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Celebrating the Dogs of Our Magic City { www.bhamwoof.com }
do you know Leah? IF YOU DON’T, YOU SHOULD
good girl! HOW ONE 11-YEAR-OLD MAKES TRAINING LOOK EASY
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Dog House to Dream House!
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PUBLISHED BY
Mutt Publishing 1608 Oxmoor Road Birmingham, AL 35209
EDITORIAL
Liz Young Editor, Photographer, Alpha Dog editor@bhamwoof.com
ART
Amy Murphree Spot(on) Designer
ADVERTISING
Greg Waters Pack Leader, Sales Division ads@bhamwoof.com
For more information about this publication, call 205.566.0030 woof! magazine is published by Mutt Publishing (the yappy division of Liz Young Photography, LLC)
Birmingham, AL
No Bones About It... I’ll do Dog Gone Good Work! CONTACT MICHAEL MURPHREE 205.936.6075 mmurphree@realtysouth.com
Copyright 2011, Mutt Publishing It is shameful, illegal, and subject to prosecution to copy any part of woof! magazine. We hope you step in a big pile of poo if you use any of our editorial or copy any of our photos or ideas. Oh, and we will contact our attorney if we catch you doing so. His bark is not as bad as his bite.
ting a r b Cele ogs the D ur of O ity ic C Mag
letter
from the editor
Seems like we’ve got our own dog-walking Cheers going on in our neighborhood where “everybody knows your dog’s name.” It feels good to be a part of someone else’s daily routine.
So here we go with our first issue of woof! magazine. The Sneak Peek we posted in February has received great response so we’re really looking forward to hearing from you about what we’ve added for the March/April issue. And as I have claimed so many times before, the stories are endless. My husband Tim and I are no exception to this claim, and if you live in Homewood near the park, you’ve probably seen us walking our three dogs. And because our pack members are very different in size and at different stages of leash training, we walk or bike separately headed in different directions (my obedience trainers do not know this so keep this tidbit on the down-low please). I often wonder if the neighbors scratch their heads as we go by since our walking combination is atypical at best. What is typical though, is that we do walk. Daily. As in—we are empty-nesters who now have to get out of bed earlier than we’d like to in order to get the dogs out. And “out” means “out on a walk.” We have inadvertently and inconveniently trained our two little ones to relieve themselves first thing in the morning only on a walk and only while on a leash. (God love her, Charlie the great dane goes in our yard practically on command, no leash required. Not sure how we achieved this small miracle.) As we make our way through the park, up alleys and down side streets, we run into other regulars and we stop and let the dogs sniff, wag furiously, and tug mightily on their leashes as if getting as close as possible is one of life’s great achievements. Surprisingly enough, I realize that I don’t know any human names, but over conversations about dog food, dog poo, and of course, the weather, I have learned a little bit about their lives and they in turn have learned a little bit about mine. We greet Millie, the rescued basset hound whose mom claims that Millie actually “rescued” her instead of the other way around. We see Grace, the black lab who couldn’t possibly go any slower unless she was in reverse. We hang on for dear life when Walter the enthusiastic chocolate lab gasps and chokes and pulls towards us with his owner seemingly airborne behind him. And once in awhile we get a short visit with Annie, the elderly yellow lab who gingerly hobbles out to say hello. Seems like we’ve got our own dog-walking Cheers going on in our neighborhood where “everybody knows your dog’s name.” It feels good to be a part of someone else’s daily routine. So there you have it, more stories, more getting out and sharing our lives all because we are one big community of dog owners, everyone with a story. In this issue of woof! we share special-needs dog Arnie’s story of determination and adaptability in our “Special Order” department (page 36). In “Doggone Fun,” (page 24) we spotlight one of our local agility experts who shows us how you and your pup can have a blast together. And one of my absolute favorite things is sharing a great read, so don’t miss“Dog-Eared,” (page 8) our book review section. Most of all, enjoy the stories and let us hear from you!
Liz Young editor, woof! magazine editor@bhamwoof.com
www.bhamwoof.com
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3 Letter from the editor Our daily morning walk has unexpectedly turned into our dogs’ social yappy hour. 6 Fetch! Our product review We took a look at some really great doggy stuff. We want one of each and we know you and your pup will too! 8 Dog-Eared Our book review We’ve read some great books and we think you’ll agree on our top choices for this issue. 10 Cover Contest Calling all cute dogs! There’s still time to get those snapshots in so we can pick the cutest dog in Birmingham for our July/August cover. 14 Good Girl! 11-year-old dog trainer Elizabeth Hornak makes obedience look like a breeze with her German Shepherd Ranger 18 Feature—Do You Know Leah? Leah LaGrone has a thing for Great Danes—big, beautiful, graceful, powerful Danes. Leah’s male Dane named Blue is a rescue. And Blue has a great (dane) story.
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24 Feature - Doggone Fun! We spent a morning with agility master Kathy DeLucas who showed us that fun really is the best thing to have. 30 Feature—Working Like a Dog Homewood’s Bob Tedrow gives us a peek at a usual day at work with his somewhat unusual whippets Thomas and Niles.
36 Special Order Meet Arnie, a special needs dog who has yet to realize that he is different from any other dog around. 39 Ad Index Let our advertisers know you saw them in woof! Click on their ad to go to their website.
1008 Vestavia Parkway Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (205) 978-2347
fetch!
Fun finds for our furry friends
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1. Crinkle Crunch Your dog will love the loud crinkle as he chews on this super tough Bottle Buddies plush toy—each comes with a recycyled plastic bottle inside that you can replace as the bottle goes flat.
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Available at Pet Supplies Plus Homewood 205.942.6462 www.petsuppliesplus.com $6.99
2. Pick up in style Carry your poop bags in style with these colorful and discreet drawstring bags. Each holds one roll of poop baggies. Available at Generation Dog Homewood www.generationdog.com 205.870.5085 $9.95
3. Squeak-ablilty Squeaky latex toys Little Piggy Sue and Earl the Ultimate Chick Magnet are sure to entertain both you and your dog with their sassiness and chew-ability. Available at Hollywood Feed Greystone hollywoodfeed.com/hoover 205.995.0223 $12.99
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woof ! • March/April 2011
fetch!
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4. Chew Baby Chew! Provide fun chew toys with the Orca Tire and the Orka Pine Cone. Made of durable non-toxic rubber, they promote safe chewing and good dental health. Available at Hollywood Feed Greystone hollywoodfeed.com/hoover 205.995.0223 Orka Tire $16.99 Orka Pine Cone & Rope $11.99
5. Dish it up! Food tastes even better served in this colorful handpainted ceramic bowl by Blue Sky Designs. Available at Generation Dog Homewood www.generationdog.com 205.870.5085 $20.00
6. Wuv the Wubba New from Kong, this colorful bunny is the perfect tug, toss and squeak toy. Comes with reinforced stitching and fabric so it’s hard to tear this one up. Available at Hollywood Feed Greystone hollywoodfeed.com/hoover $11.99 205.995.0223
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7. Mini Skinneeez Bring out your dog’s natural hunting instinct with the stuffing-free Skinneeez. These will last longer than regular plush toys because there’s no stuffing for your dog to rip out. Available at Pet Supplies Plus Homewood 205.942.6462 www.petsuppliesplus.com $6.99
www.bhamwoof.com
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dog-ea red
Our favorite reads!
Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levine Grand Central Publishing, 2010
If you can get past the horrific details of what happened to Oogy the Dogo, you will love this sweet story told by the father of twin boys as he recounts their life after adopting a special needs dog. Oogy is aptly named using Levine’s childhood word “ugly” and it is appropriate— Oogy is probably the ugliest dog around despite his affectionate and loyal disposition. This was a one-sitting, can’t-put-it-down read for me.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Harper, 2009
It really didn’t matter that I had no clue about Formula One racing or its terminology. I do know about dogs, and Garth Stein tells a great story from Enzo the dog’s perspective. There were so many usable life sayings sprinkled throughout (“your car goes where your eyes go”) and I caught myself scribbling notes on whatever was nearby so I could remember them. The ending left me with a great feeling and a brand new awareness of my dogs. Grab the tissue— you will cry—but it will be a great cry.
You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness by Julie Klam Riverhead Hardcover, 2010
It’s not often that I bust out laughing while reading, but I did just that when I sat down with Julie Klam’s You Had Me at Woof. Klam writes with a great sense of humor as she shares some of life’s most important lessons learned through her relationships with her beloved Boston Terriers. Highly recommended—I will definitely pass this on, especially to my Boston Terrier owning friends.
To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay Washington Square Press, 1991
What kind of avid-reading dog owner would I be if I didn’t mention one of my all-time favorite dog books; To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay. (I was a fan way before the Hallmark movie version.) Kay tells the story of an elderly man, recently widowed, feeling very much alone and lost. Oddly, a white dog appears shortly after his wife’s death, and makes these appearances only when the widower is alone. So of course when he mentions the dog to his grown children, they think their father is becoming senile, until one day one of the daughters witnesses the white dog’s appearance at the onset of her father’s apparent heart attack. Great story on aging and the role of animals in our lives. I can’t count how many times I bought this one and passed it on. 8
woof ! • March/April 2011
Oldie but goodie…
Spring events where woof! will be: March 5th EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION CHILI COOK-OFF, HOMEWOOD
• 10-3 Rain or shine • Drop by the booth and enjoy some Hair of the Dog Chili • Sign up for a free online subscription and grab a goodie
March 26th PAWS IN THE GARDEN ALDRIDGE GARDENS, HOOVER
• 10-6 Rain or shine • Meet Blue the Great Dane – our first cover dog. • Blue will be signing copies of his cover photo for a small donation to Great Dane Rescue Inc.
April 16 HAND IN PAW’S MUTT STRUT RAILROAD PARK, DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
• Come by the booth and cheer the woof! pack on in the 1 mile Mutt Strut. We’ll have goodies and lots of hugs for our furry friends.
May 21st DO DAH DAY RHODES AND CALDWELL PARK
• Meet the woof! pack and pick up a treat for your bestest 4-legged friend.
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Go to www.bhamwoof.com and stay tuned for even more event updates!
Hillary Gamble · 205.243.1529 www.jevoisphotography.com info@jevoisphotography.com
JeVois.indd 1
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contes t!
Enter our cover contest!
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woof ! • March/April 2011
Is your dog the cutest in Birmingham? We’re holding our first annual cover contest to find the cutest dog in Birmingham. The winning dog will appear on cover of the 2011 July/August issue of Birmingham’s woof! magazine. If you think your pup is the cutest in town, email us a photo at covercontest@bhamwoof.com and keep your fingers crossed! Read the contest rules below and start snapping away!
Rules for The Cutest Dog in Birmingham Cover Contest: The deadline for submission is May 2, 2011. The winner will be announced on the bhamwoof.com website on May 18, 2011. Dogs must live within a 25 mile radius of downtown Birmingham. One photo per dog will be accepted. Email your photo to covercontest@bhamwoof.com. Photos should not exceed 1MB in size. Photos larger than 1 MB will not be accepted. We will send a confirmation email when photos are received but will not be responsible for images that are not successfully delivered via email. woof! magazine retains the right to use any images in future publications as samples of contest entries. Make sure you send all contact information including your name, address, phone number and email address. We want to make sure we can get in touch with you! Please note: This is not a photography contest. The dog that is chosen to appear on the cover will be professionally photographed for the cover at a location determined by the photographer. woof! magazine retains the copyright of the final cover photo. We will provide a high resolution print of the 2011 July/August cover of woof! magazine to the owner of the contest winner.
Good luck and we can’t wait to see all the cute dogs in Birmingham! www.bhamwoof.com
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SPECIAL SECTION ADVERTORIAL
homewood’s animal hospital Dr. Mike Kilgore treats his patients and their owners with exceptional care.
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woof ! • March/April 2011
When you ask patients of Dr. Mike Kilgore how they like their vet, they emphatically declare that Dr. Mike is the best—they wouldn’t take their pets anywhere else. Google “Dr. Mike Kilgore”—you’ll be hard pressed to find a negative review anywhere online. “I’ve used Dr. Mike for years,” explained a woman juggling 3 dogs and a cat in the waiting room. “I moved to Gardendale several years ago and I still make the drive in to see Dr. Mike.” Mike Kilgore is a longtime Homewood resident and happy to have his practice nearby. Located in west Homewood near Jim ‘N Nicks, the clinic is the only animal hospital west of I-65 to Bessemer. The facility has been newly redesigned and boasts of a surgical center, treatment area, x-ray room, patient room, lab, dog runs and bath area, affording Dr. Mike the ability to handle just about every aspect of animal care right in his practice. But it’s not just the convenient location or top-notch facility that brings in loyal clients. Mixed in with a fun sense of humor, Mike has a calm, confident demeanor
SPECIAL SECTION ADVERTORIAL
“Google “Dr. Mike Kilgore”— you’ll be hard pressed to find a negative review anywhere online.” and possesses a gentle hand and sweet patience with animals. I’ve heard firsthand stories of Mike making house calls, of Mike spending the night at the practice to watch over a very sick animal, of Mike writing condolence letters to heartbroken owners over the loss of a pet. Apparently Mike isn’t just your ordinary vet—it’s second nature for him to go above and beyond what they teach in vet school. Dr. Mike frequently takes on the role of grief counselor and explains, “I deal with death more than most doctors, except possibly oncologists. My patients’ grief can be quite profound. Oftentimes it was
that pet who got them through a really hard time in life. And now they have to say goodbye— it can be devastating.” Dr. Mike tells me a story. “I ran into a client at the store the other day who I haven’t seen in some time. Years ago, I helped her through the death of her elderly dog. She still has the letter I wrote her over 18 years ago when her dog passed. She told me that letter meant a lot to her in coping with her grief.” When I asked Dr. Mike what his favorite part of practicing veterinary medicine is, he answered quickly “surgery.” Dr. Mike explained, “I love what I do, well maybe not so much
the business part of my practice, but by far surgery is my thing—surgery and a good challenging diagnosis.” I think it’s the science of it all that Mike loves—the slides under the microscope, the blood, the worms— you get it. Nothing phases him. To Mike it’s all a fascinating glimpse into the health of your pet. While I was at the clinic, a patient of Dr. Dr. Mike’s brought her pet in to have minor surgery. “I have a friend who is a vet,” she tells me. “This friend offered to do the surgery for free. I said thanks for the offer, but I’d rather pay Dr. Mike to do it.” Well that says it all, now doesn’t it?
Homewood Animal Hospital • 501 Scott Street • Homewood, AL 35209 • 205-943-0008 www.bhamwoof.com
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good dog!
good girl! 11-year-old dog trainer Elizabeth Hornak makes obedience look like a breeze with her German Shepherd Ranger
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good dog!
Elizabeth and Ranger train regularly on obedience commands using tons of positive reinforcement and lots of yummy treats.
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Elizabeth Hornak is not your typical 11-year-old. Oh sure, she goes to school, hangs out with friends, and plays several competitive sports extremely well, but add dog obedience training to that resumÊ and suddenly you’ve got a story in the making. I met Elizabeth when I took my 7-month-old great dane puppy to obedience class. On our first night of class I think we all did a double take when in walked a mom and her daughter accompanied by pair of gorgeous black and tan German Shepherds named Ranger and Vader. The foursome was quite the spectacle, but the most remarkable thing to me was that this petite, quiet, softspoken daughter had 75 lb. Ranger very much under control. I made it a point to work next to Elizabeth and Ranger as much as possible as I was enamoured that at her age, she was doing something so completely out of the mainstream of adolescent activity. And she was doing it quite well. Ranger rarely took her eye off of Elizabeth and responded to her calm, non-flustered demeanor, so much so that the two were regularly tapped to demonstrate commands. (For some reason, Charlie and I were never asked to demonstrate anything but what not to do.) Elizabeth and Ranger stayed on my mind and when the idea of woof! was hatched, I knew who one of my first interviews was going to be with. www.bhamwoof.com
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“My teacher told me that it doesn’t do any good to get tense when I am training, so I just stay calm and keep working until we get it right.”
WOOF!: So Elizabeth, you know you surprised all of us in class when you showed up with Ranger. How did the dog training start? ELIZABETH: Well, my mom started doing agility with Ranger when Ranger was about 8 weeks old. During one lesson, I went in the ring and got Ranger to do something that mom couldn’t, so the teacher said that I should be the one to handle her. So Ranger and I have been doing obedience, rally, and agility classes ever since. We have our first agility competition in April. WOOF!: I’ve watched you work with Ranger and I see that you don’t seem to get frustrated or impatient when things don’t go exactly right. How do you keep your cool? ELIZABETH: Well, my teacher told me that it doesn’t do any good to get tense when I am training so I just stay calm and keep working until we get it right.
One day, Elizabeth took both dogs to school for show-and-tell. She demonstrated commands and answered questions about dog training. Bentley tells us “It’s a great thing for others to have an interest in what you are doing, and on that day she was a star.”
WOOF!: I’m thinking that you probably want to do something with
The Hornaks have three dogs (two shepherds and a sheltie), and Elizabeth regularly walks the shepherds to Crestline Village. Mom reports that the trio garners quite a bit of attention as they make their way down the street. “Elizabeth can sometimes be a little reserved, but when she has the dogs out, she’ll talk to just about anyone.” I’m guessing that Bentley doesn’t worry too much about Elizabeth’s safety when Ranger and Vader are with her. “Oh no,” she laughs, “No one’s going to bother Elizabeth with those two around.”
dogs when you grow up, right? Maybe be a full-time trainer? ELIZABETH: Well, I definitely want to do something with dogs when I grow up. I think I’d like to own a dog store with things like dog collars where dogs can come in and shop.
So let’s add it up: a sense of safety, soaring self-confidence, great accomplishment and commanding respect—all as a result of a passion for training. I’d say that’s pretty priceless.
WOOF!: Do your friends like Ranger or are they a little bit afraid of such a big dog? ELIZABETH: No, they’re not afraid. Sometimes I have my best friend over and we put sleeping bags in the big doghouse in our backyard and spend the night out there with the dogs. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
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I visited with mom Bentley to get her perspective on Elizabeth’s passion for dogs. She tells me that Elizabeth is competitive and determined and not afraid of much, so dog training naturally plays into her personality. “I see such great benefits from having dogs be an integral part of our lives — training has become the thing that the two of us do together.” Bentley added, “I’ve seen Elizabeth’s self-confidence and sense of accomplishment take off. Ranger listens to her and respects her— what a great feeling for an 11-year-old.”
woof ! • March/April 2011
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Celebrate the Arrival of Spring and Our 4th Anniversary!
March 30th Half price baths and nail clips at the Rub-a-Dub-Dog Bathhouse and Spa! (Limited number of appointments available so call to schedule early)
March 31st Enjoy 40% off all merchandise in the boutique - even SALE items! April 1st “Yappy Hour” at the Aloft Hotel’s WXYZ Bar from 5 - 7 p.m. Enjoy drink specials, treats for the pooches,door prizes and more! 1825 B 29th Ave South Homewood, AL 35209 phone: 205-870-5085 bark@generationdog.com
www.generationdog.com
feature to the rescue
Leah LaGrone and her beautiful boy Blue
do you know
leah?
Leah Lagrone has a thing for Danes—big, beautiful, powerful, graceful Danes.
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woof ! • March/April 2011
to the rescue
www.bhamwoof.com
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to the rescue
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Well, do you know Leah?
I didn’t. But apparently I should. I got my first Great Dane puppy last summer. Without going into much detail, I can tell you that I love this dog. She’s quite beautiful, stunning actually— with gorgeous blue eyes and distinct markings. Whenever I have her out, I am usually stopped and asked “Is that a Great Dane?” Yes. “Oh! Do you know Leah? You know, the Leah who runs the Great Dane Rescue?” No. But apparently I should. I was getting exasperated that I seemed to be the only Dane owner in this city who didn’t know Leah. It didn’t take long to find out how to get in touch with her—after all, everyone knew Leah, right? My email went something like this: “Are you the Leah that does the Great Dane rescue that everyone in Birmingham but me seems to know?” I got a short reply back, “Yes. I am that Leah.” So now I know Leah. And now I know why it is that everyone in Birmingham who loves Danes knows Leah. She has a great story. Leah LaGrone has a thing for Danes—big, beautiful, graceful, powerful Danes. I asked Leah if I could shoot her Danes (hold on – before this gets out of hand, be aware that I am a dog photographer. It’s always fun to see peoples’ faces when I casually mention that I “shot” a dog.) I wanted to add a page on my website for rescues. Leah’s male Dane named Blue is a rescue. And Blue has a story. I showed up at Leah’s house ready to roll around in the yard, camera in hand. I’d been around a few Danes—I had seen how big, how calm, how gentle. But what I had never seen was how these great beasts run with such sleek grace and surprising agility. I could have watched these beauties romp for hours. But I digress. On to the story. Leah introduced me to Blue, her gorgeous 140 lb. male Dane who undoubtedly has one of the larger heads I have ever seen on a dog. Blue is a rescue who appeared on Leah’s radar in 2008. For over 10 years, Leah has been involved with a nation-wide Great Dane rescue which takes in surrendered Danes, finds them foster families, and proactively (and quite selectively) places these dogs in permanent homes. At the time, Leah had a female Dane named Emma, but when she saw Blue’s picture, she was hooked. She had to have him. And not unlike the Underground Railroad, this nation-wide Dane rescue patched together a transport from Michigan to Kentucky where Leah picked Blue up in her giant Ford Excursion, sporting the license plate “DANEBUS.” I don’t think there is a bigger SUV on the road. So Leah brings 11-month-old Blue home. “What was he like?” I asked. I mean, this poor dog had had an owner at one point in time, was dumped
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woof ! • March/April 2011
Blue enjoying the green grass on a beautiful afternoon
www.bhamwoof.com
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to the rescue The Danebus loaded up and ready to go. OPPOSITE: Blue looks on while Leah signs for Pink, Pink watches Leah closely for her next command.
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woof ! • March/April 2011
to the rescue
at a shelter, moved among several different foster homes, and landed in Birmingham with a complete stranger—new bed, new rules, new food, new smells, and on and on. Poor guy. Not sure I could hack that. “Well,” replied Leah, “he was, um, well, after a few days, Chuck (Leah’s husband) looked at me and said ‘what in the world have we done?’” Apparently Blue was an active boy to say the least. He knew no words or basic commands. He was underweight. And he obviously had not spent much time indoors or around people or other dogs. So Leah called upon several local dog trainers to help her get Blue started in some basic obedience. Leah recognized Blue’s potential for greatness, she just had to figure out how to convince Blue of this. Well, their persistance worked. After months of practice in combination with multiple rounds of obedience and various training classes, this gentle giant has successfully become a Delta registered therapy dog and volunteers regularly with Birmingham’s Hand in Paw. Through Hand in Paw, Leah takes Blue on visits to the UAB adult cancer center as well as to a local teen rehab facility. “Oh, you should see the reaction we get when these teenage boys see Blue for the first time.” Leah grins. “You don’t get the same reaction with an average size dog, believe me.” I believe her. This past year, Blue passed his Hope certification, which means that he may be called upon to assist in disaster crisis counseling situations. According to Leah, very few dogs pass this particular certification. I’m not at all surprised that Blue managed to do so. I know that just being in the
presence of this calm beast in the midst of a crisis would make me feel stronger instantly. Sadly, not long after Blue came on the scene, Leah lost her beloved Emma. Enter Pink. “I knew I always wanted a Pink to go with Blue.” Leah explained. “I got a call from a Dane breeder about a white female that she was unable to sell because she was totally deaf. I told her no problem, I’d take her.” Leah trained Pink using sign language and the two girls are working on getting her Delta registered. Pink is a stunning beauty with a sweet personality and plenty of pink to match her name. I swear that when I met Pink, she curled up the corners of her mouth and smiled at me. Do you know So goes the tale—two a great rescue dogs so close to being story? If so, email discarded who are makeditor@bhamwoof.com. ing an unforgettable impact throughout the We’d love to hear Magic City. All because your stories! of one amazing woman and her great dane determination. I’m so glad I finally know Leah.
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If you would like to meet Leah and learn more about Great Dane Rescue, go to www.greatdanerescueinc.com or email Leah LaGrone at jone1379@bellsouth.net
www.bhamwoof.com
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woof ! • March/April 2011
doggone fun
agility training
a lesson in fun It’s become one of the most exciting and fun dog sports around and it’s easier to get started than most dog owners think. Take your pup outside, add a few challenging obstacles to his playfulness and desire to please, and you may just discover you have the makings for the perfect agility dog.
OPPOSITE: Clearing the tire effortlessly, Spirit looks to Kathy for his next direction.
www.bhamwoof.com
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I doggone fun
If you live in Birmingham,
or anywhere in the southeast, and find yourself in a discussion on through college, getting married and having a family can typically put interests on hold, and it was only after her 3 children left home agility, one name comes up consistently in every discussion: that she began to rediscover her passion. Kathy DeLucas Kathy is well-know to be an expert in the sport, and her Kathy got started in agility in 2000. Explaining award-winning dogs and positive training that she has a physical impairment on her right methods have made her a great success in side, Kathy looked for something that would “...it’s often agility. With a calm, quiet demeanor and keep her outside, active, and challenged. soft-spoken voice, Kathy directs her dogs And she found it when she ordered hard to tell with graceful control in the ring that some instructional dvds on agility who’s having leaves most spectators speechless. It’s training. Kathy did what she calls “baby a beautiful thing to see her dogs race training” with her two shepherds but the most fun— around the course without taking an eye became quickly frustrated when she the dogs or off of Kathy as they look to her for splitrealized she couldn’t keep up with the second direction. The bond between the dogs in the ring. She determined that their owners.” two is remarkable and unbreakable. if she were to successfully compete, she would have to figure out how to do distance Kathy says that she always been a dog-lover work while standing still. and actually grew up going to obedience training at BOTC. “Classes were the most exciting thing for me With a ball and a clicker, lots of positive as a child,” she remembers. But as with many women, going reinforcement and an emphasis on fun, Kathy figured out
Spirit keeps one eye on Kathy as he bends through the weave poles.
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doggone fun how to do distance work and stand in virtually one spot while sending my dogs through the course. Kathy explains that she strategically uses her hands to “push the dog out” and “bring him in” as she guides him from one obstacle to the next. “When a dog masters a task, you can see the pride— they want to do that task again and again.” Kathy insists that training must to be positive with lots of treats and praise. “Usually if the dog is not getting it, I can assume that I am not communicating well. I have to back it down to the basics, give lots of positive fun reinforcement, and gradually progress to that new task. If it’s not fun for the dog, I don’t do it.” Kathy stresses the importance of finding that one thing your dog really responds to. It could be a ball, a squeaky toy, a treat or just good old affection—and as you get to know your dog better, you’ll figure out what it is that really motivates them. Kathy’s experience has taught her that dogs are incredibly adept at seeing little subtleties in our body language. So whether she has a good run or not, she does her best to communicate that it was the most fantastic run ever. “At the end of every run, we have an incredible party. Typically there’s lots of leaping and spinning and wiggling and figure 8s—a real celebration of ‘hey mom, wasn’t that the most fun thing EVER???’ When you have a beautiful run and you come together afterwards, it’s just awesome.” According to Kathy, “Agility actually started in the 1970s in England. A group of equestrians waiting for their turn to show set up obstacles for their dogs and saw how quickly the dogs picked up on the training. Plenty of folks who do agility are exhorse people who have great experience working with animals.” “It’s a great mental puzzle as well,” says Kathy. “Before each run, you walk the course. You have to remember the course numbers and figure out how strategically get the dog around the course in a way that he can understand what obstacle is next. And it’s definitely a team sport—you have to be a team with your dog.” Kathy currently competes with her nationally ranked teammates Radar and Spirit. And agility training has turned into a great social outlet. Some of Kathy’s best friends are on the circuit and the trials provide a natural get-together. The typical demographic on the circuit is made up of dog-loving women with grown children who are looking for something to keep them physically active and mentally challenged. Agility fits that bill perfectly with the natural added bonus of spending lots of fun time with their dogs. At these trials, it’s often hard to tell who’s having the most fun—the dogs or their owners. As you look at the area roped off for the participants, you easily observe a sea of smiles and laughter and praise and wagging tails—more like a big doggy party than a competition. And although Kathy and her teammates have won boxes of ribbons and numerous national titles, when asked what she is most proud of, she smiles and says that her biggest achievement with her dogs “is that we get to play together.” And if you’re a dog, what could be more fun than that?
•
Spirit
Excel @ Agility
fun for you and your dog!
www.excelatagility.com
Joan Pizitz & Kathy DeLucas kdelucas3@aol.com 205-907-0744
Thomas (front) and Niles find a comfy spot in the shop. OPPOSITE: Owner Bob Tedrow works on a repair.
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working like a dog
homewood’s musical dogs A visit to Homewood Musical Instruments is a treat, or therapy, or even a comedic break in the day. All because of two lovely whippets named Thomas and Niles.
Spring 2011 • woof !
W working like a dog
When you walk into
Homewood Musical Instruments, you realize right away that you are in for a treat. Not because of the shiny stringed instruments lining the wall, and not because you know this is the source of the internationally famous Tedrow Concertinas. No, you realize you are in for a treat when you are greeted in the shop by two small but stately whippets named Thomas and Niles. Owner Bob Tedrow has brought his dogs to work every day “from day one.” “Even as puppies?” I ask, because I have just recently acquired a puppy and I’ve discovered it’s not unlike having a toddler roaring about without a diaper. “Well sure,” Bob explains. “I mean, they messed on the floor at first, but my kids did the same thing when they were little, and I kept them around.” And so the conversation begins as it always does when there’s a dog or two around. I’m not a musical person. In fact, I am hopeless when it comes to playing any instrument. So you’d think an instrument shop would have nothing of interest for me. Introduce a dog or two to the situation and I’m hooked, as are all dog lovers. Bob agreed to let me visit one day and photograph his dogs. I was instantly enamored and completely entertained and as usual, asked way too many questions. LIZ: So Bob, tell me how you came to love this breed. BOB: Well I have always had whippets. In fact, my wife came with one when we got married oh-so-many years ago. You know everyone has the one breed they love, and for us, it’s the whippet. All whippets seem to have similar personalities—they’re all very whippet-like. I wasn’t exactly sure what “whippet-like” meant but I surmised that I was about to find out. On with the questions. LIZ: Are Thomas and Niles litter mates? BOB: No—in fact, they are consecutive litter mates. I paid good money for Thomas and not too long after, I got a call from the breeder asking if we would like a lagniappe. LIZ: A lagniappe? BOB: A lagniappe is French for “a little something extra.” This breeder had another dog who needed a home. She knew we loved Thomas and wanted to know if we could take Niles in. So we brought Niles home, and the rest is history. LIZ: So what do these two do all day? They seem pretty calm and very good natured. BOB: Well, they come in, get comfy, nap, eat, nap, greet the customers, snack, go out to the bathroom, settle in, nap, greet the customers—the usual
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working like a dog
Wearing a typical whippet-like expression, Niles looks to Bob for his next queue.
www.bhamwoof.com
33
dogs at work
cycle of any dog’s day. But you know, they do possess a great talent. They can both do imitations. LIZ: Imitations…? BOB: Yes, imitations. At this point, Bob coaxes Thomas over to demonstrate. “This is Thomas’ fox imitation.” Bob lifts Thomas’ ears straight up. I am squatting on the floor trying to shoot the imitation demonstration. Thomas nails it and this catches me off guard and I teeter a little bit as I bust out laughing. “And this is his lamb imitation.” Bob massages Thomas’ ears flat out to the side while gently stretching out his neck. By now I have fallen over from my squat, I’m so tickled. I missed getting a shot of the next imitation but managed to compose myself and keep shooting for the grand finale—a lion, which Bob demonstrates by holding Thomas’ mouth open as far as possible and pretending to insert his head in Thomas’ wide-open mouth. To top it off, Bob brings Niles over to do a rousing doggy declaration of “War Eagle.” Really—Niles actually said “War Eagle.” I’m completely entertained. These two dogs just roll with it and nonchalantly do whatever Bob asks. I think I’m figuring out what “whippet-like” means. Ok, back to the third degree. LIZ: Tell me how your customers respond to Thomas and Niles. (As if I didn’t know after the imitation demonstration…) BOB: Oh they love them of course. In fact, there is usually an uproar if I come to work without the dogs. But I have joint custody, and my wife likes to see them every once in awhile so sometimes I leave them home on Saturdays. LIZ: Ever have anyone come in the shop just to see the dogs? BOB: Interesting story—one day a woman who was headed for lunch next door noticed Thomas and Niles through the front window. She came in. Naturally they greeted her—I could see that she instantly fell in love with them. She asked if she could come back the next day to see the dogs. Sure, I told her. Well, she came in every day for about a week. She never asked anything about the shop— she never really said much at all. She just came in, settled down with Thomas and Niles in the back room, and spent about an hour each day just petting them and quietly talking with them. After that week, I never saw her again. LIZ: Makes you wonder what she talked about with those two. BOB: I’ll probably never find out, but I do know that the time they spent together meant a lot to her. So there you have it. A visit to Homewood Musical Instruments is a treat, or therapy, or even a comedic break in the day—whatever you need it to be. All because of two lovely whippets who won’t mind at all if you stay for a bit, even if you’re not a musician.
•
To meet Niles and Thomas, drop by Homewood Musical Instruments, 3027 Central Avenue in Homewood just across from Homewood Park. For more information about the shop, visit hmi.homewood.net or call Bob Tedrow at 879-4868.
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woof ! • Spring 2011
Niles the whippet curls up in a favorite napping place—empty banjo case in the showroom of Homewood Musical Instruments.
dogs at work
OPPOSITE TOP TO BOTTOM:
Thomas doing his best fox imitation, Thomas as a lamb, Thomas doing his fierce man-eating lion.
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35
special order
OPPOSITE:
Delightful Arnie posing. RIGHT: Arnie and Greg Waters hang out and keep each other company.
A
special order Arnie the ThreeLegged Dog
Arnie is a two-year-old Cairn Terrier with a resilient spirit and a sweet personality. In the winter of 2009, he was hit by a car and underwent a grueling emergency surgery that left him without his front left leg. No one came to get Arnie after he recovered, so a rescue took him in and began the process of re-homing him to someone who could provide a safe and loving permanent place.
Around Christmastime of that same year, Greg Waters decided it was time to get a dog. He saw Arnie’s photo online and instantly thought “I need to meet this little dog.” He contacted the rescue who then arranged to send Arnie’s foster family over to evaluate Greg’s home. They needed to make sure it was a good fit and that Arnie would be cared for properly. “Oh, by the way,” they said, “you do realize that Arnie has only three legs, don’t you?” Greg admits that he did not know this but that didn’t dissuade him. After all, this little guy had apparently been through the ringer and needed a good second chance. Surely he could handle the challenges of Arnie’s day-to-day life.
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woof ! • March/April 2011
This delightful,happy, well-adjusted boy is a treat to be with, and if you didn’t see him hop to get around, you probably wouldn’t even realize that he was missing one of his front legs.
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woof ! • Spring 2011
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RESIDENTIAL · COMMERCIAL · INDUSTRIAL As it happens, it turned out to be the best of fits. The rescue left Arnie with Greg that same day and neither seemed to miss a beat. “He was great from the start,” says Greg. “He’s never had an accident in the house, and he’s never chewed anything up— he just hangs out and keeps me company.” (Apparently though there is a tiny issue with the mailman.)
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Once you get to know Arnie and spend even just a short amount of time hanging out, you forget that he is a special needs dog. This delightful, happy, well-adjusted boy is a treat to be with, and if you didn’t see him hop to get around, you probably wouldn’t even realize that he was missing one of his front legs.
Greg Waters, Title Consultant 2233 2nd Ave. N. · Birmingham, AL 35203 www.alabamatitle.com · 205.616.6456
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Arnie gets a fair share of attention when he’s out and about. Greg reports that folks do a double-take and either stop and thank Greg for having such a big heart, or in some cases, people exclaim “why, that dog only has three legs!” Greg says that kids are especially enamored with Arnie and there’s much chatter about how he gets around so well. The two regularly walk the neighborhood and Arnie makes it surprisingly far despite the fact that he has to hop down the sidewalk—apparently determination oftentimes outweighs exhaustion. So what could have been a tragic story has a wonderful happy ending—all because of one man who didn’t think twice about sharing his life with a special dog who needed a place to call home.
•
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d n e l tai dogs They inspire us and console us. They fill our lives and soften our hearts. They open our world and encourage us to start conversations with complete strangers. Birmingham’s woof! magazine is a free online magazine that tells the stories of our Magic City dogs. You’ll recognize familiar folks as they tell remarkable tales of the dogs who have touched their lives. Subscriptions are free - just sign up at www.bhamwoof.com and we’ll email you when the each issue of woof! is up. Enjoy and celebrate the stories!
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