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Cover Girl Penny 20 10 Bulldog Therapy
Photo by Charleen Earley
Hold Your Horses with founder Chantel Tieman Bubba and the Doctor
by Gary Tabke
by Kimberly Horg
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12 Photo by JVB Photography
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in this issue‌
18 Horse Vet Chuck Strickland, DVM by Charleen Earley
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elcome to our inaugural quarterly issue of Purrfect Pets Magazine, the “furry” sister product to Delta Living Magazine! WHY a pet magazine? I’m so glad you asked. Well first of all, almost everyone I know has a pet or two or nine. Second … we all love our pets – so much so, that they’re truly like family members and they certainly cost as much (if not more) than our kids. So why NOT have a pet magazine? That is the real question. It’s our goal and mission to bring you purr-fectly great content, photography, advertisers and more. If you loved this first issue or have a great story idea, please send us an email at charleenbearley@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
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PUBLISHER Charleen Earley - charleenbearley@gmail.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Conrad Borba - conradborba@gmail.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Caruso - rcaruso@guildmortgage.net WRITERS Gary Tabke • Kimberly Horg Charleen Earley PHOTOGRAPHERS JVB Photography • Maria Tavares Charleen Earley COPY EDITORS Ana Hurt • John Hartmann • Rita Caruso Tammy Borba • Walter Ruehlig
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April – June 2016
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Rita, a mortgage loan consultant for Guild Mortgage, has been in the mortgage industry for over 30 years. She served two terms as President of the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce. With a deep love for journalism and an avid reader, she brings a love to her role as Editor-in-Chief. She's also an avid runner, hiker, cycler and caterer, who loves to spend time with her husband, celebrating 20 years together. Reach her at RCaruso@GuildMortgage.net.
Maria Tavares | Photographer/Writer
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Conrad Borba | Graphic Designer
Charleen is a mom, comedienne, freelance writer, humor columnist, speaker, wedding planner and now graduate student at San Jose State University. She’s studying Mass Communications/Journalism and hopes to one day teach at the community college level. Known as “Charlie” to most, she’s also founder and publisher of Delta Living Magazine. Reach her at charleenbearley@gmail.com.
Conrad is a graphic and web designer, who spent much time in his youth drawing and creating, with his earliest memories of working on a computer as a kindergartner. He studied graphic and web design at Modesto Junior College and the Institute of Technology of Modesto. With over 10 years experience in graphic design and six years as a freelancer, Borba stays abreast industry standards in order to provide his clients with fresh and new ideas. Reach him at conradborba@gmail.com.
Kimberly Horg | Writer
Maria is always hard at work photographing her amazing clients, chasing after her toddler and spending time with her family. She enjoys reading, catching up on Netflix shows, boating, swimming and socializing. She has studied Journalism, Creative Writing, Child Development and Photography. On weekends you can find Maria in Downtown Brentwood at LIttle Miss Everything. See her work at mrhtavares.wix.com/FiestaFlix & LittleMissEverything.com
Purrfect P e ts Magazine V i si on Purrfect Pets Magazine is the sister product of Delta Living Magazine, which specifically focuses on all creatures great and small! It features articles, photography and advertisers, all sharing information to promote improved lives and care for our pets, families and environment. It specifically focuses on inspiring, motivating and educating pet owners and lovers to encourage dialog, build unity and reach a bit higher in creating socially responsible lives for us and the pets we love. April – June 2016
Charleen Earely | Publisher/Owner/Writer
Jody Hanson | Photographer
Kimberly Horg earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Humboldt State University. She has had hundreds of articles published throughout the country. Kimberly also has a background in graphic art and photography, so she has had dozens of photos published on various websites, newspapers and magazines. To read more of her work, visit www.kimberlyhorg.com.
Jody’s a small town Colorado native who loves the outdoors. Whether it’s the Rocky Mountains or the California coast, she is drawn to the visual stimulation of nature. Jody found her zest for life behind the lens of a camera while attending Brooks Institute of Photography. She loves photographing people and capturing the variety and beauty this world has to offer. Visit her at www.JVBPhotography.com.
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Photo by JVB Photography Taken at Westmont of Brentwood, Senior Living & Memory Care, (L-R) Shirley Rosner, Nan Kreeger, Linda Marshall, Pauline Soldavini (age 105, and quite possible the oldest resident in Brentwood) and Pat Papazian visit with Bulls-eye (white) and Bunz.
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April – June 2016
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Therapy is a two-way street for seniors and dogs check, yearly blood tests and fingerprinted to visit the hospital, Photos by JVB Photography but can go anytime as a drop in. It’s been two years since she fter retiring from a career began driving her furry friends as a horse trainer, Brentaround to socialize – all of which wood resident Nan Kreeger is volunteer, non-paid work. She decided to train her English said her biggest reward is not bulldogs to give back to those in monetary. need.The two therapy dogs, Bunz “The most rewarding part is and Bullseye bring joy to the seeing a severely handicapped disabled children, handicapped child or adult acknowledge the adults, veterans and seniors they dog,” she said. “Regardless of the visit. All dogs are American fact that they might not know Kennel Club registered and certheir own name, they know to tified through Valley Humane pet the dog.” Society in Pleasanton. She said dogs love it too.They Bunz is an 11-year-old female lick the fingers of some of the and Bullseye, a 5-year-old male. people and the people come Kreeger, who was born in San alive when they see them enter Photo by JVB Photography Mateo, is 71 and says she takes Spending time with seniors (Left) “Mercedes Bunz of Omega” (registered name), Bunz for short, age 11, is with the room. one dog at a time to the six loca- “Evergreens Do The Hustle” (registered name), Bulls-eye for short, age 5, who is an American Kennel Club “One might have to pry open Champion and has over 100 visits to seniors. tions she frequents. a hand from a senior who is so Her growing list of stops includes didn’t know I had to have clearance to American Kennel Club Advanced crippled and have to place it on the Westmont Senior Living, Com- visit and have my dogs registered, so Award, because of his 200 visits to pa- dog,” said Kreeger. “The person inpass Rose Memory Care, Garden (a I decided that would be something I tients. side that withered body senses the dog, Kreeger wheels Bullseye around in a where another human being can’t have facility for handicapped children and wanted to do with my free time,” she wheelchair in order to be at the same the same effect.” adults) in Antioch and Brentwood, said. A white English bulldog is the Unit- height as the veterans. It takes them Dainty School, Alive (adult center for Kreeger also makes a trademarked those with learning disabilities) and ed States Marine’s mascot so Bullseye, two hours to go through the hospital, product called Bark N Beads (necklacthe VA Palo Alto Health Care System who is all white with one black eye, and Bullseye knows to stay in the chair es) in various colors and sizes for area is especially popular there. She said for the duration of the visit. (Veterans Hospital) in Livermore. dogs. All proceeds go to the Leanne While she makes trips to all locations Bovet Roberts Animal Hospital/San It all began at that hospital in Liver- the veterans enjoy petting the American Kennel Club Champion who has three to four times a month, Kreeger Francisco SPCA. To order them, email more. “I went up there one day visiting and his Canine Good Citizen Award and is now required to get a background her at nan@garlic.com. By Kimberly Horg
kimberlyhorg@yahoo.com
A
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April – June 2016
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When disaster strikes: Hold Your Horses is on its way Story and photo by Charleen Earley charleenbearley@gmail.com
I
t was two years ago this coming May that over 3,100 acres of Mt. Diablo’s wooded grassland was covered in fire, forcing hundreds of people and animals to flee from their homes on the steep mountainside. It also marked the beginning of Hold Your Horses (HYH), a disaster-related rescue group created by family members of Someday Ranch in Knightsen, CA. “We decided to haul and evacuate horses that were in danger of the fire and could not get out by their owners,” said Chantel Tieman, co-founder of HYH with Naydeene Nicole. “After hauling for three days, we saw a great many horse people from all over the community help, but we also saw many problems that needed to be addressed. So HYH was born.” Chantel, owner of nine horses ranging from a miniature stallion to quarter horses, said HYH currently has 325 members mainly in the Contra Costa area. She said membership is growing across the state with interests from horse owners in surrounding states. The program activates its members and dispatches them to calls where for horses and livestock need to be removed from danger. In addition to hauling, some members own private ranches and boarding facilities to house horses during a disaster and care for them until they can be returned home. The Sept. 9, 2015 Butte fire in Amador County scorched over 71,000 acres and destroyed over 200 homes. HYH deployed their members. “HYH activated only some of their core members to go the Butte fire to see what was needed first, knowing if there were too many volunteers, it would make this already uncontrolled rescue 12
April – June 2016
Photo by Dennis Trammell One of many vehicles scorched, three days after the Sept. 2013 fire.
Photo by Dennis Trammell Local feed stores generously provide animal food to the displaced animals during the disasters. Feed stores include: Rafter D's, Byron Feed, Horsetown Tack, Brentwood Feed and distributor Select The Best in Nevada.
situation worse,” said Chantel. “Instead of taking the long drive with their trailers and trucks empty and ready to evacuate, they sent out a 24-hour notice on Facebook for donations and medical supplies to carry with them,” she added. “By Sunday morning their trucks and trailers
were full and ready to go!” Chantel said since that day, they made countless contacts with private ranchers and farmers who had either lost their homes, barns or grazing fields with several having burned animals. Co-owner of Someday Ranch in Knightsen with her husband Ray and children, Chantel said HYH donates a small amount of their supplies to local churches in disaster areas as well, but what sets them apart from other rescue units is their ability to go above and beyond. “We not only have strike teams to get in and out safely with these animals, but feed, halters, blankets and medical supplies are delivered straight to those in need, so there is no middle man or waiting in line for help,” said Chantel. Do you love horses and enjoy helping others? “HYH is always looking for volunteers who can haul and ranchers who can temporarily foster horses during a disaster,” said Chantel. “We were blessed that local feed stores such as Rafter D's, Byron Feed, Horsetown Tack, Brentwood Feed and distributor Select The Best in Nevada, were all able to help donate and discount supplies to help us get these ranchers what they need.” Visit their Facebook Hold Your Horses Livestock Emergency Evacuation Response Team https://www.facebook.com/HoldYourHorsesContraCosta/ Friends of Hold Your Horses Volunteer today! Holdyourhorses925@gmail.com Someday Ranch - Chantel Tieman 925.584.1976 www.deltalivingmagazine.com
Photo by Charleen Earley (L-R) Naydeene Trammell, Rachael Harris, Chantel Tieman, Dennis Trammell, Tyler Koster, and Josh Greshiam (kneeling), are just a few rescue team members of Hold Your Horses who volunteer their time for equines in desperate need of rescue and care.
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April – June 2016
13
Bubba and the Doctor By Gary Tabke Now Bubba’s big and we all know To keep a dog healthy and help him grow
Arriving on time at our destination Bubba now seemed to have hesitation
Which lead to a room where the doctor can see That all stay healthy, as healthy as can be
There are several things that we must do Like giving him food and water too
I told him once then told him twice That the veterinarian would be very nice
And when the assistant called Bubba’s name We crossed the floor just the same
Or taking him out on a nice long walk And brushing his coat or having a talk
But it still took a push, a pull and a tug For inside the car, deep he had dug
As those who had waited and gone before Across the room and in through the door
Dogs like treats and bones to chew And Bubba’s no different, I’m telling you
So out of my pocket a treat I produced And Bubba jumped out as loose as a goose
The examining room was small but neat With a chair in the corner where I took a seat
So if Bubba must stay, healthy and wise A trip to the doctor, is no surprise
“A sucker” I said, “for something to eat. Now let’s go inside and the Pet Doc we’ll meet.”
Now Bubba did sniff around with his nose And he recognized the scent of many of those
A regular doctor for you and me Is not the type Bubba should see
The waiting room full, I stood by the door As Bubba paced round the checker board floor
Who sat in the room where we all had been Before the assistant had called us in
She looked in his ears and then in his eyes And listened to his heart without much surprise
He needs someone who cares for dogs And lizards and cats and birds and frogs
He looked at the people and the animals there And I whispered in his ear, “Try not to stare.”
We waited but just a minute or two Looking around with nothing to do
“I can see that you’re sturdy, healthy and strong. If my guess is right, and I’m never wrong.
A doctor who’s trained in animal medicine Bubba needs to see a Veterinarian
At a calico kitty upon the lap Of a large looking lady about to nap
Then in through the door entered the Doc A friendly young woman wearing a smock
You’re going to live long and have lots of fun Running and jumping and lying in the sun.
So we got in the car to make the trip And rolled down the road at a fairly good clip
Or the yellow canary there in a cage Brought by a mom and her son of young age
“I’m Doctor Odom.” She said with a smile And immediately opened up Bubba’s file
For a big boy like you needs exercise To keep you healthy, happy and wise.”
Now Bubba’s face was in the breeze As we rode by the houses and the big green trees
Or the couple there with the matching puppies Or even the man with the bowl full of guppies
“I see it’s a check up for you today The usual stuff in the usual way”
She shook his paw and winked her eye As Bubba and I said our good-bye
We drove past the school and the pharmacy Past the fire house and the grocery
Or the oddest sight there to behold A big green lizard and a tiny red toad
Then down on her knees on the floor she sat And rubbed Bubba’s chest and gave him a pat
This trip to the Doc hadn’t been so bad We made a new friend and Bubba was glad
The police station and the town hall We even drove past the shopping mall
And one by one they crossed the floor As a smiling assistant opened a door
She looked at his teeth and his tongue and his gums Then ran her hand down to his tummy tum-tum
To know there was someone who like myself Cared about Bubba, his happiness and health
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April – June 2016
Photo by JVB Photography Discovery Bay parents Jody (JVB Photography) and Kyle adopted 7-year-old Lilah two years ago. Jody says, “She is a very happy, healthy Golden Retriever who loves her ball and the water.”
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advertorial
Protecting our pets when divorce hits Law Offices of Silky Sahnan
I
t’s unfortunate when a couple goes through a divorce, because everyone, including the children, suffers significant pain, loss and change – but whom sometimes gets overlooked are the beloved pets. And whether it’s a dog, a cat or birds, pets are family members in every sense of the word. Animals of every species have emotions and more specifically, emotional attachments to their keepers. Until recently, there were no laws protecting the well-being of pets through a divorce. In essence, animals were treated like property and the court could only award the pet to one person. So if that one person were awarded the pet, what would the other person get? Courts would award something of the same “value” of that pet, or in some cases, visitation rights. With California Family Code Section 6320, which passed July 1, 2014, judges are now looking at the well-being of animals, regardless of who has the rightful ownership of the pet. “It’s a two-way street of the well-being for pets now; it’s between the pet and a person. It’s not who bought the dog or cat, but who has the ‘emotional ownership’ of the pet,” says Silky Sahnan, Attorney at Law. 16
April – June 2016
When divorces get ugly, in some cases, couples have used their pets as inappropriate leverage to hurt, spite or retaliate against their partners. When this happens, those who suffer the most damage are the pets.
“Whether the cat or dog belongs to you, if you believe that out of spite, the other person is going to harm the animal, then you can get a court order – similar to a restraining order – for that pet,” says Sahnan.
Section (b) of Family Code 6320 states: On a showing of good cause, the court may include in a protective order a grant to the petitioner of the exclusive care, possession, or control of any animal owned, www.deltalivingmagazine.com
possessed, leased, kept, or held by either the petitioner or the respondent or a minor child residing in the residence or household of either the petitioner or the respondent. The court may order the respondent to stay away from the animal and forbid the respondent from taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, molesting, attacking, striking, threatening, harming, or otherwise disposing of the animal. “We understand that this is a very emotional battle and your pets are just like family; they’re like your kids,” she added.“So you have to know you have those rights and are able to exercise those rights. In addition, you
have to see it from the other’s perspective – don’t be the person that’s doing that. It is never okay to hurt pets.” Law Offices of Silky Sahnan suggests these tips: • Look inside yourself and ask – whom does this pet connect with emotionally? • Which home is the best for the utmost well-being of this pet? • Take your anger off the divorce and ask yourself what’s the best for the pet and the family? “If you feel like the other party is going to harm your pet, our Team can help you file the right documents to protect your pets,” says Sahnan.
Law Offices of Silky Sahnan 654 3rd Street Brentwood, CA 94513
attorney@legalservicesca.com
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17
Treating all creatures great and small, mostly great Chuck Strickland, DVM: Contra Costa County’s present day ‘James Herriot’ Story and photos by Charleen Earley charleenbearley@gmail.com Published in East County Times
H
is clients are furry, walk on all fours and weigh between 850 to 2200 pounds, but when it comes to a job like his, a daily agenda is something veterinarian Chuck Strickland scoffs at. “You don’t really have a schedule when you’re a horse vet! You can try, but it doesn’t work that way,” said Chuck Strickland, Oakley resident. “My schedule changes all the time, like right now. I’m on my way to stitch up a horse’s eye. I had other plans, but now I have to fit this in.” Don’t get him wrong though, he loves his job. “I love working outside and working with people,” he said. “Unfortunately I have to give people some bad news about their animals. No one calls you when their horse is healthy.” Client Suzanne Clements of Brentwood, has four horses boarded at Wild Rose Equestrian Facility in Knightsen, and has enjoyed his services for the last eight years. “What I love about Chuck is that he has a great knowledge base and he’s able to put it into terms to help me make better decisions for what my animal needs,” said Suzanne, a nurse at John Muir in Concord. “For me, he’s really calming.” Vaccinating, diagnosing and “fixing” all types of 18
April – June 2016
Chuck Strickland, DVM said, “You don’t really have a schedule when you’re a horse vet! You can try, but it doesn’t work that way.” Here he’s filing Little Boy’s teeth (called floating). Little Boy is Publisher Charleen Earley’s 26-year-old Arabian-mix, whom she wishes she had more time to visit.
fur-babies for the last 18 years, Chuck’s focus for the past 12 has been strictly horses – more specifically lameness and dentistry. “It’s challenging figuring out where the problem area is exactly with soft tissue injuries,” said Chuck, father of two teens ages 17 and 18 with fiancé Lisa McFarland. “I’ve got all the latest and sophisticated digital x-ray equipment – not like years ago when I used chemicals and film.” Gaye DeRusso of Walnut Creek is especially happy about the mobile equipment Chuck brings with him.
“He brings an x-ray and ultra sound with him. He’s great for lameness. What other vets can’t do, Chuck can pick up!” said Gaye, a physician’s assistant in orthopedic surgery for Dr. Laura Tinnernan. Gaye has three horses, but she also uses Chuck for her clients at Majestic Rider in Alamo, her business where she offers gaited horse training, lessons, clinics and sales. “He’s very gentle with the horses. He takes time with the horses and his clients,” she added. “He never rushes.” Born and raised in Pittsburg, CA, Chuck graduated from Pittsburg High School, went to California State University East Bay (Hayward), and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of California, Davis. Vet doctors are a rare breed, and Chuck knows why. He said competition to get into vet school was fierce and the institutions limited. “Back then, there were only 21 vet schools and 122 medical schools, so there was way less opportunity for students and it was difficult to get into,” he said. “The schooling is just as long as becoming a medical doctor.” Before and during college (he put himself through school), Chuck worked in construction, building modular schools in Sacramento, did roofing, painting and commercial fishing on a salmon boat in Bristol Bay, Alaska. “I’ve always been a hard worker with physical jobs, so schooling was a big challenge for me to do the ‘mental’ thing,” said Chuck. “To be a vet, you have to study a lot and get good grades. The work ethics I learned, I transferred over to college.” www.deltalivingmagazine.com
Photo by Charleen Earley Chuck Strickland, DVM (left) files down Arabian Little Boy's back teeth (also known as floating teeth) with technician Leann Horness's help. Little Boy is 25-years-old, belongs to Publisher Charleen Earley and is boarded at Wild Rose Equestrian Facility off Eden Plains Rd. in Brentwood, where Strickland does ranch-calls.
Like author James Herriot of the popular book series All Creatures Great and Small, Chuck could write a book about the countless experiences he’s collected along the way. He recalled one of his first messy encounters. “Fresh out of vet school, I wanted to be a dairy practitioner, so my first job was in Elk Grove. The www.deltalivingmagazine.com
dairy man had two cows that died the day before and called my friend and I to do autopsies (necroscopy) on them to find out why they died,” said Chuck. “It was over 100 degrees, the cows were bloated up like balloons, and I was trying to dissect my cow,” he added. “There was so much pressure that
the stomach blew up, and it sounded like a very loud hand grenade. All the cow’s guts hit me in the face and all over my body and it stung. My friend was rolling on the ground laughing so hard!” For horse lameness and dentistry issues, contact Chuck Strickland, DVM through his answering service at 925.625.1323. April – June 2016
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Penny for her little doggie thoughts and is chance to remind them you’re “the boss.” Morning breakfast and afternoon dinner are standard for ours. Small Photos by Maria Tavares treats throughout the day are rewarded for outside poops, post brushing seshe’s got a teenage ‘tude, but Penny, sions, and silence when the humans are the 3-year-old Shih Tzu doesn’t eating. Ours is particularly sensitive to care what others think of her.The whosome foods and early on developed skin could-ever-get-mad-at-that-little-face allergies. Beef and corn in particular are belongs to Discovery Bay family Matt not a part of her diet. But with moniand Janice Baker and their love for her toring and the occasional oral steroid to could not get any bigger. The following provide relief, it can be managed. is an interview with Matt about fur-baWhat's her personality like? She’s very by Penny. loving and playful with friends and family and other dogs after she’s become acWhat do you love about Penny? She was quainted. She has no problem riding in a born October 2012, so we call her the San Francisco Giants World Series baby! And I can’t relate to the breed as a whole, ever, it is still best to take her out in the car, joining us at outdoor restaurants, stayEverything about her cracks me up. Her but I can comment regarding ours. She mornings, after a nap, and before bed. ing in hotels, being in new places, going full sprint body slides on carpet just after can sometimes be headstrong and inde- Walks and playtime are required, but she shopping, and has no issues with boats, a bath or a swim; the way she lays on her pendent, but most of the time needy for doesn’t require an inordinate amount of the beach, or being in or on the water side and gives a hearty full body bark if closeness. She requires attention, but not time for either. She understands many in any type of craft that floats. And when she’s not getting enough attention; the constant and can be left alone when her critical voice commands both on and off she’s done walking, she’s done walking. hip checks she throws when badgering basic needs are met for about 5-6 hours leash, but that doesn’t just happen. For Her front legs will simply lock up as your our cat “Kitty,” they will be frenemies to without issues. Ours in particular, is not a us, Early, Often and Repetitive are the reminder that it’s time to be carried. Her dislikes are few, a crowd of new dogs is the end; the way she rolls over at strang- fan of small children and is happy to re- watchwords critical to proper training. ers and friends’ feet for a belly rub; the main at a distance.Vigilance and supervi- What type of care does she require? Shih one, the second is fireworks (unfortuway she requires outdoor “sun time” sion are necessary when the potential to Tzu’s have hair that grows and not a nately living in Discovery Bay there are regardless of the outside temperature or interact with them exists. She’s also slow coat, so no shedding, (hypoallergenic just certain nights you know it will be an the temperature of the concrete. If the to warm to other dogs individually and too!), but a 5-week grooming sched- issue and you have to prepare for them sun's out, there will be a few times a day forget it if there’s a group of other dogs ule is necessary unless you want a long- well in advance), the third would be the when she will just lay out and get warm that are already acquainted. They will haired dog, which demands more time last escorted and mandatory pee of the for a few minutes. simply overwhelm her. She trained to a to maintain. Brushing at any hair length night after she’s already put herself to What advice do you have for owners of pad when she was a puppy in about 30 is a daily necessity, especially as the hair bed, and lastly, rain. But beyond that, she’s this type of breed? I think other own- days and now communicates her needs grows out or matting and knotting can an overall easy going dog that I couldn’t ers of this breed already know the score. to go out with a bark at the door. How- develop, but this just takes a few minutes imagine us empty nesters being without.
By Charleen Earley
charleenbearley@gmail.com
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April – June 2016
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Photo by Maria Tavares When Penny, a Shih Tzu, goes to her sitters at Happy Tailz with Danielle Kaiser in Discovery Bay, she travels with her little designer Coach bag, which contains her brush and toys.
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April – June 2016
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