Pet magazine by Christopher Fox

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M A G A Z I N E

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SEPT/OCT 2015

Take One!

How much Fall is going to end up on YOUR carpet?

NO MORE Muddy Paws! Preventative Medicine For a New Puppy

Beach Camping With Your Pets

south sound people, pets, & community!

Fall Events!

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Going on Near You? serving thurston, mason, lewis, kitsap & pierce Counties

pet connection

Can you find Sadie's Pumpkin?

M A G A Z I N E PO Box 845 East Olympia, WA 98540

If at any time during your day you put your hand on fur or pet hair, YOU should be trained in Pet CPR & 1st Aid!

www.petconnectionmagazine.com info@petconnectionmagazine.com Sarah Bous-Leslie Designer/Photographer

Annette Lanker

Stephanie Cahill / Cahill Designs Designer

Certified PetTech Instructor HTA Practitioner PET CPR, FIRST AID AND WELLNESS CLASSES

Sarah Weideman Staff Writer

Improving the QUALITY of Pets’ lives, one Pet Owner at a time. HolyCowCritters@gmail.com

Sadie is ready for Fall! She loves Halloween! Email the location of her pumpkin & a photo of your pet to info@petconnectionmagazine.com before October 15, 2015 and be entered in a drawing to

253-208-4625 www.HolyCowCritters.com

have your pet’s photo in the next issue of PCM!

On the Cover:

Inside this issue:

Sadie Sadie is one special pup! This sweet, 8 year old, Australian shepard/black lab mix has gone from Therapy Dog Extraordinaire to Mud Pit Master! She is a natural model, this was one of the easiest photoshoots we’ve done!

We Have A Winner! Congratulations to Heidi for winning the drawing for PCM’s “Find Sadie’s Ear Muffs”

Gracie

Advertising Info: (360) 507-4251

“Gracie is a 3-year old chocolate lab rescue. She has found her forever home after three previous rescue attempts. She had many behavioral issues, but consistent training with a behaviorist and a lot of love and affection have helped her to become a happy and loved member of our family.” Good Job Guys!!

Sept/Oct 2015

Pet Connection Magazine does not discriminate against advertisers or submissions on the basis of religion, race, creed, or political affiliation. We cannot be held liable for or guarantee the claims of advertisers. All material is property of Pet Connection Magazine and may NOT be reprinted or used in whole or in part without written permission from PCM.

Pododermatitis Dermatology Clinic for Animals

What’s in your Kit? First Aid Kit for Animals

Gypsy Chronicles A Woman’s Determined Return to Horses

CC Riders Foal Rescue Saving Foals from Yakima Catch Pens

Back to School Tips For Little Critters

Brewer’s Yeast for Dog’s and Cats

How Much Fall is Going to End up on YOUR Carpet? K9Grass Thurston County Sheriff K-9 Spotlight! Myths and Facts about the Goldfish

19 19

Beach Camping

Olympia Veterinary Specialists The Cancer Center

with Dogs and Horses!

Get your Pet’s Joints Ready for Winter

Preventative Medicine for a New Puppy

Toast for Tails Concern for Animals

Choosing the Right New Dog Best Paw Forward

Fall Events! What’s Happening Near You

20 21

Dynamite

Book Review

Do Unto Animals, Tracey Stewart

Buildings, Leases & Sub-Leases

DawgTree

Muddy Mutt Event

Living Together in Harmony? New Inventor Saves Trees!

September 12, Carnation, WA!

We’ve all been there. Rushing around, getting ready for work, and the kids ready for school (where did our summer go?).Then you hear it.The sound of the sliding glass door opening...”Nooooooo!” you yell frantically as you scramble through the house. But it’s too late.You round the corner and see the huge muddy paw prints across the carpet and (yay), some on the couch too!? You know the kids were just trying to be helpful, so you grit your teeth and remind them AGAIN to “Please wait for mommy to let the dogs in, we have to wipe all their feet!”Then comes the sigh as you head for the spot cleaner, and text your boss: ‘I’m going to be late.’ Let’s face it, like 80 percent of the year in the PNW is rainy and muddy. Okay, maybe not 80 percent, but darn near! I don’t know about you, but I used to have the sopping wet, germ ridden towel next to the back door, and eventually a big sign that said “Wipe their Feet!” to remind my little helpers.There’s no way around it though, having dogs during rainy weather is GROSS. Well, I found the best solution ever, and it seriously has changed my whole outlook on living with kids and dogs! K9 Grass.That’s right, artificial grass that is designed specially to drain well, keep germs down, eliminate the muddy mess, and look fantastic! (Did I mention you don’t have to mow??) K9Grass is the artificial grass designed specifically for dogs. With its exclusive flow-through backing, short dense blade structure, and antimicrobial protection, K9Grass offers a cleaner, safer, better smelling environment for pets. Say goodbye to cold concrete, gravel, mulch, muddy yards, and dirty paws—K9Grass is the solution you have been looking for. Clean, safe, beautiful and easy to maintain—K9Grass is everything you want and need from a surfacing product. The technology/opportunity is finally here to solve one of my major complaints about living with my furry family members, do yourself a huge favor and call 360-455-9500 or visit www.ForeverLawnPS.com to find out more!

Have a digger? K9 Grass is the answer, it’s “dig proof”            

Clean, safe, better-smelling environment Antimicrobial protection Easy to maintain Beautifully realistic design Green grass looks great and is a natural fit for dog play and elimination areas. Challenges of natural grass are eliminated (no mowing, reseeding, resodding, or fertilizing). Dogs stay significantly cleaner, as there is no contact with dirt or mud, potentially eliminating the need for frequent bathing. Indoor areas stay cleaner, as dogs are not tracking dirt, grass, and debris into the home. Dogs’ joints enjoy the benefits of a soft natural feeling surface (especially nice for older and rehabilitating dogs). Specific maintenance programs keep grass cleaner and safer for dogs. Insects are often reduced, as there is nothing in the area of interest to bugs. No itchy bellies for dogs sensitive to pollen and grass.

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Thurston County Sheriif k-9

Dog Park Opened in Shelton - August 2015!

Team Spotlight!

K9 Daro & Deputy Tyson Shenkel Meet K9 Daro, a Deputy with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. K9 Daro is a two year old German Shepherd & Belgian Malinois mix known as a Shepenois. He was selected in July of 2014 after being shipped to America from Israel and began his training with Deputy Tyson Shenkel a short time later. Although extremely athletic, At 95 lbs K9 Daro is the largest Police dog in the County. After nine months of patrol K9 Daro has proven himself as a great asset to the Thurston County Sheriffs office and the community. He is trained in tracking, apprehension and handler protection. K9 Daro’s favorite part of work is doing community demos where he can hang out with children and get his belly scratched.

As large as he is it takes a lot of food to keep K9 Daro full. DogsWell Livfree food is provided by the company as well as Chopper’s Holistic Pet Foods in Fircrest, one of the best mom & pop pet stores around. He was purchased with a donation provided by a local couple looking to help keep their community safe. A big thank you goes out to everyone that is a part of K9 Daro’s career and life!

K9 Daro enjoys spending his off time hanging out with Deputy Shenkel’s son who treats him like a furry pillow. K9 Daro loves to go camping with his best friend, a pit bull named Ryker. He also enjoys working out with his handler or chasing his ball to burn some extra energy.

If you see K9 Daro out and about with his handler please stop and say hi, he loves the attention and chance to meet new people. You can also follow K9 Daro and his fellow patrol Dogs on T.C.S.O. K9 Unit Facebook!

The K-9 units program is supported by donations from local businesses and citizens. K9 Daro is kept healthy by the great staff at Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital.

Want to help feed a local K9 Officer? They are supported 100% by donations. To be a food sponsor runs around $80-$100 a month. Send them a message on Facebook for details!

Last year a small group of Shelton citizens got together for the purpose of creating an off-leash dog park in the area. There was no place to let dogs run free and socialize. After much searching it was determined that be best location would be in the underutilized portion of Shelton’s Kneeland Park, a beautiful family-friendly park with picnic areas, huge playground, gazebo, and restrooms, which is located at First Street and Turner. This location in the heart of Shelton is accessible by foot or by car. With approval of the Shelton City Commission, and with the assistance of Mark Zeigler, City of Shelton’s Parks and Recreation Director, this community-funded grassroots project launched a series of events and activities to raise the $6500 which was needed. This campaign included donation jars in local businesses, table top events at local mechants, gifts from individuals, and the sale of dog park supporter buttons. The goal was met and construction is going full speed ahead. On August 22nd the 15,600 square foot Shelton Dog Park opened to the public and we had a great turn out. Finally we have a place for dogs to romp and play with freedom in the sun or under the beautiful large trees. It will also be great for the humans to have other doggie moms and dads to chat with. We hope to see you there, and remember dog park rules are to be followed for your dog’s safety. --Sadie Mae Hawkins, spokesdog for the Shelton Dog Park

360.790.1409 4

CRS, SRES, ABR, REALTOR®

Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

beneficial bacteria and it does not have high ammonia or nitrite levels. If you have questions about the proper way to cycle the tank water you can email me or refer to my previous article about the cycle process.

Facts & Common Myths about the Intelligent Goldfish Species Tammy Dore - The Pet Works

Water changes and tank cleanings are important for all fish but especially for the goldfish species. They do not have stomachs which mean they will quickly produce waste from what they eat. They also do not have the ability to know when to stop eating as they never will feel “full”. Since they will produce waste quickly the waste will quickly turn into ammonia and disrupt the water conditions. This is not a problem in the wild because of constant water flow.

When I talk with people about my fascination for fish and how many tanks we have throughout our home (20 freshwater tanks) one of the most common questions I’m asked is if they are all goldfish. Most likely this is because the goldfish (Carassius auratas) is one the most commonly kept aquarium fish. They are also one of the earliest fish to be domesticated over 1,000 years ago in China. They were introduced in North America around 1850 and quickly gained in popularity throughout the U.S. Throughout the year’s selective breeding has produced over 100 types of goldfish. They have many coloration patterns, fin and body shapes. They can be solid white, yellow, orange, brown and black or have combinations of these colors. Goldfish are an easy fish to keep as long as provided the proper habitat and healthy water conditions are maintained. Most likely when hearing the word goldfish and the visual of a goldfish in a bowl comes to mind because of depictions of these fish in books or other forms of media. Unfortunately this has led to the belief they are able to be kept in a bowl without filtration and aeration. Goldfish cannot and should not be kept in a bowl. This type of habitat is also most likely the cause for the myth that goldfish have short lifespans. Goldfish are actually a hardy fish with a life span of 10-20 years (cases of 30-40 years have been documented) as long as they are provided the proper habitat and care. When considering owning a goldfish keep in mind a healthy goldfish will not be a “shortterm” pet. The most common cause of a short life span in a goldfish is poor water conditions and over feeding. Goldfish habitat requirements are at least a 10 gallon tank for a smaller species if only keeping one or two fish. If more than two or for the larger varieties available a tank size of 20 gallons or more is needed. They will also require a filtration system, an air pump for additional oxygen and water movement is also important. A light source is also important because goldfish will gradually turn to a grayish coloring over time if not provided with light. The color change is not harmful to them but most likely if you purchase a vibrant fish you will want to keep them a vibrant color instead of gray. You can choose to have gravel substrate if desired or you can choose to not have gravel or other substrate. Goldfish will eat or uproot most live plants placed in a tank but there are a few plants such as Anubias or Cryptocoryne that can survive with goldfish as long they are not uprooted. Plastic or silk plants are more durable and easy to care for. Goldfish are “cold-water” fish and do not need a heater. They are best kept in a water temperature of 65-72 degrees. As always when setting up a new aquarium the water will need to be treated with a water conditioner and the tank water will need to be “cycled” to ensure it has the

Goldfish are omnivore which means they can and will eat both plant and animal material. They enjoy scavenging for food and will eat anything they find on the substrate. They will eat the goldfish pellet and flake food you can purchase at a pet store which contain both the plant and animal matter. Goldfish specific food has less protein and more carbohydrates than the non-specific goldfish food. It is also a good idea to supplement their diet with shelled peas (without the skin) to reduce the risk of intestinal blocking. They also will benefit from leafy vegetables, bloodworms and brine shrimp. The bloodworms and brine shrimp can be found in most pet stores in a frozen form. Goldfish are not an aggressive fish and are friendly with other species of goldfish but they are not compatible with most other freshwater fish species because of the amount of waste they produce and because they are a cold-water species. Most freshwater fish need a heated tank and will not tolerate the waste produced. The hardiest species to start out with if new to the hobby or owning a goldfish are the Common goldfish, Comet, fan-tails, Shubunkin, Black Moor and the Ryukin goldfish. If you have experience or are feeling more confident with owning goldfish you can look into the more fancy delicate types such as the Bubble-Eye, Celestial, Oranda or Lionhead species. Goldfish are a fun fish to own because they are known for being intelligent and receptive to their owners. They will greet their owners by holding eye contact with you or by coming up to the front of the tank and swimming around excitedly when approached. They are able to distinguish who their owners are over a short amount of time but if an unknown person approaches the tank they will actually hide. They also have great eye sight and they are able to see blue, green, red and ultra-violet. In fact after owning them for a couple months and if you feed them around the same time each day they will be able to anticipate feeding time by noticing the lighting changes throughout the day. Another common myth about goldfish is that they have a short memory span. They actually have a memory span of up to three months and can be taught to eat food from their owner’s hands or even perform “tricks” by reacting to light signal combinations and positive reinforcement with food. Even though they are interactive with their owners it is very important to know they must never be “pet” by a person. All fish have a protective layer over their scales called a slime-coat. This slime coat helps them from bacteria or water-born parasites.

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If you are interested in looking at the variety of goldfish or getting an aquarium set-up we would love to have you come by our location at 407 4th Ave E in downtown Olympia. Also if you have any question you can email me at petworksolympia@gmail.com

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THE CANCER CENTER Our belief is cancer simply can’t wait. Our Services Include: • Diagnostic Ultrasound • Sample Collection • In-house cytology • Digital radiology • Rapid pathology results • Direct transfers to Surgery or Internal Medicine • CT (coming November 2015!) • Overnight care available Lisa Parshley, DVM, PHD, DACVIM (oncology)

Autumn Dutelle, DVM, MS, DACVIM (oncology)

115 Eastside St NE, Olympia www.olympiaveterinaryspecialists.com

Open Monday through Friday 360-339-3596

Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

Preventative Medicine - For a New Puppy

Dr. Lisa Parshley, DVM, PHD, DACVIM (Oncology) - Olympia Veterinary Specialists In a few short weeks we will have a puppy romping through our house and hearts. Currently, we are going through the normal worry and nerves of expectant puppy parents. Will our little fuzz ball love us as much as we love him? Will our rescue border collie tolerate a new family member who happens to have puppy sharp teeth and no personal boundaries? How are we going to train him to ensure a good canine citizen? Is our house puppy proofed enough? In the midst of these all-consuming considerations, I began pondering the preventative medicine steps we would take for our new boy. As an animal oncologist, I see every day the emotional cost of cancer. Having been around the corner with cancer in my immediate family I am intimately aware of these costs. Imminent arrival of a new family member has made me question once again if there are any preventative measures that will reduce his risk of cancer. Ultimately, the best thing we can do is make sure he is healthy and happy from day one. While none of the following thoughts are absolute, I wanted to share them you. Puppies grow fast, changing almost daily. Personalities are determined before birth but will blossom throughout the year while their bodies change continuously. In the first year of life they will log rhythmically increased weight. Their nascent immune system will be forced to mature through repeated self-inflicted and accidental challenges. Supporting and anticipating these growth steps is critical to helping them stay healthy. Being healthy as a puppy will increase the chance as adult they will also be healthy. And this is my major goal for my new boy. During each growth phase there are different health considerations. Selecting and establishing a relationship with a veterinarian will ensure healthy transition through each phase. Additionally, by acquainting your puppy with a veterinarian you can be assured of the best diagnostic tool throughout their life which is a physical examination. How do you choose a veterinarian? Everyone uses different criteria. For some people it is word of mouth. Who do their friends and family recommend? Sometimes it is a choice based on location such as finding a clinic close to home or work thereby improving accesses in a busy life or work schedule. Sometimes it is based on compatibility. Working with a veterinarian who shares the same social and medical mores. Regardless find a veterinarian you trust and can work with through the years to come. When do you neuter or spay? There are many published papers espousing different viewpoints on this topic. Some papers are based on solid scientific fact whereas others are seriously flawed. Using Google or Bing to search this topic will spit out even more opinions. Unfortunately most of these web based opinions are just that opinions without scientific data. So, how do you choose the timing of spaying or neutering? There are a few good papers that provide medical guidance and I would also counsel self-reflection before deciding. Early neutering and spaying protects against bad behavior driven by hormones and is very important in preventing unwanted pregnancies. It is a preventative medical procedure that literally save lives. For example spaying a female dog before puberty significantly reduces the risk of mammary carcinoma (breast cancer). Having a female dog go through more than 3 heat cycles increases the

risk even further. If you have a female dog and do not intend to breed her it may be best to have her spayed before her first or second heat cycle. While early spaying and neutering is a justified preventative medical procedure, it does have some unintended consequences. For example it prevents puberty. Timing of many growth phases ultimately are linked to puberty and its hormones. Such as triggering closure of growth plates in bone. It is important to note that once triggered these growths plates will continue to close regardless of continued hormone exposure. Preventing puberty therefore can cause growth to continue abnormally long. Meaning without the trigger to close the growth plates bones will continue grow longer than programed. This longer growth will produce bigger animals. A possible consequence of this extended growth is formation of abnormal joints and posture. Both of these could lead to orthopedic and chronic joint disease. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that a longer bone growth phase may increase the risk of osteosarcoma (bone tumor). For the right dog waiting until growth plates have begun to close before neutering or spaying might be the best option. This can be accomplished by having your veterinarian watching one or two growth plates with periodic radiographs. For other dogs it might be best to neuter or spay before puberty or as soon the first signs of puberty occur. To help you make this decision I highly recommend using the guidance of a veterinarian and considering what is best for your dog and whole family. Last consideration for a new puppy: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. Lately we have heard both innuendo and fact about the risks and benefits of vaccines. Some of the furor around vaccines was based on a paper written by a human doctor who showed an association between vaccines and autism. Unfortunately, what the public was never informed about was that this paper was riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsified data. This medical doctor was subsequently forced to print a retraction and lost his license to practice medicine. Are there risks associated with vaccines? Yes. Allergic reaction is the most likely but not very common and can be avoided with planning. All the other risks associated with vaccines are very low and very infrequent (including causing cancer). The simple fact is that vaccines literally prevent thousands of deaths every year from Parvo, Rabies, and Distemper viruses (among others). Benefits of vaccines so far outweigh the risks that it is somewhat of a medical no brainer to give them. I will vaccinate our new boy as guided by our veterinarian. Ultimately, the single best thing you can do for your puppy is to find and create a relationship with a veterinarian. They can help guide you from puppy to adult hood. They will be there for you on a rainy day should you need them. Diet, training, and social interactions are equally important but it always better to do these from good health. If you wish to see our new boy, look to the Olympia Veterinary Cancer Center Facebook page in the month of September to see perhaps too many pictures of our new boy.

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Tank: 2-3 year old neutered male. This is a large Havana type Rabbit. His personality reminds me of a Labrador dog. He likes to play. He is always moving everything around in his little house. He likes to push things like baskets and rocks. He is solid black, but is molting and I am brushing him almost everyday. He tries to take the brush away from me. He is a happy boy with lots of love to give. He also loves to be scratched between his ears. He gets along with small dogs and cats. He is box trained. He is not bonded to other rabbits. Jake: 10 month old neutered male. This rabbit has a very sweet personality. He loves to be brushed and he is very sociable. He is box trained and gets along with small Dogs, cats. He likes to climb out of the short fencing but is a good boy and doesn’t try with the taller ones. I can sit and hold him and he gives little kisses to show you he likes you. He tends to get spooked if there is to much movement around him.

Sierri: 3-5 year old Spayed Astrex Lop mix. She has wavy curly fur. This is a very mellow and relaxed rabbit. She does not like to be picked up, but she will quietly sit with you and watch TV. She likes people, dogs, and cats, but she does not like other rabbits. It will be a chore getting her to bond to another rabbit. But, it can be done. She is box trained as long as her area is kept clean. She likes to play with cardboard boxes and plastic balls. She loves tunnels and deep baskets to hide and peek out of. If you are looking for just one quiet little bunny, she is your girl. Fawna: 6 month Spayed female Agouti in color, Rex and Polish Spot cross. She is very smart and would make a great endurance rabbit. She also loves to be brushed. She loves playing outside in a safe pen and really likes baskets and Apple sticks from the apple tree. She is box trained and loves a soft blanket to lay on. And prefers people to move slowly around her until she gets to know you. Fawna had surgery on one of her eyes, there is a small scar. Every once in a while she may need ointment, but otherwise she is perfectly fine!

Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

Choosing the right new dog Lisa Tyson, Best Paw Forward Choosing a dog is a big step, and there are many things you can do to help assure that the dog or puppy and you have the best chance at success.

a good method of containment. (Tying dogs out can create behavioral issues, and frustration for your dog.)

The first step to picking out the best new dog family member, is to sit down with your whole family and discuss what you want in a new dog. Puppy, youngster, adult or senior dog, small or large or medium, rescue, new home adoption or purchase from a breeder? Each person’s ideas must be heard, without trying to influence or talk anyone out of their opinions. Remember, this is just your first step, you can modify what you truly want later.

Then there is the time for training, exercising and play: Training is important for all dogs, but some dogs have more intensive training requirements, and others require just the basics. A puppy can require several training classes over the years, as well as stopping problem behaviors such as chewing, housebreaking, biting etc., where an older dog may only need one class to help create the family bond (remember, when you work together with your dog, you strengthen your bond.) All dogs require exercise to combat boredom and keep them social with the outside world, and all dogs and humans require play time together to strengthen the family bond.

Second step, figure out what is realistic for your family. What is your energy level? How much time do you have to devote to your new family member? Do you all agree that this new family member will be there no matter what, and you will work through any problems that may come up, or are there certain behaviors that you won’t tolerate? (Remember, the only way to be successful is to be HONEST!) A low energy dog will probably not do well with a family that is on the move constantly, and a high energy dog in a family that doesn’t have a lot of activity will both create behavioral issues and challenges for dog and family. Third, examine your finances. The cost of buying a dog may be huge, or relatively inexpensive, but the purchase price is only a small part of the expense of dog ownership. Less costly foods are usually full of fillers and require larger amounts of feed and can sometimes contribute to health and/ or allergy problems. Higher grade foods can cost a lot more, but require less meal time amounts. Higher quality food also can contribute to the overall health of your dog. Vet visits for regular checkups, vaccinations, emergency health/injury, and insurance all take a big financial investment. Grooming, and training also contribute to the overall cost of having a canine family member. All dogs require training, but some require more, some require less and some need a lot just to keep them happy and satisfied. Then there are toys, chewys, bowls, collars, leashes, tags, etc., etc. You will also need good containment for your dog, a fenced yard, or kennel or crate. Please do not consider tying out as

After the whole family has reached a consensus of what will fit in best with their family, wants, desires and lifestyles it’s a good idea to research the breeds you like best, and match traits to your life. Reading books on breeds is okay, but balance that with talking to people who have that breed. Rescues can be a great resource, ask to meet the dogs of friends and relatives. Meet several. One dog of a certain breed may be calm and friendly, while another of the same breed may be high energy and dominant. Each dog is different, the breed standard only highlights the breed ideal and some of what you may encounter in that breed-but not in each individual dog.

Best Paw Forward Dog behavior and obedience training for Olympia, Chehalis & surrounding areas of Washington state.

Private Lessons • Group Classes AKC Canine Good Citizen AKC STAR Puppy • Service Dog Training Challenging Behaviors • Insecure Dogs

The final part of this step is to locate the dog that you are looking for. Research the rescues, the breeders, etc. Make sure that if they are purebred breeders, that all genetic testing has been done. Each purebred dog breed can come with breed specific maladies. The testing and guarantees can make sure that you aren’t spending thousands of dollars at the vet, or worse losing your new family member to a breed specific illness.

Lisa Tyson Best Paw Forward Chehalis, WA Office: 360-262-3258 Cell: 360-951-2954

In short, do your research, know your limitations, and you will increase the likelihood that your new best friend, can remain your best friend forever.

doghelp@bestpaw-forward.com www.BestPaw-Forward.com

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Western Washington’s MOST Comprehensive Pet Events Calendar! September 5TH-6TH ADOPT-A-PET YARD SALE 8a-3p, and 9a-3p, 940 E. Jensen Road in Shelton www.adoptapet-wa.org 10TH–13TH VASHON SHEEPDOG CLASSIC SEE AD THIS ISSUE! 11TH HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEATTLE HUMANE! Help celebrate with $25.00 off any pet adoption! 11TH-12TH CIDER SUMMIT SEATTLE 3-8p, 12-6p, South Lake Union, Discovery Center Lawn, Dog-friendly event! People 21 and over only. Dogs of all ages will be allowed on event grounds. www.cidersummitnw.com/seattleeventinfo.html 11TH-12TH HAROTC TACK AND GARAGE SALE 9a-3p, 5520 43rd Court NE, Lacey 11-13TH PUGET SOUND BIRD FESTIVAL Edmonds, WA, speakers, guided walks, land and waterbased field trips, exhibits, and educational activities for children and adults www.pugetsoundbirdfest.org 12TH POOCH POOL PARTY Session 1: 10-11:30am Pool Party Session 2: 12-1:30 pm, Stewart Heights Pool Tacoma WA. $10 first dog, $5 second dog, humans are free, bring a food donation for Dugan Foundation! www.metroparkstacoma.org/calendar?id=2517 12TH MUDDY MUTT EVENT 10a-2p, Camp Korey at Carnation Farm, (See article this issue!) www.muddymuttevent.com 12TH HARBOR HOUNDS ANNUAL CHARITY DOG WALK 10-3p Benefits Prison Pet Partnership Program and Gig Harbor Midday Rotary, http://harborhounds.dojiggy.com 12TH MASON CO KITTEN RESCUE GARAGE SALE 9-5p www.kittenresq.net/garage-sale 12TH HARBOR HOP The Inn at Gig Harbor Rabbit Haven fundraising dinner and Auction http://rabbithaven.org/harborhop 16TH YAPPIER HOUR 5-7p Woodmark Hotel Beach Café Appetizers and Fun Cocktails. A dog-friendly event w/dog appetizers and activities www.thewoodmark.com/woodmark-hotel-mascot.php 19TH HAPPY TAILS WINE WALK FOR HOMEWARD PET 12-4 Woodinville Hollywood Wine District www.homewardpet.org/winewalk

19TH NINE LIVES GALA BENEFIT FOR SEATTLE AREA FELINE RESCUE 5:30p, Shoreline Convention Center, Dinner, drinks entertainment and live auction. www.seattleareafelinerescue.org

5TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE SHELTER OPEN HOUSE Hours vary, take a field trip to your own community animal shelter today! For a list of the fun activities and special promotions participating shelters have planned for their Open House events visit www.pawsitivealliance.org

19th FOR THE LOVE OF ART AND PAWS Arts and Crafts Festival, 10a-4p, Silbury Hill Alpacas in Sunnyside, live music, food, vendors, benefits Yakima Humane Society, outreach@yakimahumane.com

10TH RAINING CATS AND DOGS Auction Fundraiser for Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation 5-9:30p, Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle. www.seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org/auctions/ raining-cats-dogs-auction-2015/

20TH FREMONT OKTOBERFEST Dog-Friendly Event 11-6p Sunday only, dogs and children welcome (children free w/paying adult) Kids activities, games and music. http://www.fremontoktoberfest.com/festivalinfo.html 20TH CAT BEHAVIOR 201: ADVANCED CAT TO ENGLISH 12:30p-2p, University Bookstore, Seattle, WA, an advanced look into common feline behavior issues, this free training event will dive deeper into the intriguing manners of cats. 20TH GELDING CLINIC Graham, WA. $160.00 includes gelding, tetnus, and anitibiotics. Pre-Registration Required. Contact CC Riders Foal Rescue at 253-293-4861 for information.

OCTOBER 3RD SEXLESS SOIREE 2015 AUCTION WITH A TWIST! 5-9p, Don James Center inside Husky Stadium at UW, vegetarian and vegan buffet, beer, wine and cocktails, silent and live auctions, dessert dash, games and raffles! www.feralcatproject.org 3RD WORLD ANIMAL DAY AND PET BLESSING 10a-12p Unity Church, Bellevue WA, Photos, certificates and treat bags, www.unityofbellevue.org 206-325-0586 3RD PUPPY UP 2015 WALK 11:30a-3:30p, Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, Companions Against Cancer, Register Online www.puppyup.org 3RD-4TH SEATTLE PARROT EXPO 10a-6p, Tukwila Community Center, FREE admission, FREE Parking! www.seattleparrotexpo.com 4TH BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 10a, Littlerock Methodist Church, 6336 128th Ave SW, Littlerock, WA 98512, all animals welcome, big and small, fur, feathers, hooves and more. Partially fenced area in back for haul ins.

10TH BARKTOBERFEST AND ROVER ROMP 10a-2p, Roegner Park, Auburn. Benefits Auburn Valley Humane Society See Ad this issue! Register online www.auburnvalleyhs.org 11TH 4.5K-9 RUN/WALK FOR A CURE 8a-12p, Green Lake Park, Seattle, WA, benefits Chase Away K9 Cancer, to sign up go to www.runsignup.com 16TH NATIONAL FERAL CAT DAY www.NationalFeralCatDay.org 17TH CATOBERFEST 1p-4p, Maple Valley Community Center, family fun, free admission, please bring a donation of canned cat food! 17TH-18TH SEATTLE REPTILE EXPO 10a-5p, 10a-4p, Puyallup Fairgrounds, adults $10 or Two day pass $14 Children under 10 free! www.seattlereptileexpos.com 18TH SEATTLE HUMANE’S WALK FOR THE ANIMALS 9a-12p, Green Lake, Seattle, www.SeattleHumane.org/walk 24TH BLACK CAT BALL BENEFIT FOR PURRFECT PALS Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Vegetarian/Vegan dinner and wine, over 500 live and silent auction items available. Festive and Halloween-themed event! www.purrfectpals.org/event/black-cat-ball 24TH NATIONAL PIT BULL AWARENESS DAY a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about pit bulls and their responsible owners. www.nationalpitbullawarenessday.org

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Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

Pododermatitis in Dogs

Dr. Kimberly Coyner DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology

www.dermvettacoma.com www.dermvetolympia.com General Information: Pododermatitis means inflammation of the feet, and is considered to be more of a description, than an actual disease. Many underlying disorders result in pododermatitis. Transmission or Cause: The most common cause of pododermatitis is allergy, especially atopy (environmental allergy) and food allergies. The allergy can cause inflammation of many areas of the skin, including the feet. Many pets with a pododermatitis can then develop a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. In addition to allergies, other causes of pododermatitis includes a form of mange (Demodex), fungal infections (ringworm or dermatophytosis), dilated (cystic) hair follicles, sterile granuloma, and autoimmune disorders such as pemphigus foliaceus. Foreign bodies such as plant awns or fox tails are frequently the cause of pododermatitis, although this will most often affect only one foot. There are also internal diseases, such as a failure of the liver, which can cause destruction (necrosis) of the foot pads, or hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, which can make animals more prone to develop infections. Affected animals: Any allergic pet should be considered prone or susceptible to developing pododermatitis. In addition animals outside with greater exposure to foxtails, and ringworm in the soil are also at greater risk. Larger dogs may also be at greater risk of developing infections from hair shafts which have been pushed under the skin (similar to an ingrown hair), which can cause inflamed lumps between the toes. Clinical signs: Sometimes the inflammation is limited to just the feet, with no other site or region affected. The inflammation results in redness and an itch sensation in the feet. This can result in the pet licking and or chewing the feet, nails, and even foot pads. The feet themselves can be red or irritated, with red or brown staining, and the accumulation of oily/waxy debris, especially in dogs with deep folds in between their toes. When a secondary infection develops, this can cause even more itch, as well as an abnormal odor. Other changes which may occur include a generalized swelling of the feet, or more local swellings (nodules) in between the toes. These will usually eventually open and drain a puss-like or bloody discharge. These draining tracts, called fistulas, can occur in both an upward or downward direction in the foot. This will usually lead to scar tissue formation, which makes treatment even more difficult and lengthy. Diagnosis: When presented with a patient with inflammation of the feet, your veterinarian will usually start with two diagnostic

tests. Skin scrapings are necessary to look for and find demodex mites. In addition, samples to check for bacteria and yeast (cytology) should be obtained since these are such common secondary problems for a pet with pododermatitis. In addition to treating the infections, if an underlying allergy is suspected, an allergy work-up may be started such as a food trial, testing for environmental allergies, and/or a parasite treatment trial. Depending on the findings of the physical exam, additional testing such as biopsies, cultures, or surgical “exploration” of the lesion looking for foreign bodies may be required. Treatment: Because pododermatitis can have multiple different causes and secondary infections, multiple different therapies are usually required. Identification and treatment of the underlying cause is necessary if a complete and permanent cure is the goal. Systemic (internal) antibiotics or antifungal medications may be required for three weeks or longer for secondary infections. Topical products may also be recommended, depending on the severity of the condition. Many of the more advanced cases of pododermatitis are not going to improve with topical medications alone, but they can be very helpful when combined with the appropriate internal medications. When medical treatment alone is not curative, surgical or laser removal of chronically scarred interdigital nodules may be needed. Prognosis: The sooner the underlying cause and secondary infections are identified and treated, the better the outcome will be. Because chronic cases of pododermatitis can develop significant amounts of scarring in the feet, this can make treatment more difficult, and recurrence of disease more likely. Prevention: Inspecting the feet, including in between the toes daily during foxtail season or when the pet has been outside can allow removal of foxtails before they penetrate into the foot and cause damage. The best way to prevent chronic pododermatitis is to seek prompt veterinary care as soon as any allergic symptoms (such as licking of the feet or redness and inflammation between the toes) are noted.

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What’s in Your Kit? Annette Lanker, certified PetTech Instructor #1640

Ask the parent of any small child about a first aid kit and they’ll likely rattle off a grocery list of items that they keep on hand for those ‘little emergencies’. But ask most pet owners what’s in their pet first aid kit and more than likely you’ll get either a blank look or ‘I haven’t really thought about that.’ Have YOU thought about it? I know from personal experience that it can literally be lifesaving, to quickly grab needed first aid supplies when facing an emergency. As a puppy, one of my dogs pulled the leash out of my husband’s hand and dashed out into the street where he was hit by a fast moving truck. One of his front legs was badly broken and bleeding profusely. Even though we live just blocks from a veterinary emergency hospital, I knew that if I didn’t slow the bleeding he would likely bleed out before we got him there. My training kicked into gear. I had worked for years as a veterinary technician and had recently taken a PetTech CPR and First Aid class as a refresher, so I knew what I needed to do. First, I quickly placed a temporary muzzle (a MUST for every Pet First Aid Kit) on my dog’s snout because “Any pet that is in pain or is moved into pain, can and will bite.” I then applied clean gauze sponges gently over the wounded area and then I took my roll gauze and started firmly wrapping the entire leg above and below the injury site to apply even pressure over the bleeding wound. This didn’t stop the bleeding but it slowed it down enough for the dog to be transported to the vet. I also wrapped my injured pet in a blanket to help with shock and my husband drove us to the emergency vet hospital where we handed our dog over to the professionals. Later when the vet was reviewing the injuries with us, he asked who had wrapped the dog’s leg. I said that I had and he said, ‘if you hadn’t been able to slow down the bleeding, we wouldn’t be here talking about treatment options because the dog probably would not have survived.’ So, not only is it important to have the right supplies on hand, but it is also important to know how to use them. Please consider taking a Pet First Aid course in your area. So, what items should you have in a good Pet First Aid Kit? The following list will provide you with the basics and you can consult with your vet or other pet care professional about what other things might be useful depending on the size and type of your pet.

• Bandage Scissors - these scissors have a blunted blade to easily slip between skin and bandage material and not cut the patient’s skin. • Antiseptic wash or wipes - look for non-stinging preparations such as chlorhexidine or betadine. Rubbing alcohol is not good for open sores or wounds. • Antibiotic ointment - over-the-counter “general purpose” antibiotic ointment for light use with minor skin wounds. Not for eye use. • Latex or plastic exam gloves - for your protection and your pet’s protection - use when the situation is messy. • A muzzle - or materials to make a muzzle. Even the most well-trained animals may bite when injured or afraid. • Digital Thermometer • Water-based lubricating jelly - for use with rectal thermometers. • Ice and hot packs - cool down skin after a burn or keep an animal warm if hypothermic. Always use a cloth between the pack and skin and check frequently for redness or irritation. • Extra towels, wash cloths and a blanket - use for washing, keeping warm/cool, and if necessary, a way to transport the injured pet (sling). **I like to use the emergency rescue blankets that fold up to about 2” x 4”

Items to include in your PET FIRST AID KIT:

• Diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) - for stings and allergic reactions - speak with your vet first about proper dosing. **make certain that it does not contain any other ingredients.**

• Scissors - for cutting out things matted in fur and freeing your pet from entanglements.

• Syringe or large eye dropper - to flush wounds or administer fluids by mouth.

• Sterile eye wash - make sure it is eye wash, not contact lens solution.

• A list of phone numbers - your regular vet, the emergency vet, animal control, and animal poison control numbers.

• Tweezers - to remove splinters, or other foreign material from wounds.

• Picture of you and your pet- important as proof of ownership.

• Tick remover tool - if you are in a tick-infested area, consider one of many tools to easily remove ticks and reduce additional damage or infection during removal. • Ear wash - speak to your vet about which one is best for your pet. • Toenail trimmer and styptic pencil - for torn toenails. Cornstarch also works for torn nails, but not for skin wounds. • Tape - preferably the 1” white medical tape. Easy to tear off and holds well. • Roll Gauze - used for bandaging, an aid to stop bleeding, and padding for splints. • Vet Wrap - this is a conforming bandage wrap used over a telfa pad or roll gauze that comes in many colors and two sizes (2” and 4” - pick one that best fits your pet). It clings to itself and is semi-watertight. It can be purchased at many feed stores (horse section) and some veterinary clinics.

• Feminine Hygiene napkins- for heavy bleeding and ear injuries. • Hydrogen peroxide- with oral syringe to induce vomiting as directed by your vet. • Pet First Aid book • A sturdy box - ideally plastic or metal - to hold all of your supplies and is easy to carry and pack with you will complete your kit. A fanny pack is also great to hold especially if you are out hiking, running or walking with your dog. Annette Lanker teaches Pet CPR and First classes around WA state. See www.HolyCowCritters.com for class schedules “Preventing over 1 million veterinary ER visits through education. Improving the quality of pets’ lives, one pet parent at a time” ™ PetTech.net

• Telfa pads or gauze sponges

Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

The Gypsy Chronicles A woman’s determined return to a life with horses. - Part 3 -

Sarah Bous-Leslie

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In every life, we have our defining moments. You know, a moment that when you look back, you realize it really changed the course of events. We also have those embarrassing moments, the ones that make your face glow red just thinking back on them. Sometimes these are one and the same…

So yeah, if you’ve been following the Gypsy Chronicles you know that I finally BOUGHT A HORSE, and my life has been different ever since. That’s not really the event I’m talking about, that’s a no brainer! The embarrassing moment came the first time I stuck my foot in the stirrup in preparation to swing on up onto Miss Gypsy. Not thinking about it, (it’s something I’ve done thousands of times back in my teen years) and my mind more on the excitement of riding, it took a moment to realize I was still standing there. My foot in the stirrup, and my other foot firmly on the ground. Ummmm, what happened? I kind of laughed and began again, hopping a little to start momentum, putting a hand on the saddle horn, and yeah, not swinging my leg anywhere. My muscles were quite in shock and began shaking mercilessly as I laughed with embarrassment, and started searching for something to climb up on. When had this happened? At what point had I become this older person whose body not only didn’t listen to her, but at the thought of hauling me up on a horse, went on complete strike?? I mean honestly, Gypsy isn’t the tallest horse by any means, and I have the longest stirrups in the county, being 5’10” myself! Oh no, this wouldn’t do AT ALL. Yes, yes, I’m well aware that mounting from the ground isn’t good for her back. I am very happy to use a mounting block. BUT what if we are out on the trails and there is nothing to climb up on? What if in an emergency I need to dismount and mount again for some reason? I mean, I’m quite sure that if a bear came at us, Gypsy would out run me any day! Unlikely? Yes. Still a major reason for concern? YES. I remember trail rides with my Aunt Sue back in my childhood. She was a big woman, with really bad knees, but she never let that keep her from riding with me. Thinking back, I don’t know how she would have remounted out on some of the trails we rode, if it became necessary. I was filled with a new purpose. I knew that getting the horse, and rethinking my entire lifestyle to afford and spend enough time with her was only the beginning. I set my mind on the next goal: mount from the dang ground!! According to my barn manager I needed to strengthen the muscles you use when doing leg lunges. That sounded hideous to me, but hey, no pain no gain right? I began doing lunges around the house. Our first haul out trail ride, through water like a BOSS. My kids thought I The easiest part of the trail, trust me. was hilarious. I also started skipping every other stair when going upstairs. Painful, but I was hoping it was working! I made sure to only attempt mounting

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Minutes before the big test. from the ground when no one was there to witness the debacle. Poor Gypsy is so patient, she would look at me and twitch her ears. I think that once she even rolled her eyes. After a very long time, I finally made it up! I didn’t even pull the poor horse over. It was clear though that it was mostly adrenaline, and more muscle tone was needed. Soon came the big test. Our first offsite trail ride!! I was very excited to get out on the trails and my barn manager agreed to take me out that weekend. Almost the moment the plans were made, I started stressing out about getting on. Sure, there would be a pickup truck and a trailer to climb onto, but I REALLY wanted to hop up and go like everyone else. When we arrived at the trail head, and it was time to go, I discreetly led Gypsy around to the other side of the trailer just in case I didn’t make it. My heart was pounding and my mouth was dry. “Just DO IT!” My inner voice screeched at me. Trying not to over think the procedure, (yeah right) I quickly gave a burst of energy and sailed into the saddle! YESSSSSS. I was so giddy that I’m sure if I got off I would be too weak for a repeat performance. Little did I know that the mounting was to be the least of the craziness of the day. Let’s just say that I now have a much higher confidence in the terrain my girl can traverse without tripping, or going down. At one point the horse in front of us reached the bottom of a steep hill only to sink belly deep in mud. I knew that if we stopped, we might get stuck. Gypsy bounded through the mud hole and raced up the hill on the other side. (Like a boss I might add!) We went “off roading” many Sweaty Selfies #WeDon’tNeedaStick times, (aka “I think the trail goes this way” haha). It was a blast, and it built our confidence as a team on the trails. I still avoid mounting from the ground as much as possible, and haven’t come close to achieving it in my English saddle…but you know what they say: Baby Steps! For now I’ll believe that my course has been altered and I’m heading towards a middle age that involves strength and health, instead of self-doubt and fear. Here’s to perseverance. Next time, “Let’s train for Dressage” and other outlandish things that have never before come out of my mouth…

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CC Riders Foal Rescue By Sarah Weideman

Many in the horse community have heard of the drill team CC Riders, but most do not know of the foal rescue efforts of the group. The CC Riders has a small group of dedicated individuals who work hard to work with the Yakima Reservation to rescue and rehome foals from the reservation. It is not common knowledge that the reservation is currently highly overrun with wild horses, and many are starving to death due to the lack of resources on the reservation. In an effort to help the equine population on the reservation wild horses are rounded up and sold by the reservation. The cold hard truth is that many of these wild horses are sent to the auction where many are purchased by “meat” buyers and are sent to slaughter. CC Riders steps in before the auction house. CC Riders works with a small group of the trappers who reach out when there are foals in the catch pens so that the foals can be rehomed. Foals are kept with their mothers for as long as possible, however this is not always for very long. Some foals are removed from their mothers as early as a few days old but most are a month or two old. When the rescue takes them in, they are fed a goat milk replacement and are started on a milk/pellet feed ration as soon as they are capable to feed on such foods. It is important to know that these foals are not given to the rescue, rather the rescue has to pay for the foals or they too would be shipped to the auction along with their herd mates. Foal fees are set regardless of the gender, color, confirmation, health or age. Once paid for by the CC Riders

group the foals are transported to the Bonney Lake area where they are housed by the group while they await adoption. To adopt a foal is a big commitment and there are some things to consider before you decide to adopt a Yakima foal. First, these foals are completely wild they have had limited contact and handling with humans. These foals are not able to be taken home and turned into a big pasture as you will probably never catch them again. Foals need to be kept in a high walled stall that will prevent them from jumping. Bars should also be covered to prevent them from putting a leg through and breaking a leg. Due to the age of the foals they learn to trust quickly and bond with their new people quickly. Next you need to be prepared for several up-front costs associated with bringing home a foal in addition to the $125 adoption fee (covers the fee from the reservation). The rescue does treat each baby with a feed through de-wormer before the foals are adopted however they do not provide shots or gelding procedures. If foals come into the rescue with wounds they are treated and given a tetanus shot. New foal owners are responsible for all vet, farrier and other care immediately needed for the foal. Not everyone is able to adopt a foal but they would like to help. Like many rescues the CC Riders Foal Rescue is always in need of supplies. The top need of the rescue is milk replacer. The rescue feeds goat milk replacer for two reasons: one, it is cheaper, and two, foals who had scours cleared up, and none of the babies have had any tummy issues. When the foals are ready to start transitioning to solid foods alfalfa pellets are mixed with other grains and the milk replacement. The calcium in the alfalfa helps keep the foals from getting ulcers. All supplies are provided by the CC Riders Foal Rescue group to care for the foals before adoption are provided through donations by members of the group and supporters of the group. If you would like to help you can donate through their Amazon Wish List (http://amzn.com/w/2JHMKE7WZ3BYD) or through their Go Fund Me Account www.gofundme.com/yakimafoals). To learn more about the CC Riders and to view their adoption application please visit www.ccridersdrillteam.com.

Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

Back to School Tips for Small Critters! --Killy Keefe Back to school time is here and it is time to ask yourself, and your family, how will this change the routine you have gotten used to since June and how will it affect your pets (especially your small animals), who may not require walks outside, but still need your time and attention? If the daily routine is going to change drastically from what it has been over the summer you may need to make arrangements and changes to keep your furry friends happy and content. Feeding and cleaning are obvious “Must Dos”. Calculate about how much time that takes daily on average, and adjust for it in your new schedules. If the kids are in charge of these tasks, but now have practice and after school activities, you may need to decide that they will have to get up a little earlier to accomplish these necessities. More so, you don’t want to deprive your pets of play and people time. Making time in your schedule for these activities is SUPER IMPORTANT as deprivation of play time and people time can cause depression and anxiety in your pets. If it means you have to skip a TV show in the evening for them, do it. Or, consider bringing your pets into the room in which you are watching the show, play with them, let them run (if the room is appropriately set up for them to do so), and pet, cuddle, and talk to them during this time. In our house when we are super busy, we will do computer work with a cat in the lap, or get in some leisure reading with a guinea pig noshing on some lettuce by our side. In our household, the “guinea pig ate the homework” excuse is valid. Another option to consider if you have a single guinea pig, rat, or rabbit, is finding a friend to keep them company. This can really help with loneliness and anxiety in general. Animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits and rats live in groups in the wild and usually enjoy the company of one of their own. A buddy may help keep them happier and occupied -and hopefully out of mischief- during your absence. However, bonding any of these animals to a new friend is not an easy task and should thoroughly be researched before attempting. Many small animal rescues will have information on this and may be able to help with the bonding process.

Not Your Average Farrier Sarah Weideman

I discovered Otis Curry Horseshoeing after my long time farrier caused my horse to become so sore and out of balance that he could hardly walk. It was heart breaking to see my 4 year old gelding gimp around and not be able to move properly. Like a good horse owner I was religious about our appointments for regular trimmings but something over his last two trims was just not right. When I looked at his feet something looked off… literally- tilted. So I “broke up” with my farrier and went on the hunt for a new long term relationship.

Through the world of Facebook I was referred Otis Curry by several different people. So I made the call and set up an appointment to haul into his shop in Centralia. On the phone I explained what was going on and Otis patiently listened and assured me that my baby would be fine. Upon arrival we did quick introductions and I pulled my boy out of the trailer. Otis and his business partner Larry evaluated my boy’s feet and asked me the weirdest question, “Was your old farrier left handed?” After a minute I said “Yes, why do you ask?” His response

**Note- Having a second guinea pig, rabbit or rat , does not necessarily mean more work. You will be feeding them at the same time, cleaning the same enclosure, etc and the slight extra work is well worth the benefits! It is still hot out! This summer has been a hot one, and the heat may very well continue on into the Fall. Small animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds are very sensitive to heat and need to be monitored closely for signs of heat related illnesses. Some quick tips to help keep your Critters cool: -Water! Make sure all animals have access to plenty of fresh water AT ALL TIMES. This is extremely important. -Keep your pets out of direct sunlight. Yes, even indoors.

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-Fans can blow cool air past your small animal’s enclosure, but should not point directly at them. -Plastic bottles filled with water and then frozen (and with any packaging/paper or anything ingestible removed) can be placed in their enclosure allowing the animal to rest against it if they choose to do so. It is very important to recognize the signs of heat related illnesses specific to the animal(s) you have at home, and to know when to call or get to the vet. You may even want to consult with your vet to talk about what to look out for, what to do, and when to come in before an emergency situation occurs. Knowing these things before can save you a lot of stress and maybe even your pet’s life. For more tips: http://www.petconnectionmagazine.com/images/pet-connectionmagazine/archived-pdfs/2014NSJulyAug.pdf https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/hot-weather-tips http://rabbit.org/faq-warm-weather-concerns/ http://www.guineapigtoday.com/2012/06/08/keep-guinea-pigs-cooland-comfortable-in-the-summer-heat/

was that the feet where all tipped the left because the dominant hand was his left causing there to be a stronger rasping action on the left side while rasping…. basically my horse was leaning to the right (farriers stand facing the back when working so his left would be my horses right). Next came the hard part... “There is nothing to do for him now, he needs to grow some hoof.” Not an easy thing to hear. Otis and Larry explained that putting shoes on could help balance him out but it is just a band aide and will not fix the problem long term. We agreed to let him grow- and I can tell you now 3 years later, it was the best choice I have ever made!

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For three years I have watched Otis hand create shoes from raw metal in the back of his truck for my horses and I can tell you there is a clear difference between custom made shoes and the store bought ones. They last longer and they each fit my horses hoof perfectly! In addition to his farrier work Otis also teaches horseshoeing in this shop in Centralia and creates amazing pieces of art from horse shoes and metal. Otis travels all around the Puget Sound and beyond trimming and shoeing all breeds of horses. You can also haul into his shop and save some money. Specialty shoes for horses with health problems, show shoes and more are available. To schedule an appointment or to discuss your shoeing needs Otis can be reached at 360-736-9515 (leave a message and he will return your call just give him a couple days he travels a lot).

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Summit Summit Veterinary Veterinary Referral Referral Center Center is is very very excited excited to to announce announce the the addition addition of of our our first first ophthalmologist! ophthalmologist! Dr. Dr. Nathan Nathan Kice Kice isis joining joining Summit Summit following following several several years years in in private private practice practice in in St. St. Louis Louis and and Portland. Portland. Dr. Dr. Kice Kice completed completed his his DVM DVM at at University University of of Illinois Illinois at at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, and and his his residency residency at at Cornell University. Cornell University. He He isis looking looking forward forward to to returning returning to to the the Pacific Pacific

Dr. Kice looks forward to working with you to provide quality care for your patients and clients. He is now seeing new patients. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Northwest. In Northwest. In his his spare spare time, time, Dr. Dr. Kice Kice enjoys enjoys time time outdoors, outdoors, hiking, hiking, and and spending spending time time with with his his wife. wife. Dr. Dr. Kice Kice will will work work collaboratively collaboratively to to provide provide the the best best comprehensive comprehensive

Nathan Nathan Kice Kice,, DVM, DVM, DACVO DACVO

care care for for your your patients. patients. Our Our primary primary goal goal isis to to maintain maintain an an excellent excellent quality quality of of life life for for our our patients, patients, recognizing recognizing that that every every case case contains contains unique unique elements elements which which are are considered considered in in the the overall overall plan. plan.

Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

VETERINARY REFERRAL CENTER 2505 S. 80TH STREET TACOMA, WA 98409 WWW.SUMMITVETS.COM

(253) 983-1114

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Brewer’s Yeast for Dogs & Cats

Alpha Pet Supply

Teri Reidlinger-Lamson - Wags Organics

You may have heard pet nutritionists mention the addition of brewer’s yeast to your pet’s diet, or may have noticed it as a recurring ingredient in recipes for homemade foods. Why is it good for our dogs and cats? Because it contains important food-based nutrients that are often missing in commercial foods or reduced by the cooking process. One of the best immune-enhancing supplements available in food form, yeast is a living food and is a source of vital energy, replacing many amino acids and B vitamins lost when pet foods are cooked, whether homemade or canned. B vitamins aid in cell metabolism and B complex (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid and biotin) is used by the body to break down carbs, fats, and proteins which provide the body with energy. They also support the nervous system, digestive muscle group, and keep the skin, coat, eyes and liver healthy. A strong, well-functioning immune system aids in the prevention and reduction of internal and external parasites. Brewer’s yeast is a powerful antioxidant supporting that function. Stress depletes the body of B vitamins. Whether a car ride, trip to the vet, separation anxiety or excessive licking, the addition of brewer’s yeast to your pet’s diet may help their bodies better process stress hormones thus keeping him/her more calm and balanced. It can take 2-4 weeks of daily dosing before you

notice an improvement, stick with it, you both will be happier in the long run. Dogs and cats like the taste of brewer’s yeast and adding even a small amount to the food offered to a finicky eater can encourage food consumption. As with any new addition to your pet’s diet, introduce the brewer’s yeast in small amounts, slowly increasing until the ideal dosage is reached. The suggested full daily dosage is 1/2 teaspoon daily for small dogs and cats, and 1 teaspoon for medium and large dogs, giant breeds may be given 2 teaspoons daily.

Other benefits of feeding brewer’s yeast include: • shinier coat • reduced shedding • improved metabolism • reduced dry skin and itchiness • repels biting insects • support of muscle development • improved appetite For additional natural pet care and health tips, visit www.wagsorganics.blogspot.com

Upon arrival we were happily greeted by our hosts who showed us our campsite and our paddocks for the horses. They walked us down to the trail head that led to the beach and offered some useful tips for introducing the horses to the waves for the first time. (I will add that the waves where not our horses issue… the moving sand however made for a fun first couple of rides).

Sarah Weideman

Camping, one of the highlights for many families during the summer especially here in the Pacific Northwest. This summer has been unusually hot for our area and my family decided to beat the 100 degree heat by running to the beach for the weekend. Now, this wasn’t your ordinary weekend of camping…. I took 3 horses, 1 dog, a 9 year old kid and a husband. First I had to plan where to go- a task that may seem simple, but let me assure you when you mix dogs and horses that task is far from easy. After almost 2 weeks of emails and phone calls I had all but given up hope and was ready to scrap the entire idea. Then during my last attempt the all-powerful Google pulled up a link I had yet to click on- Ocean Acres Bed and Breakfast, Grayland WA. The website said that they had dry and electric hookups for camping, private paddocks and a barn that you could keep your horses in with beach access and so much more! Sounded perfect but I saw nothing about dogs…. so I sent an email asking if my dog would be permitted and waited. Not even 20 minutes later my phone neighed indicating an email and it was Ocean Acres! They happily informed me that my dog was allowed so long as she stayed on leash in camp but could run free on the beach with our horses. I immediately booked our weekend and started making plans to have my barn looked after.

Doggie Du-Rite now offers CGC testing! Puppy & Obedience Classes available at this location, or your home! Email deb@doggiedurite to sign up, or call 360-748-3985 www.doggiedurite.com Check out our new website and join us on Facebook (facebook.com/alphapetsupply) for exciting deals and interesting information about pets!

We offer several manufacturer choices for grain and potato free & lightly cooked dog and cat food!

10am-6pm Monday-Saturday We left early on a Saturday morning and arrived in Grayland around 10am. Google Maps led us astray but we soon found our way. Hint: if you are trying to find Ocean Acres and Google says you have arrived….keep going all the way through Grayland and you will find the white fence.

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The paddocks are made of electric fencing that your horses can stay in for the trip or they also have a barn that you can rent a stall in. Campers who have portable fencing are also welcome and there are larger camp sites for you. All campsites have a fire pit so you can enjoy roasting hotdogs and cooking marshmallows. There is water for the horses near the paddocks with hoses that reach so you do not have to bucket water. You will need to bring water buckets and your own feed of course. Overall the weekend was fun and relaxing. I would highly recommend that if you want to camp with your horses at the beach this be one of the stops on your list. When you plan your visit bring extra fly spray for both you and your horses as the mosquitos can be a little aggressive due to the close proximity of the water. I would recommend fly sheets for the horses including fly masks to help protect them. To learn more visit

www.horsebeachcamp.com

or call 360.267.5521

1421 Harrison Ave Centralia, Wa (360) 736-2517

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Ready, Set, Winter!? Get those joints ready for the cold weather. u

Sarah Weideman, Dynamite Independent Distributor 360-878-6242

Winter is coming… we keep seeing the post on FaceBook with silly little pictures, but what does it mean in reality? For those of us that suffer from joint pain, it strikes fear in our hearts and our bodies. The winter months of Washington brings not just cold, but that dreaded wet cold. Often in search of a “quick fix” we run to the medicine cabinet and pull out some type of antiinflammatory and go on with our day. Now imagine if your joints hurt during the winter, what does the winter cold bring for your furry companions? Animals in general are far more skilled at hiding their pain and continuing on with their daily activities than we are, causing us to forget that they too may be in need of some assistance during the winter. Most of us would prefer to take a natural supplement rather than something created in a lab. Dynamite Specialty Products provides us with one of the best joint, tendon and ligament supplement on the market (in my opinion). Dynamite’s Free and Easy© is the answer for both your furry animals join, tendon and ligament pain but also yours!

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Free and Easy© is made up of gelatin, Ester-C©, Calcium Heptahydrate, Sulfur, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid, Glucosamine, Yucca, Cat’s Claw, Aloe Vera, SOD (superoxide dismutase), Amino Acid Chelates of Zinc, Manganese and Copper. This unique combination of ingredients provides your body with an excellent source of proteins and other nutrients needed for the formation of collagen and connective tissues, joint fluids and many of the ingredients act as a natural anti-inflammatory. Free and Easy is available for Dogs, Cats, Humans, Equines and other animals. To learn more please visit www.backtobasicshorsemanship.com and click on Dynamite Specialty Products

Vets for Less Animal Clinic of Federal Way We are MORE than you would think!!

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Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

Wolf

Book Review by Teri Reidlinger-Lamson

Do Unto Animals - Tracey Stewart

The more we know about the animals in our world and the better we care for them, the better our lives will be. Quickly rising in the world of animal welfare, Tracey Stewart, a former vet tech, will have her book released on October 20th. Published by Artisan Books, Tracey describes Do Unto Animals, as “part practical guide, part memoir of my life with animals, and part testament to the power of giving back.” Beautifully illustrated by Brooklyn based artist, Lisel Ashlock, and through the humorous, knowledgeable voice of Stewart, and a few homemade projects, Do Unto Animals gives readers insights into the lives of animals and the kindest ways to live with and alongside them. The publisher’s release cites that everything from learning to speak “dog and cat-ese” to humanely dealing with moles and building backyard beehives will be explored. Stewart also shares personal experiences from the New Jersey farm that she shares with her husband, comedian, Jon Stewart and their two children. The couple is working towards turning the property into a home for rescued farm animals.

Haven

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Dr. Susan Friedman, a pioneer in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis to captive and companion animals, has this to say about Stewart’s new release; “This book is a dazzling confluence of art, heart, and animal welfare information. Informative, thought-provoking, and charming, Do Unto Animals is a gentle call to action for animal lovers of all ages that fully embodies Stewart’s vital message: If we all do a little better, a lot of good is possible.” Support your local book seller by pre-ordering a copy today. Happy reading!

How to Talk Your Dog into Behaving Well

To punish or not to punish a misbehaving dog is a question trainers disagree about how to answer. Most experts, however, advocate positive reinforcement as a more effective and humane training method. Pet owners can learn more from a new website sponsored by Vita Bone® dog treats: www.vitabone.com/learn. Here, experts like Steve Dale, nationally acclaimed pet expert and certified animal behavior consultant, provide training and treating tips to help people deal with some of the most common types of canine misbehaviors. “The problem with punishment is that it doesn’t give a dog any information about what it should be doing,” says Dale. “While it does interrupt bad behavior, punishment doesn’t teach the dog a more acceptable alternative. Positive reinforcement works by rewarding dogs when they perform a desired behavior.” Dog owners often complain that their pets jump up on guests entering their homes. Punishing the dog – for example, by shoving a knee into its chest – will undoubtedly stop the unwelcome behavior, at least temporarily. But it also can communicate to dogs that people are untrustworthy, crazy or unkind. Frequently punished dogs grow wary of all people and sometimes even begin to act aggressively toward them. These undesired outcomes are only natural, as dogs in

such situations are reacting to pain and anxiety caused by confusing human actions.

Tenino, WA • wolfhaven.org

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If dog owners want their pets to sit quietly by the door or fetch a favorite toy when visitors arrive – instead of jumping on their guests – they should convey this information through positive reinforcement. Showing dogs what to do and rewarding their success provides motivation for them to repeat desired behavior and enhances relationships with their humans. The reward should take the form of whatever it is that a dog most enjoys – generally a special treat. It should be easy to eat, so that the dog doesn’t become distracted by the process of chewing and remains focused on the desired behavior it’s exhibiting. Pet owners should have treats readily available so that they can administer one every time a dog in training does what it’s supposed to do.

“As a training tool, positive reinforcement isn’t only a more effective way to teach, it’s also more ethical than punishment – which is perhaps the most important point,” says Dale. “Today, more than 90 percent of pet owners in North America consider their dogs as cherished family members. For all the love our dogs unconditionally offer every day, I purport that we should treat them the same way.” For more information and dog training tips, visit www.vitabone.com/learn.

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Dale recommends Vita Bone® Chewy Sticks because they are easy to break apart for training sessions. In addition to being easy to eat, independent studies show that dogs prefer Vita Bone® treats two to one over leading national brands. So their size, texture and taste make them ideal dog training tools. While a more punitive style of training can be effective in certain situations – for example if a dog is about to run out in front of an oncoming vehicle, and its owners needs it to stop immediately – it cannot train dogs to behave the way we want them to. What’s worse is that it can erode the human-animal bond, as frequently punished dogs naturally begin to dislike and mistrust people.

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Buildings, leases, sub-leases... living together in peace & harmony

Do you have an animal-related business?

Carmen Rowe, Gryphon Law Group

Do you need someone who “gets” it? With over 20 years of active involvement in the animal world, Carmen offers you personal experience and understanding of the unique traits of your business coupled with over 16 years of legal experience serving your business and personal planning needs.

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Carmen Rowe, Attorney at Law Gryphon Law Group

1121 Harrison Ave. No. 280 - Centralia, WA

If you have a business, one of the single biggest factors in the make-orbreak of your business is where you decide to locate. This article is for those of you that rely on a “brick & mortar” storefront, a physical location where you stock your goods, provide your services. People may find you through marketing, but they will likely end up in your shop at some point or another. For some businesses, people will find you based on your location as much as your advertising. If your business needs a place to be, then you have some decisions to make. The first is whether to purchase or lease your space. This decision hinges on many factors, including financial planning, business model, and straight-up practicality. I won’t get into all that goes into that decision here, but I can point out a few things to think about depending on which route you chose. When you get serious about a deal, it is wise to seek legal counsel and often financial counsel as well. For all location decisions, don’t forget the business-planning piece, including a “feasibility” study. This may seem obvious, but you may be surprised how often people overlook these factors – or rely on someone else’s promises. Do your own research. First and foremost, will the property suit your needs? Will the neighbors welcome the business, or fight you legally and/or emotionally? Is it zoned correctly? Are there complimentary businesses, where is the nearest competition, is this the right market? Will there be limitations on how much you can improve or change the property to suit your needs (this applies to people who lease, too)? Are there factors that will limit your hours, your noise, the numbers of customers you can have? The questions go on; the key is thinking past the excitement, and into the nuts and bolts.

Purchasing your digs. If you are buying your property, the single

biggest advice I can give you is know what you are buying, and what warrantees are (or are not). Do your “due diligence.” People often think that if something comes up later, that they can bring a claim against the seller because the seller said this or that, or should have known, or the problem was not obvious. Typically … No. This is both for the PHYSICAL building or land, and the ABILITY to do what you intend to do (as far as regulations, zoning, legal Pet Emer limits or requirements, etc.). The law expects commercial a i buyers to know what they are getting, and to have done their homework. And, if you will be purchasing a business already on your property, that is a whole new set of Providing compassionate and quality emergency issues to consider and often a separate legal transaction. care for companion animals. We are your pet’s si emergency care center Subleasing. There is a financial benefit to subleasing ar on at e V e t e r i n (having someone share the overhead) as well as a business one (two or several businesses that compliment, and thus can help build, the other(s)). Retail stores, groomers or do-it-your-self dog washing, trainers, activity centers, boarding facilities and veterinarians are frequent Emergency & Critical Care partners in adjoining spaces. Whether you sublease a specific part of the facility, or share according to hours Immediate Diagnostics (daytime versus evening, weekday versus weekend), you want to walk through every possible aspect of what In-House Laboratory, you want this relationship to look like. This applies both to day-to-day operations and to respective financial and Ultrasound, and Digital liability issues. g

Olym p

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cy en

Olympia Pet Emergency

Radiology

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www.OlympiaPetEmergency.net 22

Leasing. If you are leasing in some form, the terms should be clear, and this can be more complicated in a commercial lease. Say, for example – what is the lease rate? Does it start out of the gate, or is there a grace period? How it will increase over the lease term, or upon renewal? Is there an automatic renewal or a contractual right to renew? If not, do you want one to ensure continuity of a business location? If there is one, what are the time frames to give notice of termination before you are locked in to the renewal? Who is responsible for what portions of upkeep and maintenance, and for what parts of the property? What are the signage requirements and limitations? What are the use limitations? If a multibusiness complex, what are the tenant and landlord responsibilities to preserve uniqueness and optimize harmony between businesses, without conflicting business competition?

Do the terms “hang” together? No, seriously – these things get so long & complicated, and too often a hodge-podge based on a standard form that has been changed many times. It is not unusual to end up with something everyone is about to sign that doesn’t jive, with ambiguities, conflicts and holes that equate big legal trouble down the road. Do the requirements in one section match requirements elsewhere? Are references to another section in the contract actually correct? Let’s take something that seems as basic as it gets, the initial date, and setting up the space. What date is that, exactly? It may not be when you start your business. It could be when you can move in and start making tenant improvements (“TI”), at either a reduced rent for that time period – or not. Who pays for TIs? How much can the tenant do, how much will the landlord have to approve, and on what basis can the landlord say no? Is there a scope of work, or an allowance figure? Whose contractor is used? Who carries liability? Who is responsible if there is delay in construction and start of the business? What happens to those improvements when the lease ends – do they stay? If so, does the landlord value? Does the tenant have to return the property to its original condition? (which can be very expensive, especially if using use-specific build-outs, such as doggie daycare floors). What is an “improvement”, anyway, that must stay, versus something the tenant can take with them? Commercial leases are complicated, with tremendous financial and business consequences. Even the most savvy intelligent business owner is often adrift in a new sea when it comes to commercial leases. That’s ok. There are lots of folks who can help. And, don’t remember the non-legal piece. Communication is your single biggest ally, both in drafting the contract and as time goes on. You are not on opposite sides of a battle; you are all here to work together for everyone to succeed. I’m thrilled to announce the opening of Gryphon Law Group! You may have seen the change in the ad; I have embarked on the journey many of you already have in starting my own business. I will continue my professional focus on real estate and business – with of course my special personal interest in animal-related businesses, and agriculture and farm issues. Give me a call, we’re here for you. Come check out Animal Business Law on Facebook! Carmen Rowe is a business & real estate lawyer with 17 years experience representing animal-related businesses and agrictulrure. In addition to her small working farm, she has been actively involved with Alaskan Malamutes for 15 years, is general counsel for the National Breed club, has served as general counsel for various malamute rescues, and was a founding member of the Washington State Bar Animal Law Section, serving on the board for 10 years. Carmen is also an active member of the Community Associations Institute.

Pet Connection Magazine South Edition • September/October 2015

DawgTree

Kitten Rescue has housed upwards of 170 kittens and young cats at one time during last year, ensuring that they are all healthy, have received all their shots and have been spayed or neutered. Much of the money comes from our garage sales and personal donations, as well as grants.

By Sarah Bous-Leslie

Meet Jonathan Stewart. Ex-Marine, Federal Tactical Team Member, SWAT Dog handler, and…tree lover? Yes, you heard that right, Jonathan is on a one man crusade to save your trees! Let me tell you, his enthusiasm is downright contagious. Let’s back up a moment, and you will see what I mean.

We also help people in the community see that feral populations near their homes have food to eat. This is an additional expense, which is becoming increasingly hard to manage.

A year or so ago, Jonathan and his family noticed that a tree in their backyard was not doing well. It was about 8 years old, and finally helping to shade the area. Unfortunately, his dogs had been peeing on the base of the tree, the urine had burned and weakened the bark and allowed in mold and rot. Try as they might to save the tree, it died, and they had to start over. Not wanting the same thing to happen again, Jonathan got on the internet and began googling for anything that might help. In this day and age, you would think that every need of pet owners (and gardeners) would have already been thought of and produced! But the few solutions he found just didn’t work. Some people wrapped the tree base in a plastic bag, but this cuts off airflow and traps moisture, not healthy for a tree. Some people sprayed chemical repellants, but those don’t work either, and now you have urine AND chemicals on your poor tree. Jonathan decided to make something himself. DawgTree was the result of many hours of trial and error. It needed to be soft on the trunk, allow for growth, keep fido far enough away that urine wouldn’t reach the tree, AND let the tree breathe. Once his design was perfected he began the patent process, and now finally DawgTree is available for order! Between caring for his four beautiful kids, and teaching college classes on criminal justice, he spends ALL his time perfecting manufacture and building his new business. “It’s always a risk to put yourself out there, and try to share your idea with people. But I really believe in this, it’s simple, and it works,” says Jonathan. “I’m so happy that my wife supported this crazy idea and we ran with it.” He was thrilled at the response he got when he unveiled the DawgTree at the Super Pet Expo. People were very excited so see a solution for a common problem and the Horticulture Industry has recognized this as a revolutionary new tree protection device. He will be attending the Tree Care Industry Expo in November..

Cushie (male)

If you are interested in helping, a commitment of a donation of one bag of dry cat food a month would go far in helping out.

420 SE State Route 3 Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 427-3167 of Mason County www.kittenresq.net

I know that when our HOA decided to replace a bunch of trees in our neighborhood, half of them failed and died thanks to dog urine. We had to buy a lot of those trees twice, and trees are NOT cheap! I can see many uses for the Dawg Tree, from city parks, off leash areas, neighborhoods and my own back yard! Let’s face it, we aren’t going to stop having dogs in our yards, (as if!!) and a way to keep our trees happy is great news. For more information about DawgTree and to order yours visit www.dawgtree.com

Johnson-Carr Insurance Agency

wee o l l a H y p Hap

The Pet Owners’ Agency! Don’t let insurance SCAR E you! We are here to make it easy, and fun! Let’s get you covered so you don’t have to worry about what goes BUMP in the night! Our agency is a locally owned family business, and our pets are our family. We are champions for animal rights, and staunch supporters of shelters and rescue groups as volunteers, as well as providing financial help. We have the best service in the business in addition to our excellent rates for auto, home, recreational vehicles, business, life and pet insurance.

Call us for a quote on pet insurance today! 4403 Lacey Blvd SE Lacey, WA tcarr@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/tcarr

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Teresa Carr, Kylie Heerlyn, and Kevin Sparks with Jaxson and Rylie

Think insurance can’t be fun? Come visit us, meet our greeter “Vader” (short for Dog Vader Lord of the Sniff) and enjoy a fresh baked cookie with a cup of coffee!

Auto s Home s Business s Life s Boats s Antique Cars s RV’s s Motorcycles s Other “Toys” s Pets www.petconnectionmagazine.com

Roll, lick, wag, and play

The Muddy Mutt RUN

SEPTEMBER

12th

Camp Korey At Carnation Farm 10 am - 2 pm 28901 NE Carnation Farm Rd Carnation, WA 98014

Ticket Prices INCLUDES SALES TAX

$50 per human - dog partner $6 per extra dog $22 per extra immediate family member • Dog Themed Parks • Optional Obstacles • Mud Pit • Tailgate Celebration • Music • Free Drinks • Dog Goodies • People Goodies • Merchandise • Dog Charities • Adoptable Dogs • Dog Bathing

WALK

OBSTACLE

An Event that Doesn’t Bite

Just a little way past Redmond, Washington you will find a town called Carnation… never heard of it? Don’t worry you are not the first person to say that! On September 12th 2015 you will want to not only have heard of it, you will want to be there for one of the best events ever for you and your dog! Seriously it can only be described as an amusement park for dogs, without the lines! The Muddy Mutt Event benefits several local nonprofits in the area in addition to Camp Kory, a camp for disabled children which also incorporates a therapy animal program. There is so much to do at the event it is hard to decide where to start! So let us just jump into it- much like you and your dogs will. This event is for everyone and their dogs! On the obstacle course you will find mud pits, sand dunes, agility type obstacles, jumps, lakes, free roam areas and more fun than you could ever imagine for your pet. Unlike many courses there is no timer or set course for you to take. It is more like a canine amusement park than a course. You can choose to try some, all, or none of the obstacles. If your pup chooses to play in the mud you can choose to get muddy right along with them, or not- however a change of clothes would be advised. For your muddy pup there are complimentary wash stations so you don’t have to take part of the course back home with you. The event promoters make every effort to ensure that even attendees in wheelchairs can have a good location to watch the fun (please call ahead in order for preparations to be made for your needs). At the event you will also find a tailgate party that offers free beverages at the Beer and Rootbeer Garden (yes that’s right, FREE BEER!), vendors, adoptable dogs, pet rescue groups, groomers, and SO much more! Everyone is welcome to the tailgate area regardless of event participation. The tailgate area is a great place to hang out and socialize with other dog lovers. If you are looking for something a little more active, you can join the people and their furry companions out on the obstacle course. The event coordinators welcome all participants, but if you know you are going to attend they ask that you please register online at www.muddymuttevent.com to help the vendors best prepare all of their FREE GIVEAWAYS! If you are unsure if the course is for you and your pups, come hangout at the tailgate party and soak it all in before deciding. You can always register at the gate. Pet Connection Magazine would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers that help make this event possible. The benefits of this event are countless for the dog community and the organizations that are positively affected by the donations and participants of the event. We hope to see you there! Come say “Hi” to us and be sure to check out the numerous vendors, dog groups and services that support this fun day!