BellaDOG Magazine Holiday 2010 by BellaDOG Magazine

Bella-

MAGAZINE

It’s A Dog-Gone Beautiful Life!

Cross Country Skiing with your Pooch! Tahoe is the place to

Tart Cherries

The New “IT” Fruit for Arthritis Sufferers!

A little bohemia in

Tujunga Village

of Studio City, CA

What About Me?

What Happens to Your Pet if Something Happens To You?

Luxury Hotels

Cater to Your Four-Legged Friends!

BellaDOGmagazine.com $5.95 USA/$6.95 CANADA Holiday 2010

Great Gift Ideas Featuring: FLEABAG BEDS Metropolis Iron Huggle Hounds VonderBitch Hammesh McBeth Salty Paws and MORE!

Volunteer Vets & the Island Dogs of Carricaou

Myth Busters!

The Truth About

DOMINANCE THEORY

Dog Hoarder! Loving Animals to Death!

Bed Bug

Sniffing Hounds! sniffing out an epidem-

Does your pet suffer from one or more of the following ailments? Poor Nutrition could be reason for it! FOOD ALLERGIES

OBESITY

Reasons can include diets containing refined carbohydrates and/or meat by-products or low quality ingredients such as “animal fat”. A lack of exercise is also detrimental.

Fillers and low-quality grains do not provide a balanced diet for animals. Allergies can develop over time when pets are consistentley fed the same food with common ingredients and/or proteins.

POOR NUTRITION

BLADDER & KIDNEY ISSUES

An imbalance of minerals may cause crystals and stones, while inadequate water intake may result in a Urinary Tract Infection.

SKIN ISSUES

May appear as hot spots, dry/flaky skin, hair loss, biting, licking, and chewing. Overall “stinky dog smell.”

DIGESTIVE TROUBLES

May be caused by an imbalance of digestive enzymes or parasites

CHRONIC EYE & EAR PROBLEMS

Low-quality grains, food/ environmental allergies, excessive moisture in the ears or parasites such as ear mites could be a factor.

Come visit us. We have a great selection and a knowledgeable and friendly staff! We are happy to help you choose the best diet and supplements for your pet. Animals were designed to eat a a balanced and nutritious diet We can teach you how!

941-723-1715

523 8th Avenue West

•

Palmetto, FL 34221

www.PetsLifeNaturally.com

Use Code: BellaDOG for 20% off any purchases made through 12/31/2010

in this

What About Me? Excerpts from the New Book titled “Fat Cats and Luky Dogs” Berry Seltzer & Gerry beyer

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DOG Bites8

TAKE ME TO TAHOE Fireside Lodge, Lake Tahoe, CA

Pet First Aid Kits - Get Emergency Ready PUT YOUR OWN KIT TOGETHER

Bed Bug Sniffing Hounds MICKEY GORMAN

More Cool Dogs with Cool Jobs Studying to Improve the HumanCanine Partnership PAMELA HOGLE

Paws for Friendship, Inc. Helping Those in Need, One Paw at a Time Myth Busters! The Truth about Dominance Theory

A DOG’s EYE View

Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., P.D.B.C., C.D.B.C., CAP2, and NADOI endorsed

Stuff We Need To Know!

Functional Foods

Cherries! The New “IT” Fruit

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JENNIFER FADAL FOR ARTHRITIS AND GOUT

Critter Oil

A BREED Apart Hip and chic pet beds Our Featured Dog Breed!

Do I Look Fat in This Collar?

the pet center

BellaDOG Magazine

Just Ignore The Dog! AMY WEEKS FleaBag Bed

PATRICIA CASTANEDA

cross country skiing with fido

Check Out The Trails

LUXURY HOTELS CATER TO OUR 4-LEGGED FRIENDS! The Waldorf Astoria - NYC Loews Hotels The Ritz Carlton - Sarasota, FL

Pacemaker Implants for Dog RICK CALLAHAN gies!

Tid Bits of Fun Information about DOGS!

New Treats, Recipes and Yum Yum Fun!

Fido Friendly Travel!

DROOL Worthy YUMs

TRAVEL with HAIR

The greater swiss Mountain dog An All-Around Working Dog

Developed in the Swiss Alps, Switzerland

the BARKING Section Woo Hoo - Get Me This Stuff!

• Vonderbitch - High End Goods! • Hamish McBeth - Scotty Crazy! • Must Haves for the Prissy! • Festive Winter Gear! • Cool Convenience! • Living on the Edge - Rebel Dogs! • Huggle Hounds - Editors • Rope Em In CowChoice! boy! - Rope Toys • Breed All About it with Salty Paws • Fun Stuff for Us! - The 2-legged One’s!

Doggie STYLE

Slobproof with Crypton! Super Cool Furniture to Live on!

PAW Prints

Pet Artists We Love!

Smart Pup The Smart way to treat your

pet

101

Bocce’s Bakery The All natural biscuit company

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An Here We Have A Pupcake. Recipe and cuteness

Holiday Treat Tips

HUMANE Hearts

Great Articles About Passionate Rescue Efforts and Animal Issues In Need of Attention!

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Camp Bow Wow - “On Our Way Home Project”

The Photo Book Projects - Raising Awareness About the Plight of Deaf and Rescued Dogs ~By MELISSA MCDANIEL

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Stoking the Fires of Hate - How the Animal Protection Movement is Fail ing Pit Bulls

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nathan j. winograd

Best Friends Animal Society Leading the Nation in the Protection and Well Being of Animals

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Cool Designer Duds!

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118 leslie shepherd

Dog Hoarder - Loving Animals to 120 Death

Rebecca simmons

SHERRIE LEMIRE ROBERT PHELPS

Steppin OUT

Dogs and Their People Hang Out in Pet Friendly Locations!

BellaDOG Magazine

MAGAZINE

BellaDOG

Beyond the Myth is a film about Pit Bulls and those who love and defend the breed.

Publishers Scott R. & Sheri-lyn Traylor

Editor In Chief & Art Director Sheri-lyn Traylor

It explores the contributing factors behind the public’s generalized fear of Pit Bulls & examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).

Contributors Cerissa Dillow Jennifer Fadal Art Fyvolent Pamela Hogle Angelica Steinker Dr. Jeannie Thomason Photography Lisa Presnail - alittlepetproject.com Stephanie Smith - Pawsitivelypictures.com Web Editor Benjamin Gordon Ben@BellaDOGmagazine.com Exclusively Distributed by Source Interlink Companies

It also investigates the myths associated with the breed and asks the question, “What exactly is a Pit Bull”?

Cover Shot and Inside Shots Lisa Presnail - LittlePetProject.com “Pearl” is the baby on the cover. Her mother, Hope, was found by a good samaritan as a pregnant “stray”and taken to 2 different shelters. After being told by both locations that she would most likely put the dog down along with all her babies, Ashlie Burke of Pit Stop Bullys Rescue was called. Without hesitation, Ashlie took her in, and just in time - that night she gave birth to seven healthy puppies - All of which have since found loving homes. Pearl’s littermates are shown here! Great job Ashlie! Letters to the editor to: sheri@BellaDOGmagazine.com For Subscription inquiries: (888) 569-1775 Email: subscriptions@BellaDOGmagazine.com Purchase on the web: www.BellaDOGmagazine.com Dealer Inquiries BellaDOG Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call (888) 569-1775 BellaDOG Magazine P.O. Box 66406 St. Pete Beach, FL 33736 Phone: (941) 708-9500 Toll Free: (888) 569-1775 Fax: (941) 621-2886 w w w. B e l l a D O G M a g a z i n e . c o m A dog is not “almost human” and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such. ~John Holmes

A Film by Libby R. Sherrill Cover Y’all Productions

Tampa Premiere

Thursday, Decemer 16th, 2010 The Tampa Theatre

Doors Open at 6:30pm, Screening at 7:00pm Tickets on sale Now! www.tampatheatre.org HOSTED BY:

IDEAS4

Copyright 2010 by BellaDOG Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, electronic or mechanical, including the internet without the written permission of the Publisher.

VIP Ticket Holders Join Us for a Special After Party ! 10pm - 1am Musical Entertainment to Be Announced.

It’s A Dog-Gone Beautiful Life!

w w w. be yon d t h e my t h m o v i e . c o m

BellaDOG Magazine

Beyond the Myth challenges the idea that Pit Bulls are inherently vicious and goes one-on-one with people on both sides of this controversial issue. ~ Please join us for a Tampa, Florida Screening December 16th 7:00PM The Tampa Theatre 711 N Franklin St Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 274-8981 BellaDOG Magazine

Contributors

Scott & n y Sheri-l

Piper Cam

Bella

Caya

Miss Molly

Happy Holidays From BellaDOG Magazine! Be good to yourselves and compassionate to others!

Cerissa Dillow

Cerissa is passionate about 2 things animals and design and she strives to always be up on the latest trends for our furry friends. At 13 she became the first employee of Salty Paws, the Pet Boutique in Fishermen’s Village that she now owns. Cerissa cheerfully dubs, Salty Paws as “a pet paradise for dog and cat lovers.” Cerissa earned her degree in Studio Art from The University of South Florida and has extensive training in retail buying. She adds life to BellaDOG by being our Product Guru!

Jennifer Fadal

www.saltypaws.com

After having worked in both the private & non-profit sector, Jennifer Fadal was drawn back to her one true passion - animals. She has now become The Pet Wellness & Lifestyle expert in the Tampa Bay Area & is the Founder of Wag the Dog, Inc., a Pet Health & Lifestyle Boutique. She is also an advocate for numerous animal rescue organizations & can be seen on FOX, NBC and ABC. She can be seen twice a month on Daytime, a syndicated show watched nationwide Jenn is also a pet correspondent for Better TV. Her articles on pet wellness and lifestyle can be found on many online sites and publications www.jennfadal.com

Lisa Presnail

Stephanie Smith

Art Fyvolent

Art has experience in all aspects of strategic and creative development across all print & web media and SEO. He creates and manages powerful marketing initiatives and processes; plans & conducts successful, top-level sales presentations; oversees websites,web marketing and ecommerce efforts. He is skilled at aggressively leveraging strategic partnerships to develop customer brand value propositions. In his spare time, Art and his wife Lisa rescue Pit Bulls and support many animal welfare groups including the Humane Society, Hillsborough Co Animal Services, Pit Stop Bullys Rescue, Dogma Rescue & more. www.ideas4.com

Pam Hogle

Pam is an experienced writer and editor, with more than 15 years of professional copy editing, technical writing, and marketing writing experience. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and in human-canine life sciences. Her forthcoming book, No Bad Dogma, describes how dogs develop their thinking and problem-solving skills - and how we can improve our relationships with them by guiding them as they learn. The Thinking Dog blog, now part of BellaDOG’s Website, is an outgrowth of Pam’s work on her book. Check it out! www.pamhogle.com

It's a Dog-Gone Beautiful Life! “Our Girls” The reason we always have a smile on our faces!!

Enjoy it with your pets!

Our Newest Love, Paddington! Rescued from Hell.

Please Love Your Dogs! 6

BellaDOG Magazine

Lisa is especially passionate about homeless pets, and has blended her love of pet photography with that of boudoir photography to create ‘Little Pet Project, Going All The Way For A Stray’, which features people and their pets, designed to raise interest and generate support for homeless pets. Boutique style photo sessions are custom tailored to her paying clients, while Lisa works tirelessly to provide “glamour” shoots free of charge of homeless dogs so that they might have an edge in an all too crowded marketplace. Lisa’s free time is spent fostering, fundraising and providing marketing material for animal rescues and shelters. www. alittlepetproject.com

Stephanie has been photographing animals since 2005 and has enjoyed every moment of it. “Pets bring an enormous amount of happiness to my life so I get extremely excited when I meet others who feel the same way (personally, I think pet people are the best kind of humans out there).” Stephanie’s goal is to provide fun, natural images that express the personality and life of your pet. Call it documentary, call it lifestyle photography, call it whatever you will, she calls it super fun photo sessions with images and memories that last “fur-ever”. www.pawsitivelypictures.com

Angelica Steinker

Angelica has over 15 years of dog training experience, and specializes in: Aggression, Agility, Rally Obedience, Learning and Behavior. She has a Master’s Degree in Educationand has written two books -Agility Success and Click and Play Agility, along with many published articles. She is endorsed by National Dog Obedience Instructors and the International Institute of Applied Companion Animal Behavior and is certified as a Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. www. angelasteinker.com

Jeannie Thomason, VND

Dr. Thomason, is a doctor of veterinary naturopathy, certified in small animal nutrition & aromatherapy with 30 years of practical experience in animal health. She has a Doctorate in Veterinary Naturopathy from Kingdom College Of Natural Health where she is now an adjunct professor. Being qualified and adept at consulting and educating, Dr. Jeannie has written numerous peer reviewed articles and is currently writing her first book. www.thewholedog.org

BellaDOG Magazine

D o g

Recycling Dog Doo?

The Pig Saves You Big on Pet Purchases

B i t e s

Having a pet can cost more than $1,000 in the first year of ownership, and well over $500 each additional year.* We all love our pets and want the best for them, but why not get the best value when making pet purchases? One way to decrease pet expenses is through shopping at the newly-launched Pig.com an online e-retailer network that offers coupons and cash-back rewards. With access to pet shops like PetSmart and 1-800 Pet-Meds, pet owners can purchase animal toys, food, and medicine while earning anywhere from 2-6 percent cash back. Through Pig.com’s Refer-A-Friend program, you can receive an additional $5 by referring other animal lovers to the site. And once a minimum of $10 accumulates in the “Piggy Bank,” users are able to cash out and receive their “treats.” www.Pig.com

USB Dodobongo All you have to do is plug in USB Dodobongo to your PC. When someone gets near him, he will bark, run or move his head. Let him be your PC’s watchdog! www.urumadelvi.com/dodo

Winter Care Tips for All Dogs Watch out for frost bite. Signs include: • Pale gray skin • Skin is completely cold and hard to the touch • Tissue looks red upon thawing • Tissue begins to turn black a few days later If a dog becomes excessively cold, warm him up gently; over heating a chilled dog can be equally problematic. Older dogs, young puppies and sick dogs will succumb even quicker to winter’s cold blast, so keep an even closer eye on these pets.

Picking up after your dog is great, but dumping that dog doo into a landfill isn’t. Artist Matthew Mazzotta has designed a digester that would turn it into methane gas that would be used to power park street lights. Dog owners use the supplied biodegradable bags, drop it into a large airtight tank, and give the wheel a turn to stir the contents. Microorganisms breakdown the feces and produce the methane gas, which is burned off through a valve on the lamp.

DOG PARK WISDOM -

~By Author Lisa Wogan Four-pawed pals are excellent judges of character, even when we aren’t. “Dogs can be very helpful in separating the wheat from the chaff,” Seattle dating maven Diane Mapes says. When she heard author and creepy person-expert Ann Rule speak, Rule gave the women in the audience this advice: “If you’re going out with somebody, don’t introduce them to your friends or your family, introduce them to your dog.” When Rule worked at a crisis center with serial killer Ted Bundy (before his brutal spree), he charmed everyone except Rule’s dog. She told the crowd that her pup growled, his hackles went up, and his ears went back everytime he saw Bundy.

Workplace Petiquette

Bringing your pet to work is increasingly seen as a win-win by businesses - a more pleasant work atmosphere for animal lovers and more productivity and (hopefully) more profits for management. Maybe that’s why 1 in 5 U.S. companies allow their employees to bring their pets to work , according to a new study by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. 8

BellaDOG Magazine

Dogs make terrific therapists. If your dog consistently responds to basic commands, enjoys new situations, and lights up around strangers, animal-assisted therapy can be a great way to do volunteer work while spending time with your dog.

The

NEW BLANKET ID Pet Tag

Four steps to get your lost pet home faster: Here’s a simple way to ensure that your pet can be reunited with you as soon as possible. 1. Register your tag! Enter your unique blanketID number to activate your membership. 2. Enter your details! Create an online record of your contact details together with photos and details of your pet. You can change and update this information as often as you choose. 3. If your pet gets lost…Report your pet missing and blanketID.com automatically sends a broadcast email to local SPCA, animal hospitals, shelters, other local blanketID members. The email links to your online information so that everybody has 24/7 access to a full description and photos to help identify your lost pet. 4. If your pet is found…At any time of day or night, the finder simply needs to enter the blanketID tag number at blanketID.com to gain immediate access to all of the information they need to care for and safely return your pet. blanketID tags give your lost pet the best chance of being identified and reunited with you as fast as possible. Your blanketID tag is possibly the only tag you’ll ever need to buy – if you move or change your details, you can simply change them at blanketID.com. You will never need to change your tag. $24.99 www.blanketid.com

D o g

Hungry for Book Reviews? You can count on us to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest dog stories available in print. Click on “Book Reviews” on the BellaDOG website. www.BellaDOGmagazine.com BellaDOG Magazine

B i t e s

Is Your Pet Healthy?

Is Your Pet Happy?

Does Your Pet Wag? At Wag, we are dedicated to the wellness of your canine or feline and take a holistic approach to the products and services offered. By feeding your pet an all natural food and functional treats you are on your way to enhanced overall pet health! Jenn Fadal, owner of Wag, a holistic pet boutique in Tampa, FL is a Pet Wellness Expert who can be seen nationally on syndicated networks: Better TV and Daytime, jennfadal.com

VER roud SIL gazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s P a is g Ma Wa ellaDOG anza! B f o r o s Spon Extravag 2010 Pet Booth at Visit our 206" "SILVER Thanks to Our Sponsors!

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Proud GOLD Sponsor of the 2010 Pet Extravaganza! BellaDOG BellaDOG Magazine Magazine

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Functional Foods

~Jennifer Fadal

As the saying goes, our pets are what they eat from their head down to their….tail. Are you feeding your pet an all natural diet? How about treats? Are you treating your pet with healthy alternatives? Or, are you using the 100 count box of bone shaped biscuits to fill them up? If you think your pet’s diet can use an upgrade or if you simply are looking to try something new, consider feeding your pet a Functional Food. Or, a food/treat made with ingredients that provide an additional purpose other than just satiating your pet’s appetite. A few examples are foods that are formulated for various stages of life, treats that address health issues such as weak hips, aching joints, negative behavior induced by anxiety or to enhance skin and coat. Although functional foods have been gaining popularity in the pet industry over the last few years, it is an exciting trend (although I hate to use that word) that looks to be here to stay. Society is eating healthier, using supplements and exploring foods that contain added benefits, and we are translating that ideology and buying behavior to our pets. Yes, we may be purchasing all natural foods, feeding high quality treats but now many of us are asking important questions on ingredients and how our pet will benefit. Interested in adding a functional food or treat to your pet’s diet? Here are a few ingredients to look for:

Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM- These three naturally occurring ingredients support joint health, cartilage production and reduce inflammation. You will find these ingredients in food and treats in various strengths. If your dog is suffering from arthritis, joint pain or other related condition feeding food and treats containing the above may improve the situation. If your pet is suffering from an acute condition, a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement may be needed to compliment the diet or work in conjunction with a veterinarian prescribed medication.

BellaDOG Magazine

Chondroitin is produced in cartilage and can be derived from animal cartilage (the windpipe of cows in particular) and shark cartilage. Green lipped mussels are being used readily for this ingredient in holistic treats as well. Glucosamine is derived through the hydrolysis of the exoskeleton of crustaceans and can also be derived from the cell walls of fungi.

Omega 3 & 6- You may have heard that important omega fatty acids such as EPA, DHA and GLA to name a few can help enhance a pet’s skin and coat. But did you know that these polyunsaturated fats offer many other benefits? Studies have shown that when Omega 3 and 6 are used in the correct ratio they can help reduce the inflammatory response associated with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, reduce the bodies histamine response to allergens, reduce yeast infections on skin and in ears, slow the development of cancer, reduce the risk of cardiac problems and more. Many pet foods include essential fatty acids in their ingredient list. Post extrusion (cooking) however, fatty acids can lose their potency. Because of this, consider adding omega rich treats and perhaps a supplement to your pet’s diet.

NGL!OW I N R A W TS SHOWN BE

S! L FOOD C A N O I T PRODU FUNC SIDERED N O C T ARE NO

Super Foods - Many of us have had a power drink or have taken a supplement to boost our immune system, up our veggie intake or to boost our protein level. Now, you can do the same for your pet. Food and treat manufacturers are adding antioxidant rich dark skinned berries (blueberries, cranberries and raspberries) to their mix to scavenge free radicals therefore improving cellular health. Green leafy veggies are added to foods to increase your pet’s whole food vitamin intake. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and green beans are widely used. Finally, nuts are used in many treats to power up your pet’s protein content and of course omega 3 and 6 are added for the benefits I mentioned earlier. These are just a few of a long list of healthy additions to foods and treats to enhance the wellness of your pet. So, if you give your dog treats anyway, why not try one that can make his coat shiny, freshen his breath or even enhance cardiovascular health! Enjoy your pets and be well!

Two Supplements That We Like... Healthy Motion Hi p and Joint Supplement - 150g Powder Healthy Motion uses all natural ingredients to promote joint health and ease discomfort in dogs. Ocean-sourced ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, green lipped mussels, and omegas from wild fish provide a natural way of improving joint health. Also contains MSM to support structural integrity.

A D O G S

The Missing Link Dog Supplements Developed To Target The Nutritional Gap Between What Nature Provides And What Is Available In Commercial Foods. Formulated With All-natural, Human-edible-quality Whole Foods And Food Concentrates. The Missing Link reintroduces unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods into your animal’s diet. The Missing Link is a dry granular powder, nitrogen flushed and vacuum-packed for freshness to protect its precious nutrients.

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Cherries The new “IT” fruit for

D O G S

Holistic & Natural Food & Treats • Eco-Friendly & Healthy Spa & Grooming Products • Leashes & Collars Stylish Canine Couture & Accessories • Hand-Painted Treat & Jars & Dog Dishes • Full Service Grooming Salon

arthritis sufferers

E Y E v i e w Cherries are no longer just for jams and pies. They are increasingly sold in a new form – homeopathic medicine. Research on the cherry and its health benefits was conducted the University of Michigan. These studies demonstrated that out of all types of fruit, cherries have the most antioxidants and are a fantastic natural source of fibre and vitamin A. Cherries have also been shown to be of great benefit to sufferers of gout and arthritis pain - even in dogs! It is no exaggeration to say that cherries are a relatively undiscovered phenomenon. Most people have heard of the great health benefits of other fruits such as blueberries, and as a result, such fruits have become very popular as a homeopathic medicine. Cherry juice naturally contains anthocyanin (what gives the vibrant red color to cherries), which is the ingredient used in prescription drugs to ease joint inflammation. Some sufferers have been talking for many years about how much cherry juice has reduced their symptoms, and these claims are now supported by scientific evidence showing that it does certainly help in reducing the pain of arthritis and we all know our dogs suffer from the same pain. Another great homeopathic quality is the cherry’s ability to ease the symptoms of canine gout. Canine gout, along with human gout is a rare disease in which the buildup of uric acid in the blood causes pain. In dogs, this buildup can cause lesions on the front paws that ooze white liquid. Other symptoms include bloody or gritty urine and general malaise. Fortunately, canine gout is a curable condition. 14

BellaDOG Magazine

Though cherry juice has been used around the world for treatment of this painful disease for hundreds of years, it is only recently that the mainstream media has brought this information to light. While some people may feel a little skeptical about the benefits of cherry juice in the treatment of gout and arthritis, many more are finding that it is a wonderful way to take control of their pain as well as their pets pain and get moving again with the help of a very easy and delicious cure.

No w you can SH OP ON LIN E!

Once You’ve Gone To The Dogs Why Go Anywhere Else!

310 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach 727.363.3200 www.GoneToTheDogsBoutique.com Hours: (including grooming) Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM and Sun 9AM-2PM

Here’s a few ways to get “cherries” into your dog! A

Honest Kitchen Duck & Cherry. “Nuzzles” $7.99

So, What about the Pits?

D O G S

No wheat, corn, soy, rice, beet pulp, added salt, sugar, artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or by-products. No fillers or synthetic ingredients.

On One Hand: Cherry Pits Can Be Toxic! Centers for Disease Control research determined that the average black cherry pit contains 78 micrograms (0.078 mg) of cyanide. The lowest recognized lethal dose of cyanide for dogs is 1.7 mg per 1 kg of weight.

Completely natural and hand-made with 100% human edible ingredients! Made in the USA

On the Other: A Few Cherries Are Okay A dog that gets into some fallen cherries in the backyard or a bag of cherries on the counter will probably be just fine. A 2 kg. Yorkie would need to eat 44 cherry pits to reach the lowest lethal dose. Bottom Line The larger the dog, the more cherry pits he can consume before reaching a dangerous level. A dog who eats a few cherry pits is almost certainly okay. When in doubt, always call animal poison control.

Tomlyn Overby Farm Hip Bones Cherry Dog Treats $7.99 CherryFlex for Dogs

Made from whole fruit utilizing our proprietary process, including the skin and pulp, CherryFlex for Dogs Softgels have a great-tasting natural beef flavor without preservatives, by-products or fillers. $19.95

Formulated with healthy bone and joint ingredients like tart cherry concentrate, bioflavonoids, fiber, added calcium, ground flax see (for healthy Omega 3’s) and antioxidants!

www.brownwoodacres.com BellaDOG Magazine

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• Soak cotton balls with Critter Oil and place in pet bedding or your vacuum cleaner bags.

Cr i t ter O i l It seems these days more and more pets are diagnosed with cancer. It is hard to understand why this is happening to so many loved companions. We all believe in better food, but this is not the magic cure for cancer. Let us think for a minute about our companion’s environment; in our own homes we have cleaning products that are loaded with chemicals, we use chemicals to treat our lawns for weeds and/or insects. We even use chemicals on our pets to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. So, no matter where our companions are, there is a very good chance they are being exposed to toxic chemicals and pesticides.

• Critter Oil also can be added to water or soap-based cleaners for a safe cleanser that can be used on litter pans, kennels, bird cages, and even horse stalls. Critter Oil is even safe enough to be used on babies and pregnant or nursing mothers.

Critter Oil contains a number of different essential oils, each one serving a different purpose. For instance, some oils function as heavy-duty natural degreasers, which break down the waxy exo-skeleton of fleas and ticks. Also, Insects instinctively know the area they plan to lay their eggs is unsafe when certain essential oils are present, such as cedar wood oil and pennyroyal oil, etc. For this reason, insects stay away from the area that has been treated, making Critter Oil a very safe, natural, and effective option for use as an insect repellant.

Fipronil, which is used in the so commonly used product, Frontline, has been known to cause

According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) Fipronil, which is used in the so commonly used product, Frontline, has been known to cause “seizures and death among test animals.” Fipronil is also classified as a “possible human carcinogen” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Fipronil was also found to be highly toxic to sea and freshwater fish, some birds, and honey bees. NPIC also reports that Fipronil sticks tightly to soil and does not mix well with water. It also takes one hundred and twenty-five days for half of the original amount to break down. This information is more than enough for us to believe there is a correlation between cancer and chemicals in our beloved companions. Thankfully, Rev. Susan R. Griffin has come up with a way to treat our homes, yard, and companions safely with Critter Oil. Critter Oil is a blend of 100% natural uncut herbal oils. These oils are safe and generally recognized by the human cosmetic industry. Critter Oil is safe and effective on dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds, and even exotic animals. 16

BellaDOG Magazine

The essential botanical oils in Critter Oil also help create and maintain healthy, shiny, beautiful skin and coats on pets. Some of these oils also have natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which help soothe and heal dry, irritated skin, making it a great option for pets who suffer from skin problems or irritations resulting from allergies. The degreasing properties in Critter Oil’s ingredients will also deep clean and remove odor and dirt from the coat. Critter Oil has a calming and relaxing effect on your pets during grooming because of certain oils which are commonly used for Aromatherapy. The following are just some of the many great uses you can get out of Critter Oil: • Apply Critter Oil directly to a leather or nylon collar for an instant flea and tick collar. • Add Critter Oil to your favorite pet shampoo for a

PET BOUTIQUE BARKERY SPAW GROOMING BISTRO

• Tick removal is easy with Critter Oil, simply apply a drop or two directly on the tick, and after waiting for approximately five to ten minutes remove the tick with tweezers. • Add one scoop to a 16 oz spray bottle and mist your pet before a walk or a trip to the dog park for a quick insect repellant.

NEW! The Critter Oil Starter Kit! What makes Critter Oil® the most versatile and money saving product on the market is its many “ do it yourself” uses and directions which call for mixing Critter Oil® with common, inexpensive household products. For some, this was a bit too complex, so we decided to make getting started easier with the new Critter Oil® Starter Kit! The kit contains an empty 16 oz spray bottle, 32 oz shampoo bottle and a ½ oz bottle of Critter Oil® in a handy and attractive chrome caddy which can be hung on a wall or set on a shelf. You will always know just where to find your Critter Oil® and your shampoo and spray. (That is if your mom taught you to put things away after you use them. :0) ) A ½ oz bottle will actually make 1- 16 oz bottle of spray, 1- 32oz bottle of shampoo plus enough carpet powder to treat your entire home; or shampoo, spray, and enough lawn and plant spray to treat your lawn and garden; or any of a variety of uses that suit your individual needs. When you run out of Critter Oil®, come back to www.critteroil. com and order a larger, refill bottle. Remember, the more different ways you use Critter Oil®, the better it will work for you and the more you will love it. By the way, the kit will make a great gift for your naturally conscious friends as well – even if they don’t have a companion animal in their lives. 2oz: $38.99, 1oz: $22.99 and 1/2oz: $12.99 NEW! Starter Kit: $30.99 www.critteroil.com

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Do I look fat in this collar?

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will gain weight if he is over fed relative to his energy requirements. (The surgical procedure) may slightly slow your pet’s metabolism, as will normal aging, and he will then burn calories off more slowly; therefore he may require less food. Keep in mind the surgery doesn’t cause the weight gain, eating too much does and you have control over that. Let us explore four typical settings we veterinarians encounter when presented with a pet that is overweight. See if any of these sound familiar! The quotes are the usual responses pet owners give us when we politely suggest that “perhaps your pet would benefit by losing some weight”... Type I: THE NIBBLER: “But doctor, she hardly eats a thing.” (My first

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A recent survey indicated that 40% of America’s pet population is overweight. If you or your veterinarian feel that your pet would benefit from a reduction in body weight, this article should help you to understand how to help overweight dogs lose weight. Very simply put, if your pet is overweight, he is taking in (eating) more calories than he needs. Set all excuses aside ... excessive weight in an otherwise healthy pet is a direct result of consuming unnecessary amounts of food. If your pet is overweight, he should be examined for heart, thyroid or other metabolic disorders. A detailed history should be taken with emphasis on frequency of exercise, amount and type of food being provided and other parameters relative to calorie requirements.

thought is that whatever she is eating, it is too much!) This pet probably has food available to her all day and she probably nibbles a little at a time. When dinner time comes and the pet picks at the left-overs, she will take the choicest morsels, leave the rest, and still appear not to have eaten very much. However over a 24 hour period “THE NIBBLER’S” total calorie intake is excessive and she gains weight. Hardly eats a thing, eh?

So, begin let us set the record straight on some common misconceptions regarding obesity. Healthy dogs and cats do not need to eat every day; the pet food industry has painted the picture for us of the “eager eater.” The impression is that a happy, healthy pet will eat every meal with gusto. Please do not try to entice your pet to eat if he isn’t interested. If you provide a good quality food and a liberal amount of water, your pet will eat when he wants and do better than having to eat when you want.

Type II: THE BEGGAR: “But doctor, this rascal won’t keep quiet unless she gets her treats. And she won’t go to sleep at night until she gets her little dish of ice cream.” What has happened here is that she pet has discovered that the more noise and fussing she produces the more likely she is to be rewarded for her behavior. The owner finally “gives in” to keep the pet quiet and the pet sees the food as a reward. In effect the owner is training “The Beggar” by rewarding her behavior. It turns into a fun game but the pet’s health may suffer if obesity is the result.

Another common myth maintains that spaying or neutering causes obesity. This is absolutely false. Any pet, neutered or not,

Type III: THE GOOD DOG: “But doctor, she’s such

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a good dog we don’t want her to go hungry.” This pet became overweight because the owner’s signal of affection for their pet has focused on feeding. (Usually each family member secretly offers treats to the pet...and doesn’t know the other family members are doing exactly the same thing!) It is an understandable trait but unfortunately for the pet it can be a case of too much of a good thing. The owners’ method of showing affection should be directed more toward physical activity than feeding. Think “FETCH” not “FOOD”! Type IV: THE GOURMET DOG: “But doctor, she just refuses to eat dog food.”

In this case the pet has trained her owners to feed her such things as chicken, liver, ice cream, cookies, etc. Although most table scraps are just fine to feed, (stay away from cooked bones,

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fried things - basically, anything that’s not good for you is not good for them) of any kind!) this pet has been given a choice of what she wants to eat and has chosen certain people food. If a child is given a choice it would probably choose cake and candy over vegetables, and its health would suffer. This Gourmet Dog usually overeats because she isn’t getting a proper balance of nutrition, plus everything tastes so good there is a reward factor in eating. The solution is . . . you choose, not your pet.

missing a day of eating isn’t a major catastrophe.) Always be sure fresh water is available. So start out by feeding a very high quality, complete and balanced dog food. Look

What DogGys Would Eat If They Could Cook!

What To Do About An Overweight Dog Hypothyroidism is a very common instigator of excess weight in pets and this needs to be corrected or your attempts to reduce your pet’s weight will probably fail. So even if your veterinarian says or thinks your dog doesn’t “look like a Hypothyroid case”, request the blood test for hypothyroidism anyway. Many have been fooled and it should be a standard practice, so request the test. First of all remember that research has shown that, in general, a healthy dog can abstain from food for five days before any noticeable health effects occur. They generally don’t HAVE to eat every day. (Very small breeds are an exception... but unless there’s really some medical problem present,

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on the ingredients list...MEAT should be the first item listed, not corn. You may also want to supplement with a vitamin/mineral/fatty acid product. But, be careful about over supplementing, too!. Now record an accurate pre-diet weight. Reduce by onethird your pet’s total daily ration previously given. Include in this total all treats, snacks, or left-overs if you insist on continuing to provide these. Reweigh the pet in 2 weeks. (Remember if the pet begs for food, that’s a good sign! But don’t give in. Read again if you have to about Type II) If you find upon weighing your pet after two weeks that he has lost even a little weight, you’re on the right track; keep up this schedule! If no weight loss is evident, again reduce by one-third the amount being fed. Weigh the pet again in two weeks. Depending upon the results either keep feeding this amount or reduce again by one-third the total amount being fed. If you persist a good outcome is certain. Many veterinarians believe you should not feed the “Reduced Calorie” or “Lite Diets” or “Senior Diets”! These diets have very restricted fat levels to reduce the calories but by necessity have increased the carbohydrate percentages. This increased carbohydrate stimulates additional Insulin secretion which tells the body to store unused calories as fat! There are a multitude of overweight

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dogs that have actually gained weight on those “Reduced Calorie” weight loss diets. Your dog needs a meat-based diet, high in protein (which isn’t stored as fat) and fat and low in carbohydrate. Now... YOU have to adjust the quantity being fed to achieve a state where your dog takes in fewer total calories than he is using for the day’s energy requirements. Simple! It is also quite important to get everyone’s cooperation in restricting the pet’s intake. There is usually someone in the household who feels sorry for the dieting pet and surreptitiously provides “just a little” something extra. More helpful would it be for the person to take the pet for a walk or a run to burn off a few calories. Keep in mind most overweight pets have a slow metabolism. They simply don’t burn off those calories very fast and in fact don’t generally have “eager eater” appetites. Because of this slow metabolism, though, they don’t require very much; so “just a little extra” will make a big difference over a period of time. Remember...high quality - meat-based food, control the amount fed, provide more exercise, and be persistent. Help your pet live a longer, leaner and more enjoyable life.

Actual photo of ChefK9’s Doggy Bistro & Bakery meal

CHOW HOUNDS

by Ernie Ward, D.V.M.

“We’re killing our dogs by making them fat. There, I’ve said it. That single observation led me to write this book. As a practicing veterinarian for almost twenty years, I was witnessing the gradual deterioration of our pets’ health on a daily basis. My patients were getting fatter and facing more debilitating diseases as a result. The frightening fact was that no one was discussing it. The question was, ‘Why not?’” These are Dr. Ernie Ward’s opening lines of the book! www.chowhoundsbook.com BellaDOG Magazine 21

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What About Me?

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What will happen to your beloved pet if something happens to you?

An Introduction to the new book by Barry Seltzer and Gerry W. Beyer FAT Cats & Lucky DOGS - How to Leave (Some of) Your Estate to Your Pet Pets have been important to humans for many thousands of years. Dogs, for example, were domesticated in Mesolithic times (more than 10,000 years ago in the Middle Stone Age) by our hunter gatherer forefathers – likely for very practical purposes – guarding camps, hauling sleds and the like. But if early dogs were anything like their modern counterparts, they soon ingratiated themselves as friends and loyal companions. Our ancestors took a fancy to other animals as well. Cheetahs were first tamed by the Sumerians and were kept by the ancient Egyptians. In later times, they were companions to a number of historical giants, including Genghis Khan, Akbar the Great and Charlemagne. Hawks and falcons were also tamed and trained as hunters and hunting companions to generations of men throughout prehistoric and historic times. The common house cat has been with us for four or five millennia. The ancient Egyptians frequently embalmed them, perhaps to keep their human owners company in the afterlife. In later times, the Prophet Muhummad reportedly once cut off the sleeve of his robe so he wouldn’t wake his sleeping cat, Muezza, when he was called to prayer. The 18th century English writer, Samuel Johnson, would personally fetch oysters for his favorite cat, Hodge, so his servants would not come to dislike the animal from having to serve it themselves. In more recent times, many of our villains and heroes have been pet lovers. Josef Stalin was apparently a cat fancier; Adolph Hitler liked large dogs; United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt owned a Scottish terrier 22

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Churchillian inflection.” The tradition of pets in the corridors of power continues to this day. In the United States, for example, all recent United States presidents have had First Pets, generally cats or dogs. President Bill Clinton’s family had a Labrador retriever named Buddy and a cat named Socks, who died in 2009. George W. Bush brought a Scottish terrier named Barney, an English springer spaniel named Spot, and a cat called India (nicknamed Willie} into the White House. On his ranch in Crawford, Texas, President Bush kept a longhorn cow named Ofelia, named after someone who worked with him when he was the governor of Texas. President Barak Obama and his family selected a Portuguese water dog named Bo as the White House pet - and subsequently triggered a surge of interest in the breed across North America and the United Kingdom.

named Fala; and his successor, Harry Truman, had a pet goat named Dewey’s Goat. Winston Churchill adored a cat named Nelson and kept an entire menagerie that included lambs, pigs, cattle, swans and, at one point, a leopard. In fact, a clause in Churchill’s will states that his home at Chartwell is to be occupied by a ginger cat in perpetuity. And in a January 19, 2004, feature that appeared in a British tabloid, the Daily Mirror, reporter Bill Barrows revealed that Churchill’s pet parrot, Charlie, had just turned 104. In the article, Barrows writes: “Her favorite sayings were ‘F*** Hitler’ and ‘F*** the Nazis.’ And even today, 39 years after the great man’s death, she can still be coaxed into repeating them with that unmistakable

But some earlier American presidents and their families were far more flamboyant when it came to pets. The wife of John Quincy Adams (Louisa Catherine), the 6th president, kept silkworms. Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, had an opossum. And Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, walked a raccoon named Rebecca on a leash. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, was famous for his many pets. And his six children were said to have kept snakes, dogs, cats, a badger, birds, guinea pigs and more. For many people in less exalted positions, their pets are also their favorite companions. Several years ago, the American Animal Hospital Association conducted a survey of 1,019 pet owners to determine the role their pets played in their lives. Some 57% said they would want a pet as their only companion if they were stranded on a deserted island; 55% considered themselves a parent to their pets; and 80% selected companionship as the main reason for having pets.

Since people feel so strongly about their pets, it stands to reason they would want to provide for their pets if they predecease them. Consequently, estate planners, especially in the United States, are drafting more trusts to provide care for clients’ pets. A number of states have even passed legislation relaxing the technicalities of trust creation, making it easier for pet owners to provide for pets. If a pet owner does not name a person to enforce a trust, the courts can appoint someone to act on the animal’s behalf. One state, Wisconsin, recognizes trusts for pets as valid, but does not provide for their enforcement should the trustee decide not to implement them. About 40 states plus the District of Columbia recognize pet trusts in some form. As the demand for pet protection increases, however, other states will come on board. You can check the internet, or with your lawyer to find out whether the state in which you live recognizes and provides for the creation of pet trusts, or whether such recognition is under construction. In states and in countries where such trusts are not permitted, attorneys are setting up trusts that are more obliquely designed to protect pets. These trusts name a pet BellaDOG Magazine

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caregiver as the beneficiary who can recieve monies from the trust, provided an animal is cared for according to terms spelled out in the trust. Both types of trusts are increasingly popular as more people ponder the fate of their pets after their death. No one wants to think of Fido or Fluffy winding up on death row at the local pound. Attorneys in some United States jurisdictions report that, when asked, 90% of their pet-owning clients want to make provisions for their animals, either through trusts or some other mechanism. Trusts are often the most useful instrument available for clients who have few relatives or friends, or who have pets, such as horses or parrots, that are more difficult to care for than a dog or cat. In some cases, where people are largely alone in the world, their pets are the children for whom they must provide.

v i plans. Message from a pet whose owner did not make morning I woke up feeling great. Ran to the door and e This found my best friend waiting for me. We went for our usual w morning walk. My friend does most of the talking, but I am

happy just to be listening. My best friend’s words are always soothing and comforting. After our walk, we went back home and had breakfast together. I got kissed on my nose and my best friend went off to work. Now comes my boring time. I walk around the house making sure everything is safe and secure, then I just lay on the couch or the bed or the easy chair waiting for my best friend to come home. Today is different. Night has fallen. My friend normally is home by now. It is getting late. I’m starting to worry. I hope she gets home soon. I’m starting to get hungry. You know I don’t care if I get to eat or not. I don’t complain. Please come home. I miss you. I am so tired now. Why is it getting light out again? This is so strange. I need to get on the bed. I can smell my friend was here. This is where I feel safe. Wait! I hear someone at the door - it must be her, No, it is someone I don’t know. Who are you? Why are you coming in here? Are you going to hurt me? Rob my friend’s home? What am I supposed to do? I know. I will act mean. I will growl, bark, defend my friend’s home the best that I can. They have just put a leash on me. They are trying to talk calmly to me, but I don’t trust them. I will still act mean. I just heard them say my friend’s name and something about a fatal heart attack. Now I am in a small cement barred area. This is not the food I normally eat.

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These are not the smells I normally smell. I am so scared. I still need to act mean. I know my friend must be trying to find me. I have been here for about a week now. I hear people talking about me being aggressive. Wait. They are opening my door. They are putting that leash on me again. My friend must be here. Now I am in the exam room. Oh I see the needle again. My friend always told me the needles will help keep me healthy. I felt the pinch-this needle is different. Something is happening. I feel very sleepy...where is my friend? (Reprinted by permission of Amy Shever, Director of 2nd Chance 4 Pets.) www.2ndchance4pets.org Although the above message may seem a little emotional, consider the fate of American writer Dorothy Parker’s last little dog, which she had named C’est Tout (That’s All). When Parker died in her Manhattan apartment in june 1967, C’est Tout was found whimpering beside her body, heartbroken and loyal to the end. In her will, Parker Dorothy Parker left the bulk of her modest estate to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She had made no provision for her dog, however. Poor little C’est Tout went to the local pound and was never heard of again.

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Pacemaker implants help pooches

A recent exam by Green and three veterinary cardiology students found Grommit’s four-year-old pacemaker is still delivering the electrical zaps needed to keep his heart beating between 50 and 180 beats a minute, depending on his level of exertion. “He looks really good,” said Green, giving the panting dog a pat on the back. Green, one of about 200 U.S. veterinary cardiologists who can perform pacemaker implants, did his first in 2000 and now performs about 20 a year. A drawer in his office desk is stuffed with thank-you cards from grateful owners whose dogs had successful surgeries. Sisson said the first implant of a human pacemaker in a dog was in 1968, but the procedure was slow to catch on, partly because of cost and lack of availability. The implants started being performed more often by the 1980s, as funeral homes began donating pacemakers from deceased heart patients to veterinarians, he said.

~ RICK CALLAHAN (Associated Press)

But the rise of HIV/AIDS soon left many apprehensive about handling used medical devices, and the emphasis shifted to getting donations of unused pacemakers, Sisson said.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The 8-year-old yellow Labrador lies obediently on the stainless steel exam table, tail wagging, as Dr. Henry Green monitors the dog’s heart rhythm — every beat of which is guided by a pacemaker implanted beneath the scruff of his neck. Grommit, the beloved pet of a western Indiana woman, is part of an elite but growing club of dogs whose lives are being lengthened by technology once reserved for their human masters. A few thousand dogs have gotten the lifesaving implants over the past two decades. The numbers have risen from 100 to 200 implants a year in the 1990s to the current 300 to 500 a year, said David Sisson, an Oregon State University professor of cardiovascular medicine.

Today, nearly all pacemakers used in dogs and other animals such as cats and horses are donated by medical device makers clearing their shelves of pacemakers deemed unsuitable for humans once their battery life ebbs. Grommit grabs a treat from his owner Molly Hare during a visit for an examination at Purdue’s Small Animal Hospital in West Lafayette, Ind. The 8-year-old yellow Labrador, had his pacemaker implanted in 2006 when a vet found a heart problem after Grommit began inexplicably passing out for short durations. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

“The options were I could come home and find him dead on the floor or I could have the pacemaker put in and he’d have a long healthy life, so that’s what I chose,” she said of her pet. Pacemaker ready to be placed in animals are shown at Purdue’s Small Animal Hospital in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Con-

Sisson, who did his first canine pacemaker implant in the mid-1980s, calls the trend “a certain amount of payback” considering that the small devices arose from research in the 1940s in which man’s best friend played a key role as test subject.

In Grommit’s two-hour surgery, typical of pacemaker implants, Green threaded two wires through the dog’s jugular vein into the correct positions in his heart to deliver stabilizing electrical impulses. Next, the pacemaker — a tiny computer and battery encased in a metal shell — was implanted beneath the skin at the back of his neck and the wires hooked up.

Grommit, the yellow Labrador, got his silver dollar-size implant in 2006 after tests showed the blackouts he was experiencing were caused by a defect in his heart’s natural pacemaker that put him at risk of sudden death.

Canine pacemaker patients get to leave Purdue’s small animal hospital after a day or two. Once at home, they must stay calm for about a month to ensure the wires heal properly and don’t shift.

His owner, Molly Hare, 41, of Terre Haute, Ind., said she didn’t have to think long about whether to allow Dr. Green, a Purdue University associate professor of cardiology, to perform the $2,000 procedure on Grommit.

For Hare that meant carrying the 65-pound Grommit down several porch steps whenever he needed to use the bathroom. But the special care looks to have helped the dog recuperate.

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devices to veterinarians for about $500, and the proceeds go to animal research conducted by veterinary cardiology residents.

The donated pacemakers, worth $5,000 to $10,000, are funneled to a clearinghouse called the Companion Animal Pacemaker Registry and Repository, or CanPacers, that Sisson founded in 1991. The nonprofit

CanPacers was developed and is maintained by the cardiology diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine as a service providing epicardial and endocardial leads and generators for veterinary patients. They are a nonprofit organization that is greatly appreciative of the generous donations provided by Guidant, Medtronic and St.Jude Medical, among others. A Brief History of CanPacers Many cardiology diplomates have been instrumental in the development and maintenance of the program over the years. In 1991, the program officially became CanPacers (Companion ANimal PACEmaker Registry & RepoSitory) thanks to Dave Sisson and a generous donation of a large number of generators and leads from CPI (Cardiac Pacemakers Inc). All proceeds from sale of the generators and leads were directed to a special ACVIM account and used to fund Cardiology Resident Research Projects. CanPacers has provided several thousand dollars over its history for clinically important veterinary cardiology research, leading to improved understanding of heart disease in animals.

Intern Ioannis Giatis, left, fourth-year student Matthew Sharp, center, and resident Nonya Faikpui monitor the EKG as they examine Grommit at Purdue’s Small Animal Hospital in West Lafayette, Indiana 4 years after his pacemaker was implanted. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

www.canpacers.org

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Pet First Aid Kits

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Here’s what you’ll need to be emergency ready

Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps and scrapes our children get or those we inflict upon ourselves. It is important not to exclude your pet in that category as well. Your pets first aid kit may have some of the same things, but there are some notable differences.

A basic dog first aid kit should include the following:

1. A current animal first aid booklet, such as “The

First Aid Companion For Dogs and Cats”, Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, by Amy D. Shojai

2. Blanket. You will need a

blanket to keep your pooch warm in case of serious injury. This will help prevent the dog from going into shock.

3. Tweezers. Tweezers are

great for removing stickers, splinters and ticks. There are commercial tick removers that are more efficient, but you may not have it on hand.

4. Scissors to cut bandages

you apply to wounds or for cutting out things matted in fur, freeing your pet from entanglements.

5. Muzzle. While cloth will

work in a pinch, consider investing in an inexpensive muzzle for emergency transport, along with

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16. Benadryl Tablets at your vets suggestion 17. Ear Syringe to flush wounds or administer fluids by mouth.

a leash. Even the most well-trained animals may bite when injured or afraid.

18. Eye Wash. Make sure you use eye wash, not contact lens solution

6. Roller Gauze and Tape. If you have

19. Flashlight for obvious reasons!

access to the tape that vets use, it is preferable. This tape sticks to itself and not to the animals hair. There are similar products available at some drug stores.

7. Gauze Pads. 8. QuikClot or similar - to stop bleeding (wounds).

If your dog has special needs that you may have to treat, you should consult with your veterinarian to determine what special equipment should be included.

15. Antiseptic Wash or Wipes. Look for non-stinging preparations such as chlorhexidine or betadine. Rubbing alcohol is not good for open sores or wounds.

9. Thermometer. Either a rectal or ear thermometer can be used. A dogs temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 F. 10. Splint Materials. You can us a tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine to make a splint. For spinal injuries, secure your pet to a board with masking tape that will not hurt the fur or skin. Avoid placing the dog inside a crate or carrier, and call your veterinarian before heading to the hospital so the staff can prepare for your arrival.

11. Latex Gloves for you to use while dressing the

wound. Gloves help reduce the risk of spreading infection and just generally keep you from touching gross things your dog may have gotten into.

12.

Toenail Trimmer and Styptic Pencil for torn toenails. Cornstarch also works for torn nails, but not for skin wounds.

13. Ice and Hot Packs cool down skin after a burn or

keep an animal warm if hypothermic. Always use a cloth between the pack and skin and check frequently for redness or irritation.

14. Antibiotic Ointment. Get an over-the-counter “general purpose” antibiotic ointment for light use with minor skin wounds. Not for eye use. Caution is advised for animals that may ingest by licking. The antibiotics are absorbed via the skin, remaining ointment may collect debris or actually slow healing in some cases. Use with discretion.

20. Peroxide and/or Cctivated Charcoal. These will be used if your dog ingests something harmful.

Hydrogen Peroxide can be used to induce vomiting after your dog ingests poisons. Activated Charcoal helps prevent the poison from being absorbed and can also help induce vomiting. In either case, Check with your veterinarian before administering. There are some poisons that need to be treated differently and vomiting may increase the danger to your pet.

21.. All of your dogs medical records and pertinent info. This will include your veterinarians phone number, shot records and any medications your dog takes routinely.

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If you are ready to take your emergency preparedness to the next level, consider a Pet CPR Class so that you can master mouth-to-snout resuscitation. The American Red Cross offers classes across the country. Visit www.RedCross.org to locate a local chapter. Also, make sure to include your pets in disaster plans. The Red Cross offers a thorough checklist that includes many items from your pet first aid kit, along with recent pet photos, food and water bowls, and medical records.

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A D O G S

Bedbug Sniffing Hounds! W

hen Jeff Ahrens of Ant-Ser Termite and Pest Control got a call from a frenzied customer, he knew just what to do and who to call. “We’ve got bedbugs!” The bugged client told Jeff. “We need help!”

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“Call out the dogs” was Jeff’s answer and that he did. He brought in the services of an amazing little 21 month old Beagle aptly named, Hunter. Hunter has one specialty, finding live bedbugs. Hunter was rescued from the pound by the folks who own J&K Canine Academy in High Springs, FL. He was enrolled as a student and began earning his degree in bedbug scent detection. Seems he was a natural for the job. He not only passed with flying colors he is certified for his job by the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association. www.nesdca.com J&K Canine Academy works in conjunction with staff entomologists at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. So I guess it is safe to say Hunter has his sniffing degree. I had the opportunity to meet up with Jeff, Hunter, and his handler, Eric Silverson from Hunter Detection Services. We put Hunter through his paces and he went right to work sniffing out the little beasts. When he finds the bugs in question, he scratches the location which gets him a treat from Eric. Why use a dog for bedbug detection? Because a pest control person would probably have to move things around searching for bugs. Hunter goes right to the source and sniffs them out. If there are live bedbugs he finds them everytime. Another benefit of using a dog is that treatment can be specific to the area where it is needed. J&K also trains dogs to sniff out termites but Hunter is trained specifically to detect bedbugs. Want to find out more? Check out his website at www.hunterdetection.com You can find out more about Jeff and company at www.antsrpests.com J & K Canine Academy’s website is www.jkk9.com ~Mickey Gorman 32

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How many times have you heard, “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite”? This lighthearted rhyme doesn’t diminish the creep factor of bedbugs, tiny six-legged insects that hide during the day and feast on your blood at night. The common bedbug is a reddish-brown insect that doesn’t grow much longer than 0.2 inches. Bedbugs inject an anticoagulant to keep your blood flowing as they suck, along with a numbing agent to keep you from feeling them when they’re at work. Bedbugs aren’t known to spread disease to humans, although they may be host to the organisms that cause hepatitis B and Chagas’ disease. Treatment of bedbug bites usually involves self care, but in more severe cases you may need to see your doctor.

Signs and symptoms Signs and symptoms of bedbug bites will usually affect only the surface of your skin, revealing themselves as small itchy red bumps known as papules or wheals. You might find the lesions in a linear or clustered fashion, indicative of repeated feedings by a single bedbug. Some people may develop allergic reactions or larger skin reactions such as: Large, itchy wheals up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) across, blister-like skin inflammations, groups of small, swollen sacs of pus, skin rashes similar to hives.

Causes

Bedbugs will feed on any mammal, including cows and dogs. In North America, migratory birds and bats have been sources of infestation. More recently, as world travel has increased, bedbugs are finding their way into the home through luggage and clothing worn abroad. Another contributor to the resurgence of bedbugs in the West is changing pest-control practices. Sixty years ago the common use of DDT, which kills most insects, nearly eliminated bedbugs in the United States. Today the use of DDT is being phased out due to human toxicity concerns. Further, current extermination practices are more insect-specific.What’s toxic to a cockroach may not kill a bedbug.

Risk Factors

Factors that will increase your chances of a bedbug infestation: Climate (bedbugs thrive in tropical areas) although they can be found in all climates, Type of housing (infestation is more likely in apartments, homeless shelters and other places with a high turnover), and Living with pets (Cats and dogs can carry bedbugs into the home).

bags for 24 hours. Insecticide sprays such as dichlorvos, permethrin and malathion must be used around cracks and crevices in your home. Lawn and garden insect control sprays may contain these insecticides, and garden stores may have permethrin. However, this difficult task likely requires a professional inspection of the bedbug habitat and subsequent extermination.

Screening and Diagnosis

Prevention

Diagnosis of bites requires a history of your exposure and a physical examination of the bite areas. Because the bites can be mistaken for those of other insects or other skin problems, your doctor will need to rule out other types of bites. Diagnosis of a bedbug infestation in your home can be more difficult, since bedbugs are active primarily at night. If you have signs or symptoms, immediately inspect your home for the insects. Thoroughly examine crevices in walls, mattresses and furniture. You may need to perform your inspection at night when bedbugs are active. Signs To Look For: discrete bloodstains on sheets and mattresses, specks of blood behind wallpaper or other sites of heavy infestation, insect excrement at the entry to hiding places in furniture crevices and walls and an intense, sweet odor caused by bedbugs’ oil secretions. Ooooh

Complications

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You’re likely to experience only the itchy skin welts that bedbugs cause while they are feeding. However, some people develop clusters of inflamed red bumps, dilation of the capillaries under the skin, and a formation of pus-filled blisters & hives up to 8” across.

If bedbugs are already present in your home, you can help ward off bites by wearing nightclothes that cover as much skin as possible. To help prevent bedbugs from becoming residents in your home: Inspect antiques and secondhand furniture thoroughly before bringing them into your home, inspect any room you’re about to inhabit while traveling, after you return from a trip, check your luggage for insects that might have hitched a ride, change your bed linens at least once a week, and wash in hot water of at least 97 F (36 C), vacuum around the home at least once a week, paying special attention to areas surrounding bed and furniture posts, and caulk holes in floors and walls

Self care

Self-care during a bedbug infestation primarily involves comfort care for bites. However, you may experience psychological effects due to a bedbug infestation, such as imagined itching. This is normal. And understand that a bedbug infestation is nothing to be embarrassed about. Even the cleanest, most meticulous individual can experience a bedbug problem in the home. Should you suspect bedbugs in your home, treat any bites quickly and take immediate steps to eliminate the infestation.

Treatment

Treatment of bedbug bites is aimed at relieving symptoms. Actual bites usually heal within one to two weeks.

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Apply a topical cream, such as cortisone, to relieve itching. Avoid scratching to prevent infection. Consult your doctor if you have severe reactions. An oral antibiotic may be recommended if infection occurs. Oral corticosteroids and/or antihistamines may be recommended for severe allergic reaction.

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Once your symptoms are treated, you must tackle the infestation. First, you’ll need to freeze pajamas, sheets and other bedclothes for at least 24 hours or launder them in hot water of at least 97 F (36 C). Vacuum the area of infestation daily and freeze the vacuum BellaDOG Magazine 33

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More COOL Dogs With COOL Jobs!

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Ranger Lori Oberhofer and Python Pete (pictured) work together to track down and remove pythons from Everglades National Park in Florida. These pythons came to South Florida as pets and when people no longer want or cannot care for them, they are often released into the Everglades. Photograph by Mark Sengelmann/Everglades National Park/NPS

Due to their high intelligence, Labrador retrievers are often used as guide dogs for the blind, for search-and-rescue teams, or in narcotics detection with law enforcement, like this yellow Lab which helped Colombia’s police seize three tons of drugs. Photograph by Christian Escobar Mora/AP

Donna Shaver, Ph.D., Chief of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, has been working to save the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle for 28 years. With the help of Ridley Ranger (pictured), a Cairn terrier who has been trained to sniff out sea turtle nests, 92 baby sea turtles have been released. Shaver hopes that by 2020, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle can be downgraded from endangered to threatened can be removed from the endangered species list altogether. Photograph by Donna Shaver/Padre Island National Seashore/NPS

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Herding breeds, like this Akbash dog from Montana, help humans in many ways. Herding breeds are intelligent and lively, making great family pets. Some herding breeds drive animals by barking, circling, and nipping at the heels. Others take a quiet approach and simply confront the animals with a silent stare. Herding dogs are excellent guards, used in the military and law enforcement, or for personal protection. Photograph by Richard Olsenius

Studying to Improve the

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Hu man-C ani ne Partnership

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By PamelaS.Hogle

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As a student in the associate degree program, I worked with puppies as young as four weeks old, puppies who barely had their eyes open. As I watched these puppies learn and grow, I began to appreciate the dogs’ intelligence, eagerness to learn, and ability to figure things out and come up with their own solutions to problems. Later, working as a trainer, I decided to try to teach dogs concepts such as “open the door” rather than use more actionoriented commands such as “tug” or “push.” Thus, once the dog understood the idea of getting the door open, she could decide on her own whether to push it with her paws, nudge it with her nose, tug a rope on the door handle, slide it using her paws, or use any other method that worked. Dogs I worked with learned on their own to adjust the amount of force or pressure they applied, gently nudging drawers or cabinet doors and pushing with their full weight against heavier glass doors. Through my work at Bergin University and afterward, I learned that most “failures” were my own fault. If I asked a dog to jump onto a table, but I was standing too close or the table was too high and the dog refused, the dog was telling me that I was asking the impossible — he was not being “disobedient” or refusing to cooperate. Once I understood that, I was more able to step back and analyze any situation, fix the problem, and set the dog up to succeed. I became more aware of and willing to watch for other communication cues from the dogs — their body language and their vocalizations often were sincere attempts to explain their viewpoint or point out a problem. Recognizing this made it possible to develop a working partnership based on two-way communication — which was easier and much more fun than always trying to be in charge.

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A course I took early on in the master’s program looked at ethical, legal, and moral perspective of human-dog relationships. Beginning with this class, I developed two themes: a study of the way people do and should treat dogs; and a study of the dog’s point of view — cynomorphism — and its implications for humans’ relationships with dogs.

I first encountered Bergin University of Canine Studies (then called the Assistance Dog Institute) in 2002 when I participated in their associate degree program. I learned all aspects of raising and training mobility assistance dogs in a jam-packed, intense nine-month course. After working as a service dog trainer and puppy trainer for a few years, I returned to the university to start the master’s program, which I completed in July 2010. Initially, I intended to focus narrowly on working dog partnerships, specifically partnerships between service dogs and people with mobility impairments. I soon realized, however, that the elements of a successful service dog 36

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partnership were equally essential in any human-canine relationship. As I worked my way through the master’s program, I began to focus more broadly on human-dog interactions and explore ways to improve the relationship between people and dogs. One idea that came up over and over was that people completely underestimate dogs. Dogs are capable of so much more than we usually give them credit for! Many trainers focus on getting the dog to offer a specific response to a cue or command, for example, when truly teaching the dogs would entail developing their innate skills and allowing them to make choices.

An early project that looked at the way we treat dogs was a study of the use of force in training assistance dogs. While my initial research focused on examples from the service dog training field, where I have worked for several years, the issues I found and the conclusions I drew apply to anyone teaching skills to dogs for any purpose. A discussion of force-based vs. motivational training is equally applicable to handlers who are preparing dogs to work as herding or search and rescue dogs, to compete in agility or freestyle, or for any other partnership where the dog truly has to be a willing partner. Where the human cannot compel the dog to perform, the dog must work “at liberty” in the words of philosopher Vicki Hearne — that is, the dog must willingly engage in two-way communication with the handler. Just as many individuals with disabilities are not physically able to compel performance of a task

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or obedience from their dogs, an agility handler, on a course with an off-leash dog, cannot compel the dog to do something. If the dog is unwilling or unable to communicate effectively with the handler, all is lost. My study of force training and my conversations with service dog partners led me to deeper analysis of training or teaching methods and their ramifications. What underlying assumptions about dogs and their roles in our lives form the foundation of a training method? What limitations do we impose on dogs by our choice of training or teaching method, and how does that affect the dog and our connection with that dog? While we focus on teaching dogs to do things that benefit us or bring us happiness or blue ribbons, are we being respectful of the dog’s needs and desires? Is our relationship with dogs beneficial for them, as it so clearly is for us?

dogs. I’m putting these ideas into print in a book tentatively titled No Bad Dogma. When it is completed, No Bad Dogma will encourage dog owners to recognize and respect their dogs’ viewpoint and ability to make considered choices and teach them how to develop the dogs’ innate abilities to think and problem solve. The book will end with a discussion of the ramifications of acknowledging dogs’ true abilities. What do we owe these intelligent, sensitive, thoughtful, thinking beings? How must our relationships with our own dogs and with all dogs change as we integrate our new and growing understanding of their abilities and their viewpoint into our thought processes? I believe that simple recognition of the amazing abilities of dogs to think, strategize, empathize, and even deceive us forces us to look at dogs differently, to consider their wants and needs in our interactions with them and, ultimately, to treat them with greater respect and without force and cruelty.

While we focus on teaching dogs to do things that benefit us or bring us happiness or blue ribbons, are we being respectful of the dog’s needs and desires? Is our relationship with dogs

With these and many other questions in mind, I focused on analyzing our relationship with and treatment of dogs and attempting to understand the cynomorphic perspective. I defined my own theory and approach to teaching (not training) dogs and puppies. My “educational philosophy” for dogs strives to consider their viewpoint and to make training relevant and interesting to them. It acknowledges their considerable cognitive abilities and teaches dogs and puppies how to learn, how to think for themselves, and how to problem solve, pushing dogs to the limits of their cognitive abilities. It emphasizes two-way communication and encourages dogs to express their wants and their displeasure, while encouraging handlers to watch and listen to their dogs and try to understand the dog’s point of view. It seems self-evident that a successful partnership requires clear communication and that each team member — dog or human — must learn to read the other’s body language and understand even the most subtle cues from the other.

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Paws for Friendship, Inc.

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Helping Those In Need, One Paw at a

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Time! Who wants to go to a nursing home? Face it, nursing homes and hospitals are two places no one wants to end up in, but no matter what we want, sometimes life happens differently than we planned.

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Take for instance Daisy. Daisy married young and had one son. When he was 16 years old he got his first car, drove it too fast and died in an accident. Now Daisy lived in a nursing home and had no one to visit her. Enter Paws For Friendship Inc, an organization of volunteers who share the unconditional love of their animal companions with people in need throughout the world. These paws, and even hoofs, come from animal companions of all types. In addition to dogs of all shapes and sizes; there are cats, rabbits, and even a miniature pony! Their motto, “Helping those in need, one paw at a time!” Two such volunteers were Maria and Shadow. Maria McCawley a wife and mother of two, recalls, “Shadow, my black toy poodle therapy dog, had her favorite people to visit and Daisy was one of them.” As Shadow’s Mom, Maria enjoyed the visits too, especially hearing wonderful stories of long ago. Daisy had a very sweet, gentle demeanor and always wore a smile. Maria sometimes brought her two children along. “Kevin and Sasha, my (non-furry) children, also came along on many visits and enjoyed getting to know many of the seniors at the nursing homes. As some of the residents have told me, ‘little kids are just the right height to hug us folks in wheelchairs.’”

people of all ages. Certification consists of a simple disposition training session and a veterinarian’s statement that all are current on any vaccinations. Their program is even simpler; reach out to all in need. Jan Schmidt, founder and President states, “We reach those in need who are in cancer units, dialysis centers, burn centers, hospice, nursing homes, hospitals, and with families on home visitation for the elderly. We also work with children who have had emotional or physical trauma through Camp Easter Seals, school programs, health and awareness programs, as well as working directly in schools.” Jan works tirelessly for this organization, though she gives Jennie, a large but oh so gentle giant, all the credit for the organizations humble beginnings. However, this story actually started before Jennie, a Great Dane, came into Jan’s life. Over the years, Marguerite “Peggy” Schmidt had been in and out of several care centers and hospitals. A year after her husband of 46 years passed away in 1981, Peggy suffered the first in a series of strokes.

Xander, (Mom: Lauren Bertke) A Paws For Friendship Therapy Dog is one of 3 winners in Cesar Millan’s nationwide “Great Dog Adventure Contest”

Xander, my Pit/Hound mix, came to me through a Pit Bull rescue that I foster for. He had been so badly abused by his former owner that his front left leg had to be amputated. As a mom of a pack of 3 pits, I feel that maintaining a calm assertive pack leader position is imperative. My pack is always out and about in my community displaying the good behavior that I emphasize comes with calm and submissive dogs. Xander is no exception to this rule. Within one month of obtaining Xander as a foster dog, I adopted him, and got him certified as a therapy dog with Paws for Friendship, Inc. He now uses his (dis) ability to inspire others and his breed to get people over their misconceptions of Pit Bull type dogs. He is a true pleasure to be with and I can not picture my life with out him or the rest of my pack.

Complications from these strokes made it impossible for her to live by herself. Her daughter, Jan, faithfully visited. Remembering back, Jan said, “One thing about these places that really bothered me was that so many people had no one to visit them.” Through her mother, Jan got to know these people. Peggy would say to her daughter, “since you’re coming anyway, why don’t you bring …?” Always some common little thing, Jan was happy to comply. Pretty soon Jan was taking requests. She remembers being called once before a visit and finding out that she was on a conference call with several residents. Each had an order for cookies in mind to enjoy during Bingo night. Soon after she arrived loaded down with cookies, residents in wheelchairs greeted her at the door to

It is this story and the hundreds like it that have taken Paws For Friendship, Inc. from its original roots in Omaha Nebraska, to become an international certified animal assisted therapy organization, with chapters in 17 states, three Canadian provinces, England and Germany.

Their membership rules are simple; companions, both two and four legged, need to be well mannered and enjoy the company of 40

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help with the delivery. These residents had become like an extended family. Asking about her day at work, how things were going, how the Jan Schmidt and Jennie

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farm was doing, just wanting to talk to someone. Knowing her mother missed the farm that she had lived on for so many years and unable to come home, Jan hatched a plan to bring some of the farm to her. “I had a miniature donkey named Jake and a mallard duck named Henry that I would bring in sometimes.” This delighted not only her mother but many of the other residents. Petting them, watching them move around, listening to stories about them was the highlight of their day.

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“After I had lost my Mom,” says Jan, “who had been in and out of so many care centers and hospitals, the last place I was ever going again was one of ‘those places’”. I tried to forget all of those faces watching and waiting for someone to come visit them. The truth is that more times than not, no one ever came.” Enter Jennie… One August day Jan received a call. There was this Great Dane puppy that was going to be put down as it was considered mean and out of control. Would she go look at her? “Famous last words,” says Jan, “Little did I know this abused little six month old puppy would completely change my life. And I’m very proud to say, the lives of thousands of people.” With time and patience, Jan began her work to heal Jennie only to later realize that Jennie had been just as busy healing Jan. Jan remembered all those waiting for someone to visit. “I wanted to share this magnificent animal that had absolutely saved my life,” says Jan. The visit almost did not happen.

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Driving to the care center, Jan was talking to herself and Jennie and bringing up a lot of old memories. At the care center, “We approached the first door and I suddenly felt a wave of terror. I knew I could not do this. Not after all those years and all those lonesome faces. I began to turn away. All of a sudden Jennie pulled me back around and literally dragged me inside. She went over and put her head in an elderly lady’s lap as if to say: “I’m here for you” and she looked at me as if to say “be my voice and I will be your strength”. I did and she was.

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So, who wants to go to a nursing home?!

Paws for Friendship, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 tax deductible organization. They are always looking for new locations to visit and members to share in this wonderful experience. Paws For Friendship, Inc. Jan Schmidt, President. P.O. Box 341378 Tampa, FL 33694 BellaDOG Magazine

A D O G S

Myth Busters:

The Truth About Dominance Theory ~ Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., NADOI endorsed, CCBC

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So what is this dominance thing all about? Social dominance theory only applies to one aspect of dog life: conflict. What social dominance theory predicts is the outcome of conflicts. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be in conflict with dogs. It seems most people get a dog for companionship, not to have an argument. Social dominance behaviors allow dogs to resolve conflict in a more friendly way, ideally preventing aggression.

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trainers of the 1930’s and 1950’s used their interpretation of the wolf research to try to understand dogs. These people were not professional researchers, they simply invented ideas and concepts based on what they had read about wolves. Obviously this would lead to some serious problems in terms of being accurate. The amazing thing is that much of the misinformation is still being passed around today. Unfortunately, even many professional trainers have failed to update their education and continue to circulate inaccurate info. Another huge problem with using wolves to describe dog behavior is that dogs are descended from wolves. Dogs are domesticated which is a genetic process that makes them very different from wolves. Ask anyone who has tried to train a wolf and you will hear many stories of how tremendously challenging they are to deal with.

The Alpha

Dominance theory predicts that all the animals in a wolf pack form a linear hierarchy. Early wolf researchers added Labeling the concept of wolf packs having one male and one female When you use the word dominant to “alpha”. These alpha animals describe a dog you may mean one thing are allowed special privileges but another person may mean it to be and access to resources that something entirely different. In addition others are not. However, there when people label a dog as dominant it are numerous problems with this is often thought that violence is the only concept. Beginning with the fact solution to make the dog submissive. that wolf researchers now know When the frightened dog cowers, the that wolves form family units, situation is misunderstood as the dog pups defer and are dependent on signaling submission, when the dog parents, and wolf parents engage is actually signaling fear. This is why in different roles, which help the labeling is potentially destructive. The pack survive. It is a cooperative ~Whitney Young, Civil Rights Leader most dangerous problem with labeling living situation, not a dictatorship. could be that some dogs already in need Yet unfortunately for dogs, the of behavior modification may become aggressive when concept of dominance communicates to many humans that humans interact with them using force or violence. Or they must be masters over their dog and that dogs must even worse, the aggressive dog may be intimidated and the obey. This leads many dog/human relationships to the path aggression will slumber until it is triggered possibly without of force and violence. Just say no to violence and focus on any warning signs. Aggression without any warning signs is very dangerous to humans.

Superiority. The truth is there is nothing noble in being superior to another being. The only real nobility is in being superior to your former self.

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It is easy to avoid labels by simply describing the behavior that you are seeing. This is the ideal way to communicate about a dog’s behavior.

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As humans we view the dominant animal as superior. Labeling one being as superior causes problems, both in human relationships and in dog and human relationships. A famous study showed how labeling normal college students into two groups, one superior to the other, caused the powerful group of students to become abusive of their classmates. This same dynamic occurs when humans are labeled as being superior to dogs. It seems that an ideal solution to dog and human challenges is to acknowledge that we are different. Dogs don’t do calculus, but we can’t smell a drop of blood in a gallon of water either!

Dominance within Species

Photo By Sheri-lyn Traylor

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The original intent of the scientists who came up with dominance theory was to use it to describe interactions and explain and predict patterns of conflict resolution within a society-forming group of animals. The concept of social dominance deals with social relationships and was originally developed for bees, then chickens and eventually applied to other species including wolves. Dog BellaDOG Magazine

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A the love that you and your dog have for each other!

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According to linear social dominance theory, the alpha wolf always wins all fights over other members of the pack, the beta loses fights to no one but the alpha and so on until the omega, which is the wolf considered least likely to win any fights. Researchers agree that the terms “alpha”, “beta” and so on are “inappropriate for typical [wolf] packs consisting of parents and offspring. The linear [social] dominance hierarchy concept has been adopted and perpetuated by popular educational materials about wolves. However, in most wolf packs, family dynamics are more complex.” (Mech 2003) Packard recommends considering variation in individual temperaments, as well as mood. She goes on to say, “The autocratic leading wolf does not exist.” (Mech 2003) According to Packard, wolves live in groups that are “qualified democracies.” (Mech 2003)

Misunderstandings Most of us have heard the terms alpha roll and scruff shake. Here are the facts. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that alpha rolls or scruff shakes are useful dog training techniques. There is evidence that positive punishment (the scientific term for what alpha rolls and scruff shakes are meant to achieve) damages your bond with your dog and may cause stress or even Proud Positive Reinforcement Puppy Graduate “MAX”!

aggression. The originally observed alpha roll was actually a submissive wolf offering his or her belly rather than being forcibly bowled over. Unfortunately for dogs, the alpha roll became popular world-wide and to this day misguided humans alpha roll dogs thinking they are showing their dominance. In reality, alpha rolls and scruff shakes frighten dogs and may cause some to become aggressive and bite. Gradually it became known in professional dog training circles that alpha rolls were not effective dog training. Yet many trainers cling to the disproved methods either unable or unwilling to adjust their behavior. Now that you have read this article you can educate them!

neck of the prey so that they can be consumed. If you grab the scruff of your dog’s neck and shake her, you run the risk of scaring her and she might bite you.

Scruff shakes are used by wolves and dogs to communicate or to kill prey. Tactile communication of wolves is an area relatively unexplored by research so it is unknown what exactly a wolf may be communicating when she grabs her pups by the scruff and gives them a light shake. Other scruff grabbing and shaking behaviors are very easy to understand as they are intended to break the

But the plot thickens! When a dog momentarily stops an unwanted behavior, humans are rewarded so they will likely repeat the scruff shaking or alpha rolling. The dog has learned nothing but to fear the human and the human thinks it is working so keeps repeating it. This is a vicious cycle that can and has ended tragically for many dogs and families.

A dog learns nothing from dominance training except to fear the human. Then, the human thinks it is working so keeps repeating it.

Proud Positive Reinforcement Puppy Graduate “ANDY”!

According to dog training historian Glenn Martyn, the origin of the scruff shake and alpha roll appears to be from dog training literature in both Northern American and English dog training books of the 1930-1950’s. That was a long time ago, it’s time to get updated!

Punishment Temporarily Stops Behavior If you have tried alpha rolling or scruff shaking your dog, you may want to argue that it appears to work. Here is why – both scruff shakes and alpha rolls intimidate the dog. In most dogs this will cause a freeze response or gesturing of stress signals which are communicating that the dog means not harm. In other words, your scruff shake or alpha roll is aggressive toward the dog and most dogs will respond by stopping what they are doing and signaling that they mean no harm.

Muzzle Grabbing Another myth states that a human can demonstrate dominance to a dog by grabbing the dog’s muzzle. However, according to wolf researcher Packard, the muzzle grab may actually be a cohesive behavior rather than communicating conflict. This is based on researchers observing that pups are not afraid of parents who muzzle grabbed them and that the muzzle grabbing is followed by the pup moving closer and engaging in affiliate behaviors. A human roughly grabbing a dog’s muzzle may frighten a dog and lead to a bite. If your dog does not object to having her muzzle grabbed then you are doing the equivalent of saying hello!

Myth Busting

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that this affects dominance. Teaching your dog to politely wait at doorways will make your dog easier to live with, but it will not give you “dominance brownie points”. You must eat before your dog eats. Again there is no scientific evidence to support this. To be helpful, concepts presented by a dog trainer must be logical. If you eat before your dog eats, then after your dog eats, you will eat again at the next meal, but this means that the dog actually ate before you ate? Maybe the rule of eating first would be effective in establishing social dominance if you and your dog ate from the same plate, but without an actual study we can’t say for sure. I love my dog, but we are not eating from the same plate!

In order for you to be dominant, the dog must walk behind you. There is no scientific evidence that the animal walking in front is dominant, rather who is socially dominant would depend on the situation. Tens of thousands of people world-wide teach their dogs to do obedience, Frisbee, herding, Flyball and agility. In all of these sports, the dog is sent ahead of the human in a variety of different situations. To say that these dogs, who are better trained then the vast majority of pet dogs, are all socially dominant over their trainers is illogical.

A female dog that lifts her leg when urinating is dominant. Keep in mind that dominance is about conflict. In this scenario what exactly is the dog in conflict with? Her urine? The grass? Is urinating a conflict? Clearly, it is a bodily function that eliminates waste and can have a marking function, but it is impossible for a dog to have conflict with objects. In reality, it is probable that a leg-lifting female may have been partially masculinized in uterus by being sandwiched between two male puppies and as a result flooded with testosterone.

In order to be dominant, you must always walk through

If a dog chews or urinates on an object, she is trying to BellaDOG Magazine

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A to dominate that object. Again, there is no relationship here and no conflict over a perceived resource, so social dominance theory does not apply.

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Playing or letting the dog win at tug-o-war will make your dog dominant and aggressive. There is an actual study that was done on playing tug. The study found no connection between tugging and aggression. Turns out, tug is just a game. Another study found that letting your dog win at playing tug increased motivation for the game of tug. No dogs playing tug or winning at tug were found holding researchers captive or plotting a takeover. A dog that fails to perform a cue is being dominant (or stubborn) and needs a correction. The relationship here would be between human and dog. The conflict is presumably over the performance of a cue, however the problem is that there are many reasons why a dog may not comply with a cue: not feeling well, poor training, poor handling, confusing training, lack of generalization training and so on. It is much more probable that the reason for a lack of compliance is connected to our training then a dog’s secret plot to take over. Although I do think that my Papillion is plotting to take over the world, prepare now or you will be doomed.

The Role of Leadership

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Dominance is equated with exertion of influence and control. Submission is viewed as losing and possibly death. There is a problem with this. Wolves could not survive without each other; every member in a pack plays an important role and all are interdependent on each other. A true partnership can’t exist in a relationship where one being is considered superior (dominant) to another. We are all interdependent on each other. We are most effective when working as a team. Be a team with your dog! As Dee Ganley, CABC, author of Teaching People, Teaching Dogs puts it, “I feel the human-dog relationship is like dancing: sometimes I lead and other times the dog does!”

A special thank you to both Beth Duman and James O’Heare, CABC, www.JamesOHeare.com for help with this article. This article is dedicated to Russell, (now Mak), a fearful dog that was labeled dominant and nearly killed as a result. Angelica Steinker owns and operates Courteous Canine, Inc. and Courteous Critters Assistance Animals in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. You can contact her at www.CourteousCanine.com and www. AngelicaSteinker.com Visit Us At Booth “BRONZE 174” at The Pet Extravaganza

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Just Ignore the Dog! ~Amy Weeks

Clients do a double take when I tell them to “Ignore the dog. Walk away. In fact, leave the room.” Their responses vary but are along the lines of… “Shouldn’t I stay here and force him to comply? Shouldn’t he do what I command every single time?

For clients new to positive training methods, this often takes some time to sink in. It is unfathomable to them that they could ignore what they deem a “bad” behavior. There is a lot of negative attention given to dog. Yelling, spraying water, and pushing/ pulling on dogs are all examples of negative attention. I remind them that dogs will do what benefits them. If a dog is getting attention for jumping, barking, mouthing , etc. ….positive or negative ….they will take it over no attention at all. Just as some children will go out of their way to create a little havoc in order to gain attention, dogs will choose a similar route.

air until it gets your dog’s attention. If he doesn’t come towards you, turn and “ignore” him. Continue moving away from him while tossing the ball in the air. Usually, this will get his attention and he will come running to you. “You are so interesting to him!” Now, throw ball #2. As he takes off after it, you can pick up ball #1. Continue to play this way until his retrieve builds and you don’t need more than 1 ball! It is advised that you stop the game before your dog gets bored with it. Always leave them wanting more. And remember to take the balls inside with you. They only appear when you are around.

Often when I have a private in home consultation, I walk in their house to be greeted by dogs that jump. It never fails that the owners yell, scream and pull the dogs away from me over and over until I let them know that I have

Other appropriate times to walk away from your pet include unwanted biting or nipping This is especially useful with young puppies who bite too hard or play too rough. If you are playing with Fluffy and he bites or nips too hard, pick up all the toys you were playing with, stand up and walk out the door. Say nothing as you leave. I suggest staying out of sight for about 30 seconds then return to your puppy to continue the play. You are letting your puppy know, “I go away, toys go away and the fun stops if you bite that hard.” That is a powerful message for Fluffy. Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this, but the information will be read loud and clear. All dogs are on a learning curve (as are humans), it does take time to change a behavior. Be patient.

Of course we want our furry friends to comply….and an important component in finding that success is to use the appropriate training tool for each moment. One over-looked, under-used , powerful tool that all dog owners have at their disposal is what I refer to as “dog invisible”. Now, I would never suggest that you ignore your canine friend in general. In fact, the more you are a part of Fluffy’s world, the more “important” you are to him. And the greater your importance, the greater the impact of ignoring him will be when utilized. Establishing “importance” in your pet’s life is pretty easy. You should be building a bond with him day to day. This can be done by simply spending time with him. The time spent with him has to be positively reinforcing for your dog. Find things that Fluffy enjoys and make certain that you are a part of them. Examples could include: training classes, walks, a game of catch, trick training and hand feeding him his dinner. Basically, you want to implement the idea that “good things come from you”. Continue on this path and you will set yourself up as someone of vital importance in your dog’s life. You should represent a “fountain” of goodness in your dog’s eyes. This is why it is important to avoid forceful training, because it does the opposite, it damages this bond. As a trainer, I often remind clients to generally ignore unwanted behavior and reinforce most wanted behaviors. 50

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encountered this before and that they do not own the “worst dogs on the planet”! I show them how to ignore their dogs, turning their back on the dogs..over and over again. No eye contact, no noise, no reprimending…nothing, That’s right…ignore everything the dogs are doing except a behavior that is acceptable to them. I usually give them the choice : the dogs must have “ 4 on the floor--- meaning all for paws are on the ground” or “sit” before the they are given any attention. Everything else is ignored. Most dogs are much better by the time I leave and many clients no longer have jumping issues within a few weeks. Others may take a little longer, but by ignoring the jumping and “feeding” or “ reinforcing” the acceptable behavior, the jumping will decrease! Success by ignoring a behavior! How wonderful!

In group classes I often observe clients telling their dog to “sit” about 5 times in a row. Although they have been instructed not to do this, they lose their cool if the dog doesn’t comply immediately and every time. The beauty of positive training is that the dog has a choice: to do the behavior or not to do the behavior. If he chooses not to do it, then I tell the owner, “walk away…ignore him.” Too bad for Fluffy, he loses out on not only the treat but your presence as well. In most cases the dog will follow the owner when he/she walks away. I have the owner “reset” the dog and try again. Success usually ensues. All this without a power struggle, force training or anyone getting upset and losing their cool. Did I mention that I love this type of training?

Teaching retrieve is another area when ignoring your dog may come in handy. I always suggest starting with 2-3 balls with this exercise. Toss ball #1 in the air or move it around in front of your dog. Get him excited by the movement and toss it…but not too far. As he takes off after the 1st ball immediately take the 2nd ball and begin to toss it in the

The wonderful bonus in using ignoring as a training tool is that it gives you, the owner, a chance to disconnect, calm down and take a break. I recently discovered this

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w w w. r e t i r ed k 9 h er oe s . or g benefit in my family life as well. One afternoon my children kept talking “over” me and I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. I became so frustrated that I made a “giant” spectacle of getting up, grabbing my keys and purse and, without a word, walked out of the house. You could have heard a pin drop before I reached the door. When I returned, about a half hour later, they were less rambunctious, calmer and we all were able to carry on a nice conversation. It worked wonderfully at that time. It was the right tool for the situation and it got my point across without screaming or yelling.

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This training tool takes some time to get use too. As humans, we want to use our words to get our point across. When our dogs don’t comply we often repeat the instructions, yell or use physical force on our dogs. We want to believe that “more is better”…more noise, more words, more negative attention…..but in truth, less is often better. Less attention to unwanted behaviors may prove to be your strongest training tool. So, the next time those old frustrating feelings start to stir when working with your pet….. and trust me they will…. take a deep breath, stand up and walk away. Remember, you have the power “to ignore” as a training tool. Use it wisely! Bella DOG Magazine

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G r e at e r S wi ss M ountain D og

Of all the herd dogs in Switzerland, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is undoubtedly the most commanding. He is much appreciated for his incomparable abilities. As a drover of cows, he dominates his charges completely, always keeping the herd in order and in the right territory. In addition, he is an exceptional guard of the cowshed and a prized protector of his master’s house and property. He seldom rests, sleeping at night with one eye open. From: `The Great Book of Dogs’ by Gino Pugnetti and illustrated by Pietro Cozzaglio.

“Be faithful to our club and our breed, faithful as the Big Mountain Dog.”

Do Swissies drool? No. Swissies are considered a dry-mouthed breed and do not drool any more than Labradors or Collies. Yes. Although shorthaired, Swissies have a thick ‘double’ coat. Most Swissies will shed heavily in the spring when they lose their thick undercoat. Regular brushing and occasional bathing will help to reduce the amount of hair shed throughout the year, but some shedding will still occur.

How big will a Swissy get?

Are Swissies easy to train?

Do they shed?

Swissies are the largest of the four Swiss Sennenhund (Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs). The males generally weigh between 105-140 lbs. and stand approximately 2528 inches at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller and 58 58 BellaDOG BellaDOGMagazine Magazine

weigh between 80-110 lb. and are 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder, but of course, each dog is different. Swissies are slow to mature and usually do not reach their full size until they are 1 1/2 - 3 years old.

What is their temperament like? Swissies are naturally confident, friendly dogs who are happiest when spending time with their families. They should be neither fearful nor aggressive. Proper socialization from an early age is very important. Most Swissy puppies are very active but as adults they are generally calm dogs who require a moderate amount of exercise. Swissies generally respond best to firm but gentle training using positive reinforcement methods. They can be stubborn at times but generally are eager to please, thriving on attention and praise. ‘Clicker’ training or food training BellaDOG Magazine

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Dr. Albert Heim May 1, 1936

Here are some questions and answers about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog!

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Swissies can make wonderful family pets but as with any breed they

foot high fence is recommended.

cannot be expected to be good with children unless they have been raised that way. Likewise, children should be taught from an early age to respect your dog and treat them with kindness. Even though Swissies are usually very gentle dogs they are a large breed and must be supervised when playing with children.

Normal puppy play should be enough exercise for a young Swissy. As adults Swissies do need regular exercise but it can be as simple as a walk in the evening or a game of fetch in the backyard. The important thing is to make sure that they get enough exercise without overdoing it. Because they are still growing it is inadvisable to jog with your Swissy until it is mature.

Are they good with other pets/animals?

Do they chew?

Swissies should be able to get a long well with other dogs as well as many other animals. Proper socialization to other animals is just as important as socialization to people and should begin at an early age. It is recommended that you enroll your Swissy in classes where they can meet new dogs as well as learn basic household obedience. If raised with cats or other animals most Swissies should not have a problem with them.

All puppies chew. As adults Swissies are not generally ‘chewers’. They are usually quite content with a variety of safe chew toys.

How much space do they require-a big yard?

usually works quite well for most Swissies.

What type of health problems do Swissies have? Swissies share the

same health concerns as other large breeds, such as dysplasia (hip & elbow), Osteochondritis dessicans (OCD, shoulder) and bloat, as well as epilepsy and entropian(eyes). To reduce the risk of having a dog afflicted with either hip or elbow dysplasia it is important that both parents have had there hips and elbows certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). You should always verify that both the sire and dam have OFA #s by calling the OFA at (573) 442-0418. You will need the registered names of the dogs you are checking on. OCD is a condition affecting the shoulders that may be a genetic condition. If a parent has OCD there may be an increased chance of a dog developing this condition. You should be aware that hip replacement surgery or the surgery to correct OCD generally cost in excess of $950.

Actually Swissies do not need as much outdoor space as some smaller dogs do. The typical suburban yard is adequate for most Swissies. Swissies are indoor dogs and do not like to be left outside alone for extended periods of time. They prefer to be with their families whether indoors or out. A fence is important and many breeders will require you to have one. Due to the size of an adult Swissy a four to six

How much exercise do they need?

Do they bark? Each dog is different, but in general, Swissies are not known as bad barkers. Swissies are quick to bark at anything new and different in their environment such as a car in the driveway or a delivery truck like any other dog, but they sometimes have have a ‘calling’ bark where they will bark in order to get people to pay attention to them.

Are they easy to housetrain? Swissie puppies take a very long time to physically and mentally mature and as a result they can take longer to house train. It is not at all uncommon for it to take until the dog is 7-9 months old before being really house trained. Most puppies can be crate trained by 3-5 months and this will help in the overall process of house training. FAQ by Ellyn Signet

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Take Me To Tahoe!

Fireside Lodge

"A Guest The First Time, A Friend For A Lifetime!" South Lake Tahoe, CA. USA

Welcome to the Fireside Lodge, the newly remodeled, log cabin-style lodge that truly captures the essence of Lake Tahoe. Featuring unique, retro-Tahoe themed suites, the Fireside Lodge is a must for the sports enthusiast who loves his dog and loves to create sporting adventures they can take on together. The last lodge on the way to Emerald Bay, the Fireside Lodge backs up to National Forest, providing miles of hiking and biking trails and public beach access. Visiting Tahoe in the heart of winter? The Fireside Lodge is a short drive away from area ski resorts, Heavenly and Sierra-atTahoe and cross-country and snowshoeing terrain can be found right in their backyard. Suites at the Fireside Lodge include all the amenities that make you and your furry best friend feel right at home. Snuggle up to their custom-designed fieldstone fireplaces, sure to warm you up on those snowy Tahoe evenings. Hungry? Every suite at the Fireside is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee-maker, insuring all the conveniences and comforts of home. Also included are cable TV/VCR and computer hook-up access for all of your communication needs.

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Get ready for your day of activities with your four-legged friend in the Gathering Room for the expanded continental breakfast. Feel free to stop in for an afternoon snack, and swap stories of the day’s events with other guests over wine during the complimentary Happy Hour every afternoon. Socials are held early on Friday evenings to welcome

weekend guests and introduce them to their neighbors and drooling house mates. First time in Tahoe? The Fireside Lodge is always glad to give the inside scoop on dog loving locals’ favorite spots for sightseeing, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing and just about any other type of outdoor recreation you can do with your pooch. Conveniently located 10 minutes away from the South Shore casinos if you’re in the mood for a little night life and some of Tahoe’s most unique restaurants are only a short walk away for those who prefer a quiet evening of candlelight dining. In the mood for a pint? Tahoe’s top microbrewery is just a few blocks away, offering an enormous selection of local and imported malted refreshment. Those in the mood for a relaxing night at home are encouraged to use the barbecue facilities and lounge on the lawn.

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At the Fireside Lodge, they understand how exhausting a full day of Tahoe activities can be on the body and soul. Let an hour in the Hot Tub Room soothe your weary muscles and wash away your cares. Check things out for yourself and start planning your trip. Please visit The Fireside Lodge website at: www.tahoefiresidelodge.com “On The Way To Emerald Bay” South Lake Tahoe, CA. USA (530) 544-5515

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Cross Country Skiing Cross country skiing is fun... it’s also easy to learn, healthy, family friendly, accessible, affordable, and offers great variety! Cross country skiing uses natural movements - it doesn’t require special skills to get started and has a short learning curve. Just a couple of hours spent being coached by a professional instructor will give you the skills needed for a lifetime of fun!

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Lake Tahoe XC The best place to take your dog with you while you skate on beautiful groomed trails, cross country ski or snow shoe. Dogs are welcome at Tahoe XC Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM. Weekends & holidays 3:00PM to 5:00PM. They Have two dog friendly trails, Blue Trail and Special Green Trail, totaling 5 miles. Dog Day passes are $4.00 per dog, 2 dogs maximum per person. Poop bags are provided. Leashes are required at the trailhead and parking lot. Skijoring (a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog or dogs, or a motor vehicle) is not allowed.

Cross country skiing is one of the healthiest recreational activities for both body and soul. You can enjoy the beauty of nature - with its towering trees, mountain vistas, or snow-covered meadows - while experiencing a total body workout. It uses all your muscle groups and is a terrific cardiovascular activity! Plus, you can do it at your pace and according to your fitness level... from smooth gliding on gentle trails to bounding up, over, and down varied terrain. Cross country skiing is a multi-generational activity. Infants and toddlers can ride in a backpack or on a sled... while it’s also gentle for grandparents and great-grandparents. Teenagers who want to go fast can skate ski, a technique that combines the leg motion of ice skating and the arm push of cross country skiing. Even the family dog can join you, as some centers welcome canines on designated dog trails. (Special enclosed sleds, called pulks, with a back support for a child, can be rented at many ski areas. They’re designed to be pulled by a cross country skier.) Get started on the right track with a lesson. Learn the basics in a beginner lesson, or improve your technique and step to another level in an intermediate or advanced lesson. Finding instructors in Lake Tahoe is an easy task. Open the local phone book or simply ask around and you’re sure to get the best lesson for your buck. How do you go about selecting cross-country skis that are right for you? First, figure out the type of skiing you want to do: Track (for machine-groomed trails), skating, touring (where you break your own trail), telemarking (free heel skiing) and so on.

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Ski Trails in Lake Tahoe For You and Fido

925 Country Club Drive, Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530) 583-5475 www.tahoexc.org ________________________________________

TIPS: Many dogs enjoy playing in the snow, and dogs in good shape will have great fun accompanying you on short cross-country or snowshoeing trips. Several local businesses groom cross-country ski courses and permit dogs on leash. Common sense is especially important when taking your dog on excursions in the snow: • Pay attention to the effects of cold air, altitude, and the snow on your dog. • It is common for dogs to become exhausted quickly while running through snow, and snow on the fur in their pads can form painful ice balls. • Running through deep snow also poses hazards such as stepping on sharp objects hidden by the snow, and broken bones and dislocations from uneven ground.

Taylor Creek Sno-Park - All level skiers

• Consider whether you can carry your dog back to The Taylor Creek/Fallen Leaf area provides the newcomer your starting point if he becomes injured or so tired to cross country skiing an opportunity to enjoy winter advenhe can no longer walk on his own, and adjust your ture with your dog. Developed for the beginner, this well expectations accordingly. marked series of trails allows skiers to explore an area of forest with the knowledge that other people are near and there is no avalanche danger. The terrain is mostly flat and provides an excellent day tour for the whole family. The developed trails cover a large area and although heavily used, are not congested. The loop trail traverses through open meadows and aspen groves. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Hwy 89 for 3.5 miles to the sno-park. A sno-park permit is required to park here. ________________________________________

Once that’s decided, it’s a good idea to rent the kind of equipment you want. Ideally, you’ll rent it at a ski shop, ski area, or Nordic ski center where you can also buy it. If you’re planning on getting outfitted for track or touring with skis, poles, boots, and bindings, a good starter package can run around $300. Gear of that quality should last you at least several years. Kids’ equipment is generally cheaper, while racing and telemarking equipment can be a lot more expensive.

Renting Equipment? Sierra Nordic Cross Country Ski Shop 11004 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96161 Phone: (530)-582-4713 www.sierranordic.com

Fountain Place - More Advanced skiers

There are six miles of trails (one way) for the more advanced cross country skier. Be cautious of snowmobilers. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south on Hwy 50 for 4 miles and turn left on Pioneer Road. Turn right on Oneidas Street and drive to the end, where it becomes a Forest Service Road. Continue on this road until the pavement ends, approximately 4 miles. The trail starts at the end of the road. ________________________________________

Angora Road - Iintermediate level skiers

This trail is 8 miles roundtrip. You will ski through woods and past several small lakes. Be cautious of snowmobilers. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south for 2.5 miles on Hwy 50 turn right on Tahoe Mountain Road. Turn right on Glenmore Way and left on Dundee Circle. Turn left and follow to the end of the road where the trail begins down a fire road on your left. ________________________________________

Echo Lakes - Intermediate level skiers This trail is for intermediate cross country skiers and their dogs. There are many trails in this area, most which lead to Upper and Lower Echo Lakes. A map of the trails can be picked up at the Forest Service Office. A sno-park permit is needed to park here. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south on Hwy 50 for 9.6 miles and turn right on Echo Lake road. Park in the Echo Lakes Sno-Park area. ________________________________________ Grass Lake Meadow - Beginner to Intermediate level skiers This is a great spot for beginners. There are about 3 miles of flat, open meadow for you and your dog. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south for 4.5 miles on Hwy 50 to the stop light. Turn left on Hwy 89 and drive to Luther Pass and park on the side of the road. BellaDOG Magazine

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Pet Friendly Home Away From Home!

Lake Tahoe Store Spotlight! Dog.Dog.Cat. 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite C-17 South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

George and Mary Kay Richter, Owners of the Dog.Dog.Cat. Petique have two simple goals: to develop lasting, supportive relationships with their clients and their four-legged friends, and to provide products that keep your pals healthy, happy and stylishly well-appointed. Dog.Dog.Cat. opened because George and Mary Kay believe that they are not alone in wanting to provide their best friends with products that will enhance their pets health and enrich their lives. By offering natural, human-grade food and snacks, earth-friendly grooming products, top-notch toys, collars, name tags, leashes and a ton more, George and Mary Kay know they can do just that. Stop by the store front while in Tahoe or visit the online store at www.dogdogcat.com Get more info and cool tips by reading the Dog.Dog.Cat. Blog at www.dogdogcatblog.com

Lake Tahoe - Where pets are welcome year round! Lake Tahoe is an outdoor paradise for dogs and humans, too! The fresh mountain air is invigorating and there are lots of outdoor activities for you and your canine companion. There is a lake and an abundance of streams to frolick in, and meadows and mountain trails that go on forever. Lake Tahoe even has restaurants that welcome pets, special activities for pets, and pet sitters so you can enjoy the nightlife. “Is this heaven? No, Toto, we’re at Lake Tahoe!” Not staying at the Fireside Lodge? For other pet-friendly lodgings, specials, real-time availability and on-line reservations visit www.petslovetahoe.com For personal assistance and the same great rates, call 1-800-MY-TAHOE (800-698-2463).

Rolling Waves Beach Cottages 6351 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Fl 34228 (941) 383-1323 www.RollingWaves.com

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The Dog Lover’s Guide To Lake Tahoe By Susie Denison

This indispensable guide offers complete information on lodging, recreation, and services for you and your pooch in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas. Part of the proceeds from this book benefit the Pet Network of Lake Tahoe. $9.50 www.madeincalifornia.net

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e M e k a ! e T o h a T To A Bark In The Park: The 40 Best Places To Hike With Your Dog In The Reno/Lake Tahoe Region By Sherril Steele-Carlin

Are there any places to take your dog swimming? Where are the best parks to walk the dog for more than one hour? Where can I find an off-leash “doggie social hour?” Where are the best parks to walk the dog and push the baby stroller? While walking her dog, author Sherril Steele-Carlin also brings along generous helpings of local history, botany, geology, architecture and more. $12.95 www.hikewithyourdog.com 66

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Lu x u r y H o t e l s Cater to our Fo u r Le gge d Fr i e nd s !

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large bottle of water. No need to worry about boarding or a dog-sitter. The Waldorf=Astoria “Fido-Friendly” package offers accommodations for two and a canine. It also includes one complimentary dog walking during the stay. Dog Concierge services are also available to assist with any of traveler’s pet needs such as grooming, dog personal shopping or where to find the best Manhattan dog parks. Nightly rates start at $569. For reservations or additional information dog lovers can visit www. waldorfnewyork.com or call 800-925-3673.

This offer is valid now through Dec. 31, 2010 and is subject to availability. Guests must request Plan Code “PET” in order to book. Rates are based on single/double occupancy, do not include taxes, gratuities or other incidental charges and are per room/per night. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Certain length of stay or day of week restrictions may apply. Not available to groups or meetings. Other restrictions may apply. “Canine Culinary” items are á la carte.

“We have seen an increasing number of distinguished guests checking in with canine companions at their side,” stated Matt Zolbe, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Waldorf=Astoria. “Recognizing that travel with pets is essential for many pet owners, we were inspired to launch a program catering to these guests’ unique needs.” “Canine Culinary” Room Service Menu

The Waldorf=Astoria Debuts “Canine Culinary” Room Service Menu to Welcome Spoiled Doggies to the Historic Waldorf Towers Also Introduces “Fido-Friendly” Package for Traveling Pooches The Waldorf=Astoria, recognizing the growing trend of canine traveling companions, has debuted a “Canine Culinary” room service menu and “Fido-Friendly” package to welcome dogs to The Waldorf Towers. According to the Travel Industry Association of America more than 49 percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers consider their pet to be part of the family, and 18 percent usually take their pets with them when they 68

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Guests can order a special treat for Fido from the new “Canine Culinary” room service menu created especially for discerning dogs. This menu features: • German Shepherd’s Pie - a twist on Grandma’s specialty • Dachshund’s Delights - miniature hot dogs with Fifi’s choice of sauces • Great Dane’s Danish - fresh from the pastry kitchen • Mastiff’s Munchies - toasted peanut butter sandwiches never tasted so good • Pekingese’s Duck - in dog bite size pieces • Pomeranian’s Pasta - carb-loading for the runners Pooches no longer have to worry about midnight snack cravings. To accompany the launch of the dog room service menu, The Waldorf=Astoria has also created the “Fido-Friendly” package to make sure all traveling dogs’ needs are met. Now travelers can bring their most treasured four-legged loved one with them, be it on business or for pleasure. Dogs will

LOEWS HOTELS BRINGS PLAYTIME TO ITS FOUR-LEGGED GUESTS “Happy Tails” Pet Package Offers New Fisher-Price Pet Toy – Chatter Pup Telebone™ For years, Loews Hotels and Fisher-Price have teamed up to entertain Loews’ littlest guests with interactive toys and activities. Today, Loews Hotels and Fisher-Price are once again joining forces, this time to entertain Loews’ four-legged friends with the launch of Fisher-Price’s first-ever line of toys for pets. In celebration of the adorable, playful toys, Loews Hotels will offer a “Happy Tails” pet package, which features a one-night stay for pets with their owners, a “Wag Your Tail Delight” beef tenderloin meal, $25 pet cleaning fee (waived), Loews Loves Pets standard amenities and the new Fisher-Price® Chatter Pup Telebone™, a puppy phone inspired by the iconic Chatter Telephone.™ “The Fisher-Price partnership has been so rewarding for our guests, enhancing their stay in so many fun and entertaining ways,” said Nancy Mendelson, Senior Vice President of Branding & Communication, Loews Hotels. “Now we have the opportunity extend playtime to every member of the family and we’re confident these new Fisher-

The “Happy Tails” pet package is available at 18 Loews Hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada from October 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011; prices vary by date and location. Examples of starting prices are $161 for the Loews Le Concorde in Quebec City and $174 for the Loews New Orleans and Loews Philadelphia hotels. Package prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. Since the start of the Loews Loves Pets program 10 years ago, many VIPs (Very Important Pets) have made Loews Hotels their home away from home, enjoying the special treatment and privileges that are offered at all of the chain’s properties in the U.S. and Canada. As part of the program, each visiting VIP can travel in first-class comfort with gourmet room service, specialized bedding, a pet amenity and guest services designed to make pets and their owners feel right at home. The Loews “Happy Tails” Pet Package is subject to availability and is bookable at 18 Loews Hotels in the U.S. and Canada. For more information or to book, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit

www.loewshotels.com BellaDOG Magazine

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Sarasota Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Known for impeccable service and sterling guest amenities, the five-star Sarasota Ritz-Carlton treats canine visitors as VIP’s (very important pets). They have created a line of innovative “head to paw” pet massages. Treatments range from Swedish Pet Massage and Invigorating Sports Massage to specialized Senior Massage techniques for older dogs with arthritis or joint stiffness. The one-hour sessions are $130. Included, of course, is a lesson for the owner on how to perform the massage after departimg.

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Sarasota’s only luxury hotel is also the only one in the area to offer upscale accommodations with a pet friendly attitude. Guests bringing cats or dogs must adhere to the hotel’s pet policies, which includes a 20-pound weight limit and a $125 guestroom maintenance and restoration fee. Guests checking in with pets receive a special welcome amenity with gourmet treats and a personalized water bowl. The hotel has dedicated rooms for pets and there is a dog walk available on property. For more information on the Privileged Pup pet massage program, contact The Members Spa Club at (941) 309-2090. Included in the Conde Nast Traveler 2006 Gold List and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2006 “Top 500 Hotels” in the world, the AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is located on the beautiful and cultural Gulf-coast of central-west Florida. It is named by Zagat as one of 50 Top Resorts in the U.S., while its free-standing luxury spa has received Mobil’s Four-Star rating again for 2006. The 266-room destination resort offers championship golf, private beach-front facilities, award-winning dining, nearby shopping and fishing and a Ritz-Carlton Club Level featuring its own private lounge and concierge team.

Help your loving companion escape from the hounding pressures of their ruff world. The Sarasota Ritz-Carlton resort offers guests a variety of customized pet massage services performed by certified pet massage therapists. The “Privileged Pup Paw Package” ($350 and up) includes a massage of Fido’s choice, a scenic walk over the Ringling Bridge, a Bon Ton Pet disposal kit, an organic gourmet stew and Evian (water) room service

The Privileged Pup

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Florida may be booked tollfree at 1-800-241-3333 or online at www.ritzcarlton.com 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236

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According to Darlene Davison, Spa Director at The RitzCarlton, Sarasota, pet massage is the therapeutic manipulation of the skin, muscle and soft tissue of the animal’s body, which gives comfort and promotes good health. Benefits of pet massage are numerous including increased muscle tone, range of motion, and flexibility as well as reduced muscle tension for the pet.

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“Our guests want to bring their pets along to enhance their vacation, and most owners feel guilty leaving pets behind.” In fact, traveling with pets has become a new lifestyle trend. According to the Travel Industry Association of America an estimated 29.1 million Americans say they have traveled with a pet in the past three years.

Mai-Tai relaxes and waits for her therapeutic bodywork in her spa robe available for purchase. Spa Supervisor, Julie Kaminer and Mai-Tai share a moment in the pet friendly suite before their hour of relaxation and pampered perfection! 70

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(All massages will be performed in the comfort and privacy of your resort guest room by one of The Ritz-Carlton’s highly skilled professionals who specialize in therapeutic bodywork for pets.)

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H A I R

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Telluride, Colorado “Best in Show” for its attitude toward canine companions. Telluride could be named “Best in Show” for its attitude toward canine companions. Take a stroll down Main Street and you’ll see why: Telluride boasts more dogs than people per capita. Dogs are welcome in more than half of the inns and hotels in Telluride and Mountain Village, and many of the rental condos and vacation homes allow pets to stay with their owners. The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa in Mountain Village sports a doggie spa where you can treat your four-legged friend to a pooch pamper session complete with grooming, teeth cleaning and massage, plus “pawdicures.” – or a hike. Dog sitting also is available.

• The annual Telluride Fur Ball, each August, is a grand celebration for dogs and their owners. Benefiting the Second Chance Humane Society, the event traditionally features live music, food and dance.

www.browndogpizza.net

The Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa in Mountain Village sports a doggie spa where you can treat your four-legged friend to a pooch pamper session – complete with bath and massage – or a hike. Dog sitting also is www.thepeaksresort. available.

Go to the planning section at www.visittelluride.com for more information on Telluride and pet friendly lodging.

Alpen Schatz (Alpine Treasures)

Local’s Tips, Hints and Rules

TRADITIONAL Swiss Collars and Telluride Culture

• The park at the base of the gondola in the Town of Telluride is a popular local hound hangout where any pooch is sure to have a dog-gone good time.

These “Traditional” Swiss collars represent a family craft which dates back over 250 years, and supports the festive nature of the breathtaking Appenzeller region of Switzerland. Indeed, each collar is handcrafted by the 7th generation descendant of the original founder of this alpine tradition. As his ancestors, their craftsman uses only the finest of leather for his work and each piece is adorned with representative alpine figures, hand carved, cut, and tooled from brass or alpine silver pieces. He also specializes in decorative cowbells and belts, which also play a big role in Swiss traditions.

• Pets are allowed in select cabins of the free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village, ensuring man’s best friend can also enjoy the 360-degree views. • “Puppy parking” spots throughout Telluride let dogs chill out for a few minutes while owners pop into nearby retail shops.

The Traditional Collars were originally made for the colorful cattle drives in the summer and fall. At this time the herdsman puts on his best ‘tracht’ or traditional dress, his dog wears his nicest collar, and the cows are adorned with colorful treicheln or glocken (alpine cowbells) for their journey up to the mountain pastures in the spring and back down to the valley meadows in the fall. $65.00 - $100.00

• The town’s shuttle bus system, the Galloping Goose, helps tired paws (and feet) by welcoming well-behaved pets on a leash. • Dogs must be leashed at all times in Telluride and Mountain Village. BellaDOG Magazine

The three then co-founded Brown Dog Pizza in May 2004. It’s named after their brown dogs, Boone and Phlounder. Both Brown Dog Pizza and Pacific Street Pizza offer east-coast style, thin-crust pizza and an array of hot & cold subs, salads and pastas, along with various daily specials. After a short hiatus in late 2004, Brown Dog Pizza reopened in the spring of 2005 in the historic building that once housed Sofios. While Pacific Street Pizza offers a ski town pizza shop atmosphere with limited seating off of the beaten path, Brown Dog Pizza offers a sports bar atmosphere, live music, and a full bar right in the center of town. Brown Dog Pizza: 110 E Colorado Ave., Telluride, CO 81435. (970) 728-8046. (Pacific Street Pizza: 627 W Pacific Avenue)

• Picking up after every pooch is a must; bags are provided throughout both towns.

Specialty treats and supplies are available at Mountain Tails, located on the east end of Colorado Avenue. Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome in the store. New to town, Whiskers & Tails, offers quick pet-wash services as well as necessities. For a unique experience, explore Alpen Schatz Boutique (shown on next page), located at the east end of town, and find original handcrafted leather and brass, or leather and silver, Swiss Dog Collar. The store also carries clothing and home furnishings (for humans!) from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

In 2001, Dan Lynch started VZF Pizza, LLC in Telluride, Colorado with a partner who stayed with the business until the fall of 2002. Under the auspices of this company Pacific Street Pizza was born. The following year, Jeff Smokevitch and Joe Carena became VZF Pizza, LLC partners.

www.alpenschatz.com A Telluride Dog’s Life! Pictured at the Telluride Ski Resort. By Tony Demin

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the BARKING section!

B A R K I N G

Earth Friendly Dog Bucket

Honor your best pal with this eco-friendly galvanized gift bucket personalized with his or her name. All-natural contents include 10 oz. gourmet peanut butter treats, baked in the USA, in a cotton canvas bag, and three fun toys: a squeaky hemp fabric bone, a cotton Celtic knot rope ball and a cotton rope bone. Plus, a set of biodegradable dog waste bags in a recycled-plastic case. Hurry, this is exclusive so order now! Small: $49.00, Large: $59.00 www.inthecompanyofdogs.com

"Doggone Wheels" Picture Frame Rover is Rollin made from original design by Artist Michelle Allen. LIMITED QUANTITY! Measures10 1/2” x 11”. $29.00 www.catalley.net

T O O L y a d i l o H ! r e v O l w o H to

Hand Made Clay Pottery Dogs! SOOOO Cute Hand Made Clay Pottery by Mexican Artist “Ortega”. Fun Dog in Car: $48.00 Musical Chair Dogs: $35.00 Each Rocco Traders (727) 895-8922

Photo By Stephanie Smith, PawsitivelyPictures. 74 BellaDOG Magazine

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Vonderbitch! High End Goods! B A R K I N G

Bentley Tan

Highland Bling Red

Bones

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The Hamish McBeth Collections includes classic style leather collars and leashes with precise stitching and bold design. The sleekness and simplicity of these collars says it all. The ultimate collars for those who’s style and quality is everything. Real leather. $35.00 - $50.00

Coco Cream

Leather Cuff for YOU!

Dog Collars

Red

Bracelet for YOU or Collar for small pets (maximum 20Lb) •100% Italian Guinea leather •Polished stainless steel hardware •Water resistant leather lining • Many colors are available. $150

www.gonetothedogsboutique.com

www.vonderbitch.com

Scotty Dog $10.99

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Java Leash Set Double-clasped woven Lead with matching handle •100% Italian woven calf leather •Polished stainless steel hardware • Many colors are available 41” Leash: $225, 54” Leash: $270 www.vonderbitch.com

Patent Leather Set Double Wrap Collar (belt) with Steel Love Buckle (1-4 belts needed for collar or harness depending on your dogs size) Many Colors are available •100% Italian Leather •Stainless Steel Hardware •Water Resistant Lining $170 - $245 www.vonderbitch.com

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Hair Bands Fun and blingy these ponytail bands are for adults and children alike. Decorated in crystals, these make great hair accessories. Nickel-free/non allergenic. Hairband supplied in Hamish McBeth gift box and suedette pouch. $10.75 www.gonetothedogsboutique.

Hamish McBeth! Scotty Crazy! BellaDOG Magazine

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Must Haves

for the Prissy!

Softly quilted, rich brown satin, with pink sateen lining and trim, this extremely detailed coat is painstakingly hand-beaded and features a whimsical scene of a diva dog and mom relaxing on a park bench.

The beautiful beading is featured in pink pearls and crystal bars on the coat’s collar, in the silver beaded lamp post, and on mom’s and pooch’s necklaces. Each applique is carefully hand-cut and sewn.

B A R K I N G S e c t i o n

Central Park Quilted Coat

These unique dog items are intricately hand-made, and are not mass-produced. Limited quantities are produced at a time for high quality, irresistible elegance and fabulous detailing in every individually hand-embellished creation. $70.99 www.fivestarfido.com

Provence Leash

This truly unique design not only makes a vivid visual splash, the stable, natural materials give a secure and safe hold on a potential runaway. $199.00 www.luxurypets.com

Pink Doggie Uggs

Genuine cow suede with faux fur trim. Specifically designed for comfort with front and rear sized paws. Zip front with Velcro straps, packaged in own purse. Larger sizes available on special order. $45.00

Cherry Mink Coat

Luxuriously supple coat is made with the finest quality faux mink and features attached pom pom on the back. $79.95 www.moderntails.com

www.swankpets.com

Betty Boop Denim Jumper

100% Cotton Pokka dot twill and Pink corduroy jumper. Custom Damask tape belt and specially screen printed snaps on the front and leg trim, the deep embroidery of Betty sitting makes this one of the best in the collection. $35.00 www.pawsitivelyposhpooch. com

Faux Fur Coats, Blankets and Pillows!

B A R K I N G

Dog Coat “Prince”, “Princess” & “Olive”! This is the most soft and comfortable jacket your pooch will ever wear. Washable material. Made in the USA. $80.00

This Prince Dog Blanket is so soft your dog will love it. Matching dog bone pillow included. Machine washable. Made in the USA. $60.00 www.theshabbydog.com

Betty Boop Dress Cap

Betty Boop Dress Cap to top off your Denim Jumer! $20.00 www.pawsitivelyposhpooch.com

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Photo by Sheri-lyn Shepler

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Festive Winter Gear! B A R K I N G

Stainless Steel Dog Bottle & Bowl Now there’s a durable, stylish, and convenient way to provide safe water for your dog, wherever you go. 25oz H2O4K9 stainless steel water bottles were specifically designed for dogs to drink naturally. Perfect for the park, walks, hikes, bike rides, search & rescue, camping, vacations, beach, dog shows, and use in your car.

Holiday Attire! The Holiday Plaid Martingale Collar, Easy Step-in Harness and Leash has classic appeal! This traditional red and green plaid martingale collar is constructed of a colorfast polyester ribbon over durable red nylon webbing. For a festive look that fits from Thanksgiving to New Year! Collar: $11.99 - $16.99, Harness: $28.99 $36.99, Leash: Available in 4’, 5’ and 6’ lengths $23.99 - $27.99

The high quality materials used in H2O4K9 bottles are the same as the best selling stainless steel bottle brands made for humans: 18/8 food-grade stainless steel bottles, toxin-free polypropylene (pp#5) lids, and an environmentally friendly paint finish. 100% recyclable and sustainable. $19.95 www.h2o4k9.com

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The Celtic Knot Dog Collars from the Daywear Dog Collar line arebeautiful dog collar for a boy or girl and perfect for daytime holiday events! They are constructed of black nylon with a topstiched polyester jacquard celtic design. $9.99 - $14.99

Alessi F.F.F. Lulu Dog Bowl

by Miriam Mirri •Available in black, red or green •Plastic base in truncated conical shape •3 exceptionally stable feet in silicone rubber on which rests the bowl itself •Hygienic and easy to clean •Outer lid protects leftover food or prevents puppy from overeating •Capacity 21.25 oz. •Made of thermoplastic resin and 18/10 stainless steel •Overall dimensions: 8.25” H x 9” Diameter $79.95 www.allpetfurniture.com

Stainless Steel Fountain Pet fountains help your animals to drink more water because they are attracted to moving water. In the past the only option you had for an automatic pet fountain was a plastic one. Now finally there is a stainless steel pet drinking fountain that looks like it belongs in your kitchen. Our stainless steel drinking fountain is extremely easy to take a part and clean. There has never been a pet fountain that looks or works as well as this one does. Features a replaceable charcoal filter for clean and pure, healthy water! •Dishwasher safe, stainless steel construction allows for easy cleaning •Using stainless steel bowls help to protect your pets from bacterial infection •60 oz. capacity reduces the number of times you need to refill each day. $69.95 + shipping

Fleas Navidog & Santa Paws Dog Collars These red nylon buckle collars are hand-painted in “Fleas Navidog” , “Santa Paws” or Winter Wonderdog. $38.00 www.barkerandmeowsky.com

Reversible Plaid Puffer Jacket

The ultimate in warmth and versatility. Channel-quilted and packed with revolutionary ultra-light goose down, this classic puffer jacket utilizes your dogs body temperature to heat up and keep your pup toasty warm, even on the coldest of days. Available in two colors: classic tartan red plaid reverses to solid black & a graphic blue plaid reverses to solid green. Your mascot will be be the best dressed pup in town! Reversible, Revolutionary ultra-light down fill, Machine washable/dry on low-setting $60.00 www.mascot.com

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www.pioneerpet.com

Cool Convenience!

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B A R K I N G S e c t i o n

Livin On The Edge! Rebel Dogs! B A R K I N G S e c t i o n

Bad Dog Plush Toys

“No Smoking” Cigarette, Digarettes Pack, Booze Hound Flask and Little Yellow Pill Plush Toys! $14.00 each

www.fabdog.com

Rasta Dog s American Punk Sweaters

Red and black striped cotton roll neck dog sweater with skull emblem embroidery and Punkdog sweater iwth skull and cross bones. Both are machine washable. $39.00

Rasta Dog Collar Gear is built to last and ismachine washable. The collar and lead are the rasta colors of red, gold and green. The quick clasp is strong plastic and the collar has a steel D ring for attaching a leash. The leash has a steel quick snap clasp. Rasta Collar: $16.00, Leash: $20.00, Leaf Collar $32.00, Rasta Dog Leash with leaves on reverse side: $42.00 www.rastaempire.com

www.thepunkypup.com

I Poop Dog T Shirt

Your pet likes to state the obvious. Guaranteed laugh with this best seller! “I POOP” Dog T-Shirt in black with aqua ringers and aqua print. 100% Baby Rib cotton. Durable double-stitched bottom hem and sleeves. (Otis, an American Staffordshire Terrier, is 50 LBS and is wearing an EXTRA LARGE.) $10.95 www.yourpetlovesyou.com

Camo Skull Mohawk Hoodie

An army green, boucle fleece sweatshirt with a brown, faux fur mohawk on the hood and a camo skull patch on the back. $39.95 www.moderntails.com

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Leaf Raincoat &Tee

Rocker Tee's

Your dog will look positively revolutionary with these Rocker tee’s. 100% cotton, Machine Washable, silkscreened logo’s and Made in USA! Logo’s on Black are black T’s, on white are white T’s. $21.00 - $23.00

Travel Pocket Raincoat - made with a Velcro closure, mesh lining, and 100% nylon shell. Features include hood with toggles and a stylish rubber tag on back tab and outside pocket. Folds up into a compact pocket with loop. $32.99 www.dogbar.com Green Leaf Tee: $34.00 www.rastaempire.com

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B A R K I N G S e c t i o n

Huggle Hounds! www.hugglehounds.

Holiday Collection Knotties

B A R K I N G S e c t i o n

This special Holiday 2010 Collection of Knotties are irresistible! They are supersoft corduroy plush and feature knotted arms and legs that invite gnawing, plus multiple squeakers. The exquisite attention to detail is extraordinary. Tuffut Technology®, a patent pending three-layer construction, make these toys super- durable too. St. Nick, Gingy, Frosty, Rudy & Rudy. Large toys are 14” x 7.5” wide. Mini toys are 9”x 4.25”.

Dog Gnaw It Combination Rubber Teether & Rope Floss Provides Dental Stimulation For Gums & Promotes Oral Hygiene For Your Dog Or Pup. This toy is designed for the most delicate of little puppy teeth to the strongest of jaws. Watch your pet pull, play, tug and chew on our latest rubber and rope creation. Combining 100% natural rubber ring textured by grooves and bumps with rope is an innovative way to improve a dog’s dental health. Tough by nature, tough by design. Made from 100% natural rubber. Rubber teether disk is approximately 6” and the knotted rope is approximately 5.5” long. $4.00 www.ellieandbennie.com

Flossy Flappy Made from all-natural canvas and cotton rope and was developed for dogs that love rope toys. The soft cotton rope is knotted to keep your dog interested and is great for two dogs to play tug of war! Oh, and don’t forget, Flossy squeaks, too! $5.99 - $11.99 www.flappydogtoys.com

Holiday Toys

Your dog will get in the Christmas spirit with this tough toy. Great new fun design perfect for tugging, tossing and napping. Under-stuffed body to allow all pets ease of playing, caring and tossing. Wonderful faux lambswool and embroidered holiday detail are sure to please all dogs and their owners. Features Tuffut Technology™ lining to insure even the toughest chewers will stop and pause.

Bamboo and Rayon Toys Candy Canes

You’ll want to hang these candy canes on your tree! Extra special, supersoft corduroy plush makes these “must haves” for all “it” dogs this Holiday season! Lined with Tuffut Technology® to add extra toughness. Red & White & Citron & White.13” x 5.75”.

Simply Fido’s durable bamboo and rayon rope toy have rope arms and legs and adorable plush bodies with squeakers. They are available in two sizes. The 6” Petite Rope Toys are sized for puppies and small dogs. Priced at $12.99, they are available in four styles: Green Frog, White Lamb, Pink Bunny and Yellow Monkey. The large rope toys -- Blue Bear, White Lamb and Yellow Monkey -- are 10” and retail for $15.99 each.

B A R K I N G

Simply Fido Bamboo Rayon Bone Toys are canvas on one side and soft, colorful, bamboo rayon plush on the other. A sturdy, braided rope is attached to one end of each bone for extra fun and chewing. Priced at $8.00, each Bone Toy is 8” long. www.simplyfido.com

Assorted Lights

Super simple yet elegant, these fun plush Holiday squeaking lights are extra fun for all puppies. Great assorted colors, embroidered details, and Tuffut Technology®.8”x3.25”

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Rope em In Cowboy!!

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S e c t i o n

Breed All About It!

www.saltypaws.com

B A R K I N G

Adorable Charms! PDA and Cell Phone Charms available in 15 different styles. Each Cell Phone Charm ataches to a phone through the lanyard hole for the hand strap. $8.99

Custom Cookie Jars!

Put your dog on yours! Katherine Washburn hand-paints these gorgeous ceramic cookie Jars from your photos! $49.99

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Breeds

for Dog - opoly!

From th eM availab akers of “Do le, now g you ca -opoly ” they n n play “ o Lab-opo w make breed s ly ” or “ Yorkie-o ! 12 different b poly ” , etc. $2 reeds 4.99

WINEing Hostess Gifts!

Artist Sara England creates a “WINEing series” of Breed Specific items that are the ultimate hostess gift during the holidays! Set of Four Coasters: $34.99, 11”x14” Matted Pictures: $39.99 (Larger sizes also available!)

B A R K I N G

Luggage Tags!

Breed Specific -12 different doggie breeds available $8.99

Golf Head Covers!

Dog Breed Golf Head Covers available in 27 breeds! Each dog is fully lined and elasticized to ensure a secure fit on your clubs. They’re designed to protect your woods and are guaranteed for life. Each is designed specifically with the desired look or texture of the synthetic fur of your favorite dog breeds. $34.99

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azine

Breed Specific Wine Glasses

Put your dog on yours! This fun collection of dazzling pets are sure to bring smiles to any pet lover! $18.99 Each

Tote B ags!

This T 20” wid ote Bag can h Perfect e and 15” ta old a lot of stu for the ll with a flat 7 ff. It’s beach ” botto a n d th everyd ay! $1 e park or ca m. 4.99 rry it

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FUN STUFF! B A R K I N G

For Us!

Bird Bistro A bistro for the birds. A friendly black dog with springy tail serves as maitre d’ of this offbeat bird feeder while a bluebird perches on his head. Umbrella overhead plus drainage holes in the bowl help keep seed dry. Handcrafted from metal with a painted and powder-coated finish that will develop a weathered patina over time. 5 1/2”-long chain with hook for hanging. 10 1/2” diam.; 11 1/2” high. This is the coolest thing invented since sliced bread as far as we’re concerned! $39.95

Sterling Silver Personalized Dog Nose Necklace

Do you love your dog more then family members….is your dog your best friend… this is the best gift for you or for any dog lover you know. A nose print is like a fingerprint...each one is unique and special. A mold is taken of your dogs nose print and is casted in solid sterling silver. After casting, your dogs name will be engraved on the back. When you order, you are sent a “very simple” mold making kit to take molds of your dogs nose. Don’t worry, the mold is only on their nose for a few seconds. You will also receive a self addressed stamped envelope to send the molds back for processing. The casting of the print will then hang on a 17” sterling chain for you to enjoy. $125.00

www.rockmyworldinc.com

www.inthecompanyofdogs.com

Recycled Hand-Painted Dog Planter his comical pup is a riveting tribute to kooky canine characters everywhere. Lovingly brought to life and hand-painted by artisans in Moradabad, India. Recycled iron & glass beads. $14.95

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www.theanimalrescuesite.com

Custom Leather Pet Pillow A pillow you’ll treasure for a lifetime! Using innovative digital technology, a favorite image of your best friend is beautifully replicated on rich, supple leather for a unique and lasting portrait. Pillow is bordered and backed with soft poly chenille, trimmed with braid and plumped with polyfill. Made in USA. When we receive your order, we’ll send you instructions for submitting your photo. You’ll be able to choose from a selection of neutral background colors. Your pillow will arrive in 3 weeks. 17” x 17”. Sorry, no Express Delivery. Exclusive! $150 Email Kathy Campbell, Owner of SmArt Leather Designs™ at kathyc402@gmail.com (248)760-0970

Floppy Ear Dog on Camel Scarf, Hat and Mittens Set This set includes a buddy scarf, hat and youth mittens. It’s easy to get kids to wear mittens, hats and scarves when you make them cute and fun! Soft snuggly polyester fleece, Machine washable, line dry $40.00 www.bearhands.net

Yoga Meditating Dog Magnet by Studio Roja

Studio RoJa's playful products are the brainchild of graphic designer Jami Miyamoto. For the past 16 years her mission has been to create fun and funky pieces that bring a bit of humor and spice to our everyday lives. Measures 1.5" x 1.5", pewter, magnet on back. $14.00 www.detailsart.com

Obama style custom portrait

A unique personalized gift made from your photos by All Pop Art®. Inspired by the illustrations of Shepard Fairey, they create custom art and gifts that can be personalized from your photos to fit any style and décor. As seen in Oprah, Vanity Fair and Metropolitan Home. GUARANTEED PREMIUM QUALITY: These personalized portraits are expertly crafted and lifetime-guaranteed to last. All the hanging hardware is included with your portrait, so your gift will arrive ready to hang and to impress for life. MATERIALS: The canvas used is the highest quality available in the US, museum-grade, 100% cotton canvas with a satin finish and invisible UV proof filters. Its waterfastness eliminates the need for spray or harmful varnish overcoats. Its double-weave allows for better framing without edge cracking. The archival fine art luster paper offers high definition, brilliant color and saturation. All our materials are 100% acid free for archivability and water resistant. $180.00 - $350.00 depending on size ordered. www.allpopart.com

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B A R K I N G S e c t i o n

D O G G I E

w w w. sl obpro of. com

S t y l e Crypton is a specially engineered fabric system with an integrated moisture barrier that promises - and delivers - permanent performance. No stains. No spills. No surprises. Impervious to the dirt and grime of everyday living, it resists whatever life can throw at it, remaining clean, dry, and beautiful. Life’s too short to worry about spilled milk, errant markers or muddy paws! Finally, furniture designed for the way we really live. We call it mess-free, stress-free slobproof living!

This “All Made in the USA” seating line is environmentally friendly - manufactured with sustainable maple hardwood and fluorocarbon free foam. And it’s built to last with screwed, glued and corner-blocked frames, inner springs and luxury seat cushions that are guaranteed for life!

D O G G I E

Simple and sized for city living or sprawling suburbs, hand-selected pieces for comfort, versatility, durability and so many colors, patterns and seating options, Slobproof! with Crypton fits in any lifestyle, in any home. www.slobproof.com

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P A W p r i n t s

Artist Sherri Lemire www.sherrilemire.com

Artist and Illustrator Sherri Lemire took her core classes at the former Otis/Parsons in Los Angeles. She then secured a position as assistant to the creative director at Buntin Advertising in Nashville. She finished her degree at Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL.

loves and passions unique to each individual. They finished works are quirky and eclectic, but deeply meaningful. Below is a piece called “Femmes”. A more unique portrait!

Sherri’s artwork is painterly in style, reminiscent of Impressionistic oil sketches. Her canvases showcase rich color and intricate brushstrokes, the compositions are intimate and eclectic, inspired by snapshots and candid photography. Currently, Sherri is tackling a Pet Portrait Series with hopes to paint the very unique and expressive faces of every breed of pet. Working from photos submitted by the clients, she captures the individual personality of any pet. She is remarkably skilled at working from photo reference, which is a great advantage to those pet lovers who can’t seem to get that ‘perfect photo’ of their much loved furry friends.

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Sherri is also working on an intriguing new Femme Series that depicts women as geisha dolls in the most extraordinary settings. Again the artist uses photo reference from a client, then composites the random ideas into one painting. This creates a ‘visual biography’ on canvas that depicts the 92

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“Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to ~Mark Twain divide it with”

A self taught artist, Robert began painting murals in high school. In 1996 at the age of 19, he went to work for Disney as a scenic painter during the construction of the Animal Kingdom. Since then he’s been working as a decorative painter as well as a fine artist. He specializes in vibrant, figurative works of subjects ranging from Hells Angels and professional fighters to striped kittens and teacup chihuahuas.

St. Petersburg, Florida artist Robert Phelps is a big fan of Mark Twain...and the Rolling Stones...and Hunter S. Thompson... and boxing....and nymphs...and John Lennon....and animals, especially dogs and cats... Naturally exuberant, he paints what gives him joy, believing this to be the highest form of artistic “statement”. “I have to force myself to focus on a singular theme for a set period of time in order to complete a show. I am fascinated by so many things and want to wander down so many paths that I have to be disciplined.”

“I love painting dogs because they have a purity that I find emboldening. They are unabashedly enthusiastic, defiantly lazy, naturally calming, and fiercely loyal. For a guy who tends to think too much they are a great reminder to Keep It Simple Stupid....or Sweetheart, whichever you prefer. They wake up your heart. Paradoxically their simplicity and consistency inspire and arouse our highest and most refined human emotions. They make us more “human” with their antics and mere presence than all the human “progress” ever devised.”

“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” ~Vincent Van Gogh “When you love something you can really “see” it. Otherwise your eyes are dulled with stale ideas or crusted with preconceptions or agendas. I consider my paintings to be just intimate celebrations of what IS. I take great pleasure in simply exploring the subject and having a color party in my studio. A greater pleasure is sharing a love with someone. Other Rolling Stones fans know how much pleasure they take from their music and its fun to paint Mick Jagger so we can both enjoy together. The other knows what you mean to say. No interpretation or explanation is required”

Through the years Robert has participated in many group shows, charity events and private exhibitions. Often collaborating with his brother Thomas who is also a painter, the duo have displayed a wide range of artistic styles and subjects. Unfortunately he is notoriously inept at keeping track of his adventures so you will just have to see for yourself. If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you can see a gorgeous window display of some of Robert’s work at Pawsititvely Posh Pooch and Classy Cats Too! at 1425 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida

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All Pho-

tos by

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a single block of dog friendly indie boutiques, gourmet shops, and restaurants anchors a genial hood hidden in the valley - LA!

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“The Brady Bunch lived in the vicinity of Tujunga Village, and in some ways that quaint TV fiction still holds. This Studio City enclave is only a block long and offers leafy trees, friendly shopkeeps, and the requisite yoga studio, coffeehouse, and day spa that make the good life convenient. Block parties are common in the surrounding residential neighborhood of mostly million-dollar-plus homes, and a well-maintained local park called Woodbridge serves as the village green. Once families settle here, they rarely leave. No wonder.”

“Tucked into the tree-lined flats of Studio City, Tujunga Village is a foil to the neighborhood’s main commercial artery, Ventura Boulevard. Occupying the stretch of Tujunga Avenue between Woodbridge and Moorpark streets, Tujunga Village is a throwback to one-stoplight main streets, with ample parking and charming momand-pop boutiques and eateries. But its simplicity doesn’t mean it lacks sophistication. On the contrary, the Village is a gourmet grotto of sorts, with stores that please even the most discerning visitors.”

~ Leslee Komaiko; Los Angeles magazine

~ Rachel B. Levin; LA Times

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Studio City is a 7 square mile district in the San Fernando Valley region of the city of Los Angeles, California. Studio City earned its name in the 1920s when Mack Sennett (a Canadian-born American Director and was known as the innovator of slapstick comedy in film) moved his studios from a neighborhood known as Edendale (near modern Echo Park) to a property near Colfax Avenue and Ventura Boulevard. His soundstages, Mack Sennett Studios, were later renamed Mascot Pictures Studios, Republic Pictures Studios, MTM Enterprises Studios and today are known as the CBS Radford Studios.[1] Some residents wanted the town to be named Laurelwood, but the Chamber of Commerce pushed for Studio City to please the studios.

Shana Hardy & Douglas the Maltese stroll through Tujunga Village and enjoy the adorable shops along the way! Shanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes: Nanette Lepore Green Shirt: Anthropologie

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Necklace: Good Art Hollywood. Jeans: Hudson Sweater: BCBG Purse: Hype Photography: Jinna Kim www.jinnakimphoto.com 818.642.0568 Photography: Jinna Kim 98

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SMART PUP smoothie treats

Y U M Y U M S

The smart way to treat your dog. SMART PUPSMART PUP is an all natural line of functional smoothie treats for your dog. Each product is scientifically formulated to provide meaningful amounts of key active ingredients that improve your dog’s health. SMART PUP treats are unique and versatile. These shelf stable, single serving 3.5oz cups can be served straight from the cup, mixed with dry food or frozen for extra fun. Low in calories and with a great peanut butter & banana flavor, SMART PUP smoothie treats are what dogs love and what you, as a dog lover can feel good about giving your pets.

Hip & Joint

Skin & Coat

Hip & Joint is more than just a delicious, all-natural treat for your dog. Through our exclusive formulation, each treat provides your dog with 600mg of liquid glucosamine to promote optimal joint health. SMART PUP Hip & Joint smoothie treats are the great tasting way to deliver meaningful joint relief to your dog everyday.

Skin & Coat is specially formulated to keep dogs looking and feeling their absolute best. This treat provides the essential Omega-3 fatty acids dogs need for healthier skin and shinier coats. We use salmon and cold water fish oils formulated to provide over 300% more absorbable Omega-3 than leading dry treats. Many dry treats use botanical sources of Omega-3, like flaxseed oil to boost their claims, but dogs can’t metabolize flaxseed nearly as well. SMART PUP Skin & Coat smoothie treats are a great tasting way to deliver meaningful benefits to your dog everyday.

The Power of Liquid Glucosamine – Studies show that only 10-20% of vitamins and minerals in dry form are actually absorbed by a dog’s body, compared to nearly 100% when in liquid form. $5.95 per box box contains

Digestive Health

Digestive Health makes everything that dogs eat better for them. The combination of probiotic cultures and prebiotic fiber in our delicious, all-natural treats stimulate the good bacteria in your pup’s intestinal tract. This, in turn, promotes better digestion and nutrient absorption, alleviates intestinal upset and helps strengthen your dog’s immune system. Plus, a touch of ginger helps stimulate appetite in older dogs. SMART PUP Digestive Health smoothie treats are a great tasting way to deliver real benefits to your dog everyday. www.smart-pups.com 100

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Bocce’sBakery is a new, organic dog biscuit bakery that is quickly building a furry fan base nationwide. Based in New York’s West Village and founded from a mom’s love for her scruffy best friend, Bocce’s Bakery are dog biscuits at their all natural and 100% organic gourmet best – just try them and see! Each delectable treat is made with fresh, local human grade ingredients and home-baked in small batches with no chemicals or preservatives, are wheat-free, and shipped from Bocce’s oven to your door. Biscuits are all wheat-free for dogs with sensitive bellies, and baked extra crispy to promote good dental health. Bocce is Currently Baking Up: PB’N’J– All natural, organic peanut butter with fresh blueberries come together to create this classic. Baked with oat flour and with plenty of healthy yogurt to aid in digestion…simply perfect! Beef Bourguinon – Grass-fed beef slowly cooked with sweet carrots and parsley, for seasoning, in true Beef Bourguinon fashion. These heart shaped biscuits are baked to a perfect crisp, to promote dental health, with parsley for a squeaky clean breath. Grandma’s Apple Pie– Freshly picked organic apples baked with local NY clover honey! Mixed with organic oats for a crispy crust and packed with fiber for healthy tummies. The Elvis – Everything tastes better with bacon – even a peanut butter and banana sandwich! Made with lean turkey and nonfat yogurt but every bit as decadent. Andrea Tovar started baking these delectable treats after her 3 year old mutt, Bocce, was told at a checkup in 2009 that he needed to lose a few pounds. After researching what was in her pups current treats she was shocked at the amount of preservatives and chemicals and other unhealthy ingredients that filled them. So, she did what any other mother would do and started baking. Her love of cooking with organic, seasonal and local ingredients mixed with Bocce’s love of biscuits was a perfect match. After months of tweaking recipes and baking up delectable flavors, Andrea has come up with all-natural, preservative and chemical free biscuits that all doggies are sure to love. Bocce’s Bakery Dog Biscuits are Available Nationwide at www.BoccesBakery.com in 5 oz bags for $9.50 and with a weekly Doggie Bag delivery service in NYC BellaDOG Magazine

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And here we have a pupcake.

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Holiday Tips! People, especially during holidays, love to “treat” their dogs to foods they aren’t used to eating - foods smothered in rich gravies, sugars, salt, etc... It may seem fun going in, but such a heavy diet, even for just a night, can wreak havoc coming “out”. If you want your dog to able to enjoy a true Thanksgiving meal, yet still keep him healthy, read through the suggestions listed below that have worked for many through the years.

1: Don’t feed your dog turkey skin. As tempting as it is, the skin is not only high in fat and hard to digest, but also holds any marinade, butter and oils, or spices used in baking, which can cause stomach upset. Instead, peel the skin off a big slice of turkey (white meat is the most bland and usually the best tolerated), then cut into appropriate-sized pieces. 2: As you prepare side dishes, set aside some of the good

www.macpup.com

3: A good substitute for gravy for your dog is a little turkey broth. If you cook the giblets in water for stock, save a little to help moisten meat before you turn it into gravy. Or buy it canned!

1/4 lb of chicken liver cut into dime-size chunks 1 1/4 lb of ground turkey (dark thigh meat if you can find it) 2 eggs 1 lb of chopped spinach (frozen is ok if you thaw it) 2 carrots, grated (about 1/2 lb) 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons of rolled oats 1 Tablespoons of multi vitamin powder 2 teaspoons of calcium powder 1/2 – 1 cups of water Preheat oven to 350o. Put 14 foil cupcake wrappers in cupcake tins. Mix all ingredients with your hands. Grab a large handful of the mixture and form it into a ball and plop it in a cupcake wrapper. Repeat to fill 14 wrappers. (The mixture should divide evenly into the 14 wrappers and they don’t rise or shink in baking if that gives you an idea of the size.) Bake for 35 minutes. Cool in pans on a wire rack. Once cool, put a few in a tupperware in the fridge (they are safe to keep in the refrigerator for 3 days) and put the rest in a ziplock bag in the freezer (move to fridge to thaw ~24 hrs before serving).

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stuff before adding all of the cream, salt, butter, wine, etc... A scoop of plain mashed sweet potatoes, a cup of cooked carrots, broccoli or green beans, even a small biscuit without butter or some dressing without gravy will be a treasure for your dog, and is good for them in addition!

www.everythingelsehere.com

4: If your dog normally eats only “dog food” (i.e. kibble), don’t offer up a big plate full of turkey, veggies and potatoes all at once. This can stress his system. Instead, try adding a slice of turkey and a few veggies to his kibble. Save some veggies for “treats” throughout the evening. 5: If your dog is going to be planted under the table dur-

ing dinner, denying him those irresistible flavors and sweet temptations may seem impossible, especially if your guests “mean well”, but can’t say no to that cute furry face! One way to help the off-limit food stay that way is to place a few “treat cups” around the table. Fill these with small pieces of plain sliced turkey, cooked veggies, pieces of bread – anything sensible. Guests will still get a kick out of feeding the dog, but it will be much healthier than what is on most people’s plates. Oh, and for dessert? Instead of apple pie a la mode, how about some sliced apples with a “scoop” of mashed potatoes, and maybe some applesauce on top? Pumpkin is also very good for a dog’s diet, but make sure it’s real pumpkin, and not the filling that is loaded with sugar and fat. Thanksgiving dinner should be fun and fulfilling – a special treat on a special day. By carefully preparing your dog’s meal, the holiday can be enjoyable for every member of the family, even the furry ones!

The Day After Turkey Omelet

1 egg, 1-2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cooked turkey meat, 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables, chopped, 1/4 cup of desired cheese, grated Heat a medium-sized pan with a small amount of olive oil. Whisk together the egg and potatoes. Spread in pan. Place turkey and veggies on top in even layers. Cover; simmer until egg cooks and the mixture is warm. Sprinkle cheese on top, then cook a few more minutes until cheese is melted and egg is golden brown. Let cool. Cut into wedges. Store in refrigerator.

Turkey Balls

1 loaf of uncooked bread dough or pizza dough, 1/4 cup of turkey broth, 1-2 teaspoon of flour, 3/4 cup of cooked turkey, cut up small, 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 cup of grated cheese, 1/4 cup of sesame seeds Roll out the dough and cut into 3 inches circles with cookie cutter.In a saucepan, combine the broth and flour, stirring until flour is dissolved and mixture thickens. Add the turkey, veggies, and garlic powder. Cook until mixture is heated through. Let cook a bit. Spoon one to two teaspoonfuls of the turkey mixture onto each circle. Fold up the sides and pinch shut. Roll into a ball shape. Mix the cheese and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Roll or sprinkle each ball with the mixture. Arrange the balls on a cookies sheet. Cook in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator. BellaDOG Magazine 103

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H U M A N E h e a r t Introducing the Bow Wow s Buddies Foundation’s “On Our Way Home Project”!

Camp Bow Wow®, the nation’s largest pet services company, announces today the launch of its newest Bow Wow Buddies foundation program, the “On Our Way Home Project.” Offering free consulting to shelters, Camp Bow Wow will provide operational counsel, marketing guidance, real estate and construction assistance for remodels and new facilities and additional instruction and tools that have made the Camp Bow Wow franchises flourish. Further, the On Our Way Home Project will train shelter managers wishing to incorporate socialization for pets, ultimately helping the animals to become more adoptable. In addition to offering tips and tools to develop and improve shelters nationwide, ultimately improving the quality of life for shelter animals and making them more adoptable, Camp Bow Wow will also choose one shelter in need of renovations and time dedicated by trained professionals to realize an “Extreme Makeover” at that location. To support the efforts to socialize the animals, Camp Bow Wow has partnered with the Longmont Humane Society and the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley, two rescue organizations that specialize in working with animals to adjust them to a play environment to improve their social skills through socialization and enrichment programs. 104

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Camp Bow Wow understands the benefits of social interaction in shelters (“enrichment programs”) and exercise, knowing that the resulting mental and physical enrichment of dogs can increase the likelihood of adoption. As potential adoptees are acclimated to playing with other dogs, the newly socialized dogs become more calm, friendly and affectionate when meeting potential new families and are also returned less often as they adapt better to their new homes. Furthering the chance of adoption for the newly socialized dogs, potential adopters will have the ability to see the dogs socializing with other animals via web cams or live at the shelters. Rather than viewing the animals in kennels, which is common for potential adoptions, Camp Bow Wow will train the shelter staff to facilitate play between shelter dogs and dogs owned by potential adopters, in order to get a better idea of the particular pooch’s personality. “We are thrilled to launch Camp Bow Wow’s Bow Wow Buddies Foundation ‘On Our Way Home Project,’” said Heidi Ganahl, CEO and founder of Camp Bow Wow. “The program will undoubtedly assist shelters across the country that are unable to offer proper care to their furry friends, due to limited funds and access to the latest information about animal care facility design. Camp Bow Wow strives to seek out organizations that are as passionate about animals as we are, to continue to improve the quality of life for those pets potentially relying on our shelter systems.” “We are looking for partner’s that truly want to make change at a local level for increasing their live release rates.” Two local Camp Bow Wow owner’s will have an exhibit booth at the BellaDOG Pet Extravaganza. Tampa Airport, Owner Barbara Cardin and Tampa South Shore Owner’s Doris and Terry Darga and will be collecting donations for funding this wonderful program, please stop by their booth to learn more! To learn more about the Florida Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow locations and service areas please visit www.campbowwowusa. com To donate please visit www.bowwowbuddies.com

H U M A N E

The Photo Book Projects raising awareness about the plight of deaf dogs and rescued dogs

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by Melissa McDaniel

Two years ago, Melissa McDaniel said goodbye to the corporate world to pursue a dream project of hers - one that combined her love of dogs, her love of photography and her overwhelming desire to give back. “While I wouldn’t recommend that everyone quit their job to travel the country to photograph dogs, I would say it was the best decision for me.” Her idea for The Photo Book Projects actually began seven years ago after she adopted her dog Sadie from the local SPCA. Sadie was born deaf. Shortly after adopting her, Melissa found out that thousands of deaf dogs are put to sleep each year simply because they are deaf.

pets are. The number one reason for relinquishment of dogs to shelters and rescues in the U.S., as found in a the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) study, is moving - not behavioral issues. Melissa started asking others if they would want their rescued dogs in a photo book and the project grew. “Every dog in the Rescued in America book has found his or her forever home. Once homeless, they are now all cherished members of their families.”

“There are many misconceptions about deaf dogs that cause thousands of them to die needlessly every year. I always knew I wanted to do something to change people’s attitudes about deaf dogs. It was then that the idea for a photo book on deaf dogs was born. It was the least I could do for a dog who has given so much to me.”

Two years later, after having traveled for 14 months on 25 separate road trips to photograph 78 dogs for the Deaf Dogs photo book and 105 dogs for the Rescued in America photo book in 34 states, one Canadian province, and having traveling over 32,000 miles, Melissa is happy to say the books are complete. “It was a massive undertaking for me. Not everything went according to plan, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouragement I’ve received, and all the amazing people and dogs I’ve met along the way. The experience has been both humbling and rewarding.”

In 2008, Melissa made the decision to start the project and

Melissa hopes the books will raise awareness about the

Aspen, Faith & Elvy Melissa & Sadie

contacted others she knew with deaf dogs to see if they would be interested in having their dogs photographed for the books. The project grew by word of mouth and through the help of social media. At the same time, she was volunteering at the same shelter from where she had adopted Sadie.

Zip, Murphy & Mabel

“Many friends and colleagues that I talked to about my volunteer work at the shelter thought it was great that I was helping out, but then admitted that they would never consider adopting a shelter dog because ‘you never know what you’re going to get.’” Since she knew she would be traveling the country to photograph for the Deaf Dogs photo book, Melissa decided to photograph for a rescued dog book, too, to show people just how wonderful rescued

plight of deaf dogs and rescued dogs, as well as raise money for many rescue groups. Thirty percent of the proceeds are going to animal rescue groups around the country. And, these books are just the beginning of a series of Photo Book Project photo books. Melissa is now taking applications for dogs for her next books in The Photo Book Projects’ series, including Pit Bulls, puppy mill dogs, as well as subsequent books on rescued and deaf dogs. Both books are now available on her website: www.thephotobooks.com BellaDOG readers can get 10% off if you purchase your books before the end of the year by entering a coupon code BELLA when you go to purchase.

H U M A N E h e a r t s

H U M A N E h e a Teach r Compassion. t It is perhaps the most important job we have as s animal protectionists. In the mission statement of every animal welfare and animal rights group, every private and public shelter, and within the credo of every activist is a calling to raise awareness of animal suffering and to ultimately encourage more humane treatment. From the earliest days of our movement’s founding, we have heeded the call to change the hearts and minds of the public, knowing that doing so is a precursor to changes in laws and practices that result in animal suffering. But we have our blind spots. There is no breed of dog in America more abused, maligned, and misrepresented than the American Pit Bull Terrier. There is no breed of dog more in need of our compassion; in need of our call to arms on their behalf; and in need of what should be the full force of our enduring sanctuary. But we have determined that they are not worthy of it. We have determined that they do not deserve to live. The more circumspect among us might not say so publicly. 108

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~Nathan J. Winograd

We may couch it in more benign terms, shifting blame to others, claiming that no one will adopt them, convincing ourselves that only a ban will keep them out of harm’s way, but the end result is exactly the same. By our actions, by our works, by our policies, by our failure to speak out on their behalf, we stoke the fire that has at its core only one end for Pit Bulls: their mass killing. To a breed abused for fighting, victimized by an undeserved reputation, relegated to certain death in shelters, add one more torment: those who should be their ardent protectors have instead turned against them. The very agencies whose officers seek out dog fighters and abusers in order to “save” the poor creatures relegate Pit Bulls to locked and barren corridors away from public view. Ultimately, all of them - the healthy and friendly ones, sideby-side with the hopelessly sick or vicious - are uniformly put to death. One of the nation’s leading humane newspapers lauds a city not only for outlawing Pit Bulls but for proactively enforcing the ban on them - a ban that leads to their execution. The editors, who have also called for called for

consistency in ethical practices by encouraging shelters to serve only vegetarian food and who applaud other animal rights causes, apparently see no moral ambiguity when officers go door-to-door seizing happy and friendly pets sleeping on beds and couches, taken from their families upon threat of arrest, while animal control shelter workers wait, “euthanasia kits” at the ready. In an Oregon county, Pit Bulls are killed en masse in a shelter with an avowed No Kill goal by misusing temperament testing as a de facto ban on the breed. In Denver Colorado, they are simply outlawed and executed. And People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the nation’s most outspoken animal rights group, has joined the battle to exterminate these dogs - demanding that all cities band the breed, and all Pit Bulls who enter shelters seeking sanctuary, should instead be killed. Ending the tragic plight of the American Pit Bull Terrier should be among our most ardent goals. Our advocacy must remind people that at one time, the Pit Bull was the post popular pet in America because of their reputation as a friendly, family dog. We must educate people that the Pit Bull’s misfortune is in finding themselves the favored breed of the dog fighter at this time in history - a distinction shared at one time by the German Shepherd, Doberman, and Rottweiler. And a distinction that will shift to another breed if we ban Pit Bulls but do not bring about an end to the scourge of dog fighting. We must rally against the injustice of politics which condemn an entire breed of dog - in practical terms, literally hundreds of thousands of dogs a year - to death, because of unfortunate characteristics of a few of them. Where there is vilification, we should teach compassion. Where there are scare tactics, we should preach temperance. Where there are lies, we should speak the truth. Otherwise, the animal welfare movement will have

failed the Pit Bull completely.

It is a journey that could have ended heroically. It had all the makings of a triumph of compassion. And, above all else, it should have meant a joyful reunion. Instead, it is a dreadful but all-too common tale of indifference, uncaring, betrayal, and hypocrisy. Why? Mindy was a Pit Bull. Mindy was born, like others before her, as part of a litter of puppies to a homeless stray. She was light brown in color, with a dark muzzle. She was taken in by a local family who found the mother and puppies near a local park. She was a friendly dog, the most outgoing of them all and quickly became a favorite of the neighborhood. One by one all the puppies were given away except Mindy.While the others looked like their mother, a Labrador Retriever, and therefore had no trouble finding homes, Mindy looked like the supposed father, the “dreaded” American Pit Bull Terrier. No one wanted her because they were afraid of Pit Bulls. In fact, an article in the local paper even quoted a staff member of the SPCA as saying Pit Bulls were a dangerous breed of dog.The family thought of taking Mindy to the shelter, but they knew she would be killed because of a “no adoption” rule for Pit Bulls. They decided to keep her. But one day, the back door was accidentally left open by the youngest child and Mindy was gone when the family came home.They put up signs but could not find her.The family would later learn that a kindly and elderly neighbor three blocks away fed her. Every day Mindy would come and eat the scraps of food left out for her on the porch. Later when asked why she did not call the local shelter, the neighbor replied that she was afraid to call because Mindy was a Pit BellaDOG Magazine

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behind a door marked “staff only” where the glass window was covered in dark paper.To get there, officers took her past the children’s drawings of happy families with dogs and cats, through the overhang with large blue letters that read “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” and into a room adjacent to a plaque commemorating the completion of the shelter with the inscription: “All Life is Precious.”

Bull and the shelter banned the breed. She thought Mindy would at least have a chance on the street. But one day Mindy did not come back for the scraps of food. She had been taken by some local thugs who used her as bait for dog fighting. Ultimately, someone did call the shelter, because of a whining that sounded they said “like blood gurgling in a dog’s mouth.” In fact, that was exactly what it was.When the officers came, they found Mindy tied to a fence, covered in bite wounds.Afraid of Mindy, even though she had never so much as growled at anyone, they put a long pole with a metal noose on the end, the “catch-pole,” around her neck and tightened it.When she would not walk, they dragged her. In the process, she defecated on herself out of fear. There was one witness to her abuse, but the officers did not follow-up. It was one more of over 300 “open” files that begged for attention.The abusers were never sought. After a time, the file was marked “unresolved” and closed. At the shelter, Mindy was not seen by the staff veterinarian. Her wounds were not dressed and healed. She was not treated kindly.They did not try to find her a loving home. No one searched the lost pet database because of the Pit Bull ban. Instead, she was taken to a rear compound 110 BellaDOG Magazine

Mindy lay there for 72 hours while dogs came and went. All of them were Pit Bulls. Most of them were friendly, but that did not matter.This was the “Dangerous Dog” ward at the local SPCA and there were no beds, blankets, toys or treats. In here, volunteers did not walk the dogs like they did in the adoption kennels. Here no one got Kong toys, or rope tugs, an occasional brushing, a treat, or even a pat on the head. Once a day she was given a bowl of dry kibble and her water dish was refilled, but she did not have the strength to eat and she was in pain.

They fight for chickens and cows and other animals. But when it comes to dogs and cats in shelters, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has the biggest blind spot of them all. PETA not only kills thousands of dogs and cats themselves.They not only have a policy against No Kill. But they also support a ban on Pit Bulls, a position which condones the wholesale slaughter of hundreds of thousands of dogs in pounds across the country every year. It is an ugly fact that PETA does not hide. Here is what they had to say about Pit Bulls, in their own words:

The end probably came like it did to countless others like her: After three days, she was “catch-poled” again.As one employee held her down by the neck, another came in with a needle. She felt a pin prick. She tried to free herself, but the pole tightened around her neck. She tried to stand up, but her legs felt wobbly and she fell back down. Out of fear, she once again defecated on herself. Suddenly she felt nauseous and vomited.Then another person came in. She crawled into the corner and cowered, the pole still tight around her neck.They stood over her. She wanted to get away but she was too weak to move. Mindy was given poison from a bottle marked “Fatal-plus.” She went limp and let out a last breath. Urine spilled onto the kennel floor. Some time later, her body was thrown in an incinerator.

“Most people have no idea that at many animal shelters across the country, any “pit bull” who comes through the front door goes out the back door—in a body bag. From San Jose to Schenectady, many shelters have enacted policies requiring the automatic destruction of the huge and ever-growing number of “pits” they encounter. This news shocks and outrages the compassionate dog-lover. Here’s another shocker: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the very people who are trying to get you to denounce the killing of chickens for the table, foxes for fur, or frogs for disse tion, supports the pit bull policy…” Ingrid Newkirk President, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Every Pit Bull pictured was on “death row” at a facility before being saved, rehabilitated and loved by a willing rescue group. They now are individually living out their lives with loving families thanks to those that have chosen to educate themselves and respect the beautiful breed. Photography by Lisa Presnail, Little Pet Project www.littlepetproject.com Rescued by Ashlie Burke, Pit Stop Bullies www.pitstopbullys.com Educational Resources: www.nokilladvocacycenter.org www.beyondthemythmovie.com www.pitbullguru.com

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Best Friends Animal Society

Leading the Nation in the Protection and Wellbeing of Animals by Leslie Shepherd

“A robin red breast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage,” are the moving words of British poet, William Blake. In his poem, “Auguries of Innocence” he also proclaims, “a dog starved at his master’s gate predicts the ruin of the state.” The problem of animal neglect and cruelty that passionately inspired Blake’s words centuries ago is still an issue in our nation today. Fortunately, there exists an inspired organization equally passionate about changing this reality. With a great big heart for animals, Best Friends Animal Society is making a difference. Nestled in Utah’s beautiful Angel Canyon near the small town of Kanab, Best Friends Animal Society operates the nation’s largest sanctuary for abused or abandoned domestic animals. On any given day, it is home to approximately 1,700 animals, most of which are dogs and cats. In addition, there are horses, burros, wild birds, rabbits, goats, farm animals, and an assortment of other creatures. The animals are transported from all over the United States and abroad, primarily from shelters that do not have the resources to keep them, and from shelters where they would otherwise be destroyed. On 3,700 acres of land owned by the society, plus an additional 30,000 acres leased from the United States Bureau of Land Management, these animals thrive. They receive the medical, behavioral and emotional care needed to be ready for loving and permanent homes. Those that are too badly traumatized through ill treatment or who are old, crippled or chronically ill, find a permanent home at the sanctuary. “We make a lifetime commitment to these animals,” says John Polis, Manager of Public Relations. In the summer of 2007, John made a radical move from his home in Tampa, Florida to the deserts of Utah to join the staff at 112

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Best Friends. With a successful career in journalism and public relations behind him, he decided to invest his talents in work he describes as having lasting value. “This is a whimsical and caring place where the animals are the stars,” he says. He is proud to point out that seventy five percent of the animals in their care are adopted into good homes. He also says that Dee, an old stallion who lived well into his fourth decade, is a perfect example of a life well lived at the sanctuary. “He was a fixture here for so long that it truly was a sad day when Dee passed on,” John Says. “But, his memory is forever etched into the history of Best Friends.” Best Friends began in Arizona in the seventies with a group of animal lovers who were unwilling to accept that humane societies and shelters had no other choice than to euthanize animals that were considered to be unadoptable. In a pilot program, they rescued soon-to-be-euthanized dogs and cats from shelters, rehabilitated them, and found them new homes. Those still deemed unadoptable formed an eccentric group whose numbers grew. In 1984, Best Friends was established as the large, unique animal sanctuary at Angel Canyon that it is today. Then, in 1991 it became a

non-profit charity and the leader of a rapidly growing no-kill movement. As a result of the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers, the number of animals killed in shelters had dropped from about fifteen million in the early nineties to less than five million at the end of the decade. The society’s mission continues to be driven by the desire to reduce euthanasia in animal shelters and the simple philosophy that kindness to animals helps build a better world for everyone.

“Visitors and volunteers are a vital part of helping these animals get ready for new homes,” he says. Entering the twenty-sixth year of what Cyrus Mejia, one of the society’s founders, refers as the “kindness revolution,” Best Friends Animal Society continues to reach out across their home state, the nation and the world. There seems to be no limit to their compassion for animals or for proactive solutions on their behalf. Whether John and the other good folks at Best Friends are caring for the animals in their charge, or finding them good forever homes, their passionate labor of love for animals truly has lasting value.

In 2005, Best Friends gained national recognition in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina through hard work and generous donations. The society’s official role became that of primary animal rescue. Utilizing volunteers from across North America, including veterinarians, The work of Best Friends Animal veterinary technicians and information Society is supported entirely “Little Red”, one of the rescued from the Michael Vick technology experts, the society was case. through the donations of members able to make a major contribution to and supporters. For more the hurricane relief effort. It is estimated information visit their website at that there were approximately fifteen thousand displaced www.bestfriends.org animals, and Best Friends was responsible for rescuing and caring for approximately four thousand of them, in addition to transporting another two thousand to new locations for adoptions. The society was also instrumental in reuniting animals with their families. Also in 2007, Best Friends responded to the distructive fires raging across Southern California by sending response resources including a climate-controlled vehicle for transporting animals, crates and supplies. Today, Best Friends is one of America’s most influential and effective animal organizations. In addition to their steadfast support of shelters, rescue groups and animal advocates nationwide, their vast impact includes campaigns to shutdown puppy mills and to restore the tarnished reputation of pit bulls. John attributes the society’s success to the many people who champion its mission. He praises the devotion of fellow staff members like Juliette Watt, who flies her own four-seater Mooney plane when needed. “She has delivered hundreds of tough-to-place animals to new homes across the country,” he says. Over the years, Juliette has flown a blind shepherd mix to his ecstatic new owner in Kissimmee, and also picked up the giant mastiff, Zeus, from the county shelter in Miami for special care at the sanctuary. John also points out the valuable contribution of volunteers

Visit the Best Friends Store and get great items for you and to share with your Best Freinds www.bestfriendsstore.com

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DOG HOARDER

~Rebecca Simmons

In December of 2007, 47 very sick dogs were removed from a house in Charlotte County, FL. This removal was named one of the worst animal cruelty cases in the history of the county according to the animal control officers who worked the case. These poor little dogs were living in feces, urine and were infested with fleas. They had untreated open sores all over their bodies and their ears were very highly infected. There were dogs of all ages and all suffered from intense neglect. Some were found eating animal remains inside the house. There was no electricity or running water so their only source of fluids was that of their own urine. The owners of the dogs lived in the house with them. All of the dogs were immediately taken to a shelter where they were treated for several weeks before being able to be put on the adoption roster. All have since been adopted. The owners of the house will undoubtedly face jail time with charges of cruelty to animals and confinement or abandonment of animals.

A Deadly Obsession

For most people, the term “animal hoarding” conjures up images of an eccentric “cat lady.” Despite the stereotype that collecting animals is simply a quirky behavior, recent research has pointed to a direct correlation between psychological problems and the tendency to hoard.

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“Hoarding is very often a symptom of a greater mental illness, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. For most hoarders, it is likely that their actions are the result of a true pathology, even though they are still usually able to function quite well in society,” says Randall Lockwood, HSUS vice president for Research and Educational Outreach. Because animal hoarders quite often appear to lead normal lives, it’s important to recognize when a person’s fixation with animals has gotten out of control. The HSUS defines an animal hoarder as a person who has more animals than he or she can properly care for. Another defining characteristic is the hoarder’s denial of his inability to care for the animals and his failure to grasp the impact his neglect has on the animals, the household, and the human occupants of the dwelling. 114

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What’s more, hoarders are usually well-educated and possess excellent communication skills. Many hoarders have an uncanny ability to attract sympathy for themselves, no matter how abused their animals may be, which is often how hoarders manage to fool others into thinking the situation is under control. “Very few hoarder cases simply involve good intentions gone awry, despite the insistence of the hoarder that he or she loves the animals and wants to save their lives,” says Lockwood. “It’s unbelievable how someone who reports to love animals so much can cause so much suffering.”

House of Horrors

For many involved in investigating animal cruelty and neglect, hoarding cases are among the most horrific they ever encounter. “The amount of suffering in a hoarder case is more widespread and of a longer duration than most animal cruelty cases,” says Lockwood. “Although the case of a dog being violently killed is shocking, in a hoarder case the suffering can be felt by hundreds of animals for months and months on end.” Indeed, hoarding can have serious repercussions for the animals involved. “Hoarding can often amount to physical, medical and physiological neglect in the extreme,” says Lockwood. The unsanitary conditions of the dwelling and lack of veterinary treatment and social interaction for animals all add up to serious neglect. The animals involved often endure a variety of ailments, such as malnutrition, parasitic infestation, infection and disease. According to the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, many hoarder dwellings have been condemned as unfit for human habitation. Polluted air in some homes is so irritating to the respiratory tract, because of the high level of ammonia present, that a visitor cannot enter without protective breathing apparatus.

Long-Term Solutions

Because of the horrible suffering involved, criminal animal cruelty charges are increasingly being filed in hoarding cases. Yet, because animal hoarding is linked BellaDOG Magazine 115

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to mental illness, the most appropriate resolution is still being debated. A combination of therapy and long-term monitoring is often the best approach, in part because of the high recidivism rate. (Most hoarders revert to old behaviors unless they receive ongoing mental health assistance and monitoring.)

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Community members can make sure hoarders get the help they need, while protecting animals at the same time, by notifying local police and/or animal control. In addition, as a basic precaution, anyone who is considering relinquishing an animal to a private rescue group should first visit the premises and ask to see where the animals are kept.

Jail time may also be appropriate in some hoarding cases, although, according to Ann Chynoweth, counsel to Investigative Services for The HSUS, it’s uncommon for criminal charges to be brought against hoarders, and even more uncommon that those charged receive jail time.

It’s vital that people work together to stop animal hoarding. As the Charlotte County case and recent studies illustrate, good intentions aren’t always enough. It really does seem possible to love animals to death. ~Rebecca Simmons is the Outreach Communications Coordinator for the Companion Animals section of The HSUS.

Hoarding vs. Legitimate Sheltering or Rescue One of the most disturbing trends in animal hoarding cases is that of a person hoarding under the guise of being a legitimate animal shelter, sanctuary, adoption agency or rescue group. These cases are particulary difficult to resolve because it involves overcoming an entrenched systematic

effort to acquire animals, usually with a long history of enabling by a public ill-informed about animal hoarding and easily swayed by claims of good intentions. Sometimes these truly remain relativlely solo efforts, with a half-hearted attempt to maintain the facade of a legitimate agency. Other times, the barriers can be more formidable, as occurs when the hoarding is done under the guise of a registered non-profit organization calling itself a sanctuary, retirement home, or no-kill shelter. Of course, all of these can be and often are legitimate activities providing needed services to unwanted animals; each of these activities does and should elicit great sympathy. Experience has proved that courts, the public and the media have great difficulty distinguishing between legitimate operations where the needs of the animals come first, and those which are smokescreens for institutional hoarding. Part of this is the baseline level of confusion about different types of animal groups and what they do. The absence of established standards for companion animal care also contributes. Finally, the Internet appears to be becoming a vehicle for national, and even international, solicitation for animals. HARC has personal testimony from people seeking to place a special-needs animal lured by an appealing website, only to find a hoarding situation when they happened to visit. There are some general characteristics that should at least raise the suspicion of hoarding:

• Unwilling to let visitors see the facilities where animals are kept

• Unwilling to say how many animals are actually present

• Little effort made to adopt, and much effort focused on acquistion

• Continued acquisition in the face of declining care for existing animals

• Claims of being able to provide excellent lifetime care for animals with special needs (paralyzed, extreme aggression, illnesses) without verifiable resources

• Number and staff and / or volunteers inconsistent with the number of animals

• Desire to receive animals at a remote location rather than on-site

The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, a group of researchers who collaborated from 1997-2006. They have assembled resources to increase awareness about a complex disorder which has until recently not received serious attention by medical, mental health and public health professionals. Known to animal protection groups or SPCA’s for many years as “collectors”, the depth of the pathology underlying this behavior is just beginning to be uncovered, and shows striking similarities to other forms of hoarding behavior which are better understood.

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Although hoarding may start off as a mission to save

How You Can Help

animals but eventually the needs of the animals become lost. In animal hoarding, the compulsive care giving is meant to satisfy the unrealistic needs of a person while the animal’s needs are ignored. Any legitimate shelter or animal rescue puts the needs of the animals first.

Animal hoarding is a serious and complex disorder that until recently had not received much attention by medical, mental health, or public health professionals.

Effects on Animals and Humans You can probably already imagine what these poor animals must go through and have some awful mental images. Well, whatever you are imagining is probably worse in the real life scenario. Due to the harmful effects on animals, animal hoarding is considered animal cruelty by law. These animals often suffer from malnutrition, overcrowding, neglect and long lasting health problems. Often the animals find themselves forming packs, perhaps even killing each other as a source of food. As for humans, major sanitation concerns come to mind as well as zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are defined as human diseases that are transmitted by vertebrates. Often these diseases are lethal and in all cases cause major health concerns. Animal hoarders are also known to suffer from self neglect, and child or elder abuse.

If you know someone who may be an animal hoarder please visit The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium for intervention approaches, information for therapists, information for prosecutors, and information for children, friends, and family. You can also find information on large scale animal rescues that will be needed in these kinds of circumstances. www.tufts.edu/vet/hoarding

Animal hoarding research is in its infancy and although new information is produced on a regular basis there is so much yet to be learned. Factors that can contribute to animal hoarding fall into three categories: personal, household and community. You can find out more by visiting wwwanimalhoarding.com

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Volunteer Vets and the Island Dogs of Carriacou ~Jack Russell & Peggy Fischer

It is 8:00 am and steamy hot under the large overhanging porch of the Sunrise Disco on the tiny Caribbean Island of Carriacou. Local “pothound” dogs along with a sprinkling of cats already pack the disco’s sagging wood porch in the traditional boat-building village of Windward. Wood-smoke hangs in the air mingling with the fragrance of the pink Mexican creeper, which chokes the countryside. The animals pant patiently beside their owners for their turn to be examined and, if found healthy, will be spayed or neutered in the makeshift

operating theatre in the disco’s well-worn dancehall. The clinic is part of the Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, GSPCA, Volunteer Vet Spay/Neuter Program. This program brings volunteer veterinarians from around the globe to help provide much needed medical care to the dogs and cats of this semi-remote tropical island. Part of the tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou is the indigenous Arawak Indian word meaning, “Island surrounded by reefs.” Surrounding the island’s thirteen square miles of rolling green hills and serene white and black sand beaches, beneath its clear clean turquoise waters, are coral reefs alive with a plethora of color fish 118 BellaDOG Magazine

and sea turtles. Along with its rich ecological diversity, Carriacou has long been regarded as the most African island in the Caribbean. Traditional African drumming, singing and dancing are ancestral links instilling pride and giving honor to their forbearers. Yet, Carriacou may best be known for its relaxed, laid-back, easy-going ways; where no one is ever in ahurry, and no one would ever pass another without a friendly “Alright, Alright.” Though culturally and environmentally rich, economically, Carriacou has always been a very poor island. Most Carriacouans make their living from garden farming and fishing. Construction and tourism are beginning to make inroads in the economy. Yet, the majority of Carriacouans remain poor. Though the people of Carriacou love their animals, many find it financially difficult to care for them. Without a veterinary clinic on the island, the animals lack health care and breeding management. Because of the over abundance of dogs and cats, many suffer neglect, lack of food, poisoning and being “bounced” by cars. To help deal with these and other issues facing the dogs and cats

and people of Carriacou, the GSPCA established the Volunteer Vet Spay/ Neuter Program. For a week each winter for the past several

years, volunteer vets from throughout the world gather on Carriacou to give much needed care to the island’s dogs and cats. After touching down at Grenada’s international airport on Grenada’s main island of Grenada, this year’s volunteer veterinary team took a variety of different means of transport to travel the thirty or so miles to Grenada’s sister island of Carriacou. Some sailed upon volunteer vet and American yachtsman Dr. Tom Barkdall’s sailboat, a rousing upwind six hour sail which made sailors out of land-lovers, and was enjoyed by all. Others took the relaxing hour and a half ferry cruise; while others sailed over the islands on Carriacou’s little blue and yellow six-seat puddle-jumper prop plane. In all, three volunteer vets and their families traveled to Carriacou. Besides Dr. Barkdall and his wife Cindy, who have been a part of the volunteer vet program

Dr. Tom Barkdall, USA. (front), and Dr. Guy Nation, Australia (back), performing surgeries in the barroom of the Sunrise Disco, Windward Village, Carriacou, Grenada, W.I.

Back at the Sunrise Disco, Dr. Jamieson, assisted by long time ex-patriots and long-time Carriacou residents Dario Sandrini and Marina Fastigi, directors of Carriacou’s

The porch of the Sunrise Disco bar is transformed into waiting room, surgery prep room and recovery room.

the past ten years, was Canadian vet Dr. Lara Jamieson, who with her daughter and mother, were on their third island sojourn. Joining the two veterans were Australian vet Dr. Guy Nation and his eleven year old son Flynn. Dr. Nation and his intrepid family have taken the year 2010 off from their routine lives, and are traveling the world offering their services to charitable organizations, four months of which was with the GSPCA, where Dr. Nation served as the Resident Veterinarian at the GSPCA’s Small Animal Clinic in Grenada’s capital of St. George’s.

KIDO Ecological Research Station, examine and prep the animals for surgery. Over one hundred dogs and cats will be vaccinated and rendered sterile at the end of the muchanticipated clinic held at three different venues around the island. The team vaccinates and worms all animals at no cost. The GSPCA does ask owners for small donations but no one is turned away. Many pet owners offer as payment produce from their gardens and cold freshly squeezed sugar apple, sapodilla, grapefruit and other homemade juices; quenching and refreshing payments which are greatly appreciated by the hot sweaty volunteers. In 2008, the GSPCA established an animal clinic on Carriacou, operated by volunteer veterinarians who come to island throughout the year to provide medical care to the island’s animals while enjoying the island’s sun and surf. Many hundreds of dogs and cats were treated, spayed and neutered at the clinic. Unfortunately, though, with the world economic downturn, sadly the clinic had to close its doors, at least for the time being. So in the meantime, the GSPCA along with our wonderful volunteer vets will continue to hold clinics to help the people and the animals of Carriacou as often as possible. If you would like to learn more about the work the GSPCA is doing throughout the Grenadian islands, or volunteer or make a donation to the cause, please visit: www.grenadaspca.org BellaDOG Magazine 119

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5:57 a.m. The soft glow of the morning sun gently caresses

~Stacey Thomas

the tropical landscape. Her warmth beckons the musical chorus of the island birds into song for a new day. A blue-green sea sparkles in anticipation as a warm Caribbean breeze dances across its depths while pristine beaches patiently wait for the tourists that will soon dot their white sands. The scurry of crabs keep in time with the percussion of the waves and the skimmers begin their hunt for breakfast. A glorious morning on this tropical paradise unfolds in splendor like clockwork. Here, serenity is packaged into convenient vacation bundles for those eager to escape the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and bask in the bliss of momentary island living. In the indulgence of resort amenities, transfixed by the manufactured island “authenticity”, the torturous, agonizing life of an island dog is hidden from plain view. Their cries of terror and pain carried away by the very breeze in which the unknowing find relief and relaxation. The dawn of a new morning is the dawn of another death for the dogs of Dead Dog Beach. Located in the northeastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico is commonly

Situated along the southeast coast of Puerto Rico, lies Yabucoa.

career and luckily for the island dogs of Puerto Rico, her experience would give them a new leash on life…or at least a fighting chance.

Playa Lucia -“Dead Dog Beach”. On the southeastern border of Puerto Rico, minutes away from the city of Yabucao, is a stretch of beach that bears the marks of its inhabitants tucked away from visitors’ view. A long stretch of road leads to the skeleton of what was once a shipping port. A beach strewn with garbage and the stench of death and disregard is home to abandoned, unwanted, sometimes tortured and mutilated dogs and where the story of Amigos de los Animales begins. With no controlled beach access and no law enforcement, the abandoned port is the backdrop for vandalism, crime, and the dumping ground of dogs by locals. Many of these dogs have been the undeserving recipients of heinous acts of violence. Burnings, amputations, beatings, target practice for both guns and cars are just a few of the unthinkable things that have been delivered by the hands of troubled locals. As mai-tais and rum

The animals abandoned or born on the Yabucoa coast are destined to die a painful death. On a daily basis animals are being poisoned, beaten or butchered to their demise. They call this place DEAD DOG BEACH.

referred to by locals as “La Isla del Encanto”, which translated means “The Island of Enchantment.” This unincorporated US territory is an island only 100 by 35 miles wide and is home to more than 4 million people. With millions of visitors each year, Puerto Rico is one of the most tourist laden islands in the Caribbean. Her inhabitants seemingly as hospitable as her year round summer weather make living there seem like a paradise fantasy come true. Every year, state-side Americans decide to make this island their home. For two such “stateside transplants”, life in Puerto Rico quickly faded from island paradise to a life-long, passionate mission of saving Puerto Rico’s discarded inhabitants.

1986. Chris Driscoll was no stranger to living off the beaten path when she arrived in Puerto Rico. As a Spanish major in college, Chris found herself at home in Spanish speaking countries. Having lived in Costa Rico for two years and then Mexico for nine years, life in Puerto Rico was as effortless as crossing the border. It was Mexico that spawned her rescue 120

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runners fill the cups of tourists minutes down the road, the dogs at Dead Dog Beach rely solely on the kindness of strangers to fill their water bowls, give them much needed medical attention, food, and maybe even a forever home. When Chris first arrived at Yabucoa, the conditions at Playa Lucia Beach were incomprehensible. Drawing from her years of rescue experience in Mexico, she immediately set into motion rescue efforts that would eventually become an official organization devoted solely to the welfare of these island dogs.

The Problem. The island of Puerto Rico is divided into 78 cities. Even though local laws mandate that each municipality have an animal shelter, only 5 inadequate, understaffed, and poorly equipped shelters exist on the island today. Four animal control agencies are available for “humane euthanasia”. However, in November of 2007, the world was outraged as the story of the Puerto Rican Pet Massacre- the ghastly murder of seized pets being tossed to their deaths off of a city bridge, sent chilling ripples of the realities of their “humane practices”. BellaDOG Magazine

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to overpopulation and illness. The statistic of stray dogs on the island is a staggering estimate of 200,000. More than 90,000 of these dogs enter one of these kill shelters every year. Surprisingly, many of the dogs found abandoned and abused are pure breds. More than 450 pet shops litter the land of designer dog retail in Puerto Rico. Back yard breeders and puppy mills perpetuate the over-population and contribute to the abundance of unhealthy dogs. Locals purchase high end dogs and even cats but soon grow tired of their pets after the “cute” phase fades into the reality of responsibility and pet parenting. Some locals that can no longer care for their pets, however, feel as though their dog may have a better chance at survival on the beach than at the hands of local shelters and leave them to fend for themselves. Others, have been the devastated victims of unwarranted “pet raids” by the corrupt government agencies. Spay and neuter programs are relatively nonexistent. Pregnant dogs are found by the dozen having been abandoned and left for dead. Puppies that survive birth may soon become the victim of unimaginable cruelty dealt by local teenagers or die a painful death of illness or starvation. The abandoned port is a place of death and dying among the animals left there. Riddled with parasites, heartworm, toxidia, mange, abuse, injuries from inflicted oil burns or being hit by cars, and the effects of starvation and dehydration…the life of an island dog is no life at all.

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Governor Fortuno. To say that Peurto Rico lacks

A federal lawsuit was filed after Barceloneta residents claimed that Mayor Sol Luis Fontanes, ordered guards and animal-control officers to raid public housing communities and force residents to surrender their pets or face eviction. Government appointed animal control agents went door to door grabbing pets with animal-catch poles, while their horrified owners screamed and cried, and the pets “soiled themselves out of sheer fear and trauma,” the federal lawsuit claimed. Pet owners allegedly witnessed the defendants “removing, mistreating and injecting their pets - small cats and dogs - with unknown chemicals.” After many of the pets were seized, the pets were killed by slamming them into the sides of vans and by hurling the survivors off a 50foot-high bridge. Some plaintiffs eventually found their family pets dead under the bridge; some laid in the aftermath, barely alive and blurred from the injected chemicals until the last breath of misery invaded their lungs. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ id/21313903/) Further investigation uncovered that the same methods of killing have gone on for years. An astounding 99% of animals that enter these shelters are in-humanely euthanized by untrained staff, due 122

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any type of animal welfare programs is an understatement of huge proportions. Humane education is virtually nonexistent. A staggering number of children and adults are strangers to the most basic respect and care for animal life and see no wrong in neglect or abuse. Disregard is simply a way of life for many, particularly in Yabucoa. Governor Fortuno is not ignorant to the horrific state of affairs for the animal citizens in his country. His offices have been bombarded with letters and phone calls of outcry. Both citizens and visitors have begged him to help, multiple volunteer organizations have offered resources, and yet… he does nothing. In spite of numerous offers of assistance from veterinarians outside of Puerto Rico, Governor Fortuno refuses their help and sites that they are not licensed to practice on his island. As tourism dollars continue to pour into his country, he turns his attention away from the needs of his people and instead focuses on the income that tourism can bring to his island and his pockets. The cycle continues.

Elizabeth Kracht. The move to San Juan , Peurto Rico came in 2005 for Elizabeth. Her animal rescue work began

rescue work on the island for several years, had officially formed Amigos de los Animales in 2005. The entire island of Puerto Rico suffers from pet overpopulation but horrible abuse sets Yabucoa apart from the other areas. Their combined vigilance, passion, and smarts made joining forces to rescue the dogs at Dead Dog Beach a no-brainer. Chris Driscoll’s and Liz Kracht’s tireless efforts and selfless work have truly made a difference for the island dogs of Puerto Rico.

The Work of Amigos de los Animales (ADLA).

with re-homing local strays and then the rescue and re-homing of a pack of ten dogs and the same for a feral cat colony in Ocean Park. Locals came to know her as a resource for pets that needed homes. A frantic email came to her one day from a man who desperately needed help with 90 dogs that he had been feeding at one of the local beaches. His email detailed horrific conditions, mutilations and abuse. Elizabeth viewed the merciless depictions for herself. What she saw set into motion rescue efforts unlike any she had dealt with thus far. The term “Dead Dog Beach” was born.

2006. The Holiday Inn Puerto Rico at the World Society Protection for Animals convention. It was instant camaraderie when Elizabeth and Chris met at the 2006 WSPA Convention in Puerto Rico. Chris, having been doing

A gentle hand. A bowl of water and a good meal. Veterinary care. A chance at a life full of love. A ticket to freedom. A voice of passion and

determination. These are merely glimpses of the work being done by ADLA. Since its inception and partnership with stateside rescues, more than 1000 dogs have been flown to safety in the Unites States. Amigos de los Animales often works with tourists interested in taking stray animals home. They go the extra mile to help tourists who want to help give a “sato” a new life full of love. Because Puerto Rico is considered a Commonwealth of the United States, animal travel from Puerto Rico to the Continental U.S. is considered State to State travel. All that is needed is a travel certificate in order to fly your newfound sato home! Through collaborations with the few veterinarians in Puerto Rico that are willing to help, ADLA has been able to provide BellaDOG Magazine

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medical care to many of the dogs living on Playa Lucia because of donations and support from people like yourself. Dr. Rafael Ramos Montanez of Clinica de Diego has been a major contributor to the health and well being of the dogs on the island. His many years of generous work with ADLA has significantly improved the lives of the dogs in his care and directly contributed to successfully re-homing them to loving families both in Puerto Rico and the US. While their work has greatly impacted the lives of the dogs that arrive on Playa Lucia, abandoned and abused, the problem has much deeper roots that ADLA is working to change. Cooperation and collaboration with the several other rescue groups on the island is key to a winning situation for the dogs of Puerto Rico. Establishing humane education and instilling in the community a respect for life is a critical component. Achieving a working relationship with the Puerto Rican government is paramount to the permanent wellbeing of animals on the island. Educating tourists on how they can help is another area of great importance. All of these issues are at the forefront of ADLA’s mission to create a sustainable solution for the people and pets of Puerto Rico. A spay and neuter program is absolutely essential in order to minimize the overwhelming population of animals on the streets and to significantly reduce the euthanasia numbers. The need for a mobile spay and neuter clinic is one requiring finances beyond ADLA’s reach. Approximately $200,000 dollars in sponsorship donations is necessary to see this project to fruition followed by continued support to keep it running. An ongoing sponsorship of island dogs medical care is an everyday need that must be met in order to continue this life saving work. The work of ADLA has paved a way for change but the journey is far from over. Driscoll and Kracht and their team of volunteers make a decision every single day to stand and fight for change. Every day they must be the voice for those who cannot speak. A voice for those who suffer at the hands of ignorance and dismissal from a corrupt government. A steadfast source of compassion, care, and a determined will to fight for those most deserving of a chance at a new life….a dog’s life. It’s 5:57 a.m. The soft fingers of sunlight gently caress a new day into song. A blue-green sea sparkles in anticipation and the warm winds of the Caribbean dance across her depths. The scurry of crabs keep rhythm with the percussion of the waves and the skimmers begin their hunt for breakfast. The splendor of life unfolds like clockwork… and yet again gives you the opportunity to make a difference today. www.amigosdelosanimalespr.org 124

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After

Street Dogs

Traer Scott traveled to Mexico and Puerto Rico to capture these remarkable and soulful photographs of dogs living alone or in packs on city streets. Since most ‘satos’ (Puerto Rican slang for street dogs) were formerly pets, they are usually friendly, approachable and eager to be adopted. As Scott documents in her introduction, she was personally involved in rescuing many of the dogs she photographed for this book, and—thanks to the collaborative efforts of Puerto Rican, Latin American and US organizations—she arranged for a number of the dogs to be sponsored and adopted into new homes in the United States. Street Dogs and Shelter Dogs are available at all major booksellers, Amazon.com and at theASPCA® gift shop where more of the purchase price will go to helping homeless animals. For every copy of Street Dogs sold, $.50 will be donated to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

After Nina and Nicole were the unlikely pair of a purebred Rottweiler and a purebred German Shepherd living together in the jungle overgrowth at “Dead Dog Beach.” When Nina and Nicole were discovered, they could barely stand, and both dogs looked like they might have been suffering from elephantiasis. Resident “Dead Dog Beach” dog caretakers kept Nina and Nicole alive through routine feeding and medication, and kept them away from the other dogs because both needed all their strength for survival. Nina and Nicole were rescued from the beach and were taken to a veterinarian where they would remain for about 3 months for treatment of mange, fungus, parasites, starvation and more. Miraculously, neither

Jess was dumped at “Dead Dog Beach” after having hot oil thrown on him. Resident dog caretaker at the beach aided Jess as best he could by stitching his open wound with a needle and thread - a wound where the oil had penetrated so deeply that bone material was visible. Somehow Jess managed to thrive at the beach despite his circumstance and wound. Jess was then rescued, but the difficulty of placing him began. Four months passed before Jess found his forever family, but he is now famous in his community, he attends baseball games, sleeps on the couch, has a cat for a buddy, and recently had his first-ever camping trip. Jess’s new guardian Kym says that adopting Jess

Animal Control Officer/Cruelty Investigator Certification Course

For the first time, this course will be offered in Puerto Rico. It has been designed to meet the particular needs of Puerto Rico in addressing the issues of animal control, animal cruelty and animal welfare in general.

Be-

Who should attend? Municipal employees and officials, Animal Control Officers, Emergency Management Personnel, Animal rescuers, Police, Vet Techs, Veterinarians, Prosecutors, anyone interested in animal welfare and animal welfare law enforcement. This course has been approved by the Puerto Rican Department of Health, Universidad Metropolitana, and Career Development Institute. Career Development Institute, based in the State of New Jersey, has trained and certified many thousands of Animal Control Officers and Animal Cruelty Investigators in the US.

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For information: Spanish: 787-313-5653 - amigosdelosanimalespr@gmail.com BellaDOG Magazine

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RECAP & MOre!

Want to help?

Did you know?

Island Dog rescue organizations run solely on YOUR donations. They do not receive government funding. They are recognized by the United States government as 501(c) (3) organizations, which means your donations are tax deductible! With your help they can end animal cruelty in Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. YOUR generous donations are creating spay/neuter clinics, educational centers, and providing rehabilitation services for animals who have been emotionally and physically abused.

Puerto Rico is a United States Territory!! There is an estimated 100,000 - 200,000 dogs roaming the streets and beaches, either born into homelessness, abandoned or abused. On an island the size of Connecticut, Puerto Rico has 78 cities. While each city is required by law to have an animal shelter, there are currently 5 small, unequipped, and under funded shelters on the island. There are also only 4 control agencies available for “humane euthanasia.” It is estimated that 90% of animals entering these shelters are euthanized because of overpopulation and illness. There is an estimated 450 “pet shops” selling unhealthy, uncertified and poorly kept animals. Many of these shops are illegally vaccinating and treating dogs. Most pets will find the streets their home when they graduate from their “cute stage.” It is estimated that less then 10% of the pet population ever visit a veterinarian clinic.

The Dynamics of Dead Dog Beach Location: South east coast of Yabucoa, directly across from a major Shell Oil Plant. An old shipping port exists where many of the dogs find shade from the sun. Unfortunately, the port is still used by locals to train dogs such as pit bulls. Locals chain dogs to the old dock polls and force their dogs to tread water...sometimes for hours. Because of these incidences, the port is not a safe place for the dogs to rest. Safety: There is NO controlled beach access, which means anyone can enter the beach at any time and perform any type of activity. There is NO law enforcement at the beach and seldom come when called. Food & Water: Volunteers feed the dogs daily, and give fresh water. There is no other access to clean drinking water, except what the volunteers provide. Your donations help fund the food given to the dogs. 126

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Each donation is a contribution to an historical effort to give animals in the United States Caribbean humane rights. By making a donation they get one step closer to building responsible pet ownership cultures in the islands. Visit these websites for more information: www.amigosdelosanimalespr.org www.islanddog.org/aboutus/deaddogbeach.html www.manosporpatas.org - www.handsforpaws. org, www.saveasato.org Can’t make it to the Puerto Rico to rescue a dog? This Florida shelter has adoptable Island Dogs! Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, Inc. P.O. Box 213072 Royal Palm Beach, Fl 33421 (561) 784-8788 www.animalrescueforce.org write a letter sharing your thoughts? Tourism Office Puerto Rico Main Office La Princesa Bldg. #2 Paseo La Princesa Old San Juan, P.R. 00902 Are you in school and want to help dogs? You can help the Caribbean Dogs and dogs in United States Shelters by participating in the “Kids Helping Kids Program.” This program is designed to help you put humane education (an educationsl newsletter called KIND NEWS) into schools in the Caribbean and the United States. By helping them raise funds to teach children to respect animals and the environment, you are helping change the face of animal cruelty throughout the United States and the Caribbean Islands. Kind News costs $30.00 a classroom per year. Start a collection in your school. Ask everyone in your classroom or grade to donate $2.00 to the program. Their $2.00 donation will go toward putting Kind News in YOUR school and a needy school in the United States Caribbean. www.islanddog.org/kidshelpingdogs.html Advertisement Courtesy of BellaDOG Magazine BellaDOG Magazine 127

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