THE WAG magazine - Summer, 2023

SUMMER 2023

Hot stuff to keep your dog

COOL, SAFE, & HAPPY

Swimming Pool Safety

Fostering— the lifeline for rescues

Friends for Life Animal Rescue

Robotic canines

Bringing joy & companionship to seniors

The Wag magazine

an informative, entertaining read about dogs & their companions

While it usually takes me a bit to decide on a topic for this piece of The Wag, my fingers are flying on the keyboard, as I’m so impassioned about three topics that are included in this issue.

First is the dire need for people to open their hearts and homes to foster rescue dogs. The need remains urgent, as shelters are filled to maximum capacity. Meanwhile, euthanasia lists continue to grow. Did you know that when fostering, not only are you saving a life today, but you are increasing a dog’s chance for a successful adoption tomorrow? That is why fostering is the lifeline for these animals. Go to page 12 and learn more about this vital role in the survival of our best friends.

Next is the increasing number of dogs that are drowning in swimming pools. Dog drownings are rarely, if at all, reported in the news. The bottom line is that dogs need to be watched, just like children, if they are in or around a swimming pool—regardless of how good of a swimmer they are. Page 20 gives you more information on swimming pool safety.

And finally, the ongoing needs of shelters and rescue groups. It takes money and supplies to continue managing day-to-day operations. We’ve put together a list of items (page 10) that you may not know are vital for shelters and can easily be donated but, you’ve probably never thought of. Check it out and call your local or favorite rescue to see what you can do.

There’s a whole lot more to be excited about in this issue, including PACC911’s (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition) raffle for a new Toyota Rav4 or $15,000 in cash (page 11). Buy your ticket now as part of PACC911’s annual Glimmer of Hope campaign to help homeless pets in desperate need of medical care.

We have an exceptional gift for our Great Gift Giveaway—a robotic companion dog from Ageless Innovation’s Joy for All Companion Pets. See the entry info on page 5 and article on page 16.

There are products to keep your dog cool and safe (pages 18–19), private destinations for your dog to sniff and romp (page 14), and much more.

Please support our advertisers and write to me soon (penny@thewagmagazine.com). I love hearing from you.

Kick back, stay cool, and enjoy this summer read!

All the best,

Penny

Welcome New Adver tiser s

Ageless Innovation’s Joy for All Companion Pets Dinky Dog Club

A Safe Pool One Dog One Bone

Cooper ’s Treats Valley Toyota Dealers

SUMMER 2023

Volume 7 Issue 3

Publishers

Gary Lex

Penny Lex

Editor

Penny Lex

Design

Stanley De Passos

Proofreading

Amy Hinerman

Writers and Contributors

Cherese Cobb

Amy DeYoung

Penny Lex

Virginia McGregor

Distribution

Times Media

Animals & Humans in Disaster/ Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry

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$20/year (4 issues)

14870 N. Fayette Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

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Penny Lex 507-202-3929

penny@thewagmagazine.com

Ideas and Comments

Penny Lex • 507-202-3929

penny@thewagmagazine.com

thewagmagazine.com

Published quarterly

The Wag magazine by Lex Ventures, LLC

14870 N. Fayette Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

The Wag magazine

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A.

The publishers and editor of The Wag magazine are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of products, services or ideas that appear in The Wag magazine. Advertising in this publication does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the publishers.

Great Gift Giveaway

You’re going to love, love, love this issue’s Great Gift Giveaway! Whether you choose to keep it for yourself or gift it to someone who would benefit from the happiness, comfort, fun, and companionship this little robotic dog will bring, it is definitely worth the pursuit. With puppy-like movements and sounds, this little chum acts just like a real puppy—even responding to your voice.

As you read this issue, be on the lookout for the identical hidden icon shown here of Ageless Innovation’s Joy for All Companion dog. Once you spot it, send an email with the page number and location to:

penny@ thewagmagazine.com

Drawing September 15, 2023

Doggie Lama Bakery.com

About the Cover

Adorning the cover of this issue is a Great Pyrenees named Jake. His people parents call him the “gentle giant” because he is so very gentle, kind, and loving. Stephanie Davis, Jake’s human mom, tells how he once made friends with a bird. “One time, a bird landed on our back deck. We watched from a window as Jake and the bird sniffed each other nose to nose (beak). Somehow, the bird knew Jake wouldn’t hurt him.” She also recalls when a small, almost totally blind dog came to their house to visit. The dog started walking towards some steps and Jake gently nudged him away—almost as if he sensed the dog could not see.

Before Jake arrived, the first dog to join the Davis household was Kira, a West Highland Terrier (that was after the Davis’s daughters presented them with a PowerPoint presentation as to why their parents should have a dog). About three months later, Kevin, also a Westie, joined the pack. Then one day, even though there were humans milling about

nearby, Kira was attacked by a coyote in the Davis’s back yard. Thankfully, she survived. However, the incident caused the family to think they should get a bigger dog as a deterrent and to make more of a presence on the property. That is when they went to Halo Animal Rescue, found Jake, and brought him into the fold of his forever home.

All three dogs get along splendidly.

And even though Jake is 80 pounds heavier and giant in size compared to his shorter-legged Westie siblings, he does not serve as leader of the pack. Kira has coined that title for herself, and Jake allows her to reign in that role. As soon as she throws her head up and begins to vocalize her demands, Jake calmly lumbers away, taking it all in stride.

Recently, mouth cancer was diagnosed in 8½-year-old Jake, resulting in the loss of part of his lower jaw. He has, however, made a full recovery and is back to loving his carbs (he goes crazy over the smell of pizza) and reiterating his disdain for peas and…the swimming pool. His favorite thing is to go for a long walk on the golf course, which he does almost every day.

Jake is true to his breed—mellow and vigilant, “He is an incredibly loving dog,” said the Davises. “We are so very blessed to have this gentle giant, Jake, and his fearless companions, Kevin and Kira, enriching our lives each day.” W

Andre

Abby

Odi

Teddy

Panda & Teddy

Petey

Sparky Maddie

Keeva

Bruno

Waffles

Charlie

Booker

Macy

Huey

Friends for Life Animal Rescue

There is usually some aspect of an animal rescue group that sets them apart from others. For this local organization, Friends for Life Animal Rescue (FFLAR), their name says it all— for life. “We truly make a lifetime commitment to every animal we rescue,” said Barb Savoy, FFLAR’s director of public relations and marketing. “Our contact information always remains on an animal’s microchip. And, we have traveled as far as Florida and Alaska to return an alumni relinquished to an animal control to the safety of our care.”

Originating in 1993, FFLAR is operated by three staff, 400 volunteers, and 60 fosters. Their adoption center includes 16 indoor/outdoor, climate-controlled dog runs and four community cat rooms. “We can accommodate approximately 16 dogs (a few more if we have bonded pairs that we can house in a single run), and 20 cats,” said Savoy. “We typically have 100 animals in our care at any given time, which is about 64 in foster homes.”

To acquire a pet from FFLAR, prospective adopters must complete a consultation form. They are then partnered with an adoption counselor who takes them through the process of creating a match with a dog or cat. Determinations are based on the responses provided relating to age, activity level, household members, other animals in the household, etc.

Friends for Life offers several community service programs. There is a low cost ($15 co-pay) spay/neuter service for low-income families, and the popular program Mia’s Mission offers free DAPP vaccines and/or boosters for dogs. They also conduct an annual, free Microchipa-Thon each May and October, provide education about animal safety, and give school presentations as well as adoption center tours.

Help Local Rescues

In addition to a dire need for foster homes, most rescue organizations are in continual need of supplies to maintain their day-today operations.

Below is a list of items that rescue groups frequently need. Perhaps you already have some of the items around the house—like extra dog collars or bath towels. Or, you are willing to grab some of the needed items the next time you are shopping—like an extra gallon of bleach or additional bundle of paper towels.

Last year, 1,142 previously homeless dogs and cats joined the tens of thousands of animals who found their forever families thanks to FFLAR.

All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before they are available for adoption. If FFLAR is aware of an animal having an illness or medical condition, the animal must be cleared by the medical team before becoming available for adoption.

A 501(c)(3) organization, FFLAR is privately funded through the generous support of the community and fundraisers. Their largest single-day fundraising event is a celebration of all things dog called BARKtoberfest, held annually in October. The fun-filled event features a lure course, contests for the best trick and costume, a demonstration by the Gilbert Fire Department accelerant sniffing dog, vendor booths, food trucks, and more. Mark your calendar for BARKtoberfest to be held on Saturday, October 21, 8:30 am to 1 pm, at the adoption center on Melody Avenue in Gilbert, Arizona.

Topping this rescue’s list of immediate necessities are money and people to adopt pets. You can view their “wish list” of additional needs at https:// azfriends.org/support/wish-list/. W

480-497-8296

It takes just a few minutes to contact a rescue to find out what they need most and how you can help. Your contribution(s) are greatly appreciated as these organizations strive to save lives.

✓ Blankets (gently used)

✓ Bleach

✓ Collars

✓ Crates/carriers

✓ Envelopes

✓ File folders

✓ Dog food

✓ Gift cards

✓ Grooming supplies

✓ Harnesses

✓ Kleenex

✓ Labels (files & mailing)

✓ Laundry detergent

✓ Leashes

✓ Money

✓ Paper towels

✓ Pill pockets

✓ Postage stamps

✓ Printer paper

✓ Towels (gently used bath size)

✓ Trash bags

✓ Treats

Fostering: The Lifeline for Rescues

SAVING LIVES AND IMPROVING ADOPTABILITY

By Amy DeYoung

Animal shelters are overworked, underfunded, and suffer from a lack of space to take in all the animals in desperate need of a home. Bari Mears, president and founder of the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition, also known as PACC911, shares, “There are more animals in need than there are places to put them. Fostering is the answer to saving many more lives.”

with dogs running on the roads at risk of being hit by cars, becoming dehydrated, starving to death, or burning their paws on scalding asphalt. Even for shelters with space, it can take up to 48 hours before the shelter can assist the dog in need. Foster parents fill this void by taking in animals, so they don’t end up returning to vagrancy.

Trisha Houlihan, executive director of Saving Paws Rescue AZ, shares, “Currently, we are about 50/50 with dogs in foster care and those in our care. For us, that is 60 to 70 dogs in foster care which means that many lives are being saved by fosters.”

What fostering means

A preventable rise in euthanasia

Mears also shares that Maricopa County has experienced massive growth, with over 4.4 million people now living in this one county, yet additional shelter capacity hasn’t been added in decades. Unfortunately, this mismatch of an increasing number of humans and animals without an increase in shelter capacity has led to a rise in the euthanasia of many animals who would otherwise be adoptable. Dogs that aren’t accepted into shelters are sometimes turned back out on the streets. This often ends tragically

Being a foster parent means opening your home to an animal in need while

they wait to be adopted. Daily tasks like feeding, walking, and loving them are all included in this critical job.

Fostering is essential because many of these dogs have never lived in a home. The opportunity to live in a home, get socialized, and be assessed to see if additional training is needed before being adopted are all critical factors. These aren’t achieved as easily when a dog is kept in a kennel until being adopted.

Foster parents also help the adoption process by providing information about the foster dog’s personality, likes and dislikes, and what kind of pet parent they would get along with best. For example, knowing if a dog is skittish around other animals or children makes a significant difference in the adoption’s success.

Becoming a foster

If you’re interested in fostering an animal in need, know that each rescue

facility has unique requirements and ways they support foster parents. Most will pay for necessary expenses like medical care or food while you’re taking care of the animal. Foster commitments vary from a few days to several months, depending on the animal’s needs and adoption status.

If you already have dogs or other animals in your home, don’t let this stop you from applying to become a foster parent. Many foster parents have a mixed household of their pets and foster animals. The number of dogs a foster parent can take in at once is determined by the shelter’s policies, as well as the foster’ s household and experience.

One factor that may affect how many animals you can take in is the size of the animals. For example, if you’re fostering German Shepherds, you may only be allowed to foster one or two, whereas some facilities may be okay with one foster parent caring for three small dogs.

“ Fostering raises a dog’s ability to be adopted.”

“ There are many highs and lows to fostering— but it is so worth it!”

Alternative ways to help If you cannot foster animals, there are many other ways you can help. Spaying and neutering your pets are essential for reducing the number of stray animals in need. You may also consider donating money, time, or needed supplies to animal shelters and rescues, and let your county officials know that expanding shelter capacity is a crucial issue you would like to see addressed.

Truly a lifeline

Mears sums it up, “The more people that willingly foster animals, the better job shelters can do because the existing shelters do not have enough space to house everyone, and animals are being euthanized because of this. Fostering is the lifeline for rescues.” W

Amy DeYoung is an Arizona native and freelance writer who spends her free time baking, reading, and chasing after her Boston Terrier, Nickel.

Snif fspot

With more than 36 off-leash dog parks to explore, Phoenix is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Arizona. But for canines that are reactive, fearful, shy, or protective—or for people who do not have yards of their own—having a private, off-leash place to play can feel like paradise.

Enter Sniffspot. It works like an Airbnb for dog parks and has 13,000 locations across the United States. From a private back yard oasis to dog water parks and parks for agility, Sniffspot is designed with diversity in mind. “No spot is one size fits all. You can literally rent a private beach to go to with your dog,” said founder David Adams.

Problem—solution

In late 2017, Adams and his thengirlfriend, now wife, Rebecca Sheppard, founded Sniffspot. Adams had grown tired of walking his dog, Soba, 45 minutes each way from his apartment in Seattle to the nearest off-leash dog park. Meanwhile, Sheppard was traveling with her dog, Toshi, back and forth from Seattle to Baltimore for her job. Deemed “a complete nightmare,” Sheppard had to walk Toshi on a leash around the outside of the airport hotel at odd hours to get him to go to the bathroom. She didn’t let him off-leash as she was scared he would chase deer and run away. Frustrated, Sheppard texted Adams, “I know there has got to be a better way. I wish there was an app where I could find places to let Toshi off-leash.”

Sniffspot was born because the modern world is not built for dogs. “Dogs were designed, they evolved, and they were bred to live in places that were wide open, where they could be out in the wild and run free,” Adams said. “Now they are living in apartments, and they are living on leashes. It is causing all kinds of health problems for dogs. There is obesity, reactivity, and anxiety. Sniffspot is the antidote for that.”

Revolutionary new app gives access to private destinations for dogs

By Cherese Cobb

a month. You must, however, own private land that is free of major hazards, such as live electric fences or empty pools. You are also required to provide a spot that does not have other dogs, people, or domestic animals.

Easy access

After downloading the Sniffspot app from Google Play or the App Store, you can browse by location and the type of park including dog water parks, dog hiking trails, dog fields, fenced dog parks, dog agility parks, small dog parks, dog beaches, and indoor dog parks. You can see recent photos and read two-sided reviews, where both hosts and guests are rated after every visit. Some locations include features and niceties such as real grass, agility equipment, a swimming pool, towels, dog toys, drinking water, chairs, etc. Once you select a desired location, prompts will request your preferred date, time, the number of dogs you will bring, and the length of time you want to stay. Then you will be required to sign a waiver that says, “This is the real world. If anything happens, you’re indemnifying the host for any issue that might happen during your visit ”

Side hustle for dog lovers

Want to rent your backyard out to dogs? You can be a host and earn up to $3,000

Sniffspot hosts have complete control over scheduling their location. And they set their own price. While many of the parks offer the option to access memberonly benefits with a fixed monthly price, hourly rates range from $5–$20. Sniffspot has hosts in over 3,600 cities averaging 15,000 bookings per month. “Even our hosts that have hundreds of bookings every month only spend a few hours per month actually managing their spot,” Adams said. And when it comes to insurance, he stated “We provide our hosts $2 million of liability insurance in case anything gets past our safety precautions or waiver and becomes an issue. We’ve never had an issue with this. But in this way, we've set up many levels of protection and make things super safe for our Sniffspot hosts.”

Check out the alluring property locations available to visit in Maricopa County or sign up to be a Sniffspot host at https://sniffspot.com W

Cherese Cobb is a professional writer and photographer from Tennessee. When she’s not penning copy for magazines and blogs, she splits her time between family, nature, and cat-worship, while chugging coffee to survive all three.

32 pixels/Bigstock.com

When Linda was diagnosed with dementia, she started withdrawing from people. That is when her daughter, Patti LaFleur bought her mom two lifelike, interactive robotic pups from Joy for All (JFA). Patti and her mother named the dogs Pizza and Popcorn. They dressed them up, sang silly songs with them, and lived in every moment they could. They even dragged them along on a trip to Disney World.

Realistic Robotic Companion Pets

JOY FOR ALL HELPING SENIORS COMBAT LONELINESS AND ISOLATION

By Cherese Cobb

“Pizza and Popcorn brought my mom joy when they were in her lap, and she couldn’t find them,” LaFleur writes on Instagram. “I wholeheartedly believe that they kept my mom talking throughout her whole dementia journey and showed me how truly sweet her heart was.”

After Linda passed away last year and Popcorn was cremated with her, Patti

kept Pizza. “I am so thankful to still have Pizza to bring me comfort in her passing,” Patti said. “These dogs will live in our hearts forever.”

The power of play

Meghan Gamboa is the co-founder and senior vice president of marketing and retail sales at Ageless Innovation. She

believes the power of play can bring happiness to everyone, from age five to 105. In addition, she feels that the responsibility of owning a pet should not prevent people from experiencing the joys that pets can provide.

That is why Gamboa and her team started reimagining a Hasbro toy for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. “Our innovative team was formed to conduct intensive research on what older adults truly want and need to foster meaningful connections through play,” Gamboa said. “Fueling this new initiative was the insight that there was a void of products that bring fun and play to the older adult market and the belief that play knows no age limit.”

Delivering the joy

Designed with extensive input from the aging population, JFA launched its line of Companion Pet Cats in December 2015. The Companion Cats, available in Silver with white mitts, Tuxedo, and Orange Tabby, were designed to feel, look, and sound like real cats. But they are so much more than just realistic with their soft fur, soothing purrs and pleasant meows. They respond to hugging and petting, but do not require feeding or special care. Their calming heartbeat also mimics the comforting experience of holding a real feline.

In 2016, JFA unleashed The Companion Pet Pup. Complete with a lifelike coat available in golden or freckled, the faux canine contains built-in sensors that respond to motion and touch. They even turn their heads, emit authentic sounds, and respond to the human voice. And, just like their feline counterparts, they are battery operated and require no feeding or special care.

“Each product within the JFA universe can calm anxiety, facilitate intergenerational connection, stimulate conversation, and increase the quality of life for older adults facing challenges— without the use of medication,” Gamboa explained.

Two years later, the JFA leadership team formed Ageless Innovation. It is now home to the full JFA lineup. “Ageless Innovation continues to grow as we celebrated our 5th birthday in May of this year,” said Gamboa. “In the fall of 2022, we also celebrated the sale of our 500,000 JFA pet!”

Improving the quality of life

Pet ownership can lower the risk of death by more than 24 percent. But only 55 percent of adults between 50 and 80 years old have a cat or dog. Moreover,

only 50 percent of senior living centers allow residents to own their own pets.

That is why Ageless Innovation teamed up with 12 U.S. State Agencies and local members of the state aging network in over 20 states—including Florida, New York, Alabama, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, to distribute tens of thousands of JFA Companion Pets to socially isolated seniors. For example, The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) started a JFA pilot program in 2018. Greg Olsen, the acting director of NYSOFA, gave 60 pets to isolated seniors. After one year, more than 70 percent of the seniors reported a significant decrease in loneliness.

“The goal of each partnership is to ensure that seniors, caregivers, and communities have the tools they need to combat social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive decline during the pandemic and well beyond,” Gamboa said.

Backed by science

One scientific study found JFA Companion Pets boosted mood and wellbeing in seniors with dementia. The pets also reduced psychological symptoms

like apathy and delirium. The Association of Relatives of Alzheimer's in Spain even reported that robot pets awakened the "hidden" emotions (e.g., affection, empathy, joy, or socialization) of isolated seniors in long-term care facilities.

Artificial intelligence in robotic pets

From reducing medication errors to custom virtual healthcare assistance, artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping health and medicine. But JFA does not plan to incorporate the technology into its award-winning product line. “Our products are solely designed to provide joy and companionship. Joy is an essential part of well-being and health,” said Gamboa. “It is important to remember to fill our lives, not just with things we need, but with enjoyment as we age.”

http://joyforall.com

Cherese Cobb is a professional writer and photographer from Tennessee. When she’s not penning copy for magazines and blogs, she splits her time between family, nature, and cat-worship—chugging coffee to survive all three.

“ Joy is an essential part of well-being and health”

Ouch! Hot pavement hurts! Get your dog used to wearing protective footwear. Shield those precious paws from scorching pavement with Urban Walkers from Healers Pet Care. Created with comfort, quality, and effectiveness in mind, Urban Walkers provide the ultimate protection. Sold in pairs (because rear paws tend to be smaller than front paws), they are sure to stay on your pup’s feet. Check out their most helpful, detailed measuring guide. Machine washable. ($29.99, healerspetcare.com)

Keep damaging beams at bay with a fashion statement made to protect.

Dinky Dog Club brings you Gold Paw Series Sun Shield Tees to protect your pup from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The SPF 50 shirts are soft, stretchy, and thin enough to wear under your dog’s harness or life jacket. Available for dogs 2 pounds and up and in an assortment of colors. ($24.99–$34.99, dinkydogclub.com)

Nothing is cooler than having your own pool.

Just ask Luna Mae Dolphin as she lounges in her new Bone Pool from One Dog One Bone. Made in the U.S.A. and exclusively for dogs, these heavy-duty, 11”H × 44”W × 66”L vessels hold 85 gallons of water. Choose from White, Sand, Blue, or Grey. Models with misters and smaller-sized Paw Print Pools are also available.

($639, U. S. Continental Shipping Included, onedogonebone.com)

Easy to make, cool, refreshing treats.

The Pupsicle Starter Kit, complete with two flavors of nutritious Pupsicle Mix (Beef and Cheddar and Turkey and Cinnamon) plus a silicone mold, is all you need to make your dog fresh, delicious, frozen treats for those hot summer days! Just add water to the mix, pour into the mold, and freeze. Made in the U.S.A. No added sugar, salt, preservatives, color, or artificial flavors. (Regular $29.99; Grain Free $32.99, coopersdogtreats.com)

Stuff to keep your dog COOL, SAFE, and HAPPY during the sweltering summer season.

When the weather warms up or when the activities get more energetic, our beloved furry family members can quickly get overheated! At CoolerDog, our passion is designing and making cooling products that work well, are comfortable for dogs, while being convenient and affordable for you. As cooling professionals, we understand that the three best methods of protecting a dog from the heat are:  Physical Cooling,  Hydration, and  Shade

Physical Cooling

Here are a few tips to help keep our dogs safer and more comfortable in the heat. First, it is important to recognize that 70% of a dog’s heat is dissipated from underneath the dog. This is where the hair/fur is the thinnest and blood vessels come closest to the surface of the skin. Dogs have the thickest fur/hair and fat stores on their backs. Instinctively, dogs know how to cool off. They will seek out a tile floor, the grass under a tree, a puddle, etc. That cool surface will absorb the excess heat from the animal. Unfortunately, however, those cool places aren’t always available. At CoolerDog, we worked with veterinarians to create unique mats and wearable vests and collars that are

very effective at using the heat absorbing power of thawing ice to draw excess heat from the underside of a dog wherever you happen to be.

We often hear that dogs sweat through their paws. This is true. However, this doesn’t mean that this is how they cool off. Hot weather can make places where dogs are walked quite hot for a dog’s feet. Walking dogs during early in the morning or late at night, can help. If you are walking at night, consider using our Hi-Vis, reflective cooling collar so that your dog will be better seen by drivers.

freezable bowl can be a good option for keeping your dog’s water cool even if you have to be gone during the day. Lastly, many of us have active lifestyles and we want to include our dogs in our activities. Bringing a portable, collapsible bowl will help you to be ready when you are on the go.

At CoolerDog, we have developed solutions to help dog owners meet the needs of their beloved family members at home or on the go.

Hydration

The other 30% of a dog’s heat is dissipated through panting. Heat travels out in the warm, moist air when a dog exhales. So, it is important that dogs stay hydrated. A dehydrated dog in the heat is a dog that could soon be struggling.

Here a couple of tips for getting dogs to drink more water. First, dogs are instinctively drawn to moving water. In nature, moving water is “safe” water, stagnant water is not. So, having a fountain with moving water can draw your dog to drink more. Like most of us, dogs prefer cool water to warm water. A

Shade

While Physical Cooling and Hydration help to care for a dog that is already hot, another approach is to help protect dogs from the sun, even when your plans take you away from home. All dogs can be susceptible to overheating and the potential harmful effect of over-exposure to the sun and UV rays. Short-nosed breeds and dark-colored dogs may be more vulnerable to the heat, while thin-coated and light-colored dogs are more prone to sunburn and sun related illness as well. The Pop-Up Shade Oasis from CoolerDog, has a unique top material that blocks 98% of UV rays. It stores flat and sets up in seconds.

We love THE WAG!

As a special offer, readers of THE WAG receive a 10% discount by using the “Wag10” in the checkout at www.coolerdog.com.

Cooling Vest & Collar Hydro Cooling Mat (from $29.99) (from $49.99)

High-Vis Cooling Collar (from $14.99)

Portable Pocket HealthSpring Dog Bowl Pet Fountain (from $9.99) (from $39.99)

Freezable Bowl ($19.99)

Pop-Up Shade Oasis (from $49.99)

Swimming Pool Safety

USE KNOWLEDGE AND VIGILANCE TO PROTECT YOUR PET

By Penny Lex

Nothing feels better than a refreshing dip in the ol’ pool during the hot summer season in Arizona. And sharing that experience with your dog, playing in the water while enhancing your bond, makes it even better.

Unfortunately, amidst all that seasonal fun, a staggering number of dogs down each year—over 5,000! Pool safety is often neglected by pet owners as they assume that “dogs can swim” so . . . “all is good.” It is not! There are many factors to consider before plunging into the pool with your pooch. Taking time now to educate yourself, members of your household, and your dog, can help prevent an unfortunate incident from occurring. It can also result in knowing what to do should something happen.

Pool access

While some pools are directly surrounded by a fence, many are not. If your pool is not and your dog has free access to it, consider adding a pool alarm. You could be outside when your dog decides to take a dip. But if you are not constantly watching, it could be just seconds before the dog goes under, and then . it could be too late. An alarm will alert you whether you are in or out of doors when there is activity in the water.

Solar covers

Pool covers can be deceptive to dogs. If a dog somehow gets under the cover and panics, their chances of getting out will be almost impossible. Train your dog to stay away from the pool cover and better yet, fence the area or install an alarm.

Born to swim—or not

While some breeds, like the Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, Standard Poodles, and Retrievers, are born to

dog can crawl out the side. Even if the dog has done so once or twice, it is different when the animal is tired and doesn’t have enough strength. That can lead to panic, the dog going down, ingesting water, and drowning. Repeated exercises teaching that the only way in and out of the pool is the steps will help your pet remember this paramount safety measure.

If your pool doesn’t have steps, install a pool ramp that offers easy, safe access.

swim, there are a host of other breeds that are most likely to drown. Brachycephalic breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, and Shih Tzus have short snouts, experience more difficulty breathing while in the water, and tire more quickly and easily. Breeds like Basset Hounds and Corgis have shorter legs and cannot paddle hard enough to keep afloat.

Pool Rule #1

Train your dog where the steps are located and only allow pool access and exit from that spot. Do not assume your

The swim

It is a dog’s instinct to paddle with the front legs. However, doing that alone creates an abundance of splashing, they are positioned almost straight up and down, and their front end is ineffective while using an abundance of energy resulting in exhaustion. You can help them by giving a little lift to the back end and then moving forward alongside them as they paddle. This will help to get the dog going and teach them what it takes to swim.

It only takes seconds for a dog to drown in a swimming pool—but a lifetime for a pet owner to forget what happened.

Never,

Overexertion

For those dogs that love to play in the water and swim, “one more time” is never enough. They don’t ever want to stop swimming, fetching, or playing— just like kids. When you notice that your dog’s rear-end starts to drop lower in the water, it’s time to stop. Two of the top causes of dog drownings are fatigue and panic. When a dog is tired and gets into trouble, it is easy for them to go down and take in water.

Hydration

It’s important for dogs to stay hydrated— even when in the pool. Chemically treated pool water, however, is not what they should drink. Make sure to have enough fresh, cold water available to quench your dog’s thirst.

Life jacket

For dogs that are just learning to swim, who have physical handicaps, or for your

peace of mind, a life jacket is a good investment. Make sure you measure to get a good fit.

Après swim

It’s a good idea to rinse your dog’s coat after being in the pool. It will get rid of chemicals that can sometimes cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to remove a wet collar as that can result in a breeding ground for hot spots.

Learn CPR

Take classes in pet (and human) CPR so you know what to do in case of an emergency.

Dry drowning

Many pet owners aren’t familiar with this condition. It can happen hours or even days after a near-drowning event and it can be deadly. It occurs when water is inhaled, causing pulmonary edema or fluid in the lungs that can lead

to respiratory distress or cardiac arrest. Watch your dog carefully when in the water, and if you see him taking in water or there is a near-drowning event, monitor the dog carefully for several days watching for coughing, lethargy, difficulty breathing or wheezing. If those signs occur, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Bottom

Never, ever leave your dog unattended in the swimming pool. No matter how brief of time. It only takes seconds for a dog to drown—but a lifetime for a pet owner to live with the heartache. W

HAVOC K9 DOG TRAINING

Combat ing Boredom When the Temperatures Soar

EIGHT IDEAS TO KEEP BORING DOG DAYS AT BAY

Scorching summer temps can limit some of the activities that you and your dog usually like to enjoy. And inactivity in dogs, much like humans, can lead to boredom. Here are some ways to keep you both active and engaged.

1.

Visit a retail store you’ve not been to that allows pets. Give your dog time to stroll at leisure.

2.

Hit the pool. If your four-legged friend is a swimmer, enjoy some playtime while cooling off. Got one that doesn’t swim and is small enough to carry? Hold the dog in your arms and just slowly walk around in the water. Your dog will enjoy the coolness to the belly while relaxing in the safety and comfort of your arms.

3.

Make or buy a snuffle so your dog can forage for treats. These are wonderful year ‘round for stimulation and to combat boredom.

4.

Blow dog-safe bubbles. If your dog isn’t interested, try one of the products with enticing scents like bacon or peanut butter.

5.

Whip up some frozen treats for you and your bestie. There’s a huge variety of affordable, easy, and refreshing recipes online.

6.

Work with your canine “artiste” to create a memorable masterpiece of pawprint art using non-toxic paints.

7.

Enjoy the cooler, early morning part of the day by taking your buddy out to breakfast. There are many area restaurants where you can share the fare on a pet-friendly patio.

8.

Use a kit to make a frameable treasure out of your dog’s pawprints.

If you’re an animal lover, consider choosing Gabriel’s Angels as a charity when filing your state taxes. We are one of the only animal-related charities that offers you a chance to make a donation and get it all back with the Arizona Tax Credit. With your gift, we can reach more vulnerable children who are hurting and in need of the unconditional love and support of a therapy dog.

What Every Dog Needs

A crossword puzzle to reveal the essentials of our canine companions

DOWN

1 Balls, stuffed animals, squeakers

3 Dispensable rewards

5 Tending to one’s hair, nails, skin

6 What you receive from the doctor (2 words)

8 Strictness

9 Jennifer Aniston sitcom

11 ___ is where the heart is

12 You are what you eat (2 words)

13 ___ is a virtue

16 King, queen, twin, bunk

19 Embedded I.D.

20 Universal quencher

Corg i Canal Rescue

GIVING THANKS TO A TOTAL STRANGER

By Virginia McGregor

While I recently shared a true story about the rescue of a German Shepherd from drowning in an Arizona canal, this is the “tail” but true, though it may be hard to believe, of a desperate need to save my own pups from the same canal. Beware of the dangers these open waters can present.

A cool summer breeze refreshed my two corgis and me as we enjoyed our Sunday walk down a dirt road bordered by an Arizona canal and a large alfalfa field. Vultures soared in the thermals high overhead. No one else was in sight. I considered unleashing my two dogs, who always stayed near me in this open area.

As I glanced around, I caught movement in bushes not far away. Were coyotes roaming this morning? A disheveled man wearing a black trench coat and pushing his bike emerged from behind the shrubbery. My safety defenses kicked in .”avoid this stranger.”

leashes to let them run.

Was the man still headed our way? I prayed he was riding along the street. As I searched the field, I realized he had gained on us, and he would catch up if we didn't hurry.

Suddenly—splash! No dogs beside me. I looked to see Griffith swimming in the dark canal water. Pebbles seemed suspended in the air as she leapt in after Griffith, almost landing on top of him.

I froze. What just happened? My two dogs paddled near each other as they attempted to fight the current. Desperate, I searched the canal’s concrete wall for steps down to the water. If I found the steps, I could haul them out from the bottom step.

My diving duo looked up. Fearful brown eyes signaled second thoughts about being so far away from me. If I jumped in, could I save them both? Where were those steps?

The stranger had caught up to me. I yelled at him, “Hey, I need help! Run to the road and get help! My dogs jumped in the canal. They’ll drown if I can’t pull them out. Hurry!”

the rough, sloping canal wall. I felt his hand grab my ankle. I looked over my shoulder to see him kneeling, holding onto the post, and stretched out to support me from falling into the water.

“Come, Griffith!” He swam over to me, but the current kept moving him away. Pebbles paddled nearby. I grabbed Griffith’s collar and pulled him alongside me up the wall. He gripped the rough concrete and clawed toward the top as I gave him a final push.

I turned back to the smaller corgi. “Pebbles, come, girl.” A little wave washed over her face. After I missed my first reach, she swam closer. I held on to her fur with the collar and pulled her body up beside me. She struggled to the top as I pushed on her bottom.

A hand pulled on my ankle as I crawled backwards up the concrete wall. Struggling to stand, I attached my dogs’ leashes. I tried to breathe normally as I watched the stranger pick up his bike.

“Hey, thanks for helping me save my dogs. I don’t know why they jumped in!” Without a word or glance, he slowly pedaled away.

I pulled on Griffith and Pebbles’ leashes to hurry them to the other side of the canal. Their short legs kicked up dust as we jogged faster. We crossed the bridge to the service road lined by fenced back yards. A major street with traffic was behind us, but we headed in the opposite direction towards home a couple of miles away. Except for that odd looking stranger across the field, we were alone, so I unclasped the dogs’

The man’s scraggily black hair hung over dull eyes that stared past me. I felt invisible. How could I leave my dogs to run up to the highway? If I jumped in, how could I save both dogs? Slanted, slippery canal walls trapped my dogs below. How much longer could they fight the current?

I noticed a metal gate post nearby and shouted to the stranger, “Please, hang on to that post and grab my ankle. I’m going to stretch out down the wall. If I can reach them, I’ll pull them out! Help me! My dogs will drown!”

Instead of waiting for a reply, I knelt and slowly inched on my stomach down

My scraped knees and palms burned from concrete and gravel. Dirt covered my diving duo’s drenched fur. So many overwhelming thoughts filled my mind. What made my dogs leap into the canal? How ironic that a feared stranger ended up holding my leg and helped me save my dogs.

My “fellow rescuer” never showed up again during our dog walks. I wonder if that guy ever thinks about how he helped rescue two dogs from drowning.

I am forever grateful to this stranger. Maybe I can’t stop judging someone by how they look, but I learned it is possible to trust a total stranger. W

Griffith and Pebbles

Rescue Events and Doggie Doings

Looking to find your fur-ever pal? Or, maybe just nosing around for something fun to do?

Check out these Rescue Events and Doggy Doings. From adoption events to agility—dock diving to even channeling your inner artist—there’s always something going on for dogs and dog lovers. If you have an event you would like us to include in an upcoming issue, just send a note to penny@thewagmagazine.com with “EVENT” in the subject line and provide the basic details as you see below. While we would love to publish all dog-related events, due to limited space, priority will be given to events involving rescue, adoption, and fundraising.

JULY

8 “Pop-Up” Adoption Event

Hosted by PACC911 and Toyota of Surprise

Toyota of Surprise | 11 am–2 pm

13543 N. Autoshow Ave., Surprise, AZ

15 Popsicles & Pups Water Day at Friends for Life!

Fundraiser for Friends for Life

Animal Rescue | 7–9 am

952 W. Melody Ave, Gilbert, AZ

16 PAINT YOUR PET – In-Studio Event

Painting with a Twist | 4–7 pm

See instructions:

paintingwithatwist.com/studio/phoenix/

1743 E Camelback Rd A-4, Phoenix, AZ

16 Pet CPR/First Aid Class

Prickly Dog Grooming Academy | 10 am–4:30 pm

2051 S. Dobson Rd, #6, Mesa, AZ

AUGUST

12 “Pop-Up” Adoption Event

Hosted by PACC911 and Toyota of Surprise

Toyota of Surprise | 11 am–2 pm

13543 N. Autoshow Ave., Surprise, AZ

SEPTEMBER

9 “Pop-Up” Adoption Event

Hosted by PACC911 and Toyota of Surprise

Toyota of Surprise | 11 am–2 pm

13543 N. Autoshow Ave., Surprise, AZ

What Every Dog Needs

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Give someone you know the gift of joy and companionship with code “PUP+WAG” for $15 off Joy For All Companion Pups.