The American Dog Magazine - Fall 2008 by The American Dog Magazine

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Fall 2008

Protection,

features

24 American Heroes Firefighters Rescue

26 American Heroes Military Defends

28 American Heroes

Safety & First Aid

Police Officers Protect

30 American Heroes Doctors Save Lives

32 Beverly Hills Chihuahua Being a Responsible Parent

34 Preventing Dog Theft Keeping Your Dog Safe

39 Make Sure Your Dog Can

Be Identified 41 CPR for Your Dog 42 Pet First Aid 45 Ready For Action 49 Home Security for Pets 52 Reflecting on the Early Days Dr. Elliot Katz in Vet School

55 Report Animal Cruelty 56 Keeping Pets Safe From Household Chemicals 58 If Your Dog Gets Lost What Do You Do?

61 Dog Proof Your Home 62 Foreclosure Pets

Lose the House, Keep the Dog!

64 Healthy Dogs Eat Healthy Food 12 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Photo by Heather Green

TABLE OF

CONTENTS (cont.)

the dog scene

Fall 2008

92 MEDIA HOUND

120 CANINE EVENT

93 MEDIA HOUND

121 CANINE EVENT

94 FASHION

122 PHOTOGRAPHER

Penny Parker with Rocky Mountain News Tom Mustin with Channel 4 Denver

Jan Blankennagel and Diva Sophia

95 FASHION

Holly Kylberg and Athena

96 PEOPLE PROFILE

Michael Hancock President Denver City Council

97 PEOPLE PROFILE

Jamie Elkins - Colorado Democtatic Party

PAWS Chicago - All Paws on Deck Party Dogs Deserve Better Chain-Off 2008 in Chicago

Barb Levant

123 HOLIDAY SHOPPING Chicago Fido-Style!

124 NON-PROFIT

Orphans of the Storm

154 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Shopping for Fido!

159 CHARITY EVENT

Misha May Yappy Hour

98 BUSINESS PROFILE

Tom Overton Law Firm

99 BREED PROFILE

Casa Loma’s Sir Bentley Chocolate Newfoundland

100 NON-PROFIT

Wags and Menace Foundation with Cindy Lee

102 DOG PARENT FAMILIES Denver Loves Their Dogs!

112 WORKING DOGS Search and Rescue

114 TRAVELING IN STYLE Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Roadster

116 AUTHOR PROFILE

Carole Raphaelle Davis The Diary of Jinky

119 VETERINARIAN

Dr. Barbara Royal Royal Treatment Vet Spa

14 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Photo by Krystal Reed

TABLE OF

CONTENTS (cont.) columns

departments 18 Publisher’s Note 20 Our Contributors 22 Our Contributors

139 HSUS Heroes 140 142 143 144 145 146 148 151 152

Humane Society of the U.S. Political Watchdog Humane Society Legislative Fund Animal Advocate The Joy of Fostering Animal Advocate Pet Stores and Puppy Mills Best Friends Animal Society A New Way of Seeing In Defense of Animals Victims of Puppy Mills Canine Crusader PETA Speaks on the Fur Trade Dogs Deserve Better Unchaining Man’s Best Friend Pet Planning Choosing a Pet Guardian Dog Law Animal Cruelty

Fall 2008

70 Doctor’s Corner

Colorado Canine Orthopedics 73 Doctor’s Corner Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital 74 Doctor’s Corner Alameda East Veterinary Hospital

columns (cont.) 101 S ociety Bark

76 Dog Training

132

78 Dog Training

134

81 Dog Training

136

160

Trainer Brett Titus Trainer Michael Wombacher

Trainer Doug Simpson 82 Health Improve your Dog’s Health 83 Health Selecting a Dog Food 85 Supplements Dogs Need Vitamins 86 Hygiene Your Dog’s Teeth 89 Socialization Teach Children to Respect Dogs 90 Rehab Cranial Cruciate Tears

Photo by Heather Green

16 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Columnist Greg Henry Best in Show Bark Columnist Lori Moreland Humorist Bark Columnist Liz Holzemer Celebrity Bark Columnist Julia Azabo Favorite Picks from Top Dogs!

ExpErtisE you can trust.

Publisher’s Note Jamie, Chester, Cheyenne and Casey

Founder/Publisher Jamie M. Downey jdowney@theamericandogmag.com Associate Publisher Heather Green hgreen@theamericandogmag.com Editor in Chief Jamie M. Downey Senior Editor David Revierter Senior Art Director Jane Brunton Art Director Kelly Mayer Photographer/Creative Director Heather Green Advertising Director Jamie M. Downey advertise@theamericandogmag.com Managing Editor Casey Rodarbal Copy Editor Christiana Nelson

e are so proud to bring you—our readers—this inaugural issue of The American Dog Magazine! We took The Colorado Dog and The Chicago Dog magazines and expanded them both into one huge NATIONAL dog magazine (164 pages strong) for our fall issue! The dynamic response from our readers, advertisers and subscribers to both of these well-read, glossy, regional magazines was so overwhelmingly triumphant that we wanted to grow our success into a national outlet, allowing The American Dog Magazine to now reach millions of animal lovers and giving those animal lovers the resources and information they need to be the best pet parents possible. We want to educate, enlighten, guide and explain every facet of world-class dog care so you can take the ultimate care of your best friend and family member for life! The American Dog Magazine has devoted this issue to showcasing some of our American HEROES! This is America, the greatest nation in the world and we have so many things to be thankful for and so many heroic role models to be appreciative of. We shine the spotlight on our courageous firefighters who rescue, the fearless police officers who protect, our chivalrous military soldiers who defend our freedom and the esteemed doctors who save lives! The fall issue also focuses on protection, safety and first aid for our four-legged, canine best friends. You can never be too careful and it’s always best to plan ahead for unexpected emergencies and to be safe now than sorry later! We invite you to enjoy and peruse through all 164 pages. This issue is packed with so much editorial content and interesting articles that you’ll probably want to get comfy on the sofa with a blankie, a glass of wine and your ever-faithful companion (your dog)! Remember, this is the time of year to give thanks for what you have and please be generous to those less fortunate. Also, don’t forget about the homeless kids languishing in animal shelters waiting to be adopted into a forever home. Go ahead, save a life!

Jamie Marie Downey Founder/ Publisher

Subscription Manager Wanda Hoff Web Site Design/Manager Jen Griggs-Sebastian Contributing Photographers Pat Duncan, Krystal Reed, Katie Monahan Marcia Lawrence, Barb Levant, Tamra Monahan Contributing Writers Wayne Pacelle, Michael Markarian, Dr. Elliot Katz, Faith Maloney, Dr. Sean Delaney, Dr. Barbara Royal, Dr. Jeff Stein, Dr. Todd Riecks, Dr. Elizabeth Ashbaugh, Dr. Jed Rogers, Jana Kohl, Julia Szabo, Carole Davis, Doug Simpson, Brett Titus, Michael Wombacher, Paula Moore Linda Sommers Green, Tom Overton, Anna Morrison-Ricordati, Peter Bronski, Tamra Monahan, Liz Holzemer, Greg Henry, Cindy Nelson, Deb Dempsey, Sheila Fuller, Lori Moreland, Marty Pease, Casey Rodarbal, Julie Bielenberg, Anna Rosenberg, Judy Gee, Michael Durkin, Jai Remington, Jackie Borchew, Kevin Green How to reach us: The Dog Publishing, LLC Dba The American Dog 700 N. Colorado Blvd., Suite #199 Denver, CO 80206 Phone: (312) 224-2960 (Chicago) Phone: (303) 840-6111 (Colorado) info@theamericandogmag.com www.theamericandogmag.com For advertising inquiries advertise@theamericandogmag.com Letters to the Editor/Story Ideas: Email to: editor@theamericandogmag.com Subscription rate is $20 per year within the United States, Add $20 postage per year for Canadian subscriptions. We do not ship to foreign countries. U.S. funds only. 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, LLC 700 N. Colorado Blvd., Suite #199 Denver, CO 80206

Heather Green Associate Publisher Heather, Bella, Remington and Jaidyn

18 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Copyright 2008 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.

five paws up living in Uptown Denver.

“

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Our Contributors Protection, Safety & First Aid Wayne Pacelle

Dr. Elliot Katz

Wayne Pacelle is the president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States after serving for nearly 10 years as the organization’s chief lobbyist and spokesperson. The HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with more than 10 million members and constituents.

Dr. Katz is a graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the founder and president of In Defense of Animals. IDA is an international animal protection organization dedicated to ending the exploitation and abuse of animals by raising the status of animals beyond that of mere property, and by defending their rights, welfare and habitat since 1983.

Faith Maloney

Michael Markarian

Faith Maloney is one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. She is a consultant in all aspects of animal care at the sanctuary, including the Best Friends Clinic and adoption programs. Faith has produced manuals like How to Start an Animal Sanctuary, and writes articles on animal issues and animal care for Best Friends magazine and other publications.

Michael is executive VP of The HSUS, overseeing the External Affairs section. He also serves as president of The Fund for Animals, an affiliate of The HSUS providing direct care, food and medical treatment to thousands of animals each year. Additionally, as president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, he oversees the lobbying and political activity of that affiliate.

Dr. Jeff Steen

Dr. Sean Delaney

Dr. Steen (DVM, DABVP) received his Veterinary degree in 1999 from Ohio State University. He is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practioners and is currently the Medical Director at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital. He and his wife, Lori, have three wonderful children-Joe, Jessic, and Jenna. They also have a black lab named Jewela and two persian kitties, Smokie and Dillon.

Dr. Sean Delaney, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition,is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of Natura Pet Products, manufacturer of EVO, California Natural, Innova, Karma, HealthWise, and Mother Nature natural pet foods and treats.

Dr. Todd Riecks

Dr. Elizabeth Ashbaugh

Dr. Riecks received his DVM from Ohio State University. He went on tocomplete his internship and residency at Med Vet Associates, LTD inColumbus, OH. He enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, mountain biking,& photography. He has two daughters-Jesse 6 and Jaime 8 and a Vizsla named Vadasz and a Weimaraner named Caro.

Dr. Ashbaugh received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2006. She is currently an Emergency and Critical Care Resident at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital. Her professional interests include surgery, oncology and geriatric medicine.

Dr. Barbara Royal

Jana Kohl

Barbara Royal, DVM, has completed training in Veterinary Acupuncture, Advanced Chinese Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and Animal Physical Therapy and Healing Techniques. She is a published author and lecturer with her specialty practice, The Royal Treatment Veterinary Spa in Chicago, is a center for alternative medicine, nutrition and physical rehabilitation.

Jana Kohl is a writer, psychologist, & animal welfare advocate. Having worked for the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, she has long been concerned with how cruelty can become legally sanctioned by society. Kohl has testified before the Illinois State Legislature on the link between legalized violence against animals and inter-human violence.

Julia Szabo

Carole Davis

Columnist, Author, Animal Advocate

Author, Animal Advocate

Julia writes pet columns for the Sunday New York Post and Country Living Magazine, and has also written about dogs for The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Bark, Town & Country, and Hallmark. A member of the National Advisory Board of North Shore Animal League America, she lives in New York with her beloved family of rescued dogs, including four beautiful pit bulls.

Carole Raphaelle Davis is an actress, animal welfare advocate and author of The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife. Carole is currently working on a new book and an investigation of pet factories that supply the public through pet shops and the Internet. Her Web site is: www.HollywoodJinky.com.

President and CEO of HSUS

Co Founder Best Friends, Animal Advocate

Vererinarian

Veterinarian

20 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

President and Founder of IDA

Executive Vice President of HSUS

Veterinarian and CMO for Natura

Veterinarian

Author, Animal Advocate

Our Contributors Protection, Safety & First Aid Brett Titus

K-9 SWAT Officer, Dog Trainer

Linda Sommers Green Attorney at Law

Brett is president of the Colorado Police K-9 Association and is actively involved in training dogs, schutzhund training and showing as well as performing his duties as a full-time SWAT police officer with the K-9 unit in Denver.

Linda earned her law degree from the University of Denver in 1993 and is licensed to practice law in Colorado. She is a true animal lover and shares her life with her husband, two daughters, four dogs, three cats, four horses, two guinea pigs and some fish. Linda has developed a niche in assisting her clients to consider their pets when planning their estates.

Doug & Elizabeth Simpson

Tom Overton

Doug & Elizabeth Simpson have been working with animals all of their lives, and love to share their natural method of dog training with the goal of creating as many happy families as they can. They live on a wonderful little animal haven in Boulder, Colorado, and have been featured in many magazines, television shows and radio.

Tom Overton is a highly regarded Denver trial attorney who has been practicing for more than twenty-five years. He lives in Golden, Colorado with his wife Sally and Ozzie a Shih Tzu- poodle mix. Ozzie spends most days at the office with Tom. Tom can be reached through www.overtonlawfirm.com

Michael Wombacher

Anna Morrison-Ricordati

Michael Wombacher is an author, lecturer and expert dog trainer for Bay Area celebrities and families, with over 20 years of hands-on training experience. Michael has written two dog training books, and offers the only digital book on how to prepare your dog for the arrival of a new baby, entitled Good Dog, Happy Baby. He is currently working on his first TV show.

Anna Morrison-Ricordati is an attorney practicing animal welfare law and general civil litigation in Chicago, Illinois. Practice includes overturning dangerous dog issues to assisting animal related not-for-profit organizations with various legal issues. As an advocate, Anna seeks to protect animals from abuse under existing laws and further seeks to extend animal protection through legislative change.

Pat Duncan

Tamra Monahan

Pat has been a freelance photographer for five years, photographing concerts, political rallies, and special events. She believes each picture is a microcosm of our lives. They are the reflections of our past and present. You can contact her at (720) 493-1120 or email at Pat3photography@yahoo.com.

Tamra lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband Mike and two wacky cairn terriers, Molly and Mac. She divides her time between working at the Tattered Cover Book Store and freelance writing. One of her favorite topics to write about is dogs with jobs, those amazing canines who love to work.

Liz Holzemer

Peter Bronski

Writer, Author

Liz Holzemer is a freelance writer, speaker and founder of the non-profit, Meningioma Mommas. She is also the author of Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor. Liz lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband, Mark, their two children and a spoiled lab, Koufax. Liz maintains her quirky sense of humor on a daily basis and can be reached at www.lizholzemer.com.

Peter Bronski is an award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in 5280, Bark, Mushing, Rocky Mountain Sports, Colorado Runner, Men’s Journal, Caribbean Travel & Life, and many others. He is the author of At the Mercy of the Mountains: True Stories of Survival and Tragedy in New York’s Adirondacks. Bronski lives in Boulder with his wife, Kelli, and their dog, Altai.

Dog Trainers

Dog Trainer

Photographer

Cindy Nelson

Environmentalist, Philanthropist Cindy Nelson has lived in the Denver Metro area since 1991. Originally from Madison WI, Cindy is a former teacher and began representing Melaleuca, The Wellness Company™ in 1996. She and her husband Mike, a meteorologist at KMGH TV have two grown children and three pugs (& three grand-dogs).

22 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Attorney at Law

Writer

Deb Dempsey Business Owner

Deb is co-owner of Mouthful’s Pet Boutique, a hip and trendy shop located in Denver, Colorado. Deb spends a huge about of time reseaching pet health, nutrition and hygiene as well as all the products, foods and treats that she carries in her store. Her vast knowledge of the pet industry can be translated into the great articles she writes.

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AMERICAN HEROES

FIREFIGHTERS

RESCUE

By Jamie M. Downey

hen you contemplate the word “HERO” visions of firefighters, police officers, doctors and military soldiers come to mind. Images of these courageous men and women are flawless examples of true American heroes. These noble and gallant professionals make it their mission to safeguard the American dream and your lifestyle. Firefighters rescue; police protect; doctors save lives and the military defends our freedom. We know we can count on these experts for our safety, security and protection from all things evil!

The American flag and firefighters are true symbols of patriotism. Firefighters put their life on the line everyday to protect the public; firefighters save lives (two and four-legged), put out fires, save property, protect the environment, respond to hazardous material spills, perform search and rescue operations, treat the injured and provide emergency medical services. Being a firefighter is the most prestigious and respected job according to the latest Harris Interactive Poll because of the bravery involved and the true dedication to helping others.

Photo by Marcia Lawrence

24 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

CAPTAIN KEVIN DUNCAN DFD STATION #10 Denver Fire Department Captain Kevin Duncan remembers that one of the most dangerous rescues he responded to was at 3:30 p.m. and involved a baby who had fallen 14 feet down a hole in the ground. The hole had been drilled inside a private residence for a construction job. As the fire team responded and looked down the hole to see blonde hair, they knew they had a life-anddeath situation on their hands. Since Denver Fire Department Captain Kevin Duncan with Nala and the hole was inside the residence Miracle. Photo by Pat Duncan. they had to dig by hand because any vibration might cave in the hole. The fire rescue team had to start digging approximately 10 to 15 feet away. All the crews took turns and dug a hole 14 feet deep, 6 feet wide and 12 feet long. The team had to shore up the walls so they wouldn’t collapse; then, they dug a tunnel directly to the baby to save his live. The child was so young that they knew the baby would not be able to hold onto a rope and they couldn’t determine if the baby had any injuries, so pulling him out was dangerous.

FIREFIGHTERS RUSH INTO BUILDINGS WHEN EVERYONE IS RUNNING OUT Being a firefighter is a dangerous and physically demanding job. During a fire or rescue, firefighters are required to perform extremely strenuous tasks, enter burning buildings where floors can cave in, walls can topple and flames can burn or kill. They come in contact with toxic chemicals, hazardous materials and can be exposed to communicable and infectious diseases. These brave men and women have to be prepared to respond immediately for any emergency situation that arises and they are frequently the first response team at the scene of an accident, fire, flood, crash or natural disaster. TRUE AMERICAN HERO Firefighters put their lives on the line every time they respond to a call and embody the true spirit of an American hero!

Duncan was in on the final foot of digging the tunnel to reach the baby and as he and his partner broke through to the child; Duncan’s partner grabbed the baby and pulled him to safety—it was now 6 a.m. “With the help of a lot of firefighters we saved a 14-month-old boy’s life,” Duncan said. “The feeling of danger never crept into our minds. All we could think about was our own children. I will always remember this call, this rescue. The child is now an adult and living his life. Wow, I was proud to be a Denver firefighter that day!” For Duncan, one of the most rewarding aspects about being a Denver firefighter and Captain is the amount of respect the public has shown the fire department. “My youngest daughter was in school and her teacher told her that she had seen her dad’s picture in the newspaper after a rescue and told her: ‘your dad is a hero.’ For your child to come home with a sense of pride and say ‘dad, you’re a hero,’ makes it all worthwhile,” he said. “Being instrumental in helping to save a human life is something you can’t put into value, it is what we try to achieve every time we go on a call and we know that we are going to give it our all in every situation.” Photos by Marcia Lawrence The American Dog Magazine cover photographed by Heather Green (www.heathergreenphotography.com) on location at Denver Fire Department Station #10. Denver’s courageous firefighters pictured on the cover are: Top row (left to right): Firefighter Mike Pavlich with Max, Captain Kevin Duncan with Miracle, Engineer Scott Johnson (behind the wheel); Middle row (left to right): Firefighter Robin Peltz with Lady & Smoky, Firefighter Tom Jones with Bailey & Lexi, Firefighter Jonathan Seastone with Kodiak & Goliath; Bottom row (left to right): Engineer Paul Rotella with Mildred and Firefighter Holly Carney with Harley & Sampson.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 25

AMERICAN HEROES

DOG SOLDIERS

Buck and his handler Tech. Sgt. Jay Christy. Photo by Tamra Monahan.

Senior Airman Shawn Ryan with his dog Laikia. USAF photo by Sid Luna.

AMERICA’S FOUR-LEGGED HEROES By Tamra Monahan

For as long as there have been wars, there have been the dogs of war, heroic canines who put their lives on the line to protect soldiers and civilians. Over time, the use of military dogs has evolved from catching rats and delivering messages to detecting bombs and neutralizing snipers. Unlike their historic counterparts, modern military dogs are both finely-tuned weapons and loyal warriors who would die to protect their fellow soldiers.

Tech. Sgt. Jay Christy, Kennel Master at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, works with Buck at Buckley’s obstacle training course. Buck is a Belgian Malinois military dog. Photos by Tamra Monahan.

26 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Army Staff Sgt. Chuck Bench, holds his military working dog Dino while Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Gorham trains Dino to bite the wrap in the correct area at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. USAF photo by Robbin Cresswell.

ackson is one of these courageous canines who demonstrated his unwavering loyalty while on patrol in Iraq with an Army infantry unit that was under siege from an enemy sniper. The sniper had the unit pinned down, and during the intense attack, Jackson’s handler was shot. Instantly, this brave German Shepherd’s extraordinary protective instinct kicked in. With no thought of his own safety, Jackson dodged bullets and single handedly hunted down the sniper, stopping the barrage of enemy fire. The dog’s heroic efforts saved the lives of many soldiers and earned him the acclaim of everyone in his infantry unit. For Tech. Sgt. Mark Guerrero, dogs like Jackson are the reason he is proud to be part of Lackland Air Force Base’s Military Working Dog Program. “What Jackson did came from loyalty and from being a well-trained dog,” Guerrero said. “It just shows how great these dogs are.” At Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, all military dogs go through canine boot camp where they learn the basics of explosive detection, drug detection and patrol techniques. Dog handlers are trained at this facility as well, and when the two are teamed up, the combination is powerful. “Military dogs are everywhere right now,” said Tech. Sgt. Daron Seligman, a dog trainer at Lackland. “Dogs are out there protecting a lot of lives, and these dogs are possibly the first ones going in anywhere. If there’s a building to be cleared or anything needs to be checked out, we’re going to send a dog team in.” In a war zone, these dogs are a vital component of military operations, especially in the detection of explosives or enemy insurgents. Dogs are frequently used to search buildings or areas before soldiers proceed because their noses are highly-sensitive and they can smell what soldiers cannot see. According to Tech. Sgt. Jay Christy, Kennel Master at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo., canine soldiers are so good at their job that in Vietnam and Iraq, the enemy puts a bounty on their heads. Dogs make great soldiers because they’re ready to go at a moment’s

notice. They never complain about problems at home, sore feet or feeling out of sorts. They see every mission as a game, and they’re always ready to play, regardless of where they are or what they are asked to do. And this is what Christy loves about his military dog partner. ”They’re happy and ready to go 24 hours a day,” he said. “The handler could be a little off his game, and he could be out on a combat patrol with his mind is back at home, but his dog is always right there. The dog has our back 100 percent of the time.” As patrol dogs, these soldiers are sometimes referred to as retractable bullets because they are trained to attack and subdue a suspect, but if the suspect gives up, the handler can call the dog off. Christy said employing military dogs is a great way to avoid using lethal force unless absolutely necessary. Not only are military dogs used overseas but they also play a vital role protecting American citizens on the home front. Often these dogs are called upon by local law enforcement agencies, the Secret Service and other organizations to use their keen sense of smell in detecting explosives at large venues, such as the recent Democratic National Convention, as well as protection for dignitaries. Whether serving their country at home or abroad, soldiers who work with these canines agree that they have the best job in the military with the most loyal, trustworthy soldiers. “We have the greatest military job because we get to take a regular dog that has no training and train him to find explosives and people and to protect soldiers,” Christy said. “We get to turn these dogs into something great, and the bond I have with my dog is awesome.” Sadly, all wars carry a heavy burden of loss and suffering, a fact that is also true for the courageous military dogs who have served our country in battle zones all over the world for decades. America has not only lost human soldiers, but dog soldiers as well, and in the hearts and minds of Americans back home, all of these fallen heroes will not be forgotten.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 27

AMERICAN HEROES

Protect and

Serve Crime fighting canines put their lives on the line for us By Tamra Monahan

he first time Brett Titus, a K-9 handler with the Denver Police Department, was called to search for a suspect with Oscar, his former canine partner, he learned a valuable lesson: trust your dog. Experienced police-dog handlers had drummed this into Titus’s brain during training, but he could not believe what his dog was telling him.

Officer Brett Titus with his canine partner, Stinger.

That day, Brett and Oscar stared at a brick wall adorned with only a small drainpipe running from the roof to the ground, a locked garage door, and a balcony about 20 feet above them. According to Oscar, who

All photos by Heather Green

barked furiously and tried to climb up the wall, the suspect was there, but where could he possibly be? Brett refused to believe his partner’s suspicions because, after all, how could a human simply disappear into a brick wall? Trusting his own human intelligence, Brett pulled Oscar away, but the dog refused to quit and once again, led the officer back to the brick wall, barking, jumping and trying to climb. Now the veteran police officer wondered if the dog could be right, but he still couldn’t figure out where the bad guy had gone. So after everyone left the scene, Brett and Oscar patiently waited down the alley and watched the wall. And about 15 minutes later, Oscar’s hunch paid off. The garage door slid open and a man carefully peered out, then entered the alley. But before he knew what was happening, a Denver police officer and a dog appeared from nowhere and took him into custody.

Officers Brett Titus (left) and Larry Casados bite-training with Stinger.

28 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Although it seemed impossible, the man had shimmied up the side of the building using the drainpipe, hid on the balcony, then broke into the condo and escaped through the garage. Brett credits Oscar’s incredible nose and tenacious sense of duty with apprehending this dangerous suspect despite repeated attempts by the officer to lead the dog in another direction.

Officer Larry Casados bite-training with Stinger.

“How Oscar knew that guy was up there I’ll never know,” Brett said. “To this day, I don’t understand how he did it, but ever since then, if my dog tells me somebody’s there, then there’s definitely somebody there, and we will find the suspect. The biggest lesson I learned is that dogs don’t lie.” For every story like this one, there are hundreds more of police dogs whose keen sense of smell and dauntless pursuits have helped capture dangerous criminals, keeping both people and police safe. Brett recalled a police dog who was shot by a suspect but continued to chase the man, eventually taking him down and gripping the man’s gun hand in his teeth until his human partner arrived. Even with a bullet in his side, this heroic dog never wavered from his duty, a trait common to police dogs. Protect and serve. These words describe the essence of a police dog’s life. Their unwavering loyalty to do whatever the handler asks is a comfort to police officers who know these dogs will never let them down. They are fearless, obedient and love to work. For Brett, the best aspect of working with police dogs is the level of safety they bring to police officers and the public. Time and again, these canine commandos use their speed, acute sense of smell and determination to turn a dangerous situation into the safe apprehension of a suspect.

“I’m confident that my dog can detect something long before I would ever see it, smell it, hear it or know it,” he said. “He’s a hundred times faster than I could ever be, so these dogs raise the safety level of any encounter.” In a chase with a fleeing suspect, dogs will always outperform a police officer. There’s also the element of fear associated with a snarling dog on your tail. Brett has seen even the most ferocious criminals cringe at the sight of a police dog charging at them.

Officer Brett Titus working with his canine partner, Stinger.

But what if a suspect simply turns and tells the dog to halt? Sounds logical, but it doesn’t work because K-9 handlers train their dogs to respond only to commands in a different language. The language varies, but the results are the same—only the handler can control his dog, and when he gives the order to find or fetch, he knows his partner won’t stop until his mission is accomplished.

Protect and serve. These words describe the essence of a police dog’s life. Their unwavering loyalty to do whatever the handler asks is a comfort to police officers who know these dogs will never let them down. They are fearless, obedient and love to work. Despite the day-to-day risks, these canine superheroes never complain, never ask for anything in return except food and affection and never grow tired of the job. Ask any K-9 handler, and he’ll tell you his dog is the best partner he’s ever had.

Officer Brett Titus and Stinger (left) with partners Larry Casados and Kodiak.

“No matter what situation, these dogs are always ready to work,” Titus said. “They’re always there for you, and most importantly, I know without a doubt that my partner would die for me in any given second of any shift. That’s very reassuring not only to me, but to my family.”

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 29

AMERICAN HEROES

EMERGENCY VETS to the RESCUE! Photos by Heather Green

Featuring CHICAGO Veterinary Emergency Services

A doctor and technician read digital radiographs (X-rays) of a dog’s skull.

By Anna Rosenberg

he 70-plus veterinarians and staff that operate Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services (CVES) open their doors when all other hospitals are closed to more than one million domestic animals that call Chicago home. This after-hours animal emergency clinic is open every night, holiday and weekend. The round-the-clock staff attends to any and every dog 911 that walks through the door. “You never know what scenario will play out during each shift. It could be a dog hit by a car with blood in the chest to poisonings or a difficult birth,” explains Dr. Richard Green, board member of CVES and owner of Mont Clare Animal Hospital, one of CVES’s 27 partnering clinics. Dr. Green reflects on one of his favorite outcomes, “The dog was exhausted and had reached her limit, she came in and needed an emergency caesarian and at 6 AM she delivered 12 healthy puppies! To see the new family go home was incredible.” CVES EXPANDING IN 2009 Look for these emergency vet heroes to expand their facility with a 6,000-square-foot specialty addition in 2009. “The new space will be an extension of the excellent care provided by our member hospitals,” notes Dr. Gene Mueller, the practice administrator for CVES. More hours, more space, more staff, more services; all this dedicated to the four-legged family members.

30 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Two overnight technicians rinse off a dog’s laceration before prepping the pooch for emergency surgery.

AMBULANCE FOR PETS Paws Around Chicago is a pet taxi service making daily stops at CVES. Ted Castro, owner of the animal transportation service, said helping dog parents is the greatest reward. “The other day I transported a large dog with serious bloat. The dog’s mom wasn’t able to carry the 120-pound pooch. She called and we ended up taxiing the dog to the emergency right in time, the Malamute only had five minutes left of life in his condition.”

For more information Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services www.chicagoveterinaryemergency.com 3123 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 281-7110 Paws Around Chicago Taxi Service “For All Your Pet’s Transportation Needs” www.pawsaroundchicago.com (773) 278-1937

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1 (866) 903-6462 The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 31

Be a Responsible Parent and DO NOT Go Out and Buy Your Child a

CHIHUAHUA… (after they watch the movie, Beverly Hills Chihuahua!) By Jamie M. Downey, Publisher The American Dog Magazine

...unless you’re prepared to make a 12–15 year commitment of providing shelter, nutritious food, yearly veterinary care and picking up dog poop, everyday! And then don’t forget the annual cost of $2,000–$5,000 EVERY YEAR for food, shelter, vet bills, treats, grooming, teeth cleaning, toys, clothes, pet sitters, doggie daycares and miscellaneous items! Walt Disney pictures presents BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA in theatres nationwide on October 3rd; it’s a story about a Beverly Hills Chihuahua living the lifestyle of the rich and pampered. I’m sure it’s going to be a great, amusing movie and I’m sure that I’ll go to the movie theater and watch it since I love any movie with dogs in it. But all I can think about is the irresponsible parents who are going to line up at the pet stores to buy these tiny dogs where most of them will be churned out from greedy puppy mills or less-than-reputable breeders with no thought to the long-term health or temperment of these dogs. If you want to find out what a puppy mill is go to the Web site: www.stoppuppymills.org.

Don’t support the puppy mills, pet stores or irresponsible breeders that sell puppies. We encourage you as a parent to take your kids to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua and spend quality family time with your children, but…just DON’T BUY YOUR CHILD A CHIHUAHUA after they watch the Disney movie!

CHECK THIS OUT!

RESIST TEMPTATION You know your child is going to BEG you to buy him or her a Chihuahua everyday and keep begging you, crying, giving you the puppy-dog eyes, until you give in to this impulsive and short-sighted whim. Be a responsible parent and buy your child a life-size Chihuahua STUFFED ANIMAL instead! Look at the Dalmatian buying frenzy back in 1996 with 101 Dalmatians and then again in 2000 with the release of 102 Dalmatians. Everybody who worked in an animal shelter back then saw an onslaught of abandoned Dalmatians being dumped off at the shelters in droves once the novelty wore off and the dogs didn’t live up to the owner’s expectations or they were too destructive and their care required too much time and money. Animals featured in films and on television often spark a pandemonium of unrealistic parents trying to buy their child’s love with the current or latest dog breed featured in a movie. Please don’t make the same mistake that was made with the Dalmatian movies where the majority of Dalmatians (many thousands) that were discarded at shelters had to be euthanized.

32 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

The American Dog Magazine will give the first 1,000 parents who purchase their child a stuffed-animal Chihuahua (versus a real one) a FREE one-year subscription to The American Dog Magazine ($20 value). Mail a copy of your receipt along with your mailing address to: The Dog Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 440695 Aurora, CO 80014-0695

Keeping Your Dog

SAFE

Preventing Pet Theft Submitted by Anna Morrison-Ricordati

t is estimated that more than 2 million pets go missing each year. Yet, unlike missing children, of which more than 96 percent are recovered, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, national pet organizations have estimated that fewer than 10 percent of pets are found. In fact, the National Lost & Found Pet Database claims the recovery rates decrease drastically when pets are not located within the first seven days. Animals are being kidnapped at a startling rate throughout the country creating a pet theft epidemic where dogs are stolen and sold to the highest-paying client – often the research industry. This multi-billion dollar industry has many types of thieves who want to steal pets, so if you’re out for a walk, at the dog park or even in your own backyard, it is important to keep your dog safe. Here are some precautions to heed so that your pet doesn’t end up a statistic:

34 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

HOARDERS – multiple animals kept in cramped and dirty environments Hoarders are considered by many to be mentally ill rather than criminally intended. Animal hoarders possess large numbers of animals, but fail to provide them with even the most basic care. Hoarders are distinct from animal rescuers, who may also possess a large number of animals at any given time. Most rescuers keep diligent records, seek veterinary care for sick/injured animals and make every effort to reunite “stray” or “lost” animals with their original owners before attempting to place the animals in new homes. Hoarders typically “collect” animals, akin to some psychological disorders, and may feel compelled to take an animal regardless of whether or not the animal is owned. Many hoarders exist undiscovered until local authorities are called upon by neighbors complaining of excessive animal noise and odor. When authorities uncover animal hoarding, animal care and control officers often seize the hoarder’s

animals and route them to public and private shelters for temporary housing. These animals may be too sick or too long neglected to be candidates for adoption and are often euthanized. Only those cases involving animals with severe injuries or illnesses are typically brought to trial, which allows many hoarders to go unprosecuted. Yet even with prosecution, hoarding recidivism rates nationwide are near 100 percent. Therefore, whether convicted or not, many hoarders simply move to another town and begin collecting animals again. DOG FIGHTING—animals used to train fighting dogs Dogs may be stolen for use as “bait” in dog fighting circles. The “Dogfighting Fact Sheet” produced by The Humane Society of the United States explains that dog fighting trainers use “bait” animals to test a dog’s fighting instinct. The “bait” animals come from several sources, including wild/feral animals, animals obtained from a shelter or “free to a good home” ads, and in some cases, stolen pets. For practical reasons—and because they pose little risk for damage to the fighter dog—small dogs are more likely to be stolen for bait than large dogs. Still, National Geographic News reports that even large dogs may be used as “bait” by wrapping their snouts with duct tape to prevent them from injuring the dogs in training. While dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states, dog fighters continue to operate undetected in both inner city and rural environments. If a dog is taken for dog fighting purposes, that dog will likely be mauled or killed in the training process. RESALE MARKETS – retails stores and breeders Even if a dog were stolen for resale, there is little guarantee the animal would receive proper care and treatment. Only a slight majority of the states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws which establish some form of humane care standards for animals sold in a retail environment, according to the group Born Free USA and the Animal Protection Institute. The groups also report that little—if any—screening is done to discern the purpose for which such dogs are being purchased.

Unaltered animals, especially pure-bred animals, may be sold to backyard breeders or for use in puppy mills. CLASS B DEALERS—federally regulated random source animal dealers Worse yet, a dog may be taken by a “buncher,” or a person collecting animals (often illegally) for a Class B Dealer. If so, this dog may be headed for use in experimental research at an unscrupulous laboratory. Class B Dealers, otherwise known as “random source” animal dealers, are licensed by the USDA to sell animals they did not raise. Class B Dealers may purchase animals from shelters and/or members of the public, and then resell these animals to research facilities. Operating for-profit, unethical Class B Dealers have been caught housing hundreds of animals in squalid conditions while providing the animals with little food or water before selling them to laboratories at a price of $200 - $800 each. Perhaps the most infamous and ruthless Class B Dealer was Chester C. (C.C.) Baird of Martin Creek Kennels in Arkansas. Baird was featured in the 2006 HBO documentary, “Dealing Dogs,” which exposed the inhumane conditions at Martin Creek Kennels. Baird forced the dogs to suffer horrible conditions, which often lead to their deaths, while waiting to be sold to research facilities. In what represented the largest civil penalty ever paid for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, Baird and his wife were assessed a $250,000 fine with an additional civil penalty of $12,700 for Baird’s personal actions. The USDA also revoked the Class B Dealer licenses of the entire Baird family (C.C., Jeanette, Patsy and Patricia). The surviving animals were removed from Baird’s property. See In re Chester C. Baird, AWA 040013, Consent Decision dated January 28, 2005. Most research facilities will require documentation pertaining to an animal’s origin, especially when purchasing from Class B Dealers. However, forgery and/or other methods to hide an animal’s true origin are possible where the animal’s identification has been removed or destroyed by a “buncher.” For this reason, federal legislation was proposed to amend the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 2131 et. seq.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 35

PREVENTION As your dog’s owner, the best way to combat pet theft is prevention.

• Never leave your dog unattended. Your dog is in greatest danger when left alone in a place where he/she can be taken. In many jurisdictions, this practice is also illegal.

• Padlock your fenced yard. This measure places an extra burden on a thief who might otherwise walk into your yard and off with your dog. And even at home, be sure to and keep your dog out of view of passersby.

• Do not include your dog’s name on his nametag. Your dog may be more inclined to leave with a thief who calls him/her by name.

• Microchip and tattoo your dog. While dogs are often required to wear rabies and license/registration tags, these tags can be easily removed by a pet thief. A microchip, being approximately the same size as a grain of rice, can be injected just beneath your dog’s skin and is thereby invisible to a prospective thief. A scanning device may then be used to check your dog electronic identification information. While procedures and requirements for microchip scanning vary among state and local governments, many shelters have adopted procedures for scanning animals prior to transfer or euthanasia. For those institutions not equipped with the proper scanning technology, a tattoo including your personal identification information, and/or your dog’s purebred registration numbers (if applicable), can be placed inside his/ her thigh or on his/her belly. Like the microchip, a tattoo is a permanent form of identification. Reputable medical research labs fear the repercussions associated with pet theft and will likely refuse to accept animals with registered tattoos and microchips.

• Register your information. Unregistered microchips and tattoos will be useless to authorities attempting to reunite you with your dog.

• Spay and/or neuter your dog. Not only are mandatory spay/ neuter ordinances becoming the law in many cities and counties but also spaying/neutering your pet eliminates the resale value of your dog to an illegal breeder. Depending upon their experimental needs, medical research labs may be less likely to accept animals that have been altered.

• Keep tabs on your community. If you suspect that an animal hoarder or dog fighter lives in your area, inform your neighbors and the authorities. If such persons are found, seek the assistance of local no-kill shelters for rehabilitation and re-homing of the animal victims.

Photo by Krystal Reed

This proposal, known as the Pet Safety and Protection Act (“Pet Act” - 110th Congress, 1st Session, S. 714 (IS); H.R. 1280 (IH)), sought to make the purchase of dogs and cats illegal from anyone who had not personally bred and raised the animals. The Pet Act’s proposed language still allowed research facilities to purchase animals, including dogs, from breeders and/or animal shelters participating in pound seizure. In 2007, the Pet Act passed in both the House and Senate as Amendments in their respective Farm Bills, but the Pet Act was excluded from the Bill’s final version. POUND SEIZURE—the sale of shelter animals to research facilities If a dog is transferred to the city pound, the dog will likely be examined by a veterinarian and tested for adoptability. However, if there is no room on the adoption room floor for the animal and a research facility wants to purchase the dog for use in experimentation, not even the Pet Act can protect the animal. When a Class B Dealer purchases pets from the pound, or when a research facility makes such a request, it is called Pound Seizure. If a shelter or pound is located in a state, county or municipality with “pound-seizure laws,” animals not claimed by their owners or adopted into new homes within a certain number of days are required by law to be turned over—on demand by a research facility—for use in experimentation. While pound seizure is a less common practice, it is hotly contested within the animal experimentation industry and has been debated by advocates representing both sides.

36 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

While you may not be able to prevent unscrupulous individuals from stealing animals, you can take steps to protect your own dog Anna Morrison-Ricordati AMR Law Group, LLC 30 South Wacker Drive, # 2200 Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 466-7660 anna@amrlawgroup.com www.animalwelfareattorney.com

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38 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Protection:

Make Sure Your DOG Can Be Identified!

Illuminated collar by PupLight

Submitted by Deb Dempsey

illions of pets are lost each year so it’s imperative for your pet’s safe return home that your dog has a form of identification. Here are a few easy and cost-effective suggestions to make sure your dog can be identified with a collar, dog tag, microchip or tattoo!

Photo by Krystal Reed

TAGS: Dog tags made in a tag machine tend to bend and scratch to the point that they become unreadable. It’s a good idea to use a highquality, sturdy tag that has current information on it. A few companies to check out for dog tags are Red Dingo (www.reddingo.com) and Jazzy Tags (www.jazzytags.com). Be sure to include a cell phone, so if Fido is lost during the day or while you’re out of town, you’ll learn about it right away. Another option is the YappyHappy Dog Tag that looks like a driver’s license. While most dog tags have just a name and phone number, this new dog tag contains everything a standard driver's license might include—even a photo. Tags cost $20 and are available online at (www.yappyhappy.com). Orvis (www.orvis.com) also has a fun and functional dog driver's license, which includes a tag for your dog's collar and a sturdy plastic card for your wallet. Important pet information, such as dog’s name, picture, weight, color, birth date, address and phone number are imprinted. Licenses cost $29. If your dog has numerous tags and the clanging of tags disturbs you, attach a tag silencer (www.itzadog.com) and the sound will dissipate. MICROCHIPPING: Because tags and collars do come off, the safest way to ensure that you’ll be reunited with your pet is through microchipping. Microschipping is a permanent identification for your dog and is considered an effective and reliable way to help find a lost pet. The microchip is small and easily inserted under the skin of your pet; most vets offer this low-cost service. For information on microchip companies, visit (www.avidid.com) or (www.homeagainid. com). Your pet must be registered with a microchip company, so they can be identified if they are lost and reunited with you. COLLARS: Countless dogs are able to back out of their collars because the collar is not correctly adjusted. Collars should fit fairly snugly, with room to slip just a few fingers underneath them (if you have a dog with a very small head (i.e. a whippet or basenji) use a martingalestyle collar that tightens when the dog backs up). If you use a harness for walking, leave the collar with tags on and attach the leash to the

harness. There are also collars on the market that have safety features. Bitch New York carries a collar that glows in the night (www. bitchnewyork.com) and PupLight has an illuminated collar that makes your dog visible at night (www.puplight.com). TATTOOS: Dummies.com notes another option; that “some breeders tattoo all their puppies for ID purposes or that you may choose to have your pet tattooed with his registration number or a phone number (a vet can tattoo your dog). Tattoos usually appear on the inner thigh or on the inside of the ear flap. The advantage to a tattoo is that it’s permanent; the problem with ID tattoos is that they can

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 39

40 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

A Guide to CPR and Emergency First Aid for your By Peter Bronski

D + G

t’s every person’s worst nightmare: your dog is unconscious, and there’s no breathing or pulse. In short, it’s an emergency and time is of the essence. Would you know what to do? Whether due to illness, choking or an acute traumatic injury, there may come a time when your pup depends on you to save its life. Thankfully, doctors and vets have developed a pet-specific version of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that can sustain a dog’s life until experienced professionals arrive to take over care. Joseph Woodill, Assistant Director of Health and Safety Training for the American Red Cross’ Greater New York Chapter, explains:

+ Check the ABCs (Airway, Breathing and Circulation): Does your dog have an obstructed airway? Is it breathing? Does it have a pulse? + If the airway is obstructed, clear the blockage. If there’s no pulse and no breathing, immediately begin an alternating series of five chest compressions and one rescue breath. + Chest compressions: To find the proper location for chest compressions, move your dog’s front left leg back until the elbow meets the fifth rib. Place the heel of your bottom hand here. Place your other hand over the top of the first. Compressions should be rapid—a pace of about 100 per minute. For dogs under 30 pounds, only compress about ½–1 inch. For larger dogs, compress 1–3 inches deep. + Rescue breathing: Use the mouth-to-snout technique, preferably with a breathing barrier between your mouth and the dog’s. For smaller dogs and those with shorter snouts, you may be able to breath simultaneously into the nose and mouth. For larger dogs and those with longer snouts, hold the mouth shut and breathe into the nose. Avoid breathing too hard or too fast, especially for smaller dogs. Doing so can force air into the stomach, rather than the lungs. + Every few minutes, pause to check if you dog has regained a pulse. If not, continue CPR. There’s nothing like practice to ensure that you’re prepared to perform these steps if an emergency arises. The American Red Cross regularly offers Pet First Aid and CPR classes at locations across the country and sells a dog first aid book and pet first aid kits stocked to treat standard first aid scenarios. Visit http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/ courses/pfachapter.html to find and sign up for an American Red Cross dog CPR class … your dog’s life may depend on it. Peter Bronski (www.peterbronski.com) is an award-winning writer from Boulder, Colorado. His dog writing has also appeared in Bark, The Colorado Dog and Mushing, among others. He’s never had to perform CPR on his dog, Altai, and hopes he never has to.

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PET FIRST AID What Do I Do Before I See The Vet?

By Dr. Jed Rogers

he most useful thing you can do for your dog or cat when it comes to emergencies is to be prepared and to know of veterinary resources before you need them. So talk to your veterinarian, have the hours of your regular animal hospital readily available, and make sure you know which emergency hospital is closest and most available—taking your pet to a veterinary hospital that is closed could be the difference between life and death.

Canine First Aid Kit available at www.outdoorsafety.net

What are some specific things to know in the event that your dog has a serious emergency? Here are some of the most common animal emergencies: Cuts/Bites: the key with cuts and bites is whether your animal bleeding or not. If it is bleeding, the only real goal is to stop (or slow) the bleeding as much as possible. A nice, neat, professional job looks great, but towels and homemade bandages can achieve the same goal. Often, the best pressure is supplied by human hands. If your pet is not bleeding, protect the wound—you can use anything: socks, t-shirts, paper towels and tape all do wonders for short-term coverage. Don’t be afraid to apply an ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin to the surface of the wound—it won’t do much to control bacteria for the short term, but it can really help protect the wound. Heat Stroke: it is amazing how quickly heat stroke can happen; our office sees regular cases even when it’s not sweltering hot. The first priority for an overheated dog is to cool down—a bath or a hose-down will help, and ice packs against the body can bring temperatures down in the short term. Pet First Aid book available at www.redcross.org or www.hsus.org

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Bloat (also called GDV or gastric dilatation-volvulus): there really is no first aid you can do for this one—just being able to recognize

First Aid DVD by Dr. Kevin Fitzgeraldavailable at www.amazon.com

the symptoms and get your dog to a facility capable of doing surgery is absolutely essential for a good outcome. If your dog appears bloated, or it is trying to vomit but nothing is coming up, get veterinary care quickly; this is a condition in which short periods of time make a huge difference. Collapse: many things can cause collapse … and very few are good. The best thing to do in this situation is to support your dog the best you can (carrying is good, depending on the size of the dog) and get to the hospital quickly. Often, it is easier for us to diagnose the cause of collapse while it is happening, so getting to a veterinarian quickly can give us a real head start. The common themes in all of these situations are: • Be knowledgeable about your resources (whether it is a book, bandage material or a veterinary emergency facility). Know what you have available and how to use it. • Don’t panic—the calmer you are, the better able you are to handle the situation. Your dog can’t help itself in these situations – it is up to you to make the right decisions. • Always involve your veterinarian; in all of the scenarios above, the advice I have given should be followed as quickly as possible with a visit to your veterinarian. Your help initially can make a big difference for the health and well-being of your pet. If you follow these tips and consult with a veterinarian for a diagnosis and a treatment plan, you will ensure the best care for your pet.

Dr. Jed Rogers is the Chief Medical Officer for Firehouse Animal Health Centers located in Colorado. For more information visit the Web site: www.myfirehouse.com. The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 43

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READY FOR

ACTION

In Case of Emergencies, BE PREPARED!

Reprinted with permission from the Humane Society of the United States

Disaster Preparedness for Pets The key to survival during a disaster, crisis or emergency is to be as prepared as possible before the storm hits. Take the time to make a plan and assemble an emergency kit for you and your pet. By taking these steps now, you will greatly increase your pet’s chances of survival. Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time, and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.) that can be carried easily. If you reside in an area prone to certain seasonal disasters, such as flooding or hurricanes that might require evacuation, create a kit to keep in your car. In your pet disaster kit, you should include: Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. • Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include. • Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags to collect all pets' waste, and litter scoop. • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 45

hours at a time while you are away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items. • Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours. • Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress. • Information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care. Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach. Find A Safe Place ahead of Time Because evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets (except for service animals), you must plan ahead to make certain your family and pets will have a safe place to stay. Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research. • Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size and species. Inquire if the "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency. Make a list of animal-friendly places and keep it handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home. • Check with friends, relatives or others outside your immediate area. Ask if they would be able to shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may need to house them at separate locations. • Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers. Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for

pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency. IN CASE YOU’RE NOT HOME An evacuation order may come, or a disaster may strike, when you're at work or out of the house. • Make arrangements well in advance for a trusted neighbor to take your pets and meet you at a specified location. Be sure the person is comfortable with your pets and your pets are familiar with him/her, knows where your animals are likely to be, knows where your disaster supplies are kept and has a key to your home. If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be able to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance. Don’t Forget ID Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. This includes adding your current cell phone number to your pet's tag. It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area—if your pet is lost, you'll want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you're out of your home. When You Evacuate, Take Your Pets With You The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you when you evacuate. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through storm-damaged areas, such as broken

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3.625” Client: Wigglyville Contact: Hollus Gessler-Thomas

windows. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are Ad: likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, Pg Vert. contaminated food or water, or accidents. 1/2 Leaving dogs(3.625” tied or x 10”) chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence. • If you leave, even if you think you may only be gone for a few hours, take your animals. When you leave, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets. Leave early—don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Be sure to close your windows and doors, stay inside, and follow the instructions from your local emergency management office.

10.00”

If You Don’t Evacuate, Shelter in Place

• Bring your pets indoors as soon as local authorities say there is an imminent problem. Keep pets under your direct control; if you have to evacuate, you will not have to spend time trying to find them. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification. • If you have a room you can designate as a "safe room," put your emergency supplies in that room in advance, including your pet's crate and supplies. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies. If there is an open fireplace, vent, pet door, or similar opening in the house, close it off with plastic sheeting and strong tape. Listen to the radio periodically, and don't come out until you know it's safe. After the Storm Planning and preparation will help you survive the disaster, but your home may be a very different place afterward, whether you have taken shelter at home or elsewhere. • Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations. • While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost. Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.

For more information visit: www.hsus.org The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 47

H ME SECURITY

Protecting your HOUSE and your DOG! ✓ ______DOG

______HUSBAND

______GUNS/WEAPONS By Casey Rodarbal

If you don’t have or want a husband, don’t own any guns, don’t want to pay for a security system then the best alternative for protection is to get a dog! Dogs love protecting their territory and all the pack members in their house including you, your kids and even other dogs. You’re all one big happy family and your dog loves to have a job, he loves to bark and he, without question, enjoys providing home security 24/7! Police officers will tell you that a barking dog is an excellent way to deter burglars and dogs definitely serve as a secondary security system. Most dogs will bark when they hear an unfamiliar noise or when they see a stranger approaching the house. A barking dog can scare off an intruder especially if the dog looks or sounds aggressive. Even burglars don’t want to be attacked and mauled by a charging Doberman or German Shepherd.

______ SECURITY ALARM

There are many security measures you can take to protect your home against crime, theft and intruders. A host of alarm systems and video systems are on the market, including alarms that trigger a vicioussounding dog barking when the alarm detects motion. Simply paying attention to doors, locks, windows, interior and exterior lighting, fences, walls, gates and landscaping can also be important for keeping your home safe; and it’s important to make sure your street address number is visible from the curb and your house can be properly identified to police and emergency personnel. A security expert can assess your property and provide you with a list of options to safeguard your home. Don’t forget that your dog is always on duty and he works for bones!

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 49

H ME SECURITY

Now that your house

will be secure,

what about

your dog? Who’s watching over Fido? I love the slogan in the full page ad from the HSUS where they tell you; “even watchdogs need watchdogs.” This statement is so true. Your dog’s job is to protect your house and it’s your job to protect Fido. You need to safeguard your dog against thieves, escaping through an open door or fence and making sure your house is “dog-proofed!” What does Fido do during the day when you’re at work? Wouldn’t you like to know if your dog spends his time wisely? Is he “working,” guarding the house or is he a lazy dog and “sleeping” all day? Well, now you can keep tabs on your best friend with the PetCam by Panasonic! The PetCam provides peace of mind to dog parents and allows them to monitor their pets from a mobile phone or computer with a Panasonic network camera. Panasonic shared the following information with us about their PetCams. “Panasonic is highlighting PetCam in four network cameras models, the BL-C1, BL-C20, BL-C111 and the BL- C131—all which are packed with features ideal for viewing pets either from a computer with Internet access or even from a mobile phone—as each camera comes with a free, permanent Web address.

50 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

The BL-C1 (wired) and BL-C20 (wireless) can be operated by remote control and features a 10x digital zoom function for clear, enlarged viewing of one’s pet. These models also have the capacity to store up to 250 images in their internal memory and include color night view mode, motion detection, image transfer and a recording program to view the pet’s natural motion. The BL-C111 (wired) and BL-C131 (wireless) have built-in microphones which allow users to listen to their pets through a PC. These network cameras also can be operated by remote control and feature a 10x digital zoom function, motion detection sensor and image transfer—all perfect for capturing the pet’s every move. Panasonic network cameras are currently available at www.panasonic.com and www.amazon.com and have the following retail prices: BL-C1 for $99.95, BL-C20 for $199.95, BL-C111 for $199.95, and the BL-C131 for $299.95.”

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 51

Reflecting on the Early Days By Dr. Elliot M. Katz President of In Defense of Animals

s a child I would bring home lost and stray dogs. One, a little brown and white terrier, turned out to be pregnant, giving birth one month later to six puppies. Tragically, one by one, all of her beautiful little puppies died of Distemper, surviving the pneumonia stage, but then dying from the encephalitis that followed. The determined attempts by the neighborhood veterinarian to save the lives of these gentle little beings became a turning point in my life, for I decided then and there to become a veterinarian, to devote my life to protecting and caring for these special beings who had given me so much love and joy. Twelve years later, I entered Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, eager to realize my lifelong dream of ministering to “man’s best friend.” Little did I realize back then, how unimportant the welfare of “man’s best friend” was to the Veterinary College, and the majority of its students. Youngsters off the farm who thought it was some kind of joke, that one would actually become a veterinarian because of a deep abiding concern for a dog or cat. For what were dogs but “things” to help round up the cows in the morning and evening for milking, or cats for keeping away the rats and mice? One must of course remember, that land grant veterinary colleges were not created to help dogs and cats, but rather to help the farmers take care of the cattle, cows, pigs and chickens they raised and killed for food. And so my heart and soul were crushed over the next four years having to bear witness to the most horrible mutilations of dogs one could imagine. I protested to no avail, for what was wrong with mutilating dogs for teaching purposes, as there was no animal rights movement back then—a movement that thankfully became a reality many

52 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

years later demanding an end to this senseless mutilation of dogs in veterinary education. For what kind of profession was this that would be so abusive, so cruel to innocent dogs who, through no fault of their own, ended up in these horrible places, to be tormented and tortured, week after week, by teachers and students who were supposed to care—teachers who should be teaching kindness, compassion and caring, not callousness, economics and self-interest. As would be expected, the cruelty did have a damaging effect, desensitizing us to the needs and feelings of the innocent beings we were learning to protect and minister to. All this took place before women were allowed entrance to the veterinary profession. Fortunately that has changed, and together with the growing awareness of the American public to the sensitivity and intelligence of other species, and the demands for better medical and surgical care for our animal companions, the coldhearted and macho policies of the veterinary profession toward animal companions has significantly decreased over the years. I hope to share more of my deepening awareness, and that of the veterinary profession, in my next column. Till then, take good care of yourself, and your loved ones, no matter how many legs they may have. And always think and act as the guardian of your animal companions, remembering the bond of love and respect that should always exist between you.

To learn more about in Defense of Animals visit the Web site at: www.idausa.org.

The Most Loving Pet Care Anywhere erse! t n Ce wid 5 4 tion Na

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best To Stay With Friends

1-888-FOR-PETS

www.bestfriendspetcare.com

Boarding Grooming Daycare Training

“ All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” –Edmund Burke

REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY Reprinted with permission from the ASPCA

Recognizing Animal Cruelty

Where do I report cruelty by an animal breeder?

Animal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:

For concerns about an animal breeder, please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You can contact its headquarters at (301) 734-7833, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/, or send an email to ace@aphis.usda.gov. The USDA will direct you to the appropriate regional department to which you will be asked to submit your complaint in writing.

• Tick or flea infestations

• Wounds on the body

How to Report Animal Cruelty

• Patches of missing hair

• Extremely thin, starving animal

• Limping

Try to gather the following information before submitting a report of animal cruelty:

• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal

• Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard

• A concise, written, factual statement of what you observed— giving dates and approximate times whenever possible—to provide to law enforcement.

• Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—and have not been taken to a veterinarian

• Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions

• Photographs of the location, the animals in question and the surrounding area. However, please do not put yourself in danger! Do not enter another person’s property without permission, and exercise great caution around unfamiliar animals who may be frightened or in pain.

• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

• If you can, provide law enforcement with the names and contact information of other people who have firsthand information about the abusive situation.

What constitutes animal cruelty?

Where to Report Animal Cruelty Where do I report animal cruelty taking place in a pet store? For concerns about animal cruelty in pet stores, please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You can contact its headquarters at (301) 734-7833, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/, or send an email to ace@aphis.usda.gov. The USDA will direct you to the appropriate regional department to which you will be asked to submit your complaint in writing.

What information should I have on hand when I make a report of animal cruelty?

Remember, never give away a document without making a copy for yourself!

For more information about the ASPCA or to contact: ASPCA 424 E. 92nd St New York, NY 10128 (212) 876-7700 www.aspca.org

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 55

Keeping Pets

Safe from

Household Chemicals By Cindy Nelson Photos by Krystal Reed

y husband, 7NEWS Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson, and I have been aware of the dangers of household toxins for at least two decades after I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer induced by the chemicals in cleaning products. At first, it was hard to find a safer, effective and cost-effective line of products, but about 13 years ago we found one, allowing us to protect our family—pets included—from toxins in everyday products. It is so important to adjust your attitude about chemicals that you clean with. Your pet doesn't have to ability to tell you that the floor cleaner hurts their throat or that their paws burn. Think of it this way; everything you use in your home will eventually fall to the floor, where your furry family member lives! Over the last two decades of our discovery, Mike and I have learned a lot of information about the chemicals in cleaning products. Labels can be deceptive and because something is on grocery store shelves, it is not automatically safe. The dishwasher product Palmolive Eco+™ is well-packaged and looks "green;" however, it contains Chlorine Bleach, a chemical that is cheap for companies, but extremely harmful, especially to pets and children. Pets have a faster respiratory rate than people and Chlorine is a toxic respiratory irritant that can damage their skin, eyes or other membranes. Chlorine can be found in all-purpose cleaners, automatic

56 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

dishwashing detergents, tile scrubs, disinfecting wipes, toilet-bowl cleaners, laundry detergents and mildew removers—it is heavier than air and lands in low-lying areas where pets live. Because your pets are smaller and breathe faster than adults, they are even more vulnerable than children to toxic exposure. Chlorine Bleach is only one chemical that is often used in the home that can cause health problems. Formaldehyde is another major contributor to indoor air pollution that will affect your pets, and it is in many products you have under your sink. Many dishwashing detergents you’d find in a store have some of the highest amounts of formaldehyde allowed by law, because the chemical makes dishes shiny. Yet, when you wash your pet's dish, the chemical coats the bowl that your pet will later be drinking or eating from. There are more than 30 trademarked names for formaldehyde including: Morbicid or Quanternium 15 (found in some popular shampoos). According

to the Environmental Protection Agency, formaldehyde has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. But it is often used because it is a cheap surfactant and preservative. So why doesn't protect us?

the

government

In 1960, the Consumer Product Safety Commission passed the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act. According to this law, product labels need only warn consumers about any immediate dangers that may occur in the event a product is misused. Companies are only required to list the "active" ingredient: the ingredient that actually makes the product "do" what it says it will do (i.e. glass cleaner only must tell you the ingredient that makes the glass clean). "Inert" ingredients, elements that are not directly responsible for making the product work, such as chemical fragrances and preservatives—do not have to be listed. It also explains why there are so many registered names for any one chemical. "Thousands of cats and dogs needlessly suffer and many die each year by accidental ingestion of household poisons," according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®.

Companies are only required to list the “active” ingredient: the ingredient that actually makes the product “do” what it says it will do.

If you're not convinced that toxins are hurting your pets and household, consider this: • According to the National Research Council, no toxic information is available for more than 80 percent of the chemicals in everyday-use products. • Only 1 percent of toxins are required to be listed in labels because companies classify their formulas as "trade secrets" (Lorie Dwornick, researcher, educator and activist, 2002). • According to the American Lung Association, a toxic chemical can be absorbed by ingesting, smelling, touching or even touching a surface where it has been used. • In 29 years the EPA has formally requested health information on only 200 chemicals—out of about 80,000. • The EPA has not banned any existing industrial chemical since 1989. Since then the agency has relied mostly on voluntary efforts by chemical companies that make household products, as well as personal care and cosmetic companies. • The EPA also has stated that the vast majority of cleaner chemicals have yet to be tested for safety. • The National Center for Health Sciences says "... perhaps the most serious exposure is to modern household cleaners, which may contain a number of proven and suspect causes of cancer." • More than 90 percent of all reported poisonings in America occur at home from accidents with household cleaners. So, if you know you can find safer, less-expensive products that will be kinder to your pets and the environment, why wouldn't you switch stores and purchase these kinds of products? In our home we use products from Melaleuca, The Wellness Company™ and our pugs, Tinq, Torq and Tilly are healthier for it—and so are we. Feel free to contact me by visiting my Web site: www.cnelson. whywellness.com. Remember; anything can be toxic if misused—even water. Make good choices for your furry family members.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 57

If your dog gets lost…

Submitted by Deb Dempsey Co-Owner of Mouthful’s Pet Boutique, located in Denver, CO www.mouthfuls.net

icture this scenario: You pull into your driveway after work to discover your gate is open and your beloved dog is nowhere to be found. Do you know what steps to take to improve the chances of finding your best friend? I encourage you to cut out this list of what to do if your dog is missing and file it with your animal’s vet records, but let’s hope you never need it!

your garage, home and any outbuildings on your property to go and check the local pounds and shelters in the area 7 Physically 1 Check see if your dog was accidentally shut in. to see if your dog is there. Phone calls with descriptions are not

Begin canvassing the neighborhood with as many people as you can gather to help. Take your pet’s favorite treats with you and shake the package as you call his name. Be sure to ask anyone you come into contact with if they’ve seen your pet.

always enough.

a purebred dog, check with the breed-specific rescue 8 Ifforyouyourhave breed. Many of these groups drive for miles to rescue their specific breed dogs, so call even if they seem far away.

someone to call your vet, emergency vet hospitals, local animal Don’t give up! Make daily trips to the pounds and shelters, 3 Ask shelters, rescues and animal control. If you know your neighbors, 9 searching for your pet. It may take days for an animal to be picked include them as well. (It’s a great idea to keep a list like this current in your files.)

Write a post on www.craigslist.org announcing a lost dog. Search that day’s postings to see if someone put something on about a found dog. Local newspapers often keep “found dogs” on their Web-based classifieds.

sites to post on include www.petrescue.com, www. 5 Other findingyourpet.com www.fidofinder.com and www.petfinder. com. Never respond to “found pets” alone. Take someone with you for safety.

Print up flyers using a current photo of your dog and a detailed description. Post them everywhere you can think of within a 2-mile radius. Make sure you include vet’s offices, dog parks, dog groomers, dog washes, pet boutiques and doggy daycares. Pet owners will be more sympathetic to your cause and often will bring “found” dogs to one of these places rather than the local shelter.

58 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

up and processed.

A relatively new option available to pet owners is a service called www.findtoto.com. This “Amber Alert for pets” sends out an alert to neighbors in your surrounding area including a dog’s name, description and owner contact info. This alert registers as FINDTOTO.com on caller ID’s so your neighbors won’t ignore it as a solicitation. Even if neighbors have signed up on the official “do not call” list, this company is legally allowed to call them. Packages range from $85 to $425 and the alert goes out within about one hour of purchasing a package. Also check out Amber Alert for Pets at www.amberalertforpets. com, which sends out notifications to hundreds of people to alert them of the lost pet. Most importantly, make sure that you’ve maintained up-to-date tags and microchip information on your pet. Don’t put it off for one more day!

EvErything for your pEt! www.jazzytags.com Collars, Leashes, Toys, Treats, Art, Supplements and much, much more.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 59

Dog-Proof Your Home

By Liz Holzemer

arents know all too well the importance of child-proofing their homes long before the arrival of their precious bundles of joy. The same should apply when welcoming your fourlegged new addition. By following a few simple steps, pet owners can ensure a dog-proof home that is healthy and safe for their furry family member.

It may seem like common sense, but everyday items can prove hazardous, even deadly. “The number one piece of advice we give to pet parents is to lock up human medications,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of Animal Health Services at ASPCA in Urbana, Ill. “When a dog discovers a pill bottle, it becomes a toy and even more so to a puppy.” Dr. Hansen was shocked by the results when he gave Gracie, his 8-yearold Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, an empty childproof prescription bottle he’d filled with candy to see if she could open it. “Fifteen seconds flat was all it took,” he said, while pointing out that a vial of pills is fair game to dogs, especially with their powerful crushing teeth. “The most common accidental poisoning is from ibuprofen because it’s something we all have on hand.” Unfortunately, prescribed cardiac, cancer and depression medications are surprisingly and commonly ingested. Pesticides and anti-freeze lead the list, as well as toxic foods including chocolate, grapes and raisins. The ASPCA, www.aspca.org, provides a comprehensive list of more than 230 plants and 13 foods dogs should avoid. Even a well-trained dog can unknowingly get into mischief. Shireen Banerji, a clinical toxicology coordinator and pharmacist at the Rocky Mountain Poison Center recounts the time Rusty, her 6-year-old St. Bernard-Great Dane mix, ingested his year’s supply of heartworm

medication. “Thankfully, he weighs 125 pounds and was OK because it was considered a small amount based on his weight, but the lesson here is medications are often tasty to dogs,” she said. The best way to dog-proof your home is to survey each room on all fours as you would for a just-learning-to-crawl toddler. Take similar child-proofing measures by installing safety latches on drawers and cabinets; baby gates in areas where dogs – especially senior ones – are at risk of falling; securing window blinds and curtains with dangling cords and covering electrical outlets. Keep the lid on toilets – puppies are especially enticed by toilet bowl water, which carries an increased risk with toilet bowl cleanser. Extend these safety measures outdoors by ensuring fences are free of holes, gates, trash cans and recycling bins are securely fastened and locking up anti-freeze, all cleaning supplies, gasoline, paint and fertilizers in the garage. Averting dog poisoning should be the No. 1 dog-proofing priority among dog owners. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned immediately call your veterinary emergency hospital or local poison control center. Bottom line, anything that is unsafe for children applies to dogs, as well. “Our purpose of existence is to prevent people from calling us,” said Hansen.

Important phone numbers to have on hand: Animal Poison Control Center at 1(888) 426-4435 Rocky Mountain Poison Center at 1(800) 222-1222 The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 61

FORECLOSURE PETS:

By Jamie M. Downey

“There isn’t anything in this whole world that would make me consider giving up my dogs. I would NEVER leave my dogs and they would NEVER leave me. Their unconditional love for me and my undying loyalty to them is invincible. Even in the most dire of circumstances, like a divorce, laid off, no job, no money, would it ever enter my head to abandon my canine kids who are devoted to me for life! They are my responsibility and it’s my job to take care of them, for their life!” –Jamie M. Downey (Publisher) So why are people abandoning pets in epidemic proportions when they foreclosure on their home? How could these people leave their pets to die a slow, miserable death of starvation and dehydration in an empty

62 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

house with no food or water? Or discard their defenseless animals in a backyard tied up to a tree where they could be attacked or killed before they die of starvation? Or locked in a closet with no means of escape? Why? If you’re going to foreclose on your house, you have at least three to four months to figure out a game plan. That’s three to four months of saving some money since you’re not paying the mortgage and ample time to come up with a plan of action—a plan where you lose the house and keep the dog! Your dog is part of your family and you should consider every available option to keep your family together! There are many Web sites with tips for pet owners facing tough times or home foreclosure. Please log on today for helpful information: www.hsus.org

www.americanhumane.org www.aspca.org

• Cut costs. Your pet doesn’t need expensive toys, they need your love and attention more. They will be just as happy with a stick or a used tennis ball. • Consider pet health insurance to minimize the shock of an expensive bill from the veterinarian in case of an unexpected illness or injury. The American Dog magazine checklist: • Stay with family for a few months and bring your pets. Offer to do yardwork or housecleaning in exchange for rent. • If you have a job, find an apartment that accepts pets. • Save up $300-$500 for a pet deposit before you are forced to evacuate your home so you know you can keep your pet. • Consider being a roommate and splitting costs, check on craigslist. com for roommate ads, alot of people would love to have someone paying half their rent or mortgage, offer a small pet deposit to bring your pets.

The American Humane recommends: • Take your pet with you when you vacate your home or find them a safe place to stay (they will not survive if abandoned or set loose). • If you’re unable to keep your pets ask family, friends and coworkers if they will care for your pets while you relocate, ask your veterinarian if you can receive low-cost boarding for your pets or set up a payment plan for boarding costs while you relocate. • Check with local shelters or rescue groups to see if they will offer temporary housing for your pets at no cost or reduced costs until you can be reunited with your pets. The Humane Society of the United States recommends: • Plan ahead as much as possible to find pet-friendly rental housing. • Gather proof that you’re responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord.

• Offer a friend, co-worker, family member $100 a month to take care of your pet till you get back on your feet. That’s $3.33 a day to save your dog’s life. Give up the pack of smokes, Starbucks coffee or one beer after work. YOU can find a way to save $3-$4 a day if you really try! • There are many options out there if you figure it out now and don’t wait till the last minute. You wouldn’t dump your child off at an orphanage, so don’t dump your dog off at a shelter. It’s not the end of the world to lose your house, you can always get another one in the future, but it is the end of your pet’s life when you abandon him. Please find a way to keep your pet as a loving member of your family. Your dog would never leave you, your dog would give his life to save you, so figure out a way to save his life. He’s depending on you, don’t let your canine kids down—YOU do have the strength and fortitude to keep your family together in this time of crisis— YOU CAN DO IT, PLEASE TRY! And then look your dog in the eye and promise him that you will find a way to keep him safe. Just being with you makes him happy. He doesn’t need much—an old blanket, a used tennis ball, some food and your love!

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 63

HEALTHY DOGS EAT HEALTHY FOODS! Introduction by Jamie M. Downey

here are so many dog food companies on the market that produce really bad, sub-standard dog food loaded with nasty by-products and waste not fit for humans but are dumped into dog food (we won’t mention any names—there are too many).

These big conglomerates who have deep pockets and millions to spend on slick, misleading TV commercials and take out full page ads in dozens of magazines want you to believe that they produce the BEST dog food on the market! UGH!!! All you have to do is read their labels to learn the truth—then shop at the specialty pet boutiques that really do carry the most nutritious, natural, healthy, organic and freshest dog food on the market for your best friend! Instead of telling you WHO the shoddy, cheap, inferior dog food companies are…

WE WANT TO TELL YOU WHO THE REALLY GREAT DOG FOOD MANUFACTURERS ARE! All the dog food companies that advertise in The American Dog magazine have been personally invited to advertise by the publisher. We don’t let the second-rate companies advertise with us. In this issue we are going to showcase some of these high-quality, superior dog food companies and will let them tell you, the consumer, why your dog deserves to eat healthy foods just like you!

64 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

PURE KINDNESS green tripe pet food

www.tripett.com

www.petkind.com

NATURE’S LOGIC and Things you May Have Not Known About Pet Food Rather than take pet food marketing terms of “holistic” and “natural” as an immediate reason to buy a food, one should have an informed knowledge of what those words really mean and then apply them to their pet food choices. Holistic is whole-food nutrition and nothing else. All nutrients for the diet’s adequacy are solely derived from real food ingredients. The typical pet food is mainly food fractions from what was once a whole food that is then fortified with chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals and amino acids in order to make the final product meet some regulatory nutrient profile. In other words, these diets would not be adequate unless they use up to 20 or more chemical forms of vitamins, minerals and amino acids; most of which are manufactured in China. The American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has created a definition of the word natural that the pet industry is to adhere to in creating products. Natural is “a feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing … but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic …” How can pet foods contain chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals and amino acids and still be called natural? AAFCO has made an exception for these foods as long as the rest of the pet food formulation meets the natural definition and a disclaimer is used to inform the consumer that the vitamins, minerals and amino-acids are not natural. An example of this disclaimer found on packaging of natural foods with these added chemical forms of nutrients is, “Natural with added vitamins and minerals.” There is one and only one real holistic food line on the market that can claim all-natural without using the above disclaimer on its packaging. Nature’s Logic is made of nothing but natural whole foods and other all-natural ingredients and never adds any synthetic forms of nutrients. Nature’s Logic’s premise of deriving all required nutrients from whole food is substantiated by U. S. Cancer Institute and UK Health Department studies and by numerous other scientific, medical and nutritional organizations that encourage a varied diet of all-natural whole foods and discourage the supplementation of synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals, which are allowed by AAFCO in socalled natural pet foods. More information can be found about this truly holistic and allnatural line at www.natureslogic.com. Samples and literature can be requested by emailing info@natureslogic.com.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 65

EVANGER’S Made in the USA! Safety and Quality in Every Can With so many pet food options today where should you turn? As the country’s oldest natural dog food company, Evanger’s has been a trusted source for high-quality premium pet food for more than 70 years. All Evanger’s products are made in the United States, but that’s not all that makes them special. “We don’t use trends or buzz words to sell our products. We don’t cut corners on safety or quality yet we still remain an affordable source for premium pet food. Our recipes speak for themselves,” said Holly Sher, president of Evanger’s.

Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients Evanger’s starts preparation of its food with select cuts of naturally raised poultry, game or meat, and then they add fresh, wholesome ingredients like blueberries, carrots and peas to their awardwinning recipes. All the company’s dog and cat food recipes are free of artificial colors, flavors, salt or preservatives and the vegetables and fruits picked for Evanger’s are bought locally near their warehouse outside of Chicago from the same suppliers used for some of Chicago’s top four-star restaurants.

Dogs Can’t Resist Pet owners and vegetarians love Evanger’s because they provide high-quality, nutritious food offerings with a proven track record, but pets love the scrumptious taste combinations. Even the fussiest eaters can’t resist the flavorful natural game meat and fresh flavors in the company’s pet food. Evanger’s has a strong commitment to canine and feline health with their products including the latest nutritional research and innovations in the industry. They offer an extensive line of canned food including game meats, hand packed canned food and superpremium organic canned food for both cats and dogs.

New Treat Line Launched Evanger’s recently launched a new dog treat line, “Nothing But Natural Jerky Treats.” These mouth-watering, bite-size treats are mixed with fruits and vegetables and are available in four nutritious flavors: Organic Chicken, Natural Buffalo, Natural Pheasant and Natural Venison. Learn more about Evanger’s super premium dog food made in the USA by visiting the company’s Web site at: www.evangersdogfood. com or call 1(800) 288-6796 for a retailer nearest you.

66 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

NATURA Introduces Innova Flex™ for Flexible Feeding Options

Ground-breaking Stews Offer Optimal Nutrition in Three Ways In a ground-breaking announcement, Natura Pet Products, the world’s leading manufacturer of healthy pet food, recently unveiled Innova Flex, a canned dog and cat stew line-up. The new pet foods feature flexible feeding options to help pet parents and veterinarians alike provide optimal and balanced nutrition for their animal companions and patients. The beauty of Innova Flex is that it offers pet parents the flexibility to feed their companions in three ways—alone, mixed with a dry pet food formula or mixed with human food or home-made pet food. Every Innova Flex formula is nutrient enhanced by providing at least 125 percent of each essential nutrient’s required level on an energy basis that your best friend needs to stay healthy. “We now know that about 31 percent of dogs and 13 percent of cats are currently fed human leftovers or home-cooked pet foods on a daily basis as a treat or to increase nutrient intake. However, this can sometimes be counter-productive and lead to deficiencies in a pet’s diet. For example, adding a little extra chicken breast to commercial pet food can provide more essential nutrients like protein and amino acids, but if too much chicken breast is fed to your pet, they may be in danger of filling up only on the protein and becoming deficient in other necessary minerals and vitamins. The greatest challenge often is knowing what is too much,” said Sean Delaney, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of Natura Pet Products.

To address this challenge Natura has developed an exciting new nutritional concept to support Innova Flex—a sophisticated but easy-to-use feeding calculator which facilitates making appropriate recommendations about adding human food to a pet’s diet. Simple but robust, the Innova Flex feeding calculator features the ability to select from a variety of human food options in combination with Innova Flex and/or dry dog food varieties and the pet’s age, weight, and body condition. For more information visit: innovapet.com/flex. “The feeding calculator makes choosing the right foods in the right proportions easy. Based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritional statistics, the chart even goes as far in feeding options as a choice between broccoli whole, just stalks or simply florets,” said Delaney. “Innova Flex and its corresponding feeding calculator offer a truly innovative solution that encompasses a nutrient-dense diet. But before starting any new feeding program, you should always check with your veterinarian to ensure the best choice for your best friend’s health.”

About Natura Pet Products Founded 17 years ago by John and Ann Rademakers and Peter Atkins, Natura is recognized as the most trusted name behind the healthiest dog and cat food products in the world. Natura’s products are formulated, manufactured, and prepared to the highest standards of quality in the industry. Lines include: Innova, California Natural, EVO, HealthWise, Mother Nature, and Karma. For more information visit www.naturapet.com or call (800) 532-7261.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 67

CANIDAE Pet Foods Expands All Natural Pet Food Line with Grain Free and Beef Formulas CANIDAE Pet Foods is pleased to announce that its line of all natural holistic dog foods is expanding to meet the growing demands of pet owners who desire to feed their dogs a dry formula free of any grain products, and those who desire to feed their dogs a formula high in beef protein. San Luis Obispo, CA - CANIDAE Pet Foods, Inc. (www.canidae. com), manufacturer of all natural holistic pet foods that are fed and recommended by thousands of certified breeders and rescue organizations throughout North America, is expanding its line of all natural holistic dog foods to include two new grain-free formulas and one new beef formula. CANIDAE Grain Free All Life Stages Dry Dog Food Formula promotes a healthy meat focused canine diet by featuring humangrade Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Fish meals with added fresh Lamb Meat for increased palatability. This results in a formula free of grain products that is composed of 80 percent meat and 20 percent fruits and vegetables. Similarly, the new CANIDAE Grain Free Salmon Meal and Potatoes Dry Dog Food Formula gives pet owners the option of a high-quality grain free diet for their pets without compromising on quality. The Salmon and Potatoes formula uses salmon meal as the main protein source and results in the same 80 percent meat to 20 percent fruits and vegetables ratio as the Grain Free All Life Stages formula. "We talk to our customers constantly and what we have been hearing lately is a big demand for wholesome nutritious dog foods without the grains," said Jim Mantych, Director of Marketing for CANIDAE. "Some pet owners and veterinarians feel that a grain-free diet is more natural for a healthy dog. We decided to take all of our expertise in producing the finest all natural holistic pet foods on the market and

CANIDAE Beef and Oceanfish Meal Dry Formula

68 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

develop two great new grain-free formulas. It's a perfect fit for us. Our palatability testing confirms that dogs love both formulas." The introduction of the new CANIDAE Beef and Ocean Fish Meal Dry Dog Food Formula is in response to customers who asked for a formula high in beef and fish protein. As CANIDAE customers expect the very best wholesome nutrition for their pets, this beef and fish formula not only meets the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, it incorporates human grade USDA Choice Grade beef from a private herd in the Midwestern USA. These cattle graze free range and are hormone and antibiotic free. This formula features wholesome nutritional oatmeal and diversified carbohydrates to compliment the high degree of beef protein. All three new CANIDAE dry formula dog foods are naturally preserved herbal formulations that contain essential vitamins and amino acid chelated minerals, balanced omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, natural skin & coat conditioners, guaranteed viable micro-organisms, and guaranteed enzyme activity to help break down cellulose. As with all CANIDAE pet food products, these formulas have been tested to demonstrate superior digestibility and excellent palatability and are made the CANIDAE® way with superior quality: no corn, wheat, soy, grain fractions or fillers and naturally preserved.

About CANIDAE Pet Foods, Inc: Founded out of love for pets and animals, CANIDAE Pet Food, Inc. manufactures and distributes a complete line of healthy meat based, holistic all-natural dog food, cat food, and gourmet pet treats sold world wide through independent pet food retailers including over 6000 locations throughout the United States and Canada. For more information visit www.canidae.com.

CANIDAE Grain Free Salmon Dry Formula

CANIDAE Grain Free All Life Stages Dry Formula

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 69

Dr.’s Corner

Plates, Screws, Wires, Nails … This Ain’t Your Grandpa’s Toolbox By Todd Riecks, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons Colorado Canine Orthopedics at the Veterinary Specialty Center

f all the pet owners out there, there are very few of us that thought of unplanned medical events at the time we purchased/adopted our pet. Such events can range from serious systemic illness, to cancer, to trauma-induced crisis. This article focuses on trauma and, more specifically, the broken bones that can result. There are many other serious issues that can occur concurrently from trauma, though they are assumed to be noncritical for the purposes of this discussion. Enter the world of orthopedic surgery—surgery that deals with the skeletal system and its associated muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. The good news is that orthopedic surgical procedures yield some of the most rewarding results in veterinary medicine. Today’s advances in veterinary research and practice have made concerns such as anesthesia and pain control, minimal. Trauma as a cause for most fractures does happen at variable degrees. It can be as dramatic as a motor vehicle accident or gun shot wound, or something as simple as jumping off the couch. The key is that a column of bone is acted upon by an abnormal force that causes failure of its anatomical integrity. The goal of repair is to immobilize the fracture with various implant choices allowing return of limb function. With this ultimate goal in mind, choice of repair depends on numerous factors, and includes, but is not limited to the following: location of fracture, fracture configuration, breed of animal, age, temperament, instrumentation, owner compliance, financial constraints and concomitant injuries. Reduction (apposition and alignment) and immobilization of major fracture fragments is critical for healing to proceed. The ideal toolbox would contain all of the following choices for fracture repair: a variety of bone plates, intramedullary pins, wire and interlocking nails, external fixation system (linear and ring with motors), screws/washers, drills and pneumatic saws. Indeed, it sounds like we could build the Taj Majal, and carpentry experience does help with operating many of the tools. Important point: although many different approaches to the same fracture can be employed, there is usually an ideal repair, very dependent on having the right tools and knowing how to use them. After the surgery has been completed, it now becomes the owner’s responsibility to play a large role in ensuring success. The following is an example of standard postoperative fracture repair instructions: “Strict rest for 8 weeks – outside on leash only for the purposes of urinations/bowel movements only, no running/jumping/playing and confinement to cage/crate/small room when unable to be supervised.” We orthopedic surgeons do understand that this is a tall order for a 2-year-old, happy, too-active Labrador; however, following these instructions is imperative for successful healing, since the role of

70 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Interlocking Intramedullary Nail and Cerclage Wire

orthopedic implants is for “temporary immobilization.” Appreciate what happens when one repeatedly bends a wire hanger back and forth at the same spot, it eventually breaks. The same cyclical stress and other stresses are placed on implants during the healing process and there is a risk of implant failure or breakage prior to complete union of bone. However, this risk is low and minimized when there is complete owner compliance with instructions. If you do find yourself in a trauma situation with Severely comminuted mid-diaphyseal your beloved pet, keep in tibia/fibula fracture mind the ultimate result is most often successful, though strict rehabilitation guidelines will be ordered. Remember, from “Buddy’s” point of view, once he catches his first ball following the rehabilitation period all of the previous eight weeks will be forgotten. Colorado Canine Orthopedics 5520 North Nevada Ave., Ste. 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 264-6666 www.CanineOrtho.com

Dr. Todd Riecks

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 71

CANIDAE_Halfpg_Dog ad REV:Badger_Half

4/30/07

2:57 PM

Page 1

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Visit www.canidae.com to locate a retailer near you.

72 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

CANIDAE® Pet Foods – Goes Beyond Just Feeding Your Pet.™

Dr.’s Corner

Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies: Is your dog at risk?

Photo courtesy of Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

Submitted by Elizabeth Ashbaugh, DVM Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital www.wheatridgeanimal.com

oes your dog like to chew on rocks or socks? Does it rummage through the trash or laundry hamper? If so, your pooch may be a prime candidate for a gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body! A GI foreign body is any non-food item ingested by animals that could potentially cause blockage of the stomach and/or the small intestines. Examples of GI foreign bodies include toys, string, balls, plastic or articles of clothing. Some smaller foreign bodies may pass through the intestines just as food would; however, if the material gets stuck, a blockage (obstruction) will occur. This will cause a variety of clinical symptoms including vomiting, an unwillingness to eat, abdominal pain and sometimes diarrhea. Other symptoms may include lethargy and depression, drooling and a reluctance to move due to pain. If you suspect that your dog has eaten something abnormal or shows any of the previously mentioned symptoms, you should seek veterinary care for your pet. The veterinarian will initially perform a comprehensive physical exam and may recommend x-rays of the abdomen to look for visual evidence of the foreign material or abnormal gas patterns within the intestines. Blood work is usually recommended to look for evidence of dehydration or concurrent disease processes and in many cases an abdominal ultrasound is needed to confirm the presence of a foreign body. If a GI foreign body is diagnosed, your pet will probably need surgery to remove it. Your dog may need to be stabilized first with intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. In surgery, every abdominal organ is examined, with special focus on the stomach and intestines. One or more incisions into the bowel may be necessary to remove the foreign object(s) and in cases where the intestines have been damaged, portions may need to be removed. One of the more serious gastrointestinal foreign bodies is called a linear foreign body. It usually consists of material such as string, fishing line, yarn and cloth. When a portion of the linear material becomes stuck early in the gastrointestinal tract, usually the stomach, the remaining material exits the stomach and moves into the GI tract. Subsequently, the normal movement of the intestinal muscles results in bunching of the small intestines around the obstruction causing them to look like an accordion. A linear foreign body has the potential to cause severe damage including laceration or perforation of the intestines, which is very dangerous, as it leads to leakage of intestinal contents into the

A metal bottle cap in the stomach of a dog.

abdomen. This complication can be life threatening and requires very aggressive and intensive therapy, both before and after surgery. Typically, in non-complicated situations, one to two days after surgery your pet is ready to go home with pain medication and/or antibiotics. Your dog will need to refrain from strenuous activity for 10-14 days following the surgery so the incisions can heal properly. Preventing access to potential GI foreign bodies is the smartest thing a pet owner can do. Most importantly, keep pets away from non-food objects they can swallow and if they rip up their toys, the remnants should be thrown away. Do not allow them to play with socks, toys or clothing that can be easily swallowed. In some cases crate training is an excellent option to help protect your dog from getting into trouble while you are gone from the house or at night while you are sleeping. In summary, GI foreign bodies can be a serious and life threatening problem for dogs. Prevention is the best thing you can do for your pet. However, if they do ingest something, early recognition of clinical signs and with appropriate intervention, your furry friend should do well and live a long happy life.

About the Author Dr. Elizabeth Ashbaugh, DMV attended The University of Texas in Austin where she studied music and chemistry. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2006. She is currently an Emergency and Critical Care Resident at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital. Her professional interests include surgery, oncology and geriatric medicine.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 73

Dr.’s Corner

CRITTERS THAT CAN BITE

OR STING

YOUR DOG By Dr. Jeff Steen Medical Director Alameda East Veterinary Hospital www.alamedaeast.com

ogs, by nature, are curious about the world around them. That often leads to encounters with critters that can defend themselves with a painful bite or sting. In this article we will discuss some of the more common bites and stings that occur and what you should know about risks, symptoms, treatment and prevention. BEES, WASPS AND HORNETS Dogs are most often stung on the face by flying insects as they chase or try to eat them. Bites from flying insects are painful, may cause local redness and swelling and generally resolve on their own. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to a sting, which can compound things from a medical perspective. These reactions vary from mild to severe. In rare instances they may be life-threatening. Most reactions include swelling at the site of the sting, development of hives and swelling around the lips, eyes and ears. The swelling usually occurs rapidly within minutes of the sting and severe itchiness around the face and ears is common. Most dogs with this type of reaction can be easily treated with antihistamines and steroids with no long-term effects. Some reactions can be more severe with breathing difficulty, weakness, collapse and possibly death. Luckily, this type of reaction is rare.

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SPIDERS Spider bites are uncommon. The two spiders that can inflict the most harm are the black widow and the brown recluse. Black widows are ½ to 1 inch in length, are Brown Recluse Spider shiny black and have a red hourglass shaped mark on the abdomen. They are non-aggressive and rarely bite unless provoked. Black widows secrete a nerve toxin that can be deadly, especially in small dogs. Signs of toxicity develop soon after a bite and include pain, muscle tremors, paralysis and death. Treatment is generally supportive, although there is a human antivenin available. Brown recluse spiders are ½- to 2-inches long, are brown to buckskin in color and have a distinct fiddle-shaped mark on their backs. Like the black widow, they are non-aggressive and most bites occur when they are provoked or unintentionally disturbed. Brown recluse bites cause damage by destroying the tissues around the bite. Clinical signs include pain and swelling with a central area of dead tissue.

Photos courtesy of Alameda East Veterinary Hospital.

The skin around the bite may slough or ulcerate. Treatment is aimed at preventing infection, treating pain and cleaning the wound. Prognosis is excellent, with most dogs recovering in a few days. SNAKES There are many species of snakes. Almost all are considered harmless, but in Colorado two are poisonous—the Massasauga rattlesnake and the Western rattlesnake. The Massasauga is a small rattlesnake found in southeastern Colorado below 5,500 feet in elevation. Due to the low-population density in this area Massasauga encounters with dogs are rare. There are two subspecies of Western rattlesnakes in Colorado—the Midget Faded rattlesnake and the Prairie rattlesnake. The Midget Faded rattlesnake is small (up to 26 inches) and is primarily seen in western Colorado. The Prairie rattlesnake is larger (up to 48 inches) and is seen all along the Front Range up to 7,500 feet in elevation.

Actual snake bite patient from a small rattlesnake.

Unfortunately, Prairie rattlesnake bites are very common along the front range of Colorado due to the high population density, the number of rattlesnakes present and the active lifestyles of many dogloving Coloradans. Most dogs are bitten on the face or, less commonly, the leg. The severity of the bite varies tremendously depending on the size of the snake, the age of the snake and the amount of venom injected. Some rattlesnake bites are “dry” bites where no venom is transferred. Other bites transfer lethal amounts of venom. Prairie rattlesnakes hibernate from October to May, so almost all bites are seen in late spring and summer. Signs of a rattlesnake bite include fang marks with oozing blood, rapid swelling at the site of the bite, intense pain and signs of shock such as weakness, rapid heart rate, pale gums and collapse. If your dog is bitten by a Prairie rattlesnake it should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not apply tourniquets as this will affect circulation and may results in serious tissue damage. Also do not try to suck out the toxin. The best thing to do is keep your dog quiet and seek veterinary care as quickly as possible. Treatment for rattlesnake envenomation includes pain control, supportive care with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and monitoring for complications. Human antivenin is available and may have beneficial effects but can be very expensive, especially in large dogs. Most dogs recover after several days of hospitalization. There is a rattlesnake vaccine available. This vaccine, made by Red Rock Biologicals, is designed for protection from the Western Diamondback rattlesnake. The manufacturer claims there is partial cross protection against the Prairie rattlesnake, but at present the exact effectiveness of this vaccine is unknown. SQUIRRELS, RACCOONS AND SKUNKS Dogs are often bitten by other mammals including squirrels, raccoons and skunks. For the most part, the greatest risk from these bites is the tissue damage done by the bite and the risk of bacterial infection. Most

of these bites are treated by thoroughly cleaning the wounds and using antibiotics and pain medications. Skunks pose a far greater danger because of the potential for spreading rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral infection spread through the saliva of infected animals. Due to the potential for human exposure and death, rabies should be taken very seriously. Last year rabid skunks were found in Prowers, Washington and Las Animas counties in eastern Colorado. So far this year there have been rabid skunks found in Kit Carson, Yuma, Adams, Arapahoe and Kiowa counties. Two cases involved skunks attacking dogs. Recent data suggest rabid skunks are present along all of eastern Colorado and are moving westward. This is alarming since the only endemic host of rabies in Colorado for the past 30 years have been bats. Skunks pose a much greater risk for transmission of this deadly disease to dogs and people since dog-skunk confrontations are much more common than dog-bat confrontations. Make sure your dog is up to date on rabies vaccination and keep them on a leash when in areas that skunks may be present. Never approach wildlife and report any suspicious wildlife behavior to the Division of Wildlife.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 75

Training

Home Security Alarm

YOUR DOG!

Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their home and family By Brett Titus Denver Police SWAT K9 Handler

s most of us know, pet ownership is a huge responsibility. It is very rewarding, but does take some work. When it comes to owning a personal protection dog, you reach a whole new level of responsibility. Of the hundreds of dogs I have trained over the years, I have only trained a handful of personal protection dogs, largely due to the fact that the need for such an animal is rare. It also takes a special dog to complete the advanced training required and few people are willing to put the time and effort into the training. If the need is there, and the owner can put in the hard work and accept responsibility, a good personal protection dog is quite a comfort. Almost all dogs have a natural will to protect and guard. Simply owning a dog can reduce the risk of certain crimes, such as burglary. Most burglars will skip the house with the barking dog, even if it’s only a Min-Pin. The noise alone, not necessarily the size of the dog, will

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detour most criminals. Dogs can have a great understanding of what belongs to them—whether it is your home, yard or even your car, most will want to guard it. They also know the members of the pack—in other terms, your family. Both wild dogs and domesticated pets have a natural instinct to protect pack members. In the world of canine training, I separate guard and protect. The word “guard” applies to objects or territory, and protection for pack members, which not only applies to human pack members, but also animals. Yes, even the cat! Taking the steps toward owning a protection dog should be wellresearched and should be taken slowly. Not all dogs have the natural desire to handle such a task and without desire from the dog, training can be detrimental. Finding the proper dog is the key. Some breeds have a higher probability of success as a protection dog. It is also important to find a worthy trainer. There is far more to a

protection dog than teaching the dog to bite. I recommend that a welltrained protection dog should have five times more obedience training then bite training. A protection dog needs the best control possible. Good consistent maintenance training must be continued until the dog’s retirement. A good protection dog trainer should not only teach a dog to bite but also educate the owner on a variety of other issues including control, liability, owner and family safety and public safety. The trainer should provide intelligent insight on a plan of action, should your protection dog need to respond to a threat. There are dozens of things for a protection dog owner to think about, including training themselves to help ensure their safety. Once you have taught your dog to bite, I truly believe it no longer falls into the category of a “pet;” your dog now becomes a tool. You will still treat your dog as a pet, doing what every other good pet owner does: love them, nurture them and play with them. Yet, the rest of the world is off-limits to your special tool. There is no benefit for your dog to socialize with anyone outside of your pack. Family members and friends that are frequent visitors can be socialized with your dog, in certain circumstances. Know who is around your protection dog at all times. Every state, city and county has different laws in place on dog bites. Before you make any decisions on owning a protection dog, research the laws in your area, as civil action against dog owners is important to understand for personal protection dog owners. I also suggest looking into supplemental liability insurance.

Summary: This 2005 Colorado law makes a dog owner strictly liable for dog bites only if the victim of the bite suffers serious bodily injury or death from being bitten by a dog while lawfully on public or private property regardless of the viciousness or dangerous propensities of the dog or the dog owner’s knowledge or lack of knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or dangerous propensities. Further, the victim is entitled to recover only economic damages (as opposed to noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, inconvenience, etc.) in a civil suit against the dog owner. Also, the statute provides that an owner is not liable where the victim is unlawfully on public or private property; where the victim is on the owner’s property and then the property is clearly and conspicuously marked with one or more posted signs stating “no trespassing” or “beware of dog”; where the victim has clearly provoked the dog; where the victim is a veterinary health care worker, dog groomer, humane agency staff person, professional dog handler, trainer, or dog show judge acting in the performance of his or her respective duties; or where the dog is working as a hunting dog, herding dog, farm or ranch dog, or predator control dog on the property of or under the control of the dog’s owner. In my more than 10 years as a police canine handler, I have experienced time and time again how a well-trained dog can deter crime and save lives. But the key is “well-trained.” Do your research; know what you are getting into, train smart and most of all think safety.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 77

Training

Steps to a

By Mike Wombacher

Childproof Dog

ere’s a sobering statistic: 80 percent of dog bites happen to children under five and 80 percent of those bites are directly in the face. Ouch! Considering that dogs have, as I like to say, worked their way from the backyard to the bedroom in the last 50 years, participating and playing an ever-greater role in every aspect of our lives, including those containing children, this is a situation in sore need of redress. That being the case, let’s take a quick look at some helpful exercises you can do with your dog to safeguard his or her interactions with children.

First and foremost, ensure that your dog is well-trained and respects you as its leader. That doesn’t mean you need to be a bully or that you need to “show him who’s boss,” but it does mean that your dog should be in the habit of looking to you for direction before making important decisions and in uncertain situations. This way you’ll be able to guide your dog into new and novel circumstances, including those involving children. Second, teach your dog to accept childlike handling and never—no matter what—to bite or even mouth gently in response to being touched. This can include holding the puppy in your arms without allowing him to struggle, giving him a body examination while doing so, “hazing” him by batting him around, pulling an ear, a tail, poking his side, all in an upbeat tone and with the presence of lavish treats. Any biting should be immediately and sharply reprimanded, as the dog must learn that humans may occasionally handle them a bit roughly, but that biting is still off limits. If you have an older dog that has never done such exercises, all the same rules basically apply, except that you want to take a bit more time to ease them into it. You can definitely teach an old dog new tricks; sometimes it just takes a little longer.

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Also, have as many kids as you can ask your dog to do commands such as sit, down and whatever else you’ve taught them in exchange for treats, all the while keeping the whole experience positive. If your dog refuses a command, gently, but firmly, demand the behavior, teaching him that children carry at least some measure of your authority. Along the same lines, to the degree that your dog enjoys games such as fetch or favorite tricks, have children play games and practice tricks with your dog. Teach your dog never to jump up on anyone, including children. There are a million ways to keep a dog from jumping: a spritz on the nose with a water bottle or a taste deterrent such as Binaca or even Bitter Apple spray; standing on the leash when the dog jumps up so that he gives himself a small correction; turning your back on the dog every time he jumps up and bending over to pet him only once he keeps all fours on the ground, etc. I reiterate that to the degree that your dog respects you as leader—a position earned through consistent, kind training and the willingness to provide structure, guidance and authority—to that same degree will you be able to help your dog understand how to behave in novel and challenging situations. Mike Wombacher is a 20-year veteran dog trainer and behavior modification expert.

For more information visit www.doggonegood.com and check out his latest book, There’s a Puppy in the House.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 79

Want to Help Homeless Dogs in Your Community? Join animal advocates from around the country for the

No More Homeless Pets National Conference October 24–26, 2008

Alexis Park

Las Vegas

At the conference, learn how to: • Help Pit Bulls • Build membership and

raise funds you need

• Place “unadoptable”

animals

• Put puppy mills

out of business

With a focus on both tried and true lifesaving programs as well as exciting, cutting edge approaches in grassroots animal welfare, this is one event you can’t afford to miss! And this is one instance where what happens in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas… you’ll walk away raring to go, and well-equipped to help homeless pets in your own community.

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NoMoreHomelessPetsConference.org 435-644-2001 ext. 4478

Training

Minding Your Canine MANNERS Submitted by Tenderfoot Training www.tenderfootttraining.com

The dog’s person should allow the dog to sniff your leg, allowing the dog to approach you on their terms. After the dog has sniffed you for a second, calmly bend forward and confidently reach to stroke the side of the dogs face (a neutral position) for two seconds and then disengage. Repeat the petting for five seconds and disengage again. Repeat and pet longer each time as the dog shows it is able to handle it. Each time you pet the dog it is learning that you aren’t there to

ou probably know someone who has approached a dog, held their hand in front of the dog’s face as a means of introduction and then were bit.

Bending over to extend a hand can make some dogs nervous and reactive—they don’t always understand the person’s intentions— and pausing with a hand to let them sniff is recognized as a lack of confidence on the person’s part and can be unwelcome pressure to the dog. Just like a person getting into your face—it is bad manners. When you greet a dog, you should first ask the person with the dog if the dog is good with greetings. Most people will say yes, although some will warn you off and when that happens, heed the warning. Many of our clients come to us with terrible stories of “I told them not to go near him and they did it anyway, and then he bit them!” Though the person was at fault for pressuring the dog, the dog is the one who gets blamed. Well-socialized dogs enjoy greetings, a person can approach them at full tilt and the dog will be cool, but there are also ill-mannered dogs who act out of fear and insecurity, requiring people to have a certain level of awareness and sensitivity when greeting. Everyone needs to pay better attention to their manners when greeting an unfamiliar dog. The ideal approach to an unfamiliar dog would look like this: slowly walk 5-10 feet to the side of the dog without looking at the dog directly, stand beside the dog about 5-10 feet away to create less pressure, then step sideways toward the dog to about 2 feet away; when the dog relaxes, step closer.

hurt them and that it feels good. Each time you disengage you are helping the dog to relax and process what just happened—things that happen in repetition desensitize the dog to the experience, and you are teaching the dog to remain calm for greetings. It is always important to think about your responsibility when interacting with dogs. Dogs are perfect mirrors to the energy around them, and people need to remember to mind their canine. M – Have a confident and calm Mental attitude. A – Approach to the side and stand beside the dog. N – Don’t make sudden or energized Noises. N – Don’t stick your face/hand in the dog Nose. E – Avoid strong Eye contact. R – Be Respectful to the dog and its person. S – Be Sensitive to the dog’s body language and be aware of your own body language. Known as the Colorado Dog Whisperers, Doug & Elizabeth Simpson run Tenderfoot Training from their ranch in the Boulder, CO foothills. Their training methods are based on natural communication, without the use of devices. Tenderfoot teaches you how to form a balanced relationship based on love, trust and respect, and have wonderful drills for creating just that. Their wonderful and incredibly informative DVD, ‘Love Them & Lead Them’, can be found on their Web site at www.tenderfoottraining.com.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 81

Health

Easy Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Health Submitted by Sheila Fuller Owner of For Paws Bakery

eed your canine companion a healthy diet: Educate yourself regarding pet treats and food. Feed quality foods in appropriate amounts. Canned food is not “spoiling your dog” and in most cases can be a much healthier choice. Quantity does not make up for quality. Choose a pet food made with quality ingredients and high in meat protein. Remember; when it comes to pet food you really do get what you pay for. You wouldn’t skimp when it comes to proper feeding of your two legged children, so don’t do it here. A healthy diet is key to every aspect of your pet’s health. PROPER DENTAL CARE: Just like you, your friend with paws needs regular dental care. Regular brushing is essential to good dental health; 80 percent of dogs have periodontal gum disease by age 3. It has been called the "silent killer" of pets as the bacteria can get into the bloodstream, leading to infection and damage to the kidneys, lungs, heart or liver. Proper care of your pet's teeth and gums can actually extend their life by two to five years. Regardless of what you may have been told Kibble does not clean your dog’s teeth. Regular checkups are a must. Look into the possibility of anesthesia-free teeth cleaning when possible to keep up with regular dental care, but do the proper research and ensure it is done by an experienced professional. PROPER WEIGHT CONTROL: Help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight. An overweight pet has a shorter life expectancy and a decreased quality of life. Proper exercise is not only enjoyable for you and your pet but also necessary for its physical and mental health. Make an exercise routine part of his life as well as your own. Remember the old adage you are what you eat, if Fido is looking a little too “fluffy” maybe it is time to look over that pet food label again. Are

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Photo by Marcia Lawrence

there fractionated grains or fillers? That isn’t going to reduce anyone’s waistline! If diet and exercise are not to blame, a visit to the vet may be in order to rule out any possible medical concerns. REGULAR GROOMING: While this may seem to be a cosmetic issue, regular grooming helps keep your pet looking and feeling its best. Regular brushing will help evenly distribute your pet’s natural body oils and alleviate any potential matting. Matting is painful at best and hiding places for parasites or wounds at worst. Toenails should be kept trimmed to avoid breaks and painful overgrowths. You can use grooming time to bond with your pet or leave it to the professionals, but it is part of your commitment to your friend’s health and well-being. SPAY OR NEUTER: This is the single most responsible decision you can make for your canine companion. Spayed and neutered animals live longer, healthier lives. This single decision reduces the risk of several forms of cancer. Your pet will also be less likely to roam or mark territory. With 70,000 puppies and kittens born every day in the United States and an animal euthanized in a shelter in the US every 1.5 seconds, spaying and neutering your pets is not just good for their health, it is what responsible animal lovers do.

for more information For Paws Bakery & Pet Spa 17051 Lincoln Ave., Ste. K Parker, CO 80134 (303) 840-5999 www.ForPawsBakery.net

Health

Selecting a

DOG FOOD

By Dr. Sean Delaney

ew decisions have as great and lasting effect on your dog’s health as how and what you feed every day. Almost all of today’s dogs are fed commercially-prepared pet food so that will be our focus, but a future column will discuss the feeding of human food and home-prepared dog food. Commercial dog food selection criteria are many, but the most important is how the food performs in your particular dog. Keeping your dog lean throughout life has been proven to delay the onset of a very common and painful ailment like osteoarthritis and can lengthen your dog’s life by almost two years, so the No. 1 criterion for selecting a dog food is whether it can help your dog maintain an ideal body condition. Although a dog’s weight is related largely to how much you feed, dog food manufacturers can help you manage your dog’s waistline by providing calorie content information, feeding guidelines based on body condition and interactive online feeding calculators. In addition, many companies produce low-fat or reduced-calorie foods, and some manufacturers make low carbohydrate foods, which may facilitate weight management. Other performance indicators that may attest to a product’s quality and its success in your dog are its willingness to eat the food (as a way to perceive enjoyment), its coat appearance and the consistency of its feces. The likelihood that your pet will do well on a food centers around the capabilities and approach of the pet food manufacturer. The best companies control their own manufacturing and have knowledgeable nutritionist and veterinarian employees. They also have their own humane facilities to constantly monitor and improve their food’s performance, relying on feedback from their “four-legged” employees. Beyond technical capabilities, great companies provide easy access to their resources with toll-free numbers, in-depth Web sites, media outreach and publication of their research efforts to increase collective knowledge about canine nutrition.

food allergies and skin problems or needs for dogs of different sizes and at different life stages. To finalize the list of options to try, speak with your local retailer, your veterinarian and your dog-loving friends. Exceptional companies often have built wonderful “word-of-mouth” reputations with these folks whose dogs are fed, treated and loved so well. I wish all readers of this column success in finding the healthiest dog food for their furry friends. Healthy living and happy eating! To learn more about how pet food is made, tune into podcast. naturapet.com and listen to Dr. Delaney and special guest nutritionist, Kari Liu, discuss the topic. It’s an informative—and fun—way to learn about the pet food manufacturing process from the people who know it best.

About the Author Sean Delaney, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of Natura Pet Products, manufacturer of EVO, California Natural, Innova, Karma, HealthWise and Mother Nature natural pet foods and treats. For more information on Natura dog food visit their Web site at: www.naturapet.com.

Many companies have “star” products and a few have entire brands that are stellar. Not surprisingly, superior products are made with the best ingredients that are naturally full of essential nutrients. Thus, premium foods have higher amounts of meats and healthful fats rich in protein, amino acids and fatty acids. Other nutritious ingredients to optimize health include fruits, vegetables and components with antioxidant properties; in addition ingredients may be added to address specific health needs,

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 83

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84 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Supplements

DOGS need their vitamins, too! Submitted by Michael Durkin Co-Owner of Wag Your Tail

In the past 10 years, while running a holistic, natural remedy and grooming store, I have come across a myriad amount of dogs suffering from arthritis problems. Early on, we worked with Dr. Julie Mayer who performed acupuncture and chiropractic treatments in our Wag Your Tail store in the evenings and these sessions would help alleviate a dog’s suffering tremendously. We also used this treatment on our own dogs and found that by adding supplements to their diet it increased their mobility by leaps and bounds. One of the best nutritional products on the market today that we have used and have sold in our store for the past 10 years is called “Biovet.” This product contains sprouts, beta carotene, vitamin C and E, selenium and desiccated liver power, of which dogs love the taste. The iso sprout plex blend offers a unique, raw, whole enzymerich food, which nourishes the joints by improving free radical fluid levels making the joints more mobile. We have seen hundreds of dogs benefit greatly from this product in as little as three weeks. As an added benefit we also offer a product manufactured by Veterinarians Best called “Hip and Joint,” containing glucosamine HCI, boswellra, yucca and cotye mystolate. These ingredients are in a chewable wafer and work in harmony with the Biovet supplement for dogs to eliminate chronic pain, stiffness, inflamed joints and tendons. Yucca and boswellra reduce inflammation in many ways, notably opening constricted blood vessels and improving nutrient-rich blood flow in inflamed areas. Glucosamine can actually help rebuild damaged connective tissue and cartilage and is usually well-tolerated by the stomach.

has shown no signs of slowing down—if it was not for her graying mask you would not be able to guess her age or that she survived breast cancer at the age of two.

Due to the improvement we have seen in dogs I love recommending these two products to my four-legged clients when they come in with any kind of sore joints and arthritis. I do always stress for dog parents to check with their veterinarians before adding any new products to their dog’s diet. I also advise feeding a good, all-natural diet and having your dog get plenty of regular exercise, in conjunction with these products.

Wag Your Tail 6803 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL (773) 202-0391

We use these supplements daily with our own dogs, all of whom are more than 100 lbs.; the eldest is a 10-year-old Great Dane named Chompers, who has taken the supplements for many years now and

Adding a few healthy vitamins and supplements to your dog’s daily routine can make them happier and healthier for many years to come. We will offer a free sample of Biovet for a limited time and while supplies last.

or our second location at: Wag Your Tail 888 Hillside Antioch, IL 60012 (847) 395-2968

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Hygiene Photo by Dr. Barbara Royal

Taking Care of Your Dog’s TEETH! Dental tartar and dental disease in a dog? Submitted by Barbara Royal, DVM

Lilly, the Boxer, showing off her pearly whites.

Dental disease can contribute to serious health problems for dogs. These include heart and lung disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, leukemia, cancers, abscesses and gum disease. So, clearly it’s not just about a pretty smile or a clean bite. Dental care is important to systemic health. Many pet owners are nervous about doing a dental cleaning because of the risks of anesthesia, this is a valid issue; however, many animals need to have the full anesthetic procedure to properly clean the teeth under the gums and to do extractions and/or treat cavities, when necessary. But it is possible, with a proper assessment and a good temperament (both animal and dental technician), to chip off tartar and polish teeth while they the dog is awake. It is not as thorough, but it is often very helpful. There is always the risk of chipping off tartar and finding something more sinister below, requiring anesthesia to repair or remove, but if you have a good exam and are prepared for that risk, it can be worth it to try. Keeping teeth clean and healthy can be affected by genetics. Not every dog is born with a perfect set of teeth or an even bite. Many dogs are also born with a tendency to harbor bacteria that is more prone to produce tartar and there’s not much that can be done about that. Still, there are things you can do to avoid a dental cleaning. DIET Dry food is not, by nature, better for the teeth; it does not “chip off tartar,” as is commonly believed. In fact, many dry foods contribute to tartar production by sticking very nicely on the teeth. As the dogs don’t floss after meals the tartar builds. Oddly, it is often easier for animals to lick canned foods off their teeth. Foods and treats that have fewer carbohydrates in general are best for teeth, so avoid wheat, corn, soy and peanut butter. PREVENTION You can brush, or you can let your dog “brush.” If your pet won’t tolerate a toothbrush, try just a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and put flavored dog toothpaste—but not human toothpaste— it can be toxic to pets—or a paste of baking soda and water on it. With the gauze around your finger, rub gently on the outside surfaces of the

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Tooth model with tartar

largest teeth. If you can just get those done 2-3 times a week, you can make a huge difference in tartar buildup. Another option is offering a raw marrowbone or knucklebone and let them gnaw on it. Good quality raw bones don’t splinter like cooked ones and are safer for the GI tract; many dogs tolerate this well. Chewing them can be messy, so it is best to do it outside or in an easily cleanable area. Once they’ve chewed on it awhile, I usually throw it out so they don’t swallow any large pieces. If you have young children at home, you may not want to use raw bones. And if possible, check their teeth regularly so they are used to your hands in their mouth. Get to know what’s normal so you can alert your vet if something looks odd … but remember, they may be grinning at you oddly because they think it’s funny that they’ve trained you to brush their teeth.

For more information or to contact Dr. Barbara Royal The Royal Treatment Veterinary Spa 4130 N. Rockwell Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 267-9966 www.royaltreatmentvetspa.com

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Do you have a dog that is a finicky eater? Maybe a dog with a sensitive stomach, or sensitive teeth? Here is the perfect treat!

Dog’s can’t resist these freeze dried chicken morsels!

Mouthfuls, Inc. (877) PETS-956 Available at many fine retailers including Noah’s Ark Pet Supply in Winnetka. Or order online!

www.mouthfuls.net The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 87

Socialization

Teach Children to Respect

Dogs Submitted by Judy Gee Owner of Doggie Pause www.doggiepause.com

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. It is arguable that nearly all of the bites could have been prevented—by the human. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL Over half of all bite victims are under the age of 13, according to the Center for Disease Control. Parents should know to never, under any circumstances leave a very young child alone with any dog. Why? She’s a nice dog; wouldn’t hurt a fly! Maybe not, but a child is especially at risk if they have not yet learned how to “be” around dogs: • Don’t approach a dog you don’t know. Dogs who have had little exposure to young children may not understand what they are. They smell different from adults, they sound different and they move in a different manner. • Ask before petting any dog. Children (all people, for that matter) need to understand that such common human actions as facing someone straight-on, bending forward to greet and looking directly into a person’s eyes, can be interpreted as threats to dogs. While many dogs have learned that humans just do things that way, why take the risk?

• If you are approached by a dog, stand still and turn your head to the side. Don’t look directly at the dog. The dog will likely do no more than sniff at you, then go on her way. Screaming, waving your arms and running make an attack more likely.

• When petting, reach toward the dog slowly. Dogs are most comfortable, especially with strangers, in being pet on the chest and shoulders first. Stroke slowly, don’t pat the dog and if the dog turns his head away, don’t push it. He’s telling you he’s not comfortable and you should leave him alone.

• Spay or neuter your dog; they’re less likely to become a biter.

• Don’t approach a dog who is eating, sleeping, playing with a toy or who has puppies. And never approach a dog that is tied up, statistics (CDC, again) show that a tethered dog is nearly three times more likely to bite. • No hugs! Kids often want to show affection in this manner but again, although it is natural for humans, it is not for dogs. • Don’t allow young children to pick up small dogs or puppies. Small breeds may show objection by biting, and even those little teeth can do real damage. And both small breeds and puppies can be seriously injured by being dropped. • Always be kind—to all animals. No hitting, kicking, poking eyes or pulling tails. No chasing or teasing. If you don’t teach your child not to do these things, some dog may try to!

DOG OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take your dog to obedience classes to learn basic commands. (In my opinion, the most useful command of all is “leave it.” It can be used for anything from “don’t chase that that squirrel” to “drop that chicken bone.”) • Socialize early, and keep it up. The more experiences a dog has before the age of 4 months, with various types of people and other animals in various settings, the less likely they are to be flummoxed by an unfamiliar situation later on. • Exposure to polite children is mandatory! If you have none of your own, or in your neighborhood, take pup to a schoolyard or playground. Be sure experiences are positive for kids and your dog, and use the opportunity to teach the children, as well as the dog, how to interact. • If you have a dog that is not trustworthy around other dogs or people, find a good trainer to help you. Meanwhile, manage the situation by keeping the dog out of circumstances where he may get into trouble. Remember that you will be held responsible—morally and legally—for your dog’s behavior.

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Rehab Photo by Jamie M. Downey

The Dog’s Knee:

Cranial Cruciate Tears Submitted by Marty Pease, MSPT, CCRP Canine Rehab & Conditioning Group www.dog-swim.com

Knee (stifle) dysfunctions in dogs are becoming more and more common, and while most problems are genetic, traumatic injuries can occur. If your dog is limping, it’s important to see your veterinarian. One of the most common problems is a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear (the equivalent of the human ACL tear)—the ligament provides stability between the tibia and femur, preventing the femur from moving backward on the tibia. In humans, the top of the tibia is flat; therefore, it takes an outside external hyperextension force to tear the ACL. In a dog, the back half of the tibia is on a tilt where the femur sits, this puts the ligament under continuous stress when the dog is on its feet. The ligament tends to microtear over time until a final blow tears it completely. Often the basic problem is congenital in how the tibia is shaped and if a dog has this problem, there is a 50 percent or better chance that it will happen in both knees.

Physical therapy in the hydrotherapy pool for a CCL tear.

There are two most commonly used surgical approaches when surgery is necessary. One is called an extracapsular repair, where a band is placed outside the joint to stimulate the ligament. The other is a TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) where the tibia is cut and turned to provide a level surface for the femur to rest. The best approach to use is determined by the size and age of the dog and the veterinarian’s preferred approach. If surgery is required, rehabilitation is crucial for the best outcome. Initial therapy is conservative while healing, but very important. Once healing is complete, more aggressive strengthening and hydrotherapy can be used.

In addition to genetics, there can be other contributing factors to knee issues. Obesity is one issue where the excessive weight of the dog stresses the ligament past what it is designed to hold. Knee strain can be seen in dogs who are weekend warriors—doing extreme activity without being in shape—or through the prolonged use of some medications that weaken connective tissue, such as prednisone.

If there is a partial tear, physical therapy can help in the recovery. The practitioner will assess your dog and provide guidelines for appropriate activities at home to build strength without stressing the ligament. Physical therapy treatments include assessment, client education, range of motion, strengthening regimes and hydrotherapy.

Muscle strength is important in stabilizing the knee. If left unattended, arthritis will develop due to the friction between the bones and in most cases, surgery is the best long-term solution. If the ligament is partially torn, conservative management may be successful; however, the ligament has a poor blood supply so healing is tenuous.

For more information: Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group Located in Englewood, Colorado (303) 762-7946 or www.dog-swim.com

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THE DOG SCENE

Denver

MEDIA HOUND

Photos by Heather Green

Penny Parker McCaffrey

The Licker Store Julie Bielenberg reports

enny Parker, the “On the Town” columnist for Colorado’s Rocky Mountain News has kept regional readers in the know on Colorado’s latest dish on local celebrities, the 411 on the biggest, most extravagant events and recent political activity throughout Denver. However, her editorial does have one small downside, well, shall we say a 15-pound downside—there is rarely mention of one of the cutest celebs in town, McCaffrey! And we are not talking Ed McCaffrey, the famous Denver Bronco after whom the Silky Terrier mix is named; we are talking about one cute impersonating pooch. McCaffrey’s portrayal of the gopher from Caddyshack is flawless. Even though mom and dad call the trick “prairie dog” its easy to almost see Bill Murray in the background as McCaffrey did his impersonation on cue, as always, for his mom. McCaffrey was adopted by Penny from the Denver Dumb Friends League in 2002. The now 7-year-old pooch is living with mom and dad (journalist Greg Henry) in their new urban digs, and McCaffrey has decided being a metro mutt suits him just fine! He enjoys going upstairs to his friend Max’s pad, eating his food and playing with his toys. When not socializing with other city folk, he rests patiently under the computer desk while mom types her column. And, for true rest at night, yes, the pooch rests his schnozzle right between mom and dad on their pillows. This four-legged celeb never lets fame get to his head. Hence his nickname—the licker store—it is pretty obvious McCaffrey shares plenty of love and admiration for his mom and dad and always has endless kisses waiting for either one.

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THE DOG SCENE

Denver

MEDIA HOUND

Tom Mustin

& Buster DOLL BEDS AND CARROTS Julie Bielenberg reports

CBS4 Anchor Tom Mustin is king of the airwaves in the morning and at home with his pooch. Tom’s fourth child, Buster, thinks dad is king all the time. Tom, wife Carolyn, and their first two children adopted Buster, a Silky Terrier, while the family was living in California 13 years ago. “Tom is his favorite person, and always has been. Buster is just happiest when Tom is around,” notes Carolyn. Buster has two older brothers, Tyler, 15, and Will, 14. But it might just be his little sister, Hayley, 10, who is also the apple of Buster’s eyes. “I found him asleep one day in my American Girl Doll bed! So we bought him his own canopy bed for my room and he sleeps there every night,” explains Hayley. The Mustin’s have now called Colorado home for six years and Buster is adjusting to Rocky Mountain life. Although he has cataracts in both his eyes and does not see well anymore, he still enjoys neighborhood walks and vacations with his family. Buster adores his family and is quite relaxed when they are around. He does not need to exert his “Talk to the Paw” attitude, a tagline from his collar by Big Dog, to anyone. Rather, he waits contently for someone to give him some carrots, his favorite treat. “Tom does not let me give him the carrots, he always says that Buster wants to get the carrots from him, oh the two of them,” sighs Carolyn.

Photo by Heather Green

RIGHT: Buster with Will (left), Carolyn, Tom and little sister, Hayley. ABOVE: Big brother, Tyler, and Buster. Photo by Heather Green

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THE DOG SCENE

FASHION

Denver

Jan Blankennagel

Diva Sophia

The American Dog reports

iva Sophia, a velvet black teacup poodle with a white stripe under her chin and running down to her chest, was born July 14, 2006 and is AKC registered. From dad, a white teacup named “Sparkie Boy,” and mom, a jet black named “Blazin’ Lola,” was born the precious Diva Sophia, the light of Jan Blankennagel’s life. Sophia’s favorite playmate is the 12-pound family cat, K.T., who she loves to chase, in addition to playing with all of her squeaky toys, which she carries from room to room.

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Sophia has her own red velvet doggie bed in the family room where she likes to relax after dinner and watch TV with her parents. “Sophia is a little bit spoiled—at bedtime she sleeps with us in the bed, usually under the covers and loves to cuddle and rest her head on the pillows,” said Sophia’s mom Blankennagel. But, of course, the family also feels spoiled to have Sophia. “It’s the unconditional love you get from her from the moment she wakes up til lights out for bed,” Blankennagel said. “She may be 5 pounds of pure love, but she runs our household and continues to entertain us daily.” Photos by Heather Green

THE DOG SCENE

Denver FASHION

HOLLY KYLBERG Socialite, Philanthropist

The American Dog reports

olly Kylberg’s beauty and charm go hand in hand with her love of animals and her passion for supporting local charities in Denver. A true Denver socialite, she is well-known and respected in the community for her commitment to raising funds for various charitable and philanthropic organizations and she chairs and attends many fundraising events throughout the year. Kylberg is also a fashion fixture on the social scene.

In addition to her many philanthropic causes, Kylberg spends time with her dog Athena, an eight-year-old Belgian Sheepdog. Athena loves hanging out with her mom and enjoys tagging along with Kylberg on long walks to their favorite coffee shop in the mornings. Occasionally as a treat, Holly indulges her fur-child with a biscotti. Athena then spends her days lounging around the house like a good dog and amuses herself with all her teddy bear toys. Being the spoiled little girl, Athena has two doggie beds in Kylberg’s bedroom and can choose where she’ll spend the night. Sweet dreams!

Photo by Heather Green

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THE DOG SCENE

Denver

PEOPLE PROFILE

Photos by Pat Duncan

Denver City Council

TOP DOG! Michael Hancock The American Dog reports

As Denver City Council President, what plans do you have for the growth and economic development of your district? I represent the largest and fastest-growing part of the City, which includes Denver International Airport and the former airport, Stapleton, the largest infill project in the nation. Economic development will occur in my area almost without effort from the government. The essential ingredient is for the City to offer itself as a convener, collaborative partner and facilitators for solid, environmentally sound and relevant development. This includes ensuring good pre-planning of street grids, parks and other amenities such as schools, recreation centers and libraries. I want to ensure that designs reflect new urbanism and lend themselves to developing not only capital assets but cultural assets, as well. Therefore, when it comes to my district I see myself as a facilitator of good sensible development and community engagement. What would you like to tell The American Dog readers about

Councilman Hancock and Angel at the office.

the city of Denver? Denver is a wonderful city! Beyond the 300 days of sunshine per year, being 30 minutes from the majestic mountains, home to a string of wonderful parks and other open space, it is a safe, clean and diverse city. I have had the blessing of traveling all over the world, including numerous continents such as Asia, South America, Africa and Europe. I have toured, dined and entertained in some of the most famous cities in the world including Bellagio, New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Leon, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and Frankfurt, to name a few; there is no other place I’d rather call home than Denver. There is something very special about Denver. The sports amenities, the active and healthy lifestyle, the vibrant downtown and the booming cultural scene provides something for everyone. People are very friendly, as well. More importantly, this is a great city to raise a family; it is safe, it has wonderful schools and a strong business climate. Describe your free time and weekends of family life with your beautiful wife, kids and the family dog. We like to really chill when we have down time. My wife is a popular singer in Denver so she is often out performing at private events or starring in a theatrical production on weekends. Therefore, when we are down we really like to chill. We enjoy going to movies, eating out, playing with our dog Angel, who is the most entertaining animal we have ever been around; playing Uno, Monopoly or some other table game or just ordering pizza or Chinese food to the house and catching a movie on pay-per-view. In addition, we enjoy entertaining friends and extended family. We are blessed to have a lot of people who love us and who we love. We have a strong church family who we interact with and enjoy social time with, as well. We are a simple family and we enjoy each other’s company.

Angel with the Hancock family.

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THE DOG SCENE

PEOPLE PROFILE

Denver

Jamie Elkins

Denver, Democrats and

DOGS! Photos by Pat Duncan

The American Dog reports

What are your roles and responsibilities in the State Democratic Party? I am the compliance comptroller, on the ground, for the Colorado Democratic Party, which involves everything from new hire paperwork/payroll processing, as well as making sure that all activity done by the Colorado Democratic Party (deposits/expenditures) are in compliance with both State and Federal laws and that reports are filed correctly with both the FEC and CO Secretary of State. I actually work for Common Cents Consulting, which specializes in political compliance for Democrats and not directly for the Colorado Democratic Party. We make sure that any activity that the CDP does is in compliance with both the state and federal law and reports filed with the FEC/ SOS accordingly. As a Democrat, what changes would you like to see not only in Denver but on a national level? Denver has been a strong voice and a city recognized regarding alternative energy by our Mayor, as well as by our state-wide elected officials—I hope the new administration would instill some of these new policies across the country. Let’s make sure every child isn’t left behind—there seems to be a lack of priority for education funding; statewide scores show that we are dropping nationally. I believe the future of the country is based on innovation; however, skills and tools are needed to make this happen. Affordable health care—yes, for everyone—would be great, but we need to ensure veterans rights are taken care of first and foremost. Too many of our veterans, that have served our country, are still struggling to make sure their medical needs are covered.

greeting every day we arrive at the CDP Headquarters. A typical day, upon arriving (to work) is him getting his “lollie” (treat) from Sherry Jackson, the executive director of the CDP. Nikko does his “lollie” dance and then settles down for a day at the office. He enjoys greeting people that stop by the office and giving a handshake; however, as he is getting older, he often just rolls over for a belly rub and sharing a smile. What activities does your dog enjoy doing in the evenings and on the weekends? Nikko likes to chill out in the front yard when he gets back from the office—he is Mr. Social. He enjoys weekdays walking the Highline Trail in the a.m. and a neighborhood walk in the p.m. He can’t run anymore, but sure loves the smells. Weekends—he lets loose at the lake we go to; I let him swim as much as he wants. As I listen to weekend programming for NPR he swims, gets out, walks, sniffs, socializes, swims, routine over. It is relaxing for both of us. He likes to swim these days—better on his joints. He enjoys the weekends as much as I do!

Do you take your dog to work with you everyday and how is a typical day spent? I adopted Nikko in July of 1999 after he had been in a shelter two other times. He loves going to work with me. Nikko gets a special warm

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THE DOG SCENE

Denver

BUSINESS PROFILE

THE OVERTON LAW FIRM Super Lawyers and Great Dog Parents too!

The Overton Law Firm 1080 Kalamath St Denver, CO 80204 (303) 832-1120 www.overtonlawfirm.com

Photos by Heather Green

The American Dog reports

ot only does the Overton Law Firm “provide personalized legal services and aggressive courtroom representation to businesses and individuals in Denver and the greater metropolitan area” but they also provide a doggie daycare haven for the five dogs that come to work with their mom or dad. Dad Tom Overton, an experienced trial attorney enjoys bringing his little prodigy, Ozzie, to work with him three to four times a week and Ozzie loves the attention he gets. The one-year-old mixed breed of half Poodle, half Shih Tsu helps dad handle client relationships and is always on food patrol. Dad Rick Gleason has been practicing law for more than 20 years and occasionally brings his adopted English Bulldog Molly to work with him so she can socialize with the other kids and let everyone know that she’s in charge when she decides to visit the office. Molly is almost seven years old and loves to hang out in her bed and supervise the staff. Mom Jean Murphy, office manager extraordinaire, brings her two Great Pyranese dogs, Bear and Bailey, into the office a couple times a month so they can visit their friends and guard all the tile in the back room where they hang out (sleep) all day. These gentle giants are three years old, weigh 130 pounds each and are the apple of mom’s eye!

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Mom Teresa Fritts, business manager for the crew, loves to bring Nissa, her Golden Retriever to work a couple times a week. This adorable four-year-old has accompanied Mom to work since she was eight weeks old and enjoys playing with her pals, making her daily rounds to all the offices looking for treats and belly rubs! Nissa and feels she should get a paycheck for being such a loyal employee! These five gorgeous canine kids dogs know they have to tow the line and behave or risk getting disbarred and removed from the office!

Upper Far Left: Ozzie is often inspiration for artist, Sharon, while at work. Lower Far Left: Rick Gleason with his English Bulldog, Molly. Left: Nissa taking Mom, Teresa Fritts, for a walk.

THE DOG SCENE

BREED PROFILE

Denver Photos by Heather Green

CASA LOMA’S

Sir Bentley

Mom Kareen Kinsey reports

“Sir Bentley” was born on July 08, 2007 and his lineage is European. He came from Casa Loma Newfoundlands (newfies.com) where they specialize in chocolate Newfies; this particular breeder has some of the top Newfoundlands in the country. This is our second Newfoundland, and when we were ready for another addition to our family we attended the National Newfoundland convention held in Boulder, CO in 2007. We watched approximately 250 Newfies stroll around a hotel arena, but the ones that caught our attention were the chocolate color. We talked with the owner/breeder of “Zeus,” the best of the chocolate Newfs and learned she was whelping three litters in the summer of 2007. We went to visit her in Pennsylvania after the litters were born to pick out Bentley. It was quite an experience, walking into a foyer of a home with 32 chocolate Newfie

puppies. Brown Newfies are rare and have an unusual eye color that makes for a seldomseen combination. Newfies become deeply attached and devoted to their families, but because of their size Newfies need to be trained to be respectful of people and household items. So far, Sir Bentley seems to be following all the house rules, especially the part about loving his family.

Kareen’s granddaughter, Isabella, enjoying the sun with Bentley.

Sir Bentley’s typical day starts with a quick run around the yard, having a big breakfast, taking many naps on his own private patio, chasing bunnies or squirrels off the property, having dinner and spending the evening getting lots of love from his parents and other extended family members that visit. We chose a Newfoundland because of their gentleness and their love of people. I don’t think we realized how much you miss having a dog in your life, until you get another one—because all dogs truly give such unconditional love.

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THE DOG SCENE

Denver

NON-PROFIT

Wags Menace Foundation Making An Impact on Animal Welfare

Photos by Heather Green

Reported by Jai Remington

indy Lee and her beloved dogs, Wags and Menace, created the Wags & Menace Make a Difference Program/Foundation in 1996 to raise money and awareness for various animal rescues, shelters and hospitals in need. Since then, this amazing organization has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, heightened animal welfare awareness and volunteered thousands of personal hours to many in need. The Wags & Menace Foundation has partnered with several Colorado organizations over the years to share the commitment in helping animals, including the Denver Dumb Friends League, Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital, Table Mountain Animal Center, Boulder Valley Humane Society, Good Samaritan Pet Center and The Grand County Search & Rescue Dog Team. In addition to fundraising, Lee teaches animal education at The Boys and Girls Torch Clubs and helps Girls Scouts earn their Pet First Aid badge through a program she established five years ago titled The Pets and Vets Program. To date, more than 2,000 girls have earned their badge from this program that Lee established for Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital, a program of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation. Since the passing of both namesakes, Wags and Menace, a new CEO has taken over the reigns: Baxter, a Newfoundland/Border Collie

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Mix. Cindy adopted Baxter when he was six months old and weighed only 24 pounds, having suffered severely from previous cruelty and abuse. Since his adoption, Baxter has made a beautiful recovery and is running things smoothly at The Wags & Menace Make a Difference Program/ Foundation. This dynamic duo, Lee and Baxter, continues to touch countless lives everyday. When asked why she works so hard for animals, Lee replied: “It’s better to do the one thing you have time for than to wait until you have time to do everything.” What does the future hold for the Wags & Menace Make a Difference Program/Foundation? A state-of-the-art animal hospital equipped with an education center for school children and Boys & Girls Torch Club members, Flight-for-Life ambulance service and emergency care, as well as a holistic care center and an intensive care unit. Nothing is too lofty for this duo, considering the track record of Lee and the Wags & Menace Make a Difference Program Foundation.

For more information about the Wags & Menace Make a Difference Program/ Foundation and how to help, visit www.wagsandmenace.org.

SOCIETY BARK

Bradley Joseph

&Kuba

By Greg Henry

radley Joseph is the true “Mr. On the Town,” contrary to a certain gossip columnist (my wife, Penny Parker) who has bestowed me that moniker.

As a catering and event planner, and now as manager of event sales for Kroenke Sports Enterprises, Bradley can be seen at all the chic Denver nightspots. When he’s not, he is cavorting with his 6-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Kuba (pronounced Koo-ba). The name is derived from the Kuba textiles made in the Congo-Zaire region that have similar colorings and markings of Joseph’s dog. And, yes, Kuba is a pampered pet. “Are you kidding me? My dog lives like a prince!” admitted Joseph, who purchased an SUV just to transport Kuba. “Originally, I had a Jetta, and the hair, mud and soggy tennis balls accumulated in the back seat resembled Sasquatch’s living room. My SUV is now the Kuba Kar.” Kuba goes to “grandma’s house” for standing Sunday dinner, or as Joseph calls it, Kuba Kamp, since “grandma lives in a big house on a lake with lots of swimming and hair-raising activities.” Kuba also enjoy visits to the park and Doggy Day at Colorado Rapids games. But don’t expect Kuba and Joseph on David Letterman’s “Stupid Pet Tricks.” “I am not well-disciplined with training,” Joseph said. “The simple fact that I call him by his name and he responds is a pretty amazing ‘trick.’”

Photo by Greg Henry

MULLIGANS FOR MUTTS Golf do-gooders: Two separate tournaments raised money for dog-related charities in June. The Mulligans for Mutts on June 16 raised $25,000-$30,000 in its third year for the Table Mountain Animal Center, says director of marking and development Ben Drotar. Former Denver Broncos Billy Thompson and Larry Brunson were among the notable golfers. Drotar says the tournament sold out for the first time with 128 golfers. Money raised goes “into the general operations fund and we are working on raising funds to build a new facility” that will cost $7 million to $10 million to build, Drotar notes. Call 303-994-8095 for more information. The Colorado and Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association held its 11th annual Glen and Lynn Ann Balenseifen Memorial Golf Tournament on June 9 at The Club at Pradera, raising $32,308, according to Christi Krenke, Conventions, Events and Communications Manager for CWPMA. The tournament has raised more than $282,000 in its 11-year run for the Canine Companions for Independence. CCI provides dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Parker, the KMGHChannel 7 blogging dog, had a busy week, attending both the CCI tournament and the Table Mountain benefit.

Photo by Heather Green

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DOG PARENT

Families

WE LOVE

DOGS!

Marley and Melissa Never Lonely

Melissa Peterson is a math and science teacher in Colorado Springs, but her greatest student of all might be the fourlegged one found at her home. Melissa adopted Marley, a-6 yearold mutt, from the Denver Dumb Friends League where she was a volunteer. They both relocated south and have been happily enjoying all the outside benefits of their new community. “Marley and I hike everyday in the Cheyenne Canyon area and we like to find mountain lakes to take a swim in together. He has also been training with me for my upcoming marathon, however, he does not do runs over seven miles—he just stops at seven!” explains mom. This mountain pooch needs time for mountain-sized naps and has an extra large Orvis dog bed with his name embroidered on it for those occasions. And like most pooches, some things just drive him crazy— he is afraid of lightening, fireworks and the vacuum. This pooch is part of the “scene” as friends include other famous four-legged stars such as Wallace, who was in the last issue of The Colorado Dog magazine with his mom Malory. No matter how many play dates and hikes, Marley never lets mom take a day off! “No matter how tired or down you are, you still have to walk Marley, which always cheers you up and fills you with energy,” notes mom. “He brings a lot of joy to my life, you never feel lonely with a Marley around!”

Photo by Heather Green

Photo by Pat Duncan

Maya Brewer and Nadia Pickle Princess Maya adopted her baby from the Pima Animal Control Center in Tucson, Arizona. Nadia is the first dog her mom has ever had as a family member and, “honestly, I could not imagine my life without her. She is incredibly smart and so sweet, always excited to see me when I get home from work and will always greet me with a toy in her mouth,” coos her mom. The now 4-year old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix is a rambunctious pooch and true to her breed; she has lots of energy for play, affection for others and a love for all squeaky toys. Mom brought Nadia to school with her when she first started teaching and the pooch has visited every class since then, she even eased some students’ fears of dogs by being the first “nice” dog they had ever met. The princess is rewarded for good behavior and gets to sleep in her parents’ bed, but ends the evening in the futon in the other room, despite the fact that she has two doggie beds in the house—one is even shaped like a mini sofa given to her by her grandmother. Funny enough, Nadia has many little quirks: she loves to dress up and will put her neck out for any kerchief, dress, t-shirt, necklace, etc., poses for pictures and will cock her head to the side and wait patiently for the flash and just goes nuts for pickles—once the jar is open, her snout is not far away!

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DOG PARENT FAMILIES

Bruce, Dharma, Emma, and Daphne Dad and His Girls Dharma, a 2-year-old Greyhound; Emma, a 7-year-old Smooth Fox Terrier; and Daphne, a 9-month-old Afghan, are the delight of Bruce Miller’s life. Daphne is the newest family member and she is the explorer—looking over, around and under every piece of furniture in the house. “I’m not sure what she’s looking for, but I sure hope she finds it,” notes her dad, Bruce. True to her breed, Emma can jump about three feet straight into the air, and does, frequently. “If she’s really excited, she does it over and over and if you blink while you’re watching her, it looks like she’s levitating in mid-air,” Bruce tells us. As owner of Beds-N-Biscuits, a B&B for you and your best friend, Bruce is a true pooch aficionado. “I’ve worked with dogs for 30 years. I’ve raised them, groomed them, and shown them professionally. Obviously, I love them and, frankly, I cannot imagine my life without them. They quite literally complete me.” Home life is entertaining with these delightful gals: Emma sleeps with dad each night and Dharma and Daphne sleep in their own beds located in the living room. As for toys, they’re lucky girls since they live above their dad’s doggie locale. “We stock a wide variety of toys and other accessories for dogs and cats,” Bruce says. “I take them ‘shopping’ at least once a month so they can choose a new toy!” Photo by Heather Green

Cosmo, Olive, Penny Province and Jon Emanuel Happy Home

Photo by Heather Green

Cosmo is a 2-year-old brindle French Bulldog, adopted from Star Creek Frenchies, Olive is 3-year-old pied French Bulldog, rescued through the French Bulldog Rescue Network— and these pooches have been welcomed into a home where the four-legged one’s are in charge! Cosmo loves to wrestle with his papa (Jon Emanuel) and snuggle with mama (Penny Province). They like to chase their dad all around the house until he’s out of breath—only about 20 seconds. And the two still have time to wear one another out. “Olive’s favorite toy is Cosmo’s leash—while he’s wearing it, she likes to walk him,” says Province. Olive “flips out” when asked to go on a walk, she loves meeting new people. When not playing with family or meeting new people, the pups enjoy going to Mouthfuls Pet Boutique for attention and treats. They also relish their time spent with dog walkers, Paul and Jahna of Denver Pet

Sitters. Come evening, they are snoozing away in bed with mom and dad: “they take up more room than you’d think,” notes Province. Mom and dad know that the kids might be a bit spoiled, but Province wouldn’t change it one bit: “What did we do before Cosmo and Olive came into our lives? They make us laugh every day. We all make each other so happy! We’re a family.”

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The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 105

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MARKETPLACE

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COLORADO

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The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 109

COLORADO

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MARKETPLACE

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WORKING DOGS

A Serious Game of

Hide & Seek By Tamra Monahan Photos by Katie Monahan

erlin sniffs the air cautiously and cocks his shaggy head to one side. He wags his tail, barks furiously, and is off trailing a scent through the wilderness. Within minutes he stops, looks around, sniffs the ground, sniffs the air again and runs in another direction. Up and down hills, through dense underbrush, across open fields, over rocky terrain, Merlin keeps up his search until at last he finds the man crouched near a bush.

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This game of hide and seek is part of a weekly training for members of Search And Rescue Dogs Of Colorado (SARDOC), but these training missions are as serious as the real thing. Merlin’s owner and handler Mike Erickson tries to bring Merlin out every week to keep the dog’s skill level and excitement about searching for people high. Even after four years as a search and rescue dog, Merlin still loves to roam the woods for lost hikers because he knows what happens when he

finds the person—lots of praise and the special tug-of-war rope. Merlin is a magician when it comes to finding people; he’s a dog whose expertise in this serious game of hide and seek is truly magical. Erickson believes the reason Merlin is so good at his job is his attitude—this Aussie never slows until he has accomplished his mission. “When we get out there, if we stop, or even slow down too much, he’s in our faces barking saying they’re not here, come on, let’s go!” Erickson said. Rescue dogs come from many different working breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Spaniels, German Shepherds, Weimaraners and even mutts. Regardless of size, breed or color, they all have one thing in common: they love to search for people. Without this burning desire, a dog doesn't stand a chance of making it in the field where search conditions can be brutal. Dogs have to continue through driving rain, freezing snow or blazing heat because a life depends on their willingness to follow the scent until the hide-and-seek game is done and the missing child or hiker has been found. SAR dogs search by air scent or ground trailing and wear bright orange vests and bells in order for their handlers to keep track of them. At the beginning of a search, the dog sniffs an article of clothing or something previously touched by the lost person, then follows the smell to locate the individual. According to Jayne Zmijewski of Larimer County Search and Rescue, people leave a trail of microscopic particles wherever they go. Although undetectable by humans, dogs can smell these particles from quite a long distance over almost any type of terrain. Search and rescue is a team effort, an intricate coordination between man and his best friend. The best teams consist of hard working dogs who strive to succeed in combination with intelligent, well-trained handlers who can read their dog’s actions and trust the animal’s instinct. Handlers will tell you that trust is an integral part of any search and rescue mission. Quite often, the dog will indicate the victim went into an area that seems impossible, such as up a steep incline, down into a deep ravine or into raging river. Although the handler cannot imagine anyone venturing into these places, he must trust the dog’s nose and search the area.

ABOVE: Jayne Zmijewski of Larimer County Search and Rescue holds on tight as her dog Lakota pulls her along a scent trail during a training in Estes Park. RIGHT: Taiya, a three-yearold Lab, is a working dog for Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado. BELOW: Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado member Mike Erickson gets an earful from his Australian Shepherd Merlin who is eager to take sniff and get on the trail.

And the dog is usually right. "With this type of search and rescue, I think the human learns more than the dog does,” Zmijewski said. “The dog is doing what it naturally would do, but we need to learn how to read the dog.” For people desperately lost in the wilderness, these four-legged heroes are often their last hope. Imagine spending the night lost in the woods and waking to the sound of a bell and padded footsteps coming toward you. Suddenly you see the excited face of a dog sporting a blaze orange search and rescue vest, and you know your prayers have been answered. At that moment it's hard to say who's more excited, you or the dog.

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TRAVELING IN STYLE

FIDO to the Moon

By Kevin Green, Traveling in Style Editor for The American Dog Magazine

This Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Roadster exudes ultra performance and luxury, with the upgraded AMG P30 Performance Package (a $14,000 option), it’s like being strapped into a rocket during take-off. This beauty will blast you from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph. So if you don’t want your hair messed up or FIDO’s ears flapping in the wind, you will want to keep the hardtop up. It exhibits tight responsive handling around curves yet a silky smooth ride on straightaways. If you enjoy the wind and really want to turn heads then lower the retractable hardtop—the racy curves will definitely have heads turning. As for the interior of the car, its traditional, yet distinctive supple leather cabin is complemented by brown burl wood trim for a look of pure opulence. With Mercedes Benz manufacturing the most technologically-advanced vehicles on the road, the LCD center console is so bold but very soothing to the eyes. The COMAND GPS/

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DVD 6.5-inch navigation screen will take you to any doggie park or doggie boutique with a simple input of FIDO’s favorite address. To keep you and FIDO safe, the Mercedes-Benz prides itself on its safety profile; the SL-class comes with an automatic roll bar, front side airbag with head protection, driver knee airbags, PRE-SAFE and AIRMATIC Semi-Active Suspension, among others. Some other unique features are the heated and active ventilated seats, Bluetooth® Interface, Distronic Adaptive cruise control, Parktronics ™, DriveDynamic front seats with 4-stage massage functions that will keep you and FIDO completely relaxed and appreciating the ride you’ve grown accustomed to. Overall, the SL55 rides like its big brother—the S-Class—but in a split second you can unleash its high-speed behavior and racelike performance one would expect from a traditional sports car. This vehicle is nothing less than awe-inspiring and a technological wonder. Luxury and performance at it’s finest!

{

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Drive Train – Rear wheel drive Engine – AMG-built 5.4L 493hp V8 Power – 493hp @ 6100 RPM Peak Torque (lb-ft) – 516 @ 2750 RPM 0-60mph – 4.5 seconds Top Speed – 186mph Fuel Efficiency – 20/14mpg (hwy/city) Standard Transmissions – 5 speed automatic overdrive Fuel Capacity – 21.1 gallons

Photos by Heather Green

If you would like your luxury car, boat, plane or opulent means of transportation considered for review in The American Dog magazine please email Kevin Green at: kgreen@theamericandogmag.com.

Vehicle sponsored by Rocky Mountain Eurosport For your luxury automotive needs contact: Rocky Mountain Eurosport Leon Veremeychik 885 S. Oneida Street Denver, Colorado 80224 303-742-2222 www.rmeurosport.com

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 115

AUTHOR PROFILE

Photo by Maximilian Canepa

CAROLE RAPHAELLE DAVIS

Author of The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife The American Dog Magazine reports

What motivated you to write your book, from Jinky's perspective, The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife? I honestly don’t even feel like I wrote this book: I was sort of channeling Jinky, my rescued mutt. I think dogs know a lot more than we humans do about life, in many ways, and we have much to learn from them. From the point of view of a dog that was rescued from death row in the pound, the world is a wonderful, funny and exciting place. For Jinky, the time is now and the simple pleasures of life, like a walk in the grass, a delicious meal, a romp with a friend or a kiss from his mom are the ingredients for happiness. To Jinky, people are miserable whiners. They’re always complaining about what they don’t have and are never satisfied with what they do have. Humans are always trying to impress

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people they don’t even like and are continually buying stuff they don’t need. Dogs are smarter about love and about life. They don’t worry about the past or the future and their motivations are pure. I want to be like Jinky when I grow up. I also think that in order to write a biting social commentary about humans, the voice of a dog is perfect. So this is not so much a book about a dog as it is a book about people and how silly we are. He “writes” about marriage, the imploding housing market, dwindling investments, aging, politics, human status anxiety and about Hollywood as the most supercilious and absurd place on earth. Jinky also has a lot of opinions about how humans treat animals in laboratories, zoos, in entertainment and in factory farming. He’s an animal rights activist—not a preachy one, a funny one. Jinky’s a character and he thinks the way people think is a “load of cat poop.” Since you're an animal advocate, how can more people get involved in helping make this world a better place for the animals?

Photo by Maximilian Canepa

Anybody who is reading this magazine is a lover of dogs and there is much you can do to make their lives better. For one, never buy a dog again because we kill close to five million companion animals in our nation’s shelter system every year. Those dogs are going to die if someone doesn’t step up and adopt them. You need to know that when you buy a dog from the Internet or a pet shop, that those puppies are from puppy mills, factories, where breeding dogs are kept in inhumane cages for their entire lives. They never get out, ever. They are prisoners of the pet trade. So if you bought a puppy, you have to ask yourself, where is that dog’s mommy? She’s living in a canine supermax prison— being bred and bred until she’s dead, making some creep really rich. That’s the best thing you can do for dogs. Adopt one next time. Save a life. I promise you, the kisses from a rescued dog are the sweetest. And don’t believe the hogwash that there is something wrong with an adult dog that is in the pound. It’s the same dog you would have bought, only later. People buy dogs and then dump them like an old outfit for superficial reasons. It happens all the time. Think about it. You don’t choose your friends as infants. Did you pick your best friend when she was in diapers? No, of course not! Well, dogs are like friends—you can meet them when they’re adults and magic happens.

here? Have you been to the breeding facility yourself? Have you checked to know if there are violations or citations for animal cruelty on this breeding facility, because more than 50 percent of licensed USDA breeding facilities have violations on their records. How are the parents of this puppy living? Do they get socialized? Do they get vet care? How often? Can I see the actual breeding facility where the dogs are kept? Can I have the breeder’s address and go there myself to make sure? How many times was this puppy’s mother bred? What will happen to her when she’s older? Demand proof.

Another thing you can do to help dogs is to volunteer at your local shelter or rescue organization. Those dogs need a chance to stretch out their legs. And yet another thing you can do? Call or write your senator to demand action to ban puppy mills. No breeding facility should be allowed to mistreat dogs the way they do. The laws are not sufficient and the Animal Welfare Act is not enforced. Demand change and organize a protest in front of a pet store that sells live animals and remember: like shoes in the shoe store are from shoe factories, pets in the pet store are from pet factories. We have proof that pet stores are merely puppy mill fronts. They buy dogs from a broker, tell you they are from “small private breeders” and hide behind a USDA license. USDA doesn’t mean the dog’s parents are treated well. It’s the opposite.

How has your life changed and what have you learned since Jinky came into your life?

What would you like to tell people who are considering buying a puppy from a pet store? I would tell them to not believe pet store lies. Pet stores and Internet dog sellers routinely defraud innocent customers. Ask the questions I ask as an investigator of puppy mills: Where are the parents? Did you use a broker? How did the dog arrive

Bottom line, they can’t answer you without getting red in the face because either they don’t know the answers, which is unacceptable or they KNOW and that is reprehensible. Really, when you think about it, the only ethical choice you have when bringing a new dog into your heart and home is to save a life and adopt. Putting money into the hands of this despicable pet trade is a big mistake. It only makes abusers of animals, the least deserving people on the planet, wealthy. I wouldn’t even buy a collar in a pet store that sells live animals. Pet stores and Internet sellers are creepy and underhanded.

My life has changed entirely. I was an actress and singer/song writer for many years and now my life is focused on making the lives of animals better. My life before I became an animal welfare advocate was meaningless. Now I have meaning. I have a purpose, I am useful and that is the key to happiness. I have met others who feel the same way and my friendships are deeper, as well. Jinky makes me appreciate life in every way. He taught me to live in the now. And he taught me that the secret to a successful life is enthusiasm! “There is joy,” he tells me, with a wagging tail and shining eyes. “Come on! The sun just came out! Let’s go somewhere and have fun!” What can I say? Dogs are the most perfect creatures. They have an irresistible cuteness and they fill my heart. They know how to love.

The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife is available on Amazon.com and stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.HollywoodJinky.com.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 117

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THE DOG SCENE

VETERINARIAN

Chicago

Dr. Barbara Royal

Providing veterinary rehabilitation services, including underwater treadmill therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional consultation, holistic medicine and chronic care. Photos courtesy of The Royal Treatment Veterinary Spa

Reported by Julie Bielenberg

r. Barbara Royal, like most veterinarians, was initially skeptical of alternative medicine, but eventually found it necessary to treat some cases fully. After witnessing the effectiveness of acupuncture and herbal medicines on animals, Dr. Royal decided to become as competent and confident with alternative medicine as she was with conventional medicine and has incorporated both into her veterinary practice. The style utilizes acupuncture, herbal medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation for the pooches, and she has seen results. “Champ, a 1-year-old German Shepard suffered from a myriad of problems such as chronic diarrhea, behavioral issues, weight loss, etc. His parents had taken him to three different vets and they all came up with nothing,” said Dr. Royal. “We were his parents’ last resort. We changed his diet, added some herbal medication to calm him down,

began supplements to help his GI and implemented acupuncture for improved circulation – within two weeks, he was a completely different dog! Champ put on weight, his stool was normal, he was calm during his exams and his owner’s were thrilled – not only that the neighborhood was thrilled to see him walking around and doing well.” This doc is not just for the pooches, either! Dr. Royal has been trained to work with many species of animals, including exotics and zoo animals; she consults with local zoos for alternative treatments on their animals and lectures nationally and internationally.

Dr. Barbara Royal The Royal Treatment Veterinary Spa 4130 N. Rockwell Chicago, IL 60618 773-267-9966 www.Royaltreatmentvetspa.com

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THE DOG SCENE

Chicago

CANINE EVENTS

All Paws on Deck for PAWS Chicago’s th

Annual Beach Party

Photos Courtesy of PAWS Chicago

he Sixth Annual Beach Party was one of the city’s largest petfriendly social gatherings. The event took place on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at the Castaways at the North Avenue Beach Boathouse. This popular summertime event included dancing on deck, cool cocktails, a beachy dinner buffet and silent auction for one-of-a-kind items. Guests enjoyed a spectacular lakefront and city skyline view. Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Development Board to raise funds for PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest No Kill humane organization, this year’s Beach Party was co-chaired by Lindsay Walter and Michael Marrion. Presenting sponsors were The Chicago Spire and the John R. Walter Family. Other major sponsors included North Community Bank, American Airlines, Chicago magazine, Enlightened Technologies, Fig Media and East Balt Commissary.

Top Left: Kristin Shea and her dog, Lincoln, Bottom Left: NBC 5’s Anna Davlantes and Paula Fasseas, PAWS Chicago Founder. Above Top: Jaclene Tetzlaff and her dog, Vlad. Above: Tanya and Tara Noronha with dog, Atticus. Below Left: Tom Aichele of American Airlines and his family with dog, Rugby. Below Right: Deborah and Bruce Crown with their dog, Cozmoz with Paula Fasseas, Founder of PAWS Chicago.

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www.pawschicago.org

THE DOG SCENE

Chicago

CANINE EVENTS

DOGS DESERVE BETTER

CHAIN OFF 2008

They Went Through ‘Wind, Rain & Hail’ for the Chained Dogs Photos Courtesy of Dogs Deserve Better

Chain Off 2008 proved to be the most physically challenging event yet for the 13 dog advocates who lived chained for 24 hours at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois. During the event, which spanned June 27 and 28, the participants endured strong winds, sudden storms, a night of soaking rain and hail to advocate for chained dogs. Most described the long night spent in the bone-chilling, relentless downpours—either crammed into a doghouse full of cobwebs and spiders or toughing it out for six hours on the ground—as an experience they would not soon forget. As one advocate put it, "Yes, we were absolutely miserable, but we only had to deal with it for one night. What about all the dogs who go through this every single night of their lives?" Chain Off, an awareness campaign in which people live chained to doghouses, began in 2004 when Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, spent 33 hours chained to a doghouse in State College, Pennsylvania. Since then, Grimes has been joined by others nationwide who carry the torch for the dogs in their areas. Eightyfive advocates lived chained to doghouses across the nation in the 2008 campaign.

Tamira Ci Thayne, formerly Tammy Grimes

For more information, visit the group’s Web site at DogsDeserveBetter.org. The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 121

THE DOG SCENE

Chicago

PHOTOGRAPHY

BARB LEVANT The American Dog Magazine reports

“They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I try to leave the beholder speechless with every photo that I take,” said Barb Levant, who, for more than 30 years, has ensured that special moments are captured and preserved. This highly-regarded and sought-after photographer specializes in babies, portraits, weddings, commercial businesses and animals— yes, there are many parents who love to include Fido in their family portraits. When you schedule a photo session with Levant, whether you are proud parents bringing your newborn home for the first time or planning a 50th anniversary party with all the grandchildren, Levant takes the utmost care to provide her clients with images that they have in mind, with the professional, artistic and technical in every click of the shutter. From the moment you make an appointment to the moment you hang the photograph, Levant is devoted to overseeing every step of the process to unite her visions and your own.

Paula Fasseas with Piper, Daisy, ScottyP & Romeo (cat).

To contact Barb:

Anna Davlantes, NBC 5 News anchor with Chowder.

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Barb Levant 1614 N. Winchester Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 395-2002 www.barblevantphoto.com email: info@barblevantphoto.com

Holiday Shopping,

Chicago Style (for FIDO)! This holiday season you have to visit these trendy and innovative pet boutiques and pick up a new toy, treat or sweater for your best friend. Dogs love presents too!

Barker & Meowsky 1003 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 868-0200 www.barkerandmeowsky.com

Two Bostons 232 S. Washington St. Naperville, IL 60540 (630) 357-7621 www.two-bostons.com

“Our dog and cat stylists are always available to help you choose just the right thing for any holiday occasion. We have a unique shopping experience with an extensive selection of everything you need for your furry pals; collars, harnesses, healthy food and treats, gorgeous beds, artwork and the perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list.” – Alice, owner of Barker & Meowsky

“We went through over 100 Orbee Christmas Bulbs last year and could have gone through twice as many if the manufacturer hadn’t been sold out! They were a big hit with the tough chewers. This year, Planet Dog has come out with a smaller version of the popular Christmas Bulb, so we are looking forward to presenting those as another great gift option.” – AdreAnne, owner of Two Bostons

Noah’s Ark Pet Supply 831 Elm St Winnetka, IL 60093 (847) 784-0125 www.noahsarkwinnetka.com “Shop at Noah’s Ark this season for all your four-legged holiday needs. We have a great selection of themed treats, toys and of course fashion! We are always ready for the season and look forward to seeing our favorite customers” – Travis, manager of Noah’s Ark

Parkers Pets 1342 E 55th St Chicago, IL 60615 (773) 643-7387 www.parkerspets.com “Halloween is right around the corner! We have costumes from today’s top designers such as Doggie Design and Happy Go Lucky Dogs. Whether your pup celebrates Christmas or Hanukah, we have toys, apparel and gifts to suit both holidays. How about a menorah from Copa Judaica?” – Katie, owner of Parkers Pets

Urbanimal 1257 W. Devon Chicago, IL 60660 (773) 465-0600 www.urb-animal.com “We recommend feeding your dog a high-quality dog food and this holiday season is the perfect time to think about taking better care of your best friend. Merrick has five-star gourmet stews for dogs and “Thanksgiving Day Dinner” is perfect for your pooch to enjoy on this special day or splurge on the “Venison Holiday Stew” in December!” – Beth, Co-Owner of Urbanimal

Wigglyville 3337 N Broadway St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 528-3337 www.wigglyville.com “At Wigglyville, our holiday spirit starts early! All year long we look forward to celebrating the joys of the season with our clients and their furry kids. Whether it’s the perfect Halloween costume, a “GobbleGobble” turkey toy for Thanksgiving, or a menorah or Christmas tree toy that’s is just right, we choose each gift or treat with the utmost care. Our ultimate wish for the season is that all families have everything they dream of to make their holidays absolutely perfect.” – Hollus, owner of Wigglyville

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 123

THE DOG SCENE

Chicago

NON-PROFIT

Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter

Photos submitted by Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter

A Tranquil Refuge By Jackie Borchew

ust 30 miles north of the Chicago “loop,” nestled on a wooded ten-acre site is a park-like campus for the stray and abandoned dogs and cats of northeastern Illinois. Here, at this natural setting so deservedly named “Orphans of the Storm” is an animal shelter where the victims often find a safe haven from the storm of indignity, inhumanity, cruelty, neglect and abandonment. A place where the work of a caring staff revolves tirelessly around a mission of restoring mind, body and spirit, and finding loving adoptive forever homes for each animal that arrives. Founded in 1928, this little refuge has been, and continues to be, a popular destination for families from far and near when looking to adopt a pet. Potential adopters are greeted by a large number and a wide variety of dogs and cats. The shelter accommodates 200 dogs and 350 cats and kittens. During the summer months and into fall when kitten season is in full force, the cat population may swell by hundreds. With such a huge selection of dogs and cats to choose from, the shelter should be the first place to visit when considering the addition of an animal companion to a family.

Every child deserves a friend to love. You can often times find the pick of the litter at Orphans of the Storm animal shelter.

The Facts About Orphans

There are some dogs that will stay in your heart forever. One of those is Elf. A special little guy who went through a lot but always came out smilin’.

124 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Many orphans at “Orphans of the Storm” have suffered at the hand of man or have been physically injured in accidents. In many cases the animals were once wonderful family pets, well-behaved and house-trained, and 20 percent are purebred dogs. Most are picked up as strays on the street, and it soon becomes apparent that they had belonged to someone. In the case of a stray, the owner is given ample time to locate his pet, when the reunion does not happen, the animal is then put up for adoption.

Lifelong friendships are made on the grounds of the shelter. Just give me a chance to love you is all they are saying.

What Makes “Orphans of the Storm” Like No Other Until each animal is adopted, they enjoy fresh air and daily exercise. The open-air policy at the shelter includes indoor-outdoor runs for every dog, and large exercise areas where each dog and his kennelmate are rotated to enjoy quality playtime, splashing in a swimming pool or just rolling in the grass to their heart’s content. Each private kennel comes with a sunny outdoor section where the dogs may relax and look out over a lush green landscape. With the completion of the “Good Neighbor Project,” a grounds beautification and sound abatement addition, the shelter grounds are even more park-like. Potential adopters may get acquainted with a dog during a walk on the grounds, a romp in one of our outdoor grassy family areas or with a quiet introduction on a bench in the garden.

Longer Stays are Not a Problem At “Orphans of the Storm” every animal that reaches the door is welcomed regardless of physical condition, temperament, suitability for a new home or age. No animal is put down because they overstayed their welcome. In addition to three wings of spacious dog kennels, there is a special room just beyond the front office that houses senior dogs; these older and many times frail dogs have earned a special place in the hearts of the shelter staff – they have gone through enough. The senior dogs are now in a safe place and will be treated to all the extras the staff can offer. Several times a day the entire gang may hobble out to the side lawn for exercising. After public hours the orthopedic beds come out to ease them into a good night’s sleep, and often they do find a home with the most gracious of adopters who commit to fill up their final years with love.

Their Cattery is Special. When selecting a dog the process begins with wandering the kennels to see who strikes your fancy. When it comes to cats, the shelter suggests you sit in the cattery and patiently wait to see who selects you. The quantity and variety is hard to find elsewhere. The only hard part about adopting a cat at “Orphans of the Storm” is leaving with just one.

Partner with the Community A shelter donation, earmarked for medical, makes a double knee surgery possible for a crippled kitten whose only fault in life was

he couldn’t run like his littermates, so he was thrown out. A local merchant sponsors an off-site adoption event in his parking lot and invites the ‘hard-to-adopt’ and ‘long-time residents’ because they don’t show well in the kennel environment and have been repeatedly overlooked for adoption. The community benefits from such activities. An elementary school field trip enables children to learn about the importance of spaying/neutering in controlling the pet overpopulation problem. A grieving pet owner finds understanding and a new pet after the loss of a best friend. And adopters get the best gift of all, a loving companion for life.

Adopt a Friend for Life. “Orphans of the Storm,” as it was christened in 1928, remains one of the largest, continually-operated and respected animal shelters in the country. Offering more than 500 pets up for adoption each day, hundreds of thousands of animals have passed through the shelter doors to go on to a second chance in life. The shelter has proven that a second-hand pet often does turn out to be a first-rate companion in every way. You are invited to visit “Orphans of the Storm” animal shelter everyday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The adoption fee is $60 for a dog or a cat and includes spay and neuter. Orphans of the Storm® animal shelter is a not-for-profit, non-government subsidized, section 501(c)(3) organization.

for more information Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter 2200 Riverwoods Road Riverwoods (Deerfield), IL 60015 (847) 945-0235 www.orphansofthestorm.org Orphans of the Storm animal shelter was founded as an animal refuge on this very parcel of land 80 years ago by famous dancer and trendsetter, Irene Castle.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 125

CHICAGO

Wag Your Tail

Holistic, Herbal & Natural Remedy Center for Pets

2 Locations:

Wag Your Tail - Chicago 6803 W. Addison Ave. Chicago, IL 60634 (773) 202-0391 Wag Your Tail - Antioch 888 Hillside Ave. Antioch, IL 60002 (847) 395-2968

Professional Grooming Available!

Wag Your Tail is Chicago and Antioch's #1 totally holistic, herbal and natural remedy center for pets. We are family owned and have been in business for over ten years. Our numerous brands of all natural cat and dog food as well as treats and supplements and have helped 1000’s of people with their pets with everything from arthritis to cancer and just about everything in-between.

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MARKETPLACE

Over 30 years of excellent animal care Member of: AVMA & CVMA and AAHA

Mont Clare Animal Hospital 6854 W. Grand Ave • Chicago, IL 60707

(773) 237-0716 www.montclareanimalhospital.com

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 127

CHICAGO We WILL handLe WIth care

Veterinarian Recommended Customized small group classes In home behavioral consultations

Established in 2001

“For all of your pet’s transportation needs.”

Dog and people friendly methods Train ‘n’ Play packages More details about our training professionals and our services available at:

www.barkerbehavior.com• 773.866.2806

Chicago’s only veterinarian recommended

Pet Transportation Service – Safe and Reliable Pet Taxi Service • Airport Groomer • Boarding • Veterinarian All Pet Related Services

[P] 773.278.1937 [F] 866.843.4587 www.pawsaroundchicago.com

Founder and Director: Brandi Barker, MFA, CPDT

Serving Chicago and Suburbs (Additional surcharge fees may apply for service outside main service area.)

House Calls

Private Lessons

Begging

Nipping

Jumping

Pulling

“Tails Wag and Owners Brag” E-mail The “

Richard Ehrenberg Phone 847-489-0015 Elitedogtraining@SBCglobal.net “ Trainer of the Suburban North Shore

CGC Certified

128 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Insured & Bonded

MARKETPLACE

Gentle and holistic dog training in the comfort of your home. We reeducate the owner, rehabilitate the dog and restore harmony to your home. Most dog behavior problems can be resolved in one visit.

Call the Chicago Dog Coach right now!

847-284-7760 Mention this ad, the Chicago Dog Magazine and receive a discount on our services.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 129

CHICAGO Dog Training That Works! Develop and strengthen a successful relationship with your dog through humane, effective and fun training.

Experience Matters! Professionally Serving Chicago and Suburbs for 30 Years Veterinarian Recommended Group Classes Private Training Behavior Consultations Certified Pet Dog Trainer

773-973-2934 • www.dogobediencegroup.com

130 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

MARKETPLACE

Animal Welfare Attorney Addressing the Laws Affecting You and Your Companion Animal 30 S. Wacker Drive, Ste. 2200 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 466-7660 P (866) 334-7660 F email: admin@animalwelfareattorney.com

www.animalwelfareattorney.com

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 131

BEST IN SHOW BARK

What IS an

Ethical Breeder? By Lori Moreland, Owner of Pet Empawrium www.petempawrium.com

What IS a breeder? First, understand that EVERY dog has a breeder. Anyone who owns a female dog that has a litter, is in fact, a breeder. However, the reputation, knowledge and experience of an ethical breeder has significant impact on your puppy. Anyone can throw two dogs together and produce puppies. It is the ethical breeder who is dedicated to their breed, their dogs and every puppy they produce. Temperament, health, intelligence and confirmation are the standards they follow. Their avocation is a serious one. Love devotion and time are the investments of their trade. As for finances, they seldom break even, let alone, make a profit. Unfortunately, finding an ethical breeder, and making a choice, can be overwhelming at best. It is never to be taken lightly, and once you have chosen a breeder, it could be months before they have a puppy for you.

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Too often, those wanting to acquire a puppy are impatient and make their choice based on impulse, availability and price. So, what should you expect from an ethical breeder? An ethical breeder cares deeply for all the dogs in their care, and every puppy they produce. They will provide their puppies with plenty of opportunities for socialization, companionship, affection, interaction and attention. They will not settle for minimum standards. The accommodations and environment, though often cluttered, will be well-maintained, clean, healthy and mentally stimulating. They also provide lots of love, healthy foods and fresh, clean water. Proper veterinary care, grooming and exercise will also be a routine part of their program. They will have all of their puppies checked out by a veterinarian for health and soundness and include in

their contract a period of time in which to allow you to have the pup examined by your veterinarian. They never breed out of greed and never over-breed. Ethical breeders will belong to national and/or local breed clubs, will be of good standing and will abide by the club’s code of ethics. They may also assess their dogs in obedience or working trials appropriate for their breed and show in confirmation. Some will do it all. A breeder who dismisses these clubs as "clique-ish" or “elitist” must be avoided. People join clubs to learn and educate. It is the best way to share what is known and understood about their breed, often by those who are more experienced. Ethical breeders test their stock for hereditary diseases and conditions recognized within the breed. This is crucial to any ethical breeding program and for the future of the breed. Health issues vary by breed and testing strives to eliminate genetic problems. This results in the breeding of sound dogs, shown to be free of serious physical conditions and/or temperament problems. It is not a guarantee that health issues will never occur in their puppies. It is, however, a conscientious effort to improve their breed. Experienced breeders are very knowledgeable about their breed and should be able to answer all your questions, or have a mentor they can turn to for additional information. These breeders specialize in one or two breeds, will educate potential puppy buyers and disclose any pertinent information about their breed. Breeders new to breeding or new to a breed are just as dedicated and passionate, just not as experienced. These breeders will have an experienced breeder/mentor that they can turn to for help. Spay/neuter contracts and limited registration papers will be issued with the sale of all “pet quality” puppies. Generally speaking, “pet quality" means that the puppy will not grow up to be a show/breeding/ working/obedience dog, whether by choice or genetics. The term "pet" should NEVER imply that the dog is inferior regarding health or temperament. It is also important to understand that a puppy sold with show/breeding/ working/obedience

potential may not become one. No matter how experienced a breeder is, it is possible to make a mistake in judgment at such an early age. As puppies mature, problems with confirmation and health can arise. You will then be required to spay/neuter your puppy, and, if there is a difference in price of a show/breeding/working/obedience puppy and a pet, your breeder should refund the difference when the puppy is spayed/neutered. Ethical breeders are responsible for every puppy they produce, for life. They will be available for guidance and support for you and your puppy, and if you can’t be there for the life of your puppy, you should know that your breeder will. Ethical breeders will take back a puppy or dog that doesn't work out, no matter how young, old, healthy or ill. They will support rescue, whether simply by rescuing the dogs they produce, or helping with dogs not bred ethically. Ethical breeders will insist on a written sales agreement/contract and provide you with a guarantee, which protects both of you. Puppies should never be released to a new owner before 8 weeks of age, as some breeds need health checks that cannot be done accurately prior to that time. Responsible, ethical breeders will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, knowingly, sell their puppies to a pet store, puppy mill or puppy broker. They will have screening and interview processes in place to avoid these reprehensible institutions at all costs. Many pet stores, tell prospective puppy buyers that their puppies come from ethical breeders. The bottom line, once again: NO ethical breeder will sell their puppies to a pet store or puppy outlet, and NO pet store or puppy outlet will ever admit to getting their puppies from a puppy mill or puppy broker. And, keep this in mind: You are going to pay a similar price for a purebred puppy. Whether or not you get what you pay for is up to you. Some states have Puppy Lemon Laws and ethical breeders will abide by and disclose information about their state’s Puppy Lemon Law. When you feel you are ready for a puppy, spend time learning and investigating. Most people spend more time and effort buying a car or a home than acquiring a canine family member. And, one last note. Conscientious breeders will want to know as much as possible about you, your household, your schedule, your ability to properly care for, and even afford, a puppy throughout its lifetime. These breeders are known to ask you more questions that you will ask them. After all, ethical breeders want only the best forever homes for their puppies.

The American Dog Magazine does NOT accept advertisements or endorsements from breeders, puppy mill kennels, pet stores that sell puppies or any company that tests on animals.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 133

HUMORIST BARK

Now Hear This

Hallmark!

By Liz Holzemer

ecently, while perusing aisle after aisle at a local Hallmark, I noticed an increasing number of card categories for the furless. Humans can care enough to send the very best for anniversaries, birthdays, and every holiday under the sun. You can express your sorrow for the loss of a loved one, celebrate another’s divorce, retirement, weight loss, end of chemotherapy. Every imaginable life occurrence has a corresponding card to acknowledge or commemorate the occasion—well almost every occasion—I haven’t yet seen one congratulating that successful, albeit painful, root canal, but it’s probably only a matter of time. But what of our furry friends? Sure, there’s a plethora of photographed dogs gracing the covers of cards—cards for humans that is—but where is the recognition for the important milestones in their lives? Do our loyal companions not warrant equal consideration? I’m hoping (but not holding my breath) that Hallmark will create the following offerings: Do Do Dominance: after weeks and weeks of being trained to do their business in said allotted area; dogs should be rewarded for mastering proper poop deployment.

Sympawthy: like us, dogs grieve when they’ve lost a sibling or close neighborhood friend. Hallmark should create a Farewell to Fido specialty line for this category. Another great use for a sympawthy card is after your beloved has celebrated a birthday. Imagine having seven birthdays in one hit. This calls for commiseration, not celebration. Surviving Sitters: hanging with temporary pet parents is no easy feat. Whether it’s Doggie Day Care, a nanny or last-choice sitter, surviving while their masters are away for days, even weeks at a time, deserves recognition. A card sure could have come in handy for our lab Koufax after my husband and I were temporarily relocated to Yokohama, Japan. We were fortunate that a nearby relative was able to move in and take care of him and that Koufax—bless his heart— adapted quite nicely. Howltide Greetings: melding holiday celebrations aren’t limited to interfaith pet parents. Since my beloved Koufax is lucky to have both a Catholic and Jewish parent, how about a Merry Chrismukkah card?

Photo by Heather Green

Rehabbed Rovers: along the lines of AA. Bad dogs gone good! Rehab isn’t just for Amy Winehouse.

Pup-uation: from behavioral training. A pat on the rear and a few extra treats won’t cut it anymore. Express your sense of pride with a card.

134 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

i model wearing golden retriever jacket

Now! 24 breeds available

The Canine Coat available at

www.dancingdogdesign.com

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 135

CELEBRITY BARK

BERNADETTE PETERS writes a best-seller,

Photo by Timothy White

BROADWAY BARKS! By Julia Szabo

very July, Broadway's biggest luminaries have gathered for a star-studded adopt-a-thon called Broadway Barks in New York City's Shubert Alley. Dozens of animal shelters and rescue groups bring adoptable dogs and cats for their moment in the spotlight. In only 10 years since its inception, the event has succeeded in finding homes for more than 500 animals. Bravo! The masterminds behind the event are actresses—and best friends—Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters. As you can always count on a talented performer to set her sights on a wider audience, Peters is now on a mission to bring the spirit of Broadway Barks to animal lovers who can't make it to Shubert Alley. She's achieving that goal with her charming new children's book, Broadway Barks, illustrated with whimsical collages by Liz Murphy.

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Already a best-seller, the book tells the story of a shaggy mutt who finds himself abandoned and hungry in a city park until a lady with curly red hair—Peters—invites him to guest-star with her on Broadway. In the audition of his life, the little lost dog scores a forever home and his new family names him Kramer. Kramer is the name of Peters' own adopted mutt, who reminds her of a character in her favorite childhood movie, Lady and the Tramp. "Kramer looks just like Tramp," Peters tells us. "People are just drawn to him because he's different-looking, and his essence is really wonderful, amazing and open. He knows he's here for a special reason. He's got an actor's personality—loves music, loves theatrics. To me, he's like Kevin Kline because he's goofy and distinguished at the same time!" Peters’ other dog, Stella, a brindle pit bull adopted from Animal Care & Control of New York City (nycacc.org), won’t be left out of the spotlight for too long. "I told Stella the next book is about her," Bernadette says. "We're getting started on it now."

Photo by Geoffrey Tischman

CELEBRITY BARK

Photos courtesy of Pryor’s Planet

JENNIFER PRYOR

Continues Legacy of Pryor’s Planet By Julia Szabo

I'll never forget the day an e-mail crossed my inbox with photos of a deaf white dog who was being given up by his family "because they were having a baby." That dog haunted me, but he was in Los Angeles, and I was in New York. So I reached out to various West Coast rescue groups. The organization that stepped up to the plate was Pryor's Planet, which took the dog in immediately and found him a wonderful new home. That high level of dedication and swift response are the twin signatures of Jennifer Lee Pryor, the widow of legendary comedian Richard Pryor. Together, the couple founded Pryor's Planet to help “re-home” California's homeless pets. A hardcore animal lover, Richard Pryor— the outspoken, controversial comic was one of history's funniest entertainers, but he was serious about helping the world's forgotten animals—from L.A.-area shelter dogs to African elephants. When Richard was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1986, the comic's struggle with this painful degenerative disease only strengthened his bond with animals. "In his later years, two of our rescued dogs, Homer and Spirit, never left Richard's side and he derived great purpose and peace from his connection with animals as his sickness progressed," Jennifer said. "Richard absolutely loved animals. He really connected with them in a

way that was very innocent and childlike." Richard took a firm stance against the use of animals in medical testing for research into MS—the very disease that was killing him. Honoring her late husband's legacy of animal love, the Web site for Pryor’s Planet is fueled by star power: Richard's photo appears on vibrantly-designed T-shirts for sale, with all proceeds donated to support the animal rescue effort. On the site, adoptable dogs are celebrities in their own right, with dogs taking on famous names like a beautiful brindle, female pit bull named in honor of singing legend Etta James. Thanks to Jennifer's tireless efforts, Pryor's Planet carries that uncompromising vision into the future, showing us how we all can show love and respect to the world's animals.

For more information, visit www.PryorsPlanet.com. The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 137

even watchdogs need watchdogs

Animals enrich our lives in so many ways. They give us joy, protection, companionship, and unconditional love. But they need our help too. Join us in confronting animal cruelty in all its forms. Visit humanesociety.org to find out what you can do.

HSUS HEROES

Tennessee Puppy Mill Raid— 747 Animals were RESCUED!

Photos courtesy of Michelle Riley/The Humane Society of the United States

By Wayne Pacelle President of the Humane Society of the United States

After more than 20 years of working for animal protection, one of the questions that I still try to ask myself every day is: “Have I done something this day that has materially advanced the cause of animals?” This is something I encourage my staff colleagues to do as well. On Monday, June 30, the answer was right before our eyes, as we gathered outside of our Washington, D.C. headquarters to greet nearly 100 dogs rescued from lives of misery and suffering at a Tennessee puppy mill. They arrived to much fanfare and the welcoming arms of D.C. area humane society workers, who will see to it that the animals are placed in loving, lifelong homes where they will receive the care and tenderness they need and deserve. More than 600 other animals, mostly dogs, but also cats, horses, donkeys, chickens, parrots and a goat – were also removed from the same appalling facility, and have also been transferred to humane organizations throughout the country for veterinary care, socialization and placement.

No more filthy wire cages, no more neglect, no more relentless breeding. The whole scene was an extraordinary emotional complement to the recent run of political and media successes we’ve registered in our struggle to curtail and eliminate the cruelties associated with puppy mill breeding and to put shelter and rescue adoption of homeless animals at the top of the list for members of the public seeking to bring companion animals into their homes. Among those stunning successes was the May 2008 passage of an amendment to the Farm Bill, closing United States shores to the importation of dogs from overseas puppy mills. As well as the enormous impact of Oprah Winfrey’s one-hour show on the puppy mill industry, which she aired originally in April and has already rerun. We've also passed bills in Louisiana and Virginia to place some limits on the size of breeding operations in these states. Getting the word out and advancing sound public policies to crack down on puppy mills are necessary ingredients to any comprehensive approach to this problem. But it's hard to match the elation that comes with the rescue and care of animals who have been living in the worst of conditions with little prospect of relief. My special thanks go to District Attorney Kim Helper. After Human Society of the United States’ Tennessee director got a tip on this puppy mill operation, and shared it with Helper's office, she had the courage to authorize the raid, to help convince the mill owner to turn the animals over to us, and to bring charges. We were so pleased that Helper joined us at the HSUS headquarters to address our staff and to greet the dogs who had arrived in Washington. So many people ask me: "How can these puppy mills continue to operate?" There's no easy answer to that question, but part of the problem rests with an insufficient clamor demanding that they be shut down. At a time when public and private shelters are killing nearly 2 million dogs a year, it is unconscionable that puppy mills are churning out millions of dogs for the pet trade. What a colossal waste of resources and of life. For the sake of all dogs—including those suffering on mills—we can't let the status quo continue.

For more information, visit www.hsus.org or visit www.stoppuppymills.org to get involved. The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 139

POLITICAL WATCHDOG

Major Changes for Animal Protection By Michael Markarian President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund

uring the 2007 legislative session, Congress passed the Farm Bill, amid a great deal of controversy. Tucked away in the enormous bill, which sets agricultural policy for the next five years, are three of the most important animal welfare reforms that will usher in major changes for animal protection. FEDERAL PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL FIGHTING One provision of the bill strengthens the federal law against dog fighting and cockfighting, and builds upon the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which was passed last year. The new measure upgrades federal penalties for animal fighting from three years to five years in prison. In addition, the provision makes it a federal felony to possess and train fighting animals, and allows federal prosecution of animal-fighting rings. It’s essentially a national ban on animal fighting and it holds accountable the cast of characters who abuse animals and turn them into murderous, fighting machines. It is one step closer to eradicating dog fighting and cockfighting in America, and that’s a goal that can’t be achieved soon enough. CRACK DOWN ON FOREIGN PUPPY MILLS Another measure, led by Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, will crack down on foreign puppy mills by barring the import of young, unweaned puppies for commercial sale at pet stores and over the Internet. Thousands of young puppies are treated like a cash crop in China, Russia, Mexico and other countries, where they are raised in filthy cages, stacked on top of each other, with no socialization or human interaction. They endure harsh, long-distance, air transport to the United States, are exposed to extreme temperatures and often freeze to death in airplane cargo holds or arrive sick and diseased. There are plenty of dogs available in the United States—with nearly 4 million pets euthanized each year because there are not enough homes for them all, we don’t need puppy millers adding to this tragic overpopulation. The new law stops the import of puppies younger than six months old, and will curb the worst abuses in this emerging industry. Next steps will be to introduce further legislation to protect dogs in puppy mills in the United States. $10,000 FINE FOR VIOLATIONS And finally, the Farm Bill upgrades penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, which haven’t changed in more than 20 years, by quadrupling the potential fine from $2,500 to $10,000. Research laboratories, puppy mills, circuses, zoos and other industries that use

140 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Photo courtesy of the Humane Society Legislative Fund

animals have largely been asked to self-regulate because enforcement is minimal. Now, the penalties will provide a more meaningful deterrent against abuse, and will no longer only be considered a cost of doing business. It may not seem obvious at first that the Farm Bill would be such an important vehicle for animal protection. But because the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and other humane treatment laws, the Farm Bill is a unique opportunity to improve our nation’s animal protection policies and toughen the penalties for those who engage in cruelty and abuse. In fact, it was the 2002 Farm Bill that closed a loophole in the federal animal-fighting law and stopped the interstate and foreign shipment of birds for cockfighting. This also slammed the door on American cockfighters who brought birds from locations where cockfighting is still legal. We are grateful to Congressional leaders for making animal welfare part of the Farm Bill agenda and putting teeth in some of our nation's cornerstone animal-protection laws. Michael Markarian is Executive Vice President of the Humane Society of the United States, www.hsus.org, and President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund www.humanesociety.org.

For more information on animals and politics, visit his Blog: www.animalsandpolitics.org.

HEY CAlIfornIA!!! VoTE YES on ProP 2!!!

This November 4, Californians should vote YES! on Prop 2 – a modest measure that stops cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, ending the practice of cramming farm animals into cages so small the animals can’t even turn around, lie down or extend their limbs. All animals deserve humane treatment, including those raised for food.

Prevents cruelty to animals Improves our health and food safety Supports family farmers Protects air, water & the environment A reasonable and common-sense reform Prop 2 provides ample time—until 2015—for factory farms using these severe confinement methods to shift to more humane practices. Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Oregon have passed similar laws.

www.yesonprop2.com

•

www.humanesociety.org

VOTE •

www.farmsanctuary.org

ANIMAL ADVOCATE

The Joy of By Carole Raphaelle Davis

Fostering

re you missing a dog in your life? Would you love to have a dog but are reluctant to take on the full responsibility? Maybe you live in a small apartment or are worried about the burden of unexpected veterinary bills. Or perhaps you recently lost your dog and aren’t ready for another full-time dog. Well, there is a way to enjoy doggie companionship and help a dog in need on a temporary basis: it’s called fostering. Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding ways to get that sublime dog love without having the full responsibility of lifelong guardianship. Here’s how it works: You give: a temporary crash pad, some food, water, a little exercise and love. You get: lots of tail wags, wet nose kisses, dog hugs and that emotionally satisfying feeling of having saved a life. Sadly, every year, close to 5 million companion animals are killed in our nation’s shelter system. The lucky ones who survive are saved by a network of rescue organizations that bail dogs out of the pound. Until those dogs are placed in their forever homes, they need a safe and emotionally-supportive place to recover from their ordeal of anguish, abandonment and sometimes, injuries. That haven, where a lonely dog can heal his broken heart and learn to trust humans again could be your home and could take as little as a few days. Sometimes it takes a couple months for harder-to-place dogs like pit-bull mixes or senior dogs. To find a rescue organization near you, ask your local shelter or go to www.PetFinder.com and search for dogs in your zip code. You’ll find the contact number and e-mail of the rescue organization near you. Rescue organizations usually have a Web site and a location where they show the dogs and conduct interviews with potential guardians. A foster dog is usually picked up by volunteers on weekends for appointments and returned to you in the evening, until a loving home is secured. Rescue organizations could not function without foster guardians—fosters are special people who are an integral part of the rescue system. It’s simple, if there were more reliable foster guardians, more dogs could be saved from the pound. An advantage of fostering is that you can choose the kind of doggie experience that suits you best. A good rescue organization will tailor your foster experience to your (and the dog’s) particular needs. For example, if you are a high-energy person who wants to jog or likes to

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Photo by Kevin Rooney

take long walks, you can arrange to foster an active, athletic dog. If you are the type of person who likes to stay home in the evenings and watch TV, you can arrange to foster a senior dog or an injured dog that will be happy to sit with you by the fire. If you have more free time and love puppies, you can arrange for that, too. There is a perfect dog for every foster mom or dad. Yet another advantage of fostering is that if you are looking for your dog of a lifetime, this is a smart way to meet different dogs, helping them along into their new homes until that magic moment happens. One night, you’ll be lying next to each other in bed and your foster dog will look deep into your eyes and sigh sweetly. You’ll return his gaze and reach out to him. You’ll feel a surge in your heart. You’ll know. You’ll tell yourself, no one else is good enough for this dog. You’ll hold him close and you’ll tell him the magic words: “You’re mine forever. I love you.” At that moment, you will join an exclusive club, the elite corps of failed foster parents. I’ll tell you a secret: failure never felt so good.

about the author Carole Raphaelle Davis is the author of The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife. Please visit her Web site at www.HollywoodJinky.com.

ANIMAL ADVOCATE

Pretty is

By Jana Kohl Author of A Rare Breed of Love www.ARareBreedofLove.com

o it is with pretty women in pretty outfits who walk into pet stores or surf the Web to plunk down a pretty penny for a puppy. Don’t these pretty women know that puppies sold at pet stores and puppy Web sites come from the most hideous places on earth? Don’t they know that the purchase of a pet store or Internet puppy results in ugly consequences for that puppy’s parents, who are locked in cages their entire lives and used as breeding machines—never allowed to walk on grass or see the sun, covered in feces and urine every day of their miserable lives? I wonder how the poor mother of that pet store or Internet puppy would look in the pretty woman’s expensive pet carrier? Would the stench of her feces-covered, urinesoaked, matted coat clash with the pretty woman’s expensive perfume? I love pretty things as much as the next girl and have been known to spend a silly sum for a variety of indulgencies, but I’ve come to see that compassion is much more chic than cruelty. Pet store and Internet puppies are so embarrassingly tacky, girls! You might as well have toilet paper trailing out of the top of your $500 jeans. I know some very beautiful women who feel likewise, who decided to spend several Saturdays in a row protesting a Beverly Hills pet store instead of lunching with the ladies or shopping on nearby Rodeo Drive. These gorgeous gals knew that something needed to be done about their local pet store. The high-priced puppies for sale there came from puppy mills, like 99 percent of pet-store puppies do. These lovely ladies camped out for 17 Saturdays in a row, letting the public know the truth about the link between puppy mills and pet stores. Their dedication paid off when the store finally closed its doors. I tell people about these heavenly heroines as I make my way across

as Pretty Does the nation with another beauty—a three-legged dog named Baby who survived one of those grotesque puppy mills. Baby had her vocal cords cut so the owners wouldn’t have to listen to her cries to be let out of her cage, and her leg was amputated after her rescue because of the hellish life she was forced to endure as a breeding dog. Today, Baby has a name instead of a number, and a loving home where she will live out the rest of her days in the loving arms of her Ma (me). Our book, A Rare Breed of Love: The True Story of Baby and the Mission She Inspired to Help Dogs Everywhere, features some other beautiful people like Barack Obama, Judge Judy and Bill Maher, who all know that there’s nothing chic or glamorous about cruelty— there’s nothing hip, trendy or attractive about supporting an industry where dogs are tortured every day of their lives. Michelle Obama has promised that their family will adopt a rescue dog after the campaign, instead of buying one from a breeder—now there’s one style-setting woman who others will want to emulate. The people who buy puppies at pet stores and on the Internet must be reminded that they don’t look attractive with a puppy mill dog on their arm. Cruel just ain’t cool, girls. Fashion comes and goes, but compassion is timeless and never goes out of style. If you really want to be the envy of everyone on the block, give a forever home to a dog in need. You’ll look so much prettier on the outside when your inner beauty is allowed to shine through. Jana Kohl is a writer, psychologist, and animal welfare advocate.

For more information on the puppy mill cycle of misery visit:

www.stoppuppymills.org. The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 143

BEST FRIENDS

Photo by Sarah Ause

A New Way

of Seeing

By Faith Maloney

o one knows how Taffy, a Shi-tzu, became blind. Once a breeder dog in a puppy mill, Taffy now lives a normal life with her adoptive home and has adapted well to losing her sight, said her person, Danny Carroll. “There have been no accidents in the house, even the first night she was left alone.” Shi-tzu’s, pugs and Pekinese dogs are prone to eye problems—they’re bred for a bug-eyed look—and while certain breeds are more prone to eye problems than others, it is important to understand potential eye issues that any dog can face. Glaucoma is one reason dogs can go blind. It’s actually a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and the possibility of blindness. Suzy, an older cocker spaniel, developed a painful buildup of pressure in one of her eyes from glaucoma and her veterinarian suggested removing the eye completely. “I was nervous about it until the vet reminded me that dogs use their noses a lot,” said her person, Janice. “Suzy felt so much better after that first surgery. I think it had been very painful for her, so we didn’t hesitate to ask our vet to remove the other eye when it started to bulge, too. When she’d healed from the two surgeries, she looked just like “Cousin It” from the Addams family movies and she started to behave like a puppy again. Nothing slowed her down.” Dogs can get cataracts, as well. The cataract may develop rapidly over weeks, or slowly over years, in one or both eyes. If you notice a sight issue with your dog or that their lenses start to look a little cloudy, seeking guidance from a veterinarian is important—the procedures

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and equipment used to remove cataracts in dogs are the same as in humans. As we saw with Taffy and Suzy, dogs adapt very well to being blind. The heavy use of their noses and the use of sound for help with location and orientation, make their lives relatively normal, despite their lack of sight. Laddie, an elderly blind Lab mix who lives with Tyson Horn, is a testament to that and manages pretty well—most of the time. “Occasionally he gets himself all turned around,” Horn said. “He has his normal routes for navigating through the house and as long as he stays to those he’s OK. But sometimes he has to make a move to avoid bumping into another dog and gets confused. I steer him back to his regular route and he’s all happy again.”

Tips for a blind dog or one losing it’s sight: • Try not to move furniture or change the yard. • Keep food and water bowls in the same place. • F ind a word to use like “stop” to give warning they are about to encounter something. Carpet runners on floors can guide them around the house. • Leave a radio or TV on low all the time to help give bearings. • Additional resources: www.blinddogs.com

Faith Maloney is one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. For more information visit www.bestfriends.org.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS

Dear Friends,

I am writing this column with a strong sense of urgency, to ask for your help in ending the terrible suffering and deaths of hundreds of thousands of puppies and their mothers. I am referring to the victims of puppy mills, and the greedy pet stores that keep those mills in business, that profit from the appalling cruelty and abuse. To quote an undercover investigator from our international, nonprofit organization In Defense of Animals (IDA): “The images of female dogs dead or dying, their hair matted with excrement, their eyes ulcerated, their skin covered with festering sores, their teeth rotting away, haunt me day and night. Thousands upon thousands of wire cages serve as prisons in life, and tombs upon death. I have seen the bodies of dogs left to rot and decompose in their cages. I have heard the mournful whimpering from dogs longing for a caress from a kind and loving hand. I won't forget these graphic images and sounds that drive me to rid the countryside of this terrible scourge. These are the realities of a most abusive industry, an industry that crams hundreds of thousands of female dogs into wire floored cages, breeding them to exhaustion, at which time they are either taken to auctions, sold to labs, or simply shot, even as millions of homeless dogs and puppies are tragically killed in our nation’s shelters.” The puppy mill industry would not exist without the pet stores that market and sell their puppies to a still uneducated public that continues to purchase puppies from pet stores that treat them as no more than “cash crops,”—putting profits above the suffering and misery of puppies and their mothers, putting profits before the deaths of millions of innocent animals in our nation’s shelters. Over the years, IDA has exposed the suffering, by coordinating rallies, boycotts and protests against pet stores that sell the often sick and diseased puppies from the puppy mill industry. Recently, Oprah Winfrey took on the puppy mill industry, featuring its callousness and cruelty on her show. We must continue to follow suit. Should you wish to educate others in your community, please contact me at emk@idausa.org. We can supply you with sample letters to the editor, flyers, posters and brochures, as well as information on how to start a campaign for the animals in your community. And so I urge you to rescue and adopt the next four-legged member of your family, to never treat them as property, commodities, objects or things, by never buying or selling them as the puppy mills and pet stores that exploit them do. To always act as an “animal guardian,” never as an “animal owner.” Respectfully, Elliot M. Katz, DVM President, IDA (415) 488-0048

www.idausa.org The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 145

CANINE CRUSADER

If You Wouldn’t Wear Your DOG

Please Don’t Wear Any Fur By Paula Moore Senior Writer for PETA (www.PETA.org)

Shopping for the latest fall fashions? This time of year, when stores are filled with shiny displays and everything’s on sale, it can be tempting to buy “just a little” fur, perhaps a pair of fur gloves or a coat with fur trim. BUT EVEN A LITTLE BIT OF FUR ADDS UP TO A LOT OF SUFFERING.

In an article for Hong Kong’s Post Magazine, Parry describes raccoon dogs and silver foxes suffering from “severe stress, ramming their heads and trunks repeatedly against the crude wire that encloses them.” One young mother fox protectively guarded the body of her lifeless cub, whose paws were covered in flies.

“Furry” fashionistas may have never given it any thought, but the only difference between our “best friends” and animals killed for their fur is how they are treated. Rabbits raised to become someone’s fur collar are forced to live in their own waste in small, barren cages. Foxes on fur farms, insane from stress and boredom, throw themselves repeatedly against the wire cage bars. Or they cower pitifully in the back of their cage, paralyzed with fear. Many foxes are killed by electrocution; minks are cruelly gassed; rabbits have their necks broken. INSIDE CHINA’S FUR FARMS China is now the biggest supplier of fur in the world, thanks in part to its cheap labor and lack of regulations. Reporter Simon Parry, posing as a fur trader, got a rare inside look.

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Photo courtesy of PETA

chinchillas on the farm were electrocuted, to prevent them from thrashing around and ruining their coats. The investigators watched as the fur farmer pulled a rusty wire apparatus from a drawer, dipped the sharp clamps in a jar of water, and attached one clamp to a chinchilla’s metal ear tag and the other to her foot. He plugged the device into a wall socket and dropped the chinchilla to the counter—the surge of electricity stiffened her, her tail stuck straight out, her chest heaved, and a minute later, a yellow trickle ran down the counter—she had lost control of her bladder. Done this way—improperly—electrocution sends a current through the heart and immobilizes the animal, but it does not stop brain activity. The chinchillas electrocuted on this farm suffered the agonizing pain of a full-blown heart attack, until their hearts finally stopped beating. ‘ECO-FRIENDLY’ FUR? THAT’S FUZZY THINKING. Photo by Jamie M. Downey in Denver, CO

Parry also visited the “Rabbit King of Jiangsu,” owner of the largest fur farm in China. Every morning, crates overflowing with baby rabbits arrive at Tan Jiyou’s farm. The terrified animals yelp and fight for air. They live their brief, joyless existence in dark cages, stacked six high inside row after row of concrete sheds. When the rabbits are between three and six months old, “they are strung up by their legs on hooks on a conveyor belt, where female workers grab them by the ears and hack off their heads with oversized scissors,” according to Parry. In the two hours that Parry and Tan dined together, 600 rabbits were slaughtered and skinned—enough to trim the collars and cuffs of just 50 women’s jackets. Even in countries with animal welfare laws—China has none—animals are poisoned, gassed and electrocuted for their fur, all legally. CRUELTY AT HOME When PETA sent two undercover investigators to a chinchilla farm in Michigan—a typical USDA-registered facility—the organization documented chinchillas writhing in pain and panic after their necks had been broken. The animals had chewed at their fur—a sign of stress—making them unsuitable for “pelting,” so the farmer housed these chinchillas on a lower rack—“death row”—so he could scoot in an office chair down the row of cages, quickly killing one animal after another. Other

The fur industry knows that by now, most consumers have seen video footage of animals languishing in filthy cages and being cruelly killed for their pelts—and we’re just not buying it. So, like many businesses, furriers are jumping aboard the green bandwagon, claiming that fur is “environmentally friendly.” DON’T BELIEVE IT. Furs, like other animal skins, are loaded with caustic, even dangerous, chemicals to prevent them from rotting in the buyer’s closet. Before the finished product reaches the local fur salon, it is soaked in a bath of chemicals, then bleached, dyed or toned. Sulfuric acid, ammonium chloride, formaldehyde, lead acetate and sodium perborate are just some of the chemicals used during the dressing process. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one of the chemicals used in dying furs, hexavalent chromium, is a hazardous waste. GO FAUX Some fur items are so cheap, consumers may not even realize that they are buying real fur. If you’re not sure if the trim on a jacket or bag is real or fake, leave it on the rack. By refusing to buy real fur, together we can help end this gruesome business once and for all.

Find out more at PETA’s Web site: www.FurIsDead.com The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 147

DOGS DESERVE BETTER

Photo By Christine Jaksy

Unchaining Man’s

Best Friend

Tamira Ci Thayne, formerly Tammy Grimes

Submitted by Dogs Deserve Better

Photo Courtesy of Dogs Deserve Better

he area reps and volunteers of Dogs Deserve Better (DDB) take their mission very seriously: to bring Man's Best Friend out of backyards and into the home and the family. Like most animal issues, it's a tough mission, but one they feel completely confident they can beat in the next 10 years. “Based on stats from a 12-state tour we completed in April, we believe there are approximately 6 million dogs living chained or penned in America's backyards today,” said Tammy Grimes, founder of DDB, a nonprofit organization established in 2002. "We feel chained and penned dogs are 'the forgotten dogs'. Dogs who 'technically' have a home, but do they really? Dogs are the neediest animals on the planet, and to separate them from their family equates to certain death in their minds. They are ostracized from their pack and they don't know why. They act out, barking, lunging, until finally they lose hope for redemption and become lethargic and unresponsive. They are unable to protect themselves against threats, and can become territorial and downright dangerous—especially to small children—due to lack of socialization, improper vet care, and pent-up anger and frustration." Daniel, a Gordon Setter mix, is a recent example of a chained dog rescued and rehabilitated by DDB. Daniel was one of 20 dogs living chained and penned in a backyard of an elderly Tennessee woman, who became ill and could no longer meet even the basic food, shelter and water requirements for the dogs. DDB stepped in and posted photos and information about the dogs, seeking breed rescues and foster home opportunities. Grimes transported Daniel to her home in Pennsylvania to live with her two dogs and four foster siblings, where he spent three months working on his housetraining and people-training skills. He was so terrified of humans that in his second day he squeezed himself under a desk and between boxes; his hiding place went undiscovered for six hours! It took four baths and a trip to the groomer to rid him of the most pungent layers of dirt and grime that had built up during his time chained in a backyard. The day finally came when Daniel gave the slightest wag of the tail as he saw Grimes arriving home, a monumental step for a dog completely encased in a shield of indifference.

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Daniel before

Then the day finally came when he leaned into a caressing hand that rubbed his ears and massaged his chest ... and then, the day FINALLY came when he felt ready to try a new home, a home where he would be understood, given time to climb out of his shell of fear, and learn what it's like to be a 'real' family dog. Those are the days this group lives for; the day they can remember the horrible 'before' pics of their foster dogs, and stamp out the memories with happy 'after' pics of life in a new home and family. Now, Daniel takes a walk around the Daniel after property with Bob, his new best friend and caretaker, and Grimes couldn't be happier than to document the moment—forever replacing his sad eyes on the chain with a dog who now holds his head up, albeit still a bit uncertainly, to face a whole new world where anything is possible.

For more information or to get involved visit the Dogs Deserve Better Web site at www.dogsdeservebetter.org.

Life Sentence, No Parole

If we tried to invent the cruelest punishment for dogs, we probably couldn’t come up with anything worse than “solitary confinement” on a chain or in a kennel. Dogs are pack animals who crave companionship. Scratches behind the ears, games of fetch, or walks around the block mean the world to them. Curling up at your feet while you watch TV is their idea of heaven.

Many dogs left to fend for themselves at the end of a chain fall prey to attacks by other animals or cruel people, and many others are injured or hanged or choke as a result of getting entangled or caught in their tether. If you have a backyard dog, please, bring him or her inside. They don’t want much—just you.

A chained dog can only watch as life goes by.

HelpingAnimals.com

150 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

PET PLANNING

Pet Guardian

How to Choose a

By Linda Sommers Green, Attorney at Law

Pet Guardian is the person or entity that will provide for the care of your pet in the event of your incapacity or death —so choosing a guardian is important given it will be the person or place with constant, daily contact with your pet. The Pet Guardian chosen to serve in the event of your incapacity may be different than the Pet Guardian who will serve upon your death. If you are incapacitated, and then regain capacity, it is imperative that your trust has provisions providing for the return of your pet(s); the last thing you want is to encounter a “custody” battle with the person to whom you entrusted your pet. The Pet Guardian can be a friend, relative or other reliable person you feel confident will put the well-being of your pet first. The Pet Guardian will receive payments from the trustee and provide continuous care based on your detailed instructions. These expectations should be discussed with the prospective Pet Guardian in advance to be certain they are willing to assume the obligation of caring for your pet. As a practical matter, you should take into consideration the life expectancy of your pet when selecting Pet Guardians. Additionally, many of my clients have several species of pets, so a different Pet Guardian may be chosen for each pet or each pet species. More than one Pet Guardian should be named as a backup; I tell clients that they could never give me too many backups as people pass away and circumstances change. If you are having a difficult time finding someone to fill this important role, or in naming a backup, you might consider identifying a rescue, sanctuary or other animal welfare organization that will agree to serve as your Pet Guardian. It is a good idea to name a Pet Panel, a group of several individuals, such as veterinarians, family members and friends, who would be responsible with locating a suitable Pet Guardian should all of those you named fail or cease to serve. The panel would interview the prospective Pet Guardian and select the person/entity it feels would provide the best care for your pet, all within accordance to your wishes. The Pet Panel would also have the power to “inspect” the pet and the care of the pet, ensure that your wishes are being honored, remove a Pet Trustee or Pet Guardian and fulfill other roles you may prescribe. Another important aspect of ensuring proper care for your pet, should you be unable to care for them, is that you properly identify your pet. There are horror stories about pet caregivers replacing the original pet with a new one to fraudulently perpetuate his or her right

to distributions. An identification of the pet depends on a number of factors including the breed, types of registration for the breed, and so forth. Sometimes identifying the pet by unique physical attributes may be sufficient. In other cases, the pet may not be distinguishable from other animals of the same species, and you may want to consult a veterinarian about having a microchip implanted in the pet or obtaining DNA “fingerprinting,” such precautions are relatively inexpensive and may also prove to be very useful if the pet is lost. Additionally, your trust should allow you to identify future pets in an easy and efficient fashion, so that you do not have to formally amend the trust whenever a new pet enters your family; however, be careful not to define the scope of covered pets too broadly so as to undermine the purposes of sufficiently identifying the pet, as discussed above. In the next issue I will discuss how to choose a Pet Trustee.

For any questions you may have in planning for your pet, please feel free to call Linda Sommers Green, at (303) 984-9900. www.pettrustsusa.com

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 151

DOG LAW

ANIMAL CRUELTY We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form. —William Ralph Inge, Outspoken Essays, 1922 By Thomas Overton, Attorney at Law www.overtonlawfirm.com

e see the news reports every week. Whether it is newborn puppies without adequate shelter, a German shepherd tethered in place for six months, or a highly-publicized multi-state dog fighting ring, cases of animal abuse are on the rise.

Cruelty to animals is both immoral and illegal. Animal cruelty is against the law in every state; however, what is considered “animal cruelty” varies from state to state. Intentionally failing to provide food, water and shelter is always illegal. In some states it is a crime to deprive an animal of the necessities of life, regardless of whether the owner intended the neglect. In other states there must be intentional conduct before an owner may be held accountable. Dog fighting is punished by federal law and is a felony in almost all states. In most states illegal animal cruelty includes, neglect, abandonment, leaving the scene of an automobile accident in which an animal has been injured, confining an animal in an unventilated car or keeping an excessive number of pets. Some states have special laws that apply to puppy mills, and others have laws that apply to cropping ears and tails. Many local governments also have ordinances that deal with animal cruelty. 1 Sometimes, actions that might otherwise be viewed as cruelty are legally permitted. For example, if a dog is posing an immediate threat of injury to a person, another animal or property, it may be acceptable to kill that dog. Scientific research and religious practices may also be exempt from criminal liability for cruelty, but laws in this regard vary from state-to-state. The Michigan State University College of Law maintains a Web site with information concerning the laws in different states, which can be accessed here: www.animallaw.info. How can you help if you see an animal being neglected or cruelly treated? Dial 911 if you are concerned for your immediate safety. Otherwise, check with your local humane society or your local city or county animal welfare/animal control unit. Many of these agencies have staff that will investigate reports of abuse. Typically these agencies will gather as much information as possible, including an on-site inspection and they are often

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empowered to issue a court summons to the owner of the animal. The Web sites of the American Humane Society, www.americanhumane. org, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.aspca.org, are good places to start if you need help. Of course, you can always contact your city police or county sheriff. With your help, we can take a bite out of the crime of animal abuse! 1 This article is focused on criminal liability. There also may be civil liability for someone who injures or kills a dog.

The

Holiday

Gift Guide

Recommended by Julia Szabo for The American Dog Magazine

During the holiday season don’t forget to add your furry friend to your shopping list. Whether your pets have been naughty or nice, they deserve to have a visit from Santa Claus too. Check out some of the hottest gifts for you and your dog this holiday season.

Harry Barker’s Dog Bowls Table scraps from the holiday feast are always welcome in your dog’s bowl. With Harry Barker’s fabulously festive, fluted-ceramic dog bowl, k9 kibble magically morphs into a five-star holiday meal any time of the year, even without table scraps. Dishwasher and microwave safe, these high-fired stoneware bowls are as easy-care as they are easy on the eyes. www.harrybarker.com

Cloud Star Dog Treats Vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are excellent, healthful additions to a dog’s diet, but eating healthy was never much fun. That is, not until Cloud Star gave veggies va-va-voom with its new, irresistibly chewy Farmstand Slices treats. Now sit back and watch Spot sit up and beg...for stuff that’s good for him! www.cloudstar.com

Tuffzilla Does your dog tackle toys like a monster? Then he’ll love sinking his teeth into a gigantic, green monster of a chew toy. Standing 27 inches tall and 35 inches long, the Tuffzilla is a limited-edition prehistoric plaything that’s designed for champion chewers, with two layers of industrial grade luggage material, several rows of stitching, and multiple squeakers. www.vipproducts.com

Greyhound Necklace Forced to run for their lives, then killed when they don’t run fast enough, racing Greyhounds are one of the two most abused canine breeds in the world. By purchasing this beautiful, sterling-silver necklace, you can help the non-profit Grey2KUSA in its noble mission to put an end to this cruel “sport.” www.grey2KUSA.org

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 153

The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar The other most abused canine breed in the world is the Pit Bull, who suffers not only from cruel treatment by dogfighters, but also from the public’s misperception of the breed as a bloodthirsty killer. The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar reveals photographic evidence of Pit Bulls doing the unthinkable: kissing and cuddling with children! All proceeds from sales of the calendar support Pit Bull rescue and adoption efforts. www.theunexpectedpitbull.com

6. 7.

Wait for the Sunset CD If your dog suffers from anxiety, “Wait for the Sunset” could become the most valuable CD in your collection. Designed to calm anxious animals and lull them to sleep, it’s a compilation of soothing pieces - including the holiday-spirit classics “Greensleeves” and “Amazing Grace” - all performed by talented harp healer Susan Raimond. Just one warning: DON’T play this CD while driving! www.petpause2000.com

Healthy Mouth Dental Care A dog’s teeth and gums are an important indicator of his overall health, but brushing is a chore that’s too often dreaded by pets - and neglected by busy pet parents. Healthy Mouth is a great gift for dogs AND dog lovers: an effective dental care system that dogs drink. Simply replace your dog’s regular drinking water with this pleasant-tasting, enzyme- and chlorophyll-spiked cocktail, kiss toothbrushing goodbye, and say hello to delightful dog breath. www.healthymouth.com

Artist Martha Szabo If you’re a fan of modern art and design, you’ll appreciate the way portraitist Martha Szabo sees dogs: as subjects of compelling, contemporary canvases. Her dynamic painting style has invited comparison to 20th-century masters Alice Neel and Francis Bacon. Commission a custom portrait of your modern dog, and see for yourself why this artist wins accolades from discerning dog lovers. www.marthaszabo.com

10.

T-shirt by John Bartlett Award-winning fashion designer John Bartlett simply adores his muse and best friend, a three-legged mutt named Tiny Tim - so Tim’s handsome image appears on handsome cotton T-shirts for men and women. John recently unveiled a special collection of “Fashion Hound” shirts, and donates all proceeds from sales to North Shore Animal League America, the no-kill shelter where he adopted Tim. www.johnbartlettny.com

Fetching Fashions Collars Every fashion-forward hound needs to sport a designer collar by Fetching Fashions. These collars come in a variety of eye-catching colors and designs with leads to match. Fetching Fashions collars and leads come in a variety of sizes and are available at Mouthfuls www.mouthfuls.net.

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The Holiday Gift Guide

11.

Dog Days Martini Dog Pillow The Dog Days Martini Pillow by Tipsy Star is a must have for all the dog-loving humans on your list. These pillows are made of rich ultra suede with the highest quality embroidery—fun and built to last. Tipsy Star also offers a line of dog beds and t-shirts. www.tipsystar.com

13.

Picasso & Lump: A Dachshund’s Odyssey

12.

by David Douglas Duncan

How to Raise a Jewish Dog by Rabbis of Boca Raton Theological Seminary, Barbara Davilman, and Ellis Weiner.

14.

Let’s face facts: “Men and dogs have lived in close symbiosis from literally the beginnings of civilization itself and still, after 200,000 years we can’t keep the dog from jumping up on the dining room table and eating all the hamburger buns.” This spoof dog-training manual will keep you howling. www.barnesandnoble.com

Dogtown: A Sanctuary for Rescued Dogs by Bob Somerville/DVD by National Geographic

Dogtown, part of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, is the subject of this pictorial hardcover that has now become a national television series. This book, along with the National Geographic DVD, provides an inside look at dogs who were rescued and rehabilitated at Dogtown, the largest no-kill animal haven in the U.S. www.rsvp.com • www.nationalgeographic.com

16.

This coffee-table worthy book is a pictorial history about Picasso’s unlikely companion—a Dachshund named Lump. Lump was a sensitive and complex creature that found his way into Picasso’s heart and home. Lump was immortalized in a Picasso portrait painted on a plate the very day they met. This book contains fascinating photos that will compel you to study every detail. www.barnesandnoble.com

15.

PetZen Treadmills What to do when it’s pouring outside and Spot doesn’t want to even think about getting wet, let alone go sloshing over to the dog park? With PetZen’s Dog Tread, nothing can rain on your high-energy dog’s parade. Spot can get her exercise in the dry, climate-controlled comfort of your interior, running in place to her heart’s content. And unlike those clunky K9 treadmills of yore, this one is modern, sleek, and attractive enough that you can display it proudly at home without having to hide it in the basement. PetZenProducts.com

Love Them and Lead Them DVD A two-part series with almost 3 hours of training for you and your dog-based on the training philosophy of Doug and Elizabeth Simpson, founders of Tenderfoot Training. This informative video is a series of personal lessons for you to review in the privacy of your own home. www.TenderfootTraining.com

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 155

MARKETPLACE

nspired

by Ivy

Handcrafted Functional Art

Made with vintage pictures, jewelry, embellishments or personal items

Elisa Scodro • mela86@sbcglobal.net

Breed/Animal/Subject Specific leash holders • picture frames • clocks • memory boxes

Great way to welcome a new puppy, rescue or remember a loyal pet!

“ C apturing Y our E vent,

P riceless”

Pat Duncan Photography Specializing in Live Performances, Parties for all Occasions, and Special Events

720.493.1120 pat3photography@yahoo.com www.pduncan.photoreflect.com

Tracy Williams Photography Pet Sessions, Sports and Event Photography tracyw77@yahoo.com 720-333-1033

Pictures of your best friend having the time of his life.

a little bird told me...

Julie Bielenberg [p] 303.588.4630 alittlebirdtoldme@mac.com

tweetercommunications.com

156 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Buddy G’s Jewelry for Pets [P]401.255.5717 [F] 401.946.5960 Authorized Representative: Karen Giarrusso Email Address:Buddygsmom@aol.com

Discover

ACUPUNCTURE

The Gentle Vet Way Acupuncture can stimulate your pet’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance

MARKETPLACE

www.gentlevet.com

Gentle Vet, P.C. (303) 919-1504 Serving the Denver Metro Area

Hotel Frisco 308 Main Street Frisco, CO 80443 (800) 262-1002 Voted Best Lodging in Summit County. Pets are welcome in all rooms & resident dogs, Hannah & Buddha, will show you all the local hot spots!

www.HotelFrisco.com

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 157

“ BE THE CHANGE

YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD”

—Ghandi

Have a PURPOSE in life, make a CONTRIBUTION to Society and a DONATION to Charity! This holiday season instead of squandering money on frivolous, unnecessary items that will never see beyond your closet doors or kitchen cabinets why don’t you make the decision to help those less fortunate than you, including our four-legged friends. Make the decision now to focus on the needs of others and make a donation today to one of the amazing, worthwhile charities that are true saviors for animals listed below. Your generous contribution will benefit the animals and your act of kindness will help make this world a better place for all of us, including Fido! The American Dog magazine recognizes these 12 outstanding animal welfare organizations. Be a philanthropist and make a donation for the animals, they’re depending on you! Photo by Barb Levant

American Humane 63 Inverness Dr Englewood, CO 80112 americanhumane.org

Dogs Deserve Better PO Box 23 Tipton, PA 16684 dogsdeservebetter.org

Misha May Foundation PO Box 151166 Lakewood, CO 80215 mishamayfoundation.org

APSCA 424 E. 92nd St New York, NY 10128 aspca.org

Farm Sanctuary PO Box 150 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 farmsanctuary.org

Orphans of the Storm 2200 Riverwoods Rd Deerfield, IL 60015 orphansofthestorm.org

Best Friends Animal Society 5001 Angel Canyon Rd Kanab, UT 84741 bestfriends.org

Humane Society of US 2100 L St NW Washington,DC 20037 hsus.org

PAWS Chicago 1997 N. Clybourn Ave Chicago, IL 60614 pawschicago.org

Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th St Washington,DC 20036 defenders.org

In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd San Rafeal, CA 94901 idausa.org

PETA 501 Front St Norfolk, VA 23510 peta.org

My generous contribution: _____$25 _____$50 _____$75 _____$100 ( tax deductible) I would like to support (charity): ______________________________________ Please make your check payable to the charity of your choice and then mail it to their address listed above

“A person’s true wealth is the good he or she does in the world.” –Mohammed

158 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

Charity Event

Yappy Hour at City Bark!

Photos by Krystal Reed

he canines frolicked, the humans dined on delicious vegetarian hors d’oeuvres while a talented jazz trio played music in the background—all while raising money for the amazing Misha May Foundation which is dedicated to placing “mutts in safe homes always.” The event took place August 15, 2008 at City Bark Doggie Daycare in Parker, Colorado. City Bark partnered with The American Dog Magazine to sponsor this fundraiser for dogs in serious need. Flying Dog Brewery and Divino Wines also helped sponsor the event. The night was a huge success! A total of $4,000 was raised for the Misha May Foundation. For more information on how you can help, visit www.mishamayfoundation.org.

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 159

FAVORITE PICKS FROM TOP DOGS! Cheyenne’s Pick:

Bella’s Pick:

Mouthful’s LICKIN’ LOGS!

Doggie Cookie Dots by Mrs. Albright

Chewy jerky sticks your dog will love! Don’t feed your dog the same boring treats, instead try delicious-tasting jerky chews made with real beef!

These delicious, wholesome treats are made with love and contain no added preservatives. Doggie Cookie Dots come in vanilla and fudge (fudge flavor is made of carob). The fudge tastes like a delicious Chocolate Walnut Oatmeal Cookie…the human kind!

To order online go to: www.mouthfuls.net or call (720) 855-7505

To order online go to: www.cookiedots.com or www.justsweetenough.com

Chester’s Pick:

Jaidyn’s Pick:

West Paw Design: “Zogoflex TUX”

ProCollar Premium Inflatable Collar

Chew it, stuff it, float it, bounce it! You can stuff Tux with peanut butter, cream cheese, a medium biscuit or be creative! This high-quality toy is super durable and your dog will love it!

Even though protective collars are never associated with anything good, this inflatable collar was a Godsend after surgery. Unlike the lampshades that you get from the vet, this comfy collar will not scrape up your furniture and your pet will be able to eat, sleep and play at ease.

If your dog loves to chew and play, this is the toy! Made by West Paw Design: www.westpawdesign.com

To order online go to: www.muttropolis.com

Casey’s Pick:

Remington’s Pick:

Free Range Dog Chews: “Chicken Breast Wraps”

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snowball

These treats are real chicken breast baked at a low temperature to maintain nutritional value plus wrapped around a slice of apple for vitamins and antioxidants! These snacks can be found at the best pet boutiques that carry healthy and natural treats for dogs.

The world’s first doggiedurable, buoyant, bouncy, minty and NON-MELTING snowball. This toy, as well as all of Planet Dog’s products, is 100% nontoxic, recyclable and MADE IN THE USA. Available at the finer pet boutiques and online at: www.planetdog.com

Visit www.freerangedogchews.com

If you would like your product to be considered for a top dog pick in an upcoming issue please mail a product sample to: The Dog Publishing, LLC 700 N. Colorado Blvd. #199 Denver, CO 80206 160 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

The American Dog Magazine is published quarterly in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Subscribe today and save 17% off the newsstand price of $5.95 when you subscribe for one year or save 24% off a two year subscription! ____ one-year subscription $20.00

____ two-year subscription $36.00

Name __________________________________ Phone _____________________ Address_____________________________ City/St/Zip _____________________ Email ______________________________ Signature _______________________ Credit card # _________-_________-_________-________ exp date __________ Billing address for credit card __________________________________________ YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE ONLINE (www.theamericandogmag.com) OR MAIL THIS FORM IN

Mail to: The Dog Publishing, LLC PO Box 440695 Aurora, CO 80014-0695 check payable to: The Dog Publishing LLC

Total Amount Due: __________

Order The American Dog Magazine for your friends! Please send a one-year subscription to: Name __________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________ Name __________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________ Name __________________________________________ Address ________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________ TOTAL AMOUNT DUE:___________________________ ** YOUR first subscription will start with the subsequent issue on newsstands now. ( For example, the fall issue is on sale now, you subscribe, your first magazine will start with the winter issue on newsstands January 1st, 09)

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TODAY! www.theamericandogmag.com The Dog Publishing, LLC • PO BOX 440695 • Aurora, CO 80014-0695 • (303) 997-1590

The American Dog Magazine | Fall 2008 161

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Check Out the Publisher’s Blog! 162 Fall 2008 | The American Dog Magazine