The Wagazine

SE Minnesota’s Premier Animal Magazine

WINTER 2019/2020

wags, whiskers, hooves, fins

GIFT GUIDE For pets and pet people

COMBATTING CABIN FEVER

TO FROM

ANIMAL FIRST AID AND CPR SOUND COMPANION Life is easier with a hearing assist dog

Retired K9 Officer James Kenison introduces Paw Print Brewery www.thewagazine.com

Rochester Pet & Country Store

WINTER 2019/2020 EVENTS: DEC 7 CAMP COMPANION Happy Pawliday and adoption day 11-2 DEC 14 RIDE ABILITY Cookie walk and Santa and Sleigh Pictures 11-2 DEC 21 GREYHOUND Adoption 10-12 DEC 24 Closing at 2:00 • DEC 31 Closing at 2:00 DEC 28 SNAKE DAY 11-2 JAN 4 CAMP COMPANION Adoption day 11-2 JAN 6 DOG TRAINING STARTS with Alice Howe and Terri Nelson JAN 11 GREYHOUND Adoption day 10-12 FEB 2 CAMP COMPANION Adoption day 11-2 FEB 15 GREYHOUND Adoption day 10-12 FEB 23 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY

CHECK WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK FOR MORE EVENTS

FREE DELIVERY

to Rochester area for orders $50 and above

PLUS

ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE!

GROOMING AVAILABLE !

Rochester Pet & Country Store 1550 3rd Ave SE, Rochester • 507-285-5547 • rochesterfeed.com Rochester Pet & Country Store

SE Minnes ota’s Premie r

Animal Ma gazine

WINTER 2019

/2020

CONTENTS

wa gs, wh isk ers

, ho ov es,

fin s

Winter 2019/2020

YOUR PHOTOS 6

GIFT GUIDE 8

Pets on Parade

Reader-submitted photos

LIVING WITH PETS 7

Presents for pets and pet people Bark At Me

Pet Q&A on holiday hazards and puppies as gifts.

BY DONNA CHICONE

16 Combatting Cabin Fever

Keeping dogs, cats and humans sane through the winter.

BY SARA REUSCHE

18 Animal First Aid and CPR

Two courses offered locally.

BY KEVIN KREIN

BLUE BREW

TO FROM

Retired K9 Offic

er James Ken

ison introduc

es Paw Prin

t Brewery www.thewa

gazine.com

ON THE COVER 12 From Blue to Brew

Retired K9 Officer

James Kenison introduces Paw Print Brewery

BY BRYAN LUND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KELVIN ANDOW

TRAINING 10 Ask the Trainer

What’s the best breed for a daycare home?

BY SARA REUSCHE

BOOK REVIEW 20 Doctor Dogs: How Our Best Friends are

Becoming Our Best Medicine.

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

HAPPY TAILS 26 Sound Companion Life is easier with a hearing

IN EVERY ISSUE

assist dog.

BY KAREN SMITH

5 23 25 25

Barks from Starks Rescue Directory Get the Scoop Index to Advertisers

James Kenison tastes a batch at Paw Print Brewery. See article page 12. Photography by Kelvin Andow. www.thewagazine.com | 3

QUARRY HILL PARK Animal Hospital WINNER 20

WINNER

19

20

AWARD

AWARD

BEST VETERINARIAN

18

BEST VETERINARIAN

QUARRY HILL PARK ANIMAL HOSPITAL in Rochester MN is committed to the very best in dog and cat health care. Our experienced team of veterinarians and technicians will help to ensure that your pets enjoy a long and healthy life.

507-285-1059 www.quarryhillvet.com 2554 Clare Lane NE., Rochester, MN Mon/Wed/Fri: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Tues: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Thurs: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Sat - Sun: Closed

Shawn Buryska ABR, CRS, GRI

BURNET 4 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

sburyska@cbburnet.com 507-254-7425 mobile 507-288-1234 office 507-252-6745 direct

www.ShawnBuryska.com

BARKS FROM STARKS |

SE Minnesota’s Premier Animal Magazine

wags, whiskers, hooves and fins

WINTER 2019/2020 Volume 7 Issue 4

PUBLISHERS Kelvin Andow Kate Brue Ellington Starks

EDITOR Ellington Starks

DESIGNER Kate Brue

MARKETING/ PHOTOGRAPHY Kelvin Andow

SALES CONSULTANT Ann Indykiewicz

WRITERS Donna Chicone Kevin Krein Bryan Lund Sara Reusche Terri Schlichenmeyer Karen Smith the wagazine is published quarterly by the wagazine L.L.C. P.O. Box 9073 Rochester, MN 55903 Yearly subscriptions $20 © the wagazine L.L.C. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Printed in the USA.

For advertising information:

Ann Indykiewicz 507-398-4870

Lady loves snow

days.

Thanks to dog rescue and the Wagazine, I don’t

have the problem of cabin fever during the long winter months. But my dogs are another story.

So we do fun things together: hide and seek (which is harder than it sounds because my dogs follow me everywhere, so I must hide strategically) deliver Wagazines (although they’re clearly just in it for the drive-through pup cups), and shovel snow (they go berzerko when I throw snow in the air; we’re all out of breath in the end).

Still, the winter can be long and feel longer. In addition to the suggestions for canines and felines on p. 16, here are some tips for you readers to combat cabin fever: Grab your best buddy and visit the new dog-friendly brewery in the area: Paw Print Brewery. Sip a “Wet Snout” or “Gray Muzzle” and wait for spring.

See p. 12.

20

20

AWARD

Vote for your favorite pet business in our annual Golden Paws Award program.

See p. 25.

Sign up for an Animal First Aid and CPR class at Leashes & Leads to become certified to help a cat or dog in an emergency or injury situation. See p. 18.

Watch the KSMQ TV video on the Wagazine at ksmq.org/index.php/1103culture. We thank KSMQ for this quality production and the opportunity to tell the Wagazine’s story.

Hopefully this will help you and your pets stay active until the snow thaws. Be sure to capture your moments on camera so you can submit them for our next issue’s Pets on Parade page.

Send those photos to kate@thewagazine.com.

Stay warm and busy this winter!

ann@thewagazine.com Article information, ideas and comments:

www.thewagazine.com Find us on Facebook: the wagazine

The Wagazine won a gold excellence award in the “Profile Article” category in the 22nd annual Minnesota Media + Publishing Association’s Excellence Awards, held November 7, 2019, in Minneapolis. The winning article, written by Tracy Will, is “This Old Horse: Honoring and Nurturing Retired and Rescued Horses” from our Fall 2018 issue. It features a Hastings, Minn., community of horses and volunteers. We are honored!

THIS OLD HORSE Honoring and nurturing retired and rescued horses

“I WAS STRUCK

BY HOW THESE

By Tracy Will

A

t This Old Horse, everyone has a past.

Ruger is a retired therapy horse.

Bhaldi was an accomplished dressage competitor. George was a family’s faithful show animal. Gigi and Big are thoroughbred royalty, descended from Triple Crown champions.

Some have sadder tales.

Talia and Nadia, two matched Arab mares, were abandoned and left to survive on their own. Rhomi was so thin, at one time you could count her bones through her coat.

PAST AND FUTURE CONVERGE But the past isn’t the end of the story.

“No one’s history defines them,” says Nancy Turner, founder of This Old Horse and chair of its board of directors.

“Here, now, these horses are well-fed. They are happy. Many of them continue to work at a capacity that suits them.

And all of our horses have someone who gives them attention and love.”

Established in 2012 to provide a caring environment for retired horses 15 years and older who had served in some professional capacity—therapy animals, racehorses, jumpers, 14 | wagazine | FALL 2018

show horses—This Old Horse has grown to also serve as a peaceful space for neglected and mistreated horses. It’s been named a Certified Rescue Program by the Minnesota Horse Council and is one of only 30 rescue programs in the U.S. accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

Once they arrive at This Old Horse, most of the animals remain with the organization for the rest of their lives.

NOT A PLACE. A COMMUNITY. The idea for This Old Horse was sparked when Turner adopted two retired therapy horses and was impressed by their temperament, energy and abilities.

“I was struck by how these horses didn’t have to work that hard to still benefit the people around them,” she says. “They certainly had value.”

Turner pitched the concept of a program for retired horses to a therapeutic riding program.

They weren’t interested.

Toying with the idea of doing it herself, she created a business plan and ran the numbers. It didn’t add up, and she

couldn’t see a way to make it work. But then Turner thought about it in a new way.

“My whole business plan had been about a place: a barn, stalls, acres, hay, number of horses we could house,” she says.

“But what if it wasn’t about just one place? What if it was about community instead?”

She took a leap of faith and invited others to join her in building a nonprofit organization focused on older horses.

Since then, This Old Horse has included more than 1,800 volunteers, a board of directors and a small group of paid staff to fulfill the organization’s goal “to create a sanctuary where all horses and the people who support them are respected, honored and nurtured.” And the group does it all on private grants and donations.

FOSTER FARMS Wishbone Ranch is the organization’s main campus. A 43-acre property near Hastings, Minn., it’s home to about 50 horses.

But This Old Horse reaches far beyond the ranch.

Horses also are cared for at five other farms the organization

HORSES DIDN’T HAVE TO WORK THAT HARD TO STILL BENEFIT THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM. THEY CERTAINLY HAD VALUE.” ~ NANCY TURNER

Thomas Photography.

ellie@thewagazine.com

| RESCUE

AWARD-WINNING ARTICLE

Photos courtesy of T

Ellington Starks 507-271-8107

Opposite page: Big, the horse, running free.

This page, clockwise from top left: Big, George, Gigi, Nadia,

Talia, Ruger, Rhomi and

Gypsy. www.thewagazine.

com | 15

www.thewagazine.com | 5

| YOUR PHOTOS

Rescue pup, Scrappy, loves a gentle snowfall and always has a smile on his face. ~ Beth C.

Sweet Stickers the cat.

Charolette the beauty. ~ Justin S.

{

Want to see your pet in print?

Send photos to kate@thewagazine.com.

{

y Griffin on his first birthda ryl O. October 23rd. ~ Che

~ Tracy N.

Lilly,13, is a Black Pug and Memphis,11, is a Bugg (Pug/Boston Terrier mix). ~ Ines G.

Our Angel. ~ Erin S.

couple. te the furry Love and Pe . ~ Andrea G

arie M.

Our crazy goofy Olaf. ~ Dede O.

couch.

Fletcher Chillin' on the ~ Philip M.

6 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

hi. ~ M Rascal saying

Tigger on th e hunt. ~ Marie M and

Andrea G.

Paws and Claws Alumni: Murphy, Duke and Emmy. ~ Licelle Cayco and Anna Remigio

LIVING WITH PETS |

BARK AT ME PET EXPERT Q&A

By Donna Chicone

HOLIDAY HAZARDS

PUPPY SURPRISE

Pet Parent Question

Pet Parent Question:

“I love holiday decorations. I also love my dog. How do I keep my dog safe and still enjoy my festive decorations?”

“My son wants a puppy so much. I want to surprise him on his birthday with a puppy. What is the best way to do this?”

Over the holidays, you should factor your pets in to celebrations from a safety perspective. Costumes can be fun for humans, but they can restrict a dog’s natural movement, and most dogs do not like wearing them. Sugary foods like chocolate can be digestive nightmares and even toxic for dogs.

Plants like mistletoe, glow lights, gift-wrap and ribbon can be hazardous. Decorations in general should be dog friendly.

Answer: Holidays can be a very busy time. We need to

People often think about giving a puppy or other pet as a gift at the holidays. Most animal humane organizations are against this practice. Recently, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) cited a study that indicated many dogs given as gifts remained in the home they were gifted to and lived good lives. But overall, gifting dogs remains a concern for several reasons.

include our dogs and give them attention.

The best thing you can do is to know where your dog is.

Keeping him in a safe space or room in the house when many guests are visiting could be less stressful for your dog and you.

Help your dog stay occupied with special chew toys and his own healthy treats.

Hang the decorations at a level your dog cannot reach. If your dog is older (not a puppy) he may be curious about the decorations initially and then ignore them. An energetic and curious puppy is much more of a concern.

Exercise your dog to help him feel tired and expend less curious energy in the house.

Answer: Research what kind of dog is best suited for your fam-

Happy Holiday Woofs & Smiles!

Woofs & Smiles!

ily’s lifestyle and where you will get the dog (a responsible breeder, rescue or shelter). (See the article on p. 10 for tips!)

Then prepare your home with the necessities: Crate for crate training, food, identified veterinarian, collar, leash, toys, sleeping bed, food bowls and water bowls.

When a puppy or dog is gifted, the person receiving the dog is not the one who selects the dog. Another option would be to wrap a certificate for a shelter dog. Then the family can go together and the child or adult can select the dog that is right for them.

Welcoming a puppy or dog into a family is a big responsibility.

Being prepared will get everyone off to a good start.

Donna Chicone is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker and advocate for dogs. She is a former nurse, family and addictions counselor, 23-year corporate America professional, and host of Jazz and Jive’s TV Show. She is a devoted pet parent to her two Portuguese water dogs, Jazz and Jive, and is an advocate for the humane treatment of animals. She lives in Minnesota with her husband. When she is not writing or speaking about dogs, she’s engaged in pet assisted therapy work and K9 Nosework with Jazz and Jive.

www.thewagazine.com | 7

FOR PETS & PET PEO S T N E PLE PRES 2019

GIFT GUIDE Rochester Pet and Country

Chilly Dog Don’t let your dog be left out in the cold! $29.99 chillydogsweaters.com

Pug Life Pug Life Harness $34.95-$44.95 puglifeharness.com

Musher's Secret paw protection from ice, salt, snow. $15.99-$27.99

Grain Goodies: dog treats made with only 3 ingredients. barkingdozen.com

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow-Bowl Promotes fun healthy eating.

Fun Feeder Slo-Bowls help dogs eat up to 10X slower. $21.99 rochesterfeed.com

Creating works that connect with people and add color and joy to their lives. jonkittleson.com

Chocolate Shoppe

PawsAbilities

Leashes & Leads

Award-winning puzzle & treat toy. pawsabilitiesmn.com

Jolly Pets 6� Soccer Ball Made of Jolly Flex material. Even if your dog puts a hole in it, this toy will still keep its shape. $13.99 leashesandleads.com

Barking Dozen

Sweet treats for people and pets. chocolateshoppe.co

8 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

Jon Kittleson

Making Handdipped Chocolates since 1976 in Historic Mantor ville.

• Hand-dipped Chocolates • No Preser vati ves/Gluten Free • Light & Dark Chocolates • Homemade Fudge,

Jon Kittleson

Caramel, Toffee, Creams & Unique Candies

DON’T FORGET TO PICK UP A TASTY GIFT FOR THOSE ON YOUR LIST! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

EATS OCH ING TR !

PO ALSO SERAVDE FOR YOUR

SPECIALLY M

PROUD SUPPORTER OF

Paws & Claws Humane Society & Small Dog Rescue 420 Main Street • Mantor ville, MN

507-635-5814 • chocolateshoppe.co

Barking Dozen Gourmet Dog Treats

• Memorialize a pet • Special gift for birthday or holiday Custom artwork created just for you and your loved ones.

Send in a photo of your furry friend and Jon will create a vibrant piece of artwork that captures the personality of each beloved pet.

jonkittleson.artist As featured in the Spring issue of the Wagazine and on KIMT! See website for links!

www.jonkittleson.com

FALL 2019 Issue

Ad size: 1/6 page We're proud to host our annual Please Readfundraiser.

Carefully Paws and Claws

PRODUCT REVIEW

by Wagazine Staff Member

This proof is submitted to ensure the accuracy of your order.

We exercise reasonable care to avoid errors, but the customer is responsible for the final decision with this order, and assumes full responsibility.

“Grain Goodies”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19TH

"Rio"

Clearly mark any corrections.

WeWest are not responsible for errors not indicated at this time.

Five Rochester and

Themonitor Loop Rochester Note: The color you view on your or printed proof will not be exact to what we Life print. Color accuracy of printed proofs and PDF files are at the mercy of thePug medium. are both participating all day.

Please mark appropriate level of approval below, sign, Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and fax or return with original copy of all proofs

Harness

and 10% of your purchase

___ OKwill to proceed to to next proof, be donated Paws and changes Claws. noted ___ OK to print with corrections marked ___ OK to print as is

Join us as we help raise money for all the animals in need.

To meet production deadlines, this proof MUST be returned upon receipt. This printing Local order cannot be processedFB: until@PCHSRochester proof acceptance has been checked, signed and Customer signature: ________________________________________ Date _______________

Homemade Three Ingredients www.BarkingDozen.com

returned to Kelvin Andow, Ellie Starks or Kate Brue.

Please Return Promptly R! ALSO, MARK YOUR CALENDA ws Cla and From the desk of KATE BRUE s For Paw kate@thewagazine.com • Phone 612-961-9151 tion Baby its Cold Facebook Auc ter hes roc chs @p y in Januar

EXTREMELY

well made. Very easy to take on and off.

Comfortable and has lots of adjustability.

FUN color options.

www.thewagazine.com | 9

| TRAINING

ASK

the TRAINER

By Sara Reusche, CBCC-KA CPDT-KSA CVT

Q:

WHAT'S THE BEST DOG BREED FOR A DAYCARE HOME? I need something safe with kids. No-shedding would be ideal too.

A:

Choosing a dog is an exciting time for any family. Add the specific needs of an in-home daycare to the mix, and your choice becomes even more important.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PERSONALITY Sue Smith of Paws Abilities Dog Training points out that “just because the dog is of a breed that tends to be of an easygoing nature, that doesn’t mean it will be good in a daycare setting.”

That’s because dogs are individuals. Just like you aren’t just like your siblings, not all dogs of the same breed are going to act the same way. Being related means that dogs (and people) likely share some similarities, but DNA combines in new ways each time a puppy or baby is made.

IMPORTANT FACTORS Jill Lebrun of Act V Rescue and Paws Abilities agrees. “Breed alone doesn’t predict being ‘best for kids.’” Instead, she recommends looking for other predictors that a dog will do well with small children, such as their “temperament, being well socialized to kids when young, and supervised interactions.”

Lebrun also advises learning to read body language before bringing any dog into a daycare setting. Subtle body language signals such as licking lips or turning their head

10 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

away are signs that a dog is uncomfortable with the interaction, and can help the savvy daycare provider to avoid bad situations.

ADULTS, NOT PUPPIES So, how do you find the right personality?

Smith has one important piece of advice: “opt for an adult dog.”

She points out several bonuses. “Older dogs often don’t require as much training. Potty training a puppy and running a daycare at the same time can be very challenging.” Puppies also nip, chew, and require constant supervision, which can be tough when you add children into the mix. “[Adult dogs] have their personalities fairly set. You know if they startle easily or not,” says Smith. And they “have a history of known behaviors that make them more or less suitable for a daycare environment.”

Look for an adult dog who has lived successfully with children of the same age groups as your daycare kids, and who prefers children to adults. Don’t just go for a dog who tolerates kids—seek out one who adores them.

But what about shedding? Smith says that adult dogs are a better bet here, as well.

“Older dogs … have their adult coats with a known level of shedding. Even in the

same breed it can vary quite drastically.”

Puppies have a different coat type that changes at maturity (meaning that it can be hard to predict how much your puppy will shed).

So, where do you find this special adult dog? Plan to research for a few months, putting as much homework into your new family member as you would into a new house or car. If you prefer rescue, look for dogs who have been living in foster homes with children. Prefer going to a breeder? Ask about retired show dogs or breeding dogs who are looking for a great home.

More information: familypaws.com Sara Reusche, CBCC-KA CPDT-KSA CVT, is owner of Paws Abilities Dog Training.

What questions do you have for the trainer? Email ellie@thewagazine.com and we’ll put the experts to work.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IN 2020! ✭ Puppy Classes ✭ Reactive Dog Rehab ✭ Dog sports ✭ Obedience training ✭ Private training lessons

We offer something for everyone!

Check out our class listings online or call today!

pawsabilitiesmn.com • 507-624-0190

Knee surgeries performed here!

A full range of orthopedic surgery services, from fracture repair to Cranial Cruciate Ligament repair, by Dr. Nietz.

Dr. Dan Nietz, DVM Dr. Mike Strecker, DVM

1901 Roscoe Avenue, Zumbrota, MN

507- 732-7301 www.zumbrotavet.com www.thewagazine.com | 11

| COVER

TO FROM

BLUE BREW Retired K9 Officer James Kenison introduces Paw Print Brewery

By Bryan Lund | Photography by Kelvin Andow

12 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

As he enters his first winter in 25 years without a gun belt, it is entirely possible that Paw Print Brewery owner James Kenison will feel nostalgic for his former life as a law enforcement K9 trainer.

Luckily for him, a kindred spirit lives just miles away.

Rocco, the last dog he trained for the Rochester Police Department, retired to a 9-acre farm just three miles down the road from the Chatfield nano-brewery.

Kenison is working to make Paw Print, 15 2nd Street SE, Chatfield, a place where beer enthusiasts, locals, four-legged friends, and law enforcement can feel excited and welcome.

Between charitable collaborations, small batches of finelyhoned flavors, and free beer IOUs for officers in uniform, that work is well on its way.

BUCKETS TO TANKS Like many people in this era, Kenison’s involvement with craft beer began with a five-gallon bucket set-up, purchased soon after his first growler party. Unlike many people in this era, Kenison didn’t stop progressing.

“Any of my friends will tell you, I don’t do things small,” he laughs, “I’d say I was only in plastic buckets for, probably, like a month and then I transferred to stainless steel.”

He moved swiftly from 10-gallon stainless steel containers to 15-gallon ones. Within a year, he’d abandoned the basic starter kits and was cracking his own grains, toying with recipes and churning out delicious beers. That’s a rapid rise for someone who, prior to that first growler party, was a self-professed lite beer drinker.

CAREER CHANGE Around the time he started home brewing, he also broke his leg. That gave him time to reflect on his career and potential futures. He had joined the Air Force at age 19, then worked in Phoenix, Ariz., in the sheriff’s office and K9 unit. Eventually, he wound up in Rochester, where he trained K9s until his retirement last summer.

“I think I just personally realized in myself that it was time to move on, try something different,” says Kenison.

“Law enforcement is a tough job. When you have a mental kind of evaluation in yourself to say, ‘You know what, either I’m going to get hurt, or I might hurt somebody else...’ Not on purpose, but that’s just the mindset I had.”

Kenison retired from both the police department and Air Force in August, leaving the future wide open. Though he arrived at the decision through responsible reflection, it was still a tough call to make. Aside from losing the stability and benefits of a permanent position in the department, it also meant leaving a career he was proud of. Still, Kenison had faith in his product and knew it was time to try his hand at business.

James Kenison's Paw Print Brewery honors canines and those who serve in police, fire and military roles.

The day he retired, his wife presented him with a frame.

Inside was the napkin on which she’d drawn the original design for Paw Print’s logo, a hop bud surrounded by dog toes. It hangs at his home office, while the logo now adorns coasters, signs, brew kettles and workshirts.

HEADY FOR BUSINESS The progress Kenison has made in the historic first-floor building is evident. The dark, marbley floor gleams with accents of gold flecks, barstools are set, and the shining Spike Brewing tanks in the brewing area are producing a diverse spread of beers.

When the brewery opens, (in early 2020), its classification as a nano-brewery means more flavors more often, thanks to the small batches his tanks make.

Paw Print’s flagship is a honey lager, a light, easy drinking option perfect for the tastes of Southeastern Minnesota.

Kenison says it’s taken close to a year and a half to perfect the recipe, as lagers are not as easy as other varieties.

Other beers in his initial line-up have either a canine or service branch connection. For example, the Bomb Dog is an IPA meant to be paired with a packet of pop rocks. The Bird Dog is a sour beer, while the Minuteman, a tribute to the Air Force, is brewed with Civil SAS hops, which come from Chatfield.

www.thewagazine.com | 13

| COVER STORY

BENEFIT BEERS

BEER LIST BEAR DOG.

Light lager with a hint of honey is nothing to mess with. The legendary Bear Dog may be extinct, but this beer is here to stay.

BOMB DOG.

Fruity with a fresh smooth finish

BIRD DOG.

Very tart but a good drinker.

WET SNOUT.

High ABV on this stout gives it a barrel-aged smooth taste.

BARREL NECK.

Inspired by the rescue dog of the mountains, this is a light amber lager.

GRAY MUZZLE.

THE SHEPHERD.

Homage to the traditional American police K9, this beer is smooth with a classic flavor. It’s as dependable as a typical German Shepherd.

THE MALINOIS.

The Malinois is a representation of the reliable police K9. This Belgian tripel is true to the style and trustworthy. Just like the Malinois, keep a close eye on how you handle it, because it will go from 0 to 60 real quick!

TRASH PANDA.

Rye Imperial IPA that packs a punch. With four types of specialty grains and five types of hops, this beer will leave your taste buds digging through the flavor.

Classic American stout inspired by all of the old dogs that teach us how something simple can be so satisfying.

THIN LINE SOUR.

BEARDED BEAR.

Minutemen were civilian colonists who independently organized to form well-prepared militia companies self-trained in weaponry, tactics, and military strategies during the American Revolutionary War. They were also known for being ready at a minute’s notice, hence the name.

This brew honors to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces, past and present.

This honey cream ale could entice a bear out of hibernation, but not out of its beard.

NANUK.

Inspired by the great polar bear, this kölsch has a crisp taste with a bite of German-style hops.

6 FOOT LEAD.

Just a smooth wheat beer. Very light and easy to drink.

14 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

Fruit beer.

THE MINUTEMAN.

Proceeds from Paw Print’s Thin Line series will go back to charities benefitting police officers and firefighters. Giving back to the communities that Kenison has been a part of is central to his brewery’s mission.

Though the brewery has yet to open officially, it’s already collaborated with Rochester’s Kinney Creek Brewery on a beer called the Blue Healer. Proceeds from that brew go to houses run by the Police Benevolent Association, a group that operates free apartments for law enforcement officers receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

Kenison expresses his fidelity to his professional roots in his wardrobe. He wears Air Force and K-9 pins on his collars, and his rotation of Dickie’s workshirts are all black, with Paw Print’s logo, differentiated only by stripes of either blue (for police), red (for fire), or green (for military).

Should someone from those lines of work show up to the brewery in uniform, he’s got a system for taking care of them.

“If an officer walks in in-uniform, we’re going to give them a special token. So that way he can come back later,” says Kenison.

Dogs will get special treatment, too, come summertime, when the brewery’s ‘pet’io will open, complete with doggie biscuits and spacious seating for multiple family animals. He’s also working on a process that will allow customers to put pictures of their pets on labels of his 32 oz. crowler cans.

The brewery is expected to open in early 2020, giving customers ample time to ready a beer-label-worthy portrait of their dog. For updates, head over to pawprintbrewery.com.

Bryan Lund is a writer, ghostwriter and skier living in Rochester.

TO ALL OF MY FELLOW PET PARENTS

MY SINCEREST THANKS!

VETERINARY CLINIC

I am honored & grateful to spend the past 15 YEARS selling real estate with you.

AA

ALISSA

ADAMSON

Alissa Adamson | Adamson Home Navigator

507-358-1039 adamson.cbintouch.com Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Burnet are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2019 Coldwell Banker Burnet. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Burnet fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 1234567MN_1/19

817 N. Broadway, Spring Valley, MN

507-346-2734

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine can help your pet with many health issues including: Arthritis Allergies Cancer Seizures Anxiety Asthma Chronic Illness

Bluffs Pet Clinic The

of Red Wing

“

For 10 years our dogs have led longer, happier lives because of Dr. Cook’s acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. It has reduced pain and nausea for our dogs with cancer. She’s also helped with arthritis, allergies and more. We highly recommend The Bluffs Pet Clinic.” - Karen and Cris.

Photo Courtesy of Great Dane Photography

CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULT!

2518 Old West Main St., Red Wing, MN 55066

www.bluffspetclinic.com | 651-388-1103 www.thewagazine.com | 15

| LIVING WITH PETS

COMBATTING

CABIN FEVER

Keeping dogs, cats and humans sane through the winter

By Sara Reusche, CBCC-KA CPDT-KSA CVT

From food-based puzzles to games and training, these tips will have your pup wagging for more!

I

knew that cabin fever had hit hard last February when Pan, my then 3-year-old dog, kept us up late two nights in row.

Understand, Pan is not the kind of dog to stay up. He will sometimes beat my husband and me to bed and tuck himself in under the covers. Once the lights are off, he’s out for the night. So two late nights of him parkouring across our tired bodies, joyfully squeaking a toy, were cause for concern.

Cabin fever isn’t a condition limited to bipeds. Our dogs and cats get bored during long Minnesotan winters, too!

Luckily, there are plenty of great indoor activities to beat the winter blues. I interviewed a handful of local professional trainers and behavior specialists to get their takes on the best ways to prevent boredom.

16 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

• Quick tips for frosty days (from Carrie Iverson of Paws Abilities Dog Training): “Try some fun enrichment games with your dog. I especially enjoy brain games, such as hide-and-seek [more on this below] or find-it. Puzzle games [that involve sniffing] like scent work are a blast for dogs, and can be played with simple household items, such as empty boxes or muffin tins. Frozen treats are always lovely too, and make your dog work to get the yummies out of their favorite stuff-able toy.”

• A twist on a popular children’s game (from Alex Oldenburg CPDT-KA of Fast Tracks Canine Activity Center): “One of my favorite winter games is hide and go seek! To play, have a friend or partner hold your dog while you hide. Call your dog in a fun and excited voice until they find you. Reward your dog and then hang onto them while the next person hides. This game is perfect to practice recall, but also super fun for kids and dogs to play together.”

Playing solo? “You can either practice out-of-sight stays or toss a handful of food to distract your dog quickly while you hide.”

• Muffin compares to this (from Lindsay Kinney CPDT-KA of Paws Abilities Dog Training): “Meal times are a great opportunity to spice up your dog’s routine. Rather than feeding from a bowl, you can feed

from a commercial puzzle toy or make a slow feeder from a muffin tin. You can place a little kibble in each depression, so your dog has to move from one slot to the next.

“For an added challenge, you can place a tennis ball over each slot, so before they get their snack, they have to do a little manual labor and problem solve. For added variety, you can put a different novel food in each cup.”

Kinney recommends experimenting with different dog-safe flavors, textures and consistencies. Ask your vet if you have questions about the safety of any ingredients, and make sure to check labels for common toxins such as xylitol (an artificial sweetener) or onion (which can cause anemia).

“Some fun ideas to try are melon, snap peas, croutons, mint leaves, jello, peanut butter baking chips, mini marshmallows, cooked sweet potato, blue cheese, yogurt and liverwurst. It’s eye-opening to see which treats your dog goes for first, and which ones they leave behind. Your dog may surprise you with their favorites!”

What if your dog hoovers everything up without tasting any of it? “Add a little water or wet food to each muffin tin and freeze it.

Just let it thaw for about five minutes before serving so your dog doesn’t end up like Flick in A Christmas Story.”

Feeling too much like hibernating to do much prep work? Kinney’s got you covered there, too. “Place the muffin tin upside-down and sprinkle kibble between the gaps. Eating around the protrusions makes for a fantastic slow feeder.”

Photos courtesy Sara Reusche.

FOR DESPERATE DOGGOS

FOR FRAZZLED FELINES Don’t let your dog have all the fun! Cats can get bored during the winter too, and they’re every bit as intelligent and playful as pups.

• Your cat’s catch of the day (from Jill Lebrun of Paws Abilities Dog Training and Act V Rescue): “Two of my favorite wand toys are Da Bird and Go Cat Catcher. With only 20 minutes, you can provide play that mimic’s your cat’s natural instinct to hunt. It also decreases boredom and is good exercise,

• Find your duck (and other adventures in discrimination) (from Bailey Stickney CPDT-KA of The Laughing Dog): “My favorite indoor activity is teaching dogs to retrieve objects by name. This works best with dogs that already know how and love to retrieve,” she says.

“Choose the object that you’d like your dog to retrieve. Place [it] on the floor. Click and reward your dog when he picks up the object. When your dog is consistently picking up the object, give it a name. Now only click and reward your dog when he picks the object up after you say its name. Once your dog knows the name of the object, make the game more interesting by hiding it among other objects. Click and reward your dog only for retrieving the named object. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll have the smartest dog in the neighborhood!”

• Another use for under-the-bed storage bins: Kinney calls this the “Cheerios game” at her house. “Take a large container in which your dog can stand and spin around.

The sides of the box should be shorter than [the dog’s] legs. Now fill the box! You can use shredded papers, crumpled up newspapers, packing paper, tissue paper, or playpen balls.

Now you can sprinkle Cheerios, kibble, or treats into the box and give it a light mix (not too much or the treats will all fall to the bottom). Your dog will have to hunt through the debris to find their treasure.

This is a great way to exercise their mind and nose, and it gets them moving.”

something that is great for indoor cats.

Make sure that you move the wand toy so that it allows your cat to stalk and pounce.”

Lebrun advises to plan your sessions strategically to take advantage of your cat’s natural rhythms.

“During each session, occasionally let your cat catch the toy. Ideally, plan these sessions before meal time and after the last catch, feed your cat their meal. Your cat will likely groom after eating, followed by a nap.” That sounds like a perfect winter day for your favorite feline!

• Scents-ational surprises: This is a favorite enrichment activity of the author’s pets, as well as a great way to let indoor cats experience the natural smell of prey animals.

Stop at a pocket-pet-owning friend’s house, Ziploc baggie in hand, and ask for a small donation from the used bedding in one of their small animal cages. Bring this bedding home and place it in a clean, empty tea bag or a toy designed to be stuffed with catnip for your pet to smell and play with. Make sure to supervise as some pets get so excited about the new smells that they want to swallow the whole thing!

LESS PAN-DEMONIUM What about Pan? After two nights of too little sleep, we got with the program and started providing him with appropriate outlets during appropriate hours. We mixed his food with plain yogurt and froze it in Toppl toys, providing him with tasty, long-lasting meals.

He learned two new tricks (“hike” – lift a back leg as if you’re peeing, and “say you’re sorry” – put your chin on the ground and look up with puppy eyes).

We enrolled in a fun training class to get out of the house once a week. And best yet (according to him), we invited his cousin Mandy, my brother-in-law’s joyful little dog, over for regular playdates to get his ya-yas out.

He quickly returned to his regular routine of early bedtimes and peaceful nights.

Luckily for us, providing fun for our furry family members can be a great way for people to beat the winter blues too. The ideal enrichment for cats and dogs is entertaining and enjoyable. Don’t worry about making things too hard: even five minutes of snuffling for small treats in your shaggy bathroom rug can ward off cabin fever. And hey, watching your pet explore these games Pan practices his “say your sorry” trick, which he sure beats watching the same episode of The learned during the long winter indoors.

Office on Netflix yet again.

Sara Reusche CBCC-KA CPDT-KSA CVT, is owner of Paws Abilities Dog Training.

RESOURCES Fast Tracks Canine Activity Center: canineactivitycenter.com The Laughing Dog LLC: facebook.com/TheLaughingDogFM Paws Abilities Dog Training: pawsabilitiesmn.com Toppl dog toy: westpaw.com/dog-toys/puzzle/toppl-treat-toy www.thewagazine.com | 17

| LIVING WITH PETS

ANIMAL

FIRST AID & CPR Two courses offered locally

By Kevin Krein

T

here are countless moments of joy, fun, laughter, and maybe sometimes a little frustration that happen during life with a companion animal. At times, there can also be that slight sense of worry—like, what if my dog has been injured, and the nearest 24-hour vet clinic is far away?

Knowing some basic first aid and CPR can bring peace of mind to pet owners and help save a pet’s life.

ENTIRE STAFF CERTIFIED Leashes and Leads in Byron offers myriad services for companion animals, including boarding, grooming and training. Now, they offer animal first aid training and CPR certification.

Megan Ames, director of Human Resources, said almost the entire staff (roughly 90 employees) at Leashes and Leads has been trained and certified in both animal first aid and CPR, with her goal to get those who have not yet been certified before the end of the year.

Ames joined the company six months ago, and prior to that she worked as a veterinarian technician.

“In order to become an [animal first aid and CPR] instructor, I had to go to North Carolina and I went through intensive training to become a certified trainer.”

Ames said it was important for her to have the entire Leashes and Leads staff certified in both animal first aid and CPR. “At any given time, a pet may be injured—it

could be major or minor,” she said. “The odds of having to perform CPR are low, but having everyone on staff being able to assist was key to us. All veterinary clinics aren’t open 24/7.”

SNOUT TO TAIL ASSESSMENT The two trainings that Ames offered to the Leashes and Leads staff for certification in animal first aid and CPR are now being offered to the public.

The courses were created by PetTech®— the first international training center dedicated to first aid and CPR for dogs and cats.

Ames said the two courses are very hands on. “They are a mix of demonstration, lecture, and are interactive,” she said.

The training is referred to as the “PetSaver

THE FIVE-HOUR COURSE is $80 per participant and is for students age 10 and older; THE EIGHT-HOUR COURSE is $120 per participant and is intended for students age 12 and older.

Photos courtesy of Leashes & Leads.

For more information about these classes, or to register, visit leashesandleads.com, or call 507-282-2710.

CPR and first aid classes are interactive. They cover insect bites and stings, seizures, rescue breathing, choking, bleeding and shock management. Participants learn "snout to tail" assessments.

18 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

Program,” and the premier level version of the class lasts for eight hours, covering the skills necessary for administering effective assessment of a situation, CPR for dogs and cats, and first aid.

Within the course, participants cover a number of topics: dental care, senior pet care, restraining and muzzling, primary pet assessment, rescue breathing, choking management, bleeding and shock management, as well as how to do a “snout to tail” assessment for injury and wellness, how to assess vitals, and how to handle insect bites and stings, snake bites, heat or cold injuries, and seizures.

An abbreviated five-hour edition of the course covers a bulk of the same topics, without the information on dental care, senior pet care, or in-depth first aid care that the longer course covers.

Ames added there are three different kinds of CPR to be performed—the process is different depending on the size of the animal—and that in the class participants learn all three iterations.

She also said the class only covers CPR for dogs and cats. “Safely performing CPR on other types of animals is too invasive,” she said.

CERTIFIED PEACE OF MIND And it isn’t just Ames who is passionate about ensuring the staff has the understanding and confidence to act accordingly in the case of an emergency. The Leashes and Leads Resort Manager, Alysia Rud, whole-heartedly agrees.

“As a business, we think it's so important for all our staff to know not only the basics of first aid, but also the steps to take to save a dog's life. The safety of our pets is our number one priority, and knowing our staff has these skills

can help put our pet parents’ minds at ease while they are away from their pets,” Rud said.

While these courses are intended for people who live with companion animals, Ames noted that anyone could be trained and certified.

“Just seeing an animal outside that has been injured—you, as a human being, can provide care for that pet,” she concluded.

Kevin Krein is a Northfield-based writer who has operates the ‘award winning’ music blog Anhedonic Headphones, and hosts a corresponding podcast. His writing has also appeared in River Valley Woman and on The Next Ten Words.

He is a ‘cool rabbit dad’ at heart, but is now a ‘foster failure’; he and his wife now live with a special needs cat named Ted. Follow Kevin (and Ted) @KevEFly (Twitter) and @kev_e_fly (Instagram.)

animal clinic

NORTHERN VALLEY Exceptional Medicine Compassionate Care 3309 Alberta Drive NE, Rochester, MN 55906

507-282-0867 Michael Herman, DVM Becky Richardson, DVM Brad Treder, DVM Mary McKie, DVM

Find us on

Visit us at www.northernvalleyvet.com

Holiday Grooming, Preventive Pet Wellness Care, Dentistry, In-house Diagnostics, Surgery, Orthopedics, TTA

Evening and Saturday Appointments www.thewagazine.com | 19

| BOOK REVIEW

Doctor Dogs: How Our Best Friends are Becoming Our Best Medicine

By Maria Goodavage, c.2019, Dutton, $28, 353 pages

Nobody smiles like your dog does.

He’s happy to see you come back whenever, he wiggles, he brings you toys, he chortles, and then there’s that smile.

No matter what happened to your day, your dog is the best part of it and in this book, you’ll see that she may be best for your health, too.

Everything he sees gets inspected, smelled, and smelled again. It’s all interesting to him because his little nose has “up to three hundred million” olfactory receptors, as compared to your puny six million receptors.

You might smell a swimming pool, says Goodavage, but a dog could “sniff out a teaspoon of a chemical in a million gallons of water…”

For centuries, humans have known about those warm, wet noses and we’ve put them to work in hunting prey, contraband, and missing people. Relatively recently, science has also expanded a dog’s nose job into something that can enhance a life, or save one.

Diabetic-alert dogs, seizure-alert and cancer-scent dogs are trained to warn for

what’s coming. Dogs offer mobility assistance for the handicapped, they can suss out deadly bacteria, and they help PTSD sufferers, the mentally ill, and autistic children.

The only problem?

It’s one that’s all too familiar to dog lovers: “Dogs never live long enough.”

Author Maria Goodavage takes a good look here at a bunch of good boys (and girls), and it’s delightful.

Reading it’s like sitting on a bench in a busy dog park: oh, the stories you’ll hear.

By the way, don’t discount your own pooch; Goodavage says that family pets have been known to spontaneously alert for illness, so give Puppers a skritch and pay attention. She might be a muttly M.D. The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with two pampered pooches and 13,000 books.

20 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

VCA Cascade Animal Medical Center & Inn

Cle

No p

Caring fo r Pets in th e Rocheste r Area since 195 3

C

T

HOSPITAL HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-Noon BOARDING PICK-UPS AND DROP-OFFS: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm • Sat-Sun 7am-7pm BOARDING PHONE: 507-289-PETS (7387)

507-282-8611 vcahospitals.com 4020 26th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Fr

GET MORE BARK FOR YOUR BUCK! VETERINARIAN ALWAYS ON DUTY

Millie

Rochester Clinic 507-424-3976 121 23rd Ave SW Rochester, MN 55902

HOURS: 6pm-8am Monday-Thursday 5pm Friday-8am Monday OPEN ALL MAJOR HOLIDAYS

GIVE HER A CALL TODAY!

Rudy

Rio

Ann and her “staff” are ready to help you create a beautiful and effective ad. Professional photography and design are always included.

Ann Indykiewicz 507-398-4870 ann@thewagazine.com

SUMMER 2019 Issue

Ad size: 1/3 page

Please Read Carefully This proof is submitted to ensure the accuracy of your order.

We exercise reasonable care to avoid errors, but the customer is responsible for the final decision with this order, and assumes full responsibility.

Clearly mark any corrections. We are not responsible for errors not indicated at this time.

Note: The color you view on your monitor or printed proof will not be exact to what we print. Color accuracy of printed proofs and PDF files are at the mercy of the medium.

Please mark appropriate level of approval below, sign, and fax or return with original copy of all proofs

CLINIC HOURS: Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-5:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday Closed

___ OK to proceed to next proof, changes noted ___ OK to print with corrections marked ___ OK to print as is Customer signature: ________________________________________ Date _______________ To meet production deadlines, this proof MUST be returned upon receipt.

This printing order cannot be processed until proof acceptance has been checked, signed and returned to Ann Indykiewicz ann@thewagazine.com, Kelvin Andow kelvin@thewagazine.com, or Kate Brue kate@thewagazine.com.

EXCEPTIONAL VETERINARY CARE Please Return Promptly

507-258-9011 • medcityanimalhospital.com

From the desk of Kate Brue/ Designer • kate@thewagazine.com • Phone 612-961-9151

Med City Animal Hospital 1111 14th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901 (Located at the corner of 14th Street and Assisi Drive/11th Ave NW) www.thewagazine.com | 21

1st EXAM FREE NEW CLIENTS ONLY. One coupon per household. No cash value.

Coupons can be combined. Offer expires 2/28/20.

Meadow View

Stewartville

6214 14th Street NW Byron, MN (inside Leashes & Leads)

205 S. Main Street Stewartville, MN

Ve t e r i n a r y C l i n i c , L LC

507-424-2120

meadowviewvetmn.com

ADULT STEM CELL FREE TREATMENT CONSULT

A n i m a l C l i n i c , L LC

To help with osteo-arthritis, ligament and tendon injuries and other chronic inflammatory diseases.

Service only available at Byron office. One coupon per household. No cash value.

Coupons can be combined. Offer expires 2/28/20.

507-533-4225

stewartvilleanimalclinic.com

GET YOUR HUNTING DOG IN SHAPE!

CONVENIENT SCHEDULING TIMES OPEN DAYS, EVENINGS & SATURDAYS! PROTECT YOUR PETS WITH FLEA, TICK, AND HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVES TODAY!

10%OFF

Complete health care services for your pet: • Wellness Exams

• Preventative Care

• Digital Radiography

• Dental Care

• Surgical Procedures

• In-House Laboratory

• Canine Rehabilitation And Conditioning

Check us out on facebook

UNDERWATER TREADMILL CONDITIONING PKG. NEW CLIENTS ONLY. Service only available at Byron office. One coupon per household. No cash value.

Coupons can be combined. Offer expires 2/28/20.

Our UNDERWATER TREADMILL is great for dogs who can’t get the exercise they need due to being overweight, recovering from surgery, illness or injury. Let your dog try it today!

Behind every happy healthy pet is your caring family vet

Small animals, birds and exotics

507-288-2050

Laura Toddie, DVM | Travis Einertson, DVM Jennifer Watson, DVM | Benjamin Finkel, DVM

TO LENGTHEN AND STRENGTHEN THE UNIQUE BOND BETWEEN PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE 22 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

2117 North Hwy 52 Rochester, MN www.heritagepetvet.net find us on facebook

RESCUE DIRECTORY |

RESCUE DIRECTORY ACT V RESCUE & REHABILITATION actvrescue.org info@actvrescue.org ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY Five locations: Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul, and Woodbury animalhumanesociety.org 763-522-4325 Adoption, surrender, education programs, pet training, a free behavior helpline, boarding, low-cost spay/neuter, cruelty investigation/ rescue and pet loss services.

AUSSIE RESCUE OF MINNESOTA, INC. aussierescuemn.org nanmarka@earthlink.net 763-441-4377 Rescuing Aussies and Aussie mixes.

BASSET BUDDIES RESCUE, INC. bassetbuddiesrescue.org 262-347-8823 To rescue, foster and place adoptable Basset Hounds in loving, permanent homes.

BROWN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY (New Ulm) brownchumanes.org bchsnu@hotmail.com 507-359-2312 Protection and welfare of animals through education, sanctuary, adoption and promotion of responsible ownership.

CAMP COMPANION, INC. (Rochester) campcompanion.org questions@campcompanion.org 507-951-7801 Trap-Neuter-Return for farm and feral cats.Adoption program for cats and dogs with adoption events every Saturday at different pet stores in Rochester.

CARING FOR CATS (St. Paul) caring-for-cats.org 651-407-8485 All-volunteer, no-kill, non-profit shelter for cats and kittens in North St. Paul, funded 100% by donations.

CATS MEOW DOGS BARK RESCUE kelvarmair.petfinder.com adoptablepets@aol.com 651-343-1964 Foster-based rescue focused on owner surrenders.

CHICKEN RUN RESCUE Chickenrunrescue.org chickenrunrescue@comcast.net Provides abandoned chickens with love, shelter and vet care, and adopts the birds, as companion animals only, within 90 miles of the Twin Cities.

COCO’S HEART DOG RESCUE cocosheartdogrescue.org ashley@cocosheartdogrescue.org Foster-based rescue that has saved dogs and cats from unfortunate circumstances, rescuing more than 800 dogs and cats in 2.5 years.

COTTONWOOD COUNTY ANIMAL RESCUE (Windom) cottonwoodanimalrescue.com cottonwoodanimalrescue@gmail.com 507-831-4110 Dedicated to re-homing and preventing unwanted and abandoned animals.

DOBERMAN RESCUE MINNESOTA dobermanrescueminnesota.com support@dobermanrescueminnesota.com

651-256-2294 To promote responsible pet ownership and eliminate the abuse, abandonment, neglect and deaths of Doberman Pinschers.

ENGLISH SPRINGER RESCUE AMERICA, INC. springerrescue.org springerrescuemidwest@gmail.com 507-271-8107 Foster care placement organization for Springer Spaniels.

FELINE RESCUE INC. (St. Paul) felinerescue.org info@felinerescue.org 651-642-5900 No-kill 501c3 shelter, foster, outreach, and education for stray, abused and abandoned cats until they are adopted.

GREAT DANE RESCUE OF MN & WI gdromn.org / gdromn@gmail.com 715-222-4848 All-volunteer rescue for Great Danes in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

GREAT PLAINS POINTER RESCUE greatpointers.org Rescue and adoption in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota.

MIDWEST PUG RESCUE MN DIVISION mnmidwestpugrescue.com mnmprinfo@gmail.com We rescue and provide safe and loving homes to abandoned, surrendered, stray and neglected pugs and find them new ‘ fur’ever homes.

GREYHOUND PETS OF AMERICA MN gpa-mn.org / info@gpa-mn.org 763-785-4000 Rescuing /placing retired racing greyhounds.

MINNESOTA BOXER RESCUE mnboxerrescue.rescuegroups.org MNBoxerRescue@yahoo.com 763-647-3437 Rescue, rehabilitate and re-home displaced and unwanted Boxers.

HEADING HOME K9 RESCUE headinghomek9rescue.com, petfinder.com/shelters/MN333.html, facebook.com/HHK9MN kladams4545@gmail.com Dedicated to rescuing homeless, unwanted and former puppy-mill dogs, senior dogs, big black mixed breeds, special needs and those sick or injured.

MINNESOTA COMPANION RABBIT SOCIETY mncompanionrabbit.org 651-768-9755 Volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of companion rabbits.

HIAWATHA ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY (Lake City, Wabasha, Kellogg, surrounding) www.hahumanesociety.org hiawathaanimal@hotmail.com 651-448-0396 Takes in local stray and unwanted animals, places them in foster homes, and adopts them out into loving, forever homes.

501c3, volunteer organization.

ITALIAN GREYHOUND RESCUE OF MN/ND Kristin (MN): igrescuemn@gmail.com Michelle (ND): igrescuend@gmail.com iggyrescue.org Foster-based rescue and rehoming service, and an IGCA affiliate.

LUCKY’S PLACE luckysplace.org / jan@luckysplace.org 320-241-1829 No-kill, non-profit cat rescue.

FUR-EVER HOME RESCUE fureverhomerescue.com info@fureverhomerescue.com Nonprofit advocates for and rescues local animals with urgent medical needs or behavior issues - animals that needed a little more effort.

www.luvachinrescue.org info@luvachinrescue.org 507-641-4428 Rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Japanese Chins in need.

GEMINI ROTTWEILER AND PITBULL RESCUE gemini.petfinder.org mjw96@frontiernet.net 320-598-3087 We are dedicated to saving the lives of these misunderstood breeds, and offering them a second chance at a forever home.

MARTIN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY (Fairmont) mchsofmn.org pawprints01@hotmail.com 507-238-1885 Cares for the homeless animals of Martin County at the Carl Nettifee Animal Shelter, finding placement for them in new homes.

LUV A CHIN JAPANESE CHIN RESCUE (Twin Cities based, nationwide foster network)

MINNESOTA GREYHOUND RESCUE Minnesotagreyhoundrescue.org MinnesotaGreyhoundRescue@yahoo.com

507-272-3467 Dedicated to finding responsible homes for Greyhounds who are no longer used by the racing industry.

MINNESOTA HOOVED ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION mnhoovedanimalrescue.org info@mnhoovedanimalrescue.org 763-856-3119 Non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining and re-homing horses and other hooved animals in need.

MINNESOTA POCKET PET RESCUE mnpocketpetrescue.org info@mnpocketpetrescue.org Non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming small animals.

MINNESOTA SHELTIE RESCUE mnsheltierescue.org info@mnsheltierescue.org 612-616-7477 Finding the best and last home for Shelties in need.

MINNESOTA WISCONSIN COLLIE RESCUE mwcr.org collietalk@yahoo.com 612-869-0480 Dedicated to finding new hope and new homes for Collies in need of homes.

www.thewagazine.com | 23

MOWER COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY (Austin) mowercountyhumanesociety.org emailmchs-dogs@yahoo.com 507-437-9262 No-kill shelter staffed entirely by volunteers.

MORRISON COUNTY ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY (Little Falls) mcpets.org connieb@mcpets.org or info@mcpets.org 320-632-0703 We take in unloved and unwanted animals to place in forever homes.

NATIONAL BRITTANY RESCUE AND ADOPTION NETWORK nbran.org dvoeltz@pie.midco.net 605-224-2964 Rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes Brittanys in need.

NORTHERN LIGHTS GREYHOUND ADOPTION NLGA-MN.org guber2nac@aol.com 763-754-9754 Dedicated to finding responsible homes for retired racing Greyhounds and educating the public about Greyhounds as pets.

PAWS AND CLAWS HUMANE SOCIETY (Rochester) pawsandclaws.org info@pawsandclaws.org 507-288-7226 To promote and provide humane protection and shelter for abandoned or lost companion animals, seek adoptive homes, provide public education regarding animal overpopulation, promote responsible animal care, and advocate spaying and neutering.

PAWS=PRECIOUS ANIMALS WORTH SAVING pawsofjackson.com pawsofjackson@gmail.com 507-841-1834 Working together to save as many animals as possible in the Jackson County area.

PET HAVEN INC. OF MN PetHavenMN.org admin@pethavenmn.org 952-831-3825 Created in 1952 to rescue, rehome and advocate for companion animals.

PRAIRIE’S EDGE HUMANE SOCIETY (Northfield) prairiesedgehs.org info@prairiesedghs.org 507-664-1035 Rehoming dogs and cats.

NORTHSTAR GREAT PYRENEES RESCUE OF MN northstargreatpyrs.com marnie@northstargreatpyrs.com 612-379-0010 Dedicated to providing rescue/rehoming, breed education and fun activities for Great Pyrenees and their owners.

RESCUED PETS ARE WONDERFUL rpaw.org • info@rpaw.org 763-757-8204 To rescue companion animals and find them loving forever homes.

NORTHSTAR SHIH TZU RESCUE facebook.com/NorthStarShihTzuRescue tzuresq@gmail.com 612-209-4502 We rescue Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu blend dogs, evaluate them in foster homes and then match them to their perfect family.

RETRIEVE A GOLDEN OF THE MIDWEST (RAGOM) ragom.org • rescue@ragom.org 952-946-8070 Rescuing and re-homing Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes in MN, IA, ND, SD and western WI.

NORTHWOODS ANIMAL RESCUE SANCTUARY & ADOPTION CENTER “NARS” (Andover) northwoodsrescue.org

RIVER BLUFF HUMANE SOCIETY (Red Wing) rbhspets.org / director@hsgcpets.org 651-388-5286 Nonprofit, limited-admission, low-kill shelter taking in all strays from Goodhue County and other areas as well as owner surrenders when space is available.

NORTHWOODS HUMANE SOCIETY (Wyoming) northwoodshs.org Info@northwoodshs.org 651-982-0240 Serving Chisago County and surrounding communities by caring for animals in need and helping them find a home.

RUFF START RESCUE ruffstartrescue.org info@ruffstartrescue.org 763-355-3981

24 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

SAFE HAVEN PET RESCUE (Rochester) safehavenpetrescue.org safehavencat@yahoo.com 507-529-4079 Committed to finding safe, loving and secure homes for lost, abandoned and stray companion animals.

SAVE-A-BULL RESCUE saveabullmn.com Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of American Pit Bull Terriers and other Bull breeds.

SAVE OUR STRAYS Petfinder.com johndock@myomnitel.com 641-713-2443 Finding forever homes for the strays of Mitchell County, Iowa.

SAVING SHEPHERDS OF MN savingshepherdsofmn.org savingshepherdsmn@gmail.com German Shepherd Dog Rescue committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and placing dogs into new, loving homes.

SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL RESCUE secondchancerescue.org 651-771-5662 Foster-based dog and cat rescue organization dedicated to rescuing, caring for and adopting out homeless dogs and cats.

SECONDHAND HOUNDS (Minnetonka) Secondhandhounds.org SHHAdoptions@gmail.com 952-322-7643 SHIH TZU RESCUE OF MINNESOTA shihtzurescuemn.org All-volunteer organization with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Shih Tzus and Shih Tzu mixes.

SMALL DOG RESCUE OF MINNESOTA smalldogsminnesota.org info@smalldogsminnesota.org All-volunteer group committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of dogs 20 pounds and under.

SOUTHWEST METRO ANIMAL RESCUE swmetroanimalrescue.org swmetroanimalrescue@hotmail.com 952-368-PAWS (7297) Non-profit organization committed to the rescue of abandoned, abused and stray domestic animals.

STEELE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY (Owatonna) steelecountyhumanesociety.org adoptapetschs@yahoo.com 507-451-4512 Foster home based rescue helping stray and abandoned animals in greater Steele County.

THE RESCUE CREW rescuecrew.org info@rescuecrew.org Rescue the Mistreated. Save the Injured. Love the Abandoned.

TRI-COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY tricountyhumanesociety.org pets@tricountyhumanesociety.org 320-252-0896 We believe in the human/animal bond and exist to support Central Minn. by practicing and promoting quality adoption services and education programs.

UPPER MIDWEST GREAT DANE RESCUE thegreatdanerescue.com contact@thegreatdanerescue.com 763-210-1978 All volunteer foster-based rescue. So much to gain when you save a Dane.

WAGS & WHISKERS ANIMAL RESCUE OF MN wagsmn.org wagswhiskersmn@gmail.com Volunteer 501(c)(3), non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals and educating the community on responsible pet ownership.

WASECA COUNTY ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY wcahs.petfinder.com wcahsadoptions@gmail.com 507-201-7287 501c3, no-kill organization that helps homeless animals of all types in numerous counties in S. Central Minn.

WINONA AREA HUMANE SOCIETY winonahumanesociety.org 507-452-3135

LOST AND FOUND PETS Report lost and found pets of Southeast Minnesota: facebook.com/SEMNLost.Found Report lost and found dogs of Minnesota: facebook.com/LDoMN

GET THE SCOOP|

GET THE SCOOP DECEMBER Through Dec 11: Christmas Auction for the Animals, prairiesedgehs.org Mondays through Dec 16 Pet Night with Santa, 5–8pm, JCPenney Court at Apache Mall.

Cats and dogs only, apachemall.com Dec 5 Pet night with Santa, 4–7pm, ABC & Toy Zone, Miracle Mile Dec 7 Camp Companion adoption event, 10am–Noon, available dogs and cats, rochesterpet.com Dec 7 Pet pictures with Santa, Chuck & Don’s, Northfield, 9–11am.

Monetary or supply donation to Prairie’s Edge Humane Society, prairiesedgehs.org Dec 7 Pet photos with Santa for $9.95, 1–4pm, Petco Richfield, proceeds support Pet Haven Rescue, pethavenmn.org Dec 8 Pocket pet nail trim clinic, 10am–Noon, Highland Park Chuck & Don’s, mnpocketpetrescue.org/events Dec 12 Pet night with Santa, 4–7pm, ABC & Toy Zone, Miracle Mile Dec 14 Rideability Cookie Walk.

Rideability will sell homemade cookies and holiday treats at Rochester Pet & Country Store South, 10am–1pm.

Rideability serves families of children or adults with special needs, providing horseback riding and related activities.

Dec 14 Holidazzle - Pet Haven adoptable dogs and photos with Santa Paws, Loring Park Fulton Heated Beer Tent, 11am–2pm, pethavenmn.org

Jan 12 Pocket pet nail trim clinic, 10am–Noon, Highland Park Chuck & Don’s, mnpocketpetrescue.org/events

Jan 19 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable cats, 1–3pm, Chuck and Don’s, Plymouth, pethavenmn.org

FEBRUARY Feb 1 Pocket pet nail trim clinic, 10am–Noon, Highland Park Chuck & Don’s, mnpocketpetrescue.org/events Feb 2 Doggie Depot at Union Depot, 10am–2pm. Doggie friendly event includes: Q&A with all-things-dog expert Katie K9 from myTalk 107.1, rescues with dogs up for adoption, pet products vendor marketplace, crowning of the 4th Saint Paul Winter Carnival Canine-King Boreas and Canine-Queen of Snows. Free. uniondepot.org/doggiedepot Feb 2 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable cats, 11am–1pm, Petco Richfield, pethavenmn.org Feb 9 Pocket pet nail trim clinic, Noon–2pm, West St. Paul Chuck & Don’s, mnpocketpetrescue.org/events Feb 15 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable dogs, 11am–1pm, Pet Supplies Plus, Bloomington, pethavenmn.org Feb 22 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable cats, 11am–1pm, Petco Richfield, pethavenmn.org Feb 23 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable cats, 1–3pm, Chuck and Don’s, Plymouth, pethavenmn.org

MARCH Mar 8 Pocket pet nail trim clinic, 10am–Noon, Highland Park Chuck & Don’s, mnpocketpetrescue.org/events

Dec 21 Greyhound adoption event, 10am–Noon, Rochester Pet & Country Store, rochesterpet.com

Mar 8 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable cats, 1–3pm, Petco Richfield, pethavenmn.org

JANUARY

Mar 14 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable dogs, 11am–1pm, Chuck and Don’s, West St Paul, pethavenmn.org

Jan 11 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable dogs, 11am–1pm, Bently’s Pet Stuff, Excelsior, pethavenmn.org

20

Jan 18 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable cats, 11am–1pm, Petco Richfield, pethavenmn.org

Dec 14–15 Pet photos with Santa for $9.95, 1–4pm, Petco Richfield, proceeds support Pet Haven Rescue, pethavenmn.org

Jan 5 Pet Haven meet and greet adoptable cats, 1–3pm, Petco Richfield, pethavenmn.org

20

AWARD Vote for your favorite pet affiliated business and let them know how you feel!

Visit thewagazine.com and click on the GOLDEN PAWS AWARD button then place your votes for the BEST in southern MN!

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE:  VETERINARIAN

 GROOMER

 PET SITTER

 BOARDING FACILITY

 DOG WALKER

 TRAINER

 PET STORE

 HORSE BUSINESS

 RESCUE

 PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT/PATIO

 PET-FRIENDLY BUSINESS Don’t see a category your BEST fits into? WRITE IT IN!

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Barking Dozen...................................................................................... 9 BluePearl Referral + Emergency Hospital....................................... 21 The Bluffs Pet Clinic of Red Wing..................................................... 15 Chocolate Shoppe............................................................................. 9 Coldwell Banker Burnet, Alissa Adamson....................................... 15 Coldwell Banker Burnet, Shawn Buryska.......................................... 4 Edina Realty..................................................................................... IBC Heritage Pet Hospital........................................................................ 22 Jon Kittleson Portrait Artist.................................................................. 9 Meadow View Veterinary Clinic, LLC............................................. 22 Med City Animal Hospital................................................................. 21 Northern Valley Animal Clinic.......................................................... 18 Paws and Claws Humane Society.................................................... 9 PawsAbilities Dog Training................................................................ 11 Pug Life................................................................................................. 9 Quarry Hill Park Animal Hospital ....................................................... 4 Rochester Pet and Country Store...........................................IFC, BC Spring Valley Veterinary Clinic......................................................... 15 VCA Cascade Animal Medical Center & Inn............................... 20 Zumbrota Veterinary Clinic.............................................................. 11

www.thewagazine.com | 25

| HAPPY TAILS

SOUND

COMPANION Life is easier with a hearing assist dog assy, a 16-month-old terrier mix who resembled Winn Dixie, was my first hearing assist dog.

She had been a homeless dog in Sacramento before the SPCA of San Francisco rescued her and trained her as an assistance dog.

Sassy was clever and helpful. She would alert me by touching me with her nose and leading me to the sound source when the microwave, oven, or dryer timer beeped, or when a person came to the door.

When we were in public, she helped me find my husband if we got separated. One of her most endearing traits was how she would bring the two of us together using signaling alerts of her own accord.

Sassy loved sleeping curled up on my pillow, and when it was my bedtime, she hopped into her crate for the night.

After 13 years, Sassy passed away from hemangiosarcoma in January 2016. The loss to our family was great. Sassy had been a devoted companion with a loyal heart to serve.

Both my pillow and the crate felt empty. Soon afterwards, I applied for a new hearing assist dog from Can Do Canines in New Hope, Minn.

A MATCH WITH MIDGE Most of the dogs from Can Do Canines are mobility assist dogs, but some are hearing, seizure, diabetes, and autism assistance dogs.

All dogs undergo around two years of training before they are matched with the appropriate

applicant. The young puppies might spend some time at a partner prison for crate and potty training. Puppy raisers raise the dogs in their homes and teach them basic obedience skills and how to behave in public areas, such as malls, grocery stores or restaurants. The dogs spend several weeks at Can Do Canines for training in their specialty before meeting their new partner.

In February 2019, I was matched with Midge, a 2-year-old Yellow Lab, and spent three days of intensive training at Can Do Canines.

In addition to obedience tasks, Midge also had learned basic mobility tasks such as picking up her leash with her mouth and handing it to me or picking up dropped items.

I was impressed with how quickly Midge understood my unclear voice and sign commands.

She looked up at me when I said her name, not an easy one to pronounce. She loved the “park” command where she turned around and backed up underneath my chair.

Then we practiced sound work; Midge alerted me to the doorbell, kitchen timer and smoke alarm in the training apartment. When she heard the sound, she nudged me with her nose and then led me to the sound source. Of course, she was more than happy to earn yummy treats for her work.

We also practiced walking around the grocery store, passing by counters filled with delectable temptations within Midge’s reach, to practice self-control in public areas.

26 | wagazine | WINTER 2019/2020

Karen Smith and her hearing-assist dog, Midge, from Can Do Canines.

After training with Midge at the Can Do Canines facility, I brought her home and worked with a local trainer to teach her how to respond to the sounds unique to my home and to address behavioral challenges such as pulling on walks.

In April, Midge passed her sound proficiency test and was certified as my hearing assist dog.

What an accomplishment for both of us!

On June 29, Midge and I graduated with 16 other assistance dog teams. One highlight of the graduation was meeting Midge’s Puppy Raiser who gave me a “paw” painting and photos of Midge as a young puppy.

LIFE OF JOY Midge is a sweet, affectionate dog that likes to be near me. We have seen her on occasion revert to a puppy, get the zoomies, and dash around as fast as a spinning firework. She has a lot of energy, and loves playing endless games of

fetch, especially chasing down a launched tennis ball.

Midge likes to go out in public.

She has permission to attend the deaf church services, and also accompanies me to the YMCA, restaurants and coffee shops, museums and stores. Last summer we went to MSP airport for the Can Do Canines “Flight to Nowhere” training to give her a taste of going through TSA security and boarding a plane.

I look forward to the years of service that Midge will bring, thanks to all the trainers and volunteers at Can Do Canines who made my partnership with her possible. I also thank the puppy raisers who tended to Midge so that I might have the joy of an assistance dog, and I am humbled by their labor of love.

Karen Smith is a retired IBM technical writer and a freelance writer and editor. She is involved with the deaf ministry at her church.

Photos courtesy Karen Smith.

S

By Karen Smith

We know whatHome is all about

Trina

Sylvia

Trina Solano, REALTORÂŽ, CNHS, GRI, SRES with Black Lab, Tar 507-261-4030 trinasolano@edinarealty.com www.trinasolano.edinarealty.com

Natalia

Natalia Baker, Realtor

James Miller , Realtor

with Chocolate Lab, Stella

507-884-7874

Nataliabaker@edinarealty.com www.edinarealty.com/Natalia-baker-realtor

Sylvia Rogers, REALTORÂŽ CRS, GRI, ABR, CNHS, ASP, SRS with Collie mix, Sophie and Australian Cattle Dog, Willie 507-254-1247 SylviaRogers@edinarealty.com www.SylviaRogers.com

James

Eric

Team Eric Robinson

with German Shorthair Pointer, Deuce 507-259-6633 jamesmiller@edinarealty.com www.jamesmiller.edinarealty.com

(Matt Narveson not pictured) with Black Lab, 507-398-2300 ericrobinson@edinarealty.com edinarealty.com/eric-robinson-realtor#

1301 Salem Road SW, Rochester, MN 55902

From all of us at

Rochester Pet & Country Store

Thank you for continuing to support your locally owned neighborhood pet store!

WINNER 20

WINNER

19

20

AWARD

19

AWARD

BEST

BEST

HORSE BUSINESS

GROOMER

Rochester Pet & Country Store 1550 3rd Ave SE, Rochester • 507-285-5547 • rochesterfeed.com Rochester Pet & Country Store