Find your breed match! Get to know the Toller, Westie & Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions F ALL 2017
Top 5 Rescue Dog Tests
CANINE IQ
HOW SMART IS YOUR DOG?
Dog intelligence ranked by breed
p98
AYS T W 5 VEN E R P ON TO ARATI SEP XIETY AN 114
Toys! Toys! Toys!
Publications PublicationsAgreement AgreementNumber Number40743013 40743013 Return ReturnMail MailDept, Dept,202–343 202–343Railway RailwaySt., St.,Vancouver, Vancouver,BC BC V6A V6A1A4 1A4
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HOW DOGS THINK
moderndogmagazine.com
DISPLAY UNTIL DEC ‘17
$5.95
p22
It’s Pluto, star of the new movie The Stray! APPS FOR DOG LOVERS HELP DOGS WHILE ON VACATION! SECRET DOG MENUS DELISH DOG TREAT RECIPE HOW TO STOP COUNTER SURFING
Great Giveaways! p12
Canine Makeovers!
p34
Stars & Their Pups!
plus The best dog stuff is in here! Our current finds, obsessions and must-haves, rounded up!
VOL 16
NO 3
lexi submitted by lexi the weim
FALL 2017
74 FEATURES 26
Counter Surfing When your dinner isn’t safe: what to do about dogs who clear counters.
30
Soft Rock to Reggae: Dogs Shown to Have Musical Taste Why you should expose your dog to a variety of musical genres (but hold the rock and metal, please).
38
The Dr. Dolittle of Pet Prosthetics From dogs to elephants, Derrick Campana is changing the lives of animals by specializing in a field of his own creation.
44
A Dog’s Mind Fascinating new research into how dogs think and the emotions they experience is helping to improve our understanding of our dogs. BY NOA NICHOL
52
The Beauty Industry’s Dirty Little Secret Your personal choices can help end animal testing. Here’s how.
62
Whatever It Takes When racing 700 kilometers through the jungles and mountains of South America, the last thing you want is a stray dog along. But that’s exactly what happened to a Swedish adventure racing team, and it changed lives. BY MIKAEL LINDNORD
BY NICOLE WILDE
BY STANLEY COREN
BY TRACEY TONG
BY DARCY MATHESON
82 One Man’s Plan to End Pet Over-Population Prepare to fall in love with Joey Herrick, who is using his time, money, and talents to make a difference for unwanted pets. BY J. LESLIE JOHNSON
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100 86
A Vacation Like No Other A volunteer experience helping stray, homeless, and abused dogs on the gorgeous Thai island of Phuket transforms the lives of dogs and volunteers alike.
90
The Stray Sometimes one dog can change everything.
96
Canine IQ: How Smart Is Your Dog? Dog intelligence ranked by breed.
104
Top 4 Tests When Choosing A Shelter Dog Rescue dog matchmaking: 4 important tests your future family member should pass.
BY MALGOSIA SZAJWAJ
PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING
BY STANLEY COREN
BY TEOTI ANDERSON
BREED PROFILE 24
Find Your Perfect Breed Match Is the Toller or the Westie the dog for you? Find out on page 24!
100
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Tough and tenacious, the Chessie is a retriever with a twist! BY KELLY CALDWELL
BODY & SOUL 68
Vegan Dog Food; Poll Results; The Find: Ease Your Dog's Anxiety
112
96
LIVING
70
Keep Your Dog and Your Home Flea-Free!
72
5 Supplements You Should Give Your Dog
74
Why You Should Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Dental Health
76
Quiz: Discover Your Dog's Dosha
78
A Natural Fix: Hemp-derived CBDs are delivering a host of health benefits
THE GOODS 28
Doggy Décor Our current obsessions and must-haves!
58
Perfect Presents A gift guide for dogs and dog lovers.
98
Toys! Toys! Toys! The best toys for every type of dog.
112
Look What We Found! Nifty finds for dogs and the people who love them.
REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 20 Smile! Photo Contest 117 Marketplace
42
ON THE COVER Meet our cover dog! Meet Pluto, the canine star of the new movie The Stray, in theatres across the US October 6th! Pluto wears an Auburn Leathercrafters plaid and leather collar (collarsandmore.com). Photographed by Tanya King.
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We’re Giving It Away! We’ve got three months of awesome giveaways, from luxurious dog beds to pet grooming kits, and winners every week! Flip to page 22 to see what’s up for grabs!
34
Stars, They’re Just Like Us! Candid snaps of celebrities out and about with their pups!
42
Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats Pups of all ages won’t be able to resist chowing down these yummy treats! BY CLARA TO
50
Blow: Dogs and Fans Photographer Illona Haus captures dogs' ears and fur flying in windswept photo series.
66
Apps For Dog Lovers These three free, nifty apps let you walk for a cause, handle pet emergencies, and take a dog break!
92
Secret Dog Menus These restaurants have hidden menus offering special items especially for pups! BY LAURA DENNIS
94
A Famous Disabled Bulldog Unites Fans and Brings Cheer Meet our Star Dog photo contest winner, a Bulldog brightening the days of his 800,000 Facebook fans.
BY LAURA DENNIS
BY ROSE FROSEK; PHOTOGRAPHED BY CASSIE RENIERS
109 Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good dog and a good book. Editor-in- Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of this fall’s must-reads. 114
5 Ways To Prevent Separation Anxiety Are you guilty of accidentally nurturing your dog’s separation anxiety? BY JENNIFER MESSER
120
Last Lick: Dogs Who Excel At Napping For these dogs, catching z’s is an art form.
In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 16, Issue 3. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.
EDITOR'S LETTER
CONNIE WILSON WITH PENNY, PHOTO KHAREN HILL
OUR R E ADE R S WR ITE
F
all is one of my very favourite seasons—I love crisp morning walks crunching through fallen leaves with my dog Penny (have you noticed how most dogs seem friskier and more playful now that cooler weather is upon us?). I also love the general renewed sense of purpose that comes with more structured days, followed by evening snuggle-times in front of the fireplace. So to make the most of this marvellous season, we’ve put together an issue packed full of finds and ideas to help in all of those pursuits! We’ve got delish, healthy dog treats you can whip up at home (p 42) as well as tips to prevent separation anxiety (p 114)—the back to work/school transition can be tough on dogs after a summer of togetherness, so we’re here to help! We also interviewed top neuroscientists and canine cognition experts to better understand how dogs think and what emotions they experience (p 44), rounded up the best toys for every type of dog (p 98), and even highlight chain restaurants with secret dog menus so you can take your dog out for a fun snack! And that’s not all—from décor solutions to great reads to fun candid snaps of celebs and their dogs, we’ve got you covered on all fronts. Have a wonderful fall season!
“I love Modern Dog because it has great articles on health, behaviour, and the human/dog bond. It also advertises new products and healthy treats. Thank you for creating a knowledgeable and fun magazine!”—Shelby K Toner
“Mia likes to keep up to date with the articles.”—Kelsey Arnoldew
My Basenjis Indy and Jigsaw flaked out on the couch after another gorgeous summer Saturday in the sunshine! Made even better when I can join them reading the latest issue of Modern Dog!—Marie Heidebrecht
Much Love,
Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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I love Modern Dog magazine because you always keep me up on the latest toys and gadgets to keep my babies in style also all the great info to keep them healthy and safe!—Ashley Hamilton
C ON TRIBUT OR S FALL 2017
Toronto-based Illustrator Ryan Garcia is best known for his editorial work in The Wall Street Journal and Scientific American, as well as WIRED magazine. With emphasis on flat colours and line-work, his artwork has been described as conceptual yet charmingly experimental. To relax from the hustle of illustration life, he enjoys visiting his mom and her two adorable dogs, Diesel and Bree. Most recently he was awarded Bronze in 3x3’s prestigious Professional-Illustration Annual competition. Flip to page 30 to see Ryan’s illustration exploring the musical tastes of dogs and find more of his work at ryangarcia.ca!
•
VOL 16
NO 3
Publisher
Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Clara To Circulation & Audience Development Coordinator
Jennifer Yau Sales & Marketing
Mariah Stanley, Kevin Lee Manager, Accounting Services
Celine Benipayo Copywriter & Administrative Assistant
Laura Dennis Subscriptions & Social Media Assistant
Eleanor Munk Social Media & Editorial Intern
Jacqueline de Ruiter Sales & Marketing Intern
Rachel Sibayan
Award-winning journalist Tracey Tong lives and writes in Ottawa, Ontario. The Burlington native, who longed to own a dog as a child but had to settle for a series of hamsters, fulfilled a lifelong dream when she adopted two dogs—Cujo the Chihuahua and Roland the Miniature Dachshund. A former daily news editor and media spokesperson, Tracey’s work has appeared in publications all over North America. This issue marks Tracey’s Modern Dog debut. Check out her story, The Dr. Dolittle of Pet Prosthetics, on page 38!
Controller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Honourary Editor-at-Large
Jytte Wilson GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION! Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 16, Issue 3. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 16, Issue 3. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE
(604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131 (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031
FAX
Photographer Cassie Reniers lives in Frederick, Maryland with her husband, daughter, two Pugs (because you can’t have just one), and a Pekingese who may or may not be part Wookie. When Cassie began fostering rescue dogs, she realized that high quality photographs could have a real impact in helping them get adopted. Working with rescue dogs has impacted her photography style and she loves to capture images of dogs with their people, making Cassie the perfect choice to photograph our Star Dog contest winner. See Cassie’s photos of Munster on page 94!
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The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2017 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. Modern Dog is published four times a year. One-year subscription prices: Canada $16CAD, U.S.A. $16USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4
PRINTED IN CANADA
www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter 1 My mom says that with Freshpet’s all-natural pet food, feeding me fresh has never been easier. All I know is I love dinner time more than ever! Their refrigerated dog food is made of fresh meats and veggies and contains no preservatives so it’s all healthy stuff. I love the grain-free beef and lamb recipe! Get your mom to find a store offering Freshpet near you with their handy store locator.—Mariah’s lucky dog Maverick (From $10, freshpet.com) 2 My mom brought home the Auburn Leathercrafter’s Tuscany Leash for me and it’s perfect! Pliable yet durable, it’s made of beautiful, high quality Italian leather, proudly crafted in the USA, and comes in gorgeous colours.–Ava the American Eskie (From $52, collarsandmore.com)
BN
$
3 Einstein Pets treats are one smart cookie—pun intended! Their delicious treats contain no preservatives, wheat, soy or corn, and are made with just a select few ingredients—all of them easy to pronounce! Their wide variety of flavours include delish options like Cha Cha Coconut, made with real coconut, apples, and chia!—Mariah ($9, einsteinpets.com) 4 I’m head over heels for these breed-specific weathervanes from Anything Dogs! Fully functional and weather resistant, these weathervanes are hand carved from basswood and have a durable finish to ensure they stay bright and vibrant for years to come. From Airedales to Yorkies, they truly have all breeds covered so you’re sure to find your pup's likeness—multiple breed colours are even available!—Clara (from $575, anythingdogs.com) 5 My dogs Blue and Homer are marvellous mutts, so it can be hard to find products with images that look like them. That’s why I was so pleased to discover Eldoop Hand-made Ceramic Keepsakes—you can customize the art to look like your own unique pup! I love their custom jewelry box featuring images of my own dogs. It’s an adorable one-of-a-kind piece of art!—Eleanor (From $40, eldoop.com)
BM
%
6 Preparedness is my mantra! PetMedic USA Large Companion Animal First Aid Kit has everything from dressings and swabs to forceps and syringes in a convenient 5-pound case so you have everything you may need in the case of an emergency to keep your dog safe and alive.—Jennifer ($115, PetMedicUSA.com) 7 My two senior Chihuahuas, Kaliya and Keira, love going for walks but their little necks are too delicate for collars and many traditional harnesses don’t fit properly. Thankfully, Buddy Belt harnesses fit like a dream and take all of the pressure off of my dogs’ necks during walks. Highly recommended!—Jacqueline (From $41, buddy-belts.com) 8 I love to break free from the watchful eye of my mum and go exploring! She put the ingenious Amazing Dog Stopper on my collar to keep me safe and now, whenever I try to make a break for it, it descends and gently taps my leg which makes me stop long enough for my mum to scoop me up!—River the Office Dog ($20, amazingdogstopper.com)
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9 Treat your dog to a good night’s sleep with Buddyrest’s high quality orthopedic beds! These vet-approved, waterproof, temperature regulating, anti-bacterial beds are designed to prevent painful joint problems by supporting the body.—Kevin (From $119, buddyrest.com)
^
10 Glandex is not only a favourite of mine, but also a fave of my office humans! I’m now “scoot-free” and comfortable all day long! Glandex’s tasty, unique fibre blend works to support anal gland health from the inside out by creating firm and bulky stools that help the anal glands empty naturally. It also contains natural anti-inflammatories and probiotics for a healthy GI tract!—Penny the Dachshund (From $33, glandex.com) 11 As the only Modern Dog staffer without a dog, I live for love and attention from our office pups. I quickly discovered that VitaLife Chicken with Pumpkin & Flaxseed Chips were the perfect incentive. Now, whenever they crowd around my desk for these treats, I feel like their favourite!—Laura ($14, vitalifemadewithlove.com)
(
12 My big fluffy Shepherd mutt Gyoza is a constant mess of tangled fur and almostdreadlocks. Staying on top of the knots is a full-time job and brushing them out can be painful for him, so I love John Paul Pet’s Oatmeal Conditioning Spray. It has 13 conditioning agents, smells like almonds, and makes brushing a breeze!—Jen ($9, johnpaulpet.com)
&
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THE SCOOP Nala
After
Before Biggie Smalls
Extreme Makeover: Canine Edition
Rocco
Photographer Grace Chon’s new viral photo series captures dogs pre and post-grooming with absolutely adorable results In her viral photo series Hairy: Dogs Before and After Their Haircuts, Los Angeles-based photographer Grace Chon brings the cute and then some! The crazy-adorable series, a collaboration with the groomers at Healthy Spot in L.A., captures shaggy dogs utterly transformed by the magic of Japanese dog grooming, which throws the rules of regular dog grooming out the window in order to make dogs look as super-cute as possible. The resulting photos prove their mission is an undoubted success—these are some of the cutest dogs we’ve ever seen! For more on Grace and her new book Waggish, turn to page 109.
Yuki
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PHOTO GRACE CHON
Teddy
THE SCOOP
CONE OF
FAME PHOTO ERIN EINBENDER
A Chicago-based photographer turns shame to fame for shelter dogs awaiting adoption
I
s there anything more embarrassing for a dog than the dreaded “cone of shame?” We might be projecting, but it certainly seems like they feel not only silly but slightly mortified. And if you’re a dog in a shelter recovering from a spay or neuter, well, you can just forget about finding your furever home while sporting one of those plastic monstrosities. Recognizing this, photographer Erin Einbender started her Cone of Fame project while volunteering at the One Tail at a Time rescue in Chicago. Using brightly coloured pom poms, butterflies, flowers, and even garbage (!), Einbender and the other volunteers decorate the cones and then she photographs available dogs wearing them loudly and proudly. The pictures serve the dual purpose of emphasizing the importance of spaying/neutering your pets, as well as lifting the spirits of the dogs wearing the cones, making them look happier and more appealing to potential adopters. And the idea worked—every one of the smiling dogs from her first set of photos was quickly adopted into loving homes. Erin is not stopping there. She already has plans for the next series of quirky cone photos, showcasing longer-term shelter dogs that have been patiently waiting for their permanent homes for extended periods of time. She’s hoping the exposure (and amazing photography, of course!) will help to speed up their search. Judging by how fast the previous dogs were snapped up, they should have no problem at all!
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THE SCOOP
Meet Katy Perry’s Dog, Nugget! Katy Perry’s dog Nugget is no stranger to the spotlight, often accompanying her famous pop-star mom to high-profile events and performances. Katy Perry's adorable micro teacup Poodle, no longer content to watch from the sidelines, is now becoming a star in her own right! Nugget recently made her TV debut starring in a national ad campaign for Citi’s Double Cash card. Has Nugget’s newfound fame made Katy’s other dog, Butters, jealous? Probably not—both Butters and Nugget rack up some serious likes whenever Katy posts photos of the adorable pups, so Butters is still feeling the love! See more of the adorable pups on Katy's instagram! 16 moderndog
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So with all this insight into how comfortable Harley feels at any given moment, was he as easy to work with on-set as his professional mom? Did fame go to his head? Find out the truth by watching the behind-thescenes footage, with inside scoops from the director and stars! Find the series at linkakc.com/kateupton.
BOTTOM INSET PHOTO KATY PERRY
Behind The Scenes with Kate Upton and her Boxer, Harley
PHOTO LINK AKC
E
ver wonder who actress and model Kate Upton’s #1 man is? It’s her beautiful Boxer Harley! Kate and Harley recently showcased their special bond in an adorable six-part video series for the new Link AKC smart collar. The entertaining videos feature Harley failing at hide and seek (the smart collar has GPS tracking), failing to get lost in the dark (there’s a built-in LED light), and working on his wellness with the activity level recommendations for his age, breed and size. (The Link AKC smart collar even alerts your phone when the environmental temperature is too hot or too cold for your dog! How cool is that?)
THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!
Turn Any Pic of Your Pup into a Custom Stuffed Animal!
H
ow cute is this? Petsies makes custom plush stuffed animals of your dog—or cat, horse, pet rat—even chickens! All you do is provide a photo and they’ll create a custom-made stuffed animal in your pet’s exact likeness! Hand-made and hand-sewn, the unique, adorable, superhuggable results are something you’ll cherish forever. They come in two styles and are just $129 to $149. We can’t think of a better gift for yourself or for a loved one at mypetsies.com.
AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE SUMMER ISSUE IS…
“I'm almost done with my clay bone and Patrick Swayze hasn't shown up yet!” SUBMITTED BY: TARA ROSE
RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “And after all this hard work, all I'm going to hear is 'Get off the couch with those filthy paws!'” SUBMITTED BY: JOSEPH A. DEWAN
cute!
“I wasn't THIS serious when I asked if they could throw me a bone once in awhile.”” SUBMITTED BY: LINDA POINDEXTER
“Hairy Potter and the Philosopher’s Bone.” SUBMITTED BY: WONKYPOPS
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C A R T O O N S © 2016/ 17 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N
TOO CUTE!
PHOTOS MICHELLE STEIGMEYER
Exercise your funny bone. Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderndogmagazine.com/cartooncaption. The most comic captions will be published in the next issue.
! E L I SM Franklin
Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!
Phil Dakota Fetty
Mixed Bulldog
Marvelous Mix
Labador & Pittbull
Xxx Xxx
Thumper
Pug Bulldog Jack Russell
Manny Cayde Yorkie
Siberian Husky
Sterling
Pomeranian Maltese Cross
Barley
Marvelous Mix 20 moderndog
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Lincoln
Pointeraner
Annabelle Beagle
Mocha
Pekingese
Luigi Tobler
Chihuahua Mix
Calli
Oakley
Chinese Shar Pei
Golden Retriever
Boxer
LaĂŻko
Pinto
Husky
Pug
Luna Louie Mutt
Pitbull
Blue Gizmo
Weimaraner
Minnie Pearl
Old English Sheepdog
Australian Shepherd
Nala
Shiba Inu
Think your dog ought to be in Modern Dog?
Batman
Dachshund & Terrier
Siu Tan
Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/ photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!
Pomeranian
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21
ENTER TO WIN
We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in September, October, and November. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every week.
september 6 Things You
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SIGNS YOUR DOG LOVES YOU p56 15
LE AB OP OR AD OTO S! PH EA ID 0
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Are Youg Makin These g Trainin es? Mistak Find out! p112
om
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YOUR Y FIX HAPP e
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1st-7th
Win 1 of 5 one-year subscriptions to Modern Dog magazine, chock full of helpful articles, heartwarming stories, and so many cute dog photos!
8th-14th
15th-21st
22nd-30th
8th-14th
15th-21st
22nd-31st
Win 1 of 10 New Wellness CORE RawRev 4lb recipes! This high-protein, nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich kibble features 100% freeze-dried raw bites. Unleash the Power of Raw!
Win 1 of 15 CBD Infused Superfood Dog Biscuits from Enliven Essentials! These snacks are non-psychoactive and use CBD in the form of a hemp oil extract.
Win 1 of 5 t-shirt and candle sets from The Gentle Pit and wear your dog love on your sleeve! Comfy, cute, and charitable, this shirt will soon become a wardrobe staple.
october
1st-7th
Win 1 of 6 sweet Snoopy figurines from Peanuts By Jim Shore and Enesco. Every dog owner can relate to this handcrafted display of a sweet and honest dog moment – More food please!
november
1st-7th
Win one of 6 PupJoy boxes filled to the brim with artisan toys and premium all natural treats. Best of all, the boxes are tailored to your dog’s specific needs!
Win an award-winning Comfort Deluxe Memory Foam bed from BuddyRest. Handmade in the USA using high-tech Crypton performance fabrics, it stays clean, doesn’t smell, and provides your pup with unrivaled comfort and support.
8th-14th
Win an iFetch Frenzy brain game! Pup drops a ball in the top and tries to guess where it will appear when it randomly rolls out of 1 of 3 chutes at the bottom.
Win 1 of 4 Midoricide’s Pet Grooming 3-Piece Kits. Each kit includes the fantastic anti-itch oil (great for dryness and coat & skin care), natural waterless shampoo, and a moisturizing anti-flea & tick shampoo bar. No more dirty dog!
15th-21st
Win 1 of 10 prize packs from Beer Paws! Fido will enjoy three flavours of Beer Biscuits, a bottle of ‘beer’ and a bandana. For you, there’s a koozie, bottle opener and a snazzy tote bag to carry it in.
Win a Jaxon Bed from Sleep Envie and treat your pooch to a luxury snooze! The supportive foam creates an ultra-comfy oasis with a removable and washable cover.
22nd-30th
Win 1 of 20 bottles of all natural Beef Flavored Spray, made in the USA with flax and chia seed oil. Adds essential Omega-3’s to every meal.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning September 1, 2017 at 12:01 AM (PST) through November 30, 2017 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.
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INSET PHOTO: KIARA SUBMITTED BY ELLA
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre
Find Your Perfect Breed match
Is the Toller or the Westie the dog for you?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Smart, outgoing, busy, and affectionate
M
ost people are quite curious the first time they see my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. "Is it a miniature Golden Retriever?” they’ll ask. “A Border Collie cross? A Brittany Spaniel?" While many people think this is a new breed, the origins of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (or “Toller”) run deep. One of only four truly Canadian breeds, its earliest documented reference dates to 1630.
I'm busy! Is The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever the dog for you? Find out more at: Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/toller
The West Highland White Terrier
T
Today, Tollers have become popular due to their size, which is small compared to any of the other retriever breeds (an adult male Toller weighs about 40 pounds), combined with their beauty, intelligence, and friendly nature. Note, however, that this is not the best choice of dog for sedentary people! The Toller is a high-energy, high-maintenance breed that needs lots of mental stimulation and exercise. And be forewarned: these dogs shed. The coat is a rusty brown and may have white markings. The Toller's water-repellent double coat looks very similar to that of a Golden Retriever, which is probably why many people think these are unusually coloured “mini” Goldens. As the AKC notes, “play fetch with a Toller till your right arm falls off, then start throwing lefty.” But if you’re looking for a sweet, smart, very on-thego companion, the Toller could be for you!
Happy, smart, loyal, entertaining
he AKC describes this feisty terrier as happy, smart, loyal, and entertaining. This is a spirited dog in a super-cute package, a combo that has won the West Highland White or Westie many fans. But don’t let that adorable exterior follow you: the heart of a true terrier lies beneath. This is a very active, quick, curious, and lively dog, and one that is surprisingly strong and tough. The Westie hails from Scotland and is closely related to both the Cairn and Scottish Terriers. In keeping with the breed's original function as a badger hunter, the breed standard calls for a “small, game, well-balanced, hearty-looking terrier, possessed with no small amount of self-esteem.” Though not extremely barky, Terriers are not generally known as quiet dogs, and the Westie is no exception. The breed is of high intelligence, characteristically coupled with a healthy dose of “mind-of-his-own.” The eyes are dark brown with a piercing, inquisitive, and pert expression. The all-white double coat makes weekly grooming a necessity. The Westie’s friendly but confident nature and 15-20 pound size make them fine therapy dogs, and they are excellent companions. They respond well to training and are good with children.
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I'm ! happy Is the Westie the dog for you? Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/westie
TRAINING
COUNTER SURFING
When your dinner isn’t safe: what to do about dogs who clear counters
By Nicole Wilde
Our yellow Lab Buddy isn’t a puppy anymore but he still steals food from our kitchen counters when we’re gone. He’ll even do it if we’re home but are in the other room too long! What can we do? Dog trainers describe this behaviour as “counter surfing.” Somehow, for me it always conjures a vision of a dog wearing Hawaiian print shorts, hanging ten on a countertop! But the reality is not so amusing. Dogs have been known to steal and ingest things such as chocolate, which can be deadly. And on a less dramatic note, who wants a canine thief in the house? Let’s break our strategy into two parts: when you’re away and when you’re home. The first part is easy, and I think you already know what I’m going to say. Don’t leave good stuff on the counter! I know, I know, it’s not so easy to remember and it is exponentially harder if you have kids in the house. But if you make it a practice to visually sweep the countertops every time you leave the house, it will soon become a habit. We’ve covered simple management. Now let’s look at the training aspect. Dogs are opportunists, and Buddy simply doesn’t understand that it’s not okay to grab food. That’s not surprising, as the only consequence he’s experienced so far is being rewarded with yummies! Those tasty reinforcers only serve to make it more likely that the behaviour will happen again. You mentioned that Buddy will also counter surf if you’re out of the room too long. So, let’s make him believe that even if you’re out of sight, you have eyes everywhere!
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Here’s how: Leave something tempting on the countertop. Set it where Buddy is likely to investigate, but far enough from the edge that he can’t actually grab it. Now, for this next part, you can go high-tech or low-tech, your choice. For the high-tech version, aim a web cam at the scene. Alternately but still hightech, point your laptop’s built-in camera at the area and use an app that lets you view it on your phone or another computer. Now leave the room. As soon as you see Buddy investigating, rush into the room and say, “Leave it!” That’s assuming Buddy already knows what “leave it” means. (If not, it’s easy to teach and there are lots of good articles to be found online.) If he doesn’t yet know leave it, a sharp “Eh-eh!” will still interrupt the behaviour and get your point across. The low-tech version of the Eyes Everywhere technique is to hide around a corner and use a hand mirror to observe. If it happens that there is a reflection from a television screen or something else in the area, that’s fine too. But in my twenty years as a trainer, I hid around many a corner holding a hand mirror and I can tell you it works very well. Proceed as above, using good timing to rush in and verbally interrupt the behaviour. If you do this enough at different times of day and you vary the amount of time you’re “away” before rushing in, eventually Buddy will believe you’re omnipotent. How cool is that? Just remember that since you’re not actually everywhere at once, use good management as well. Very soon Buddy’s career in canine larceny will come to an end. n Nicole Wilde is an award-winning author of 10 books on canine behaviour. Her books, seminar DVDs, and Wilde About Dogs blog can be found at nicolewilde.com.
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The sleek and sophisticated Moderno Dog Crate from Bowsers is a beautiful canine hideaway for your dog. The clean lines and brushed stainless steel turn this functional two-door crate into an eye-catching piece of furniture rather than an eyesore. From $400, Bowsers.com
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Doggy Décor Our current obsessions & must-haves!
The Dog’s Life Lounge Bed has it all going on. The elevated sides, covered in patterned, luxurious velvet, create a super-comfy ergonomic retreat for your dog. And the washable and reversible (four different looks in one!) bed and cushion are stuffed with ecofriendly filler so it’s good for the planet too! From $108, PetPlay.com
Capture the unique character and personality of your pup with a beautiful, modern, custom portrait you’ll be proud to display on your wall! The lovely digital illustrations from Illustrate-it are based on the photograph you supply and and the colour and textural impressions they inspire in the artist. From $65, Illustrate-it.ca
Imagine a convertible pet gate that grows with your puppy! The Richell Convertible Elite Pet Gate is three products in one—a pet pen, freestanding gate, and a room divider—that converts in seconds. This beautiful hardwood gate even has a lockable door that allows you to go through the gate without having to move the entire unit! From $339, RichellUsa.com
Give your dog a designer dining experience! The elegant and modern Indus Dog Diner from NMN Designs is beautifully constructed from hardwood (available in natural or walnut) and features a modern, brushed finish stainless steel top, making for a beautiful, comfortable (no bending down!) dining experience. From $150, NMNDesigns.com
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SOFT ROCK TO REGGAE DOGS SHOWN TO HAVE MUSICAL TASTE
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Why you should expose your dog to a variety of musical genres (but hold the rock and metal, please) By Stanley Coren
I
| Illustration by Ryan Garcia
dropped by the office of a colleague of mine to pick up a book that she wanted me to read. Her office was different than most others in the university since she had an antique oak desk instead of the more modern university issue, and she insisted on soft tungsten lighting instead of using the built-in florescent light fixtures. However, the most distinctive thing about her office was the fact that music was continually playing at a low volume from two compact speakers on her bookshelf. She claimed that the music helped to relieve the stress associated with teaching large classes and running an active research laboratory. Most typically the music was classical (she had a fondness for Vivaldi and Telemann), but sometimes it included soft rock, such as Air Supply or Phil Collins. Today, however, the music was some kind of reggae. I chuckled when I sat down and said, “I never could figure out your taste in music. I wouldn't think that reggae fit into the category of relaxing melodies.” She smiled and answered, “It's usually not, but variety is important in music. If you listen to only one genre it becomes boring and it no longer has a relaxing effect. So I have found that you have to change things up now and then.” “Well, I think that I now understand you a little bit better,” I said, “I believe that you are not simply a professor, but you are the reincarnation of a dog. At least there is some new research which would suggest that you and dogs share the same musical tastes.” She cocked her head to the side in much the same way that my puppy does when he's trying to understand what I'm saying and said simply, “Explain!” So I did. I told her that there are a number of pieces of research which have looked
at the response that dogs have to music. This is not just an academic set of investigations; the data could have practical implications. The reason is that people who run kennels and dog shelters hope that if they can find music which is appealing and relaxing to dogs, it can help to relieve the stress the dogs may feel when they are housed in an unfamiliar kennel. The first of these studies was conducted by psychologist Deborah Wells at Queens University in Belfast. She exposed dogs in an animal shelter to different types of music. The dogs behaviours were videotaped while they listened to either a compilation of popular music (including Britney Spears and Robbie Williams), classical music (including Grieg's “Morning,” Vivaldi's “Four Seasons,” and Beethoven's “Ode to Joy,” or recordings of heavy metal rock bands such as Metallica. In order to see if it were really the musical aspects of the sounds that the dogs were responding to, they were also exposed to recordings of human conversation and a period of quiet. The kind of music that the dogs listened to made a difference. Apparently heavy metal music is not their thing because the dogs became quite nervous and restless and began to bark when it was played. Classical music, on the other hand, seemed to have the most calming effect on the dogs. While listening to it, their level of barking was significantly reduced and the dogs often lay down and settled in place. Wells summarized her findings saying, “It is well established that music can influence our moods. Classical music, for example, can help to reduce levels of stress, whilst grunge music can promote hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue. It is now believed that dogs may be as discerning as humans when it comes to musical preference.” moderndogmagazine.com
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So based on this data you might think that dog shelters would now be piping in classical music all of the time. The problem is that research has also demonstrated that although classical music relaxes dogs, the effects are fairly short-term and after a few days or a week it seems to no longer have much of an effect. So a team of researchers from the University of Glasgow and the Scottish SPCA decided to investigate this issue further. Their research report was recently published in the journal Physiology and Behavior. The investigators tested 38 dogs housed in an animal shelter. The number of measures taken on each dog was quite extensive. In addition to monitoring each dog's behaviour when exposed to various types of music, the researchers also strapped heart rate monitors on each of the dogs in order to measure heart rate variability (which is generally understood to be a measure of the amount of stress that an individual is feeling). Furthermore, regular urine samples were taken in order to measure the amount of stress hormones being produced by each dog. For six hours each day the dogs were exposed to a broader range of musical styles than had been used in previous studies. The dogs got to listen not only to classical music, but also to soft rock, Motown, pop, and reggae. A major difference between this and previous research is that the dogs were exposed to a different style of music each day. Perhaps the most significant finding was that any kind of music seems to have something of a relaxing effect on the dogs (remember no heavy metal or hard rock was used in this study, since the previous work had shown that those sounds actually agitate the dogs). Behaviourally, the dogs spent more time lying down or quietly standing rather than pacing when the music was on. There was no effect on the amount of barking during the music, however the dogs barked a lot more immediately after the music was turned off, as though they were complaining about its absence.
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When the researchers looked at the heart rate variability measures, although all forms of music reduced the dogs’ stress level, the largest stress reduction was found for soft rock and reggae. One of the most important findings was that by rotating through the various types of music over the five day period, they discovered that the stress reduction effects didn't disappear over time, the way it had been shown to do when one category of music was played all of the time. In a press release, University of Glasgow professor Neil Evans noted that not all dogs responded to the music to the same degree. He concluded that, “Overall, the response to different genres was mixed, highlighting the possibility that, like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences. That being said, reggae music and soft rock showed the highest positive changes in behaviour.” Just as in humans, age seems to make a difference. The older dogs, eight years or more in age, showed little benefit from having music played, suggesting that they much preferred quiet to a continued background of musical sound. I could empathize with that since when I was much younger I preferred having music playing all of the time and I had a bit of a love affair with various forms of rock music. Nowadays, however, I am just as happy to surround myself with silence or the more gentle sounds of single voices in soft pop or country music. In any event, the Scottish SPCA has found the results to be so promising that they are now installing music systems in several of their shelters in the hopes that rotating through various styles of music will help make the shelter experience more pleasant and less stressful for the majority of their canine visitors. My colleague smiled and asked, “So what kind of reggae worked best? Mento? Ska? Rocksteady? Dub? Rockers? Raggamuffin?…” At the sight of what must have been my very confused and uncomprehending expression she burst out laughing and added, “You really are an old dog aren't you?”. n
Amy Schumer is spotted carrying her new puppy while on a stroll in Central Park in New York City.
Orlando Bloom is seen with his adorable dog after being spotted with Leonardo DiCaprio arriving in LA.
Oh hi there!
They fall hard for puppies.
! s r a t Sey’re just
Th ! s u e k li
They vacation together!
Emmy award winning actress and animal welfarist Carolyn Hennesy (you've seen her in General Hospital and the Netflix reboot Gilmore Girls: A Day In The Life) with her Poodle mix Sophie Tucker.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©FELIPE RAMALES, SPLASH NEWS; ©SPLASH NEWS;
Pamela Anderson is seen in St Tropez with her dog.
©CAROLYN HENNESY; ©NEIL WARNER/SIRC, SPLASH NEWS
They smooch their dogs
They take selfies with their dogs!
Their best pals are their BFFs. Supermodel and dog mom Kate Upton with her Boxer Harley on set filming the Link AKC smart collar for dogs video series they co-star together in.
! s r a t Sey’re just
Asher Angel, star of the Disney series Andi Mack (currently the #1 teen show on TV!) with his family’s three Goldendoodles, Monet Skye, Cleo Blue, and Harper Belle.
Th ! s u e k li
They pose for photos with their pups! Gina Rodriguez pictured with her dog Casper while greeting her fans outside her NYC Hotel in Uptown, Manhattan.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©LINK AKC; ©BLUE STITCH PHOTOGRAPHY;
Jennifer Lawrence wears a white summer dress as she takes her pup, Pippi Lawrence Stocking, for a stroll in NYC.
©SPLASH NEWS; ©JOSE PEREZ, SPLASH NEWS
They give their dogs their last name!
help e! is her
The Dr. Dolittle of Pet Prosthetics By Tracey Tong
From dogs to elephants, Derrick Campana is changing the lives of animals by specializing in a field of his own creation
W
hen a veterinarian, desperate for help, brought a chocolate Lab to the human prosthetics and orthotics clinic where Derrick Campana worked 12 years ago, Derrick’s life was changed forever. The dog, named Charles, needed a prosthetic leg due to a rare congenital deformity called ectrodactyly, which causes limbs to form abnormally. Serving animals was something Derrick had never considered, but he forged ahead nonetheless. After successfully creating a prosthetic leg on the first try, Derrick had a lightbulb moment. “It opened my eyes to an entire field,” he says. “I knew I could do this for more animals.” Derrick, who holds a Master’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Northwestern University, certainly didn’t set out to be an animal orthotist. In fact, that line of work didn’t exist and there was no curriculum of study to get into the field. He turned to the Internet but found only one person specializing in animal prosthetics. Still, the idea of combining two of his main interests—helping
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others and his love of animals—was too good to pass up. In short order, he founded Animal Ortho Care in Stirling, Virginia, and now works with specialty and holistic veterinarians to create orthotics and prosthetics to help animals with limbs disabled through trauma, illness or old age. At this point in the story, a joke could be inserted about giving these animals a new “leash” on life, but in Derrick’s case, it’s true. Thanks to his groundbreaking work, orthotics and prosthetics are on their way to becoming commonplace in the animal world, saving tens of thousands of lives and making the 38-year-old animal orthotist and prosthetist one of the world’s few experts in the field. Since founding his company 12 years ago, Derrick has created an average of 1,000 prosthetics a year. He’s treated between 15,000 and 20,000 animals, including miniature horses, bald eagles, turtles, goats, sheep, deer, llamas, and a gazelle. It’s earned him the nickname of the Dr. Dolittle of Pet Prosthetics, something that makes him chuckle. Derrick has travelled to Spain to treat a ram and to Lampang, Thailand to fit two elephants who lost their legs in land mine explosions while crossing the Burmese border. “I took these casts home, made check sockets, and sent them to Thailand where the Thai prosthetists fabricated the rest of the prosthetic devices,” he says. But for all his work with exotic animals, he estimates that 90 percent of his patients are dogs.
PHOTO ACC/EZRA GREGG
INSPIRE
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A missing limb takes its toll on the rest of the body, and people don’t realize that affected animals die an average of two years earlier. “You can get a new brace and it extends their lives for such minimal cost. It’s like gold.” Pet owners aren’t the only ones he reaches out to. Medical professionals, too, need to be educated in the value of prosthetics. “Traditionally, veterinarians are taught to amputate,” he says. “I get to teach vets to amputate at the appropriate point for the purposes of prosthetics.” Possibly because the fields of animal orthotics and prosthetics are so new, misconceptions swirl around. “That it costs a fortune is a common misconception,” he says. “They are extremely affordable and made to save people money,” he says. While surgeries can start between $2,000 and $5,000, braces and prosthetics cost about $550 and $1,000 respectively, and braces can help an animal heal without the need for surgery. “This is the best job in the world,” Derrick says. “My goal is to treat as many animals as possible. We can help our pets live better lives through braces and prosthetics.” A pet owner himself, he and his family are now looking to adopt a dog in need of a prosthesis. Certainly, there are some sad stories—he’s treated dogs rescued from Cambodia’s meat industry and a puppy that had its foot severed and leg nailed to a railroad track. Derrick created a prosthetic paw for the Pit Bull pup, named Hudson by his new owner, that replaced his missing foot and did not affect his other legs. Hudson the railroad puppy went on to become certified as a therapy dog, and today spends his time visiting hospitals and other care facilities with his owner. The happy endings more than make up for the sad ones. “I get to turn injured pets into bionic pets. I get to see an animal, born with a missing foot, walk for the first time. I get to see animals walk again that were injured. It can’t get better than that. I have pet owners cry all the time, happy that their family members are being treated.” He feels that even the animals are appreciative. “Even though they can’t speak, I can tell by the way they wag their tails and from their overall demeanor,” he says. “It’s amazing. I want to do this for the rest of my life.” n
PHOTOS ACC/EZRA GREGG
One of the big differences between working in human prosthetics versus animal prosthetics is the materials. Because there are no insurance bodies dictating what materials must be used on animals, “I can use the materials I think will work just right,” Derrick says. His material of choice is medical-grade plastics—both traditional high-temperature thermoformable plastic and low-temperature thermoplastics—ideal materials for prosthetics and orthotics because they are durable and can be form fit to the individual animal. Its versatility allows Derrick to custom-build prosthetic devices to meet the unique needs of each animal under his care. Easily mouldable, the prosthetics can be easily reshaped as an animal grows—helping reduce costs and thereby making these life-changing mobility devices available to more animal owners. Recognizing this, the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Make It Possible program recently donated $20,000 to the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team, so that the group has funds to help rescue animals with more challenging disabilities, such as those Derrick treats. “It’s really cool that people are putting money into advancing this field,” Derrick says. “We’re giving animals the same treatment options as humans.” To make the prosthetics, he uses casting kits 95 percent of the time, but technology has made his job faster. Using donations raised through a Go Fund Me page, Derrick purchased 3-D printers and a scanner which has allowed him to serve patients that aren’t able to travel to his Stirling clinic. Using information from an MRI, Derrick uses the printer to make a 3-D positive mold for a plastic prosthesis. From the start of the process to the time the animal gets its prosthesis runs just under a week. But even with all the advances, the field is still in its infancy, says Derrick. There are still people to educate, and it’s a role he has made his duty to take on. Before animal prosthetics, many animals with missing or injured limbs were put down. The ones that survived managed as well as they could. “I’ve heard people say, ‘my dog walks fine on three legs,’ but we want them to walk great on four,” he says.
PET PROJECT
eat D.I.Y.
nom
nom
Pups of all ages won’t be able to resist chowing down these yummy treats! By Clara To All pups will find these tasty treats irresistible! This healthy recipe has been thoroughly taste-tested by the Modern Dog office pack and even the fussbudgets in our canine crew went crazy for them! The best part is you can easily find all the ingredients right in your kitchen and they’re super quick to make. (Remember, treats should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.)
Ingredients • 1 ½ cups Rolled Oats • 1 Banana • ½ cup Peanut Butter
we heal hom thy em trea ade ts!
Directions 1 2
Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
Using a food processor or blender, grind your rolled oats until they're powdery. In a bowl, beat together the banana and peanut butter until smooth then add your oat flakes and mix well.
3
Roll out your dough and cut into desired shapes and place on a parchment-paper-lined cookie sheet.
4
Bake treats for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
5
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to a week.
6
Notes • Add additional peanut butter if the dough is too dry or additional oats if too sticky.
• Use a variety of cookie cutter shapes to makes them extra fun!
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photo osanna hui
Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
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BEHAVIOUR
al My emotionre systems a he t essentially urs! same as yo
We pamper and spoil them, let them sleep in our beds, call them our “fur babies,” dress them up on Halloween, fill their stockings at Christmas, and generally treat them like human members of our families—often without stopping to consider what they think of it all. Now, scientific research is getting closer to determining what actually goes on in our dogs’ minds—with some surprising results.
M
y interview with Gregory Berns, a highly regarded neuroscientist who, in the past five or so years has turned his attention from the human brain to the canine mind, could not be taking place at a more fateful time. At the start of my call with Greg, who is the director of the Center for Neuropolicy and Facility for Education and Research in Neuroscience at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the co-founder of Dog Star Technologies, a company that uses neuroscience to enhance the dog-human partnership, I
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A DOG'S MIND …
Fascinating new research into how dogs think and the emotions they experience is helping to improve our understanding of our dogs, but there’s still much left to learn By Noa Nichol
explain that my family is facing a rather serious challenge with one of our dogs. Ever since rescuing him—known bite history and all—from a shelter five years ago, Max has acted very aggressively toward strangers, other dogs, cats, cars, bicycles, skateboards, and pretty much anything that moves or that, we think, he perceives to pose some sort of threat. Lately, he has started to turn his (negative) attention toward our one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who wasn’t even a thought in our mind when we first adopted him. After numerous attempts at training, dietary changes, and even medication, we feel as though we’re running out of options—though I can’t shake the feeling that, if I had even an inkling of what Max thinks or feels or needs from me, I would be in a better position to help him. Greg has done and continues to do a lot of work to better understand canine thought and thought processes—his first dog-centered book, How Dogs Love Us, published in 2013, quickly became a Wall Street Journal and New York Times
bestseller; his second book, What It's Like to Be a Dog, is set to be released this month and expands on his research into whether dogs experience emotions like people, applying his findings to other wild animals, including sea lions, dolphins and the now-extinct Tasmanian tiger. Considering this, I ask if he has any insights into the problem of aggression, and what may be going on in an anxious or fearful dog’s mind. “It’s a really difficult question, because you can’t second-guess these things in hindsight,” he says, referring to the fact that my daughter’s safety, no matter how much I love my dog, comes first. “I’m hopeful but, obviously, the challenge with aggression in particular is that we will likely never be able to scan a dog in the midst of an aggressive episode.” By “scan,” Greg is referring to the use of brain-imaging technologies, namely magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to understand canine motivation and decision-making. In fact, he and his team were the very first to train dogs to enter an MRI scanner completely awake and
hold perfectly still (plenty of hot dogs, he says, helped) so as to be able to obtain data that could help piece together what they think and feel. His findings, thus far, are nothing short of fascinating. The information he and his team are collecting is revealing startling insights about how the brains of our canine friends work. When it comes to my question around aggression, he says, “One of the things that I think is key … is how dogs react to changes in the environment. Something has to provoke an act. A dog just doesn’t all of a sudden decide, ‘Hey, I’m going to bite someone today.’” There has to be, he continues, a stimulus—usually some change in their environment. I’ve seen widely varying abilities among dogs to handle changes in the environment or, as my business partner says, transitions, so I think there is hope in some of what we’re doing to understand how dogs handle change.” He reveals that his team has been doing some “early research into trying to understand the concept of jealousy in dogs with the imaging, to see if we can study that in a mild form in a controlled environment in the scanner.” By showering a fake dog with affection to try and induce the feeling of jealousy in the real dog in the MRI machine, Greg says he and his team are “taking baby steps in that direction.” What he has discovered thus far points to proof that dogs do, in their own way, love us. “Love is obviously a loaded word, it has many different meanings,” says Greg. “But, if you take language out of the equation, off the table, then I think what you’re left with when you look at their brains is that you see emotional
systems, reward systems—lots of systems of the brain that look essentially the same as ours.” As he and his team continue to study this “in action”—that is, with dogs in the scanner—what they’re seeing time and time again is, when dogs are in circumstances analogous to situations humans might be in, the result is similar responses in similar parts of the brain. “One experiment we did is something called praise versus food. We were interested in how their brains processed the relative value of food versus simply a social reward like saying, ‘Good girl.’ And the answer is it looks very similar to human brains in a similar circumstance—the majority of dogs showed responses that equaled or exceeded that of food, suggesting that social rewards are just as pleasurable to them as food—suggesting that they have similar experiences as we do. They can’t label it, they can’t put words on it, but everything that we’re seeing suggests that they have the capacity to feel things in ways like we do, minus the words to label them.” There is, however, a caveat to this notion. Says Greg, “The other interesting things about dogs is that, like humans, they’re also very different from each other. Everything that we’re seeing shows that they have a range of responses—the same as when we do the human version of the experiment, we see a range of human responses.” This point, he emphasizes, is important, because when we talk about what it’s like to be a dog, that oversimplifies the question, which should really be, what is it like to be this dog, or that dog? “Just like some people are warm and fuzzy and loving and some are not, we moderndogmagazine.com
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see the same thing in dogs and it parallels activity in their brains,” he explains. When it comes to major differences between us—our brains—and our dogs, Greg once again points to language. “You obviously don’t need an MRI to know dogs can’t speak. The question though, and this is where imaging is beginning to help us, is trying to illuminate what do they understand of what we say,” he says. “I talk about one experiment in the new book that’s about this. It’s starting to seem that, though dogs understand us in some ways—they seem to understand some communication from us—it does not appear, at least to me, that they understand words the same way that we do. Words to us are what we call symbolic representations; they are these abstract things that serve as placeholders for the real things in the world. It does not seem that dogs have that capacity—or, if they do, it’s very limited. There’s only been a couple dogs that have shown some evidence of that. So, when we study how they process language, it seems to be very different. It seems to be more linked to what they do rather than these abstract representations.” That said, the obvious question is: do dogs know their names?
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“I don’t think that they do in the way that we understand our names,” Greg says. “When someone says our name we know that that’s a thing that represents us. But we haven’t seen any evidence that the dogs treat it that way. When a dog hears its name, it could mean, ‘Hey, I better look at the person who just said that because something interesting is going to happen.’ And that’s really different.” Another leading researcher in the field of dog cognition is Alexandra Horowitz, bestselling author of Inside of a Dog and, more recently, Being a Dog, and head of the Dog Cognition Lab at Columbia University’s Barnard College in New York. “My doctorate is in cognitive science … it was at grad school that I got interested in studying non-human animal minds,” she says. “In particular, I was interested in finding ways that natural behaviour might give some clue as to the cognition of the animal. I did a lot of extracurricular work in various animal behavior projects—with the southern white rhinoceros, for instance—while studying the mind, and it led me to thinking that play behaviour would be an interesting place to look for examples of the animal mind at work.” While this was happening, Alexandra was living with her own dog,
Pumpernickel, taking her to the beach and park three times a day to play. “I finally realized I should study dog play,” she says. “At that time there was no one in the U.S. studying what came to be called ‘dog cognition’ at all, but I began studying the dogs, connected their play behaviour to theory of mind, and have been studying them ever since.” Some of her work, expanded upon in her first book, surrounds the notion that, at some level, dogs may think about aspects of their own lives. However, when it comes to answering questions around whether dogs possess a certain level of self-awareness, or whether their memories shape some sort of personal identity, Alexandra says these are notoriously tricky to figure out scientifically. “Of course dog owners treat dogs as having a sense of their own identity, because we give them identities. It’s not clear what the dogs think,” she says. “We recently did an experiment where they smelled some of their own urine—dog-cognition research isn't always glamorous!—out of context, and also other dogs’ urine. They were less interested in their own than in other dogs’. Do they recognize it as ‘themselves’? Probably, yes. But that doesn't mean they are necessarily sitting around thinking about themselves the way humans do.” Despite the fact that much of the canine mind remains a mystery, she urges people not to be dissuaded from trying to better understand their dogs. “I think being able to read your dog is the way to having a good relationship with him or her,” she says. “Your dog is already spending his life reading your behaviour. When we start reading them back—instead of assuming that they either think ‘nothing’ or think ‘just like we would think’—then we can appreciate them most. On the other hand, we often
photo vegar abelsnes
Dog cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz and her canine muses
We published a study last year that measured the dogs’ brain reward responses to the anticipation of either food or praise. The majority of dogs showed responses that equaled or exceeded that of food, suggesting that social rewards are just as pleasurable to them as food. anthropomorphize—assuming dogs think just the way we do. There's no evidence that they do, overall.” Greg agrees. “It’s a balance,” he says. “In many of the basic processes we find pretty clear evidence that dogs experience many of the emotions that we do. The area that I think it starts to get questionable is when we assume that they have certain cognitive abilities that they probably don’t.” This, he says, comes up especially in attributing guilt to a dog. To be guilty of something requires a fair amount of cognitive hardware—in other words, an individual needs to have a memory of what happened and needs to know they shouldn’t have done it. “Their needs to be all these social bits that we don’t know dogs have,” he explains. “We don’t really know how long their time horizon is, how far in the future they think of things. I think they have a sense of self that probably is not as elaborate as ours is, so when people project human traits on dogs it kind of brings a lot of that baggage with it, and we don’t know if dogs have that baggage.” That said, both he and Alexandra believe the more we understand our dogs, the better—and, additionally, that there is a whole lot left to learn.
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“It would be hubris for any person, scientist or not, to say they ‘generally understand’ the way their dogs think— how do we know? Has your dog told you?” says Alexandra, who is currently developing new studies in her lab and working on her next book, about the nature of the dog-human bond in contemporary society. “But that doesn't mean people can't be more or less good at reading dogs' behaviour. People who attend to their dogs—be they owners, working dog handlers, or scientists—can be very good at reading dogs.” Adds Greg, “Certainly the last five or six years has really been a Renaissance in understanding canine cognition and just dogs in general, but it goes back and forth. You read stories about this new finding in dog research, and the next year you read something else that maybe contradicts it. The story of the origin of dogs is kind of a classic case—no one can decide when and where dogs originated from. And that’s an important piece of the puzzle because if we knew that, that would tell us something about what dogs actually are—and it would also tell us something about what people are, because the two evolutionary trajectories are tied together. The stuff we’re doing with brain imaging is just one way to approach the problem. But there’s still a lot that we don’t know.” n
PHOTOS ILLONA HAUS, SCRUFFY DOG PHOTOGRAPHY
SMILE
BLOW: DOGS VS FANS Photography by Scruffy Dog Photography
I
s there anything more comically glorious than a dog’s ears and fur flying in the wind?
Ontario-based animal photographer Illona Haus let the fur fly with her photo series, Blow, showcasing dogs in front of fans. Inspiration for the project struck one hot summer day as Illona watched her dog Merrick’s beautiful coat blowing in the breeze of a fan. Thus began the search for the perfect antique fan and the perfect doggy models! “When I saw my rescue dog Merrick’s beautiful coat blowing in the draft of a fan one hot summer day, it started a vision,” she says. “I immediately got to work, finding and reconditioning an antique fan and securing the models that would bring the project to life.”
Pet photographer Illona Haus and he r muses
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As a full-time professional pet photographer, finding the models was
When I saw my rescue dog Merrick’s beautiful coat blowing in the draft of a fan one hot summer day, it started a vision.
the easy part, with many of Illona’s existing clients taking part. The perfect fan, however, took much longer to find and ended up sidelining the project for several months. The wait was worth it, though, as the bright yellow appliance that appears in every shot is the perfect co-star. Over the course of a year, Illona shot all kinds of dogs, from Chinese Cresteds to Afghan Hounds, Cockapoos, and mystery mixes. All in all, the project was almost three years in the making, but the response has made it all worthwhile. The series, which quickly went viral, has been featured everywhere from Bored Panda and Cheezburger to the Daily Mail. “I’ve absolutely loved hearing from viewers and passionate dog lovers from all across the world, from England, the US and Australia, to all across Europe, Japan, Thailand and beyond!” Illona tells us. “Followers of Scruffy Dog on Facebook still send me cell phone shots of magazine spreads or articles from the Blow series. So fun!” n moderndogmagazine.com
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DO GOOD
I don'vte deseris th
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THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY’S
DIRTY LITTLE SECRET Your personal choices can help end animal testing. Here’s how. By Darcy Matheson
B
easley the Beagle is a gentle and sensitive spirit. Rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri, it took time, love, and patience to coax the timid girl out of her shell. But the effort this took has been repaid thrice over: “Beasley has never met a dog or person that she doesn’t love. Even neighbours' cats come over to snuggle up,” says Beasley’s adopter Rhonda Zabinsky. So when Zabinsky recently learned that thousands of Beagles just like Beasley are being held in laboratories and used in animal testing across the world, she was horrified. The statistics are staggering: Approximately 70,000 dogs are used in research lab experiments every year, and of those, 96 percent are Beagles, according to the California-based Beagle Freedom Project (BFP). Ironically and tragically, it is the breed’s trusting and loving nature that makes them “ideal” to be tested on when it comes to invasive and painful experiments. They are small, docile,
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and trusting of humans, meaning they are easier for lab technicians to handle. Beagles used in lab testing live short and often very painful lives, often with little to no human contact other than being experimented on by technicians. The dogs are kept in metal cages with no opportunities for enrichment, playtime, exercise or socialization with other dogs. They have no name, no toys, and will never feel the grass beneath their feet. “These are windowless facilities where dogs never get to go outside, they are never touched in an affectionate way, and for the most part dogs are being euthanized at the end of the testing,” said Lorna Campbell, Managing Director of the Beagle Freedom Project. But while the use of dogs in testing is still quite common, it is rare for the public to know about it—and that’s exactly how the industry wants it. Campbell says that’s because it’s not in a company’s
Approximately 70,000 dogs are used in research lab experiments every year, and of those, 96% are Beagles.
interest for the public to know animals are used in cruel and painful tests. The vast majority of these tests happen behind closed doors, and most people are shocked to know that animal testing is still going on. “Beagles really are the industry’s dirty little secret,” she said. Humane Society International agrees, and notes there’s good reason for the secrecy: when people learn about testing they are overwhelmingly against it. A recent poll conducted by the group found that eight out of 10 consumers support a ban on animal testing of cosmetics and their ingredients. But despite public objection, the practice is still very common. The major reason that dogs and other animals, like mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats, are still used in testing for cosmetics, pesticides, toxicology, pharmaceuticals, and medical research is because it is legally required by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and regulatory agencies despite the fact that proven, effective alternatives exist. 28 European Union nations, for example, have put in place bans on animal testing, yet in many cases, the FDA mandates obligatory animal testing before a new chemical, pesticide or pharmaceutical goes on sale to the public. In Canada, animal research and testing is legal, although the decision falls on the company whether to use animals for cosmetic testing. Generally, animal testing is required in Canada for pharmaceuticals and medical research, says Humane Society International. The battle to change this practice continues in both Canada and the US. Last year, PETA and the Humane Society International succeeded in convincing the Canadian government to end its requirement that dogs be used in year-long pesticide tests, which experts have shown to be scientifically unnecessary—and useless. In the pesticide testing, the dogs were taken from their mothers as puppies and fed pesticides every day for a year until they were killed and examined for organ damage and toxicity. The decision will save hundreds of Beagles from being killed every year in Canada. The U.S. outlawed the test in 2007. Much like the outlawed pesticide testing, many of the tests done on dogs and other animals are archaic and no longer scientifically useful, say advocacy groups fighting to end animal testing. moderndogmagazine.com
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Lorna Campbell of the Beagle Freedom Project with her now-free Beagle, Belle.
There are also many sophisticated non-animal methods now available that are cheaper, faster, cruelty-free, and much more relevant to humans, says Jessica Sandler, Vice President of regulatory testing for PETA. "Many animal tests that are being done today were developed around World War I and the early 1900s. We have to ask ourselves why there are so many technical innovations and this industry is still clinging to those old standards," she said. "Technology is going to change the future of animal testing. Changing hearts and minds is a big first step." PETA is among animal advocacy groups investing money, time, and research into developing non-animal testing methods that can be adopted by labs to speed up phasing out the use of animals. The battle to end animal testing is also being waged in the courtroom. The Beagle Freedom Project (BFP) is pushing to change the laws that allow Beagles to be used and killed in labs across the world. The organization has helped to pass the Beagle Freedom Bill in five states thus far: California, Nevada, New York, Minnesota, and Connecticut. The bill is simple but effective: If a lab uses taxpayer funds to use cats and dogs in their studies, the animals must be released to a rescue group at the end of the testing. The Beagle Freedom Project has worked to re-home
hundreds of lab dogs to loving guardians in the U.S., Canada, UK, and the Netherlands. BFP now reaches out to every lab in the U.S. asking to assist with post-research placements for its pups. BFP’s Lorna Campbell says many labs are nervous about being exposed for keeping Beagles in their facilities, but despite this many labs and animal care technicians are now working voluntarily with BFP, or are compelled to do so because of the newly-passed bill. Although every lab dog is different, the survivors share a common trait: They are like puppies in full-grown bodies. They aren't house trained and have never lived in a home nor known the love of a family or the warmth of a soft bed. Lorna’s dog Belle spent years in a lab in Northern California. It took Belle months to seek out Lorna's affection but Belle and Lorna are now two of the charity's hardest working ambassadors. "She was debarked in the lab so she can't communicate the way other dogs can. There are scars from that lab she will carry for the rest of her life. But she's happy now. And she's changed my life," she says. Â
Many animal tests that are being done today were developed around World War I and the early 1900s. We have to ask ourselves why there are so many technical innovations and this industry is still clinging to those old standards,
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Hope on the Horizon
There is hope on the horizon when it comes to ending animal testing and consumers hold a lot of power because they can vote with their pocketbook. More than 600 beauty brands around the world are now recognized as cruelty-free, meaning they do not conduct
PHOTOS LORNA CAMPBELL/BFP
Belle the Beagle spent years in a lab in northern California before being freed by the Beagle Freedom Project.
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or commission new animal testing and only use ingredients that can be deemed safe without animal testing. (See sidebar “Easy-to-find brands that don’t test on animals”) The Humane Society International has just launched #BeCrueltyFree, the largest campaign in history to end animal testing for cosmetics. Its aim is to give the beauty industry a makeover by spearheading negotiations with governments and companies to close the door on cruel, archaic, and largely unnecessary cosmetic animal testing. Already it has helped to implement two levels of bans for cosmetic animal testing in 28 European Union countries, New Zealand, and South Korea, and is working on legal reforms in North America and abroad. The first, at the domestic level, is a partial ban that means cosmetic animal testing can no longer be conducted within the borders of the country. The second level is a trade ban, which means that animaltested products cannot be imported into the country. HSI is asking U.S. animal lovers to use its website, humanesociety.org, to send a note to their local legislative representative to endorse the Humane Cosmetics Act, which would prohibit animal testing for cosmetics manufactured or sold in the U.S. The hope is this act will finally end cosmetic animal testing in the U.S., just like in more than 30 countries where it’s already been phased out, including the EU, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, and India. Meanwhile in Canada, Rhonda, who we introduced you to at the beginning of this article, was so outraged to learn of the common use of Beagles in testing, that she launched an online petition calling on Canada to ban animal testing by 2020. It was signed by more than 10,000 supporters in just a few days. She's also just launched a parliamentary e-petition, and if it garners enough signatures it will be presented in front of the government's House of Commons. "These animals cannot speak for themselves. I couldn't just sit by," Rhonda said, bringing to mind the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” n
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Cruelty-free consumerism: Brands that don’t test on animals Make your consumer dollar count! These easy-to-find brands don’t test on animals: The Body Shop thebodyshop.com Lush lush.ca Tom’s tomsofmaine.com Wet n Wild wetnwildbeauty.com Urban Decay urbandecay.ca Smashbox smashbox.com Trader Joe’s traderjoes.com Method methodhome.com Aveda aveda.com
And remember: You vote with your wallet. Contact your favourite brands to ask whether the company animal tests its products or ingredients. Urge them to make the leap to going cruelty-free, or buy elsewhere.
RESOURCES Leaping Bunny leapingbunny.org has an online shopping directory of companies that don’t test on animals. It also offers exclusive discounts for Leaping Bunny certified products. PETA (peta.org) has a comprehensive database of 2400 companies that are cruelty-free, including cosmetics, personal-care products, household-cleaning products, and other common household products.
CRUELTY-CUTTING ON THE GO If you’re unsure about whether a product is tested on animals, use the Beagle Freedom Project’s Cruelty-Cutter smartphone app. Simply scan the item in store and you’ll get an immediate response about its animal testing status. Download it at: cruelty-cutter.org.
Perfect Presents SPECIAL PROMOTION
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Discover a variety of monthly and onetime gift boxes to celebrate your best friend! Perfect for birthdays, holidays or anytime your dog deserves something special. Spoil 'em rotten at JoePup.com
Tater’s Sweet Potato Tots by Treatibles are grain-free, phytocannabinoid rich (PCR) hard chews with a mission! $1 from every bag sold benefits the New Orleans-based Villalobos Rescue Center. Treatibles.com
Keep your dog close to your heart now and forever. A unique nose print pendant from Robin’s Loving Touch is like wearing an emotion. Wet noses, warm hearts, unconditional love. RobinsLovingTouch.com
Be functional, stylish, and comfortable when walking your dog! The BUSTER Gear series comes in three different designs covering leashes, collars, and harnesses in soft, reflective, and adjustable materials. Kruuse247.com
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Love is a beagle hug and Snoopy sweetly shares them with this Snoopy, Woodstock, and Friends Figurine from the Peanuts by Jim Shore collection. Handcrafted and 7” tall, this is a perfect gift for all! $38, eGiftStudio.com
Waggish, an exuberant doggie portrait collection, features celebrity pet photographer Grace Chon’s knack for capturing the mischievous personalities of her canine subjects. You can’t help but smile at these delightful dogs! CountrymanPress.com
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P.L.A.Y.’s Best in Show Tote Bags feature eight one-of-kind handsketches of different animal breeds. These bags are perfect for running errands, made of 100% cotton canvas, and “toteally” cute to boot! PetPLAY.com
This holiday, treat your pup with SPIKE jerky treats. Loaded with nutrients and superfoods, SPIKE jerky treats for dogs are available in mouthwatering flavours like duck, catfish, and turkey. Petcurean.com
Opie & Dixie's USDA Certified Organic balms soothe, hydrate and heal troubled skin conditions. Say goodbye to cracked, calloused, dry paws and snouts, and raw, painful hot spot lesions. OpieAndDixie.com
Made from houndstooth tweed and repurposed denim, the Mister Migs ‘LOUEY’ harness and cap feature sophisticated, tailored details for the polished pup! This nonprofit helps young adults with autism and developmental disabilities succeed. MisterMigs.com
Keep your dog happy, cool, and safe with BreezeGuard Screens! These custom-made, welded steel mesh “screens” fit your car’s window so your dog can safely enjoy the breeze while on the road. BreezeGuard.com
Petsies makes custom stuffed animals of any pet—dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and more! They are a unique and huggable way to celebrate your pet or treasure a lost companion. MyPetsies.com
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Perfect Presents SPECIAL PROMOTION
— A gift guide for dogs & dog lovers — Keep your pets safe with the Pawdentify Pet ID System! Tags are easy to read, fade-proof, and easy to attach using Links-It with Kevlar—its patented lock keeps tags secure. Made in the USA. Pawdentify.com
The Amazing Dog Stopper trains your dog to NOT run away from you. No batteries to change, no apps to download. Recommended for dogs under 50 pounds, endorsed by the SPCA, and made in the USA. amazingdogstopper.com
Buffalo Range All Natural Buffalo Rawhide Treats are tasty, healthy, long-lasting chews you can feel good about giving your dog year-round! Made with only four all-natural ingredients, they’re fully digestible. BuffaloRangeTreats.com
Give the gift of Custom Dog Treat Jars and Keepsakes. Lovingly made, each one-of-a-kind custom ceramic piece by Eldoop Design features a hand-crafted sculpture capturing the likeness and personality of your furry friend- all breeds welcome! From $165, Eldoop.com
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In The Ultimate Pet Health Guide, America's favorite veterinarian Dr. Richter shares pet health secrets for a long life. “Enjoy this book!” says Ian Somerhalder, actor/Founder of ISFoundation. “It could start a global healthy pet movement." DrGaryRichter.com
PetChatz is digital daycare for the home alone pet. Treat your dog to a full day of entertainment, connection, and interaction with two-way video chats, treats, games, aromatherapy, and DOGTV. Love. All Day. PetChatz.com
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Have a new puppy or an anxious dog? Dogs are instinctively drawn to their pack and the Snuggle Puppy recreates that intimacy with warmth and a real-feel heartbeat. The result is a calmer, happier pet. $40, Smartpetlove.com
There's no better gift than bonding with your pet! HandsOn Gloves let you easily groom your dog, creating a happy and less stressful experience for both of you. They make bath time tolerable! HandsOnGlove.com
Before
Funky dog wrinkles? Nasty tear stains? Try Squishface Wrinkle Paste! Specially formulated with anti-fungal ingredients, Squishface Wrinkle Paste helps to clean and protect dog skin folds. Now available on Amazon! Wrinklepaste.com
Messy Mutts’ line of pet beds uses patented EVERFRESH probiotic technology to provide natural, non-toxic odour control that helps to keep your home smelling fresher, longer. Living the Dream! MessyMutts.ca
Thrower, balls and poo bags—the daily juggle struggle! The Ball Thrower Bag is designed to take the work out of playing with your dog. This will be your new favourite walking companion! mandjdogproducts.co.uk
After
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INSPIRE
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WHATEVER IT TAKES
When you're racing 700 kilometers through the jungles and mountains of South America, the last thing you need is a stray dog tagging along. But that's exactly what happened to Mikael Lindnord, captain of a Swedish adventure racing team, when he threw a scruffy but dignified mongrel a meatball one afternoon. Arthur the loveable stray followed Mikael and his team across more than 180 kilometers of the toughest terrain on earth to find a home. Their incredible journey through the jungle has captured the hearts of readers around the world.
“Y
ou can’t bring the dog.” Even though it was dark, I could see that the race organizer was looking me hard in the eye as he said it. Though I’d known deep down for the last hour that he was going to say this, still as I looked back at him my mind was in turmoil. Part of me wanted to scream: “He’s not ‘the dog,’ he’s Arthur. He needs me, I’m his only hope.” Another part of
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me, looking around at the concerned expressions on everyone’s faces, knew that it was crazy, insane, mad, to be thinking about a stray dog when there was so much at stake for us. We were headed for at least fourteen hours of kayaking, often through difficult waters. Simon had only just recovered from severe dehydration. We would need all our resources to pull ourselves through this next stage.
The last thing we should hamper ourselves with was a wounded, sick, and exhausted dog. Kayaking would be tough enough with all the changes of tide and the sandbanks blocking our routes. I looked at Karen, who looked like what she was: one of the toughest athletes in the world. She looked utterly focused on the gear for this next stage of the race. It was hard to remember that this was the same person who gave her share of our last bag of food to a hungry dog in the jungle. Staffan, too, was eyeing up his kit, already—I knew—mentally in the boat and planning his routes down the rapids. Simon, toughing it out, and obviously determined to get back in the race, just looked at me, waiting for my decision. And then I looked down. The terrible wound in the middle of Arthur’s back seemed if anything to have got darker and bigger. Caked in mud and trembling
P H OTO K R I ST E R G Ö R A N SS O N
By Mikael Lindnord
slightly, Arthur was in a bad way. But his gaze was firm and strong as he looked up at me unwaveringly and trustingly. We were now a long, long way from where we had first met him. Wherever home was, even if he had had one, he probably wouldn’t have the strength to get back to it now. It was as if Arthur had put everything on one ticket. Me. I seemed to be looking at him forever. I must have forgotten to blink, because I could feel a pricking in my eyes. I knew for certain that it was dangerous as well as damaging to us to consider taking him any further. Miles and miles back we had tried to tell him to go home for his own good. But Arthur had steadfastly ignored all our gesticulations and encouragements. Whatever happened, he was determined to come with us. I bent down to him and put my hand on his head. “What shall we do, my friend?” I said to him under my breath. “What shall we do?” Arthur started to whimper, just a little whimper to start with, and then when I couldn’t say anything more, he started to give a little whine in between the whimpers. I put my head nearer to his and said again, “What shall we do? I don’t know, I don’t know.” I felt sick, as if I were contemplating the greatest betrayal of my life. I looked at the others and the race organizers. I swallowed hard and stood up. “I understand,” I said. “Of course. I
understand. He’ll find his way back somehow. He will. Dogs are clever like that, aren’t they?” I looked around at the staring faces, desperate for reassurance. One by one they nodded, but none of them quite met my eye. “We must go,” said Staffan. “The tide’s right, and we can have a good start if we get going straight away.” We gathered up our paddles and our packs and started to walk towards the bridge where the kayaks were waiting for us. … I didn’t look at anybody. I didn’t say anything. There wasn’t anything to say. I walked with the others to the boats, hardly aware of putting one foot in front of the other. I knew Arthur was following us, but I couldn’t look back. I kept telling myself he’d realize what was happening, and that he’d have to stay behind. It was hopeless. I’d never see him again. … One by one we got into the kayaks. … Simon was in front and getting ready to paddle as we pushed off. By now there were lots more people on the bridge and on the bank. We could hear a murmur of voices as we balanced ourselves in the kayak. I told myself not to look back.
There was no point. Must not look back. As I gave a strong pull on the paddle, I felt a hard knot in my stomach. I could hardly see the water beside me; I could hardly see anything. Then I heard a splash. There was a gasp from the crowd standing on the bridge. I could hear more murmurings.… Still I pulled hard on the paddle, keeping time with Simon in front of me. We were starting to lose ground to the others in front. I knew we weren’t going nearly as quickly as we should be and that we would lose yet more valuable time if we didn’t increase our pace. But still, even as I pushed hard against the resistance of the water, every inch of me was listening for what was happening behind. There was another splash. I looked round. Arthur, his big head only just above the waterline, was only a few feet behind us, paddling as fast as he could. I knew the water was nearly freezing, and I knew from seeing him in the river the day before that Arthur wasn’t a good swimmer. But still, he was now only a couple of feet behind the boat. When I pulled once more on my moderndogmagazine.com
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paddle, our boat drew away again, further ahead of Arthur. As I looked back at him he seemed to put in another ferocious effort to speed up. Karen and Staffan’s boat was now much further ahead. I gave another pull on the paddle and we made up a bit more ground on them. I turned back to see that Arthur had fallen further behind. His paws were moving more slowly now, and his head was a little deeper in the water. But as the water churned about us, I could see that still he was looking at me with an
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unwavering stare. I found myself talking to myself, in the way that I usually only do if I’m in real danger. This is it, I told myself, this is it. If you do this, it’s for good. No matter how damaged he is, how sick, he will be yours and your responsibility. You can’t ever push him away from you. You must love him. You and he will be together forever if you do this. It’s for good. “Stop, Simon,” I said. Simon stopped and looked round. We slowed down. Once Arthur could see that he was getting nearer,
P H OTO K R I S T E R G Ö R A N SS O N
I knew Arthur was following us, but I couldn’t look back. I kept telling myself he’d realize what was happening, and that he’d have to stay behind.
he seemed to find strength from somewhere and, with a supreme effort, got to the side of the boat. Putting my paddle down, I leaned over and put my hands into the water and around Arthur. With a huge effort, nearly unbalancing the boat as I did so, I pulled him up into the boat. n Excerpted from: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord. Published September 2017 by Greystone Books. Reproduced and condensed with permission from the publisher.
PLAY
These three free, nifty apps let you walk for a cause, handle pet emergencies, and take a dog break! By Laura Dennis
WALK FOR A DOG
PET FIRST AID - RED CROSS
SNACK BY PACK
Available: For Apple and Android Price: Free
Available: For Apple and Android Price: Free
Available: For Apple Price: Free
Walk for a dog! This charitable, free app makes helping animal shelters as easy as taking your dog for a walk! Simply enter your dog’s picture and information in the app, grab your leash, and get outside— each step you take will raise money for a shelter or rescue organization. The app will automatically choose a shelter nearest to you (American shelters only), or you can choose from nearly 6,000 organizations. The app also tracks and maps your walks to help you create and reach fitness goals for both you and your pup. No dog? No problem! You can choose a shelter dog to ‘walk’ or create your dream dog as a digital walking companion. ( wooftrax.com)
The Red Cross knows that your dog is an important member of the family and their Pet First Aid app puts potentially lifesaving, expert information right in the palm of your hand. The simple step-by-step instructions guide you through everyday emergencies such as cuts, burns, and cardiac events using videos, images, and interactive quizzes. Create a pet profile to manage medications and vet appointments and keep your vet’s contact information readily available. Not in your normal neighbourhood? This app can locate the nearest emergency vet hospital too.
Does your day need a pick-me-up? Get one minute of happy, right when you need it! This bite-sized app delivers a pick-me-up in the form of five adorable, high-quality dog photos delivered once a day; it’s up to you to decide when! Enjoy these pics with your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or after a stressful meeting. You can even share your favourites with a friend. The pictures only last for 60 seconds, so even the bossiest of bosses could not complain if you take a quick Snack break! You can even help spread the happy by submitting your own dog to be featured in a Snack. (snack.packdog.com)
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P H OTO TA N YA K I N G
Apps for Dog� Lovers
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MD Poll Resu lts
A love that lasts forever!
frisbee submitted by angel
23% of Modern Dog readers' have a dog tattoo.
But what about our dogs? Can dogs really thrive on a vegan diet? The answer is yes, as long as it’s carefully formulated, and Ketunpet has left no room for error in their vegetable protein-based kibble. Their new Super Premium Vegan Dog Food contains no animal ingredients. With an enticing smoky flavor that your dog will love, this cruelty-free dog food contains all the essential nutrients dogs requires and more. Taurine, Omega 3 and 6, natural prebiotics, and vegetable oils are added in the form of chia, quinoa, beet pulp and chicory root, and yucca schidigera, among others, helping to keep your dog healthy and ensuring he doesn’t suffer from any deficiencies. All that makes for a happy pooch, happy farm animals, and a healthy planet!
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The Find: Ease Your Dog’s Anxiety With This Natural Remedy Used For Over 80 Years Storms, travel, vet visits, separation… Veterinarian-recommended Rescue Remedy Pet is an all-natural way to treat pet anxiety, fear, and behaviour issues. It contains a blend of five of the 38 Bach Original Flower Remedies, as developed by Dr. Edward Bach, that help your dog cope with different emotional aspects of stressful situations: Rock Rose for terror and panic Impatiens addresses irritation and impatience Clematis for inattentiveness and lack of interest Star of Bethlehem for shock or trauma Cherry Plum for a lack of self control Just four drops of this natural remedy placed in your dog’s water bowl, on a treat or on your dog’s paws can help ease stress and anxiety. 80 years of testimonials from veterinarians and pet owners alike back it up! $21, rescueremedy.com/pets
baby girl submitted by elyse
There are some really compelling reasons to consider a vegetablebased personal diet, among them the abhorrent practices commonplace in factory farming and the meat industry’s very large environmental impact. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations laid it clear with its statement, “the livestock sector is a major stressor on many ecosystems and on the planet as a whole. Globally it is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases and one of the leading causal factors in the loss of biodiversity, while in developed and emerging countries it is perhaps the leading source of water pollution.” Pretty big reasons to think about changing your diet.
bocephus submitted by steen claussen
Vegan Dog Food
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NATURAL DOG
Products to enhance a healthy canine lifestyle
Want to ensure your pup stays bug-free and smells great after any outdoor adventures this fall? Dr. Fedorenko’s Bug Spray for Dogs is here to help! Essential oils keep fleas, ticks, and no-seeums far away from your furry friend, while keratin and aloe nourish their coat. DrFedorenko.com
Grain-Free Bear Crunch from Charlee Bear Products comes in three great flavours. Made from simple, healthy ingredients and less than 3 calories per treat with irresistible taste and delightful crunch! charleebear.com
You will always be your pet’s first responder—be prepared to be the best you can be with PetMedic USA! Keep your dog safe with these high-quality pet first aid kits. These kits contain everything you might need in case of an emergency and come in two convenient sizes. EquiMedic.com Keep it green and clean with Dogs Love Kale & Dogs Love Snapeas treats! Your dogs are family; give them healthy snacks they’ll love. Made of wholesome ingredients, these treats are all natural and packed with superfoods like kale, moringa, and peas for a treat you can feel good about. Choose from 14 limited-ingredient flavours! dogslovekale.com From $39.99. All Natural Goodwinol Shampoo is gentle enough for even six-week-old puppies and kittens! This safe and natural shampoo is made in the USA, contains a natural insecticide, and has a clean, bright scent! goodwinol.com
The cure for the common treat is here! 100% organic Pure Hearts are good for your furry friend and delicious too! Made from coconut, these treats contain no egg, dairy, grain, or preservatives, so dogs with sensitive tummies and allergies can enjoy them too. Available in Banana Brulée and Pina Colada. CocoTherapy.com moderndogmagazine.com
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Keep Your Dog and Your Home
FLEA-FREE! F
leas are the bane of many a dog and many a dog owner. Dogs can easily pick up fleas outside and a few fleas can quickly lead to an infestation, causing both you and your dog serious discomfort and even illness. Signs your dog has fleas include black specs in his fur (that would be flea dirt), white specs in his fur (those would be flea eggs—ack!), and scratching and nipping, particularly at the base of the tail. Get a fine-toothed flea comb and comb your dog, concentrating at the neck and tail base, looking through the debris the comb collects. The comb may also capture fleas themselves—they’re fast moving and tiny, like the head of a pin. Drown any fleas you collect in soapy water. Also take a look at your dog’s tummy— less fur makes it easier to see fleas. Lest you think fleas are just irritating, think again—fleas are the most common cause of skin disease in dogs and cats. The scratching the fleas cause can lead to skin infections. Serious flea infestations, particularly in puppies, can cause anemia and pose a serious health risk. For dogs with a flea allergy, flea infestations are particularly uncomfortable. Signs your dog has a flea allergy include intense itching, hair loss, and hot spots or red, inflamed or scabby skin. Though not their first choice, fleas like human blood too and they can jump from your dog’s fur or bedding onto your skin and your furniture. Like dogs, some people are allergic to fleabites. If your bites are intensely itchy, this is likely you. For an idea of how quickly the problem can grow, consider this: Female fleas can lay 40 to 50 eggs a day, which can lead to an infestation in days. For every flea you see on your dog, vets estimate there are 100 more in your house. Furthermore, eggs
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can fall off your dog and hatch anywhere—carpets, pet beds, and couches you share with your pets are flea favourites. The fleas then feed on you and your pet and the cycle continues. The first step in dealing with a flea infestation is to de-flea your dog, whether through a spot-on treatment, a shampoo (most have to be kept on for 10 minutes before rinsing—be sure to read the instructions) or an all-natural approach like Dr. Dobias Flea Hex. The next step is to deal with your house and your yard. Wash all pet bedding in hot water. Wash any washable couch cushions and vacuum what you can’t wash. Vacuum all carpets with a rotary or beater bar and immediately empty canister/seal bag and take outside to the garbage. Mop all floors. Repeat weekly. Now for the yard: mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and rake the leaves to make it as unwelcoming as possible for fleas and ticks. They thrive in the untended areas. (Note that the brown dog tick can also live and reproduce inside your home. Check its favourite hiding spots—cracks, curtains, under rugs, beneath furniture, and behind radiators.) Use a flea comb to check your dog weekly so you can take care of any fleas before it becomes a bigger problem. Ticks carry serious disease and need to be removed right away. For five steps to safely remove a tick, go to moderndogmagazine.com/remove-tick.
SIGNS OF TICK-BORNE DISEASES Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis all cause similar symptoms in dogs, including: • Loss of appetite • Swollen lymph nodes • Fever • Joint swelling or pain Ticks can also cause paralysis. Some ticks produce a toxin that will make the host’s muscles weak. Most dogs recover quickly once the tick is removed.
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SUPPLEMENTS YOU SHOULD GIVE YOUR DOG
Give your dog’s health a boost with these five powerhouse supplements! They can help ward off future ailments and can prove especially helpful if your dog has joint or skin issues, cancer, or digestive or aging complaints. By Jennifer Yau
Coconut Oil BAILEY SUBMITTED BY BECKY
Turmeric
Chronic inflammation is now believed to be one of the major root causes of common signs of aging, including joint degeneration, heart trouble, declining mental alertness, and even cancer. Turmeric contains a powerful natural antiinflammatory called curcumin. When added to your dog’s daily diet, it can help prevent a whole host of problems. Add ⅛ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties that assist in keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy while improving digestion and reducing allergic reactions. In addition to being taken orally (most dogs love the taste!), coconut oil can also be applied directly to the skin and coat to make it softer and healthier.
Probiotics
Glucosamine
Fish Oil
The good bacteria in probiotics are key to a healthy gut, which is the basis of good overall health! Probiotics inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella, and help keep your dog’s digestive system function in top form. As a bonus, it may also improve stinky breath and reduce smelly gas!
Healthy cartilage produces glucosamine naturally, but the body’s glucosamine production rate slows with age, which contributes to painful arthritis. Adding a glucosamine supplement to your dog’s diet helps to restore joint health by improving lubrication and reducing inflammation.
Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, something that dogs need, but cannot produce naturally. Many dog owners already use fish oil to help with joint function and to get a shinier coat, but it has also been shown to help with cardiovascular disorders, cognitive function, and allergies.
Be sure to do your research and consult your veterinarian before trying any supplement, and give your dog only the recommended amount—too much of a good thing can end up hurting instead of helping.
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Why You Should Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Dental Health The single most common health problem in dogs also happens to be the most preventable The early signs of dental disease include bad breath and a yellow or brown crust on teeth. More extreme signs include bleeding gums, tooth loss, change in chewing habits, and excessive drooling.
D
espite the fact that periodontal disease affects an incredible 80 percent of all dogs by three years of age, many of us neglect our dog’s dental health. But know this: the health of your dogs’ mouth directly affects their quality of life, behaviour, and even the length of their life. We brush our teeth twice a day because plaque can form on a tooth’s surface in as little as two hours! The same goes for our pups’ mouths. If left undisturbed, plaque grows thick with bacteria and, as it accumulates minerals from your dog’s saliva, forms tartar, which is much harder to remove and must be done by a vet. The next stage of dental disease is inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis, which can quickly progress to early periodontitis if not treated. Periodontitis is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to oral bacteria. The entire gum becomes inflamed and swollen, which leads to pain and noticeably bad breath. The disease progresses to moderate periodontitis where infection and tartar are destroying the gums, causing them to bleed; eating becomes difficult. At this stage, with the correct treatment, the disease still may be reversible. In the final stage, advanced periodontitis, a chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, teeth, and bone. Bacteria can spread through the bloodstream throughout the body, damaging the kidneys, liver and heart. At this point, the disease is irreversible. Though some of the factors associated with dental problems are unavoidable, such as age and breed (flat faced and short nose breeds can suffer from overcrowded mouths), it’s up to you to do everything you can to protect your dog’s teeth. All it takes is a few minutes of daily home dental care to help prevent the plaque and tartar build-up that cause periodontal
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disease. To maintain oral hygiene, most dogs will require some professional dental work but daily brushing minimizes these expensive visits and protects your dog’s mouth between cleanings.
HOW TO BRUSH YOUR DOG’S TEETH Set the Routine Choose the same time and day to brush their teeth. At the scheduled time, go to the location and call your pup. When she comes, use your forefinger and thumb to gently lift her lip to reveal her gums and reward her with a taste of pet toothpaste.
!
@ Taste the Paste Once your dog is okay with Step One, wrap your finger with gauze (or use a finger toothbrush) and gently rub the toothpaste over the teeth and gums.
# Trust the Brush Graduate to a pet toothbrush. Put paste on the brush and let your dog lick it off. Repeat daily until they don’t hesitate at the sight of the brush.
$ Toothbrush Time Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and start to brush the teeth and gums gently, finishing with the bottom front teeth. Focus on the outside of the teeth as this area is most prone to plaque and tartar. Remember, routine is key! With plenty of patience, consistency, and praise, your dog will soon come to accept daily truth brushing as a part of their regular daily routine. A minute or two of daily brushing will have a huge, positive impact on your dog’s overall health and happiness, and will likely save you money at the vet, too!
QUIZ: DISCOVER YOUR DOG'S DOSHA An Ayurvedic dosha-based routine helps create mind, body & spirit balance for optimal health & vitality
TAKE THE QUIZ:
0=N/A, 1=Least represents my dog, 2=Some what represents my dog, 3 = Most accurately represents my dog
VATA
PITTA
KAPHA
BODY FRAME
Thin; Slender
Strong; Well build
Strong; Heavy build
WEIGHT
Under weight
Moderate
Gains weight easily
Dry; Rough
Thin; Soft
Thick; Soft; Oily
Cold
Warm
Cooler
High in bursts
Strong
Slow; but good stamina
Quick; Highly intelligent
Keen; Focussed
Loyal; Loving
TEMPERAMENT
Lively; Happy
Purposeful; Keen
Easy going
APPETITE
Low; Variable
Regular; Strong
Strong; Poor digestion
AILMENTS
Nervousness;
Skin issues;
Weight gain; Poor
SKIN & COAT BODY TEMPERATURE ENERGY LEVELS DISPOSITION
Anxiety; Digestion
digestion
Aggression
digestion
THE RESULT VATA • Highly intelligent • Slender body frame • Agile • Energy in short bursts • Rough & dry skin • Variable appetite • Nervous, fearful & anxious
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PITTA • Focussed & Sharp • Strong & well built body • Soft & warm coat • Enjoys challenge • Strong digestion • Easily irritated
KAPHA
• Easygoing & relaxed • Strong heavy build • Thick, soft & oily coat • Poor digestion • Gains weight easily • Tend to be possessive • Slow moving • Good stamina
To find food, treats, and grooming products suited to your dog's particular dosha, check out currynpepper.com.
illustration curry n pepper llc
Mark each characteristic with 0,1,2,3. Total each column. Highest score represents the dominant dosha.
CHARACTERISTIC CHARACTERISTIC
lexi submitted by lexi the weim
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caya submitted by troy
A Natural Fix
Hemp-derived CBDs are increasingly being turned to as an alternative to pharmaceuticals, delivering a host of health benefits, from pain relief to anxiety reduction By Jennifer Yau
Does your dog suffer from osteoarthritis or other issues causing chronic pain? Or is your dog battling cancer? If so, cannabidiols, or CBD’s, may help. Derived from hemp plants and grown legally, CBD’s are being used to treat everything from cancer to autoimmune disorders to arthritis, often relieving chronic pain and inflammation without the use of pharmaceuticals. And the list of benefits keeps on growing—improvements in appetite, mental activity, and mood have all been attributed to the use of CBD’s. If you’re worried about the psychoactive effects traditionally associated with cannabis products, don’t be. CBD’s are made from hemp (marijuana’s less “experimental” cousin), and contain less than 0.3% THC, meaning your dog gets all the health benefits, but none of the high. As a bonus, many CBD products come in delicious treat form or can be easily added to your dog’s food at mealtime. Here are a few to try:
Iceland Pure CBD Tinctures
Iceland Pure CBD Tinctures are made with Colorado-grown, organic, cannabis-rich CBD Hemp, combined with pure, humangrade sardine anchovy oil, an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Just add drops to your dog’s dinner to deliver the health benefits, from anti-inflammatory to pain relief, derived from of the phytocannabinoids it contains. $105/50ml bottle, icelandpure.com
Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary
While cannabis dispensaries are mostly known for providing medical marijuana to humans, the Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary in Vancouver, BC also provides CBD treats and oils especially for your furry friend. Registering your pet as a member
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also provides your veterinarian with more detailed information about the products your pet is using. cannabisdispensary.ca
Love Grass
Love Grass makes powerful cannabinoid supplements for dogs, cats, horses, and people, made from only two ingredients—organic liquid coconut oil and raw, uncooked cannabis oil, or THCA, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, from inhibiting cancer cell growth to diminishing anxiety, seizures, and nausea. To administer, simply add drops to your dog’s food. $25, lovegrasslovesyou.com
Enliven Essentials SuperFood CBD Pet Snacks These human-grade CBD biscuits are gluten-free with no artificial preservatives or added flavourings, just quality organic ingredients combined with CBDs to create a treat your dog will love. He’ll think he’s simply getting a yummy cookie, but he’ll actually be getting natural pain relief and numerous other phytocannabinoi benefits! $12/pack of 10, enlivenessentials.com
Treatibles
Treatibles puts their products through rigorous testing to ensure they contain the highest quality CBD-enriched oils. Their plant-derived wellness chews are infused with non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid-rich oil extracted from medicinal grade hemp, and includes other wellness promoting ingredients in their products, such as turmeric, pumpkin, and coconut oil. They also offer CBD oil and gel caps. From $24, treatibles.com
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BODY & SOUL A Natural Fix Apawthecary Pets
True Hemp Products from True Leaf Pet
Apawthecary Pets infuses their line of treats, tinctures, and salves with 100 percent all-natural hemp to help alleviate aches, pains, and stress caused by injuries, illness or old age. Committed to researching and developing healthy alternativse to pharmaceuticals and their harsh side effects, their natural solutions are powered by Hemp-derived terpenes from seed and stalk and combined with other natural ingredients, like coconut oil, chosen for their overall health benefits. $17 - $30, apawthecarypets.com
True Leaf Pet makes functional hemp-based products combining hemp with other active ingredients like L-theanine, turmeric root, green-lipped mussel, and calming herbs in formulations to improve immunity and heart function, mobility, and anxiety. Their tasty, dog-approved True Hemp Chews and Supplement Sticks provide hip and joint support, calming, and antioxidant support. $12 - $16, trueleafpet.com
Reilly’s Hemp Vet
Pet Winery’s CBD Oral Spray, part of their CALM Line, is a hemp-infused peppermint breath spray that uses nano-amplified cannabinoids to immediately ease your pet’s nervousness. It’s refined from legal, non-GMO and non-psychoactive hemp, making it completely devoid of side effects and psychoactive properties. It’s also infused with peppermint, so when you spray it in your dog’s mouth you get the added bonus of fresher breath along with the host of other benefits the spray provides. $30, petwinery.com
Created by a dedicated team of veterinarians and supplement formulators, Reilly’s Hemp Vet produces phytocannabinoid-rich chews that target specific health and wellness issues with added supplements. Choose from five different formulas to help your pup with immune support, joint mobility, stress and anxiety, senior health, or everyday wellness. From $17, reillyshempvet.com
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Pet Winery
PHOTO LUCY PET PRODUCTS
INSPIRE
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ONE MAN’S PLAN TO END PET OVER-POPULATION Prepare to fall in love with Joey Herrick, who is using his time, money, and talents to make a difference for unwanted pets By J. Leslie Johnson
I
t all started when 10-year-old Dylan looked out his bedroom window and caught something out of the corner of his eye. He thought it might be a baby coyote, a reasonable guess since his family lived in Thousand Oaks, California. He got his mom, Lynnda, and together they went outside to take a look. The coyote turned out to be a dirty little dog with patches of fur missing here and there. Dylan’s dad, Joey, took a look at the small dog, a Chihuahua mix. She had obviously been on her own for a long time. “Her nails were so long they were growing into her pads,” Joey recalls, “and she had a tire mark on her back.” Some people might have walked away from the little dog. But not Joey Herrick. A confirmed animal lover, he also happened to be the President of Natural Balance Pet Foods, who regularly arranged the donation of millions of pounds of dog food to shelters across the country. After taking the Chihuahua to a vet and checking lost dog sites on the Internet, Joey and his family gave the dog, who they named Lucy, a forever home. A few weeks later, Lucy gave them a surprise in return when
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she had a litter of five pups. Joey and family kept one pup and canvassed their friends and neighbours to find good homes for the remaining four. Lucy’s story has a happy ending, but for many, many dogs like Lucy, the outcome would have been very different. Thousands of unwanted animals across North America are regularly abandoned and left homeless and hungry, or dropped off at over-burdened animal shelters where, too often, they are put down if no one adopts them. In the United States alone, nearly 5,500 cats and dogs are killed every day; an estimated two million animals die in U.S. shelters every year. It was painful for Joey to think about what might have happened to Lucy if his family hadn't found her. Never one to back away from a challenge, he decided to tackle the pet overpopulation crisis head-on. After selling Natural Balance Pet Foods in July 2013, he started the Lucy Pet Foundation, a charitable organization that reduces the number of unwanted cats and dogs by offering a mobile, low or no cost spay/neuter clinic
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INSET PHOTO LUCY PET PRODUCTS
Catching a wave on the Lucy Pet Crankin' K9 Wave Maker!
X! X XX
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services to high-risk animal populations. To get the foundation off the ground, Joey put in a million of his own money. In the four years the mobile spay/neuter clinic has operated thus far, the Lucy Pet Foundation has fixed thousands of animals, thereby tackling pet over-population and thus the number of pets being put down in shelters across the country. Since its inception, the Lucy Pet Foundation has spayed/neutered over 16,000 animals. When they are not performing surgeries, the mobile clinics vaccinate and microchip animals and also feature dogs and cats for adoption. Last year, the foundation fixed over 4,600 animals but the immediate goal is to increase that figure to 6,000 spay/neuters annually for each mobile spay/neuter clinic they have in operation. Joey and his staff also work hard to build awareness about the pet overpopulation crisis. The foundation’s chief veterinary officer, Karen (Doc) Halliday, regularly visits schools to talk to kids. Joey turns it into a fun event by providing colouring books that illustrate his message, and by sending along cool dogs like Surfin’ Jack, the foundation’s surfing (yes, really) canine mascot who sports a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. When the kids see that fantastic dogs like Surfin’ Jack could lose their lives, it makes the issue much more immediate and personal. The Lucy Pet Foundation has also found other, more innovative methods of getting the public’s interest. Joey made a splash—literally—when he developed North America’s first-ever portable wave pool for dogs, the Lucy Pet Crankin’ K9 Wave Maker, which holds 5,000 gallons (19,000 liters) of water and features an automatic wave generator. While Surfin’ Jack and his canine friends (plus one surfing cat!) are drawing people’s attention by riding the waves, Joey talks to the media about the Lucy Pet Foundation. Never one to make small plans, Joey intends to increase the number of mobile clinics he has on the road from a few to 40, so even more animals can be treated. Although he began in his home state of California, serving at risk populations in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, Joey intends to give the Lucy Pet Foundation a national presence. To fund this, he began an innovative, feel-good pet products company called Lucy Pet Products to support the cause. Working with Dr. George C. Fahey, a leading expert in digestive health, Joey, along with his partner Rick Rockhill, who has decades of experience in the pet products industry, developed a premium pet food that features Prebiotic Balanced Fiber (PBF). This diverse blend of fiber supports a healthy gut and enables optimal digestion. “It’s a game changer,” Joey proudly emphasizes. 100 percent of the profits from Lucy Pet Products go to the non-profit Lucy Pet Foundation, which works tirelessly to reduce the staggering rates of pet euthanasia in North America. Perhaps predictably for this generous and warm-hearted animal lover, Joey refuses to take a salary from either the Lucy Pet Foundation or Lucy Pet Products. “I never took a dime from it,” he explains, adding, “I want all of the money to go towards helping the animals.” n F ALL 2017
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TRAVEL
A volunteer experience helping stray, homeless, and abused dogs on the gorgeous Thai island 0f Phuket transforms the lives of dogs and volunteers alike
I
t’s 8 am and I’m already sweating profusely. The hot to-go coffee doesn't seem like a good idea anymore. We wait for our ride in front of our guesthouse in the village of Naiyang, Phuket, an island in Thailand. Punctually, a white truck with a big orange “Soi Dog” sign appears. We jump on the back of the truck, squeezing in with the other volunteers, and enjoy the breeze as we ride through morning traffic. I’m excited for another day at the shelter. Around 600 dogs and 150 cats live at the Soi Dog facilities, which are run by the Soi Dog Foundation, a
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A VACATION LIKE NO OTHER By Malgosia Szajwaj
non-profit organization dedicated to helping, the homeless, abused dogs and cat of Asia. Headquartered in Phuket, Soi Dog operates in Thailand, the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, and Holland. Without any government funding but with generous donations and volunteers, the shelter is a place for stray animals to get the care they need to get adopted, as well as a place where many travelers have a lifechanging experience. While my fellow travellers get prepared for the day at the volunteer desk area, I sneak off to one of the cat rooms in a building nearby. About 20 cats are already waiting for a cuddle. I sit down on the floor and instantly have three cats on my lap, four next to me, and the odd one climbing my shoulder.
By the time Kyle, a another volunteer, calls "Mal, let's go!”, I’ve grown a fur coat. I reluctantly say goodbye to my feline friends; it's time to start the day. A run with 24 dogs has been assigned to us for the duration of our volunteer stay. As we approach the gate, the dogs run towards us wagging their tails, barking and jumping in gleeful greeting. We squeeze through the gate, holding back a handful of would-be escape artists. The Thai staff is busy powerwashing the ground and cleaning up after the dogs, so we get on with our business too. We greet the dogs, with the exception of the few who are afraid of humans. Then, one after another, we walk them. We walk past a dozen other dog runs—the shy dogs run, the old dog run, the dog-meat-trade rescue
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run—around a small lake, past the hospital, and then back to our run. Many dogs and cats arrive with severe wounds from being hit by cars or from dog fights, while others end up here as a result of cruel human acts. Unwanted animals are frequently dumped on the streets or in front of the shelter’s gates, and many dogs arrive on trucks rescued from the illegal dog meat trade. But thanks to the Soi Dog Foundation, they are now on their way to a better life. Roughly a dozen other volunteers are here at the same time. Everyone comes from a different path of life but we all have one thing in common, the love of animals. Every day when passing each other on our walks or during lunch time, we exchange facts about our dogs as if they were our own. We don’t talk about much else until we later gather on the beach or at the local bar. It’s then we realize that we have met some amazing people from all around the world. The organization itself was formed in 2003 by a Dutch national, Margot Homburg, and a British couple, John and Gill Dalley, who saw a significant and growing problem of strays roaming the streets of Phuket that had been left unaddressed. With over 70,000 strays at the time, the trio were spurred to take matters into their own hands, deciding that the most sustainable solution to ending the misery of these animals was a mass vaccination and sterilization program. The long term vision was to make Phuket a place where street dogs and cats would no longer suffer lives of misery, hunger, sickness,
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pain, and rejection. With Soi Dog’s efforts, over 150,000 dogs and cats in both Phuket and Bangkok have been sterilized to date. This translates to over 80 percent of the stray population in Phuket no longer being able to reproduce, which is reducing stray population numbers rapidly. Since 2011, Soi Dog has also been leading the fight against Thailand’s illegal dog meat and skin trade industry, in which dogs are being smuggled to China and Vietnam, destined for dog meat restaurants or the dog skin market, where their fur is used to make items such as golf gloves and hats, and then illegally exported. The fur source, of course, remains unlabeled. By working with the Thai police and army, Soi Dog has been able to save hundreds of thousands of dogs from entering this cruel and despicable trade. Over the two weeks my fellow volunteers and I spent at the shelter, we saw animals being cared for, neutered and spayed, and put up for adoption. We saw dogs leave the shelter to go to forever homes all over the world, including Canada, the US, and Europe. And we saw our own spirits raised through the opportunity to co-create good in the world. The organization may not yet be able to help every stray, but for the ones rescued, their world is changed. And the animals aren’t the only ones with their lives transformed. Leaving the shelter, we volunteers felt truly grateful for an eye-opening and life changing experience too. To learn about the wonderful projects of Soi Dog or to adopt, please visit soidog.org. Without our help, these animals have little chance of knowing what love and care feel like. n
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The Stray Sometimes one dog can change everything By Jennifer Nosek
W
hen Mitch’s youngest son came to him with the idea to turn their family story into a movie, he was dead set against it. “My initial reaction was no,” Mitch says. “When he handed a draft to me, the truth is, it took over two weeks to even pick it up because I didn’t want to disappoint him.” Mitch happens to be the writer and co-director behind movies such as Disney’s Windrunner and The Other Side of Heaven, so he knows what makes a good movie. But he was reluctant. “This story has been in our family for 25 years,” Mitch says. “And it’s always sort of been a sacred story, you know. We didn’t go to the newspapers. It was an emotional, poignant experience for all of us, including the other two boys not in our family. We just laid low and kept it to ourselves. But when I finally did read the draft script, it was so beautifully rendered that I saw the movie. There’s this common humanity—we were a family in crisis and this dog showed up from out of nowhere and set about solving our problems. When I figured that out, I realized it really is universal.”
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Co-writer and director Mitch Davis with the film's canine star, Pluto.
“The tag line I’ve started to think about,” Mitch continues, “is when you save a stray dog, the life you save might actually be your own. And in my case that was psychologically true and physically true.” Convinced, Mitch set about making The Stray, a family movie at heart and from the ground up. Mitch is the co-writer—along with his youngest son—as well as the director, and subject of the movie, “which is really kind a strange circle of responsibilities,” he notes. His oldest son composed the score of the movie and his third son was the editor. “It’s a real family affair,” Mitch says with pride. Certainly casting takes on new weight when it’s your own family members that are being represented. “I had really strict instructions from my wife that whoever played her had to be really beautiful,” Mitch laughs. They cast Sarah Lancaster from the TV series Chuck, Everwood, and Saved by the Bell. “I really feel like she inhabited my wife’s beautiful maternal soul. She gave the movie a real sense of family.” Mitch’s son who wrote the script had a lot of suggestions on the actor front. “He kept sending me suggestions of really ugly comedians to play me and I was like, Parker, are you trying to tell me something?,” Mitch laughs. “And he said, ‘Dad, you’ve got this goofy side and I want the goofy to come out in film.’ And I’m like, yeah, not that goofy!”
PHOTO TANYA KING
It’s a story so many of us can relate to—working too hard, trying to balance a job and a family (and oftentimes getting it wrong) and, for dog people, finding the dog you rescued has, in fact, actually saved you. All of this is at the heart of a new movie, based on a remarkable true story, called The Stray. We had the good fortune to meet with the movie’s charismatic co-writer and director, Mitch Davis, whose real life experiences inspired the film. We sat down with him to ask him what’s it’s like to relive a really important period of your life and about the dog that quite literally saved his life.
PHOTOS HAILEY DAVIS
They ended up casting Michael Cassidy, who had just gotten off of Batman vs Superman, to play Mitch, a decision everyone was really happy with. “I just love what he brought to the role,” Mitch says. “Both Sarah and Michael have small young families and they both love their families and highly prioritize them and they both brought that sense to the movie.” And it all really happened. “The lightening strike is by far the most dramatic thing that’s ever happened to me, obviously. It burnt a hole in my shirt. I still have the shirt. It hit me literally right in the heart. No question I would have died if Pluto had not been in the tent—the doctors later told me there’s no question he saved my life and probably some of the boys as well.” Pluto is not only the real star of the movie but the inspiration behind it. “This movie is special to me because I feel a real debt to my dog,” Mitch states simply. “It was a chapter in my family’s life that was kind of magical. Really, everything in the movie is true. I was working too hard—at Disney studios as a Junior Executive— and just didn’t have time to breathe, didn’t have enough money to make rent, and didn’t have enough time to be any kind of father or husband. And I suggested to my wife one day, you know I think we should get a dog. My wife just laughed. She said, ‘the last thing in the world I need is another mouth to feed! Over my dead body are we getting a dog.’ But then she stopped and said, ‘but, you know, I read an article the other day that said the best way to get a dog is to get a stray; it’s kind of like living together before you get married—you don’t have any firm commitment to each other you get to try each other out.’ So she said, ‘if a stray dog shows up, I’ll consider getting a dog—but there’s no way I’m getting one on purpose.’ And I’ll be darned if within a week, this stray dog, Pluto, showed up at our house—followed our oldest son home from school. And that was it. Pluto was an angel in our family’s life. He showed up during a really stressful time and just performed a lot of kindnesses for all of us, really.” As one can imagine, it was heavy watching key moments from the past reenacted. “At times I got very emotional,” Mitch admits. “It’s been almost 30 years and I still just get really choked up thinking about how much we just loved that dog and felt indebted to him because we all knew he had saved our lives. Searching through those family videos you see at the end of the film and coming across some of those gems, it just reminded me of how hectic but also how wonderful that time was.” As for the message he'd like everyone to take away from the movie? “Get one,” he laughs, referring to dogs. “I’m a big fan. I would strongly advocate for adopting a stray—I think sometimes dogs seem to know that you’ve rescued them, that you’ve saved them from a sad fate. And Pluto seemed to treat us that way. He was just a fellow traveler and he was always grateful that we gave him a home and we're so grateful to him for the things he brought us.” n
Michael Cassidy as Mitch Davis
The Stray opens in theatres across the US October 6th. moderndogmagazine.com
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These restaurants have hidden menus offering special items especially for pups! By Laura Dennis
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ff-menu combos and limited-time additions (think the Starbucks’ brightly coloured Unicorn Frappuccino craze) have been taking the restaurant world by storm lately. But did you know that some spots have yummy, unpublicized treats just for four-legged patrons? Just think of the fun—and the photo ops just made for Instagram sharing! Not all locations have these pup-friendly offerings available, so it is worth checking ahead of time to avoid disappointment and those sad, puppy-dog eyes, and remember that these fun offerings are meant to be a very occasional treat. Also, just like
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people, not all dog tummies can handle dairy. If your pup has any food sensitivities or allergies, check with your vet before indulging in these treats.
Shake Shack – Pooch-ini & Bag O’Bones Treat your furry friend to a Pooch-ini and maybe they won’t try to steal your fries! This doggy dessert features vanilla custard, peanut butter sauce, and dog biscuits made especially for all Shake Shack locations, minus stadium and airport locales, by a NYC bakery. You can also grab a Bag O’Bones, which is five dog biscuits packed for the road!
Rock & Brews – The Dog Side of the Menu This chain, founded by some of America’s Rock and Roll royalty (Kiss’ Gene Simmons, for one) serves comfort food for the whole family, pooch included, in a lively setting with a dog-friendly patio. Ask for The Dog Side of the Menu and your pup can feast on bacon, a grilled hot dog, mini burger patties or grilled chicken breast. They even have Bowser Beer
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: KNOXY KNOX; EVAN SUNG
S U N E M G O D T E SECR
PHOTO HALLEY WINER
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yum
for Dogs (that would be beef, pork, or chicken-flavoured nonalcoholic “beer” for dogs) to wash it all down!
Sprinkles Cupcakes – Doggie Cupcakes Considered one of the first cupcake bakeries, Sprinkles makes it easy for you to get your sugar fix with retail shops, cupcake ATMs, and door-to-door delivery—but did you know that they have treats for dogs on the menu? The Doggie cupcake features sugar-free cake topped with yogurt “frosting” and a cute little bone.
Starbucks – Puppuccino Next time you swing by for your caffeine fix, bring Fido along and ask for a Puppuccino. While this may sound fancy, it is simply an espresso cup filled with whipped cream! Dogs will love the light, sweet treat and you will love how adorable they look when it inevitably gets all over their snout.
In-N-Out – Pup Patty While this franchise has a well-known human secret menu (Animal Style, anyone?), you can also snag a Pup Patty—a plain hamburger patty with no salt or seasonings. If you feel like really spoiling your dog, ask for the Flying Dutchman, which is two beef patties and two slices of cheese!
Dairy Queen – Pup Cup Do you and your canine companion share a sweet tooth? Head over to Dairy Queen and order a Pup Cup. The small serving of vanilla soft serve will really hit the spot for ice cream loving dogs! moderndogmagazine.com
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STAR DOG
g o D r a t S ER
Thanks to our awesome Star Dog Contest sponsor Pet Giftbox!
WINN
By Rose Frosek
Photographed by Cassie Reniers
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PHOTO CASSIE RENIERS
Glenda Mosner can’t say no to an animal in need. And in doing so she’s gained a huge following—over 800,000 Facebook fans—whose days she brightens daily with updates about her six-year-old Bulldog, Munster.
unster, a beloved Bulldog was born with spina bifida, can’t control his bladder. The diapers he wears have earned him his nickname, “Mr. Fancy Pants.” Glenda, his rescuer, sees Munster as a “gift from above who is on a mission to make a difference in this world one way or another.” The same might be said of Glenda. Glenda had previously rescued a Bulldog with spina bifida— named Gracie Lee—that she discovered living in a box outside a family’s home. In speaking with the family, they agreed to relinquish the dog to her. In short order, Glenda created a Facebook page, got her hands on a donated wheelchair, and found a forever home for Gracie. It was through this Facebook page that a Montana breeder found Glenda, reaching out to her to see if she could help home one of her Bulldog puppies born with spina bifida. Most dogs born with the condition are put down but this breeder couldn’t bear to euthanize the pup. Glenda not only readily agreed to help, but also said she would take him herself if she were closer. The breeder offered to fly Munster to her if Glenda would cover the cost, and the rest is history.
PHOTO CASSIE RENIERS
A FAMOUS DISABLED BULLDOG UNITES FANS AND BRINGS CHEER
PHOTO STEWART SCHECTER
An Abused Dachshund Finds a Forever Home & a Whole Bunch of Fans
W Glenda created a Facebook page for Munster, too, sharing photos and videos. Through Munster, Glenda hopes to bring awareness. “A countless number of loving and devoted disabled pets deserve a chance at life,” she says. “Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you're needed by someone." And people have responded. Munster now has over 800,000 Facebook fans, many of who have helped contribute to his care. Munster wears Good Nights teen diapers, most of which are donated by his fans. When Munster was two, he suffered a very serious health scare; the vet told Glenda her Bulldog was going to die. But what was thought to be an obstruction turned out to be an abscess. His fans rallied, donating all the money to cover the thousands of dollars in vet bills. The veterinary office taking care of him received a deluge of calls and emails about Munster and even added over 500 new “likes” to their Facebook page during the time Munster was a patient there. To date, his fans have donated in excess of $46,000. After covering Munster’s care, Glenda donates everything leftover to help other animals and individuals, paying it forward. “He's allowed us to connect with people as far away as Saudia Arabia,” Glenda says. “Munster and his friend Blacky the Wheelchair Cat have even raised funds to build a playground for more than 30 children at an orphanage in Kenya.” Glenda explains Munster’s popularity as so: “He gives people around the world a new reason to feel good about their own disabilities. He gives a face to problems that we all share on a daily basis.” And for Glenda, he does the same. “He brings me hope. He brings me companionship. He brings me strength, confidence, and a mushy kiss to dry my tears. He's my best friend who sees past my own disabilities to see me as nothing less than perfect.” n
hen Michelle Mullé took in a rescued Dachshund with three legs, she didn’t realize he would change her life, inspiring a mission. But when Michelle saw a Facebook photo of Dobby—completely bald, suffering from demodex mange, his right leg cut off—she “fell in love.” Dobby had been put in a garbage bag and dropped at an Athens, Georgia animal control center. Circle Of Friends Animal Society stepped in and rescued him, posting his photo on Facebook. It was this photo Michelle saw. She “shared and fought hard to raise the money to help the rescue cover Dobby's bills,” she recollects, ultimately filling out an adoption application. Finally, Whole Lotta Love Rescue & Transport brought him all the way from Georgia to Michelle in New Jersey. Smitten, Michelle decided to create a Facebook page for her new dog so she could inspire others to take on a rescue dog with a disability. “I want Dobby to be an ambassador for disabled animals,” she says. “I want everyone to see that these animals aren't suffering; they don't want to be put down. If you can't handle the needs of a disabled pet please considering finding a rescue to take them—don't send them over the Rainbow Bridge.” Dobby is a perfect example. At first he couldn’t walk—Dobby’s rescuers had to teach him how. Now Dobby hops around and he's extremely fast—just check out his Facebook videos! But though Dobby can run in Michelle’s turf-covered backyard, other surfaces are difficult for him, so Michelle is hoping to get him a prosthetic leg. “Dobby needs a custom leg built—possibly 3D-printed—which we are desperately hoping someone will help us with,” she shares hopefully. “A disability in an animal shouldn't be a death sentence. Thank you everyone who voted for Dobby. Humans hurt Dobby and I want everyone to know what happened to him, his story. But love prevails—Dobby has won. He is a survivor.” moderndogmagazine.com
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CANINE IQ: HOW SMART IS YOUR DOG? Dog intelligence ranked by breed By Stanley Coren Over 200 professional dog obedience judges ranked 110 dog breeds on the basis of their intelligence; the list below is the result. But remember, as Stanley Coren notes in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, depending upon your lifestyle, it may be more difficult to live with a more intelligent, rather than a less intelligent dog. A smart dog can prove a more challenging companion and all breeds on the list bring their own unique mix of wonderful attributes.
Brightest Dogs Understanding of New Commands: Less than 5 repetitions. Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.
Rank Breed 1 Border Collie 2 Poodle 3 German Shepherd 4 Golden Retriever 5 Doberman Pinscher 6 Shetland Sheepdog 7 Labrador Retriever 8 Papillon 9 Rottweiler 10 Australian Cattle Dog
Excellent Working Dogs Understanding of New Commands: 5 to 15 repetitions. Obey First Command: 85% of the time or better.
Rank Breed 11 Pembroke Welsh Corgi 12 Miniature Schnauzer 13 English Springer Spaniel 14 Belgian Tervuren 15 Schipperke Belgian Sheepdog 16 Collie Keeshond 17 German Shorthaired Pointer 18 Flat-Coated Retriever English Cocker Spaniel Standard Schnauzer
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19 Brittany 20 Cocker Spaniel 21 Weimaraner 22 Belgian Malinois Bernese Mountain Dog 23 Pomeranian 24 Irish Water Spaniel 25 Vizsla 26 Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Above Average Working Dogs Understanding of New Commands: 15 to 25 repetitions. Obey First Command: 70% of the time or better.
Rank Breed 27 Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puli Yorkshire Terrier 28 Giant Schnauzer 29 Airedale Terrier Bouvier Des Flandres 30 Border Terrier Briard 31 Welsh Springer Spaniel 32 Manchester Terrier 33 Samoyed 34 Field Spaniel Newfoundland Australian Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier
52 Rhodesian Ridgeback 53 Ibizan Hound Welsh Terrier Irish Terrier 54 Boston Terrier Akita
Gordon Setter Bearded Collie 35 Cairn Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier Irish Setter 36 Norwegian Elkhound 37 Affenpincher Silky Terrier Miniature Pinscher English Setter Pharaoh Hound Clumber Spaniel 38 Norwich Terrier 39 Dalmatian
Fair Working/ Obedience Intelligence Understanding of New Commands: 40 to 80 repetitions. Obey First Command: 30% of the time or better.
Average Working/ Obedience Intelligence Understanding of New Commands: 25 to 40 repetitions. Obey First Command: 50% of the time or better.
Rank Breed 40 Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Bedlington Terrier Smooth Fox Terrier 41 Curly-Coated Retriever Irish Wolfhound 42 Kuvasz Australian Shepherd 43 Saluki Finnish Spitz Pointer 44 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel German Wirehaired Pointer Black & Tan Coonhound American Water Spaniel 45 Siberian Husky Bichon Frise English Toy Spaniel 46 Tibetan Spaniel English Foxhound Otterhound American Foxhound Greyhound Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 47 West Highland White Terrier Scottish Deerhound 48 Boxer Great Dane 49 Dachshund Stafforshire Bull Terrier 50 Alaskan Malamute 51 Whippet Chinese Shar-pei Wire Fox Terrier
Rank Breed 55 Skye Terrier 56 Norfolk Terrier Sealyham Terrier 57 Pug 58 French Bulldog 59 Brussels Griffon Maltese 60 Italian Greyhound 61 Chinese Crested 62 Dandie Dinmont Terrier Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Tibetan Terrier Japanese Chin Lakeland Terrier 63 Old English Sheepdog 64 Great Pyrenees 65 Scottish Terrier Saint Bernard 66 Bull Terrier 67 Chihuahua 68 Lhasa Apso 69 Bullmastiff
Lowest Degree of Working/ Obedience Intelligence Understanding of New Commands: 80 to 100 repetitions or more. Obey First Command: 25% of the time or worse.
Rank Breed 70 Shih Tzu 71 Basset Hound 72 Mastiff Beagle 73 Pekingese 74 Bloodhound 75 Borzoi 76 Chow Chow 77 Bulldog 78 Basenji 79 Afghan Hound
For more on dog intelligence, check out Stanley Coren's excellent book, The Intelligence of Dogs.
Get your chew on!
These Pipsqueak Toys are perfect for pipsqueak pups! These irresistible squeaky little toys are soft plush so that the squeaker inside is easy to squeak for little mouths! Tested by lots of little breed dogs, these teeny toys were chosen over harder, larger squeaky toys. Available in a variety of adorable breeds! $9, OscarNewman.com
! S Y O T ! S Y O T ! S Y O T
Does your dog like to play with his food? The JW Hol-ee Gourmet treat toy from Petmate doesn’t just allow this, it encourages it! The nylon bone inside this multipurpose chew toy can be stuffed or spread with your pup’s favourite treats or spreadable, leading to hours of tasty fun. From $11, Petmate.com
ys for The best toof dog every type
Looking for a toy that can keep up with your pup? The RinGO toy is made from machine washable, super-durable 1000-denier nylon and is designed to withstand rough and tumble! Perfect for dogs who play hard, this toy brings hours of fun, whether indoors, outdoors or in the water! $8, SturdiProducts.com
Birthday fun!
Does your pup have a birthday coming up? Spoil her with a Birthday Gift Box from Joe Pup! This super-fun box is full of everything you need to make your dog’s day even more special, like birthday cake treats, sushi rolls, toys, and the cutest sock monkey. $49, JoePup.com
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Who doesn't love a great game of tug-o-war? The cotton BUSTER Color Squeak Rope is gentle on a dog's mouth while having a cleaning effect on their teeth. The rope is extremely durable and ideal for interactive throwing games with your dog. The squeakiness is an added bonus! From $4, Kruuse247.com
Playtime anytime!
Exercise your dog’s mind along with his body with the iFetch Frenzy. This interactive fetching toy (no batteries required) is perfect for energetic, small to medium-sized breeds. Fido simply drops the ball in the top and has to guess which one of the chutes it will shoot out of before starting all over again! $40, GoiFetch.com
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BREED PROFILE
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Tough and tenacious, the Chessie is a retriever with a twist! By Kelly Caldwell 100 moderndog
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C, I T E L H T A IGENT, INTELLSITIVE SEN
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ou may not have heard of him, but the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is anything but new to the dog scene. His roots are wellestablished, and his origins are downright romantic. It was 1807 when a British ship wrecked off the coast of Maryland in the frigid waters of the Eastern Seaboard. Among the rescued were two dogs named Sailor and Canton. Early reports were that the dogs were Newfoundlands, but that’s become the subject of some debate over the years. Some contend that Sailor and Canton were Lesser Newfoundlands, or St. John’s Water Dogs, a breed now extinct. Regardless, the two shipwreck survivors were instant celebrities—both for surviving, as well as for their soon-apparent remarkable adeptness at retrieving waterfowl. The dogs caught the eyes of local enthusiasts, who bred them to hounds, setters, water spaniels, and other retrievers. The results of those breedings served as the beginnings of today’s Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Come 1878, the first Chesapeake Bay Retriever, named Sunday, was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Perhaps not surprising given their survivor heritage, the breed is a remarkably tough one. The Chessie is prepared to take on the icy waters of the Atlantic and capable of retrieving upwards of 200 waterfowl a day. According to AKC standards, Chessie males stand between 23 to 26 inches, with females 21 to 24 inches. Proportions are emphasized of course, but nothing is given more attention in the standard than the coat, which is thick, short, and accepted in eight colours but with no variations. The Chessie has webbed toes which give him some advantage when swimming. His eyes are bright and clear with an
amber hue—yes, yes, we call this dreamy in dog-talk. Physically, the Chessie is arguably the most tank-like of the gun dogs. He was bred to work in an incredibly hostile and unforgiving environment, and it shows. But, let’s be clear: this breed is tough enough to withstand almost anything Mother Nature can throw at him—but this is not a dog who will thrive as an outsider. Though physically tough as nails, the Chessie brings a sensitive soul to the table, and is very devoted to his According to the most recent AKC family, so make way for that registration statistics big, beautiful Chessie in your [1] Labrador Retriever home or find another breed! [2] German Shepherd Dog This brings us to the [3] Golden Retriever subject of temperament, and [4] Bulldog the Chessie is certainly an [5] Beagle interesting case. He’s a dog with [6] French Bulldog a mind of his own—assertive [7] Poodle and confident, but with a [8] Rottweiler soft side. The best way to [9] Yorkshire Terrier train a Chessie is with early [10] Boxer socialization and positive [43] Chesapeake Bay Reteiever reinforcement. These dogs bond intently with their loved ones and even a harsh look or word can be hurtful. Chessies are smart, biddable, and eager to please their loved ones—pretty much a dream for those seeking a dog who can be taught good manners. The Chessie is an “up for anything” dog—especially if it involves physical or mental exertion. He’ll thrive if you engage him in field trials, hunt tests, agility, tracking,
Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
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Size: Large The AKC Standard accepts males standing between 23 to 26 inches, with females 21 to 24 inches. Weight is not addressed in the standard but this heavily-boned, muscular dog ranges in weight from 55 to 70 pounds. Activity level: This breed is not one of the crazy wild childs of the dog world, but he needs extended periods of exercise and mental stimulation every day. He wants a job, so find him one, in or out of water (though this breed will be happiest when he’s on the beach). Grooming: His double coat consists of an oily, short, outer coat, along with a fine, wooly undercoat. It’s easy to maintain with regular brushing. Part of what keeps the Chessie so water-resistant is his naturally oily coat, so some fanciers say washing with any soap or shampoo is a no-no, instead recommending just a rinse with fresh water. But the reality is that oily coat can be smelly so you may find the occasional shampoo necessary. The nails are strong and need to be kept short; many suggest using a grinder for this purpose.
If you like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, you might also give some consideration to the:
Heritage: Waterfowl Retrievers A mix of stock from various Retrievers, Setters, and Newfoundlands, they worked for mid-19th-century American hunters, retrieving waterfowl. For information on Chesapeake Bay Retriever rescue in the U.S., visit cbrrescue.org. In Canada, visit facebook.com/ ChesapeakeRescueCanada.
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Curly-Coated Retriever
Otterhound
READ YOUR BREED
Flat-Coated Retriever
For more breed profiles, go to moderndogmagazine.com/breeds
INSET FROM LEFT IMAGES ©AKC; MARY BLOOM © AKC; ©AKC
Profile: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever
obedience, or confirmation. He wants to work and he wants to please. Talk about a winning combination. One thing is for sure, this is a working dog, born and bred, through and through. The Chessie wants to work. For those in search of “just” a companion, this is not the breed. The Chessie does love his people and will take in as much dotage as they can offer—but he’ll be missing something if he doesn’t have a job. This breed needs to be busy—runs, hunts, walks, plays… whatever, so long as he’s kept engaged. The Chessie is downright aloof if you compare him with many Retriever breeds. He’s not a Velcro dog—the kind who constantly reminds you how much he loooooves you. That’s not his style. He’ll almost always be close by, and to a degree he’ll be on guard for you, but mostly, he will simply be with you. Loving you, giving you space, and asking for it in return. For some, and I won’t lie—I’m one—that sounds like a dream. Rest assured, when you’re ready to get a move on, your Chessie will be by your side. He’ll be right there with you, up for the next big adventure. Shedding and ‘eau du chien’ are things you may just have to learn to accept about the breed. The Chessie loves being in the water and that oily coat is built for it. But it can be a bit… smelly. As for shedding, at least once a year, plan on some pretty epic shedding. Even with regular brushing, it’s inevitable. Cheap-o vacuums need not apply at the homes where Chessies run the show. So, is the Chessie the right dog for you? Let me put it to you as simply as I can: If you love the idea of a Labrador Retriever, but can’t stop thinking about those amber eyes and that dense curly coat… then no, the Chessie is not for you. Why? Because he’s not just a version of a Lab or a Golden or of anything, for that matter. He’s his own dog. And he’s a lot of dog. This is a sporting animal for serious animal lovers. The best guardian for a Chessie is the one who gets him—a fellow sportsman or outdoor enthusiast who wants to dedicate the time and resources needed to giving this beautiful soul what he needs. Serious inquiries only, as the saying goes—because Chessies are special, indeed, and they deserve nothing but the best.
TRAINING
TOP 4 TESTS WHEN
CHOOSING A SHELTER DOG Rescue dog matchmaking: 4 important tests your future family member should pass
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ou’ve decided there’s room in your house and your heart for a rescue dog, which is wonderful! Shelters and rescue organizations are brimming with dogs waiting for good homes. Literally. A terrible statistic: an estimated two million animals die in U.S. shelters each year. By adopting, you get an awesome new friend AND you’ll be saving a life! But before you make the leap, please be sure you’re making a good match. When you see all those dogs, it’s easy to let your emotions override your brain. Of course you need to fall in love, but making a hasty decision can lead to broken hearts (and sometimes worse for the returned dog who faces slimmer faces of re-adoption). Ask anyone who’s brought home what they thought was a laidback lap dog and ended up with a whirling dervish—by using both your heart and your head, you’re more likely to make a great match. Here are five tests to help you determine which lucky dog should come home with you.
Ask to take the dog to a quiet visiting area. Shelters are very stressful for dogs and you want to determine how much of the dog’s behaviour is a product of environment. Have a seat and just hang out. What does the dog do?
1. SOCIABILITY WITH PEOPLE
The B dog is not as social, and will likely be harder to work with—he’s not as interested in making friends with you. The C dog is going to be a project. If the dog continues to act terrified after some quiet time with you, you may want to think twice unless you are a very experienced dog person. Fear can lead to aggression and a terrified dog that feels trapped can
This is one of the most important tests. A dog that is social with people is friendly, outgoing, and wants your attention. Before you say yes or no to any favourite, try this exercise:
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A. He engages with you and wants you to pet him. He may be interested in his environment, but his main priority is getting your attention. When you pet him, he enjoys it. B. He barely offers you a passing glance. He is very interested in smelling the room. If you pet him he’ll wag his tail and maybe briefly look at you, but mostly he just explores. C. He cowers from you and does not seek physical affection. He does not make eye contact. You want the A dog. This dog is social. He enjoys the company of people and wants to interact with you. This is going to be a dog that is invested in you and wants to be a companion.
MAI SUBMITTED BY KELSEY ARNOLD
By Teoti Anderson
Ask to take the dog to a quiet visiting area. Shelters are very stressful for dogs and you want to determine how much of the dog’s behaviour is a product of environment.
bite. A traumatized dog needs a lot of help to recover, which takes time, finances, and commitment. With effort, the C dog can still be a great pet, just know you have a lot of work ahead of you. If a dog growls or snaps at you, avoids your petting, or tries to escape your touch, keep looking unless you have the time and resources to devote. Ideally, you want a dog that makes warm eye contact with you. He should seek your petting, lean into your touch, and approach you with a curved posture. Wiggly butts are great!
2. SOCIABILITY WITH OTHER DOGS/ANIMALS Do you have an existing dog at home or will your new dog need to be around other dogs? Most dogs need to be ok encountering other dogs at least in the neighbourhood. How is your candidate? Ask the shelter, rescue organization or foster family for specific details. Some dogs, for example, get along with dogs of their own breed, but not others. Some are ok with certain sized dogs but not others. You may not need a social butterfly, but unless you’re experienced/okay with an only-dog, you want to be sure you’re not bringing home a dog that has aggression issues with other dogs. You may think it’s a good idea to take your dog to the shelter to meet his potential new friends, but this depends on your dog. Will your dog be scared in this environment? If he’s terrified, he doesn’t want to make new friends! It may be better to arrange your dog to meet any candidates elsewhere, such as a local park. Here’s an exercise to determine if your dog and the potential adoptee will get along (note this assumes your dog already loves other dogs and has no reactivity issues): It’s good to have a helper. In the neutral territory (i.e. not moderndogmagazine.com
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A. The dogs get wiggly and curvy. They may take turns bowing to each other. One may make himself smaller and try to lick the other dog under the chin. Tails may be high. Overall, it looks like they could be friends. B. The dogs show some interest in each other but mostly enjoy the walk. C. One or both dogs actively try to avoid the other dog. One may lift his lip or growl. A or B is the way to go here. Even if the dogs seem friendly towards each other, know that it can still take some work to acclimate a new member into the family. Some folks have thought their dog was ok with a newcomer at the shelter, only to have a terrible dogfight in the car on the way home. What about other animals that may be in your life? Kitty isn’t going to appreciate you bringing home a dog that chases her or, heaven forbid, wants to make her a snack! Make sure any dog you bring home can be a friend to all your pets.
3. HEALTH Is the dog healthy? Does he have any special needs? If so, are you able to handle them? Be honest with yourself. It’s ok if you need to pass up a dog that has a lot of medical issues. Not everyone can handle that, emotionally or financially. On the other hand, if you’re up for adopting a dog that needs regular medication or has a challenging physical condition, go for it. Special needs dogs can make amazing pets. Just be sure you understand what you’re getting into first. Talk to your veterinarian about any specific conditions a rescue dog may have to find out exactly what kind of care commitment he’ll need.
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4. LIFESTYLE Are you an active person who wants to include a canine buddy on your adventures? Or do you really want a couch potato to snuggle with you on the couch? This is another time to take an honest look in the mirror. Often, poor matches exist simply because people chose a dog with a different energy level than they want. If you’re a laid back person, a dog that runs circles around your living room may drive you crazy. If you want a running partner, choose a dog that is physically sound and eager to cover some miles with you. Think about the different activities you want to share with your dog. What’s the best dog to fit that picture? Try this exercise: Take the dog on a walk. Have some delicious treats to reward him for good behaviour. He may or may not be trained to walk nicely on leash, but put that aside for a minute. What is his activity level? A. He’s all over the place! Everything is exciting to him, from leaves to birds to traffic. He’s not scared, just eager to explore. B. He walks calmly by your side, interested in the environment but content to keep pace with you. C. He walks for a bit, then lies down or sits and refuses to budge. A might be the running partner you want. B sounds ideal for someone who likes to walk, but doesn’t need an athletic partner. C could have a medical issue preventing him from exerting himself, or he may actually be frightened of his environment. Proceed with caution with this one. There are plenty of stories about people who walked into a shelter and successfully adopted the first dog they saw. There are just as many stories about matches that didn’t have a happy ending. This may be why your future furry friend ended up in rescue in the first place. Is it work to find the right one? Sure it is. But it’s worth it! If your first attempts don’t turn up a perfect match, don’t lose hope. He or she is out there. And when you find that perfect dog for you, both your head and your heart will be in the right place. n
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home turf), start walking the two dogs parallel to each other. Avoid nose-to-nose greetings, as this can cause tension. If the dogs turn towards each other to sniff each other that’s ok; you just want to avoid them coming at each other straight on. Have treats with you and reward the dogs for good behaviour. Note what happens on this co-walk:
Connie’s Book Club Left to right, from Finding Gobi; Waggish: Dogs Smiling for Dog Reasons
Curl up with a good dog and a good book
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF THIS FALL'S MUST-READS.
Finding Gobi By Dion Leonard This amazing true tale will restore your faith in miracles. When ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard sets out to compete in a 150-mile race through China’s Gobi Desert, he doesn’t expect to find a friend for life. But during the race, he meets a small stray dog who, beyond all odds, keeps pace with him for nearly 80 challenging miles, over the Tian Shan Mountains and across seemingly endless sand dunes. Though Leonard is a seasoned runner committed to his personal best, he nonetheless finds himself spending precious time and resources on the safety and wellbeing of his new companion. But when Gobi goes missing, the depth of Dion’s commitment to his new friend is challenged in an unimagined way. This beautiful and touching story will stay with you even after the last page is turned.
Wagging Through The Snow By Laurien Berenson During the Christmas rush, teacher Melanie Travis is in desperate need of some welldeserved rest, but respite is not in the cards… After Melanie’s brother and ex-husband make a spontaneous bid on an old pine tree farm in need of a lot of work, Melanie finds herself on a forsaken tree farm during the coldest month of the year, her Poodle and the rest of her family in tow. Can things get worse? Indeed they can and do when Melanie finds a Maltese whimpering in the snow… next to the corpse of a man. How did this man die, and who is the killer? And who can Melanie trust? This exciting Christmas whodunit is the perfect pageturner to curl up with as the weather gets cooler.
The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats By Gary Richter, M.S. D.V.M. This fascinating and helpful guide is full of medical recommendations supported by scientific research and years of successful outcomes in Dr. Richter’s clinical practice. His approach is not to adhere to one healing modality, such as holistic or western medicine, but rather to examine both modern and traditional medicine from a variety of cultures in order to find what actually works. With its tried and true suggestions for better health, as well as treatments for a whole host of health problems, this a great read for anyone interested in the wellness of their pets. moderndogmagazine.com
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Saving Sadie: How a Dog That No One Wanted Inspired the World By Joal Derse Dauer with Elizabeth Ridley
From Waggish: Dogs Smiling for Dog Reasons
Waggish: Dogs Smiling for Dog Reasons By Grace Chon and Melanie Monteiro Turn that frown upside down with Waggish: Dogs Smiling for Dog Reasons—this spirit-lifting book banishes bad moods! You’ll find a smile-inducing collection of dog photographs taken by renowned animal photographer Grace Chon, paired with delightful captions by Melanie Monteiro. The supertalented Grace has photographed with pets of Hollywood A-listers like Chris Pratt or Margaret Cho, and the sweet and mischievous grins she captures in this book are accompanied by the dogs’ imagined inner thoughts, as penned by Melanie. This is pure joy captured in a book, folks.
Angels on a School Bus By Dr. Roberta K. Ray When a bus breaks down in Butte, Montana, it turns out to be full of German Shepherds and Huskies— half of which are pregnant and many of which are sick, dirty, and malnourished. With no animal rescue acting on behalf of the dogs, there is no one to step in but community members, who must come together to save the dogs’ lives. The resulting mission becomes one of the largest and most challenging dog rescue operations in the U.S. This wonderful and inspiring story demonstrates the extraordinary strength and commitment of ordinary people and acts as a powerful reminder that we all have an obligation where innocent lives are at stake.
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As all proud parents of rescue pups know, our dogs are rarely the only saved; for every dog in need that’s adopted, a person’s life is irrevocably changed. Author Joal Derse Dauer knows this firsthand. With three “fur-babies” at home, Joal was not looking to add another member to her family. But when she saw Sadie the Shepherd mix, she heard the call; she knew they needed each other. Indisputably, Sadie needed her—Sadie had been shot in the head and in the back before being left for dead. Despite being told that Sadie would never walk again, Joal was undeterred. Saving Sadie, the resultant inspiring book that chronicles their journey, is a triumphant tale of second chances that shows how patience, hope, compassion, and love can truly transform lives. Highly recommended.
The Animals Among Us: How Pets Make Us Human By John Bradshaw Historically, the relationship between humans and animals has been based on functional purposes. Animals have lived amongst us for two reasons: to serve our nutritional needs, or to act as workers, guarding our homes or herding our sheep. But if we no longer need animals for those purposes, why do we continue to keep pets? Why do we still keep animals in our homes when they don’t seem to serve any obvious purpose? In his fascinating new book, The Animals Among Us, John Bradshaw answers both of these questions, exploring how our relationship with animals has transformed over time. He reveals how pets have played a large role in our evolution, meaning although humans have domesticated animals, they have affected and influenced humans in return. This is a fantastic and intellectual read, full of the rich anthropological, historical, and psychological reasons behind the meaningful relationships that have developed between humans and animals. A brilliant and illuminating book for anyone seeking to understand their relationship with their dog on a deeper level!
Look
WHAT WE FOUND! Nifty finds for dogs & the people who love them
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Our dogs give us love, attention, and… smells. David Oreck’s Pet Odor Eliminating Candles offer a sophisticated solution to “dogginess,” whether it’s wet fur, dog breath or a pervasive eau de pooch. These natural soy and vegetable wax candles replace pet-related odors with gentle scents like fresh linen and soft citrus. PureAirCandles.com
From
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Is your dog a triple threat? The versatile Romp-N-Roll from Jolly Pets sure is! Tug, swim, fetch, this ball does it all! Designed to take a beating, this durable ball is designed to be thrown, kicked, launched aloft or used in a spirited game of tug-of-war, in both water and on land! JollyPets.com
Let's Play!
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{Editor’s Choice} What’s the point of having a gorgeous room if it’s covered in stains? Clean Home all-purpose cleaner from Petbiotics uses the power of probiotics to eliminate stains and odours at the source. Petsafe and biodegradable, this safe, effective and all-natural concentrated cleaning formula can be used on floors, walls, and furniture, and will fill 44 spray bottles for tons of cleaning power! TheGreenPetShop.com
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Who says dinosaurs are extinct? Your prehistoric pup will look cute as can be dressed up in this Light Up Dinosaur Costume from Rubie’s Costume Company. The outfit includes a headpiece, cape, and a light up collar— perfect for trick-or-treating! It’s available in sizes to fit dogs Chihuahua to German Shepherd size. Rubies.com
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Even the toughest pup on the block can show off his soft side with the Addie Rag Muffin flower collar. Vintage lace, ribbon, pinstripes, and repurposed denim help achieve the perfect shabby-chic look. Plus, this non-profit provides opportunities for young adults with autism, so supporting them will make you and your pup look good AND feel good! MisterMigs.com
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Is it almost your dog’s bday? Or is your pup’s adoption day anniversary around the corner? For all occasions worth celebrating, make your dog a healthy, all-natural cake with Puppy Cake Mix (it complete with dog-approved frosting!). Ready in minutes, these fun and delicious cakes for dogs let them celebrate right along with you! The mixes come in five mouthwatering flavours—Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, Banana, Pumpkin, and Carob. PuppyCake.com
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WAYS TO PREVENT SEPARATION ANXIETY Are you guilty of accidentally nurturing your dog’s separation anxiety? By Jennifer Messer
Illustration by Kim Smith
Many of us unwittingly foster separation anxiety in our dogs. Here’s how you can modify your own behaviour to cultivate a healthy sense of security in your dog.
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Are You and Your Dog Joined at the Hip? Letting your dog
get used to 24/7 companionship is a disaster in the making. You may be available round the clock today, but circumstances can change unexpectedly. Help your dog become comfortable spending time alone before it is ever a necessity. My favourite first step for alone training is to cultivate a jaws-ercise addiction. When your dog salivates at the prospect of a long luscious date with a favourite food-stuffed chew toy as you prepare to leave the house, you’ll know you won’t be too desperately missed!
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Don't Smother Your Dog WIth Attention to Alleviate "Separation Guilt" Lavishing your dog with continuous
attention when together creates an unnecessarily BIG contrast effect when you are apart. The very behaviour that soothes your guilty conscience can hinder your dog’s healthy independence. Blur the difference between being home and away by making sure you aren’t always fawning over her, or always at her beck and call. A baby gate across the hallway while preparing a meal, or some time behind a closed door while online or buried in a good novel, will help reduce the contrast between your presence and your absence.
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Make Sure Your Dog Can Sleep Solo While there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with sharing the sofa and bed with your fur-friend, making sure she can get some shut eye in a portable doggie den is not cruel—it is simply good planning. You
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never know when she will need to spend the night without you at another home, the veterinary clinic, or a boarding facility. Being accustomed to sleeping alone in a crate or ex-pen can prevent a night apart from being traumatic and triggering separation anxiety.
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Cultivate A Healthy Sense of Security and Stability in Your Dog Dogs suffering from separation anxiety make better progress in their training programs when a “nothing in life is free” rule is invoked: the dog has to comply with a request before being granted something he wants. Learning that there are predictable ways of manipulating their environment, such as being picked up by sitting on command, or getting to eat supper by staying “off” the dish until invited to “take it” probably decreases anxiety by building confidence and reducing feelings of helplessness. Structure such as this breeds a sense of security and stability. Give your dog the psychological benefits of structure before an anxiety problem develops: ask her to do more than just lap up your affection—teach her constructive ways of manipulating the world around her.
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Provide Your Dog WIth Opportunities to Pursue Interests Other Than You Healthy affection is but one
of the ingredients to keeping your dog off Prozac. Like us, dogs need much more than love for emotional wellness. Enabling your dog to pursue interests other than you—interests that provide physical, social, and intellectual stimulation—will ensure that being needed, a naturally gratifying part of guardianship, isn’t what defines the relationship. Remember, cultivating confidence and independence in your dog so that she can enjoy time apart from you is a sure sign of healthy love.
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LAST LICK
Gus
DOGS WHO EXCEL AT NAPPING
For these dogs, catching z's is an art form
sweet dreams!
s m i le !
Cooper
Maisie
just makin myself g comfortab here le
Avery
Power nap
Trig
Rambo Ludlow
Lola
Bailee
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