Bay Area Dog Summer 2010

Dog SUMMER 2010 | FREE!

BayArea

MAGAZINE

THE BAY AREA’S ONLY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR DOGS AND THOSE WHO LOVE ‘EM

EEK KENN R C N I U B L rd in g K e n n e l • F a m il y O w n e d a E L

DA Premier Boa

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We take the time to give your pet the love and attention that they require in your absence.

BOARDING • TRAINING • GROOMING • BREEDING Ensuring that your pet’s stay is a positive and worry free experience for both the pet and the family is our guiding principle.

— Owners Susan O’Reilly-Hagan and Katherine Cummings

DUBLIN CREEK KENNELS 6570 Donlon Way, Dublin

www.dublincreekkennel.com P: (925)828-5355 • F: (925) 828-5432

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editor’s letter doggie treats notable events car review feature story ARF’s Elena Bicker breed spotlight The Weimaraner tails and tales

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12 BAY AREA DOG Volume 1, Number 1 summer 2010 www.BADogmagazine.com Publisher & Editor Everard G. Strong editor@BADOGmagazine.com Sales General Inquiries sales@BADOGmagazine.com Kathryn Sibley ksibley@BADOGmagazine.com BAY AREA DOG magazine P.O. Box 30442 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 www.BAKidsMagazine.com ON THE COVER Yogi appears courtesy of the Northern California Weimaraner Rescue. Model: Kim Hudson (thank you!). Dress provided by Black Market | White House. Hat and bracelet provided by Macy’s. Photo by Pam Biasotti.

Summer 2010

[ Editor’s Letter ]

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hat you are holding in your hands is what we call a “Teaser Issue” in the magazine industry. And that is exactly what I hope this issue does with the many Bay Area Dog lovers who (hopefully) pick this up.

Bay Area Dog is scheduled to make another appearance in December of this year, and then print on a regular schedule beginning in 2011, though depending on the response (which we’re already receiving), we might speed things up a notch and “launch” ahead of schedule. A special thank you to all of the advertisers in this issue ... thank you!

With each issue of BADog you and your four-pawed friends will be receiving a top-notch, quality lifestyle magazine geared toward your life and your style. Future issues will include dog run reviews, Ask the Vet, local news and notes, profiles, and much much more. Subscriptions are available for free (for a very limited time) at www.

BADogmagazine.com, so sign up today!

This issue is dedicated to the dogs, cats, and the other animals at the Oakland Animal Shelter. Back in 2001, laid off and without a clear path about what to do, I volunteered at the OAS, helping to exercise their dogs. I quickly realized that no matter how bad my day was, it didn’t compare to what these animals were experiencing. I vowed I would be back some day, and I hope that this magazine, in its own way brings me closer to that promise.

Bay Area Dog 3

Think of her as an exercise machine with hair.

You don’t have to join a gym to get a workout. Recent studies show that every hour of moderate physical activity can add two hours to your life. So there’s no need to radically alter your exercise habits to improve your health, and live longer! Just enjoy everyday activities like walking the dog. Washing the car. Cutting the grass. Playing golf. Or just taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

ACE Certified: The Mark of Quality Look for the ACE symbol of excellence in fitness training and education.

For more information, visit our website: www.ACEfitness.org

Don’t sweat it if spinning classes aren’t your style. Just get out and do something physical each day. You’ll feel better, and live longer. Besides, the stair climber at the gym won’t fetch your newspaper.

A Public Service Message brought to you by the American Council on Exercise, a not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion of safe and effective exercise

American Council on Exercise

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Summer 2010

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[ BAD doggie treats ] Red Dog Rising

by Jeff Schettler Homeless by the tenth grade, growing up on the streets of Alameda, until joining the military and becoming a police officer, author Jeff Schettler shares the riveting account of his life and his relationship with Ronin, his K-9 partner, and their adventures. A police handler, and once attached to the FBI Hostage Rescue Team K9 Assistance Program, Schettler, now retired in Atlanta, and his beloved canine partner Ronin, delivered hundreds of successful finds over their eleven-year career.

Considered a law-enforcement expert witness in the areas of scent evident and trailing with bloodhounds, Schettler infuses his story with self-deprecating humor, compassion and examples of his heart-racing, fascinating missing persons and fugitive cases.

Schettler’s first-person account of police work, dog-training, and some of the highest profile law enforcement cases in recent memory makes the read not only entertaining, but also informative and eye opening. AVAILABLE THROUGH WWW.ALPINEPUB.COM

canine

couture

Ma Snax Nuts About Grain-Free Dog Treats Handmade in Sonoma, these treats are full of fresh roasted peanuts, organic sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds, organic flaxmeal, raw honey, unsulphured molasses, canola and hemp oil, and mineral-rich kelp … and dogs love ‘em. Grain and gluten-free, these treats are great for dogs with allergies or on a diet, MA SNAX SUPERIOR TREATS | $8.69 FOR 7 OZ RICE PAPER PACKAGE. WWW.MASNAX.COM

Petcentric Places Free iPhone app Nestle Purina is making available a free iPhone application called “petcentric places,” a one-stop source for places and activities that can affect pets’ lives for the better, from local veterinarians to pet products to dog parks. WWW.PETCENTRIC.COM

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bone-shaped spa basket INCLUDES THE EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAy Spa Shampoo, Between Baths Spritz, Soap-on-a-Rope, and Lavender Blend Candle, along with a bathing sponge and rubber duck. The products are all natural, made with essential oils to provide aromatherapy benefits while also helping to repel bugs and fleas. Products do not contain harsh detergents, artificial colors, or synthetic perfumes. The basket is shrinkwrapped and makes a great gift for doggie friends or friends with doggies. CAIN AND ABEL, 1234 MAIN STREET, BERKELEY | $54.99

snoop dogg dog wear THESE TOTALLY AUTHENTIC, PREMIUM QUALITY CLOTHES are perfect for all the dogg’s in your family.

Approved by the Doggfather himself, the totally authentic, premium-quality clothing makes a nice addition to any dog’s collection. Snoop Dogg apparel is high quality, durable and comfortable attire that your dog can wear in any weather. Items are available in 3 sizes. AMAZON.COM | $14.99

Summer 2010

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[ BAD event ]

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[ BAD event ]

Cover your K9 HELP PROTECT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DOGS

I

magine a firefighter dashing into a blaze without a helmet, gloves or any protective gear whatsoever, in order to save a wailing infant on the other side of a smoldering wall. The instinct to do the right thing kicks in, but most firefighters would realize in an extremely dangerous situation, going in with the proper protection is the smart thing to do.

However, K9s may not have that instinct for their own personal safety when their training dictates that they pull the bad guy out of the car. The dog doesn’t know it’s a bad guy. The dog doesn’t know the bad guy may have a gun. The dog also doesn’t realize that without proper protective gear, if he/she gets shot, he/she could die.

This summer, all thirty four of Bay Area Pet Food Express stores will be hosting a K9 fund-raiser to raise money for bullet-proof vests for local working law enforcement dogs. Held the weekend of July 31 and August 1, all people have to do is go to their local PFE store and buy dog wash tokens for $15 each. They

Summer 2010

can buy as many as they like (it’s a great gift, or buy enough for the whole year) and 100 percent of the money will go to help K9s in the Bay Area. Last year, PFE raised $71,000!

Oakland police officer and K9 handler Al Liwanag’s dog, Baker, was the recipient of a protective vest after Pet Food Express’ K9 fund-raiser last year.

“We’ve used it in some high-risk searches where the guy was supposedly armed,” Liwanag said. “It gives you a little extra confidence that the dog is not going to be hurt while doing his job.”

Baker is a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois and when he puts on the vest, it should protect him from most handgun rounds or potential stabbings with a knife or ice pick. “It gives you piece of mind on highrisk apprehensions,” Liwanag added.

On July 31 and August 1, K9 officers will be on-site at several PFE locations, offering demonstrations where a decoy will be hidden in a store—posing as a bomb or drugs—and a dog will detect.

There may also be K9 apprehension demos with an officer in a “bite suit.”

Aside from German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers—what some think of as popular breeds for police work—there was a Giant Schnauzer and Bloodhound visiting locations in 2009.

Money raised on these two dates is donated to the “Cover your K-9 Fund” to buy more protective vests for K9s in need, but will also go toward purchasing heat sensors for police cars and medical care for serving and retired K9s in Northern California.

PFE would love the help of everyone in the Bay Area this July 31 and August 1 as they try to raise as much money as possible to help K9s in the Bay Area.

Buy a dog wash token for your dog, for a friend or enough for the whole year, and know that 100 percent of the money will go to the dogs.

Go to www.petfoodexpress.com for more information and to find locations near you.

Bay Area Dog 9

[ BAD car review ]

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Creature Comforts for Dog and Driver 2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA

by Charles Donaldson

N

ot only do we as individuals love our canine “family members,� city officials vote to construct dog parks strategically around communities to facilitate exercise for our four-legged friends. Unless we live in walking distance, we are forced to escort our dogs, open our vehicle, and forge forward with a wagging tail flopping back and forth like windshield wipers. On we go to the over-sized backyards where dogs can run free and converse with their new-found friends.

Many of us love our cars as much as we love our furry pets, which has us asking about which vehicles are dog friendly and still fun to drive. So what are we looking for in a dog friendly car? There are four elements to consider: ease of entry, durability of seats and cargo area, amount of interior space, and ease of cleaning.

The 2010 Grand Vitara has become the sole SUV in the Suzuki lineup, and includes their Grand Vitara, Grand Vitara Premium 2WD, Grand Vitara Premium 4WD, Grand Vitara XSport 2WD, Grand Vitara Limited 2WD, Grand Vitara XSport 4WD and Grand Vitara Limited 4WD. There are two engine options: 4-cylinder 2.4-liter 166 HP and 6-cylinder 3.2-liter 230 HP. The base Grand Vitara comes standard with a manual transmission, while the other models are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The exterior styling is contemporary and attractive. The wheels are stretched out as far as possible creating short overhangs and helping to improve the ride. Bold flared fenders, chrome touches, large head and tail lamps manifest a sporty presence. The large rear hatch with a mounted spare tire provides easy access for dogs or cargo. Opening up to a generous cargo area, or mobile animal transportation area, there is a removable cover to hide any stored contents.

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“For the Traveling Dog”

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As for the remaining interior, our 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited was dressed in two-tone colors with touches of black wood trim applique. The center dash was beautifully laid out with a popup small navigation screen on top. The seats were comfortable and all controls were positioned for easy access. Cup holders were well placed in both the front and back areas. The sun visors were designed with a pull-out feature to further block the sun. The rear cargo area was equipped with a cargo net that could store bags of food or bags of your best friend’s mobile necessities.

Our test model also include standard leather seats. I would recommend placing a blanket over the seats allowing your pooch to ride in style: dog claws and leather seats do not go well together.

There is some room for improvement when it comes to the Vitara’s handling: it felt top heavy on the turns.

Cool features include a touchscreen GPS navigation system, remote keyless entry, bluetooth system, and access to real-time traffic, weather, movie times, and other information.

The 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a well-equipped mid-size SUV at a discounted price. There is plenty of room for most dog breeds. As for ease of cleaning, due to the leather seats and nice carpet your best bet is to cover any area you feel the family pet may lay paws on.

So, is it dog friendly? Yes … but with a little help. Is it people friendly? The 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara is so fun to drive with their pets that most dog owners will hunt for a good “barking place.” BADOG

www.BADOGmagazine.com sales@BADOGmagazine.com 12 Bay Area Dog

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Summer 2010

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Tony’s Top Hitter for Animal Rescue An exclusive interview with Elena Bicker, director of Tony La Russa’s ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation)

by Everard G Strong

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RF (Animal Rescue Foundation) can trace its genesis to a Major League Baseball game in 1990 between the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. It was during this game that a terrified and obviously lost cat made its way onto the playing field, causing a brief disruption to the game. Lifelong animal lover Tony La Russa, then manager of the Athletics, coaxed the cat into their dugout, and the game continued.

After the game was over, Tony and Elaine, his wife, worked to find a home for the cat, whom they had started calling “Evie.” It was this experience that led to La Russa establishing ARF in 1991. A highlight showcasing the foundation’s continued success is their new (2003) state-of-the art community center and adoption facility located in Walnut Creek.

This story is not about Tony La Russa, but it is about ARF, and specifically Elena Bicker, the Foundation’s executive director. Behind the scenes, Bicker works tirelessly to lead the troops of employees and volunteers and keep the Foundation focused on its mission: “people rescuing animals … animals rescuing people.”

How long have you personally been involved in ARF. What was your first involvement, and why did you make the decision? In 1993, I attended ARF’s annual fundraiser “Stars to the Rescue.” Following the concert, I called the organization because I had a desire to make a difference in the lives of both people and animals. I began soliciting for donations and fostering puppies, since there wasn’t yet a shelter, and all animals saved were housed by volunteers. After five years as a volunteer, I accepted the event manager position. As ARF grew, I was able to use my communication, and public relations skills honed through my twelve-year career with GE Capital. In 2006, I was asked to become executive director of ARF. Why should someone give twenty dollars to ARF? Where does the money go? First and foremost, thanks to ARF’s volunteers, giving twenty bucks to ARF is like giving forty.

ARF has more than eight hundred active volunteers, and they clock in and out so we can track their hours for grant purposes.

Their hours equals the hours of a full time staff. Our organization’s close-knit partnership with the community has helped grow both its people and animal programs efficiently and effectively, and its strong financial stewardship provides ninety one cents out of every dollar directed to ARF’s life-saving programs and services. For its second year, ARF has attained a four-star rating (the highest rating possible) on Charity Navigator, the nation’s premier independent charity evaluator. Charity Navigator CEO Ken Berger said of Summer 2010

ARF: “Only 19 percent of the charities we rate have received at least two consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.” This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

What misconceptions are there about ARF? ARF’s average donation is about thirty dollars, with an operating budget of more than four million, and ARF receives no government funding.

Often times, people believe ARF doesn’t need the help since we have a celebrity spokesperson. However, the more help we receive, the more lives are rescued.

What are your biggest needs: room, volunteers, money, donations? We need all.The more resources available to ARF, the better positioned we are to meet the needs of orphaned animals and the people dependent on ARF to care for their animals. ARF’s phone rings more than two hundred times a day with people who want to do the right thing for their animals but may be facing overwhelming issues and hardships that may be preventing them from doing so. Volunteers help ARF meet these needs however additional fosters and donations are also important.

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How do you choose the dogs (and cats) that come to ARF? Are there any situations where you will not (or cannot) accept a dog or cat? ARF’s mission is to pull only from public source shelters. We have three carefully skilled staff members trained and educated on dog and cat behavior who assess dogs and cats at the “pound.” If the pet passes the behavior evaluation, the animal is then treated by ARF’s dedicated clinic staff before placed up for adoption.

What is the cycle for a dog that comes into ARF – from the day they arrive to the day they leave for their new adopted home?

When a dog arrives at ARF it is given a thorough health screening by our caring and experienced veterinarians and animal health technicians. Using state-of-the-art equipment, the dogs are provided with veterinary care using the highest medical standards. Prior to adoption, each dog is spayed or neutered, brought current on its age-appropriate shots, and micro-chipped.

While awaiting their forever homes, ARF dogs relax in cozy, home-like condominiums. Whenever possible, multiple dogs are housed together to make their temporary stay at ARF more comfortable. In addition, ARF dogs receive daily interaction with highly trained animal care specialists, behavior specialists, trainers, and volunteer socializers. This individualized attention provides a consistent routine that allows the dogs to transition into their forever homes much easier.

Adopting a companion animal is a lifetime commitment and ARF’s adoption specialists work with potential adopters to ensure the best possible match, and to provide information and resources needed to begin life with a new friend.

What misconceptions do many people have about adopting dogs (and cats)? Pets need attention, training, patience, and love. Just as a child is taught the appropriate way to act, so must a pet be taught. There is not only a financial commitment, but the time and energy necessary to properly introduce a pet into the household. For the majority of adopters those concepts are clear from the start and the reward of their pet’s unconditional love is well worth it.

What awareness should the Bay Area community have when it comes to spaying or neutering their pets? Spaying or neutering a pet helps to eliminate the pet overpopulation problem and can help a pet live a longer, healthier life. Research has shown that spayed or neutered pets are less likely to develop reproductive-related health problems such as ovarian and testicular cancer. In fact, many experts believe that the earlier in life a dog or cat is altered, the better. Without the urge to mate, a companion animal is more likely to focus on its guardian, providing a closer bond with that pet. Pets who get out and look for a mate faces the dangers of getting hit by a car, getting in to a fight with another animal, or being exposed to a disease from another animal.

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How do you know if a family is right for a particular dog? Have you had to refuse adoption requests? We use an innovative new method for matching dogs and cats with potential adopters. The program is fun, but has serious science behind it. It was developed by the ASPCA and Emily Weiss, Ph.D., C.A.sA.B., and uses proven behavior assessments to predict how a shelter dog, puppy, or cat may behave in his or her new home for the first several weeks. Using the program’s Adopter Survey, Canine-ality, Puppyality, and Feline-ality Assessment, along with a fun color-coding system, the pieces fit together like a puzzle, creating picture-perfect adoptions for shelter animals and their new owners.

By taking care of stray animals, abused, and left-behind pets, you’ve seen the dark side of humanity. But you also must see the good in the many individuals and families that come to bring these animals into their homes. Do you believe humans/humanity is mostly good at heart?

Do you believe in [a] God? I was driving on 880 the other day and to my horror, a black and white dog was walking on the freeway. I cut across the lanes to the slow lane and threw my car into park. I keep treats and an extra leash in my glove box so I reached in and grab those before jumping out. The traffic slowed and several cars stopped as other also got out of their cars. With little time for error, we all spaced out to form a human barrier to prevent the dog from entering the freeway lanes and managed to have him safely exit a dangerous situation. I believe people want to do the right thing and always want to help those in need. ARF’s phone rings more than 200 times a day with people looking to do the right thing for an animal in which a downward economy has forced them to look for a way to provide for their pet. BADOG Find out more about ARF at www.arf.net.

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www.waiterock.com Bay Area Dog 17

[ BAD breed ]

A Regal Rascal THE NOBLE WEIMARANER

18 Bay Area Dog

by Dana Giese

BADOGmagazine.com

W

hat is sleek, silver, and elegant and draws a crowd? No, not the latest European luxury automobile; that’s quite ordinary compared to the incredibly versatile breed known as the Weimaraner (pronounced, “why-mar-honor”).

Based on appearances and assumptions, historians believe the Weimaraner evolved a few hundred years ago through the bloodhound and pointer families.

In the early 1800’s, the Court of Weimar in Germany bred the “Weimar Pointer” for royalty to hunt large game, such as bears and wolves, in the German forests. As large game became scarce, small game hunting grew in popularity, and the Weimaraner easily switched its focus when asked. With the breed’s speed, endurance, intelligence, superior scenting, and pointing abilities, a love affair between the Germans and the Weimaraner took hold. The Germans kept its existence quiet and its breeding underground—to protect its purity—for many years.

The Weimaraner made its way into this country in 1929, when Howard Knight joined the exclusive German Weimaraner Club, and successfully imported Weimaraner puppies to America and began breeding them.

As the breed gained notoriety, Americans discovered the sensitive and loving aspect of the breed’s temperament; these attributes, coupled with the breed’s intelligence and athleticism gave them the reputation as “a wonder dog with human like intelligence.”

In 1943, the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the Weimaraner as a standard breed, and in 1950, the Weimaraner graced the cover of Look magazine. Well-loved today, the breed ranks forty-first in popularity in the U.S. Unique to the Weimaraner is its silky silver or mousy gray color (and sometimes charcoal gray if a “blue Weimaraner” is used in the breeding,) and the long ears that sit high on the head. Their eyes are always bright blue Summer 2010

as puppies, and eventually turn to hazel, amber, or light green as they get older.

Overall, Weimaraners make for wonderful family members, as they long for human interaction, acceptance, and leadership. As with any dog, the breed must be well socialized as puppies, trained, and never mistreated.

Mistreatment of a Weimaraner comes in many forms; they are sensitive in nature, and do not do well if left out side or ignored, scolded, or physically reprimanded.

Weimaraners have a strong prey drive and will chase small, furry animals (cats, rabbits, and sometimes small dogs), especially if the animal is on the run.

Therefore, for the dog’s safety, its home must have a secure, fenced yard.

The Weimaraner requires focused, daily exercise. They are smart, so they need to be kept busy or they will find mischief.

Unless the Weimaraner is completely asleep, it is probably contemplating its next move, which could simply be to get a drink of water, or how steal the half a sandwich left on the counter.

Despite their versatility, the Weimaraner is not a fit for every home. Not everyone can provide the daily exercise, affection, training, and living environment it needs. Sadly, people are attracted to their looks and athleticism, and make quick decisions to get one without researching the breed.

In such situations, the owner may find the dog impossible to live with, and give it away, take it to a shelter, or a rescue organization.

If you are thinking of adding a Weimaraner to your family, start by taking the Weim Quiz – Are you Ready for a Weimaraner? www.weimrescue. org/quiz/ Weimaraner puppies can be purchased from a reputable breeder who will provide information and resources to raise a healthy, balanced dog. To find a breeder, locate the local Weimaraner Club in your area (search online). For example, the San

Francisco Bay Weimaraner Club has a list of local breeders in good standing with the Weimaraner Club of America (WCA). The WCA is committed to rooting out breeders who do not pay attention to breed standards in health, temperament or confirmation.

Or, you can look into adopting a Weimaraner from a rescue organization.

Generally, they are from age 1 to 7 years, but sometimes senior age dogs need new homes too.

A trustworthy rescue organization such as Northern California Weimaraner Rescue, will temperament test, rehabilitate, and become familiar with the rescue dog’s needs prior to looking for a proper forever home. There is an unexplainable and special bond between a rescue dog and its rescuer; the dog will be forever grateful that you opened your home and heart in the time of need.

Weimaraners are truly a noble, regal dog, and offer a lifetime of affection, love, and companionship to those who respect the breed’s unique characteristics and individuality.

This story has been shortened. Full story including more resources available online at www.BADOGmagazine.com ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dana Giese is the director of Northern California Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. (NCWR) a 501c3 nonprofit, volunteer-operated rescue organization.

Find out more at www.norcalweimrescue.org, or contact norcalweimrescue@yahoo.com or call (925) 385-5275.

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[ BAD tails and tales ]

Dog Hymn

for my brother Dan and his new dog Izzy God made Adam, then Eve for obvious reasons and hoped they would love, honor, comfort each other.

Seeing it would likely not last forever given Adam’s appetite for conquest, and Eve’s hunger to converse, God made Dog. God gave Dog the ability to love without speech and a delight in chasing things without the need to catch or accumulate.

God gave Dog too a fiercely loyal heart, a quiet respect for human tears, and an inclination to sleep curled up at the foot of the bed.

We all know, of course, that Adam and Eve betrayed God, deceived each other, and so were banished from the Garden.

But remember, and give thanks: because God is compassionate, he sent Dog with them.

Janice Bressler (San Francisco)

THIS IS YOUR PAGE Show us your dog-powered creativity: poems, photos, sculptures, illustrations, and other projects.

Winston of Seacliff Photo was taken during a recent trip to Carmel. Winston is an Entlebucher. Find out more about this unique breed at www.entlebuchers.com. Submitted by Jennifer Davis

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Submit submissions to editor@ BADOGmagazine.com. Photos need to be 300 DPI, 5x7 minimum. More details available online at www.

BADOGmagazine.com We don’t guarantee inclusion, but we will try our best!

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