24 FEATURES The Man With 1200 Dogs
An animal sanctuary in Thailand offers second chances for stray, abandoned, and injured dogs. BY SHERI RADFORD
30
Dogs Make Us Better People Reflections from The Dogist. BY ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN
44
Meet Mella, the Cloned Winery Dog
This California winery spent $50,000 USD cloning their dog BY TRACEY TONG
60
Would Your Dog Make a Good Therapy Animal?
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THE GOODS 24
Fun Stuff for Dogs
34
Dog Gear Look Book
Therapy dogs bring joy and healing. Could your dog be one?
Staff favourites and current obsessions.
BY LISA KANAREK
64
Girl Dogs Know Who's Boss
70
Solutions for everything from sore joints to itchy skin!
Female dogs judge their humans more than males, new study finds
READ YOUR BREED 72
The Bearded Collie
Is this bouncy, charismatic breed right for you? Meet the Highland herder with a heart of gold! BY KELLY CALDWELL
Healthy Paws
BODY & SOUL 52
The Smell of Your Stress is Affecting Your Dog's Behaviour
Study shows dogs are more pessimistic after smelling an anxious person’s sweat.
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PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: YASTREMSKA/BIGSTOCK; THE DOGIST/ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN, OLLIE B. GOOD
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R I G H T P H OTO
COVER INSETS: LUNJA/SHUTTERSTOCK ; THE DOGIST/ ELIAS WEISS FRIEDMAN
L E FT P H OTO
SPRING • SUMMER 2025 V O L 2 4 N O 1
68 Honey: A Natural Healer for Dogs
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Tummy Tamers
DOG LIFE
Help for your dog’s GI upsets. BY JULIE ANNE LEE, DCH RCSHOM
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We're Giving It Away!
We’ve got awesome dog stuff up for grabs—from treat and wellness prize packs to a GPS tracker for dogs!—plus winners every two weeks! Flip to page 20 to see what you can win! 22
REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 18 79
Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace
A new survey shows just how far we’ll go for our dogs. 36
18
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Is My Dog Happy?
Look for these signs that you have a very happy dog! BY JANELLE MARTEL
68
Connie’s Book Club
Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s current selection of mustread books for dog lovers.
ON THE COVER Say hello to Buster the Bulldog, winner of this year’s America’s Favorite Pet Competition, photographed by Sydney Cisco. Read all about Buster’s inspiring story on page 48!
How We Love Our Pets: Let Us Count the Ways
76
80
Tiny Dog Stories
Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. 80
Interesting Dog Facts
Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts.
TOP LEFT PHOTO REPRINTED FROM CONE OF SHAME BY WINNIE AU © 2024, DESIGNS BY MARIE-YAN MORVAN © 2024. PUBLISHED BY UNION SQUARE & CO. LEF T INSET SUBMIT TED BY ALYSSA KROKOS; TOP RIGHT PHOTO EZZOLO/SHUT TERSTOCK; RIGHT INSET VITALYTITOV/BIGSTOCK
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EDITOR'S LETTER
Social icon
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
Poodle News
Keeping up with the pawnews —@galileothepoodle
W
hat a joy it is to get to write about dogs and the people who love them—the coolest, kindest people around. We threw ourselves into the making of this issue with our regular passion for all things dog and are thrilled to share the stories, people, places, and products we discovered in the process. Everyone who is dog-obsessed has at some point wondered if their dog is happy. We share the signs your dog is really, truly thrilled with their life. Is your dog happy? Turn to page 36 and find out! Would you clone your dog? Winery founder Arthur Murray did and shares his thoughts, the process, and the eye-watering cost. (Spoiler alert: worth it!) Instagram photo-documentarian Elias Weiss Friedman, better known as The Dogist to his 7.6 million Instagram followers, reflects on how dogs truly make our lives—and us as people—better. Next, Thailand-based dog sanctuary founder Michael J. Baines shares his inspiring journey, revealing how he ended up with over 200 tattoos—and 1200 dogs. His “Wheelchair Mafia” is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. We also look at dog-inspired interior design, explain what’s needed to become a therapy dog, reveal the newest recognized dog breed, and publish the latest batch of Tiny Dog Stories. (If you haven’t yet, submit yours!) And, of course, we share all the must-have dog things we’ve discovered, from the most fun dog toys, gear, and gadgets to wellness essentials for a long and happy life. We explain how the way your smell is affecting your dog’s behaviour, show you how to use home remedies to cure GI upset, share our latest round-up of must-read books for dog lovers, and so much more. Did I mention there’s a new batch of supercool dog stuff we’re giving away? Flip to page 20 to check out the tasty dog treats, wellness prize packs, GPS collars, and more that you can win. Jump on in—we’re so glad you’re here. I’m deeply grateful for this community and for dogs, always.
Bedtime Books
Just me, reading before bed. —@chewybearny
With love,
Vote Rockwell Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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Woke him up to get this pic… can you tell?—@rockwellinaction
C ON TRIBU TO R S SPRING • SUMMER 2025 • VOL 24 NO 1 Publisher
Modern Dog Inc.
Lisa Kanarek is a writer
Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson
based in Dallas, TX. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, and WIRED. She and her Husky, Gaia, are a pet therapy animal team that visits pediatric and hospice patients. She is working on a memoir. Turn to page 60 for her look at what it takes to volunteer as a pet therapy team with your dog.
Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Megan Carpick Sales & Marketing
Aly Stamper Subscriptions & Office Administration
Anna Regino Marketing & Sales Assistant
Mina Zivkovic Sales
Simran Parekh Administrative Assistant
Angelie Hizon Comptroller
Julie Ann Lee DCH,
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA
RcsHOM, has been the owner and practitioner of some of the busiest and longest standing holistic veterinary hospitals and clinics in North America, including the first holistic veterinary clinic in Canada. She also developed and taught a post-graduate program for veterinarians at the College of Animal Homeopathic Medicine. She founded Adored Beast Apothecary and continues to research and develop supplements to help as many animals as possible. Turn to page 56 for Julie’s at-home treatments for GI upsets.
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 1. 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
Sheri Radford has been a
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. Turn to page 26 for her heartwarming and inspiring interview with man behind an animal sanctuary in Thailand offering second chances for stray, abandoned, and injured dogs.
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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 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 ALL-IN Dog Supplements deliver complete nutrition for every life stage. Packed with nutrient-rich and grass-fed organ meat complex, probiotics, omegas, and digestive enzymes that boost immunity, joints, coat, and gut health, it’s puppy to senior optimal wellness made simple!—Jason ($25, vetericyn.com) 2Cherishyourpupforeverwithaone-of-a-kindnoseprintpendant!Customizedingold,silver, or chrome, each pendant is personalized with your pet’s name and/or a personal message! A wearable tribute to your beloved companion as unique as your dog!—Bowen ($277, robinslovingtouch.com) 3 One-of-a-kind, just like your pet. Celebrate your beloved dog’s life with artwork based on their unique molecular makeup. EverAfter has created a process that captures the essential chemistry of your pet’s ashes to create a beautiful work of art that reflects your pet’s essence.—Megan (from $249, everafterart.com) 4 An active lifestyle essential! HydraNest’s stylish, eco-friendly, insulated, stainless steel travel water bottle also houses a hidden six-ounce storage container in its base for snacks and essentials! Guaranteed 100% spill-proof with a lifetime warranty!—Anna ($40, amazon.com) 5 Improve your dog’s gut health with CaniOtic Daily Probiotic Drops, the only probiotic with a strain of canine-specific Lactobacillus reuteri! Supports stressed, senior, rescue, and post-surgery dogs with live, immune-boosting bacteria. A must for optimal digestion! —Rene ($25, bluegrassanimalproducts.com) 6 Boost your dog’s mobility with vet-formulated, NASC-certified mushroom power. This powerful blend of organic extracts of Cordyceps, ErgoGold Golden Oyster, and Reishi mushrooms supports joints, eases stiffness, and fights inflammation. Optimize your dog’s health with every chew!—Jessica ($56, realmushrooms.com) 7 Spectra Therapy’s revolutionary LASERwrap® Dog Coat System offers drug-free pain relief and healing for dogs! FDA-cleared, this holistic and cost-effective treatment boosts circulation and promotes healing for faster recovery in the comfort of your own home! —Jory ($695, spectratherapy.com) 8 Honour the memory of your beloved furry friend with a Halo Pet Frame and Collar Display from Whisker and Fang. Select the frame closest to your dog’s collar size, then add your pet’s collar and photo to celebrate your adventures together. —Connie ($27, whiskerandfang.com) 9 Jones Natural Chews Turkey Windees are slow-roasted turkey trachea that offer a light, crisp chew. Fully digestible, they’re perfect for all dogs, especially small and light chewers. Handcrafted in the USA and responsibly sourced.—Shakira ($2, jonesnaturalchews.com) 10 Mud, dog hair and spills? No problem! 4Knines’ Split-Tech SUV Cargo Liner keeps your vehicle clean and protected. It’s waterproof, heavy-duty, and custom-fit for fold-down seats. Easy to clean and built to last!—Aly ($90, 4knines.com) 11 Keep pets off furniture gracefully with DoggOffIt! This eco-friendly, stylish deterrent uses visual barriers and not discomfort to protect your furniture. Made from recycled materials with chic, washable covers, it’s function meets design!—Angelie ($31, doggoffit.com) 12 Sore joints? Improve your dog’s hip and joint health with MITOMAX JH! Formulated with plant-based Hyaluronic Acid and Glucosamine, this powerhouse supplement also contains Mito-5051 probiotics to help reduce inflammation.—Mina ($52, imagilin.com) 13 Clean your dog’s dirty or muddy paws in an instant with the original Dexas MudBuster. Soft, gentle silicone bristles line this easy-to-grip tumbler. Just add a little water, insert your dog’s muddy paw, and all traces of mud and dirt are gone!—Jennifer (from $17, dexas.com) 14 Pacagen’s Dog Allergen Neutralizing Spray lets you breathe easy! It contains WhiskerBlock tech that neutralizes Can f 1 & Can f 2 allergens, keeping pets safe and humans allergy-free. Spray in the air and on surfaces to enjoy allergy-free snuggles! —Cecilia ($76, pacagen.com) 15 Love these super-cute sneakers by BOBS® from Skechers®! Thanks to Alanna and her therapy dog Dahlia’s heartwarming love story, the philanthropic brand teamed up with Petco Love to donate $25,000 to Dahlia’s adoption center, Anderson Humane.—Simran (from $50, BOBSfromSkechers.com)
Muttville’s new colourful, cage-free rescue HQ is a dream for senior dogs
To
walk through Muttville’s new senior dog rescue center is to totally reimagine what an animal shelter can be. The senior-dog-focused San Francisco-based organization is the first shelter in the nation to provide a cage-free environment, one that bursts with fun and colour. Celebrity designer Ken Fulk is behind the glowup, creating whimsical spaces that invite dog cuddles and conversation. From the pink-tiled Glam Shampoochery to offices designed like Victorian houses, a mural-festooned courtyard, and bone-shaped benches by ecological sculptor Colin Selig, the space is lightyears away from the dog shelters of the past. “Potential adopters can meet the dogs in a very relaxed way, creating a magical moment and an adoption,” says founder and CEO Sherri Franklin. Since its establishment in 2007, over 12,000 older dogs who might otherwise have been euthanized have found safe haven and homes through Muttville. But Muttville is more than just a dog shelter. There are community programs for senior citizens, humane education for children, and even an on-site veterinary clinic. “I believe wholeheartedly in Muttville’s mission, so it was a resounding yes when they asked if we could add a little magic to their new forever home,” says Fulk. “Since Muttville
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is such a heartwarming emblem of San Francisco's spirit—a cage-free community center for senior dogs—we played that up by creating ‘adoption rooms’ that pay homage to our famous San Francisco Victorian Painted Ladies. Our goal was to inject the interiors with all the warmth, happiness, and love that is the essence of this organization.”
*
The new shelter is open Tuesday - Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM. Drop by and pet some dogs—you might just find your next best friend!
P H OTOS E R I C LO U I S H A I N ES
“No cages—the dogs roam free!”
Muttville Adoption Center
B OTTO M R I G H T P H OTO D RO I D G A L LU CCI
Muttville founder and CEO Sherri Franklin
TO P R I G H T P H OTO M I CH A E L J OY
Dog Shelter Makeover!
P H OTO BY F E D W E T H E R B E E
C, I T E G ENER NABLE, TRAI NTIVE ATTE
NEW DOG BREED NAMED BY AKC:
THE DANISH-SWEDISH FARMDOG P H OTO BY B RO O KS H M A B R Y
Weighing 12-15 pounds, the DanishSwedish Farmdog is known for being affectionate and energetic.
M
eet the new dog on the block! The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is the latest dog breed to receive full American Kennel Club recognition. This small, attentive breed is now eligible to compete for Best in Show trophies in the Working Group. The AKC specifies that a breed that is newly recognized does not mean that the breed is newly created. Many breeds that gain full AKC recognition have existed for decades, and some are ancient. Weighing 12 -15 pounds, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is known for being affectionate and energetic. This is a peopleoriented, friendly, and loving companion. Originally known as the Danish Pinscher, they could be found on farms in Denmark and Southern Sweden as a multipurpose barnyard dog. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog performed a variety of jobs, but its specialty was vermin control. These small dogs are versatile, love to work, and enjoy a challenge. They are coordinated,
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agile, and very fast, needing daily exercise. This breed is low maintenance when it comes to grooming, with the occasional brushing and bath being all they need to look their best. “We are excited to welcome the Danish-Swedish Farmdog to the AKC registry as our 202nd breed,” says Gina DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “This compact working dog is very versatile, loves a challenge and having a job to do. It would make a wonderful addition to a family that is able to provide it with the exercise and mental stimulation that it needs.” ■
CAPTION THIS!
The
French Bulldog:
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…
Most Pup-ular Breed for the Third Year in a Row
Meanwhile, the Cane Corso muscles its way up the list
The
READ YOUR BREED
Learn more about your favourite breeds at moderndogmagazine.com/breeds
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“There’s no way of telling how long this meeting will last. He’s a fantastic boss, but he’s got no sense of time.” Submitted by Joseph Dewan RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “Why’s he all excited? All I said was that we need to walk back expectations for Q3.” Submitted by Jon Torres
“He's got to be better than that last turkey.” Submitted by Joe Ayella
“Well team, we’ll have to cut costs somewhere. I say we lose the cat department and maybe mail” Submitted by Stella Lisik
“Well Susan, now I know fur sure why I didn’t get the promotion. He’s pawfect for the job!” Submitted by Megan Guarisco
“So, the audit committee agrees: On reflection and after reviewing all the evidence, Diggy is a very good boy.” Submitted by Joe Kulhavy
P H OTOS P H OTO TO P XTO X XB OTTO M : I T A L O / B I G STO CK ; CH A L A B A L A / B I G STO C K
French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the third year in a row, according to AKC registration statistics. The French Bulldog’s ongoing popularity shows no signs of slowing, thanks to the breed’s smarts and playful, adaptable nature. “The Frenchie has solidified itself as America’s sweetheart, and it’s no surprise why,” says Gina DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “They are fabulous companions for a variety of people.” Behind the scenes, however, the smart and courageous Cane Corso has been quietly climbing the charts. Over the past decade, registrations for this loyal breed have increased 414% and the Cane Corso has gone from 47th most popular in 2014 to 14th in 2024. “The Cane Corso is one to watch, as it has consistently increased in popularity since becoming recognized [in 2010],” says DiNardo. “Corsi are majestic and intensely loyal, but not for everyone.” Other breeds moving up the chart include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (#72 in 2023 to #63 in 2024), Chinese Crested (#79 in 2023 to #68 in 2024), American Staffordshire Terrier (#95 in 2023 to #77 in 2024), American Eskimo Dog (#129 in 2023 to #116 in 2024), Bracco Italiano (#152 in 2023 to #132 in 2024) and German Pinscher (#151 in 2023 to #133 in 2024).
! E L I SM Awww !
nala reighn Bull Terrier
marlow
Labrador Retriever
bean & baylen
HADES
Yorkshire Terrier & Maltese
Australian Shepherd
chase
Bulldog
coltr
Sheepadoodle
tonka
cooper
Golden Retriever
American Staffordshire Terrier
rocky
lexi & sky
German Shepherd
Maltese
tate
Border Terrier
Bear
German Shepherd
electra
Belgian Malinois
rigatoni
loki
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
stella
Ruby
milo
Labrador Retriever
Boxer
alfred
Airedale Terrier
Miniature American Shepherd
valentina
Chihuahua
gemma
Yorkshire Terrier
pennie lane Miniature Poodle
rue
Labrador Retriever
chanel
Mini Dachshund
gizmo
Cavapoo
chance
king kong & Godzilla
Australian Shepherd/Poodle
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Japanese Chin
Think your dog ought To be in Modern Dog?
!! cutie moby dick Dachshund
minnie Labrador Retriever
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 May through October. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
May
June
1st -14th
Win a year of all-natural chicken jerky from Campfire Treats! Made from just one ingredient– human-grade American chicken. 12 bags in total, one bag shipped each month–a $275 value!
July
1st -14th
Win an amazing prize package from Odie Pet Insurance! Includes an Odie branded Springer Dog Travel Water Bottle, a Comprehensive Microbiome Analysis Kit from Petivity Powered by Purina, a custom Odie tote bag and hat, and more!
September
1st -14th
Win 1 of 3 Real Mushrooms dog supplement prize packs! Includes vet-formulated organic mushroom-extract blends Daily Dawg, Relax Chews, and Immune Chews.
15th - 31st
Win 1 of 4 wellness bundles from Other Half! Includes their clean, science-backed Everyday daily multivitamin, plus their new Doggie Dental oral health postbiotic powder!
15th - 31st
Win 1 of 3 prize packs from Earthborn Holistic! Includes 2 four-pound bags of Earthborn Holistic dry dog food, 2 EarthBites Chewy dog treats, 2 EarthBites Crunchy dog treats, and 1 EarthBars Minis! Winners choose recipe.
15th - 30th
Win a pet tracker package from Pawfit! Includes the Pawfit3 activity tracker with smart GPS technology, plus a collar, case, and two-month subscription!
1st -14th
15th - 30th
Win 1 of 10 HydraNest water bottles designed for adventurous pet parents! This insulated water bottle comes with a secret compartment in the base, perfect for storing dog treats.
Win 1 of 4 prize packs from Healthy Roots Paws! Includes Calming CBD Pet Chews “Num Nums,” plus 200 mg CBD Pet Oil Drops.
1st -14th
15th - 31st
August
Win a LASERWrap® Dog Coat System from Spectra Therapy! Improves circulation, treats acute and chronic conditions, injuries, wounds, & maximizes athletic performance!
Win $250 of incredible, all-natural dog chews from The Country Butcher!
October
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 canine wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes Vetericyn FoamCare Pet Shampoo (your choice of formula), plus Ear Rinse, Eye Wash, Hot Spot Spray, and Wound Dressing Gel.
15th - 31st
Win 1 of 5 one-year subscriptions to Modern Dog magazine, chock full of helpful articles, heartwarming stories, and so many cute dog photos!
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning May 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM (PST) through October 31, 2025 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: MURRAY SUBMITTED BY CHRISANNE
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre