Dog Tech: The 11 Best Smart Gadgets for Dogs and Dog Lovers
The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions
Secrets AGING OF
WELL
Old dogs, new research
Publications Agreement Number 40743013 Return Mail Dept, Suite 101 – 2930 Arbutus St., Vancouver, BC V6J 3Y9
GIFT S IDEA R E UND $100
YUM! Healthy Dog Food
WINTER 2023/24
What Your
DOG’S COAT Reveals About Their Health
Are Dog Parks Bad for Dogs? p72
Toppers From Your Kitchen moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH ‘24
$7.95
p60
The 10 Quietest Breeds
Let’s Play! Essential Dog Toys to Suit Every Pup’s Play Style + Giveaways Inside!
R I G H T P H OTO
L E FT P H OTO
WINTER 2023/24 V O L 2 2 N O 4
30 26
The 11 Best Smart Gadgets for Dogs and Dog Lovers
Innovative pet tech that makes life with dogs easier and more fun! BY SASSAFRAS LOWREY
30
These Incredible Dogs Saved Lives
From rushing into a burning building to getting life-saving help, these heartwarming acts of bravery and selflessness will have you reaching for the tissues.
80 READ YOUR BREED 60
A breed expert reveals the 10 quietest breeds.
BY SUSAN KAUFFMANN
54
Secrets of Aging
Citizen scientists and their dogs are taking part in the world’s largest dog study, focused on healthy aging.
80
BY KELLY CALDWELL
One Big-Hearted Guy, 99 Little Dogs
At the lowest point in his life, Bobby Humphreys found solace, personal salvation, and his life’s purpose via an unlikely muse: a surly Chihuahua. BY SHERI RADFORD
68
THE GOODS 24
36
A canine behaviour specialist weighs in. BY NICOLE WILDE
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Winter Adventure Gear
Cold-weather essentials made for winter adventures!
BY CASSIE GILL
Are Dog Parks Actually Bad for Dogs?
Let’s Play!
24
Essential dog toys to suit every play style.
Dogs on a Plane
A luxury charter service for people and their pets allows dogs to skip the cargo and fly by your side—if you can afford it. 72
The Afghan Hound
Is this sweet, independent beauty for you? Let’s find out!
BY ERICA BROWNE GRIVAS
62
The Quietest Dog Breeds
41
The Ultimate Gift Guide
Inspired suggestions for all the dogs and dog lovers on your list.
TO P L E FT I L LU ST R AT I O N BY M I C H E L L E SI M PS O N ; P H OTO TO P R I G H T W I L DST R AW B E R R Y / B I G STO CK ; I N SE T P H OTO P E TSH O P BY F R I N G E ST U D I O
FEATURES
46 60
Home Is Where the Dog Is
66
File these design finds under “want it!”
Dog Gear Look Book
74
Staff favourites and current obsessions.
Healthy Paws
78
Solutions for everything from sore joints to a leaky gut! 52
Healthy Dog Food Toppers from Your Kitchen
Integrative veterinarian Dr. Peter Dobias shares his favourite health-boosting dog food toppers.
46
What Your Dog’s Coat Says About Their Health
DOG LIFE
48
Benefits of Colostrum for Dogs
22
We’re giving it away! We’ve got awesome dog stuff up for grabs—from dog food to gear prize packs—and winners every week. See what you can win on page 22. 38
REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 20 86
Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace
BY TEOTI ANDERSON
78
Copper, a four-year-old Pomsky (Pomeranian Husky mix) photographed by Sara Huber of Paw Print Studio. Find her on Instagram at @pawprintstudioct.
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Boarding School for Dogs
Should you send your dog away for training? A behaviourist explains what to look for— and who this works for.
ON THE COVER
4
Great Giveaways
76
74
Connie’s Book Club
Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s winter selection of mustread books for dog lovers. 84
Tiny Dog Stories
Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. 88
Interesting Dog Facts
Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts.
In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 22, Issue 4. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 061114003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.
P H OTO TO P L E FT LU ST R E A RT / B I G STO CK ; TO P R I G H T KO L D U N OVA A A / B I G STO CK ; L E FT I N SE T N Y N K E VA N H O LT E N / SH U TT E R STO CK ; R I G H T I N SE T J OY TO T H E WO R L D CO L L EC T I B L ES
BODY & SOUL
EDITOR'S LETTER
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Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.
CO N N I E W I L S O N W I T H P E N N Y, P H OTO K H A R E N H I L L
OUR READERS WRITE
Cute Fans
Maya and Zoya are enjoying the Summer issue of Modern Dog magazine while frolicking at the park! We love your magazine, especially the new toys section for Zoya and senior dog information and tips for Maya. —Deb Reid, @thats_maya_zoya_latte
W
inter is a season of subtler, though no less profound, joys—unless you have a Northern breed, in which case your dog is in their glory. (Cooler temps! Snooooow!) But even if your dog is currently snuggled under a blanket patiently awaiting spring’s arrival, there is inspiration here: naps are good, rest is restorative, and if there’s something you love—be it romping through snow or napping as an Olympic sport—throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. Whether your winter vibe is outdoor adventuring or cozy inside activities, we have you covered! This issue is about savouring all the moments. About connection, and joy, and second chances. Bobby Humphreys knows all about the latter. After a devastating divorce, he found his way back from the lowest place possible, thanks to the transformative affection of a small, surly Chihuahua. Bobby now dedicates his life to saving the diminutive breed, currently sharing his home with 99—yes, 99—rescue Chi’s. Turn to page 62 to read his amazing story. The inspiration doesn’t stop there. We also look at The Dog Aging Project, the most expansive dog study to have ever been undertaken. The coolest part? You and your dog may be able to participate! Citizen scientists and their dogs are making valuable observations and helping uncover the secrets to aging well. Then, we explore game-changing smart gadgets designed for dog lovers, suggest vet-approved healthy dog food toppers found in your kitchen, and explore flying private with dogs. A canine behaviour specialist breaks down whether dog parks are bad for dogs, and our article on hero pups that have saved lives will have you reaching for the tissues. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we loved putting it together. Thank you for being a part of our amazing, endlessly inspiring community of dog lovers!
You’ve Got Mail
Walter is an 11-month-old rescue and is full of personality. He was once called a grouch, but we’ve upgraded to personality. He is excited the fall Modern Dog issue has arrived! —Amy, Castlegar, BC
With love, Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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A Good Read I just wanted to thank you for that great article by Nicole Wilde in the summer issue of Modern Dog. The 15 Dog Behaviour Myths was an excellent read and really exciting to see. —Joanne Girvan
C ON TRIBU TO R S WINTER 2023/24 • VOL 22 NO 4
This issue’s adorable cover was shot by Sara Huber, owner of Paw Print Studio, a pet photography studio in Connecticut. Sara started shooting studio portraits of dogs in 2016, primarily focused on shelter pups that needed a boost from an eye-catching photo. When she decided dogs (and other pets) were the only subjects she wanted to work with, she founded Paw Print Studio. She’s known for creating cherished custom portraits for her clients. Find Sara on Instagram @pawprintstudioct.
Publisher
Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Megan Carpick Sales & Marketing
Linda Helme Comptroller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator
Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration
Anna Regino Administrative Assistant, Sales & Marketing
Sheri Radford has been a
Aly Stamper
writer and editor for many years, covering lifestyle and sustainability topics for a variety of publications. She is also the author of five extremely silly books for children. Her household in downtown Vancouver is ruled by the whims of a large and opinionated Norwegian forest cat. In this issue, Sheri looks at the unlikely love affair between a big, bald, tough guy and the abandoned Chihuahuas he’s dedicated his life to saving. Turn to page 62 for this heartwarming story of second chances!
Administrative Assistant
Angelie Hizon
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Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 or email advertising@moderndogmagazine.com In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 22, Issue 4. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 22, Issue 4. 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.
Seattle-based journalist Erica Browne Grivas’s awardwinning features have been published in The Seattle Times, Real Simple, and more. Her writing often explores the interplay of people and nature. She finds inspiration at home: Erica’s dog Mojo climbs trees, uses a couple of speech buttons, and hogs the covers. In this issue, Erica takes a look at The Dog Aging Project (p54), a long-term longitudinal study of aging in companion dogs, and shares how you and your dog can contribute as citizen scientists to a healthier future!
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ENTER TO WIN
We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in December, January and February. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every week.
December
1st -7th
8th -14th
15th-21st
Win 1 of 2 dog lifestyle essentials prize packs from CONAIRPROPET! Includes the GoodBone Treat Maker, LED Waste Bag Dispenser, 120 count Waste Bag Pack, and Corded 2-in-1 Clipper/Trimmer 17-piece Kit.
Win a dog gear prize pack from Pawfit! Includes their Pawfit 3s pet location and activity tracker, a six-month Pawfit subscription, a water bottle, leash, and a Pawfit collar!
8th -14th
15th -21st
22nd-31st
8th -14th
15th-21st
22nd -29th
Win 1 of 2 dog food and chew prize packs from Earth Animal! Includes one 8 lb. and two 2 lb. bags of Wisdom Air-Dried Dog food, one No-Hide Chew, and one pack of Holiday Feast No-Hide Strips.
Win an S65 Standard Cordless Stick Vacuum from Simplicity Vacuums! This lightweight and versatile vacuum reduces pet fur, dust, and allergens in the home, while making cleaning fun and easy.
January
1st-7th
Win 1 of 3 dog wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes bottles of their FoamCare Shampoo, Wound Care, Eye Wash, Ear Rinse, and Hot Spot Gel solutions.
Win a food and treat prize pack from ZIWI! Includes an assortment of their air-dried and canned wet food recipes, and a variety of chews and treats.
February
1st-7th
Win 1 of 3 Parasite PCR Panel testing kits from Kedi Labs! Detects 20 critical GI parasites plus zoonosis and drug resistance markers.
Win 1 of 3 NFL dog gear prize packs from Little Earth Productions! Includes an NFL All Pro pet bowl, a Home and Away bandana set, and a Cluckenberry Squawky Chicken toy with your choice of NFL team.
Win 1 of 12 FurZoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles. Made in the USA from 90% recycled material, it’s 100% durable!
Win 1 of 4 prize packs from Banixx! Includes a bottle of the Banixx Pet Care Spray, Banixx Medicated Wound Cream, a WestPaw Bumi toy, and a bag of Sweet Potato Dog Chews.
22nd-31st
Win 1 of 3 three-month supplies of NOW Fresh dog food! Winners will receive product vouchers to redeem at their favourite local pet retailer.
Win 1 of 3 HandOn Gloves– the massage your dog will woof for! These gloves provide a more thorough shedding, bathing, and grooming experience for you and your canine!
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning December 1, 2023 at 12:01 AM (PST) through February 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.
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INSET PHOTO: WILLOW SUBMITTED BY STEPHANIE CRENSHAW
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide A gift guide for dogs & dog lovers!
The DogSpace Charlie dog gate allows dogs to feel secure in a confined space. With a dog gate, you can easily create a territory your puppy can retreat to– while also keeping valuables protected from puppy teeth. petdepot.com
Unleash a world of elegance for your dog! Bowser’s exquisite runway-inspired dog bed is designed with luxury, comfort, and sophistication in mind. A soothing retreat for your furry friend! bowsers.com
Treat with kindness this holiday season with Sleigh Ride Snacks! Packed with ingredients your pup will love, and a cause you can feel great about too– each bag sold supports people with disabilities. getfinleys.com
Honour your furry companion with a donation to Feeding Pets of the Homeless. Thousands of pets are experiencing homelessness with their humans and they need your help today. Be a part of their mission at PetsoftheHomeless.org/holiday
Tractive GPS is the ultimate gift for any pet parent! Live GPS lets you track your pets every step, plus activity/sleep tracking, virtual fence, family sharing, and more. tractive.com
The Mud Room Dispenser (MRD) is a simple home-based solution that addresses your dog’s waste bag needs, in a convenient wall-mounted design. This easy-to-install dispensing system can be mounted indoors or outdoors! doggonwild.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide A holiday tradition you and your dog can both enjoy! The Best Bully Sticks 24 Days of Pawliday Cheer Dog Treat Advent Calendar is the ultimate gift to make your furry friend’s tail wag with delight, and the perfect present for the dog parent in your life! bestbullysticks.com
Engage your pup with Project Hive Pet Company’s Wild Berry Scented Hive Chew Toy! This made-inthe-USA dog toy floats, is gentle on dogs’ teeth, non-toxic, dishwasher-safe, and recyclable. projecthivepetcompany.com
Turn any dog leash into a water bowl with Spleash! No more collapsible or unsanitary community bowls. Spleash lets you hydrate your BFF with the push of a button! spleash.com Are you always late because you can’t resist stopping for every dog you see? This great cap is embroidered onto a garment-dyed, low profile cap with a buckle back closure. tugtees.com
The Way of Life Method goes beyond conventional training to help owners design ways of life that foster deep bonds, resolve behaviour issues, and raise healthy and happy dogs. thewayoflifemethod.com
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Pet parents, wearing a “Save My Pet ID Tag” will provide you with the comforting reassurance that your pets will be continuously cared for, even if you are unable to provide it. Order yours today! savemypetidtag.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide MUi Pet’s magnetic dog leash is exclusively designed to make latching your dog’s collar or harness effortless. Featuring a dualmagnet assisted system with a premium 6-foot rope leash. Use MODERNDOG20 for 20% off. muipet.com
Winslow and Zippy, an impulsive young puppy and a wise older dog, navigate their owner’s life challenges through touching letters to “Grandma Vivienne.” A great book showcasing love, humour, and the profound canine connection. amazon.com
Big solutions from a little boost! Conveniently packaged in a single-serve pouch, all-new Go! Solutions Boosters for dogs serve as a delicious wet food topper to enhance dry food palatability. go-solutions.com
#1 ranked, multiaward winning, HandsOn Gloves are the revolutionary all-in-one shedding/ bathing/grooming gloves. Animal preferred for the loving HandOn massage. HandsOn is changing the way we bathe, deshed and groom all our animals. Forever. handsongloves.com
Treat your furry family member this New Year with Basepaws Breed + Health Dog DNA Test. Dive deep into their health, traits, and breed! Discover more at basepaws.com
The Roomba Combo j9+ tackles big pet messes with powerful vacuuming and deepscrub mopping! Featuring iRobot OS intelligence, it even avoids hazards like water bowls, pet toys, and solid pet waste. irobot.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide
The Leave In conditioning treatment is gloss-inducing and detangling, and The Only Brush both detangles and massages. This is how glamour happens! Enjoy the best gloss ever. prideandgroom.com Northwest Naturals new frozen treats come in three organ meat proteins: Beef Liver, Chicken Heart, and Pork Liver! These proteins support immune, digestive, and cardiovascular health while also supporting healthy skin, coat, and muscles. nw-naturals.net
Step out in style and confidence with Buddy Belts! Their leather and sport harnesses are effortlessly chic while keeping your pet’s neck safe. There are many colours to choose from, sizes for every dog, and matching accessories available! buddy-belts.com
Unleash elegance with BZ Dog Gear’s Champagne Gold and Saddle Tan Leather Dog Tag. Customize it with your dog’s name and your contact info for a touch of luxury and security! bzdoggear.com
Every dog is unique—and so is their story. This whimsical memory book celebrates the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs allowing you to unleash your creativity. Order now at penguinrandomhouse.com
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Put me in, coach! Get your best bud their own custom team jersey! Available at littlearth.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide The Stinky Pet Co’s new line of luxury lifestyle products was carefully curated to bring a refreshing and calming balance to you, your pet, and the places you spend most of your time. thestinkypetco.com
Stylish and warm, the Shedrow K9 Vail coat is a fan favourite. With easy on-and-off features and sizes for all breeds, this coat is the perfect gift! shedrowk9.com These irresistibly delicious dog biscuits are the paw-fect gift! 100% human grade, organic, and vegan. Contains Omega-6 for shiny skin and coat and fiber for digestion. Buy on Amazon or in store. cookiepal.ca
Snooziez with Shhhqueaker toys are ZippyPaws first line of silent dog toys! These cuddly corduroy cuties provide your dog with a delightful squeaker sound that falls silent upon human ears. zippypaws.com Joy to the World offers the world’s largest pet ornament collection with more than 750 designs! Handcrafted in Poland and featuring dozens of different breeds, these ornaments are a unique present for dog lovers. joytotheworldonline.com An illustrated celebration and exploration of the connection between dogs and humans! Find For the Love of Dog: The Ultimate Relationship Guide on Amazon.com
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Benefits of
Colostrum Dogs
P H OTO LU ST R E A RT / B I G STO CK
for
C
olostrum is renowned as an immune system booster. It is most often used to help dogs with allergies, but it has other incredible benefits too. First, though, what exactly is colostrum? Colostrum is the first type of breast milk produced after giving birth. Nutrient-dense and rich in antibodies and antioxidants, it helps nourish and build a healthy immune system. But it isn’t just puppies that benefit from colostrum. Adult dogs can benefit too— and it doesn’t have to be sourced from canines. Colostrum from cows, called bovine colostrum, is effective and easily sourced. Could colostrum improve your dog’s health? Read on to find out.
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Benefits Of Colostrum for Dogs
1
Immune System One of the main
benefits of colostrum is improving your dog’s immune system function. Bovine colostrum strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight disease-causing agents. The immune-boosting effects of colostrum are mostly due to its high concentration of the antibodies IgA and IgG, proteins that fight viruses and bacteria. A 2013 study showed that dogs’ immune function improved when colostrum was given orally.
2
Allergies Allergies are the result
of an overactive immune response. The PRPs in colostrum help moderate
the overreaction. Colostrum can also decrease inflammation, helping moderate rashes and itching.
3
Diarrhea Colostrum can also
4
Leaky Gut Leaky gut in dogs is
help treat diarrhea, whether acute, chronic, or infectious. A 2004 study demonstrated improvement in fecal quality associated with feeding bovine collagen to puppies. the result of gut-lining damage caused by drugs or environmental toxins. A leaky gut can cause problems from allergies to digestive issues and even arthritis. The lactoferrin (milk
SPECIAL PROMOTION
HEALTHY CANINE P H OTO G EO RG I I / A D O B E S TO C K
Products to enhance a healthy canine lifestyle
Fall weather means cooler temperatures and achy joints for our sweet canine companions. That makes it a perfect time to learn or begin a new career in canine massage. Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage offers a comprehensive Introduction to Canine Therapeutic Massage course! Details at rmsaam.com
Your answer to pet odours is here! QAIS-air-04 is a filter-less air purifier designed for pet odours. The product can be easily wall-mounted just above a pet space to deodorize odours before they spread through the room. Don’t let your home’s pet smells be the first thing your guests notice. us.sunstarqais.com
Living Stream Canine Colostrum is all about enhancing, strengthening, and modulating the Dog’s immune system and GI Tract. It is vital to keep the GI Tract healthy and functional and facilitate the balancing of intestinal flora. Canine Colostrum offers amazing results from head to tail! Allergies, itching, and inflammation are all related to the GI Tract. livingstreamhealth.com
Your dog’s gastrointestinal tract is important to their well-being. Caniotic probiotic tablets contain live, species-specific Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria. Having host-specific bacteria allows the live bacteria to reach the intestines and establish a colony of good bacteria and secretes the metabolite reuterin. Enhances the immune system and supports long term digestive health! bluegrassanimalproducts.com I’m-Yunity for dogs is the only clinically proven medicinal mushroom extract of Coriolus versicolor. It helps to reduce your dog’s pain and fatigue while improving energy levels, mobility, and appetite. Start improving your dog’s immunity and quality of life today! Use code “moderndog” for 5% off, and learn about clinical results and rewards programs at buyimyunity.com
The LASERwrap® Dog Coat by Spectra Therapy automates delivery of coherent laser energy over the entire dog. Repeat treatments relieve pain and tension, improve circulation, athletic performance, temperament, reduce anxiety, speed recovery, and can extend a dog’s life by 2 to 3 years. LASERwrap®’s patented hands-free delivery makes treatment practical and safe without costly and time consuming clinic visits. spectratherapy.com
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Upon launch, K9 Jets sold an impressive half a million dollars of seats in just five hours—most to people relocating across the pond, such as customer K.C. Hagen, and the majority flying private for the first time. “We had to move our two dogs—an 11-year-old Goldendoodle and a two-year-old Golden Retriever from England to the U.S.A. K9 Jets was a saviour,” enthuses Hagen. “We wish we knew about this years ago when we moved over. Our poor pups had a horrible experience in cargo and customs, even though it was a direct flight. K9 Jets’ team was so helpful and responsive from the start of our search all the way until we were landed! They truly care about your pets but also that you're having a first class experience. The crew was lovely, the plane was so comfortable, and the food and drinks were great,” she says. Client Athena Clarke echoes the sentiment. “I flew from the United Kingdom to the U.S.A. and then back again with my two miniature Dachshunds at my side, cage free,” she explains.
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“From start to finish, [it was] a stress-free experience. Adam of K9 Jets makes sure you know exactly what’s needed paperwork-wise for your destination and is in contact with you as often as needed before travel to make sure all your ducks are in a row,” she adds, praising the ease of flying out of a private terminal and skipping long waits and long lines. Flights are confirmed by the company once 75 percent of passenger-andpet spots are booked at a fixed cost, which potential customers can book online. Due to the popularity of the company, cancellations are unlikely. “The client base is changing as we are becoming more established. There are a lot more passengers traveling for leisure, including some A-list stars too!” Golder teases. As the company grows, customers can expect to see more routes added. But even at this point, customers are impressed. “You arrive at the private airfield just an hour before travel and board the plane five minutes before take-off,” Clarke notes in a testimonial. “Who knew this would ever be possible? Travelling is made pleasurable for you and your pet by Adam and his team…. It’s so lovely being able to take my dogs with me.”
P H OTO K 9 J E TS
financial/legal responsibilities. They also wanted something competitively priced,” Golder says. “In July 2022, we registered the company and started to work on the concept with our legal teams in the UK and U.S.”
SPECIAL PROMOTION
PROBLEM SOLVERS Ingenious solutions to common dog-life problems
PROBLEM: ENDLESS GAME OF "WHACK-A-MESS" ON YOUR CAR SEATS! SOLUTION: Say goodbye to constant cleaning. Keep your car spotless with 4Knines Seat Covers and Cargo Liners– the durable, waterproof, and easy-to-clean solution trusted by pet owners for 10 years! 4Knines.com
PROBLEM: FINDING A LOST PET SOLUTION: Never lose track of your pet again with the
Pawfit 3s pet location and activity tracker! Featuring smart GPS technology and worry-free extended battery life to protect pets with confidence. Available on Amazon or pawfit.com
PROBLEM: STORMY, SNOWY, ICY WEATHER SOLUTION: WizSmart dog pads are ideal when harsher
weather hits! Colder temps, ice, and snow make it difficult for dogs of all sizes to go out! Avoid nasty falls, freezing paws, and accidents with these awardwinning leak-proof pads. wizsmart.com
PROBLEM: DOGGY BATH TIME MESS SOLUTION: Vetericyn FoamCare shampoo sprays on for
quick coverage, foams instantly, conditions skin, and rinses easier than other shampoos! Available in regular, thick coat, and medicated formulas. Paraben-free, plant-based, and makes bath time fast and fun! vetericyn.com
PROBLEM: SORE, STIFF JOINTS SLOWING YOUR POOCH DOWN SOLUTION: “Happy-Go-
PROBLEM: PET URINE ODOURS SOLUTION: Avoid making pet urine smells worse
with DIY approaches or steam cleaning. Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.) by Chem-Dry attacks pet urine odours on a molecular level, eliminating them. md.chemdry.com
Puppy” CBD-infused mobility chews for dogs combine broadspectrum hemp with greenlipped mussel and wild New Zealand roe oil to help promote healthy joints and hips. The tasty, chicken-liver flavoured treats are vet-formulated and made in the USA! okoapet.com
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Named It took me seven months to name our biggest dog, a Standard Poodle from Mississippi. Less than two, yet we were his third owners. His papers said “Walker,” but he knew no loyalty to that name. He needed a good name because he is a wonderful dog. We wanted him to know that this was going to be his forever home. He’s loyal, big, but at times very bouncy. He’s quiet and has taken to the cats. We share long walks every day. After seven months, we named him “Kabuki George.” He seems to like it.—Joseph Dewan
Best Friends
Tiny Dog Stories Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. Annie Loves the Mutts My name is Angela Wilson, but everyone calls me Annie. I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. I was diagnosed at the young age of six months with Type 1. My life expectancy was age three. Throughout my life, everyone counted me out. I started volunteering at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco in 2021. I foster dogs, write bios, and make videos for the mutts! I even adopted two seniors of my own. Now 41, helping to get the senior dogs adopted is absolutely one of the biggest accomplishments in my life.—Angela Wilson
What Matters Most A few days ago, I lost my girl, Bella. She came to me when I was going through divorce eight years ago. I already had two dogs, but adding Bella to my pack was a non-negotiable. She was mine, and I was hers. She was my shadow, my protector, my bestie. I knew this moment would come one day. I just wasn't expecting it to be NOW. Moments like these force us to stop the train of busyness and focus on what matters the most. Most of the time, it’s right in front of us. Hold your fur-babies tight.—Christina Cuevas
I’m a veteran from the Canadian Military, retired medically with PTSD. I was on a list for a service dog for five years. Yes, five—a long wait. When I got the call that they had a dog for me, I was so excited. I had to go to Kitchener, ON, for a week to train with my boy, Thunder. We’ve been together for four years now. He goes everywhere with me—massage, chiro, neurofeedback. He’s been to six Toronto Maple Leafs games. He’s my best friend. I feel like the luckiest person alive.—Kevin Barter
Hope on Four Legs During a period of great sadness in my life, you ran up to me at a local park with a pink tennis ball in your mouth. Retrieving it, I saw the word printed upon it: “hope.” That moment was transformative—I sensed some greater power had brought you and the hopeful tennis ball into my life. Years later, you live with me and are my best friend. You have helped me move from despair to a place of gratitude. One of my stories was published, and you leaped up, licked my face as if to say, “Congratulations! Way to go!”—Renee Skudra
I Wear Flowers on My Arm The small Chihuahua nips my arm / Where the cherry blossoms are blooming / And the butterfly flutters / Could he know / That I got this tattoo / In memory of my precious son? It doesn’t really matter. Or perhaps it does, / Because / The next thing I did / Was adopt him. As with all large or small changes in this world / We must come to accept that / Life has to go on. I am grateful for my Chihuahua / Nipping my tattoo for whatever crazy sweet reason he has, / And suddenly reminding me of Robert.—Jean B. Yates
Get published in Modern Dog! Submit your dog story of no more than 100 words (word count strictly enforced) to tinydogstories@moderndogmagazine.com. By submitting, you are consenting to publication of your story.
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DOG FACTS
Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts
The Low Down on Bassets
Toothy Grin
Dogs have more teeth than humans. Canines have 42 teeth—10 more than humans do.
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb Don’t let their lamb-like appearance and demeanor fool you—Bedlingtons spent most of the 1800s doing dirty—and sometimes deadly—work, notes the AKC. Named for the Northumberland mining shire where the breed originated, Bedlingtons were coal mine ratters, varmint killers, and pit fighters. Used by the Romani people as a poaching partner, this terrier got the nickname “Gypsy Dog.”
A Soft Spot for Chihuahuas Like babies, Chihuahuas have a delicate, soft area on the skull called a fontanelle—except with Chihuahuas, the fontanelle is persistent, thanks to genetics and their round skull-shape. In fact, open fontanelles in Chihuahuas are referred to as “moleras” and are considered a part of the breed standard, along with the classic dome-shaped head.
Spot On Scenting A Bloodhound’s sense of smell is so reliable that a trained Bloodhound’s tracking evidence is legally admissible in some U.S. courts. Bloodhounds can follow scents for up to 130 miles and can detect smells that are 300 hours old.
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Dog Days
The Better to Hear You With
The term “dog days” doesn’t actually have anything to do with dogs. The phrase dates to Roman times, when it was thought that Sirius, the Dog Star, added to the sun’s heat from July 3 to August 11, creating particularly high temperatures.
Dogs have 18 muscles in their ears, whereas humans only have six, enabling them to rotate, tilt, raise and lower their ears. They can even move each ear independently of the other, allowing them to hear different sounds with each ear.
Greyhound vs Cheetah Although cheetahs are the fastest land mammal—these exceptional sprinters have been clocked at 65 mph and can reach speeds of 60 mph in just three seconds—they can maintain such speeds for only short distances. This means the Greyhound would win in a long-distance race. These speedy, aerodynamic sighthounds can maintain an average speed of 35 mph for approximately seven miles.
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The name Basset—as in Basset Hound—is derived from the French word bas and translates to 'rather low.' Bassets are friendly, patient, playful, and low-key, generally tolerating children and other pets. This low-to-the-ground breed is known for its excellent sense of smell. Their signature trailing ears, which, along with the Bloodhound are the longest of any breed, help trap the scent of what they are tracking.