THE MAGAZINE TO INSPIRE HAPPINESS & HEALTH FOR CALGARY DOGS.
Volume 2 Issue 1
Radish
Looking for a new adventure spot with your dog? The 2017 Calgary Dog Life Off-Leash Park Guide comes out in April!
Visit calgarydoglife.com to find out where you can pick up your own copy today!
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE
EVERY ISSUE
8
4 5 6
RIDING THE RAILS IN CALGARY
10 WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING
Puppy parenting for the 20 somethings: A candid recount of lessons learned.
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JACKETS, BOOTS AND CANINE MASSAGE
Canine Massage Practitioner Valerie Black highlights the benefits of massage to protect your pooch from the cold effects of winter.
20 AUBURN BAY PARK Now open for business.
34 YYC PET RECOVERY
A pawsome group of volunteers are working to reunite lost family members! One animal at a time.
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FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS Founder of BowDog Canine Specialists, Hailey Seidel, opens up about her life with dogs and why she is proud to call YYC home.
EDITORS’ LETTER CONTRIBUTORS THE HYDRANT Local Dog News.
14 HANGING OUT IN YYC PARKS 18 THE DIY DOG A cozy no-sew dog bed that’s sure to get your dog’s approval.
24 WHY YOUR DOG IS GREAT IN 8 Personal submissions of what makes your dog great.
26 SUPERHERO SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Judith Samson-French is giving the Dogs With No Names the chance at a better life.
32 DOG FRIENDLY 5 local spots to hit with your dog.
40 YYC DOGS OF INSTAGRAM 50 IN LOVING MEMORY Our dogs remembered.
42 BUDDY A second chance for an old dog. Bring tissue.
46 WINTER FIT TIPS Has the cold weather got you and your dog hibernating? Check out these ideas to get you both outside to have a little fun.
48 PAWPRINTS ON THE HEART
Now there are more ways than ever to pay tribute to our dogs. Take a look at some creative ideas to memorialize your beloved friend.
ON THE COVER: Radish
Radish, 9 year old mixed breed. He is the quintessential perfect dog and enjoys long walks on the beaches of the Bow River, keeping his 4 dog siblings in line and a good chin massage. If you see him out with his pack stop to say herro! Photographed in the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs by Sandy L Smith of Cameras & Canines Fine Photography.
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Sarah & Boomer
EDITORS’ LETTER When
we began contemplating ideas for this issue of the magazine, we noticed a recurring theme showing up in our content around the unique and inspirational things that people have done to pay tribute to their dogs. As we moved forward with this idea and got busy organizing stories and photos that would be sure to please our readers, things started to shift. Some ideas got changed, some got a little refined, and some derailed completely. We learned quickly, that much like our dogs, we just needed to be adaptable, stay open to new possibilities, and take life as it comes. “Roll with the punches” as they say! The dogs told us: “Who’s got time to stress when there are dog parks to explore and smells to sniff anyways?” We agree. That’s just another one of the insightful perspectives that dogs can bring to our lives, isn’t it? The truth is, they impart many gifts in our lives. A big one that stood out for us lately was their ability to ignite our human capacity for greatness. And over the past few months, we’ve been connecting with just that. We have been fortunate to work with many talented writers, photographers, and entrepreneurs. As our content continued to evolve, we were touched and inspired by the stories of dedicated volunteers reuniting lost dogs with their families, and compassionate people giving a second chance to an otherwise overlooked senior canine. We were impressed by millennials taking on passion projects, and have witnessed the sense of camaradery and community that dogs seem to foster amongst Calgarians. We even had the thrill of meeting Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden, who is lending her voice to the “Dogs with No Names” initiative, and the amazing Pearls 365 project! It has been an always exciting, sometimes overwhelming... mostly fun… issue in the making! And with that, may you enjoy this issue! We hope that the stories we have put together awaken some of your own dog-inspired, human greatness to be unleashed into the world as well. Now we’re off to play in the snow!
Jodie & Sarah
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Photos: Quantum Images Inc. | Amber Jay Photography
Jodie & Chai
PUBLISHER Calgary Dog Life Publications Volume 2 Issue 1 EDITORS & CREATIVE DIRECTORS Sarah Daloise Jodie Hebbard
Doggy Doodles
DESIGN Courtney Marshall CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS Tara Columbus Samantha Jans Jill Perras Christine Rachar Paige Leigh Reist PHOTOGRAPHERS Cameras and Canines Fine Photography Nayla Chamoun Photography SarahAnn Dog Photography WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO: Jann Arden Valerie Black Jo Ann & Kali Jennifer Dooley Judith Samson-French Carrie and Jessie Fritz Inga Morozoff Hailey Seidel Lea-Anne Wilke Jessica Wry Jen, Dave & Zoey Nikyla, Kyle & Aviva
Nikyla, Age 9 “Windsor”
PRINT Printcor Print and Distribution Advertising Inquiries Email: info@calgarydoglife.com www.calgarydoglife.com Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @calgarydoglife Contents copyright © 2016 by Calgary Dog Life Publications and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Calgary Dog Life Publications. Calgary Dog Life Publications will not be responsible for any damages or losses as a result of the use of the reader and any information, opinions or products expressed, advertised, or otherwise stated.
Kyle, Age 8 “Luna” CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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The Hydrant Local dog news We want to know! What is the funniest thing you have said to your dog? Local filmmaker Josiah Albers is documenting a happy ending for the Milk River Dogs. This high school student was first introduced to many of the rescued dogs at Klassic Kennels, in his hometown of Red Deer, Alberta. He watched as they first came into shelter care and began to witness their healing transformation in the hands of committed, kind individuals. Inspired by what he saw, Josiah set out on a unique documentary project - the story of 201 dogs being rescued, rehabilitated and brought back together. He spent the better part of his summer traveling across Alberta interviewing and filming many of the adopting families and reconnecting with the dogs he had met. His focus throughout was that of redemption – that a dark beginning can be transformed into light. The ambitious teen secured local sponsors to help back the project including travel donated by dog-loving car company, Subaru! He also set up a successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign to ensure enough funds to complete the entire filmmaking process. After spending the better part of the year on his project, this past October he hosted a hugely successful reunion party for the dogs and their guardians to attend.
Enter our poll by e-mailing your answer to info@calgarydoglife.com
Calling all young creatives! Send us your dog artwork for a chance to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Rules for Submissions:
1. Have your parents e-mail a copy of your artwork (file must be 1MB or larger). 2. Include your dog’s name, your name, and your age. E-mail your submissions to info@calgarydoglife.com
He shared with us one thing he learned: that no matter their past and their story, dogs can teach us that none of that matters. All there is is today - and Today is a Good Day. Follow the Milk River Dogs on Facebook for information on where you can watch the full documentary! www.facebook.com/MilkRiverDogs
“Chewie” Photography by Aviva - Age 9 66
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everyone thinks they have the best dog. and none of them are wrong.
- w.r. purche
Calgary Dog, Snowy CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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Riding The Rails in Calgary
Did you know? Dogs can ride the rails and hop on the bus in YYC! Yep, since 2012. Not only can they ride, it is FREE! Check out these YYC Dogs on their ride!
Dogs are welcome on board both Calgary buses and C-trains without any restrictions on hours. All pups must be on a leash and on their best behaviour during their ride. Other pets can also board transit provided they are in a secure carrier‌.even cats!
Photos: Jessica Wry @weo1weo1weo1 8 CALGARY DOG LIFE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats by Christine Rachar
2 1/2 cups wholewheat flour 2 eggs 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (use 100% pumpkin) 2 tbsp peanut butter 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon Preheat oven to 350°C Mix all ingredients until it is a pliable dough Roll out and use your favourite cookie cutter shape Bake 40 minutes
A O
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AC
KS F R E H OR T
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G N TI C E P X E E ’R U O Y N E H W T C E P WHAT TO EX s in becoming a dog mom Lesson
By Samantha Jans Getting a puppy for the first time at any age can be tricky. But being in your 20s and still trying to figure out the basics of adulting can make the puppyhood stage especially trying. I read what felt like hundreds of articles, watched dozens of those Dogs 101 YouTube videos and pre-bought toys, beds, and bowls. I successfully convinced my boyfriend that getting a dog was a good idea, elevated the cat’s food bowls, and even researched how to bring my dog on an airplane. When I adopted Patty on July 21, 2015, I was certain that I was ready and that puppy parenting would be a cinch.
Photographed by: Nayla Chamoun Photography
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Within two weeks I knew I was wrong very, very wrong. It seems like most of the information out there about puppyhood makes it sound pretty straightforward. They say “sure, they’ll have an accident on the floor every now and again or might eat a shoe, but ultimately it will be a 90% positive experience.” I’m going to share with you the real side of the puppy experience that no one talks about and some of the lifestyle changes you will make as a young adult to live the dog parent life. Your friends might not love your dog, in fact, they might not like dogs at all. A lot of my close friends are animal lovers, and I thought that somehow that would magically extend to all of my friends. I soon learned that not everyone likes having their faces licked and a little pup walking all over them. Having friends visit ended up being quite a chore when Patty was a puppy. If it were just me and a friend home, I’d spend more time chasing Patty around and making sure she wasn’t peeing on something, than I would hanging out with my friend. Other friends didn’t understand the need for consistent training and would
ignore my request to turn around when Patty jumped or to not let her nibble on their fingers. It’s important to socialize your dog and get them used to having friends in their home, but I quickly found that it’s also important to pick and choose who is helping socialize. Sometimes it’s better to meet friends away from home if they will impede training or add more stress during this transitional phase. Training won’t be as easy as the teachers in puppy school make it seem. Before I adopted Patty, I could tell you the exact process for everything I wanted to train her to do. I was armed with treats and ready to positively reinforce my dog until she was a master of everything. All of the dogs online seemed to be so good - teach the dog the trick, give them a treat, say the command, and they had it aced. What they neglected to provide solutions for were all of the times that my dog would rather jump up and try to eat the treats out of my hand, or when she would just stand there confused. Training a dog is a skill that takes hours of patience, persistence, and trust, and in most cases is much harder
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than any 5-minute video makes it seem. That said, the first time my dog sat on the first try was extraordinarily rewarding for both her and I. While she hasn’t progressed to do anything Superdogs worthy, she is happy to put on “the Patty Show” whenever friends come over; flaunting her knowledge of sit, stay, shake-a-paw and even, when she’s in the mood, a roll over. Your dog needs you more than you realize and sometimes that means saying no to the party on a Friday night. I knew before getting a dog that I would need to spend more time at home than I ever did before. But I didn’t realize that dogs notice when you have a busy week and when you don’t make time for them. I learned this the hard way a few months after getting Patty. I had a particularly busy week, and I was working a lot of overtime. Wednesday I was home late and had to rush off to an appointment about an hour after I got back. Thursday it was the same thing, and Friday I left work on time but had an event to go to in the evening. In my head, Patty had food, water, and a walk after work so that should have been sufficient. Instead, I came home to accidents in my bed, garbage bins emptied all over the floor, and a very hyper dog. At first I was angry at her for misbehaving, but then I realized that I had to take most of the blame. At the time she was only a few months old and had spent almost three days entirely on her own. It was then that I realized that just meeting basic needs isn’t enough. I recognized that she needs quality time, exercise, snuggles, and to be in contact with her humans throughout the day. Now, one-and-a-half years later, Patty and I get each other. I’m typing this as she is sleeping on my lap, (snoring I might add), and I’d rather be doing this than almost anything else. The puppy stage has unique demands and challenges, but all of your hard work and dedication will pay off. There were days where I questioned my decision to become a puppy parent, but all that disappeared as my dog got older and our bond grew stronger. I have gotten to a point where I can’t imagine life without Patty, and all of the training struggles that caused so much frustration at the time have become nothing more than funny stories and lessons learned. Getting a puppy is a big commitment that requires time, patience, and dedication, but the bond you will build with your dog is like nothing you’ve ever experienced and is worth every effort.
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Check out the dogs...
Hanging Out in YYC Parks!
Gig i Leash Inglewoo d Off-
Knox eek Fish Cr
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Frank lin So uthland
Whistler Bowmont Park
Farley Rideau Ro xboro Park
Ceili Sue Higg ins
Ne d So uthland
Hank nd u So thla
Ekon h Okotoks Off-Leas
14
th
Kodiak Street SW Park
Baxter Nose Hill
Jake
Beans Cochrane
C hamp Brittania Pa rk
Edwor Olive
k thy Par
Want to see your pup in print? Rules for Submissions: 1. Take a close, well lit shot of your dog at the park. 2. Photo must be 1MB or larger (the largest file size your phone can send). 3. Include your dog’s name and the park name. E-mail your submissions to info@calgarydoglife.com CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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Sponsored Content
JACKETS,BOOTS AND CANINE MASSAGE By Valerie Black - Certified Canine Massage Practitioner
WITH WINTER UPON US, it is
so important to keep in mind the effects that cold weather has on our canine companions. Many people assume that because dogs have fur, they cannot get frostbite or hypothermia. But this is not true. Dogs need to be protected from the frigid cold, just as humans do, especially if exposed for prolonged periods of time. While jackets and boots are essential when they are outside, preparing them before they go outside is even more important. Cold weather puts stress on the body by inhibiting blood flow, which subsequently tightens muscles and creates an imbalance. When muscles are tight and rigid, movement is limited, which in turn can cause joint inflammation
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and constriction of the fascia (the thin sheath of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds, separates and binds muscles together). This in turn can cause muscle stiffness and soreness and these effects can also intensify the pain from arthritis and hip dysplasia. Canine massage helps to alleviate the stress of cold weather by warming muscles and fascia. Circulation is increased by pumping in fresh blood and oxygen, which enables the body to function at its maximum capacity. Massage not only alleviates muscle stiffness and discomfort, it keeps excessive fluid out of inflamed joints, alleviates fascial constriction and chronic pain, and can provide comfort to dogs
with orthopedic concerns. Muscles can contract and relax at their normal resting length, which improves elasticity and flexibility to help your dog feel less tense and more agile. Massage produces a natural form of pain relief by releasing chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your dog’s brain which then reduce their perception of pain. Through muscular and fascial support, canine massage improves your dog’s posture, balance and gait to help them be more resilient to cope with icy conditions. Emotional calming from massage also helps to relieve stress and anxiety, which can be beneficial at this time of year when days are shorter.
Just as winter clothing is not just a trendy fashion statement for dogs, canine massage is not just a passing fad. If the temperature outside is freezing, keep an eye out for signs of frostbite, such as shivering, weakness, and changes in skin colour (often pale grey or blueish). Frostbite most commonly affects the tips of the ears, the paws, and the tail, with smaller breeds being more susceptible. To help prevent frostbite or hypothermia, be sure to dress your dog appropriately with a warm jacket, or sweater, and boots. Winter clothing is not just a trendy fashion statement for dogs anymore. Proper clothing will help to keep your dog warm from the outside in. Canine massage supplies nutrients and oxygen to the dog’s body, increases blood flow to alleviate physical and emotional pain, improves the quality and health of their coat and skin, enhances flexibility, muscle tone and range of motion, and improves their digestion and respiration.
In addition, massage boosts the immune system by flushing toxins and increasing the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body, which aids in your dog’s ability to resist germs and illness, helping to keep them healthier overall. Compression is a simple massage technique that you can safely perform on your dog. It involves placing the hand in a flat, stationary position, then pressing down firmly, but gently, into the underlying tissue. This is beneficial for the thighs, shoulders and anywhere else on the body that needs warming. Compression not only warms the tissue and muscles in preparation for going out into the cold, it is also very calming and relaxing.
Performing massage before and after your dog is exposed to the cold will help to keep their bodies warm and healthy from the inside out. Winter cold can put a damper on outdoor fun here in Calgary, but as long as you prepare your dog to withstand the frigid weather, your outing can be safe and enjoyable. Just don’t forget the three essentials - jackets, boots and canine massage!
Cold, dry air can dehydrate your dog inside and out. It is important that your dog drinks a sufficient amount of water in the winter, because although cooler temperatures enable dogs to play longer, drinking enough water is critical. Dehydration can contribute to fascial constriction and discomfort, and going into cold air and back into the dry heat of the home repeatedly can cause dry, flaky skin. Massage helps to prevent the pain and discomfort of dehydration through endorphin release, and it stimulates sebaceous glands which increases oil production. This process promotes healthier, hydrated skin and hair, and dry, dead skin cells and hairs are removed through the massage strokes. Valerie Black is an insured, certified Canine Massage Practitioner who has been practicing in Calgary and the surrounding area for over three years. She is certified in Therapeutic Maintenance, Performance (athletes and working dogs) and Rehabilitation Massage. Sessions are performed in-home to provide a calm, relaxed, stress-free environment for your dog. Visit www.pawsitivetouchmassage.ca CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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The DIY Dog
Every dog needs a comfy place to lay their head down after a busy day of walks, playing, and loving their human! Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect bed that not only suits your dog but looks great as well. This fun tutorial shows you how to create your own one-ofa-kind dog bed. By: Christine Rachar @ Boneties and Bling • • • •
1 standard bed pillow (26 inches by 20 inches) 2 pieces of fabric (that are at least 35 inches by 29 inches) 2 spools of matching lace or ribbon (optional) Scissors
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*Adjust material accordingly if you would like to create a larger bed. The width and length of the fabric should be a minimum of 9 inches larger than the dimensions of the pillow on all four sides to allow for cutting and volume of the pillow.
9 in.
}
What you’ll need:
No-Sew Dog Bed 2. Starting in the middle of each edge and working outward
toward the corners, cut 1.5-inch wide by 3-inch deep strips in both layers of fabric simultaneously. Stop cutting a minimum of 4-inches from each end. The extra space on each corner ensures that the material is not cut off of the bed entirely and that the corners can be tied off and sealed.
1. Place one piece of fabric on a large flat surface. Place the second piece of fabric over the first, matching all four corners. Ensure desired ‘finished bed’ sides are facing outwards. See diagram
}
4 in.
}
35 in. x 29 in.
Ensure both pieces of fabric stay lined up as you cut. See diagrams
Strips are 3 in. x 1.5 in.
}
How to:
4 in.
3. After all four sides are cut, tie the top and bottom fabric strips together on three sides. Then insert the pillow in between the two pieces of fabric through the open end and tie the strips on the remaining open side. See diagram
1.
4. Cut lace into approximately 6-inch pieces and secure them to the bed by tying them around each knot. (For a fuller look add two pieces of lace per knot, or vary the lengths of lace around each knot).
Share you own dog projects! #DoglifeDIY
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Featuring images of our contest winner, Kali!
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Photographed by: SarahAnn Dog Photography
Open for some seriously fun business - in Auburn Bay. After three long years, residents in the southeast community of Auburn Bay finally have the dog park they’ve been waiting for! Located in the southeast corner of the city at the intersection of 52nd Street and Auburn Bay Drive, the park is both easy to see and access by car and foot. For those lucky pooches travelling there by vehicle, the excitement really starts to kick in at the corner of Stoney Trail and 52 Street S.E. where many pups can be heard barking. “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?!!” The off-leash park was personally funded by local businessman and devoted dog lover, Jim Davidson, in honour of his dog Harley. The area itself is also part of a larger citywide Greenway project championed by the Parks Foundation of Calgary. Working together, the team consulted the Calgary Humane Society and developed an enhanced and interactive park that is great for people and pups alike. This 11 acre spot is quickly becoming a go-to place for off-leash enthusiasts in the growing communities of Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Seton, and Copperfield. Fittingly, the park is now officially known as the Jim Davidson Bark and Play Off-Leash Park.
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Started in the spring of 2013, the long awaited project seemed to hit a few speed bumps along the way, but ask anyone and they’ll say it was worth the wait! What makes this park especially unique is the attention to education and information for visitors of the human variety. Strategically placed along the pathways are interpretive signs on dog body language, safe introduction etiquette, and general health and bylaw information; all great knowledge to help foster awareness and safe, fun park experiences. The off-leash park is fully fenced and features two additional fenced-off training areas (which could also be used for private pawties!). “The park boasts a fabulous drinking fountain, and other fun things to explore - like an agility run, rolling terrain and sand pits. The intentional curved pathways support my natural tendency to want to approach new friends from the side. The pathways also keep the activity flow moving through the park, though the benches are a nice touch for my mom who sometimes wants to kick back for a few minutes!” ~ Kali
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Why your dog is
Great
in 8
Eight words to describe what your dog means to you!
Gemma
Gemma gives the craziest welcome home greetings ever! – Kristin Rugby
Bowie Bowie gives us laughter, love, joy and fulfillment.
Compassionate, loyal, loving guide for my journey. Grateful.
– Tara 24
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– Tanya Follow us on social media and post your own photo with the hashtag #greatin8!
Maggie
Maggie’s my protector, comfort, educator and my soul!
– Cathy
Windsor
He makes me happy when I am sad.
– Nikyla Mya
Our spoiled precious husky that we love dearly.
– Brunet Family
Nicki
The guardian angel I never expected.
– Melanie Meiko
Meiko, my little friend, always makes me happy!
– Ruby
Charlie Charlie, our lovable, loyal little muffin - love you.
– Ann CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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Photographed by: Cameras and Canines Fine Photography
A VOICE FOR THE DOGS A Superhero Spotlight featuring Dr. Judith Samson-French who is offering a chance of hope and purpose for otherwise forgotten dogs with no names.
By Jodie Hebbard
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I
first discovered the book ‘Dogs With No Names’ in 2012 while browsing a local bookstore. The small book with its glossy black cover and photo of a lonesome black dog instantly caught my attention. I spent the rest of the day immersed in the pages of my new purchase, captivated by its stories, and mesmerized by the moving photographs within. Dogs With No Names (DWNN) was my first look into the lives and plight of the millions of dogs who roam alone and abandoned on the reserve lands of North America. This was also my first look into the profound and monumental work that veterinarian Dr. Judith Samson-French is doing to improve their lives.
First Nations communities around Calgary. Speaking with residents about their concerns and the situation with the wild dogs she was repeatedly met with the same requests: “Reduce the dog fights and reduce the dog bites.”
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Judith at her veterinary hospital in Bragg Creek to discuss the book, the project she initiated of the same name, and her mission to change lives, one dog at a time.
Judith explained the all too common reality: The adversity female dogs in this situation experience begins by about eight months of age with their first heat, which inevitably leads to pregnancy. These soon-to-be-mothers then have to source food, not only for themselves, but also for the pups they carry. Once the litters are born, the mothers struggle to sustain the energy and nourishment required to feed and care for an average of eight pups over the next two months. By this time, the strong, hungry and independent pups become her competitors for food, and she begins the cycle all over again. In conditions more despairing than the worst puppy mills, these innocent mothers must struggle to survive against the challenges of multiple and frequent pregnancies and against their own offspring in the fight over food.
The idea for this project began more than a decade ago. While working as a vet in Bragg Creek, Judith treated dozens of injured animals brought to her by locals who discovered them helpless, sick, injured, and alone. After assessing their wounds and providing immediate care, she would begin the process of identifying the owner, only to find out, all too often, that the patient was yet another dog with no home and no name from the nearby First Nations community. It is said that the idea for change begins with the decision not to stay where you are. After spending thousands of hours and pouring her own money into treating these dogs, Judith knew that for the sake of these innocents, something had to be done; something new, something bigger. She also knew she would be the one to do it. According to Judith, merely treating the animals as they came in, she was at the bottom of the waterfall. She needed a solution that would begin at the top of the waterfall.
She then researched the dogs themselves, examining their patterns and lifestyle, understanding these wild traits were very different from their domesticated brothers and sisters. Judith quickly came to a disturbing realization that became the pivotal and driving force behind her contraceptive work: The grisly hardship of the lives of female dogs living in these societies.
Judith started her research with a visit to some of the
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Based on her understanding of this desperate cycle, Judith focused her efforts on the females. By eliminating the heat cycles among the females, she knew she would reduce aggression in the males competing for mates. This offered a partial solution to fighting among the dogs, which residents had identified as a concern. From her previous experience working at the Calgary Zoo, Judith was aware of a contraceptive implant called Deslorelin that was successful in managing the populations of animals in captivity. She investigated the drug thoroughly and found abundant data to support its success on captive wild animals. What no one had attempted, until now, was using the drug to manage wild dog populations. Challenged by barriers to funding, which required results in advance of any kind of grant, Judith gathered together a team of volunteers who, backed by her own financial resources, implemented their first trial project of Deslorelin injections on the wild dogs of the Tsuu T’ina Nation. She spent the next few months visiting the area - and month after month she was met with thriving females, calmer males, and no new puppies. Judith was moved by the impact her team had made on the quality of life for the dogs and the community members as well. She received an internal memo from the Tsuu T’ina Nation Council members thanking her for her work. From 2009 to 2012 the project expanded to include Siksika, Eden Valley Nations, and Sheshatshiu of Labrador. The outcomes in each community were equally outstanding and equally life changing. Results demonstrated the contraceptive implant was effective for between 12 and 24 months, and residents across each of the projects observed that, for the first time in decades, the animals were peaceful.
A NOVEL APPROACH In 2012, after three years and more than $100,000 of her own money invested, Judith published the book “Dogs With No Names” a compilation of stories and research gathered during her work in the field. The book is brought to life through captivating and touching images. With 100 percent of the proceeds going to fund the project, she has been able to continue the project and raise public awareness. In 2014, DWNN received $206,000 in funding from PetSmart Charities of Canada which 28
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To purchase “Dogs With No Names” visit Fawi.ca To purchase pearls visit pearls365.com
has allowed her to expand her reach to six First Nations communities near the James Bay and Hudson Bay regions in Northern Ontario. Always thinking outside the box, Judith created Pearls for Paws as another way to help finance the DWNN projects. During a trip to Shanghai and a visit to the Yangtze River basin, Judith was drawn to the unique and meticulous pearls being harvested there. Bringing samples back to sell to friends and family, she quickly realized the pearls’ popularity and potential. She has since returned to the area 15 times, and has also gone on to receive her certification as a gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California to further her expertise and knowledge and to help grow the product line. The DWNN project has also benefitted from the support of at least one celebrity supporter. Anyone who follows Canadian musician Jann Arden on Instagram knows that her love of animals spreads far. Her dog Midi is a common subject in
many of her posts. A long-time friend of Judith’s, Jann has been a proud supporter of the DWNN projects since the beginning, accompanying Judith on some contraceptive site visits over the years. In 2016 the duo released a new line of pearls designed by Arden called The Jann Arden Collection. As Jann so eloquently puts it: “Pearls and dogs – no two alike; a gift of nature and perfect in their imperfection.”
WHAT’S NEXT? Since the initial project began in 2009, Judith and her team have successfully implanted more than 600 animals, changing the lives and health of the dogs and resulting in the prevention of more than 100,000 unwanted puppies being born. In addition to carrying out follow-up site visits to James Bay and Hudson Bay in 2017, Judith has been invited to establish her contraceptive project in other First Nations Communities throughout Alberta. CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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She also plans to produce peer-reviewed studies this year. She hopes the studies will reveal to others in Canada and around the world, the success this work has had, not only on reducing the growing homeless dog population and the plight of these unclaimed animals, but also for the positive effects it has had in local communities reducing the number of dog fights and dog bites. Judith also played an integral role helping wild horses in Alberta through her fertility control project, which was accepted by the Government of Alberta, lending her voice to Alberta’s Wildies. Judith also runs a Donkey Sanctuary on her Bragg Creek property.
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Judith is inspiring and a role model for what it means to truly believe in a cause. She is evidence of the difference a single person can make when they are committed. She is the image of what it means to take a risk and to stand up for what you believe in. When asked what her ultimate vision is, her response is poetic. “Every dog has a story. Even the dogs with no names. We all have a story. We need to do our best by them. We need to respect their story.” It is clear that Judith will stop at nothing to do just that.
A house is not a home without a wet nose and wagging tail.
FAIRPLAY STORES Supplies for fun loving dogs.
Let’s find your furever home together.
Celebrating 98 years in business!
Erika Blair RE/MAX HOUSE OF REAL ESTATE #20, 2439 54th Ave SE Calgary, AB T3E 1M4 Cell: 587-436-07898 | Office: 403-287-3880 erikablairyyc@gmail.com | erikablairyyc.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.
Read my reviews on www.rankmyagent.com!
2604 Kensington Road, Calgary AB 403-283-2117 | www.fairplaystores.com Follow us!
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Photo: Heads and Tails Photography
DOG FRIENDLY We've been on the lookout for some of YYC's dog-friendliest businesses! If you’re looking for some new ideas for things to do with your furry companion, check out these five local businesses.
#1
Kricket’s is a unique dog-friendly shop in Mission that sells everything from jewelry and accessories to home decor and gift cards. Bring your pup along to help you pick that special something. Be sure to share and tag photos all of your 4-legged visitors on their Instagram and Facebook pages. @Kricketscalgary
#2 You’ll want to stop by Garage Sports Bar for a bite and
a drink after your next stroll around Eau Claire. The patio is entirely dog-friendly and stay tuned for the 2017 patio season when they will announce a special menu of dog-friendly treats. www.the-garage.ca
#3 Get your craft on, and bring your dog along too, at STASH
Needle Art Lounge in Inglewood. The staff there love it when customers bring their fur-babies in for a visit. They offer everything you need for your next knitting project including tons of different classes. www.stashlounge.com
#4 Masters Gallery is one of
the oldest galleries in Calgary. They offer a fun art experience where they encourage customers just to come and take a look around. The friendly employees love dogs, so be sure to stop in at the frame shop for a free treat. www.mastersgalleryltd.com
#5 For the bookworms, Shelf Life Books in the Beltline is a local Tucker at Shelf Life Books 32
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bookstore that loves when customers bring their dogs in. Take your time as your flip through your favourite finds, and let Fido enjoy a cookie on the way out. Watch for various local canine attire pop-up shops there too. www.shelflifebooks.ca
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Just one of many YYC Pet Recovery success stories! Zoey was adopted by our family last April, but due to a handover from the organization gone terribly wrong, she was lost for over 12 hours in the middle of the night. She was terrified and unfamiliar with the area, so as time passed, the worse her situation became. Our desperate post on YYC Pet Recovery reached many people in our neighbourhood of Riverbend, and some much further away. Complete strangers who saw our post were compelled to drive into Calgary at midnight to help us search, and they stayed until she was found. How incredibly touched we were by this and we will remember them forever. Had it not been for the information shared and updated on YYC Pet Recovery, we truly believe that we would not have gotten Zoey back. Our story ended the way it did SOLELY because of YYC Pet Recovery. A true and pure example of a community coming together. Our hearts are full. Thank you for all that you do! - Jen, Dave & Zoey
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C Y Y Pet Recovery
Would you know what to do if you lost your dog? Or found someone else’s pup wandering alone? Along with calling 311 in Calgary, put YYC Pet Recovery on the top of your ‘who to tell’ list! We rang up YYC Pet Recovery’s administrator, Lea-Anne Wilke to get the story on this amazing Calgary organization. Calgary Dog Life: Tell us a bit about yourself. Lea-Anne Wilke: I am a born and raised Albertan. Growing up on acreages south of Calgary, I was forever in the company of animals: dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and even pigs. I currently live in Calgary and work in IT.
I am owned by a laid back, easygoing English Lab named Jake. Jake was a gift to me by a friend of my dad’s, after the loss of my beloved dog Riley to cancer. Since then, I have developed a passion for fostering dogs and helping them transition from rescue agencies into forever homes. We are a great team, and Jake does amazing work with our foster dogs. He is incredibly patient and tolerant, and is a great role model. CDL: How did you get involved with YYC Pet Recovery? LW: In 2012 when my dad sold his acreage in the Okotoks area, the new owners really liked his garage cat, Gypsy, and wanted her to stay. My dad had been allergic, and the new homeowners had hoped to make Gypsy a part of their family and a house cat. We were thrilled that she would be able to experience the good life. A few months later I discovered that Gypsy was missing - she was nervous of the new owners’ two little dogs and had disappeared. I contacted the local rescues to try to locate her, but to no avail. I went online looking for resources to try and find Gypsy, and discovered YYC Pet Recovery - a Facebook page that focuses exclusively on lost and found animals, and sightings of lost animals in Calgary and surrounding areas. At the time it was just three people who shared posts on local lost and found pets in an attempt to reunite them with their guardians.
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Help! What do I do? Social media is a powerful tool, and it is only a part of the wheel when you are searching for, or have found a lost dog. You must be the dog’s best advocate.
LOST DOG:
* Call 311 or local Animal Services for your area to file a report. * Contact the Humane Society to see if they have picked up your dog. Contact your local vet clinic and emergency clinics as well. * Cross reference and post on the YYC Pet Recovery, Kijiji and Petlynx (an online database). * Cross reference the local lost and found community Facebook pages. * Put up posters! This original form of social media is still extremely important to help get a fur kid home!
CDL: What has made YYC Pet Recovery successful? LW: Consistent online presence, efficiency, organization, and community. We share page posts and tweets as soon as possible and we give our followers tips to expedite the search and spread of information. We provide information and directions for people who have either lost or found a pet on the page, and we share practical, useful information for dealing with lost or found animals.
MISSING
FOUND DOG:
* Call 311 or local Animal Services for your area to file a report. * If possible, and for after business hours, take the dog to the closest vet clinic where they can scan for microchip. * Cross reference and post on the YYC Pet Recovery page, Kijiji, Petlynx (an online database), and the local lost and found community Facebook pages.
There are many ways we can all contribute to help animals. So many people decide to create their own thing, but I think it is also important to see what already exists rather than re-invent the wheel. I approached the page creator and administrator, Nicole MacInnis, to inquire about helping out. She said yes and here I am four years later. YYC Pet Recovery and fostering have given me a way to contribute! CDL: Where did the idea or inspiration come from to start this service in Calgary? LW: Calgarian Nicole MacInnis started the YYC Pet Recovery page when her cat Kali went missing in 2011. An endeavour that proved successful, as Kali was found!
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Nicole and I worked together on the page with some help until she went off to grad school and handed it over to me. I ran it by myself for about a year and began to recruit more administrators as the page got busier. I was lucky enough to meet Calgarian Debbie Fagin who was part of the community and was forever posting links from the lost and found pets on Kijiji onto the YYC Pet Recovery page. Debbie was invited to be an administrator and is now a partner. She has been a constant presence for the lost animals and support for our volunteers. I am grateful to have her on the team.
The YYC Pet Recovery page is monitored all day every day, and if we recognize a sighting or a possible match, we get people connected as quickly as possible. We have organized albums of animals who are still missing and we encourage people to look at these albums regularly. Of course, we have an amazing group of committed volunteer administrators who oversee this entire process - we could not run this page without these wonderful people for whom we are extremely grateful. The other major piece of our success are the eyes and ears of passionate Calgarians and surrounding communities. This vast network now includes everyone from individual Facebook members, Twitter followers, veterinarians, other community Facebook pages, and our committed volunteer administrators. Many take time to share posts and check the information on our page, while others take on the physical legwork of getting pets reunited or safe into shelters. Calgary Animal Service and Calgary Humane Society also cross check our page to help reunite pets. It takes an entire community to make it successful, and we are proud to be a part of that. We all are thrilled when an animal makes it home to safety, and we all grieve when they don’t. CDL: Where is YYC Pet Recovery at now? LW: At this time we have grown to over 26,000 Facebook followers and over 1,800 Twitter followers. Social media is a great medium for sharing and gets the information out to many people quickly. The growth in our social media following increases the number of reunions. People in other cities contact us for advice on setting up similar social media based pet recovery services. To know we are now inspiring others to get more pets home brings us an immense amount of satisfaction as well.
We currently do not have official stats on YYC Pet Recovery facilitated reunions; however, that isn’t as important to us as getting families reunited with their pet. I will admit it is an amazing feeling when someone posts a “Found Dog” on the page and the next post is someone sharing the “Lost Dog” post for that very same pup! We don’t have a name for that yet, but it gives us great joy when they can be reunited that quickly!
HELP RECONNECT THESE DOGS WITH THEIR OWNERS! FOLLOW AND SHARE YYC PET PECOVERY PHOTOS.
There is a lot of happiness that comes from reuniting pets with their guardians, and getting animals to safety. It has been a very rewarding experience, albeit very emotional at times. Unfortunately, Gypsy was never found, but it has been rewarding to see so many other pets reunited. CDL: What else do you want people to know about lost dogs? LW: Just because a dog is lost, does not mean that they are neglected or abandoned. In most cases the guardians are searching for them. We want people to know to REPORT SIGHTINGS! When you see an animal alone, think lost not stray. If you see a dog by themselves, it is imperative to call 311 ASAP so that they have a report and can send someone out. It may be the best chance the dog has of getting home. Reported sightings are also invaluable so that guardians know what direction to search. And it is imperative that you DO NOT CHASE the dog as this can put them in far more danger. Microchip your pets! And ensure your microchip is registered - often it is not. For tattoos: ensure you have your dog’s tattoo information on file. Keep your current address and phone number updated with your vet clinic, and ensure the clinic also has the microchip and tattoo information. License your dog so Animal Services can reunite them with you quickly. Yearly fees are minimal, and you can even set up online banking payment with the City of Calgary. Unfortunately, there are still many cats and dogs who don’t make it home. Near the end of 2016, we had 97 lost dogs and 484 lost cats who still had not been reunited with their families. We encourage all pet lovers to view and share our “Lost” albums on our Facebook page, where there are photos of these animals who are still missing. We encourage those who have a missing pet to never give up hope. It is possible for animals to be reunited months and even years after they have gone missing. CDL: Where can people find you? LW: On Facebook @YYCPetRecovery from 9:00 am to 10:30 pm daily. We have scheduled volunteers but sometimes administrators are also on late into the night. We are also on Twitter @PetRecoveryYYC.
“We welcome dedicated animal lovers interested in joining our team! Contact us at lostpetscalgary@gmail.com”
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Photographed by: SarahAnn Dog Photography
FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS
Hailey Seidel, owner of BowDog Canine Specialists, opens up to us about the start of her love affair with dogs, the perspective they bring to her life and why she’s proud to call Calgary home.
I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember. A favourite gift I received when I was growing up was an Encyclopedia of Dogs that listed every breed and the details about them, right down to tiny thumbprint pictures of their coat colours and textures! My family had a Miniature Schnauzer named B.B. King for 14 years, and I have no doubt that the love my parents had for that dog growing up shaped my own view and appreciation for the value of pets in my life as an adult.
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My current fur-family includes two dogs, Cricket and Cookie. Cookie was my first experience with animal rescue when one of my original clients introduced me to fostering. In rescue, they call it foster-failing when you keep them! She was just the sweetest dog, and still is. Cricket came into my life a few years later, when I had developed a reputation for being able to take on more challenging dogs. She had been surrendered to a rescue and then bounced around foster homes due to aggression over food and other dogs. Her small size reduces the real threat of serious damage, but it’s still a lot of responsibility to take on. I acknowledge that I have to take ownership of that for as long as we have her and I know that if I didn’t advocate for her that she probably would have been euthanized under other circumstances. She is definitely the world’s best, worst dog, and she loves and adores my children so I try to remember all the gifts and inspiration she brings into my life when I think about how much time I spend ‘Cricket-proofing’ things.
A great reminder of this inspiration comes at the end of each day when I’m bathing and putting the kids to bed. It’s my favourite time of day with our dogs. The dogs are usually right next to the tub with us hanging out during bath time, and then they snuggle in with the girls during story time and will stay with them until they fall asleep. I know the girls are sleeping soundly when the dogs get up and come join me wherever I am in the house.
by my love for dogs. They’re my best friends and are truly there on the best days, the hard days, and at the beginning and end of the long days. It’s rare for me to look down and not have a dog at my feet or snuggling with my kids while I’m working, which brings me some reassurance I’m doing something right.
Having dogs has brought balance and perspective to my life. Dogs are so constant and honest in what they want and need if you’re willing to watch and listen. They communicate their intentions so clearly and I think if we all lived as genuinely and in the moment as dogs do, we’d be happier. I try to mindfully bring these perspectives into my own life and relationships.
There is also an amazing dog-loving community here in YYC. We are fortunate to have endless options available for people who need resources to ensure their relationship with their dog is successful. There are so many skilled trainers, dog walkers, veterinary specialists, animal rescues, and pet care professionals. It really makes me optimistic about the impact we can have on animal welfare and the reduction of homeless pets in our corner of the world. I’m so proud to call Calgary home.
I get very sentimental when I think about the gifts my dogs have given me and others. My first dog inspired me to get into the pet care industry back in 2007, and my dogs have been my muses as my business has grown over the last nine years. I have met so many great people and done so many amazing things that were inspired
Thinking about the future, I have no doubt that the various chapters of my life will be remembered by which dogs were with me and my family during each stage. They’ve been there through it all and I’d give anything to be able to watch their perspective from the beginning! CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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YYC Dogs of Instagram Calgary’s dogs are rocking Instagram. Check out these 5 #YYCDOG superstars!
This lovable ‘dood enjoys smooshing his face in the powdery snow in the winter, and swimming in lakes and conquering mountains in the summer. Don’t be fooled by his good looks though - your tennis ball might just go missing! 40
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Archie is a Boxer pup with an attitude. He’s a traveller, pro face licker, raw food enthusiast, and total badass. When Archie’s not causing a ruckus in the dog park, he proudly struts his stuff around YYC.
Casper loves people more than anything and could cuddle with you all day! He loves going to Nose Hill Park and saying hi to everyone he sees. His favourite toy is a Nala stuffed animal that he loves to tackle!
Hudson is best known for snorting when he’s excited, obsessing over rabbits, rolling in the mud all summer and making doggy snow angels all winter. He is a 65lb lap dog and pillow hog who loves everyone he meets!
Romeo is a European Doberman who came all the way from Serbia! In his free time, he turns heads at the dog park, tends to his ball addiction, and enjoys hiking with his humans and his four-legged sister Holly.
In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog. Edward Hoagland
Calgary Dog, Myah
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BUD A heartfelt story about a senior dog getting a second chance
By Paige Leigh Reist
Dogs remind us of what we are capable of.
They are steadfast friends, pure of heart and noble of spirit. Somehow, they’re both innocent and wise at the same time. And they are resilient - above all, they are resilient. Though they may grow old and feeble, though they may be in pain, they still meet every day with boundless joy. They are everything good in this world, inconceivably contained in the furry little creature at the end of the leash. Buddy is all of these things, and to his family, he is even more. He is eleven, a ripe old age for a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, but his sweet, soulful eyes and constantly swinging tail are that of a puppy. Strands of white hair pepper the caramel-coloured patches around his cheeks, giving him a regal air. He’s got a good, handsome face, and reminds you of an aging prince: a little rumpled, a little frayed around the edges, but still a gentleman through and through. Buddy, formerly known as Athos, was born in Germany in 2005. In 2011, he came to Canada with his first family, but after a few years, his owner’s health declined dramatically. It became clear that he would have to be moved to a care facility, and Buddy, elderly himself, and now without his person,was surrendered to Calgary Humane Society (CHS).
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Most senior’s homes and care facilities aren’t able to accommodate pets - especially dogs, who can have higher needs than other animals. There are countless surrenders just like Buddy’s, and it’s a heartbreaking reality that the CHS team deals with every day. Seniors who require specialized care often aren’t able to have the companionship of their pet in their final days, and are forced to give up the dignity and purpose that their relationship provides. The stress of not knowing what will happen to their beloved companion is unbearable to many, so much so that seniors will often stay in their homes, with their animals, far longer than what is healthy, especially when the animal is older, and has a very small chance of finding another home. The CHS team is currently working with seniors’ centres in Calgary to find a better solution to this tragically common situation. Buddy, upon his arrival at CHS, was in desperate need of immediate medical intervention. He suffered from degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and an enlarged heart due to a high-grade murmur. Most urgently, Buddy was suffering from advanced dental decay. He was in great emotional distress, great physical discomfort, and the decision was made to operate as soon as possible – with the full knowledge that his heart might not have the strength to pull him through.
DY
Photographed by: Cameras and Canines Fine Photography
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“
Having a dog to just be there and love you is amazing.
It was then that fate intervened, and he met his new family. Carrie Fritz, Executive Director of CHS, met Buddy at work. As news of this noble little dog’s severe situation reached Carrie’s office, she decided to pay him a visit in kennel 17. It was love at first sight. Carrie insists that she knew Buddy was her dog the moment she saw his face, regardless of his advanced age and his medical needs. Because he was a senior, it was a very long shot that he would get adopted, or even find a foster family. Carrie wanted to do everything in her power to make him comfortable in what would very likely be his final days. Rather than leaving him alone and confused in a kennel, she wanted him to experience love, companionship, and a sense of home, even for a little bit. Even if it was for the last time. What Carrie didn’t expect was how perfectly Buddy would fit into her life. Besides getting along fabulously with Carrie’s other dogs, Daisy and Lacey, Buddy immediately fell earsover-paws in love with Carrie’s 11-year-old daughter, Jessie. Jessie is Buddy’s person. Not only was she responsible for his new name, “He just looks like a Buddy!”, but once she found out that he was deaf, she embarked on a project to teach him to respond to sign language. He follows her around the
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house, sticks his nose under closed doors that he knows she’s behind, and howls when she leaves the car to go to school in the morning. And the difference he’s made in Jessie’s life is enormous. As Carrie says, “He really is her dog. He’s given her confidence, and any kid at this time in their life needs a bit of a boost with that. Having a dog to just be there and love you is amazing.” Of course, Buddy came through his surgery (with 28 fewer teeth!) thanks to the wonderful CHS veterinary team. During the next two weeks of recuperation under Jessie’s care, he did incredibly well - that is, until he developed an unrelated abscess on his paw. This meant another surgery, to clean, drain, and flush out the wound, and stitch it back up afterwards. Jessie and Carrie, with the full knowledge that Buddy’s delicate heart may not be able to handle the necessary anaesthesia, let the veterinary team take him once again for his procedure. But, miraculously, he pulled through yet again. And soon after that, he was cleared for adoption. When Carrie got the good news, she let Jessie know that Buddy was officially well enough to be adopted – which Jessie took to mean that he would be going home with someone else. Carrie assured Jessie that Buddy had already found his new home, and she finalized the adoption and brought him home that day for good.
A dog’s health, just like a human’s, is tied to their emotional well-being. Perhaps the reason that Buddy is still here today, despite the odds that were stacked against him, is because of the love he felt from Jessie and Carrie, and the home he knew he had found with them. It’s as if he knew that his time hadn’t yet come, that he had more of life to experience with his new family, and that gave him strength. Buddy’s story is incredible, but it isn’t unique. Senior dogs are consistently passed over for younger ones, but as Jessie and Carrie know, older animals have just as much love to give. To love a dog near the end of their days is an enormous and beautiful privilege. They are easier than a puppy, often come fully trained, and they really do seem to know what it means to get a second chance. Just ask Buddy.
Buddy’s surgeries were made possible by the incredible animal care and health teams at Calgary Humane Society, who help provide emergency or specialized medical care for animals who find their way into the facility, some of which are in desperate need, like Buddy. To donate to Calgary Humane Society, please call 403-7236000. To learn more about fostering or adopting a senior dog, visit www.calgaryhumane.ca/getinvolved/foster/.
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Winter Fit Tips How to Stay Active With Your Dog This Winter By Tara Columbus When the snow starts to fly, and the temperatures drop, we can often find it challenging to want to get outside and walk the dog. I get that! But for my two-year-old dog Hudson, he doesn’t care what season it is - all he cares about is that we spend time walking together when I get home each day. Here are a few ways that Hudson and I stay fit during the winter season in and around YYC! Do a Winter Hike
Winter time hiking is one of the best activities you can do with your dog! If you feel like taking a drive, both Grotto Canyon and Johnston Canyon are great options for a winter hike. Dogs on must be on-leash at both of these locations and ice cleats are highly recommended. If you want to stay closer to town, Nose Hill Park is another great option. The park is expansive, covering 11 square kilometres, and has both designated hiking trails and areas where your dog can be off-leash.
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Go Cross-Country Skiing
West Bragg Creek has amazing cross-country ski trails which are expertly maintained by a group of volunteers passionate about Nordic sports. Most trails have preset tracks, can be accessed for free, and permit dogs to join you off-leash! Cross-country skiing is great exercise for both you and your dog; I promise your dog will sleep the whole drive home after bounding in and out of the snow banks all afternoon! For more dog-friendly trails check out www.skierbob.ca.
Get Snowshoeing
Depending on your dog’s size and stamina, snowshoeing is a fantastic activity in powdery snow conditions. This winter sport has come a long way in recent years, and with the new types of snowshoes available, it’s easier than ever to learn. Fish Creek Park and Nose Hill are excellent places to go snowshoeing with your dog.
Hit the Neighbourhood Hills
If you have kids, be sure to tag along with them when they go tobogganing and bring the pup. It is a ton of fun regardless of your age! Think of it as interval training for the kid in you. Dogs can get a lot of exercise and have a lot of fun running up and down the hill all afternoon. It is even better if your hill is in a designated off-leash area.
Get Walking
This is my number one method to keep the dog and myself active all year round, and it’s super simple! While dog parks are great for socializing, they often don’t allow the humans to move around a lot or quickly enough to get that heart rate pumping. In the winter the more you move the warmer you will be and with the right gear, walking your dog can be a positive experience and great exercise for you both! Try to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour walking each day during the winter.
Throw Snowballs
Use the snow to your advantage and throw snowballs for your dog on your daily walk. If you have a ball launcher, you can use that to help - your dog will love jumping and chasing them in the snow. This activity can help with your dog’s recall skills, and also help you tone up those arm muscles.
Get a Dog Friend
Find a neighbour that has a dog and invite them to walk with you. Setting a predetermined walk schedule with them will help hold you accountable to get outside. Letting your dogs play together will help to burn off extra energy they often have stored up in the winter. Your dog can be a great motivator to help keep you active during the winter because you can only look at that ‘comeon, let’s go already’ face so many times before you cave- no matter how cold it is! Be sure to always check the weather conditions before heading out. Pay attention to your dog when outside to be sure you are both still having a good time. Walking on snow is not as cold for your dog’s paws, but they can start to feel some discomfort after long durations. Dog booties are a great solution for this! Winter activities with your dog will benefit you just as much as it does them. Think of your dog as your winter-time ‘bestie’ - and your motivation to stay healthy and active and the one who will never let you gain that hibernation weight. Take a chance to explore what winter has to offer and get out there with your dog. You will both have a great time and feel good about it!
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Pawprints on the Heart By Jill Perras The bond that we create with our dog is like no other – they bring so much joy to our lives, and they quickly find their own little spot to occupy in our hearts. When the time comes to say goodbye, people often look for a meaningful way to memorialize their dog and grieve their loss. There are many ways that you can pay tribute to the life of your loyal companion.
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Do it Yourself $20 - $150 You don’t have to be a professional artist or spend a lot of money to make something precious. Still have a collar or a favourite toy? Pick up a deep picture frame or photo box, print off a great picture and fill the frame with some of your dog’s personal things. If you would like something slightly more involved, create a photo album or scrapbook to keep all of your treasured memories together. If you spent a lot of time out and about on adventures with your dog, or if you had a favourite dog park, you can choose to memorialize your pet in a more public way by leaving a small box with some tennis balls in it for other dogs to enjoy in their memory.
Create Something Sacred $50 - $500+ If you are looking for a more permanent memorial to your dog, consider a personalized headstone or statue to mark your dog’s passing or resting place. Having a memorial inside or out allows you to create a sacred space that is as simple or as extravagant as you choose. If your decision is cremation, there are just as many types of decorative urns available, or you can seek out a local artist who will work with you to create your own personal vision. To create a lasting keepsake, you can have any of your dog’s toys or memorabilia cast in bronze. Some unique bronzing ideas include a leash or collar, or even a prized toy or ball. You can also have jewelry - such as necklaces, bracelets, and cufflinks –created from some of the remains. Likewise, you can find memorial figurines or jewelry that you can fill with the remains on your own.
Faux Paw Productions | Nayla Chamoun Photography
A Little More Exclusive $500 - $2500+ If money is no object, you can find some more unique ways to pay tribute to your beloved dog. Some companies specialize in turning cremated ashes into gemstones where you can find gems in any size or colour. Some places will give you the option of sending in a lock of your hair to be combined with the ashes in the gemstone. The City of Calgary offers a program called the Symbolic Tree Program where they set you up with a tree and a location to plant it. These trees are planted in public places only, so along with being an environmentally friendly choice, you are also adding to and helping to create the beautiful green spaces that are growing in Calgary. There is no doubt that the grief from the loss of a pet can be overwhelming. No matter how much you decide to spend, the most important thing is to choose something that resonates with you and is representative of the love and bond that you shared with your four-legged companion. CALGARYDOGLIFE.COM
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In Loving Memory
Every once in a while, a dog enters your life and changes everything. And you’ll never forget them. Visit our Memorial section on our website to submit a tribute in memory of your faithful friend.
Abby
In memory of our beautiful Abby. We miss you.
Bosco
How lucky I was to have someone that made saying goodbye so hard! I miss you every day and will treasure the time we had together forever. Thank you for everything little buddy, you always pulled me through! Until we meet again...
Marlowe
You were only in my life for a short time; but your impact was immeasurable. You were my Heart Dog, and we will forever be connected by the sweet journey we took together. Miss you daily, My Boy
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M or ozo ff Ph otography
Pooch
We will forever cherish the time we spent with you. Thank you for the love and memories. We miss you terribly. There will never be another one like you.
a Ing
Can’t get enough DOG in your life?
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