidence to react and use that knowledge.

After surgery to remove three ruptured discs, Sunny bounced back to her usual self, but I never again wanted to feel helpless if or when my animal was in distress. The experience led me to not only learn first-aid and CPR, but to teach it to others as well. One of my students, Kate Ahrens, sums it up best: “The last thing you want is to wish you had taken a pet first-aid and CPR class.”

Denise Fleck, founder of Sunny-dog Ink, is trained by The Red Cross® and Pet Tech, Inc. and has taught thousands of animal guardians throughout Southern California. She is an advocate of adopting senior pets and has been Dog Mom to eleven. Denise is a volunteer with Akita Buddies Rescue in Palmdale, California and a Board Member of the Bumper Foundation, an animal rescue organization.

22

animal wellness

T

raveling by air?

Dog photo: Doreen Stander

Cat photo: Vickie Cox

Do your homework before taking your furry friend along

T

by Charlotte Walker

To fly or not to fly. That’s the question Cynthia and her husband asked themselves when making plans recently to visit relatives on the West Coast.

“We really wanted to go by air, but we also wanted to take our cocker spaniel, Sheba, with us,” says Cynthia. “The problem is, we know someone whose cat died in the cargo hold of a plane several years ago and that made us wary.” In the end, the couple decided to play it safe and drive to their destination.

These days, more and more people are taking their four-footed friends with them when they travel. And as our society becomes more mobile, many of us have animal wellness

23

to pull up stakes and move long distances more than once in our lives, taking our companions with us. In fact, an estimated two million animals travel by air every year in the U.S. alone. The bad news is that up to 5,000 may be hurt, lost or killed en route. Not surprisingly, airline safety for companion animals is becoming an increasingly important issue among guardians, vets and animal welfare organizations.

Although some airlines will allow animals in-cabin, many still treat them as baggage and relegate them to the cargo hold, where exposure to loud noise, careless handling and temperature extremes can severely

June of last year. This law requires airlines to report the injury, loss or death of any animal in their care, as well as any complaints they receive from passengers about how their animals were treated. The reports are made to the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division, which publishes them in its monthly online Air Travel Consumer Report at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports.

The legislation also requires airlines to better train baggage handlers in the care and safe transportation of animals.

The Act doesn’t actually prevent animals from being injured or Photo: Audi Donamor

At the airport... a growing number of airlines allows small animals to fly in-cabin.

stress if not kill them. Before flying your animal anywhere, it’s crucial that you do your homework and choose an airline that has a humane animal transport policy.

New legislation makes things easier To encourage airlines to give greater consideration to animal safety, the final version of the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act came into effect in

24

animal wellness

lost during flights, but it does at least prompt airlines to pay more attention to in-flight safety for dogs and cats. To date, no similar legislation exists north of the border, although a few Canadian airlines are nevertheless improving their animal travel policies.

Be a savvy traveler Among the groups that lobbied for the passage of the Safe Air Travel for

Animals Act is the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The organization not only encourages people to fully research airlines before transporting animals, but to take additional steps to ensure their companions’ safety. Here are some suggestions:

Photo: Audi Donamor

Ask if your animal will be allowed to fly in the cabin with you. Cats and small

Most airlines require animals to travel in carriers.

dogs may be permitted as long as their carriers will fit under the seat. You will have to pay an extra fee; the average cost one-way is about $75.

If your companion must travel in the cargo hold, ask what steps the airline takes to ensure the safety and comfort of animals. If you’re in any doubt, or feel uncomfortable with their policy, don’t hesitate to find another airline or make alternative travel arrangements.

Find out about the airline’s requirements for vaccinations and health certificates.

Ask what kind of carrier you’ll need.

Travel on the same flight as your animal, and use a direct flight. This will prevent

animal wellness

25

your dog or cat from being misdirected or lost.

Ask if you can watch your animal being loaded, and tell the captain and flight attendants that your animal is in the cargo hold.

Make sure your animal has adequate ID and that his carrier is labeled with your name and a destination address and phone number.

In the weeks leading up to the trip, give your animal opportunities to get accustomed to his carrier.

Don’t feed your animal immediately before the trip.

A bowl or tray of water in the carrier will only get spilled; instead, use ice cubes.

By choosing a responsible airline and taking the proper precautions, you can help make sure your beloved companion reaches his destination in comfort and safety.

“After we got back from our last trip, we found an airline that will let Sheba ride in the cabin with us,” Cynthia says. “The next time we want to take her on holiday with us, we look forward to being able to fly.”

Flight paths The following 11 airlines allow small animals to fly in-cabin on domestic and most transborder flights. (Depending on the destination, animals are not always allowed in the cabin on international flights because of quarantine regulations.) Rules and fees vary from company to company. Most airlines place a limit on the dimensions and weight of the carrier (plus animal), and there are also often restrictions on the age, type and number of animals that can be allowed.

Larger dogs (unless they are service animals) are usually required to travel in the cargo hold. Some, though not all, of these airlines have climate controlled baggage areas, while others have placed travel restrictions for animals during certain times of the summer or winter, when outside temperatures are extreme.

Again, it’s important to do your research and ask questions beforehand.

Air Canada (www.aircanada.com) AirTran Airways (www.airtran.com) Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air (www.alaskaair.com) America West Airlines (www.americawest.com) ATA (www.ata.com) Continental Airlines (www.continental.com) Delta Airlines (www.delta.com) Northwest Airlines (www.nwa.com) United Airlines (www.united.com) U.S. Airways (www.usairways.com) WestJet (www.westjet.com) For details on these and additional airlines, visit the HSUS website at www.hsus.org. Sherpa’s Pet Trading Company also offers a comprehensive online list of animal travel regulations for nearly 120 airlines (www.sherpapet.com).

26

animal wellness

Canadian distributor inquiries welcome!

Only available in Canada

604-273-8577

animal wellness

27

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

We have an 11-year-old English cocker who has been in good health up to now. She has been diagnosed with anal cancer. A tumor is residing near the anus and is growing slowly. We have a holistic vet who is currently on maternity leave. We have been giving Maggie a diet of Chinese herbs and a gentle detox for about four months. The herbs were supposed to shrink the tumor and hopefully kill it but they don’t seem to be working. She has all of a sudden started chewing her rear end and scratching her skin (I suppose the skin is trying to detox itself). What can you recommend? We are very adverse to surgery or chemotherapy.

A

Treating a condition as severe as rectal cancer is not something to do by magazine column. My practice has been quite successful with a number of cases such as this, but we work-up and treat each as an individual. One method that we have been specializing in for over 30 years, especially with certain but not all rectal and oral cancers, is a freezing surgery called cryosurgery. It is typically much less invasive than conventional surgery and is the only form of surgery I know of that is documented to be immune stimulating. Added to this, we use many anti-cancer and immune supporting supplements, the choices of which are almost endless.

Q

Awhile ago, I came home to find my cat lying in her basket, alert but injured. It appears her hind leg was cut by a wire and to some degree she was skinned. My vet gave her anesthesia to suture the wound and she had a really tough time waking up. It took her a total of four days to completely come out of the anesthesia!

I finally brought her home on a Friday afternoon.

Saturday she was fine...walking, eating, and cleaning herself. Sunday morning she couldn’t walk and seemed to be in a lot of pain. She also began having seizures.

As the day wore on, she was getting worse. I rushed her back to the hospital and they gave her opium to try to take her out of pain and help cut the seizures. Her wounds have been cleaned and seem to be healing, though some of the skin in a different area of the cut did

28

animal wellness

not take and will need to be removed. Also, the seizures are still continuing and the vet doesn’t know what is causing them. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do to help her heal?

A

I would highly recommend you search for and find a qualified veterinarian who is well experienced in alternative therapies. Having said that, three products we routinely use in our practice for seizure disorders are Neurotrophin by Standard Process Labs, a combination homeopathic remedy that contains ingredients such as asterias, belladonna, hyoscyanamus, calcarea carb and plumbum, and an herbal formula containing skullcap, valerian, chamomile and passion flower. There are many others that could also work but getting first-hand professional advice would be the correct way to proceed.

Q

I have an eight-year-old rescued cocker spaniel who has food allergies and hypothyroidism. He is on medication for his thyroid and on Natural Balance Potato and Duck food. I am wondering what herbal methods I can use to help with a recurring skin problem he has, which I believe is primary seborrhea. He gets this under his chin in the folds of his neck and it is very smelly and his hair falls out. He also gets dry scaly spots on the inside of his legs and belly. I give him two capsules of salmon oil for the spots and he gets an ointment for the seborrhea but I would like to know if there is a homeopathic method for treating these problems.

A

Very many remedies can address skin problems.

Some we use in a case like this include Heel’s BHI Skin, Sulfaheel and one called Hair and Skin. We would use these either individually or, at times, combine two of them together. If this problem is allergy-based, adding BHI’s Allergy could also help. Herbally, I like formulas containing nettles and Echinacea, or the Chinese formula from Seven Forests called Zaocys. Adding the supplement Betathyme by Doctors Mutual Service Corp, or one

holistic veterinary advice called Moducare, could also help.

Q

I have a male cat who will be 11 in a few months. He has had rodent ulcers on his upper lip for approximately a year and a half. First thing we did was change his food to a raw diet and eliminate poultry and fish, which seemed to really cause it to flare up. He was given two shots of cortisone approximately three weeks apart. As soon as each shot wore off, the ulcer worsened. Since then, we have tried a variety of homeopathic treatments. He is currently on a very low dose of natural hydrocortisone once a day, moducare, OPC synergy, and an immune boosting Chinese tincture...I’m not sure what the exact ingredients are. The ulcer is not better, not worse. The tissue damage seems to be pretty severe. Three months ago, I had a complete senior blood panel done on him, and everything came back great. Do you think cryosurgery would be a viable option? Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated.

A

It appears you are already addressing this very well. Some of these conditions can be extremely stubborn to reverse. Through research and working with an experienced veterinarian, you can also try other herbs and remedies. I have had some success with BHI’s Allergy combined with In-flammation, and also Betathyme or Moducare. We have used cryosurgery often and have been very successful with it in handling the actual lip lesions. At this stage, cryosurgery is what we would recommend for your cat. Also, I must tell you that we look at blood results more specifically than just normal or abnormal; certain values that appear normal but lie outside optimal ranges could have metabolic and deficiency indications.

Q A

My dog was just diagnosed with Horner’s syndrome. No cause was determined. Any advice on what I can do?

This is a condition affecting the eye but that is most commonly caused by nerve damage either to the spinal cord around the shoulder blades or, more commonly, a nerve in close proximity to the ear canal. Make sure there is not a deep ear problem.

If so, this should be addressed medically. Many of these are caused by inflammation and resolve over time. Using homeopathic arnica or Traumed by Heel would be a good idea.

Q

I am interested in holistic treatment for my cat Chuckie who was just diagnosed with diabetes. He is currently on BID insulin shots and Purina DM wet and dry food. I animal wellness

29

holistic veterinary advice appreciate any assistance you can give.

A

Some of the products we use for diabetes are Pancreatrophin by Standard Process Labs and a product called Gluconase, containing vanadium.

We also have a homeopathic combination remedy containing syzgium, kali phos, China and uranaium and a Chinese herbal combination from the Institute of Traditional Medicine based around the herb rehmannia. We also like to transition the animal to a more whole food-based and less processed diet.

Q

My four-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Buster, developed a small corneal dystrophy in his left eye. His right eye is clear. I feed him Hund-n-flocken gold, and had been giving him flax seed oil because he chews his paws so much (I was told flax seed oil helps with this). The ophthalmologist said Buster’s eyes are in excellent condition, but there’s nothing to be done. As someone who has several holistic doctors and acupuncturists, I know this may not be true. Do you have any dietary recommendations? Is this condition reversible, or can it be halted? Also, the doctor wants Buster to have a complete blood panel done to see if there is anything going on with triglycerides, cholesterol, lipids. Please advise.

A

We have been successful in reversing many of these conditions. One thing we do is metabolically analyze each case, leading to specific supplementation. So, having the blood work done makes sense. One thing that may help is moving to a more carbohydrate-free diet. Topically, the two preparations I have seen help in cases like this are Similasan Eye Drops Number 1 and Eye-C by Dr. Goodpet. Visioplex by Progressive Labs could help support eye integrity, but I have rarely had to use it with this condition.

Q

My ten-year-old cat, Manila Vanilla, recently underwent surgery to remove a purplish tumor, which had been bleeding and nearly nodule. My vet said that the area was brownish and looked invasive. The biopsy results revealed breast cancer.

Since I do not want to put my cat through a radical mastectomy and corresponding chemo, I have put her on supplements. (My vet said that antioxidants and omegas would be good for her.) Presently, I am giving her Dancing Paws multivitamin and mineral supplement (two capsules a.m. and one p.m. mixed with her canned cat food) and one Norwegian salmon oil capsule once a day, mixed in with her food. Do you think this is sufficient to allow her body to heal?

She is eating and exercising. Any advice would be appreciated.

A

In our practice, we would add Miller Mammary, a

30

animal wellness

animal wellness

31

holistic veterinary advice homeopathic product from Complementary Health named Mammary/Lymph/Spleen Drops, and one of the many herbals formulations on the market for cancer and immune support containing ingredients such as astragalus, burdock, sheep sorrel, pau D’arco and red clover.

Q

I am looking for information on myelogenous leukemia in dogs. I have a four-year-old neutered male Italian greyhound who is suspected of having it. His white cell count is 92K with neutrophils at 89K. He has been symptomatic for more than six months but the diagnosis has been immune mediated disease until the most recent lab profile.

A

Probably the best source of information nowadays on anything like this is the internet. Other than that, seek out a veterinarian who is well seasoned in oncology and is willing and able to integrate alternative therapies. Treating cases like this should be done by such a veterinarian.

Q

I have an eight-year-old cockapoo who has been licking his penis so badly since he was a puppy that it bleeds.

He has had an operation to make the skin cover the penis a little more but it has not helped. He has to wear an Elizabethan collar. I think it has now become a habit.

Is there anything I can give him holistically to stop this?

I have exhausted all avenues. My vet wants to give him tranquilizers but I am hesitant.

A

Without seeing your dog first hand, I could only guess. When there is any discharge involved, I have used topical 3% hydrogen peroxide. Also for topical use, I like calendula gel, sometimes aloe vera directly from the plant, or, if there is inflammation, Traumeel ointment by Heel on the skin area. There are a number of badly tasting products that will discourage licking if they themselves would not be irritating. One I’ve used is actually called Yuk! There are also many herbals that provide non-toxic tranquilizing effects. And don’t forget good old Rescue Remedy.

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.

32

animal wellness

awm Product Picks Honey of an idea

Flea fighters

For centuries, bee venom has been recognized for its medicinal properties. This unique substance, which in large quantities causes the pain and swelling associated with stings, contains around 30 biologically active compounds that in small doses have an anti-inflammatory effect on conditions such as arthritis.

ApiHealth Joint Relief for Pets from Herbies Herbs comes in two forms – chewable tablets or liquid manuka honey with bee venom. It acts similar to cortisone, but without the side effects, to gently relieve joint pain.

250g honey: $21.00 60 tablets: $25.00 www.herbies-herbs.com

Summer’s arrived, and so has flea season. One way to keep these nasty critters from making your animal’s life a misery, along with feeding a quality diet, is to bathe him in gentle, natural, flea-repelling shampoos and conditioners. The Mes Bons Amis™ line from Fresh Pet Club features four shampoos, including a Medicated Shampoo especially formulated to soothe itching and hot spots, and a vitamin-fortified Derm Moisturizing Shampoo for raw or scaly skin. The products are hypoallergenic and contain natural flea-repelling oils.

8 to 16 fluid ounces: $14.00 www.freshpetclub.com

Outdoor fun for kitty

Hemp for health

It’s natural for your cat to want to go outside, but how do you protect her from the many hazards that roaming felines can fall prey to? A cat enclosure might be the answer.

The Cat’s Den offers seven enclosure kits in a variety of sizes and configurations and will also custom build an enclosure to suit the needs of you and your kitty. Made from weatherproof galvanized mesh and cedar wood flooring and shelves, the enclosures are designed to stand up to the elements.

Kits: $695 to $2,745.50 www.thecatsden.net

One of nature’s most wholesome food products for both humans and animals, hemp oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Nature’s Perfect Oil is made from Canadian hemp seeds grown free of pesticides and herbicides. The seeds are cold pressed to preserve and protect the end product. Added to your companion’s food, the oil can help improve hair and skin health, enhance digestion, and boost energy levels.

17 fluid ounces (organic): $24.95 www.naturesperfectoil.com

animal wellness

33

Illustration: www.bungalowart.com

Part one of a two-part series on cancer

cancers dogs cats Four common

P

by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

in

and

Patricia assumed she was just unlucky when both her dogs were diagnosed with cancer in the same year. But the fact is, cancer is becoming increasingly common in our companion animals. While it’s often viewed as a disease of older animals, we are also seeing it in younger individuals, even those under one year of age.

34

animal wellness

15 warning signs of cancer The following symptoms can indicate cancer, although they can also be associated with other diseases. In general, if any of these signs persist despite what seems to be appropriate therapy, cancer should be ruled out with diagnostic testing before switching to different therapies.

1. Lumps and bumps, especially new ones, those that that grow quickly, that change color or bleed easily, and those that appear, disappear or decrease in size, and then reappear or enlarge 2. Skin sores or irritated areas 3. Red spots on the skin, gums, or mucous membranes 4. Wounds that do not heal 5. Weight loss or gain 6. Lack of appetite or decreased appetite 7. Abdominal enlargement or pot-bellied appearance 8. Weakness or exercise intolerance 9. Excessive panting or heavy breathing 10. Collapse 11. Pale gums or mucous membranes 12. Bad breath 13. Bleeding or chronic discharge from wounds or any body orifice 14. Change in bowel habits (chronic diarrhea, vomiting, or both) 15. Change in urinary habits (blood in the urine or urinary incontinence)

What causes cancer?

How does cancer happen?

People often ask, “Why does my animal have cancer? Did I do anything to cause it and could I have prevented it?” In most cases, the exact cause is not known, but sometimes we can determine the triggering factor. For example, cats infected with certain viruses (leukemia, FIV, and sarcoma), can develop cancer as a result.

Chemicals such as the herbicide 2,4-D cause increased cancers in animals.

Breed can also play a role. Scottish terriers are more likely to develop bladder cancer, while large dogs are more often affected with bone, liver, and splenic cancers than smaller ones.

Unspayed or unneutered animals are more likely to develop some cancers than those that are altered.

Simply stated, cancer is caused by mutations in the genes of certain susceptible cells. These genetic mutations, usually caused by inflammation or excessive oxidation, convert normal cells into “cancer” cells that start dividing and growing uncontrollably, pushing their way into surrounding tissues.

While most cells are programmed to live for only a specified period of time, this is not always true of cancer cells. Studies have shown that a gene called Apaf-1 which causes cell death (a normal aging change called apoptosis) is inactivated in cancer, allowing the cells to live, reproduce, spread, and eventually kill the patient.

If the immune system is healthy, the animal wellness

35

cancer cells are killed before they start growing and spreading (metastasizing) throughout the body. However, for reasons not always apparent, the immune system sometimes fails to wipe out these abnormal cells. If the cancer cells are allowed to continue dividing, they can create tumors anywhere in the body.

Many cancers occur in animals, but these four are among the most common. Further information about these and other cancers can be found in my new book, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs.

1

1. Mast cell cancer Mast cell cancer arises from tissue mast cells.

These common skin tumors can also affect internal organs like the liver and spleen. The exact cause is unknown, although heredity may play a role. Mast cell tumors can also occur at sites of previous inflammation (similar to other cancers). Mast cell tumors are known as “the great imitators” because they mimic lipomas (see my article in the Apr-May 2006 issue) and other benign lesions. Because of this, mast cell cancer often isn’t diagnosed until its later stages, although many animals can be cured if it’s diagnosed and treated early.

Boxers and bulldogs are at greater risk for mast cell tumor than other breeds. The mean age for mast cell tumors in dogs is eight years, although they can occur at all ages, and have even been reported in animals less than a year old. There is no known sex predisposition to mast cell tumors in dogs, although in cats, males may be more commonly affected.

Certain factors, even a change in temperature, can cause mast cells to release chemicals. One of these chemicals is histamine, which causes inflammation and itching. One in three animals with mast cell cancer may also have ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract that develop from histamine release. These ulcers cause mild to severe bleeding; occasionally, severe bleeding causes an emergency and fatality. Other chemicals have a heparin-like action and may cause local bleeding if the tumors are scratched.

The behavior of mast cell tumors is variable; some are rapidly fatal and others are benign. While they normally occur as an isolated tumor of the skin or

36

animal wellness

reaching new heights in pet nutrition

SAVE $10

For three generations, since 1947, Breeder’s Choice has been catering to pet owners who cater to their pets. For those who favor a holistic approach to good pet health, we offer our Pinnacle line of products.

See below for details.

A holistic approach focuses on preventing disease, for which complete, sound nutrition —absent allergens or poor ingredients— is essential. Natural foods, carefully chosen and meticulously cooked, are the basis of the Pinnacle concept. Our precise preparation and packaging of nature’s best sources of protein, carbohydrates and fats makes sure the full value of our fine ingredients remains intact for your pet’s benefit.

For more information on Pinnacle® you can visit us at www.pinnacledog.com or call (800) 255-4286.

three formulas to choose from chicken & oats, trout & sweet potato & duck & potato available in both dry & can formulas made in u.s.a. for your $10.00 off coupon on pinnacle please visit us at http://www.pinnacledog.com/offerv83

Limit one coupon ($10.00 off) per household. Coupon voucher only valid in state where product is available.

Product not available in all states. Offer valid only on Pinnacle brand 7.5 and 30 lb. dry dog food formulas. Not valid with any other offers.

OFFER EXPIRES 6/30/06

animal wellness

37

2 3

subcutaneous tissue, sometimes multiple tumors involving all the skin are seen.

Formulated for all life stages • Carnivore specific diets • • High in quality protein • • Proprietary blend of herbs • • Low in carbohydrates • • Highly digestible • • Up to 50% of weight is chicken, lamb, fish in dry foods • • No BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin or dyes • • High in EFA’s for beautiful, healthy skin & coat • • Proper ratios of omega 3 & 6 EFA’s • • Highly concentrated for less clean up • • Selected for “Top Dry Dog Foods” by the Whole Dog Journal for 4 years in a row •

Lamb, Barley & Apples Ocean Blue Black Forest Dakota Bison Wild and Natural Wilderness Elk and Salmon Serengeti Herbal Felid

2. Sarcomas Sarcomas or soft tissue tumors arise from the fiber producing cells. These cells are wrapped around nerve endings, blood vessels, and muscle along the skin and deeper tissues of the foreleg. In general, these tumors have long “tentacles” that wrap around tissues, so complete surgical removal is rare. They are very slow growing and metastasis is uncommon.

The cause of these tumors is usually unknown, although some sarcomas have been associated with radiation, tissue trauma, and the esophageal parasite Spirocieca lupi. In cats, fibrosarcomas may develop at injection and vaccine sites, although this has been reported in only a handful of dogs.

3. Lymphoma Lymphoma is common in animals. It is considered a cancer of the immune system, because the lymphocyte, which is the affected cell, plays an important role in defending the body against infections.

In dogs, golden retrievers, boxers, Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Scottish terriers, Airedale terriers, bulldogs, and Bassett hounds are commonly affected (breeds at lower risk include dachshunds and Pomeranians). The cause is unknown, although there is an increased risk in dogs exposed to 2,4-D. Cats with leukemia or immunodeficiency virus infection may develop lymphoma as a result of the infection.

While lymphoma can involve any organ in the body (especially the intestinal system in cats), the lymph nodes are most commonly affected. People may notice a painless enlargement of their animal’s lymph nodes; fever is typically absent, and most dogs do not feel sick unless other problems, such as elevated blood calcium, which can occur with lymphoma, are present. Sometimes the affected lymph nodes will enlarge, regress to normal size, then enlarge again.

www.timberwolforganics.com 38

animal wellness

Some animals develop enlargement of other lymphatic organs such as the thymus gland, spleen, and/or liver; the bone marrow or central nervous system can also be involved, especially in cats. Since the lymphatic system is located alongside the vascular system (blood stream), lymphoma is considered a systemic or whole body disease and may strike at any location, including

SUPERFOOD MAGIC! Activate your pet’s natural ability to heal!

Most supplements treat symptoms.

Wake up your animal’s instinctive ability to heal with the super nutrition in this whole food nutraceutical product.

Reduce cancer risk holistically.

BioPreparation is a holistic product containing over 4,000 enzymes, EFAs of Omega 3, 6 & 9, phytonutrients and anti-oxidants 1,000 times more powerful than Vitamin E. Backed by over 30 years of research.

Optimum Choices, LLC

866-305-2306 info@OptimumChoices.com www.OptimumChoices.com

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!

Jon is joined frequently by expert guests in the veterinary and animal behavioral fields. Breed and medical tips are weekly features as well as updates in animal news.

Environmental tips and advice on how to make our environment a safer, more enjoyable place to live.

America’s Favorite Pet Show!

Heard in over 100 • Business TalkRadio Network™ • Sirius Satellite Radio Cities Nationwide! • Cable Radio Network P.O.Box 262526 Tampa, FL 33685 Phone: (813) 888-5043 Fax: (813) 888-9650

www.talkinpets.com • jonpatch@talkinpets.com

“THE DIET DESIGNED

BY NATURE” Grain-free, prepared raw

Varieties available: Chicken,

diets made from

turkey, beef, lamb,

100% USDA

buffalo, ostrich,

inspected and

venison, rabbit,

APPROVED

salmon,

meats and

kangaroo

bones.

and goat.

www.bravorawdiet.com or (866) 922-9222

Pawsetively Pawfect! ™ Another Healthy Pet Systems success story: I am writing to let you know how wonderful I feel your products are, and to thank you.

Ivan, our 2-year-old Coonhound/Doberman hurt himself chasing a rabbit. My neighbor told me about your #1 FlexoR Super Joint Formula and I decided to order it and give it a try. I am so thankful I did! Ivan was up and running in 2 days without any limping and no harsh medications and injections that the veterinarian suggested. I have since purchased the #1 Longevity Formula and Ivan has so much energy now. Even for a young dog. His coat looks so shiny and is much softer. I have also noticed he is shedding less. Even my neighbor commented about the improvement in Ivan’s coat. Again ,thank you, and by the way, I tell everyone about your products.

B. Allen

BACON O R APPLE For more information, ask your veterinarian or FL AVOR! to order today, contact

Healthy Pet Systems at:

1-877-838-7015 or www.vithealth.com animal wellness

39

the skin. Because lymphoma is generally so widespread, surgery plays almost no role in controlling the cancer, but it does assist in the diagnosis, which is done by aspiration cytology of the affected organ (usually a lymph node) and biopsy.

Lymphoma can quickly affect the internal organs and without treatment can cause rapid deterioration and become life threatening within four to eight weeks.

4

4. Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is common in large dogs but rare in smaller breeds and cats. Most primary bone tumors are found in the appendicular skeleton (the limbs) and appear as swollen areas, with or without pain. Without treatment, osteosarcoma usually kills by spreading to the lungs or growing in the bone and causing uncontrollable pain or fracture within four to six months. Dogs don’t limp until pain is present, although some dogs never seem painful.

Whenever bone cancer is suspected, the lungs should be x-rayed to see if the cancer has spread to that area. If it has, the prognosis is poor in most cases and life expectancy is one to three months. If no cancer is seen, the prognosis is better; in most cases, however, even if the lungs don’t show signs of cancer at this stage, we know it is still present in microscopic amounts since this type usually spreads to the lungs before a diagnosis is made.

Cancer of any type can be frightening, but a variety of treatment options can help slow the progression of the disease and enhance your animal’s quality of life. I’ll discuss some of these treatments in the next issue.

Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, the recently published The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs and 8 Weeks to Healthy Dog. He is also the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s program, Dr. Shawn-The Natural Vet, on Sirius Satellite Radio. His veterinary practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, is located in Plano, Texas. www.petcarenaturally.com

40

animal wellness

animal wellness

41

Acupressure

cancer

can help from

protect your feline friend

by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis

N

one of us wants to hear the “C” word, especially in connection with our beloved cats. Yet more and more felines are being diagnosed with cancer these days.

Conventional medicine and complementary healing sciences such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have yet to achieve consistent “cures” for cancer.

But by combining both approaches, we are beginning to see positive treatments that can help a cat with cancer survive longer and with a good quality of life. This combined approach can also make life easier for a cat going through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Acupressure and herbal remedies have been shown to decrease the nausea and pain that often accompany modern cancer treatments.

Acupoints to build the immune system Point

Traditional Name

Location

B1 22

Triple Heater Transporting Point

Located about 1 inch lateral to the caudal border of the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebrae.

Sp 9

Yin Mound

On the medial aspect of the hind leg, in the depression below the medial condyle of the tibia.

LI 4

Adjoining Valley

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, at the dew claw.

LI 11

Pond in the Curve

With elbow flexed, at lateral end of the cubital crease.

© Tallgrass Publishers, LLC

B1 22 Sp 9 St 40

MEDIAL

LI 11

St 40

42

Abundant Flourishing

animal wellness

At the midpoint between St 35 and the lateral malleolus of the fibula.

LI 4

LATERAL

MEDIAL LATERAL

The Bladder Meridian BI 1

An acupressure session for your kitty 1. Start by finding a calm, comfortable location for you and your cat where you can both relax.

2. Slowly take five even breaths while thinking about © Tallgrass Publishers, LLC

how you want to help your cat be healthy and strong.

3. Rest one hand on the cat’s shoulder. Using the MEDIAL

BI 67

LATERAL

How can TCM help?

Often, people turn to TCM only after they have exhausted all other avenues, hoping it will magically cure their special cat after all else has failed.

Although TCM practitioners know the physiological dynamics underlying many forms of cancer, no consistently effective cure has emerged. TCM is most effective in supporting and maintaining the cat’s health before cancer has a chance to enter the picture.

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the most important way to stave off cancer is to maintain a cat’s immune system by limiting exposure to harmful toxins, feeding a high quality food, and doing everything else you can to support a healthy lifestyle.

Describing cancer in TCM terms sounds strange to western ears. The language of Eastern medicine is rather esoteric; for example, many cancers are related to blood stagnation, phlegm, and dampness.

This sounds peculiar, but basically it means that the body fluids and vital force, (known as “Qi,” pronounced “Chi”) are impeded and not able to flow in a balanced, harmonious manner. This causes a blockage or stagnation, which can cause cells in a specific location to not reproduce properly.

heel of your other hand, place it at the top of his head and gently (a half pound of pressure) stroke down his Acupressure can help calm and heal your cat. neck just off the midline. For very small cats, use your index and second fingers to trace from the top of his head down his neck, staying just off the midline, and then down the hind leg. (Follow the diagram for the Bladder Meridian.) Continue stroking down to the hindquarters, staying to the side of the midline.

4. Repeat this procedure three times on each side, following the Bladder Meridian located on both sides of the spine.

5. Now you are ready to do Point Work using the acupoints diagram. Rest one hand on your cat wherever it feels comfortable. This is your anchor hand. You will be performing the actual Point Work with your other hand.

6. Put your middle finger on top of your index finger and then place your index finger at approximately a 90° angle, gently but with intentional firmness, directly on the acupressure point for three to five breaths. Try to pattern your breathing with the animal’s. Once you have finished holding the acupoints on one side of your cat, be sure to hold the points on the other side. Doing both sides will ensure a balanced and more complete session.

7. Watch your cat’s reaction. Good releases include yawning, deeper breathing, muscle twitches, a release of air, deeper relaxation, and a softening of the eye. If your cat is overly reactive to a particular point or exhibits a pain reaction, stop holding that point and try it again during a later session.

8. To complete the session, rest your hand comfortably on your cat’s shoulder as you did at the beginning. Place the heel of your other hand just off the midline of the top of his head and glide down his neck, tracing the Bladder Meridian, and on down his hind leg. Repeat this procedure three times on each side. It can take 24 hours for the effects of an acupressure treatment to be fully experienced.

The goal of Chinese Medicine and many other ancient healing arts is to maintain a flow of vital energy to promote the animal wellness

43

Special SUBSCRIPTION OFFER! equinFe MMOFTT

X

Coming Summer 2006!

Your natural resource!

EYlmjYdÛELKI@K@FE Lf\]jklYf\af_

?FIJ<Ă&#x203A;9<?8M@FI

@fl]_jYlan] Ă&#x203A; Ă&#x203A; Ă&#x203A;e]\a[af] ?gdakla[Ă&#x203A;n]lĂ&#x203A;HÂŹ8 E8KLI8CĂ&#x203A;hjg\m[lk Ă&#x203A; Ă&#x203A; Yf\Ă&#x203A;af\mkljqĂ&#x203A;f]ok INE COM WWW %QUINE7ELLNESS-AGAZ

Sign up for our introductory offer

by July 15th, 2006 and save 50%!

One year subscription (6 issues)

ONLY

$ 9.95 U.S. (Regular $19.95) $12.95 CAN. (Regular $24.95)

circulation of nutrient-rich blood and body fluids. Acupressure is a method of sustaining the flow and balance of Qi, blood and body fluid.

It is deceptively gentle, non-invasive, safe, and extremely powerful, and has been used to enhance health for thousands of years. Best of all, everyone has the ability to offer their cat an acupressure session that can effectively support his health and strengthen his immune system.

Cats are highly connected to their own energetic and body balance.

If they are not in balance they become very receptive to hands-on healing from their human. The acupressure points or â&#x20AC;&#x153;acupointsâ&#x20AC;? shown in the diagram in this article can be used as part of a weekly immune-strengthening session to help prevent cancer and other illness.

Additionally, these same acupoints can help support a catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health when cancer is actually present.

Regardless of medical approach, the ability to resolve cancer is limited by the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to respond and heal itself. Acupressure works with a catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural intention to be healthy.

It reinforces his immune system by helping his body regain and maintain a balanced, harmonious flow of Qi, to support nine long and healthy lives.

Call 1-866-764-1212 or visit

www.EquineWellnessMagazine.com Infrared Heat and Massage for Dogs Deep penetrating Infrared heat for sore muscles, joints, back problems and hip dysplasia BENEFITS:

619-470-4765

infraredheatandmassagefordogs.com 44

animal wellness

â&#x20AC;˘ Increased blood flow â&#x20AC;˘ Regenerates cell growth â&#x20AC;˘ Speeds up healing â&#x20AC;˘ Recommended by Vets and Medical Doctors

Amy Snow

Nancy Zidonis Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure, The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide To Canine Acupressure, and Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual.

They own Tallgrass Publishers, which offers Meridian Charts for dogs, cats and horses, plus Introducing Equine Acupressure, a 50-minute training video. Tallgrass Animal Acupressure provides training courses and a Practitioner Certification program worldwide. To contact phone: (888) 841-7211, visit www.animalacupressure.com or e-mail acupressure4all@earthlink.net. and

are the authors of:

12 tips for living

I

by Sandra Murphy

“

I

with cancer

in your animal companion

’m sorry, but she has cancer.” More and more people are hearing these words from their veterinarians these days. I heard them three years ago, when my dog Izzie was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

From that moment, life became an emotional roller coaster as my whole focus shifted towards buying more time for Izzie. I had difficult decisions to make and had to adapt as circumstances changed. The following 12 tips helped me through Izzie’s illness with dignity and grace.

1. Assemble a good

team of veterinarians

Ask for recommendations. Make sure the doctors respect the choices you want to make for your dog or cat. You may decide, as I did, to mix conventional and holistic treatments.

Acupuncture after chemotherapy or radiation helps boost an animal’s immune system and fight nausea. You may also want to upgrade your animal’s food and perhaps add vitamins and herbs. It is essential

animal wellness

45

that your veterinarians are comfortable with this and that you trust them.

2. Keep each day as normal as possible For current cancer study results, email: dralbertsanchez@msn.com

Animals react to our moods and feelings. If we are constantly worrying and checking up on them, it will affect their well-being. Your dog or cat is going through a lot already, with frequent examinations and treatments. Sticking to a daily routine will be comforting for both of you.

3. Live in the “now” This is admittedly a hard one to follow. You’re not only worried about your animal, but also the effect, outcome and cost of treatment. You may find yourself constantly watching for new symptoms and wondering, “Could I be doing more?” Try to focus on today. Look on the experience as an opportunity for you and your animal to bond more closely. Remember that each day you have together means your animal is a cancer survivor for that day. Celebrate that!

Oil you can

trust

Used exclusively at D.E.L.T.A. Rescue

“A natural health wonder” ™ Hemp Oil has been dubbed “natures most perfectly balanced oil in the plant kingdom”. Perfectly balanced Omega 6: Omega 3 ratio of 3:1 addressing nutritional deficiencies.

• 100% organic • natural & pure • easy to digest • cold pressed • NO herbicides • NO pesticides • affordable!

To order or for a retailer call or visit:

417-538-9077 • www.naturesperfectoil.com

46

animal wellness

4. Find someone to talk to Lots of people are caring for animals with cancer. Ask your veterinarian to put you in contact with them. My friend Skip faced some of the same problems with his dog Beau as I did with Izzie. Our talks helped when Izzie wouldn’t eat or take her pills, and Beau was having daily radiation treatments.

You can also participate in e-mail discussion groups.

Go to Yahoo Groups and search out canine or feline cancer to find a group that best fits your needs. When you ask a question online, you’ll get a response from someone experiencing the same things you are. They will not waste time on sympathy. They’ll go to the heart of the matter, tell you what you need to know, rejoice with you when the reports are good, and cry with you when they are not. An e-mail friend, Lesley, says that knowing she’s not alone helps her keep going.

Your animal can be another source of support. Lesley’s dog, Greta, is always happy, able to tolerate medical treatments, is pain free and always focuses on the carrot

(her favorite treat). Her upbeat nature helps Lesley cope with her own feelings.

5. Find an outlet for your emotions You will have a lot of anger aimed at the cancer. Your frustration level may rise, and you’ll have trouble concentrating.

A physical outlet will do wonders for your disposition and mental health. This may be the time to take up kickboxing!

It is also helpful to remove yourself from the situation for awhile each day. Work out, stop for coffee, meet friends, or go to a movie. You’ll come back refreshed and able to carry on.

6. Don’t cry in front of your animal Your impulse may be to hug your dog or cat while pouring out your worries or sadness, but don’t do it. While your tears will relax your own tension, it will stress your animal. Cry in the shower instead, or rent a sad movie. Wear comfortable clothes, eat popcorn and chocolate, cry through the movie and you’ll feel better afterwards!

7. Adapt your routines to new limitations Your animal’s mind is still sharp, but his body may be tired. Instead of going for a one-mile run with your dog, for example, take a leisurely walk with lots of stops to smell the roses (and the trees, park bench, gate, etc.). Stimulate your dog’s mind by walking or driving to a new location. The change will do you both good. If you have a cat, it’s still important to play with her, but stop when she wants to rest.

8. Make new memories Take lots of pictures, or start a scrapbook. Encourage your partner or kids to share their favorite stories about the animal. This helps you celebrate his life and the time you’ve had together, and not just focus on his illness.

9. Tell your friends and relatives your animal is ill

If you don’t want sympathy, say so. Tell them what is wrong, what you are doing to fix it, and what might happen. Tell them when you feel like talking and when you want some space. You will hear some insensitive animal wellness

47

10. Ask for a sign Tell your veterinarian to let you know if your animal begins to suffer. You may not see it yourself.

Ask what symptoms to look for. Then ask your animal to give you a clear sign if or when he is finished with treatment and medications. Trust him to let you know. Mine did.

11. Make plans for “after”

“

If your animal’s cancer is terminal, you’ll need to give some thought to his passing. Do you want to bury him in a pet cemetery or arrange for cremation? Although this may not be for everyone, I decided to donate Izzie’s body to research when she passed away in November of 2004. She went to the University of Missouri in Columbia.

48

animal wellness

This was an extremely difficult decision and I did it only with the stipulation that the instructors, when discussing Izzie’s autopsy for classes, would also tell the story of her life – her rescue,

yourself getting upset when your animal won’t eat, or losing your temper when someone questions spending so much money on an animal. Your good intentions of spending quality time with your companion every day may get sidetracked. Life gets in the way. Don’t feel guilty. Just do the best your can. Your dog or cat will never ask for more.

“

remarks, but exercise patience. Not everyone will understand your choices, especially if you are spending a lot of money on treatments.

Keep in mind that not every cancer diagnosis is a death sentence.

The amount of time you can buy for your companion will vary depending on your choices and the nature of the illness. her work as a therapy dog, and her valiant fight against the cancer. It helps to know her memory lives on with the students as well as the many people she touched as a therapy dog.

12. Forgive yourself if you don’t always follow these tips

It can easily happen. You might find

Keep in mind that not every cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. The amount of time you can buy for your companion will vary depending on your choices and the nature of the illness. Whether he’s old or young, terminal or cured, these tips will help you build a better relationship with him.

Sandra Murphy lives in St. Louis with Avery (a Cairn/Yorkie mix) and a herd of cats. When not writing or working at her computer, she works as a pet sitter.

train & restrain without pain!

Jerking on a solid leash to stop your dog from pulling hurts your dog, and you. 63% of dogs have neck, spinal cord, skeletal and esophagus injuries that are caused by the use of traditional strap or leather (solid) leashes.

NEED A PET RAMP? PawSteps™ is a convenient, lightweight ramp that provides easy, pain-free access to RV’s, cars, beds, couches and chairs for smaller, older arthritic or disabled pets.

Make it a pleasure to go for a walk again!

• shock absorbing • self correcting • behavior altering • greatly enhances control • all contact points padded

Specia lf design lex ation for al l siz of dog es s!

We offer a full line of HEALTHY restraint products • single & multiple dog leashes • humane training collars • harnesses & hands-free sport belts

FEATURES • lightweight For a 10% DISCOUNT, enter ‘AW’ in the coupon box at checkout.

To order, call or go online:

1-866-843-0981 www.larzpetgear.com

• portable & durable • carpet snaps on & off for easy cleaning • no assembly required

1-877-472-9783 Fx: 949-458-7280

• lifetime warranty

www.pawsteps.com

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

animal wellness

49

special advertising feature

cancer therapies Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company Stimulate appetite and provide immune support with Evanger’s dog and cat foods. Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company provides meat-based canned diets that stimulate appetite and offer immune support for cancer animals – including three USDA-certified organic diets. The line is free of artificial preservatives, flavorings, and colorants. Protein sources include chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, beef, buffalo, pheasant, lamb, and mackerel. Visit www.evangersdogfood.com or call (800) 288-6796.

Optimum Choices SUPERFOOD MAGIC! Most supplements treat symptoms.

“To reduce cancer risk, the best advice presently is to consume antioxidants through food sources, rather than supplements.” – American Cancer Society. BioPreparation contains antioxidants hundreds of times more powerful than Vitamin C or E. www.OptimumChoices.com, info@OptimumChoices.com or (866) 305-2306.

Nature's Perfect Oil “After hearing about the benefits of Nature’s Perfect Oil, our director, Leo Grillo, started using this pure hemp oil product on our cancer patients. We saw measurable improvement within a few weeks, especially in the animals’ liver enzymes. Their coats and energy levels, which are often adversely affected by chemotherapy, also improved.”

– Dr. M. Brown, Chief Veterinarian, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue.

Visit www.naturesperfectoil.com

Natural Canine Cancer support kit. The Natural Approach: If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer – the best course of support, according to holistic vets, is to boost the immune system. Our kit provides herbal supplements traditionally believed to support, nourish and boost the immune system. A special cancer diet sheet and instructions is included.

NaturalCanine.com

Breeder's Choice RAISING FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH. Developed specifically for the Breeder’s Choice partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, available at pet retailers nationwide.

Oven-baked AvoDerm “Kookies” are made with rice, lamb, and nature’s own cancer-fighting antioxidant, blueberries. With each 20oz. bag of biscuits, $0.35 is donated. www.breeders-choice.com or (800) 255-4286.

TLC Grooming A completely Natural Supplement for Dogs & Cats. Hokamix 30. A phytotherapeutic dietary supplement. Stimulates & strengthens the immune system. Every living cell receives more nutrients. Expels old toxins from faulty metabolism, preventing them from reproducing.

Intestinal system is strengthened allowing for optimal digestion & absorption of nutrients.

(877) 823-2620. www.TLC4DOGS.COM

50

animal wellness

DoggieFood.com We care. Doggiefood.com provides the finest holistic cancer prevention and treatment supplements on the market. Log on to learn how a program of proper nutrition and supplementation will improve immunity and help you and your canine in the fight against cancer. There is hope! www.DoggieFood.com (401) 667-0110.

special advertising feature

cancer therapies Poly MVA

American BioSciences

Poly-MVA for Pets – the most powerful, patented and revolutionary dietary supplement available today.

Poly-MVA for Pets is designed to increase energy, reduce fatigue, enhance optimum health, protect from free radical damage and provide nutritional support for those pets undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

This form has a synergy, action and function not found in any other supplement.

(866) 765-9682 www.polymva.com

Introducing NK-9T for pets -- your best friend’s best protection!

NK-9 immune system support contains AHCC, the ingredient shown to enhance dogs’ immune defenses by upregulating NK cells – the immune system’s front-line defense. Based on more than 20 published studies and clinical experience with both canines and humans, NK-9 will help guard your pet’s health. For more information call American BioSciences at (888) 884-7770.

Grand Adventures Ranch We fix broken horses, you can too! Stay with your horse and learn a new approach to cancer through ozone therapy, holistic care and nutrition, and an unequalled offering of ‘Hands-On’ classes. Visit our site for information on holistic conference calls, free resources and education opportunities. www.GrandAdventuresRanch.com, (800)797-8274.

Only Natural Pet Store Natural Pet Care for cancer, allergies, anxiety, weight management, kidney, urinary and bladder problems, eye & ear care, skin issues & general pet health. Catalog & online store offering natural food, supplements, treats, grooming, herbal remedy treatments, raw and organic food and more for your dog or cat. www.onlynaturalpet.com (888) 937-6677

The Wholistic Pet

4Life Research Transfer factors are tiny natural molecules that transfer critical immune information to the new immune cells the canine body creates every day. Transfer factor supplementation can play a key role to strengthen and support immune function during cancer treatment and beyond.

Gitta Vaughn, (210) 394-0738, Independent 4Life Research Distributor, www.gittavaughn. com, gittavaughn@earthlink.net

Wholistic Canine Complete™, an all-in-one human-grade, organic supplement, provides a complete daily, nutritional regimen. Brimming with certified organic, whole-food raw ingredients that provide natural forms of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, EFA’s, and antioxidants, it provides the healthiest form of nutrition for comprehensive Total Body Support™. High bioavailability, maximum nutrition, maximum effectiveness. Joint Mobility™ formula also available. (888) 452-7263 www.thewholisticpet.com

Canadian Animal Rehab Services Canadian Animal Rehab Services offers custom made braces, supports and wheelchairs for any pet in need of assistance, whether it be to aid in walking or to support an injured limb. It is all about improving their quality of life to make them more comfortable with their day-to-day activities. www.animalrehab.on.ca (800) 678-9291 animal wellness

51

we go… off to work animal companions!

It’s

with our

by Ann Brightman

A

After her last dog died, Susanne really wanted another one, but kept putting it off because of her busy lifestyle. “I got a new job and sometimes have to work long hours. I didn’t think it was fair to get a dog and then just leave him alone all day.”

When Susanne discovered her boss was also an animal lover, she asked him if she’d be allowed to bring a dog to work with her. He said yes, and the rest is history. “I adopted a young Samoyed named Bear from the local shelter and he comes to the office with me every day, so I don’t have to worry about him being by himself at home,” she says. “Having him here has changed the office atmosphere. Whenever anyone gets stressed out,

52

animal wellness

In 1999, Pet Sitters International (PSI) founded Take Your Dog to Work Day as a way to celebrate canine companionship and help increase adoptions from shelters, humane societies and rescue groups. Taking your dog to work even one day out of the year lets your colleagues and co-workers see first hand the many benefits of the human-animal bond, and may encourage them to consider adopting a dog or cat for themselves. This year, Take Your Dog to Work Day is June 23.

For more information, visit www.petsit.com.

they visit with Bear for a few minutes and go away feeling more relaxed. Other people have coffee breaks. We have Bear breaks!”

As animals become an increasingly integral part of our lives, more and more people are following Susanne’s example and taking their companions to work with them. A survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association revealed that nearly 75% of animal-friendly businesses believe animals in the workplace lessen stress, enhance productivity, and improve interpersonal skills.

More than 25% also said it cuts down on employee absenteeism.

With these benefits, is it any wonder so many people are opting to bring their beloved companions to their offices, stores and clinics?

Maggie Mae is an integral part of Dr. Zong's practice.

Meet Maggie Mae Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan, NYC Footcare is a busy podiatrist’s practice run by Dr. Oliver Zong and his partner Dr. Dina Tsentserensky. But patients don’t just come to have their feet tended to. They also come to visit the third member of staff, Maggie Mae, a four-year-old pug who has become almost animal wellness

53

as important to the clinic’s success as the doctors themselves. “We got her when she was about eight months old,” says Dr. Zong. At first, the couple left Maggie at home when they came to work, but began to notice she wasn’t doing very well. “My partner started feeling guilty so we decided, ‘hey, we own the business, so let’s just bring her to work.’”

very seriously. “Sometimes when my partner and I are busy seeing patients, she’ll sneak out of our office area and check out all the rooms to make sure everything’s all right. She’s good with people, especially kids, and when she’s not here everybody asks if she’s all right. Everyone calls her the little office manager!”

At first, Maggie was kept in the back of the office. “We didn’t know how patients would react to her. But as they began to find out she was here, they really gravitated towards her. Now, nearly all of them want to see Maggie. They actually refer other patients to come here because we’ve got a dog.” Dr. Zong adds that the popular pug has become an integral part of the practice. “We had scrubs made up for her and everything,” he laughs. “I have patients

Eudora’s story

phone just to see how she’s doing. When we had the blackout in 2003, I had all kinds of patients calling to make sure Maggie was okay, and I’m like, “oh yeah, by the way, I’m okay too!’”

At Copperfield’s Used & Rare Books in Sebastopol, California, the employee with the most seniority isn’t a human, but a cat.

A venerable 20 years old, Eudora has been living at the store and interacting with customers for most of her life. “She came to us when she was five,” says store manager Brandy Leigh Mow. “This was before my time, but the story is that she was owned by a family three miles out of town. They got a puppy, and she didn’t like that, so she ditched her family and walked into town.”

Apparently preferring books to dogs, Eudora chose the store to be her new home. “She just kind of moved in,” says Brandy.

“We had a sofa for customers, and she took up residence there.” The staff held a contest to choose a name for her, and she was consequently dubbed Eudora, after novelist Eudora Welty.

“About a year later, her original family came in and recognized her, but they let us keep her because she had made it very clear she didn’t want to live with the dog!”

Maggie takes her job of patient relations

It seemed Eudora was content with her

Eudora is Copperfield's most senior employee.

54

animal wellness

Workplace etiquette Not all animals are suited to the workplace environment. Most cats, unless they actually live at your place of business, like Eudora, don’t appreciate being transported to and fro every day. You’ll also need to take your co-workers or customers into consideration; some people are allergic to animal dander, for example (though if your animal is on a natural diet and supplements, this is less of an issue). Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:

DOG ACADEMY

• Your dog should know how to sit and stay and obey other basic commands.

• He needs to be properly socialized and able to interact comfortably and safely with other people and animals.

• Make sure he’s clean, well-groomed and free of fleas.

• Keep him in your own workspace and ensure he has a place to lie down where he won’t impede foot traffic.

• Provide him with a bowl of fresh, pure water and some safe chew toys. If your office doesn’t have access to filtered water, bring a bottle from home with you.

• Take him out for a short walk several times a day and don’t forget to clean up after him, especially if you’re in an urban environment.

• Make sure he has adequate ID.

new life, since she’s been a permanent fixture at the store for 15 years. “She lives here all the time, since it would a bit traumatic for her to keep shuttling her back and forth,” explains Brandy.

“We’ve got her litterbox and food in the back room and she has her own places to sleep all over the store.” One her favorite spots is the check-out

A Jabula Dog is a Happy Dog! counter, where she reclines on a heating pad while customers stroke and visit with her. “She’s getting a bit arthritic and fragile, so we don’t let people pick her up, but she’s quite gregarious and likes to be where people are. She’s got a huge fan club.

We have people who don’t actually ever buy books – they just come into the store to see Eudora!”

Canine telecommuter Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, more and more people are working from home these days, a win-win situation for anyone who has animal companions. David Merlino, Davidson telecommutes from a home office with his guardian. owner of The Ad Guys, an advertising

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 animal wellness

55

Airport Park’N Bark Pet Resort & Doggie Daycare

“A higher level of pet care” BOARDING • BATHING • DAY CARE Conveniently located near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport FREE PARKING at Park N’Ticket Retail all natural food!

CONVENIENT HOURS: 6am-10pm or ANYTIME by appointment 365 days/yr!

678-278-0137

www.airportparknbark.com

headhunting business in Atlanta, spends his working days at a home office along with two staff members: one human and one canine. “Davidson is a five-year-old boxer and very sweet,” says David. “He’s actually my girlfriend’s dog, but she can’t take him to work so he stays with me instead.”

deal with stress in a hectic office environment, so they provide camaraderie and companionship to those who work on their own from home.

“Davidson hangs out with us all day,” says David.

“We play with him and take him outside, and he has a bunch of toys in the office.”

David’s business involves a lot of e-mailing and phone work, so there’s not a whole lot of faceto-face contact with other people.

For some people, in fact, the lack of social stimulation that often goes hand-in-hand with a telecommuting lifestyle can be hard to take. But just as animals help people

He adds that Davidson is very well behaved, and hardly ever barks.

“In our business we’re on the phone all day, so you can’t really have a dog that’s barking all the time. It just wouldn’t be practical.

But Davidson’s not a barker, so it’s wonderful. Having him with us really brightens up the day.”

...just as animals help people deal with stress in a hectic office environment, so they provide camaraderie and companionship to those who work on their own from home.

The Pet Basket

The ORIGINAL Raw MEAT Diets

Apparel, collars, leashes, bowls, beds, throws, towels, pillows, keychains...

A Natural Pet Food...

Unlike Any Other!

Gifts for the pet and pet lover.

Since 1975

Nutro, Solid Gold, Wellness, Innova, Eagle Pack and Nature’s Variety.

Product Excellence & Balanced Nutrition Are Never Compromised!

Restores Health & Beauty to the Max!

FREE BAG of

HOMEMADE TREATS

Fresh-Frozen & Freeze-Dried Products

Valid at The Pet Basket for one bag with purchase.

No Fillers • No Preservatives Free Range, Non-Medicated Meat Sources

Two locations to serve you better!

15+ Regional Distribution Centers A Multitude of Retailers & Distributors Nationwide

Cumming

433 Canton Hwy, Suite 107

Alpharetta

5155 Hwy 9, Suite 111

678-648-6952 770-456-5860 (behind CVS)

56

l Food Serv i ce

s

one

A

a nim

animal wellness

(across from Midway Meal House)

800-743-0322

www.animalfood.com

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 is the 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.animalbehaviorassociates.com.

Dear Gillian:

Q

My young dog Robbie seems very fearful. I adopted him from our local shelter when he was about six months old; they told me he’d been found wandering loose in a residential area, scared and dirty. Although he is very loving, trusting and affectionate with me and my family, he is afraid of strangers and especially doesn’t like big vehicles (trucks and buses) or men with loud voices. What can we do to help him over his fears?

A

Visit

them on the web at

First, let me commend you on adopting this lovely dog. I don’t know how old he is now, which would make a bit of a difference in prognosis. We also don’t know his past history, but it is most likely his lack of exposure to vehicles and noise as a youngster that is affecting his behavior now.

The best way to help him is to systematically desensitize him. This means you first must find a space where he feels comfortable, and start associating his fears with something he likes, such as a favorite treat. Don’t take him into heavy traffic, but start him walking on a quiet street and feed him a treat as you see the cars approach. As he starts to feel more comfortable over time, begin taking him to noisier areas.

With strangers, it is best to let him approach them rather than the other way around. If he does, again reward him with a treat. Although our first instinct is to have the stranger coax or feed the dog, this doesn’t always work. If he chooses not to approach, let that be his choice. You can try having the stranger stand in one place and toss him tiny treats, throwing them closer and closer to himself so the dog takes small steps towards him. It should be left up to the dog whether or not he chooses to step forward. The more he realizes he had a choice, the

Photo: Todd Buttenham

Paul Owens

more his confidence should increase. This will take time and there is no predicting how long.

The other issue to keep in mind is what to do when he appears afraid. If you console him with a pat and “it’s okay”, it tells the dog that it’s his behavior that’s okay, not the environment. The more you pat and reward the dog for his fears, the more they are likely to escalate. While you want the best for your dog, and it can be hard to watch him while he is afraid, the best option at this point is to create a bit of distance between him and the fearful object so he can relax.

If his problems escalate, or fail to improve at all over a few months, it might be best to call in a behaviorist to help.

Dear Dr. Suzanne:

Q

My cat Maggie has recently stopped eating the kibble she used to love. She gradually wouldn’t eat any old food that she hadn’t finished from the day before, and the only way she would eat is if we gave her fresh kibble each meal, despite that fact that she never finishes her meals. Now she won’t eat it at all. She is quite a good hunter and I imagine fills up slightly from her small rodent kills, but she still cries for food. I do not think it is a medical problem since she will eat tuna and salmon, but she just smells her kibble and simply isn’t interested enough to eat it.

Does this just mean we should change her food? Do cats change their preferences that abruptly?

A

Whenever an animal’s appetite changes, your first action should always be to take her to the veterinarian for a complete check-up. Cats are good at hiding symptoms of illness. In the wild, this is a survival animal wellness

57

best behavior! mechanism to avoid appearing vulnerable to predators and competitors.

When animals don’t feel well, they can become finicky eaters, only showing interest in extra special food whose taste and odor are particularly appealing.

However, a diet of tuna and salmon is not a balanced diet, and not good for your cat’s health. Cats can become quite ill very quickly if they aren’t eating properly.

Cats can be infected with parasites and become ill with diseases from the birds and rodents they kill, so allowing your cat to roam freely is not a good idea.

The best option is to put Maggie in a commercially available cat enclosure, or try supervised leash walks in order to provide environmental enrichment.

Healthy animals can sometimes trap their caretakers into providing a favored food. If not eating kibble causes you to routinely feed tuna or salmon, then your cat has easily trained you to provide her something other than the kibble. You probably wouldn’t feed a child nothing but dessert because she refused to eat her meat and vegetables!

However, until you have your cat thoroughly examined by your veterinarian, it is dangerous to assume her change in appetite is due to behavioral causes. If no medical problem is found, gradually switching Maggie to a more palatable food (perhaps a premium canned food in addition to dry) might be the answer. Your veterinarian should be able to help you with this.

Dear Paul:

Q

Our puppy has just turned a year old and is still having many separation anxiety problems. When we leave, we put her in her cage. She somehow moves the whole cage over to our bed and pulls the blankets into her cage and tears them apart. She barks non-stop when we leave. If we don’t put her in a cage, she will eat everything in sight (blankets, food that is pulled off tables and out of storage areas, her own toys, my clothes, you name it). I don’t like caging her up but what can I do? I have tried walking her before going out, ignoring her for half an hour before leaving, asking our vet, etc. Taking her with us works, but we can’t always do that. Do you have any suggestions?

We are at our wits’ end and our bank account is too.

A

Separation anxiety can be a physical and emotional drain on both dog and guardian. A dog so stressed that she moves her cage across the room, barks non-stop and devours blankets, is a dog whose family needs professional intervention. Your efforts are certainly going in the right direction, but most often it’s the details that make the difference.

The first thing a behavioral expert will do is take

58

animal wellness

best behavior! a detailed profile of the situation: how long you’ve had your dog, her background and history, how long the behaviors have been manifesting, what her daily routine is and what degree and type of training she has had. The expert will also look at diet, medical history including any medications the dog might be on, where she sleeps, whether there are other animals in the house, any recent changes to her environment, and so forth. Once all this information is reviewed, the expert will create a behavior modification program specifically designed for you and your dog.

Behavior modification is, of course, the critical component in helping a dog work through separation anxiety. The professional trainer will set you up on a day-to-day program that includes: • creating a less stressful and safe environment • counter-conditioning, which changes the way a dog feels about situations • a confidence building program that involves systematic desensitization coupled with teaching the dog new and gradually more challenging behaviors.

Often, a holistic approach can really benefit a dog with separation anxiety. This might involve herbal remedies including valerian root, Bach flower remedies like Rescue Remedy, natural hormonal supplements such as melatonin, aromatherapy including the use of lavender, dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) and other remedies. No one thing works for every dog and the professional will be able to advise you. In some cases, short-term pharmacological aid is called, for but be aware that this is only effective when coupled with a behavior modification program.

The key to solving separation anxiety problems is teaching the dog to relax. This is done very gradually and by ultimately convincing her that temporary confinement is not a bad thing and that someone will always return.

Trainers can be found through veterinary referrals, friends and by searching www.apdt.com or www.nadoi.com Interview the trainer or behavioral expert before hiring and only work with someone who uses positive methods.

There are alternatives to kenneling your dog, such as using baby gates and exercise pens. The trainer can help you with this also.

If

OBJECTIVE...

Optimal Hydration & Good Health!

HydroDog is purified water with just electrolytes added – calcium, potassium, magnesium.

Veterinarian endorsed, scientifically formulated – promotes hydration – replenishes trace minerals lost through daily activity, travel, stress, illness.

Nothing is more critical to a dog’s health and vitality than proper hydration!

ALL Natural and clear!

NO NO NO NO

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.

NO sodium!

NO flavoring!

NO calories!

Your Dog Will Feel The Difference!

You Will See The Difference!

you have a dog or cat with a behavioral issue,

please submit your questions to:

sugar! coloring! fat! preservatives!

Proud to be awarded...

Don’t Take Our Word For It! Buy Now – Direct From HydroDog! FREE SHIPPING! Call or Email for Details 866.493.7634 • hydrodog2@aol.com

www.hydrodog.com animal wellness

59

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you need to know

by Audi Donamor

60

animal wellness

I

n our last home, we had a beautiful pond and waterfall in the corner of our living room, complete with some fairly large goldfish. Surprisingly, our three golden retrievers showed no interest in the pond. Once in awhile though, one of the fish would jump out of the water; luckily, someone was usually there to scoop up the escapee and return him to safety. On two occasions, however, we weren’t around and the

Where does mercury come from and what does it do?

fish met a different fate. Fishy dog breath and orange scales imbedded in the carpet told us the tale. One or more of our goldens had helped themselves to some fresh Sushi!

How do I choose the best fish?

Mercury is released into the air through pulp and paper processing, mining, and the burning of garbage and fossil fuels. It accumulates in streams and oceans, where it is turned into methylmercury. As they feed, fish absorb methylmercury, which binds to the proteins in their tissue. The larger the fish and the longer they have lived, the higher the levels of methylmercury they contain. In toxic amounts, While a raw meat diet is a healthy choice for dogs and mercury prevents the body’s cats, you need to use more caution when it comes to cells from transporting glucose. This can result in raw fish, which can contain illness-causing parasites. convulsions, anorexia, tremors, For example, raw salmon poisoning is an infectious swollen gums, and behavior disease caused by a rickettsia that uses a parasite problems in both humans fluke on the salmon as a host. Feed your companion and animals. At high enough cooked or canned fish. levels, methylmercury can cause brain and kidney damage.

Meanwhile, Tyrone, a Persian-Tabby cross, who was the absolute and undisputed king of our household, insisted on having the very best gefilte fish, beautiful patties made from ground de-boned white fish.

Most dogs and cats love fish and shellfish, and because it offers high quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, it can be an excellent addition to your animal’s diet. The problem is, due to widespread environmental pollution, nearly all species of fish contain traces of toxins that can have an adverse affect on your animal’s health if you feed indiscriminately. Mercury, for example, is found in varying amounts in a wide range of fish, which means you need to do some detective work to determine what’s safe for your best friend (and yourself!), and what’s not.

Should you avoid feeding fish to your dog or cat? The answer is “no.” The key is to become an educated consumer and only buy fish with the lowest possible levels of mercury. A variety of programs and tools exist that can help you make healthy choices.

• Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provide up-to-date information about the levels of mercury found in fish (see sidebar).

• Another resource is the “Got Mercury” calculator at www.gotmercury.org. Just enter your dog or cat’s weight, and the type and amount of seafood to be eaten, and the mercury exposure will be calculated for you, based on EPA and FDA data.

• For those who live on the west coast, the Pacific Seafood Group (www.pacseafood.com) has recently launched its new Safe Harbor brand of fresh fish, guaranteed to contain low animal wellness

61

levels of mercury. Using a new scanning system developed by San Francisco’s Micro Analytical Systems (MAS), mercury levels in fish can be attained in about 40 seconds. More than 1,000 pounds of seafood are tested every day.

Shopping list Before heading out to buy fish or shellfish for yourself or your animal, use this guide to find out which species contain the least mercury. The data was compiled by the FDA, which tests fish for mercury, and the EPA, which determines the mercury levels considered safe for women of childbearing age. Fish marked with an asterisk are those whose populations have been depleted due to over-fishing, or are caught using methods that impact on other ocean life and habitats.

Highest mercury

High mercury

Lower mercury

Lowest mercury

(more than 0.55 parts/million)

(0.26-0.55 parts/million)

(0.12-0.25 parts/million)

(less than 0.12 parts/million)

• King mackerel • Shark* • Swordfish • Tilefish* • Orange roughy* • Marlin* • Grouper*

• American/Maine lobster • Bluefish • Sea trout • Bluefin and Ahi tuna (fresh) • Tuna (canned, white Albacore) • Halibut • Croaker • Saltwater bass*

• Tuna (fresh Pacific Albacore) • Tuna (canned, chunk light) • Cod* • Skate • Freshwater perch • Monkfish* • Snow crab • Herring • Blue crab • Snapper* • Dungeness crab • Mahi Mahi

• Freshwater trout • Sturgeon (farmed) • Sardines • Oysters • Tilapia • Clams • Shrimp • Salmon • Crawfish • Crayfish • Sole • Shad • Spiny lobster • Rock lobster • Herring • Hake • Haddock* • Flounder* • Scallops • Ocean perch • Whitefish • Catfish • Pollock • King crab* • Caviar (farmed) • Calamari/squid • Butterfish • Anchovies

Although mercury is a very real concern, it doesn’t mean you should nix fish from your companion’s diet.

• North of the border, the Canadian Ministry of the Environment’s Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program is the largest testing and advisory program of its kind in North America. It has been testing fish for more than 25 years, from approximately 1,700 locations in Ontario’s lakes and rivers, including the Great Lakes. www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/guide/ Although mercury is a very real concern, it doesn’t mean you should nix fish from your companion’s diet. By using moderation, and choosing species that are safe to eat, your dog or cat can still benefit from the many healthful qualities that fish and shellfish offer.

Fish entrees and treats can be fun and

For more information, visit www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp.

Holistic Pet Nutrition

VENISON & ORGANIC SPLIT PEA

continued on pg. 64

Venison & Organic Split Pea is a complete and balanced formula intended for moderately active dogs, growing puppies, nursing bitches, performance and working dogs, and breeding animals. Venison & Organic Split Pea is also a great recovery diet and as a mixer for raw feeders. Venison & Organic Split Pea is the most nutritious food your dog will ever need.

HEALTH CONSCIOUS Venison (Hormone Free)

Venison Fat

Venison Tripe

Flaxseed

Organic Split Pea

Fresh Garlic

Chicory Root

Kelp

Sun-Cured Alfalfa

Canola Oil

Peppermint

Parsley

Papaya

Lecithin

Rose Hips

Taurine

L-Carnitine No Meat By-Products No Corn, Wheat or Soy No Digests

No Grain Diet 62

animal wellness

No Safflower or Sunflower Oil No Artificial Flavors or Colors No Ethoxyquin

www.caninecaviar.com or 800-392-7898 Available in all 50 states and Canada at an independent retailer new you.

Made in the USA

animal wellness

63

easy to prepare. Try these recipes:

Baked fish cakes

Cats and tuna Most cats love fish, especially tuna. In fact, some love it too much. It’s not unusual for cats to refuse all other foods after they have been fed tuna, becoming “tuna junkies.”

As much as your cat may relish its taste, a steady diet of tuna is not healthy for a number of reasons.

• Although it’s high in protein, it lacks adequate amounts of particular amino acids, especially taurine, which is essential for good feline health.

• The polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish packed in oil oxidate vitamin E, which can lead to deficiency and the development of steatitis, also known as yellow fat disease, an inflammation of the fat tissue in the cat’s body.

• Cats fed nothing but tuna can become deficient in vitamin A and most of the B vitamins.

• Tuna provides too little calcium to balance the phosphorus, which can lead to bone disease.

(The only canned fish that provides sufficient calcium is salmon with bones.)

• Some species of tuna contain high levels of mercury.

Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, and Susan Hubble Pitcairn, authors of the Revised and Updated Third Edition of Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health of Dogs and Cats recommend canned mackerel as a good fish to feed cats on an occasional basis. Dr. Pitcairn notes that mackerel is an economic protein source, and because it comes from deep waters it’s less likely to be polluted than fish from closer to the coast. Sardines and herring are other choices to consider.

This recipe can easily be cut in half, or make up the fish blend and freeze in small portions for future use. A little goes a long way. Try to use organic products wherever possible.

Ingredients 2 pounds ground white fish 3 eggs 2 carrots 2 teaspoons Celtic sea salt (optional) 4 tablespoons oatmeal 1/4 cup cold pressed oil 3/4 cup filtered water (for extra flavor, you can use fish or vegetable stock instead) Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Combine all ingredients, except the fish, in a food processor or blender. Turn out into a large mixing bowl. Add fish and combine thoroughly. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. You can make large patties for your canine companion by using an old-fashioned ice cream scoop; to make small patties for your feline friend, try a melon baller. After scooping, lightly flatten the fish cakes with a fork before popping them in the oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Remove fish cakes from the oven and cool completely before storing in your refrigerator or freezer. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley or catnip before serving. continued on pg. 66

64

animal wellness

Stone healing for your pet!

TM

His fresh breath means he is ready to party!

Unique, holistic products for you and your pet!

Our products provide energy healing, balancing & protection.

Oxyfresh Pet Products – featured product in the 2005 Emmy Award Celebrity Gift Bags!

For more information or to order, give us a call or visit our website today!

•

toll free 888-398-7458

•

www.stone-healing.com

Sonia Alexandra Inc. A holistic company with natural solutions

Superior Pet Care Products Oxyfresh Pet Hygiene, Oral Health Nutritionals & Pet Stress Relief

Oxyfresh Pet Products For Distributor & Preferred Customer Info: 866-891-8510 www.Oxyfresh.Com/Dynascope

Warren J. Ingalls - pet portrait artist Works in graphite and color pencil

photograph color pencil drawing

• reasonable prices • free estimates • will work from your photo • minimum size: 8” x 10”

pencil drawing

t&f: 909.989.2765 ingallsart@aol.com

animal wellness

65

Simple salmon loaf Ingredients

Fish has healing properties

1 15oz can of wild salmon (or 2 7.5oz cans)* 3 eggs 1 cup whole goat milk yogurt or Balkan style yogurt 3/4 to 1 cup oatmeal

Back in 1936, Josephine Z. Rine, author The Care and Feeding of Dogs, wrote: “Canned salmon is one of the very few foods that does not seem to pay the penalty for its canning. It is relished to a greater extent than any other fish and is easily digested.

Though it contains more fat than codfish, and should for that reason alone, be harder on the stomach, it will be tolerated under any and all circumstances.” She goes on to say: “Much of the glandular disturbance so evident after distemper or any prolonged illness may be righted or at least helped by a liberal supply of fish.

Fish and meat together are the greatest of disease resisters, seeming to fortify the system against the invasion of serious inroads.”

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Turn out into a lightly greased loaf pan or Pyrex pan. Bake for 45 minutes.Cool loaf completely before slicing and storing in refrigerator or freezer.

Garnish with parsley and/or catnip before serving. *Consider using Clover Leaf salmon when preparing your salmon loaf. All Clover Leaf salmon products are caught wild in the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. GoldSeal and St. Jean’s Cannery also offer excellent wild salmon products. For more information, check out www.bcsalmon.ca or www.bumblebee.com.

Decades later, fish still plays a very important role in special needs diets for animals. Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM and author of The Nature of Animal Healing, puts diabetic animals on diets comprised of 50% complex carbohydrates, 25% chopped and steamed vegetables, and 25% protein, which can include steamed fish.

Ailing animals may also benefit from Seacure, which is made from Pacific whiting, caught in the Pacific Northwest. The mercury levels in Seacure are below the threshold of detection in mercury toxicity tests, at only 0.01 parts per million.

Audi Donamor

has been successfully

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

healthy

Your dog deserves the best. NATURE’S SELECT – Super Premium Pet Foods are specifically formulated to fulfill all of your pet’s nutritional needs. We use the finest ingredients available: no fillers, animal by-products or chemical preservatives. No artificial colors or flavors – JUST GREAT TASTE – Naturally!

convenient

FREE home delivery throughout North America, including: • Arizona • Texas • North Dakota • Illinois • California • Utah • New Jersey • Missouri • Florida

• Nevada • Ohio

guaranteed

YOU RISK NOTHING! Feed your pets Nature’s Select – Super Premium Pet Foods. If you are dissatisfied in any way, simply call us to return any unused food and our stay fresh storage bin for a complete refund. That’s it, No risk, No worries, No fine print. We unconditionally guarantee it, forever!

66

animal wellness

For information on our services, or to inquire about becoming a distributer, please visit our website or call:

www.paulspetfood.com 1-888-814-PETS (7387)

animal wellness

67

Canine College Cruise a doggone good time!

They They

came.

They

learned.

drank pina coladas!

Two hundred canine enthusiasts recently set sail aboard the Costa Mediterranea for the second annual Canine College Cruise, sponsored by Animal Wellness Magazine. Between visiting ports of call on St. Maarten, Tortola and Naussau, cruisers attended seminars from some of the top experts in their fields, including Animal Wellness columnists Dr. Martin Goldstein and behaviorist Paul Owens, as well as Tellington T-Touch founder Linda Tellington-Jones, author Pat Hastings, communicator Anita Curtis, and many others.

Above: Service dog Cypress, from New Horizons, was a willing model for Linda Tellington-Jones' seminar, and the humans loved her too. From left, TTouch Practitioner Cynde Van Vleet, Holistic Practitioner Dr. Athena Farrell, Linda, and Animal Wellness Editor-in-Chief Dana Cox. Left: Veterinarian Dr. Martin Goldstein (left) and behaviorist Paul Owens gave powerful seminars that opened up a lot of eyes to the benefits of natural health and gentle training.

The well-rounded program featured a variety of topics, from health and training to animal communications and flower essences, and there were plenty of opportunities to mingle and share stories about our canine companions back home.

Many thanks to organizers Brunswick Tours for another great event.

Pets at Play ®

Inspired by Maggie – Designed by Nancy A great range of products online from the delightful Sleep-N-Store Pet Bed™ to the essential Harness Play Pack™ Call 877-377-2789 or visit us today at:

www.petsatplay.com info@petsatplay.com

68

animal wellness

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

Inside this issue:

Integrative Veterinarians BRITISH COLUMBIA

Heartland Veterinary Services Dr. Gail Jewell, DVM Aldergrove, BC Canada Toll Free: (888) 622-8300 Phone: (604) 532-1745 or (250) 765-5350 Website: www.holisticvet.ca Internet consultations and appointments availalbe in the lower mainland and the Okanagan. Holistic Veterinary care for all animals.

CALIFORNIA

Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643 Homeopathy and nutrition for dogs, cats & horses.

Phone consultations available.

CONNECTICUT

NEW JERSEY

Mark Newkirk, VMD Margate Animal Hospital & Alternative Care Center Margate City, NJ USA Phone: (609) 823-3031 Website: www.alternativevet.com Aquapuncture, Cancer Therapies, Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathic, Nutritional Balancing, Phone Consultations

NEW YORK ¤

9OUR PET S HOME FOR HOLISTIC HEALING $R *EFF &EINMAN #6(

#ERTIlED 6ETERINARY (OMEOPATH

7ESTON #4 DRJEFF HOMEVET COM s 0REVENT AND TREAT CHRONIC DISEASES LIKE ALLERGIES ARTHRITIS CANCER s 2AISE YOUR PETS WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS STEROIDS s -INIMIZE VACCINATIONS

)NTEGRATED -EDICINE

'ET 4HE "EST /F "OTH 7ORLDS $R *EFF &EINMAN #6( &AIRlELD #OUNTRY S ONLY #ERTIlED 6ETERINARY (OMEOPATH

6ISIT WWW HOMEVET COM FOR THE WEB S LARGEST NATURAL PET LIBRARY

KENTUCKY

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

Coddingtown Veterinary Clinic

MASSACHUSETTS

Wellness Resource Guide

Wellness Resource Guide

â&#x20AC;¢ Integrative Veterinarians â&#x20AC;¢ Holistic Healthcare â&#x20AC;¢ Natural Product Retailers â&#x20AC;¢ Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors â&#x20AC;¢ Pet Sitters â&#x20AC;¢ Trainers & Behaviorists â&#x20AC;¢ Shelters & Rescues â&#x20AC;¢ Communicators

ONTARIO

Essex Animal Clinic Janice Huntingford, DVM Essex, ON Canada Phone: (519) 776-7325 Email: essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net Website: www.essexanimalclinic.com Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional & Alternative Medicine & Surgery, Holistic Medicine, Physio & Rehab Therapies

Guelph Animal Hospital Guelph, ON Canada Phone: (519) 836-2782 Email: info@guelphvet.com Website: www.guelphvet.com Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, Therapeutic Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine

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

East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: 416-757-3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Website: www.holisticpetvet.com

Holistic Veterinary Care Santa Rosa, California

707-546-4646

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

animal wellness

69

Wellness Resource Guide

Integrative Veterinarians & Holistic Healthcare - Natural Product Retailers

ONTARIO

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

RHODE ISLAND

TEXAS

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

GEORGIA

K9 Companions Helen McGraw Cantley, QC Canada Phone: (819) 827-1467 Email: K9comp@travel-net.com Website: www.k9-companions.com

Integrative health care for pets.

VIRGINIA

Veterinary Holistic & Rehabilitation Center Vienna, VA USA Phone: (703) 938-2563 Website: www.vet.com

Holistic Healthcare BRITISH COLUMBIA

CatSu Herbal Health Products Inc. Armstrong, BC Canada Toll Free: (888) 662-2878 Phone: (250) 558-6559 Email: catsu@catsu.com Website: www.catsu.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Hoof, Paw & Claw Reiki Worcester, MA USA Phone: (508) 852-0364 Email: info@reikiforcritters.com Website: www.reikiforcritters.com

CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA

OHIO

Integrated Touch Therapy Circleville, OH USA Toll Free: (800) 251-0007 Phone: (740) 474-6436 Website: www.integratedtouchtherapy.com Animal Massage Workshops

OKLAHOMA

70

animal wellness

WISCONSIN

Natural Product Retailers NOVA SCOTIA

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELLING and holistic companion animal advice.

Syn-flex liquid glucosamine for pets, TTouch.

NEW MEXICO

Unique Herbal and Natural Products, Healing Touch for Pets

Bonnie Blumenfeld, RVT Nutritional Councilor NewCastle, CA USA Phone: (916) 663-2831 Email: bonnie@headtotailhealth.com Website: www.headtotailhealth.com

QUEBEC

Natrual Product Retailers - Natural Products Manufacturers & Distributors

MINNESOTA

Natural Products Manufacturers & Distributors

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Raw diets, supplements, training, treats & toys, flower essences, homeopathic remedies

COLORADO

Only Natural Pet Store

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

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

FLORIDA

NEVADA

SitStay.com Lincoln, NE USA Toll Free: (800) SIT-STAY Phone: (402) 467-3426 Email: darcie@sitstay.com Website: www.sitstay.com Online E-tailer

NEW MEXICO

ILLINOIS

Gulf Island Dog Biscuit Co. Richmond, BC Canada Toll Free: (888) 276-PAWS (7297) Phone: (604) 276-9799 Email: info@gidbc.ca Website: www.gidbc.ca Grain-Free - using organic ingredients, no perservatives or additives

CONNECTICUT

Wellness Resource Guide

Dharma Dog Sonora, CA USA Phone: (209) 532-5081 Email: DharmaDog@pacbell.net Website: www.dharmadog.com

NEW YORK OREGON

^bbjcZy}

RHODE ISLAND

DoggieFood.com North Kingston, RI USA Phone: (401) 667-0110 Website: www.doggiefood.com

SASKATCHEWAN

MARYLAND The Nautical Boutique and Bakery for Dogs (410) 326-9294 Fax: (410) 326-9295 clipperscaninecafe@mac.com

MICHIGAN

Í;8PÍDFE<PÍ98:BÍ>L8I8EK<< Í :dciVXiÍ:dcc^ZÍVi Í|{x y} ~~| Xdcc^Z©]ZVai]neZibViiZgh Xdb lll ]ZVai]neZibViiZgh Xdb

Legacy For Life Connie Lewis Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone: (541) 269-7759 Email: Connie@HealthyPetMatters.com Website: www.HealthyPetMatters.com Patented immune balancing product for large and small animals.

WASHINGTON

14520 S. Solomons Island Road Solomons Island, MD 20688

TEXAS

Raw Advantage, Inc Stanwood, WA USA Toll Free: (866) 331-5185 Phone: (360) 387-5185 Email: info@rawadvantagepetfood.com Website: www.rawadvantagepetfood.com Simple organic nutrition! Fresh frozen organic diets for your pets!

WISCONSIN

animal wellness

71

Wellness Resource Guide

Pet Sitters, Trainers & Shelters/Rescues - Communicators

Pet Sitters

ARIZONA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Animal Energy Lynn McKenzie Sidney, BC Canada Phone: (250) 656-4390 Email: lynn@animalenergy.com Website: www.animalenergy.com International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing

CALIFORNIA

ILLINOIS Carol Schultz Plainfield, IL USA Phone: (815) 254-8325 Email: carol@carolschultz.com Website: www.carolschultz.com Nationwide consultations, Workshops/Training

IOWA

8E@D8CÛJ?8D8E BYj]fÛ:jY^l

NEW YORK

Gjg^]kkagfYdÛ8faeYdÛ:geemfa[Ylgj :gff][lkÛl]d]hYl`a[YddqÛoal`ÛqgmjÛYfaeYdÛ^ja]f\kÛ l`jgm_`Ûl`]Ûdgnaf_ÛZgf\ÛqgmÛk`Yj]Ûoal`Ûl`]e =gjÛYÛl]d]h`gf]ÛYhhgafle]flÛgjÛegj]Ûaf^gjeYlagf Û[YddÛgjÛnakal ~ ¤ ¤ ÛÝÛooo YfaeYdk`YeYf [ge

Donna McDonald

Trainers & Behaviorists

ARIZONA

NEVADA

Certified in Animal Communication, Tellington TTouch & Animal Massage phone: 650.712.0237 ext. 3 fax: 650.712.0460 animalsthink@aol.com www.animalconsciousness.com

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Syracuse, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116

8EÛ8E><C¿JÛKFL:? :Yfaf]ÛKjYaf]j£9]`Ynagjakl :]fljYdÛE]oÛA]jk]q G`gf] Û¨ ©Û ¤ <eYad ÛYf_]dYel`geYk³ghlgfdaf] f]l D]eZ]jÛg^Û8G;KÛ¨8kkg[ Ûg^ÛG]lÛ;g_ÛKjYaf]jk©Û

Shelters/Rescues PENNSYLVANIA

New England Brittany Rescue Upper St. Clair, PA USA Phone: 781-275-0630 Website: www.nebr.petfinder.org Serving CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, PA, RI, & VT

Communicators ARIZONA

Usui Reiki Master & IET (Integrated Energy Therapy) Practitioner - energy healing with Love

>ÀL>À>Ê,ii`Ê

Animal Communicator Intuitive Healer

QUEBEC

Connecting Animals and Humans {£x°nÓ£° Î{

L>ÀL>À>J ÌÕ Ì v À> > ðV Ê ÜÜÜ° ÌÕ Ì v À> > ðV

Jean Connelly Companion Animal Care Sherman Oaks, CA USA Toll Free: (818) 204-0632 Phone: (818) 785-4218 Email: jeanconnelly@earthlink.net Animal Communication, transition and Grief Support, emotional and behavioral Problems, Pet sitting in THEIR home

WASHINGTON

Communications With Love Amboy , WA USA Phone: 360-247-7284 Website: www.communicationswithlove.com

WYOMING Maia Kincaid, PhD. Communication with Animals Sedona, AZ USA Phone: (928) 282-2604 Email: holisticintuition@yahoo.com Website: www.maiakincaid.com/animals.htm Bringing joy to pets & their people through communication.

Consultations to international clientele via phone & email

72

animal wellness

Eat, drink and wag your tail Documentary film focuses on nutrition

by Pamela Berger Gorilla the pug. el

Photo: Leanne Cre

I

recently had the pleasure of meeting Mary and Margaret, both dressed in pale green angora sweaters. But Mary and Margaret aren’t people.

They’re dogs. It was a bit bizarre but reminded me of how much dogs’ lives have changed since I was a kid. Back then, dogs spent a lot of time outside, fetching sticks and digging holes. They still do, of course, but nowadays that digging dog may be sporting a custom made t-shirt and fresh lavender cologne.

And I’ll bet his name isn’t Buster or Spot, but Max or Ben. When it comes to diet, though, it’s not so easy to take the wolf out of the dog. There’s only about a 1% difference between a wolf’s DNA and a dog’s. A dog’s organs are just as wild as they were 14,000 years ago, when they lived on fresh meat and bones.

The relatively recent trend of feeding dogs highly-processed, non-fresh foods is severely compromising their health.

This is what inspired me, as a television

producer, to create Eat, drink and wag your tail, a documentary film that focuses on how to improve canine health through nutrition.

The film examines the correlation between nutrition and vitality in dogs.

Split into 20 vignettes, each chapter explores an aspect of canine nutrition.

In “Think Prey,” viewers learn the importance of raw meat and bones, while “The Basics” teaches that eggs, yogurt, garlic and fresh greens are also a must for any canine kitchen.

Humorous vignettes are sprinkled throughout. In ‘USPD’, kids of the United States Poop Detectives go on a comical search for dog poop, and six-year-old Kristen gets a lot of laughs as she prepares Slobber Dog Stew for her dog, Tyler.

The leading voice throughout the film is Dr. Richard Pitcairn, best known for his approach to chemicalfree nutrition and natural healing animal wellness

73

for dogs and cats. Here’s a man who challenged the whole thought process behind modern veterinary medicine.

Yet during our interview, I saw him more as a traditionalist than a revolutionary. He recalled that his mother and grandmother fed their pets scraps, fresh meat and vegetables. He couldn’t remember a pet from his childhood with allergies, hot spots or arthritis. Vet visits were rare and dogs lived longer.

Yet over the course of his practice, Dr. Pitcairn saw dogs with all types of new cancers and illnesses. He also noticed the rise in highly processed pet foods, as well as vaccines and drugs, and knew there was a correlation.

Photo: Leanne Creel

I understand the desire to pamper, coddle and even dress up our dogs.

But because diet is the number one indicator of health, we can’t forget their ancestry. The next time I meet a Betty or a Jake adorned in cable knits and booties, I won’t be too quick to judge. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. I hope this film will help others remember that, too.

Pamela Berger is a television producer for Turner Broadcasting, and President of Interdependent Pictures, based in Los Angeles. Her film Eat, drink, and wag your tail, featuring Dr. Richard Pitcairn and dog chef Micki Voisard, can be found in specialty pet stores or by visiting her website at www.idpics.com.

74

animal wellness

animal wellness

75

the Kitty Grass story: how one entrepreneur is helping cats and her community

I

by Charlotte Walker If you’re a cat lover, you probably have a tough time keeping your feline friend from nibbling your houseplants. It’s one reason why cat grass has become so popular, especially for indoor kitties.

If your cat has fresh, tender grass to munch on, she’ll most likely leave your other plants alone.

You’ll also be doing her health a favor, since grass sprouts are packed with vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, folic acid and chlorophyll.

You can buy cat grass at just about any pet store, but for the best results and health benefits, it’s important to make sure you’re getting a quality, natural product. Priscilla Riggs, owner of Priscilla’s Pet Products in Costa Mesa, California, started growing her own Kitty Grass in 1992, after some grass she’d purchased for her own feline failed to

76

animal wellness

meet her expectations. “Only about ten blades came up,” she says. “I didn’t have a clue what they were, and when my cat took a bite of it, the dirt came out too and went all over the carpet.”

A knowledgeable gardener who also knows something about grains, Priscilla decided to try raising her own cat grass. “My kitty only needed one container, but I ended up with a flat full of these beautiful grasses that I’d worked so hard to develop.” She approached the owner of a local pet store, who agreed to try selling the extra containers of grass. “They went in 20 minutes,” says Priscilla. “We knew there was a market for it, so I worked a bit more on the development, did research on what grass would be best for animals, and started selling it regularly through his stores.”

The product did so well that Priscilla was soon getting calls from other outlets and, before long, had to give up her regular job to keep abreast of her burgeoning business. “At first, I did it all myself until I was delivering three days a week, and then I started hiring people to help out.”

Kitty Grass features an all-natural blend of different grasses. “We use a combination of barley, wheat, oats and rye,” says Priscilla. “Barley has the most protein and is the easiest to digest. It’s also pretty, with a nice broad blade and dark green color.” The product is available either already grown, or as seeds you can raise yourself, and is now sold in over 500 retail stores from California to New Jersey. You can also order the seeds online at www.kittygrass.com.

Priscilla has taken a unique approach to her hiring process. One of her programs involves approximately 15 stay-at-home Moms who do everything from delivery and merchandising to quality control visits to growers and stores.

“We’ve set up delivery routes of about 25 stores per area and have the Moms take these routes one day a week,” explains Priscilla. “Stay-athome Moms usually only get to talk to children all day long. Doing deliveries that one day a week gives them the chance to get out and talk to adults. It also allows them to earn some money while still being able to stay home most of the time with their kids.”

barley

wheat

oats

“We use a combination of barley, wheat, oats and rye,” says Priscilla.

“Barley has the most protein and is the easiest to digest. It’s also pretty, with a nice broad blade and dark green color.”

For the packaging end of the business, Priscilla teamed up with Goodwill. “We used to do all the packaging at our office, but as we got bigger we needed to find somebody else who could do it. Someone told me that Goodwill had a ‘hire-the-handicapped’ program. I met with their marketing director and he said it was a great fit. We’ve been doing it for two or three years now and they perform a perfect service for us at a reasonable amount.”

Along with providing a healthy, quality product for felines across the country, Priscilla is proud of being able to give something back to the community through her hiring programs. “It’s worked out really well.”

animal wellness

77

Open 7 days a week, 10am-7pm

78

animal wellness

Creating an

animal-friendly pond

by Andy Lopez

For many people, a pond complete with water plants and fish is the crowning glory of any garden. But if you have dogs or cats, you may be wondering if a pond is something you can safely include in your landscaping. With some careful planning, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reason why you and your animal companion canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t both benefit from the pleasure of a backyard pond.

1. Start with a budget A natural pond can provide enjoyment for many years, providing you have adequately planned and thought out its place in your human and animal family.

Before you even begin, it is a good idea to have a budget in mind. Starting something without the funds to do it right will only cost you more down the road, in more ways than just money. A pond must be well maintained, especially if you are putting it where Mother Nature didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t intend a

pond to be, as otherwise you will find that things tend to fall apart very fast.

2. Location and purpose Decide why you want a pond in the first place. Is it just for looks, to fill in a bad spot, or do you want it to be complete with fish and aquatic plants? When situating the pond, remember that underground services such as electrical cables, water and gas pipes must be avoided. Other issues to consider include slope, soil, animal wellness

79

New from Animal Wellness Magazine

Six years of informative, life-changing articles on one CD rom!

Search by issue or topic on articles about: • Allergies • Behavior & Training • Cancer • Detoxification • Diabetes • Health Tips • Heartworm • Nutrition & Diet • Pain Relief • Poison & Toxicity • Rehabilitation • Supplements • Vaccination ...and much more!

ORDER YOURS TODAY! rs Distributetod wan

$

29.

95

*Canadian customers $34.95 incl. tax & shipping.

Wholesale price availabsle

866-764-1212 or visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Call

80

animal wellness

direction of water flow, sunlight and wind. Nearby trees may drop leaves in the water, while roots can also be a problem.

Think about what your pond will do to the immediate environment. Will it attract stray and/or wild animals, and if so how will you deal with it? Are there any issues with your neighbors? Where is the water going, and where is it coming from? What will it do when it gets there?

How accessible will the pond be, and how will it affect traffic patterns in the yard, including those of your dog or cat?

3. Design ideas The design of your pond depends on your budget and the size and layout of your yard. Knowing how much you can afford to spend gives you a good idea of what type of pond you can install. Will it have plants and fish, flowing water or a fountain? To be most effective, your pond should look as though it was put there by nature. You’ll need to think about what materials to use, and try to choose those that match the environment as closely as possible, as otherwise the pond will look out of place. You must also decide if you want it to be a natural habitat for small wild creatures such as frogs and birds.

4. Depth and shape If you want fish and aquatic plants in your pond, then water depth is an important consideration. If your pond is just for show, with a waterfall or fountain, then depth is not an issue. If you do need some depth, then you should try to design the pond so that an animal or small child could easily crawl out if they fell in.

For me, the surrounding environment determines the shape of the pond. I have built many ponds in my lifetime and no two are alike. An irregular shape looks most natural. You might also want to add rocks, or create different depths to imitate nature and control water flow.

5. Pond liners There are four types of liner to choose from: natural clay, pre-formed plastic, concrete and flexible rubber lines. You can buy liners from pet stores, make one from rubber roofing material, or get one from a pond liner company. Rubber lines are easier to cut into shapes. Concrete and pre-formed fiberglass shells are the easiest to use but you are restricted to the pre-made shapes available. If in doubt about what’s best for you, consult a good contractor.

fish and other aquatic creatures. Ponds in direct sunlight generate more algae; this means you will need to keep your filtering system in good shape for the water to stay clean.

A good waterfall and flowing stream will help. As water warms, it rapidly loses its capacity to build oxygen. Water gets thoroughly aerated and re-oxygenated as it falls down a high wall of rocks. This is a form of filtration and is healthy for the fish. If you have the space, you might want to consider two or more connected ponds on different levels to allow for greater water flow.

7. Animal safety 6. Pump and filter systems It is very important to get the right type of pumps and filters. If you plan on installing the pond yourself, I would not only read up on the subject but also talk to other pond-owners for more information. The better the filtration, the better the environment will be for

You must take steps to ensure your animal companions will be safe when in the vicinity of your pond. Your dog or cat will naturally be very curious and want to check everything out. Allow your animals to explore, but only under your direct supervision. Don’t let them play around the pond when you’re not there to keep an eye on them. For my own ponds, I use a cover or netting to keep animals and children out when necessary.

A cover is not always needed or desired, animal wellness

81

but it’s a good idea for those times when you’re not there to watch your animals. You may also opt to plant some shrubs around your pond, or even put up a section of fencing.

8. Fish and plants There are many types of fish and plants for ponds. The species you choose will be determined by where you live and what the climate is like, so it’s important to do your homework before making any purchases. Remember that fish are an added attraction for curious animals, so a netted cover is probably a necessity for those times when your companion is outside without your immediate supervision.

Large or small, with or without fish, a well-designed pond can make a delightful addition to your garden. Taking the safety and well being of your four-footed companions into account will help you ensure it stays that way.

Andy Lopez, also known as The Invisible Gardener, has a degree in Horticulture from the University of Florida and has been specializing in organic gardening for many years. He has written several books, including The Organic Growers' Manual and Natural Pest Control: Alternative to Chemicals for the Home and Garden. His radio show, Don't Panic It's Organic, airs on CRNI. NET every Saturday at 10am PST. For more information on natural pest control, visit www.invisiblegardener.com.

82

animalAnimal wellness Wellness

3 1/2" X 4 3/4"

animal wellness

83

animal passages

The love lives on

by Joanne Terry

W

hen the time came, and nothing more could be done to ease his suffering, we made the only decision possible.

Shooter went calmly with us into the veterinarian’s office and, after giving each of us an understanding, loving kiss, went to find his place his peace. He took a chunk of our hearts with him.

We left with his collar, leash and the silver chain from Mexico that he so loved to wear.

We drove home in silence, feeling hollow and numb. We hung up Shooter’s leash and collar and then just sat, thinking about our friend. We had never allowed ourselves to believe that Shooter would really have to leave us. Other family members soon joined us and we shared our fondest memories while the tears flowed. Then the house slowly emptied and we sat in an exhausted stupor. Going to bed early seemed the next logical step, but sleep eluded us.

In the morning, we were tired and downhearted but pretended everything was normal. It was just another day. All we had to do was get up, go to work, try to eat something and go to bed. It should not be too difficult. We went through the motions of living, but we were only fooling ourselves.

Joanne and her family found it hard to imagine that Shooter's unconditional love and devotion could ever be equaled.

The days passed. We were tired, irritable, and tr ied to hide our sorrow behind terse comments or bouts of silence that no one wanted to make an effort to fill. The hardest part of each day was coming home after work, knowing how barren the house would seem. We started inventing things to do after work to put off going home. We did not talk about Shooter anymore. His favorite toys were packed along with his dishes and collar. His food and other things were given away. Everything that reminded us of Shooter was moved out of sight. Perhaps it would be better if we could not see his things.

The turning point More time passed and the mood in the house remained bleak.

Something had to change. We couldn’t go on like this. Finally, the thought was voiced – we needed another dog.

We discovered we had each been thinking the same thing but had been afraid to speak up. Another dog would not replace Shooter.

But maybe, just maybe, he would help ease our sense of loss.

In the instant the thought was spoken, the mood was lifted and we were charged with eager anticipation. The lethargy that had

84

animal wellness

animal passages overwhelmed us was pushed away by eager ideas about where to get a puppy, what kind he should be, and what we would name him.

We started by checking the local branches of the SPCA. There were several dogs available but we had to find the one that connected with us.

We turned to our veterinarian for more suggestions. He told us some puppies had just been rescued and maybe we should drop by to look. Our truck engine was turning over before the telephone was settled back on the hook.

When we walked into the office, the veterinarian led us back to the kennels and, without saying a word, stepped aside. Two pairs of chocolate brown eyes ringed with Tammy Faye eyeliner assessed us. The two male puppies seemed so small and young. We had to get closer. We presented our hands to them through the crate so they could get our scents and then got the okay to open the door. I passed the larger one to Jack and picked up the other.

The veterinarian filled us in on their story as we became acquainted with the orphans. Their mother had tragically been shot while hunting for dinner in a local farmer’s chicken house. An SPCA officer began searching for the pups when the farmer realized the female had been nursing.

He finally located the den and had to dig the puppies out.

While the pups leaned into our body heat, we had a better

chance to really look at them. The eyes showed intelligence, their coats were soft and fuzzy and their ears were as soft as a micro-fleece blanket. Both were potential candidates and yet we were drawn to the larger one. Whatever was pulling us to him, we wanted this puppy to complete our family. We reluctantly returned the pups to the crate, hoping we could clear the paperwork and take the pup home right away. Unfortunately, we had to bide our time until the necessary tests could give him a clean bill of health and the SPCA granted the adoption.

Max fills the void We had lots to do while we waited. We dug out Shooter’s accessories, bought food, and built a doghouse for him to grow into. Two days dragged by like two weeks, but finally everything was set and we brought Max home.

We do not feel guilty that we got another dog. Shooter was unique and we loved him as unconditionally as he loved us. He taught us how rewarding a dog’s friendship is – how each person gives something different to their dog and receives it back tenfold.

Max helped Shooter's family learn how to love again.

Max brought laughter and joy back to our home. He fills our hearts and enriches our lives. As heartwrenching as it will be when he also has to leave us, we know we will yield to the compulsion to begin the cycle again, to adopt another canine friend who will be just as special as Max and Shooter.

Pet Heaven

Professional & compassionate pet cremations and burials Coordinated caring vet assisted at-home euthanasia

416-635-PETS (7387) We are here for you from home or hospital

24 hours a day, 7 days a week Toronto & surrounding areas

www.torontopetheaven.com animal wellness

85

what’s gnu?

Give me a paw

There are a variety of ways to memorialize your favourite dog or cat. One popular method is to make an impression of his paw print. Now, you can turn your beloved companion’s footprint into a pure silver necklace, bracelet or key ring, thanks to Pawprints Jewelry.

Here’s how it works: when you place an order, the company sends you its Paw Impression Kit, complete with a clay mold for your animal’s footprint. Once the mold has dried, you send it back to the company, and they use it to create a beautiful paw print keepsake with your animal’s name inscribed on the back. www.pawprintsjewelry.com

Word of mouth

A good diet can go a long way towards keeping your animal’s teeth and gums in good shape. Pet Naturals of Vermont makes the job even easier with its Oral Health for Dogs and Cats. The product comes in powder form to be sprinkled on your animal’s food and is especially formulated to help control plaque formation, support gum health and keep teeth clean and breath fresh. www.petnaturals.com

Mellow out with massage

It’s an undisputed fact that massage is as healing for our animals as it is for us. The Northwest School of Animal Massage offers training in animal massage for dogs, cats and other animals. The classes are designed not only for those who wish to become professional practitioners, but also those who just want to treat their own companions. Classes combine traditional studies with hands-on massage and interactive exercises. www.nwsam.com

The complete dog bed

Most dogs appreciate their own bed to crash on after a busy day of running and playing. DogBedWorks takes its product line to a new level with the Bones Dog Bed Frame. Designed to be used with the company’s Shrimpy Nest bed, Bowser Round bed, or other compatible circular bed, the frame is made from environmentally friendly wheat board with decorative maple veneer dog bones and non-skid rubber bumpers to keep the bed from sliding. Available in three sizes. www.dogbedworks.com

86

animal wellness

Crystal healing

Gems and crystals emit vibrational energies that can have a healing effect on the body. Animal Amulets offers a unique line of Animulet jewelry handcrafted from a wide range of stones, from amethyst and quartz to jade and turquoise. Each stone features a sterling silver or gold setting and a clip you can fasten to your animal’s collar. The pieces not only give your animal a gentle healing boost, but they look gorgeous too. www.animalamulets.com

Staying in balance

Going organic?

It’s not always easy to find organic food for your animal companion, but a growing number of companies are making it more accessible. One is Evanger’s, which recently added Organic Braised Chicken for Dogs and Cats to its line of Super Premium foods. The cat diet contains organic chicken and chicken liver, brown rice and blueberries, while the dog food is whole dressed organic chicken simmered in natural well water. www.evangersdogfood.com

A healthy immune system is crucial to your animal’s well being. Legacy for Life can help keep your best friend’s immunity in balance with its immune26® Companion for Life dietary supplement for dogs and cats. Derived from pure egg protein, immune26® is a special patented formula that provides your animal with important immune-balancing components.

The supplements also contain vitamins and minerals as well as glucosamine for joint health. The cat formula includes taurine, an essential feline nutrient. www.healthypetsmatters.com

Fresh and clean

If you have animals, you sometimes have to deal with odor problems. Instead of using harsh chemicals or products that only mask smells, Nature’s Original Odor Gone concentrate from Clean Life Technologies contains living microbes that feed on organic waste, quickly and effectively eliminating the odors associated with them. Just add the concentrate to filtered, bottled, or well water and spray affected areas. www.happy-planet.com animal wellness

87

l ove

Maui's "Boo Boo Zoo" Inspired by love, this island refuge cares for

injured and orphaned animals

by Ann Brightman

A

nyone who says that love doesn’t have healing properties hasn’t met Sylvan and Suzie Schwab, co-founders of the East Maui Animal Refuge (EMAR) on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Their story began 30 years ago, when the couple first met and fell instantly in love. But right from the start, theirs wasn’t a typical romance.

“After knowing Suzie for a month, I found out she’d moved to Maui because she had terminal cancer and didn’t want her family to find out,” says Sylvan. “As it turned out, I had come to Maui with another couple, one of whom also had an inoperable tumor, and we’d been researching alternative treatments for her.” Sylvan and his friends located a doctor who used alternative modalities to successfully dissolve the woman’s tumor. Sylvan decided to take Suzie to the same practitioner.

“He told us that part of Suzie’s treatment was to find the will, need and desire to get up every day,” Sylvan explains. “We’d been taking trips to the pet shop every weekend, and Suzie always wanted the sick animals hiding in the corner that the store didn’t want to sell. So I started collecting sick little critters for her as occupational therapy.”

Nursing her new charges gave Suzie the strength and motivation she needed to keep going, and her cancer miraculously went into remission. But the couple didn’t stop caring for “sick little

88

animal wellness

Opposite page: Suzie and Sylvan have devoted their lives to helping animals in need. Above: Animals of all kinds find a caring home at the refuge.

critters,” and the East Maui Animal Refuge was born.

“There are several organizations for dogs and cats on Maui, but we’re the only wildlife rehabilitators,” says Sylvan, adding that the refuge is licensed by the State and Federal Department of Fish & Wildlife to rehab threatened and endangered species. Most of the wild creatures they work with are birds, endangered and otherwise. “The main endangered species we get are the Hawaiian owl and occasionally some seabirds. We’re not allowed to return any mammals to the wild because Maui, being an island, has limited space.

But because we’re a no-kill facility, these animals have a home with us for the rest of their natural lives.” The same applies to any domestic animals the refuge doesn’t adopt out.

“We actually do minimal adoptions. I prefer to encourage people to save a life by getting a cat or dog from the local Humane Society rather than re-locate one that already has a home with us. Those animals who do get adopted usually go to volunteers who fall in love with them.”

”

Today, EMAR serves as a home and rehabilitation sanctuary for between 400 and 500 injured or orphaned animals, ranging from birds, deer and other wildlife to cats, dogs, a couple of miniature horses, and domestic livestock such as goats and pigs. Because it specializes in caring for animals with “boo boos” of one kind or another, EMAR has come to be affectionately known as the Boo Boo Zoo (www.booboozoo.org).

The animals are housed in various compounds and enclosures, including an aviary for the birds and a facility for cats with AIDS and leukemia. “Last year, we got a small grant for a long-term care facility for our cats because the current one has been overgrown,” says Sylvan, adding that the refuge is currently housing 100 felines. “Cats are a huge thing on Maui. I heard yesterday that there are an estimated 500,000 on the island, which really blew me away.

There are hundreds of feral colonies that are being controlled and maintained by various other organizations.”

”

“We actually do minimal adoptions.

I prefer to encourage people to save a life by getting a cat or dog from the local Humane Society rather than re-locate one that already has a home with us."

Although many domestic animals as well as cats find a home at the refuge, the sanctuary focuses primarily on wildlife.

Sylvan and Suzie currently have 15 devoted volunteers helping them care for the hundreds of critters at EMAR. There is no paid staff, and the sanctuary is funded entirely by donations. “Two-thirds of our volunteers have been with us more than five years and some have been here as long animal wellness

89

as 15 years,” says Sylvan. “It seems once they start working here, they’re hooked!”

When asked which animals in his care Sylvan finds most interesting, his answer is the deer. “Right now, I’m sitting next to two crippled deer who have a permanent place in our living room,” he says. “For most people, if they ever get to see a deer it’s an experience. But I have a very close relationship with them, which is a

privilege most people don’t get. Deer aren’t unusual animals, but it is unusual to have them follow you around, lick you and curl up next to you.”

With this level of love and dedication, it’s no surprise that EMAR has been going strong for so many years. It’s truly a love story with a happy ending, both for the Schwabs and the hundreds of animals in their care.

API HEALTH Joint relief for pets

API HEALTH liquid manuka honey with bee venom or chewable tablet works wonders for arthritis in dogs, cats and horses. The result is a natural anti-inflammatory action similar to the drug cortisone without the undesirable side effects.

API HEALTH pet honey contains the optimum dose of honey bee venom for pet pain relief.

To see even better results combine this with our BORUTUTU capsules for your pet’s liver cleansing programme.

Your pet will thank you for it!

Available at Herbies

Herbs

556 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON, M5V 2B5

416 504 5755 www.herbies-herbs.com

Do not use if your pet is allergic to bee stings or bee products.If your pet is on heart, blood pressure or diabetes medication, seek medical advice prior to use.

90

animal wellness

1-847-637-DIVA (3482)

www.bowiewowie.com DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES WELCOME

The language of

miracles i

by Amelia Kinkade

I met Dr. Bernie Siegel after he gave an extraordinary keynote at the San Francisco for the Kinship of Life Conference in July of 2000.

Like a cross between the Pied Piper and Dr. Dolittle, Bernie lectured on the healing properties of animals, their importance as teachers and friends, and how dramatically they have transformed human lives.

When I bumped into him in the elevator and told him I was an animal communicator, he was wary, but he kept

animal wellness

91

fashionable

functional

comfortable!

The Hug-A-Dog® Walking Harness Built with your dog’s comfort and safety in mind. Form-fitting, easy-on, no straps to untangle or rub your dog. Tranfers “pulling pressure” to body of harness.

Many colors and patterns.

We can fit any breed from teacups to giants! www.hug-a-dog.com 800.444.9475

Mention ANIMAL WELLNESS for free shipping!

“If you're alive, tell me what you see!"

I begged. Then, I decided to go directly to the source. an open mind: “Well, if she says she can talk to animals, I wonder if she really can…”

Three days later, he called to find out.

He was near tears when he described his emergency: his son’s declawed housecat, Booboo, had been missing in coyote territory for a week and a half. He’d been house-sitting for his son, Jeffrey. Booboo had disappeared when a friend was moving some furniture out an open door. Was she still alive? Could I find her?

I gave Bernie my common sense, how-to-find-a-cat lecture. A house cat will escape into the great outdoors where other cats have already sanctioned their territories.

I felt Booboo was trapped “down under” a house where another cat was standing guard, refusing to let her out. I didn’t give myself any credit for “tuning in” to Booboo, because this behavior is rote. It is almost always the case with lost cats. I suggested Bernie go out with a can of tuna after dark and look under houses, calling down low.

A couple of days passed and I got another plaintive e-mail from Bernie.

I succumbed to give this case a shot if he could mail me a picture of Booboo.

But Bernie was so overcome with grief, he couldn’t bear to search for a

92

animal wellness

photo of Booboo in his son’s house.

The only clue I had that Booboo was still alive was a name I “picked up” while on the phone with Bernie.

“Who’s Michael?”

I asked. There was a feeling of longing attached to the name.

“Michael is Booboo’s vet,” Bernie explained.

That gave me an indication that Booboo was alive and that I had made contact.

Later that day, I picked up a notebook, flopped down on the couch and started praying out loud.

“Booboo, if you’re alive, tell me what you see!” I begged. Then, I decided to go directly to the Source.

“God, command my hands. Please show me where this cat is.” My hand started to write.

I jotted down a page of notes that looked like this: “I see her as very lithe with a triangular head. I feel like when she left your son’s house, she went to the LEFT. Which means, if you were standing inside his house looking out the front door, if you were to exit the house, you would go to the left. I don’t feel like she’s been very far away. Uphill. She says her favorite food is tuna. I hear the names Michael, Bobbi, Margaret, Simpson, Terri/Teresa, Steven.

“She’s seen two dogs in someone’s backyard – fenced in. A big one and a little one. She saw red brick and ivy and a black metal gate. She’s been hiding down low, in a garage

or under a house. She’s seen large white stones around concrete steps or a patio.

“Close to home. Wants to come home. Thirsty, found some food one night. Hungry. Wants to come home to Jeff. Cold at night.

“Big black cat has her trapped.

White paws. Lots of wild dogs in the neighborhood at night. (Coyotes?)

She’s seen a ‘fountain’ in stones in someone’s yard. Fear in chest. Wants to see Michael. Pine trees, pine cones on the ground. Ate by dumpster/ garbage cans once. Ran from ‘sprinklers’ in yard.”

I psychically body-scanned her for major injuries and didn’t find any, only fear and hunger and a feeling of being banged up. When the transmission stopped, I looked down at the page of notes. They were very specific. If I was off, I was off by a country mile. “Steven.”

My eyes settled on the name.

No, I could be wrong, I chided myself. I can’t take this risk. In an attack of cowardice, I put the notes aside and tried to dismiss it all from my mind.

I had never read any of Bernie’s books, so a couple of days later, I went to the bookstore and bought Love, Medicine and Miracles. That night, I opened the book and read the dedication, “I’d like to thank my children…Stephen.”

My knees buckled. “Steven!” Bernie had given me no other names but that of one son, Jeffrey. And he thanked his wife, “Bobbi.”

In a final moment of desperation, I ran out into my back yard.

Gazing up into the summer sky, I mentally reached out for the little cat and called out to her: “Look up, Booboo! Look

up! Can you see the moon?”

I heard her voice ringing like a bell over the thousands of miles between us.

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

“Yes,” she said. “I see it!”

My eyes welled with hot tears.

“Are you all right?” I asked her.

“Yes, but he won’t let me out.”

Once again, I saw the dark cat with the white paws holding her hostage under the house. I felt her fear and hunger. I gave myself a kick in the head for making her suffer needlessly, before I ran to my computer and e-mailed Bernie the page of notes.

The next day, I saw a message in my inbox from Bernie entitled, “SUCCESS!” When Bernie read my e-mail, he recognized many of the names, so he printed out the letter and followed my directions like a map. He went out the front door, to the left, up a hill, under Jeff’s very own house which had sprinklers in the yard and cat food by the dumpster surrounded with pinecones. Two dogs had been kept in the backyard, fenced in.

One was still there, and one was a memory. In the front yard was a “fountain,” an aerated pond where Bernie’s dark cat with white paws, appropriately named “Meanie,” was holding Booboo hostage under the house. Bernie called down low, and heard little Booboo answer with a frightened meow. Absolutely elated, Bernie scooped her up and took her home. It was the happiest homecoming of his life!

An abridged excerpt from The Language of Miracles (copyright 2006) by Amelia Kinkade, published by New World Library, Novato, CA, www.newworldlibrary.com.

Now wetter is better! Thanks to Diane’s Little Lambs & Raingear Fun and fancy apparel for the human companion!

100% waterproof natural rubber Full net lining and non-slip sole

831-621-1732

www.dianeslittlelambs.com Overnight delivery available.

Are you looking for: • Pet Sitters who are Registered Veterinary Technicians • Pet Sitters who are Certified in Pet First Aid • Pet Alternative Therapy – Acupuncture, Animal Communication – Pet Massage, Aromatherapy, etc.

• TTouch Practioners • Specialized Cat Care • Doggy Day Care • Pet Grooming • Exotic Pet Care • Dog Training

OR

Simply a Loving Companion for your pet while you are away for the day?

Nannies4Pets.Com strives to bring you the most complete and the most comprehensive pet care service options available!

4Pets Inc.

Humane Solutions

Nannies4Pets.Com

Pet Care Provider Directory Contact@Nannies4Pets.Com

animal wellness

93

BOOKreviews Title:

Heavenly Paws

Author:

Linda J. Austin

After being struck by a series of devastating losses, including those of her two beloved dogs, Max and Melody, author Lynda J. Austin turned to metaphysical books and psychics for comfort. Her subsequent experiences opened up a whole new world of spiritual discovery and led to the publication of Heavenly Paws: A Beloved Dog is Reborn.

The theme of the book revolves around the reincarnation of Max, but it also contains nuggets of wisdom about what we can learn from our dogs, as well as a celebration of the wholly natural cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Presented through a series of simple but thought-provoking short stories, Heavenly Paws is a testament to the power and importance of love and the abiding strength of the human-animal bond.

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Title:

The Goldsteins' Wellness & Longevity Program

Authors:

Robert S. Goldstein, VMD and Susan J. Goldstein

As more and more of us turn to alternatives to conventional veterinary care, the demand for information on holistic health for dogs and cats continues to grow. Written by veterinarian Robert Goldstein and holistic health expert Susan Goldstein, The Goldsteins’ Guide to Wellness & Longevity for Dogs and Cats is a complete guide to natural health approaches for animals.

A wide range of issues are covered, from the importance of a strong immune system to the problems of over-vaccination. There are chapters on nutritional supplements (the “spark plugs of health”), as well as alternative treatments for everything from skin and GI disorders to cancer and kidney disease. You’ll also find information on natural modalities such as homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and flower essences.

An invaluable resource for anyone who wants to care for their companion in a more natural way.

Publisher: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.

94

animal wellness

Title:

The Underdog

Author:

Julia Szabo

To those who love them, mutts are truly one of a kind. If you agree, you’ll want to read The Underdog: A Celebration of Mutts by Julia Szabo.

This engaging, delightfully-illustrated handbook is the ultimate guide to everything mutt lovers need to know about their favorite dogs.

The book includes a pictorial family tree designed to help you determine your mutt’s lineage, and also gives you important information on how to adopt or rescue a shelter dog, many of which are mutts. You’ll find fascinating anecdotes about mutt-loving celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore and Matthew Broderick, alongside practical tips on everything from grooming and walking to dog beds and canine fashions.

Perfect for dipping into, The Underdog is a goldmine of useful information and entertaining tidbits.

Publisher: Workman Publishing Company

Title:

The Year of the Cat

Author:

Laura Stamps

“There is a place behind a cat’s ear as sweet as summer jasmine…” So opens “Daybreak,” the first poem in The Year of the Cat by award-winning poet and novelist Laura Stamp. Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, this collection of nearly 60 poems celebrates the deep connection the author shares with her feline friends.

From “Two Bowls of Cat Food,” in which Laura describes the antics of neighborhood strays as they eat the meals she leaves out for them, to “Cat Pause,” a tribute to the simple joy one of her house cats takes in playing with a soap bubble, each poem is an evocative portrait of the feline allure and the many lessons we can learn from it.

The author’s unique gift for language and observation makes reading The Year of the Cat a visual and spiritual experience as well as a literary one.

Publisher: Artemesia Publishing

animal wellness

95

animal

wellness magazine

ad spots

food & treats

If you would like to advertise in ad spots, please call: 1-866-764-1212 TREATS TREATS TREATS!

All Natural, Handmade, Fresh Baked-To-Order World-famous doggy “ice cream” bowl – Mikka’s Ciotola di Gelato Speciale!

Come shopping for that special pet in your life!

www.snoutsbakery.com

Shown to reverse aggressive behavior

30%

Longer life expectancy* less feeding*

No artery clogging animal fat, animal meal, or other animal by-products

HERBS • VITAMINS • FREE URGENT ADVICE!

*NIH 2002 with inferior pet food.

communicators

Heavenly, homemade dog treats!

Menus for Dogs, Cats, and Horses…

Everything from training treats to fancy after-dinner desserts!

World’s Best Value for the Longest Living Pets

96

food & treats communicators retailers — etailers health products & services educational (schools & Training) pet loss grooming accessories miscellaneous atlanta california

800-659-0104

• www.petfoodshop.com

Maia Kincaid Ph.D Animal Communication bringing joy to pets & their people

Maia with baby Galapagos tortoise.

928-282-2604

www.maiakincaid.com animal wellness

• Resolve behavior & health challenges.

• Know your pet’s wishes in transitions & passing. After passing contact.

• Enhance your pet communication.

Maia also works with humans in regards to relationships, careers, health & the fulfillment of their dreams.

CONSULTATIONS ARE DONE BY PHONE OR EMAIL

• Extremely Low Fats • Cake-In-A-Jar for Dogs • Heaven Scent Pizza • NonWheat Choices • Premium Ingredients • Preserved with Vitamin E.

www.blissfulbiscuits.com

order onlin e!

communicators

Lynn McKenzie

Animal Communication & Energy Healing Phone Consultations, Workshops, Teleclasses and After Death Readings

• RESTORE HEALTH • RELIEVE STRESS • ELIMINATE BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS

416-219-3803 • 250-656-4390

lynn@animalenergy.com • www.animalenergy.com

Your Pets #1 Choice for Wellness and Lifestyle Products www.Botanicaldog.com www.Botanicaldog.ca

A full range of natural and organic products.

Free shipping on select items.

Grooming Products Only – Canadian Distributor. Wholesale Inquiries Welcome.

Specializing in raw food diets, all natural dry & canned pet foods.

Books on natural pet health, a large selection of pet supplements, organic pet treats, toys & much more!

www.tailblazerspets.com

(403) 265-7088

7, 1420 9 Ave. S.E., Calgary AB

•FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES•

(403) 375-0944 105 18 Arbour Lake Way N.W., Calgary AB

North West Naturals Organic & Wildcrafted Apawthecary

Finest herbal ingredients for your animals and you at realistic prices .....................

• deodorants HERBAL •• extracts anti virals • flea remedies • salves • coat spritz

www.north-west-naturals.com

Profits support animal rescue: happytailsrescue.com

animal wellness

97

retailers – etailers

The intelligent choice.

The healthy choice.

(r)etailers

HOLISTIC PETCARE BY WHISKERS

for all your pets’ Nutrition & Supplies Dogs / Cats / Birds / Small Animals / Fish • Vitamins • Herbs • Supplements • Raw Food Diets • Skin Care • Allergies • Bones & Joints • Cleansers • Treats • Toys • Books • Videos • CD’s 212.979.2532

235 E 9th St. New York, NY 10003

FREE DELIVERY / MAIL ORDER CATALOG

health products & services

1.800.WHISKERS

Shop online at:

1800whiskers.com

California Veterinary Supply

• antibiotics • eye & ear products • nutritional supplements • natural & alternative products • wound care products New to our website!

Many all natural treats along with irrisistable • no prescriptions required toys and custom gift baskets all at great prices!

• flea & tick supplies Call or visit our website today!

800.366.3047 www.calvetsupply.com • and much more!

Your best internet source for quality veterinary supplies at low prices!

Join us and make a difference!

Remote energetic healing programs for your pampered pets: A mere $10 for 4 sessions! (anywhere in the world).

We can energetically: •Enhance the immune system of your pets to keep them strong and healthy •Create an emotional balancing for your furry friends to keep them centered and happy.

Marion White PhD

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

Turn Back the Clock for your Best Friend!

• For Cats Too • Reverse Aging • Great Tasting, Chewable • Reduce Vet Bills • Promotes Hip And Joint Health • 100% Complete Nutritional Support • Put The Bounce Back In Their Step!

• ABSOLUTELY NO Fillers/Steroids/Added Fat

QXCI/EPFX/SCIO Biofeedback /BioResonance

310-375-6766

www.Harmoniyum.com

Anaflora Flower Essence Therapy for Animals Help restore physical, emotional and spiritual balance in your animal companion. Created by animal communicator Sharon Callahan, the specialized formulas include: Return to Joy: for abuse of any kind Recovery Remedy: for physical trauma and emotional shock Tranquility: for everyday nervousness Harmony: for the introduction of a new animal or human baby Relocation: for moving stresses Aggression: for the overly aggressive dog Special Stress: for relief in stressfull situations

To order, call the Animal Store at1-866-926-1245 or visit anaflora.com

BEFORE

Holistic Veterinary care for all creatures!

FREE SAMPLE! Now you can try before you buy!

Heartland Veterinary Services

Send coupon to: PAWMAX P.O. Box 65, Hamlin NY 14464

Dr. Gail Jewell 1-888-622-8300 • www.holisticvet.ca

Cut this coupon and send it in with $2.95 for shipping.

For complete product information or convenient online ordering please visit our website:

www.pawmax.com

98

animal wellness

Internet consultations and appointments available in the lower mainland and the Okanagan

• promotes a balanced immune system • maintains healthy joints & aids in digestion • packed with vitamins, minerals & glucosamine • 20 years & $50 million in research & development • patented worldwide 90 day money back guarantee!

Contact Connie at: 541.269.7759

connie@healthypetmatters.com www.healthypetmatters.com

MEMORY FOAM BEDS... comfort they deserve too!

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.

S M L

Order online today!

24” x 18” x 2” 30” x 40” x 4” 36” x 42” x 4”

health products & services

immune26

www.fourpawssleeping.com

also available at Barks ‘N Wags, 4140 Dundas W., Etobicoke, Ontario

Rids pets of fleas, flies, ticks, & mosquitos the natural way.

WE GUARANTEE IT! Simply add it to your pets’ food or water – order today! 800-361-7344

www.allnaturalfleafree.biz • www.allnaturalfleafree.com

POST- SURGERY OR INJURY?

di

an

Custom-made braces & wheel chairs address the need for short and long term treatment of joint and spinal injuries and to improve the quality of life for companion animals.

na

Formulated from years of highly effective Colorpuncture Chromatherapy treatments, these 10 potent, easy-to-apply mists now make it possible for you & your pets to experience the powerful benefits of color healing at-home.

FLEA FREE!

Ca

success with pain, infection, skin conditions, detoxification and even emotional issues!

animal

rehab services

Specializing in custom-made braces and wheelchairs

800-678-9291 • www.animalrehab.on.ca animal wellness

99

health products & services

The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Information Centre

pet loss

My Crystal Companion

www.smilingblueskies.com Home of Smiling Blue Skies Ceramics and Limited Edition Gifts NEW Jewelry line!

Supporting Precious People and Pets

2004 recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada Silmaril Kennel Trophy, for the human/animal bond.

ALL proceeds to canine cancer treatment and research,University of Guelph, Pet Trust: In Memory of Blues.

Cremains of the life you love, captured in crystal

A beautiful way to remember

www.mycrystalcompanion.com 732-458-8700

Vegan Palm Wax Gift-boxed Candle with personalized gift card $19.95 plus S&H

100

animal wellness

educational (schools & training)

Don’t Panic It’s Organic!

Organic Gardening shows and more!

Andy Lopez, The Invisible Gardener Check webiste for details...

www.InvisibleGardener.com

Invisible Gardener, P.O. Box 4311, Malibu, C A 90264

Rocklyn Limited ~ Established 1991

EXCEPTIONAL ANIMAL CARE THROUGH EDUCATION Animal Massage Certification Program – Home Study Available Pet First Aid Certification Course Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedies Workshops Massage services & herbal consultations for companion animals & horses For information, registration or to book an appointment please contact:

705-435-6174 • www.treetops.on.ca

Six years of Animal Wellness Magazine

$

29.95

*Canadian customers $34.95 incl. tax & shipping.

Call 866-764-1212 or

visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

Your best friends deserve the BEST!

grooming

Natural Health and Nutrition CD

For all of your grooming needs please visit

www.freshpetclub.com or call us at

818-342-6451

animal wellness

101

accessories

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

Seat Surfin’ Seat Covers

lightweight, water, sand & hair repellent.

Also available for bucket seats and RV couches! See options online at:

www.soggydog.ca

Paw Prints Shop Pet Boutique HELPS PREVENT INJURIES TO YOU AND YOUR PET!

miscellaneous

The only adjustable, shock-absorbing leash!

Buy yours today at: www.saf-t-leash.com

102

Your one-stop-shop for all of your pampered pets’ needs.

www.pawprintsshop.com

animal wellness

Sittin’ Pretty

™

The “Attractive” Cat Litter Basket

• Natural Color Willow Basket

GET PREPARED! Visit our webiste today: www.barfdirect.com

• Superior quality acrylic liner completely protects willow basket

MEOW WOW!!

miscellaneous

The Pet Survival Sack

• Stain & odor resistant • Cleans easily with mild soap & water • Generous size: 23 1/4” x 18 1/4” x 5”

Sittin’ Pretty Cat Products Los Angeles, CA

www.sittinpretty.com

“Animal Land Pet Movers, the way we treat pets is moving.”

• door-to-door service • domestic and international • fully bonded and insured • licensed by the USDA 877.379.8625 • www.petmovers.com

Insured, Bonded, Certified Animal First Aid, Member GNPP (Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters) & PSI (Pet Sitters International).

Serving Smyrna, Vinings, Austell, Mableton, & selected parts of Marietta.

Golden Choice A complete Natural Raw Diet, truly cares about the longevity and quality of life of your companions. We take a special pride in knowing that our food is above the rest.

7 7 0 - 3 8 0 - 0 2 8 6 • i n f o @ s i t - n - s t ay. c o m

For the best in nutrition and or more information call Golden Choice 770-262-0053

w w w. s i t - n - s t a y. c o m

www.goldenchoice.20m.com or gcpfoods@comcast.net animal wellness

atlanta

“In Your Home Pet Sitting”

103

atlanta

To locate a pet sitter in your area, visit us at: www.georgiapetsitters.com “The Most Trusted Pet Care Professionals in Georgia”

The Pet Food Store

Delivered to Your Door 6,60

0 sq ft pl ay area!

Doggy Daycare, Boarding & Grooming Do-It-Yourself Wash Solid Gold & Eagle Pack Dog Food 8 Live Web Cams

california

www . pawsplayhouse . com I C PawsAbilities 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

104

animal wellness

Tired of running out of dog or cat food?

Tired of lugging heavy bags of pet food home?

Want an all natural premium pet food delivered right to your front door at about the same price as your pet store?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then Hungry Paws is the company for you!

Ask For Your Free Sample Today!

678.388.9433

www.hungrypaws.com Hungr y Paws is locally owned and operated

Holistic Animal Healing Nutritionist & Animal Homeopath “Great Life” Pet Food & Products

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

california

DYANNA McCAIN, DVET HOM

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

w w w. l o s t p e t d e t e c t i o n . c o m

The Legacy of Love Calling for stories!

The Original Shock Absorbing Leash System.

Inspirational book under development on animal transition/passages.

Designed in Australia over 10 years ago, Now in the USA!

Topics include: • Gifts of love shared • Transition experiences • Revelations & epiphanies • Nurturing through the process of dying • Rites/ceremonies used in crossing over • Grieving and loving again

• Neoprene Collars • Harnesses • Fold-a-bowls • Frisbees • Doo Bags Australian OAKWOOD Pet Products • Anti-Tangle Spray • Deodorant • Shampoo • Conditioner SUPPLYING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

760-275-3752

www.doggystuff4u.com

Contact:

www.DonnaStrong.com

YOU CAN HELP! DONATE / FOSTER /ADOPT

Visit our website today to see the many ways you can help abused, abandoned or unwanted Labrador Retrievers in the Central Valley.

A Home for Your Lab, A Lab for Your Home

Internationally Known Animal Communicator

LY D I A H I B Y

Want to learn to talk to animals and get answers?

Semester Schedule – Southern California Please contact our office for future dates

. ly d i a h i b y . c o m

To advertise in Ad Spots call 1-866-764-1212

PAWS & CLAWS Where hip dogs & cool cats shop, & bathe too...

“Conversations with Animals”

Phone consultations are available Action, CA • (661) 269-4647

www.cc-labrescue.org

A Natural Pet Food Store & Bathhouse

Published Author of:

www

Central California Labrador Retriever Rescue

Available: Gift Certificates, Groups, Lectures, Ranch Calls & Phone Consulations

California Coastal Horse Rescue

Natural calming aids available for summer travel, separation anxiety or other behavioral issues. Call for info: 2023 MacArthur Blvd. (2 blocks west of Fruitvale) Oakland CA (510) 336-0105 • Tues-Thurs 10-7 • Fri & Sat 9-6 • Sun 12-5 • Closed Monday

Second Chance For Rabbits An all volunteer non-profit corporation

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

805-649-1090

www.calcoastalhorserescue.com

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

animal wellness

105

EVENTS CALENDAR May 26-29, 2006 – Mississauga, ON June 24-25, 2006 – Victoria, BC July 15-16, 2006 – Ashland, OR Animal Communication & Healing Workshops With Animal Intuitive Lynn McKenzie. Awaken to the divine mission of animals. Classes include Animal Communication 1 &2, Flower Essences for Animals, Medical Intuition for Animals and Crystal Healing for Animals. Teleclasses are also available for those who can’t travel. Check the website or call Lynn for specifics and exact Calgary AB dates.

Lynn McKenzie • (250) 656-4390 (pacific time) www.AnimalEnergy.com • lynn@AnimalEnergy.com

June 3-5, 2006 – West Chicago, Il Evaluation & Ethics in Animal Massage This class examines evaluation of animals as candidates for massage and also as athletes; it includes instruction in sports massage along with business and ethical issues for practitioners and a visit to a shelter to work with animals there. Limited to twenty participants.

Companion Animal Touch & Therapies • (847) 782-1963 amtil@amtil.com companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com

June 3-4, 2006 – Rochester, NY Helping Animals 101 Helping Animals 101 is a two-day conference packed with information and advice for people who want to turn their compassion for animals into action. Whether you’re new to the animal protection movement or have been active for decades, this conference is for you! At the conference, you will join members from all over your community to hear presentations on topics such as how to improve your local animal shelter, speaking out for animals, and starting your own group. After the completion of the conference, you will be able to confidently write letters to the editor, stage a demonstration, and debate animal rights with your friends and the media alike. We will also show you how good vegan food can taste by preparing your favorite comfort foods, like faux fried chicken. And every attendee will also receive a goody bag full of our favorite cruelty-free products.

Rebecca Cafaro • (323) 644-7388 helpinganimals101@peta.org www.HelpingAnimals101.com

June 9 -11, 2006 – Grafton, WI Evaluation & Ethics in Animal Massage This class examines evaluation of animals as candidates for massage and also as athletes; it includes instruction in sports massage along with business and ethical issues for practitioners and a visit to a shelter to work with animals there. Limited to twenty participants.

Linda J Strewlow, Blue Sky Edu • (262) 692-9500 registrar@blueskyedu.org companionanimaltouchandt herapies.com

June 23-25 2006 – Mississauga, ON Ferret Aid 2006 Join ferret lovers and experts from around the world!

Topics include; complementary/holistic medicine, ferrets as therapy pets, surgical techniques, nutrition and more. Speakers include Ann Martin author “Food Pets Die For”, Dr. Karen Purcell author “Ferrets; a guide for Practitioners”, Dr. Mike Garner, Dr. Deni Lyn Parker of the TV show “Campus Vets” Dr. June McNicolas, Scottish medical psychologist and more! Open to ferret lovers and veterinarians. CE credits provided for 13.5 hours to both American and Canadian veterinarians and American Techs.

Randy Belair • (416) 251-4333 randy@ferretaid.org • www.ferretaid.org

July 7-9, 2006 –Del Mar, CA Make-A-Wish Foundation® Hosts “Wags for Wishes” The Largest Dog Show on the West Coast and a Doggone Good Time! DEL MAR- The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego presents the 4th annual Wags for Wishes, the largest and most comprehensive dog show on the west coast. Pet lovers from across the country will gather at the Del Mar Horsepark for this one-of-a-kind, three-day event. The event proceeds will be used to grant wishes to children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. Wags for Wishes takes place July 7-9 and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all three days. The event is open to the public and dogs are also welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and on leash. Admission is $5 and free for children age 12 and under. Parking at the Horsepark is $8. The Del Mar Horsepark is located at 14550 El Camino Real, just south of Via de la Valle in Del Mar. For more information: (858) 707-9474 www.wagsforwishes.com

July 11-August 29, 2006 – Milwaukee, WI Introduction to Small Animal Massage Tuesday evenings 7-10pm (eight weeks). This class is focused on teaching massage techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner. Prerequisite to the Evaluation & Ethics class. Limited to eight participants.

Companion Animal Touch & Therapies •(847) 782-1963 amtil@amtil.com companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com

July 12-August 30, 2006 – LaGrange, IL Introduction to Small Animal Massage Wednesday evenings 7-10pm (eight weeks) This class is focused on teaching massage techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner.

Prerequisite to the Evaluation & Ethics class.

Limited to eight participants.

Companion AnimalTouch & Therapies •(847) 782-1963

Post your event online at: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/events 106

animal wellness

amtil@amtil.com companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com

July 15-16, 2006 – Miami, FL Helping Animals 101 Conference Miami Helping Animals 101 is a two-day conference packed with information and advice for people who want to turn their compassion for animals into action. Whether you’re new to the animal protection movement or have been active for decades, this conference is for you! At the conference, you will join members from all over your community to hear presentations on topics such as how to improve your local animal shelter, speaking out for animals, and starting your own group.

After the completion of the conference, you will be able to confidently write letters to the editor, stage a demonstration, and debate animal rights with your friends and the media alike. We will also show you how good vegan food can taste by preparing your favorite comfort foods, like faux fried chicken. And every attendee will also receive a goody bag full of our favorite cruelty-free products.

Rebecca Cafaro • (323) 644-7388 HelpingAnimals101@PETA.org www.helpinganimals101.com

August 26, 2006 – Manhattan, NY National Dog Day The First Annual National Dog Day Parade 2006, coming to New York! Bring your dog! Wag Your Flag!

Meg Hanks • (360) 379-2656 info@nationaldogday.com • www.nationaldogday.com

September 16-17, 2006 – North Lake Tahoe, CA Art Bark Fest – Animal Art & Wine Fest BARK IF YOU LOVE ART! Visit gorgeous Lake Tahoe and enjoy sipping fine wines and browsing fine art underneath the peaks of Squaw Valley. The Art Bark Fest was created to combine the love of art & wine with the love of animals and is one of the only animal themed fine arts and wine festival in the country. The artwork varies from the work of Cholla the horse that paints abstract watercolors to a jeweler who creates a 14K gold necklace from your own dog’s nose imprint.

The fine wines will also be animal themed – from Rosenblum’s Côte du Bone Blanc, Château La Paws to Mutt Lynch Winery’s Unleashed Chardonnay.

Throughout the day enjoy live music, dine, shop for art, or just relax and enjoy the fine wines from several renowned vineyards. Benefit for Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe & Squaw Rescue Dogs.

Lori or Rob • (530) 583-WAGS artbarkfest@tailsbythelake.com www.thebarkfestival.com

classifieds Alternative Therapies THE CRANIO CONNECTION – Offering Craniosacral Therapy and the Tellington TTouch Method for horses and companion animals, to help your animal achieve optimal health through physical and emotional balance. Tracy Vroom, www.cranioconnection.com, info@cranioconnection.com (917) 913-1676.

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 (315) 329-0116 INSPIRING ANIMAL MESSAGES – Allow your own animals, dolphins, whales, any species, alive or in spirit, to offer Inspired Guidance in your life. Personal coaching from animals sharing their Unconditional Loving Wisdom.

Satisfaction Guaranteed Morgine (360) 247-7284 morgine@tds.net www.communicationswithlove.com 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.

PATRICE RYAN, ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR & INTUITIVE HEALER – Featured Television Appearances and Magazine Articles. Open the communication between you and your pet.

Telephone Readings and House Calls.

(818) 241-2624 www.celestialcrystals.com

Animal Health NORTHWEST NATURALS – NATURE’S FARMACY – Formulated for Mutts & Men, nags & hags and YOU too! Zero artificial ingredients, herbal extracts, immune support, biomagnetics, anti-viral, deodorants, spritzes, salves, shampoo.

Restore your health naturally. Profits support animal rescue. www.north-west-naturals.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 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.happypetproducts.net (877) 690-1866.

SOUL MATES – Offering animal homeopathy, Reiki, Bach Flower essences, animal communication helping acute, chronic, emotional and behavioural issues. Private sessions, workshops, phone consultations. Debbie Betts, (905) 689-5757, gbetts@cogeco.ca, or http://home.cogeco.ca/~gbetts/ all-natural DOG skin care Product – Jake’s Remedy – The MIRACLE SPRAY! Heals Hotspots, Dermatitis, Abrasions and more.

Promotes Hair Growth. Also carry skin care products for CATS & HORSES. (877) 973-8848, FrogWorks@att.net WWW.FFROGWORKS.COM.

Dog Itch? “Hot Spots”? Ugly Rash? – Petaseptic Lotion has been healing skin irritations from insects and parasites since 1926. It’s pure ingredients kill bacteria, prevent infection, cure “hotspots”. Satisfaction guaranteed! (866) 597-5498. www.petaseptic.com Dealers welcome.

Associations REGISTER NOW! www.iaamb.org Attend the 3rd Annual Educational Conference of the Int’l Assn of Animal Massage and Bodywork, June 15-17, 2006, Boulder, CO. Ten influential speakers including authors Dr. Temple Grandin, Animals in Translation, and Maryjean Ballner, Dog and Cat Massage for Fun and Profit. (800) 903-9350

Books & Publications Strengthen your FIV+ cat with natural treatments. Feline Aids: A Pet Owner’s Guide offers simple instructions on immune boosters and treating symptoms. FIV is NOT a death sentence. $14.95 felineaids.org

Business Opportunities 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 guardians. Full training and support. Free details. Call Michelle at (866) 827-8614. www.oxyfreshww.com/michelle/ ALL NATURAL CANDLES – HOME-BASED BUSINESS. 3 Different Ways to Make Money.

100% Natural and Non-Toxic. (877) 850-2312 or www.allNATU.com. Free incredible sample.

Product purchase is also available.

EXPERIENCED REIKI TEACHERS AND PRACTITIONERS WANTED – If you’re interested in the expanding field of Animal Reiki, please contact the Animal Healing Institute at (510) 524-5600 or email info@healingforanimals.com.

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.

Holistic Breeders 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

RIGHTWAY PERSIAN CATS – CFA standard size and miniature size (10” tall). Breeding purebreds since 1972. I feed only natural foods – always have, always will. Fully guaranteed.

Will ship. (718) 625-6540

Holistic Veterinarians EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC – A variety of holistic healing services are available to our patients, including: Homeopathy, Hair Analysis, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Computerized Organ Stress Immune Testing, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Nutrition, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Paul McCutcheon (416) 757-3569 Fax (416) 285-7483 eyac@ca.inter.net www.holisticpetvet.com ESSEX ANIMAL 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 MARGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER – Dr. Mark Newkirk, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Metabolic Nutritional Analysis, Ozone Treatments, Laser Pain Therapy, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination), Nutritional Supplement programs based on your own pets’ blood tests, Alternative Cancer Therapies.

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

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.

Pet Loss & Support NEW PET LOSS VIDEO/DVD – “Healing the Grief of Pet Loss” available at www. griefandlosshelpsongletter.com/indexpetlossdvd. htm Powerful strategies to help you cope with more ease. 75 minutes, $19.95, or contact Marcia at marcia@griefandlosshelp.com

Pet Portraits 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

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.

PETMASSAGETM helps dogs create balanced “inner environments”. Learn how. Workshops/ Home Study Courses New Children’s DVD’s, teach doggie massage, canine body language, safety. (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 ACADEMY OF DOG GROOMING ARTS – Certified by Illinois State Board of Education. Award winning I.S.C.C. Master Pet Stylist Instructor. Day and evening classes. C.P.R. seminars. Advanced Scissoring classes. Government funding/VA approved. Student housing. (800) 333-9034. www.academyofdoggrooming.com.

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.

animal wellness

107

Animal Wellness Magazine Volume 8 Issue 3

display and ad spot advertisers

quick reference guide to our advertisers 4Pets Inc. ................................................................................93 Ad Mark Com/Wild Kitty Cat Food .......................................96 Advanced Vapor Technologies .............................................82 Airport Park’N Bark ................................................................56 Alternatives For Healing ......................................................100 American Anti-Vivisection Society .......................................29 American Bio Sciences Inc. ...................................................41 American College of Applied Science ................................101 Amixx Pets ..............................................................................96 Amore Pet Foods ....................................................................27 Anaflora ...................................................................................98 Animal Ambassador Int’l .....................................................100 Animal Amulets ......................................................................25 Animal Energy ........................................................................97 Animal Food Services Inc. .....................................................56 Animal Land Pet Movers .....................................................103 Animal Lights ..........................................................................99 Animal Lovers Pet Shop ......................................................104 Animals Plus LLC/Anxiety Wrap ..........................................94 Animals Rule Placement Foundation .................................105 Ark Naturals ..............................................................................5 Art By Mel ..............................................................................103 Azmira Holistic Animal Care .................................................82 Bancroft School of Massage Therapy ................................101 Barf Direct.com ..............................................................43, 103 Bark Avenue ...........................................................................77 Better Marketing Solutions/Nature’s Perfect Oil ................46 Biologic Vetnx ..................................................................14, 61 Blissful Biscuits ......................................................................96 Blue Ridge Bones ............................................................54, 92 Bogar AG .................................................................................36 Bonnie Blumenfeld, RVT ........................................................99 Botanical Dog .........................................................................97 Bowowow & Dogma .............................................................101 BRAVO! ....................................................................................39 Breeder’s Choice ....................................................................37 Cal Pet Crematory Inc. ...........................................................78 California Coastal Horse Rescue ........................................105 California Veterinary Supply .................................................98 Canadian Animal Rehab Services ........................................99 Canine Caviar Pet Foods, Inc. ...............................................62 Carter Craft Ltd. ....................................................................102 City Cats Biz ............................................................................90 CIZL International ...................................................................90 Conscious Talk Radio ............................................................58 Cordial Canines ......................................................................73 Country Pet Foods ..................................................................31 Creative Pet Supply ................................................................95 Cycles of Life ...........................................................................15 D3 Pet Productions ................................................................92 Dan Irvin Photography .........................................................104 Dewey’s Wheelchairs For Dogs ............................................98 Diane’s Little Lambs & Raingear...........................................93 Diva Doggie..............................................................................90 Dixie Dig LLC. .......................................................................102 Dog Bed Works .......................................................................53 DoggieFood.com ....................................................................22 Eagle Pack Pet Foods ............................................................53 Energy Therapy ....................................................................100 EnLighthouse, Inc. ..................................................................85 Essex Cottage Farms .............................................................83 Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. ...............................................3 Evolution Diet Pet Food Corp ................................................96

108

animal wellness

EZ Dog California ..................................................................105 Flea Free ..................................................................................99 Floral Spirit ............................................................................105 Four Paws Sleeping ...............................................................99 Fresh Pet Club, Inc. ...............................................................101 Full Petential, Inc. ...................................................................63 Furry Angel ............................................................................100 Georgia Pet Sitters Assoc. ...................................................104 Get Serious! Products .............................................................13 Glen Highland Farms .............................................................95 Golden Choice .......................................................................103 Great Life Performance Pet Products ..................................48 Green Tripe.com .....................................................................30 Happy Pet Products, LLC .....................................................100 Happy Tails Animal Rescue ..................................................97 Harmoniyum ...........................................................................98 Healthy Pet Systems ........................................................10, 39 Heart of my Heart Pet Boutique ............................................49 Heartland Vet Services...........................................................98 Herbie’s Herbs ........................................................................90 Holistic Animal Healing.........................................................105 Houndstooth ...........................................................................78 Hungry Paws .........................................................................104 Hydro Dog ...............................................................................59 IC Paws Abilities ...................................................................104 Iceland Pure ............................................................................32 In Clover, Inc. ..........................................................................81 Infrared Heat & Massage for Dogs .......................................44 Ingalls Art ................................................................................65 Inman Park Pet Works ...........................................................56 Invisible Gardener .................................................................101 Jabula Dog Academy .............................................................55 Jeffrey’s Pet Food ...................................................................78 K9 Companions ......................................................................54 Keep Fleas Off ........................................................................80 Kelly-Ann Ridge ......................................................................97 L.A. Faux Grass .......................................................................74 Larz Equipment Inc. ...............................................................49 Lebalab Inc. ............................................................................25 Legacy for Life ........................................................................99 Little Lotus Hearts ...................................................................75 Lost Pet Detection ................................................................105 Lydia Hiby - Animal Communication ..................................105 Maia Kincaid Ph.D. .................................................................96 Mass Mutual/Michel Financial Group .................................112 Moe Toys .................................................................................97 MVP Laboratories, Inc. ..........................................................94 My Crystal Companion .........................................................100 National Animal Supplement Council ..................................20 National Dog Day Foundation ...............................................58 Natural Canine ........................................................................97 Nature’s Variety ......................................................................21 New World Library .................................................................65 Nickers International, Ltd. .....................................................64 Northwest Naturals ..................................................................7 Northwest School of Animal Massage .................................89 Nu Hemp Products/Kicx ........................................................30 Nutro Products, Inc. ...............................................................67 Only Natural Pet Store ............................................................19 Optimum Choices, LLC. .........................................................39 Oxyfresh ..................................................................................65 Patio Pacific Inc. ...................................................................102 Paul’s Pet Food .......................................................................66

Paw Prints Shop ...................................................................102 Pawmax ..................................................................................98 Pawprints Jewelry ..................................................................49 Paws and Claws ...................................................................105 Paws Playhouse ...................................................................104 PawSteps ................................................................................49 Pet Heaven ..............................................................................85 Pet Naturals of Vermont ....................................................9, 11 Pet Planet Resort & Day Spa ...............................................103 Petlane ...................................................................................105 Pets & People Home Finders ...............................................105 Pets At Play .............................................................................68 Photogruffs ............................................................................104 PolyMVA ..................................................................................46 Primal Pet Foods, Inc. ............................................................59 Priscilla’s Pet Products ..........................................................40 Proper Nutrition Inc. ..............................................................111 Prozyme Products Inc. .............................................................2 Psychic Vet ............................................................................104 Robbins Pet Care ....................................................................99 Sea Quest International .........................................................98 Second Chance for Rabbits .................................................105 Silver Eagle Outfitters - Advanced Design & Comm. ..........99 Sit-N-Stay ...............................................................................103 SitStay.com ............................................................................29 Sittin’ Pretty Cat Productions ..............................................103 SmartPak Canine ..................................................................24 Smiling Blue Skies ................................................................100 Snouts Bakery ........................................................................96 Soggy Dog Manufacturing ...................................................102 Solid Gold .................................................................................17 Sonia Alexandra Inc. ..............................................................65 South Bark Dog Wash ...........................................................78 Spirit Talk Magazine ............................................................102 Steve’s Real Food, Inc. ..........................................................47 Tail Blazers ..............................................................................97 Tails by the Lake/Art Bark Fest ............................................26 Talking Pets Radio .................................................................39 Tall Grass Publishers ............................................................101 Terri Steuben ..........................................................................96 The Good Dog Company ......................................................102 The Honest Kitchen ................................................................36 The Integrated Animal ..........................................................101 The Musical Rainbow ...........................................................100 The Pet Basket .......................................................................56 The Plant Mill Gifts & Garden.com .......................................97 The Urban Carnivore ..............................................................82 The Wholistic Pet ....................................................................40 Timberwolf Organics ..............................................................38 Treetops Rocklyn Limited ....................................................101 Tripett .......................................................................................16 Triple Pet ................................................................................100 Trips with Pets ........................................................................24 V-dogfood, LLC. ......................................................................32 Veterinary Medical Specialists .............................................22 Veterinary Surgical Associates ............................................22 Water Rover/G4 Ventures, Inc. .............................................35 Well Beings - Senior Cat & Dog Products ............................97 Wendals Herbs .......................................................................98 Whiskers Holistic Pet Products .............................................98 YappyHappy.com .................................................................102

awm bulletin board Give them a round of appawse!

Kids and animals share a special bond.

So we were pleased when the Children’s Montessori School in Peterborough, Ontario chose Animal Wellness Magazine for a recent fundraising effort. Students from 3 to 13 years old participated, selling subscriptions to family and friends over a six week period. Half of the subscription fee was donated back to the school, which will use the funds to help build a new playground.

Kudos to all the students who took part, and especially to top fundraiser Ainsley Wilson, age 9, who sold an amazing 13 subscriptions. Second and third place honors go to David Duong, age 10, and Quinton Chiapperino, age 8.

AWM out and about Visit us at the following shows!

• Woofstock: June 10-11, 2006 St. Lawrence Market, Toronto www.woofstock.ca • National Dog Day: August 26, 2006 Hotel Pennsylvania, Manhattan, NY www.nationaldogday.com

!

29.95

$ inCcl.DOtaNxN$&3Ls4hYip.9pin5g

Left: Top fundraiser Ainsley Wilson shares a smile with her two Golden retrievers, five-year-old brothers Mac and Ben.

If you know of a school that would like to participate in a fundraising project, please contact us at (866) 764-1212.

Thanks for sharing Thank you to everyone who completed our reader survey. Your comments will help us plan future issues of Animal Wellness.

Congratulations go out to Jan Lee of Toronto Ontario, who won the Animal Wellness Gift Basket in our Survey Contest.

Attention subscribers: Renew Animal Wellness Magazine Online Today!

It's fast and planet-friendly!

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/subscription

Don't miss our next issue...

Aug./Sept. issue on stands July 18, 2006

SPECIAL ALLERGY ISSUE: • How humans can cope with animal allergies • Top 10 ways to combat allergies • Ear problems • Asthma revisited • Complementary treatments for cancer • Home grooming tool kit • Beneficial bugs • Hot weather safety tips • Intestinal parasites and de-worming • Biofeedback therapy • Water safety for dogs • Pet etiquette when travelling • B vitamins – which ones your animal needs and how much • Colloidal silver animal wellness

109

Climbing every mountain

by Ann Brightman

I am not an adventurous person. My idea of a good time is to sit reading in the backyard, and I’m probably the only person in the world who actually enjoys pottering around the house on Saturdays doing laundry, cutting grass or putting paper through the shredder. Not so my cat, Renny. He may be my furry soul mate, but when it comes to fun and excitement, he leaves me eating dust.

We adopted Renny from the local shelter.

He was one of a large litter of small gray kittens who had the habit of curling their tails over their backs like so many tiny monkeys. As soon as the cage was opened, the kittens poured out in all directions, tails aloft and eyes sparkling with the anticipation of discovery. But exploring the shelter wasn’t challenging enough for Renny. As I knelt on the floor, he instantly scrambled aboard my lap and clawed his way up the sleeve of my coat to perch on my shoulder like a mountaineer conquering Everest.

That was eight years ago, but Renny has never lost his a d ve n t u ro u s spirit. For him, no corner of the basement is too remote, no shelf or ledge too soaring. The next people to buy this house will wonder why some eccentric went around the cellar nailing bits of plywood over every gap

they could find. Only a fellow cat lover would guess it was to prevent Renny from climbing into the ceiling or worming his way through the ductwork. Our living room drapes still bear witness to his many vertiginous forays to the Land of Curtain Rod; the perforations left by his claws create a striking constellation effect when the drapes are pulled on bright afternoons.

These days, we’ve been working on the house so Renny no longer tackles curtains and ceilings; his main role now is as Household Project Manager. Whether we’re decorating a room, cleaning out a closet or assembling a shelf, Renny is there, supervising the job and taking time out to knock tools on the floor or inspect empty cardboard boxes.

When he’s bored with supervising, my more adventurous friend is busy training for the world’s first ever feline car-racing event. Vanishing into the depths of the basement, he announces himself with a few loud chirps and mews, then rockets up the steps at warp speed, ricochets off the wall and hurtles with breath-taking velocity through the kitchen, down the hall and under my bed. Occasionally he’ll make a quick pit stop at the scratching post, giving the rest of the household a few seconds to clear the track and scramble to safety.

I can’t help thinking there’s something I can learn from Renny. Perhaps it’s time I introduced the zest of adventure to my own life. Then again, I have just as much fun wondering what this feline daredevil will get up to next. And maybe one Evil Knievel in the family is enough.

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

110

animal wellness

animal wellness

111

We’ve Been Keeping Promises For Generations, and You Can Too. Life insurance is purchased for many reasons. It can lend a helping hand by reducing your taxable estate, providing for loved ones in the event of your death, and giving to tax-qualified organizations. If charitable giving is one of your important lifetime goals, life insurance can be the vehicle to keep that promise.

You deserve a company with the financial strength* and stability to be there when you need it most.

MassMutual is that kind of company. We’ve been a reliable life insurance and financial management resource for families and businesses for over 150 years, even during tough financial times.

Contact MassMutual Financial Group at 1-800-767-1000 x47796 and ask about Charitable Giving.

* Our exceptional financial strength is underscored by ratings that are among the best in any industry: A.M. Best Company, A++ (Superior); Fitch Ratings, AAA (Exceptionally Strong); Moody’s Investors Service Inc., Aa1 (Excellent); Standard & Poor’s Corp., AAA (Extremely Strong). Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company. Ratings as of 02/01/06. Ratings are subject to change. © 2006 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA. All rights reserved. www.massmutual.com MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing designation (or fleet name) for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliates.

112

animal wellness

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

R

E

G

I

O

N

Photo: Zoocheck.

agibson@animalwellnessmagazine.com

ONTARIO Rob Laidlaw and Zoocheck are champions of wildlife protection

by Ann Brightman

Rob takes time out of his busy schedule to catch up on some literature at the Zoocheck office.

S

ome people are born animal lovers. It’s certainly true of Rob Laidlaw, co-founder and director of Zoocheck Canada. Asked when he first discovered his interest, Rob replies it’s something that’s always been with him.

“I had the usual small domestic animals growing up, such as fish and guinea pigs, but that wasn’t the impetus for my interest,” he explains. “I’ve liked animals as long as I can remember. I would write away to all the animal rights and animal welfare groups for information, so I was aware of a lot of these issues when I very young.”

As an adult, Rob started putting his interest into action. Through the late

1970s and early ’80s, he became involved in several local animal welfare initiatives, including slaughterhouse investigations, and was also instrumental in starting up Ark II, a non-profit animal rights group that’s still going strong today.

In 1984, Rob and a couple of his colleagues began investigating zoo issues, and Zoocheck Canada (www. zoocheck.com) was founded. “As the name suggests, it’s a watchdog group for wildlife-in-captivity issues, although we’re not strictly focused on zoos,” Rob says.

“We also deal with the exotic pet trade and animals in performing situations.

What a lot of people don’t know is that we’re also involved with wildlife

issues in the field. We’ve raised money for anti-poaching units in Kenya, given money for studying whales on the Scotian Shelf, and conducted campaigns to save wild horses.”

Currently, Rob and his staff are working to get two orphaned grizzly bears from Alberta into a rehabilitation program that will determine whether or not they are suitable candidates for release back to the wild. “There are tons of agencies involved, and we have to deal with many preconceived notions about rehabilitation, and a lot of reticence on the part of governments, so it’s not simple. But we feel it’s important, not just for these two bears, but because it

animal wellness – ontario region

i

will set a much larger precedent for the use of rehabilitation when official agencies are ‘disposing’ of wildlife.”

Along with investigation and advocacy, Rob puts a lot of emphasis on research work. “If you don’t know your facts and figures upside down and backwards, you really can’t make a lot of headway,” he explains. “People will say you mean well, but that’s about it.” Public awareness campaigns and education initiatives are another big part of what Zoocheck does. “We’ve produced materials for journalists, university students and other groups and activists. And we’ve done events where we bring in speakers to raise awareness of the environment and animals.”

Past speakers have included such stellar names as Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Richard Leakey and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

���������������������

ii

animal wellness – ontario region

One of Rob’s personal goals is to substantially increase the number of animal protection campaigners in Canada. “The movement here in Canada is quite small and grossly underfunded, so hopefully I can play a small part in turning that around.” He adds that although it’s easy to get discouraged because of the many roadblocks and the painfully slow rate of change, it’s vital that people continue their efforts. “Every time someone speaks out, writes a letter, participates in a protest or runs a campaign, it has an effect. People may feel their efforts are not making a difference, but they are. The effect of individual action is cumulative and does result in change. It is very important that people know that.”

Adopting a new cat?

Photo: Deborah Donda

Don’t overlook the adults

by Deborah Donda

Y

ou find yourself at your local animal shelter, having decided to adopt a homeless cat. Like shelters everywhere, those in Ontario are often overflowing with felines. As you stand looking around at the dozens of cats, your eye is continually drawn to a cage in the corner containing six fluffy kittens – all with big, pleading eyes, all adorable beyond words.

Perhaps you have your eight-year-old in tow and he’s tugging at your coat and saying, “Mommy, look at the kittens!”

It’s almost impossible to resist the vision

of your youngster holding one of those fluffy balls of fur. Before you give into temptation, however, can I point out a few things you may not be considering during this emotional moment?

The decision to adopt an otherwise unwanted, abandoned or perhaps abused animal of any age is commendable.

It was a decision you made with careful thought and perhaps a family discussion. Now, take a long, hard look at the adult cats around you. Is there one in particular calling out to you? Is there one rubbing on the bars, rolling

on her back, inviting you to pet her, to hold her? I understand that she is two years old. I also understand that your little boy is almost hyperventilating at the thought of a kitten. But keep in mind that you are making a decision concerning a living, breathing creature.

Your decision must be based on fact and educated research, not made emotionally or spontaneously.

An animal is a lifelong commitment.

Cats can live to be 18, 19 and sometimes more than 20 years old. Long after your child has grown up, gone to college, and

Does your dog suffer from one or more of these problems?

• DRY SKIN • EXCESSIVE SHEDDING • ALLERGIES • DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS • ARTHRITIS • GOOPY EYES • GINGIVITIS can help.

• DOGGY ODOUR Available at select retailers.

BY

D E S IG N I N G H E A LT H, IN C .

TRI-NATURAL PRODUCTS INC. • 1-800-267-6028 • www.trinatural.com Fromm Family Pet Food • Active Life • McIntosh Pro Line • The Missing Link • Whole Food Toppers

iv

animal wellness – ontario region

Purity that you can see.

Purity that pets love.

relax unwind

KEEP FEEDING YOUR DOGS! Spring clean up time is here!

enjoy

This year why don’t you leave the job to the professionals? You can enjoy a nice pot of tea instead.

Our staff is friendly, fast and efficient.

Pets welcome in waterfront resort cottages, doggie-beach, great off-leash areas, walking trails... many comforts! Only 90 minutes from Toronto.

FOR DOGS AND CATS Also available in beef, salmon and liver.

AVAILABLE AT SELECT RETAILERS. Tri-Natural Products Inc. 1-800-267-6028 • www.trinatural.com

Give us a call, and book your spring up today. We’ll even bring the tea!

416-410-POOP

www.POOP-PATROL.com www.

705-939-6995 • www.rainbowcottagesresort.com/pets

animal wellness – ontario region

scoop@poop-patrol.com

v

animal wellness – ontario region

v

“

“

Retail Opportunity for Pet Lovers

perhaps even married and had children of his own, you may still have this cat. She is

Take a second look at that older cat. You can see she is gentle and affectionate.

and will continue to be your responsibility, not your child’s. In fact, the novelty of a new kitten will wear off on most youngsters within a week of having the animal home.

More than 70 unique stores specializing in natural and wholesome pet foods with a full range of pet care accessories. If you currently own a pet food store or you’re looking into opening one and would like to explore how a buying group of this size can dramatically improve your margins and grow your overall sales please call...

Jim Walker 1-866-463-4124 www.globalpetfoods.ca

With almost 70% of Canadian households having pets, this unique opportunity has been steadily growing with more than 30 years of excellence.

30

Something else to consider is a kitten’s inability to control her sharp little claws.

Young children and kittens, with the exception of the odd Kodak moment, are not a good mix. Often, a young kitten doing nothing more than being playful can inadvertently injure a child. Conversely, a rambunctious youngster can sometimes get a bit rough and may accidentally hurt the kitten.

Take a second look at that older cat. You can see she is gentle and affectionate.

Perhaps she has already been spayed. She meets all the criteria you had ever hoped for in a loving animal. The kitten is mouthwateringly cute, but will he be affectionate when he grows older?

CELEBRATING

YEARS!

Over 30 years of Excellence Since 1976

Visit any one of our more than 70 stores in 6 Provinces (PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta) for

Spectacular Anniversary Specials!

For your closest store call us at

1-800-495-2206 vi

animal wellness – ontario region

Don’t get me wrong. I love kittens. I have rescued hundreds of pregnant moms and cared for thousands of kittens during my lifetime. I agree they are cute and adorable. Like babies of all species, they are designed to tug at the heartstrings.

But when I look back at some of my best moments of cat rescue, my favourite is when my then seven-year-old son was sound asleep with his 12-year-old cat. She mothered him in ways I can only dream of and, yes, preserve on film.

DEBORAH DONDA HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN ANIMAL RESCUE FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS AND IS CURRENTLY THE PROPRIETOR OF THE CAT’S PYJAMAS, A CAT RESCUE, HOTEL AND SITTING SERVICE IN TORONTO. SHE HAS TEN RESCUE CATS OF HER OWN, AS WELL AS SIX CHILDREN AND TWO DOGS. WWW.THECATSPYJAMAS.CA

Photos: Peter Organa

Capturing the canine soul has become a life’s work for this photographer

by Charlotte Walker

A

little soul inside. “That’s what makes me tick.”

down,” says Peter. “My profession was no more.”

He adds that his journey into the dog photography business has also been a journey of self discovery to save that

The journey began 20 years ago, during which Peter worked in the photo industry to become an expert in photographic printing. “That road ended when the digital technology revolution turned the whole photographic world upside

Determined to continue working in his chosen field, Peter discovered a government funded program for new entrepreneurs called SEB. “With enough money to survive on and three months of intense training as a businessman,

sk Toronto-based pet photographer Peter Organa if dogs have souls, and his answer is no. “Dogs are souls,” he says. “Do we have souls? Yes. Soul is the little dog inside us.”

®

fights bacteria, freshens breath and whitens teeth naturally Formerly Denta-Fresh®, Nature’s Dentist® is a flavourful powder that you sprinkle on your pet’s food. A great way to help combat periodontal diseases and improve oral hygiene. Available at select retailers.

Tri-Natural Products Inc. • 1-800-267-6028 • www.trinatural.com animal wellness – ontario region

vii

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 petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behaviour problem today!

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

www.animalbehaviour.ca

viii

animal wellness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ontario region

salesman and accountant, I had a chance of opening my own photographic studio.”

Before being accepted into the program, however, Peter had to write a business plan, and then write an even better one at the end of the course. “As it turned out, it was not just an exercise. It became my anchor. The goals I outlined in my plan became my guiding light.”

At the time, Peter had not yet begun specializing in pet photography. “As a trained studio photographer and wedding pro, I knew all about photography, but had never actually worked with dogs.” Everything changed when his son decided to get him a puppy. “At the same time, he also started a job as a

PET FRIENDLY! Please call now and

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

37 King St. E. Toronto, ON M5C 1E9

Peter’s goal is to capture the soul of the dogs he photographs.

(416) 863-9700

www.toronto.lemeridien.com

computer programmer and lent me the money to purchase my first digital camera. He was able to guide me in learning the new technology.” This serendipitous turn of events set Peter on the road to where he is now.

Peter was encouraged by his first portraits of his puppy. He soon began visiting dog parks and photographing all the canines his puppy socialized with. “I offered freebies and at-cost enlargements to people for permission to photograph their dogs, and that way began collecting photos for my portfolio.”

As he continued working with his new subjects, Peter’s desire to capture the canine soul became his motto and stylistic trademark. As time went on, his photos were accepted for exhibitions and given awards in contests. “The word spread of an upstart Beaches area dog photographer – the ‘Baryshnikov of dog photography,’ as one lady put it, because of my strong accent.”

Opportunities to promote his work came from a variety of sources. “Bark & Fitz let me photograph their customers’ dogs on Christmas and Valentine’s Day and then displayed my work,” Peter explains. “The Beaches Library and Pam’s Coffee also showed my photographs and later asked for more. Dog lovers with an eye for photography, mostly media people, began buying my stuff and encouraged my efforts. Some even offered help in publishing the photos.”

While Peter admits he’s not yet rich and famous, he’s busy, happy and excited. “I’m in the middle of the most terrific adventure of my life,” he enthuses.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PETER ORGANA PET PHOTOGRAPHY, VISIT WWW.ORGANA.CA/PET OR CALL (416) 261-7349.

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

Fromm Merrick Innova Wellness Zupreem and more!

We also carry a FULL LINE of pet supplies Licensed & Certified Finishing Groomers All breeds No tranquilizers used

Come on over!

Guildwood Village Shopping Centre 123 Guildwood Pkwy.

(At Livingston Rd)

(416) 724-1637 animal wellness – ontario region

ix

Photo: Martin A. Crevier

Raising the bar on

by Cecilia Hersey

agility training

I

f you’ve ever attended an agility trial, you’ve probably marveled at how effortlessly the dogs seem to race through the obstacles. In fact, agility requires serious teamwork between dog and handler. The dog can be moving at speeds of almost five yards a second, so the handler doesn’t have a lot of time to get into position and cue him to the next obstacle. And because the distance between obstacles is only about 15 feet, the dog has very little time to recognize and act on the cues.

A well-executed run appears smooth and effortless, but actually requires years of training. Fortunately for both dog and handler, training methods have changed significantly over the years.

x

Photo: Simon Faucher

existence that long. It started in England in 1978 as an “extra entertainment” at the Crufts International Dog Show, and from there became a fledgling sport in Britain. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1986, and to Canada in 1988.

Back then, agility training was carried out primarily by a method called compulsion. This involved forcing dogs to perform desired behaviors by pulling on the leash or pushing them onto/into an obstacle, and punishing them if they failed to carry out the handler’s wishes (yelling “NO!” or “popping” the dog with the leash). Most handlers did not enjoy the training, and many dogs were unable to cope with it. Some developed avoidance behaviors in the ring, causing increasing frustration for handlers.

Early techniques weren’t dog-friendly

A step at a time

Although agility is now a globally recognized sport, it hasn’t been in

Nowadays, most agility trainers use positive, reward-based methods that

animal wellness – ontario region

break the required behaviors into small, easy-to-accomplish steps. It used to be common, for example, to introduce dogs to the See-Saw by pulling them over it at full height, pausing at the pivot point, and then forcing them to step forward and tip the plank to the ground. This approach caused many dogs to fear the See-Saw. Today, introducing a dog to the See-Saw takes many small steps.

Typically, the dog is first introduced to a “Wobble Board” (a 4’x4’ piece of plywood that sits on a small 1.5” ball).

The “Wobble Board” tips just a bit as the dog walks across it, teaching him to expect things to move beneath him.

The dog is rewarded with treats or a toy every time the board moves.

Once the dog is comfortable, the size of the ball is increased to 2”, 4” and finally to 6”. The dog learns to shift

his center of gravity as the board moves, so he is comfortable standing on the board regardless of the amount of tip.

The dog is next introduced to a plank resting on a 2”x4” crosspiece. The dog is first asked to step onto the end of the plank, pushing

“

Breaking the behavior down into small steps allows the dog time to get used to the obstacle, and results in very confident performance.

“

it to the ground (and earning a reward).

Once the dog is happily bashing the plank to the ground, he is asked to walk across it, tipping it at the center. The crosspiece is then increased to 4”x4” and the dog repeats the “ramp bashing” and “walking the plank” behaviors.

Only when the dog is happy on the plank is he introduced to the See-Saw. At first, it’s set very low (about 12” off the ground at the center). One end is set on a low table, so the other is only about 2” from the ground. The dog is asked to repeat the “ramp bashing” and “walking the plank” behaviors. The See-Saw is then raised, an inch at a time, until the dog is comfortable performing the obstacle at full height.

Breaking the behavior down into small steps allows the dog time to get used to the obstacle, and results in very confident performance. Every agility obstacle can be introduced using the same premise: start with a simple behavior that any dog can easily accomplish, and reward it lavishly.

Slowly increase the level of challenge, always watching the dog for signs of concern or wariness and being prepared to go back a few steps to make it easier for the dog. This technique sets the dog up to succeed, thus ensuring that he enjoys the experience and is happy, even anxious, to do it again!

CECILIA HERSEY IS A FULL-TIME AGILITY INSTRUCTOR. SHE AND HER HUSBAND DEL OWN DREAM FIELDS, AN AGILITY TRAINING CENTER NEAR OTTAWA. WWW.DREAMFIELDS.COM animal wellness – ontario region

xi

Photos: Melanie Davies

Why your dog’s health care team should include a groomer

by Melanie Davies

Bathing can help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.

S

kin conditions are an issue for many dogs, especially during the summer. All too often, however, dogs are prescribed harsh medications to solve problems that could be corrected by proper grooming and nutrition.

If your dog is prone to skin or coat conditions, his health care team should include a professional groomer as well as a veterinarian.

Early signs of illness often appear through the skin

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. Hair growth occurs in cycles. That’s why your dog may still be shedding a week after a groom. The skin also rejuvenates every 21 days, which leads to a buildup of dead cells on the surface. Sebaceous fluid from the hair follicle combines with sweat to create sebum. Sebum coats the skin and hair to form a protective mantle. It also combines with dead skin cells, dust and debris to form dander. Excess sebum leaves a dog greasy and smelly.

As the largest organ, the skin’s responsibility is to protect the body. It also serves as a filtration system, pushing toxins out of the body to the surface.

When a dog’s body is stressed, hot spots, flaking, scabs, sores and cysts often appear on the skin. These symptoms can indicate specific internal problems.

For example, excessive shedding and dandruff may warn of hypothyroidism.

Many skin conditions such as seborrhea and dandruff can be easily controlled by regular grooming and bathing. If your dog is flaky and/or greasy, try having him professionally groomed before heading to the vet. Ensure the groomer is using a pH-balanced shampoo suitable for your dog’s skin type and condition, and that your dog gets a fluff dry. If the dog still has symptoms immediately

after the groom, it is highly likely that they’re caused by an internal condition requiring veterinary attention.

Strategies for healthy skin Dealing with skin and coat care issues requires commitment and cooperation between guardian, vet and groomer. It’s not just what you put on the dog, but also what you put in – or don’t put in, as the case may be. Many dogs lack the essential nutrients and fatty acids necessary for proper cell function and healthy skin.

Many others are simply lacking proper skin stimulation and grooming.

Most skin problems can be minimized or even eliminated by integrating the following steps: Start with a health assessment by a holistic vet.

Feed your dog a fresh, natural diet of wholesome foods; offer variety for optimum nutrition.

Supplement necessary vitamins and minerals (your vet can help you with this).

Add essential fatty acids such as wild salmon oil and vitamin E. Brush your dog at least once a week to stimulate skin, loosen dead hair, and help the skin to breathe.

Have a holistic groomer regularly cleanse

xii

animal wellness – ontario region

Subscribe today

WIN

and you could your choice of 27 amazing prizes!

Subscribe to Animal Wellness Magazine and choose from weekend getaways to gift certificates to spa packages and so much more!

10,r0iz0es0!

$

Subscribe by June 10th 2006 for your CHANCE TO WIN!

Over

in p

Weekend getaway at the King Ed ward Ho tel for you a nd your anim m al. closures fro

Cat en

en The Cat’s D

Weekend getaway at Lake

Get six issues of Animal Wellness for only $24.95. That’s 30% off newsstand!

Draw takes place June 11th 2006 at Woofstock in a NEW exciting location – St. Lawerance Market area, Toronto, Ontario. Winners to be announced in the August/September issue!

Edge Co

Dog training

for you a ttages n your anim d al

from

Life’s Ruff

Poop sco o for a mo ping nth from

Poop Pa trol

Prizes include: $

200 - $500 value

Happy Tails for Cats & Dogs An overnight stay for you and your animal. www.happytails.on.ca King Edward Hotel A weekend stay at a 5 star hotel for you and your animal. www.lemeridien.com Lake Edge Cottage Weekend getaway for you and your animal. www.lakeedge.com

Red Umbrella Inn A two night stay (in a jacuzzi cabin) for you and your animal. www.redumbrellainn.com Summer Park House Weekend getaway for you and your animal. www.summerhousepark.ca The Cat’s Den Small animal enclosures. www.thecatsden.net Nu Hemp Hemp supplements for your dog. www.kicxnutrition.com

Rainbow Cottages $ Weekend getaway for 100 - $200 value you and your animal. www.rainbowcottagesresort.com Petopia Walking/sitting/training. www.petopia.ca/info.html

Call or go online:

Animal Behaviour Services A session with a certified behaviourist. www.animalbehaviour.ca Global & Ryan’s $100/$50 gift certificates. www.globalpetfoods.ca Peter Organa Pet Photography & portraiture. www.organa.ca/pet Essex Cottage Urban Wolf/King Raw and prepared food for your dog or cat. www.urbanwolf.cc Tri-Natural Premium food for your dog or cat. www.trinatural.com

$

25 - $100 value

Poop Patrol Poop scooping for a month. www.poop-patrol.com

Angel Scent Aromatherapy One canine massage session Life’s Ruff and/or two aromatherapy Dog training. pet care packages. www.lifesruff.ca www.angelscent.ca Doggie Detailing Dr. Maggie Grooming for your dog.

Pet Food Supplements www.doggiedetailing.com Products for your dog or cat.

Big Dog Bakery www.drmaggie.ca Gourmet treats. www.bigdogbakery.com Canine Wellness Center Therapeutic or Second Tub recreational swimming A dog grooming www.caninewellness.com day at the spa. www.secondtub.com Mountain Dog/Cat Food Gift basket & food.

Canine Life www.mountaindogfood.com Raw food for your dog. www.theskyesthelimit.com

Critter Comfort Animal massage. www.critter-comfort.com Bow Wow & Dogma Holistic grooming for your dog.

(416) 780-0544 Vet Biologic $100 gift certificate for your dog or cat. www.biologicnr.com/ biologicvetnx

1-866-764-1212 or www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/awsubscribe

your dog’s skin to detoxify and purify it; this reduces harmful bacteria and yeast. Conditioning the skin and coat moisturizes, rebalances and soothes.

What else can a groomer do?

There’s no place like home for your cat to roam!

Groomers do not diagnose disease, but they can help recommend solutions for skin health maintenance.

A good groomer is a trained professional who sees every inch of your dog’s skin and body at regular intervals, and can notice slight changes that may indicate health problems.

Enjoy the best of both worlds.

The freedom of the outdoors and the safety of the indoors.

Indoor-only cats can suffer from boredom and obesity.

However, thousands of outdoor cats are killed each year by traffic.

And many more are victims of animal attacks and human abuse.

Now you can keep your cat safe with

The Cat’s Den

outdoor pet enclosures!

Our unique modular pet enclosures are Easy to assemble Maintenance free Escape proof Suitable for all types of properties -- EVEN APARTMENTS

For more information call 1.866.484.0644 or contact us at www.thecatsden.net

HAPPY TAILS The Muskoka retreat, for the furry elite!

• huge natural dog parks • woodland trails • open meadows • dog adventure trips • puppy pottery class • paw-print painting • swimming

He or she sees every type of skin, coat, and parasite problem on virtually all breeds.

Skin and coat assessments and medicated baths are integral grooming practices.

A professional groomer knows how to prepare a dog so that bathing is effective; for example, brushing first to remove dead hair.

He or she knows how to dilute and apply shampoo safely and thoroughly, paying special attention to problem areas; shampoo must have contact with skin to be effective.

The groomer will also condition the skin and coat, which is critical for neutralizing oily and/or flaky skin.

Your dog’s coat is thoroughly rinsed; any residue can be detrimental and irritating.

The groomer safely and quickly dries your dog, minimizing stress and chills.

Professional groomers are skilled at fluff drying, essential for reducing yeast and bacteria. Fluff drying also distributes the natural protective oils from the skin to the coat, preventing dandruff and matting.

Many groomers can set up a maintenance program for your dog to repair and prevent skin and coat conditions.

Talk to your groomer. You may be surprised at what he or she can teach you about your dog’s skin and coat health!

• chipmunk chasing

HAPPY TAILS

Pet Resort & Camp R.R. #2 Huntsville, ON

705-789-9181 w w w. h a p p y t a i l s . o n . c a xiv

animal wellness – ontario region

MELANIE DAVIES OWNS AND OPERATES BOW WOW WOW SALON AND DOGMA WELLNESS IN TORONTO. SHE HAS DEVELOPED HER OWN METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH TO ANIMAL WELLNESS THROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN NUTRITION, HANDLING AND ADVANCED GROOMING TECHNIQUES, AND PROVIDES SEMINARS AND CONSULTING TO GROOMERS AND DOG CAREGIVERS, AS WELL AS APPRENTICESHIPS. BEEN A GUEST SPEAKER AT INDUSTRY TRADE SHOWS IN AS WELL AS

BARCELONA AND BOLOGNA.

SHE HAS NORTH AMERICA

1-800-665-2139

Flex-All Vital-Fit Vital-Coat ®

Joint Support Biscuits ®

Optimal Health Biscuits ®

Skin & Coat Biscuits

• Maximum support for restoring healthy joint function • Fast pain relief and Improved mobility • Less inflammation

• Promotes healthy immune functions • Supports a strong digestive system • Improves vitality and well being

• Improves a dry, dull, damaged coat • Minimizes shedding • Reduces itchy skin, dandruff and hotspots

AVAILABLE AT SELECT RETAILERS.

I

l l Altura Na

The treat that is also a treatment.

Tri-Natural Products Inc. • 1-800-267-6028 • www.trinatural.com Fromm Family Pet Food • Active Life • McIntosh Pro Line • The Missing Link • Whole Food Toppers

Canine aromatherapy

D

by Teresa Mazzella

for the good olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; summertime

Dogs love the great outdoors, and with the arrival of summer, you and your canine friend will probably be spending a lot more time in the open air, hiking, playing, swimming and traveling. But along with the fun come a host of seasonal problems such as mosquitoes, fleas and thunderstorms,

xvi

animal wellness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ontario region

not to mention muscle aches and car sickness. Aromatherapy is one of the best defences against these problems.

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art that uses pure essential oils extracted from aromatic plants, resins, trees, flowers, leaves and herbs. True aromatherapy

is not limited to only bath, body and grooming products. It involves the use of pure therapeutic grade essential oils and hydrosols in various formulations for a specific healing purpose, or as part of a daily aromatic lifestyle to enhance overall health. It can help relieve stress, digestive imbalances, headaches, skin problems,

arthritis and sore, achy muscles.

Keeping bugs at bay Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other bugs are a fact of life in Ontario. If your dog participates in a lot of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping or playing at the park or beach, a good aromatic bug spray will help keep fleas, ticks, flies, and mosquitoes away, and will also help moisturise the skin. An effective aromatic bug spray may contain essential oils or hydrosols of rose geranium, citronella, cedarwood atlas, peppermint and tea tree or lavender. Caution should be used with any bug spray containing pennyroyal, as it can be toxic to both people and animals.

Soothing sore muscles A day of running and playing can spell sore, stiff muscles later on. A muscle relief cream or treatment oil can be made from essential oils with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, such as peppermint, Roman chamomile, black pepper, lavender, ginger, sweet marjoram or spearmint. These products can help relieve and reinvigorate tired, sore muscles and joints after a long hike. Paw balm made from beeswax and vegetable or plant carrier oils can help protect the pads of the feet against hot

pavement, soothe irritated and cracked paws, and dissolve calluses.

Good scents

Car sickness

Aromatherapy offers many benefits to our canine companions, but essential oils should always be properly diluted. Remember that less is more. The canine sense of smell is 50 times stronger than ours, so even a single undiluted drop of essential oil may be too overwhelming for your dog. Other factors such as size, age and weight also need to be taken into consideration when creating and diluting a blend for a dog.

Essential oils should not be used on cats; use aromatic hydrosols instead.

If your dog suffers from motion sickness while travelling in the family vehicle, a small amount of a motion sickness treatment oil (pre-diluted essential oils in a carrier oil) can be applied directly to the chest and neck area. Ginger and peppermint are ideal. A motion sickness synergy blend can also be used in a car diffuser to calm your dog and alleviate nausea.

Thunder phobia?

Many dogs are frightened of thunderstorms. A treatment oil, misting spray, or diffuser can be used to calm the central nervous system. Some calming and grounding essential oils include lavender, sandalwood, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sweet orange, and neroli.

Have a safe, happy and aromatic summer!

TERESA MAZZELLA IS A CERTIFIED AROMATHERAPIST AND THE OWNER OF ANGEL SCENT AROMATHERAPY IN LEAMINGTON. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AROMATHERAPY FOR DOGS, VISIT WWW.ANGELSCENT.CA OR CALL (519) 326-9312.

When considering the use of aromatherapy/essential oils, you should always consult with a professional aromatherapist first.

DR. MAGGIE ® PET FOOD SUPPLEMENTS GUARANTEED EFFECTIVE, SAFE, NATURAL, ECONOMICAL

DR. MAGGIE ®

Supplement for Skin & Coat for itching, flaking, hot spots, shedding and dull coat.

Protect your pet’s good health!

Visit us at

www.drmaggie.ca

DR. MAGGIE ®

Extra Strength Joint Formula for relief and prevention of symptoms of osteo-arthritis animal wellness – ontario region

xvii

ONTARIO REGION marketplace Dr. Joanna Milan

EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC

IC

EA

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

homeopathy • hair analysis • herbal medicine traditional chinese medicine • chiropractic food sensitivity and organ assessment acupuncture • therapeutic nutrition reiki and bach flower remedies

ST

IN

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

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Milan by calling:

where our mission is to enrich our patients’ quality of life

YO

RK ANIMAL

CL

416-757-3569 www.holisticpetvet.com • eyac@ca.inter.net 805 O’Connor Drive Toronto, ON M4B 2S7 (north of St. Clair Avenue E. and O’Connor Drive)

HOLISTIC & CONVENTIONAL VETERINARY CARE

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

905-640-6809

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

Thistledown

P ET M EMORIAL

Saying Goodbye is never easy.

For information or support call (905) 852-5648 or visit www.thistledown.info

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

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

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

Serving the GTA since 1998 • 4766 Concession 7, R.R.#4, Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1R4

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

60 Bullock Drive, unit #1 in Markham • (905) 294-0028 • www.dogeden.com

PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING Location:

Trafalgar Ridge Plaza

(Southeast of Dundas & Trafalgar)

Please contact Mariana Stringel

905-257-3811 info@doggiedetailing.com

www.doggiedetailing.com

xviii

animal wellness – ontario region

ONTARIO REGION marketplace

Manson B

EHAVIOUR

COUNSELLING

Canine & Feline clicker training Puppy classes • Obedience classes Private lessons • Home consultation available

hmanson@sympatico.ca • (519) 736-4221

Canine Touch & Tell Sandy Benoit Sylvia King

Canine Masseuses PHONE: (613) 762-8869 www.caninetouchandtell.com

Chiropractic for the entire family!

550 Parkside Drive, Waterloo, ON

all dogs need canine massage

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

Dr. Jennifer Heick Chiropractor, Animal Chiropractor

Vegetarian Dog Treats

The Healthy Choice for Your Dog! Biscotti, Cookies, Training Treats and Special Occasion Packages all made fresh with your dog in mind.

Our products are only made once you place your order and then delivered directly to your door. We use all-natural, human-grade ingredients. Our products are high in quality and promote a healthy lifestyle. Vegan options are available on request.

www.arthursappetizers.com • 416-908-2334 animal wellness – ontario region

xix

ONTARIO REGION marketplace

CANINE LIFE for the love of your dog

TM

Available in

Southern Ontario

The most nutritionally complete food your dog could ever want. Available in an easy to make “Muffins” mix or convenient ready-made frozen“Muffi For a retailer nearest you: Call (905) 331-4455

www.theskyesthelimit.com IT’S SO SIMPLE – IT’S REVOLUTIONARY! MEATLOAF – the alternative to feeding a dry processed kibble or a raw diet.

Using only human grade ingredients, our food is prepared fresh daily in small batches. Available exclusively at our shop in Orangeville.

DOGS WE LOVE – Real Food for Dogs We could easily become your second best friend.

70 Broadway, Orangeville (519) 940-3598, www.dogswelove.com

PROFESSIONAL UNIFORMS FOR ANIMAL CARE WORKERS

Tear Stain Remover Holisitically removes ugly tear stains on your dog or cat . Contains no bleach, peroxide or steroids. Externally applied and non-irritating.

www.vipgrooming.ca or 888-844-1532

DON'T GET CAUGHT UNLEASHED!

The multi-functional leash that's ideal for; training, jogging, shopping, camping, boating, leisurely walking...

Full pet gear available in leading stores.

www.

xx

.com

animal wellness – ontario region

416-407-8898

877-823-2620

WWW.TLC4DOGS.COM