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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMER 2013 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2
14 Cover Story
Bucket List: Cover of Magazine Feature 32 Cover Dog Models
16 Me & My BFF’s
Starla and 7 of her Bff ’s
24 2nd Annual Beautiful Eyes Contest
Feature the 100 Winners in 2013
32 In the Dog’s Kitchen
Blueberry Pupsicle Cubes Strawberry & Banana Cubes Banana & Peanut Butter Cubes Strawberry & Raspberry Cubes
Emily Senkowski's adopted dog, Delilah
38 Everything Rosie 40 Bring Rudy Home 42 Tyler the Amazing Service & Therapy Dog
44 Diesel the Wonder Pit 47 Bring MacGyver Home 48 Famous Dogs on Facebook With Friends
58 Featured Author Patrick Bettendorf
59 Featured Author Louis Spirito Justina Tate's adopted dogs, Cooper & Simon 8 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
60 Featured Artist Brittany Farina
TABLE OF CONTENTS
64 DIY Home Remedies Get Rid of Fleas Get Rid of Ticks Get Rid of Mosquitoes Get Rid of Flies
70 From Trash To Treasure Homeless, Abandoned Street Dogs
72 Gander: Service Dog 74 Buck Needs Bucks For His Buckshot Injuries
75 My Name is Lentil 76 Juno’s Place 78 Churchill the Polar Bear 79 Misfit the Blind Dog 80 Lady Darla the Harlequin
Heidi Krueger's adopted dog, Jasmine
Great Dane
82 ‘Daughter-Bulls’
Chessure and Alice
83 Pookie 84 I Love My Adopted Dog! 90 Bedtime Books
Books reviewed by Nancy Allen
92 Happily Ever After Fighting For Dawn
94 Happily Ever After Groby Pedroni
95 Happily Ever After Harley
96 Happily Ever After Brew Crew
Ashley Brook's adopted dog, Lucky American Dog Media | Summer 2013 9
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10 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
SOLID GOLD FREEZE DRIED RAW BEEF Many pet owners like to feed raw meat, but the constant recall of raw meat with salmonella poisoning or e.coli has put a stop to many sales. Solid Gold Freeze Dried Raw Meat has solved this problem. We dropped the temperature of the beef to -120˚ below zero. This kills all diseases. Then, we put in a nitrogen flush which takes out all the moisture. The five pack is almost equivalent to 7 pounds of raw meat with the water removed. The single patty pack is equivalent to a pound and a half of raw meat. Spread out pieces or concentrate as needed. Break apart with fingers and mix with kibble or use as a treat or bait. Not greasy. No need to carry a freezer box.
• The closest alternative to raw meat. • Dog or Cat treat or as a part of a meal.
• Can be mixed with kibble. • 44% protein. • Do not re-hydrate
The 5 count package is $19.74 plus shipping Single count package is $4.27 plus shipping We accept all major credit cards as well as checks. To order, call (619) 258-7356, Monday thru Friday 10 am to 5pm pacific time, or go online to www.solidgoldholistic.com.
The Cute Story It had been a long day at the dog show. The owner of two Rhodesian Ridgebacks was exhausted. She was going to rush into a fast food place, grab a sandwich, and then go back to the hotel. She had bought two 5-count Buckaroo Beef packages to mix in with the dry Solid Gold dog food that night. It was easier than trying to open a can of meat. Her two Ridgebacks were sleeping quietly in the van. Should she leave the new packages of Buckaroo Beef in the front seat or not? The two five packs were equivalent to almost 14 lbs. so they couldn’t possibly be that hungry. She had planned to break up the patties for supper, for a bedtime snack and breakfast with kibble. Sounded like a good plan. Rhodesians are very smart. When she returned to her van, all ten patties were gone, they had very carefully opened the packages and enjoyed every bite. Now for a little water, please. So much for the best laid plans---
Solid Gold Holistic Animal Nutrition Center 1331 N. Cuyamaca, El Cajon, CA 92020 Ask your local pet store for a free catalogue. If they don’t have a SunDancer catalogue, call us at (619) 258-7356, M-F, 10am to 5pm Pacific time or go online to www.solidgoldholistic.com.
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER
JAMIE M DOWNEY
EDITOR IN CHIEF
JAMIE M DOWNEY
ART DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR SENIOR EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR COPY EDITOR
Do More for Your Dog! Back on Track’s Dog Blanket, Leg and Hock Wraps Back on Track products are designed to reflect a dog’s own body-warmth. The ceramicinfused Welltex material creates soothing far infrared thermal heat, which can help alleviate pain associated with inflamed muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Your dog will wear these products comfortably as they contribute to its well being.
Used by veterinarians to treat and relieve muscle and joint pain.
In USA: Web: www.backontrackproducts.com Call: 1-888-758-9836 Email: info@backontrackproducts.com In Canada: Web: www.backontrack.com/ca Call: 403-601-6491 Email: canadainfo@backontrack.se
KELLY MAYER MICHAEL ANTONE DAVID REVIERTER CASEY RODARBAL DEBORAH JOHNSON
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
JAMIE M DOWNEY
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
MICHELLE LEAF
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
KIM THORNTON
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
JAMIE M DOWNEY
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
JOHN HADDOCK
BUSINESS MANAGER SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER
ANN JAMISON EMMA BROWN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lindsay Condefer, Morgan Hitchens and Dana Real, Sarah Koth, Sue Vonrosen Zieske, Tami Augustyn, Lara Mirkovich, Cinnamon Muhlbauer, Deborah Young, Joy Pedroni, Louis Spirito, Patrick Bettendorf, Jennifer Gill,Rudy Taylor, Jennifer Corodimas, Merrily Tithof, Valorie Marks, Kiara Colon, Emylee Clements, Lonnie Hodge CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jason Blake Photography, Big Brown Dog Photography, Sarah Koth, Sue Vonrosen Zieske, Tami Augustyn, Desert Paws Photography, The Henry Studio, Lonnie Hodge, Joy Pedroni, Andrea Mogler, Brittany Farina, Louis Spirito, How About Pictures, Fighting For Dawn, Jennifer Gill, Jennifer Corodimas, Rudi Taylor, Merrily Tithof, Donna Watson, Valerie Marks, Kiara Colon, Blackasylum, Patrick Bettendorf,
How to reach us: The Dog Publishing, DBA: American Dog Media American Dog Media 17011 Lincoln Ave #610 Parker, CO 80134 info@theamericandogmag.com www.theamericandogmag.com For advertising Inquiries: Email to: info@theamericandogmag.com Letters to the editor/story ideas: Email to: editor@theamericandogmag.com Subscription rate is $20 per year within the United States and $50 per year for all foreign subscriptions. U.S. funds only. Subscriptions are non-refundable. Subscribe online: www.theamericandogmag.com Subscribers: If the postal service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. Email change of address to: subscribe@theamericandogmag.com Postmaster: Please forward change of address to: The Dog Publishing DBA: American Dog Media 17011 Lincoln Ave #610 Parker, CO 80134 Copyright 2013
No part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the publisher. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials that are damaged or lost. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
12 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
AMERICAN DOG MAGAZINE proudly presents the 2013 winners in the
BUCKET LIST: COVER OF A MAGAZINE! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 32 “COVER DOG MODELS” FEATURED ON THE FRONT AND BACK COVER OF AMERICAN DOG MAGAZINE’S
SUMMER 2013 ISSUE!
YOU NEED TO BECOME A FAN OF THESE AMAZING AND
FABULOUS DOGS - FIND THEM ALL ON FACEBOOK! 1. “BUCK NEEDS BUCKS FOR HIS BUCKSHOT INJURIES” 2. “MY NAME IS LENTIL” 3. “EVERYTHING ROSIE” 4. “GROBY PEDRONI” 5. “BIGGEST LOSER, DOXIE EDITION” 6. “FOR LOVE OF GABE” 7. “SNYDER THE ELDERBULL” 8. “GLADYS, GLORIOUS ELDERBULL” 9. “DOZER THE THERAPY DOG” 10. “JUNO’S PLACE” 14 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
YOU NEED TO BECOME A FAN OF THESE AMAZING AND FABULOUS COVER DOGS - FIND THEM ALL ON FACEBOOK! 11.
“RUN AUGGIE RUN”
12.
“MISFIT THE BLIND DOG”
13.
“KILLIAN’S WHEELS”
14.
“EMMITT’S PLACE”
15.
“TWINKI GURL”
16.
“PRINCESS ELLOUISE”
17.
“CHURCHILL THE POLAR BEAR”
18.
“TIMMY OF THE BEAGLE FREEDOM PROJECT”
19.
“RAY CHARLES THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER”
20.
“VICTOR VICTORIOUS” (R.I.P. 7/18/2013)
21.
“EVERYTHING EMMA”
22.
“TINY TIM’S BLESSINGS”
23.
“RITA THE NAKED PIT BULL”
24.
“BUTCH: FROM ELIST TO ALIST”
25.
“PRINCESS”
26.
“CWD RICO EDD”
27.
“ISIS, HEAD OF THE ITTY BITTY PITTIE COMMITTEE”
28.
“SUGAR”
29.
“FRIENDS OF BUDDY”
30.
“PICASSO KORNANDEZ”
31.
“COCOBEAN’S FRIENDS”
32.
“RENO THE HAPPY DOG” American Dog Media | Summer 2013 15
ME & MY BFF'S
STAR LA I love
favor any pig g i the b tes! And y toy! T este st tr Treats hey a eats by re in t J ar my e he wo rld !
LADY
BU THE P IBBL G EM IX
REMY TH E PIB aka Fartbag BL E Thun der paw s
reat is cheese and my My favorite t my tennis balls! y favorite to is
16 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
My favorite toy is my ball, all 100 of them!"
ME & MY BFF'S
P
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My f like avor the ite a wi ctiv nd ity ,I l ov i s to e r ru un n ni
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RGINAPittthe O E ie G Orange y Prett
My favorite toys are potho l d er my favorite treats are q- s and tips!
J UN
Bull B O th ulldo e P gG odd i t ess My favorite to
y is my or an g e f e water stick becaus tchin e I l ove to s w g im!
W E SS
THE MO CH A My fa vor with ite treat pean i ut b s anyt h utte r! i n g
ON and ROUX
My favorite th i ng car rides and to do is go o my favo n rit to play with is my b e toy rother !
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 17
DOG NETWORK.TV
r, Ginge ! This is g o d ue a resc Belle is a puppy mill rescue adopted from Castaways Critters.
Lady Bug was a stray and homeles s dog rescued off th e streets
s ho wa hiloh w county S is This m the ed fro ol shelter. adopt n l co tr anima
This is Sk ipper wh o was adopted in Jan 20 when he 00 was 6 mo nths old.
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AMERICAN DOG MAGAZINE proudly presents the 2013 winners in the
2ND ANNUAL “BEAUTIFUL E YES” CONTEST!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOP 100 WINNERS!
*** * * * * ********************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AMERICAN DOG MAGAZINE HOSTED OUR 2ND ANNUAL “BEAUTIFUL EYES” CONTEST ALL 100 WINNERS ARE FEATURED IN AMERICAN DOG MAGAZINE’S SUMMER 2013 ISSUE
*** * * * * ********************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL AND GENEROUS SPONSORS!
Got Moose? Acadia Antlers acadiaantlers.com www.acadiaantlers.com
Ohana Pet Organics www.ohanapetorganics.com
Brittany Farina Art www.brittanyfarina.com
PawFlex Bandages www.pawflex.com 24 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
Bark Point Studio www.morganspicerillustration.com
BEAUTIFUL EYES CONTEST
1
ELLE THE PIT BULL
4
HARLEY
7
EMMA E NOE
10
WILMA
2
EVERYTHING ROSIE
5
3
JUNO'S PLACE
6
NOODLE THE DISABLED DACHSHUND
TWINKI GURL
8
9
MISFIT THE BLIND DOG
WILLOW'S TAILS
11
12
PHOEBE LOVE
ISIS American Dog Media | Summer 2013 25
2nd Annual BEAUTIFUL EYES CONTEST
13
14
DOZER THE THERAPY DOG
15
WARRIOR AKA MISS HAMMY
KOHL B DOODLES
16
17
HATTIE'S HELPERS
18
ASHA THE RESCUE
BRING RUDY HOME
19
HELP BRING BRIDGETT HOME
20
21
BABYGIRL
CHLOE
22
23
WRIGLEY 26 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
BAEN HOLDER
24
VICTOR VICTORIOUS
BEAUTIFUL EYES CONTEST
26
25
FONZI
28
TYLER SERVICE & THERAPY DOG
27
POPI'S FAN CLUB
29
30
TOBY'S LEGACY
31
SECOND CHANCE THE POUND DOG
35
ANGEL
33
32
QUICKS ANGELS
34
SUGAR
MAGNET
MY DOG KIEFER
36
TAG-A-ROO
BELLA (of BELLA AND CHLOE) American Dog Media | Summer 2013 27
2nd Annual BEAUTIFUL EYES CONTEST
37
38
41
HOLLYSERVICE DOG
TUCKER
43
42
ASTOR
44
45
ALASKA
SADIE
46
FRANKIE
MISS DIMPLES
LADY DARLA
40
39
NACHO
48
47
EMI 28 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
HANK
TYLER
BEAUTIFUL EYES CONTEST
49
SUSIE
50
53
52
RUN AUGGIE RUN
55
54
CAPTION JACK
57
56
DELANEE
BOCKER
OH DANNY BOY
ZOEY SAYS STICK IT TO CANINE CANCER
58
51
JASMINE
DIESEL THE WONDER PIT
59
WINCHESTER HAYES
ROXY
60
BRING MACGYVER HOME American Dog Media | Summer 2013 29
2nd Annual BEAUTIFUL EYES CONTEST
61
62
GRACE
63
Siena
65
SAPPHIRE
CODY
66
67
SOPHIE
OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
69
70
LUNA ESTELLA
REX
73
BOOGER
77
MI BELLAMORE
64 MOSES RAY
COLBY
71
GUCCI
74
ZOEY
78
TYSON PUDDING FACE
30 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
75
68
GIBSON
72
PARIS
76
PRINCESS ELLOUISE
NALA
THE CANINE AMBASSADOR
79
PRECIOUS
(Tinkerbell and Family)
80
LITTLE MISS MISSY
BEAUTIFUL EYES CONTEST
81
82
COPPER
85
KENNEDY
86
INDIA
89
90
93
MR. JIGGS
THE GOLDEN DOG MAX
88
WILLIE
MARIAH
JADE
98
MUSHU
SNOWBALL
MAX,
RASCAL
91
94
LEVI
84
87
GRACE JONEZ
CHANCE
97
83
92
KIBA
95
RAIDON
96
CRAZY EYED CHAI
KODI
99
100
SCOOBY DOO
OSCAR MAYER
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 31
IN THE DOG'S KITCHEN
o ph
to
by
m Ja
ie
M
w Do
ne
y
IT'S HOT OUT THERE THIS SUMMER, SO WHY NOT MAKE YOUR PUPS AND YOURSELF SOME REFRESHING PUPSICLE CUBES! THESE CUBES ARE MADE WITH FRESH FRUIT AND IT'S THE PERFECT TREAT TO COOL OFF WITH ON A HOT SUMMER DAY! 32 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
IN THE DOG'S KITCHEN
BANANAS & PEANUT BUTTER PUPSICLE CUBES • 2 fresh bananas • 1 cup plain organic yogurt • 2 - 3 tablespoons peanut butter
1. b lend together in blender till smooth, then pour into ice cube trays
2. freeze for a few hours, then serve
ph o to b y Ja m ie M D o w n ey
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 33
IN THE DOG'S KITCHEN
photo
by Jam ie
M Dow ney
STRAWBERRY & RASPBERRY PUPSICLE CUBES • handful fresh strawberries • handful fresh raspberries • half cup water
1. b lend together in blender till smooth, then pour into ice cube trays
2. freeze for a few hours, then serve 34 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
IN THE DOG'S KITCHEN
BLUEBERRY PUPSICLE CUBES • 1 cup fresh blueberries • 3/4 cup plain organic yogurt
1. blend together in blender till smooth, then pour into ice cube trays
2. freeze for a few hours, then serve
M Do wn ey ph ot o by Jam ie
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 35
ph
oto
by
Jam
ie M Do
wn
ey
IN THE DOG'S KITCHEN
STRAWBERRY & BANANA PUPSICLE CUBES • 1 fresh banana • 1 cup fresh strawberries • 1 cup water
1. b lend together in blender till smooth, then pour into ice cube trays
2. freeze for a few hours, then serve 36 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
You can be a
Lifeline for Homeless Pets
With consistent monthly support, PAWS Chicago is able to take in more animals and give them the medical care and treatment they need.
Join the Lifeline Giving Program for as little as 50 cents a day.
pawschicago.org/lifeline
Every day Toby feels stronger thanks to the care he receives at PAWS Chicag o.
PAWS CHICAGO
A National No Kill model
PETS ARE WORTH SAVING
(773) 935-PAWS • pawschicago.org American Dog Media | Summer 2013 37
EVERYTHING ROSIE
“Rescue – Love - Hope” By Cinnamon Muhlbauer (Rosie’s mama)
Rosie is the luckiest Chihuahua in the world, even though she has just about every congenital defect one dog can have – her vision is poor, her immune system compromised, she has scoliosis, fused leg bones, and her jaw… well, her jaw is shockingly malformed, her teeth are crooked, and the list goes on. Why is she lucky? Because she is loved! Rosie was born on Valentine’s Day 2010. It’s hard to believe that she is not very old – but she is the victim of greedy and unethical behavior by a backyard breeder and dog hoarder in Woodland Hills, CA. In 2012, a backyard breeder/ hoarder in a quiet Los Angeles suburb lost her house, and she had to find someone to take over 40 dogs that no one, (not even her next door neighbors), knew she had. These dogs had never been outside, never seen the sunshine, never had medical care, and were terrified of the outside world. There were puppies, pregnant mothers, and dogs so matted that it was impossible to tell what breed they were. As with any situation where dogs are inbred, there were several with congenital defects – in this case, several were born without front legs.
I know that some find Rosie hard to look at, but she is stunning on the inside and the light in her heart shines through in her eyes! She has spirit, after all, she survived two years of neglect in a filthy, crowded house. So given the opportunity to thrive, she has exceeded all expectations! Since her rescue, Rosie has discovered the joy of fresh air, sunshine, and a soft bed. She loves going for car rides and enjoys meeting new people and animals while being pushed in her stroller. She has the best time lying on a blanket at the beach watching surfers, or sniffing the grass at the park while checking out all the people skating and playing soccer. It’s a wonderful new world for her and she is determined to learn all she can!
Because Rosie looks so unusual, people ask about her everywhere she goes and their questions make it possible to educate the public on the joy a special needs pet can bring to your life, as well as the horrors of animal hoarding. She’s an excellent ambassador and truly enjoys her role! Rosie is truly blessed to have so many friends and sends her love and gratitude to each and everyone!
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MalibuRosie
Visit her Website at: www.everythingrosie.com
Of all the dogs rescue workers got out of there, Rosie was in the worst shape. Rosie’s bone conformation prevents her from fully using her legs. She has adapted, and walks balancing on her forearms and with her hind legs partially bent. She moves quite quickly when she wants to get somewhere. Her legs, chest, and jaw configurations are due to genetic issues and there really isn’t any way to repair them.
38 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVERYTHING ROSIE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DONNA WATSON
BRING RUDY HOME
Rudy got lost in Newark, Delaware, and his family has a whole nation of supporters trying to find him and bring him home! Rudy is Delaware's Dog. He was lost in Newark, Delaware, on December 25, 2011, by the pet sitter one hour after his parents left to take a desperately needed vacation. He is a loyal and loving miniature dachshund. John and Donna returned home, forfeiting their cruise to begin the search for Rudy, which still continues more than a year later. Rudy's journey is inspirational to others who have lost pets. His parents have not stopped trying to bring their boy home; displaying the mutual loyalty and unconditional love that they feel for one another. Rudy's lost adventure has resulted in many dogs (including 20 dachshunds) being rescued via John and Donna's persistent efforts to bring him home. Most of the dogs were returned to their owners who were searching for them; several found new homes when not reunited with their original family. Two of those dachshunds now reside in Rudy’s home anxiously awaiting the arrival of their brother. Rudy and his parents attempt to educate others about various topics in the lost dog world by intermittently posting lost dog tips on his Facebook
page. Rudy believes that it’s important that people know effective methods to employ to prevent other dogs from getting lost. He also tries to educate people on behaviors to employ when they encounter him and other lost dogs in order to effectively rescue them, rather than simply chasing him/them around. In addition to posting these tips on his own page, Rudy’s awareness campaign is expanding: his “Lost a dog?” and “Found a dog?” tips are posted on his local Craigslist site and they are attached files to many Facebook lost and found dog groups. Rudy’s parents continue to struggle with educating governmental agencies and some people regarding, “The Power of the Poster” and it’s effectiveness in finding lost dogs. People need to understand that 90 to 95% of lost dogs are returned to their owners due to consistent and appropriate signage placement. He (and his parents) have found this issue to be one of their greatest challenges; in the educational process as well as in their personal search. Rudy’s largest public contribution to lost dogs, present and future, is the
40 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
approval of a statewide lost and found pet registry. Rudy’s voice (via his mom Donna) was heard at every Delaware Animal Task Force meeting. His mom’s persistent pleas for statewide assistance for him and for other lost pets have resulted in the task force’s approval of the statewide lost and found pet registry (database). The Joint Finance Committee heard Rudy’s voice again when Delaware Senator, Patricia Blevins, requested and received funding approval for this project. It is Rudy’s dream that once the Delaware Lost and Found Pet Registry is functional that other states will follow the lead of the First State. The final result would be that all states will be able to connect and to communicate with one another. This connection would facilitate more lost pets and their owners being reunited in an effective, timely manner. * Rudy has been sighted with cameras set up in the area he was lost,. so please visit his Facebook page for current updates and status.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BringRudyHome
RUN AUGGIE RUN
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER CORODIMAS
Good Newz Pittie Pups pulled Auggie one day before he was to be euthanized and now this sweet, special needs boy has a family who loves him! By Jennifer Corodimas (Auggie’s mama)
Auggie, a 6-month-old pit bull, was dumped at a California shelter because his little back legs did not work. Most special needs babies don’t stand a chance at shelters and are often the first to be euthanized. It just so happened that we were ready to adopt another special needs pup (and fourth pit bull rescue) and I contacted several rescues in hopes that someone would help us. Good Newz Pittie Pups (http://good-newz.org) responded and contacted us about a pit bull puppy at a shelter scheduled to be euthanized in three days and sent us a video of him in the shelter. He was in a small kennel with piles of his own feces around him; not a good situation, since he has to drag his back legs due to his condition. We immediately fell in love with this special boy. Good Newz pulled him one day before he was to be euthanized. They also fostered him for three weeks until our family was able to make the trip from Idaho to San Francisco to get our sweet boy who we decided to call Auggie. We are just one family, my husband and I, with five pups trying to do what we can. There are so many beautiful animals at the shelters and we hope that people looking to adopt will visit the shelters or adopt from rescues to give
them a chance and save a life. We are also huge pit bull advocates and we love to get our babies out in public to help bring awareness to the breed and show people just how wonderful they really are. Lastly, it is also very important to us to show others just how beautiful these special needs babies are and to express that there is a huge need for people to open their hearts and homes to these animals as well. We think special needs babies are just that... very special. Auggie is a wonderful example of this. He is such a sweet, gentle, and very determined boy. Due to his gentle nature, we plan to make him a therapy dog. We love him just the way he is. However, with the right care, he may just be up running someday! Thanks so much to Auggie’s wonderful Facebook followers, for loving and supporting our sweet boy. It’s as if Auggie has a second, extended family! Good Newz has been fundraising for Auggie, and we have has been doing Auggie kissing booths to help as well. We were able to raise enough money for Auggie’s MRI that showed he has a couple of large cysts in his spinal cord that are compressing nerves. However, with surgery and rehabilitation, Auggie’s prognosis looks promising.
To follow Auggie and his progress, please visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RunAuggieRun
To help with Auggie’s medical care, donations can be made here: www. youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/ run-auggie-run-/60959 All donations go to Good Newz, which is a with 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue. 100% of the money goes directly to Auggie’s vet for his medical care.
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 41
TYLER
THE AMAZING
SERVICE &
THERAPY DOG
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VALORIE MARKS
By Valorie Marks (Tyler’s mama)
Tyler is my Service Dog. He is a blue merle Australian Shepherd with beautiful blue eyes. He is also my best friend and I am so blessed to have him in my life. My main disability is a neurological disorder called Tourette’s syndrome. It causes muscle tics in different parts of my body. Some of the tics are so strong that they can make me spin around and fall. Some of my tics will make my arms jerk out and I have hit people if they were too close. Because of this condition and others, I almost never left home, and it became a very low point in my life. Having Tyler as my Service Dog changed everything. If I fell and couldn’t get up, Tyler would go “get help,” not stopping until he found someone to come help me. If I am at home and fall, he brings me the phone. He also can do a “brace” to help me up. He does a “post” in front of me or a “circle” moving
around me if I feel others are too close. There is so much more he does for me, but I also want to share what he does for others. Because Tyler loves all people and always seems to make them smile, I felt he would make a wonderful therapy dog as well as my service dog. We joined a great organization called Paws’itive Teams. They train both Service Dogs and Assisted Therapy Dogs. We have done therapy in many of their programs, but our favorite is working with Wounded Warriors (with PTSD, TBI, and other issues) trying to get them back “out in the world.” Tyler and his assigned military buddies always bond the very first time they meet, and then it is pure magic from there. Tyler also demonstrates all the tricks that I teach to the other Therapy Dog Teams. He is one amazing dog with well over 100 tricks he can do on cue! These behaviors can be used as tools which
42 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
help the teams work more effectively with their clients. In addition to all Tyler does, he is also currently battling cancer and going through chemotherapy. He has gone through 10 treatments and has 14 more to go. At the same time, my good friend was also going through chemo and Tyler often went to sit with her during chemo appointments. While there, he visited other cancer patients bringing smiles to all. I could go on and on how wonderful my Tyler is. He is my heart, my rock, my family, and my best friend. He has changed my life, bringing back a quality I had only dreamed of. My sweet Tyler has not only given me purpose in my life, but he has been able to help so many other people as well. Yes, I feel truly blessed!
Become a fan on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/ Tyler-the-amazing-service-therapy-dog
PHOTO
S BY BLAC
KASY
LUM
DIESEL THE WONDER PIT The Rescued Becomes The Rescuer By Emylee Clements (Diesel’s mama)
Diesel came into my life by surprise. I wasn’t planning on adopting a puppy, especially an American Pit Bull Terrier that I had no experience with. Diesel’s mother had been found behind a local bar in bad shape. She was fairly emaciated and bore scars of a terrible past. Only a short month after she was found, Jezebel (as we named her) went into labor. She was on the ninth pup and was having a really hard time. It was over an hour before she had him. When the little chocolate pup came out, he was blue and non-responsive. It broke my heart because I immediately fell in love with him. I still don’t know how I did it, but after a minute or two working on him, he gave me a small whimper. It was then that I knew this pup was special. It was 11 days after the litter was born that we lost Jezebel in a horrible accident. I spent the next 7 weeks raising these orphaned pups. From the time that Diesel’s eyes and ears were open, we began training. I socialized him to every new sight and sound that I could. I coached him over obstacles and talked him through his fears. He excelled in obedience and always seemed eager to learn more.
Diesel attended every function that he could with me. I was determined to expose him to everything so that my pup would grow into a confident adult. In the meantime, he helped me educate everyone that would listen about the breed and how important proper socialization and training was for every dog.
do it, Diesel can do it. I first contacted the team leader for the Fayette County Sheriff ’s Department K9 SAR team and I was pleased to find that she had a very open mind. She told me to bring him and see what he can do. This began our journey of training Diesel for search and rescue. We recently had the pleasure of attending a training seminar with Tactical Dog Enterprises, where Diesel was evaluated and earned his USMA Level 1 Mantrailing certification. I have never been more proud to be the one holding his leash. I was even more proud when I was told that he was the first APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier) to certify through them.
It was shortly before Diesel turned 2 that we first started to research K9 search and rescue. My research kept coming up with shepherds and hounds as the best breeds for the job, but I found many handlers that were using Heinz 57 mixes and were having great success training them. So, we figured if they can
44 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
In true Diesel fashion, he rose to the challenge and excelled. It has been an amazing year watching him grow and learn. He has never given up. When things get hard, he just works harder. Diesel is a survivor and an inspiration to always overcome life’s difficulties. When life gives you stereotypes, keep pushing on and prove everyone wrong.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DieselTheWonderPit
The Everyday Walk, Reinvented
Bella, 2-yr old Pit Bull, rescued 2012
Give your dogs the exercise they crave. Springer Dog Exerciser. Simple. Safe. Fits most bikes. Use code AMDOG13 for 10% off at www.SpringerAmerica.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call us at (303) 654-0560 or visit www.wellanimalinstitute.com American Dog Media | Summer 2013 45
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH KOTH
BRING MACGYVER HOME
A worldwide audience of supporters helped to reunite MacGyver with his family! By Sarah Koth (MacGyver’s mama)
My husband Cory, and I, adopted a 10-week-old red nose pit bull puppy from the Wisconsin Humane Society in November 2012 that we named MacGyver. We took MacGyver everywhere and spoiled him to no end! In exchange, he kept us laughing and gave us plenty of puppy kisses. We referred to him as our, "hairy little son." Before heading to my aunt and uncle’s house for Christmas Eve dinner (2012), I took MacGyver for a walk. As we turned the corner to head home, a man came up from behind me, picked me up, and threw me to the ground. A second man came up and unclipped MacGyver from his leash and they ran to a car waiting a block away. I had no description of my attackers or their car to start our search, but we spent the night driving around looking for MacGyver and I decided to post an ad on Craigslist describing what happened to me. The next day, a reporter from a local news station contacted me. He saw our ad and wanted to do a story. This was more than we thought would happen and knew this would help our efforts to find MacGyver.
What happened next was incredible. Printers offered to reproduce flyers at no cost and strangers offered to help us post them throughout the city. A college student offered to create and help monitor the, "Bring MacGyver Home,” Facebook page, which helped us spread our story even further and increase our reward fund. Help came from around the world and kept Cory and I going in our search. More than three weeks after MacGyver had been taken, Cory and I were investigating leads after work when we received a call from the police. A couple brought in a dog that fit MacGyver’s description that they insisted we come in to see. We didn’t want to get our hopes up because so many leads hadn’t panned out. As we walked up to the police station and saw the couple with a pit bull in their laps, I grabbed Cory’s hand and said, “It’s finally him.” MacGyver, who had been named “Socks” by the family, jumped down from his seat and made his way over to us. The couple said a dozen other people had been through the lobby while they waited and he didn’t react. But Socks
seemed to know us! A quick scan for his microchip confirmed his identity as our MacGyver! The couple that had been caring for MacGyver told us they purchased him from a man who was selling him on the street. They knew something wasn’t right about the situation, but, being animal lovers they wanted to make sure the dog was in a safe and loving home. The couple cared for MacGyver for two weeks before they spotted one of our fliers at a store. They could tell MacGyver was loved and deeply missed and thought this was a great lesson to show their kids in doing the right thing for people and animals. MacGyver is doing very well since his ordeal and is enjoying his first summer. MacGyver’s first birthday will be August 29th, and we have a lot to celebrate.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BringMacgyverHome
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 47
FAMOUS DOGS
famous dogs
oN Facebook W ith F riends ! These 5 dogs are lost/missing from their homes and their families are desperate to find them and bring them home asap. Please share their pages.
"BRING BRODY HOME"
"MADDOX MINIATURE PINSCHER LOST IN OKc"
"HELP BRING BRIDGETT HOME" 48 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
"BRING PENNY HOME"
"BRING RUDY HOME"
FAMOUS DOGS
"CHI YUM YUM"
"THE ADVENTURES OF LEMMY AND LELA"
"RAGAN BARWICK" "THE ADVENTURES OF LEMMY AND LELA"
"ROOSEVELT THE BORDER COLLIE"
"KODA'S PLAYGROUND"
"ANTONIO THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND"
"THE DIARY OF BELLA"
"MAC THE PITBULL" American Dog Media | Summer 2013 49
FAMOUS DOGS
W ith F riends
"BELLA AND CHLOE"
"WOBBIE THE PUG"
"PHOEBE LOVE"
"GANDERSERVICE DOG"
"KEYRA"
"KADY"
"LITTLE MISS MISSY"
"TALLY TALBOT"
"CWD RICO EDD"
50 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
FAMOUS DOGS
oN Facebook!
"LADY DARLA"
"CHARLTON DANE"
"MIA MAE A SPOILED DACHSHUND"
"KANDIE THE THERAPY PITTIE"
"ZEPHYR'S HOPE"
"MOCHA INGRAM"
"I LOVE EARL"
"SMILEY RILEY"
"SAHARA" American Dog Media | Summer 2013 51
FAMOUS DOGS
W ith F riends
"IHOP THE 3 LEGGED CAVALIER"
"LUKA AKA LOUGIE BEAR"
"DOZER"
"HEIDI WHOOZIT"
"DUCKY'S DOINGS"
"PRECIOUS (Tinkerbell and family)"
"SAPPHIRES NEW LIFE" 52 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
"BUBBA JAY AND "FORREST GUMP DELILAH JEAN" (& the Duval Dogs)"
FAMOUS DOGS
oN Facebook!
"KYLIE BEAR"
"I LOVE MY SHORKIE FURBABY"
"BUDDY-THE CHRISTMAS HUSKY"
"CAUTION THE GENTLE GIANT"
"DRACHEN URSPRUCH"
"MILA MY MY"
"CREATUREDOG STOKES"
"TACOMA TAC'S PAC ARBOGAST"
"BAILEY MARINO" American Dog Media | Summer 2013 53
FAMOUS DOGS
W ith F riends oN Facebook!
"LARRY THE DOG"
"CORA THE WOBBLY PITTIE GIRL"
"TIMMY "BRUNO'S BUDDIEZ" BEAGLE FREEDOM PROJECT"
"SHILOH'S JOURNEY" 54 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
"ELVIS THE YORKIE"
"ROCKET/ ANIMAL ACTOR"
"FINDING RUDY"
"RONAN AND RODNEY"
SAVE A LIFE
ADOPT A PIT BULL! From Your Local Shelter or Rescue Group
MILLIONS of Pitties have been killed in shelters due to bad owners, backyard breeders, negative press, and shameful BSL laws that are enacted in over 500 cities nationwide. These Pitties deserve a chance and there are thousands waiting right now for a forever home. Please consider adopting a beautiful Pit Bull from your local shelter or rescue group. Like all dogs, they just want a family to love!
Pit Bulls Rock! • • • • •
Affectionate • Athletic • Courageous • Energetic Friendly • Humorous • Intelligent • Loyal Loving • Noble • Playful • Strong Please go to The American Dog Magazine (www.theamericandogmag.com) andMAGAZINE click on the “Fight Breed Specific BECOME A FAN AT: AMERICAN DOG Legislation” tab for a list of Pit Bull rescue groups nationwide.
FEATURED AUTHOR
PATRICK BETTENDORF AUTHOR OF RUBY’S ROAD
What inspired you to write your 2nd book, RUBY'S ROAD? When Ruby's Tale was finished and released, neither Ruby's life, nor her career, were finished. She wasn't about to retire. Her adventures and involvement in the community and around the country increased at a breathtaking pace. Then there were the letters from readers. Not only were they from all over the USA, but from around the world. At last count, Ruby has readers in 16 countries. The letters had nice things to say about "Ruby's Tale," but what touched me most was how people opened up and shared stories, or somehow related to the book. I read about their dogs, their families, and difficulties and joys. A common complaint I did have was that the book was too short and folks just wanted it to go on. Now with Ruby's Road, her journey continues.
and Men," at Equity Union Theatre in St. Paul, MN. She played the old stinky dog and had a couple of very nice scenes. Because there were so many matinee performances for intercity kids, it was a terrific opportunity to show middle and high school students a pit bull in a very different role then they usually see them. Ruby also continues to visit nursing homes and hospitals and works with special needs children in the library "Read to a dog" program. Additionally, Ruby travels all over America, not only for book signing events, but for special fundraisers and has donated hundreds of books as well. Ruby was invited to Target corporate headquarters in Minneapolis to give a power point presentation on her life, her accomplishments, and the terrific opportunities of fostering and adopting dogs or cats. What do you hope that people will learn from reading both your books?
What has Ruby done and accomplished since writing her 1st book, RUBY'S TALE? Ruby took a turn as a "professional" actor in John Steinbeck's, "Of Mice
I would like readers to enjoy being along side us for our adventures, travels, highs and lows, the laughter, and the tears.
58 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
But ultimately, even though Ruby is a pit bull type dog, she is still just a dog. We have had to deal with some extreme prejudice because of her breed, but overall things seem to be getting better in some areas. Responsible ownership of any breed and the pleasure of owning a well-trained dog is part of the message; as is the joy of fostering and adopting a shelter dog, or volunteering at a facility, or making a donation. Be a voice for those who have no voice in whatever way you can. You never know how many lives will be touched. Want proof? Just read what adopting Ruby did to our family! Not bad for a little throwaway dog nobody wanted and left to die.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/Rubys-Tale
Visit the Website at: www.Rubystale.com
You can order Ruby’s Road at www.amazon.com or visit Barnes & Noble.
FEATURED AUTHOR
PHOTO BY ROXANNE MCCANN
LOUIS SPIRITO Author of GIMME SHELTER: A Damaged Pit Bull, An Angry Man and How They Saved Each Other
What inspired you to write GIMME SHELTER? To this day I don't know why, but I kept a diary of Tanner's first year with us. It was my wife's idea to turn it into a book. I resisted until I realized that in telling how an abused rescue dog helped me finally come to terms with my chronic anger, I'd be doing two important things: I’d be shining a light on a serious problem - anger - that plagues so many people, and I’d be pleading the case for a host of unjustly maligned pit bulls and other “vicious” dogs sitting on death row in shelters across the country. What is the book about?
GIMME SHELTER is the story of how I rescued an abused, timid shelter dog, who in turn, saved me from a lifelong battle with anger. The book’s tagline about “The Sopranos Meets Marley & Me” is exaggerated, but only slightly. Growing up in a volatile and violent Italian family in New Jersey, anger seemed like part of our DNA. I thought I was doing pretty well keeping myself in check until Tanner came along. Dogs are emotionally simpler than people; for them you're either safe or not safe. Prior to his time at the shelter, Tanner was a stray and his scars suggest that he may have been a bait dog. Because
of all he'd been through, the force of my repressed (and too often expressed) anger overwhelmed him. Even when I tried to 'act' peacefully, he could sense the rage inside me and it sent him into a panic. He'd spent 7 weeks at the Agoura Hills L.A. County shelter and, although 'kill' rates are dropping, most pit bulls don't last nearly as long in Los Angeles. Since sending him back was never an option, I knew I had to transform myself. That meant learning to understand the roots of my anger, what triggered it, and how to avoid those triggers. Thanks to Tanner (and a very understanding, patient wife), I'm a much happier man now, but I'm still working on it because managing anger is an ongoing challenge, even when you have a great dog as your therapist.
before she agreed to take a chance on him. Now she's head over heels in love with Tanner, and the breed. What is the 'Gimme Shelter Campaign'? Because Tanner benefited from the kindness and generosity of shelter volunteers and staff, my wife, Eugenie, and I wanted to give something back. That's why we started the Gimme Shelter Campaign. We're donating 10% of the book's profits to rescue organizations. Whenever possible, we're inviting rescue groups to stage pet adoptions at our live book events.
Why did we adopt a Pit Bull? We didn't set out to adopt a pit bull. Our old cat had just died and I wanted an Irish Setter like the one I had when I was a young actor in New York City. My wife suggested we stop by the Agoura Hills shelter where we saw Tanner lying peacefully in his crate, while all of the other dogs were going nuts, barking and howling. Something about him called out to me and I knew he was ‘the one.’ My wife wasn't sure about having a pit bull, and so we visited him several times
Gimme Shelter is available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, through local bookstores, or at www.buygimmeshelter.com.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/gimmeshelterlouspirito
Visit the Website at: www.louisspirito.com
Check out the Blog at: http://tannerthepitbull.blogspot.com
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 59
FEATURED ARTIST
THE ARTWORK OF
BRITTANY FARINA
Just one girl trying to help animals and their people through art!
Brittany Farina is a digital illustrator and painter located in Southeastern Wisconsin. Her original inspiration for her present work began after adopting her dog, Lucy, from the Wisconsin Humane Society. She found Lucy to have such a bright and colorful personality and character. Brittany uses many of those same bright colors in her work. Her career began with being commissioned to do pet portraits, but has now turned into so much more. Brittany learned about the plight of the pit bull and other bully breeds. She learned
they are among the most abused and misunderstood of all breeds of dogs in the world. Through her art, she has worked to raise awareness to try and change that. Brittany now features a “rescue of the month,” with 20% of all print sales from her online shop going to that particular rescue. She also noticed she was starting to have customers with dogs that have either passed or are struggling with cancer and/or special needs or other illnesses. Those owners that commission her to do a portrait, and depending on the circumstance and her discretion, Brittany will then
60 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
sell prints of that dog with a percentage of proceeds going to the dog and his/ her care. That has begun her new cancer and special needs series. “I will go with my art where the needs of dogs and all the animals take me,” she says. “I enjoy sharing the love all owners have for their pets. Where I find a need, I will always try to help and make a difference with my art.”
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BrittanyFarina01
Visit the Website at: www.brittanyfarina.com
A PLACE to BARK
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO CONTINUE OUR MISSION TO SAVE ANIMALS LIVES!
Photo by Joseph FrazzPhotography A PLACE TO BARK RESCUE is a non-profit, no kill foster and adoption rescue located in Portland, TN, that is dedicated to the welfare of animals and was founded by Bernie Berlin. “Established in 2001, we mainly work with Animal Control Agencies, rescuing animals from high kill shelters and fostering them until they are healthy. This provides an ideal situation for the animals. They are then placed for adoption through Humane Societies in various parts of the country. We cover all costs for the medical care of the animals with no cost to the Humane Societies. We also handle some private adoptions after a strict screening process. We receive no government assistance and are solely funded through private donations.�
Please consider making a donation today to A Place To Bark Rescue A Place To Bark * PO Box 649 * Portland, TN 37148 * (615)681-2631
Website: www.aplacetobark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/A-Place-To-Bark
D.I.Y.
Home Remedies you can make yourself and get rid of flies, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes!
DIY HOME REMEDIES: GET RID OF FLIES
Hate flies? Got dogs? Did you know that your
dog’s poop attracts flies? Flies carry and transmit diseases like tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms, so you should scoop your dog’s poop as soon as possible and secure it in a sealed bag or trashcan with a lid. You can plant marigolds, mint, basil, and lavender around your house. Eucalyptus Oil has an odor that repels flies. You can fill a spray bottle with water and add Cayenne Pepper. Shake the bottle good so the pepper dissolves and then spray areas you see flies. You can use cinnamon scented air fresheners since flies dislike this spicy fragrance. Mint spray acts as a natural fly repellent and you can make your own by boiling mint leaves and putting the liquid in a spray bottle. You can then spray indoors or outdoors. American Dog Media | Summer 2013 65
DIY HOME REMEDIES: GET RID OF TICKS
Did you know that ticks
have 8 legs, carry diseases,
and can infect humans
and their pets? Ticks do not like the smell of garlic, so grating (very little) garlic in your dog's food helps to keep the fleas away. You can also rub brewer's yeast lightly onto your pet's skin. Ticks dislike the scent of lemon. You can boil 2-3 cups of water and add chopped lemon wedges. Let it cool for a few hours and then transfer to a spray bottle. You can spritz your pet's fur lightly and the pet areas where you suspect ticks might be. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tree tea oil to your dog's bath water to help repel ticks when giving your pet a bath. If you see a tick on your dog, you can coat the tick in vaseline which will cause it to suffocate and die (and fall off your dog). Then make sure to clean the area where the tick was with soapy water or rubbing alcohol.
66 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
DIY HOME REMEDIES: GET RID OF FLEAS
Did you know that fleas are blood sucking
insects
and can infest your entire house?
Feeding very little garlic or sprinkling brewer's yeast in your dog's food helps to keep the fleas away. You can also rub brewer's yeast lightly onto your pet's skin. You can add apple cider vinegar to your dog's water bowl which will make their skin unpleasant to fleas. Fleas dislike citrus oils. You can cut lemon slices and boil them, then let them sit out all night. In the morning add the lemon slices to a spray bottle of water and you can spray the areas where you suspect fleas might be. You can also lightly spritz your dog as well. To help repel fleas you can rub essential oils like lavender, citronella, tea tree, or eucalyptus on your dog's collar or a doggie bandana to wear around their neck. Fleas dislike the smell of cedar chips which can be placed in places your dog likes to lay. You can also choose pet beds that are filled with cedar chips. If you are going to give your dog a bath, you can add white vinegar to the shampoo which will help to prevent flea infestations. For outdoor areas, you can plant lavender in your yard and the smell helps to repel fleas. American Dog Media | Summer 2013 67
DIY HOME REMEDIES: GET RID OF MOSQUITOES
Did you know that Mosquitoes can transport
harmful bacteria
like the West Nile virus? Mosquitoes do not like the scent of vanilla, so you can put a couple dabs of pure vanilla extract on your wrists or legs and your dog's neck or back to keep them away from both of you. Or, add the vanilla extract to a spray bottle diluted with water and lightly spritz your pet's fur and pet areas. Mosquitoes do not like the smell of garlic, so grating a tiny amount of garlic in your dog's food helps to keep the mosquitoes away. You can also buy a garlic spray which you spray around your home to repel mosquitoes. You can crush up some basil leaves and rub on your dog's collar to help repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes dislike the smell of lavender, so you can put a vase of lavender flowers in the pet areas of your house. You can also fill up a spray bottle with Listerine and lightly spray around the areas where your pet likes to play or lay and this will help to keep mosquitoes away. And, of course remove any containers that hold water since mosquitoes are attracted to water. 68 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
FROM TRASH TO TREASURE HUCK
LADY BUG THE PIBBLE MIX
LLAMA PHOTOS BY MERRILY TITHOF
Homeless, abandoned streets dogs can become beloved family members when given the chance. Take a chance! By Merrily Tithof (Lady Bug the Pibble Mix’s mama)
While many people find bottles and pennies and other hidden treasures on the streets and in fields, there are other things out there more precious than the occasional glitter - dogs. I call them the lost ones or the street dogs. An epidemic is occurring where humans just discard their furry family members onto the streets, or abandon them in fields, wherever it is convenient for them when they are no longer wanted. There are also those dogs that wander away from home and get lost. Are all lost dogs, “strays?” No, some are just that, lost. When you see a dog wandering on the streets, please do not turn away or keep driving. There are several things you can do to help. You can stop. While I do not advise trying to catch every single loose dog you see, as some may be scared enough to actually bite, I do ask that you at least have the decency to call someone for help. Even calling animal control and having the dog picked up is better than most of the obstacles these animals endure living on the street -
facing starvation, thirst, disease, abuse, and injuries. These dogs need help. If you can and are able to rescue one, please do, and also make sure someone is not looking for them. Contact your local shelters to see if anyone has filed a lost report. Use the newspapers to place a “Found Dog” ad (many publications allow you to place a found ad free of charge), and place flyers with all the veterinarians in the area. Hopefully, someone loves their dog enough to be searching for them. What if all that fails? Then you have some choices to make. Fostering to adoption is a wonderful choice, if you are able to do this. Reaching out to a rescue is another choice. The use of social media has assisted many pets in getting to a forever home. Friends and family may also be of some help. Use as many safe resources as possible. Do NOT place a ‘free to good home’ classified ad ever. Animal shelters are overrun with many other unwanted and lost pets, so please make this your last resort.
70 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
Of course, there is one other choice that can be made. You can give them a home. Throughout the 25 years in my area, many unwanted and lost ones, strays or abandoned dogs, have found their home with us. They became beloved family members. At times, I think that we did not rescue them, but they were the ones that rescued us. So please, when you see a lost one, stop, take a chance, and ultimately, safe a life. Three of our current 4-legged family members were homeless dogs, abandoned, that we rescued off the streets. We found Lady Bug and rescued her from the streets in October 2009. Llama was rescued from the same street as Lady Bug in April 2005. And Huck was rescued from living under a dumpster in January 2013. One man’s trash just might be your next treasure!
You can follow Lady Bug the Pibble Mix and her siblings on Facebook at: www. facebook.com/pages/ Lady-Bug-The-Pibble-Mix
photos courtesy go Lonnie Hodge
GANDER: SERVICE DOG Rescued from death row, now a battle buddy for a disabled veteran. Both are now advocates for veteran suicide prevention.
By Lonnie Hodge (Gander’s dad)
Gander became part of my family not long after I received a call 7 months from submitting my application to Freedom Service Dogs. It was one of the agency’s trainers and she said she had, “good news and bad news.” The good news was they had a dog for me trained with the skills needed for my PTSD and mobility issues. The bad news was the dog was a poodle mix and that I would have to come to Colorado within a few weeks for a 3 week training session. Once I received a picture of Gander, I was sold. He had the eyes of a sage philosopher and I couldn't wait to meet him. My wife was teaching overseas at the time and wouldn't get to meet him for another six months. Before Gander came into my life, I was incredibly sick and nearly hopeless. I could barely walk a few feet without pain and fatigue. My resting heart rate had been 115-120 beats per minute for more than a year, and I was being
evaluated for cardiac problems. I was having frequent night terrors and increasing anxiety in public places. Within a month of bringing Gander into my life, my heart rate dropped to 80 beats per minute, the nightmares decreased, joint pain lessened, and my anxiety in public was more manageable than it had been in years. Gander and I spent the whole day together, everyday. And these days, I am taking intensive language lessons at the local college, so we are gone from 10 am to 10 pm daily. Half of those hours are spent in class. The teachers and students all attend to him to keep him and them from being bored. The campus police stop by to see him, and the janitorial staff sometimes brings him tennis balls. He does all this while he takes care of me by putting his paws in my lap, or by holding my hand when I am out of sorts, and by acting as a brace when I have difficulty standing or
72 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
getting up. He opens handicap doors for me and he encourages me to take a walk when things get too noisy or chaotic. He also clears rooms ahead of me, and alerts me if anything is there that might startle me. Gander and I hope to travel the country next year raising awareness about PTSD, service dogs, and the special needs of veterans with TBI and PTSD that can be met with a canine battle buddy. Twenty-one veterans commit suicide daily. We believe that dogs like Gander could change that statistic. After all, he saved my life. We will fund the trip with sales of a collection of dog tales by dozens of people whose lives have been changed. We welcome invitations.
You can follow us on our blog at: www.veterantraveler.com
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ganderservicedog
I’M NOT “JUST A DOG” i’m a warm and cuddly saturday night date!
Adopt a new best friend!
I’M NOT “JUST A DOG” i’m a great roommate!
Adopt a new best friend from your local animal shelter American Dog Media | Summer 2013 73
BUCK NEEDS BUCKS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMI AUGUSTYN
FOR HIS BUCKSHOT INJURIES
Buck was shot in the face and left in a garbage bag to die... till a neighbor noticed the bag moving, stopped to investigate, and called Tami for help. By Tami Augustyn (Buck’s mama)
On January 5, 2013, Buck was found tied to a fence post sealed inside a garbage bag. He had been shot in his face and body with a shotgun loaded with birdshot. Buck spent 10 hours sealed inside the garbage bag on a cold, stormy night. After Buck was found, he was rushed to an emergency clinic and arrived hypothermic, anemic, dehydrated, and almost comatose. He needed to be stabilized ASAP to save his life. Five days later, Buck had cornea surgery to repair the holes in his eyes from the birdshot. Unfortunately, the veterinarian was not able to save Buck’s eyesight and he is now blind. Buck has hundreds of pellets that will remain in his body for the rest of his life. Buck recently had the first of several surgeries to repair damage to his teeth caused by the pellets the entered his mouth. A foundation has been created in Buck’s honor called The Buck Foundation. The mission is to raise awareness about animal cruelty and abuse via social networking, media, public education,
and literature. Buck has become an ambassador and has started visiting schools, juvenile detention centers, girl scout and boy scout troops, youth groups, and community organizations to share his story, raise awareness about animal abuse, and teach empathy and compassion to children, as well as educate them on animal welfare issues. A police report was filed and a supplemental reward was raised for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot Buck. Through the Crimestoppers campaign, we were able to learn who shot Buck, but unfortunately, there is no evidence or a witness to make the arrest. The reason Buck was shot is speculative, but could be because he was roaming loose at night barking and howling, or because he was not neutered and the person who shot Buck has a purebred dog that he breeds for profit and may not have wanted “mutt puppies.” There are many lessons in Buck’s story that can be used to educate people about responsible pet
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ownership. In addition, there appears to be a misguided interpretation of the penal code where folks in the country believe they can shoot a dog for just trespassing on their property without just cause. The Buck Foundation hopes to change this mentality by educating people about the penal code. Buck has touched the hearts of thousands of people around the world. Buck’s story teaches about faith, hope, love, forgiveness, courage, and perseverance. But, the greatest of these is love – and Buck literally just loves people and wants to share his joy and happiness with them!
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/buckneedsbucks
Follow The Buck Foundation at: www.facebook.com/thebuckfoundation
Visit the Website at: www.thebuckfoundation.com
PHOTOS BY JASON BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY
MY NAME IS LENTIL
Lentil is an “Ambassadog” for changing the way people view clefts in both animals and humans!
LENTIL AT THE CCA RETREAT By Lindsay Condefer ( Lentil’s mama)
Lentil, also known as Bean, is the lone survivor of a litter of 4 French Bulldogs. Lentil was born with a cleft nose, lip, and hard/soft palate. Some may view Lentil’s lip and nose as a defect, however myself, and the thousands of Lentil supporters simply view it as, “what makes him special!” The severity of Lentil’s condition resulted in him not being able to eat or drink on his own. Therefore, I spent the first 4 months of Lentil’s life feeding him from a tube every 3 hours and napping only in 2 hour intervals. My love and determination for Lentil was clear and my mission was to keep him alive, and to help him grow strong enough to undergo surgery to repair his palate. To see Lentil’s will to live was just inspiring! I took care of Lentil while running my own non profit animal rescue, Street Tails Animal Rescue (www.streettails. org), and The Chic Petique, which is a natural pet food store.
May 28, 2013, was an amazing day in the world of Bean. Lentil had surgery to have his hard palate repaired and a soft palate created. His enormous extended family was able to stay abreast of each step of his surgery by the photos I posted on Lentil’s Facebook Page. I made the decision early on to not have any cosmetic procedures performed on Bean because I want the world to know that it’s okay to be different. Lentil and I spend our days dedicated to helping other special needs animals and children with cleft palates. Lentil & Judah’s Smile Club was formed which embraces the beauty of children with cleft palates. Lentil is the official “Ambassadog” for CCAkids.org (Children’s Craniofacial Association). Lentil also volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (C.H.O.P.), he presents “Choosing Kind” at schools, and attends local events
raising awareness and spreading his love and anti-bullying message to the world! Lentil has taken the world by storm, garnering over 100,000 fans on Facebook, and adding more every day! His extended family rallies behind Team Lentil, and our daily adventures! Together, we are making each day, “The Best Day Ever!” “ One puppy does not need the world, but one puppy can surely work to save it!” – Lindsay Condefer
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MyNameIsLentil
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/streettails
Visit the Website at: www.mynameislentil.blogspot.com
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 75
PHOTO BY RICH POWERS (THE HENRY STUDIO)
JUNO’S
PLACE
“A little dog doing big things!” by Deborah Young (Juno’s mama)
I rescued Juno in January 2009, when she was only two months old. Since I spend some of my free time rescuing abandoned and abused cats, Juno went right to work with me, cleaning the kittens who were often coughing up hair balls, and also helping me during the daily feeding of the maintained feral cat colonies. I just knew from that point on, that I had found my new best friend.
a venue where animal welfare organizations of all kinds can gather to form an even tighter network (from those that fight to prevent cruelty in the courts, to shelters, rescues, and rehabilitation programs). 2. Spay Worcester - The goal of the Spay Worcester task force is to work to reduce the population of freeroaming cats in the city of Worcester through spay/neuter and public education. The focus of this task force is to provide basic medical care (spay/neuter and vaccinations) for stray cats through responsible trap-neuter-return.
Juno is a real people pleaser, and one day while visiting with Juno’s grandma at the hospital, we realized that Juno had a certain way with patients. Everyone loved her, so we began a regular routine of visits to our local hospitals and senior centers spreading good will and smiles! Because Juno has such a good way with people, she began working more with me to help promote animal welfare organizations such as: 1. Pet Rock Festival - The mission of the Pet Rock Festival is to provide
3. Private Citizens for Pets in Peril (my organization in memory of the Canterbury Street cats and Zeus). We want to unite the public through a common love of animals, and work to promote awareness about animal
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rights and issues through education and community projects. Also, educating people about spay/neuter and speaking out against animal abuse and neglect. Having a pit bull sister, pushes Juno into educating people about BSL and why it needs to end. Juno and I also lend much needed support to; The Wounded Warrior Project, The Molly Bish Foundation, Feet Need Shoes (a group of people collecting 200,000 pairs of shoes for those in need), and Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog (to support Massachusetts police dogs by helping provide bulletproof vests, essential equipment, and training). Juno is a little dog, but dreams big about doing big things. She has a goal of making this world a better place, one smile at a time.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/JunosPlace
CHURCHILL PHOTOS BY DESERT PAWS PHOTOGRAPHY
THE POLAR BEAR
" I am a shelter dog living with a terminal heart condition and Little Friends Foundation saved me!" By Lara Mirkovich (Volunteer Coordinator at Little Friends Foundation)
Churchill was brought into the Las Vegas County Shelter in February 2013 as a stray. He was put directly into isolation due to some markings on his face they feared to be ringworm. That same day, the employees of Little Friends Foundation went in to meet three dogs we had chosen to pull from “the list.” Luckily for Churchill, one of these three dogs was in isolation with him. As fate would have it, we went into the isolation room and the very first thing we saw was a giant polar bear of a dog. We exchanged glances and “unknown” or A697798 at the time, put his giant foot on the bars of his tiny kennel. I think we all knew in that instant that we were pulling four dogs instead of three! We had to wait for his 72-hour stray hold to be up before he could be neutered and picked up. On the way back to the shelter that day we all agreed that his name would be Churchill. We got a call the day he was to be neutered that they had discovered a severe stage-5 heart murmur and were
uncomfortable with the risks of putting him under anesthesia. We agreed to pick him up without him being neutered. On February 21, 2013 Churchill had an echocardiogram at the Las Vegas Specialty Center and was diagnosed with Severe Sub aortic Stenosis. The general life expectancy with this condition is 1-2 years. Churchill is currently estimated to be around 2 years old. With medication and little to no exercise, sometimes, they can live longer. It was the day after his devastating diagnosis that we decided to create a bucket list for him. Once that was off the ground, we realized that he was slowly, but surely, gaining popularity and overtaking our shelter’s Facebook page. We figured the only way to manage it would be to create a Facebook page of his own. We had no idea it would take off the way it did. Within days, he had 1000 fans! We struggled for a long time with whether or not to adopt him out, but ultimately decided that he was ours. He was meant to be a Little Friend forever.
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Five months later, and he seems healthier than ever. He has more energy and is happy all the time. Churchill now spends his days being the “office dog” at Little Friends and giving kisses to all who stop by. His nights at home are with his 4 canine brothers and his 3 feline friends. He sleeps a lot, and wants nothing more than to eat and snuggle. He never says no to a new adventure or a new friend. He has touched so many people – it’s easy to see that he was meant for us and we were meant for him. His diagnosis, while heartbreaking, doesn’t change anything – like all of our dogs, our goal for him is to be happy. I don’t know that I have ever had a dog surrounded by more love than Churchill the Polar Bear.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ChurchThePolarbear
Visit the Website at: www.littlefriendsfoundation.org
PHOTOS BY BIG BROWN DOG PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
MISFIT THE BLIND DOG “ My goal is to show people special needs dogs are just special, not needy.” By Morgan Hitchens and Dana Real
Misfit the Blind Dog is a 10-month-old blind and blue Doberman. His birthday is August 23rd, 2012. Misfit is being raised by two moms, Morgan and Dana. He was born in Delaware and Morgan got Misfit from one of her relatives on October 13th, 2012, at which point she did not know he was blind. It wasn’t until he started bobbling his puppy head as though he was Ray Charles playing the piano on the way home that she suspected he was blind. Once he arrived home and started running into things as he was exploring, her suspicions were verified. And so began our journey as blind Doberman moms. When Morgan discovered he was blind, she was already in love with him, so, of course there was no way she was giving him away. She obviously thought about the challenges that were ahead of her, but one look at his sweet face and they all disappeared. She taught him to sit in
one day – oh, the power that gold fish treats have! The hardest thing to teach Misfit was the steps. He mastered going up them pretty fast, but going down them was a different story. Eventually, he started throwing himself against the wall and sliding down, but now he runs up and down them like a champ. Because he is a blue dobie, already a dilute of the breed, and blind, we were expecting some health issues. So far, we have been incredibly lucky. Misfit has only had one surgery to have an inflamed gland removed on his cheek, and then, of course, his neutering surgery when he lost his cookies. Many people wonder if he has challenges getting around, or if the blindness hinders him? But honestly, it does not. Besides the unique coloring in his eyes you wouldn’t know he is blind. He runs into things every now and then if you change the placement of
them, and at new places, but generally he is pretty smooth sailing. He also gets along with other dogs really well. We always take him to the dog park near our house and he has a best friend there that is a boxer named Chunk. Misfit is truly a miracle baby. There were 2 other blind dobie puppies in his litter who were killed by their dog mom, but Misfit was spared for a reason. He is now an advocate for special needs dogs. His goal in life is to spread the word that special needs dogs are just special... not needy. In order to assist Misfit in spreading his message:
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/misfittheblinddog
Find Misfit on Instagram: @misfittheblinddog
Email Misfits at: misfittheblinddog@gmail.com
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 79
LADY DARLA PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUE VONROSEN ZIESKE
THE HARLEQUIN GREAT DANE
“ I am a rescue Dane and I love being a registered therapy dog helping people!” by Sue VonRosen Zieske (Darla’s mama)
Lady Darla joined our family in August 2012, when we adopted her from Great Dane Rescue, Inc. (GDRI) in Michigan. She was surrendered to the rescue by a backyard breeder, who we suspect no longer wanted her because she was diagnosed with Addison's disease and could not be bred. With the right medication, Addison’s is very treatable and dogs can live a full life span. The good folks at GDRI found her a great foster who saw her through a complicated spay surgery. I found Darla on their website and it was love at first sight. Those stunning baby blue eyes melted my heart and I knew we were destined to be together. I brought her home to join the family and she fit in instantly with my two senior Dane girls. I always wanted to do Pet Therapy, and Darla seemed to be a perfect fit for therapy work. She was calm, loving, comfortable with people and other dogs, and absolutely stunning. She stops traffic wherever we go. I work for the University of Michigan Health System
in Ann Arbor, MI, and my dream was to visit patients there with Darla. Their Pet Therapy program required dogs to be registered through Therapy Dogs, Inc., and to join Therapaws, a local Pet Therapy group in Washtenaw County. After passing the test, we started our assignment in the Neurology/Neurosurgery unit at U of M Hospital. We also visit Genesys Medical Center in Grand Blanc, as well as other retirement/ assisted living facilities closer to our home. In addition, we take part in special events through Therapaws (like visiting U of M students during exam time at special Pet Therapy events in their libraries). Therapy work is extremely rewarding. Darla and I have shared so many memorable moments together bringing smiles and joy to people who were sad or suffering. There is nothing like the feeling you get when seeing your dog help a woman with advanced Alzheimer's react with a smile for the first time in months. Or watching
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Darla comfort a little girl in the ER who wanted Darla by her side as she got stitches. I could fill a whole book with all of the special stories of the ways that Darla has helped others. My spotted beauty is not all business though. She knows how to unwind with the best of them doing world-class "zoomies," running like the wind with her ears flapping and jowls slapping. Just watching her get crazy is my daily therapy. I especially love when we are out together and people notice her "Rescue Dane" tag. They just can't believe that a rescue dog is "good enough" to be a Therapy Dog. Why not? People assume that rescue/shelter dogs are problem dogs, but the reality is they are usually the result of PEOPLE problems, not DOG problems. We love being advocates for adoption!
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/LadyDarlaDane
Adopt a Dane at: www.greatdanerescueinc.com
‘DAUGHTER-BULLS’
CHESSURE AND ALICE “We love changing people’s perceptions of our breed!” by Chessure and Alice (in their own words!) PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIARA COLON (DAUGHTER BULLS MOMMY)
We are Chessure and Alice, also known as, “The Daughter-Bulls!” On a cold December day almost three years ago, a man was holding up two puppies and shouting, “Pit bulls for sale! Get them now! Born October 15!” This ‘breeder’ was trying to sell me, as well as my siblings, out of crates in the park. There I was, just 6 weeks old, lying amongst my siblings. I was also the runt of the litter and I was freezing, filthy, and scared. But, that is when I found our mom. This lady passed and I just stared at her. She came over and as soon as we made eye contact, I knew I needed her and she needed me. There was something missing in both of us, and the day we met, that void was filled. I was very emaciated; my skin was yellowish, lethargic, and I was just very sick. She picked me up, wrapped me in her shirt and kissed me! She became my mommy! My name, Chessure Caina, is named after the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland and my white coat (Caina means white). When she brought me home I started vomiting and had blood in my stool. I was later diagnosed with an advanced infection
my littermates saved. We spent that night together cuddled on the doggy bed at the foot of mommy’s bed - her daughter bulls. We named her Alice Hybana, which means, ‘Noble Spark.’
of Coccidiosis. For the next few months, my momma gave me IV treatments, force-fed me, and slowly brought me back to life. Six months into my new life, someone was banging at our door at 3:45 in the morning waking all of us. To our surprise, it was my “breeder!’’ Somehow, he tracked us down. He was dragging a scared, nervous-looking female pup. “You want her?” he shouted. “Get her or I’ll just shove her out on the street!” Momma removed the rope and snatched her up and daddy closed the door on the guy’s face. She was a sad-looking little girl, mistreated, skinny, dirty, and with many bite marks all over her. I started to wag my tail and pranced around and she followed me, very exited! I was happy to have one of
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Mommy trained both of us with positive reinforcement and we passed our CGC test together! Our trainer kept commenting on how beautiful our smile was! Our mission? We want to make a difference by advocating and educating about our breed. We help foster many pit bulls from a kill shelter in Philadelphia. We love helping to save these shelter babies, by either taking them into foster care or sharing them on social networks. We go to churches and other places where we educate, encourage responsible ownership, bring smiles, and spread love. We educate children how to safely interact with dogs. We also spend time educating people what BSL is and to stop dog fighting in Philadelphia. We spread our motto, “Peace, Love & Loyalty!”
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DaughterBulls
POOKIE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANDY HARRISON
Pookie was rescued from a dog fighter with a deformed broken leg. He now helps to raise money for shelters and is a breed ambassador for pit bulls showing what great dogs they are! By Mandy Harrison (Pookie’s mama)
Pookie is a 6-year-old jeep nigerino American Pit Bull Terrier. Three years ago, I received an anonymous call from someone wanting me to take Pookie, or they said they were going to shoot him. I have my number out in the public, and because I am not a rescue, people can surrender pit bulls to me anonymously. I agreed, and Pookie was handed over with his papers. I was also told that his leg was broken a few weeks prior. I took him to my vet the next morning and they confirmed what I knew; he had a broken ankle. There were teeth marks all around his leg as well as fight wounds all over his body. Even though Pookie was 3-years-old, he was emaciated and weighed just 34 pounds. In addition to the broken ankle, he suffered from severe heartworms. He would have died in less than a year if left untreated. We had to put 15 pounds on him before he could even start his heartworm treatments, and then during his treatment
he almost died on us. His time outside had to be limited to 5 minutes and he would just collapse and fall over having convulsions. It almost killed him. Once Pookie was healed from heartworms, I began taking him to events with my local animal protection society, Drive 4 Shelter Rescue, and our local animal shelter when they held fundraisers, adoption drives, and pet events. We helped to raise money to move urgent death row animals to no kill shelters, rescues, fosters, or adopters. Pookie was sponsored by Project Pets Spay, Neuter, Love to be neutered. Pookie goes everywhere I go. We are always out in the public to teach and educate as many people possible about this breed, dog fighting and abuse, and we’re supportive about spay and neuter also. Pookie loves going out to meet new people and animals. He has changed so many people's minds about this breed. It is the human in control of the dogs that
makes them bad or good. If it was the breed, I would not be able to use him as an ambassador for this breed. Pookie loves to go play in the river and swim in the pool, as well lying in the sun in the yard when I’m out there. His best friends are Desi (a pit bull I saved 2 years ago) and Taco (a pit mix I saved from death row at my local shelter). He also enjoys playing with Kiki, a pit mix my daughter took in when he was 6-weeksold, and Teddy ( a pit bull surrender). You can keep up-to-date with Pookie on his mama’s Facebook page, Pitbull Lovers Gathering Place, which is dedicated to bully breed talk, education and awareness.
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ Pitbull-Lovers-Gathering-place www.facebook.com/Drive4Shelter www.facebook.com/SpayNeuterLove
American Dog Media | Summer 2013 83
I LOVE MY ADOPTED DOG!
A L L W E B GRIZ
ALD
AY SUZY D S E TU
JE
AN E B LLY
LUMP
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I LOVE MY ADOPTED DOG!
E E L Y A
LEP M PA USSE MO
L R A E P
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OLIV
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MAY
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R E T X BA
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PE P I K S
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I FONZ
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I LOVE MY ADOPTED DOG!
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FUNDRAISING OPTIONS TO HELP WITH VET BILLS Sometimes, you aren’t financially prepared when your pet gets sick or needs unexpected surgery and you have to figure out a way to pay the really expensive vet bill to save your pet’s life. Here are some fundraising options worth checking into that can help you raise money.
www. y ou c a r i n g. c o m www. gof u n d me . c o m www. f u n d r a z r . c o m www. gi v e f or wa r d . c o m www. i n d i e gogo. co m www. c r owd r i se . c o m www. bi d d i n gf or g o o d . c o m www. f i r st gi v i n g. c o m www. r a z oo. c om
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BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK AT: AMERICAN DOG MAGAZINE American Dog Media | Summer 2013 89
BEDTIME BOOKS All books reviewed by Nancy Allen
RUBY'S ROAD BY PATRICK BETTENDORF
The Odyssey of the dog who was thrown away continues as Ruby achieves fame, wins countless friends, and repays the family that saved her. This is a true story by Patrick Bettendorf and is a continuation of his last book, Ruby's Tale, which tells about being a "professional actor," traveling all over the country and making friends, and saving Sugar. Every dog lover (especially if you read the last Ruby book), will love and enjoy reading about her many more adventures!
GIMME SHELTER: A Damaged Pit Bull, An Angry Man and How They Saved Each Other BY LOUIS SPIRITO
GIMME SHELTER is a wonderful, interesting, and insightful book about rescuing a pit bull, who then rescues the author. Tanner the pit bull had all kinds of problems, as did Louis. But, as the two traveled together the first year their attitudes changed, and as the man rescued Tanner, the pit bull rescued Louis. This is a great book to read. 10% goes to charity and maybe more people can see the wonderful outcome of rescuing dogs in need.
THE POSSIBILITY DOGS: What a Handful of 'Unadoptables' Taught Me About Service, Hope, & Healing BY SUSANNAH CHARLESON
This is a very interesting, informative book on how these dogs pretty much changed her life ( a struggle with PTSD) for the better, and how she has helped transform these dogs into great psychiatric service and therapy dogs. Meet these dogs who will warm your heart and you will realize dogs really are man's best friend.
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BEDTIME BOOKS
MY ANIMAL, MY SELF: A Breakthrough Way to Understand How You and Your Animal Reflect Each Other BY MARTA WILLIAMS
This is a hands-on book that will help you both to understand and improve behaviors in your companion animal. Animals mirror their owners in good and bad ways which can be physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Marta is a biologist and animal communicator that travels around the world helping people, so now reading this book will help you with your animals
BLOODHOUND IN BLUE: The True of Police Dog JJ and His Two-Legged Partner BY ADAM DAVID RUSS
A very compelling book to read which shows what a fantastically great dog can do to help the police locate criminals. Humorous, filled with adventure and reality that dogs, man's best friend, are the only animals that can help man in some ways and show how man could not do the job without the dog. Great book to read.
DOG ON IT! Everything You Need To Know About Life Is Right There At Your Feet by Gary Paulsen and Jim Paulsen
This is a teenage novel, "told in alternating points of view between a teenager and his dog." The dad and son are on a road trip to pick up and adopt a rescue dog. A humorous group join up along the way, and this group of adventuresome people will make this a "laugh-out-loud story" you will not want to put down till you find out how it all turns out. Great book.
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER PHOTO BY HOW ABOUT PICTURES
Dawn was just 2-years-old and dumped in a parking lot, near death, when she was rescued. She was brought back to health and became the inspiration for a rescue that works hard to save as many abused and neglected animals as possible.
FIGHTING FOR DAWN Reported by Fighting For Dawn Rescue
Dawn was found in East Atlanta, GA, on February 27, 2012, in incredibly horrible shape by Denise and Charlie Stubbs. She was stumbling, barely able to stand, and eating wood chips in a Walmart parking lot. Denise sat down and Dawn collapsed into her lap. Love and heartbreak was immediate. She weighed 24.2 lbs at 2-years-old and her temp was 92.7. They took her to the vet to be evaluated and treated. The doctor told them she was within hours of death. She was anemic, heartworm
positive, positive for every intestinal parasite, and covered in demodectic mange with a secondary bacterial yeast infection. She had yeast growing in her ears with open wounds. The first week, Dawn didn't sleep well and neither did Denise. There was always that fear of death. Dawn could barely stand, she lost all of her hair, and her gums were snow white and cold. She was on vitamins, supplements, sub-q fluids, antibiotics, and fed high quality food. Dawn was on a very strict
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regimen of eating to avoid Refeeding Syndrome. Refeeding Syndrome occurs when feeding is commenced after a period of prolonged starvation. Dawn is named after Denise's cousin, Dawn McWilliams, a woman of Amazon strength fighting breast cancer. That gave them all hope. Within a week of her rescue, Dawn was blooming. She began to grow her hair and gain weight. She showed such amazing strength, determination,
HAPPILY EVER AFTER PHOTO BY HOW ABOUT PICTURES
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIGHTING FOR DAWN
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIGHTING FOR DAWN
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIGHTING FOR DAWN
and forgiveness. She trusted her new family and they helped her heal. At 3 1/2-years-old and a year and a half after her rescue, Dawn is now 61 lbs and solid as a rock. She is lovingly known by her fans as "Chunky Butt" and "The Queen." She is healthy, a very strong girl, and heartworm free. Dawn is loved and has quite a following. She now enjoys playing fetch (but she must sit and shake before the ball is thrown). She loves running zoomies with her best friend, Super Emmy, and just being a member of a family who adores her. Dawn started a revolution. A small group began following her on Face-
book in the beginning, and within 18 months she has almost 3000 wonderful fans and a 501(c)3 Georgia licensed rescue named Fighting for Dawn, that was founded in her name. When Denise found her, a fire was lit. Dawn is an inspiration, a link to a world that people try not to see. Dawn is a symbol of hope for those animals that are broken, abused, mangey, or alone. Her rescue takes in the worst of the worst. One of their recent rescues, Suzie, literally had most of her skin sloughed off due to such terrible skin infections and mange. She is now healthy and beautiful. Winnie, a puppy with a broken back,
was never supposed to walk. She now walks and runs just 6 weeks later. You can follow them and read their stories at www.fightingfordawn.com.
Become a fan on Facebook at: facebook.com/fightingfordawn
Visit the Website at: www.fightingfordawn.com
Make a Donation to: Fighting for Dawn, Inc PO Box 5791 Atlanta, GA 31107 A 501(c)3 Corporation and Georgia Licensed Rescue
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER
PHOTO BY Andrea Mogler
GROBY PEDRONI
PHOTO BY JOY PEDRONI
PHOTO BY JOY PEDRONI
PHOTO BY JOY PEDRONI
PHOTO BY Andrea Mogler
I may only have two legs, but I love to play, cuddle, and be loved - just like any other dog! By Joy Pedroni (Groby’s mama)
In 2012, a backyard breeder/hoarder in a quiet Los Angeles suburb lost her house, and she had to find someone to take over 40 dogs that no one (not even her next door neighbors) knew she had. As with any situation where dogs are inbred, there were several with congenital defects – in this case several were born without front legs. Groby was one of these dogs. I learned about Groby when I saw a video of him on Everything Rosie's Facebook page. (Rosie and Groby are from the same litter.) I knew that Groby couldn't possibly still be available because the video was over 9-monthsold. But I couldn't stop thinking about him. I had to know that he was in a good home and loved. So I emailed Everything Rosie, Hope Ranch Animal Rescue, and Cinnamon Muhlbaurer. Then I waited patiently for 3 minutes and started making phone calls. Lori,
Groby's amazing and wonderful foster mom told me that Groby was still waiting for his forever home. I told her that he had been waiting for me - that I was his forever mom. Miraculously, Lori agreed, and Groby joined our family a week later. When Groby came to live with us, he added another layer of love to our family. He has brought awareness of the many handicapped dogs that exist. We have 2 other Chihuahua mixes that we found abandoned on a country road 4 years ago. They have emotional handicaps and behaviors that probably stem from abusive situations. We were used to handling those problems, so Groby gave us a whole new education. We haven't changed our lifestyle at all except to include Groby in everything we do. He is my constant companion wherever I go.
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Groby loves to start trouble with his brothers. He waits until they walk by him and then pounces on them. The wrestling begins, and Groby gives as good as he gets. Playing in my bed every morning is one of his favorite times of the day. We have 14 llamas at our place, so llama feeding time is a big part of his day. All 3 dogs head to the barn with me. The boys hang out in the hay room chewing on hay and chasing each other. I have to really keep an eye on him because Groby has no fear of the llamas at all. And the llamas love to get nose to nose with him and give him nuzzles. Naps, wrestling, and playing outside with his brothers is how Groby spends his time. Oh, and of course, cuddling with me every chance he gets!
Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/GrobyPedroni
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
PHOTOS BY RUDI YAYLOR
HARLEY
“My name is Harley and I’m a spokesdog against puppy mills!” by Rudi Taylor (Harley’s mama)
Harley is a magical dog – he talks! Anyone who has visited his Facebook page will attest to that. He’s got a story to tell and a mission to accomplish. Harley’s first 10 years were spent living in a small filthy cage in a puppy mill. He never had a bed or a bone, he received no medical care, and he never knew the touch of a kind human. His job was to help produce puppies; cute little Chihuahua puppies to be sold in pet stores all over the country.
failure, his lungs and stomach were filled with fluid, his teeth were all rotten, his nails were so long they caused his toes to deform, his tail was broken, and his spine was fused from painful arthritis. He’d also lost his left eye; this kind of injury is common in puppy mills as the cages are often cleaned using a power washer without removing the dogs. Most dogs don’t last more than 5-6 years in a mill, but Harley is a survivor, he had to be, his mission awaited him.
saving mill dogs and their medical expenses. Harley’s ongoing campaign, “Harley to the Rescue” was designed to raise money specifically to fund rescue missions by National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR). With the help of his family and NMDR, Harley’s first selfsponsored rescue this past May saved 64 puppy mill dogs and many of them have already found their forever homes.
Harley was one of the lucky ones, he got a second chance at life because he was rescued. Harley was in heart
As a spokesdog against puppy mills, Harley has helped raise more than $50,000. Every penny has gone toward
Harley to the Rescue:
Follow Harley’s adventures on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/harleyfreighttraintaylor
www.youcaring.com/harleytotherescue
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER
BREW CREW
Brew Crew was a victim of BSL, after the apt complex where he was living stopped allowing Pit Bulls – but, he has a happy ending with his new loving, forever family! BY JENNIFER GILL (Brew Crew’s mama)
Our rescued shelter dog, Brew Crew, was luckier than most animals that end up in a rescue program or shelter because the first several years of his life couldn’t have been more perfect. Ever since he was a puppy, his original owner not only provided a loving home, but he also raised a highly socialized (and therefore, a very well-balanced) dog with an amazing personality.
However, their years of companionship, unfortunately, came to an abrupt stop due to unforeseen circumstances that would not allow Brew Crew to stay with his owner (who, of course, was also his best friend). Brew Crew was such a deserving dog that nobody could stand the idea of taking him to a shelter (where more
96 Summer 2013 | American Dog Media
than likely he would not even be given the chance to find another home because he is an American Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull). Fortunately, Scout’s Honor Rescue (SHR) was able to accept Brew Crew in to their already full rescue program. This would provide temporary housing for him at a shelter/boarding facility until a foster home or adopter could be found.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER GILL
Brew Crew was being well taken care of by the shelter, and he seemed to be in good spirits. However, although Brew Crew had been rescued from certain death, the months of shelter life that followed proved to be very tough for him. After 2 months living there, SHR started to notice that Brew Crew was not doing well in the stressful shelter environment. He was becoming increasingly depressed, and was rapidly losing weight because he refused to eat. It is very difficult to see such a happy, healthy, and deserving dog suffering because they don’t understand what is going on or where their owner is. You can clearly see his weight loss in his
“before” picture, and can likely see the depressed look in his eyes. Shortly thereafter, my family was blessed enough to have the opportunity and ability to see if Brew Crew would be a good fit in our home. We had a female American Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull, and it took no time at all for us to see that it was a match made in heaven! At the same time, we did not want to rush in to it, so we allowed the 2 dogs to spend plenty of time together to make certain both dogs would love to share a forever home with each other and with us. Soon enough there was no doubt that this was simply going to be a “happily ever after” for all of us (dogs and humans), and we finally adopted Brew Crew.
We feel so very lucky that nobody discovered this hidden gem before we did, but of course we wish he didn’t have to endure months of hardship and uncertainty. We know he feels just as lucky as we do to experience “happily ever after” with a dog like him. Our family feels so blessed that we had the opportunity and ability to rescue him and give him the forever home that he's so very deserving of!
Become a fan of Scout’s Honor Rescue, Inc. at: www.facebook.com/pages/ Scouts-Honor-Rescue-Inc
Visit Brew Crew’s Web page at: www.packlove.com/brew-crew
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