PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JULIA SUHAREVA/ADOBESTOCK; GRISHA BRUEV/BIGSTOCK; RC HAGEN/BIONIC
64 FEATURES 26
A Dachshund’s Unlikely Survival Story After 529 days alone in the Australian bush, Miniature Dachshund Valerie is finally home. BY TRACEY TONG
30
The Third Evolution of Dogs
The third wave of dog domestication: As dogs enter a new phase of evolution, scientists and dog experts wonder, what’s next? BY SHERI RADFORD
42
What’s That Bark Mean?
Understanding dog barks (they’re not all the same). BY TEOTI ANDERSON
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The Friend You Didn’t Know You Needed
After unexpectedly inheriting a dog, some surprised recipients found it’s exactly what their lives were lacking.
THE GOODS
BY LISA KANAREK
22
A lovely, heartstring-tugging, adoption-inspiring diptych from an artist that channels “radical compassion.”
READ YOUR BREED 64
72
Meet the “Mini Aussie”
Get to know the good-natured, bright, and devoted Miniature American Shepherd. BY KELLY CALDWELL
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Home is Where the Dog is File under “want it!”
The 14 Calmest, Most Laid-Back Dog Breeds Looking for a relaxed canine companion? These low maintenance breeds fit the bill!
Toys for Bored Dogs Discover the best dog toys with this guide to keeping your dog entertained and busy!
Too Big, Too Old, Too Damaged
40
Dog Gear Look Book
22
Staff favourites and current obsessions. 70
Healthy Paws
R I G H T P H OTO
L E FT P H OTO
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Solutions for everything from itchy ears to digestive distress!
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68
BODY & SOUL Good News for Dog Lovers
56
10 science-backed reasons why having a dog is good for your health.
Spotting the signs and knowing the causes.
Have Dog Allergies?
54
This scientist couple engineered a solution.
REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 18 78
Understanding Osteoarthritis in Dogs
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10
Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace
Dental Disease in Dogs
DOG LIFE 20
We’re Giving It Away!
We’ve got 6 months of incredible giveaways—from GPS trackers for dogs to wellness prize packs—and winners every two weeks. See what’s up for grabs on page 20! 38
20
How Dogs See the World Around Them
New sensory insights reveal how our dogs experience the world around them—and how we can adapt our homes to match.
ON THE COVER This issue’s cover dog is Frenchie, an utterly adorable 10-week-old French Bulldog puppy, photographed by the very talented Shaina Fishman, an NYC-based commercial photographer specializing in pets. Find her at shainafishman.com.
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44
How Dogs Experience the World
A dog cognition scientist offers fascinating insight into what our dogs see, feel, hear, and think. 68
Connie’s Book Club
Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s current selection of must-read books for dog lovers. 76
Tiny Dog Stories
Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. 80
Last Lick: Quotable
TOP LEFT PHOTO: DORA ZETT/SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT ILLUSTRATION FROM DOG AFFIRMATIONS BY ANDREA CÁCERES
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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
Rescue Rules
The Muttville new shelter piece looks SO GOOD in the Spring/Summer issue! Thank you! We are framing and hanging it at Muttville for all to see. What a beautiful shout-out.—Patty Stanton, Muttville
T
his issue celebrates canine life and the fascinating, wonderful creature that is the dog. We’ve dedicated this issue to better understanding our best friends, from their incredible senses to how they are evolving to meet the demands of modern life. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is thinking, saying or feeling, this is the magazine for you! Our dogs’ senses differ from ours in important ways, from the colours they see to the scents and sounds they are able perceive. On page 44, a dog cognition scientist offers fascinating insight into what dogs, see, feel, hear, and think in How Dogs Experience the World. What about barking? Different barks mean different things, of course. Can you tell the difference? Turn to page 42 for Dog Barks Decoded: What Your Dog’s Barks Mean. In a recent study, scientists posited that dogs are entering a third wave of evolution. Discover what this means for our best friends and how they’re changing on page 30. Of course, we’ve found all the coolest dog stuff, including a shortlist of excellent toys for bored dogs. (We love nothing better than testing dog toys!) You’ll also find recommendations for collars, leashes, beds, and more. Flip to page 26 for a Dachshund’s unlikely tale of survival. Read all about the recovery effort to find Valerie, a Miniature Doxie who spent an incredible 529 days alone in the Australian Bush—only to emerge in the best shape of her life. And that’s not all. Get to know the most low-maintenance dog breeds, discover 10 science-backed reasons why having a dog is good for your health, and check out the “rubbish” pet portraits that have raised £400,000 for charity! We also share interesting dog facts, sciencebacked wellness picks, great gift ideas, giveaways, and so much more. So, jump in! As always, thank you for being a part of our amazing community of dog lovers.
Happy Fans We really enjoyed the latest issue and especially the article “Is My Dog Happy?” Yes, Maya and Milly are happy. How can you not be happy reading Modern Dog? —@thats_maya_zoya_latte
With love,
Max Loves Modern Dog
Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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Some light reading at the book store for this adorable puppy Pom!—@maxbear_pom
C ON TRIBU TO R S FAL L • W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 / 2 6 • V O L 2 4 N O 2 Publisher
Lisa Kanarek is a freelance
Modern Dog Inc.
writer with work published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, and WIRED. She and her Husky, Gaia, are a therapy animal team that visits pediatric and hospice patients. She is working on a book about how they became a team and the work they do. Head to page 60 to read about the challenging yet heartwarming experience of unexpectedly inheriting a dog.
Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Megan Carpick Sales & Marketing
Aly Stamper Subscriptions & Office Administration
Anna Regino Administrative Assistant
Mina Zivkovic Sales
Simran Parekh Comptroller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA
Award-winning journalist Tracey Tong is a lifelong dog lover and regular contributor to Modern Dog. A magazine editor and professor of journalism at Algonquin College, she lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband and two daughters. In this issue, she shares the incredible story of Valerie the Miniature Dachshund (p 26) who spent 529 days alone in the Australian bush, captivating the world as she evaded capture at every turn.
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 or email advertising@moderndogmagazine.com MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 24, Issue 2. Published semi-annually by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In Canada POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog,
PO Box 4767 Blaine, WA 98231-9901.
604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131
PHONE (
FAX (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031
Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA,
KPA-CTP, is a Modern Dog regular contributor and the co-owner of A Dog’s Best Friend in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. A dog trainer for more than 30 years, she’s the author of The Dog Behavior Problem Solver, Ultimate Guide to Dog Training, and more. She also presents on canine behaviour to pet owners, humane organizations, and fellow pet professionals across the U.S. and internationally. Turn to page 42 for her unpacking of what your dog’s barks mean (they’re not all the same!).
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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 2025/26 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 two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9
PROUDLY PRODUCED AND 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.
Stuff We Love
Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter! 1 Here’s a collection worth howling for! Look and feel good in shoes by BOBS® from Skechers®. From the brand that’s donated $13 million to help save and support more than 2 million shelter pets.—Aly (from $70, BOBSfromskechers.com) 2 Don’t let dry, itchy, irritated paws pester your pup. Simply Sage’s Calming Lavender Dog Paw Balm soothes and protects paws, offering gentle, natural relief so your dog can stay active, happy, and ready for every adventure. —Anna ($15, simplysagedogtreats.com) 3 Want something new to listen to? Hugz n Pawz is a musical project inspired by a love for dogs. It’s a bit retro rock, a bit boy band, a bit Disney musical—and 100% pup-inspired. Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube music, where you can stream all 27 tail-wagging tracks.—Jory 4 Say goodbye to pee pad and poop bag odours with the Doggy Twist’R by Red Rocket—your smart, mess-free solution for pet waste disposal. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, it features a built-in poop bag dispenser and odour-locking technology to keep your space fresh and clean. Waste management made easy!—Bowen (from $60, redrocketpets.com) 5 We’ve found your next fun read! Madcap Dogs: Revealing Their True Glory shares 14 lively tales of dogs whose spirit, mischief, and loyalty transform the lives of their families, celebrating the unbreakable bond between humans and their four-legged companions in moments both heartfelt and hilarious.—Shakira ($11, amazon.com) 6 Pup O’Clock is the subscription box for dog lovers that delivers education, enrichment, and entertainment all in one. Each subscription box is packed with activities and guides, treats and recipes, and toys and accessories designed to deepen your bond and support your dog’s development. It’s the smart, playful way to nurture your dog’s well-being. Plus, every purchase helps support animal shelters!—Connie ($35, pupoclock.com) 7 I’m-Yunity’s research-backed supplement supports dogs fighting cancer, particularly hemangiosarcoma. Powered by a proprietary Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) extract derived from the Coriolus Versicolor mushroom, it’s designed to naturally boost immune health, help stabilize white blood cell counts, and support energy and appetite.—Jennifer ($95, buyimyunity.com) 8 If you’re interested in safe, proven, and effective natural remedies for helping your dog, The Herbal Dog is a must read. Canine herbalist Rita Hogan’s guide to caninespecific herbs, what conditions they’re good for, and how to use them is an invaluable resource for anyone invested in their dog’s best health.—Rose ($25, amazon.com) 9 Stop masking pet urine odours—eliminate them with ChemDry’s revolutionary Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.). This professional carpet cleaning service targets stubborn stains and lingering smells, leaving your home cleaner and healthier.—Mina (chemdry.ca) 10 Turn your pup’s cuteness into awesome stickers—in just minutes! With a variety of playful themes to choose from and the option to include yourself, these personalized wallpapers and stickers have never been easier or more adorable!—Chili ($3, pixelpets.co) 11 Take your dog’s favourite spot with you! Meet the magic mat: the portable Luwello Settle Mat is lightweight, wipeable, and designed to keep your dog calm and comfortable wherever you go.—Simran ($65, luwello.com) 12 Nourish your pet’s skin and coat with the gentle power of ZYMOX Advanced Enzymatic Shampoo. It combines the antimicrobial LP3 Enzyme System with soothing vitamin D3 and Avena Sativa extract. Hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, plus paraben and detergent-free, it’s the ideal solution for sensitive, dry, itchy or irritated skin.—Megan ($20, zymox.com) 13 Find the best vet, groomer, boarding, and more! ZooDoc’s website and app make it easy to search and compare vets, specialists, and other animal care experts in your area.—Jessica (zoodoc.org) 14 Turn cherished memories into something you can display with Furever Framed’s Custom Photo Magnets, lovingly handcrafted to showcase your dog’s photo in vibrant colour and a glossy finish!—Cecilia ($9, fureverframed.com)
“Rubbish” Artist Raises £400,000 Self-confessed “rubbish” artist raises whopping sum for charity with hilariously bad pet portraits
A
UK-based pet-portrait artist has raised more than £400,000 for charity with his self-confessed “rubbish” pictures. No one is more surprised than he is. It all started in 2020 when Phil Heckels, from Worthing, West Sussex, drew his own dog, posting it on Facebook and jokingly offering paid commissions under the alias Hercule Van Wolfwinkle. But real requests flooded in. His hilariously bad pet portraits, with their way-too-long legs and wonky eyes, struck a chord with dog lovers. Heckels, who recently had a second book published of his work, is still stunned by the response. The artist is “overwhelmed” to have raised so much for charity, telling the BBC: “The continued support will never cease to amaze me. I’ve always said I will keep drawing portraits for as long as people donate…The work that the two charities do is unbelievable and I’m so pleased to raise awareness for them.” Heckels receives so many portrait requests that pets are chosen via a lottery. Send him a message with your pet’s
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photo via Facebook messenger and cross your fingers. All donations are discretionary and go directly to the charities. All of the pet portraits are shared on his social media pages, ‘Pet Portraits By Hercule’ (the only account name he operates under; all others are fakes), in return for a voluntary donation to one of his two chosen charities: Turning Tides, a homelessness charity, and StreetVet, an organization that provides free, essential veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness across the U.K. The response has been so great that three years ago he quit his job in commercial property to work full-time as an artist and fundraiser. The sale of prints, originals, and other artwork allows him to keep it going. “It’s amazing,” Heckels says. “The whole project feels like being on a rollercoaster.” More Rubbish Pet Portraits was published April 10th. Available wherever books are sold!
A sleep expert reveals findings why many would sooner ‘sleep divorce’ their partner than their pet By Wendy Troxel
I’m
a sleep researcher best known for my work on sleep in couples—I’ve even written a book on the topic, Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep. Of all the questions I receive, none comes up more often than whether it’s “bad” for couples to sleep in separate beds. People look to me for permission, hoping I’ll affirm their need to “sleep divorce” in the name of rest and sanity. But here’s what never fails to surprise me. If I dare to mention that perhaps the family pet might do better with their own bed, suddenly I’ve crossed a very sensitive line! Suggesting partners sleep apart is met with open minds, but hint that a beloved dog or cat should leave the mattress? That’s when the resistance hits. According to national surveys, nearly half of all pet owners share their beds with animals. There’s a deep comfort in curling up with a furry companion at the end of a long day. But science tells us this comes with a very real trade-off: good sleep quality is often what’s sacrificed. Pets bring dander and allergens into the sleep environment, which can disrupt rest for everyone, not just allergy sufferers. Their sleep cycles clash with ours—dogs may twitch, kick, whimper, or bark in their dreams, while cats hit their stride
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during the early hours, turning bedrooms into parkour courses. Even when things are calm, simply adding another breathing body to the room raises carbon dioxide levels and affects air quality, further compromising restful sleep. Despite these disruptions, people will often kick their partner to the couch long before considering banishing the pet. There’s a reason for this deep attachment. The bond we share with our animals is uniquely powerful and especially pronounced when night falls. As historian Roger Ekirch describes, nighttime has always left humans vulnerable, and our drive for connection and safety is hardwired. Even today, our pets fill that hardwired psychological need. They are not just buddies, but family, protectors, and living symbols of comfort. If the idea of “sleep divorcing” your pet sounds impossible but you’re desperate for better sleep, there is hope. Consider a few practical tweaks:
1. 2.
Up-size your bed so everyone, human and animal, can spread out.
3. 4.
Use a HEPA filter to improve air quality and wash bedding frequently to minimize allergens.
Try alternate arrangements, like placing a cozy pet bed next to yours, equipped with a heated pad or favourite blanket, to tempt even the most stubborn bed hog.
Compromise creatively: some families let pets sleep beside the bed early in the night, then join for morning cuddles.
OTSP H OTO / A D O B ESTO CK
Snuggles or Sleep?
CAPTION THIS!
C A RTO O N S BY J O H N K LO SS N E R ; J K LO SS N E R . CO M
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 LAST ISSUE IS…
Our pets aren’t just pets; they’re family, protectors, and living teddy bears rolled into one.
Ultimately, sleep is deeply personal. Who we share our bed with, whether it’s a partner, a pet, or both, plays into our sense of comfort and safety. While science shows there can be some downsides to sleeping with pets, the emotional return can be profound, especially for children. My best advice, rooted in years of research and clinical experience (and pet ownership), is to recognize what brings you and your family comfort and to honour that choice. After all, good sleep is about balance and well-being, and sometimes that balance involves a warm, furry body curled up at your side. ■ Wendy Troxel is a senior behavioural and social scientist at RAND, an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Utah, and author of Sharing the Covers: Every Couple's Guide to Better Sleep.
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“My brother, McGruff, fights crime. I went down a different path.” SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH DEWAN
RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS
“I'm still a good boy—a good PLAYBOY.” SUBMITTED BY JOE AYELLA
“Care for a scotch and toilet water?” SUBMITTED BY FRITZ BRAND
“I trust that you find all this talk about me as interesting as I do.” SUBMITTED BY MARJORIE IMBERG
“Maybe being in the doghouse isn't such a bad thing.” SUBMITTED BY SUSAN GALE WICKES
“And then when I was 18...” SUBMITTED BY LAUREN CLARK
P H OTO P :H B OTO E N EXVO X XL E N T E 82/ SH U TT E R STO CK
And here’s an important twist. The pet-sleep debate is a bit more nuanced when it comes to kids. Parents often worry about the impact on their children’s sleep if pets share the bed. Research suggests that most kids and teens who sleep with pets don’t experience worse sleep quality. In fact, many feel more secure and peaceful, reporting better rest when their trusted animal is nearby. For young people, the presence of a dog or cat can ease anxiety and make bedtime a more positive experience. So, while adults may need to make trade-offs for better sleep, for children, the emotional and psychological benefits may outweigh the costs.
! E L I SM CHAMP
YUKI
LINCOLN
Mixed Breed
Siberian Husky
Mixed Breed
ANASTASIA Dachshund
BARON
Maltese/Yorkie
birdie
millie
taisy ray
Wire Fox Terrier
Australian Shepherd
Golden Doodle
GRACIE
Mini AussieDoodle
lilu
Cane Corso
Awww ! PICKLES
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
lucy Lab
koda
Siberian Husky
whiskey Maltipoo
COCO
DAX
Doodle
suzy
nismo
Cockapoo
Border Collie
Pug
milo
Toy Poodle
enzo
Catahoula Leopard Dog
LUNA
rogue Pug
Australian Shepherd
sunny
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
gizmo
Dachshund
louis
French Bulldog
charlie & Bennie
Mixed Breed & Beagle
cutie!!
crouton
Cavapoo
Think your dog ought To be in Modern Dog?
harper Collie
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!
ENTER TO WIN
We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways every two weeks from November through April. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
November
December
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 wellness bundles from Vetramil! Each bundle is packed with Vetramil favorites: Ointment, Spray, Paw Wax, Auris, and Shampoo—premium, medical-grade honey-based formulations crafted to comfort, protect, and support your pet’s sensitive skin, paws, and ears.
January
1st -14th
Win 1 of 3 prize packs from Fetch Coffee Roasters! Includes 2 bags of coffee and a 16 oz ceramic-coated stainless steel travel cup!
March
1st -14th
Win 1 of 8 prizes from Voff Haus! Includes 3 bandanas of your choice from their collection of stylish, reversible dog bandanas featuring awesome and adorable prints!
15th - 30th
Win $300 worth of dog food from Loyal Saints! Includes 2 Loyal Saints Freeze-Dried Dog Food Sampler Variety Packs of gourmet, human-grade meals for dogs. Each pack includes three 14 oz bags in 3 flavours–chicken, beef, & turkey with salmon.
15th - 31st
Win 1 of 6 bottles of the new 4 fl. oz. Mānuka Vet Hot Spot Solution, a fast-acting spray featuring 20% pure New Zealand Mānuka honey to provide quick relief for hot spots, minor wounds, and skin irritations.
15
th -
31
st
Win 1 of 2 prize bundles featuring 9 fun, dog-centric books and games from The Quarto Group!
1st -14th
Win 1 of 4 COOKIE PAL humangrade, organic dog treat prize packs. Includes 2 bags each of their bestselling Peanut Butter Biscuits and Peanut Butter & Apple Soft Baked Bites, plus a bone-shaped slow feeder and a pet bandana!
February
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 prize packs from Bailey’s CBD! Includes 600 mg Calming CBD Oil For Dogs and two 30-count bags of Calming CBD Yummies!
April
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 Pawfit Lite GPS Trackers for dogs featuring worldwide tracking and activity monitoring, along with a 6-month premium subscription and water bottle!
15th - 31st
Win a 6-month subscription to Pup O’clock, the monthly subscription box that’s fun for the whole family. Featuring everything you need for a happy, healthy dog: toys, accessories, treats, recipes, activities, guides, and more!
15th - 28th
Win 1 of 2 canine wellness packs from Vetericyn! Includes Vetericyn FoamCare Pet Shampoo (choice of regular, thick coat or medicated), plus Ear Rinse, Eye Wash, Hot Spot Spray, and Wound Dressing Gel!
15th - 30th
Win 1 of 5 luxurious, cozy Pelsbarn sofa beds for dogs! It’s irresistibly soft for your dog and protects your sofa from fur, scratches, and tears!
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning November 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM (PST) through April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that 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: CHICKEN SUBMITTED BY KATHERINE
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre