CityDog Holiday 2009 Issue

LIFE WITH DOG IN THE WEST | Seattle | Portland | San Francisco

CityDog HOLIDAY 2009

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gifts | stocking stuffers | recipes | cozy cabin getaway | deluxe digs | red dog diaries | entertaining | ask dog lady

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FOR FIDO

Make a Holidate with CityDog! Yappy Howlidays Muttmixer December 9, 2009 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

W Hotel Seattle Puppy Love Muttmixer February 10, 2009 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

W Hotel Seattle Join CityDog Magazine and fellow dog lovers to mix and mingle, sip cocktails and swap doggy tails.

Four-legged friends welcome!

For more information, visit citydogmagazine.com.

Give the gift that has tails wagging!

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{FROM THE EDITOR}

H

appy howlidays!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la...and what better way to celebrate than a Muttmixer with CityDog Magazine?

Photo by J. Nichole Smith

That’s right—we’re kicking the holidays into high gear with our annual Yappy Howlidays Muttmixer on December 9th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the swanky W Hotel Seattle. Join fellow dog lovers for cocktails and mingling, plus holiday portraits with your pooch, swag bags to make tails wag, and more! The event is free—all we ask is that you bring a donation of pet food—we’ll take care of delivering it to the West Seattle Food Bank to help hungry pets in our community. Can’t make it on December 9th? Then, join us on February 10th—same time, same place—for our annual Puppy Love Muttmixer! Turn to page 36 for more information about these events and more.

‘Tis also the season for giving...presents, that is! We’ve packed this issue with cool products for pets and their people, so turn to page 14 for stocking stuffers and gift ideas for Fido and friends.

4 • CityDog Magazine

There’s a little something for everyone—the only thing they need to have in common is a love for all things dog.

Once the shopping is done, the presents are wrapped and the stockings are hung, it’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy what the holidays are all about—friends and family—two- and four-legged alike. On page 30, we’ve come up with some tricks and treats for a doggone good time this Christmas Eve including dog-themed books, movies and games. Or, if you prefer to skip town over the holidays, turn to page 23, where we feature the quintessential cabin retreat for you and your canine companion.

A little closer to home—whether it be Seattle, Portland or San Francisco—on page 26 we highlight our favorite neighborhood haunts; all dog friendly of course!

However you decide to spend the holidays with your hound, all of us at CityDog Magazine wish you and yours a jolly good time!

Woofs & wags!

Brandie Ahlgren, Founder & Editor CityDog Magazine | citydogmagazine.com P.S. Be sure to visit our Web site at citydogmagazine.com, where we’ll keep you up to date on happenings throughout the West, sign up for our CityDog E-news and receive invitations to CityDog Muttmixers and other events, read the CityDog Blog, follow us on Twitter (citydogmagazine) and become a fan on our Facebook page!

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celebrating life with dog

Contents {HOLIDAY 2009}

23 ON OUR COVER

34

14

We’d been drooling over Los Angelesbased pet photographer Grace Chon’s stunning images for some time when this photo caught our eye! We begged (okay, asked) if it could grace the cover of our holiday issue and she said yes!

The dog is Teddy Hilton (Perez Hilton’s beloved pooch), a two-year-old, mini goldendoodle who loves cuddling with his dad and posing for pictures. Perez says, “I love Teddy’s company. He’s the ultimate mood enhancer!”

WIN IT! 30 8 BARK OF THE TOWN 12 ASK DOG LADY By Monica Collins 14 COOL HOLIDAY PRODUCTS 20 DELUXE DIGS Seattle’s swanky W Hotel. By J. Nichole Smith 23 WEEKEND GETAWAY A quintessential canine-friendly cabin retreat.

By Brandie Ahlgren 26 DOG’S EYE VIEW Our favorite Fidofriendly places. By Elizabeth Henkes 6 • CityDog Magazine

30 CITYDOG LIVING The night before Christmas. By Cathy Herholdt 33 RED DOG DIARIES

By C.C. Howard 34 EDITOR’S HOLIDAY PICKS A few of our favorite things.

36 HOLIDAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 38 CITYDOG DIRECTORY Dog-friendly products and services.

One lucky dog will win an assorted medley of polkadog’s 12oz. cookie canisters chock full of wheat-free, corn-free and soy-free love biscuits.

Simply go to citydogmagazine.com to enter our exclusive drawing.

CityDog Dog magazine

FOUNDER & EDITOR Brandie Ahlgren COPY EDITOR Wendy Enden

Your Ad Here CityDog is the definitive dog lover’s magazine about life and living with dogs in the West.

Call 206.762.0643 or email ads@citydogmagazine.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Susan Henderson

To download a media kit, go to www.citydogmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chambers Creek Pet Cemetery

Monica Collins Elizabeth Henkes Cathy Herholdt C.C. Howard J. Nichole Smith Cary Waterhouse, DVM

• Pet cremation • Cemetery • Urns • Mementos • Markers

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

253-564-1311

Grace Chon David Henkes Jamie Pflughoeft Emily Rieman J. Nichole Smith

9212 Chambers Creek Rd. W, University Place www.newtacoma.com

ADVERTISING SALES 206.762.0643 ads@citydogmagazine.com

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CityDog Magazine Issue #21, Holiday, November 2009. Published five times a year, P.O. Box 46416, Seattle, WA 98146. Copyright 2008 CityDog Magazine. All rights reserved.

SUBSCRIPTIONS are $18.00 per year within the United States. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to CityDog Magazine, P.O. Box 46416, Seattle, WA 98146.

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CityDog, the definitive dog lover’s magazine about life and living with dogs in the West!

Your City. Your Dogs.

www.citydogmagazine.com Holiday 2009 • 7

{BARK OF THE TOWN} NEWS YOU CAN CHEW ON

Why old dogs are the best dogs.

My heart breaks a little each time I notice a new gray hair on Scout’s muzzle. It’s a reminder that she is aging and that, despite how much I try to convince myself otherwise, she is not going to live forever. But, these times are to be cherished and as each year passes, she teaches me humility and grace. Following is an excerpt from Old Dogs are the Best Dogs by The Washington Post’s Gene Weingarten that sums up exactly what the title says: Old dogs are the best dogs. —BRANDIE AHLGREN, EDITOR

N

ot long before his death, Harry and I headed out for a walk that proved eventful. He was nearly 13, old for a big dog. Walks were no longer the slap-happy Iditarods of his youth, frenzies of purposeless pulling in which we would cast madly off in all directions, fighting for command. Nor were they the exuberant archaeological expeditions of his middle years, when every other tree or hydrant or blade of grass held tantalizing secrets about his neighbors. In his old age, Harry had transformed his walk into a simple process of elimination—a dutiful, utilitarian, headdown trudge. When finished, he would shuffle home to his ratty old bed, which graced our living room because Harry could no longer ascend the stairs. On these walks, Harry seemed oblivious to his surroundings, absorbed in the arduous responsibility of placing foot before foot before foot before foot. But this time, on the edge of a small urban park, he stopped to watch something.

A man was throwing a Frisbee to his dog.

The dog, about Harry’s size, was tracking the flight expertly, as Harry had once done, anticipating hooks and slices by watching the pitch and roll and yaw of the disc, as Harry had done, then catching it with a joyful, punctuating leap, as Harry had once done, too.

Harry sat. For 10 minutes, he watched the fling and catch, fling and catch, his face contented, his eyes alight, his tail a-twitch.

Our walk home was almost … jaunty.

Some years ago, The Washington Post invited readers to come up with a midlife list of goals for an underachiever. The firstrunner-up prize went to: “Win the admiration of my dog.”

It’s no big deal to love a dog; they make it so easy for you. They find you brilliant, even if you are a witling. You fascinate them, even if you are as dull as a butter knife. They are fond of you, even if you are a genocidal maniac. Hitler loved his dogs, and they loved him.

Puppies are incomparably cute and incomparably entertaining, and, best of all, they smell exactly like puppies. At middle 8 • CityDog Magazine

age, a dog has settled into the knuckleheaded matrix of behavior we find so appealing—his unquestioning loyalty, his irrepressible willingness to please, his infectious happiness. But it is not until a dog gets old that his most important virtues ripen and coalesce. Old dogs can be cloudy-eyed and grouchy, gray of muzzle, graceless of gait, odd of habit, hard of hearing, pimply, wheezy, lazy, and lumpy. But to anyone who has ever known an old dog, these flaws are of little consequence. Old dogs are vulnerable. They show exorbitant gratitude and limitless trust. They are without artifice.

They are funny in new and unexpected ways. But, above all, they seem at peace.

Kafka wrote that the meaning of life is that it ends. He meant that our lives are shaped and shaded by the existential terror of knowing that all is finite. This anxiety informs poetry, literature, the monuments we build, the wars we wage—all of it.

Kafka was talking, of course, about people.

Among animals, only humans are said to be self-aware enough to comprehend the passage of time and the grim truth of mortality. How, then, to explain old Harry at the edge of that park, gray and lame, just days from the end, experiencing what can only be called wistfulness and nostalgia? I have lived with eight dogs, watched six of them grow old and infirm with grace and dignity, and die with what seemed to be acceptance.

I have seen old dogs grieve at the loss of their friends. I have come to believe that as they age, dogs comprehend the passage of time, and, if not the inevitability of death, certainly the relentlessness of the onset of their frailties. They understand that what’s gone is gone.

What dogs do not have is an abstract sense of fear, or a feeling of injustice or entitlement. They do not see themselves, as we do, as tragic heroes, battling ceaselessly against the merciless onslaught of time.

Unlike us, old dogs lack the audacity to mythologize their lives. You’ve got to love them for that.

The product of a Kansas puppy mill, Harry was sold to us as a yellow Labrador

retriever. I suppose it was technically true, but only in the sense that Tic Tacs are technically “food.” Harry’s lineage was suspect.

He wasn’t the square-headed, elegant type of Labrador you can envision in the wilds of Canada hunting for ducks. He was the shape of a baked potato, with the color and luster of an interoffice envelope. You could envision him in the wilds of suburban Toledo, hunting for nuggets of dried food in a carpet.

His full name was Harry S Truman, and once he’d reached middle age, he had indeed developed the unassuming soul of a haberdasher. We sometimes called him Tru, which fit his loyalty but was in other ways a misnomer: Harry was a bit of an eccentric, a few bubbles off plumb. Though he had never experienced an electrical shock, whenever he encountered a wire on the floor—say, a power cord leading from a laptop to a wall socket—Harry would stop and refuse to proceed. To him, this barrier was as impassable as the Himalayas. He’d stand there, waiting for someone to move it.

Also, he was afraid of wind.

While Harry lacked the wiliness and cunning of some dogs, I did watch one day as he figured out a basic principle of physics. He was playing with a water bottle in our backyard—it was one of those 5-gallon cylindrical plastic jugs from the top of a water cooler. At one point, it rolled down a hill, which surprised and delighted him.

He retrieved it, brought it back up and tried to make it go down again. It wouldn’t.

I watched him nudge it around until he discovered that for the bottle to roll, its long axis had to be perpendicular to the slope of the hill. You could see the understanding dawn on his face; it was Archimedes in his bath, Helen Keller at the water spigot.

That was probably the intellectual achievement of Harry’s life, tarnished only slightly by the fact that he spent the next two hours insipidly entranced, rolling the bottle down and hauling it back up. He did not come inside until it grew too dark for him to see.

{BARK OF THE TOWN} NEWS YOU CAN CHEW ON

TM

Made in Seattle, WA

I believe I know exactly when Harry became an old dog. He was about 9 years old. It happened at 10:15 on the evening of June 21, 2001, the day my family moved from the suburbs to the city. The move took longer than we’d anticipated. Inexcusably, Harry had been left alone in the vacated house—eerie, echoing, empty of furniture and of all belongings except Harry and his bed—for eight hours. When I arrived to pick him up, he was beyond frantic.

He met me at the door and embraced me around the waist in a way that is not immediately reconcilable with the musculature and skeleton of a dog’s front legs. I could not extricate myself from his grasp. We walked out of that house like a slow-dancing couple, and Harry did not let go until I opened the car door.

He wasn’t barking at me in reprimand, as he once might have done. He hadn’t fouled the house in spite. That night, Harry was simply scared and vulnerable, impossibly sweet and needy and grateful. He had lost something of himself, but he had gained something more touching and more valuable. He had entered old age.

In the year after our move, Harry began to age visibly, and he did it the way most dogs do. First his muzzle began to whiten, and then the white slowly crept backward to swallow his entire head. As he became more sedentary, he thickened a bit, too.

On walks, he would no longer bother to scout and circle for a place to relieve himself. He would simply do it in mid-plod, like a horse, leaving the difďŹ cult logistics of drive-by cleanup to me. Sometimes, while crossing a busy street, with cars whizzing by, he would plop down to scratch his ear.

Sometimes, he would forget where he was and why he was there. To the amusement of passersby, I would have to hunker down beside him and say, “Harry, we’re on a walk, and we’re going home now. Home is this way, okay?� On these dutiful walks, Harry ignored almost everything he passed. The most notable exception was an old, barrelchested female pit bull named Honey, whom he loved. This was surprising, both because other dogs had long ago ceased to interest Harry at all, and because even back when they did, Harry’s tastes were for the guys.

Still, when we met Honey on walks, Harry perked up. Honey was younger by ďŹ ve years and heartier by a mile, but she liked Harry and slowed her gait when he was around. They waddled together for blocks, eyes forward, hardly interacting

but content in each other’s company. I will forever be grateful to Honey for sweetening Harry’s last days.

www.idawgclothing.com

Some people who seem unmoved by the deaths of tens of thousands through war or natural disaster will nonetheless grieve inconsolably over the loss of the family dog.

People who ďŹ nd this behavior distasteful are often the ones without pets. It is hard to understand, in the abstract, the degree to which a companion animal, particularly after a long life, becomes a part of you. I believe I’ve ďŹ gured out what this is all about. It is not as noble as I’d like it to be, but it is not anything of which to be ashamed, either.

In our dogs, we see ourselves. Dogs exhibit almost all of our emotions; if you think a dog cannot register envy or pity or pride or melancholia, you have never lived with one for any length of time. What dogs lack is our ability to dissimulate. They wear their emotions nakedly, and so, in watching them, we see ourselves as we would be if we were stripped of posture and pretense. Their innocence is enormously appealing. When we watch a dog progress from puppyhood to old age, we are watching our own lives in microcosm. Our dogs become old, frail, crotchety, and vulnerable, just as Grandma did, just as we surely will, come the day.

When we grieve for them, we grieve for ourselves.

From the book Old Dogs are the Best Dogs, text

by Gene Weingarten and Michael S. Williamson, based on a longer excerpt that originally appeared in The Washington Post. Š2008 by Gene Weingarten and Michael S. Williamson. Reprinted with permission of Simon & Schuster Inc.

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{BARK OF THE TOWN} NEWS YOU CAN CHEW ON

Holiday Hazards Winter is here and we are thinking of family gatherings, holiday parties, and perhaps even snow and ice. Wintertime can be beautiful, festive and a great time for winter sports, but keeping our dogs safe could involve a little homework and preparation. —CARY WATERHOUSE, DVM

W

ith all of the delicious smells and exciting new people, our pets may take advantage of a stranger’s generosity or an unattended plate in order to help themselves to the appetizers. However natural it is to share with our pets, there are a few foods that should be avoided. These foods include:       

Excessively salty foods Sweets and chocolate Foods with onion or onion powder Excessively fatty foods Grapes and raisins Poultry bones Alcohol or eggnog

Chocolate and sweets deserve special mention due to their abundance during this time of year. Some candies and foods that are artificially sweetened with the ingredient, xylitol, can actually cause a rapid decrease in blood sugar in dogs and has even been implicated in some liver failure cases. Chocolate is a well-known toxin for dogs. Baking chocolate and the semi-sweet varieties are much more dangerous than milk chocolate and can cause serious problems and even death.

It should go without saying that pets should never be given any alcoholic beverage. As little as a tablespoon of alcohol can be potentially fatal to a small dog.

Many homes will decorate with festive foliage for the holiday season.

Trees, mistletoe, holly, and various potted plants often adorn our mantles, but without proper supervision they can spell disaster for a dog. Even in small amounts, pine needles and plant material can be very irritating to the lining of a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or obstruction. Poinsettias are a common decorative plant this time of year. While they have been given a bad reputation for being outwardly toxic to dogs (a myth), irritants in their leaves and flowers can cause serious stomach upset.

Artificial decorations can also pose a problem. Ribbons and tinsel can be enticing toys, but if swallowed they can cause very serious damage to the stomach and intestines. The same is true for the electric cords powering our decorations—one good chomp can lead to serious burns in the mouth or electrocution (many homes have burned to the ground as a result of this!).

Beyond the dangers indoors, the outdoor world may be just as bad.

One of the most common poisonings of pets during the winter months is due to ingested car antifreeze. Its pleasant, sweet taste masks a deadly poison that can kill with very small amounts (a dog grooming itself after walking through a puddle of antifreeze can ingest a potentially toxic dose). If you even suspect that your pet has consumed antifreeze, you need to contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency hospital immediately (irreversible damage is evident only hours after ingestion). Commercial ice melting products can be a potent irritant to your pets’ feet—I recommend rinsing their paws well after walking anyplace these products may have been used.

10 • CityDog Magazine

Pets can suffer the effects of frostbite and hypothermia just as easily as their owners. Household pets should stay indoors in very cold temperatures, but if your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide them shelter from the wind and moisture. In this case, bigger is not better!

Smaller homes will help to trap body heat more efficiently.

Make sure your dog’s water dish has not iced over (heated models can be purchased at area pet stores). To keep up with the energy requirements for maintaining body temperature when it is cold outside, some dogs will need to be fed a little more as well.

Knowing your pet’s limitations will be very important during these months. An older dog may not be as surefooted on the ice and young puppies may not have enough body fat to keep them warm for extended periods in the snow. Monitor your pets when they go out for exercise or for their “bathroom breaks” to ensure that they are able to make it back on their own.

Wintertime can be glorious and full of family fun. It does not have to involve a visit to the animal emergency room if a few simple precautions are taken. Talk to your family veterinarian about a winter “check-up” for your pet and how to avoid a winter catastrophe.

A Puget Sound area native, Cary Waterhouse, DVM, is founder of the recently opened Lake Union Veterinary Clinic, focusing on comprehensive veterinary care for dogs and cats. His goal is prevention of disease, wellness and routine examinations, laboratory diagnostics and imaging, and complete and compassionate treatment for sick or injured animals.

Read the CityDog Blog at www.citydogmagazine.com

{BARK OF THE TOWN} NEWS YOU CAN CHEW ON

Books We

L ve

1

The Dog Lover’s Daily Companion by Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire and Cat Lover’s Daily Companion

by Kristen Hampshire, Iris Bass and Lori Paximadis offer pet owners 365 days of ideas, insight, guidance, and techniques— from grooming to training tips—for living a more joyful life with your dog or cat. (Quarry Books, $19.99)

2

Glamour Dogs by Los Angeles-based photographer Catherine Ledner brilliantly captures these doggie doyens in all their glamourous glory as they pose and preen, proving that, in the words of Bil Blass, “Style is primarily a matter of instinct.” (Chronicle Books, $30.00)

3

My Dog’s Brain by Stephen Huneck illustrates the pleasures, predicaments and appetities that make up a dog’s life and reminds us humans of how precious life and loved ones (canine or otherwise) really are. Nothing say’s this better than the book’s dedication: “To Dogs Everywhere: Day by day, they train us to be better people.” (Abrams, $14.95)

4

Author Bradley Trevor Greive creates a compelling case for Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats with his signature wit and observant gems such as: “Dogs match up to people. People must match up to cats,” “Dogs teach us patience. Cats test our patience,” and “The bottom line is this: Dogs want love. Cats want fish.” (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $19.99)

5

Christmas is Good! by Trixie Koontz (author Dean Koontz’s beloved golden retriever) shares her advice on everthing from gift-giving (hot dogs are always welcome) to baking tasty sausage-peanut butter Christmas biscuits and of course, “Is not necessary to spend fortune on gift. If it tastes like bacon, everyone will like it.” (Hyperion, $16.99)

6

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery and Kirby Larson is a CityDog favorite (we also mention it on page 31). That’s because it’s a reminder of a dog’s devotion to the people it loves.

(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $17.99) Holiday 2009 • 11

{ASK DOG LADY}

Dear Dog Lady, ‘Tis the holiday season and being in a festive mood I bought my dog Max (a 75 pound pit bull/Lab mix) a pair of reindeer antlers. His coloring is such that he truly looks like a reindeer with them on, not to mention the fact he looks adorably funny.

We got them at the pet store the other day and I made him walk home with them on. He did a great job of wearing them on the short walk home and didn’t try to shake them off. When we got home, however, he gave me a look that said, “You owe me.”

My question: Do I owe him? —Brian Dear Brian, Dog Lady wouldn’t be lyin’ when she says you owe Max a similar humiliation—in human terms. The next time you take Max out for a walk, wear your Jockey shorts on your head. Or, better yet, don those antlers and walk a whole block in Max’s shoes.

Your dog sounds like a sweetie—as if he’d do anything to please you. Dog Lady gets a warm-fuzzy feeling from your note. You don’t need the antler test to be reminded of your dog’s devotion. At the very least, you owe Max a meaty meal, a tender tummy rub, and a long arduous outing—sans funny headgear.

Dear Dog Lady, I’ve got a great dog. He’s a one-year-old cocker spaniel, rescued from a high-kill shelter along the Gulf Coast. He’s housebroken, knows a few tricks, and doesn’t piddle in the house when excited (as cockers are, apparently, wont to do).

The only problem? He really, really likes underwear. In the past week, he’s chewed up (not swallowed, thank goodness!) three pair of ladies’ underwear that were awaiting laundering.

In the scheme of things, I realize I should be grateful because dirty underpants are his only vice. And yes, I realize that throwing said underpants directly in the washing machine isn’t that big of a deal. But I continually ponder: Why is he so fascinated with my underwear? Is there anything I can do to help him kick this habit? He doesn’t touch anything else in the house! (I also have a great live-in, housebroken boyfriend, whose dirty undergarments are left untouched by said cocker spaniel.) —Amy

12 • CityDog Magazine

BY MONICA COLLINS

ADVICE ON DOGS, LIFE & LOVE

Dear Amy, Savoring and chewing over your dainties is as close to you as your dog is ever going to get without becoming you. Crazy love makes no sense. Just understand your underpants hold scents that are the essence of you—a dear dog’s delight. Why should your well-behaved cocker spaniel chomp into your boyfriend’s briefs when he can chow down on yummy panties containing secrets of the goddess who rescued him?

You know what you have to do to rescue your underpants.

Because he could well swallow some fabric or elastic, don’t leave these around for your cocker to chew. There will come a time when the material will stick in his gut and only an emergency veterinary intervention will help him. Shower him with appropriate chew toys so he works through his adolescent munching issues. Make sure you train him on what is and isn’t proper to chew. Meanwhile, consider his undergarment delectation as a sublime compliment from a creature irrationally devoted to you.

Dear Dog Lady, My husband and I have been invited skiing over New Years.

My friend, Beverly, is showing off the new ski house. My Labradoodle, Lizzy, has been asked to stay home.

When Beverly called to invite us, I naturally thought she was including Lizzy. But toward the end of our conversation, she made the house rules abundantly clear: “I wish I could have your dog but, quite frankly, I don’t want a dog around. I’m sorry but you’ll have to leave Lizzy home. Do you have a kennel or someplace the dog can go?”

I must say I was stunned but recovered the fumble. “Oh, yes,” I trilled with forced cheeriness. “We have a great dog sitter.

I’ll make arrangements.”

When I got off the phone, I was seething. How dare Beverly ban my dog? Recovering my senses, I do realize it’s her house and she has a right to invite whomever she chooses. But I have not spoken to her since.

As the New Year approaches, I’m still mad at Beverly and I don’t want to leave Lizzy. My husband, a cooler head, says the dog will be fine. He reminds me that in our dog-less days before Lizzy, I would have drawn the same boundaries as Beverly.

He says people are allowed to keep dogs out of their homes and not be punished for it.

I feel, however, my friendship with Beverly is strained and our holiday has already been tainted. I just won’t enjoy myself as much without my dog. Should I stay or should I go? —Laura Dear Laura, Get a grip. You must respect your human relationships first.

You will find no sympathy from Dog Lady when you kvetch about friends who bar your Lizzy Labradoodle while they welcome you into their rustic hideaways.

You must be a newcomer to this dog keeping adventure.

The best thing dogs do for us is enhance our human friendships, not hinder them. Lizzy is a wonderful adjunct to your life.

The dog should never become a divisive force between you and your non-dog owning friends. Not everyone loves your dog the way you do. You should understand that. It’s the same way with kids. You wouldn’t let children—yours or others—get in the way of your friendships.

Go skiing, give your friend Beverly a big hug, and bring a thoughtful house-warming gift. Be secure in the knowledge your Lizzy is fine with her dog sitter and your pet will leap with joy when you return all shussed-out. Lizzy won’t even know what she missed.

Dear Dog Lady, Maybe it’s my imagination but Precious, my terrier mix, seems to be bouncing off the walls during these holidays.

She’s barking more than usual and she seems clingier, following me from room to room. The other night, we had guests and she nipped at one of the visiting children when he tried to pet her. I had to punish her and lock her away while the company was here. What’s going on? —Barbara Dear Barbara, Our precious pets also feel the pressure of the season.

Dogs are amazing because they are so empathic. They pick up the vibes around their home. If you’re stressed, so are they.

Precious is undoubtedly reacting to the mayhem around her.

She’s not used to the invasion of guests, to the disruption of her schedule. Are you walking her and tiring her out? Make sure she’s getting enough exercise as well as plenty of quiet time away from the maddening crowd.

Dear Dog Lady, My friend and I try to out-do each other by sending goofy dog-themed holiday cards. What’s the funniest doggy card you’ve seen so far? —Virginia Yes, Virginia... ...there is a Santa Paws. Dog Lady received a hysterically amusing canine Christmas card. How funny? So funny that Dog Lady was overcome with guffaws for nearly five minutes after opening this holiday greeting sent by the beloved (and clever) parents of my best friend.

The cartoon drawing on the front shows a man, in winter garb, carrying a Christmas tree into a living room decorated for the holidays. A cute cartoon dog, sitting in the living room with a big smile on its face, watches the tree arrive. The happy dog’s thought bubbles up: “At last! Indoor plumbing!” Inside, the card reads: “Hope Christmas brings everything you ever wanted.”

And so I wish to you, Virginia, and to all creatures great and small—happy holidays from Dog Lady and her muse dog (who, yes, once used the Christmas tree as indoor plumbing).

Visit www.askdoglady.com to ask a question or make a comment. Follow Ask Dog Lady at twitter.com/askdoglady.

Holiday 2009 • 13

{COOL PRODUCTS} THE ULTIMUTT HOWLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

So many pooches and people to scratch off your list...and so little time. Let our ultimutt howliday gift ideas be your guide. BY WENDY ENDEN Dashing Through the Snow  Dogs want to look festive, too—yours can look adorable and keep warm in this Reindeer Hoodie from Chilly Dog Sweaters. Handmade in South America using Fair Trade guidelines, this hooded sweater will make him the talk of the dog park. $29.95 at chillydogsweaters.com.

 Joyful Tidings Any dog lover looking for a different kind of holiday card and gift tag will get a kick out of these by Bella Blu Designs. Available in any dog breed, you and your pooch can send a more personal greeting this year. $16.00 for a set of 10 cards; bellabludesigns.etsy.com.

 Heart Your Hound Celebrate the special relationship you and your dog share with this beautiful and original silver-toned ornament. With a red velvet ribbon and made in the USA, this ornament makes a special gift for yourself or someone you love. $12.95 at theanimalrescuesite.com/store.

To Know Dog is to Know Love  This super-stylin’ women’s long-sleeve fitted tee from Dog is Good is made from ultra-soft Pima cotton and features a crew neck and silver-foil accents. Be comfortable and cool this Christmas. $26.99 at dogisgood.com.

• CityDog Magazine

Santa Paws  Remind your friends that “Santa Paws is Coming!” with these adorable cards from Forever Foxed. Available in different breeds, the inside is blank to let you add your own greeting. $3.50 at foreverfoxed.etsy.com.

 What are You Tired Of? Are you tired of puppy mills? Animal cruelty? Make a statement with these bracelets and half the proceeds will go to Last Chance for Animals or Best Friends Animal Society. Makes a great stockingstuffer for any animal lover. $10 at imtiredonline.com.

 Who’s Your Doggie?

Guys will love this distressed applique, sherpa hoodie, made with 100% cotton and perfect for outings to the dog park.

Comes with a sherpa contrast color lining for warmth plus antique nickel full-zip front, hood with flat drawcord and antique nickel eyelets, and rib cuffs, waistband and pocket openings. $60 online at barkeybarkerson.com.

 Snug in Their Beds Hagen knows dog beds, and they have the variety to prove it.

From pillow to hard shell, donuts to waterproof beds, they have the designs for even the pickiest pooch.

Prices vary; hagen.com/usa.

 Naughty...or Nice?

If your furry friend has been a little more naughty than nice this year, try a plush Bag of Coal toy. Featuring five plush pieces of “coal”—some with squeakers, some without—it’ll keep your dog on his best behavior. $15 at shopmaggiewags.com.

Holiday 2009 • 15

{COOL PRODUCTS} THE ULTIMUTT HOWLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Make a Statement  For the jewelry-loving pet owner, Black Dawg Studio has some pendants to check out. Made with vintage art, these wearable shadowboxes are kitschy cool. A CityDog fave declares “Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats.” $5 at blackdawgstudio.etsy.com.

 No More Dog Breath Next time you pop a breath mint, share with Fido—give him a DogToid from Bamboo Pet. Made with yummy flavors like beef, liver and fish, they also contain parsley for breath-freshening. A great stocking stuffer for the dog who has everything but nice breath. $4.99; go to bamboopet.com to find a retailer near you.

Blissfully Clean  Dublin Dog knows how to make dog collars—stink-free. These tough, durable collars are made from a polymer that rinses clean and never harbors odor-causing bacteria. They’re also available in a variety of fun designs. Pictured here is “Mistletoe.” $20 and up at dublindog.com.

Decorative Dogs  This adorable collar from Nola and Spencer is sure to be a holiday hit.

Fun and funky with a parading pup design, it’s festive and unique. $20 at nolaandspencer.etsy.com.

 Crafted Canines Looking for an alternative to plastic dog-themed ornaments for a special dog-lover in your life? Best Friends Studios offers handmade, beautifully crafted wool felt dog ornaments in various breeds. $28.50 on bestfriendsstudios.etsy.com.

16 • CityDog Magazine

Share the Love  These creative holiday cards bear the message “The Holidays, A Time For Sharing,” and we couldn’t agree more. The ten card set is printed on recycled paper with soy ink, and is available at theanimalrescuesite.com/store for $11.95.

 Peace on Earth Looking for a little Zen this busy holiday season? Bring some balance to your life with this YinYang ceramic pet bowl. $14.95 at theanimalrescuesite.com/store.

 Barkanista Your favorite dog loving fashionista will love this tee with all over burnout pattern. Full length, 100% ringspun combed cotton longsleeve tee underneath. $49 at barkeybarkerson.com.

 Fido Eats Local Hand-crafted by Seattle-company Petit Four Legs, these treats are made with natural and organic ingredients from small businesses and family farms located in the Pacific Northwest. Packaged in 100% eco-friendly gift boxes, they are a perfect holiday treat for any dog who wants to “eat local” while watching their carbon paw print. $9.99 at petitfourlegs.com.

Cozy Collar  For the more traditional dog, Dog Gone Knitting’s gingerbread man dog collar reminds us of happy holidays full of yummy baked delights. $16.50 at doggoneknitting. etsy.com.

Holiday 2009 • 17

{COOL PRODUCTS} THE ULTIMUTT HOWLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Chanukah Chounds  For our Chanukah-celebrating friends, this adorable card from Animal Parties sends just the right message.

Hand-made on 100% cotton-rag paper, and with 10% of the proceeds going to charity, this is one card you can feel good about sending. $3.25 at animalparties.etsy.com.

 Cozy Comfort We just love the comic strip MUTTS, and now the

 Wine Lover

Animal Rescue Site

Does your dog look left out when you pull

has a MUTTS cotton

out a bottle of wine? Give him his own

lounge tee. Boasting

bottle—a plush one, that is. Tails in the City’s

that “everyone is

“Cabarknet” and “Chardognay” plush dog toys

unique,” you’ll feel

faired very well with our four-legged reviewers.

great wearing and

The Chardognay has a squeaky toy inside, while

buying it, since the

the Cabarknet makes a hiccupping noise when

Animal Rescue Site will

squeezed. Perfect for any dog-owning oenophile.

donate food to shelter

$12 at tailsinthecity.com.

animals for each item purchased. $14.95 at theanimalrescuesite.

Monkey Business 

com/store.

Let your little monkey display his true colors in this Monkey sweater, also from Chilly Dog. This Fair Trade sweater is hard to resist! $29.95, chillydogsweaters.com.

A Head Above the Rest  Made with New Zealand, boiled wool, these Headzees are handcrafted in Nepal

by Nepali women working to improve their families’ lives. Whimsical as well as ecofriendly. Available at Bellevue’s Urban Dogs or acheerfulpet.com;; $8.95 and up.

18 • CityDog Magazine

Christmas Countdown  If you remember with fondness counting down the days until Christmas, share the fun with your furry friend with this doggie advent calendar. Handmade and including 24 small bone treats and a large bone for Christmas Day to fill the pockets, this calendar will make this holiday season one to remember! $12.00 at misalaneouscreatures.etsy.com.

 “Bah Humbug,” says Bowzer These greeting cards from Dog is Good say it all, literally: “Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Fa-La-La, Noel, Joy to the World, Season’s Greetings, Peace, Happy Holidays, Blah Blah Blah...” Inside is: “Bah Humbug... Where’s the presents?” Boxed set of 20; $19.99 at dogisgood.com.

 Loopie Holiday Looking for a fun toy to stuff a stocking? Maggie Wags has it covered with their reindeer and Santa loopie toys. Plush, squeaky and fun, they’ll have you saying “ho ho ho” as you watch your dog play. $15 at shopmaggiewags.com.

Patriotic Pups Want to help the troops this

Chew on This  When it comes to durable chew toys,

holiday and give Fido a special treat? Try a DogTags Chewey Shoe from Vibram.

The Chewey Shoe is made from all-natural

Planet Dog knows how to make ‘em.

rubber, and is tough and durable for

Their Orbee-Tuff toys are also bouyant

hours of play. $2 from every purchase

and bouncy and come in all shapes and

goes directly to the DogTags program,

sizes including a minty canine confection,

which trains puppies to become service

a snowball that will never melt and a

dogs for soldiers returning from Iraq and

baseball. $10.95 at planetdog.com.

Afghanistan. $16 at mygooddog.com.

Holiday 2009 • 19

{DELUXE DIGS} LAP UP THE LUXURY

SIT, STAY + PLAY at

W SEATTLE Welcome.

No matter which set of giant glass doors you find yourself entering at W Seattle, one thing’s for sure—you are going to immediately realize that you and Toto are not in Kansas anymore.

A soothing and warm respite from the bustle and rush of Fourth Avenue at 4 p.m., walking towards the W reception desk and the two-story wall of art behind it, really is like walking into another world entirely.

The staff is bright and cheerful and dressed in what looks more like W fashion than hotel uniforms. The concierge is helpful—letting us know about a few places for dog walks nearby, and that we can enjoy complimentary Wifi in the lobby, and with that, we’re on our way up.

Our ride in the elevator is quick and no one seems to mind being stuck in a moving box with a human-sized dog, in fact quite the opposite, our fellow guests ask to pet Olivia and ask the usual questions; “What’s your dog’s name” “How old is she” “How much does she eat?” Both Olivia and I are smiling when we step off the suddenly empty elevator on the 26th floor.

Our walk to room 2620 is surprising at first, low-lit hallways with halogen spot-lights on framed prints beside us and bold patterned carpet below us, make for a dramatic transition. My mood is now officially set to chic.

Wag. Our corner suite is nothing short of wow. Immediately upon opening the heavy wood door I spy a generous soaker tub with a wall-window view of the city below.

Also in the bathroom I am thrilled to discover Bliss bath products (all the basics plus a “fabulous foaming face wash” and “lemon + 20 • CityDog Magazine

THE W IS A BEACON WELCOMING THE URBAN, URBANE AND CONTEMPORARY—HUMAN AND CANINE ALIKE—TO A REFUGE IN THE HEART OF SEATTLE’S CULTURAL CORE. WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY J. NICHOLE SMITH

sage soapy-sap shower gel”) as well as the presence of both jets and a neck massager built-in to the bathtub. Wonderful.

With an entirely different agenda, miss Olivia trots in to inspect the goodies that await her near the royal blue velvet couch. After her typical sniff-inspection she settles on the red, bell-filled rubber ball and proceeds to happily pounce around the room chasing her new jingly little adversary.

In her haste, she has overlooked the delectable bone-shaped treats crafted by the W’s own Adam Stevenson (Earth & Ocean’s executive chef and proud owner of two black Labs). The peanut-buttery morsels smell so fresh and sweet that I nearly grab a bite for myself before calling her Highness over for a nibble.

The in-room pet amenities are outstanding—a plush W bed, ceramic bowls, baggies, treats (fresh as well as pre-packaged), the already-missing red rubber ball, rope tug-toy, and two bottles of Fiji water, all atop Starwood’s signature “Woof” mat. There is even a little tag for Olivia to wear while she’s a guest.

Wish. Although Olivia seems sated with her wholesome treat, I

still have a craving for a snack, so we make our way down to the “living room.” On weekdays from 4-7 p.m. the W offers “qwench” Above, clockwise from left: It’s easy to make yourself right at home at the W Seattle; cozy up in the hotel’s “living room,” with one of the many art books on display; a room with a view: from the 26th floor, Jonesy enjoys the Seattle sights; a plush dog bed is one of the many amenities included with your stay at the W. Middle: The W’s signature logo graces the hotel’s exerior.

Whatever/Wherever. One of the best

things about staying downtown is easy access to the best shopping, dining and entertainment the Emerald City has to offer.

After we return to the room where Olivia can continue her nap, I decide to throw on a coat and a scarf and hit the streets.

If you’ve got fine dining on the brain, you won’t have to go far, as the hotel is home to the award winning Earth & Ocean. Led by “Rising Star” Executive Chef Adam Stevenson, Earth & Ocean serves contemporary American fare, utilizing locally sourced ingredients including housecured meats and handmade preserves.

If you’re hungry for something more international, just a couple of blocks away you can enjoy the sensational Benihana, serving Teppanyaki cuisine with a show.

Also just blocks from the W is Purple café and wine bar. The tagline here, “The Fine Art of Grazing,” befits the menu which is organized into $3, $4 and $6 bites (each of which has the perfect wine pairing suggested below it). Be sure to try some of the artisan cheeses, which are served with fig jam and crackers, and no matter how stuffed you are, don’t leave without tasting the sea-salt caramels.

Also nearby is the opportunity to shop-till-you-drop. (Or go broke trying!)

You’ll find charming local clothing and shoe boutiques along-side couture giants, as well as some great collections of all of the above at Pacific Place or Westlake Malls. Want to see a movie? There are two major theatres downtown and just a little further North on 4th Avenue is the Cinerama (a local wonder that’s usually showing a Hollywood blockbuster that can do its 90 foot long screen justice).

Clockwise from top: The W’s expansive, yet cozy (and dog-friendly) “living room;” a break for a delicious bite at Belle Epicurean; canine in-room amenities include a bed, toys, treats and more.

a delightfully branded happy hour that includes “W Haute Dogs,” $3 draft beers and $5 eats. I settle on the “carrot fritter” and the “tuna carpaccio” with a Stella Artois to wash it down.

Meanwhile, Olivia is warmly greeted and attended to as if she were a proper human on the couch, rather than a giant canine sprawled (and probably shedding) on the glamorous black carpet. Our server asks if Olivia would like a bowl of water, which she brings promptly, along with a few more frosted cookies.

Olivia chomps her biscuit and I sip my Stella and we both watch the captivating pulse of activity throb up and down the staircase between the reception desk and us. The surprisingly cozy “living room” in which we are reclining, is essentially a luxurious mash-up of a low-lit hotel lobby, trés chic nightclub and designer furniture showroom. The two-story-high space is accented with a splattering of lit candles, blown glass art pieces and gravity-defying shelves supporting a meticulous mess of design and style books.

Just as noteworthy as the décor is the artistic collection of humans inhabiting the room. Business travelers with computers, Seattle scenesters with short skirts and fruity martinis, the occasional couple or family celebrating something, and me, the writer, trying to be discreet with a 17” glowing laptop and a 130lb cow-spotted Great Dane.

Sitting here I can’t help but notice what a complete sensory experience my vantage point has provided; the velvet touch of the settee, the sweet but subtle aroma of scented candles and gourmet appetizers, the bustling array of people and art to fill up my view and of course, the comforting tastes of warm goat cheese and cold, crisp Belgian beer lingering on my tongue.

Along with my snoozing pooch at my feet, I couldn’t wish for more.

During the holidays there are all sorts of seasonal activities that are simply musts—The Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” Winterfest at Seattle Center, Seattle Symphony Holiday concerts and tons more. Of course be sure to note that the CityDog “Yappy Howlidays Pawty” at the W Hotel itself, will be held on December 9th from 6-8 p.m.

Regardless of what you choose to do, there’s great comfort in knowing your heavenly bed and your happy pooch will be waiting for you when you return to your cozy room.

Walk. In the morning, with the sun

streaming through the floor-to-ceiling blinds and your drowsy dog yawning and stretching, you’ll likely be obligated in short order to dress and explore an outdoor place where a certain four-legged someone can take care of business.

Holiday 2009 • 21

A short distance from the W Seattle is Freeway Park, a dog-friendly urban oasis.

For a quick stroll around the block the options are numerous. Although the staff doesn’t recommend visiting at night, in daylight hours Freeway Park, just two blocks East of the hotel, is a grassy oasis in a sea of concrete and bustling traffic. You might even spot a squirrel or two.

If your pup is in need of more running and less leash, take a longer walk North on 4th Avenue, turning left on Bell St. and you will find yourself at Regrade Park. This urban dog spot is not grassy but it is fenced as well as a bone-i-fied off-leash area where you are bound to find some other city dogs having a romp.

Along the way you’ll see several of your favorite coffee joints open and ready to provide you with your caffeine fix, but if you can, wait until you’re almost back to the hotel. On the North corner of 4th and Seneca you’ll find Belle Epicurean—a Parisian bakery ready to stuff you with fresh buttery croissants, crusty artisan breads paired with shaved meats and French cheeses and a whole dazzling array of other mouth-watering delights—including some mighty fine espresso. The best part is, in fair weather they have two little tables available outside, which means your wagging walking buddy is welcome.

With no weight, size or breed limitations, complimentary walks offered by Lassie-loving W staff, wholesome treats made fresh inhouse and a generous collection of essentials and extras included in the amenities, the W may just have the most liberal and luxurious pet program in Seattle. But, as with most luxuries, there’s a pretty price. The pet fee includes a non-refundable $100 cleaning deposit as well as a $25/per night pet fee.

22 • CityDog Magazine

W Hotel

1112 4th Ave., Seattle 206. 264.6000 whotels.com/seattle Rates starting at $159, variable by room/ season. Be sure to check out the ‘Tis the Season promotion online for up to 30% off when you book 14 days in advance. Wifi: Free in the lobby, $14.95/day in room.

Purple Café and Wine Bar

1225 4th Ave., Seattle 206.829.2280; thepurplecafe.com Benihana

1200 Fifth Ave., Seattle 206.682.4686; benihana.com Pacific Place

600 Pine St., Seattle pacificplaceseattle.com Westlake Mall

400 Pine St., Seattle westlakecenter.com Cinerama

2100 4th Ave., Seattle 1-888-AMC-4FUN; cinerama.com Pacific Northwest Ballet: Nutcracker

McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle 206.441.2424; pnb.org/Season/09-10/ Nutcracker Seattle Symphony

200 University Street 206.215.4747; seattlesymphony.org Winterfest

Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle 206.684.7200; seattlecenter.com/winterfest/ Belle Epicurean

1206 4th Ave., Seattle 206.262.9404; belleepicurean.com

{WEEKEND GETAWAY}

SIT, STAY AND PLAY

WRITTEN BY BRANDIE AHLGREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE PFLUGHOEFT

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

WILD WILDERNESS LODGE T he holidays are a time for friends and family—two- and fourlegged alike—and what better way to spend time with your loved ones than at a cozy, and totally dog-friendly wilderness cabin retreat? The Wild Wilderness Lodge is one of several dog-friendly cabins managed by Mysty Mountain Properties and when they say “dog friendly,” they mean dog friendly.

Our adventure begins in Seattle at about 2:30 p.m. (traffic in Seattle is always an adventure), arriving at Wild Wilderness Lodge by 4 p.m., just before sunset.

The drive is easy—most of it east on Hwy 2, a winding, two-lane road that is part of the Cascade Scenic Loop Highway. Wild Wilderness Lodge is located near the tiny town of Index, in the West Cascade foothills. (If you continue further east on Hwy 2, Stevens Pass is just 25 miles away and Leavenworth 65 miles.)

Our first order of business upon arrival is to release the hounds on the property’s 10.5 acres to burn off some energy. And, burn they Clockwise from top left: Fergie along the banks of the North Fork Skykomish River; Wild Wilderness Lodge is not only dogfriendly, but horse-friendly too, with stables on the property; church steeple in Index; Scout stands on the steps of Town Hall; Index is backdropped by jutting rock walls—a rock climber’s dream. Middle: A pair of dog houses sit on the lodge property, but of course they don’t get much use.

do. The property is almost completely fenced, allowing for worryfree, off-leash full throttle run time. With new sights and smells to discover—and a wide-open grassy area for a game of high-speed chase—it doesn’t take long for Scout and Ziggy to tire them selves out.

The next order of business is to put our fire building skills to the test in the cabin’s wood burning stove.

It’s not the cabin’s only source of heat, but it does generate enough warmth to heat the spacious living area, creating a cozy environment. With the dogs tuckered out and the fire stoked, we move on to dinner.

The cabin’s kitchen is fully stocked with dishware, pots and pans, state-of-the-art appliances—everything you need to whip up a delicious meal except the food.

There are a few staples, but if you plan to eat in, some meal planning and grocery shopping will be necessary ahead of time. For us, it’s stuffed chicken with wild rice and a salad accompanied by a glass of 2007 Murray Cuvee, a delicious, lighter bodied table wine made in Washington.

After dinner, we explore the spacious, dome-shaped Wild Wilderness Lodge, discovering there are three stories, three bathrooms, three bedrooms including a loft area, a two-car garage (complete with ping-pong table), and an outdoor sauna and hot tub. There is also a dog door, conveniently located off the kitchen—along with another one just off the garage—both with access to a fenced dog Holiday 2009 • 23

Clockwise from above left: Situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the tiny town of Index is nestled at the base of towering cliffs to the North, and the Skykomish River to the South; Fergie takes a rest after an off-leash romp through much of the 10 acres surrounding Wild Wilderness Lodge; the uniquely, domed-shaped Wild Wilderness Lodge offers stunning mountain views. Below: Fergie takes a dip in the creek on her way to Bridal Veil Falls.

run and potty area to prevent late night roaming. On the main level, it’s an open floor plan, with easy-to-clean cork floors in case of spills or accidents (new territory, new smells…face it, accidents can happen). It’s worth noting that cell service is spotty, but going off the grid is what a cabin retreat is all about, right?

Waking early the next day, we decide to venture off the compound and explore the nearby town of Index, located within walking distance from Wild Wilderness Lodge.

If you enjoy a quiet, rustic setting, with zero hustle and bustle, then Index is for you.

Located a mile off the main highway, this tiny enclave lacks the commercialism of the larger nearby towns of Sultan and Gold Bar and provides quick access to hiking, climbing and other adventures in the Cascades. Strolling through town with dogs in tow, we barely see another soul. There is a small family-owned grocery store—aptly named The General Store—for basics and even some homemade items. There is also a museum, a town hall, a fire department and a church—none of which seemed to be open at the time. That’s okay though—Index feels a bit like stepping back in time—and really, not much has changed since the early 1900s. Surrounded by beautiful, steep, usually snowcovered peaks, Index offers incredible views from all parts of town. It is bordered on the North by one of Washington’s greatest rock climbing walls, and South by the sparkling North Fork Skykomish River. And, Mt. Index juts 5,000 feet from the valley floor.

The BNSF railroad, formerly the Great Northern Railway, runs through the middle of town and you can hear the train whistle and slowly rumble by from the lodge.

It takes us just 20 minutes to stroll through the entire town, so we decide to hop in the car and head to Bridal Veil Falls for a hike with the hounds. Hiking boots are a must this time of year—the trail is muddy and slippery, so watch your step, particularly when you cross over the creek (pictured to the left) on a rickety, wood-plank bridge.

24 • CityDog Magazine

Scout enjoys a long winter’s nap by the fire.

Here, Fergie stops to splash in the stream, while mom Jamie snaps some photos. The trail continues up the creek valley through great alders, birches and pines. Warning: The last half-mile of the hike is stairs, but the breathtaking (literally) views at the top are worth it. Bridal Veil Falls is a gigantic, billowing waterfall plunging over huge granite cliffs. If you still have some energy left, continue on to Lake Serene—another beautiful destination, with stunning views of Mount Index towering above. In all, it’s about a seven-mile hike including the sidetrip to Bridal Veil Falls. Short enough to do in a day, but long enough to seriously tire out even the most intrepid pooches.

More nearby hikes to consider are Barclay Lake and Heybrook Tower. Barclay Lake is an easy four-mile hike, just a few minutes away from the lodge. Heybrook Tower is another popular and easy hike, with an old fire lookout tower with great views—also a short distance from Wild Wilderness Lodge.

Only an hour-and-a-half drive from Seattle, this region of Washington feels worlds away. With nature literally at your doorstep, year-round outdoor activities abound. Summer activities include rock climbing, river rafting, hiking and mountain biking. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Before setting out on skis or snowshoes, check with a ranger station first for any avalanche dangers. Our activity of choice: taking advantage of the sauna and hot tub back at the cabin!

With the pooches dog-tired, we take a soak in the hot tub then kick back for another relaxing evening. For entertainment, there is a small selection of DVD’s and a TV/DVD

One of three sleeping areas, the spacious, domed-ceiling loft features a skylight.

player. Or, there is the aforementioned pingpong table. There’s also a large table in the dining area, perfect for setting up a game of Scrabble or Taboo.

Whether you opt for a full-on outdoor adventure or a relaxing winter getaway, Wild Wilderness Lodge offers it all. So, load up the entire family (the lodge sleeps up to 14, afterall) and hit the highway with your hounds.

Smaller group? Mysty Mountain Properties has 14 cabins that sleep anywhere from two people up to 14. And, most importantly, 13 of the properties are pooch friendly!

Mysty Mountain Properties

206.219.6427 vacationrentalproperties.com info@vacationrentalproperties.com Holiday 2009 • 25

{DOG’S EYE VIEW} FOR THE METROPOLITAN MUTT

Slice of Life in the West For more than two years, intrepid dachsunds Winston and Sawyer have been sharing their opinions in the Dog’s Eye View column about the dog-friendliest neighborhoods—from Bainbridge to Bellevue and the Pearl to the Presidio. With the holidays closing in, we think it’s time to highlight some of our favorite locations—and of course, we can’t resist sharing a few new ones, too!

Clockwise from top left: Peek-a-boo at Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Bainbridge; store dog at Butch & Beecher’s on Bainbridge; Winston and Sawyer sporting holiday scarves by the fire; vintage neon “garage” sign at Jay’s Autocare in Kirkland. Left: Alexandria Nicole winery in Woodinville.

26 • CityDog Magazine

BY ELIZABETH HENKES PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID HENKES

Seattle. Though some winter days may be a little chilly for eating outdoors

with your pooch, we’d add a few layers to have lunch at Bainbridge Bakers on Bainbridge Island. We love this spot for its hearty soups and inventive noontime fare, as well as the freshly baked dog biscuits and friendly tie-ups just outside the door. We wouldn’t leave the island without a quick stop into Butch & Beecher’s for some tasty treats or a new toy (and to say hello to store dog Finnegan). And if the day is particularly blustery, spending some time at Eagle Harbor Books is worth catching the later ferry back to Seattle.

If our day calls for something a bit sweet, the obvious choice is Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream, at the newer Wallingford location or at the original Capitol Hill store. Who can resist a gourmet scoop of salted caramel with caramel topping? Since ice cream makes us shiver in the winter, we’ll have to swing by Bauhaus Books & Coffee for a cup of their extraordinary brew— and one of the dog treats they keep on the counter. A hot latté goes great with a walk, and we’d take ours in Volunteer Park or Gas Works Park, both fun places to play on-leash while basking in the solace of the conservatory or taking in beautiful city views.

Nearby Queen Anne also earns bragging rights for quaint parks and sweeping Seattle views, but our preferred places in this neighborhood both involve shopping. First, stop at Oslo’s: a Men’s Store for distinguished, casual menswear and to play with store namesake, Oslo, a golden retriever (he inspired his owners to contribute to the Humane Society). Just a few blocks away on Galer Street, Mes Amis pet boutique beckons. A stand-out among the myriad dog stores in the Seattle area, Mes Amis is our pick for the best brands and adorable accessories, all in one tiny but perfectly put together shop.

Down the hill at South Lake Union we found a treasure trove of dog-friendliness while riding the South Lake Union Streetcar and uncovered a canine-crazy company in Kenmore Air. Yet one of our more memorable discoveries has to be The Fremont Avenue Sunday Ice Cream Cruise. Captain Larry Kezner offers this trek year-round and happily allows your pets on board for a 45-50 minute tour of famous sites on Lake Union, complete with ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate, and other treats. He’s also offering a number of options for holiday cruises (we’re betting at least a few of them cater to our loyal companions).

Speaking of wine, some of our most enjoyable research took place in the town of Woodinville and its surrounding wine country. We were shocked to discover a number of outstanding wineries that welcome our best friends. Among the many, two rise above: Alexandria Nicole Cellars and Stevens Winery.

The former is owned by Jarrod and Ali Boyle and recently won King 5 TV’s Best of Western Washington Award for “Best Winery.” When visiting Alexandria Nicole, it’s not uncommon to greet four or five different dogs on your visit, from Great Danes to dachshunds. With a dog bed on hand in the coveted wine club tasting room, who wouldn’t want to while away a weekend afternoon sipping a few glasses of this winery’s award-winning concoctions?

Stevens Winery’s tasting room, with its wine bottle “chandeliers” and trendy tunes, is a completely different feel but every bit as friendly to pups and people alike. Winemaker Tim Stevens is also a visual artist and his work graces the labels of each of his wines (look for the new wine barrel “tiki” hanging in the tasting room; it’s the label for the Merlot that will be released later this year).

He and wife Paige are pouring some of our most adored wines at the moment; last year their 2006 Stevens Blacktongue Syrah earned a well-deserved #8 spot on Washington’s Top 100 Wine List (selected and announced every year by the Seattle Times Wine Advisor, Paul Gregutt). With the upcoming release of several new wines over the next six months, we’re betting Stevens Winery will grace the Top 100 again in 2009 when the list is announced in December.

If we were planning an overnight stay in Woodinville, we’d look no further than Willows Lodge. Presided over by beagle mix, Ruthie, the lodge complex also includes

Clockwise from top: Proprietor Steve Parsons at Butch & Beecher’s on Bainbridge Island; Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream; shop dog Oslo at Oslo’s a Men’s Store.

the stellar Barking Frog restaurant and the renowned Herbfarm Restaurant. Rooms are relaxing but well-appointed and the dogfriendliness is off the charts: bowls, treats, and a bed are provided.

A holiday visit to Woodinville wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Molbak’s Nursery, an independent, family-owned nursery known for its customer service and unique gift selection. The Christmas display alone is worth the trip (it’s often a group destination), and their 2009 Festival of Poinsettias has plenty of events in store for all ages. Best of all, dogs are always invited!

A few miles away in the ever-changing town of Kirkland, we happened upon a new and unexpected find: Jay’s Kirkland Autocare. Family-owned and operated by Jay and Kim Henwood, this auto repair shop has garnered the elusive AAA Top Shop award for the last decade. It’s no wonder: this business prides itself on its connection to the community (Jay tells all of his techs to “treat each car like it’s your grandmother’s”). Even better, the Henwoods own two springer spaniels and keep dog treats behind the

counter (a number of their regular customers have canines in tow). So take a break from your holiday shopping and stroll a few blocks into downtown Kirkland with your buddy for a cup of coffee while Jay and his crew change your oil or rotate those tires!

Butch & Beecher’s photo by Jen Flynn; Oslo’s photo by Jamie Pflughoeft

North of Seattle, the waterside town of Edmonds is hiding a few doggie gems, most notably the off-leash area at Marina Beach Park. Not only is there lots of room for pups of all sizes to play, this stretch of sand has a secret: low tide. When the tide is out, a sand spit and tiny “island” is exposed just a bit offshore; it’s a Mecca where water dogs of all breeds play fetch with their owners and gallivant in the sand and sea. Back in town, we were pleased to meet store dog Emmett at Arista Wine Cellars. We were reassured to find our favored wines on the racks, and surprised by the variety of wine accessories we hadn’t seen anywhere else.

South of Kirkland in Bellevue, there are still some worthy independent businesses in town. One of our habitual haunts is University Book Store (one block north of Bellevue Square), where you’ll find a friendly staff, dog treats at the registers, free shipping for books, and free gift wrap all year long (but it’s especially helpful at the holidays!). If you time it right you can step outside the store and hear the music from Snowflake Lane, an extravaganza that takes place nightly on Bellevue Way and NE 8th Streets.

Your pooch may find the display a bit overwhelming; if so, hop in the car and drive several blocks southwest to Meydenbauer Beach Park. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town, this small patch of green space is on-leash, and offers a view of lovely homes that are sure to be decked out for the season. We think this is the ideal Holiday 2009 • 27

place to enjoy a bit of peace and get away from the madness of the holidays.

Portland. To say that Portland, Oregon’s

Pearl District is “dog friendly” is a profound understatement. Scores of local businesses including retailers, restaurants and galleries welcome pets indoors or provide a waterbowl outside. Rogue Ales Distillery & Public House offers a full menu to dogs including burgers and fries, and carob frosted cupcakes.

And, don’t miss the annual Brewer Memorial Ale Fest in Newport, Ore. next May! If in need of a reprieve from your four-legged pal, Virginia Woof is a dog daycare and boarding facility and the country’s first dog daycare to be used as a job-training facility for homeless youth.

Virginia Woof is owned and operated by non-profit Outside In to focus on practical training and tools to turn ones life around.

Upon completion of the intensive job training program, community business partners like Noah’s Arf and Dogstar in the Pearl District provide internship and career opportunities to graduates at a living wage.

There is also no shortage of boutique pet stores including two of our favorites, Urban Fauna and LexiDog. Both offer a plethora of services including pet supplies, doggy daycare, grooming and training.

So it seems on every level the Pearl District is a self-reinforcing community for dogs and their people—where people give back to dogs and dogs give back to people.

And where there is plenty of room for everyone to roam.

San Francisco.

Dachshunds Winston and Sawyer weren’t along for the ride when I made my first trip to San Francisco at the end of October. I was there to participate in the US Half Marathon, but it was impossible for me to ignore the vast dog-friendliness I experienced throughout the city.

Dog stores are tucked away in many neighborhoods; I took a few minutes to duck into Cheeko B Pet Boutique near Union Square. Although its space is small, this shop carried the healthiest of foods and treats, as well as an array of quality toys and darling couture. They even have “Yappy Hour” on Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Cow Hollow, so named because it was once a dairy center (before residents took a fancy to the district and kicked out the cows), is a cozy but trendy area near the 28 • CityDog Magazine

Above left: Roses Café in the Presidio. Right: Enjoying a sunny stroll at Crissy Field.

Presidio. Our destination, Rose’s Café, turned out to be not only an amazing place for brunch, but a draw for dog owners; in the time it took to consume an inventive spinach scramble, I met a pug, dachshund, cattle dog, and two golden retrievers who were uncle and nephew!

After brunch we headed south on Steiner to have a look at the famous “painted ladies,” the colorful homes that show up in nearly every film set in San Francisco. The best view is across the street from Alamo Park, a great place for a picnic or walk, with beautiful panoramas of the city. Surprisingly this little green space also has an off-leash area set aside for canine companions. As I noticed in nearly every park we visited, there were also bags for the taking to ensure doggie clean-up.

Further south of Alamo Park sits Mission Delores, just above the more well-known Mission neighborhood. Mission Delores is a funky place (with some incredible spots for “foodies”) and one of its highlights is Mission Delores Park. Going through a renovation, the expansive park is enjoying a renaissance and park safety is on the rise.

On a warm, sunny day there were people relaxing on every blade of grass, many with their pooches. There’s an off-leash area here as well and we met several new friends, including dachshund Tubby, who is clearly a regular.

It seemed everywhere we went there were dogs, but I was most impressed by the dog friendliness of Crissy Field. Restored and run by the National Park Service, the Pacific Coast’s first military Air Defense Sta-

tion is situated on the edge of the water with a glorious view of the Golden Gate Bridge and paved walking trails along the beach.

There’s some fantastic history here and it’s also the perfect location for dog walking. We met Sue Minsuk, owner of Doggie Do Right Dog Training, doing just that with one of her charges, Cassie. She wasn’t the only one out for a stroll; we saw dogs in the huge grassy field adjacent to the station buildings, in the off-leash beach area, on the trails, and even slurping water from the dog bowls attached to the bases of human drinking fountains! I could just imagine the cacophony that might ensue if the hounds were with me.

San Francisco had one last surprise in store for me, and I discovered it in my fourth mile of the half marathon, as I passed the San Francisco Pet Cemetery at the Presidio, just north of Crissy Field. Naturally I couldn’t stop (it was tempting), but while researching it later I learned that this is the “final resting place” for the pets of military families who were once stationed at the Presidio. The charming cemetery dates back to the 1950’s and many of the headstones are shaped and engraved in military style, often reflective of the servicemen to whom they belonged. Although the cemetery is no longer accepting internments, it’s a touching tribute to the pets that cheered our military over the years. It’s also the first place I’ll be exploring when I visit the city again, Winston and Sawyer by my side.

Whether this holiday season finds you in Seattle, Portland or San Francisco, dachshunds Winston and Sawyer wish you and your canine friends the very best!

Seattle ATTRACTIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS 2009 Festival of Poinsettias • Woodinville (November 7-December 23) Molbak’s Nursery 13625 NE 175th Street Multiple events; see website for details.

425.483.5000; molbaks.com Snowflake Lane @ The Bellevue Collection (November 27-December 31) Bellevue Way NE and NE 8th Street Shows 7pm nightly; see website for details.

425.454.8096; bellevuecollection.com The Fremont Avenue Sunday Ice Cream Cruise S. Lake Union Park Wharf South Lake Union, Seattle SeattleFerryService.com

COFFEE & FOOD Bainbridge Bakers • Bainbridge Island 140 Winslow Way West; 206.842.1822 Lunch and dessert faire, and freshly baked dog biscuits.

Bauhaus Books & Coffee • Capitol Hill 301 East Pine Street 206.625.1600; bauhauscoffee.net Fabulous brews and dog-friendliness. Grab a biscuit for your pooch from the counter.

Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream Wallingford and Capitol Hill 1622.5 N 45th Street 206.547.5105; mollymoonicecream.com Gourmet ice cream concoctions made with local ingredients.

GREEN SPACE Gas Works Park • Wallingford 2101 N. Northlake Way seattle.gov/parks Marina Beach Park • Edmonds (Off-Leash) 498 Admiral Way South www.ci.edmonds.wa.us/parks.stm Meydenbauer Beach Park • Bellevue 419 98th Avenue NE; 425.452.7158 www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/meydenbauer_ beach_park.htm Volunteer Park • Capitol Hill 1247 15th Avenue East; 206.684.4075 seattle.gov/parks

LODGING Willows Lodge • Woodinville 14580 NE 145th Street 877.424.3930; willowslodge.com $25 pet fee per stay; dog bowls, treats, and bed provided.

Kenmore Air • Seattle (See website for other locations) 950 Westlake Avenue North 866.435.9524; kenmoreair.com Check with the airline for pet restrictions and policies.

South Lake Union Streetcar See seattlestreetcar.org for maps and more information. 206.559.3000

SHOPPING Arista Wine Cellars • Edmonds 320 5th Avenue South 425.771.7009; aristawines.com Wines and accessories for kitchen and dining room; wine tasting.

Butch & Beecher’s • Bainbridge Island 278 Winslow Way East; 206.842.3135 The best of the best for your dog or cat… don’t forget to say hello to Finnegan.

Eagle Harbor Book Co. • Bainbridge 157 Winslow Way East; 206.842.5332 eagleharborbooks.com Knowledgeable staff, great book and gift selection, and store dog Mickey.

Mes Amis • Queen Anne 321 W. Galer Street 206.283.6064; shopmeamis.com Top of the line collars, coats, natural pet foods and more; store cats will greet you.

Oslo’s: A Men’s Store • Queen Anne 1519 Queen Anne Avenue North 206.282.OSLO; oslosamensstore.com Quality menswear in a contemporary storefront. Store dog Oslo will help you shop!

University Book Store • Bellevue (See website for other locations) 990 102nd Avenue NE 425.462.4500; ubookstore.com Friendly staff, free gift wrap and dog treats at the registers.

WINERIES

• Woodinville

North Park Blocks W Burnside to NW Glisan between NW 8th & NW Park. Shady & grassy areas, also featuring William Wegman Dog Bowl fountain.

FOR PUPS Dogstar 1313 NW Kearney; 503.227.0292 Daycare, boarding, grooming, gifts and adoption services.

Lexidog Boutique & Social Club 416 NW 10th Avenue; 503.243.6200 Gift, bakery, dog daycare & play groups.

Virginia Woof 1520 W Burnside; 503.224.5455 Day care & training program. virginiawoof.com

San Francisco COFFEE & FOOD Rose’s Café • Cow Hollow 2298 Union at Steiner 415.775.2200; rosescafesf.com

GREEN SPACE Alamo Square Park • Alamo Square Hayes and Steiner Streets www.sfnpc.org/alamosquarehistory Crissy Field • Presidio 603 Mason Street crissyfield.org and parksconservancy.org/our-work/crissy/ Mission Dolores Park • Mission Dolores Church / Dolores and 18th / 20th Streets www.sfnpc.org/doloresparkhistory Presidio Pet Cemetery • Presidio Above Crissy Field, at the corner of McDowell and Cowles www.nps.gov/prsf/historyculture/petcemetery.htm

Alexandria Nicole Cellars 19501 144th Avenue NE, #C-900 425.483.2968; alexandrianicolecellars.com Best of Western Washington 2009 award; Washington’s Top 100 list.

FOR PUPS

Stevens Winery 18520 142nd Avenue NE 425.424.9463; stevenswinery.com Maker of exceptional wines; Washington’s Top 100 list.

Doggie Do Right Dog Training Owner/Trainer: Sue Minsuk 415.786.9157; doggie-do-right.com

Cheeko B Pet Boutique • Union Square 611 Post Street 415.440.1221; CheekoB.com

Portland COFFEE & FOOD

Rogue Ales Distillery & Public House 1339 NE Flanders; 503.222.5910 Sidewalk seating and special menu for dogs.

GREEN SPACE

SERVICES

Jamison Square Park 810 NW 11th Avenue

Jay’s Kirkland Autocare • Kirkland 817 7th Avenue; AAA approved auto shop.

425.822.3333; jayskirklandautocare.com

Tanner Springs Bordered by Marshall & Northrup, NW 10th & 11th. One square block in-city wetland.

Holiday 2009 • 29

{CITYDOG LIVING} CELEBRATING LIFE WITH DOG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY RIEMAN

This tree skirt ($24.95 at theanimalrescuesite.com/store) shows Santa who’s boss at your house. Right: Chazz nestled all snug on the couch. Below: A festive table sets the mood.

This holiday season, don’t leave Fido out in the cold! Here are some tips and treats for a doggone good Christmas Eve that’ll have your furry pal and his four-legged friends howling for joy. BY CATHY HERHOLDT

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE...

IF YOUR HOME IS LIKE MOST, THERE ARE PLENTY OF CREATURES STIRRING

the night before Christmas. In fact, Christmas Eve has all the excitement of Christmas, plus a huge dose of anticipation and even some stress for those hosting holiday gatherings.

Dogs can pick up on this and exhibit stress of their own, or become overly excited by the giant tree covered with potential toys that has been brought into their home and the extra guests ringing the doorbell all evening long.

To make this night a fun, festive one for two- and four-legged friends and family members, here are some suggestions for a doggone good time.

30 • CityDog Magazine

CHECKLIST Make a List Check it Twice Find Out Who Has Been Naughty or Nice

Clockwise from far left: Sidney with visions of sugar plums in her head. Don this adorable, vintage inspired dog-print apron when baking up a batch of Fido’s favorite treats ($32.50 at momomadeit.etsy.com). This gingerbread man will bring joy to any pooch ($4.99 at petkaboodle.com). A gift exchange from one dog to another is fun and festive.

Entertainment. A reading of the

original “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” is a tradition in many homes.

This year consider adding an alternative.

Gather the kids—and dogs—around for “A Dog’s Night Before Christmas” (1996, $5.99, available at Borders.com) by Sue Carabine.

In this illustrated children’s book, Santa gets stuck and buried in the snow, and the only one who can save him is Bojangles, the trusty Saint Bernard.

An inspiring story for all ages is the newly published “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle” (hardcover, November, 2009) by award-winning Seattle author Kirby Larson and co-author Mary Nethery. “Nubs” is the story of an abandoned and abused Iraqi dog of war that befriended Marine Maj. Brian Dennis, who was training Iraqi solders at an outpost where the dog often searched for food. Maj. Dennis gave him the name “Nubs” because his ears had been cut off in an effort to make him more aggressive.

The book includes photographs of Nubs in Iraq, and tells the story of his amazing journey across 70 miles of dessert in the winter to find Dennis, and eventually his new home in San Diego. This heart-warming story will make everyone smile this holiday season.

“Nubs” is available online and at local retailers and would make a great gift for dog lovers too.

If a movie is in order after Christmas Eve dinner, “The 12 Dogs of Christmas,” (available on DVD at WalMart, Target or 12dogsofchristmas.com) by Academy Award winning director Keith Merrill, will entertain kids, grown ups and may even hold the

attention of canine viewers— between naps, of course. In order to strike down an evil mayor’s ‘no-dogs’ law in her town, 12-year-old Emma brings together a group of schoolmates, grown-ups and adorable dogs of all shapes and sizes in a spectacular holiday pageant.

Treats for all. It wouldn’t be a holiday in America without

plenty of food, and four-legged family members shouldn’t be left out. In order to avoid any illegal nibbling on human fare (and a possible upset stomach on Christmas day), provide some flavorful dog treats too.

Seattle-based Wet-Noses.com offers all organic holiday-themed treats for pups exclusively this time of year, including Apple Pie treats, made with Washington apples, molasses, ginger and cinnamon, and Sweet Potato Pie—home-baked goodness with roasted sweet potatoes and organic rye and oat flour—both in fun Christmas packaging.

Petit Four Legs (petitfourlegs.com) leaves no paw print with their holiday dog treats in eco-friendly packaging, giving dog owners a “green” option for gift-giving to their pets. New this year are gingerbread men, handmade with organic ingredients from local farms (see page 17 for more details), and Hanukkah coins—a treat that resembles the popular Hanukkah ‘gelt’ for humans. Both treats are available at boutique pet stores and online.

Your dog may never realize his dream of catching one of Santa’s reindeer, but you can give him the next best thing. QT Dog has an inovative alternative to livestock bones, Antlerz. Deer antlers that Holiday 2009 • 31

ML_CityDog_4.75X4.875_4C_HolidayPage 1

9/15/09

10:03:39 PM

C

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Chazz, ever-hopeful for a holiday treat.

Y

have been shed naturally, collected and cleaned, Antlerz are 100% natural and cruelty-free.

Lasting longer than regular bones, they don’t chip or splinter. Available in different sizes from small to “monster,” Antlerz can be found at Urban Dogs in Bellevue, Wash. or qtdog. com/antlerz.htm.

CM

MY

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CMY

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Dogs love getting gifts too. Surprise your

pup with a gift under the tree, or a paw-print stocking by the fire filled with goodies (we found one for $18 at prudenceoctavia.etsy.com).

Petsmart.com has Snowman fleece pajamas for dogs ($11.99) for a cozy evening with the family, as well as a red and green striped cable knit sweater ($16.99) to wear on Christmas day. Another sweater that’s festive, yet not overdone, is the classic argyle sweater from EastSide Collection. In pullover style and made with machine washable acrylic, this is a sweater your dog can be proud of. $12.99 and up at petkaboodle.com.

For a Hanukkah gift, Zanies has a plush menorah squeaky chew toy to keep your hintele occupied for hours ($6.99, petkaboodle.com).

Or, for big dogs that want a tough toy with no silly squeakers, Zanies also makes a rope knot chew toy in festive holiday colors ($7.99 and up at petkaboodle.com). Even the most pacifist dogs like to play tug of war, but if your dog is being a little naughty, he can switch sides. A tennis ball tug toy has “nice” printed on one end and “naughty” on the other—you decide which side he’s on ($4.99 at petkaboodle.com).

Dog-themed décor. Last, but not least, if trimming the tree is part of your family’s tradition on Christmas Eve, why not make it a dog-themed tree this year? Search for doggie ornaments while you’re out shopping (for the perfect pooch-themed ornaments, turn to page 16), or have kids string garland with dogshaped cutouts. Don’t go overboard with any decorations that could be seen (or smelled) as treats by your dog, however, or you could give the famous poem’s line “there arose such a clatter” a whole new meaning this year.

However you celebrate this holiday season with your loved ones, Happy Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa) to all, and to all a goodnight!

32 • CityDog Magazine

{RED DOG DIARIES}

BY CRAIG HOWARD

I don’t understand how humans have made it so far with such teeny tiny tongues.

Mine is longer than some little kids’ arms.

It’s a pound of super-sensing muscle, and I use it for everything. Eating, hunting, making friends, making enemies, cleaning, communicating… it’s an all-purpose organ.

Some dogs just lick and lick and lick.

Jazzy is like that. Love her totally, but she’s one of those lickin’ dogs. Lick themselves, other dogs, people—faces, hands, legs, feet, pants, shoes—the floor, the bathtub, towels, the wall, bumper of the car. I mean, honestly.

In the last few weeks it’s been going overtime. The grey, sleepy, rainy, kinda lonely time is being interrupted by lots of people and parties and food and walks. They call it ‘holidays’ and I really don’t know why they don’t just call it ‘everydays.’ They should do it all the time.

It’s way more fun than just plain old fall.

I can understand over-licking the faces of little kids though. They seem to have a never ending supply of good tasting stuff on their faces.

But back to my tongue. I breathe through my nose mostly when I sleep. I’m polite that way. But all that breathing goes right down into my mouth, and my tongue wakes me up when something’s cooking.

Just *blink* what? Is that turkey? I’m up to amble in to check that out a little bit. I’ll lick my way around the kitchen floor just to keep it tidy.

When all these people visit, usually they want to go hunting. Actually, they just say, “let’s go for a walk!” But it’s always hunting for me, of course. We go out that door and bam I’m hit with all those smells!

I can barely stand it. I sniff everything, but sometimes that’s not quite enough to identify, so I lick. Mmm Bluto was here.

And a squirrel must have just pranced his taunting little dance right by there. I think there’s a dead bird just around the corner.

Yes! Man I’m good.

We lick for all kinds of things, and not just food and stuff. I don’t think the people really get it—it’s kind of dog Kabuki. (I know a word like that, I know I’m spending too much time on the couch watching public television.) Some dogs lick other dog’s faces to show subservience, or sometimes we lick certain ways to show dominance. We lick other dogs in places that make people go, “Ewww! Stop it!”

But that’s really helpful to learn pretty much everything about that dog. Are they healthy? Or aggressive? Do they get the same treats I get? Or we lick our lips a lot when people walk in to show we know who the boss is.

But really, how could people understand? They have such small tongues.

Because of the ewww factor, I have to limit my self-licking during these holiday times. Lots of people don’t like that part much. But I can clean my wounds and my fur, finding the good tastes and smells that still cling to me like nectar after yesterday’s run. Believe it or not, I can lick myself dry after a walk in the dewy grass. It works!

People should try some self licking. I think they might like it.

My tongue is the elevator for water and food into my mouth. I slap it down in there and curl it under to make a spoon and pull up all the good stuff. Water takes some work, but I’m really good at it. Some dogs make a mess every single time they drink.

Water sloshing around, splattering on the floor, all over their faces. I’m not like that.

Much. All the more reason people think I’m beautiful and massage my head like a great, warm, adoring football that has ears on it.

I’m not totally sure of the order of things, but I remember last year we had the turkey holiday, then a bunch of random other food parties. Then I think there’s a pig or a lamb holiday. Whatever. I just want the people to keep coming and being so happy to see me.

So much fun. So much love. So much to lick.

I’m beat. I need a nap. But it’s just to get some energy for the next round, because I already heard him talking on the thing he holds to his head, and it sounds like we’ve got guests coming. And, um, please don’t forget the little kids. Yum! Craig Howard is a writer and artist who gets to hang out this holiday season with the Red Dog in West Seattle.

Holiday 2009 • 33

{EDITOR’S PICKS} THE BEST OF THE WEST Over the years, CityDog Magazine, has found some pretty cool things to share with our readers. Here are a few of our CityDog staff favorites.

ROOM SERVICE

Salish Lodge

Imbibing at the Salish Lodge isn’t just for humans—The Canine Cuisine In-Room Dining Menu features meals prepared in-house by the lodge’s own dining staff. Menu items include gourmet specialites such as the “The Beef Lover” (mixed beef ternderloin and sirloin, white rice, turnips and veal gravy), “The Bird Dog” (chicken, pheasant, parsnips, spinach and chicken stock) or the “Canine Country Breakfast” (a delicious combination of three eggs, chicken, rice and vegetables, complete with warm milk and a fresh biscuit. salishlodge.com DAY HIKE

Twin Falls

About an hour outside Seattle (I-90 east, exit 34), Twin Falls State Park offers a relatively easy, yet scenic hike for you and your hound, offering stunning views of lower and upper Twin Falls along the way.

READER RECIPE

UPCOMING EVENT: DECEMBER 18 & 19, 2009

Pasado’s Safe Haven’s Home for the Howlidays

Imagine getting a few of your best animal-loving friends together, loading up your SUV’s and vans with crates, beds, food and flea treatment and heading out to brave the elements of a Seattle winter to find dogs and cats who suffer in the cold. To be a part of this amazing event or for more information, please contact vdirector@pasadosafehaven.org.

Rascal’s Christmas Cupcakes 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or about 12 ounces ground chicken) 4 eggs ½ cup canola oil 1 ½ cups oat flour ½ tsp baking powder ½ cup chopped Italian parsley ½ cup grated carrot For the “frosting:” Whipped cream cheese Unsalted chicken broth to taste

Dog-themed museum art

Mode of transportation

Dog-friendly coffee house

Leroy, the Big Pup (2004), by Seattle artist Scott Fife, is a symbol of the Tacoma Art Museum’s commitment to Northwest artists (the museum also boasts the largest public collection of glass art by Dale Chihuly). Leroy’s presence as a centerpiece in the museum’s lobby has inspired, engaged and captured visitors’ hearts and imaginations, becoming the museum’s unofficial mascot. tacomaartmuseum.org

Added as part of of the King County Metro system in 2007, the Seattle Streetcar has done wonders for connecting South Lake Union with downtown Seattle and now connects to the region’s light rail system at Westlake Station. From the fast-growing South Lake Union neighborhood to Seattle’s vibrant downtown core, the Streetcar will get you and Fido where you want to go. seattlestreetcar.org

C & P Coffee on California Avenue in West Seattle is one of many dog friendly coffee houses in the great Northwest, and a CityDog favorite. Friendly service, delicious pastries, an awesome latte, and dogs welcome—it doesn’t get much better than that. They even feature a full roster of live music performances plus local artists and jewelry makers. candpcoffee.com.

34 • CityDog Magazine

Preheat oven to 350.Grease cake or muffin tins. Puree the chicken breasts in a food processor until minced. Add eggs and oil; pulse lightly until combined. Combine oat flour and baking powder; add to chicken mixture and pulse until combined. Add parsley and carrot and pulse until thoroughly distributed. Pour mixture into cake or muffin tin(s). Cake(s) will raise slightly, so don’t overfill the muffin tins too much. Bake about 30 minutes for muffins, about 45 minutes for one large cake—or until a thermometer reads 180 degrees. Cool completely. To frost, whip pre-whipped cream cheese with a few tablespoons of unsalted chicken broth. Spread liberally onto cake(s).

Recipe courtesy of Rose Bigham.

{EDITOR’S PICKS} THE BEST OF THE WEST WINTER STORM WATCHING

Kalaloch Lodge & Wickaninnish Inn

The weather outside may be frightful, but it can be quite delightful when snuggled up with your pooch , in a room with a view overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Kalaloch Lodge, located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, features indvidual, dog-friendly cabins, stunning views, and beachcombing just steps from the lodge along one of the Northwest’s most pristine stretches of sandy beach. The beautiful Wickaninnish Inn is the original home of Tofino, British Columbia’s winter storm watching, and those legendary waves and howling gales have arrived. Bundle up for a wild and wonderful walk down Chesterman Beach, or curl up with your canine and a glass of wine next to your in-room fireplace. visitkalaloch.com and wickinn.com

READY-TO-BAKE TREATS

Droolz Organics

If pressed for time or baking is not your style, Droolz Organics’ healthy, ready-to-bake dog treats are perfect. They come already mixed, cut into heart shapes, and ready to throw in the oven. Fifteen minutes later, you have freshly baked dog cookies. Made in Seattle, Droolz are loaded with wholesome, organic fruits and veggies, so you can offer your furry family members and friends a treat you can feel good about—even if you didn’t totally bake them yourself.

Available at fine pet stores or droolzorganics.com.

PET FURNITURE

The BowHaus

HOLIDAY LIBATION

Pomegranate Fizz

Style meets sanctuary in DenHaus’ modern BowHaus.

Equally irresistible to comfort loving canines and the design hounds who adore them, the BowHaus dog den is downright gorgeous. Engineered to feel safe and snug, the BowHaus appeals to your dog’s instinctive desire for his or her own cozy space. It also appeals to your desire for modern style. $499 plus free shipping at denhaus.com.

Round out your holiday cheer with a delicious combination of pomegranate and champagne—a simple, yet elegant cocktail for any festive occasion.

SKI RESORT

Whistler, British Columbia

For each drink, place a sugar cube in a champagne flute and add two tablespoons of 100% bottled pomegranate juice. Fill the flute the rest of the way with chilled champagne or sparkling wine and stir gently.

Cheers!

It’s no surprise this top notch ski resort was picked to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. However, it may be a surprise how canine crazy it is with a plethora of dog friendly accommodations including the posh Fairmont. There are even doggy daycares and grooming services to occupy your pooch while you enjoy the slopes. whistlerblackcomb.com GROOMING

CARMEL, CALIFORNIA

Good Clean Dog

Favorite Town

Based in Burien, Wash., Good Clean Dog has a full array of grooming products to keep your good dog clean including allnatural shampoos, conditioners, soaps and spritzers. Made with emollient oils to clean your dog’s fur and moisturize skin, they smell good too. goodcleandog.com.

Thanks to celebrity icons Doris Day and Betty White, it’s dogs who get the limelight in Carmel, Calif. At the Doris Day-owned Cypress Inn, pups get a famous doggy biscuit turndown service, but Carmel Beach is the epicenter of this canine Mecca to enjoy a leash-free stroll at sunset with your best friend. carmelcalifornia.com Holiday 2009 • 35

{CITYDOG SOCIAL CALENDAR} The holidays are a busy time so to help plan, we’ve put together a list of doggy must-do’s!

In addition to the snapshot of events listed here, we’ve compiled even more on our Web site.

Check back often—we keep it up-to-date with fun events for you and your furry friend.

November

Happy Howlidays Now – December 24 • Pierce County, Wash.

Dugan Foundation’s Happy Howlidays will once again collect cat and dog food donations for non-profit organizations helping animals in shelters, rescues and owners in need. The most critical needs are cat food (especially canned) and dog food. Cash donations are always helpful. For details on where to donate, visit duganfoundation.org.

Santa Pet Photos at Dooley’s Dog House November 29 • Kirkland, Wash. 12 – 5 p.m. at Dooley’s Dog house, 1421 Market St. November 28 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Dooley’s Bring your companion(s) in for a holiday photo and fun. Cost $20 per photo with full proceeds going to Homeward Pet Adoption Center. Call Dooley’s at 425.889.2200 for reservations.

Reading with Rover December 5 • Edmonds, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Edmonds Public Library, 650 Main St

Heart of the Valley Shelter Santa Photos December 5 • Bozeman, Mont. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Murdoch’s

December 8 • Redmond, Wash. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Borders in Redmond Town Center

December 12 & 13 • Bozeman, Mont. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at PetSmart

December 12 • Lynnwood, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Lynnwood location

Can you think of anything more adorable than having your pet’s photo taken with Santa? We didn’t think so! Join Heart of the Valley at the above locations to celebrate the season and take home your very own personal holiday card featuring your pet and Santa! Questions? Contact Jessica Groseth, jess@heartofthevalleyshelter.org or (406)388-9399, ext. 112.

December 16 • Mountlake Terrace, Wash.

7-8 p.m. at Mountlake Terrace Library Service of Remembrance December 3 • Portland, Ore. 7-8 p.m. The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Ave. Dignified Pet Services and Dove Lewis Pet Loss Support Program invite you to join in the celebration of the invisible, yet undeniable bond between humans and our beloved companion animals. Together we will light candles in memory of those who are no longer here. Doors open at 6 p.m. dovelewis.org.

Pet Photos with Santa Wednesdays December 2, 9, 16 & 23 • Tigard, Ore. 4-8 p.m. at Bridgeport Village, 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd. Bring your pets for a photo with Santa. A portion of the proceeds will benefit DoveLewis! $2 of each photo package donated. Packages start at $19. dovelewis.org 36 • CityDog Magazine

December 5 & 6 • Vancouver, Wash. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Howl at the Moon, 13501 NE 84th Street

Posing Pets with Santa December 5 • Bainbridge Island, Wash. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Bay Hay and Feed December 6 • Poulsbo, Wash. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Central Market

December

Please join us for our free one hour discovery session to explore how you might be able to help others by volunteering with your dog – taking him/her to visit hospitalized patients, helping children learn to read, visiting seniors and in other ways. For more info or to RSVP, call (425)679-5514 or email JoAnnT@DeltaSociety.org This event is for humans only. deltasociety.org

Pet Portraits with Santa December 5 & 6 • Vancouver, Wash. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at All Natural Pet Supply, 10501 NE Hwy 99

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Pet Portraits! The Humane Society for Southwest Washington brings Santa back in town this year, ready to pose with your furry friends. Twenty-five dollars gets you a CD with 12 high-resolution, digital images. All friendly pets are welcome. southwesthumane.org

PAWS Wild Night Gala Tickets Go On Sale After Thanksgiving • Seattle, Wash.

Enjoy a heartwarming evening to provide life-saving care for animals in need. Tickets go fast so be sure to secure your place at PAWS Wild Night Gala taking place on March 27, 2010. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,250 for a table of ten. Learn more and claim your spot at paws.org/wildnight, or call 425-412-4027.

The Healing Power of Pets December 1 • Bellevue, Wash. 7-8 p.m. at Delta Society, 875 124th Ave NE

Visit our web SITE

citydogmagazine.com for more holiday events.

CityDog Yappy Howlidays MuttMixer CityDog’s Yappy Howlidays Party December 9 • Seattle, Wash. 6-8 p.m. at the W Hotel, 1112 4th Ave. The holiday event of the year! This is CityDog’s annual Yappy Howlidays party and you and your two- and four-legged friends are invited to join us for cocktails, holiday treats, pet portraits by J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios and more. citydogmagazine.com

Gather the whole family—pets included— to have your portraits taken this holiday season! The Kitsap Humane Society, T & C Photos and, of course, Santa, will be at these locations. Photo packages range from $25 - $45. Pictures will be developed on site and available immediately, with the exception of greeting cards, which take approximately one week. All proceeds benefit the animals of the Kitsap Humane Society.

Sittings are on a first come first served basis.

Canine Candy Cane 5K Fun Run & Walk December 6 • Renton, Wash. 9 a.m., Dogs and humans meet at gym at N. Renton Community Center and travel along the Cedar River Trail. Pre-registration fee: $23.00 (including T-shirt) must be postmarked by 11/24 Late/day of registration fee is $28.00 (no T-shirt guaranteed). Benefits Cedar River Off Leash Dog Park. Please bring a can of pet food for the Renton Food Bank.

{CITYDOG SOCIAL CALENDAR} Santa Paws December 19 • Woodinville, Wash. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Molbak’s Garden & Home, 13625 NE 175th St. Bring your furry friends to meet and greet Santa and have photos taken! The MaxMobile will also be on site for adoptions. All proceeds directly benefit the Seattle Humane Society. seattlehumane.org

Free after-race pictures with Santa. Register at cybersignup.org or call 425.430.6700.

Girls Night Out Fundraiser December 6 • La Conner, Wash. 4-7 p.m. at Palmers Fine Dining on the Waterfront, 512 South First St. Come join N.O.A.H. (NW Organization for Animal Helpers) for a Girls Night Out Fundraiser. Your $25 admission includes an evening of appetizers, fun, games and raffles. Come early and shop La Conner, it’s their Season of Giving with participating merchants donating proceeds to N.O.A.H. For info & to reserve seats, call Kim Bowen 360.629.7055. www. thenoahcenter.org.

CityDog Yappy Howlidays Muttmixer December 9 • Seattle, Wash. 6 - 8 p.m. at the W Hotel, 1112 4th Ave. The holiday event of the year! This is CityDog’s annual Yappy Howlidays party and you and your two- and four-legged friends are invited to join us for cocktails, holiday treats, pet portraits by J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios and more. Please RSVP to info@citydogmagazine.com.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Holiday Luncheon December 9 • San Francisco, Calif. 11 a.m. Guide Dogs for the Blind invites you to attend the 33rd annual Festive Holiday Luncheon at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco for a gourmet lunch, a wonderful keynote speaker and of course plenty of cute puppies! Tickets are $100 with table and sponsorship levels available. To register, guidedogs.com.

The Healing Power of Pets December 10 • Portland, Ore. 7-8 p.m. at St Vincent Medical Center, 9205 SW Barnes Please join us for our free one hour discovery session to explore how you might be able to help others by volunteering with your dog – taking him/her to visit hospitalized patients, helping children learn to read, visiting seniors and in other ways. For more info or to RSVP, email JenniferM@DeltaSociety.org or call 503.387.5138. This event is for humans only. deltasociety.org Seattle Pug Rescue Holiday Meet-Up December 12 • Edmonds, Wash. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Aegis of Edmonds, 21500 72nd Ave West. Come meet Seattle Pug Rescue and some of the many pugs in need of homes.

Information on adoption, volunteering, and fostering these adorable dogs will be available. Applications and donations will be accepted at this event. Mistletoe and free pug kisses will be provided. seattlepugs.com

Home for the HOWLidays December 18 & 19 • Imagine getting a few of your best animal-loving friends together, load up your SUV’s and vans with crates, beds, food and flea treatment and head out to find dogs and cats who suffer in the cold. To be a part of this amazing event or for more information, please contact vdirector@pasadosafehaven.org.

CityDog Puppy Love MuttMixer CityDog’s Puppy Love Party February 9 • Seattle, Wash. 6-8 p.m. at the W Hotel, 1112 4th Ave. CityDog invites dog lovers and the furry, fourlegged loves of their life to mix and mingle, sip cocktails and swap doggy tails. Puppy love will be in the air, so who knows...singles might just meet that special two-legged someone to add to their pack. Please RSVP to info@citydogmagazine.com.

Michael Allen Harrison Concert December 12 • Portland, Ore. at The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Ave. Join DoveLewis and Michael Allen Harrison for a memorable evening of beautiful holiday music.

Michael Allen Harrison’s cutting edge, classical contemporary style carves a distinct niche of timeless music. Reservation info at dovelewis.org.

Memorial Art Workshop December 13 & January 10 • Portland, Ore. All ages/families welcome 1-2:30 p.m.

Adults (16 & over) 3-4:30 p.m. at DoveLewis Community Room (2nd floor), 1945 NW Pettygrove. One of the best ways to navigate your grief when you lose a pet is memorializing them through art. Every second Sunday of each month offers a new opportunity to create something unique and take it home with you. Sponsored by Dignified Pet Services. You must RSVP for this free community event using the online gift shop at dovelewis.org/giftshop.

January Reading with Rover January 9 • Lynnwood, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Lynnwood location January 9 • Kent, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Children’s Bookshop, 225 W. Meeker January 21 • Lake Forest Park, Wash. 6:308:00 p.m. at Third Place Books, 17171 Bothel Way NE Portland Trailblazers DoveLewis Night January 10 • Portland, Ore. Join the Portland Trailblazers for DoveLewis Night as they play the Cleveland Cavaliers. Special priced tickets are available. A portion of each ticket benefits DoveLewis. For more information & ticket purchase, call Paul Rothschild at 503.963.3963 or visit: tickets. blazers.com/deals and type in special code DOVE.

February CityDog’s Yappy Howlidays Party February 9 • Seattle, Wash. 6-8 p.m. at the W Hotel, 1112 4th Ave. CityDog invites dog lovers and the furry, four-legged loves of their life to mix and mingle, sip cocktails and swap doggy tails. Puppy love will be in the air, so who knows...singles might just meet that special two-legged someone to add to their pack. Please RSVP to info@citydogmagazine.com.

Holiday 2009 • 37

{CITYDOG DIRECTORY} THE MARKETPLACE FOR PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE Welcome to the CityDog Holiday Directory. Here you will find a wide assortment of dog-friendly products and services provided by these fine businesses. Please support our advertisers by calling or visiting their websites today.

And be sure to tell them CityDog Magazine sent you!

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Ahimsa Dog Training............................... page 38 B Sparks Photography............................. page 9

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Bestfriend Photography.......................... page 33 California Natural....................................page 40

Dogs from all around are barking about Pacific City! The OCEAN FRONT Cottages at Cape Kiwanda offer luxury dog-friendly accommodations and miles of unspoiled beach. Special Discovery Package available.

Call 1-888-965-7779 or visit us at: www.KiwandaCottages.com

City Bones: A Dog Treat Barkery..............page 7 Cold Nose Originals..................................page 7 Cottages at Cape Kiwanda...................page 38 Cowbelly Pet Photography.....................page 22 Droolz Organics....................................... page 38 Etta Says!...................................................page 38 Idawg Clothing..........................................page 9 Jerk Ease...................................................page 39 Lincoln City...............................................page 25 Mountain High Dog Training...................page 39 Mutt Lynch Winery....................................page 32

Voted Seattle’s top trainer by CityDog readers. Outstanding classes for manners, puppy socialization, agility, obedience and behavior modification. Seattle’s most comprehensive puppy program with owner-present play times.

206.364.4072 www.DoggieZen.com

COTTAGES AT CAPE KIWANDA

Chambers Creek Pet Memorial...............page 7

Hands to Paws Canine Massage.......... page 38

AHIMSA DOG TRAINING

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DROOLZ ORGANICS Droolz are wheat-free, soy-free, sugar-free and corn-free. Because Droolz are loaded with wholesome organic ingredients, you can offer your furry family member a treat you feel good about giving. www.droolzorganics.com

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Northwest School of Animal Massage page 39 Penelope Jensen..................................... page 39 Petit Four Legs.......................................... page 39 Pooper Trooper.........................................page 39 Punk Rock Dogg........................................page 9 Puppy Manners........................................ page 39 Rainbow’s End Cabins.............................. page 9

ETTA SAYS!™ My delicious, freeze-dried liver treats are 100% pure all natural Beef, Chicken, and Lamb liver, no additives or fillers. These mouth watering treats will have your pooch doing backflips. $8.99-$9.99 (sugg. retail) at fine pet stores or online at www.ettasays.com

ScooPup....................................................page 39 Shine Pet Photos...................................... page 13

HANDS TO PAWS MASSAGE

Strut the Pup............................................. page 39

Massage helps arthritic dogs/cats, aids healing after ACL & other surgeries. It relaxes muscles that have over-compensated for injuries, and calms the nervous system of hyper dogs/puppies. Call 206.938.8539 for a massage or Reiki session.

HandsToPawsAnimalMassage.com

Urban Dogs...............................................page 32 Wellness......................................................page 4 For information about advertising in CityDog Magazine, call 206.762.0643 or email ads@citydogmagazine.com.

38 • CityDog Magazine

{CITYDOG DIRECTORY} THE MARKETPLACE FOR PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE JERK-EASE LEASH ATTACHMENT This lightweight elastic “shock absorber” fastens between your dog’s collar and leash, reducing muscle strain when your dog pulls or tugs.

Recommended by Veterinarians, Dog Trainers, MDs and Chiropractors.

S, M, L www.jerk-ease.com

MOUNTAIN HIGH DOG TRAINING Specializing in private in-home lessons. Learn how to communicate with your dog and enjoy a healthy relationship based on trust, understanding, and good behavior. Every dog has the power to reach new heights. Will yours? It’s up to you.

NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF ANIMAL MASSAGE

A NIMAL C OMMUNICATOR

POOPER TROOPER We take the ick out of dog ownership! Weekly rates begin at $17.00 with prepay discounts available.

Know that your dog’s doo can do some good as we donate over 5% of our profits to animal welfare agencies! 888-Dog-Waste or visit: www.poopertrooper.com

PUPPY MANNERS Named “Best” by CityDog and Seattle Magazine! Training for the family dog. New! The “Pup’prentice” project with Becky Bishop in Seattle and Woodinville.

Call 425.482.1057 or check it out at: www.puppymannners.com

CLEANER PICKUP & CARRY

Obtain the best education in animal massage for dogs, cats and horses.

We offer pet-owner workshops, career certification programs and professional skill courses. Distancelearning and financing available.

425.222.3703 or www.nwsam.com

The moisture-resistant lining becomes an extra layer of protection between hand and poop when picking up.

Attached to a leash, it’s a hands-free place to stash that nasty bag. Two side pockets for bags, keys, etc. One dollar from each sale supports animal welfare. Demo at tinygrowl.com.

PENELOPE JENSEN

STRUT THE PUP

What is on your animal’s mind?

Get your questions answered today!

Communication & counseling.

Before passing & ”crossed over.”

ThetaHealing & lost animal tracking.

Classes & consultations.

Call 253-447-8332 for more information. www.PenelopeCommunicates.com

Fun and professional pet care for Seattle and the Eastside! Dog walking, in-home pet sitting, private obedience and behavior training, pet taxi and more. We are licensed, bonded, insured and pet CPR and first-aid certified. 206.484.3696. Visit us online: www.strutthepup.com

PETIT FOUR LEGS

ACCESSORIZE YOUR LIFE!

Our delicious dog treats are handcrafted in small batches using US ingredients and come in beautiful gift packaging. So whether you’re looking for all-natural, wheat-free, or something one-of-a-kind, our treats make unforgettable holiday gifts. www.petitfourlegs.com

Studio Fe makes custom signs, furniture, and art for your office, home, and garden.

Got a vision? Let’s make it real! www.studiofe.com

Holiday 2009 • 39