V8I6 (Dec/Jan 2006-07)

animal Living pawsitive!

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wellness For a long, healthy life!

Special Holiday issue

5 steps

to a better diet Is your dog or cat getting too many

Rabies SHOTS?

Top disorders by breed (and how you can avoid them)

Great gift ideas inside!

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contents

48

36

88

features 20

Diseases and disorders: Which breeds are affected and why?

28 36

Listen up!

How music can help heal your furry friend

Feline fitness from scratch Choosing a scratching post for your kitty companion

animal wellness

42

Eight ways to a happy, healthy holiday Seasonal safety tips for your dog or cat

48 Pass the

cranberries!

Add this healthy holiday fruit to your animal's diet

67

Click on this icon to visit featured links

61 Can your animal catch a cold?

A close-up look at respiratory diseases

67 Top ten eye problems

What to look for

79 Are you

rewarding unwanted behavior (without knowing it?)

Training tips for good manners

80 We are the cat

A look at life through feline eyes

82

88 How often does

he really need a rabies shot?

New fund set to challenge the status quo

5 steps to a better diet Good nutrition is easier than you think

86 k9 connection

97 Enter our Amazing Animals Photo Contest!

Send us your best shots and you could win!

teams kids with canines

Helping troubled teens and shelter dogs

ONTARIO REGIONAL SECTION

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contents columns 14 Yakkity yak

Volume 8

100 Animal passages

Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Canadian Regional Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Yvonne Hollandy Graphic Designer: Stephanie Wright Cover Photography: Lara Jo Regan Illustration: Leanne Rosborough

32 Dr. Martin Goldstein 102 Book reviews 94 Animal

communication

114 The tail end

Columnists & Contributing Writers Terry Bain Katherine Beattie Sharon Callahan Marie Castellano Audi Donamor Martin Goldstein, DVM Shawn Messonnier, DVM Linda Ostreicher Debbie Reynolds Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA Julie Smith Charlotte Walker

departments 8 Editorial

98 What’s gnu?

12 Mail bag

104 Ad spots

41 Product picks

112 Classifieds

75 Wellness

112 Events calendar

resource guide

Issue 6

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

113 AWM

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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: November, 2006

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Classified Advertising: Lesia Wright classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com

To subscribe: Subscription price at time of this issue is $22.95 in the U.S. and $24.95

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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.

Photo: Lara Jo Regan

Our Cover: Rescue dog and canine celebrity Mr. Winkle recently launched his first movie at the International Children's Film Festival in L.A. His photographer "mom", Lara Jo Regan, calls this adorable cover shot from the "What is Mr. Winkle?" series, Wood Sprite. For more information visit www.MrWinkle.com

in Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail.

Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US Mail: Animal Wellness Magazine, PMB 168, 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CDN Mail: Animal Wellness Magazine, 164 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9H 2L2

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Happy Holidays!

EDITORIAL Holiday magic There’s something magical about the holiday season, and I’m not the only one who feels that way. I’m sure our animal companions feel it too. My family dog, a feisty Bichon named Lacey, could hardly wait until Christmas morning. When the big day arrived, we’d find her lying under her Christmas stocking (forget the other five; she always knew which one was hers) with a definite smile on her face.

She unwrapped her presents like a seasoned professional, carefully spitting out pieces of paper to get to the treasured toys underneath.

I have to admit I find the animals’ excitement infectious. I love watching the cat’s eyes get as big as saucers when we dig out the holiday boxes filled with decorations. As soon as the tree goes up, she begins her weeks-long game of hide and seek. And Christmas baking took a whole new turn when we started making dog-friendly cookies in addition to the usual shortbread. The huskies inevitably found their way into the kitchen while I was preparing their special treats (how can they tell the difference between animal-friendly carob and human-mandatory chocolate, I still wonder?)

In this, our biggest issue ever, you’ll find lots of ways to incorporate the animals’ excitement into your holiday festivities. Check out the healthy holiday recipes on page 48, as well as the gift guide on page 54 and our holiday safety tips on page 42.

Of course, in addition to our holiday content, you’ll find loads of information on how to keep your animals healthy so they can enjoy many more holiday seasons with you. There are no secrets here – feed them the right diet (page 82), don’t overvaccinate (page 88), give them lots of exercise and try some integrative approaches with your animal companion’s health care. You are your animal’s health care advocate; if your veterinarian doesn’t respect your desire to be involved, maybe you should make a New Year’s resolution to find a new vet.

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Remember, the only thing your dog or cat ever hopes for from you is love, food and shelter. But after the basics, wellness is the greatest gift you can bestow.

On behalf of everyone here at Animal Wellness, happy holidays!

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Veterinarian Dr. Martin Goldstein has been

contributors Debbie Reynolds is a certified trainer and behavior therapist, and a certified canine specialist who deals in a variety of issues, including how to avoid rewarding unwanted behavior (page 59). She is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers Sandy Bolan Photography and the Human Animal Bond Association of Canada.

Debbie is also the owner of Life’s Ruff, and since 1997 has been teaching people to build confident, well-mannered canine companions.

practicing holistic veterinary medicine for 30 years. He is the author of The Nature of Animal Healing and, in addition to maintaining a busy practice in South Salem, New York, Dr. Marty lectures throughout the U.S. on the topic of holistic veterinary health care and will shortly launch his own radio show on Sirius. The therapies he utilizes include acupuncture (IVAS-certified), Chinese and Western herbs, homeopathy, and glandular therapy. Dr. Marty answers your health-related questions on page 32.

Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Scanlan is vice president of the American Holistic Veterinary Association and the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, and a member of AVMA, CVMA, and SCVMA. She has been using complementary health therapies in her own veterinary practice since 1969.

Currently she incorporates acupuncture (she is IVAS certified), non-classical homeopathy, Chinese and Western herbs and homotoxicology in her healing regimen. Turn to page 77 for her article on eye diseases in dogs and cats.

Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He 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 (www.petcarenaturally.com), is located in Plano, Texas. On page 61, Shawn answers the question: can your animal catch a cold?

Katherine Beattie is the co-founder of k9 connection, a non-profit humane education program that pairs at-risk juveniles with homeless shelter dogs (see page 90). She lives in Malibu with six dogs, one cat, and one husband.

Sharon Callahan is a world-renowned animal communicator and the creator of Anaflora Flower Essences. She is also the author of Healing Animals Naturally with Flower Essences and Intuitive Listening.

Visit her website at anaflora.com

Audi Donamor has been successfully creating special needs diets for dogs and cats for ten years.

Following the death of her beloved golden retriever, Blue, she founded The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund through the University of Guelph in Ontario. In this issue, Audi looks at the healing benefits of cranberry, together with some delicious festive recipes for your dog or cat – turn to page 46.

Lara Jo Regan’s photography has appeared Linda Ostreicher writes freelance stories and articles in New York City under the supervision of her three rescue cats. She also works at a nonprofit organization analyzing health policy and other issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities. See page 28 for her article on how music can de-stress your companion animal.

10

animal wellness

regularly in publications such as Time, Newsweek and Life. She is the recipient of several awards, including World Press Photo of the Year. Lara is internationally known for her photographic collection What is Mr. Winkle?, featuring her adopted canine companion Mr. Winkle (see Volume 7, Issue 2 for the full story), and has been a guest on The Today Show and the Rosie O’Donnell Show. By popular demand, Mr. Winkle returns to our cover.

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mail bag Regarding natural and animal-friendly cleaning products, thanks so much to the reader who wrote in about citrus oils (Volume 8, Issue 4). I had no idea and will now avoid such products.

I’m also getting a copy of the book cited (Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals). Could you do a more in-depth ar ticle about citrus oil in an upcoming issue of Animal Wellness? I would love to read more.

Sally Messing, via e-mail Editor’s Note: It’s worth repeating that citrus oils, though natural, can be harmful to cats. As with pet food, it’s a good idea to learn to read labels carefully when buying a household cleaning product, and to choose those that don’t contain orange or lemon oils.

I read your article on the top natural solutions for arthritis in your latest magazine (Volume 8, Issue 5). I have a very arthritic, 12-year-old golden named Bonita. Her arthritis has got progressively worse over the last few years to the point of being unable to get up in the morning. She

BACON OR APPLE FLAVOR!

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animal wellness

we want to hear from you!

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

would have to crawl down the hall on her front legs. She is on a raw diet, she is a good weight, and she gets omega 3s. Over the last few years, we have tried everything in your article.

We found that a specific brand of bromelain with anti-inflammatory herbs worked for about six months. When it quit working and I had exhausted all other options, and felt that her quality of life was a concern, we went to the vet to try a NSAID. My vet had a brochure for Trixsyn and suggested we try it first. It has worked wonders for my girl. She is still a little stiff, but she is able to get up in the morning and we can tell that she feels so much better. I just wanted to share in case it could help someone else.

Angie Meeks, via e-mail Editor’s Note: If Bonita is suffering that badly, then NSAIDS have their place, especially at the age of 12. However, putting a younger dog on long-term steroids isn’t advisable as he may develop liver problems down the road. Working with the vet to get the dog on the lowest possible effective dose is key here, as is liver support.

A year ago, I was asked if I would take in a little rescued Pomeranian, just overnight or for a couple of days at the most. Of course I agreed, knowing that my 11-year-old Malti-poo and 12-year-old cat would love a friend for a few days. Well, Bear arrived with teeth bared, growling and biting and not house broken. That whole evening, he made his presence known. I could not get near him, and he would not eat or drink. But I kept talking to him and reassuring him that he was safe and that we loved him already.

It broke my heart that every time he fell asleep he would have a nightmare and scream in his sleep. But what also brought tears to my eyes was that my Malti-poo, Ainsley, would run to his side and lie right beside him till the nightmare stopped and he knew Bear was okay again. This kept on all night.

The following morning, Bear was still not eating. He watched Ainsley eat but would not do so himself. After Ainsley finished eating, I watched him take a few kibbles in his mouth, walk over to Bear, drop them in front of him, then stare at him as if to say: eat! It took a few more trips back and forth with food in his mouth, but Ainsley finally got Bear to eat. By the end of the second day, Bear was allowing me to pet him.

The “overnight or two days at the most” turned into a year. We adopted Bear and he has come such a long way. From being a fear biter he is the most loving little guy you have ever seen. And I give a lot of the credit to Ainsley.

He won Bear’s heart first and has helped him learn so much – how to play with toys, how to play with the cat, how to walk on a leash, how to be housetrained. But mostly Ainsley taught Bear about love. So now I have three brothers (two dogs and a cat), all from different mothers and all bringing me so much joy in my life. I just wanted to share this story with you Terry, via e-mail Editor’s Note: What a wonderful story – and what an amazing little soul Ainsley is!

Your experience not only speak volumes about the unconditional love our animals hold for us – and for each other – but also what we can learn from them about compassion, patience and empathy.

Editor’s Note: Oops! At the end of the article “Raring to go: mobility aids give your best friend a new lease on life” (Volume 8, Issue 5), we inadvertently published several incorrect website addresses. Here are the right ones: HandicappedPets.com SeniorPetSupply.com PetBoots.com HandicappedPets.net

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Yakkity Yak...

Johnny Depp, Goldie Hawn, Kevin Costner, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Houston and many others lent a creative hand recently to help the Aspen Filmfest. The celebrities swapped movie scripts and microphones for brushes to paint life-size fiberglass Labrador retrievers for the Best in Show Celebrity Art Benefit Auction.

Based in Colorado, the Aspen Filmfest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film.” Proceeds are being used to support Aspen Filmfest’s educational programs.

Celebrating greyhounds On September 24, greyhound lovers celebrated Greyhound Planet Day, an international event that honors this amazing breed and its relatives. Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, a group devoted to rescuing retired racing greyhounds, held a picnic at North Branch Park in Bridgewater, where hundreds of greyhound lovers and people interested in the breed gathered to spend time with these unique dogs, learn more about them, and receive pre-approval for adoption. The group also collected collars and leashes to donate to a Galgo refuge in Spain, and ended the day with a multi-dimensional blessing of the dogs.

Photo: Cherie Damron

Photo: Jim Paussa

animal wellness

Photos courtesy of: Aspen Filmfest

14

Painted pooches

Far left and above: Anjelica Houston and Salma Hayek pose with their creations. Below: Mariah Carey chose to cover her Lab in butterflies.

Adopt a dog or cat from Beirut

Photo: Molly Wald

Thanks to ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, Lebanon’s only humane society, Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA), recently lost its shelters and was left to care for its animals at a temporary refuge, in grueling and challenging conditions. Best Friends Animal Society came to the rescue and in late September airlifted nearly 3 00 dogs and cats from the refuge. The animals were transported to the Best Friends Rescue Center in Angel Canyon, Utah, where they are now awaiting loving new homes. To learn how you can adopt a dog or cat from Lebanon, visit www.bestfriends.org.

Lebanon refugee Cindy gently licks a Best Friends staff member’s hand, offering to take care of those who care for her.

Help animals while browsing the Net Internet search engines generated nearly $6 billion in advertising revenue last year. Imagine if every time you did a search, some of that money went to your favorite animal organization. It’s now a reality, thanks to GoodSearch.com, a new search engine powered by Yahoo.

Here’s how it works: before doing your search, enter the name of the charity you want to support in the box provided.

GoodSearch will donate half its revenue to the organizations designated by its users. animal wellness

15

Yakkity Yak Leave it to Fluffy

Honoring canine heroes The American Kennel Club has announced the winners of its 2006 Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), created to honor loyal, hard-working dogs that have made significant contributions to their community. The awards are given annually to dogs in five different categories: Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service, and Exemplary Companion Dog. This year’s winners include Rex, a German shepherd who served with Tech Sgt Jamie Dana as a bomb detection dog in Iraq; and Abby, a long-coated Chihuahua and therapy dog who for many years has been bringing joy to patients at Indiana’s La Porte Hospital with her guardian, Katherine Albrecht.

Photos courtesy of AKC

Rex (left) and Abby (above) are proud recipients of Awards for Canine Excellence.

It’s not really something we like to think about, but have you ever considered what would happen to your animal companion if you passed away before she does? The Humane Society of Canada (HSC) is encouraging animal guardians to include provisions for their dogs and cats in their wills. To help, they’ve created two new radio PSAs and have also compiled a handy guide entitled “Eight Easy Steps to Making Out Your Own Will.�

You can read the guide and listen to the entertaining PSAs by visiting www.humanesociety.com.

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animal wellness

Yakkity Yak Tis the season…

It’s nearly time to start mailing holiday cards. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is offering a selection of six card designs through www.vistaprint.com/ifaw. You have the option of customizing the cards both inside and out with your own personal messages and photos. Customized envelopes and address labels are also available, and you can even select the number of cards you want to order, from ten to 1 00. Half the proceeds go to IFAW, which works to protect dogs and cats as well as wild animals around the world.

PETS Act becoming a reality Good news…we’re a step closer to ensuring that people will never again be forced to leave their animals behind when disasters like Hurricane Katrina strike. On August 4, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved its version of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act. The bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in May calls for emergency preparedness plans that consider people with companion and service animals. To find out more, visit www.hsus.org.

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Yakkity Yak Fighting canine homelessness According to the National Animal Interest Alliance, nearly two million dogs are surrendered to shelters every year. More than half are given up because of behavior problems. To help alleviate the situation, Animal Behavior College has launched “Students Saving Lives”, a new proactive campaign that provides free training to shelter dogs.

The college now requires each student to give at least ten hours of volunteer training time to a local shelter before they can be certified. The program is designed to not only help make shelter dogs more adoptable, but to also give student trainers a greater awareness of the plight of homeless dogs.

Your Trusted Partner in Times of Need Turn to PetSmart Charities® for emergency relief including supplies and cash grants. We’ll be there when and where you need us. We provide assistance to qualified groups for: • Natural disasters • Man-made emergencies • Large-scale pet rescues • Animal victims of violence

Call our Emergency Relief Hotline at 623-587-2840.

®2006 PetSmart Charities, Inc. All rights reserved. 030-0806-002

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animal wellness

Film festival goes to the dogs Already renowned as an animal-friendly city, San Francisco has gone further with the launch of the 1 st Annual Canine Film Festival on October 7 and 8 at the Castro Theatre. The benefit weekend included a showing of doggy movies, from traditional favorites like Old Yeller and 101 Dalmatians to Wallace & Gromit and the recently released Cave of the Yellow Dog. The event also included a gala Saturday evening reception and program featuring KRON-TV’s Jan Wahl along with Fred Willard and other stars from the hit movie Best in Show. All proceeds from the festival went to PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support).

From left: A scene from Old Yeller; 101 Dalmatians stars Pongo and Perdita.

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Diseases and disorders:

Siberian husky – epileptic seizures

by Ann Brightman

Which breeds are affected and When my sister’s first Siberian husky began suffering from epileptic seizures, we assumed it was a tragic fluke. It wasn’t until recently that I learned that epilepsy afflicts Siberian huskies more frequently than it does most other breeds. Meanwhile, a friend of mine adopted two elderly Shih Tzus at two different times, and both were suffering from eye problems that had led to semiblindness. Was it just coincidence?

The answer is no. Some breeds of dog and cat are predisposed to certain illnesses and health issues that aren’t as prevalent in other breeds. “We do see breed specific predilections for hip dysplasia in Labradors and Rottweilers,

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animal wellness

Labrador – hip dysplasia

Rottweiler – hip dysplasia

Golden retriever – cancer

Pug – respiratory problems

while golden retrievers are probably the number one cancer breed,” says veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk. He adds that Maine coon and snowshoe cats are very prone to cardiomyopathy, a serious disease involving a deterioration

in the functioning of the heart muscle.

You may also have heard something about the behavioral issues found in Dalmatians, or the respiratory problems that affect short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and some Persian cats.

What to watch for

Photo: Sarah Brucker

Here’s a sample list of some popular dog and cat breeds not mentioned in the article and the diseases they may be prone to. Keep in mind that some of these problems arise from poor breeding practices. Talk to a holistic vet about ways to help prevent or treat any issues your companion might have.

Dogs Shih Tzu – eye problems

Dalmatian – behavioral issues

WHY? Maine coon – cardiomyopathy

Bulldog – respiratory problems

Snowshoe – cardiomyopathy

Himalayan – respiratory problems

What causes these problems?

The issue of breed specific disorders is complicated and multi-faceted. While genetics is often the culprit, this is not always the case. Hip dysplasia, for example, which most often affects larger dogs, has not responded to efforts to breed it

Breed

Disorder

Alaskan malamute

hip dysplasia, eye problems

Australian shepherd

diabetes, immune-related disease

Beagle

bladder cancer, cataracts, glaucoma

Border collie

eye disorders, deafness

Boxer

tumors, deafness, hypothyroidism

Chihuahua

cleft palate, eye disorders

Cocker spaniel

eye disorders, chronic liver disease, seborrhea

German shepherd

behavior problems, bowel problems, hip dysplasia, epilepsy

Great Dane

deafness, hip dysplasia, bloat, metabolic bone disease

Greyhound

retinal dystrophy, bloat

Lhaso Apso

corneal ulcers, allergies

Maltese

blindness, deafness

Poodle

behavioral problems, Cushing’s disease, heart disease

Samoyed

diabetes, nephritis, sebaceous cysts

Weimaraner

bloat, fibrosarcoma, hip dysplasia

Cats Breed

Disorder

Abyssinian

gingivitis, renal amyloidosis

Burmese

eye problems, heart defects

Himalayan

tearing, respiratory problems

Manx

spinal defects

Persian

tearing, respiratory problems

Scottish fold

osteodystrophy

Siamese

upper respiratory disease in kittenhood, crossed eyes animal wellness

21

out of existence. “We used to think it was strictly genetic,” says Dr. Newkirk.

“If it was, we should be able to get rid of it, but we can’t. But holistic vets know that if you work with these dogs with chiropractic, diet, supplements, physical therapy and underwater treadmills, you can prevent the disease by modifying what’s going on in the joints. So, environmentally, nutritionally, and with therapy you can change the course of the disease, whereas if it was totally genetic, the dog would be doomed.” In other words, it’s the anatomical structure of these dogs, not genetics, that seems to be the chief contributor to hip dysplasia.

A similar situation applies to shortnosed breeds. “Most of the problems we see with breeds such as pugs and

bulldogs are of course respiratory,” says Dr. Newkirk. “We also see a lot of dermatitis in the folds of the skin.

A bulldog could have perfect skin everywhere else but where the folds are he’ll have some dermatitis going on. If you gave him a face lift, so to speak, and all the skin was smooth, he wouldn’t have any problems. So it’s a function of how he’s built and not genetic.”

The genetics factor What about animals prone to diseases such as cancer or heart problems?

In this case it seems that genetics is at least part of the key, but it’s a topic that so far hasn’t been studied enough to give us many definitive answers and solutions. Human medicine can provide some clues, however.

Researchers have found, for instance, that some women carry genetic markers for breast or ovarian cancers. “I’m sure there are genetic markers for dogs and cats as well,” says Dr. Newkirk. “For example, the number one cancer in golden retrievers is probably lymphoma, while in Rottweilers it’s osteosarcoma. Both breeds have a high cancer risk, but there’s a huge difference in the kind of cancer they get. So there must be a genetic marker carried in the Rottweiler for osteosarcoma and in the golden for lymphoma. I think at some point we’ll figure it out, but someone’s got to throw some money at it.”

Luckily, the first step has been taken with the recent mapping of the canine genome. All living organisms, including

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dogs, cats and humans, have a genome that contains all the biological information or DNA needed to create

that organism. It’s a good starting point for studying genetic disorders because the normal genome acts as a yardstick. “Finding the normal genome is the most important thing first off, so hopefully we’ll soon have some genetic markers for animals as we do for people,” says Dr. Newkirk.

“Finding the normal genome is the most important thing first off, so hopefully we’ll soon have some genetic markers for animals as we do for people.”

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The breeding issue But how do breed specific disorders arise in animal populations in the first place? Dr. Newkirk believes that trends in breed popularity play a big role, combined with overbreeding,

inbreeding, and other poor practices among those more interested in making a buck than in selling healthy animals.

“All of a sudden, something becomes really popular and five or six years down the road we start seeing more animals with problems because every Tom, Dick and Harry is breeding puppies,” he says. “After the movie 101 Dalmatians, for example, everyone wanted Dalmatians so we started to get a lot of behavioral problems cropping up. I also think a lot of breed specific disorders come from man’s desire to create new and weird things – hairless dogs and tailless cats. If we’d just left the basic structure of the animals alone they’d do pretty well.”

Mixed breeds can be affected too It’s important to keep in mind that

it’s not just purebreds that suffer from breed specific disorders, although they do tend to be more prevalent in unmixed breeds.

Cardiomyopathy in cats is a case in point. “While there are breeds that are very prone to it, we also see it in the regular old domestic shorthair,” says Dr. Newkirk “When you’re mixing the genomes and some of the genes are recessive, it could be that some animals are carrying the genes but don’t get sick themselves. This is probably what happens when you have a young male domestic shorthair that comes down with cardiomyopathy.

One or both parents were probably carrying the recessive gene, and it came to being in the kitten. It also seems to be sex linked as we see it far more in male cats.”

Genetics can combine with other factors in the development of breed specific disorders. Outside influences such as over-vaccination, poor quality pet food Outside and environmental pollution could be playing a role in the increased proliferation of diseases that also have a genetic component. Hyperthyroidism in cats is an example. “When I first got out of school we hardly ever saw it, but now I bet we get one case a week,” says Dr. Newkirk. “But since it occurs in all kinds of breeds, is it genetic or coming from the vaccines or pet food?

Similarly, with eye disease in small dogs, the genetics might be there but it also appears to have an auto-immune

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component, which means something has to trigger the disease in a particular dog.”

Clearly, eliminating breed specific

” I also think a lot of breed specific disorders come from man’s desire to create new and weird things – hairless dogs and tailless cats. If we’d just left the basic structure of the animals alone they’d do pretty well.”

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disorders isn’t going to be a quick fix But what can you do to avoid these issues in your own animal companions? Depending on the type of dog or cat you want, it may not always be possible, especially in a mixed breed where you don’t have much, if any, information about the animal’s parentage. But you can often go a long way towards preventing or alleviating potential problems by providing the animal with a healthy lifestyle, including a natural whole food diet, minimal vaccines, and an avoidance of environmental pollutants such as pesticides and chemically-based household cleaners.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a purebred, make sure you choose a 17:07

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How music can help heal your furry friends

by Linda Ostreicher

Imagine if you had a cat or dog’s ears and could hear an earthquake before it happens, or pick up the movement of a mouse from 30 feet away. How would you react to a radio tuned to a heavy metal station?

Not too well, as it turns out. A study led by researcher Dr. Deborah Wells indicated that when shelter dogs were exposed to heavy metal music, they barked and paced more. When they listened to classical music, they spent more time resting quietly. “We have actually received quite a bit of feedback from other shelters and organizations that keep dogs in kennels for various periods of time, all reporting similar effects,” says Dr. Wells.

Music’s healing benefits In human beings, music has been found to ease depression, lower blood pressure,

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and reduce the need for pain medication after surgery. It makes sense that animals would also benefit from the healing and stress-reducing effects of music Certified music practitioner Karen Johnson (www.clarinet-therapy.com) explains how she broadened her audience from human to animal listeners. “Before I ever worked as a music practitioner, I was a greyhound owner. I couldn’t help but notice how the dogs responded to the sound of my clarinet: deep sighs, stretching and rolling as if wanting to absorb more of the sound, and always seeking out the source of the music whenever I played.”

Her experience parallels the work of

Austrian veterinary behaviorist Dr. Hermann Bubna-Littitz, who recorded the behavior of cats in an open room, with and without music, over a four-day period.

He found the animals came closer to the speakers when there was music playing, and showed less aggressive behavior than when there was no music. He recommends music based on the rhythm of the animal’s own heartbeat when it is relaxed.

Discs for your dog – and cat You can experiment with your own CDs to see which ones your animals respond to most positively, or choose from the growing number of albums created especially for dogs, cats and other animals.

Toronto-based musical composer Sharon Howarth-Russell of The Musical Rainbow (www.themusicalrainbow.com) designs music to create specific effects in animals.

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Sharon’s music has been tested on elderly or brain-injured humans, and on students with learning disabilities. These subjects found they could focus more on tasks and also saw their memory improve, perhaps because their brain waves were altered by the recordings. Instead of exhibiting only beta wave activity – the normal waking function – their brains showed delta waves as well. Delta is the deep-sleep rhythm that is hard to reach when we are stressed; a lack of delta sleep leads to forgetfulness, stress, confusion, and slow healing.

Fido-friendly frequencies Some musicians draw on the ability of dogs and cats to hear sounds across a

wider range of frequencies than we can.

A dog can hear sounds from 67 to 45,000 Hz, and a cat’s range is even greater at 45 to 64,000 Hz. In contrast, our human ears are limited to frequencies between 64 and 23,000 Hz. The Music Sales Group offers recordings by composer Hiroki Sakaguchi, who adds sounds at “pet-friendly” frequencies only animals can hear. Their CDs, Cat Naps and Dog Daze, will sound like Japanese New Age music to you, but you’ll never know what they sound like to your dog or cat because your ears won’t be able to pick up those frequencies.

Composer Janet Marlow’s recordings (www.musicforpetsandpeople.com) eliminate sub-low and ultra-high frequencies.

“For an animal, very low frequencies such as kick-drums or sequenced bass lines, can easily generate a fight-or-flight response,” she says. “The vibrations that these produce animal wellness

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are indistinguishable from a car, train, bus, truck, galloping horse, or a big human coming near them.”

Try different styles Most of the music being marketed for animals is either classical or New Age. This doesn’t mean you have to give up listening to your favorite rock music, hip-hop, or experimental jazz, although you might try turning down the volume if your animals seem nervous or irritable when you play your favorite sounds. If you live in a space too small for your animals to get away from the music, consider using headphones.

On the other hand, you might discover that your animals respond positively to some of your music. Rescued cats in a shelter where I volunteer seem to like 1940s swing music – they don’t cry for food when the music is playing, giving me time to clean their cages before they eat. I once had a very gentle, shy cat who loved to lie by the speakers when I played a shakuhachi flute tape; his tail would lightly waft and flick in time with the notes.

So expose your dog or cat to a choice of styles and artists – you may find that Billie Holiday is perfect for keeping the peace with a new animal in the house, while Willie Nelson perks up your dog in the car. Or it could be that his favorite music is you softly singing “What’s New, Pussycat?” as you stroke him to sleep.

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holistic veterinary advice

talking with dr. martin goldstein Dr. Marty Goldstein has been practicing holistic veterinary medicine for 30 years. Based at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York, Dr. Goldstein is the author of The Nature of Animal Healing, published by Random House.

Send your

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

questions for

e-mail: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com in his column

Q

I have a four-year-old Lab/chow mix. About a month ago I noticed that she would run from one spot to another and check behind herself. She would also sit down and lift her left hind leg during walks. I took her to the vet and he checked her anal sacks and did a physical exam to check the mobility of her legs. He actually did what I thought was a thorough and rigorous exam. During the course of the exam she did not seem in pain or show any weakness. The only thing the vet told me to do was lower her calorie intake because she was about ten pounds overweight. I put her on [a light food] and noticed that she did not have any episodes after a couple of weeks. However she recently suffered what looked like a muscle spasm in her left hind leg. They are not frequent like the last time but it is unnerving because I have no idea what is happening.

A

It would be very difficult for me to definitively diagnose the problem via this column, but the most common thing I have witnessed that causes signs/symptoms such as these is, believe it or not, good old fleas. The distribution pattern for the medical condition known as flea allergy dermatitis is invariably around the base of the tail and down the back surfaces of the rear legs. Bites in these areas can cause the symptoms you are describing.

Remember too, that fleas live most of their time off the animal so you don’t necessarily have to see them. By definition, this is an allergy to flea saliva.

High carbohydrate diets are not only “unnatural”, but can precipitate or worsen allergy conditions.

This could be why the dietary change made some difference. If fleas are truly your dog’s problem, there are many products on the market to address the allergy and help naturally repel the fleas.

Q

I have a 15-year-old cat who has been sleeping in window sills for the last two years. I just found out the sills are full of chipping lead paint. I’m very concerned about lead poisoning. Are there dietary supplements I can give him – sea vegetable powder, anything like that –

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that can help clear his blood of lead should it be present? I am generally very non-interventionist and treat him only homeopathically when he is ill. He eats a diet of raw meat mixed with TC Instincts powder and has been doing this since he had severe kidney problems in 2001 (he hasn’t had any since).

A

Reports suggest that the minerals calcium, iron and magnesium may help eliminate and/or combat lead poisoning. For years, my favorite supplement used in cases like this is Extox by Progressive Labs. One caution: it does contain garlic powder and garlic is considered toxic to cats. I have personally used this product on cats, with precautionary qualification, and saw no observable problems over the long term. I have also given garlic to my own cats for many years – I routinely cooked it into my one’s cat’s food and he lived to be 24. But I’m not recommending it.

The product contains other ingredients that have heavy metal binding properties, including vitamin C, bentonite, l-lysine, chlorophyll, dl-methionine and sodium alginate. You could use several or all of these.

Q A

My dog Abu constantly gets ear infections. Medicines that my vet gives him may help for a short period of time, but the minute he is off the medicine, the ear infection comes back.

It only happens in his right ear. Is there anything natural that will help prevent him from getting chronic ear infections?

There are a number of naturally based ear remedy/ products on the market. Any one of these could help if you “hit the right one”; all patients do respond differently to any given product. The ingredients in these products range from mullein to garlic to clove oil, calendula and goldenseal. Some of the products we commonly recommend are those by Halo, Animals Apawthecary and Ark Naturals. One of my favorites over the years, especially for yeasty ear problems, is a simple dilute solution of apple cider vinegar in water. Chronic ear problems are very often allergy based. Therefore, changing a dog’s diet

from poor quality food, especially dry kibble full of processed carbohydrates, to a raw diet or one with very high quality ingredients, while adding in some basic supplementation, including digestive enzymes, could really help prevent or cure the problem.

Q

My 13½-year-old terrier mix has recently been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. He suffers from itchy skin, excessive thirst, incontinence, panting and two ACL tears. My vet is treating him homeopathically with cortisone. We are in our third week of treatment with no changes in symptoms and I am beginning to get discouraged. I was wondering what direction to go from here if this does not work. Are there any new treatments or supplements that you can recommend?

A

In my practice, we have a multi-directional approach to treating a Cushing’s patient. Much of each program is based specifically on an individual patient’s blood results, and what form or type of Cushing’s he has.

Some general supplement advice I can share here is the use of Professional Complementary Health Products’ Adrenal Drops and also their Pituitary Drops or Pineal/Pituitary/Hypothalamus Drops. Add a pituitary and an adrenal glandular supplement.

These are readily available through several different companies. Phosphatidyl serine, which is typically part of a supplement complex, has been demonstrated to have a natural cortisol suppressive effect on the adrenal glands, making it one of our favorite supplements for Cushing’s patients. Remember, all animals respond differently. In our experience, some still need the complementary support of allopathic medicine, but when they do it is usually in a smaller quantity than typically prescribed.

this product contains the controversial ingredient ma-huang, I have used it with both cats and dogs for years with no noticeable complications.

Q A

Recently, our Gordon setter was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. She is scheduled for femoral head excision surgery. What can we expect from the surgery and how should we handle the recovery period?

I have never performed this procedure myself, so would suggest you ask the surgeon what to expect.

For the recovery period, though, we typically use glucosamine/chondroitin supplements or Glycoflex III by Vetri-Science, and especially arnica-based homeopathics. The one we use is Traumeel (or Traumed) by BHI (Heel). I don’t want to discourage you from having this procedure done, especially since I have not examined your Gordon or seen the X-rays or other diagnostics, but over the years we have had patients who avoided surgery and lived very good, mostly symptom-free lives by taking intensive supplemental programs.

Q

I have four cats and have been feeding them a raw food diet with some supplements, including colostrum. I have recently seen some studies that indicate colostrum is ineffective after a few days or weeks of age. However, I have also heard that it can aid pets in anti-aging, joint support, immunity, etc. Which is true?

Q

A Q

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A

My seven-year old cat, Oliver, was diagnosed with asthma. He has been on Flovent twice daily for two months. His breathing improved to a certain extent only.

He is on dry food. What holistic approach would you recommend for Oliver? I would very much like to find a treatment and eliminate asthma.

First, I would recommend changing his diet from dry food, which is often chock full of processed carbohydrates, to a food made with good quality ingredients high in meats. This can be home prepared or raw, or you can choose from premium canned foods containing these ingredients. I have also had success using BHI’s (Heel) homeopathic Asthma combination remedy, sometimes mixed with their Bronchitis remedy. I’ve also seen some excellent results using Seven Forest’s Pinellia 16. Although

My personal experience and observations with colostrum is that it is effective over longer term use. In our practice, we typically use or recommend colostrum almost exclusively for patients with gastrointestinal problems, specifically diarrhea.

Our five-year-old Labrador retriever Mira just had surgery on her paw because of injury related osteoarthritis. I’ve read that bromelain can help with post-surgery pain and inflammation. Is this safe to give her? If so, what dosage would you recommend?

She weighs 75 pounds (she gained some weight post-surgery due to lack of mobility, so we’re trying to get her down to around 68 to 70 pounds).

Bromelain is definitely safe. It basically inhibits pro-inflammatory substances without having the suppressive effects of chemically based drugs.

Depending on the source and formulation, the dose for your dog would be approximately 100 mg twice a day. I would recommend using it as part of a formulation that has other ingredients that also benefit healing and inflammatory symptoms. Do a animal wellness

33

little research as there are many of these available.

Q

I recently got two six-week-old Manx kittens. One of the kittens keeps leaking urine as if she has no bladder control.

She also has problems with diarrhea and constipation and with her bowel movements not coming out on their own.

Her groin got infected really badly. I got some spirulina, brewer’s yeast, carob powder and cod liver oil for her. She finally produced solid bowel movements and her pot belly started to look normal. After about three days on these supplements, I stopped feeding them and her diarrhea and infection returned. I suspect that’s because I fed the kitties a natural cat’s canned tuna. The vet told me I shouldn’t have fed them that. The vet also told me that the disorder in nerve control happens because the kitty is a Manx.

She told me all about disorders that Manx cats are said to have if they are tailless. My kitty is completely tailless.

The other kitten (from the same litter) has about a ½” tail and has no problems. I told the vet I wanted to give the supplements another chance and see if they would work.

Would you know of any Manx cats with similar issues, and if there are any success stories using holistic treatments?

A

Yes, conditions like this are reported in Manx cats and I have seen similar cases, but that was many years ago. I do remember those cats responding to high quality diets, supplementation and acupuncture.

I would recommend going back to the supplements for which you observed a positive response. Also, the herb slippery elm would be the number one that I would recommend. You could add in Acetylator by Vetri Science Labs for extra support.

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The answer is yes. We prescribe specifically for each patient based on the patient’s blood results, but some of our favorite supplements for conditions like this are Betathyme by Doctor’s Mutual or Moduvet/ Moducare, homeopathic Inflammation by BHI (Heel) and especially an herbal called Reconciling Tablets by Seven Forests that addresses auto immune disease.

salmon,

www.bravorawdiet.com or (866) 922-9222 34

Q A

My nine-year-old Siberian husky has discoid lupus. Have you had success in dealing with this condition using natural products?

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

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

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Feline fitness from

SCR ATCH

by Charlotte Walker

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animal wellness

“I can’t keep my cat from scratching the furniture,” one of my friends complained to me the other day.

“My sofa’s in shreds. Do you know how I can get her to stop?”

Like a lot of people, my friend is under the impression that scratching is a behaviorial problem that needs to be corrected. Actually, cats have a natural, inborn need to scratch.

It’s a healthy activity that keeps their

The solution is to train your cat to scratch only where it’s appropriate.

That means investing in a good quality scratching post or tree. The key word here is “quality” – in order for the cat to use the post and leave your upholstery alone, it needs to adequately meet her requirements.

Here’s what to look for:

The bottom line is you won’t be able to stop your cat from scratching, nor should you wish to. If a cat isn’t allowed to scratch as much as she needs to, her muscles will get soft and lose their feline suppleness. The same applies to cats that have been declawed; this inhumane practice not only causes the animal a lot of pain, but also deprives her of one of her main ways of keeping fit.

Occasionally, a cat may need some encouragement to start using a new scratching post. Try rubbing some dried catnip on the surface, or give

Make sure the post is sturdily built from solid materials and won’t wobble or tip over when the cat uses it. Look for a product with a good base that will stand up to being leapt on and kicked as well as scratched.

Choose a post that’s taller than the full length of your cat. Cats like to stretch while they’re scratching. A height of 2½’ to 3’ is ideal. You can also get horizontal scratching posts; again, they should be long enough for the cat to stretch out on.

claws in good condition and helps to stretch, exercise and relax the muscles in their legs and bodies. It also serves as a marking behavior; glands in the cat’s paw pads leave behind a scent that essentially says “I was here” to other cats.

What if she won’t use it?

If your cat has been targeting your furniture, situate the post nearby so she’ll gravitate to it instead of your favorite armchair. Other excellent locations are near a sunny window or by her favorite sleeping spot; cats often love to have a good scratch after waking.

Many scratching posts and trees are covered with carpeting. These work very well, but can encourage

some cats to start scratching rugs and broadloom as well. If this is an issue for you, choose a product that is either plain wood or covered with sisal rope. You

her a treat every time she uses it.

You can also try attaching a toy to the scratching post.

If your kitty still digs at the furniture, try a firm “no” when you catch her in the act, and carry her to the scratching post. Covering your furniture with loosely-fitting slip covers may also help discourage scratching because the cat can’t get a satisfactory hold on the fabric.

Other strategies include keeping your feline’s nails trimmed so they won’t do as much damage to upholstery. You can clip your cat’s nails much the same way you would a dog’s, although you will have to gently press her paw to get her to unsheathe them first. You’ll need a small pair of clippers made especially for cats. Dog clippers are too large and can painfully twist the cat’s toe.

Be careful, and make sure you don’t cut into the quick. If in doubt, or if your cat doesn’t like having her feet handled, ask your vet or groomer for help. If all else fails, consider plastic nail sheaths that slip painlessly over the cat’s claws to prevent damage.

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Build your own Many people opt to create their own scratching posts. The simplest of all is a log or large branch with or without bark (be sure you’ve removed any insect pests first). We had a cedar log in our laundry room for years, fastened securely to a support post. The cats used it so much they eventually pulled most of the bark off! Keep in mind that this method can be messy, since the bark will shed every time the cat uses the post, so you may want to strip the log first.

You can also build a scratching post using just a few simple materials: 1 – 16”x16” piece of solid wood for the base 1 – 2 ½’ or 3’ two-by-four for the upright long screws sisal rope Firmly screw the two-by-four onto the base. Wrap the two-by-four tightly with sisal rope and secure the ends with screws. If your cat prefers a less vertical surface, as ours do, you can cut two two-by-fours so they meet at the top in an A-shape – you may need a slightly larger base depending on the angle you choose. Secure with screws and wrap with sisal. If you wish, you can also cover the scratching post (and the base) with spare pieces of carpeting.

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animal wellness

can also get inexpensive scratchers made from corrugated cardboard.

Consider buying more than one scratching post, especially if you have several cats. Choose a variety of different surfaces and angles to help keep your felines interested.

If your cat gets bored easily, consider a cat tree or condo. These tall, multi-leveled products often feature various platforms and perches, hiding spots, tunnels, hammocks, and other features that will provide your cat with loads of entertainment and places to snooze or hang out. Again, make sure the tree is sturdy and not easily knocked over.

Replace or re-cover the post or tree when the surface gets shredded or worn out.

Scratching is not just excellent physical exercise for your kitty. It also makes her feel good, just as having a stretch makes us feel relaxed and energized. By providing your feline friend with one or more scratching posts, you’ll be doing her health and happiness a big favor.

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Product Picks Nutraceutical news Given the negative side effects of many mainstream drugs, it’s not surprising more and more people are looking for safer, gentler treatments for their beloved animal companions. Amber Technology offers a complete line of nutraceuticals such as Parvaid, an all-natural herbal formula that may help your dog overcome the effects of parvo. You’ll find additional formulas for everything from urinary tract infections and kennel cough to heartworm and viral infections.

1 oz bottle Parvaid: $40.97 www.ambertech.com

The live alternative It’s a proven fact that live foods have a much higher nutrient content than those that have been overly cooked and processed. Primal Pet Foods offers raw frozen grain-free diets made with antibiotic and hormone-free meats and poultry, and certified organic fruits, vegetables and supplements. Made with the freshest ingredients possible, these diets contain all the amino acids, enzymes, EFAs, and vitamins and minerals your dog or cat needs for optimum health. Available in convenient frozen patties or nuggets for easy feeding.

4 lb bag nuggets: $16.99-$22.99 8 lb bag patties: $29.99-$34.99 www.primalpetfoods.com

Eat your greens Both kitties and canines enjoy chewing on grass.

This instinctive activity provides their bodies with several important vitamins, minerals and live enzymes often lacking in their diets. Priscilla’s Kitty Grass is an all-natural cat grass made with a special blend of oats, wheat, rye, and especially barley, a tender, healthy, easy-to-digest grass that animals love. The product helps prevent hairballs and houseplant-nibbling in cats, and also gives your companion a safe alternative to snacking on lawn grass. $ 6.95 (seeds only) $ 1 6.95 (complete kit with planter) www.kittygrass.com

Opting for organic?

Dogs and cats need meat in their diet, but how do you ensure the meat you’re feeding them is as clean and healthy as possible?

Castor & Pollux uses free-range organic chicken and turkey in all its dry and canned food formulas. In fact, their new Organix canned foods contain no less than 95% organic ingredients. For dogs, there’s Turkey, Chicken and Vegetable Formula, while felines have two flavors to choose from: Turkey, Chicken and Brown Rice, or Turkey and Chicken with Seafood.

Canine: 12.7 oz: $2.39, 5.5 oz: $1.29 Feline: 5.5 oz: $1.39 www.castorpolluxpet.com

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8

Eight ways

T to a

happy, healthy holiday

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The holidays are a busy, exciting, and sometimes stressful time for everyone, including your animal companions. What with all the decorating, present-wrapping, cooking, visiting and entertaining, there’s lots to do; and amid all the bustle and preparation, it can be easy to overlook your dog or cat’s needs during this hectic time of year. But with so much going on, and so many new and different things being introduced to the household – from Christmas trees to rich treats to guests bearing gifts – it’s more important than ever to keep your animal’s health and safety in mind. Here’s how to ensure your furry friend enjoys the festive season as much as you do.

1. Deck the halls

consider an artificial tree – the newest models are amazingly lifelike and are not only fireproof but also have soft, non-toxic needles. Gifts with long ribbons, bows and other decorations should be kept out of reach. The same applies to edible gifts.

splinter and injure your companion’s innards. If you want to feed him something special, buy him some natural treats or whip up one of the festive, healthy recipes in this issue. Otherwise, stick to his regular diet – too many new and different foods can cause digestive upsets, especially in cats.

You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, so keep it well away from Rover and tell guests to do the same. Candy and snack dishes should be kept off the coffee table and other low surfaces when you’re not around – otherwise, they might prove too tempting for your animal. Foilcovered candies are especially hazardous, as the wrappings can form razor-like edges when chewed or torn.

3. Candle care

2. Dinner dos and don’ts

Nix tree decorations that attach to the tree with metal hooks, thread or elastic bands. Use short pieces of yarn instead.

Hang fragile glass ornaments near the top of the tree; if you have a cat that likes to climb, you might have to substitute breakable ornaments for those made of wood, plastic and other materials that won’t shatter. Avoid putting tinsel, angel hair and artificial snow, as well as candy, cookies and other edible treats on the tree. Make sure that light strings aren’t split or frayed and that cords are out of your animal’s reach.

If your animal likes to nibble on greenery,

While it’s okay to treat your animal to a few pieces of turkey or some veggies from your holiday dinner, keep him away from rich tidbits such as gravy, ham, fat trimmings and plum pudding, highly seasoned sauces and stuffing.

Cooked bones, especially from poultry, should also be avoided, as they can easily

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without candles, but treat them with respect. Keep them out of reach of animals – cats seem especially curious about flickering candle flames – and never leave burning candles unattended.

It’s also a good idea to avoid paraffin candles, and use natural non-toxic beeswax or vegetable-based candles made with lead-free wicks. Scented candles should also be used with caution. Dogs and cats have a much more sensitive sense of smell than we do and may find the smells overpowering and bothersome. animal wellness

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includes small parts that could be chewed off and ingested. Always supervise your animal while he’s wearing his costume.

your bedroom or another space unfrequented by guests, where he can retreat and be quiet if he wishes.

4. Playing dress up?

5. Stick to a routine

6. Comings and goings

Try to stick to your animal’s routine as closely as possible. He’ll probably already be somewhat stressed by all the disruption, so it’s important to keep the rest of his life as normal as you can.

Feed him at the usual times and make sure he gets some exercise, play, and loving quality time with you every day.

If he’s shy or easily upset by strangers, set aside a spot in the house, such as

Let’s face it – not everyone is an animal lover. So if you’re planning to visit family or friends during the holidays, check to make sure your companion will be welcome. If they have animals of their own, compatibility may be an issue. Find out if their dogs or cats are comfortable around other animals, and make sure your own companion won’t cause problems for their furry hosts. If you think there may be difficulties, or your

Photo: Elisa Waskiewicz

Essential oils are toxic to cats, so don’t use candles that have been infused with these fragrant substances.

Those fake reindeer antlers might look cute on Fido or Fluffy, but holiday costumes can pose a few hazards if you’re not careful. Watch for anything that has elastic bands attached – these can sometimes be too tight and cause discomfort to the animal, or be chewed and swallowed, resulting in serious intestinal problems. The same goes for ribbons. Also avoid anything that

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animal isn’t comfortable with travel or strange surroundings, consider hiring a pet sitter for the duration of your absence.

as poinsettias, hibiscus, amaryllis and forced bulbs should also be kept well out of your animal’s way.

7. Plant practicality

8. Happy New Year!

two you’ll be away. If you’re planning a display of your own, be sure to keep your animal safely indoors; otherwise he may try to run away and get lost or injured. The same applies if you’re hosting a party – noise-makers, champagne corks and other loud sounds can startle and stress sensitive animals, so make sure he has someplace quiet and secure to retreat to.

Have a safe holiday, and a happy, healthy New Year!

Doggie ice cream bars (recipe courtesy of Evangers) While you and your family are enjoying plum pudding and fruit cake, treat your canine companion to this special holiday dessert.

Holly, ivy, mistletoe and evergreens provide attractive seasonal decoration, but various parts of these plants can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. Wreaths, swags, centerpieces and other live decorations should be checked regularly to ensure they aren’t dropping berries, cones, needles and other debris that could cause harm to your companion if eaten. Potted plants such

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New Year’s Eve might be one of the highlights of the holidays for you, but it can be an extra stressful time for animals.

Fireworks are especially frightening for dogs and cats. While some people think they’re doing their dogs a favor by taking them along to community fireworks displays, the noise, bright lights and explosions can terrify the animal. It’s kinder to leave him home for the hour or

1 - 32 oz plain yogurt 1 - can Evangers canned dog food (kosher), or your favorite high quality canned dog food Combine in blender and pour into small Dixie cups.

When partially frozen, insert a popsicle stick into each cup. To serve, peel off the paper cup and give to your canine companion – part of the fun is holding the stick while your dog licks his ice cream bar!

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The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without cranberries. Not only are these colorful little fruits full of flavor, but they’re also good for you and your animal companion.

Cranberries have a long history, going all the way back to Roman times. In 1578, herbalist Henry Lyte documented the use of cranberries to treat a variety of ailments, from rheumatoid disorders, scurvy and fever, to skin wounds and eczema. Native Americans living along the Eastern seaboard regularly used cranberries as a blood tonic because of their iron content, but it wasn’t until the 1840s that German scientists began exploring the positive impact of cranberries on urinary tract health.

Clinical research began in the 1930s, and has gained momentum ever since.

Cranberries also provide health benefits to dogs and cats. When it comes to preventing and treating struvite crystals and bladder stones in our companion animals, cranberries are a great food and supplement to have on hand. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association has suggested that people add one to two ounces of cranberry juice to their animals’ food every day.

What makes cranberries so healthy?

Cranberries contain a variety of bioactive components, including antioxidant proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, and ellagic acid.

Anthocyanins are the pigments that give cranberries their rich red color. Out of 150 flavonoids tested, they were found to have the strongest antioxidant power – even animal wellness

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more than vitamin E. Anthocyanins also have an anti-inflammatory action, and can help lessen allergic reactions. A 100 gram serving of cranberries contains 50 to 80 mg of this powerful antioxidant.

Proanthocyanidins belong to the bioflavonoid family and help strengthen blood vessels and improve the delivery of oxygen to cell membranes. Ellagic acid has also been getting lots of attention lately because it has been found in the lab to cause apoptosis or “cell death” in cancer cells.

Recipes for the festive season – and all year round!

Carob cranberry truffles

Cranberries also contain dietary fiber, manganese and vitamin K, and are rich in vitamin C and tannins, which help keep bacteria like E. coli, the most common cause of UTIs, from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.

Don’t be surprised if you soon start finding cranberry seed f lour and cranberry seed oil on the shelf of your favorite health food store, as an alternative source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Cranberries are gaining even more recognition as a way to help prevent bad breath, plaque, and gum disease.

When seeking out cranberry supplements for your animals, look for standardized products and companies that use no harmful solvents in their extraction process, or binders like stearic acid, dextrose or maltose. Always check with a holistic veterinarian or nutritionist before adding any new supplement to your dog or cat’s diet.

Cranberries are a real crowd pleaser. As well as adding some holiday pizzazz to your and your companion’s meals, they’re a true powerhouse of healthful activity and can be used throughout the year to give his wellness (and yours) a boost.

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Ingredients ½ cup unsweetened granola 2 tablespoons ground carob ½ cup finely chopped fresh cranberries or ¼ cup finely chopped dried cranberries 3½ cups oat flour ½ cup pure cranberry juice 1½ cups filtered water Goat’s milk or goat’s milk yogurt Extra granola or oatmeal, for rolling

Instructions Try to use organic ingredients, whenever possible. Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine all ingredients, except the extra granola and milk. Make small balls, the size of truffles, dip in milk or yogurt, and then roll in granola or oatmeal. Place truffles on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Turn off oven, and allow the truffles to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These tempting treats freeze beautifully, and there are lots of wags and woofs out there who actually prefer them freshly frozen. For holiday gift giving, pop truffles into candy cups.

What dose is best?

Cats and small dogs: 100 mg, three times per day

Medium sized dogs: 200 mg, three times per day

Large dogs: 300 mg, three times per day

Giant breed dogs: 400 mg, three times per day

Pup-kin cranberry muffins Ingredients 2 eggs ½ cup oil of your choice, e.g. safflower, sunflower, olive, canola 1 cup pure pumpkin pureé 1½ cups whole grain flour, e.g., oat or spelt; combinations of whole grain flours can also be used 1½ teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground carob 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon iodized sea salt (optional) 1 cup finely chopped fresh cranberries or ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions Try to use organic ingredients wherever possible. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine eggs, oil, and pumpkin pureé in a food processor or blender. Add dry ingredients and whirl together until smooth. Fold in finely chopped cranberries.

Lightly grease mini muffin tins or line with paper cups, and fill each with muffin batter. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove muffins from oven and cool completely before storing in an airtight container or Ziplock bag.

This recipe can easily be doubled, and the muffins freeze beautifully.

For an extra special touch during the holiday season, the muffins can be dipped in low-fat cream cheese and then decorated with cranberries and sprigs of fresh mint.

For your human family members, add ½ cup of unpasteurized honey to the ingredient list.

This recipe makes approx. 34 mini muffins.

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Cattery cran-crisps Ingredients 2 cups stone ground whole wheat flour, or other whole grain flour of your choice, e.g., oat, rice 1 can wild salmon; you can also use canned mackerel, sardines or even shrimp ¼ cup pure cranberry juice ¼ cup filtered water 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt (optional) 2 tablespoons catnip; parsley or oregano can be used in place of catnip, and a combination of these herbs works well too ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cranberries Extra flour for rolling

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Instructions

Cranberry supplements for dogs and cats

Try to use organic ingredients, whenever possible. Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine all ingredients in a mix master or food processor until well blended, and the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. Turn dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 6 balls. Knead each ball of dough and then roll out each piece into a circle, about ¼” in thickness. Sprinkle flour on the rolling surface and on the rolling pin, as needed. A drinking glass also works very effectively to roll out the dough. Place the rounds on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Score the surface of each round with a knife or pizza slicer. Bake the scored rounds for 20 minutes at 325°F, then turn your oven down to 175°F and bake for 30 minutes more. Turn your oven off and let the rounds cool completely before gently breaking them into scored pieces, and storing them in an airtight container or Ziplock bag.

Instead of rounds, you can cut out the dough into any shape you like.

Solid Gold Berry Balance is a natural cranberry and blueberry extract with marshmallow and vitamin C to help support a healthy urinary tract. For dogs and cats prone to struvite crystals and bladder infections, this product helps balance the urinary tract pH and dissolve struvite crystals.

The Wholistic Pet’s Cranberry Powder is a natural urinary acidifier that aids in the prevention of alkaline urinary calculi.

NF Formulas’ Cranberry Forte from the Only Natural Pet Store features a synergistic combination of vitamins and traditional herbs, including cranberry, that work together for healthy urinary tract function.

Veterinarian’s Best No F.U.S. Feline Urinary Support contains dried cranberry juice concentrate and ascorbic acid along with dried herbal extracts of parsley, corn silk, couch grass root, slippery elm, and butcher’s broom.

It helps to naturally maintain normal urine acidity.

NaturVet Cranberry Relief Powder for Dogs and Cats contains cranberry extract, Echinacea purpurea, Oregon grape root, and calcium ascorbate to help minimize bacterial colonization of the bladder mucosa.

Cranberry Concentrate capsules are available from www.naturalrearing.com

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holiday gift guide Breeder's Choice Breeder's Choice launches new packaging of Avoderm Natural "Kookies" to raise funds for Breast Cancer research – Crunchy oven-baked AvoDerm Natural “Kookies” are made with rice, lamb, and nature’s own cancerfighting antioxidant, blueberries, for extra-added flavor. Suggested retail price of the 20-ounce bag of biscuits is $3.49 with $0.35 of each bag purchased donated. (800) 255-4286 www.breeders-choice.com

Sittin' Pretty

4 Paws Toys Dog and Cat Lovers – Exquisite accessories for pampering your cats & dogs. We have everything from luxury handbags to raincoats, custom made sweaters and custom made beds.

We have the greatest selection of toys to entertain your pets.

We also have all types of healthy treats to keep your cat and dogs healthy. Shop Us Online At www.4PawsToys.com

4 Paws Toys

Animal Reiki Source This book is the perfect gift for all animal lovers! Through moving stories and beautiful black and white photos, this book explains how the holistic system of Reiki is expanding the opportunities of health and wellness for the animals we love and cherish. Available through amazon.com, bookstores or www.animalreikisource.com/bookpromo.html.

Art Pet Memorials Each memorial is handmade and individually customized to capture your pet’s personality. Our pets ask so little of us and give us so much pleasure. Now you can celebrate your pet’s life with an artistic memorial that will uniquely commemorate your loved one’s life.

Contacts: Email: artpetmemorials.com Website: www.artpetmemorials.com

Fact: Cats get bored easily.

They will look at you that certain “cattitude” way and you react swiftly. “Are you happy, Kitty?” “What can I get for you?” The original and classy Sittin’ Pretty Cat Litter Basket™ provides an attractive private place and will make your special feline smile. www.sittinpretty.com

Natural Pet Products A REAL TREAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Your Furry Friends deserve a Fun Filled Holiday too. Give them the gift of Health! Book it Today: Anesthesiafree teeth cleaning and/or a Great Therapeutic Massage/Acupressure treatment.

Consultations Available: regarding nutrition, essential oils and aromatherapy Cindy Lloyd: (303) 514-0076 www.naturalpetproducts.net

NuHemp Organic Botanicals NuHemp Organic Botanical pet shampoos and conditioner are all specially formulated with a gentle blend of science-based nutrients, plant extracts and essential/botanical oils that deliver salon quality results… naturally! All NuHemp Organic Botanical products are formulated with only premium human-grade ingredients, 100% biodegradable and enriched with the moisturizing and anti-septic properties of hemp seed oil and oatmeal. For more information visit www.kicxnutrition.com or email info@kicxnutrition.com

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holiday gift guide Amber Technology Canine and Feline Care Kits. Give the gift of life for Christmas this year. Help your pet build immunities and fight off illnesses they may encounter. Each kit includes an assortment of quality herbal products to help keep your pet healthy and happy. You will find the best organic herbs to maintain quality in each product. Order online at www.ambertech.com or find a location near you. Call toll free (877) 727-8243.

Dog.com The Holiday – Luxe for Less Collection from Dog.com.

Every pet deserves their 15 minutes of fame. Make your dog a star with the ultimate pet pampering gift products like the stylish and sophisticated Audrey Hepburn-style Hooded Chenille jacket – $10.99 or other new products from Dog.com www.dog.com

The Online Rabbit

The Barkery

Natural Mat Pack! Give the gift of all natural mats. Each pack consists of one Seagrass mat, Maize & Seagrass mat and a Maize mat, each 12” x 12” in size. Great for chewing, digging and sleeping on. 100% non-toxic and handmade. Excellent for rabbits, birds, chinchillas and Guinea Pigs. Visit us at www.theonlinerabbit.com. Proudly Canadian.

Fresh apples, carrots, zucchini, all natural peanut butter, honey, molasses, flax seed, blueberries, puree bananas… hardly the quality of ingredients you would expect to find on your average dog biscuit ingredient list. These treats appeal not only to the health-conscious owner, but also to the most discerning, if slobbery palates. The Barkery! 6 George Street West, Stratford On. N5A 1A5. www.thebarkery.ca

Wellness Pet Food Now loving pet parents who want to reward their dogs with healthy treats have a NEW, delicious answer: WellBites, Pure Rewards and WellBars, a line of treats from Wellness. They’re made of all-natural ingredients and feature a variety of irresistible flavors that dogs love.

Available at pet specialty and health food retailers. To find a location near you, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com or call (800) 225-0904.

Smiling Blue Skies The Smiling Blue Skies™ Jewelry Collection celebrates the special bond between precious pets and people. Each piece is one of a kind, and is made with .999 pure fine silver and semi-precious stones. Proceeds support The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund, University of Guelph Pet Trust. Please visit www.smilingblueskies.com

Dogs4Dogs Best Dog Book Ever!

What’s beautiful, tons of fun and life changing?

It’s Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care! This 2006 national award winner delivers the latest in dog health and safety with charm, wit and 89 amazing full-color photos. Autographed books and quantity discounts available. Royalties benefit animals. www.Dogs4Dogs.com or (858) 755-8820 animal wellness

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holiday gift guide Blue Ridge Bones ...made by loving hearts and hands... is not only our tag line but our mission statement. We bake gourmet quality organic treats for our dogs and yours. Happy Holidays! We also have Happy Channakuh, Valentines, and Halloween. www. blueridgebones.com, sarah@blueridgebones.com or call toll-free (866) 512-6637

Kinsella Enterprize Zen Puppy Zen Puppy Holistic Dog Treats: are full of flavor and goodness your dog will love. Formulated with specific herbs and botanicals to help promote your dog’s wellness; Beauty, Energy, Smarty, Agile, and Peace. Many Dogs’ will benefit from multiple formulas added to their daily diet. Available nation wide. Celebrate your Dog’s Inner Puppy. www.zen-puppy.com (864) 261-3546

Dome of Memories – Did you ever mean to save your memories?

From the time you bring home your pet to the time you lay your companion to rest. The Dome of Memories is perfect to hold special memories. For more ideas, visit me at www.kinsellaenterprize.com

West Coast Canine YappyHappy.Com The Ultimate Dog Tag. Custom-made just for your dog, we use your pet’s data and photo to create a one-of-a-kind Dog Tag, Key Chain, Magnet, and much more. The perfect gift for the dog lover in your life. Your state available. www.yappyhappy.com

Prepare a complete and balanced diet with our premix and your choice of fresh ingredients. Custom blends available for special health issues.

Our Milling Facility is certified organic and kosher! Ph: (250) 598-8370 www.westcoastcaninelife.com We support The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund University of Guelph Pet Trust, www.smilingblueskies.com

Steve's Real Food Healing Pet Stones Healing pet stones for your pet. Give the gift of healing with these unique crystal healing pet stones. A perfect gift of holistic health maintenance, helping your pet's vital energy to be vibrant and balanced. Please visit wwww.stone-healing.com convenient safe on-line shopping toll free (888) 398-7458 holistic gifts for pets & people.

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Quality, convenient and affordable! The best of nature and science combined, Steve’s Real Food for Pets is a wholesome, delicious, nutritious, fresh raw meat, fruit and vegetable-based food. Helping pets all across the nation since 1999, using only the finest 100% human quality ingredients. Check out www.stevesrealfood.com for customer testimonials, new flavors or any questions.

holiday gift guide Rocco and Jezebel

Neo-Paws International

Simplify your pet shopping with two of the finest canines in the business “Rocco and Jezebel.” We are a Brooklyn-based company specializing in unique, colorful and practical pet accessories from pet carriers, Italian designed litter boxes, hand beaded collars from Kenya, and more! We’ll give you special attention.www. roccoandjezebel.com

Outfit your dog with the ultimate in outerwear!

Neo-Paws International brings you the best in DOG SHOES and NEOPRENE JACKETS. Their design, functionality and high quality materials cannot be beaten! These products are versatile to different seasons, warm, waterproof and windproof, reflective, made with the highest quality materials, soft, flexible & lightweight. www.neopaws.com (888) DOG-SHOE (888) 364-7463

Canine Life Canine Life hypoallergenic muffins are the ultimate in nutritional convenience. Canine Life meets the NRC daily requirements, and uses only organic and human quality ingredients.

From bag to bowl, Canine Life provides everything your dog needs to be happy and healthy. Feed them for life; feed them Canine Life! www.theskyesthelimit.com (905) 331-4455

Diane's Little Lambs It’s Raining Cats and Dogs… And cows and bees and frogs…

Puddle-Stomp in Style this Winter with Cool Character Rain Boots for Women and Children From DLL Rain Wear www.dllrainwear. com (831) 621-1732

Barron's Publishing A veritable treasure house of information for dog lovers, guardians, breeders, and prospective buyers that’s sure to be appreciated! This magnificently illustrated book profiles more than 150 breeds grouped from Hounds to Working Dogs, and includes detailed information on health, longevity, exercise needs, compatibility, and much more. $43.50 (800) 247-7160 www.barronseduc.com

Claudia Hehr Make this holiday season special and communicate with your animal companions. Find out about health and behavior issues, relieve stress and deepen the relationship with your best friends.

Communicate with your animal friends after they have “moved-on”. To schedule an appointment call (416) 413-7671(worldwide appointment) or visit www.claudiahehr.com. Gift certificates available.

Smoochy Poochy Don’t get caught unleashed this holiday season! Smoochy Poochy’s versatile ‘multi-functional’ leash caters to the needs of you and your dog. This optional hands-free lead is great for leisurely walking, shopping, training, jogging, playing in the snow, endless possibilities…

Proudly Canadian pet gear line available in leading stores. (416) 407-8898 www.smoochypoochy.com animal wellness

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holiday gift guide Accents by Marie Handcrafted jewelry for people & pets. Creative & unique. Themed jewelry. Beaded adjustable pet collars, charms, necklaces, key rings, earrings, zipper pulls. Matching gift sets. Custom orders welcome.

Email if you cannot find it on the website. Accents by Marie (604) 540-4452. Online Store: www.accentbusiness.bc.ca/accents. Email: pendants@accentbusiness.bc.ca

Jupie Couture Pet Naturals Introducing Immune Support for Dogs and Cats from Pet Naturals® of Vermont. These formulas provide the benefits of DMG to support healthy immune system function and performance. DMG has been successfully used in both the human and veterinary health field for almost 30 years. Call (888) 340-1995 or visit www.petnaturals. com to find a Pet Naturals retailer near you.

Jupie Couture Winter Ski Coats highlight extra fine construction providing warmth and comfort with its waterproof, breathable Toi Tex fabric. Perfect for any winter use, the “Cadillac Classic” is lined in Polar Tec fleece, features white topstitching and reflective tape on sleeves and back near the tail. Visit www.jupiecouture.com (647) 880-2041.

Canine Caviar Canine Caviar’s single protein source all Venison, Duck, Turkey and Beaver canned foods are for both dogs and cats. They are perfect for pets that have allergies to other protein sources, or you are looking for an alternative to raw (canned food is cold processed), or just looking for an alternative protein to stimulate your pet’s immune system. www.caninecaviar.com or use (800) 392-7898.

Fetch It Up! These black and white photographs of men and their canine companions goes to the very heart of all relationships between people and their pets. This book will capture the hearts of people who share professional photographer Sandra Bolan’s love for intimate photography and her admiration for men and their dogs. www.fetchitup.ca (905) 717-3721

animulets™ Fine healing jewelry for pets and their people. Handcrafted and beautifully finished with Sterling Silver findings. animulet’s™ design features a prominent healing gem with a Swarovski crystal. A sterling silver lobster clasp attaches to the pet’s collar ring. People accessories. animulets.com E. animulets@yahoo.com Ph. (805) 967-0406

Animal Wellness Magazine The greatest gift for the animal lovers on your list is now available for less! Animal Wellness Magazine continues to offer the highest quality health and lifestyle information anywhere. Don’t miss this chance to wrap up the gift that brings a long healthy life to animals – naturally! Visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/giftsub or call (866) 764-1212 to take advantage of our holiday gift offer.

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holiday gift guide The Wholistic Pet Wholistic Run Free is a Premium, Human-Grade, synergistic blend of powerful nutraceuticals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that provides the most comprehensive line of defense against existing joint injuries and arthritis. Triple combination of USP-standardized nutraceuticals, including MSM, Chondroitin & Glucosamine along with additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Contains no fillers or synthetic ingredients. Just sprinkle on food. www.thewholisticpet.com

Hug-A-Dog Harness You wear a seatbelt. So should your dog. Combine the easy-on, stylish Hug-A-DogŽ Harness with the security of the Doggie Catcher™ restraint belt for the ultimate in travel comfort and safety. Harnesses can be custommade to fit any breed. Mention Animal Wellness for free shipping! www.hug-a-dog.com (800) 444-9475.

Moon Doggie Biscuits, Inc. FRESH BAKED SALMON provides the best source of protein for our pets along with essential fatty acids (EFAs). HYPO-ALLERGENIC and easily digestible for cats and dogs these supplemental treats are sized as: Moon Biscuits (for large/medium dogs), Moon Munch (great for training) and Moon Dust (sprinkle on food for finicky eaters) www.moondoggiebiscuits.com (866) 663-6444

Pets Paradise Flashing Collars & Leashes 2/3 of fatal accidents involving pets occur at night! MTM Flashing lights are the optimal dog safety lights, allowing the pet to be seen over 900 feet, offering guardians and drivers peace of mind and easy retrieval of their animal. More info at: MTMPetsParadise.com or (714) 892-3104

Art by Mel Have your beloved pet immortalized for a lifetime by having a masterpiece painted in either acrylics or colored pencil.

Award winning artist will paint your pet at a reasonable price from photo(s).

Gift certificates available! Makes a great Christmas or Birthday gift. Call (225) 223-4010 or visit www.artbymel.com

Joy Pet Products Joy Pet Products superior quality Goose Down Doggie Coats keep your pet stylishly warm in the cold weather.

We also offer fully adjustable harnesses for smaller breeds, 14 Karat Gold or Sterling custom photo charms and beautiful photo throws. Visit us online at www.JoyPetProducts.com or call (800) 809-5569 / (978) 948-5582

Equine Wellness Magazine From the publishers of Animal Wellness Magazine comes the number one natural health care and lifestyle magazine for horses.

Equine Wellness Magazine offers the highest quality natural nutrition, horsemanship and integrative health care information.

Take advantage of our holiday offer and give the gift of natural equestrian care! Visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/giftsub or call (866) 764-1212 animal wellness

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Can your

animal catch a cold?

by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Like it or not, the arrival of winter means colds, flu and other The problems in people respiratory ailments among us humans. While allergies can Usually, colds, flu or strep throat are the most commonly seen respiratory infections. sometimes be the culprit, more often these problems are caused The common cold is caused by any by various viruses and bacteria. The incidence peaks in the fall number of rhino viruses. The flu is usually caused by one of several adenoviruses, and winter due to increased contact and transmission between especially swine or bird viruses, and is often spread from Asia to North people, as well as the seasonality associated with certain infectious America. Strep throat is caused by the organisms. But do you also need to worry about your animals? Is streptococcus bacterium.

While not usually fatal, any of these it possible for your dog or cat to catch your bug? animal wellness

61

conditions can cause mild to severe illness and debilitation. Death, while rare, most commonly affects those with weakened immune systems, usually the very young, the very old, and those with immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV-positive patients, or people taking immunosuppressive medications. Transmission occurs through close contact with infected people. Sneezing, coughing, sharing tissues, kissing, and shaking hands are all effective ways to transmit any of these infections.

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What about dogs and cats?

Fortunately, our companion animals are not typically afflicted with any of these conditions. While it’s tempting to blame the family animal for contributing to chronic respiratory illness in people, that is rarely the case.

A rare but notable exception involves

strep throat. The streptococcus bacterium, unlike cold and flu viruses, is not species specific. This means that any animal can potentially become infected with it. Of course “infection” does not always indicate “disease.”

Animals are certainly exposed to many human diseases but due to a variety of reasons never become ill. An animal can harbor the streptococcus bacterium in its throat and on its tonsils but usually does not become ill (which makes me wonder why I still see animals being treated medically, or worse surgically, for “tonsillitis”). For households in which chronic strep throat occurs, I suggest culturing the throats of any animals in the home. A positive culture may indicate the animal, while not ill, is a carrier and continues to serve as a source of infection. These animals should be treated in order to eliminate the locus of infection for human family members.

Animals do of course have their own respiratory problems. In dogs, kennel cough is the most common (distemper causes respiratory signs but is technically a neurological disease). The canine version of the “people cold,” kennel cough is caused by either the Bordetella bronchisepticum bacterium or adenovirus (the canine Bordetella bacterium is very similar to the Bordetella bacterium that causes whooping cough in people). Cats are most commonly afflicted with herpes virus, calici virus, or chlamydia.

Recently, bordetellosis has also been diagnosed in cats, while canine influenza (dog flu) has been seen in the canine population.

Preventing respiratory illness in animals Vaccines are very effective for preventing infectious respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. While I do not believe in indiscriminate vaccination

of adult animals, I do believe in the value of minimal vaccination in puppies

cats that are exposed to sick animals.

Antioxidants are among the most commonly used supplements and help with a variety of medical disorders.

They are responsible for maintaining health and include vitamins such as C and E as well as bioflavonoids like grape seed extract, quercetin, coenzyme Q10, and ginkgo biloba. Technically, they do not boost the immune system, but rather clean up the products of cell damage (oxidizing chemicals).

Antioxidants also decrease various chemicals that cause cell damage, such as histamine, interleukin and tumor necrosis factor. Because antioxidants minimize cell damage, they are useful whenever disease is present and immune support needed.

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and kittens. Adult animals can be vaccinated based upon titer (antibody) testing. However, intranasal bordetella vaccination does not produce a long-lived antibody response, so titers are not effective in determining when animals should be revaccinated. I therefore use this vaccine on an as-needed basis for animals in situations where the disease is more likely to spread – for example, boarding kennels or shows.

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Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida) is the most commonly known immune stimulant.

It also functions as an antiviral and antibacterial herb. In people, Echinacea is the number-one herbal remedy for colds and flu. There are numerous classes of pharmacologically active chemicals in Echinacea, including

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Four ways to keep him healthy While supplements can be used in times of illness, maintaining a strong immune system is important in decreasing the incidence and severity of disease. Follow these four tips to keep your animal as healthy as possible.

polysaccharides, flavonoids, caffeic acid, essential oils, alkylamides and polyacetylenes.

To prevent long term immune system problems, most doctors recommend using Echinacea for just three to four weeks, followed by a resting period of another three to four weeks before the herb is resumed.

1.

Feed the most natural diet possible. Learn to read pet food labels and avoid products with chemical preservatives (BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin) and by-products, all of which can damage an animal’s immune system.

One option is to prepare and feed a homemade diet (you can find recipes in my book, The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats).

2.

Minimize vaccines. Most animals do not need annual “shots.�

A titer test can determine which vaccines your animal needs.

3.

Minimize chemicals. I prefer not to use chemical flea prevention unless absolutely necessary. Monthly heartworm medication is preferred over the six-month injectable preventative.

4.

Administer a health maintenance formula to keep your animal in peak condition. Talk to a holistic vet about the best product for your dog or cat.

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animal wellness

Arabinogalactans are polysaccharides derived mainly from the larch tree (Larix occidentalis). Studies have shown that these compounds may enhance natural killer cells and cause a release of interferon

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gamma. Arabinogalactans have strong immuno-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be used as part of an integrative approach to cancer treatment and any other time immune stimulation is needed, such as in the case of viral, bacterial, or fungal diseases. ImmunoSupport by RX Vitamins for Animals is the only arabinogalactan product currently available. I also like Vetri DMG, a dimethylglycine supplement by Vetri Science that supports the immune system.

Purine nucleotides are the final class of immune-supporting supplements. These compounds are involved in virtually all

An animal can harbor the streptococcus bacterium in its throat and on its tonsils but usually does not become ill (which makes me wonder why I still see animals being treated medically, or worse surgically, for “tonsillitis�).

cellular processes and play a major role in structural, metabolic, energetic and regulatory functions. Like arabinogalactans, they have been shown to stimulate the activity of natural killer cells.

Purine pyrimidine complexes are the active fractions found in colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals.

Colostrum contains cytokines and other protein compounds that can act as biological response modifiers. Research supports its use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as well as other autoimmune conditions.

Nucleotides may play an important role in essential fatty acid metabolism, and may have a positive effect on the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Nucleotides are usually given to animals in the form of colostrum or a product called Transfer Factor.

You may not escape a cold or two this season, but by following these suggestions you can help your furry companion fight off respiratory problems and stay healthy – not just during the winter, but all year round.

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animal wellness

Top 10

eye problems:

What to look for

O

by Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA

Often, people are surprised by the number of different eye diseases that can affect dogs and cats. From cataracts and glaucoma, to structural abnormalities that interfere with tear production, there are a variety of problems to be aware of. They range from mild to severe enough to cause blindness or even eye loss.

While holistic medicine is best at prevention, and is very helpful for treating mild conditions, a severe eye problem usually needs the hammer of conventional medicine to prevent blindness, though holistic methods can help speed recovery.

1.

Ectropion A number of eye diseases are caused by bad anatomy. They affect dogs more than cats. The special appearance some dogs are bred for can predispose them to specific eye diseases. Because these animal wellness

67

are caused by the way the dog is shaped, surgery is often the only answer. One example is ectropion, where a dog has excessively droopy eyelids. These dogs look hung over, with red eyes. A typical example is the Basset hound. The show standard for Bassets specifies that the lids droop, so the inside of the lower lid shows. When they droop too much, the exposed inner eyelids become inflamed and irritated. Dogs with this condition have red eyes all the time, and may have excess tear production. A mild case can be helped by soothing eye drops, but a severe case can cause so much inflammation and resulting infection that the only recourse is surgery. A type of plastic surgery lifts the lower lids so they assume a more normal position.

2.

Entropion The opposite of ectropion is entropion.

Breeds that have a lot of skin folds

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animal wellness

or loose skin around the eyes, such as shar peis or cocker spaniels, are especially prone to this problem. When the skin folds inward, the hair rubs on the eye. Constant rubbing not only irritates the surface of the eye, but can also eventually scratch the eye or even cause an ulcer. This can ultimately result in vision loss. Though soothing eye preparations sometimes help temporarily, surgery is the best answer.

The surgeon removes some of the excess skin, which pulls the remaining skin back into a normal position.

3.

Distichiasis More difficult to diagnose is distichiasis, where eyelashes form on the inside of the eye. A strong light and some sort of magnification may be necessary to see these small lashes. Their effect is the same as entropion, though less severe: they rub on the eyeball, causing inflammation and

irritation. The offending eyelashes are plucked out, usually under anesthetic.

4.

Less tears Little dogs with prominent eyes and squashed noses (pugs, lhasa apsos, shih tzus, etc.) have eyes that are more exposed to the elements. Their lids may not fully close and they may have reduced tear production. Antioxidants and homeopathic or herbal eye drops can be helpful. Eyebright (Euphrasia) is often used in herbal eye drops, but it is now a threatened herb and can’t be grown in captivity. Look for a suitable alternative, such as chamomile or Ayurvedic drops.

The eye sockets of these breeds are shallow, so it is easier for an eye to actually pop out of the socket when there is a head injury (e.g., from a

dog fight). If this happens, take your dog immediately to a veterinarian. The eyelids will usually be sutured shut, to help hold the eye back in while stretched and torn tissues heal.

5.

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Blocked ducts Sometimes, in both dogs and cats, the tear duct is blocked. Tears will run down the face but there is not a lot of irritation in the eye. This is not a true eye disease, and can be differentiated when your veterinarian puts some dye into the eye.

If the duct is open, the dye will travel with the tears down into the nose and out. If no dye appears after a few minutes, the duct is blocked. Your veterinarian can unblock it and flush it out with a cannula inserted into the tear duct. Rarely, some dogs are born without an opening in the continued on next pg.

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animal wellness

tear duct; in that case, surgery is performed to make a small opening.

6.

KCS

Dogs may develop an autoimmune disease known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, that decreases or stops tear production.

The surface of the eye may appear dull or there may be white or yellow-green mucus.

Sometimes it is associated with allergies and will only be present during allergy season, but most of the time it is a year-round condition.

If not treated, inflammation can cause ulcers or permanent scarring, leading to blindness.

Your veterinarian will diagnose this with a Schirmer tear test, where tear production is measured by putting strips of special paper in the eye. If too few tears are produced, the tears travel only a short way along the paper.

The primary treatment is cyclosporin ointment; acupuncture and antioxidants can help enhance this treatment.

Enough is Enough!

So many pet food choices. You want to do the right thing. But is the right thing lamb & rice?

Short-legged, snout-nosed formula?

Venison? Is that the answer? Puppy food? Or organic?

7.

It’s time to get off the pet food merry-go-round. Sure, a lot of problems can occur with the wrong food. But choosing the right one is a lot simpler than some would have you believe.

Foreign substance A foreign body in the eye will cause a lot of tears and inflammation, and often the eye will be shut tight. Foxtails are the most common foreign body, usually in dogs but sometimes in cats, and can do a lot of damage by scratching the eye and causing infection. It can be difficult to remove a foxtail yourself because it is so painful that the eyelids will be tightly closed in spasm. A veterinarian has a local anesthetic that can be applied to the eye to relieve the pain and spasming, making the foxtail much easier to remove. If you suspect a foxtail, don’t wait around to see if it gets better, since the longer you wait, the more severe the damage.

You don’t need special formulas – not for different breeds, different sizes, puppies, whatever. Just one food rich in everything your pet needs.

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8.

Inflammation & infection

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In normal eyes, infection and inflammation have many causes. These include allergies, rubbing the eye and accidentally scratching it, wind blowing dirt into the eyes, and roughhousing with playmates. Signs of mild irritation are redness, excess tears, and rubbing the eyes.

Scratches, ulcers, and increased inflammation can produce squinting and mucous, and you may see a pink structure in the corner of the eye (the third eyelid). More extreme inflammation or infection will cause yellow or green mucous as well as severe squinting or even holding the eye shut. It can result in loss of vision if not treated aggressively, and a trip to the veterinarian is in order. To determine the cause, the veterinarian will put a dye in the eye to see whether there is a scratch, abrasion or ulcer (these can be amazingly difficult to see without dye). Treatment depends on how severe the problem is.

If the irritation is mild, you can treat with antioxidants (by mouth) and soothing Ayurvedic or chamomile eye drops. If the diagnosis is allergic conjunctivitis, antioxidants, fish oil, flavonoids, Chinese herbs and probiotics can be helpful. Homeopathic Pulsatilla and Similisan #2 can also give relief.

9.

Cataracts Cataracts are common in older animals. They are more often seen in dogs than cats, and show up initially as a slight cloudiness in the pupil that increases over time. Cataracts progress most rapidly in animals with diabetes, and tend to be worse in small dogs than large ones. If they are bad enough, they can cause painful uveitis (inflammation of some of the internal tissues in the eyeball) and blindness. In the early

animal wellness

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animal wellness

stages, if not caused by diabetes, antioxidants and herbs such as Ocu-Clear from Thorne Research may be helpful. Later on, cataract surgery can be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

10.

Glaucoma

In glaucoma, fluid inside the eyeball builds up and does not exit the eye as it normally should, causing increased pressure in the eye and on the retina. There are many causes. The signs are subtle, and often not easily detected except by a special medical instrument that detects eye pressure. When glaucoma gets bad enough, the eye will become enlarged and hard. At this stage, the animal is usually blind or has very impaired vision. In the early stages, acupuncture, glycine, alpha lipoic acid, Chinese herbs, and homeopathic preparations may be helpful. Later on, conventional medications are needed for complete control, to prevent blindness or the need for surgery.

Good eye health is a big part of your animal’s well being.

Watching out for potential issues, and visiting the vet promptly when you’re in doubt about the cause or severity of a problem can help ensure your dog or cat continues to see clearly.

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

Inside this issue:

• Integrative Veterinarians • Holistic Healthcare • Massage Therapy

• Natural Product Retailers • Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors • Pet Sitters

Integrative Veterinarians

• Reiki Therapy • Schools & Wellness Education • Shelters & Rescues

CONNECTICUT

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#(% $ ' & #! #% # &' "

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BRITISH COLUMBIA

Gail Jewell, DVM Aldergrove, BC Canada Phone: (604) 856-7762 Website: www.holisticvet.ca

CALIFORNIA

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Wellness Resource Guide

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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

Cynthia Harcourt, DVM Queensville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 478-1995 Homeopathy, Nutrition, Food Sensitivity Testing, Flower Essences, Herbalism, TTouch

Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Conventional & Alternative Medicine, Homeopathy

East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 757-3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Website: www.holisticpetvet.com Waterloo North Chiropractic Massage Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 746-3838

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VIRGINIA Massage Therapists Integrative Veterinarians Trainers & Behaviorists Pet Sitters Natural Product Retailers, Manufacturers & Distributors Shelters & Rescues Reiki Chiropractic Acupressure Acupuncture

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Integrative Veterinarians - Natural Product Retailers

Wellness Resource Guide

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animal wellness

by Debbie Reynolds

Are you rewarding

?

unwanted behavior (without knowing it) Have you ever been caught off guard when your dog jumps up on another person or almost pulls you off your feet to greet another canine?

Let’s analyze a couple of scenarios. You might be in a busy park with lots of people, pooches, and food smells around.

Not recognizing that Sparky is focused on another dog or is about to spring up for what he thinks is a friendly greeting from an approaching person, you find yourself taken by surprise and being reactive to the situation. As you pull Sparky away, you abashedly apologize for the fresh paw prints that have been added to the other person’s shirt.

Later, you might be ready to sink your teeth into a slice of juicy pizza when your dogs thinks, “Hmm, that should be shared with me.” Noticing that you may lose your dinner to your dog, you command him to “lie down”. When

he responds by standing there staring, you repeat “lie down!” with intensifying volume. Now he’s looking at you as if you are from Mars. “Lie down!” you shout.

He licks his lips, and with an apologetic expression finally obeys. “That dog has selective hearing,” you grumble. In actual fact, you just taught him that “lie down” must be said three times and in an escalated tone of voice before he obeys.

Setting your dog up to succeed is paramount to a successful relationship, where you speak and the dog obeys. Being proactive and aware of your dog’s potential behavior is part of the solution. Here are a couple of tips to help prevent you from inadvertently rewarding unwanted behavior, and to ensure that you always remain the leader in any situation.

1. Since touch can be a powerful positive reinforcer, you don’t want to correct jumping up behavior by pushing your

dog off. This reaction actually provides two positive rewards: one when his paws touch you, and the second when you use your hands to remove him.

2.

As an alternative, teach him to sit and look at you while being approached.

Teaching your dog the “eye-contact game” is a great way to establish leadership and get him to pay attention when there are other diversions around, like other dogs and people. Practicing with friends who understand your goal will help. This exercise can precede each command like “off” or “leave it”, especially in a distracting environment, and can be achieved by first showing your dog that you have a treat. Say his name, then the command “look”, and hold the treat up between your eyebrows. Then say “good” and give him the treat. Gradually increase the time between eye contact and saying the word “good”. Ask your friend to stop her approach immediately if the dog moves. Replace him in a sit, continue the eye contact game, and have her start her approach for a second time. Before you know it, your dog will be able to look at you for a whole minute.

Living harmoniously with our animals is our ultimate objective. Setting your dog up to succeed rather than fail will help avoid undesirable behaviors before they get out of hand or even start. animal wellness

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The felines tell it like it is in

We are the cat

by Terry Bain

We live with humans (Laps). We’ve lived with them almost as long as we can remember. We remember Other Creatures, of course, but Laps have been imprinted on us for a very long time, and though we know, logically, that they cannot be of the same genetic makeup as felinebeings, we nevertheless consider them Family. We are adaptable to almost any creature, and though Laps are odd and large creatures, they are Just Feline Enough to be considered Catfamily (especially Mom, who, as we said, is very nearly felinekind to begin with).

Other creatures we have considered Catfamily, when familiarity and intimacy require it (usually when said creatures are Taken In and Adopted by our Laps), are quite varied: Dogs, Bears, Squirrels (very rare), Sheep, Ducks, Moose, Snakes, Raccoons, Marmots (extremely rare), Lemurs, et cetera.

Very few reptiles and no insects make the list (even when adopted by our Laps). It is not that we have anything against reptiles and insects per se. It is just that we prefer a creature that can offer us something in the way of heat should we decide to snuggle down for

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a nap with them. Even larger reptiles do not have any heat to share with us.

In fact, they seem to steal it from us, so it is a very rare cat indeed that considers a snake or other reptile a member of its family.

Many of these creatures, had we not known them before their becoming Catfamily, would instead be Prey. And, if not Prey, then Enemies of the Crown.

Individual needs of individual cats are assessed on an individual basis. We think this should be obvious, but some still seem surprised when an individual

cat accepts an individual dog, for instance, as both companion and family. Especially Laps seem surprised at this. They should not be so surprised.

True, many, if not most, dogs are considered Enemies of the Crown, but do Laps not live with both dogs and cats? Do they not live with Bears and Squirrels and Sheep and Ducks?

And even Dogs? Laps are not so different from us when it comes to their ability to consider many species as members of their family.

As we have said before of our Lap Catfamily, they are Just Feline Enough.

This is much to their great benefit, as Felinity is the path to inner peace (and peace, both Inner and Outer, is a Preferable State of Being for creatures who wish to spend their lives with a cat).

In the morning You have not fed us yet. “Wreow!” You have not fed us yet. “Wreow!”

“Kitty, I put food in your bowl last night.”

You have not fed us yet.

“Wreow!”

“Look, come on. Did you even look in your bowl?”

Good. Food is coming.

Food is coming. We will not starve to death. We will not die this morning for lack of food.

We prefer a creature that can offer us something in the way of heat should we decide to snuggle down for a nap with them.

“Look. In here. Did you look in here?”

Put food in the bowl, please. There is no food in the bowl. “Wreow!”

“Jump up. Come on. Come look in the bowl.”

No food yet. Why not fill the bowl? What is keeping you?

Leap! What? Yes! Of course! The food

is there. That food.

Eating. Eating, yes.

Grateful? Yes. But sometimes we wonder why the Laps don’t just put food in the bowl before we go to bed so it would be here in the morning whenever we wanted it.

Perhaps the Laps like to feel needed.

This is their way of showing it.

Excerpted from We Are the Cat: Life Through the Eyes of The Royal Feline by Terry Bain Copyright ©2006

by Terry Bain.

Published by Harmony Books, a division of Random House, Inc. animal wellness

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Garbage in, garbage out. It’s as true of our bodies as it is of computers, and it applies as much to your dog or cat as it does to you. Most commercial pet foods contain poor quality ingredients and additives such as by-products, grain fillers and chemical preservatives that can have a profoundly negative impact on your animal’s well being. Over time, these foods may trigger or exacerbate conditions such as allergies, arthritis, kidney disease and even cancer and other immune-related disorders. Feeding your furry friend a wholesome, high-quality diet is therefore crucial to his health and longevity. These days, you have several options to choose from: you can home-prepare the food, buy one of the growing numbers of convenient raw frozen diets on the market, or select a premium packaged product. You’ll have to pay a bit more, but when you consider the unconditional love and companionship your dog or cat gives you, isn’t it worth it?

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Quality protein The most important ingredient in any pet food is whole, fresh meat, whether it’s chicken, turkey, lamb, salmon or rabbit. Learn to read pet food labels and only choose products that list whole, single source meats (not by-products, “poultry” or “meat” meal) as their first ingredient. Avoid foods that have grains as their first ingredient – both dogs and cats are carnivores, which means their main protein source should be meat, not corn, soy or glutens. Wherever possible, try to choose organic meats raised without growth hormones, antibiotics

and other substances that can cause harm to your animal.

Fresh fruits & veggies You might think dogs and cats don’t need fruit and vegetables, but these foods contain important antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients that make for a healthy, well-rounded diet. Choose a food that includes fresh vegetables and fruit on its ingredient list, or add these items yourself. Good choices include carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, cranberries and cantaloupe – use organic produce whenever you can. Raw fruit and veggies are best, but because dogs and cats don’t have the ability to break down the cellulose walls in the outer layers of these foods, it’s best to puree them before serving (or you can serve them animal wellness

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steamed). Veggies to avoid include onions, spinach, Swiss chard and nightshade veggies such as eggplant, peppers and perhaps tomatoes as they can aggravate arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

and lead to acute renal failure. And, of course, keep chocolate away from your animal companions.

Mix it up The right carbs We’ve been hearing a lot about carbohydrates these days – while they’re essential to health, they also have to be the right kind. “Bad carbs” are simple carbohydrates and include things like processed white bread, white rice and pasta as well as any food that has high sugar content.

These carbs are high glycemic, which means they rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin levels and can lead to weight gain. Good or complex carbohydrates are low glycemic and encompass green vegetables, legumes, and whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice. Adding these foods to a meat diet will give your companion the carbs he needs without putting on the pounds.

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What to avoid Along with meat by-products and poor quality grain fillers, there are a number of other food ingredients you need to steer clear of. Be especially wary of diets that include artificial colors and flavors as well as preservatives such as BHA and BHT, which have been linked to allergies and liver problems. Ethoxyquin, another chemical preservative, has been associated with a variety of skin, immune and reproductive disorders. True, we need to keep food fresh, but there are safer, more natural preservatives that do the job just as well. Rosemary and vitamins C and E not only extend a food’s shelf life, but they also provide health benefits with no negative side effects. Do check the food’s expiry date to make sure it’s still in code.

On the treat side, avoid giving your dog grapes and raisins, which can be toxic

Imagine eating the same meal every day, month after month. Not only would you soon get bored with it, but you’d also be increasing the likelihood of developing allergies and nutrient deficiencies, since your body wouldn’t be receiving the full range of vitamins and minerals it requires to stay healthy. Only by eating a variety of foods can you get all the nutrients you need. Your dog or cat is just the same, so it’s important to feed him a diverse diet. Today’s premium frozen or packaged foods offer a wide assortment of protein sources, so there’s plenty to choose from. If your animal has an allergy to beef or other meats, try one of the many alternative proteins now available such as bison, venison, duck, rabbit, or wild salmon.

By keeping these five pointers in mind, you’ll soon start to see a difference in your companion’s energy levels, coat quality and overall well being. A wholesome, natural, high quality diet is one of the best ways to ensure your best friend will enjoy a long and healthy life.

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Photos courtesy of: the K9 Connection staff

k9 connection teams kids with canines

T

he graduation ceremony is about to begin. In the hubbub of last minute adjustments and frantically whispered reminders, one member of the team of six teens and four shelter dogs is spread out on the cool floor, snoring loudly. Travis, a shepherd mix from the Burbank Animal Shelter, is obviously confident about his role in the ceremony. Maybe he also knows he’ll be going to a loving new home at the end of the event.

These homeless dogs and middle school teens from Burbank Community Day Continuation School are the first graduates from k9 connection, a pilot

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non-profit humane education project.

The program pairs at-risk juveniles with homeless shelter dogs in a free three-week after school program.

by Katherine Beattie

Each day for two hours, students learn life skills such as goal setting, accountability and impulse control, then apply these ideas in the field by training shelter dogs to make them more adoptable.

The kids immediately empathize with the dogs because they understand how it feels to be outcast, unwanted, abused or homeless. Yet they also see that the dogs carry no resentment and seek no revenge. As the teens begin applying “positive motivational� training

It’s a win/win situation for both kids and canines. The dogs acquire the obedience skills needed to be adopted into permanent homes, and the positive rewards the teens gain from improving the dogs’ behavior motivates them to set further goals for themselves. to turn the dogs into well-mannered companions, they learn that rehabilitation does work. In practicing the skills of leadership, patience, and goal setting, they also acquire a working knowledge of how to achieve success.

It’s a win/win situation for both kids and canines. The dogs acquire the obedience skills needed to be adopted into permanent homes, and the positive rewards the teens gain from improving the dogs’ behavior motivates them to set further goals for themselves.

Using animals to rehabilitate humans is not a new idea. For several decades, prisons and juvenile camps have been using dogs and other animals to teach career skills, engender trust and companionship, and foster self-respect. One of the aims of k9 connection is to reach out to this population before they get behind bars. As for the dogs living behind bars already, the program works to get them out of shelters and into loving new homes.

“I have had many programs at our school but none so effective in dealing with at-risk students than k-9 connection,” says Chris Krohn, principal of the Burbank school. “One student entered the program with serious discipline problems, disrupting classes and disrespecting staff members. By the end of the program she had made a vast improvement in all areas. Although she started out afraid of dogs, she wrote a beautiful letter to the graduating class on how much she had grown due to her dog’s unconditional love.”

The highlight of the first k9 connection graduation ceremony was the presentation of Travis to his new guardian. Finding homes for all the k9 connection dogs remains the team’s number one priority. “I learned about goal setting and how to make things possible,” says seventh grader Damian Mendiola.

“I know we can accomplish this.”

For more information on the k9 connection program, or how to adopt a graduate dog, visit www.k9connection.org or call (310) 264-5424.

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How often does he

REALLY need a

New fund set to challenge the status quo

rabies shot?

by Ann Brightman

Morgan is doing all she can to protect her two dogs from overvaccination. “I have a vet who does titer testing instead of giving shots every year,” she says.

“My dogs are five years old now, and the tests show they’re still being protected by the vaccines they had when they were pups.” But it’s a different story when it comes to rabies. Morgan lives in a state where rabies shots are required annually, so her vet is obligated to vaccinate her dogs every year, regardless of whether or not they might still be protected by earlier inoculations.

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Teresa, meanwhile, is an apartment-dweller whose cat died after suffering an adverse reaction from a rabies vaccine. “I don’t know why I had to get him vaccinated so often when we’re seven floors up and he never went out,” she says. “The chances of him ever coming into contact with a rabid animal were pretty small.”

Serious side effects It’s a dilemma common to animal lovers across the U.S. and Canada. Some regions still require annual rabies vaccines, while many others now allow the three-year

What about other vaccinations?

Rabies isn’t the only vaccine to cause controversy over the last number of years. The adverse effects of overvaccination in general have been widely publicized, with the result that more and more animal guardians and professionals are lobbying for and working towards a reduction in the number and frequency of vaccines our dogs and cats receive.

Although vaccinations are available for a whole range of diseases, many vets now agree that only a handful are really necessary, and even they need not be given every year. These are referred to as core vaccines, and include the following (along with rabies):

variety, but even that’s too frequent when you consider the negative side effects of overvaccination. “Rabies is the vaccine most associated with adverse reactions because it’s so potent,” says renowned veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds. “We have a lot of bad reactions, including fatal ones. They usually occur within two to three weeks after vaccination, although they can appear up to 45 days later.

Because the rabies vaccine is a neurogenic protein, meaning it affects the nervous system, what you will often see is seizures or seizure-like disorders like stumbling, ataxia, dementia, and some

Dogs

Cats

Canine distemper (CDV)

Feline parvovirus (FPV)

Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2)

Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)

Canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2)

Feline calicivirus (FCV)

Although the American Animal Hospital Association recommends that each of these be given every three years, studies have demonstrated that the duration of immunity for all these vaccines is seven to nine years. You can help protect your animal from the effects of overvaccination by asking your vet about titer testing. This simple test checks your animal’s blood for the antibodies that protect against a particular disease. If the levels are high enough, the animal doesn’t need revaccination.

“Titer testing is useful for puppies or kittens that were properly vaccinated initially, at the one year period when a booster is recommended or optional,” says Dr. Dodds. “If the titers are sufficient, then a booster isn’t needed. After that, titers can be done annually or every two to three years depending on the wishes of the client and her veterinarian. The titers provide assurance that the animal has pre-existing measurable immunity to, and immune memory for, the clinically important infectious agents.” animal wellness

89

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demyelination, where the animals become wobbly and don’t have proper motor skills. You can also have an autoimmune-like destruction of tissues, skin, blood, joints, the liver or kidneys.”

Dr. Dodds adds that animals already ill with immune-related diseases such as cancer can be even more negatively affected.

“Often, this is the last thing that causes the animal’s demise.”

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Despite all this, federal law still demands that companion animals be regularly vaccinated against rabies, even if you keep your animals indoors or live in an area where rabies is unlikely to be a major problem. The main reason is that rabies can afflict humans as well as dogs and cats. “Rabies is fatal to all mammals,” says Dr. Dodds. “This is an issue to protect the public health, not the animals. The primary goal of the law is to protect people from rabies.”

While there’s no denying that rabies is a serious disease, and that both humans and animals need protection from it, the question remains: why subject dogs and cats to the potentially serious side effects of the vaccination on an annual or even a triennial basis, when the duration of immunity (DOI) is probably much longer?

The need for new legislation It’s a question that Dr. Dodds and several other professionals asked themselves when they started The Rabies Challenge Fund in the fall of 2005. “From challenge trials, we know the DOI for regular vaccines is seven to nine years, if not longer.

So why would the rabies vaccines, being so potent, not have an even longer DOI? We decided the thing to do would be to design a study to federal government standards that would determine if the DOI is longer than three years.” Challenge studies in France have demonstrated that the rabies vaccine has a DOI of at least five years, but this information is not accepted by federal and state legislatures in the U.S., hence the need for a domestic study.

The Rabies Challenge Fund is a nation-wide effort. Along with Dr. Dodds, who is based in California, the study involves Dr. Ron Schultz of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin, and vaccine disclosure activist Kris Christine, who lives in the northeast and has already worked with Dr. Dodds on other vaccine-related issues in that region.

“We asked Dr. Schultz to do the study and he was delighted,” says Dr. Dodds. The group was even more delighted when the University of Wisconsin agreed to cover almost half the cost of overhead for the study. “It shows they believe very strongly that this is information we need.”

How will the study work?

Dr. Dodds and her colleagues officially registered The Rabies Challenge Fund in December of last year. Since then, they

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still felt compelled to donate.”

Federal law still demands that companion animals be regularly vaccinated against rabies, even if you keep your animals indoors or live in an area where rabies is unlikely to be a major problem. The main reason is that rabies can afflict humans as well as dogs and cats.

have been working diligently to raise the money needed to fund the actual study, which will involve two separate groups of 20 dogs each, one to be studied for five years’ DOI, and the other for seven.

“We’ll do the two groups in parallel, and continue 20 of the five-year dogs to seven years.” By monitoring the animals’ antibodies and other benchmarks, Dr. Schultz will be able to determine the DOI for the rabies vaccine over these periods, thereby showing that the initial vaccines given to puppies and kittens before they’re a year old remain fully effective for many years,

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perhaps even for life. The fund will also finance a study of the adjuvants used in rabies vaccines and establish an adverse reaction reporting system.

But more money is needed before work can start. “We require $177,000 in the first year,” says Dr. Dodds. “So far, we have $65,000, so we’re still short of our goal. We also have some pledges that will become active once we achieve 60% of the amount we need. And we’ve had some substantial donations from Canada, even though what we do might not be accepted there. People

One of the unique things about The Rabies Challenge Fund is that it’s being funded by animal guardians and others who feel passionate about this issue.

“Kris and Ron and I want this to be a grassroots program,” says Dr. Dodds.

“We know a company could come in and give us a whole bunch of money to do the study, but it’s nice to know that the project started and evolved from people in the grassroots.”

Donations may be sent to The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust, c/o Hemopet, 11330 Markon Drive, Garden Grove, CA 92841. Or contact Dr. Jean Dodds at Hemopet@hotmail.com or Kris Christine at LedgeSpring@Lincoln.midcoast.com.

All donations are tax deductible in the U.S.

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animal communication

Hermione’s homecoming

O

by Sharon Callahan

One afternoon in the middle of October, Amanda Demming called me in a panic.

Her prized purebred Burmese cat had vanished. Named after the daring character Hermione Granger of Harry Potter fame, the little cat had slipped out the front door and disappeared just days before she was due to deliver her first litter of kittens.

Amanda’s mind was wildly filled with “what ifs”. What if Hermione gave birth to her kittens on the hill behind the house, an area frequented by skunks, bobcats, foxes and the occasional coyote? What if she wandered onto a busy street? What if she got lost and never came home again? I could tell by the tremble in Amanda’s voice that she was heartbroken. Although she loved each of her four cats, there was something different about Hermione.

She had a wild, independent spirit and quirkiness that went straight to Amanda’s heart. And Hermione was the one who had most deeply consoled Amanda during her recent bout with cancer, sleeping faithfully on her bed as she recovered from her chemotherapy sessions. How could she live without her beloved friend?

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Making a connection After allowing Amanda to express her fears, I assured her she was not to blame and that we would work together to bring Hermione home. At my suggestion, Amanda set down the phone and called in her two pre-teen children who were scouring the hill behind the house. I explained to Amanda that sometimes a frantic search for a missing animal frightens them, scaring them further away rather than bringing them home, or making them resentful if their escape was purposeful. Animals who are deeply bonded to us pick up our thoughts and emotions, even at great distances, and can be frightened or confused by our panic.

A better course of action was for the

four of us to sit quietly (me hundreds of miles away but joined with the family by a common purpose) and have faith in a power greater than ourselves to guide us. Amanda’s voice became stronger and more stable as we said a prayer, centering and opening ourselves to divine guidance and creating a still space in which Hermione could speak to us if she chose.

Hermione asks for help I then received a distinct image of Hermione leaving through the front door, making her way down the driveway, turning left and venturing through several front yards. I could then feel her tire and come to rest. I communicated to her that Amanda and the children were worried about her safety, and that of

When an animal is lost Not all missing animal stories have a happy ending, but there are many things you can do to open the possibility of a safe return.

• Stay as centered and peaceful as you can.

• In many cases, when an animal has disappeared from home, sitting quietly and calling her home is more effective than a panicky search. The energy of frantic searching often frightens an animal or stirs primitive feelings of being apprehended.

If you simply cannot keep yourself from frantic search mode, have a friend or animal communicator hold a still, prayerful space in the eye of the storm.

• Calling an animal home can be done in complete silence, by sitting in the animal’s favorite place and calmly visualizing “ribbons” of gold or silver energy emanating from the spot so the animal has an energetic path to follow. Imagine the animal following one of these “ribbons of light” home, entering in her usual way and settling in her favorite place. Do this often in the calmest way possible.

• If this visualization process doesn’t produce results in a few hours and/or if you get a feeling your animal might be trapped somewhere, check neighboring houses, garages and sheds, including your own. Many missing animals, especially cats, are very close to home. If you comb the neighborhood without results, return home and resume your visualization process.

her kittens, and that they wanted her to come home. Hermione communicated through thoughts and feelings that she was not lost or afraid, just too tired and heavy to come home on her own. She wanted Amanda to carry her.

I asked Hermione if she could give me a mental picture of what she was seeing, so I could send Amanda to find her. I immediately received a cat’s eye view of looking out from under a porch or deck at some brightly colored children’s play equipment and the tire and fender of a blue car or truck. The smell of burning leaves enveloped me. I thanked Hermione and told her to stay where she was and that Amanda would come for her. Again, Amanda, the children and I centered and calmed ourselves.

We hung up our phones with the plan

• Consider the assistance of a qualified animal communicator, but realize that even with professional help a great deal of calmness and faith is called for.

Because animals cannot read or count, and because their experience of time is different from ours, they cannot say, “I am at the corner of 4th and Vine and have been here six hours”. More subtle information must be accessed and this can only be accomplished from an inner space of stillness. A frightened cat will often hunker down in one place, but dogs are often on the move when lost or frightened, which makes finding them more challenging.

• When consulting an animal communicator, it helps to provide her with a map of the general location. This can be done through www.mapquest.com.

In tracing Hermione’s trajectory, I looked at Amanda’s location on a map that she e-mailed to me. Hermione provided the details of her route.

• If you suspect your animal has been stolen, enlist the help of local authorities.

• Again, keep a calm, steady inner presence and call on the power of the divine in whatever way is comfortable to you. Ask friends to help, especially those who can remain calmly helpful. The united intention of two or more people holds great power. I could not have located to aid the safe return of Hermione without the love and calm presence of a missing animal Amanda and her children, and our combined intention (to be taken by people and offered for and faith that all would be well. the benefit of the missing animal)

Flower essences Azalea – beauty in the face of adversity Buttercup – grounding/angelic attunement

Forget-me-not – alleviates the fear of being lost or forgotten Marsh marigold – telepathic communication Mustard – faith

Oregon grape – trusting the intentions of others

Palma de Christi – hands of Christ

Pear – calmness and balance Pussy paws – finding your way home Red clover – alleviating panic

White peony – light of the divine

that Amanda would calmly go and fetch Hermione, and call me back.

Half an hour later, Amanda called with joy and relief in her voice. She had gone down her driveway and turned left past several houses until she came to a driveway festooned with children’s toys and play equipment. A blue truck was parked nearby and a young man kept watch over a pile of burning leaves.

Amanda spoke with the young man, and although he hadn’t seen Hermione he welcomed a search of his yard. Amanda went right to the deck and peeked underneath. There was Hermione.

Amanda scooped up her beloved friend and headed home. Five days later, Hermione gave birth to three beautiful kittens.

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Get your cameras ready!

For our 5th Annual

Amazing Animals Photo Contest!

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

You can enter in one of the categories below, or simply let our judges choose which category fits best. Enter by April 13, 2007 for your chance to win.

• Best photo • Most artistic • Best bond (human/animal) • Biggest attitude • Best nature-lover

2006 "Best Photo" winner

by Phillip DeZwarte, Portage, MI

The rules are simple: 1. Send a digital photo, scanned at a minimum of 5"x7", at 300 dpi resolution in a tif, jpeg or pdf format to: photos@animalwellnessmagazine.com or send a good quality hard copy original photo (not a color copy) of your animal to: Photo Contest, Animal Wellness Magazine, US: PMB 168, 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CAN: 164 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, ON K9H 2L2

2. Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number, along with your animal's name, sex and age (if known) and a

• Funniest • Best smile • Best eyes • Most athletic • Best pals

short description of the photo. Hard copy photos must have contact information printed on the back of the photo.

3. You may submit a maximum of two photos of each animal in your home.

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

5. Winners will be notified by phone or mail and winning photos will animal wellness

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what’s gnu?

The essence of giving

Flower essences are a profoundly powerful and gentle way to help heal ourselves and our animals. Renowned animal communicator Sharon Callahan has recently decided to channel all profits from the sale of her Anaflora flower essences to the Sacred Spirit Ministry Church.

Sharon explains: “I feel people will be happy to know that the profit from their purchase of Anaflora essences goes directly to support raising consciousness as to the sacredness of our non-human brothers and sisters.” www.anaflora.com

The healing touch Play away stress

Separation anxiety is a major issue among many animals, especially those that have been rescued from less-than-ideal conditions. Pet Music’s CDs help soothe and calm anxious or stressful animals, especially when you’re not around to comfort them in person. The three-CD series includes “Creature Comforts”, “Soul Mates” and “Just Chillin’” – each includes two discs with 12 selections a piece for more than two hours of soothing, instrumental music and nature sounds. www.petmusic.com

A way with water

Water therapy is an excellent way to help rehabilitate dogs with joint or muscle injuries, or those with arthritis and hip dysplasia. It can include underwater treadmills, assisted swimming and warm water massage. Founded in January of 2005, the Association for Canine Water Therapy works to promote and advance the safe practice of canine water therapy through education, establishing industry standards and building a support network for therapists and their clients. The association already has 70 members and is continuing to grow. www.caninewatertherapy.com

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From November 3 to 5, the Millennium Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona was home to a special “CELLebration” hosted by Linda Tellington-Jones, recognized as a pioneer for her work with animal behavior, psychology, health and training. The event was held to mark 30 years of teaching Tellington TTouch and TTEAM to animal lovers around the world. More than 20 noted experts attended, with presentation topics ranging from the evolution and use of Tellington TTouch to nutrition, communication and canine behavior. www.tteam-ttouch.com

Dry and comfy

Most people who’ve taken their animals anywhere in a carrier or cage, whether it’s on vacation or to the vet, have had to contend with accidents. KC Pet Products helps make life easier for both you and your companion with Dry Fur Pet Carrier Inserts. Soft and super absorbent, these disposable cushioned pads are designed to keep your cat or dog dry. The air-cushioned insulated core also ensures he stays nice and comfortable.

Available in four sizes. www.dryfur.com

Cat litter, naturally

You already know of the health benefits of green tea, but did you know the leaves also make a super cat litter? From Next Gen International Corporation comes Green Tea Leaves, a unique natural cat litter made from recycled wood and green tea leaves. This nontoxic product works to effectively control the bacteria that cause odor. It’s also light weight, low tracking, highly absorbent and flushable.

What more could you ask of a cat litter? www.nextgenpet.com

Need a nanny?

Most of us lead busy, hectic lives these days, which means we don’t always have as much time to spend with our animals as we’d like. Now, there’s an easy way to quickly put your finger on a professional pet sitter, day care facility, boarding kennel, groomer or trainer to help you out, or even an alternative practitioner such as a TTouch practitioner, massage therapist or communicator. The Nannies4Pets website allows you to search for a wide variety of animal care services in your area – just enter your zip or area code for a list of local businesses. www.nannies4pets.com

Pure as can be

Salmon oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, but finding a product that doesn’t contain manmade toxins isn’t so easy.

Iceland Pure has recently introduced two new products for dogs and cats, including 100% pure salmon oil from fish caught in the virtually pollution-free waters of Iceland. Or try Iceland Pet gourmet fish paté: made from Iceland salmon or trout, this high-protein, low-ash natural food is both delicious and healthy. www.icelandpure.com animal wellness

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animal passages

Chase’s

“angels”

by Marie Castellano

W

ith my best friend at my side, I left the animal hospital in tears.

Chase, my beautiful black Labrador retriever, was gone at just 15 months of age. After two operations to repair his bone-diseased joints, Chase gave up his fight to live. I had more joy and fun with him during his short life than with any other dog. I particularly remember how he loved running through the woods and dog park.

During the drive home, my friend said consolingly, “You did your best to take care of him all those months. We never know why these things happen, but maybe some good could come of it.” It was then I began to wonder… was there a purpose to Chase’s short life?

Next morning, the house seemed larger than before. I missed Chase’s love and companionship. I hated the loneliness, and the anger I felt over what had happened. I never wanted to get so involved in another dog’s life again. I decided then and there that I wasn’t going to have any more dogs for a long time.

A serendipitous encounter At first, I couldn’t make myself go for the usual walk that Chase and I took every morning. On the third day after his death, I decided I must resume my normal routine. I walked the route but my head was in the clouds and I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. I suddenly felt a heavy thump and pain in my left knee. Almost tripping, I looked down. A young, black, male Lab who looked just like Chase had come out of nowhere and was looking up at me. I felt a chill go down my spine.

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I stepped cautiously back, wondering if he was dangerous. He ran in circles around me, as if trying to tell me something. I searched for an ID tag but found nothing. I instructed him to “go home” but that didn’t help. Since I was only about half a mile from home, I flagged down a vehicle and asked for a ride. Seeing the driver’s reluctance to allow this large dog into her van, I asked if she had a leash I could use. She grabbed one from the back seat, and I asked if she had seen this dog before. “Yes,” she replied, “he’s been around here awhile, but I don’t know where he belongs.”

On the way home, it became evident that my rescue dog was not trained to walk on a leash and was also very tired.

I called police departments, veterinarian hospitals and humane societies, but each gave the same response: “No one has indicated they lost a black Lab.” On the fifth day, while searching the “Lost & Found” ads in the newspaper, I spotted one that read: “Lost Labrador retriever, in the local vicinity…” and immediately got on the phone only to learn the missing Lab was female. I glanced down at the dog and wondered what I was going to do with him. He certainly was beautiful.

After making a few more phone calls, I learned that rescued dogs can be claimed by their finders after seven days.

During this period, I received a call from the breeder I purchased Chase from. We talked for a long time, reminiscing about Chase’s wonderful qualities. At the end of our conversation, she said she had a sweet, three-week-old yellow Lab puppy for me, and if I decided to take him, he would be ready to pick up in another three weeks.

What a dilemma. Wasn’t it just a few days ago I decided not to have dogs for awhile? Should I keep the rescue dog or graciously accept the puppy, or both? How could I handle an untrained 85-pound dog and train

a puppy at the same time? Maybe I should just stick to my decision not to have any dogs at all.

A change of heart On the sixth day, I felt confident that I wasn’t going to find the black Lab’s guardian and finally named him Luca.

Since my love for puppies is uncontrollable, I decided to keep Luca and also accept the puppy.

On the seventh day, Luca was mine. I took him to the vet and had him checked out. Erica, the lab technician, fell in love with him and told me she would love to have him if I was looking for a home for him. She told me she had recently lost her own dog and Luca was exactly what she was looking for. As we talked, I knew Erica was perfect for Luca and gave him to her with one stipulation: if she decided not to keep him, he would be returned to me. She agreed and said, “May I change his name to Morty?”

“Of course,” I said, “he’s your dog!”

The day came for me to pick up my puppy. The long drive reminded me of the beautiful sunny day I picked up Chase. Feeling a little melancholy, I pulled into the driveway and there was the breeder waiting to greet me. She invited me in and asked if I was ready to meet my dog. “Wait here, I’ll get him for you,” she said, and returned with a beautiful yellow Lab puppy snuggled in her arms. I knew I had made the right decision and named him Sunny.

I guess I’ll never know for sure if there was really a purpose to Chase’s life, but I’d like to think that maybe he sent two canine “angels” to get me through a sad time: Morty, who ultimately found a happy home with a loving new guardian, and Sunny, who lives up to his name by filling my days with love and sunshine.

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BOOKreviews Title:

Help For Your Fearful Dog

Author:

Nicole Wilde

If your dog is afraid of strangers or fears vet visits, you know how difficult calming him can be. Nicole Wilde, certified trainer and canine behavior specialist, has written a comprehensive, compassionate guide to understanding and addressing canine fear issues.

Help for Your Fearful Dog begins by exploring the root causes of fear. Photographs illustrate fearful canine body language and stress signals, followed by an explanation of how human body language affects dogs. The program outlined in the book promotes calm canine behavior, and includes management, nutrition, exercise, leadership, and positive, gentle training. Wilde then explains step-by-step how to desensitize your dog to what frightens him. Fifteen common fears are addressed, including riding in the car and being left alone. Useful tips, tricks, and troubleshooting accompany each chapter. The book closes with a section on complementary therapies and remedies.

The information is presented in a conversational, often humorous style, highlighted by amusing illustrations and graphics. Help for Your Fearful Dog is indispensable reading for dog guardians.

Publisher: Phantom Publishing

Title:

Dog Heroes of September 11th

Author:

Nona Kilgore Bauer

No one can ever forget the day the World Trade Centre crumbled to the ground under the onslaught of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Along with the many teams of courageous, hard-working men and women who put in long hours of grueling recovery work at Ground Zero and the Pentagon site, were dozens of search and rescue dogs. In Dog Heroes of September 11th: A Tribute to America’s Search and Rescue Dogs, author Nona Kilgore Bauer provides a moving and inspiring portrayal of the 78 canine heroes and their handlers who worked tirelessly to find those trapped or killed during the disaster.

From Osa, the energetic people-loving German shepherd, to Willow, a gentle Labrador retriever who used her therapy skills to cheer and comfort rescue workers, these amazing and intelligent dogs and their accomplishments are beautifully celebrated in evocative color photos as well as interviews with handlers, rescuers, veterinarians and others.

Proceeds from the sales of Dog Heroes of September 11th go to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental training organization based in Ojai, California.

Publisher: Kennel Club Books

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A

Cat Naps and Dog Daze

Composer:

Hiroki Sakaguchi

“A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.” This is just one of the many inspiring quotes you’ll find in the new book/CD relaxation packs Cat Naps and Dog Daze.

Each pack includes a small hardcover book filled with delightful color photos and quotes, as well as a CD of relaxation music for your cat or dog.

Stress is often as much a problem for animals as it is for us. The CDs in these unique packs use the psychology of music to help soothe your companions. The music is composed by leading Japanese composer and arranger, Hiroki Sakaguchi, and is based on extensive research carried out at Japan’s School of Music Therapy. It uses traditional acoustic instruments and some special animal-friendly frequencies that evoke a sense of calm and well being in your dog or cat.

You’ll find that Cat Naps and Dog Daze are as entertaining and relaxing for humans as they are for animals.

Publisher: Wise Publications

l Food Serv i ce

The ORIGINAL Raw MEAT Diets

s

Title:

a nim

A Natural Pet Food...

Unlike Any Other!

Since 1975 Product Excellence & Balanced Nutrition Are Never Compromised!

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fashionable

Title:

Whole Health for Happy Dogs

Author:

functional

comfortable!

Jill Elliot DVM and Kim Bloomer

“By learning to care for our dogs before they become ill – using a natural and holistic approach – we can avoid the common disorders that are becoming more prevalent in dogs today,” write Jill Elliot and Kim Bloomer in the introduction to their new book Whole Health for Happy Dogs: A Natural Health Handbook for Dogs and Their Owners. The book opens with a comprehensive discussion of the difference between health and disease and includes a handy Healthy Dog Checklist to help you assess your canine’s state of well being.

The authors also include chapters on holistic therapies and natural remedies as well as vaccines, food and nutrition, flea and tick control, and how to protect your dog from environmental toxins. You’ll also find information on breed-specific diseases and natural treatments for many common diseases.

Illustrated with beautiful color photos, Whole Health for Happy Dogs is an excellent guide to maintaining your canine companion’s wellness from puppyhood through his senior years.

Publisher: Quarry Books

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!

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www.tobysnaturalpets.com tobyspets@aol.com animal wellness

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North West Naturals Organic & Wildcrafted Farmacy Finest herbal ingredients for your animals and you at realistic prices .....................

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

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health products & services

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

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ProDen PlaqueOff™for pets Just a sprinkle a day for healthier teeth and gums Proven effective against Tartar • Plaque • Bad breath Save on costly dental fees at the vet for less than $25/bottle! Good for a year!

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

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health products & services

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

for pain, infection, skin conditions, detox & behavioral issues!

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.

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

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

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

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Rapid Scrub has a sponge on top of a flexible,

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The massaging rubber fingers penetrate the hair on your horse allowing the soap to clean down to the skin while promoting the natural oils. Made in the USA.

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accessories

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animal wellness

miscellaneous

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Internationally Known Animal Communicator

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

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classifieds Advocacy Groups

HELP PROMOTE HUMAN AND ANIMAL RIGHTS by personally lobbying your government with minimal effort. Sign, stamp, and mail the letters we prepare for YOUR representatives! www.ActionPacks.net.

Animal Communicators

SOUL MATES – Offering canine massage, animal homeopathy, Reiki, Bach Flower essences, animal communication helping acute, chronic, emotional and behavioural issues. Private sessions, workshops, phone consultations. Debbie Betts CCM, BFP, DiHom (Dvet hom) (905) 689-5757, (902) 583-2134, info@soulmatesholistic.com, or www.soulmatesholistic.com

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.

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.

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 angelwhisperer@ark-angels.org

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (60 Grain) directly from the California manufacturer. 55 gallon plastic drums (4/pallet minimum). Conventional $2.50/gallon, Organic $3.25/gallon plus shipping. (800) 459-1121. www.solanagold.com

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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 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

Homeopathy HOMEOPATHY, REIKI – Safe, gentle, non-invasive treatments for your animal companions. Effective treatment for acute, chronic and first-aid conditions. Call Marilyn at (416) 697-7122, or e-mail at homeomom@hotmail.com.

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Schools & Training COMPANION ANIMAL TOUCH & THERAPIES – Offers instruction and training for small animal massage providers at locations in IL, WI, VA, and NC as well as classes in maintenance and sports massage for animals in the Chicago-Milwaukee area. Info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com (847) 782-1963 (voice), (847) 782-5725 (fax) www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com INTRODUCTORY & ADVANCED ANIMAL MASSAGE WORKSHOPS – Taught by experienced LMT. Canine & Equine Massage Videos, Workbooks & Anatomy Charts for sale.

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EVENTS CALENDAR December 4-6, 2006 – Herndon, VA Introduction to Small Animal Massage This class is focused on teaching massage techniques used

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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.

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Art Bark Fest Village at Squaw Valley CA WE BARKED FOR THE LOVE OF ART! At the 3rd annual Art Bark Fest, hosted by Tails by the Lake, Animal Art, Wine & Music were featured at gorgeous Lake Tahoe. 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 festivals in the country.

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Feb/Mar issue on stands Jan. 16

DENTAL HEALTH: • Top 5 ways to avoid the animal dentist • Gingivitis and stomatitis • Feline calicivirus • Animal toothbrushes and toothpastes • Breed specific legislation • Bloat • Katrina animals – where are they now?

• Homeopathy for cats • Canine flu • Out and about winter apparel animal wellness

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The tail end

Lawn ornament lunacy

by Julie Smith

I

t’s that time of year again. My neighbors are adorning their yards with festive lawn ornaments that drive my boxer, Milo, nuts. It starts with cardboard tombstones and ghosts dangling from half bare trees, and ends with sleighs and synthetic reindeer.

(Well, it’s never-ending really, if you consider the perpetual pink flamingos, assorted rodents and gnomes that provide a constant source of curious things for him to fret about.)

Milo whines and does his exuberant little boxer wiggle, spin, snort thing.

Mom, mom, do you see that? Let’s go over there, can we, can we, please? When I finally let him satisfy his curiosity, all it takes is a couple of sniffs and he looks at me with his soulful brown eyes. Hey, this isn’t real. Who put this here? Hey, mom, look over there, a real squirrel! And we’re off to the races.

I must say, though, that his agitation is at its peak during the holidays.

Overnight there are new things that weren’t there when we walked our route yesterday – things that look like

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real animals or people that need to be greeted and licked.

Last December, in his wild abandon, Milo took out a whole plastic nativity scene. There I was at 6 a.m., in my expertly coordinated black sweat outfit, gloves and beanie, looking all too much like a burglar, trying to nimbly put all the pieces back in place while Milo played lookout. He wasn’t much of a lookout at that, his interest piqued by a fascinating smell emanating from a nearby tree. As I gently placed baby Jesus back in the manger, the sprinklers came on and we ran.

Another crisp winter morning, he violated the man in the red suit. After this episode, I decided that Santa really is scary, for kids and dogs.

There Santa was, merrily perched on the damp grass with his reindeer. Milo easily spotted him in his bright red ensemble, let out a sinister growl and lunged at the leash. Let me at him, let me at him! He tore off, all 90 pounds of him dragging me toward the vexatious

plastic Santa. Sniff, sniff. Well, this is interesting, isn’t it? Milo mischievously lifted his leg before I realized what was happening, and Santa’s plastic red suit was now soiled yellow. My neighbor’s porch light flicked on and we ran.

Needless to say, Santa must have checked his list twice because Milo only got coal in his stocking that year.

Then again, maybe it had something to do with the hole Milo dug to China in the backyard.

I suppose I’m ready for the holidays again this year, and my crazy boxer’s reaction to all the yard paraphernalia that descends upon our community. It’s quite comical in retrospect. When it starts happening again, and it’s not so comical, I always have my running shoes on.

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

animal wellness

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Communication is a form of energy work for Claudia Hehr

by Ann Brightman Ever since she was a small child, Claudia Hehr has been able to commune with animals. “I’ve always been very drawn to animals and always knew what they were thinking,” says the Toronto-based communicator and energy worker.

“When I met a dog on the street I just knew what was going on in his life – if he wasn’t feeling well, if he’d been abused, or whatever.” Her family, animal wellness – ontario region

i

“When I met a dog on the street I just knew what was going on in his life – if he wasn’t feeling well, if he’d been abused, or whatever.” disconcerted by her claims, told her to keep quiet about it. “I always assumed other people were experiencing the same thing.”

Years passed, and Claudia kept her gift to herself. “I’m from Germany and worked for a really big company there. Then I came to Canada and eventually opened my own dog daycare. One day, I heard about a native American who spoke with animals and that was fascinating. I always thought it would be so cool to be like Dr. Doolittle and be able to talk to animals, but was always told it wasn’t possible.”

Claudia then heard about a woman in the States who was an animal communicator. She booked a session

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for one of her own rescue dogs, who was very ill. “It was the most amazing experience,” she says. “We had a 20-minute session and I asked the communicator three questions about my dog. It was overwhelming to hear what the dog was saying in words. It was the first time I’d really had a two-way conversation with an animal.”

Claudia continued learning by taking an introductory course on animal communication from renowned communicator Penelope Smith. Before she knew it, Claudia was a practicing communicator in her own right. “I was literally thrown into it. People began asking me about their dogs or cats, not just what they liked or disliked, but life or death questions. When I communicate with animals, it’s for

all kinds of different reasons – health, behavior, backgrounds, abuse issues and so on.” At the same time, one of her other dogs was having some health issues and communicated a lot to Claudia about wellness. “She changed my life forever. I really got into alternative health and nutrition for animals. This, together with the communication, is a whole package for me now.”

The multi-talented Claudia, who is also a Reiki master and a dowser, believes that all these forms of energy work are interconnected. She also has some amazing stories to share about her experiences working with animals.

“One lady had a cat that wasn’t using the litter box. The cat communicated to me that her guardian was somehow changing. We delved further into it and discovered that the woman had been deeply shaken up by the death of a young colleague two years before.

She thought she’d dealt with it, but she hadn’t, and was becoming more and more withdrawn.”

Claudia goes on to explain that the woman and her cat struck up a bargain. “The cat indicated he would use the litter box as long as his guardian was on the right path; if she strayed from that path, he wouldn’t use it. She could then use this as an antenna

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for where she was in her life. What the cat was basically saying was, ‘hey, instead of getting more and more depressed inside, something has to happen.’”

This is just one of the many examples Claudia can give of the way animals can guide and help us. “They don’t care how much you’re making. Their values are around

“They don’t care how much you’re making. Their values are around who you are, not what you are.” who you are, not what you are. They know what’s important for you, where you are in your life right now, and what you have to do. Their knowledge is absolutely incredible. Many people whose animals I’ve spoken to, and who have taken the advice given them, have had their lives profoundly changed.

Animals have so much to say to us. They can teach us so much if we just listen.”

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animal wellness – ontario region

How to use your

credit card to help animals Imagine if every time you bought something on your credit card, a financial contribution was made to an animal welfare organization at no cost to you. Thanks to partnerships between not-for-profit organizations and business institutions such as credit card issuers, it’s easy to show your

support for your favorite cause each time you make a purchase. These “affinity” partnerships are a unique and efficient way for animal organizations and others to help raise funds and public awareness.

To date, there are two affinity credit

card issuers in the Canadian market: BMO Bank of Montreal and MBNA (Bank of America). “BMO Bank of Montreal launched an affinity partnership with The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [OSPCA] in January of 1991, and with the World Society for the

animal wellness – ontario region

v

These “affinity” partnerships are a unique and efficient way for animal organizations and others to help raise funds and public awareness.

Protection of Animals [WSPA] in August of 2002,” says Rene van Gendt, Senior Manager, Partnerships for BMO Bank of Montreal Mosaik MasterCard.

The credit cards for each prominently display the organization’s logo and feature a color photo of an animal. “In addition to these programs, we promote a variety of similar affinity partnerships such as BC SPCA, Ontario Wildlife Association, and the Winnipeg Humane Society, to name a few.

“The BMO Bank of Montreal Mosaik MasterCard program offers a choice of loyalty reward options and interest rate

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animal wellness – ontario region

plans for the end user,” Rene continues.

“Fees for the program range from no fee to over $200 per year, and are determined by what features the cardholder chooses. The card can be customized to meet an individual’s personal needs and the card holder can change the features on their card whenever they want without any additional cost.” Special features include travel and medical protection and concierge service.

You might wonder why a credit card issuer would choose to enter into a partnership that shares a substantial portion of profit with a not-for-profit

partner. “These partnerships present an excellent opportunity for BMO Bank of Montreal to acquire new cardholders that we would not have otherwise have been able to secure,” says Rene. “Our affinity card programs are successful not just because our partners actively promote the program, but because their members value the loyalty benefits they receive from using the card – for example, Air Miles reward miles that can be redeemed for travel or merchandise.” You can also choose from two CashBack Reward Program options. “Finally, an affinity card program is an easy and effective way for people to show pride in and support for their cause or organization of choice.”

To apply for the OSPCA or WSPA Mosaik MasterCard, visit www.mosaikcard.com/offer. Enter offer code OSPCA or WSPA to obtain a special 5.9% offer for balance transfers and cash advances for six months.

Reiki

by John Wiles

O

John and Wick commune with one another.

a revelation

for Toronto couple

ur beloved companion, Mr. Pickwick (aka Wick) touched our hearts for many years.

He was an inquisitive, expressive little fellow with a well developed sense of humor. He loved to listen to music, play games and solve the puzzles we devised for him. Wick was strong willed, persistent and invariably got his own way. He was very independent but loved to be held and cuddled, and

would greet visitors by bowing and cooing. Mr. Pickwick was an Indian ring-necked white dove.

As Wick grew older, he developed seizures that caused him to twitch, bend over backwards and panic.

Nothing could be done for him until the seizure subsided about 15 minutes later. My wife, Elaine, took her first degree in Reiki shortly afterwards.

We provide lots of fun and socialization, a minimum of three walks per day and an atmosphere without crates or kennels!

532 Front Street West Toronto, ON (between Spadina & Bathurst)

(416) 591-7681 www.doggiedaycaretoronto.com animal wellness – ontario region

vii

During a seizure, she would hold Wick in her hands and give him Reiki energy, and within one minute, the spasms would end. I would try the same hand positioning, but the seizure would continue for its full duration. Elaine’s success prompted me to take my first degree, and I was able to quickly subdue the contractions. Elaine treated Wick with Reiki every morning. He lived to be 18 years of age instead of the average ten years.

would be “six hours” until Wick’s passing.

Elaine noticed a golden glow around Wick’s body. I saw a golden beam of light coming out of his head. Wick opened his eye, looking directly at me as his pupil dilated... The energy circled between us, building in intensity and excitation.

During the last few months of his life, Wick struggled with the ups and downs of old age. On September 29,

2001, at 5:25 a.m., he collapsed in my hand, lying on his side, one eye visible. We sat on the sofa and took turns giving him Reiki. Through the Reiki energy, Elaine intuited that it

A few hours later, Elaine noticed a golden glow around Wick’s body. I saw a golden beam of light coming out of his head. Wick opened his eye, looking directly at me as his pupil dilated. I could feel energy flowing from my chest into Wick. After a moment, he redirected it back to me. The energy circled between us, building in intensity and excitation. It was a strange sensation, like hundreds of butterflies in my chest. I felt extreme joy and knew that everything would

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be fine. This phenomenon lasted about five minutes, then lessened as Wick became peaceful. His spirit faded in and out, and Mr. Pickwick passed away at 11:25 a.m., six hours after his collapse.

That afternoon, we wondered if Wick’s spirit was still with us. We shortly received an answer: a photo of Wick on the coffee table fell over with a crash. An hour or so later, a pencil on the table shot point first onto the floor. Sitting together, grieving the loss of our precious boy, we briefly saw a golden glow on the wall, the same radiance that emanated from

baby-like scent of his feathers.

Until this experience, we had believed in the theory that the spirit within us continues after death. Wick’s demise turned the theory into a reality. The gift of Reiki connects us with the essence of life.

Until this experience, we had believed in the theory that the spirit within us continues after death. Wick’s demise turned the theory into a reality. The gift of Reiki connects us with the essence of life.

Wick. To this day, I still frequently experience Wick’s energy entering my chest, and I am aware of his presence.

Five years later, we can still feel his weight in our hands and almost smell the

John

Elaine Wiles are animal Reiki John also has a pet care service in Toronto. Call (416) 693-5352 or e-mail johnwiles@sympatico.ca. and

practitioners.

animal wellness – ontario region

ix

Photo: Kathleen Sorensen

by Lorraine Houston

helps people

O

ne day, more than 25 years ago, Grace Hall’s daughter found a lost and bewildered stray dog near their home. They called the local animal control facility and had the handsome little dog admitted to the shelter. Grace desperately tried to find his guardian and called other shelters and veterinary clinics to alert them to the lost dog, but no one was looking for him. The more she called, the more Grace was amazed to learn

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xi

that most of the shelters she spoke to were full of dogs no one was looking for. After the holding/stray time had passed for the dog her daughter found, Grace went to the shelter, paid the adoption fee, put an advertisement in a Toronto newspaper and screened several potential homes before placing him in a loving new situation.

This was only the start of what has become a lifelong mission. In 1980, Grace founded Adopt a Dog/Save a Life (www.adoptadogsavealife.com).

The Toronto-based registered charity is run solely by a handful of volunteers committed to finding forever

Before placing a dog in a new home, Grace interviews prospective adopters to determine lifestyle and other variables. She believes proper matchmaking is the key to successful adoptions. homes throughout southern Ontario for dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes and breeds. The volunteers spend countless hours picking up dogs from shelters, placing advertisements, updating the website, responding to telephone inquiries and boarding dogs until suitable placements can be found.

To date, the organization has placed more than 6,000 dogs. But the work is not without its difficulties.

Grace and her volunteers are frequently frustrated by telephone calls from people who “have no time for their dog”, find them “too much trouble to train”, or who want to give up them up because “the kids are not living up to the responsibility”. Grace worries that children are receiving the wrong message

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from parents who discard animals like disposable items. If more people planned appropriately before they committed to a dog, she says, there would be far fewer animals needing to be re-homed.

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Grace’s greatest source of concern is puppy mills. “People can’t resist that puppy in the pet shop window, but do they have any idea where he comes from? Do they realize that the mothers are constantly bred, often kept confined in small unsanitary conditions, and do not receive the medical attention and love they need?”

Before placing a dog in a new home, Grace interviews prospective adopters to determine lifestyle and other variables. She believes proper matchmaking is the key to successful adoptions. All dogs are spayed or neutered prior to going to their new homes. “Spaying and neutering, humane education and public awareness are all paramount in ending the tragedy of abandoned and abused dogs,” she says. There is no set fee for adoption, although a donation is required.

In 1990, Grace was awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in recognition of her work. Although she appreciates the commendation, she points out that “medals don’t save lives”. But she hopes it’s a sign that the government is becoming more aware of animal issues. In the meantime, she and her team of volunteers continue helping dogs in need of homes.

Lorraine Houston is an evaluator for Therapeutic Paws of Canada and St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs, the director of Speaking of Dogs, and the author of Nobody’s Best Friend.

An advocate for humane training and rescue/shelter dog adoptions, she has fostered over 300 dogs and found homes for thousands more.

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homeopathy • hair analysis • herbal medicine traditional chinese medicine • chiropractic food sensitivity and organ assessment acupuncture • therapeutic nutrition reiki and bach flower remedies

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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

New location! Secord Animal Hospital

3271 Yonge St, Toronto M4N 2L8 Tel: 416-486-1700 Fax: 416-486-1795

Dufferin-Queen Animal Hospital

1186 Queen St. West, Toronto M6J 1J6 Tel: 416-536-9965 Fax:416-536-8462 E-mail: Dr.Sherebrin@myTCMvet.com • www.myTCMvet.com

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Thistledown

P et M emorial

Saying Goodbye is never easy.

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Dr. Jennifer Heick Chiropractor, Animal Chiropractor animal wellness – ontario region

815A Albion Rd., Rexdale, ON (East of Islington)

ENHANCING WELLNESS

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Dr. Chris Elson (416) 740-PETS (7387)

Leo K. Rosenberg, D.C., F.I.C.C.

AVCA Board Certified Animal Chiropractor – dr.leo@petsinmotion.ca

www.petsinmotion.ca • Tel:416 231-2487, Cell: 416 616-2009 4202 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario. M8X 1Y6

Canine Touch & Tell Sandy Benoit Sylvia King

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all dogs need canine massage

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Manson B

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CANINE LIFE for the love of your dog

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Counselling

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ONTARIO REGION marketplace

Vegetarian Dog Treats

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or 8 8 8 - 8 4 4 - 1 5 3 2

Central Canada’s Largest Natural Health Magazine For Humans

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FETCHFeaturing IT UP! the photography of Sandra Bolan

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