THE CREATIVE CORNER PRIDE PURRADE
Se Andria Duckworth CFMG
THE WORLD OF
CANINE MASSAGE CANINE MASSAGE
AUDI RYERSON
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Dr Narda Robinson DVM
Dr Narda Robinson DVM
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
FERAL FERAL
NOT FRIED
Mercedes Schenk CFMG
Joslyn Williams
TheFurryPhoenician
HUMAN
ALISHA PARILLO
CANINE
BRYTON
SEANDRIA DUCKWORTH
PHOTOGRAPHER
BEAU DAVILLA
EDITOR
MERCEDES SCHENK
ISSUE SPONSOR
ALL THINGS PAW
UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS
FRIDAY JULY 4TH
TASTE OF AMERICA POTLUCK
AUGUST 13 - 15
SUPER ZOO LAS VEGAS
SUNDAY AUGUST 31
KAYAK/PADDLEBOARDING LAKE TBD
SEPTEMBER TBA
GHOST HUNT
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 2
ROCKY MOUNTAIN GROOM
EXPO ARIZONA, MESA
phoenician the furry
TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
Pets are often considered part of the family, but traveling with a pet isn’t as simple as just booking a flight or driving across the border They need the correct paperwork to avoid being held up during travel The U S Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has launched a new website devoted to international pet travel which you can access at https://www aphis usda gov/pet-travel
If you are considering taking your pet from the USA to another country, you can contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel They will help you determine your destination country's pet entry requirements and assist you through the process
All dogs and cats entering Arizona need: Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) Rabies Vaccine PRIOR to Entry (must be 12 weeks and older), Titers are not accepted for entry
State Veterinarian’s Office: 602-542-4293
CVI@azda gov
CANINE MASSAGE THE WORLD OF
Narda Robinson DO, DVM, MS, CRPM. FAAMA, is the leading authority on scientific integrative medicine from a One Health perspective Dr Robinson founded CuraCore MED and CuraCore VET in order to educate both human and veterinary medical professionals with the core knowledge and technical skill needed to practice integrative medicine safely, based on science She has cultivated her expertise for over 20 years through teaching, practicing, and researching topics such as medical acupuncture, medical massage, photo medicine, and botanical therapy
Dr. Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard Radcliff, a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine, as well as a Masters in Biomedical Sciences She is certified in Integrative Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and is a Fellow among the American Academy of Acupuncture
Thank you so much, Dr Robinson for taking the time to lend us your professional ear and insight Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become a dog massage therapist?
I’m an osteopathic physician and veterinarian, so from the beginning of medical school (which was before vet school), I learned that hands-on healing was a part of medicine I’m not a massage therapist, but I’ve been performing body work on humans and animals for decades, and developed a canine massage course at Colorado State University with a good friend of mine back in 2009 Her name is Rhonda Reich, MA, LMT, and she actually created the first canine massage program at the Boulder School of Massage
What kind of training or certification is required to practice canine massage therapy?
This is highly dependent on the laws of the state or province where one practices, so it’s important to check with the regulatory authorities Some locales allow non-veterinarians to practice on their own if they fulfill certain requirements; others may require direct or indirect supervision by a veterinarian
How long have you been practicing, and what kinds of dogs do you typically work with?
I graduated from osteopathic medical school in 1988 and veterinary school in 1997 Nowadays, I teach veterinarians and veterinary professionals to perform massage, canine rehabilitation, medical acupuncture, and more, so I work with the dogs that come to our school as volunteers They range from healthy young dogs to those with spinal cord injury, post-surgical pain, and arthritis
UNDERSTSANDING CANINE MASSAGE
What exactly is dog massage therapy, and how does it benefit dogs?
Canine massage therapy is as diverse as human massage therapy, with a hundred various techniques These are then applied, hopefully appropriately, to dogs As with humans, massage therapy provides relaxation, better mobility, pain control, improved digestion, immune system regulation, and nervous system support
What are some of the most common issues or conditions that massage can help with?
Geriatric patients with reduced mobility, back pain, and arthritis; athletes with strains, sprains, and overuse syndromes, and postoperative or cancer patients
How does canine massage differ from human massage, if at all?
We use much less pressure than human massage, and typically no lotion, because of the fur and their propensitiy to lick
What does a typical session look like--from consultation to hands-on work?
Consultation begins with a veterinary history and discussion with the client; then I perform a thorough assessment of the patient, including observation of movement, analysis of structure - function considerations, and a myofascial evaluation We keep everyone as relaxed as possible so that it becomes more of a partnership than a “regular” vet visit
How do you assess what a dog needs during a session?
I take into account the history, physical evaluation, and my myofascial and neurological exams
How do you approach dogs who are nervous or not used to being touched?
Very slowly and give them space and never use force. I would want to know more about why they are nervous or aversive to touch and make sure that we have a quiet and calm area, and I don’t wear a white coat We all typically sit on the floor with the patient
HEALTH AND WELLNESS INSIGHTS
Are there any situations where massage isn’t recommended for dogs?
Yes, if they are touch-averse or overfly fearful and aggressive, then perhaps this isn’t the treatment for them Infectious disease that could be communicable to humans or other animals needs to have special precautions and clean-up We don’t massage over a tumor, and we are cautious with post-operative patients or following trauma That’s why it’s important to know a gamut of techniques
Can massage therapy be a substitute for veterinary care, or is it more of a complement?
Never a substitute Only a complement, unless a veterinarian has determined that massage is the treatment of choice and the client agrees to it
How do you collaborate with vets or other pet health professionals?
In the same way as for any other situation, we discuss the patient’s history, presentation, diagnosis, and recommended care and precautions
TRENDS + PUBLIC PERCEPTION
Have you noticed growing interest in holistic or alternative therapies for pets?
The current preferred name is “integrative” medicine, at least when practiced by a healthcare professional, because therapies like massage a part of a comprehensive treatment plan Clients definitely want more options for their animals, and integrative medical approaches can often provide as much or more relief of a condition than drugs and surgery can Clients deserve a fact-based list of options, including risks and benefits, for what can be done to help their furred family member
What are the most common misconceptions people have about dog massage therapy?
Many are unaware of the evidential support of massage and the science-based mechanisms that explain how it works Even some practitioners will claim that it works by moving “chi” or “energy” which, in my opinion, does the field a disservice
Are there particular breeds or age groups that benefit most?
Geriatric animals of all types really benefit from massage It helps with mobility, pain control, arthritis, digestion, and more
ADVICE FOR PET OWNERS
How can owners tell if their dog might benefit from massage therapy?
I recommend having the dog evaluated by a veterinarian who practices integrative medicine, acupuncture, and/or rehabilitation therapy
What should someone look for when choosing a qualified dog massage therapist?
As stated earlier, local regulations can vary as to who is qualified and legally authorized to treat a dog That said, many veterinarians and veterinary technicians involved in rehabilitation and acupuncture settings provide massage There are also many massage therapists who have added canine work to their practice For anyone who isn’t a veterinarian to provide care, I would look to see how they communicate and share information with the dog’s veterinarian so that there can be some continuity of care and oversight
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping animals feel better and avoid surgery with gentle, effective, natural healing techniques This video is a great story where I taught a veterinarian to use massage for a scared and misunderstood dog This was supposed to be Zoom discussion about performing acupuncture but Tank actually needed her to do more myofascial palpation and massage
Mercedes Schenk CFMG
DIY CANINE ENRICHMENT IDEAS
When summer temperatures soar in Arizona, keeping our dogs physically active and mentally stimulated can feel like a challenge Long walks and outdoor adventures may be off the table during the hottest parts of the day, but that doesn’t mean our pups have to suffer from boredom
Canine enrichment is essential for a dog’s overall well-being offering mental stimulation, reducing anxiety, and curbing unwanted behaviors The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune or brave the blistering sun to keep your dog happy With a little creativity and a few household items, you can turn everyday moments into enriching experiences right in the comfort of your air-conditioned home
In this article, we’ll explore ten fun, budget-friendly DIY enrichment ideas that will keep your dog’s tail wagging all summer long
SCATTER FEEDING
This is one of the simplest enrichment activities out there and one of the most natural Start by ditching your dog’s food dish and spreading their food around the house or outside (weather permitting) This activity encourages natural foraging behavior and slows down speedy eaters! This is sure to add some excitement to mealtimes and add just a bit of physical activity to your dog’s day, especially with shorter and less frequent walks during these summer months My little white dog, Ollie, seems to really enjoy his scatter meals!
SENSORY ENRICHMENT
Not all enrichment activities need to be food related, although those are the easiest to accomplish With sensory enrichment, we allow our furry friends to view the world around them Set up a bird feeder outside for your dog to watch Have an aquarium? Allow Fido to watch the fish swim around This is my Jack and Juno’s favorite activity They could watch the fish for hours at a time, with the added benefit of providing the fish with some enrichment! Have an HD television? Your dog can see what is on the screen! Let them have a little screen time Dogs seem to enjoy shows such as Bluey, which are made up primarily of colors dogs can see (shades of blue, gray, and yellow) Even listening to music or nature sounds can be considered as sensory enrichment for our dogs
Your dog will have a blast ripping open the bag for the goodies inside You can make this activity more challenging by placing a bag inside of a larger bag or by wrapping the food inside little packets of packing paper
SHOEBOX PUZZLE
For this simple activity you will need an old shoebox and empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls that have been cut in half Place the rolls into the shoebox vertically so that the tubes are facing upwards Once this is done, you can put your dog’s meal, treats, or a mixture of both inside the tubes Your dog will have to remove the tubes from the box to get to the food as their snouts won’t be able to fit inside the tubes This adds some interest to our dog’s mealtime or snack time and recycles some materials that would otherwise end up in the garbage My dog Beau is particularly fond of this activity
WHAT’S IN THE BAG?
This activity is absolutely a fun one that deserves a mention here. For this endeavor, all you need is a paper sack from your local grocery store or from takeout. Sprinkle some of your dog’s food or favorite treats inside and fold the top over.
SNIFFIES
This activity is a fun one that also does not involve food as part of the activity and is also easy to accomplish Simply bring a novel object home and allow your dog to sniff every inch of it! This could be something you bring home from vacation, from the parking lot at work, or even a friend’s yard! When I travel, I try to bring one or two items home for my dogs to explore with their noses This might be some dirt, a rock, pinecone, a small bunch of grass, etc It does not need to be complicated! You could even allow them to sniff your clothes thoroughly before putting them in the dirty clothes hamper Your dog will enjoy exercising their noses and get to experience a little of the outside world!
LET’S GO ON A SNIFFARI
This pursuit seems to be a favorite of many clients This activity is great all year round, but we must change locations depending
on the outside temperature All this involves is letting your dog sniff what they want to sniff while on an adventure Any walk we take our dogs on is THEIR walk after all Sniffing is how our dogs navigate and experience the world According to the VCA website, dogs have more than 100 million olfactory receptors in their noses, while we only have a measly 6 million In other words, a canine’s nose is estimated to smell 1,000 to 10,000 times better than we can! In the summer when we are limited to what we can do outside, these Sniffaries can include pet friendly stores (Ace, Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply, and pet stores) or a nicely shaded Sniffspot Outside of the summer months, Sniffaries can take place on regular walks!
BOX ENRICHMENT
Everyone seems to have extra boxes lying around nowadays! Whether they are from Amazon, Chewy, or someplace else we can use boxes to provide enrichment for our pups For this activity you will need a box that has low sides or a box that you have trimmed the flaps off of Long boxes work best! Start by sprinkling your dog’s favorite treats or their food and cover with packing paper Your dog will have fun digging and rooting around for their snack! This encourages natural canine behaviors such as digging and foraging in an appropriate setting If you don’t have packing paper, you can always cover the food that’s in the box with an old blanket, towel, rags, or even your dog’s toys!
SOLO CUP PARTY
Who doesn’t like parties? All you need for this enrichment game is some paper or plastic cups and some tasty snacks Put some food on your floor and cover it up with the cups Fido will love
knocking the cups over to get to their treats! Once they get the hang of the game you can place higher valuable food items under some of the cups, while others have nothing or lower value food items under them!
TOWEL ROLL UP
You have heard of fruit rollups (yummy!), but how about a towel roll-up? For this boredom buster all you need is an old beach or bath towel and, of course, food! Spread the towel out flat on the floor, sprinkle some food on top, and then tightly roll the towel up! Your dog will have to unroll the towel to get the food out Again, this is a great way to ditch the food dish and add a little excitement to dinnertime or breakfast To make this activity a little more challenging you can roll up small washcloths with some food inside before rolling these into the much larger towel You can even take your rolled towel and tie it into a loose knot for Fido to untie
I’ve saved the best for last! When it’s miserably hot outside, creating a dedicated enrichment room can be a game-changer for keeping your dog mentally stimulated and out of trouble The idea is simple: temporarily transform a room in your home into an engaging playground for your pup Hide treats in different spots, drape blankets over toys or furniture to create little “puzzle zones,” and add safe, intriguing scents for an extra layer of sensory stimulation A drop or two of dog-safe essential oils, like lavender, can provide calming aromatherapy just be sure to verify that any scent you use is non-toxic and safe for canine noses This kind of immersive environment encourages natural behaviors like sniffing, foraging, and exploring all while staying cool indoors
Providing your dog with enriching activities doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming and it definitely doesn’t require braving the Arizona sun With a few DIY projects and some creativity, you can keep your dog mentally sharp, physically active, and happily entertained indoors Just remember, all enrichment activities should be supervised to ensure your pup’s safety Once playtime is over, be sure to pick up and store any materials used, especially items that could pose a choking hazard or be tempting to chew unsupervised A tidy space and a tired, happy dog? That’s a win-win for everyone
COOL TREATS TO BEAT THE HEAT COOL TREATS TO BEAT THE HEAT
As the sun blazes and temperatures rise, our furry companions feel the heat just as much if not more than we do Dogs, in particular, can overheat quickly due to their limited ability to sweat Ensuring your pet stays cool and comfortable during the dog days of summer isn’t just about comfort it’s about their health and safety
Fortunately, there are natural ways to keep your pet cool, hydrated, and protected from pests using cooling foods and essential oil remedies
As the dog days of summer approach, explore the best foods to hydrate and cool your pet, the role of safe essential oils, and five easy-to-make DIY recipes that offer tasty relief and protection I am a certified animal aromatherapist and urge you to follow the directions below for the DIY recipes exactly When using essential oils less is always better Now grab your favorite pool side umbrella drink and lets help keep our pets cool this summer!
Summer heat is dangerous for pets because dogs and cats regulate their body temperature differently than humans Dogs pant to cool down, but this method becomes inefficient in extreme heat or humidity Overheating can lead to heatstroke, which is potentially fatal
Signs of heat stress in pets include:
Excessive panting or drooling
Bright red or pale gums
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or disorientation
Collapse or seizures
Immediate cooling and veterinary attention are critical in these cases Prevention is the best cure, and that starts with hydration and cooling strategies
TOP COOLING FOODS FOR PETS
ESSENTIAL OIL: NATURE’S BUG REPELLENT
Essential oils can be a fantastic addition to your summer pet-care toolkit but caution is key Not all essential oils are pet-safe, and even safe oils must be used in diluted, carefully controlled amounts
Pet-Safe Essential Oils (When Properly Diluted):
Lavender – Calming, cooling, and great for skin health
Peppermint – Naturally cooling, repels fleas (use with caution and heavy dilution)
Cedarwood – Excellent for repelling insects.
Lemongrass – Effective mosquito and flea repellent
Frankincense – Gentle, anti-inflammatory, and soothing
Important Note: Always consult with a vet especially a holistic or integrative veterinarian before using essential oils on or around pets Oils should never be ingested directly or applied undiluted
During hot months, you can boost your pet’s hydration and help lower their body temperature naturally through their diet Some pet-safe fruits and vegetables have high water content and natural cooling properties Such as:
96% water, low-calorie and refreshing. Frozen is always a fun crunchy treat
–
Blueberries – Antioxidant-rich and cooling Frozen makes a crunchy fun treat
Watermelon – Hydrating and rich in vitamins A, B6, and C Avoid seeds and rind Frozen is always a refreshing treat
Pumpkin Puree – Great for digestion and can be frozen for cooling treats
Apples – Contain vitamins and are a crisp treat. Remove Seeds.
Celery – Contains water and fiber; aids digestion and hydration
Bone Broth Ice Cubes – Packed with minerals and hydration
Cucumber
BLUEBERRY LEMONGRASS ICE CREAM CUPS
Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, soothing, insect-repelling
Best for: Dogs
Ingredients:
½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
½ ripe banana
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
1 drop lemongrass essential oil (well diluted, food-grade)
Silicone muffin cups or ice cube tray
Instructions:
1 Blend the blueberries, banana, and yogurt until smooth
2 Add the lemongrass oil and mix thoroughly
3 Pour into silicone cups and freeze
4 Serve as a cooling midday treat
Tip: Lemongrass is great for bug repellent benefits but should always be used in moderation and never directly ingested unless heavily diluted
CHILLED APPLE- CINNAMON GUT POPS
Benefits: Cooling, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory
Best for: Dogs
Ingredients:
½ apple (peeled, cored, diced)
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup water or cooled chamomile tea
1 drop cinnamon leaf essential oil (not bark oil – use with extreme caution and vet approval)
Instructions:
1 Blend apple, pumpkin, and liquid together
2 Stir in the cinnamon leaf essential oil (if approved for use)
3 Pour into molds and freeze
4 Serve one pop at a time as a gut-soothing snack
Caution: Cinnamon leaf oil is safer than bark oil but must be used sparingly Skip the oil entirely if you’re unsure, and opt for a small pinch of ground cinnamon instead
COOLING CUCUMBER MINT YOGURT BITES
Benefits: Cooling, digestive aid, fresh breath
Best for: Dogs
Ingredients:
½ cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, no xylitol)
1 drop peppermint essential oil (highly diluted) or 2 crushed mint leaves
Silicone mold
Instructions:
1 Blend cucumber and yogurt together until smooth
2 Stir in peppermint oil or mint leaves
3 Pour into molds and freeze
4 Give 1–2 bites per day as a snack
Note: Only use peppermint oil if approved by your vet It must be food-grade and very diluted
WATERMELON LAVENDER PUPSICLES
Benefits: Hydrating, calming, cooling
Best for: Dogs
Ingredients:
1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
½ cup coconut water (no added sugar)
1 drop lavender essential oil (pet-safe variety only)
Silicone molds or ice trays
Instructions:
1.Blend the watermelon and coconut water until smooth.
2 Stir in the lavender oil (no blending to avoid dispersal issues)
3 Pour into molds and freeze for at least 4 hours
4 Serve 1–2 cubes as a refreshing treat
PRIDE RADE
Alissa Myer
Giselle Bahena
SeAndria Duckworth
Giselle Bahena
Amy Espineira
Jennie Payne
Giselle Bahena
Kendra Ashley
Raina Waifu
Dapper Dog Grooming Parlor
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OWL PELLET DISSECTION + CRAFT AGES 5 - 12
AUDI RYERSON AUDI RYERSON
BOSS MODE
ACTIVATED
Hi there! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Audi Ryerson, I’m a 3 generation dog lover and groomer I am the proud owner of Day of The Dogs grooming salon, located in Goodyear, Arizona rd
What are you most passionate about when it comes to grooming?
I’m most passionate about continuing education, holding yourself to the highest standards, and Asian fusion grooming.
Do you remember the moment you decided you wanted to be a groomer? What drew you to this career?
I actually remember arguing with my mom about NOT wanting to be a groomer I wanted to be something different than what destiny had planned for me, but it came so naturally and I actually fell in love with it I have been bathing and grooming dogs since I was 11 years old I’m glad I followed my heart and stuck with grooming This world has taken me to heights I never imagined
What would you consider your style of grooming to be?
Asian Fusion all day everyday Even my breed pattern haircuts have a tiny Asian flare thrown in there somewhere
What’s one thing you always do to keep your motivation high, especially on tough days?
Positive thinking and a really good playlist!
If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?
A giraffe Because even after a long day they still hold their heads up high
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not busy at work, slaying it?
I love to travel, but I also like being home with my wife, playing with the dogs and pigs or just lounging on the couch If I’m not at home you can find me at a random event or on my paddleboard
What’s your secret to success? Any hidden talents we don’t know about?
No secrets, just hard work and determination! A strong belief in yourself and a goal that you don’t let anyone or anything interfere with Never give up, even on the bad days
If you could have any snack or drink delivered to your station daily, what would it be?
Snapple Apple and some Cheezits please!
“The
greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated ”
- Mahatma Gandhi
FERAL, NOT FRIED
FROM SCORCHING STREETS TO SAFE RETREATS
Summer is coming and that means change and challenges for us all
Mobile groomers are bracing themselves as they get ready to switch to earlier appointments, hoping to take advantage of the cooler mornings and avoid the over-bearing heat on their units Salon owners adjust their aprons in anxious anticipation of the impending electric bills as they work hard to keep their shops cool and comfortable
We all say a silent prayer to the Universe before we go to bed, please gods, please do not let my AC go out
Something happens here, in the desert during the summer. As I make my drive down the 202 and pass the beautiful stretch of Estrella Mountains, I imagine the people who lived here before us and ask myself how they not only survived but thrived in the treacherous sun I then crank up the AC and promise myself to one day make enough money where I too can Snowbird away from this literal hell-mouth of heat I don’t want to be dramatic but last year when we hit our seventieth day at the 110°+ mark, I actually googled the mortality rates of living in tornado country
Continuing to live in the desert is a choice, and even in the harshest of days I find immediate relief indoors It’s worth remembering that while we can retreat into air conditioning and shade, countless animals--especially cats have no voice, no shelter, and no way to ask for help
A UNIQUELY FELINE PROBLEM
When someone sees a stray dog, it’s not uncommon to see a flood of Facebook posts, Nextdoor pings, and local neighbors pulled to the side of the road, trying to coax the dog into safety Strangers work together to bring that one little animal to safety. It’s beautiful, it gives me hope for humanity
When someone sees a stray cat, however, it often goes unnoticed Just another shadow in the heat
In Arizona, there are laws that state that dogs need to be leashed and monitored, a direct reflection of how seriously we take their safety Cats are given far less consideration While there are laws that protect them from outright harm, there’s little else in place to ensure their comfort, safety, or survival--especially in the brutal desert summer
What’s even more heartbreaking is how this disparity shows up in every day life I constantly see ads pushing cooling vest, pawprotecting boots, and hydration gear for canines, but nothing geared towards cats I’m not just talking about stray cats either, but our indoor and outdoor friends as well
It's as if their pain is quieter, less visible, so therefore more acceptable. But it’s not.
So let’s talk about what we can do individually and collectively as a
community to help! I want to start off by saying that this isn’t the place to have the conversation about whether or not you should let your cat roam freely outside I’m not advocating one way or the other but offering insight to small, measurable, and obtainable things that you can do to make a difference
KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT DISTRESS
Rescues and resources such as The Humane Society or Animal Control are usually able to only intervene for stray cats if there is a medical concern Be sure to save your numbers to your phone, so you can give them a quick call Be sure to pay attention to the address or cross streets, coat pattern and color, and be clear when communicating the signs of heat distress You can’t just call them and say, “Hey, it’s 120° outside and I see this cat wandering ”
Signs of heat distress you may witness at a distance include:
Rapid and shallow breathing
Drooling
Stumbling or staggering gait
Lethargy or weakness, the cat is unconscious or unresponsive
If you have closer proximity to the cat, you may even notice signs such as:
Bloody diarrhea
Vomitting
Seizures
Excessive panting
104° or higher
Increased heart rate
I always err on the side of caution with advising individuals to intervene with feral cats If you’re not knowledgeable or experienced, it can be dangerous and tricky business If you see a cat exhibiting these symptoms, offer water and seek veterinary or rescue support as quickly as possible Even stray cats deserve the same urgency and empathy, we share this environment with them, and their wellbeing is a shared responsibility
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
Most people know to not leave your pet in a locked car, but here in Arizona garages without temperature control can easily climb up to 140° or higher A lot of people who support feral colonies or have indoor/outdoor cats allow access to garages as an escape from the direct heat Without proper insulation or ventilation, this can be a very quick and dangerous recipe for disaster
Just as cats may seek out shelter under cars for warmth in the winter, they will absolutely do that for cars in the summer sun Always look before you take off, especially if it's the first time driving that day
APPROPRIATE SHADE AND SHELTER
I never thought I’d say this but you have my full permission to throw some shade.
Shade is a lifesaver, literally
In the extreme heat, even brief exposure to direct sunlight can lead to overheating and dehydration One of the simple yet most impactful things that you can do is provided shaded areas for wildlife as well as strays This can be anything from patio covers, pop-up canopies, sails, or even DIY shelters In fact, many places actually sell feral cat houses that can be used to assist with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs in addition to establish a safe space!
Proper ventilation and placement is essential in making sure that safe space doesn’t turn into an Easy Bake
My number one recommendation for every home owner would be to plant additional trees on your property as well as high thick bushes that will not only offer the best shade and shelter for wildlife but also assist with soil health, biodiversity, and improve both the aesthetic and value of your property!
FOOD + WATER
Some city ordinances prevent the feeding of strays, but there are no laws that stop you from having fresh clean water sources available
If you choose to put out fresh water for cats, be sure to use stainless steel containers rather than plastic or other porous surfaces, as they not only heat up quickly, leach chemicals, but also hold onto bacteria that cats may spread to one another through saliva Keeping water out for cats means making a commitment to wash it out every day or switch out bowls
For community cats, this small act can mean the difference between dehydration and survival
Cats will naturally avoid the hottest parts of the day so adjusting feeding times to early morning or after sunset will protect their food from spoiling in the heat but also encourage safer foraging habits Do your best to monitor which times they’re coming around to eat and make sure it’s not left out too long so you don’t attract any unwanted wildlife As always, be sure to check with your local ordinances to make sure you’re not breaking any rules!
BE AN ADVOCATE
Whenever stray cats are brought up, it’s usually done in exasperation or frustration with cats being the problem Their plight is often overlooked in conversation about urban planning or with community resources I always tell my HOA, if there’s can be a budget for weeds there’s a budget for TNR
Remember--shade means a space out of direct sunlight
The more we normalize kindness towards animals in public discourse, the more likely it is that public policies will reflect these values Don’t be afraid to lobby for animal welfare ordinances or encourage pet-safe development in your neighborhood! Rescues and animal advocacy programs are always accepting donations and volunteers If there’s room for one more? Adoption is wonderful
Desert summers here are unforgiving, but our compassion doesn’t have to wilt under the sun Small, thoughtful actions ripple outward and will create a safer and kinder community for every creature who calls our cities home
A BRIDGERTON BRUNCH
A select few, deemed worthy of the honor, arrived bedecked in their finest daytime attire, where laughter flowed as freely as the mimosas and tales of triumph (and the occasional tangled tail) were exchanged with zest. This was no mere brunch, dear readers, but a celebration of craft, camaraderie, and the und
tradit ndred
JOIN THE GUILD
The Arizona Professional Groomers Guild a non-profit organization comprised of professional pet groomers in the state of Arizona Originally founded in 2022; it began as a social club, establishing a strong community first before collaborating into an association to better support each and every groomer To be a member of the Arizona Groomers Guild is to prioritize competency and compassion through continuing education and community
There is no license or certification required to groom in the United States The APGG recognizes the importance of continuing education and the impact professional development has on individuals and the animals and people we serve
Working with live animals can be an emotionally taxing career, and compassion for oneself as well as the animals we service is vital The APGG prioritizes whole health for both humans and animals and actively seeks to find methods in bettering everyone’s overall well-being
Our organization is founded on community and mutual collaboration We pride ourselves in open discussion to learn new skills and ways of thinking Together we develop, support, network, advocate, and connect to enhance not just our industry but to grow professionally
Memberships are $60 annually.
BARKING MAD
A customer came in with a small white poodle that was very matted We discussed the grooming options, and after going over what was best for the dog, he agreed to a shave-down using a #4 blade When he picked the dog up, he was thrilled with the haircut and told me his pup looked great
A few hours later, just as we were getting ready to close up shop, the phone rang My coworker answered and told me someone was asking for me I picked up the phone, and a woman’s voice came through, asking to speak to her dog’s groomer
“This is her,” I replied
“You fucking bitch!” she screamed
“Excuse me?” I said
LEASHED AND UNHINGED
This story sits with me to this day Like I found it so strange
“You scalped my dog! I didn’t want him that short how dare you! I’m going to come down there, drag you out by your hair, kick your ass, and shave your head to see how you like it!”
I calmly told her that if she was going to speak to me like that, I wasn’t interested in continuing the conversation and would be hanging up She demanded to speak to a manager, and when she did, she repeated her threats saying she was going to “kick my ass.”
She was promptly informed that if she ever returned to the store, the police would be called
We never saw or heard from her again
It was when I worked at PetSmart and it was two basset hounds I had just finished them up and called the owner and said they are ready to be picked up She comes to pick them up like 20 minutes later and I tell her let me go get them ready and I’ll bring them right out ‘Ready’ meaning I just have to go get their collars and leashes on and bring them out to the front Before I started walking back to go get them, she escalated and said “I THOUGHT YOU SAID THEY WERE READY TO GO!” I told her “yes, they are ready I just have to get their collar and leash on and bring them up “ she then had a full blown meltdown yelling at me saying it was unprofessional that I didn’t have them ready even though I said they were ready she had me get the manager so she could tell her how I need to not call people to tell them their dogs are ready when they are not ready what was I supposed to do? Have their collars and leashes on ready to go in the lobby and just sit and wait 20 minutes for her to arrive when I had no clue when she would be arriving? It was traumatic for me
FROM THE EDITOR
Fun fact, “The Dog Days of Summer” actually refers to the ick summer stretch where the star Sirius, commonly known as the “Dog Star” is in the sky with the hottest most scorching temperatures
Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and is at its brightest in Arizona from late March and early April skies Did you know that Sirius is located 8.611 light ears from us?
We chose this name because here in Arizona, June is our favorite time to chill out by the pool with our pups! It’s a phrase that still brings to mind sweltering temperatures, but also lots of time for fun and friends It gives palm trees, sundresses, sunglasses, and sweet ice-cold treats!
As always,
MercedesSchenk
APGG PRESIDENT
