The Dog Dish Magazine - September/October 2016

u Homemade Fall Treat Recipes for Your Pooch

September/October 2016

OKC Metro Dog Parks

Wag & Brag:

OKC’S Cutest Pooches!

Questions You Should Ask Before Adopting a Dog

We Asked...

What Quality Do You Admire Most About Your Dog?

GENTLE CARE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

17200 N May Ste 900 Edmond, OK 73012 405.285.WOOF (9663)

www.gentlecareah.net Dr. Chris ..Practiced OSU Vet School Degree 1997 5 Years South Florida .

Day Practice 19 Years . Practiced Critical Care Medicine 6 Years

. Opened Gentle Care Animal Hospital 2006 Bentley ..Dr. Shannon Johnson .. BSDr.AnimalHeather Science OSU 2008 OSU Vet School Graduated 2011 .Joining Worked in Moore, OK until .

Gentle Care Team in July 2016

OSU Vet School Graduated 1988 Available Tuesdays at Gentle Care Animal Hospital Practiced in Texas & Colorado before moving to Oklahoma

gentlecareanimalhospital@coxinet.net

New Clinic Late 2016 Gentle Care Animal Hospital Office Hours Mon/Wed/Thur/Fri 730AM-600PM

Tues/Sat

730AM-1200PM

Closed Sundays

Flexible Appointments Daily, Evenings and Saturdays

Our treatment of Dogs, Cats, Birds, Exotics, and all other small aninals is performed with complete “Pride” Bathing & Boarding available

Watch Us Grow “NEW HOSPITAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION” OPENING WINTER OF 2016

LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER:

PUBLISHER: Jennifer Pape jennifer@thedogdishok.com EDITOR: Jena Barber

Photo by Imagine If Photography

ART DIRECTOR: Shane Kroutil The Art House thearthouse@coxinet.net

Hello readers! Thanks for picking up a copy of The Dog Dish, the lifestyle magazine for Oklahoma City metro dog lovers. As you may or may not know, the purpose of this magazine is not only to monetarily support the local rescue community through our giveback program, but also to encourage dog parents to consider their dogs as part of the family. In doing so, we hope to see a decrease in dogs neglected, abandoned, and surrendered to the shelter.

That’s why, with our magazine, we hope to inspire dog parents to live life with their dogs, and that means to (safely and responsibly) involve your dog in some of the activities you enjoy. From hiking and traveling to wining and dining, and everything in between, we promise we’ll keep you in the know of what you can do in the OKC metro with your best friend and four-legged family member.

If you ever have suggestions for us, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Now that the weather will start cooling off, you may be spending more time indoors. Our staff shared with you some of our favorite books to consider reading this fall. You can find the list on page 26.

As most of our readers know by now, my husband and I have four rescue fur babies who are the loves of our lives. We also recently welcomed a human baby girl to our “pack” in late July and it’s been so much fun! We wanted to make sure our dogs were just as prepared with her arrival as we were and thanks to the helpful tips provided by Full Circle Obedience School, we welcomed this new addition with little to no issues. I shared some of the things we did to prepare our dogs on the Dog Dish Blog and what we found to be most successful. Check it out at blog.thedogdishok.com.

Are you considering adopting a new dog? If so, we’ve included in this issue some helpful questions to ask the shelter/rescue and yourself before adopting.

Thank you to Sunset Veterinary Clinic and the Edmond Animal Shelter for providing this information.

Please support the businesses you find listed throughout this issue. Without them, the magazine would not exist and we are so thankful for their support.

When you visit their business, please tell them The Dog Dish Magazine sent you!

See you in November!

Jennifer Pape

Check out the new Dog Dish Blog at blog.thedogdishok.com!

4 • The Dog Dish Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHER: Pam Meyers OPERATIONS MANAGER: Josh Pape josh@thedogdishok.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Leah Rose leah@thedogdishok.com Jessica Jenkins jessica@thedogdishok.com Kelsey Warren-Bryant kelsey@thedogdishok.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Kelsey Warren-Bryant Amanda St. John Sam Tangren Julie Bank Danel Grimmett, DVM, Sunset Veterinary Clinic Sydney Head & Shelley Erdman Full Circle Obedience School ADVERTISING SALES: (405) 323-4574 advertise@thedogdishok.com P.O. Box 31671 Edmond, OK 73003 info@thedogdishok.com www.thedogdishok.com The Dog Dish Magazine Copyright 2016 Cover to Cover blog.thedogdishok.com facebook.com/thedogdishmagazine @thedogdishmagazine @thedogdishmag thedogdish The Dog Dish Magazine info@thedogdishok.com

UPCOMING

EVENTS Looking for something fun to do in the Oklahoma City metro? Stay current on upcoming events online at www.thedogdishok.com.

October 1 - Saturday

A Dog Walk in the Park 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Duffner Park, Oklahoma City

This annual event benefits The Bella Foundation SPCA. Enjoy a dog-friendly walk, vendor fair, adoptions, and all kinds of activities for dogs and kids.

INTRODUCING

BLOG!

October 9 - Sunday

Rally Around the Pits Motorcycle and Adoption Event

K9 University

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Come by for adoptions, food trucks, costume contest, raffle prizes, and more! Benefits Great Plains Mastiff Rescue.

Iron Nation Harley-Davidson, Edmond

October 22 - Saturday

A free, family-and-dog friendly event to help support local animal rescue organizations that work with and rescue pit bull type dogs. There will be a poker run, live music featuring Mudflap Nichols and The Twisted Spokes, CobraJab, and Turbo Wizard, raffles, silent auction, and much more.

October 9 - Sunday

Mastiff Madness 1 – 5 p.m.

DogFest Walk ‘n Roll 9 a.m. – Noon

Earlywine Park, Oklahoma City

A family-friendly, dog-friendly walk and festival with food trucks and fun activities, benefitting Canine Companions for Independence. Canine Companions for Independence provides highly-trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities and wounded veterans. Grab a leash and join the fun while supporting a great cause!

Valir HosPets Program The friendliest pets in Oklahoma volunteer for

Stay current on fun events and things to do in the OKC metro with your best friend. www. blog.thedogdishok.com

Valir Hospice’s HosPets Program.

Know a pet who would be a great volunteer? Call us! 405-609-3636 | www.valir.com

K9 University – all things dog ◆ Obedience ◆ Group Classes ◆ Private Sessions ◆ Boarding School ◆ Severe Behavior Curbing

Download our Mobile App!

405-231-4335 • www.myk9u.com 9217 NW Expressway St • Oklahoma City, OK 73099

Present this Dog Dish ad and receive $25 off services.

September/October 2016 • 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

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Upcoming Events Find out what’s going on in the Oklahoma City metro for you and your dog.

We Asked…What Quality Do You Admire Most About Your Dog Check out these sweet responses from readers.

Animal Control A look inside every day issues, from the perspective of Oklahoma City Animal Control officers.

Fantastic Feasts with Furry Friends Super easy no-bake snacks you both can enjoy this fall.

Chew on This A review of the dog-friendly patio at Slaughter’s Hall.

Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Dog Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment. What should you know before welcoming your new best friend?

Q&A Rescue Highlight: PitEssentials Pit Bull Rescue Find out more about this worthwhile organization and how you can help.

We All Need to Relax Now and Zen Tips and tricks from Full Circle Obedience School to help your dog relax.

Barking Babies The new family dynamic and why some couples are sticking with fur babies.

Fall Reading Guide Some fun books to check out with the arrival of cooler weather.

Dog Apps These are some apps that will make your life easier as a dog parent.

6 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Show us a picture of your fur baby and get $50 off your cosmetic consultation fee or Botox!

For every picture shown, we will also donate $50 back to Heartland Lab Rescue!

8106 North May Ave. Suite B • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120

405-810-8448

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We Service All Oklahoma City Metro Areas Including: Edmond, Moore, Norman, Shawnee

We Asked…

What quality do you admire most about your dog?

I like my dog’s (Bentley) personality – he is mellow, vocal, social, and just different than any other dog I’ve ever been around. – Morganne

“Chiquita is probably the single most intelligent being I know. Combine that with her twin loves of family and outdoor adventure, and she is the perfect canine family member for us. She’s a 4.5 year old German Shepherd.” – Emily

8 • The Dog Dish Magazine

“Since day one Sasha and Destiny have shown me love.

They are my love and my life.” – Estela

s

s

“This is Thunder. He’s a Shiloh Shepherd.

There’s so much I adore about him, but his love for people stands out the most! He’s helped several people [who have a fear of the Shepherd breed] or big dogs in general. He’s showing that big dogs can indeed be gentle giants!” – Gina

s

s

s

“Luigi is the light of our life, our precious baby we love and adore.

He is a rescue dog we adopted almost two years ago and he is the best dog ever. We love his unconditional love.” – Kelley

s“Rosie Chiquita Banana’s best quality is to always be the youngest child, class clown, look at me! She makes us belly laugh all the time.” – Karen

s

s

“His compassion and the fact that he is absolutely the one to watch over me no matter what! Gunner the Great Dane turned four on Cinco De Mayo!” – Leslie

“One of Skittles’ amazing qualities is companionship.

He really is our best friend.” – Shonda

“Annie’s determination to be where you are at all times!” – Karen

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s

“This is Dante, my rescue. I love that he loves everyone – two-legged and four-legged, it doesn’t matter to him.” – Elke

“Holly and Newton can sense when I’ve had a bad day and they make it melt away with their unconditional love.” – Debra

s

s

“Scruffy’s love for our son is priceless.

They are the best of friends.” – Kaila

s

“Their ability to help all of our fosters learn to become strong, happy, social animals. Also, I admire his striking good looks!” – Heather

“His determination!

Here is Shadow riding his kayak!” – Karen

s

s

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“Ryker is adventurous! He is always ready to tag along on any outdoor expedition.

Running, fishing, hiking, camping - he loves it all!” - Anna

“Unconditional love.” – Mika

September/October 2016 • 9

ANIMAL LAW & ORDER Written by Julie Bank

A Look Inside: From the Perspective of OKC Animal Control Officers During the blazing summer heat, Animal Control calls increase in Oklahoma City. More animals and people seem to be outside, and the warm weather fosters the births of babies. As a result, more calls come into the OKC Animal Welfare dispatch line during summer months than any other time of year.

Even with summer coming to an end, the calls seem to come nonstop: Stray dogs on the road, dangerous dogs menacing kids playing outside, and animal cruelty allegations, all concerns of residents of the city.

Following are some vignettes on just a few calls that have come in recently: Crowded Living The anonymous report came in on the Cities Action Center. It stated that there were a lot of animals barking in one home, and that the caller wanted it to be checked out. Many times these reports are unfounded, but not this time. Forty-two small-breed dogs were found huddled together in a home in the North part of town. Remarkably, the dogs were all in decent health, but they were very undersocialized.

10 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Households are only allowed four dogs and four cats total in Oklahoma City, and as a result, the homeowners agreed to sign the dogs over to the shelter for re-homing.

They were left with a citation for having too many animals and information on the city’s free spay and neuter program for future reference.

Back at the shelter, the dogs were seen by a veterinarian and placed up for an adoption a few days later. Over 300 people saw their story and showed up to give them loving new families.

Caring for Kitties Wednesday is the day that Animal Control officers meet up with the City County Health Department for home checks. Many times, the department is checking on homes that are close to being condemned. Often, abandoned or underserved animals and their people need help inside.

On this Wednesday, a senior woman was found living in a home with her four cats. She couldn’t afford to have running water because she spent all of her money feeding the cats. She wouldn’t leave her beloved cats, and therefore she wouldn’t leave her home. The officers helped her

contact a relative who agreed to let her and her four cats stay at their home. She then was signed up to receive free cat food with the pet food bank so she wouldn’t have to worry about feeding them again.

Unsolved Crime A call came directly from the Oklahoma City Police department, who received a call about a bad stench coming from an abandoned crate in a field. The scene was gruesome. Animal Control officers found 28 decaying cats in carriers.

An investigation began with rewards offered to catch the person who was responsible. To this day, there are still no valid leads.

Wild Horses Another officer came to the rescue when a call came in the middle of the night about a horse that was loose in the street. The officers arrived with appropriate equipment in hand to rescue a horse that was skin and bones. Clearly, she had been living on the street for a while and needed immediate veterinary care and food. She was nurtured around the clock for two days and unfortunately succumbed to her injures.

Gone Missing Annie’s pet sitter lost her dog while she was on vacation. She was frantically searching for her dog as she had been gone for weeks. She feared for the worst. She was doing the right thing, filing a report on the city’s website at www.okc.gov/animalwelfare and checking the shelter every two days, but had no luck.

On a normal Thursday, a call came in to Animal Control about a small white dog that had been hit by a car. The officer rushed to the location, picked up the dog, and brought her to the shelter to be looked at by the shelter veterinarian. Luckily, there were no serious injuries. Upon arrival at the shelter, the pup’s picture was posted online.

Immediately, Annie received a notice in her inbox about a dog that matched her lost dog’s description. It was her dog and she was able to reclaim her within an hour of getting a notice. She left the shelter to take her dog to her veterinarian for follow-up care and a microchip so that if this happened again, she would have a permanent identification to get her fur baby home.

Fifteen Animal Control officers cover the entire city of Oklahoma City.

Over 600 square miles are covered, seven days a week. Over 100 calls come into the dispatch line daily, and as a result of this volume, calls are responded to on a priority basis.

First priority calls include injured animals, dangerous animals, or animals that have bitten someone; livestock on the roads; and animal cruelty situations where the animal is in imminent danger. Some days, so many first priority calls come in that they are all officers can get to. This happens more often in the summer months.

OKC Animal Welfare is committed to saving animals’ lives and helping the community strengthen its relationship with animals. Their charge is to perform animal rescues, educate the community about responsible pet parenting, and enforce animal-related laws in Oklahoma City. They can’t do their job without help from the community. Please be a responsible pet parent by keeping your pets indoors and following the laws in the city. Visit www.okc.gov/ animalwelfare to learn more about programs available to assist you with your pets and to make an Animal Control report.

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September/October 2016 • 11

Fantastic Feasts with Furry Friends Super easy no-bake snacks you both can enjoy

Written by Kelsey Warren-Bryant

It’s fall, and that means it’s the season for pumpkin! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin snacks, and pumpkin spice lattes will reign the market. You may have already hoarded some pumpkin in your baking drawer, knowing cans will fly off the shelves soon. Why not share the excitement with your dogs?

Lots of dogs actually love pumpkin. Bonus -- it’s nutritious for them. Celebrate the season with your best friend by sharing some pumpkin in the form of a simple, no-bake treat.

Whether you’re a pumpkin lover yourself or just want to encourage the healthy treat for your precious pooch, try this recipe and you’re sure to have tongues (and tails) wagging.

Your Real Estate Partners: Our Fur Babies, Beauty, Jackson and Sparky

Pumpkin Peanut Butter No-Bake Treats Ingredients: 1 Cup pure pumpkin, canned 1 Cup peanut butter 1 Tablespoon honey 1 Teaspoon cinnamon 1-3 cups oats (this really depends on how much you want)

■■ Pour oats onto a baking sheet.

Cover the bottom with a thin layer of oats.

■■ Add pumpkin, peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon to a mixing bowl. Mix well.

susie kraft (405) 740-2149

Nita WilliaMs (405) 659-2265

susiekraft@cox.net

nawilliams@sbcglobal.net Metro Mark realtors 6501 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hills, Oklahoma 73116 (405) 848-8818

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■■ Scoop out tablespoons of dough, then roll into balls with your hands.

Roll the balls in the layer of oats, covering as much as desired.

■■ Chill the treats in the fridge, or give as treats immediately. Your dogs will likely love them either way.

Simple, right?

Celerity Prosthetics is one of the most innovative prosthetic companies in Oklahoma City Metro. Everything we do is to help amputees enjoy life to the fullest.

With our mobile unit anyone can be Houdi and Boo, our volunteer Boxador twins, got a little excited. They could have eaten the whole batch, but were happy with two treats each. The treats are also people-friendly, so give them a try yourself. These treats are great for the whole family!

serviced by a Celerity Prosthetist!

Lovely and Andy Anders of Celerity Prosthetics Read Lovely’s story on our Facebook page!

Contact us today!

937 SW 89th Street, Ste. B, Oklahoma City (405) 605-3030 • www.celerityprosthetics.com September/October 2016 • 13

CHEW ON THIS: Slaughter’s Hall: A Dog’s Eye Review

By Sam Tangren

In the 1920s, the Slaughter Building, sitting in the Deep Deuce district, was a local hub for culture and politics. Today this historic building houses Slaughter’s Hall Bar & Deli. With 30 rotating beers on tap and over 60 bottled beers, it’s no wonder Slaughter’s Hall is a favorite district watering hole.

The food menu features a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches, plus several variations on macaroni and cheese.

Patio dining is even better when you can do it with your furry friend. We brought Lillian, a foster for Friends With Four Paws Rescue, so she could enjoy the evening. Our server greeted her with a fancy water bowl and asked if we needed anything for her. He loved on her, quickly asking how old she was and where we got her from, and we informed him of her congenital heart defect that requires surgery. He picked her up for some puppy kisses and noted how lovely it was that she got to be a part of our evening. He was very prompt and courteous, and very helpful with all of our questions.

I knew as soon as we sat down my grumbling stomach would require an appetizer. Not being one to ignore my stomach, I 14 • The Dog Dish Magazine

chose the bacon cheese fries, thinking they would be a personal size, considering the price. My eyes went wide when our server set the mountain of crispy fries and gooey cheese in front of me. I told my fiancé I would need a hand with them, and then immediately devoured everything but the plate. Lillian was excited to get a couple bites of the fries, but who could blame her!

As we waited for our entrees, we took advantage of the outstanding bar. My date had a delicious blackberry cider, while I had one of their signature cocktails, a Moscow mule with jalapeno and pineapple.

I love a sweet and spicy cocktail, so this was right up my alley. Lillian continued to enjoy her water and tried not to spill it.

I was delighted by the arrival of our meal. Seeing myself as a connoisseur of brined meat sandwiches, I had to try the Reuben, featuring thin-shaved, housemade corned beef. A mound of meat, cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing sandwiched between two lightly toasted Bavarian rye slices, this is my kind of sandwich! My date’s smoked salmon salad came on a bed of spinach with chickpeas, fried capers, deviled eggs, and a tangy lemon dill vinaigrette. It must have been good because it was gone before I had a chance to sneak some off her plate. Lillian also got to sneak some of the smoked salmon from her mommy’s plate and some of papa’s potato chips!

Thanks to the larger than expected cheese fries, I was able to leave with half a Reuben to enjoy later, and enjoy I shall.

Slaughter Hall’s quiet patio was inviting and relaxed, with peaceful views of the quiet neighborhood. I must return to sample all of the menu items I couldn’t get in this time. The poutine is calling my name.

Slaughter’s Hall is an instant favorite for drinks and delicious locally sourced food. The patio is perfect for a night out with your best friend with four legs as well.

Big or Small, We Groom Them All! 405-985-6046 405-985-6047 BarknBubblesOK.com September/October 2016 • 15

Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Dog

by Sunset Veterinary Clinic

Questions to ask the shelter: How much does it cost to adopt a dog from a shelter?

In addition to saving a dog from a less-than-desirable fate, adopting from a shelter is almost always more affordable than purchasing a dog from a breeder or pet shop.

Prices may vary depending on where you adopt, but the Edmond Animal Welfare Center charges a $25 adoption fee. Before adopting a dog, plan to budget for yearly vet visits and food, and then create a small emergency fund in case your pup runs into trouble.

From 100 pounds of love to the tiniest of pocket poodles, it’s no secret we love our dogs. Adopting a shelter dog can be a rewarding lifetime experience if you ask the right questions when you begin the adoption process. According to the Humane Society, 4.5 million pets are euthanized every year, which means adopting pets from shelters is not only rewarding and beneficial for your family, but saves lives as well!

The first step to any major decision is doing your research and asking the right questions. We reached out to Nicki Smith of the Edmond Police Animal Services Unit and Edmond Animal Shelter to find out the most common questions asked by potential dog parents about adopting a rescue dog.

16 • The Dog Dish Magazine

What is the dog’s history?

While adopting is a fun and rewarding process, it’s best to inquire about the known background of your preferred dog before bringing him home, as well as any routines the dog is accustomed to following. When potential dog parents are looking into adoption at the Edmond Animal Shelter, the most commonly asked questions are centered on a dog’s history and past medical care.

According to Smith, it is often difficult to have a full understanding of a dog’s history. “Many of the dogs available for adoption at our shelter were originally found as ‘strays,’ so we have limited information about the dog’s history. If the dog was surrendered to us by a former owner, we may have some more detailed information such as if it is housebroken, its energy level, how it does with kids, etc.”

She added, “We conduct a basic behavioral evaluation on all dogs before we offer them to the public for adoption. In this evaluation, we see how it will tolerate things like its feet being picked up and other hands-on contact. We observe if there is any food guarding or aggression and how it gets along with other dogs. If we note any behavior that we feel will be a threat to the public, we won’t place the dog into the adoption program. We are happy to share anything we know about a dog with potential adopters.

We have areas of the shelter both inside and out where people can interact with a dog before deciding if it is a good fit.”

Questions to ask yourself: Are you ready for the long-term commitment of a dog?

Before adopting a dog, you should always consider the long-term commitment required when you bring an animal into your home. If you adopt a young dog, she might live for an additional 10 to 15 years. Be sure to evaluate your situation completely as you prepare to adopt a new dog.

How do I choose a breed or size for my family?

Many dog parents have fond memories of certain breeds from their childhood; however, it is not always practical to have your favorite breed in your current situation. If you do not have a large yard, a smaller breed of dog might be better suited to join your family. In addition to your location, the age variances in your family are also important to consider. Puppies and small dogs might be too delicate for small children, while excitable large breeds may not be a wise option in a home shared with elderly family members. Consider the characteristics of the breeds you love, but be honest in your evaluation of how they will fit in with your current life.

Are you ready to invest in additional training?

Animals with diverse backgrounds in training often filter through animal shelters. While you may find the perfect pooch who is trained in every way, you may also fall in love with a sweet dog that needs a refresher on “Dog Training 101.”

Are you prepared to invest additional time in training your new dog to be the best possible version of himself he can be? If you’re planning on adopting a young dog, you must also be prepared to house-train your new family member.

The Edmond Animal Shelter strongly encourages newly adopted dogs to go through at least basic obedience training.

Smith emphasized the need for proper training in adopted dogs due to their varying levels of previous training and past circumstances.

Smith stated, “Training will greatly enhance your relationship with your new pet. Dogs, like people, need to know their limits and boundaries. A good dog trainer can help you learn skills and give you tools that will make your dog-owning experience much more positive.”

During the adoption process, your shelter should answer many of these

questions for you. If you recognize certain issues that would be problematic in your home, consider asking the shelter if they have another animal they would recommend in your situation. You should always feel comfortable asking a lot of questions and adopting the dog you have found to be best suited to your family and your home.

Adoption Tips and Advice After both her current role as Animal Services Supervisor and previous role as an Edmond Police Captain, Nicki Smith has had supervisory responsibilities over the Animal Services Unit for many years. In this time, she has developed keen insight into the process of adopting a shelter dog.

Here are a few of her key tips and pieces of advice for potential dog adopters.

Have realistic expectations Some people who adopt a dog from a shelter have very unrealistic expectations about how the dog will fit in when she gets to her new home. It is very important to understand that all dogs are imperfect and the vast majority of dogs that are in shelters have no training of any kind.

Shelter dogs come from very diverse backgrounds – some may have not been treated very well by people in the past, some may have anxiety about certain things like storms and noises, and some may be experienced escape artists, while others have characteristics which may not be evident or known until they are exposed to things away from the shelter.

Give the dog time to acclimatize When people adopt dogs from the shelter, they need to give the dog time to acclimate to his new home. Adopters need to be patient and understanding during this time of adjustment and not rush things or expect the dog to fit in immediately.

Dogs need time to adjust to changes in their lifestyle.

If he has been at the shelter for a long time living in a kennel, the new-found freedom of a house and yard may be overwhelming to him. He may love it and immediately relax, or he could respond with anxiety or with overwhelming energy.

Keep your dog at home initially People may be very excited about their new dog and want to take her out to the dog park, to pet-friendly stores, or to other public events, but this is not always

the best idea. It would be best to hold off on those activities until the new family has had a chance to discover the dog’s overall disposition and responses to certain stimuli. Immediately forcing the dog to deal with crowds of people or other dogs may elicit negative behavior simply because the dog is overwhelmed by the stress.

Watch your impulses Never adopt a dog on impulse! Always research the responsibilities of having a dog before bringing one into your home.

Responsible pet parenting takes a lot of time and money. A dog needs regular interaction with people and adequate exercise for his innate energy level. Doing some research on a dog’s primary breed can give you an idea of what kind of exercise will be necessary to help keep your dog from becoming bored and potentially destructive, escaping, or running away.

Enjoy the adoption process Adopting a shelter dog is very rewarding. It’s often said that shelter and rescue dogs “know” they have been given a second chance and there are countless stories of successful adoption which support this hypothesis. While a shelter dog may come with some quirks and challenges, if you’re patient and willing to put forth the time and effort into helping your dog overcome those issues, the result will be a life-long, loyal relationship that words simply cannot describe.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, visit your local shelter or the Edmond Animal Shelter to meet your future pup.

Shelters typically give tours and are filled with valuable information for potential dog parents.

If you adopt from the Edmond Animal Shelter, Sunset Veterinary Clinic will provide your dog’s first check-up for free. Contact them at 405-844-2888 for more information or visit www.sunsetvetclinic.com.

September/October 2016 • 17

Rescue Highlight: PitEssentials Pit Bull Rescue Written by Kelsey Warren-Bryant

We asked Danielle Dodd with PitEssentials Pit Bull Rescue to share her experience with working in Pit Bull rescue. She lives with King, a nine-year-old rescue Pit Bull. Here’s what she had to say.

potential adopters can expect. They should expect a dog who is either a couch potato or a high energy dog. They want to have your attention, be a part of the family, and go on outings -- pretty much a companion.

They are always happy. They want to be near you at all times, and they want to please you.

How did you get started rescuing pit bulls?

What’s the hardest thing about running a rescue?

I officially started rescuing bully breeds after I moved to Oklahoma in 2008.

I had adopted an American Pit Bull Terrier named King in 2007 from a shelter as a puppy. He was scheduled to be euthanized due to parvovirus. I fell head over heels in love with him when he came into the emergency room I worked for after being pulled from a suspected dog-fighting house. King set everything in motion and I decided to help the breed.

The hardest thing for our rescue is trying to find dedicated volunteers and foster homes. Both are just as important as getting funds, but since we are a small rescue, those two items seem to be more important. We need volunteers to help show off the dogs and do set-up and take-down at events. Foster homes are vital so that we can help our dogs become acquainted with what it is like to be in a home setting.

What’s your experience working with the breed?

What’s your favorite thing about the breed?

My experience working with the breed has been very positive in most respects.

About 95 percent of the dogs I meet are outgoing, happy, energetic, loyal, playful, loving and gentle. This is what I expect from the breed in most cases and what

My absolute favorite thing about American Pit Bull Terriers is their loyalty.

They will do absolutely anything to please their people, which of course, put into the wrong hands, is a downfall. With the right owner, though, this dog can become the

18 • The Dog Dish Magazine

most amazing companion you could ever want or need in your life.

What is your favorite rescue you’ve done so far?

Of all the dogs we have saved I have to say Maya sticks out in my mind as my favorite so far. Maya was living under a house where she had seven puppies. The family had no means to care for them, and after four weeks they called us. Maya was extremely emaciated, and she and her pups were covered in fleas and ticks. A few of the pups were anemic as well due to the parasites.

At first we were only able to bring food out so the dogs could eat. This gave us a little time to find placement for everyone.

After a few days we had foster homes for all the animals and we removed them from under the house. One puppy was lost before we came back to get them and was never found. It always bothered me that we lost one; but at the time we were just starting out, and we had no means to take them on the first day. We were able to find homes for all the puppies after they were healthy enough to be spayed and neutered.

Even Maya was adopted to a wonderful family who continued to take care of her medical needs after she left our care. We

still get updates on Maya from her family and get to see pictures of her on social media. It’s nice to see a dog go from having nothing to having the world.

How would one go about adopting one of your dogs?

We have a website that has a list of requirements for adoption. These include a vet check, home visit, age restrictions and a few other items. There is also an adoption application on our website. After receiving an application, we will look it over and usually email back with more questions, depending on if the people live in an apartment, didn’t fill out all the questions, or have other animals.

Sometimes we hear back from people, sometimes we don’t. We don’t hound applicants, so if there is no response, we file it away. After speaking with the family and checking references, if we feel they could be a good match (which may not actually be to the dog they were originally interested in), we will set up a time for everyone to meet. If all goes well, then we proceed with the adoption.

We also offer families a trial period of a minimum of two weeks to foster the dog they are interested in to see if they really are a good match. This has helped out greatly with families that were not quite sure if they wanted to take on the responsibility of an animal.

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For a person who can’t adopt, what can they do to help?

We have a volunteer application on our website. Many people who cannot adopt cannot foster either, so volunteering it a great alternative. Helping out at events to walk dogs, talk to people who take an interest in our booth, and set-up and take-down of the booth are all extremely helpful. The more dedicated volunteers, the more events we can attend. Plus, volunteers who meet the dogs will talk about them with other people, and that may lead to an adoption later down the road. If they have a favorite, they are more inclined to share them on social media, talk about them to others, and actively seek a home for them.

If someone is interested in getting involved in your rescue or adopting a dog, what is the best method of contact?

Questions: pitessentials@yahoo.com or danielledodd@pitessentialsrescue.org Adoption/foster/volunteer applications: www.pitessentialsrescue.org September/October 2016 • 19

Axel Blitz

Cozmo

Bentley

Mariah & Madonna Bon Jasmine, Brutus, Toby

Fletcher

Frank 20 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Louie

Peanut

Riley Belle Rumble

Penelope, Penny Moses, Stella

Scout & Scruff Zeus Toby Joe

Teddy Twinkie Bear

Toby & Spencer

Think you have the cutest dog?

Brag about it!

Email us a high-resolution photo of your pooch and his/her name to photos@thedogdishok.com.

Your photo may appear in the next issue of the magazine!

September/October 2016 • 21

We All Need to Relax Now and Zen Many of us find relief from everyday stress and chaos by getting a massage.

A good massage therapist can help set us free from worries and stress and create a calmer, more relaxed and comfortable physical existence.

Zen.

Written by Shelley Erdman and Sydney Head, Full Circle Obedience School

Puppies and dogs can also suffer stress. As their caretakers, we have the opportunity to not only help relieve their stress, but to prepare them for close encounters with others in ways that will minimize anxiety.

Veterinarians and groomers always appreciate patients and clients that are cooperative and easygoing. The techniques in this article can be practiced in your home, your veterinarian’s office, and your groomer’s salon. Once your dog or puppy is familiar with the techniques, practicing them in alternate locations decreases the stress and anxiety sometimes associated with those new locations, helping your dog or puppy become that ideal patient or client.

We’ve created some how-to photos to help your dog find her own Zen through massage techniques and acupressure points. If your puppy is resistant to the massage, start with very short sessions in the beginning. This experience should never turn into a battle of wills or a wrestling match.

She will be more comfortable with some areas being touched than others. When you happen across one of those problem areas and she protests, simply do one or two movements and move to a more comfortable area. Revisit the protest areas in small doses until they are no longer an issue.

We appreciate David and Diane Olson of Edmond for loaning Bubba to us for these pictures.

Bubba is a 17-week-old English Bulldog.

1. It is easier and safer to sit on the floor with your puppy for these exercises. Hook your thumb in his collar and wrap your hand under his bottom jaw so he can relax his head in your hand. There is no pressure around his neck.

2. Body massage is done by using the pads of your fingers and palm, and moving in a circular motion. Start with your hand in the 6:00 position, move your hand in a circular motion to the 8:00 position.

Lift your hand and repeat the motion in other places. Movements should be slow and purposeful, using the same amount of pressure you would use to massage your eyelid.

22 • The Dog Dish Magazine

3. Dogs can be calmed in a variety of situations by a soothing, slow massage of the occipital protuberance, which is the bump on top of his skull. The occiput contains many nerve endings and stimulates calming effects related to the fight or flight system. Use the pads of your fingers and thumb and gently massage by sliding your fingers out and bringing them together on top of your dog’s head, toward the back of his skull and between his ears.

Remember: move slowly and purposefully.

4. Your dog will inevitably have times when you, veterinarians, groomers, or others need to touch his face. Those people -- and you -- will appreciate being able to do so without issue, and your puppy will be less stressed if touches to his face are not new, surprising events. You can prepare your dog by massaging her face gently. This

does NOT mean gripping your puppy’s face and holding it while she paws and struggles. Massaging her face on the sides, under her chin, and the top of her muzzle will help desensitize your puppy to having those areas touched. The trick is to touch one or two areas for very short periods of time, a few times each day, until your puppy becomes comfortable. You can offer small treats periodically during the massage or have someone hold a treat to keep your puppy busy, if necessary, in the beginning.

In the picture, Bubba’s head is supported with the left hand while the right hand is massaging his cheek. Notice, Bubba’s feet are resting on Sydney’s leg and his eyes are soft and relaxed.

5. All dogs and puppies need nails trimmed. Desensitize your puppy to having his paws touched by lifting each paw and doing a circular massage of each paw and toe. Bubba is enjoying a yummy treat as he is getting a paw massage. If your puppy struggles, have a helper hold a treat to keep the puppy busy while you massage one paw. Do the remaining paws in additional short sessions later. Short, frequent sessions are beneficial; forcing your puppy to cope can hinder progress.

6. Leave no tail untouched – even one as short as Bubba’s. Veterinarians take temperatures and sometimes fecal samples, and groomers clean anal glands and trim potty trails. Imagine your puppy or dog’s surprise if no one has ever touched his tail or “exit” end before, and now a non-family member in a place that isn’t home is back there doing unfamiliar things. Desensitize your puppy by lifting his tail, nub, or in Bubba’s case, his curl. You don’t have to do anything other than lift and treat. Do it often and gently. It won’t alleviate the discomfort of the procedures that may be in the works. but at least he will be familiar with people approaching his “exit” end.

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7. Ears are full of acupressure points.

Soothe a worried, stressed puppy by gently massaging her ears from the base to the tip in small circles, moving from one side of the ear to the other. In picture A you can see that Bubba is a little resentful of being bothered. In picture B, after a few seconds of ear massage, Bubba is relaxed and leaning on Sydney.

Touch desensitization is an easy and completely free way to prepare your puppy for typical veterinary and grooming procedures. Massage is a way to diffuse stress and anxiety in a variety of situations.

Bubba agrees. He seems to be saying, “We all need to relax now and ZEN, so what are you waiting for?”

(405) 282-3883 ROC Animal Training and Behavior “Right On Click”

Our focus is on communication and forming a bond between you and your dog.

Group classes for basic manners of companionship dogs Contact us today!

405-201-3806 • www.rocanimaltraining.com Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ rocanimaltrainingandbehavior

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September/October 2016 • 23

Written by Amanda St. John

Barking Babies When Your Baby’s First Word is “Woof”

The new family dynamic and why some couples are sticking with fur babies

24 • The Dog Dish Magazine

Taking a tour of the bedroom they share in their Deep Deuce apartment, it’s easy to see that little Suzy and her big sister Olive are very much loved. The walls are decorated with pictures of them with their parents, Stuart and Callie Randel.

Not one, but two baskets of toys are parked next to their bed and favorite chair, where they love to sit and watch cars and neighbors pass on the street beneath their window. And every time they come inside from a walk or potty break, they race to their bedroom and wait patiently in front of a side table that’s chock full of their favorite treats, because Suzy and Olive know that good dogs get treats.

Although a fairly new concept in Oklahoma—and despite criticism of the practice from Pope Francis himself in 2014—the trend of young adults and couples turning to canine companions in the place of children has been steadily growing in the States since 1999. Starting in cities where women tended to focus more on obtaining an education and building a career rather than a family right away, and where the average age for first-time marriages climbs closer to 30 instead of the previous 24, it is now becoming a common practice across America.

In 2015 Oklahoma City carried a ranking of 48 out of 100 on WalletHub.com’s list of best cities for dog lovers, and with the recent explosion of urban development and economic growth, it’s becoming clear that Oklahomans are also warming up to the shift.

Chase and Tara Woodley are both young working professionals in downtown Oklahoma City who exemplify the new “modern family” trend. Tara is building her career as a travel agent, and as she explains what she does for work, she unintentionally paints a picture of why dogs are becoming so popular for young adults. “In the nineties, with the explosion of the Internet, everyone started booking everything themselves and now we’re at a point where nobody has time. And there are so many deals out there that it’s hard to siphon through them all. If you’re working 10 or 12 hours a day it’s hard to find that time,” she said of having children.

Dogs are an accommodating addition to the family unit for busy people who still want to care for and nurture a living thing without the immense time and responsibility

required for a child. When asked about the possibility of having human children, both the Randels and Woodleys said they want that for their future. “Oh, absolutely!” Tara gushed, “but when we’re ready.”

“A lot of people get pressured,” Stuart shared; “they feel like they need to do the kid thing while they’re young, but for me… if we’re both 40 before we decide to have kids, that’s alright. We’ll adopt kids if we have to.”

For some couples, they find the sharing of responsibilities and partnership in the upbringing of a puppy brings them closer and better prepares them for the responsibilities of actual parenthood. “I always wanted a dog,” Chase explained, “and we were ready to take on more responsibility, but not necessarily ready for a baby, so the dog was kind of a natural fit.”

It may seem odd that some of the cities credited with initiating this “modern family” trend, like Santa Ana, California and New York City, barely make the cut at 98 and 99, respectively, on WalletHub. com’s list, but it makes sense. Oklahoma City, when compared to cities like Newark, New Jersey (rated the worst on WalletHub. com) is relatively undeveloped, giving the

city more opportunity to meet the needs of a growing dog population as the city grows. This means more dog parks, dogfriendly patios, and waste stations, as well as dog-focused activities and events as development progresses.

Oklahoma hasn’t always been so open minded about incorporating dogs into its culture outside of farming and herding, and chances are if you’re an Okie native you’ve heard some version of, “dogs belong outside, not in the house,” in your lifetime.

Stuart and Callie couldn’t be more opposed to that antiquated philosophy. Stuart explains his family’s adjustment from suburban to city life, “We used to have a yard for them, but we took away their yard so now they get a room.” He adds, “It’s the least we can do.”

The benefits of having a dog before— or in the place of—children seem to be unanimous among dog parents. Callie explains, “They’re always happy to see us, and we can leave them at home!” Stuart laughs, “Unsupervised, for the most part.

And probably a little less expensive, even with their own room!”

Matt and Katie Munda adore their pit bull, Bosworth. They have raised him together from a puppy, and they both

know that the more a “parent” is able to incorporate their beloved “fur baby” into their daily life, the more enjoyable life is for the family as a whole.

For dog parents looking to strengthen the bond with their dog and family, therapy dog training offers a powerful punch of positive impacts on the community for a small price. Matt and Katie attended training classes with their adopted “son” Bosworth, and together were certified to do therapy dog work in their community. “Maybe someday we’ll decide to have kids,” Katie muses with her husband Matt, “but right now we don’t feel like our life is lacking anything.”

Most people would agree that raising a human child is not a decision to be taken lightly, and not everyone feels compelled or is outfitted to take on the job. Whether a companion for a couple to bond over before taking the plunge into parenthood, or the perfect substitution for those who aren’t even thinking of children, Tara sums it up perfectly: “That’s the best part of having a dog; they really are man’s best friend. They’re always in a constant state of joy, and it brings you back to a level of relaxation and contentment so you can enjoy life.”

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September/October 2016 • 25

FALL READING GUIDE

Now that the weather is cooling off, you may be spending more time indoors. This is a great time to add a few dog books to your reading list! Here are a few favorites from the Dog Dish Magazine staff and a few we plan on checking out this fall.

Sit, Stay, Love

by Dana Mentink A fun and adorable story. An easy read for any dog lover.

Paws to Reflect: 365 Devotions for the Animal Lover’s Soul

by Devon O’Day and Kim McLean A wonderful daily devotional that speaks directly to dog lovers.

You Had Me at Woof

by Julie Klam Anyone who has ever fallen in love with a dog can relate to the sweet sentiments in this honest, heartfelt, and hilarious tale.

Richochet

by Judy Fridono An inspiriting story about the healing power of an ordinary dog with an extraordinary spirit.

26 • The Dog Dish Magazine

50 Secrets Humans Should Know Not as much a “book” as a little carryalong of funny scraps of wisdom directly from our canine companions.

True Tails from the Dog Park

by Kari Lynn Sherman A fun and charming collection of short stories, tips and advice, all told from the perspective of two dogs, Max and Luther.

The book offers great lessons on dog park etiquette and is perfect for dog lovers of all ages.

Board your dog or puppy and work on training skills at the same time.

BOARD + TRAIN! Old Dog Haven: Every Old Dog Has a Story to Tell

by Ardeth De Vries This book is a celebration of hope and life lessons that can only be taught by our old doggie friends.

The book also provides tips on long-term welfare and making endof-life decisions, and how to cope when you lose your best friend. All profits go to support Old Dog Haven, a nonprofit organization in Washington.

How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language

by Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman A fun, informative, and photographically driven book that helps kids understand what their dog is trying to tell them through body language and behavior.

• Basic Commands • Loose-leash walking • Potty Training • Jumping • Nipping & Chewing • Other unwanted behaviors Call about our different packages today!

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For 37 years Deborah and her team have been working around the clock to provide superior legal service to those in need.

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March/April 2016 • 27

LOCAL RESOURCE GUIDE Your guide to the best dog groomers, veterinarians, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, and more in the Oklahoma City metro area.

DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT PATIOS

BRICKTOWN Jazmo’z Bourbon Street Café Bolero Spanish Grill & Tapas Bar In the Raw Sushi Earl’s Rib Palace Fuzzy’s Taco Shop MIDTOWN Iguana Mexican Grill Bleu Garten Café Do Brasil S&B’s Burger Joint Viceroy Grille at Ambassador Hotel Louie’s Bar & Grill Peloton Wine Bar & Cafe Fassler Hall Kaiser’s Diner (temporarily closed) Hillbilly Po’ Boy Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar Waffle Champion Gigglez Bar & Grill UPTOWN Pizza23 Sushi Neko The Pump Bar DEEP DEUCE Urban Johnnie Deep Deuce Grill Anchor Down The Wedge Pizzeria Slaughter’s Hall PLAZA DISTRICT District House Empire Slice House The Mule PASEO Sauced Picasso Café The Other Room LAKE HEFNER Louie’s Bar & Grill NORTHWEST OKC Rock & Brews Top Golf EDMOND Upper Crust Othello’s

The Patriarch Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Flat Tire Burgers NICHOLS HILLS West Bellini’s Underground Republic Gastropub Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattori Urban Tea House DOG-FRIENDLY WINERIES Tres Suenos Winery & Vineyard

Luther www.tressuenos.com Clauren Ridge Vineyard & Winery

Edmond www.claurenridge.com Native Spirits Winery

Norman www.nativespiritswinery.com Redbud Ridge Winery

Norman

Edmond Dog Park

E 33rd Street and S Boulevard, Edmond BOARDING/DOGGIE DAYCARES The Dog House

5815 Melton Dr Oklahoma City 405-778-5544 www.thedoghouseokc.com Liberty Run

9168 Liberty Run Guthrie 405-282-3883 The Pawparazzi Lounge

3724 E 2nd St Edmond 405-341-0057 www.pawparazzilounge.com DOG SITTING/DOG WALKERS Carey Pet & Home Care

www.redbudridgewinery.com Strebel Creek Vineyard

405-605-3355

Oklahoma City

Deep Deuce Dog Walker

www.strebelcreek.com StableRidge Vineyards

405-757-9497

Stroud www.stableridgevineyards.com DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS

Aloft Hotel Sheraton Hotel Ambassador Hotel La Quinta Inn & Suites Skirvin Hilton Springhill Suites Colcord Hotel

www.careypet.com

Savvy Pet Sitter

405-219-0011 www.savvypetsitter.com VETERINARIANS Animal Medical Center I-35

3800 E 2nd St Edmond 405-359-6301 Gentle Care Animal Hospital

Myriad Gardens

17200 N May Ave #900 Edmond 405-285-9663

301 W Reno, Oklahoma City

www.gentlecareah.net

Paw Park

Midtown Vets

DOG PARKS

NW Grand Blvd and Highway 74, Lake Hefner Deep Deuce Dog Park

NE Second Street and Oklahoma Avenue, Downtown Oklahoma City Midtown Mutts Dog Park

Between N Walker and N Hudson Avenue, just north of NW 10th Street, Midtown

231 NW 10th St Oklahoma City 405-606-4477 www.midtownvets.com Woodlake Animal Hospital

6600 NW 63rd St Oklahoma City 405-721-6604

PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS Full Circle Obedience

7823 NW 94th St Oklahoma City 405-721-7829 www.fullcircleobedienceschool.com Pleasant Pooch

6976 Highwater Cir Edmond 405-513-7297 www.pleasantpooch.com Camp Bow Wow

801 Centennial Blvd Edmond 405-359-7297 www.campbowwow.com/Edmond ROC Animal Training & Behavior

405-201-3806 www.rocanimaltraining.com GROOMING Central Park Dog Daycare

5420 N. Classen Blvd.

Oklahoma City 405-858-2275 www.dogdaycareokc.com Diamond Dog

Del City: Corner 15th & Sooner NW OKC: Hefner & Rockwell 405-722-0125 www.facebook.com/diamonddogokc

Bark & Bubbles

Mobile Grooming Salon 405-985-6046, 405-985-6047 www.barknbubblesok.com CREMATION/MEMORIAL SERVICES Precious Pets Cemetery

5510 Spencer Rd Spencer 405-771-5510 www.preciouspetscemetery.com RETAIL A-1 Pet Emporium

Locations in Edmond and Oklahoma City 405-749-1738 www.a1petemporium.com One Lucky Mutt

15220 N Western Ave Edmond 405-348-6888 www.oneluckymutt.com SPECIALTY CARE Holland’s Veterinary Referral Hospital

9421 N Robinson Ave Oklahoma City 405-842-2275 www.hvrhokc.com Celerity Prosthetics

937 SW 89th Street, Ste. B Oklahoma City 405-605-3030 www.celerityprosthetics.com

Edmond’s Premier Dog Daycare,Overnight Lodging and Grooming Watch your dog play while you are away with our live webcams

FRIENDS OF FIDO Bajaj Plastic Surgery

8106 N May Ave Oklahoma City 405-810-8448 www.bajajplasticsurgery.com Earthborn Holistic Food

(Made in Oklahoma) www.earthbornholisticpetfood.com Imagine If Photography

405-470-3600 www.imagineifphoto.com Metro Mark Realtors

405-740-2149 Susie 405-659-2265 Nita www.metromarkrealtors.com Valir Hospets

405-609-3636 www.valir.com OKC Pet Waste

405-822-3772 www.okcpetwaste.com www.facebook.com/okcpetwaste DentalWorks

4200 Hemingway Dr., Oklahoma City 405-557-1245 www.evjdentalworks.com Deborah A. Fortune, Attorney

Ratheal, Maggard & Fortune Law Firm 4045 NW 64th Street, Suite 210 Oklahoma City 405-525-1011 www.fortunelawcenter.com Zee & Zeus Allergy-Free Food & Treats www.facebook.com/zeeandzeus New name, everything else is the same!

15220 N. Western, Suite E-2 Edmond, OK 405-348-6888 All Natural Dog and Cat Food All Natural Treats Organic Spa Products Bedding

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BEST APPS FOR DOG LOVERS Has your dog ever eaten something you weren’t sure was healthy and you panicked? Do you regularly walk your dog? We’ve compiled our top picks for apps that all dog parents should have.

Pet Tech PetSaver WHY WE LOVE IT: This app is a must-have for dog parents, and it can save lives when the unexpected happens. It includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for CPR, first aid skills and daily care information. You can also access a comprehensive list of poisonous items that can be hazardous to your dog. While this doesn’t replace the vital skills taught in real-life Pet Tech CPR and first aid classes, the app is a great resource to have at your fingertips.

Available for iPhone and Android.

BringFido

iKibble WHY WE LOVE IT: How many times have you looked into those hungry hound-dog eyes and wondered, “Can I feed this to my dog?” Easily search common foods to see if your dog can or cannot eat them.

Available for iPhone and Android.

WHY WE LOVE IT: We love this app for obvious reasons. Here at The Dog Dish we believe in living life with our dogs, and that means bringing Fido with you. Looking for a dog-friendly hotel when you travel? What about local resources such as dog walkers, groomers and nearby dog-friendly attractions?

BringFido gives you free on-the-go access to dogfriendly information worldwide.

Available for iPhone.

ASPCA Mobile App WHY WE LOVE IT: This free app allows dog parents to store vital medical records and provides information on making life-saving decisions during natural disasters. Lost your dog? Build a lost dog digital flyer that can be shared instantly on your social media channels, plus receive a personalized recovery kit including step-by-step instructions on

Walk for a Dog WHY WE LOVE IT: Do you regularly walk your dog? Why not help shelters at the same time? Walk for a Dog is an app that donates money to an animal shelter of your choosing every time you walk your dog. Now that’s a win-win!

Available for iPhone and Android.

30 • The Dog Dish Magazine