For Pet's Sake | 2017

FOR

PET ’S SAKE

A PACK OF SMILING PETS P.12

Some of the most adorable pets you’ll see smiling around the Gallatin Valley

2017 RUN DOG RUN Find out about all of the dog parks around Bozeman

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K9 NOSE WORK; A NEW SPORT FOR YOUR COMPANION Is your pup up to snuff?

Or rather, sniff?

A DOG’S LIFE AND CHANGING DIET Learn about what your dog should be eating at every stage of life

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A S P E C I A L P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E B O Z E M A N D A I L Y C H R O N FOR I C L PET’S E SAKE | 1

RUN DOG RUN AND THE DOG PARKS OF BOZEMAN

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DOGGY ETIQUETTE 101: A FEW TIPS FOR GOING OFF-LEASH AT BOZEMAN DOG PARKS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS K9 NOSE WORK: A NEW SPORT FOR YOUR COMPANION

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Written By

Hannah Overton

Design & Layout Matt Gasbarre

A Publication of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle To advertise contact Cindy Sease, Advertising Director, 406.582.2616

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ECO-FRIENDLY WEST PAW TOYS FAVORED

BY PETS COAST TO COAST

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BOZEMAN GIVES OUR PETS A REASON TO SMILE

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NUTRITION AND YOUR FUR BABY

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HEART OF THE VALLEY ANIMAL SHELTER

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A DOG’S LIFE AND CHANGING DIET

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INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS: VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR PET

WORK CAN BE RUFF

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SMALL DOG REALTY GIVES BIG FOR THE CAUSE

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FOR PET’S SAKE | 3

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RUN DOG RUN AND THE DOG PARKS OF BOZEMAN If you have taken your dog to a dog park in Bozeman, there’s a good chance Terry Cunningham had something to with it. Cunningham moved to Bozeman 18 years ago, and like most Bozemanites, he loves the outdoors.

When running and hiking his favorite trails, he noticed inherent conflicts between dog owners and other users. “If we could have spaces where dog owners could let their dogs off-leash to socialize and exercise, and that wouldn’t impact other people using the park, it would be the best of both worlds,” he said.

In 2010, he founded the nonprofit organization Run Dog Run, which promotes responsible pet ownership and advocates for off-leash recreational facilities for dog owners.

Together with the City of Bozeman, RDR has developed several off-leash dog parks within city parks. The first projects included the two single-dog play areas at the Softball Complex off Highland Boulevard, as well as a play area at Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter. In 2014, Pete Fay, the owner of Rocky Creek Farm, asked if Cunningham could turn two unused acres of farm into a dog park. West Paw Design funded the fencing and waste stations, and Run Dog Run built its first off-leash dog park on private land.

In late spring 2012, Bozeman voters approved a $15 million trails and open space bond. Run Dog Run had an agreement with the city that anytime a new park was in the works, accommodations for dogs would be considered.

As a result, when nine new acres were added to Bozeman Pond Park, three of them went to dogs. The park includes a shade pavilion, a separate area for small dogs and puppies and a doggy art walk in the three-acre off-leash area.

Thanks to a name the park contest sponsored by Dee O Gee, the area was designated “Lewis and Bark Park.”

“It has become one of the most popular dog parks in Bozeman,” Cunningham said proudly.

Other projects in the works now include a two-acre off-leash park at the Sports Complex at Flanders Mill and Baxter Lane; and adding a dog park to the new Story Mill Community Park in cooperation with the Trust For Public Land.

“The biggest project, which we are currently in the middle of, is at Gallatin Regional Park,” he said. “We are working with Gallatin County, and have been allocated 20 acres of the park that have been designated off-leash.”

RDR has fenced 13 acres and added three ponds, a trail system and a competition-grade dog diving dock with doggy beaches on either side. Construction of a doggy agility course, shade pavilions and stream-crossing bridges will be completed by fall.

“We want this to unquestionably be the best off-leash dog park in the state,” Cunningham said.

Run Dog Run is an all-volunteer organization run by five dog-loving board members. Cunningham is executive director. No one is paid. “The majority of our funding comes from folks writing us checks and grants,” he said.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed to keep the nonprofit going. Every spring, RDR coordinates “Scoop the Poop” events to clean up Bozeman’s major dog parks. There will be new volunteer efforts at Gallatin Regional Park this year, with some duties including planting wetlands and spreading wood chips. Visit rdrbozeman.com to check out the opportunities.

Run Dog Run wants every dog owner to be a responsible owner.

A lot of hard work and endless volunteer hours have gone into the parks. It is the public’s duty to keep them clean and follow city ordinances. Along with the Scoop the Poop events, Run Dog Run supports the Lend-a-Leash kiosks, which can be found in parks all over Bozeman.

“We are always worried we are going to lose shared access to the parks if there are dog attacks, or the parks turn into dog-poop wastelands,” Cunningham said. “We get phone calls about dog waste. We get phone calls about small dog escapes. We get calls if the gate is stuck.”

Often, Cunningham himself or other RDR volunteers answer the calls and make the repairs.

FOR PET’S SAKE | 5

DOGGY ETIQUETTE 101: A FEW TIPS FOR GOING OFF-LEASH AT BOZEMAN DOG PARKS KNOW YOUR DOG.

PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG.

Are your dogs good candidates for a dog park? Do they play well with other dogs? Exhibit any kind of aggressive behavior? Obey your commands? Animals that have trouble getting along with other dogs or don’t come when called should remain on a leash.

“Any aggressive behavior is a disqualifier,” said Run Dog Run Executive Director Terry Cunningham.

Is there anything worse than trying to enjoy a nice day at the park and stepping in dog poop? Run Dog Run has done its part to ensure that every dog park has ample waste stations with biodegradable bags. Clean up the poo, people! There’s no excuse for not picking up after your dog.

USE DOG WASTE STATIONS JUST FOR DOG WASTE.

KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH FROM THE PARKING LOT TO THE GATE. The roads and parking lots outside of dog parks are heavily trafficked areas with cars constantly driving in and out. “We see a lot of escapes and conflicts when dogs are off-leash before they get into the park.” When you arrive at a dog park, keep your pet on a leash until you are inside the gate in order to avoid accidents.

KEEP YOUR DOG AWAY FROM THE GATE. Dogs have a tendency to become assertive and guard the gate.

Once you’re inside the park, guide your dog away from the main entrance to avoid any conflicts or escape attempts.

Take your beer bottles, coffee cups and fast food containers home with you. Otherwise RDR volunteers must do that cleanup too.

MAKE FRIENDS. Socializing is highly encouraged at the dog parks. It’s good for you and good for your animal. “We are finding that dog parks are becoming neighborhood hubs for dog owners,” Cunningham said. “Friendships, play dates and hiking dates are made there. It’s surprising how much community is fostered at the dog parks.”

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“We care for those who give us so much, but ask for so little.”

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FOR PET’S SAKE | 7

K9 NOSE WORK: A NEW SPORT FOR YOUR COMPANION A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than a human’s, and all dogs have a natural instinct to hunt.

The combination of hunting instinct and supreme sense of smell has made it possible to train dogs to detect drugs, bombs, dropping insulin levels in the human body and even cancer.

While only a few breeds are cut out for this kind of work, all breeds can benefit from having an outlet for their primal instincts. Carolyn Murray, owner of The Canny Canine, has successfully trained dogs in agility, tricks and obedience.

She is a certified Nose Work instructor through the National Association of Scent Work.

Murray will host a K9 Nose Work at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds May 20-21. She expects a good turnout of competitors. “It’s a higher level trial. The NW3 will definitely fill, and there’s room for 30 competitors. The NW2 has room for 38, and we’re hoping for 25 to 35,” she said.

Murray trains the dogs in her K9 Nose Work classes in a barn at the fairgrounds. The barn is full of distracting odors and shifting air currents.

When dogs first begin training, they hunt for something they want, like a toy or treat. Once dogs develop the hunt drive, they are put on odor. As soon as the dog properly locates an odor, it is rewarded with a treat every time.

“Nose Work is drug detection for civilian dogs, but the stakes are much lower. We are using companion animals and odors from essential oils,” Murray said. “I’ve worked with poodles, I’ve worked with chihuahuas, and I always laugh because the small dogs are really good and they always surprise people!”

“Odor pays 100 percent of the time,” she said.

According to the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), K9 Nose Work was started in Southern California in 2006 by three professional scent detection trainers. Dogs were trained to find three specific scents: anise, birch and clove. The first NACSW competition was held in 2009 and featured dogs from all over the nation. Since then, there have been 135 trials in 17 states.

Competing isn’t for all dogs, but the benefits of learning Nose Work are definitely worthwhile. Dogs work independently of their owners. “That provides a lot of mental stimulation, which is simply more tiring,” she said. High-energy dogs leave Murray’s classes calm and ready for rest.

“A competition generally consists of 30 to 45 competitors, depending on the level, with all different kinds of breeds,” Murray said.

Dogs are brought into the competition area individually by their owners to search. “In a competition you have four elements to search: vehicles, containers, interiors and exteriors.” The odors are hidden throughout the elements, and the dog must detect all of them as quickly as possible.

An owner may go into a competition knowing how many odors are hidden, but it is up to the dog to detect “the hide.”

There are three levels in the competition. In NW1, there is one hide located in each element search. The handler is aware that there is one. In NW2 and NW3 trials there are multiple hides and distractions in the search areas. At the NW3 level the handler does not know how many hides are in each search area. The handlers must trust their dogs to successfully play the game.

“The dog sources the odor. When it hits that source of odor, you make the call, and the judge lets you know if you are right,” she said.

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In the class I attended, the odor was kept in a small metal box, and a small treat was placed on top of the box. This way, the dog was rewarded immediately upon discovering the scent.

Nose Work creates focus in the dog and develops problem-solving skills. During the class, one of the dogs was watching while Murray hid an odor. “Sometimes, we have to fool them,” she said as she pretended to put the odor in a few different places. “That’s OK, that’s part of the problem-solving.”

I watched the two dogs in Murray’s intermediate-level class take turns finding the scents hidden on tables and chairs, in walls and on top of a broom. Each time the dogs were commanded to “seek,” they sniffed around the room until they found the scent. The owners stood outside the hunt area, holding treats, ready to reward.

Though the dogs knew their owners had treats, they stayed focused on finding the hidden odor. I could see that they were enjoying themselves, and the owners were too.

“K9 Nose Work is purely for the benefit of the dog,” Murray said. “It isn’t like anything else they learn. We spend a lot of time expecting dogs to conform to our world. K9 Nose Work is an opportunity for us to learn how things work in their world.”

If you are interested in learning more about the classes Murray offers, or you would like to volunteer for the K9 Nose Work Trial, visit www.cannycanine.com.

TRAINING TIPS

REWARDS ARE IMPORTANT. At the beginning of learning a new trick, always offer a reward for good behavior. The reward should be something the dog finds valuable. Make sure your pet knows it has successfully completed your request. Offering rewards when your pet exhibits good behavior on its own can instill a stronger drive to follow commands.

OFFER ALTERNATIVES TO BAD BEHAVIOR. Redirect the pet’s behavior to something else. For example, if a dog jumps up on you, simply saying “no” may result in the dog trying to jump from another angle. Redirect the dog from jumping again by giving the dog something he can do successfully, like “down” or “sit.”

BE CONSISTENT. If you want to create long-lasting, positive habits, set boundaries and stick to them. Let other people close to you know what kind of behavior is acceptable in your pet. Don’t let friends or family encourage bad behavior.

AVOID REINFORCING BAD BEHAVIOR. If your dog brings you a toy and then barks at you until you play, there is a good chance you have reinforced this undesirable behavior. Do not give in to or reward bad behavior. This teaches your dog that bad behavior pays off. Ignore the bad behavior and redirect your dog to follow your command before you throw a toy or offer a treat.

PATIENCE LEADS TO SUCCESS. Not all dogs learn at the same rate. The more time you spend with your pet, the more you will learn what works best.

Following through on basic commands like “sit” and “down” can typically be taught quickly. Innate behaviors, like barking, digging and peeing in the house can take more time to break. Be realistic with your expectations and consult a professional trainer. It is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, but some tricks will take longer to learn than others.

FOR PET’S SAKE | 9

ECO-FRIENDLY WEST PAW TOYS FAVORED BY PETS COAST TO COAST

It’s no surprise that a locally owned pet toy company would do well in Bozeman. We love our locally sourced goods almost as much as we love our pets. Still, the success that Spencer Williams is experiencing with West Paw Design is astounding to even the most business savvy.

“People love the fact that we are moving sustainability and our products are helping change the definition of success,” Williams said.

Williams is a fifth-generation Montanan and has always been an animal lover. In 1996, he heard that the Livingston pet toy company Pet Pals was for sale. Though he didn’t have much experience in manufacturing, Williams jumped at the chance to buy it. “Pet Pals was a really small company, but it was really well-run and it gave me the chance to learn about manufacturing,” he said.

As the company evolved, it was renamed West Paw. “We were able to create a world-class manufacturer of eco-friendly pet toys, all while staying true to our values,” he said.

Values are important to Spencer Williams. He knew that as his company grew, he needed a firm operating foundation that his employees could sign on to. Williams shut his company down for half a day to gather them together to discuss their ideas on West Paw’s mission and beliefs. “For us, it’s really important to create values that came from our staff,” he said.

That experience influenced how he continues to run his business. West Paw practices open book management; every employee has access to all company financials and a say in the development of new products. Additionally, Williams refuses to outsource. “A lot of people thought we could not be successful manufacturing our products in Montana,” he said.

Last year, West Paw Design celebrated its 20th anniversary, proving those people wrong. Forbes named West Paw Design one of the best small companies in America. Williams stays humble. “Business is ever-evolving and has ever-changing circumstances. We have had milestones of great success, but I wouldn’t say that we’ve ‘made it,’” he said.

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The future looks bright. West Paw has plans to work with another Certified B Corporation, Klean Kanteen, to support sustainability through an upcoming event. There are plans to expand the production facility and reach out to new markets.

“We are working on a couple new product lines that will bring more professional growth and create more jobs,” Williams said. “It is so fun to be in a business that creates joy from the connection that people have with their pets.”

If you are interested in purchasing West Paw Design products or finding a retailer, visit westpawdesign.com for more information.

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Zogoflex toys are super tough. If they are damaged they can be returned to the store or directly to the company. Then, the toys are broken down and completely remade. In 2013, West Paw became a cofounder of the Pet Sustainability Coalition and the first product manufacturer to become a Certified B Corporation, meaning it must meet rigorous standards of environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

What is your cat telling you?

Let’s work together to solve behavior issues:

• Litter box • Aggression • Inappropriate scratching • Kitten specific • Multi-cat household • More

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Some of those milestones include being the first company to use 100% post-consumed recycled plastic in products, including dog mats and toys. In 2004, West Paw introduced Zogoflex, a new material that Williams calls “an innovation of durability and recyclability, free of latex and BPAs.”

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BOZEMAN GIVES OUR PETS A REASON TO SMILE

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NUTRITION AND YOUR FUR BABY The world of animal nutrition is ever changing. Bozeman is a forward-thinking, health-conscious community, and we value taking care of our animals. These days, people are feeding their pets everything from dry kibble to raw, organic whole foods.

Choosing the right diet can ultimately determine how long our pets will live and how healthy they will be. Libby Burr, owner of Bridger Animal Nutrition, is a certified dietitian for dogs, cats, horses and humans who advocates providing species-appropriate foods for our animals.

“Food choice is important. Yes, I care about proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fiber, but I really care about what food you’re choosing to provide these nutrients because it has to be species-appropriate,” she said.

Species-appropriate food simply means feeding our pets the diet they’re designed to consume in nature. Chronic illness is becoming more common in our livestock and pets, and Burr says improper nutrition is to blame.

Not all pet owners are species-appropriate savvy. That’s why Burr offers diet consultations at Bridger Animal Nutrition. Each consultation lasts about 40 minutes, and she asks that the four-legged client accompany the pet parent so that she may spot things they might miss.

Burr reviews the pet’s curent diet and health history, and asks the client what their concerns and goals are. Together, they come up with a plan, and each is unique. Burr wants the path to health to be enjoyable and affordable.

“A lot of education comes out of this store,” she said. “I want you to reach your goals based on

your budget, comfort level and management style.” Some people simply can’t afford to feed their pet organic, raw foods, or don’t want toand that’s OK. There are affordable alternatives.

“Good food is good food. It’s foods that nourish and heal, not perpetuate illness. I am here to guide people,” she said.

Bridger Animal Feed stocks the healthiest, most progressive food choices available. Burr has freezers full of raw foods and rows of nutritionally balanced, freeze dried, dehydrated & kibbled foods. Once an animal begins following a species-appropriate diet, owners are sure to see many positive changes. “They poop less, they get sick less, they shed less, they eat less, they smell better, and their teeth are cleaner,” she said. “It is more cost-effective to be proactive than reactive.”

Spending a little more on food now can prevent you from spending a lot in the animal hospital emergency room later. Good food is health care. We love our pets. Feeding them nutritious foods is a way of ensuring that they live happy, healthy lives.

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LIBBY BURR’S

Vets Who Fetch.

DOS & DON’TS

OF ANIMAL NUTRITION

The following foods can have positive and negative effects on your pet’s health. Always check with an animal nutritionist or veterinarian about the proper amounts to give an animal.

DOS:

Fetching and Retrieving: Pet pickup/drop off Pet prescription refills Prescription dog & cat food

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Coconut Oil. Many species can eat coconut oil. It’s loaded with healthy fats and has been known to benefit skin and joints, and improve digestion.

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Sardines. This small, coldwater fish is beautifully balanced in omega fatty acids. Burr calls single, whole sardines a “mono-meal for a dog” because they provide the full spectrum of nutrients a dog needs.

However, she doesn’t recommend feeding them to cats, because contrary to popular belief, fish aren’t species appropriate for cats.

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Phytoplankton. This is a super dense, unadulterated source of omega fatty acids. Everybody can have phytoplankton, and it helps combat chronic disease.

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Canned or Raw Cat Food. It is important to provide wet food for domesticated cats as they are in a chronic state of dehydration.

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Natural Diets for Herbivores. Our horses and rabbits should have plenty of pasture time and fresh, clean water. Also, a salt-free loose mineral should be available at all times.

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Eggs. If you’re on a budget but still want to provide a natural, nutritious amino acid-packed topper to your dog or cat’s diet, give them some egg! Burr recommends two to three raw eggs a week for your 50-pound dog and one raw egg a week for your kitty, and don’t forget the shell!

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Corn, Wheat, Soy and Synthetics. Avoid these natural and artificial foods at all costs. They cause inflammation, cancer, diabetes and renal failure, and exacerbate arthritis and auto-immune disorders.

HEART OF THE VALLEY WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER!

Adopt. Educate. Act. heartofthevalleyshelter.org

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IS YOU R N EW BES T FR IEND WAITING AT

HEART OF THE VALLEY

ANIMAL SHELTER As I drove out to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, I kept telling myself, “This is only for an interview.” I already have a dog, as well as joint custody of a cat. I don’t need another pet, but maybe you do.

animals and children, and if they are prone to bad behavior, like biting. Then he and community volunteers work with the animals to curb any bad behaviors.

“If you’re looking to add a companion to your family, think adoption first,” Operations Director Sharon Burnett said. In 2016, Heart of the Valley cared for around 2,800 animals. They are sure to have the perfect pet for your household.

The public can come check out animals from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day of the week. “If there is an animal someone is interested in, then we have them work with one of our adoption counselors to tell them about the pet, find out what kind of pet they are looking for and if they are going to be a good match,” Burnett said. “If there is another dog in the family, we ask that they bring the dog in to meet the potential new dog.” Adopters are required to fill out an application form. If an adopter is a renter, Heart of the Valley requires consent from the landlord that they allow pets. The adoption fee is $30 to $200, much cheaper than buying a pet from a breeder.

Last month, on any given day, Heart of the Valley was caring for 35 dogs and 117 cats. “We have purebreds. We had a German Shorthaired Pointer last month, we’ve had a Siberian Husky and purebred Saint Bernards up for adoption,” said Canine Behaviorist Ben Donoghue. Unclaimed strays, surrendered pets and rescues make up the adoption pool at the no-kill, open admission shelter.

Executive Director Marla Caulk expects it to be a busy spring. “We will probably adopt out around 600 kittens,” she said.

That will be a lot of work for the vets, as every adoptable pet is given medical attention. “They are all up-to-date on their vaccines, spayed, neutered, de-wormed and microchipped,” Burnett said. “If they have fleas, we take care of that too.”

Donoghue works with the dogs as they come into the shelter to complete a behavioral assessment for each animal’s file. He tests to see if they have any previous training, if they are good with other

Shelter staffers are celebrating 10 years at their current facility, and they are grateful to have so much community support. “This is a facility that the community built. It took volunteer leadership, and the community funds approximately 80 percent of our operating budget every year,” Caulk said. Today, Heart of the Valley has 300 volunteers, and they are always looking for more. In addition to offering pet adoption, the shelter also offers services ranging from food assistance to educational programs. If you are interested in adopting a pet or learning more abut volunteer opportunities, visit www.heartofthevalleyshelter.org.

ARE YOU READY FOR A PET? HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER: *HOW ARE YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS?

Canine Behaviorist Ben Donoghue says time management is the most important part of welcoming a new pet to the family. Do you have time to get your new pet on a routine feeding schedule? Train your new pet and give it the attention it deserves? How much time will you be able to spend with your pet every day?

*CAN YOU AFFORD YOUR NEW PET?

The pet adoption fee isn’t the only money you’ll spend. Adopting is a great way to cut initial pet expenses. Still, pet food, future vaccinations, toys and potential vet bills can add up. Make sure you can afford to properly take care of your pet.

*WHAT IS YOUR ENERGY LEVEL?

Are you an outdoorsy person? Do you like to go to dog parks? Do you have a big

family or a mellow household? Consider your energy level when choosing a pet.

You don’t want to get an active working breed if you never go on walks or spend time outside.

*DO YOU ALREADY HAVE A PET?

Does your pet get along with other pets? Do you have time for another pet? Heart of the Valley asks that existing dogs come in and meet potential new canines. It is important to make sure everyone can get along.

*WILL YOU HAVE TIME FOR THE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD? Shelter pets, especially cats, will go through an adjustment period. Do you you have time to support a pet while it becomes a new member of the family? Do you have a safe space, like a crate or room, for the animal to go if it becomes overwhelmed?

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A DOG’S LIFE AND CHANGING DIET Veterinarian Dr. Thomas Jakob graduated from North Carolina State University and completed his residency at Tufts University in Massachusetts. He has been in private practice ever since, with 10 years at Bozeman’s Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital under his belt.

to raid the cat box, eat poop and chew on everything.

According to Jakob, there are four stages to a dog’s life, and pet owners should expect to alter the diet with each stage.

Puppy owners should expect to vary the amount of food they give their puppies. A good test of whether your puppy is getting enough food is to feel its rib cage. If the ribs are sticking out like a ladder, you need to increase the amount of food you give your puppy. If you can’t feel any ribs at all, cut back.

NEONATAL STAGE

ADULT STAGE

This short stage encompasses the first 3 weeks of a dog’s life.

Newborn puppies’ diets consist of their mother’s milk. The milk gets the little dogs started, providing them with vital nutrients.

Though this stage is brief, it is important not to interfere with the natural order.

If you do have to care for newborn puppies without the help of the mother, check with your vet about proper care.

As the young dog is weened, it enters puppyhood.

PUPPY STAGE

This stage begins at age 3 to 4 weeks and lasts 10 to 12 months.

From ages 8 to 12 weeks, young dogs can double in size.

“The biggest early problem is that people underfeed puppies, because they change so quickly,” Jakob said. Underfed puppies tend 18 | FOR PET’S SAKE

At about 1 year, your puppy has reached the adult stage. The length of adulthood depends on the breed of the dog. Giant breeds are adults for 5 to 6 years, large breeds have a 7- to 8-year adulthood, and small dogs have about 10 years.

For the most part, your dog is done growing, and no longer needs the additional calories and fats found in puppy food. What your dog needs is protein.

“Protein is the most expensive ingredient in dog foods, so if dog food brands cut back anywhere, it’s usually in protein,” Jakob said.

Check dog food labels to make sure the food is made up of 20 percent to 30 percent protein. This amount helps maintain muscle mass and provides energy, especially for working breeds. Giving your dog a little cottage cheese or an egg can ensure that they receive extra protein in their diet.

PREVENTIVE STEPS TO KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY Try a vet-recommended supplement. Dr. Jakob recommends a glucosamine supplement for big dogs to help with joint pain and arthritis. Other supplements can provide any nutrients that may be lacking in the diet.

Keep your dog lean. Obesity in dogs can cause type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease and more.

Deal with problems before they become chronic. Any inflammation for an extended period of time can lead to cancer. Experimenting with vet-recommended food options can save a lot of trips to the veterinary hospital later in life.

Complete mediCal, SurgiCal & ChiropraCtiC ServiCeS for dogs, cats and horses

GERIATRIC STAGE

Know the different health concerns of your dog’s breed. Is your pet prone to nutritional deficiencies, kidney failure or cancer? Food can be the best medicine for your pet as it ages, but be aware that older dogs can also develop allergies to food. Food allergies are manifested as irritated skin. Ask your vet to point you in the right direction if you notice your older dog has developed a food allergy.

Determining whether a diet is working for a dog is as simple as looking at the animal. Does it have a healthy coat and is it active and lean?

If so, it is probably getting all of its essential nutrients and vitamins from its food. If your dog is lethargic and has dull hair, there’s a good chance you need to change the food. Try something different with your dog’s food.

“Dogs are omnivores so they’ll eat just about anything: fruits, vegetables, meats. The fresher the food, the better,” Jakob said. Taking the time to determine which diet works best for your pet can ensure that it lives a long and healthy life.

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“Obesity is probably the biggest problem. They don’t move as well.

Their metabolism slows down,” Jakob said.

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As your dog enters the golden years, continue to maintain a high-protein diet. You should expect to decrease the amount of food you have been feeding your dog.

FOR PET’S SAKE | 19

I N T E R M O U N TA I N

THERAPY ANIMALS: VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR PET When Nancy Rosen began volunteering with Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) in Salt Lake City in 1998, she knew she was in the right place. Intermountain Therapy Animals is a nonprofit volunteer organization. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life through the human-animal bond.

“I started with my first therapy dog, Maggie,” she said. “And soon after, I got KC, my second therapy Bichon.” Rosen began working part-time for ITA. In 2001, she came to Bozeman to host her first therapy animal workshop.

A few months later, she moved to Bozeman and brought the organization with her. She is now the Montana Coordinator of ITA. The local chapter has been going strong since 2002, with 60 volunteer teams in Bozeman, and two additional chapters in Billings and Helena.

A therapy animal is different from a service animal. “A service animal is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and allowed full access everywhere. To require a service animal, you need to have a life-limiting disability. Therapy animals are our own pets, and they have no rights under the ADA,” Rosen said. Therapy teams go to retirement homes, hospitals and places where they provide a living distraction from any pain or difficulties people are experiencing.

A volunteer team is made up of a human and his or her animal companion. While most therapy animals are dogs, almost any pet can become a registered therapy animal. The ITA’s website lists cats, birds, rabbits, goats, miniature pigs and several other animals as qualified therapy pets.

“We have a donkey here that’s a therapy animal, and someone recently contacted me about a chicken,” Rosen said.

To become a registered team, candidates set up an interview with an area ITA coordinator. Rosen sends out in-depth information about the commitment and requirements.

“During the interview, we assess the animal’s suitability and the genuine interest of the person,” she said. “We look for animals that truly want to engage with people.”

20 | FOR PET’S SAKE

After the interview, Rosen conducts a daylong workshop for

ITA. Again, these animals don't have to be dogs. There are R.E.A.D.™

handlers, instructing them in how to prepare themselves and

cats, guinea pigs and rabbits.

their animals for therapy visits. A week after the workshop is the evaluation. At this point, Rosen wants to make sure animals know basic obedience. She tests their temperament, and how they react to loud noises, wheelchairs and other neutral animals.

“We don’t want to frighten the animal, but we do want to expose them to what they would normally be exposed to on a visit.”

Once teams pass the evaluation, they are required to attend new member orientation. New teams shadow existing teams before going on solo visits. Volunteer visits last about an hour.

During visits, the handler is just as important as the pet. “You form relationships with the people. The dog is the catalyst. I had a volunteer who used to go to Mountain View Care Center with her Newfoundland. After the first five minutes, the dog was asleep on the floor, but she stayed for two hours talking to the people.”

Visiting retirement homes and hospitals isn’t the only option ITA offers. There is also a program called R.E.A.D.™, or Reading Education Assistance Dogs. It began in 1999, and encourages children who are struggling with reading to try reading to dogs. The animal makes no judgments, and this puts the child at ease. Today, there are more than 6,000 registered R.E.A.D.™ teams worldwide. Rosen also offers the R.E.A.D.™ training. It requires the dog to be a registered therapy dog, though it does not have to be registered with

One of Rosen’s favorite therapy visits was with a man who had had a stroke. He was in a retirement home in Salt Lake City. He was sitting lethargically in his wheelchair, and Rosen put her therapy dog, Maggie, on his tray. As she took Maggie away at the end of the visit, the man perked up and said, “OK, bye!”

“The staff had never heard him talk,” she said. “You have these moments, not all of them are ‘wow’ moments, but you do get them.

It's pretty neat.”

COULD YOUR PET BE A THERAPY ANIMAL? If you are interested in volunteering with Intermountain Therapy Animals, visit www.therapyanimals.org and complete the following steps: Read “Volunteering with Your Animal” for more information.

Complete the ITA Self Assessment.

Watch the video.

Read “Teaching and Training Philosophy.”

If you decide you and your animal are ready to proceed, make an interview appointment by calling Rosen at 406-522-7220.

FOR PET’S SAKE | 21

SMALL DOG REALTY GIVES BIG FOR THE CAUSE Pam McCutcheon has been in the real estate business for more than 17 years, earning several certifications including her Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Broker License, Green Certification and GRI designation. She had experienced success running a bed and breakfast in Livingston and selling vacation homes, but she felt a need to connect more with her neighborhood.

Her “Aha!” moment came after adopting her sweet little dog, Piper. Knowing that many animal shelters in Montana were in need of financial help, she decided to donate 5 percent of her profits from every home sale to the shelter of her choice.

In 2012, she went a step further, starting her own real estate company, Small Dog Realty, with the slogan, “Helping the dog community one sale at a time.”

Since then, she has made generous donations to several animal shelters, including Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston, Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter in Eureka, and Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter in Butte.

Eventually, she felt donating wasn't enough. “People said, 'Oh, that's a great gimmick,' but that was never my intent,” she said. She had a genuine interest in helping homeless animals, and she realized she could do more.

McCutcheon decided she wanted to educate the public on the importance and practicality of adopting. "It is important that people adopt instead of purchase; you can get any kind of dog you want," she said.

Putting out newsletters and sponsoring events to benefit

ANIMAL REGISTRATION AND PERMITS IN GALLATIN COUNTY Registering your pet is not only the responsible thing to do, it is legally required in Bozeman. Municipal pet violations may be civil or criminal.

Civil violations are typically issued for not having a license for your pet, not cleaning up after your pet or not having your pet under control. Fines for these violations range from $50 to $100. Repeat offenders, though uncommon in Bozeman, can be charged criminally and may be required to appear in court.

Court fees and violations can get expensive.

Registering your pet is simple and saves you money in the long run.

URBAN CHICKEN CODE Owning chickens requires a Chicken Permit.

The number of chickens you may own depends on the square footage of your property. For the first 3,000 square feet, you are allowed four chickens. Each additional 1,000 square feet allows for an additional bird, capping off at 15 chickens total.

No roosters allowed! Roosters crow at all hours and warrant noise complaints.

22 | FOR PET’S SAKE

adoption would be a great way to reach out the human side of the equation, she decided.

She started writing articles providing facts on shelter dogs and keeping dog parks clean, and she began hosting events.

Partnering with Stafford Animal Shelter, she hosts “First Fridays Bark and Wine,” a gathering at her Livingston realty office, 523 W. Park St., 4-6 p.m. the first Friday of every month.

The Shelter provides a couple of pets and people stop by to enjoy wine and snacks and learn about the adoption process or volunteer opportunities at the shelter. Guests can also begin the process to adopt the pets they meet at the event.

McCutcheon has also emceed and sponsored Bark in the Park. This summer event, held in Livingston, features a dog friendly 5k run, pet costume contests, obstacle courses and longest dock jump competition. She also sponsors pet adoptions, pays for neutering and spaying, runs pet food drives and features a “Pet of the Week” in collaboration with Beaverhead Animal Shelter in Dillon. McCutcheon continues to donate at her discretion.

Small Dog doesn't just make a difference in the lives of homeless pets all over the state. “Most of the agents who work for Small Dog are active volunteers,” she said. Her employees have also volunteered with THRIVE, HRDC, the Gateway School Board and Rotary. In addition, some agents coach football, lacrosse and baseball.

"When you're making a living from your community, you need to give back to your community,” she said.

CHICKEN COOPS HAVE TO PASS AN INSPECTION. Coops must be predator-proof, warm and supply enough space for chickens. City code requires that chicken coops are 20 feet from adjacent buildings.

Chickens do not require any vaccinations.

CATS AND DOGS If you live in Bozeman more than 15 days a year, and have a cat or dog over 6 months of age, you are required to register your pet with the City of Bozeman.

The only legally required vaccine for cats and dogs is rabies, which is communicable to humans.

Take proof of rabies vaccination to City Hall or Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter.

There is a license fee. Spayed/neutered pet: $5 for cats, $10 for dogs. Not spayed or neutered: $10 for cats, $25 for dogs.

Registering your pet can save lots of money. If your pet is registered and lost, Animal Control can return it safely home rather than taking it to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter.

Picking up your unlicensed pet from the shelter will add boarding fees on top of the citation from the city.

Licenses are good for one calendar year.

WORK CAN BE RUFF

The Gallatin Valley loves its pets. In 2016, 694 cats and 2,296 dogs were registered in the city of Bozeman. We boast our own pet toy manufacturing company, multiple off-leash dog parks, a wide selection of veterinary clinics, pet hospice services, shops completely dedicated to pet and livestock nutrition, dog friendly restaurants and stores. These days, Bozemanites are even bringing their animals to work.

Printing for Less, Oracle and Brickhouse Creative all have dog friendly work environments. At the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, you are likely to find at least two dogs in the building most days. My dog, Chubbs, is present almost every day. She takes laps around the office to sniff out which colleagues keep treats in their cubicles. Monday is her favorite day of the week. She goes from Accounting to Editorial to Circulation and back to Advertising, each department offering her at least one treat and plenty of affection.

Fortunately, Chubbs’ increase in treats hasn’t had an effect on her waistline. I live roughly a mile from the Chronicle, and on the days I bring my dog, we try to walk. We walk from two to four miles, depending on whether I go home for lunch or pick up my car on our lunch break. If the weather stays nice all week, we can clock 10 to 20 miles just going to and from work. Chubby Dog works off the treats and I also reap the benefits of the exercise.

Turns out my coworkers are benefiting from having dogs at work too. Having pets in the office is said to lower stress and boost morale. Every time my derpy little dog does something silly, like trying to trade her less-favored treats for someone’s

lunch, we all take a break to laugh. Coworkers stressed about deadlines come over to my cubicle to rub Chubbs’ ears and belly. It’s pretty relaxing for everyone involved.

On my way out the door or to the breakroom, I’ll usually run into a coworker who has a funny story about my dog making her morning rounds or hiding her treats throughout the office. All of the sudden, there is this nice dialogue that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Actually, I’m pretty sure my coworkers know Chubbs’ name better than mine, and she hasn’t worked here nearly as long as I have.

Having pets in the office can have some downsides. Chubbs seems pretty confident that she is running the actual newspaper, so she can get a little bossy sometimes. When the other office dog, Breakfast, arrives at work, she likes to bark to announce his presence.

When there was an accident in Editorial, I kept Chubbs home for a couple of weeks. Even then, I was approached by several different Chronicle employees, inquiring about Chubbs’ banishment and eventual return.

“She’ll be back, soon, right?” and “I don’t see why we should all have to suffer,” and “Those people in Editorial probably deserved it,” were all things I heard for the two weeks Chubbs was out of the office.

Even with Chubbs annoying habits and occasional bad behavior, my Chronicle colleagues look forward to having her around. So, thank you, Chubbs. You keep our productivity high and our blood pressure low. Good little dog.

FOR PET’S SAKE | 23

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