Modern Dog Spring 2018

Our Round Up of the BEST Dog Toys, Outdoor Gear, and Interior Design Finds for Dog Lovers!

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions S P RI NG 2018

HOT DOG!

HOW TO STOP WHINING, MARKING

Great Gear, Budget Prices!

& more!

s ' t e L y! a l P

p42

Stars & their Pups!

Publications Agreement Number 40743013 Return Mail Dept, 202–343 Railway St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4

p70

DRINK WINE + PET DOGS Meet this couple living the dream!

Get to know the alert & affectionate Corgi on page 28!

p30

Adorable Photo Op Ideas

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE ‘18

$5.95

BONE BROTH RECIPE GREAT GIVEAWAYS! POT FOR PETS

p72

Dogs Detect Cancer

find your breed match: Is the Miniature Aussie Shepherd, the Corgi or the Brussels Griffon for you?

VOL 17

NO 1

12 FEATURES 32

Help! My Dog Is Marking in The House An action plan for stopping indoor marking.

BY NICOLE WILDE

36 Can Dogs Sense Ghosts, Spirits or Hallucinations?

The belief that dogs can detect the paranormal is

an old one. Here’s what they can actually detect.

BY STANLEY COREN 46

5 Reasons Your Dog Is Whining— and How to Make Him Stop From the Attention Whine to the Alert Whine, here are the most common reasons dogs whine, along with distinct approaches for dealing with each whining problem.

52

“I Wouldn’t Change a Thing” Molly Burke, a blind young woman who faced near-complete vision loss at 14, talks courage, inspiration, goals, and her guide dog—and why she wouldn’t change a thing.

66

Life Is What You Make It When Judy Walter saw past her own grievous injuries to help a dog in need, she ended up charting a course for a joyous new life.

72

Your Dog’s Amazing Nose With their incredible sense of smell, sniffer dogs are detecting everything from early-stage cancer to missing persons and pets.

84

Cannabis for Pets The tremendous healing properties—and the legal controversy.

BY TEOTI ANDERSON

BY TRACEY TONG

BY ROSE FROSEK

BY NOA NICHOL

BY KELLY CALDWELL

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96 92

photo illona haus of scruffy dog photgraphy

PHOTO TALIA SHIPMAN

SPRING 2018

Wine + Dogs Meet this couple living the dream and raise a glass for rescue: Mutt Lynch Winery’s Californian wines taste delicious and do good.

BY J. LESLIE JOHNSON

BODY & SOUL 58 The Founder of Bumble and Bumble Wants

You to Never Shampoo Your Hair—Or Your Dog—Again 60

A Nifty Solution to Yellow Spots On Your Lawn

62

The Safe & Effective Alternative To Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth; The Find: The Solution to Tear Stains!

64

The Future is Now: Cell-Cultured Pet Food, No Animals Harmed; The Find: Getting Gutsy; Modern Dog Poll Question

BREED PROFILE 26

Find Your Perfect Breed Match Is the Brussels Griffon or the Pembroke Welsh Corgi the dog for you?

102 The Miniature American Shepherd

Versatile, intelligent, and loving, this

breed proves big things come in small packages. BY KELLY CALDWELL

PHOTO TALIA SHIPMAN

52 70 THE GOODS 48

Budget Buys Great dog finds at bargain prices!

70

Let's Play!

Delight your dog with these super-fun toys tested and approved by the Modern Dog office pack!

90

Dog Lover's Gear The Modern Dog team's current fave finds

100

Get Outside!

Essential Gear for outdoor adventuring with your dog.

LIVING 12

The Amazing, Mood-Elevating Properties of Puppies!

We dare you: Just try and not smile!

24

We’re giving it away!

We’ve got three months of awesome giveaways, from a custom watercolour portrait of your pup to dog-massage gloves, and winners every week! Flip to page to page 24 to see what you can win!

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 14 The Scoop 22 Smile! Photo Contest 117 Marketplace

ON THE COVER

22

We can’t imagine a cuter cover dog than Happy the Corgi and his adorable smiling face! For more on Corgis, turn to page 28.

Want to generate some smiles from your own dog? Turn to page 70 for toys the Modern Dog office pack loves!

30

Adorable Photo Op Ideas Breathe new life into your dog photography with these cute ideas for share-worthy pics.

40

DIY EAT: Bone Broth Recipe For Dogs Make this easy, affordable, and deeply nutritious bone broth for your dog.

42

Stars, They’re Just Like Us! Candid snaps of celebrities out and about with their pups.

50

DIY Craft: Mud Mitt Make this nifty Mud Mitt to effortlessly wipe off your dog’s paws post muddy outing!

BY ROSE FROSEK

BY KRISTINA STEPHENS

56 What Pawgwarts House Would Your Dog

Be Sorted Into?

An Orlando shelter sorts adoptable dogs into Harry

Potter-inspired houses to help them find forever homes. BY LAURA DENNIS 80

Rescue Rules Are you dealing with a risky rescue or a reputable non-profit? How to make sure you’re adopting from a great rescue group.

96

You Are Beautiful Meet our remarkable Star Dog contest winner Melyssah DeVrye and her two adorable, specially-abled dogs!

BY MARIAH STANLEY

BY ROSE FROSEK; PHOTOGRAPHED BY ILLONA HAUS

107 Connie’s Book Club

Curl up with a good dog and a good book—Editor-in-

Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of this spring’s must- reads.

112

No Such Thing as a Bad Hair Day Take inspiration from these dogs and rock the locks you got!

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 17, Issue 1. 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.

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EDITOR'S LETTER

CONNIE WILSON WITH PENNY, PHOTO KHAREN HILL

LOLA BOOTHROYD SUBMITTED BY ALEX

OUR R E ADE R S WR IT E

S

pring is finally upon us! Why is it so exciting to pack away winter boots and coats in exchange for a wardrobe of sandals and sweaters? I just love this season! With spring's warmer and longer days, flowers are poking their heads up, the cherry blossoms are almost in bloom, and my Wirehaired Dachshund Penny is again enthusiastic about our walks together. There is nothing I don’t love about this season of rebirth and renewal; spring’s fresh start is so inspiring. With this in mind, we’ve endeavoured to put together a spring issue that matches the season’s feeling of POSSIBILITY. We share the stories of people who, facing life’s challenges, found the spark and gumption to change their outlook and thus circumstances (p52 and 66)—prepare to be inspired!

We also talk to a couple truly living the dream—a job that involves wine and helping rescue dogs (p92.) Where do we sign up? And as usual, we improve your relationship with your dog by presenting action plans for solving problem behaviours (think marking and whining) (p32 and 46) and share our current favourite finds, from budget buys that deliver to the best toys for playtime to beautiful, problem-solving products designed for dog lovers. Wishing you all the best the season has to offer.

“If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.”

Much Love,

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

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—Albert Einstein

Let Your Adult Dog Teach Your Puppy! How Dogs Can Teach Other Dogs Obedience Commands >> moderndogmagazine.com/dog-learning

“I tell people that all the time! I'll be out and they'll say, ‘how do you have so many dogs? Boy, you have your hands full!’ But when I say a command, the bigger ones go do it and the little ones just kind of follow them and eventually they learn.”

—Wendy Scoggins

“Piper knows how to best spend a Saturday afternoon!”—Submitted by

Delaney Heatherington

ILLUSTRATION BY MELANIE LUTHER

“This is my sweet Shelby. I love Modern Dog magazine because it has great articles on health. Always looking for ways to better my girl's life.”—Lynette Lenzen

C ON TRIBUT OR S SPRING 2018

•

VOL 17

NO 1

Publisher

Kelly Caldwell is a writer and Modern Dog regular contributor who lives in Guelph, Ontario with her husband, daughter, and a menagerie of pets—“all of whom are determined to ensure she never has a great bio pic,” she quips.

She is the former Editor of Dogs in Canada magazine and a passionate animal welfare advocate. Kelly authored two pieces in this issue, an article on CBDs (natural miracle worker or illegal drug? p 84) and a profile on the good-natured, devoted, and intelligent Miniature American Shepherd (p 102).

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 Manager, Accounting Services

Celine Benipayo Copywriter & Administrative Assistant

Laura Dennis Copywriter & Subscription Coordinator

Eleanor Munk Social Media & Editorial Intern

Jacqueline de Ruiter Sales & Marketing Intern

Rachel Sibayan Controller

Ontario-based, award-winning pet photographer Illona Haus has been operating Scruffy Dog Photography for over a decade, pointing her cameras exclusively at animals.

Serving a global clientele for both private and commercial sessions, Illona has gained international recognition for her unique images and her unparalleled ability to bring out the best in every animal. There’s only one thing Illona is more passionate about than photography—and that’s dogs! Turn to page 96 to see Illona’s wonderful photos of our Star Dog photo contest winners.

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 17, Issue 1.

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 17, Issue 1. 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

Noa Nichol is a freelance writer and editor living in Vancouver, B.C. She enjoys practicing yoga daily, travelling, and, most of all, hanging out with her daughter (who will get her own dog once she's old enough to take care of him!). In this issue Noa delves into the fascinating world of sniffer dogs and the amazing work they’re doing, from detecting early-stage cancer to locating missing people and pets. Turn to page 72 to read all about it!

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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 With my short little Peke legs, I'm a big fan of the Perch Pet Nest from Perch for Pets.

The elevated bed gives a brand-new perspective to ‘people watch’ from! The basketshaped design can also hold my toys and makes me feel safe and secure if I decide to take a little nap. This is my new favourite place to hang out and sleep!—So Ha the shorty Peke (From $89, perchforpets.com) 2 It takes a lot of coaxing to get my dog to let me brush his teeth, so when I finally get to, I want to make it count by using the best possible product! That’s why Curry N Pepper’s Tooth Paste is what I grab when it’s brushin’ time. It’s xylitol and sorbitol-free, is based on Ayurvedic practices, and my dog loves the taste! All I have to do is mix in a bit of water or coconut oil and brush away!—Mariah ($16, CurryNPepper.com)

BL

3 Reduce stress and help dogs with leg injuries heal quickly and with dignity.

The Recovery Sleeve from Suitical offers front leg protection, providing cover for hot spots, bandages, skin conditions, and more. This stretch cotton sleeve is a comfortable alternative to the infamous cone of shame. Suitical also offers full recovery suits available in sizes to fit small Chihuahuas all the way up to Newfoundlands.—Jennifer ($35, Suitical.com) 4 Finally, an easy way to banish my fleas without synthetic chemical insecticides!

Protect your pup from parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice, naturally—apply Alzoo natural repellent between your dog’s shoulder blades and it disperses to offer oneand-a-half to six months of chemical-free pest protection!—Penny the Wirehaired Dachshund ($17, Alzoo-vet.com) 5 True dogs of the Pacific Northwest, my mutts Blue and Homer love the taste of wild salmon! They highly recommend the sustainable, all-natural salmon oil of Grizzly Pet Products, extracted from delicious wild Alaskan salmon. Add this nutritious oil, chock-full of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, to your dog’s dinner to support your pup’s immune system and contribute to a healthy skin and coat!—Eleanor ($30, grizzlypetproducts.com)

%

6 If you love your big fluffy dog, but you also want to see your furniture and floors, then a good vacuum is absolutely essential! The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is designed specifically to clean up pet hair with specialized tools like the Tangle-Free Brush Roll and the Pet TurboEraser. With this vacuum in hand, I was able to remove the embedded, hard-to-get hair out of the upholstery and can now sit on the sofa without fear!—Jen ($270, bissellpetvac.com)

(

7 I worry how to ensure my pup’s protection if I am injured and can’t tell anyone that Fido’s home alone waiting for me. Latchkey Petz accessories alert first responders that you are a pet owner and their online registration houses all medical records and other important info. —Celine (From $15, LatchkeyPetz.com) 8 Picky? I just say I’m choosy! And I enthusiastically choose Rayne Rewards S.I.T rabbit jerky. Not only is it healthy and delicious, it won’t upset sensitive stomachs. And I’ve yet to meet a dog that doesn’t go crazy for it. Four paws up! I LOVE these treats, available for purchase at your vet.—Miniature Dachshund Esther (RayneCanada.ca/treats) 9 Age takes a particular toll on our dogs’ joints. True Leaf Pet’s Hip +Joint Support formula helps reduce the ache so many dogs experience as they get older. These natural chews combine hemp seeds and active ingredients like curcumin and green lipped mussel to ease sore joints so you can get back to enjoying adventures together.—Connie ($15, TrueLeafPet.ca) 10 Is your dog fearful (thunder, fireworks, vet visits…) or suffering from separation anxiety? Help nervy dogs or those that have been through a traumatic situation feel calm with Bach Rescue Remedy. Just add two drops of this natural remedy used on humans and animals for more than 80 years to help your dog relax and regain emotional balance.—Laura ($21, rescueremedy.com/pets)

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^

moderndogmagazine.com

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CUTE!

The Amazing, Mood-Elevating Properties of

PUPPIES! Just try and not smile‌

!

Aw w w

Freddy Stanton Brown

Gulliver

Bubba&Pepper

Xxxx

double trouble!

Penny

Ember

Dakota

Tank

Jax Teller

Puppy tum!

Those teef!

For a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to in the MD offices, the latest breaking stories and videos, cool contests, events, & exclusive giveaways, become a fan of Modern Dog on Facebook & follow us on Twitter, Instagram, & Pinterest. Go to facebook.com/moderndogmag, twitter.com/moderndogmag, instagram.com/moderndogmag & pinterest.com/moderndogmag.

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PREORDER YOUR POPCORN...

Wes Anderson’s newest movie combines the director’s signature style with our favourite subject—dogs!

A

s huge Wes Anderson fans—where does one begin: The Royal Tennenbaums, Rushmore, Grand Budapest Hotel?—we positively can’t wait for the director’s newest offering, a dog-centered stop-motion film called Isle of Dogs. Akin to The Fantastic Mr. Fox and characterized by Anderson’s signature whimsical style, Isle of Dogs takes place in a dystopian, futuristic Japan, where an outbreak of canine flu leads to all dogs being banished by Japanese authorities to an island of garbage. As five dogs—voiced by the all-star cast of Edward Norton, Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, and Bob Balaban—try to adjust to their new existence, they come across a boy named Atari Kobayashi, who has

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come to the island in search of his own dog. Despite their grievances with mankind, the dogs agree to set out on an odyssey to reunite Atari with his dog Spots, and to protect Atari from government authorities when they try to keep boy and dog apart. Mark your calendars: this must-watch movie is in theatres on March 23rd in the U.S. and April 2018 internationally.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

THE SCOOP

PHOTO BECKY DIGIGLIO

THE SCOOP

N

"LET THEM EAT BUGS"

ew cricket treats for dogs are not only tasty, they’re an excellent protein source and great for the environment as well!

Here’s the thing about meat—whether you love it or hate it, most of us can agree that meat-eating has a negative affect on the environment and, of course, on the animals themselves.

According to the David Suzuki Foundation, livestock production accounts for 70 per cent of all agricultural land use, occupies 30 per cent of the planet’s land surface and is responsible for 18 per cent of greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. They also point out that growing animals for food is also inefficient; it takes about five to seven kilograms of grain to produce one kilogram of beef. Each of those takes energy and water to produce, process, and transport. Undeniably, as global meat consumption increases, so does its climate impact. Plus, it’s expensive. What’s an environmentally conscious dog lover to do?

Here’s the quick answer: turn to insects! Though the idea might make some people squirm, many insects are not only safe and nutritious to consume, but are high in protein, with levels comparable to the protein levels derived from beef and milk. According to The Scientist Magazine, house crickets, for example, contain approximately 21 grams of protein per 100 grams of cricket, while ground beef contains approximately

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26 grams per 100 grams of meat. On top of this, due to their abundance and size, insects are much easier to produce sustainably and humanely than livestock. By using 93 percent less land and consuming 83 percent less feed than livestock, crickets emit far fewer greenhouse gas emissions into the environment.

On top of all of this: crickets are tasty. They are eaten as a snack in many parts of the world and it turns out dogs love them too!

Anne Carlson, a passionate businesswoman in the pet industry, recognized crickets’ winning combo of nutrition, sustainability, and nutty tastiness, and drew an obvious conclusion—crickets would make for an awesome superfood, perfect for our dogs. By combining cricket protein powder with other delicious and nutritious ingredients, Anne created Jiminy’s, a line of excellent, protein-rich treats for dogs. Chock-full of iron, vitamins, and fiber as well as protein, these tasty, earth-friendly cricket dog-cookies are a perfect way for your pup to get all of the nutrients he needs. Find them at jiminys.com.

THE SCOOP CANINE

CROSSWORD

trea time t !

Cookie Club

Newsflash: cookies are delicious, and dogs love them.

Across

Down

! How a dog's nose should be $ Pat-on-the-head words * Wedding promise, 2 words ( Curly-tailed dog BL Shows love, as a dog BM "Listen!"

BN Vet checks BQ One, en francais BS Green open spaces for fido

! Large and gentle dog

to run in

BU Nationality of the Barbet dog CL Memo start CM Lost dog needing a human CN Fido likes to roll in it sometimes

CO Higher CQ Kennel club classification CS A dog does this with his own sounds CU "Thanks for ___ Memory" DL A dog's can be pointed or floppy DN Making more comfortable DO Looking up with big eyes, dejected

18 moderndog

whose ancestor was a fierce war dog @ Lithe, sturdy and graceful dogs with red coats- 2 words # State of excitement $ Retriever colour % Mice predator ^ Month for Santa visits, abbr. & Sudden burst BO Terrier BP Beachy stuff where dogs love to play BQ Gobble up BR German ____ BT Towel off CM Black CN Mongrel CP Takes advantage of CR Easy chair site CT Tuna type DM Airline abbr.

SPRING 2018

GO!

Find the answer key on page 111.

Okay, so maybe that’s not really news to anyone. But here’s what is: you can actually sign your pupper up for a monthly dog cookie subscription, so that your best bud will never be without treats! For less than $1.00 a day, your pup will receive a monthly, seasonallythemed box of delicious, home-baked gourmet cookies from Wüfers Cookie Club, delivered to your door so you and your dog can celebrate every event, occasion and cute moment with the appropriate cookie.

From adorable St. Patrick’s Day treats delivered in March to romantic Valentine cookies in February, there is an artisanal, hand-decorated treat for any occasion. And Wüfers Cookie Club provides a variety of subscription options, including a four-month “Subscription Junior” package and single box choices, making for awesome gifts.

What’s certain: you’ll sure feel like a smart cookie treating your best friend to such an awesome treat! You can sign up at wufers.com.

MODERN DOG POLL QUESTION

Would you feed your dog meat grown in a lab?

CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNDOGMAGAZINE.COM

THE FIND

Do you dread bath-time almost as much as your dog does? Aquapaw to the rescue!

This inventive dog-bathing aid quickly connects to your shower or hose, creating a sprayer and scrubber in one.

You can turn the water on and off by closing your hand and clicking a button on the palm, keeping spray to a minimum and leaving you with a free hand to manage your dog.

Less stress and less mess!

Ingenious. $25, Aquapaw.com

CAPTION THIS! 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.

AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE WINTER ISSUE IS…

"I’m all for hearing my future and everything, but at this point I just really want you to throw it."

SUBMITTED BY: JOSE HELMS

ONE TO FOLLOW

Everyone loves a senior rescue dog. Take, for example, Marnie. With 2.1 million Instagram followers, this 15-year-old Shih Tzu, famed for her extremely long tongue, is one of the most popular rescue dogs on Instagram. When she arrived at 11 years of age at a Connecticut Animal Control, she was matted and unclaimed. Shelter workers nicknamed her "Stinky" for her truly bad smell and it was thought she was blind in her left eye. Marnie's family adopted her anyway.

A vet removed 14 rotten teeth, taking care of the smell, and it turns out she wasn't blind after all! Once adopted, the cloudiness in her eye cleared up. A true rags to riches story.

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RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS "Madam Zelda, I just want to know—who's a good boy?"

SUBMITTED BY: TENNEILLE PITTELLI

"In your future I see liver...and chicken...and beef.

Yes—definitely beef."

SUBMITTED BY: KATHLEEN CRISLEY

"Um, no, I don't see you going to school with Johnny next week. Are you sure they said you were going to be tutored?"

SUBMITTED BY: DORIS C.

"I see either a Cockapoo or a cockatiel, it's a little fuzzy."

SUBMITTED BY: PENNY BENNETT

C A R T O O N S © 2018 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

THE SCOOP

!

E L I SM Tater

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!

Chewie

Shetland Sheepdog

Chocolate Labrador Retriever

Flora

Samoyed

Xxx Xxx

Maggie

French Bulldog

Eric Dryden

English Bull Terrier

Husky

Rolo

Chihuahua

Zickos

German Shepherd Mix 22 moderndog

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Grits Mixed

Elise

Lagotto Romagnolo

Princess Hannah Pekingese

Chopper Skittles

Cocker Spaniel Mix

Maltese ShihTzu Mix

Bear

Sadie

German Shepherd

Siberian Husky

Daisy

Boston Terrier Mix

Ellie Harri Pug

Sadie

Norwegian Elkhound Mix

Marvellous Mix

Cannoli

Dolly Nala

Cavoodle

Shih-poo

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Think your dog ought to be in Modern Dog?

Teddy Roosevelt

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Kelley

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!

Golden Retriever

moderndogmagazine.com

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ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in March, April, and May. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every week.

march

1st-7th

Win 1 of 7 HandsOn Gloves—the massage your dog will beg for! These gloves provide a more thorough shedding, bathing and grooming experience for you and your pup.

april

1st-7th

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-30th

Win 1 of 10 New Wellness CORE RawRev 4lb recipes! This highprotein, nutrient-dense, antioxidantrich kibble features 100% freezedried raw bites. Unleash the Power of Raw!

Win 1 of 10 one-year memberships with The Emergency Tag by Help4Pets, Inc. These tags are your 24/7 backup plan in case your pet needs help and you can’t be reached.

Win 1 of 4 JD Farms Pet Treats variety packs! Made with only antibiotic free turkey and chicken breast, JD Farms Specialty Treats are a healthy snack for your pet.

1st-7th

8th-14th

may

Win 1 of 4 True Hemp prize packs including a bag of Chews, a bag of Sticks and a bottle of Oil. Enter to #returnthelove to your pup!

Win 1 of 2 $100 Gift Certificates for RuffStitched.com! Unique handmade accessories and apparel to let your pups inner fashionista shine through!

Win 1 of 4 Doggie Don’t Devices.

This safe and effective handheld tool uses a non-shocking audible sound to help correct unwanted behaviors like barking, leash aggression, digging, nipping, and jumping up.

Win 1 of 8 washable belly band 3-packs from Pet Parents! These comfortable wraps are the perfect solution to any stubborn marking or incontinence issues.

15th-21st

Win 1 of 10 Lavender Mint Duos from John Paul Pet! The shampoo and detangling spray use tea tree lavender mint extract to cleanse, calm, soothe, and leave your pup smelling great.

Win 1 of 3 colourful custom watercolour portraits of your pet from Christy! Studios. This hand painted masterpiece will not only be a work of art, but a family heirloom!

Win 1 of 12 FurZoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles. Made in USA of 90% recycled material, it’s 100% durable!

22nd-31st

Win 1 of 10 Barkworthies totally RAWSOME dog treats! Treat your pup to these treats made with oats, bully flakes and freeze-dried RAW ingredients.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning March 1, 2018 at 12:01 AM (PST) through May 31, 2018 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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SPRING 2018

INSET PHOTO: PIPER SUBMITTED BY MIRANDA MYER

s y a w a e v i G t a Gre

Find Your Perfect Breed match

Is the Brussels Griffon or the Pembroke Welsh Corgi for you?

The Brussels Griffon Alert, curious & loyal

• Energy level: Somewhat Active: The AKC describes Griffs as a spunky breed that loves to play and share long, daily walks.

• Barks when necessary This intelligent, cheerful, and determined breed is loaded with personality, a trait evidenced by its humanlike facial expressions.

A member of the Toy group, the Brussels Griffon nonetheless has many typical terrier characteristics and makes a good watchdog.

Appearance-wise, the breed is compact and sturdy. The Brussels Griffon weighs between eight and ten pounds and the breed’s coat comes in both rough and smooth varieties; allowable colours include red, black, black and tan, or beige.

I'm s! curiou

This breed has roots as a ratter—Belgian coachmen sought small terriers to control rat populations in stables so Belgian street dogs were bred with the German Affenpinscher to create a wire-coated stable dog known as the Griffons d’Ecurier. Over time, those Griffons were crossed with a variety of breeds, including the Pug, the black and tan King Charles Spaniel, and the English Toy Spaniel. The end result: the Brussels Griffon.

Today, the Griffon's singular purpose is to serve as a loyal companion, and they are well suited to the task, given how closely they bond with their owners. This Velcro dog will be stuck right to your side.

The compact Brussels Griffon does not require a lot of exercise, but those interested in pursuing other activities will find this intelligent breed responds well to training and can excel at learning tricks, conformation, obedience, agility, and flyball, among other activities.

Is the Brussels Griffon right for you?

Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/brusselsgriffon

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The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Smart, alert & affectionate

• Energy level - Very active: The AKC describes a strong and athletic little dog who loves physical activity and is happiest when he has a job to do.

• Barks when necessary Despite being Queen Elizabeth ll’s favoured companion, the Corgi’s roots lie not in marble halls and gilded bedchambers but in the mud-and-manure-caked corrals and dirt-floored huts of 12th-century Wales. One theory is that the name corgi derives from cur; another that the name was a blending of the Welsh cor (dwarf) and ci (dog). At any rate, dwarf dogs they were, bred low but fast to work cattle and other livestock, and to kill rats in homes and stables. Many Corgis will show a tendency to herd and guard—not surprising considering their heritage.

I'm ! active

Their lively disposition and winning personalities in a compact package have won them many fans, royal and otherwise. Deborah S. Harper, author of The New Complete Pembroke Welsh Corgi, praises this “energetic dog, full of life, quick in movement and mind,” noting that the Corgi, while always ready for the task at hand, “does not indulge in tiresome perpetual motion.” Stanley Coren includes Corgis in the “Clever Dogs” group, writing, “These intelligent dogs have a work ethic and willingness to learn that make them among the easiest breeds to train…they are most often successful when complex activities have to be learned.” These active, trainable dogs excel at an array of canine sports.

As for their good looks, they possess a thick double coat (yes, they shed) and weigh up to 30 pounds.

Is the Corgi right for you?

Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/corgi

What’s the difference between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi?

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is likely the older of the two breeds, but whether the Cardigan is an ancestor of the Pembroke, or whether the breeds evolved separately from very different canine ancestry is debatable. Whatever the case, the Pembroke is shorter and trimmer. He possesses a shorter body and straighter, lighter-boned legs than his northern cousin, and has upright ears pointed at the tip and a sharp muzzle contributing to a “foxlike” face. The Cardigan is sturdier in body and head, with larger, more rounded ears sitting lower on the head. The Cardigan also sports a long, bushy tail. The two Corgis share a heritage of farm duties, but the Pembroke is said to be livelier and busier.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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The two Corgis are similar in appearance to a casual observer, but do have distinct characteristics. The quickest way to distinguish Pembroke Welsh Corgis from their cousins, Cardigans, is to check out the hindquarters: Cardigans have tails; Pembrokes do not.

SPRING 2018

#CUTEDOG

3

Adorable

Kids and dogs.

Say no more.

PHOTO OP IDEAS

If you’re like us, your Facebook and Instagram are dominated by photos of your pups. Nothing wrong with that! But you can ensure your friends and family don’t tire of all the dog shots by making your photos extra share-worthy—take inspiration from these shots shared by some of our favourite Instagram accounts!

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The wanderlust shot.

Capture the view and inspire your friends to lace up their hiking shoes!

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Best buds. Everyone loves dog pals. Double the dogs in your shot for double the likes. #workwife

@miss.soha.the.pekingese

@jacspack

@mightymorkie

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Post the outtakes! You know the shots you’d instantly delete of yourself—the eyes closed, the funny face?

Those can end up being the most adorable shots of our dogs!

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5

Use what you have. A giant box and a dog is an unbeatable combo.

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PHOTO CASSANDRA CASLEY @TWISTANDSHUTTER

@thegracechon

TRAINING

HELP! MY DOG IS MARKING IN THE HOUSE An action plan for stopping indoor marking

By Nicole Wilde

“I recently adopted an adult Basset Hound who seems to have an ingrained marking habit.

Though he will occasionally pee in the house (most of the time will ask to be let out) he will mark in the house on a daily basis if not monitored. I have experience housetraining dogs but what do you do about marking?”

—Frustrated in Fredricksburg Male dogs lift their legs and urinate to mark territory. This behaviour is ingrained in canine DNA. Pheromones in the urine give other dogs information about the one who left the mark. If you watch closely the next time you’re at a dog park, you will very likely see male dogs trying to out-mark each other by urinating higher and higher on a vertical surface. Understandable though that might be, having a dog leave his mark around your house is a whole different story. But not to worry! There are things you can do to keep your house pee-free.

You didn’t mention whether your Basset boy is neutered.

Neutering male dogs sometimes puts a stop to urine marking, although it is not a guaranteed cure. The other thing that must be mentioned is management. You said he marks “if not monitored,” so the easy solution is to make sure he is monitored. Of course, that’s easier said than done. So, during times when you cannot watch him, crate him. If he is not accustomed to a crate, take the time to acclimate him to it gradually by feeding meals and giving treats inside with the door left open, and eventually closing him in for short periods when you are home. Giving him something wonderful to chew on is helpful as well. When you do actually leave him home alone crated, potty him first, and make sure he is not left crated for longer than three to four hours at a time.

I’m curious whether the marking occurs in one particular

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location or in various areas of the house. Let’s say it happens in one spot—on the side of your couch, for example—and you clean and deodorize it each time. From your dog’s point of view, he’s gone to the trouble of putting his scent there, and for some strange reason it just keeps disappearing! What’s a dog to do but reapply at the first opportunity? If this is the case in your home, the next time you’ve finished cleaning up the actual urine, try this trick: Take a rag and wipe it around your dog’s rear, where the anal glands are located. Then, wipe the rag on the spot where he tends to mark. Nothing offensive to humans will be left, but it will leave the scent of your dog. Therefore, your dog would have no reason to keep marking there. Pretty nifty, eh?

Another consideration is whether you have had dogs in the house previously. Sometimes the odours of other dogs linger in the carpeting, on couch cushions, and in other places. If that is the case, it may be that your dog is trying to mark over that scent. Getting your carpet, cushions, and wherever else your dog is marking professionally cleaned could solve your issue.

If, despite your best efforts, you absolutely cannot change your dog’s behaviour and crating is not an option, you could manage the situation by using a belly band. A belly band is a narrow strip of soft, stretchy fabric that Velcros closed. It is placed around a dog’s waist and contains an absorbent material. This, of course, prevents dogs from urinating or marking. We recommend trying the belly bands by Pet Parents (petparentsbrand.com)—they have different sizes and colors to fit your dog and lifestyle. If you do choose to use a belly band, be sure to remove it periodically to take your dog outside to allow him to urinate. n Nicole Wilde is an award-winning author of ten books on canine behaviour. Her books, seminar DVDs, and Wilde About Dogs blog can be found at nicolewilde.com.

{Editor's Pick} This is the most beautiful sofa-saving solution we’ve seen! Keep your sofa protected and looking stylish with a gorgeous Lounging Hound Sofa Topper.

Handmade in the UK from beautiful velvet or wool sourced from traditional British mills, the toppers are stain and waterresistant and finished with a double layer of luxurious filling. Available in different sizes and colours, they’re designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with a dog-filled life! From $200, TheLoungingHound.com

!

Love This

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Some flimsy dog diners just can’t stand up to the enthusiasm large dogs have for food. Not the Libro Elevated Dog Diner. Made from high-grade recycled steel, it’s one of the heaviest duty dog diners on the market, tough to tip over but easy on the eyes, with a modern architectural design that will look great in your home.

From $100, NMNDesigns.com

Our current obsessions & must-haves!

Is your dog a couch hog? Get him a sofa of his very own, or at least a bed that looks like one, so you can both relax. The gorgeous and comfortable Scandinave Pet Sofa from Bowsers has a supportive foam base and memory foam backrest and side pillows covered in soft contemporary fabrics to help this dog bed blend seamlessly in with any living room décor. $280, Bowsers.com

Help your dog manage the stairs while protecting your flooring with Dean Flooring’s non-skid carpet stair treads. As well as giving older dogs much needed traction, these attractive stair treads help avoid nasty slips and unsightly claw marks. Easy to install, they’re available in an assortment of colours, styles, and materials to suit any décor. $140, DeanStairTreads.com

Is your dog a jumper? He’s met his match in the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate HL. 7.5 inches taller than the original version, with rubber feet to keep it from sliding and side panels to keep it from tipping over, it’s designed to deter gate jumpers. Plus, it looks great! $210, RichellUSA.com

These chic bowls take cool to a new level. As well as being a beautiful addition to any room, they're made from a cooling ceramic that helps keep the food fresh for hours—just soak the bowl in cold water for 90 seconds. And there’s more! The cute 3D bone in the center slows down dogs who bolt down their food, reducing instances of bloat. From $30, Magisso.com

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MYTH

CAN DOGS SENSE GHOSTS, SPIRITS OR HALLUCINATIONS?

By Stanley Coren

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I

t seems that one of the oldest and most persistent paranormal beliefs is that dogs have the ability to see spirits, ghosts of the dead, and other supernatural beings.

The dog usually signals that such uncanny things are close by howling or breaking the silence of the night with a mournful series of widely spaced barks, or acting in a skittish, fearful manner. Some scholars trace these beliefs back to ancient Egypt, where the god of the dead was Anubis. He was even represented as having the head of the dog, and it was felt that a dog howling in the night was calling a soul sensed nearby to Anubis.

In Ireland the belief is that dogs can hear the noise of the spectral hounds that lead ghostly riders on their wild hunt through the sky, collecting the souls of the dying. My favourite, though, is the ancient Norse legend which speaks of the goddess Freya. She was the bearer of love, fertility, and magic, but was also the goddess of death. She rides the crest of the storm on her chariot pulled by giant cats. Because cats are dogs' natural enemies it is said that dogs start to howl or bark when they sense the approach of this supernatural being and her mystical felines.

The belief that dogs are in tune with the spirit world or have some sort of precognition which allows them to anticipate ominous events is not just something from the distant past; it persists in our modern day. For example, the Associated Press had a public affairs and corporate communications group conduct what they called a Petside Poll, which involved telephone interviews of 1000 pet owners in the US. Among other things, this survey found that 47 percent of dog owners report that at some time or another their dog has alerted them to some impending bad news. The dog's reported alerting involves behaviours like trying to hide in a safe place, whining or whimpering, hyperactive or erratic behaviour, or barking persistently just prior to something dire happening.

On YouTube you can find dozens of video clips which supposedly demonstrate dogs alerting to the presence of some sort of spirit or ghost. These videos usually show a dog that seems to be frightened or uneasy, or barks or whimpers, while staring into empty space where there is nothing to be seen.

Then there are the many anecdotes which describe dogs who appear to be sensitive to ghosts or even places associated with death. One of these was related to me some time ago by a colleague in the Department of Mathematics at my university.

Before the real estate market in our area heated up, he had been lucky enough to be able to afford a small house which overlooked the water not far from the university campus. At that time he had a Labrador Retriever named Lambda. When the weather

permitted he would walk the dog along one of the many nearby paths which wend their way down the steep embankment to the sandy shore below. Lambda always loved such walks, scouting out in front and happily exploring the terrain on either side of the trail. That was the case for all of the paths to the beach except one. Whenever my colleague chose to walk the dog along that particular pathway to the shore, something strange would happen.

About midway down the trail Lambda would freeze. He would stare into the bush and produce a strange growl which seemed to be mixed with warbling whimpers. The only way that he could get Lambda to move past this point was to grab hold of his collar and physically tug him several yards along the path until he was well away from that place. The reason that my colleague felt that describing Lambda’s behaviour might be interesting to me was because he later learned that it was exactly at that same place, on that same trail, where a few years before a student had been found dead. The student's death was ambiguous and whether

47% of dog owners report that their dog has alerted them to some impending bad news. it was by accident or foul play had never been determined. My colleague became convinced that somehow or another Lambda was sensing the ghost or spirit of that unfortunate young woman and it was an extrasensory awareness of the sad spirit which provoked the dog's odd and worried behaviour.

Being the kind of scientific skeptic that I am, I am more inclined to interpret such behaviours in a way that does not involve the paranormal. Dogs have keener senses than we do, especially when it comes to smell and hearing. Many dogs are also reactive to unexpected visual events such as moving or moderndogmagazine.com

37

ambiguous shadows. I am of the belief that many of the instances in which dogs are believed to be alerting to ghosts or spirits are simply situations where the dog senses something through his normal sensory channels which the average human cannot.

Whatever the dog is perceiving in such cases is vague and uncertain to him. In the absence of a clear idea of what he is sensing the dog tends to become wary and acts in a cautious or suspicious manner. It is this insecure response in situations where nothing is visible to the human eye that people interpret as being a reaction to the presence of some kind of spirit.

Whether or not dogs can actually detect ghosts, it is interesting to note that canines can actually be used to detect another kind of sensory event which may be troublesome and disturbing and is also invisible to people observing the situation—namely hallucinations. A hallucination is a perception which occurs even though there is no kind of actual stimulus or physical event present. For the person having a hallucination, what they are perceiving seems real, and whatever they see or hear appears to be located in the real world. This is different from dreaming, or imagery, in which we might have vivid images but we are also aware that these images don't represent something that actually exists outside of our mind.

Although hallucinations can occur in any one of our senses, it is when they involve visual images or are linked to sounds that we believe we are hearing that they can be most disturbing.

Hallucinations can occur in association with many different psychological difficulties. People with problems related to, or loosely associated with, schizophrenia often have them. People with Parkinson's disease, Charles Bonnet syndrome, some forms of epilepsy, and certain cases of celiac gluten sensitivity may have them.

More commonly, particularly disquieting hallucinations can also occur in individuals with major stress-related psychological problems such as PTSD. In such cases the hallucinations are often related to aspects of the traumatic situations which caused the patient's problem in the first place. Thus a veteran returning from combat might have hallucinations in which there is an armed and threatening person that he can vaguely see or hear nearby. On the other hand a rape victim might think that she sees a person who is a potential sexual predator trying to hide in the room that she was about to enter. Sometimes these stress-related hallucinations indicating that there is some malicious person nearby occur when the patient is in a hypnagogic state, which is that dream-like state of mind that occurs just before falling asleep. Such hallucinations can be very unsettling, and can trigger strong anxieties which can

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then in turn produce bouts of severe fearfulness or panic attacks.

It is here, when dealing with a person suffering from such hallucinations, that dogs become incredibly valuable. Psychiatric service dogs are often specifically trained to deal with this kind of problem. For example, where the person with the psychological difficulty seems to sense that someone is hiding in their bedroom, the dog can be trained to search the room and sound an alert if anybody is present. Generally speaking, when the dog indicates that there is no one lurking about, this gives the patient a sense of confidence, reduces their stress level and allows them to proceed with the normal course of their life.

However, these psychiatric service dogs can also be used to detect full blown hallucinations, such as those that seem to indicate that there is a someone with dangerous motives or threatening intentions close by. In this case the training required of the dog is rather simple. The dog is taught to respond to a command, such as “Go say hello!,� which is accompanied by the dog's owner pointing in a particular direction. If there is a person actually present the dog is supposed to respond by going out in that direction and making an attempt to greet and interact with whoever is there. If there is no one physically present then the dog is trained either to sit quietly while looking in the direction indicated, or sometimes to give a short bark to indicate that they sense nothing. If the dog indicates that there is no one actually present, then the patient immediately knows that what they are dealing with is a sensory hallucination and there is nothing to worry about. Knowing that there is no threat generally serves to greatly relieve the person suffering from this kind of psychological problem. Gaining the insight that the menacing presence that the patient is experiencing does not really exist tends to ratchet down the person's stress level and allows the individual to continue functioning without fear or anxiety.

So although the question of whether dogs can detect ghosts or spirits may still be debated by some people, it is certainly the case that dogs can alert people to the existence of hallucinations.

They do this by indicating that, even with their superior senses, they do not detect anything is present, offering a clear signal that the danger that their owner perceives is not authentic and they are safe.

Still, despite my scientific training, in the dark of the night it sometimes gives me comfort to feel that my dogs might warn me if they sense the coming of the death-dealing goddess Freya and her flying chariot pulled by huge supernatural cats. n

PET PROJECT

eat D.I.Y.

BONE BROTH FOR DOGS Easy and economical to make, bone broth is super-healthy, rich in protein, and loved by dogs. Here’s how to make it.

By Rose Frosek

B

one Broth is a terrific thing to give your dog, whether you give it on its own (great for under-the-weather dogs) or added it to your dog’s usual dinner to perk things up a bit. Easy and economical to make, bone broth is nutrient-dense, incredibly rich in protein—especially gelatin—and has a soothing, delicious taste dogs love.

It’s also wonderful for joint and digestive health and is detoxifying. What’s not to love?

To get started, you’ll want to choose beef marrow bones and bones that have a lot of joints, such as chicken or turkey legs. (Ask your butcher for bones or save the bones from Sunday dinner in the freezer until you’re ready to make a broth. Bone broths are generally made with bones with a small amount of meat left clinging to them.) You can roast the bones first to improve the flavour, though it's not necessary. Roast them if you’re making broth for yourself, too, otherwise keep it simple—just throw the bones in the soup pot or crock pot and get ready to get cookin’!

Next, cover the bones with two to three inches of water (add a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar if you wish; it helps to extract the minerals in the bones) and

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then simmer your bone broth for a long time—be prepared to simmer for eight to over 24 hours. The goal is to produce gelatin from the collagenrich joints and to release trace minerals like calcium.

At the end of the cooking time, the bones should be soft and slightly crumbly when pressed between your fingers.

Remove the bones and discard—don’t give your dog cooked bones as they can splinter and damage the intestine. Now place the broth in the fridge to cool. After a couple of hours, a layer of fat will have collected on the top—scoop this off and discard.

The remaining broth, jelly-like and delicious, is ready to be served to your dog!

Spoon into smaller containers to store. The broth will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Freeze whatever you won’t use in this time period. And prepare yourself for a very enthusiastic dinner reception!

Platinum Planet Records recording artist Kimberley Dahme (formerly of the rock band Boston) with Great Dane Beau. Kimberley’s latest song "Lucy Lu” is all about rescue dogs and is on 24/7 rotation on Pet Life Radio.

They travel with their dogs.

! s r a t Sey’re just

Amanda Seyfried and her best bud Finn pick up coffee in West Hollywood.

They go on coffee runs with their pups.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©JACKSON LEE, SPLASH NEWS; ©JO LOPEZ, PLATINUM PLANET RECORDS, C 2017;

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They can't resist a Corgi!

Actor Jerry O'Connell is seen holding a Corgi while on the set of Extra TV in Los Angeles.

SPRING 2018

©EL PATRON, SPLASH NEWS; ©LIESANGELES, SPLASH NEWS

Jennifer Lawrence and her dog Pippi stand in the check-in line at JFK airport.

They talk to dogs.

Naomi Watts brings her puppies to the school run in New York City, New York.

Their favourite accessory is their pup.

They can't resist a puppy cuddle.

! s r a t Sey’re just They take their dogs to the park.

Actress-SingerSongwriter Katharine McPhee spends a sunny Sunday with her chihuahuas, Nena & Larry, at a park in Studio City, CA.

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SPLASH NEWS; ©SPLASH NEWS; ©DIABOLIK, SPLASH NEWS; ©SPLASH NEWS

Matt Bomer (White Collar; Magic Mike) is seen walking his dog Stella while running some errands in LA.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©ROBERT O'NEIL, SPLASH NEWS, SPLASH NEWS; ©MANIK (NYC),

They multi-task!

Sean Penn at the beach in Malibu with his new pup, adopted with his girlfriend of one year, Leila George.

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The BUSTER Aqua Raincoat with four legs is a fun, fashionable, and warm raincoat for when it’s wet and messy outside. A durable waterproof outer layer protects against water and wind and it’s adjustable for a perfect fit! From $30, kruuse247.com

Looking for a stylish gate to help keep larger pets safe around the home? The Scandinavian Pet Design Extra Tall Flex gate by BabyDan is 41" tall and can be used across wider doorways. babyearth.com/collections/baby-dan moderndogmagazine.com

45

BEHAVIOUR

5 Reasons Your Dog is Whining—and How to Make him Stop

By Teoti Anderson

A

barking dog can certainly be annoying. But whining?

That’s enough to drive you crazy. Whine, whine, whine, whine… it can feel like it goes on for hours.

Some dogs also hit a certain pitch, driving a mental spike right through your brain. The more your dog whines, the less patience you have. What is up with the whining, anyway?

Dogs whine for a variety of reasons, including appeasement, excitement, and for attention. How you stop it depends on why your dog is whining.

The Attention Whine “Pay attention to me! Whine, whine, WHINE!” This is one aggravating dog. These dogs whine for you to hurry up and feed them meals, whine for you to throw the ball, whine for you to pet them, whine when they want water, whine to go outside, whine to come inside, and generally whine for whatever it is that they want at the time. This is a behaviour that often gets worse because the pet parent reinforces it.

If you give in to the attention-seeking whiner, you’re paying that behaviour. So your dog will keep whining, because it works.

In order to fix this, you have to stand strong. Don’t give in to the whining. Don’t reward the behaviour, which includes not looking at your dog and not talking to your dog when he’s whining.

Ignore your dog completely until he quiets.

For example, your dog whines until you let her out of her crate.

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Don’t look at her; don’t move towards the crate until she is quiet.

The second she is quiet, reach for the crate door. If she starts up again, then remove your hand. Wait for quiet. Only when she is quiet do you open the crate door to let her out. The first few times you do this it will take a long time. But if you give in, the whining will only get worse. If you stick to your guns, it will take less and less time, and the whining should stop.

The Stress or Fear Whine A dog that is frightened or stressed may whine. Is this your dog? Look for other signs your dog may be afraid, including cowering, lip licking, yawning, being clingy, and generally looking worried. She may try to avoid or get away from whatever is causing her to be afraid. She may pace back and forth. Her tail may be tucked.

If your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, yelling at her for whining will not fix the problem because it won’t address her fear. Imagine something is terrifying you and you cry out for help, only to have someone yell at you to shut up. Does that suddenly make you feel comfortable and happy? Of course not! If you have a stressed or frightened dog, try to find out what is causing the stress. Is it a loud noise? People? Other dogs? The vacuum cleaner? Help your dog be less afraid of what is scaring her, and she will be less likely to whine in fear.

To start addressing this, make sure you and your dog are far

enough from the scary person or object that your dog is not panicking. Never force her to be close to a person or thing that frightens her. When you are at a good distance away, every time she looks at what is frightening her, give her a treat. See the scary object, get a treat, over and over. If she will not take the treat, it means the scary person or object is greater than your reward. Move her farther away and increase the value of the treat.

Work slowly, and don’t rush progress. It may take time to teach your dog that scary objects are not so scary after all. If you need help, work with a professional, reward-based trainer. Address your pup’s fear, and you will find her whining decreases.

If you have a dog that isn’t exactly terrified, but just anxious in general, the same techniques will help. Also, consider increasing your dog’s exercise. Exercise is good for the body and mind. If your dog is tired, she has less energy for whining. Realize that a typical walk is not really adequate exercise for your dog. You might be tired, but your dog won’t be. Aim for at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular activity a day.

The Alert Whine Some dogs are natural watchdogs. If they hear something or see something, they feel a need to inform you about it. This can take the form of barking or whining. It could be a potential burglar. It could also be a lizard sunning himself on a tree outside a window, or a piece of trash blowing by on the breeze. Some dogs are not picky about what they want to talk about!

If you have one of these dogs, get your treats handy. After one or two whines, call your dog to you and reward her with a treat. With practice, you’ll find your dog whines a couple times and then comes to you, rather than fixating on the whining.

The Excitement Whine This dog whines when you grab his leash, when he’s in the car, when you’re approaching the dog park—basically anytime he gets excited, particularly if there’s a delay in gratification. There are two ways to approach this—management and training.

For management, you want to remove the dog from the situation that is causing him to whine. For example, if your dog whines when he sees something outside the window, block his view of the window. The more he practices the whining, the better he gets at it and the more ingrained the behaviour. So blocking his view helps prevent him from starting whining in the first place. Increasing this dog’s exercise will help, too. If his leash is the cue to whine, try taking your dog outside by the collar and only presenting and attaching the leashing once you’re outside.

For training your dog not to whine, the approach is very similar to what you do with the Alert Whiner. After a couple whines, call your dog to you and give him a treat. Give him other behaviours to do except whining—sit, down, shake paw, any option rather than whining. Channel that energy into something else.

With car whining, this can be tricky because you have to drive. It’s best to have a friend help you. Work in short sessions. For the first sessions, don’t even start the car.

Get your dog to where she is quiet in the car without it even moving. Give her treats for being quiet. Then start a really short drive down your driveway. If she whines, pull over and ignore her. Give her treats when she is quiet. What also helps the Car Whiner is a food-stuffed interactive toy. Stuff a rubber hollow toy with peanut butter and her kibble to give her a pacifier while you’re driving.

The Hurt Dog Dogs also whine when they are sick or injured. Is your dog acting strangely? How is her breathing? Is she eating normally and eliminating properly? Is she old and perhaps arthritic? If you suspect your dog may be whining because she is in pain, please consult your veterinarian.

While whining can be annoying, it’s communication. Your dog is trying to tell you something—you just need to figure out what it is so you can best help your dog learn that silence is golden! n moderndogmagazine.com

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s y u B t e g d u B Great dog finds at bargain prices! !

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Do you sometime feel like you're not really getting into the fur when you wash your dog?

This cute little scrubber has truly changed bath time for the better!

The ScrubBuster brush from Dexas combines soft (yet effective) silicone bristles, a shampoo reservoir, and dispensing button to both streamline the whole soggy process and give your dirty dog a thorough cleaning.

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Got a picky pup on your hands? Added to your dog’s regular dinner, this delicious, healthy, and nutrient-dense bone broth from Primal Pet Foods will tempt even the most persnickety of pups. The added moisture and nutrients have many benefits, including joint health and liver support.

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$

Ever feel so overwhelmed by pet fur, dander, and lint that you want to send out an SOS? Lilly Brush is here to help with the Save Our Sweaters brush. The specially designed nylon bristles remove pills, lint, and pet hair with no danger of snags. LillyBrush.com

Gently cleanse your dog’s coat while adding moisture and shine! The rich and luxurious Wild Ginger Shampoo and Shine Spray from John Paul Pet are paraben and EDTA-free and designed to cleanse and moisture dull, dry coats, leaving shine and a clean, light, and refreshing scent.

JohnPaulPet.com

From

From

For dogs that experience stress and anxiety in situations like travel, vet visits, thunderstorms, and even changes in the home environment, ThunderEase is a Godsend. Available in a diffuser, spray or collar, ThunderEase replicates a mother-dog’s natural maternal pheromones for a drug-free way to help your dog feel calmer, safer, and less stressed! Thundershirt.com

If you’re heading out for a day of adventure don’t forget to pack pup some snacks!

Bacon Jerky treats from PureBites are a perfect trail snack—high in protein and flavour, they’ll keep your dog fuelled up and ready to go! PureBites.com

20

$

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10

$

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Mud Mitt Make this nifty Mud Mitt to effortlessly wipe off your dog’s paws and contain the mess so your car and home stay clean!

By Kristina Stephens

MAKE IT! Materials

ÆÆ A terry cloth hand towel (Sizes may vary.

The one used here is 11.5” x 12” but a larger hand towel works just fine!)

ÆÆ Cotton rope or ribbon (12” length) ÆÆ Pins ÆÆ Needle ÆÆ Thread ÆÆ Measuring tape ÆÆ Scissors

How-to #1

#2

Lay out the hand towel horizontally. Fold top edge down 2.5”. Your folded towel is now 12” wide x 9” high.

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Fold in half to make your towel 6” wide then pin the side and bottom to secure for the next step.

#3

#4

Stitch along the side and the bottom. You will want to use a blanket stitch. Or, if you have a sewing machine, feel free to use your sewing machine instead. #5

Cut a 12” length of your rope or ribbon to 12”. If using rope you will want to knot off the ends to prevent it from unraveling #6

Place the rope/ribbon on either side of the top right corner of your mitt. Sew the rope/ ribbon at least 10 times through until it feels securely attached then knot the thread.

Slip your dog’s dirty/ wet paw into the mitt & rub. Repeat. All the mud/grass/sand will stay in the mitt.

Rinse & repeat. Keep your mitt hanging on the doorknob or in your car, ready for those mucky paws!

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INSPIRE

PHOTO INGER MACKENZIE

Faced with nearcomplete vision loss at 14 years of age, Molly Burke turned a devastating event into an opportunity to help others, building a rich life as a motivational speaker, YouTube personality, and commercial star, thanks to an indomitable spirit—and some terrific guide dogs

I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING

By Tracey Tong

W

hen Molly Burke heads out with Gallop, a fiveyear-old black Lab and Bernese Mountain Dog mix, many people think that the pretty, petite brunette is training a service or medical alert dog.

After chatting with the 24-year-old for a few minutes, people are usually surprised to learn that Gallop is her service dog, and that Molly is blind.

“I don’t look like what most people think blind people look like,” says Molly, who makes eye contact when she speaks, and has perfect posture and a confident stride.

She doesn’t act like it, either. She has a favourite colour (purple) and loves makeup, fashion, and tattoos. She keeps physically fit with downhill skiing, suspension yoga, and pilates. She’s the girl next door, but she’s also overcome many hardships in her young life, and has a way of sharing her experiences that makes others feel not so alone, no matter what they are facing.

Unsurprisingly, Molly is a passionate guide dog advocate.

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More surprising perhaps is that, though just 24, she is a riveting speaker on subjects such as overcoming adversity, bullying, and embracing diversity, a talent she has leveraged to build a successful career as a sought-after motivational speaker for audiences as large as 20,000 people, ranging from middle-school students to CEOs at Fortune 500 companies.

You may even recognize Molly as the star of a currently airing Dove body wash television commercial. Certainly, she’s well known to her nearly 200,000 YouTube channel subscribers who eagerly tune in twice a week to watch her expound on topics ranging from bringing a guide dog on an airplane, to how blind people pick up their guide dogs’ poop, to how she does her makeup—all with her typical humour and candour.

“I’m not perfect, but I’m open and honest and I’m a work in progress,” she says. “A lot of speakers in the industry talk about their successes but not their failures. I think failures are what teach us the most. I share the good, the bad, and the ugly.

PHOTO INGER MACKENZIE

“I think when you first hear my story—I went blind at 14, lost my friends, and was bullied and became suicidal— it all sounds very dramatic,” she says. “But my story is about overcoming challenge. We all have to overcome challenges in life and some of us have to continuously overcome challenge.”

Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare degenerative retinal disease at the age of four, Molly grew up in Oakville, Ontario where she lived with her older brother Brady and their parents. They remain close (her mother Niamh is Molly’s full-time executive assistant and her father Peter handles all the administration for her company, Molly Burke Inc.). In kindergarten, she began learning braille, yet did her best to carry on as normal. But as her vision went away, so did her friends.

Molly, who managed to get around fairly well, was accused of faking vision problems for attention. She was tormented by bullies; a school guidance counsellor even told her she’d brought the bullying onto herself. On top of her vision loss, she struggled with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

By 14, Molly had lost her vision to what she has now— some light and shadow.

She’d transferred to a school for the blind for Grade 9, but the bullying continued. By this time, she’d learned to stand up for herself, and switched back to a sighted school for Grade 11.

“I went to be able to gain a lot of skills that I needed in life,” she says. “But it wasn’t reality. In reality, not every other person is blind, not everything is in enlarged print

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and not every person is specially trained to work with you.

She was my prom date. She moved out with me when I got I knew that if I was going to be successful in society, I had to my first apartment. Losing her was like closing a big chapter go into the real world.” in my life. It was so painful.”

It was during these difficult years that she got her first Without a guide, Molly eventually picked up her cane, guide dog, a Lab-Bernese Mountain Dog cross, Gypsy, from which she used until she got Gallop from the Mira Foundation the Mira Foundation just outside of Montreal, Quebec. two and a half months later. That time without a guide dog Many people mistakenly believe that those who reinforced what Molly already knew – that she is very are visually impaired automatically get a guide much a guide dog user. dog. It’s not the case. Before receiving a While saying goodbye to any animal is dog, Molly first had to live at the school hard, there is no comparison between to undergo rigorous testing and training losing a pet and a guide dog, says Molly. to prove that she could care for both “It’s so hard for me when people herself and a guide dog. say they understand because they “My first dog opened up a door to lost a family pet,” says Molly. (The this new life,” she says. “To me, it’s Burkes’ 15-year-old Polish Lowland not just a dog, but a lifeline and a Sheepdog, Rory, passed away recently, tool. I have to trust this dog with my which Molly says is sad, but maintains life. We’re crossing four lanes of rushis not the same.) “[A guide dog] is a hour traffic together,” she says.

24/7 companion and a lifeline. Gypsy Molly speaks at Walrus Talks.

Unfortunately, the thing that all guide and Gallop are a part of me. They assist me dog users need to accept is that their dog is in basic everyday tasks. I don’t view them as eventually going to die, and that they will have to separate. To me, they’re like a wheelchair get another one, Molly says. to someone who can’t walk or a limb to someone who When Gypsy died unexpectedly during surgery in 2014, a is an amputee.” devastated Molly didn’t leave her house for two weeks.

Gallop, who Molly calls “the perfect dog for me,” has “It was really difficult,” says Molly. “Gypsy was the one travelled with her all over North America and to Ireland for constant in my life. She was there for my first boyfriend, my her speaking engagements—“it was so much work getting first heartbreak. She was there when I graduated high school. him there,” she says. “There was so much paperwork we had

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PHOTO TALIA SHIPMAN

Gallop and Molly on the stairs

I think when you first hear my story—I went blind at 14, lost my friends, and was bullied and became suicidal—it all sounds very dramatic,” she says. “But my story is about overcoming challenge.

We all have to overcome challenges in life. to get done in advance, but he loved it!” She opts to leave Gallop at home when she heads to countries like Kenya.

“Safety is a priority for me,” she says. “I didn’t know how he would react.”

The only place she’s had trouble with access for Gallop is New York City (which she frequents) due to the high population of fake service dogs. To the dismay of the guide dog community, websites dedicated to the sales of fake guide dog gear have been popping up over the last several years.

“It’s a work in progress to raise awareness for this issue,” says Molly. “People who use fake service dogs don’t understand. They think it’s an easy way to get to bring their pets everywhere, but there are real implications for our community and it causes a lot of issues that people don’t realize. Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes and you can’t always tell who needs a service dog,” she says. “Mainstream media perpetuates what disabilities look like. We don’t look a certain way or fit into a certain box.”

Another misconception Molly wants to dispel is about guide dogs being enslaved by their users.

“Our dogs love to work and they get excited when they see the harness,” says Molly. “They get exercise, lots of stimulation, and get to spend the entire day with the person

they love the most. It gives them purpose.”

Some dogs aren’t meant to be working dogs, says Molly. As a result, not every dog trained to be a guide works in the field, and some animals are retired after only a couple of months.

When Molly is at home, Gallop gets plenty of downtime and enjoys sleeping on the couch and playing at the dog park.

With the help of her guide dogs, Molly has come a long way from the depression and suicidal thoughts that marked her earlier years coming to terms with her vision loss. These days, she’s loving life and working towards her goal—to see bullying end, to reduce stigmas around mental health and to see equal treatment for people with disabilities. And this past December, Molly fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to Los Angeles—with Gallop, of course.

There have been scientific advances that could reverse vision loss, including stem cell therapy and robotic replacement, but Molly says that a cure isn’t something she’s personally interested in.

“I’ve adapted to this life,” she says. “It’s hard for people to understand, but I’ve adjusted and I’m happy. Going back would be a huge adjustment and I would have to learn life all over again. I’m content and proud of who I am and I wouldn’t change a thing.” n

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PHOTO JESSICA MACARTHUR

WHAT PAWGWARTS HOUSE WOULD YOUR DOG BE SORTED INTO?

By Laura Dennis

An Orlando shelter helps adoptable dogs find forever homes by sorting them into Harry Potter-inspired houses!

B

eing in the doghouse now has a new— and much more magical—meaning for the pups at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando shelter! Just in time for the twentieth anniversary of the much-beloved Harry Potter series, the shelter is sorting their dogs into the four houses of its “Pawgwarts” kennels, based upon their personality, behaviour, abilities, and interests. Those familiar with the enduring series will instantly know if they’d like their future canine to belong in Gryffindog, Ravenpaw, Hufflefluff, or Slobberin House.

While the whimsy is undeniable, there is a practical purpose behind the sorting—the shelter is hoping that the move will encourage people to adopt based on personality and lifestyle match rather than breed. Dogs of the same breed can have vastly different personality types and exercise needs and, as in the case of bully breeds, breed misconceptions can lead to discrimination and stigma.

Furthermore, research has proven that the visual identification of breed is incorrect more than 70 percent of the time but still leads to unfortunate stereotyping. Because of this, many shelters, including Pet Alliance, have removed breed labels entirely.

Now, Pet Alliance has taken it to the next level with their Harry Potter-inspired initiative designed to encourage potential adopters to be less breed-focused and instead focus on finding a match for their own habits, activity level, health, and interests when looking to adopt a new dog.

To do so, the shelter is highlighting individual canine traits that demonstrate characteristics associated with each ‘doghouse’ and grouping their dogs accordingly. In the Harry Potter series, new Hogwarts students take turns donning the tattered-yet-

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wise Sorting Hat to see into their character and decide which house best suits them.

Gryffindor—the house of protagonist Harry—values bravery, daring, and chivalry. Ravenclaw members demonstrate intelligence, wit, and knowledge. Hufflepuffs are hardworking and venerate loyalty, patience, and friendship.

And Slytherin, often seen as the most villainous house, values ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness in its house members.

In real life Orlando, instead of using a Sorting Hat (although, that would be super cute!), the imaginative Pet Alliance shelter team came up with activities to run and cues to look for when deciding which house an adoptable dog belongs in. How the dogs play with toys, interact with others, the speed at which they pick up new tricks, and more all indicate traits that go toward deciding which house to place the pup. For example, if a dog is quick to pick up commands and obedience cues—that’s a Ravenpaw, through and through. Super-friendly, laid back, affectionate, and just happy to be alive? Hufflefluff, for sure. Athletic dogs who aren’t afraid to try new things would fit right in with the Gryffindogs, while a determined alpha with great problem solving skills would be a Slobberin.

While this process is not based on any scientific studies, the shelter is finding it very effective. Not only is it helping to eliminate breed stigma, it’s helping their dogs find a perfect-match forever home. Curious what group your own dog belongs in? Join more than 90,000 dog owners and take the quiz for yourself at petallianceorlando.org/pawgwarts.

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Gina Schiappacasse, Hairstory’s Press Liason & Social Media Director with Theo, her 7-year-old Pom-Chi who only gets bathed with New Wash.

Y

our bathroom likely reveals a clutter of problem-solving hair products: shampoos, conditioners, hair balms, styling products—and of course, special shampoos and conditioners for your pets too; dogs and cats suffer from a lot of the same hair problems that humans do, among them dry or oily hair and skin, itchy patches, dandruff, and more, so that’s another couple bottles to add to the pile.

Michael Gordon, the founder of famed hair empire Bumble and Bumble, aims to change all that with New Wash, the foundation product of his hair care company Hairstory. And it’s revolutionary. Our shower now contains a single bottle of New Washcno shampoo, conditioner, leave in, dog shampoo, nothing—just New Wash.

But let’s back this up a minute. Michael sold Bumble and Bumble to Estee Lauder in 2010 and then took a bunch of time to reflect, do yoga, and make a film about Vidal Sassoon. During this time, he came to realize that the counter-full of hair care products people were obliged to buy were necessitated by one thing: a sudsing detergent called sodium lauryl sulfate, used by pretty much every company that makes cleansers. Michael says this is the root of most hair problems, drying out your hair and creating the need for an endless array of other products.

New Wash, in contrast, is a blend of essential oils and detergent-free cleaners designed to wash, condition, detangle, and repair hair using only one product. And it’s safe and effective for dogs, cats, and babies too. One product for the

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whole family!

“To put it really simply,” Michael told Forbes, “the magic here is not what’s in New Wash, but what isn’t in it. What people don’t realize is that what’s in shampoo, no matter the price, is essentially water and some version of sodium lauryl sulfate or a derivative of that. Surfactants that are used— whether they are sulfate free or not—if they foam, they will dry your hair out.

“New Wash is a combination of aloe vera and essential oils and doesn’t have detergent, doesn’t foam, doesn’t strip hair but effectively cleans hair and scalp. It’s not a co-wash; it cleans hair thoroughly, simply, but leaves hair feeling much better than before without the use of conditioner. When you touch your hair after using New Wash you can immediately feel a difference. The other amazing part is that it works equally well on any hair type.”

This includes dogs and cats, as attested to

by Hairstory team members Theo the PomChi cross and Bug the Tabby mix, as well as Modern Dog team member Esther the Miniature Dachshund. Bug in particular, who suffers from allergies, had difficulty finding a hair care product that didn’t cause a reaction.

With New Wash his fur now looks lovely and luminous and his skin is happy. Get ready to free up some counter space!

PHOTOS LUCY NYSTROM AT HAIRSTORY STUDIO

The Founder of Bumble and Bumble Wants You to Never Shampoo Your Hair—Or Your Dog—Again

BODY & SOUL

I'm theof scourgewn your lare! no mo

A Nifty Solution to Yellow Spots On Your Lawn

Just place these rocks in your dog’s water dish—it actually works!

The cause: Grass needs a very delicate pH balance to flourish so

a change in acidity can lead to unsightly lawn burn. Dogs offer exactly that—due to their high-protein diet, dog pee contains nitrogen and is slightly acidic. When they relieve themselves on the same spot on the lawn over and over again (dogs are definitely creatures of habit), the lawn in that area will turn brown and die.

The solution: Turns out there’s an ingenious, easy, natural

solution that actually works and is good for your dog. A company called Dog Rocks makes a product that filters your dog’s water and stops the lawn burn. Made from naturally occurring paramagnetic igneous rock that has been mined in Australia for over ten years, the rocks, when placed in your dog’s water bowl, filter impurities such as tin, nitrogen, and urea from the water. This means your dogs will take in fewer nitrates, thus passing less onto your lawn when they urinate. Dog Rocks are chemical-free and don’t change the pH of your dog’s urine. Simply replace the rocks

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every two months to help eliminate lawn burn and keep your yard spring ready! Neat, right?

THREE OTHER TIPS THAT CAN HELP INCLUDE: 1. Water your lawn! Obviously watering the grass is always helpful but by watering after and where your dog “goes” you can help eliminate the burn. Target the areas your dog goes the most and pay them special attention. You can even ‘spot-clean’ that area with a watering can right after they urinate to help dilute the pee and nitrogen concentration.

2. Water your dog! A hydrated dog has a lower concentration of nitrogen in her urine, decreasing the risk of lawn burn.

Before

3. There are dietary supplements out there specifically formulated to target your dog’s urinary tract health. Try Cranimals Urinary Tract supplement; it uses cranberry extract to naturally lower urine pH and prevent recurrent UTIs. Bonus: it can help your lawn, too!

After

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BODY & SOUL

THE FIND: THE The Safe & Effective SOLUTION TO Alternative To TEAR STAINS! Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth H

ave you ever noticed a slimy or fuzzy feeling on your teeth and wondered what it’s caused by? That slimy plaque layer is actually a group of microorganisms, collectively called a biofilm. A biofilm is a community of bacteria that protect themselves by bonding together, making them very difficult to remove. Yuck, right?

Luckily, you brush your teeth (or at least we hope you do!), but what about your dog? While plaque in your pup’s mouth may not keep you awake at night, it can have damaging long-term effects on your dog’s overall health. Plaque biofilm can harden into tartar, which can lead to more serious conditions, such as periodontal disease. Early signs of periodontal disease are bad breath, bleeding gums, and tooth loss.

To keep your dog happy and healthy, early removal of biofilm buildup is vital—left untreated it can lead to expensive veterinary dental work and pain and suffering for your pet. If you and your dog struggle with daily tooth brushing, try a product such as the oral spray or water additive from Bluestem Oral Care, which are scientifically formulated with foodgrade ingredients to help fight plaque and tartar by safely breaking down biofilm where harmful bacteria multiply. In a clinical study, dogs receiving Bluestem water additive alone saw a 25.4% reduction in tartar after 84 days. Simply add two capfuls of the water additive every time you fill your dog’s water bowl, or you can use the oral spray once a day. Of course, if you have your dog’s cooperation, go for their toothpaste (tooth brushing is the the gold standard for oral care, but you actually have to do it.) Whichever you choose, make it a daily routine you’ll follow through on, and you can save your dog’s teeth and your pocketbook. —Mark Ahrens-Townsend

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Ever wonder what causes the reddish-brown stains beneath a dog's eyes, especially noticable in light coloured or white dogs? Called tear stains, this discolouration is a result of excessive tear production.

There are a number of factors contributing to excessive tearing. Eyelids that turn inward can cause eye irritation that leads to tearing. Brachycephalic (or short-nosed) dog breeds, such as Maltese, Pekingese, Shih-tzus, and Pugs, are often prone to eye tearing due to shallow eye sockets and hair growth in the skin folds surrounding the eyes. Other breeds, including Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are simply predisposed to blocked tear ducts.

If these stains develop rapidly or your dog seems to be in discomfort, make sure to check with your vet to rule out any causal problems that can be addressed.

For example, eye infection and glaucoma can be treated; hair near the eyes can be carefully trimmed very short. For eyelid and eyelash problems, you may wish to investigate surgical options depending on the discomfort it is causing your dog. For shallow eye sockets causing tearing, however, there is nothing that can be done; you’ll simply want to reduce skin irritation and coat discolouration. To do so, try Angel Eyes’ awesome Natural Line. Their Gentle Tear Wipes are designed for daily use and are fantastic for cleaning the eye area and eliminating staining, while their Natural Soft Chews blend natural antioxidants including cranberry powder, Oregon grape root, and marshmallow root to prevent inflammation in your dog’s eyes. Find them at angelseyesonline.com.

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BODY & SOUL

WHAT'S IN MY BOWL?

THE FIND A new dehydrated dog food designed to improve your dog’s gut health and overall wellness!

THE FUTURE IS NOW: CELL-CULTURED PET FOOD, NO ANIMALS HARMED! Check it out—this is the pet food of the future!

Bond Pets, a Colorado-based pet food company, is currently researching the development of cell-cultured meat, with the goal of producing healthier, more environmentally friendly food for pets. Inspired by companies that are creating similar “clean meat” for humans, Bond Pets hopes to produce sustainable pet food which avoids slaughtering animals and decreases environmental footprint.

The environmental impact of meat production is enormous: livestock farming produces 18 to 50 percent of all manmade greenhouse gas emissions. If everyone in the U.S. ate vegan for just one day a week for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 7.6 million cars off the road.

So what exactly is “cell-cultured” or “clean meat?” Over the past few years, scientists have learned to use self-renewing cells to grow muscle tissue outside of living animals, so that protein can be grown inside of a lab rather than taken from live animals. Food tech companies such as Bond Pets believe that the creation of “clean meat” will increase transparency in the ingredients of pet food, and will address the environmental, health-safety, and humane-animaltreatment problems involved in meat production. While Bond Pets cell-cultured pet food is still in its early stages, Hampton Creek, a company developing cellcultured meat products for humans, has said it has plans to introduce its first product to market this year. Cell-cultured pet foods could be on the market in a couple of years. Stay tuned!

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The link between a healthy gut, good digestion, and overall health and wellness continues to grow. Research shows that gut flora may even play a role in depression and schizophrenia.

Recognizing the link between wellness and gut health, Crumps’ Naturals—makers of high quality, natural, and handcrafted pet food and treats—set out to develop a dog food that would maximize digestive ability, allowing for better absorption of vitamins and minerals. The terrific result? Gutsy, a dehydrated dog food made from a blend of superfoods and novel ingredients, is specifically designed for preventative and protective gut health. Featuring antibiotic and hormone-free chicken or fish along with organic fruits and vegetables, immunesystem-supporting superfoods, and a unique blend of digestive ingredients for protective and preventative gut health, this is one wellness measure your dog is definitely going to enjoy. crumps.ca

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

—Mahatma Gandhi

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Before deciding to use harsh chemical dips to treat mange, consider All-Natural GOODWINOL OINTMENT—the safe alternative. The dog lovers at Goodwinol Products are proud to offer an all-natural product that can be used by both veterinarians and owners alike to keep their dog’s skin in optimum health. goodwinol.com

An irresistible treat for even the pickiest pooch! Maggie’s Macaroons are raw coconut treats made of organic coconut and coconut oil. These human-grade treats are so delicious you’ll want them too! Dogs with allergies and sensitive tummies can enjoy them as well—they’re vegan, grain and gluten free, and have no preservatives, colours, or artificial flavours. Three delicious varieties: Coconut Apple Pie, Coconut Lemoncello, and Coconut Vanilla Flax. CocoTherapy.com From $39.99.

Does your dog have marking or incontinence issues? Give him free reign of the house again with Pet Parents reusable belly bands. The super absorbent sewn in pad is washable, providing an eco-friendly solution to your dog’s bladder issues, no matter their age or size! Sizing options to fit dogs from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. petparentsbrand.com

Feed your dog like you feed yourself with Portland Pet Food Company. Pacific Northwest sourced and made, their meal pouches are the only natural, shelf-stable dog meal on the market. PPFC uses less than 10 human-grade ingredients in every meal and treat.

They also donate 5% of profits to animal organizations. portlandpetfoodcompany.com

PawFriction is a paw pad coating system designed to improve quality of life for senior and special needs dogs. PawFriction decreases sliding on smooth floors, increases mobility, and reduces risk of injury. PawFriction was designed by a veterinarian and is non-toxic and safe for you, your dog and your home. pawfriction.com I’M-YUNITY for Dogs. Improve your dog’s immunity and quality of life with I’m-Yunity.

It’s the only clinically proven medicinal mushroom extracts of Coriolus versicolor.

I’m-Yunity contains proprietary and standardized extracts to help to reduce pain and fatigue while improving energy levels, mobility, and appetite.

Learn about clinical results at ImYunityForDogs.com and use code “moderndog” for a 5% discount! moderndogmagazine.com

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INSPIRE

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT When Judy Walter saw past her own grievous injuries to help a dog in need, she ended up charting a course for a joyous new life, one spent helping both people and animals

By Rose Frosek

H

ere’s the essential thing that distinguishes one person’s life experiences from another’s: attitude. If, in our darkest moments, we can look past ourselves and our current challenges and, despite hardship, still choose to move forward and try to focus on something other than ourselves, amazing things can happen.

Just ask Judy Walter of Las Cruces, New Mexico. When faced with permanently debilitating injuries following a devastating car accident, instead of descending into despair when confronted with all the things she would no longer be able to do, she instead chose to take on a little dog more injured than her. In doing so, she changed not only both of their futures, but those of many other people and animals as well.

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The little dog in question, now named Mango, had been found in a ditch in Fort Worth, Texas. She had been hit by a car and had multiple fractures of her spine and pelvis. The diagnosis?

Permanent paralysis. She was scheduled to be euthanized.

Mercifully, a rescue group stepped in and pulled Mango from the shelter, and the small dog spent a year in the rescue healing before being placed for adoption. Ideally, they were looking for an adopter that was a Veteran of the service who would get Mango certified as a Therapy dog to work with disabled Vets. Judy, who had served in the US army for six years and was herself still recovering, saw this and recognized it for what it was: kismet.

Their journey together thus far has been marked by all sorts of triumphs, from helping hundreds of disabled animals get wheelchairs to winning the 2016 Hero Dog Award for Therapy Dog work. In May of 2017, Judy and Mango were officially accepted an Ambassadorship role with American Humane and now travel on the organization’s behalf. We asked this remarkable woman some questions about her remarkable dog.

Prepare to come away inspired.

LIFE ISN’T ABOUT WHAT YOU NO LONGER HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE LEFT. Q: What drew you to Mango? Did your experiences as a veteran have anything to do with your decision to adopt her?

I had become disabled myself from a car wreck a year before adopting Mango. I had worked full time in a professional career. The wreck left me with a broken back and partial loss of my right leg; I never could return back to my career and was classified as permanently disabled. I suffered mentally from depression after the accident and my physical recovery was just as painful. I saw Mango posted on the rescue’s website and made the decision that I could adopt her and it would give me a purpose in life again. I felt I could heal her but I soon found after bringing her in my life that she healed me. I didn’t realize until after getting Mango how much more broken I was than her. She healed me physically, emotionally, and mentally. We bonded immediately upon her arrival and after getting her certified as a Therapy dog, we take our mission on the road, helping others, from veterans to the disabled. Life isn’t about what you no longer have; it’s what you do with what you have left.

Q: What did it mean to you to win the 2016 Hero Dog Award for Therapy Dog work?

It was a Cinderella moment for a little dog that had been homeless, left for dead in a ditch, was hours from being euthanized, and now winner of the 2016 American Humane Hero Therapy Dog of 2016. I couldn’t have been more proud of her! She made believers of everyone that voted for her and for every disabled Veteran and animal that didn’t have a voice. She inspired all of us that we should never stop believing in ourselves.

Q: What do Mango’s physical challenges mean for her and for her care?

She will never walk. She will never potty like a normal dog as her life consists of full time diapers and onesies. She doesn’t

consider herself different and she adapted very quickly to the diaper routine. I, on the other hand, never had children, so it took me many attempts to learn how to put a diaper on her. When I went to the store to buy her onesies I had to ask the clerk what an “onesie” was as I had never purchased one before. We are fortunate that now her followers keep her in onesies because they just love buying her the cutest outfits.

I learned how to carry a diaper bag and what I need to pack inside it for trips. I carry her through airports with a diaper bag over one shoulder and her wheelchair strapped to my back. People ask many questions and always feel sorry for her until I explain that she doesn’t view herself as handicapped.

She considers herself fortunate, healthy and very spoiled and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Q: How did Mango’s Freedom Wheels get started?

Mango already had a Facebook page when I adopted her from the rescue in 2014. We posted daily and people read her story about her wheelchair. One day we were contacted by a woman with a small Chihuahua named Cindy. Cindy had recently lost mobility in her rear legs and her human Mom wanted to know the cost of her wheelchair. When I told her the price she said moderndogmagazine.com

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they could never afford the cost. Mango and I decided to ask our followers if they could find it in their hearts to help us collect enough funds to purchase Cindy a chair. I contacted Sierra at Ruff Rollin’ Wheelchairs in Montana and asked her if she could take credit card donations over the phone if people wanted to call in donations for Cindy’s wheelchair. She agreed and I said let’s give it five days to collect the $400 and whatever the balance was I would pay the difference. I posted the announcement on Mango’s Facebook page on a Monday morning and four hours later Sierra called me and stated the funds were collected and her phone wouldn’t stop ringing!

When people found out we had enough funds they wanted to know if there were other dogs that needed wheelchairs.

Mango’s Freedom Wheels was born that day and to date we have purchased over 640 wheelchairs for dogs, cats, goats, pigs, and a mini horse. If there is a need, we will attempt to build them a chair and cover the cost.

Q: Would you recommend other people out there consider adopting a dog with a so-called disability? If so, why?

I get this question a lot and for some people, yes, a disabled pet will give back over 100 percent what you give them but they also are not for everyone. They require more work and they are a lifetime commitment. Mango is only five and she will never outgrow diapers like a human child. She will never walk and will battle urinary tract infections the rest of her life because of her paralysis but when I look in her eyes I see a kind soul that appreciates everything I do for her no matter how small. Our connection is so deep that she never has to verbally communicate with me when she needs anything, I just know. She shows me everyday with her hugs and wet kisses how much she appreciates and loves me. Disabled pets always deserve a second chance and they make the most loyal pets and this “Mom” wouldn’t hesitate to adopt another.

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Q: What does having Mango in your life bring you?

She brings me hope and happiness. I was in a dark place after I went from working to disabled and Mango brought me back to the light. She taught me not to feel sorry for myself, to pull myself back up, and realize that I too can still contribute as a disabled person. Because of Mango I no longer consider myself handicapped. I can walk and she can’t. That’s reason enough to never feel sorry for myself. She healed me just as she does others everyday. I feel blessed to share her with her 37,000 Facebook followers that tell me how she inspires them to be a better person. God chose me to be her keeper and in return we spend everyday making it our Mission to be thankful and give back. n

Follow Judy and Mango on their Facebook page, “Mango on a Mission”. If you’d like to donate to their Freedom Wheels website and help them purchase wheelchairs for disabled animals, go to mangosfreedomwheels.com.

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BEHAVIOUR

your dog's amazing nose With their incredible sense of smell, sniffer dogs are detecting everything from early-stage cancer to missing persons and pets

By Noa Nichol

T

hough Katie Valaas’ beloved orange Tabby, Norm, was predominantly an indoor cat, he was lucky enough to enjoy some outdoor time in his Seattle neighbourhood thanks to a harness and retractable lead. Unfortunately, on one of these outings, Katie set Norm’s lead down momentarily to tie her shoe and the cat took off running, the plastic handle of his leash bumping along behind him. Katie searched her own and her neighbours’ yards to no avail—two days later, in the midst of a sweltering summer heat wave, Norm was still missing. She decided to call in an expert.

“Katie found out about our group, the Missing Animal Response Network (MARN), and one of our handlers, along with

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her dog, a Dachshund mix named Harley, responded to her call,” explains Kat Albrecht, a former police officer with years of experience training and handling sniffer and detection dogs for use in criminal work. “When we got to the area where Norm was last seen, Harley immediately zeroed in on a hot tub in the yard and started going absolutely crazy with excitement, as per his training as a cat-detection dog. When his handler looked under the hot tub, sure enough, there was Norm—he’d been there for three days, without food or water and with his lead hopelessly wrapped around the machinery, trapping and, in fact, nearly strangling him. They had to cut him out of his collar. I have no doubt that Harley saved Norm’s life that day.”

PHOTOS UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Kat, who is currently based on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, founded MARN after her own police bloodhound, AJ, dug out of her backyard and went missing in the woods. Desperate to find him, Kat called up a friend with a Golden Retriever who had been trained to track down missing persons using his sense of smell—the dog found AJ in 20 minutes flat. That moment changed Kat’s life forever.

“I asked myself, as a professional in the field, ‘We train dogs to sniff out drugs, bombs, and even bed bugs—why in the world aren’t we using them to find missing pets?’ I decided to train my retired cadaver dog, Rachel, to do so, and she went on to find two missing cats and a missing dog using her nose. I went on to do this pet detective work, write books, train people, and train other dogs. It’s been a 20-year mission for me, to see these services available in all communities.”

There is a difference, she explains, between the way a dog is trained to find a lost cat versus a lost dog. In the former case, the detection dog is trained to seek out all cats in an area, and alert its handler to the presence of any cat so that he or she can determine whether it is, indeed, the cat in question. When it comes to lost canines, a detection dog is trained to follow the missing dog’s unique scent based on a provided scent article—a blanket or toy used regularly by that dog—and ignore the scents of all other dogs.

The common ground, of course, is scent.

“Their sense of scent is amazing—so much stronger and more powerful than our own,” Kat says. “They have the ability to discriminate between scents, to tell the difference between one dog, or one person, and another.”

Cindy Otto, director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania, agrees, adding that, when it comes to dogs, “their whole system is geared to ‘see’ the world through their noses.”

“When it comes to their olfactory abilities, there is plenty of data, lots and lots of facts, around how dogs differ from humans, from the physical level right down to the molecular,” Cindy says. “But, when it comes to harnessing this incredible sense of smell and using it to perform practical and even lifesaving services, the biggest thing that sets canines apart is their ability and desire to work with people and to be trained to perform certain functions. Bears, for instance, have an even better sense of smell than dogs—vultures, too. But I don’t know many human handlers who would be comfortable partnering with a 600-pound Grizzly, and vultures, as far as I have seen, aren’t really interested in putting in a long day at the office.”

To that point, the Penn Vet Working Dog Center is dedicated to harnessing the unique strengths of our canine partners, producing elite scent-detection dogs for public safety and health.

When dogs graduate from the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, they learn to apply their search skills to their specified target odour, such as explosives, drugs or medical detection.

The Working Dog Center is dedicated to exploring ways to improve man’s quality of life through detection and earlier diagnosis of many devastating diseases, including ovarian cancer.

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“A detection dog is a dog we partner with to identify a specific scent on which, generally, they’ve been trained,” Cindy explains. “We raise and train detection dogs here at the center from the time they’re eight weeks old in a sort of ‘liberal arts’ degree, where they learn to find an odour. It doesn’t matter what the odour is at the earliest stages of training—it could simply be a chemist-made universal detection compound. We’re simply interested in teaching them the process of finding this smell using their nose.”

This, she says, is done by teaching puppies how “fun” it is to explore the world using their nose, and by rewarding them, usually through play, whenever they hit on the control scent.

This allows the Penn Vet team to, as the dogs mature, help them find their “career path,” whether that be explosives, drug, arson, cadaver, diabetes or cancer-detection work, by eventually introducing them to the scent corresponding to that specific line of work.

“The range of jobs these dogs have is mind-boggling—and ever growing as we continue our research,” says Cindy. “Off the top of my head, I can think of dogs who use their sense of smell to detect bombs and narcotics, who perform search-and-rescue work to find both survivors and human remains, who detect cell phones in prisons and who can find large amounts of concealed money. As we build more and more of these large pipelines across North America and the world, we’re starting to train dogs to detect leaks to prevent major environmental disasters.

There are dogs who detect peanuts, helping children who suffer from major allergies, and conservation dogs who, with their noses alone, find either endangered or invasive species. There are dogs who detect smuggled ivory and, in our own work here at the center, we’re about to launch a study to see if dogs can detect stolen antiquities smuggled into the U.S. from Syria.

The craziest detection work I’ve heard of, however, are the dogs that are trained to sniff out scat in the ocean in order to help scientists learn more about marine mammals like whales.

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Anything that emits a scent—and most things on this planet do—a sniffer dog can be trained to detect.”

Scent-detection canines are also doing important work in the health arena, with service dogs helping people who suffer from a range of medical-related issues, including diabetes, seizures, and migraines, better manage their conditions. Mary McNeight of Service Dog Academy in In Waterloo, Illinois, has helped to train more than 150 medic alert dogs to provide support to people who live with and suffer from diabetes, narcolepsy, seizures, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), migraines, hypoglycemia, and atrial fibrillation.

“We know that 40 percent of a dog’s brain is devoted just to their nose, giving them a smelling capacity more than 250 times greater than our own,” she says. “To give an example, a dog can smell a single drop of blood in a swimming pool filled with water—this, in turn, means that dogs can be trained to detect, via scent, the biological changes that happen in our bodies before, say, a migraine or a seizure is about to hit, giving people the time to prepare to deal with that situation accordingly.”

This means that someone who suffers from migraines has a chance to get to a safe place and to take his or her medication before the headache hits. A person who has diabetes, alerted by a dog to changes in his or her blood-sugar levels, is able to get food and medication—such as glucose tabs, insulin, juice, and meters—to rectify the situation before it becomes life-threatening.

The training, Mary says, is “almost identical for all the dogs— it’s the actual scent that is different.” However, for all of the disabilities that Service Dog Academy trains canines to detect, she emphasizes that “there’s a cascade of organic compounds exhaled off the breath and sloughed off the body, and our job is to teach the dog what’s important to pay attention to and what to ignore.”

While Mary’s medic alert dogs are trained to work with and

PHOTO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

The Penn Vet Working Dog Center trains dogs by building the dogs’ confidence to search out and find their target in a variety of environments, including buildings, vehicles, and an array of outdoor areas.

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PHOTO MWISSING ANIMAL RESPONSE NETWORK

Harley, the Missing Animal Response Network search dog who found Norm the cat.

for a particular individual, other types of detection dogs perform scent work that benefits many members of the public. In Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, Glenn Ferguson handles a team of canines who have been trained to detect cancer in its early stages, working off of the theory that cancer cells undergo a distinct metabolic process different than normal cells, consuming glucose at a much higher rate than their healthy counterparts and thus giving up different waste products that have a distinct smell.

“We started the training using breath samples from dog walkers that we met at local dog parks, but eventually decided, due to the fact random members of the public can be hard to track, that we wanted to partner and work with a professional organization that would provide some verification and testimony for our results,” Glenn explains, adding that he and his team at CancerDogs set their sights on firefighters who, due to the nature of their work, are a very high-risk group when it comes to cancer.

“The first major department we worked with was in Chicago, and we’ve since gone on to test 30,000 firefighters in total—10,000 in the last year alone,” he says.

“Our dogs are trained to identify the odour of cancerous and pre-cancerous cells by comparing and contrasting a lineup of five to six breath samples, one of which is known to be cancer, on what we call a sniffing station. We use a food reward to do this training—in fact, none of our dogs has a bowl, this is how they’re fed their meals and that makes them very motivated to do the work.”

When it comes to evaluating the samples of firefighters, Glenn likens it to a “mass screening process, sort of like luggage going over a carousel at the airport.” Breath sample kits, including a surgical mask that is worn for 10 minutes over the mouth and nose and then put back in an odour-proof pouch, are distributed to firefighters across North America, used sealed, and sent back to CancerDogs’ headquarters, where they are “worked” by the dogs. If any member of Glenn’s canine team picks up on a cancerous or pre-cancerous sample, the firefighter to whom the sample belongs is notified so that he or she can take the necessary next steps, such as consulting with their doctor or a specialist and making changes to their diet or lifestyle.

“People can be warned and take proactive measures when it comes to cancer, and that’s our aim in our work with these dogs, who are often detecting the disease two to three years before it can be found via imaging,” he says. “We have, however, had some people who have had serious cancers uncovered, whose survival was definitely

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Our dogs are trained to identify the odour of cancerous and pre-cancerous cells by comparing and contrasting a lineup of five to six breath samples in doubt, but for the most part we are trying to protect people, well ahead of time, from that late-stage diagnosis. For us, that’s a real success.”

Cancer aside, dogs—and their wonderful noses—are also incredibly useful when it comes to search and rescue operations. In the mountains of Canada, avalanche rescue dogs work to detect and pursue people who have been buried under the snow. Kyle Hale, president of the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association, says that with training from his organization, teams of dogs and handlers are deployed throughout the provinces of B.C. and Alberta when such disasters occur.

“The thing about these dogs, beyond their outstanding sense of smell, is that we’re able to send them into these very high-risk, volatile areas and circumstances to do the work of many people in a fraction of the time,” he explains. “We train the dogs from a very young age using a relatively simple game of hide-and-seek, where the dog is, essentially, rewarded for solving a problem, and making that problem harder and harder to solve. Eventually, the dogs are able to detect human scent below a surface, and to dig through to the source of the scent. Though we highly recommend anyone going into an avalanche-prone area wear a transceiver in case something happen, in cases where this technology isn’t present, the dogs are another extremely useful tool we can use to find someone who has been lost and buried.”

Unfortunately, when it comes to avalanches, most recovery efforts involve victims who are deceased. Over at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSDF) in Santa Paula, California, the objective is different.

“Our dogs are trained to search for live scent, meaning they’re only using their noses to find survivors of major disasters, to ensure no one is left behind,” says NDSDF Marketing and Communications Officer Denise Sanders. “The dogs are able to say there’s someone here, under the rubble, who is still alive, or, alternately, there are no survivors left here, so we need to move on.”

NDSDF rescues its dogs, including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and Belgian Malinois, from shelters, trains them, and partners them with a first-responder handler to do search-and-rescue work at a range of disaster sites, like Ground Zero in New York after 9/11 and Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.

“We have trained 190 teams since 1996 and currently have 69 active teams across the country, and there’s still more needed,” Denise says. “Any time these big disasters happen, whether it’s a hurricane or a mudslide, the communities and countries affected could definitely use more of these dogs, with their incredible sense of smell, to cover more ground more quickly—and, ultimately, save more lives.”

Back at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Cindy Otto agrees.

“We know there’s a shortage of detection dogs in the U.S.,” Cindy says. “The fact is, most of these dogs are currently being imported from other countries, and there’s actually a big move in Congress at the moment and among people in the industry that feel these dogs need to come from local, domestic sources so we can influence their health and genetic welfare to a great degree. So often, in so many situations, we are putting human lives in these dogs’ hands—or, as it were, their noses—it’s important we utilize their unique ability and take care of them to the utmost degree.” n

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RESCUE

PHOTO CHRISTINA POLLOCK

Mariah Stanley & her rescue dog Maverick

RN LEA MY M FRO AKES T S MI

RESCUE RULES

By Mariah Stanley

Are you dealing with a Risky Rescue or a Reputable Non-Profit?

How to make sure you’re adopting from a great rescue group

D

ogs are pretty much a part of my identity. My love for all things dog is definitely worn on my sleeve—a paw print tattoo prominently decorates my wrist, and my birthday presents each year, without fail, consist of dog paraphernalia.

I’ve been training and working with animals all my life, have a certificate in Animal Welfare, and consider myself an educated, conscientious, and responsible animal lover. So, when I was finally ready to accept a dog into my life after the loss of our family’s Jack Russell Terrier, I was thrilled to be able to go through the rescue system. Adopt, don’t shop is something I believe strongly in. My family and I knew our needs and what we were looking for, so I began to browse private rescues as well as shelters, hoping for the moment when I first saw my “soulpup.”

A few times, I was close to the “meet and greet” point of the process when the scheduled rendezvous would fall through or someone else would beat me to the final steps.

After these failed attempts, I was especially keen when one rescue sent me information on a new puppy—a beautiful 10-month-old German/Dutch Shepherd cross—just surrendered

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by his family. A handsome brindle baby, he immediately melted my heart and I just knew we would be a good fit. Within two days, I had scheduled a meet up at the dog daycare where his foster mom had left him for the day. He was slightly unfocused and overwhelmed but seemed sweet and playful, and just like that I fell in love. Another two days later, we had a home visit scheduled with one of the rescue’s principles. He entered, took a cursory look around and then sat to tell us the adoption fee could be sent to him via e-transfer to his cell phone and we could pick up the dog that evening. As we scrambled to get organized—we never thought we’d get a dog that quickly—I had an uneasy feeling in my gut: This was all happening really fast. But the sheer excitement and happiness of finally getting a dog to call my own was overpowering and, before I knew it, we had transferred the large adoption fee and signed on the dotted line.

They say hindsight is 20/20 for a reason. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how due process hadn’t been done. I began to feel very guilty that I let myself, an educated animal lover, get swept up in an adoption process that wasn’t as it should be. Upon further investigation, I found a Facebook group advocating against the rescue and their iffy practices, as well as some harshly negative reviews on Yelp about the misrepresentation of their dogs and their treatment of potential adopters. I truly got lucky—my dog, now named Maverick, is a healthy, socialized dog and the perfect addition to our family, but

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Here are some things to look out for when trying to determine if a rescue is reputable or risky:

1

They don’t ask questions. Any legitimate rescue vets potential

adopters and will take care to make sure the right questions are being asked. Steer clear of rescues that don’t seem too interested in your history, lifestyle, or pet experience. They should want to know where the dog will be spending his time, how often he will be left alone, who the primary caretaker is, and the resources and finances in place to care for the dog.

2

Their home visit is just that… a visit. When I had my home

visit, the rescue representative barely looked around then sat on our couch to wait for his money to be transferred. Any home visit worth its salt should be in-depth, and will consist of exploring the property the dog will be living on while taking the time to interview you in person. This is a key step in the process to evaluate you and your space, and determine if those match up with the dog. They should want to know if the yard is fenced, where the dog will sleep, where the dog will spend his time when you’re at work, your dog training philosophy, and a host of other questions along these lines.

3

Their reputation precedes them…and not in a good way.

In this day and age, the internet and social media means we all wield considerable critical and investigative power. We check our restaurants, clothing shops, grocery stores, even doctors on the web… why not animal rescues? Utilize Facebook, Yelp, Google—even reach out to people you can find online that have adopted through that rescue in order to get feedback. Keep in mind there are always some disgruntled folks out there—perhaps rejected applicants—but if the majority of the response is negative, there may be some weight to it.

4

The rescue-to-adoption process is really quick. Rescues

usually foster their rescue dogs for a while before putting them up for adoption in order to allow time to assess the dog’s

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health, have any necessary vet work done, and get an in-depth sense of the dog’s personality, triggers, and what type of home would best suit them. If the rescue says they just got this dog in yesterday and they’re already ready to adopt him out, ask more questions.

5

They can’t or won’t answer easy questions. In some scenarios, such

as if the dog was stray or surrendered with no back-story, the rescuers won’t have all the information. However, there are some general things that should always be provided for you if they have it: information on the dog’s past; medical records (if they don’t have past records, they should at least provide the records that the rescue itself has done a checkup, neuter/spay and microchipping pre-adoption) and any disclaimers they have for the dog (past violence/aggression, reason for surrender, etc.). These may or may not affect your decision, but you have a right to know before bringing the dog into your life. If the rescue won’t provide you with the simple things, that’s a red flag. And feel free to do your own research—some things relevant to the dog may be public record.

6

They get defensive when confronted/questioned. It’s

never a good sign when someone immediately gets their hackles up when asked a question, especially if it’s not accusatory. If you’re asking pretty standard questions, and they’re responding like it’s the Spanish Inquisition, there may be more there.

7

There’s no follow-up. This is applicable after you’ve signed

and officially adopted the dog, so there’s not a lot you can do about it at this point, but it’s very telling. Most reputable rescues will follow up to ensure all is well and to hopefully prevent re-surrenders. Many good rescue groups will also insist you return the dog if it doesn’t work out. I’ve had my dog in my home for over a year now and haven’t heard a peep from the rescue.

Adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment. You want to make sure you know what you’re getting health and temperamentwise. Do your own research on multiple rescues before you interact with them, as well as on average adoption fees for dogs in different life stages. (Keep in mind that the adoption costs of puppies help offset the medical expenses good rescues incur rescuing and rehabbing senior dogs or dogs with health issues).

The rescue is allowed to interview you—don’t be scared to interview them back! Be prepared with a list of questions that are important to you about the group’s culture and the dog. Finally, be aware but don’t fall into a trap of distrusting everyone. Despite the occasional disreputable person or group, the overwhelming majority of people out there rescuing only have the wellbeing of animals at heart. n

PHOTO MARIAH STANLEY

that definitely wasn’t the case with a lot of other adopters. Some were paired with dogs with serious, undisclosed behavioural or medical issues, and were then bullied and patronized by the principles when they sought help. Others, when inquiring about a dog’s history, were told no medical records would be provided until after the adoption, if at all.

Through this experience, I learned a few key steps in the adoption process that I want to share to hopefully prevent this happening to someone else with a different and negative outcome.

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WELLNESS

F e e l i ng groovy

CANNABIS FOR PETS

THE TREMENDOUS HEALING PROPERTIES— AND THE LEGAL CONTROVERSY

By Kelly Caldwell “Just over a year ago, Cooper, an eight-year-old German Short-haired Pointer, started sneezing blood. We discovered he had a tumour in his nose, and over time it started to eat through his nasal bone.

Cooper was given a high dose of full-spectrum hemp extract—a product with multiple cannabinoids in it as well as terpenes and flavonoids that some theorize works better than CBD alone—and, within six weeks, his nasal bone returned to normal and his breathing improved. Today, he’s breathing easily, and his nasal bone looks normal.”

Marijuana. It has become a daily topic on the news. Both Canada and the United States are taking steps down the path of decriminalization, with roughly two dozen states having legalized marijuana, and Canada expected to do so nationally in 2018.

But, before we get into a discussion about the benefits of cannabis for companion animals, let’s take a step back.

What is marijuana—and are we talking about getting our pets ‘high’?

Marijuana comes from the cannabis sativa plant and has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Evidence of its use for

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medicinal purposes is as old as the written word. Chinese writings on the subject date as far back as 2000BC. Cannabis has been used in human medicine for the treatment of chronic pain, seizures, eye diseases, anxiety disorders, palliative comfort, and other ailments since the dawn of both agriculture and human medicine. Today, a growing body of evidence suggests that this beneficial plant could play a vital role in the treatment of animal health.

And, no, we are not talking about getting our pets ‘high.’ Not at all.

There are many hundreds of chemical compounds in cannabis and almost all have been shown to possess medicinal properties.

The two primary components of cannabis that are most often discussed are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is the widely-known component of marijuana that gets people ‘stoned,’ but when we talk about cannabinoids and animal medicine, we are focusing on CBD. CBD offers the medicinal benefits associated with marijuana, without the psychotropic side effects of THC. Hemp is also a cannabis plant, but one that contains very little THC. Both the purpose of the hemp plant and the way it is cultivated are different than marijuana. Hemp is used for

Potential Uses

CANNABIS HAS BEEN DISCOVERED TO BENEFIT HUMAN AND LABORATORY ANIMALS, AND ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE SUGGESTS COMPANION ANIMALS AS WELL FOR: • Epilepsy • Appetite improvement • Nausea and vomiting • Cancer and cancer pain • Anxiety • Sleeping disorders • Pain management • Chemotherapy/ radiation side effects

• Behavioural problems • Skin problems countless practical purposes, ranging from clothing to beauty products. But a key difference is this: hemp cannot get you or your pet high. Ever. Nevertheless, in the United States, hemp is illegal—an ironic fact given that the first flag sewn for the country (by Betsy Ross) was made from, you guessed it: hemp.

“Rhumba, a 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat, was showing progressive signs of pain and arthritis. A conventional approach to reducing inflammation and pain using Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Tramadol or Metacam wasn’t an option, because this cat was also on prednisone for irritable bowel disease. Opioids also made him unsteady.

After two weeks taking one drop of CBD oil twice a day, he was eating better and more interactive.

Rhumba was back to jumping up on the counter again like he hadn’t done in a year.”—a veterinarian, who spoke on condition of anonymity Dr. Robert Silver is an expert on the subject of cannabinoids in animal medicine. He started practicing as a veterinarian in Colorado in 1982 but ceased in 2012, believing he could do more good for people and pets from a non-practicing pulpit. Since then, he has worked with industry to promote information about good health with cannabis and other nutraceuticals. He minces no words about his goal: “I’m on a mission to provide a safe space for the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine.”

His book Medical Marijuana & Your Pet: The Definitive Guide is a ground-breaking work on a subject that is still taboo and currently an ethical conundrum for veterinarians.

When Dr. Silver was in practice, he found that clients typically brought up the subject at the eleventh hour. “When nothing

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else works, people look for alternatives,” he says. “But in their desperation to help ailing pets, some were using their own ‘weed,’ which is not appropriate for dogs and can lead to serious issues.”

“Molly is a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever with severe hip dysplasia and her condition wasn’t responding to NSAIDS. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs helped for a while, then she went downhill.

Molly’s pet parent asked me how to dose a hemp formulation based on its CBD content. I advised her on the correct dose, and within two weeks, Molly was running around like she hadn’t done in at least a year or two.”—a veterinarian, who spoke on condition of anonymity Dr. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. and author of the book Cannabis and CBD Science for Dogs maintains that CBDs' biggest value is in maintaining health, especially for middle-aged or senior pets.

Cannabinoids prevent and combat common complaints of aging, including the diminution of mental capacities, anxiety, lack of appetite, and inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

But beyond that, cannabinoids may simply make pets feel better, improving their comfort, mood, activity, and appetite, so they feel and act like a younger version of themselves.

When safely administered, evidence indicates that CBD can be of great benefit to both dogs and cats, but it’s critical to understand what’s safe and what’s not safe. Marijuana is a definite no. Dogs have an extremely high number of THC receptors and, as a result, their risk of toxicity from marijuana is significant. In cases of ingestion, dogs can develop static ataxia which exhibits as if the dog is intoxicated. In reality, this a serious medical condition that can cause death. There’s added risk if a dog ingests marijuana consumables that include chocolate or raisins—both of which can be harmful to them. CBD, on the other hand, is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. An extensive review in 2011 looked for any evidence that CBD could have harmful effects. CBD was found to be nontoxic to pets, with very few, if any, side effects.

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“Chance, a 20-year-old Bengal cat with chronic kidney disease, had osteoarthritis in his back and hips. He had difficulty making it to his litter box and was drinking a lot of water to compensate for his kidney issues. Initially, he was given a relatively low dose, but wouldn’t eat his food with the hemp in it, as his kidney problem had affected his appetite. He was given 2 mg of full spectrum hemp extract—a product with multiple cannabinoids in it as well as terpenes and flavonoids that some theorize works better than CBD alone—and started playing again with his other 20-year-old housemate.” —a veterinarian, who spoke on condition of anonymity Skeptical? Consider this. Both the animal and human endocannabinoid systems are the largest receptor systems in our bodies. “Marijuana and its various elements enter our bodies,” explains Dr. Silver, “and then basically mate with our body’s own cannabinoids.” We—and our pets—are literally engineered to benefit from cannabinoids.

True, studies have been few and far between, but it’s hard to fund and publish studies on a plant with a decades-long stigma. In the United States today, even hemp and marijuana extracts with zero THC are considered an illegal Schedule 1 drug.

Illegal substance or not, research continues. Cases of cancer tumours shrinking dramatically, hard-to-control seizures virtually halted, pain management success stories… it’s all out there in the form of anecdotal reports. With every new published report, we add credence to the discussion—and veterinarians gain further knowledge. Talk of forthcoming studies from the Universities of Colorado and Cornell are referenced routinely among vets with an interest in this subject.

When it comes to the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine, one thing is clear: we have a long way to go. Even as lawmakers have taken steps to de-criminalize the product for human use, there has been no path laid for veterinarians to integrate cannabis into their treatment programs. It’s high time for that to change. Let’s not let this age-old approach that can help our pets pass us by.

The animals we love deserve better. n

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VETS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE We’re making leaps and bounds in North America to make this beneficial plant available for human medicine. Why aren’t we making the same allowances for animals?

On both sides of the border, there are no laws that allow the prescription of cannabis by veterinarians to their patients.

The Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine (CAVCM) was founded by veterinary professionals whose objective is to gain access to cannabinoid medicine, collaborate on research, and educate the public.

Dr. Sarah Silcox is the CAVCM’s President.

“Canadian veterinarians needed a voice,” she says. “We don’t want to be left out of the discussions that lawmakers are having about the legalization of marijuana.”

“It’s frustrating,” she admits. “We can’t talk about it, because there is no legal way for us to prescribe it. If we recommend it, we are guilty of professional misconduct.”

So… what to do? Talk to your veterinarian.

Gauge your vet’s willingness to discuss the subject and respect the ethical predicament he or she faces.

If you feel changes need to occur, contact your lawmakers and make your opinion known.

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STYLE

Dog Lover's GEAR The Modern Dog team's current fave finds!

Want it!

These gorgeous breed silhouette necklaces from Carrie Cramer are customizable in the best possible way—with diamonds! Breeds from Frenchies to Labradoodles (and a ton more) can be made in sterling silver, white, yellow or rose gold, with or without diamonds, so you can wear your favourite breed in the chicest fashion. From $195, CarrieCramer.com

The Heirloom Studded Collar from Auburn Leathercrafters features gorgeous full grain bridle leather (in your choice of black, burgundy, or tan) dressed up with antiqued brass and nickel accents. This collar is sure to become an everyday favourite for you and your furshionista and it won't break the bank!

From $36-$42, CollarsAndMore.com

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Keep your dog gear organized with a whimsical hand painted leash holder from Anything Dogs!

From Australian Cattle Dogs to Yorkies, they have an absolute TON of breeds available, so you’re sure to find your pup's likeness.

The lifelike resin dog peeping from the doghouse puts the fun in functional! $60, AnythingDogs.com

We love being dog owners but would love it even more if all their stuff would just ‘go’ with the décor!

Janery recognizes the struggle and delivers a solution with the Charlie Cushion dog bed. These waterproof and odour-resistant beds come in a sophisticated pattern and you can even get a matching pillow to pull the whole room together. Never compromise style for function again! Bed from $104 and Pillow $63, Janery.com {Editor’s Pick} Each gorgeous piece of glass art from Cremation Marbles is handmade using a teaspoon of cremation ash to create a truly stunning, one-of-a-kind memorial design in blown glass. An absolutely beautiful way to commemorate your best friend, this handmade glass art comes in a variety of styles and sizes, from marbles to wearable beads. Prices start at just $20, CremationMarbles.com

Power your spring clean! Petbiotics Cleaner Kit for Pets has everything you need for a fresh start! The Clean Home all-purpose concentrated cleaner uses probiotics to eliminate stains and odours at the source (and will fill the reusable spray bottle 44 times!) Bring on spring cleaning the pet-safe and biodegradable way! $25, Petsbiotics.com

INSPIRE

Drink Wine + Pet Dogs

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Meet this couple living the dream and raise a glass for rescue: Mutt Lynch Winery’s Californian wines taste delicious and do good

By J. Leslie Johnson

O

ne might expect Chris and Brenda Lynch, owners of Sonoma County, California’s Mutt Lynch Winery, to be a bit pretentious. They are artisans, after all, operating in the rarified sphere of wine making, and regularly receive accolades. Among many other awards, their 2014 Hellhound Red, which they describe as “dark and violent,” won Double Gold at the 2017 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. You could be forgiven for thinking that a stereotypical attitude comes with the terroir.

But Chris and Brenda are anything but. “The wine business can be too stuffy,” Chris states baldly, “and so we wanted to inject a sense of playfulness into it.” They decided to merge their love of wine and their love of animals—specifically their pack of mutts—and start their own winery, which they called,

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appropriately, “Mutt Lynch.” (Their menagerie has now expanded to include two kids, twins Katie and Porter.)

Brenda soon found she had a flair for making wine so she took over production while Chris headed up the marketing and business arm. “I make it and he sells it,” she laughs.

The love of dogs continues straight through: Never a couple to take themselves or their wine too seriously, they named one of their first wines, a Zinfandel, “Domaine du Bone.” The French language gives it an air of refinement, but the phrase actually means something humorously mundane: House of the Bone. Chris and Brenda fashioned the labels by hand and attached a small dog bone to each bottle, a labour of love.

Although they no longer hand-label their wine—“It’s too much work,” admits Chris—they continue to name each

/

Brenda and Chris

with a mutt-inspired moniker. Their 2013 Zinfandel, for example, is named “Portrait of a Mutt;” they characterize the delicious blend of various grapes as “always a mutt.”

In 2014, Forbes magazine took note of their ingenuity and declared their Unleashed Chardonnay and Rusty Muttitage as some of the “coolest wine labels.” The playful names are complemented by equally cheeky artwork featuring designs like a dog dancing across a rolling vineyard.

Chris and Brenda also offer a full range of what they call their “MBF” wines, such as their 2014 MBF Charbono, created from grapes from the celebrated Frediani Vineyards in Calistoga, California. Those new to imbibing wine might conclude that “MBF” is an acronym for a wine term they’re not familiar with, but it is actually a canine descriptor: “MBF” is short for “man’s best friend,” and an apt term for the very drinkable offerings.

Brenda crafts her wines—ranging in style from Chardonnay to Rosé—from grapes grown along the California coast, vineyards buffeted by agreeably cool winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. The Perotti Vineyard, for instance, located in Dry Creek Valley near Chris and Brenda’s winery, is the source of their Zinfandel grapes, including those used in their delectable dessert wine, the 2015 Nectar of the Dogs Late Harvest Zinfandel. But outstanding vineyards are not the only reason for Brenda’s winemaking success. “I think I’m very much attuned to what my customers want,” she says, “And I work very hard to deliver that to them.”

Named as one of the most pet-friendly wineries by Wine Buzz Magazine, as well as by Bay Woof, a monthly Oakland-area magazine, Mutt Lynch regularly opens its tasting room to both two-legged and four-legged visitors. Chris says people travelling with their dogs, who want to bring them along on a wine tasting, often visit them. “They Google ‘dog-friendly winery’ and we come up,” he explains. moderndogmagazine.com

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Brenda (second from left) and the Mutt Lynch “family”—the winery staff and their dogs.

Brenda enjoys talking to visitors, whether at the tasting room or at charity events. She says they often ask her why her winery is centered on dogs, which she simply explains to them thus: “Dogs are great: they are always there for you, wagging a tail, giving you a hug when you need it.”

As people taste the Syrah, they start to also imbibe the more serious aspects of Mutt Lynch—beneath the light-hearted, dog-inspired labels, lies a mission: Chris and Brenda are devoted to improving the lives of needy animals, and they support a multitude of rescue groups in California and elsewhere by donating their wine and their time.

“We get calls every week from shelters that are looking for donations,” explains Chris, adding, “We really try to help out.” A glance at their website shows a long and diverse list of animal rescue groups they support, from national organizations to smaller operations in California and other states. While

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regular wineries host Happy Hours, Mutt Lynch puts on charitable “Yappy Hours” for people and pets that raise funds for animal rescue groups, such as Hounds for Haiti.

Their most recent initiative, started in 2017, features a custom label created for a delectable Mutt Lynch 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon; the colourful artwork showcases the winery’s partnership with the Sonoma Humane Society, in an effort that not only highlights the commendable work done by the organization, but that generates funds for the animal welfare group: Mutt Lynch donates 25% of the purchase price directly to the charity.

“It is our newest program and the one we have the highest hopes for,” Chris says proudly. In 2018, Chris and Brenda hope to expand the program not only in California but nationally. “In every bottle,” Chris continues, “there is a portion that we are giving back.” n

STAR DOG

You Are Beautiful

Thanks to our amazing Star Dog Contest sponsor Fresh Pet!

Meet our remarkable Star Dog contest winners, two adorable, specially-abled dogs!

F

irst off, we’d like to say how darn proud we are to be a part of an amazing community of dog lovers. People like our Star Dog Photo Contest winner Melyssah DeVrye and her two dogs, Lucy, a two-and-half-year-old Goldendoodle, and Wheeler, a seven-year-old Schnoodle, brighten our days. Their self-stated goal is to “inspire, raise awareness, educate, and just keep making someone who desperately needs it smile.” How great is that?

26-year-old Melyssah, who lives in Bradford, Ontario, is known as someone who helps animals. Before they came to her, both dogs were almost euthanized by their owners, who felt unable to deal with the dogs’ disabilities. It is suspected that Lucy was dropped during or just after her spay surgery, causing a spinal stroke that resulted paralysis. Wheeler, on the other hand, was born paralyzed.

Numerous people, seeing the plight of these dogs on the Internet, reached out to Melyssah to ask if she could help.

She didn’t hesitate to say yes—their very challenges are what resonated with Melyssah. “The fact that they're different, [drew me to them] because I've always been seen that way by society. I know how unfair it can be at times and how cruel,” she says. “I prefer different over normal.”

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ILLONA HAUS OF SCRUFFY DOG PHOTGRAPHY

By Rose Frosek Photographed by Illona Haus of Scruffy Dog photography

Wheeler and Lucy

A big part of her mission is to help people see disability differently. “We get it a lot, where people—who aren't educated, knowledgeable or have personal experience with these types of specially-abled animals—claim dogs like them have little quality of life,” says Melyssah. She’s set on dispelling this false notion. “They have very few challenges; they can do whatever they put their minds to doing and I refuse to baby them.”

Their care, however, is time consuming, but rewarding.

Melyssah has to schedule her work hours around their needs and can’t be away from home for more than four to five hours at a time because the dogs require diaper changes and bladder expressing. It’s costly as well. “It definitely isn't for everyone, especially if you're not willing to make sacrifices and work around their needs, similar to having a child,” she cautions, “But animal lovers know it's nothing they can't handle.”

She’s already managed to get several disabled animals adopted into forever homes through her blog and she “definitely, 100 percent yes” recommends taking a chance on one: “They may be more work, but they're so incredibly rewarding. Every single day they inspire you to do better and be better all together. Who wouldn't want that?”

If you’re considering adopting a specially-abled dog, she encourages “thorough research to make sure you're aware of their needs and are able to sacrifice things in your own life to accommodate what they require.

If you determine that you're unable to provide what the animal needs then don't do it. Someone else can and will, so don't feel bad about your decision.”

What’s certain is Melyssah’s dogs are not only happy and loved but are bringing joy to others as well, many of whom can relate to their challenges: “We have many people who follow them who are bed ridden or require an assistant device to get places,” Melyssah shares. “I feel

everyone can relate to them in some way, shape or form.”

Beyond brightening days, her goal is awareness. “No question about it,” she says. “I want people to fall in love with how amazing these animals in the specially-abled animal community can be. It's the best and most rewarding community out there, in my personal opinion.”

“Being different doesn't make you an outcast or weird; it makes you stronger than everyone else. Remember your worth; don't let others tell you otherwise. You are beautiful.” n

Find Melyssah, Lucy, and Wheeler on Facebook at facebook.com/specialdogsblog.

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Dress your dog for outdoor adventures in the awesome Belted Dog Coat from Muttluks. Three layers of protection—nylon exterior, inner core, faux Sherpa interior— keep Fido warm and dry no matter what weather Spring throws at you.

And with an adjustable belt, 14 sizes, and six colours to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit! From $50, Muttluks.ca

Make sure your dog isn’t one of the estimated 1.2 million that are struck by vehicles each year by ensuring they can be seen in all weather conditions. The durable and comfortable Smart Pup Prisma collar from Pup IQ uses military technology to offer the highest standard of reflectivity so you know that you and your dog will stay visible and safe. $20, Pup-IQ.com

GET OUTSIDE! Essential gear for outdoor adventuring with your dog

Shield your dog from inclement Spring elements in a cute yet highly functional Buster Raincoat from Kruuse. Made from waterproof and windproof material, this breathable, durable raincoat provides your pup with protection from wet and dirty conditions. Because a cleaner dog means a cleaner house and a happier you. From $23, Kruuse247.com

With the Torrent Coat from Hurtta, your weekend adventures will never need a rain check.

Designed for demanding weather conditions and with comfort in mind, this hardy and durable raincoat is up for anything. Water and wind proof, it’s lined with breathable mesh lining and has an adjustable belt and collar for a perfect fit. $75, Hurtta247.com

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Keep pests off your dog in a safe and organic way! 100% natural Ruff On Bugs flea and tick repellent is made with essential oils like rosemary, lemongrass, and cedarwood to naturally repel pests, protect your pup from the discomfort of bug bites, and ward off insect-borne diseases like Lyme and Heartworm. From $11, RuffOnBugs.com

Functional treats! Help your dog stay active with Treatibles’ phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil chews. These plant-derived chews are non-psychoactive and include other active ingredients like turmeric and coconut oil to help your dog with issues from joint pain to anxiety. Available in four delish flavours and two sizes! From $24, Treatibles.com

PHOTO ©AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

BREED PROFILE

The Miniature American Shepherd Big things come in small packages

By Kelly Caldwell

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ILE, T A S R E V NT, E G I L L E INT ING LOV

A

t first glance, the Miniature American Shepherd (MAS) might look an awful lot like an Australian Shepherd. Well, as it happens, that’s no coincidence.

This newly recognized breed originated in California in the 1960s, when a group of dog fanciers who shared a love of the Australian Shepherd decided to create a smaller version of the breed. They wanted a dog with a temperament and type similar to the Aussie, but in a considerably more compact form. In other words, they sought a dog that had the same herding instincts, intelligence, and good nature, but who would be a little more manageable in the home due to his smaller size.

To achieve their desired result, these fanciers bred small, sometimes-unregistered dogs that were most likely Australian Shepherds, but that were below the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s standard accepted size.

There was, needless to say, some controversy and resistance. If you love the Australian Shepherd type and temperament, just embrace it, many said. Others struggled to understand the point of creating a whole new breed simply based upon size—which is effectively what we have here.

Concerns that the Australian Shepherd could be at risk of losing his own identity were also raised, though the Aussie seems to be holding his own in terms of popularity—the breed is currently ranked the 16th most popular in America.

In any case, armed with a purpose, the fanciers continued on their mission and created a breed that was originally known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd. Some rarebreed clubs allowed these dogs in their shows, and by the mid 1990s the Mini Aussies had become quite popular.

It’s worth noting that a move to create different versions of a breed strictly based upon size is not unprecedented.

The Dachshund, for example, is bred in two sizes, which are defined by the AKC according to weight. The Standard weighs between 16-32 pounds and the Miniature 11 pounds and under. Both are in the Hound group, as the breed’s purpose and temperament is not fundamentally altered by the size difference. While the Standards might hunt larger game like badgers, as they were initially bred to do, the minis would likely target rabbits or other small rodents.

On the other hand, there is the Schnauzer. In the According to the most recent AKC registration statistics early 1900s, the Standard [1] Labrador Retriever Schnauzer, a medium[2] German Shepherd Dog sized Working breed, was [3] Golden Retriever used to create the Giant [4] Bulldog Schnauzer. The two breeds [5] Beagle share similar type and [6] French Bulldog temperament; it’s really the [7] Yorkshire Terrier size that distinguishes them.

[8] Poodle Also from the Standard [9] Rottweiler came the Miniature [10] Boxer Schnauzer, whose compact [36] Miniature American size made him naturally Shepherd more suited for the AKC’s Terrier group—not suited for drafting, but rather for ratting and general-purpose work around the homestead.

But back to the Miniature American Shepherd… In

Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

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Size: Small The AKC accepts males at a height of 14 inches up to and including 18 at the top of the withers. No weight is referenced but proportions are important: he should be slightly longer than tall.

Activity level: These dogs need regular exercise to keep them both physically fit and mentally sound. Regular walks and playtime are a minimum; better yet, enroll in some canine sports.

Grooming: To keep that gorgeous coat in good shape, weekly brushing is a must. He will shed seasonally at least two times a year.

Heritage: Herding This compact herding dog was developed in California in the 1960s. Essentially, he’s a pint-sized version of the Australian Shepherd.

If you like the Miniature American Shepherd, you might also give some consideration to the:

READ YOUR BREED

For more breed profiles, go to moderndogmagazine.com/breeds

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Shetland Sheepdog

Australian Shepherd

Border Collie

INSET IMAGES ©AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

Profile: Miniature American Shepherd

1980, the breed was registered with the National Stock Dog Registry. The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA) was founded in 1990, and in 2011 the breed entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service. The Miniature American Shepherd was officially recognized in 2015 as part of the AKC’s Herding Group.

This attractive breed ranges from 14 to 18 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 20 and 40 pounds. Solid or merled colours, with or without white or tan markings, are accepted. By comparison, the AKC standard for the Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches at the shoulder, and weighs between 35-55 pounds for females, and 55-70 pounds for males.

Much like the Australian Shepherd, the MAS is an extremely intelligent and versatile breed. Due to his small size, he’s ideal for herding smaller stock, but he’s got the gumption to take on bigger tasks!

This playful breed does require both physical and mental stimulation to thrive. Daily walks and playtime are a must, and there is little doubt that the MAS would love to get involved in some sporting activities. He’s intelligent, but he also possesses a sincere desire to please his guardians. In the world of canine sports, that’s hitting the jackpot. These little dogs are ideally suited for obedience, rally, flyball, agility, and other sports. You name it, the Miniature American Shepherd will try it and probably excel at it.

In the home, he’s alert and watchful, but he’s also a huge cuddle-bug. For those in apartments or smaller homes, his compact size comes in handy—and this breed travels well, too. He’s just a wonderfully good-natured dog, typically quite good with children and other pets.

Health-wise, as with all purebreds there are some concerns. Always work with a reputable breeder who can provide clearances for healthy eyes and hips, and who is truly dedicated to the health and good temperament of their puppies.

Or check the end notes of this article for rescue contacts!

Was the creation of the Miniature American Shepherd part of a noble vision? Was it just another example of the folly of man? Who’s to say? But a new breed was created and with his charm, good looks, and heightened intelligence, it’s safe to say that the MAS is here to stay. n

Connie’s Book Club from Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen

Curl up with a good dog and a good book

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF THIS SPRING'S MUST-READS.

Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen

By Candace Fleming; Illustrated by Eric Rohmann This wonderfully charming illustrated middle-grade novel will find fans of all ages. Strongheart tells the entirely winning and wonder-filled tale of Etzel the German Shepherd. Born on a farm between the city and the Bavarian Alps, Etzel thinks he is destined to become a police dog, fighting criminals on the streets of Berlin. But when a Hollywood director meets the shepherd, Etzel is recognized for what he truly is… a star! Etzel enters a life in “the pictures,” starring in silent movies under the name of Strongheart. Red carpets and fame follow, and Strongheart soon sees his name in lights. But when he is wrongly accused of a horrible crime, the pup must use his acting chops to get out of trouble. Fans of Hollywood and the silver screen will love this historical-fiction story of a dog that became a 1920’s celebrity.

As A Dog Thinketh: Daily Words of Wisdom for Dog People

By Monique Anstee Sometimes we overthink things. At least that’s the opinion of professional dog trainer Monique Anstee, who believes that people are overcomplicating their approach to dog training. Thankfully, her excellent book, As a Dog Thinketh: Daily Words of Wisdom for Dog People, brings training back to what it should be: smart, simple, and effective. Chock-full of clever daily philosophies, Anstee’s no-nonsense approach and great sense of humour are what’s been missing from many training guides. Her advice is honest and refreshing, and after working 25 years in the dog training business, her wisdom is completely sound, offering a wonderful perspective on how to nurture and develop your relationship with your best furry friend. A mustread for dog people!

The Friend

By Sigrid Nunez This poignant, buzzed-about novel is a beautiful exploration of grief and the ways in which we come to healing through the remedies of love and friendship. When a broken-hearted writer experiences the death of a close friend and mentor, she learns that she is not the only one left behind—her mentor’s huge Great Dane, who also struggles to adjust to a life without his beloved companion, has been left to her care.

Through their mutual sorrow, the writer and Great Dane form a bond, one that transcends their mourning and helps them overcome their sadness and trauma. Moving, passionate, and sure to bring you to tears, this emotional story is exquisitely told and is bound to stay with you long after the last page is turned. moderndogmagazine.com

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LAST LICK

No such thing as a BAD HAIR DAY

Kim

Lo l !

Take inspiration from these dogs and rock the locks you got!

We call this one "the permË?!

Phoebe

I woke up like this!

Sissy Dizzy Do Da Bonnie

Harry

Teddy

For a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to in the MD offices, the latest breaking stories and videos, cool contests, events, & exclusive giveaways, become a fan of Modern Dog on Facebook & follow us on Twitter, Instagram, & Pinterest. Go to facebook.com/moderndogmag, twitter.com/moderndogmag, instagram.com/moderndogmag & pinterest.com/moderndogmag.

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