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WHY DOES MY DOG DO THAT? Q+A to quirky dog behaviors
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{FROM THE EDITOR}
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Welcome to the spring issue of CityDog Magazine and really, spring could not have come soon enough! Winter in the Pacific Northwest can be challenging, with three months of rain, some snow, some rain with snow WHY DOES MY mixed in, and then more rain. DOG DO THAT? Q+A to quirky PLAY WELL Okay, I exaggerate a little, but dog behaviors cool products I’m happy spring is finally here. LIVE WELL unlikely friends With the season, comes more EAT WELL SPECIAL lifetime of time outdoors and that’s good for good nutrition HEALTH everyone, two- and four-legged WELLNESS ISSUE alike. Spending time outdoors SOUND ADVICE FOR A HOUND’S LIFE should be part of anyone’s daily wellness regimen and speaking of wellness, this issue is our special Health+Wellness edition, featuring sound advice for a dog’s life. DRUMMER, OUR COVER DOG MODEL SEARCH WINNER
Cover photo by Amelia Soper
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The topics are seemingly endless when it comes to caring for our canine companions, from providing a lifetime of healthy nutrition for your pooch (page 21) to a community program helping the homeless and their beloved pets with medical and veterinary care (page 24) to dogs that lend a helping paw to veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (page 28)...and much more in this issue!
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This issue also features our 11th annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search winner, Drummer, seen here with his favorite ball and wearing a pretty paper flower collar handmade by Pink & Posey (pinkandposey.com)! Last year, Drummer competed with close to 300 fellow canine contestants for the coveted spot on the cover, each helping to raise money for animal welfare. This year, we are excited to kick off the 12th annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search in May at Auburn’s Petpalooza. You can find this event and more in our calendar of events on page 37. Speaking of events, be sure to visit our website, where you will find the most comprehensive calendar of events for you and Fido, plus a plethora of content featuring where to sit, stay and play with your pooch in the Pacific Northwest. Woofs & wags! Brandie Ahlgren, Founder & Editor CityDog Magazine | citydogmagazine.com P.S. Also this spring, I am excited to announce the launch of CityDog Baltimore, featuring everything you need to know about life and living with dogs in Maryland—from the city of Baltimore to the Chesapeake Bay to the beaches of Ocean City—and everywhere in between. If you live outside of the Puget Sound region and you want to launch your own magazine about life and living in the city you love with the four-legged love of your life, simply visit our website at citydogmagazine.com and click on “Start Your Own Magazine!”
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Table of Contents 8 BARK OF THE TOWN
28 HELPING PAWS, HELPING PEOPLE
10 COOL PRODUCTS
30 CITY DOGS AT WORK
16 CITYDOG SHOWCASE
32 WHY DOES MY DOG...?
18 UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP
36 WELLNESS: MASSAGE & SURGERY
21 EAT WELL: HEALTHY HOUNDS
37 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
24 LIVE WELL: ONE HEALTH Spring 2017 • 5
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CityDog Magazine Issue #48, Spring 2017. Published four times a year. Copyright 2017 CityDog Magazine. All rights reserved. SUBSCRIPTIONS are $20.00 per year within the US. Subscribers: Please send change of address, with old address and new address to CityDog Magazine, 9451 21st Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106 or email info to subscription@citydogmagazine.com.
{BARK OF THE TOWN} THINGS TO CHEW ON
HERE COMES
THE DOG COUPLES SAY ‘I DO’ TO INCLUDING THEIR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND IN THEIR WEDDING. PHOTOS BY AMELIA SOPER
As weddings are becoming more personal and individualized than ever before, and as dogs are increasingly integral members of their owners’ lives—traveling and tagging along to the office with many—it seems fitting that more couples are including their four-legged counterparts in their most memorable day. “What I love most about having dogs included in wedding day, and in engagement photos for that matter, is how great they are at taking the focus off of the couple,” says local photographer Amelia Soper and owner of House of Wee (houseofwee.com). “Many people don’t love being the center of attention and can have a difficult time getting comfortable in front of the camera, but when they can have their dog there, they forget the awkwardness they feel and just settle in to having fun with their best friend. Seattle wedding planner Lisa Chambers, owner of Chambers and Company, planned an unforgettable wedding at Rosario Resort on Orcas Island. The couple’s border collie, which Lisa considers “the best behaved dog ever,” wore a daisy collar all day, lined up with the wedding party, walked down the aisle by himself and sat patiently during the ceremony, then partied with the guests all night until the reception ended at 2 a.m. “He was a rock star,” she says. Another couple, with a not so well trained standard poodle, hired a trainer six weeks before the wedding to help prepare their dog to walk down the aisle—which he did, and then proceeded to lay down and tear his floral collar apart. But luckily, even unexpected actions can lighten the mood. With wedding season upon us, if you are planning your big day, here are some simple tips for including your pooch in matrimonial matters: Know your dog and its limitations—weddings can be stressful and overwhelming for a dog that does not adapt well to new environments or is uncomfortable around strangers—also, be sure to designate someone to be responsible for your dog, determine ahead of time where your dog will go after the wedding, plan for potty breaks (bags and all), and make sure a water dish is available, especially at an outdoor wedding. “Having a pooch participate in a wedding is like magic; people become more relaxed and their expressions become much more genuine, which makes my job of capturing authentic moments so much easier,” adds Amy.
8 • CityDog Magazine
{BARK OF THE TOWN} THINGS TO CHEW ON WET DOG BY SOPHIE GAMAND BOOKS WE LOVE Wet Dog is a series of dogs captured at the groomer during their least favorite activity: bath time. As every dog owner knows too well the fun and misery of bath time: the wriggles, the poignant looks, the playful splashes. Wet Dog, by photographer Sophie Gamand, is a stunning and touching capture of this intimate moment. Elevating dog photography to the status of art, these expressive portraits of our canine friends mirror our very own human emotions. Gamand masterfully captures these moments in Wet Dog, in the 2017 Wet Dog Calendar, and at her website at sophiegamand.com/wet-dog.
LITTLE KIDS AND THEIR BIG DOGS BY ANDY SELIVERSTOFF BOOKS WE LOVE Photographer Andy Seliverstoff’s Little Kids and Their Big Dogs project has become a sensation on Facebook, where his images of huge dogs like St. Bernards and Newfoundlands being walked, hugged and adored by small children have been shared and liked thousands of times.
And now, these heart-warming photos have been gathered in a new hardcover book by the same name that celebrates the relationship between big dogs and the little kids who love them. The connection between children and dogs is captured throughout Little Kids and Their Big Dogs, reconnecting us with everything we’re craving these days, in particular innocence.
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DOG-FRIENDLY TASTING ROOM PEOPLE-FRIENDLY WINES
DRUMMER, OUR COVER DOG MODEL SEARCH WINNER
CityDog SPRING 2017
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WHY DOES MY DOG DO THAT? Q+A to quirky dog behaviors
DRUMMER, OUR COVER DOG MODEL SEARCH WINNER
CityDog SPRING 2017
PLAY WELL
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Q+A to quirky unlikely friends dog behaviors
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ABOUT THE COVER Gracing this issue’s cover is Drummer, a handsome boxer-mix from Federal Way, Wash. and winner of the 11th annual CityDog Cover Model Search. Drummer and his mom, Kerry, met us at Seattle’s Seward Park, where photographer Amelia Soper captured this playful shot of Drummer with his ball, wearing a pretty paper flower collar from Pink & Posey (pinkandposey.com).
Take CityDog with you wherever you and Rover roam. Our digital edition includes everything from our print magazine, but with bonus features! You’ll find easy links to all of the products and services in every issue plus bonus photos and video. To start reading the current issue today, visit citydogmagazine.com and click Digital Issues.
award-winning reds and whites custom labels (for gifts, businesses, special occasions)
happy hour friday Art and wine walks Live music tastings, classes, & more http://NorthwestCellars.com info@northwestcellars.com Kirkland, WA | (425)825-9463 Spring 2017 • 9
{COOL PRODUCTS} WHAT’S COOL FOR HOT DOGS Photo Collage of Fido u Our new favorite find, Collage.com makes it super easy to turn your favorite photos of Fido into a completely customizable blanket, pillow, dog bed, iPhone case, dog bowl, and more. Simply go to their website, choose from an array of products, upload your photos to the easy-to-use template, and voila... you’ve just created your own doggone design. collage.com
Toasty Dogs p No dog-loving home is complete without a toaster from Pangea Brands that toasts the silhouette of your favorite dog breed. Don’t have a favorite breed? Then, go with the “I Heart My Dog” model that toasts your bread with paw prints on one slice and a dog bone on the other. $34.99 at pangeabrands.com.
New Baby’s Big Brother p Don’t leave Rover out of the new baby announcement—let him wear it loud and proud with this Big Brother doggy raglan tee by Stockberry Apparel. 100% cotton; available in five sizes; $20 at etsy.com/shop/stockberryapparel.
t Close to My Heart Carry your beloved pet close to your heart with a sweet, handpainted heart-shaped locket. Working from a photo of your pooch, owner and designer Mónica Juncal will create a one-of-a-kind keepsake featuring the four-legged love of your life. Hand-made in Spain. $30-$35 at etsy.com/shop/biribis.
{COOL PRODUCTS} WHAT’S COOL FOR HOT DOGS Unconditional Love of Tees u Personalize your own tee shirt with your pooch’s name, breed and even your own personal message. Each super soft, 100% ring-spun cotton tee by Rare Occasions is printed to order. Custom options include your dog’s name, breed and personal message. $24.99 at etsy.com/shop/RareOccasions.
t Wondercide for Wonder Dogs An alternative to monthly, chemical treatments, the Wondercide Natural Pet Parent Pack includes everything you need for a naturally flea and tick free home. It comes with one 8 oz Skin Tonic Spray for Itch & Allergy, one Lemongrass 16 oz Flea & Tick Control for Pets + Home, and one Rosemary 4 oz Flea & Tick Control for Pets + Home. $39.99 at wondercide.com.
t Bucket of Balls for Bowzer The Good Dog gift bucket by Harry Barker is piled high with 15 heavy-duty felt tennis balls for durability and long-lasting play. You can even personalize the gift bucket with your dog’s name at no extra cost. $18 at harrybarker.com.
Charmed, I’m Sure u Show off your dog’s style with one of HOUND’s hand-cast, 10K goldplated charms in a variety of designs. Our favorite, the “Best Bitches” charm set, features two halves of one heart: one for you and one for your furry best friend. $28 at www.houndcollection.com.
Doggone Graphic Designs u Inspired by the quirky escapades of their own dogs, Eli, Nutmeg and Lily, the founders at Barkley & Wagz create whimsical designs capturing the unique personalities of different dog breeds with colorful illustrations, graphics and typography. One of our favorite designs is the the Linocut Graphic Dog Bed, featuring a fleece fabric front and cotton back. Choose from over 20 breeds in seven colors and three sizes; starting at $54 at barkleyandwagz.com.
t Lap It Up Fishs Eddy’s adorable bulldog mug and dachshund creamer are the perfect additions to any dog lover’s kitchen. $9 to $16 at fishseddy.com.
Expedition Pup u Harry Barker’s Pup Expedition Kit features everything your pup needs on his next adventure: a cotton rope toy made with recycled yarns, a penguin plush toy stuffed with eco fiberfill, a felt-covered natural rubber play ball, a cotton-canvas bag with drawstring closure to hold allnatural chicken jerky treats and a recycled metal tin of cheese biscuits for “Salty Dogs.” Treats are baked with love in the USA and handpackaged by the Hope Center of Charleston, SC. $80 at harrybarker.com.
t Flower Power for Pit Bulls Through her series Flower Power: Pit Bulls of the Revolution, photographer Sophie Gamand photographs the breed wearing flower crowns to infuse a softer energy into their image and challenge the way we look at pit bull-type dogs. Since starting the project, Gamand has photographed over 250 shelter dogs, culminating in an annual calendar, throw pillows, tote bags and more at sophiegamand.com. 12 • CityDog Magazine
Lie Down With Dogs u You can’t teach an old bed new tricks, but you can get new bedding. Exclusively designed for the Land of Nod by artist Hanna Melin, the Bed’s Best Friend Bedding features several illustrated canines printed on comfy 100% organic cotton. $99 at landofnod.com.
t Put a Dog on It Portlandia fans and dog lovers alike will adore the Put a Dog on It hoodie by Barkley & Wagz. Made with a super thick and cozy 50/50 cotton-poly blend, it’s perfect for a springtime jaunt to the dog park. $28 at barkleyandwagz.com.
On Safari u Get ready for a wild time as dogs roar with excitement for this new fur-rocious toy set by P.L.A.Y. featuring wildlife creatures in the shape of a zebra (pictured here), lion, giraffe, elephant and crocodile. $14.90 each or as a gift set for $69.00 at PetPlay.com.
t Put a Bird on It Speaking of Portlandia fans, finish the look with a Put a Bird on It tee for your pooch by Pretty Penny Prints. The shop on Etsy features original graphic designs and typography art to adorn your dog, decorate your home and fancy up your day. $20 at etsy.com/ shop/PrettyPennyPrints.
April Showers Bring Wet Dogs No More u Whether going for a quick walk in a spring shower, or playing in the yard during a downpour, the Rain Coat by ThunderWorks provides sporty, lightweight protection from the elements. Combined with a Thundershirt, it provides extra protection for anxiety-prone dogs. Available in five sizes; $14.99 at thundershirt.com. Spring 2017 • 13
t Dog Walker’s Delight It’s a familiar site in the city, dogs of all shapes and sizes on their daily walk and the Dog Walker ceramic mug by Fishs Eddy perfectly captures this scene. Match it with a 100% cotton dishtowel and it’s the perfect gift for the urban-dwelling dog lover. Mug, $15.95; dishtowel, $13.95; both available at fishseddy.com.
New Horizons u Inspired by nature’s deserts, woodlands, seacoasts and lakes, the new Horizon Collection by P.L.A.Y. celebrates your dog’s free spirit by transforming Mother Nature’s rich colors into a beautiful motif for your pup to lounge and recharge. Prices start at $69 at PetPlay.com.
t Safety First With the Dial-A-Distance retractable leash by ThunderWorks, you can quickly and easily set the maximum length of the leash to what is safe for your environment. Walking on a crowded city sidewalk? Try two feet and keep your pup at your side. On a wide-open sidewalk? Maybe try five feet for a little more freedom. Strolling in an open park? Give your dog the full 15-feet for maximum freedom. When your dog reaches the maximum distance that you select, Dial-A-Distance’s autobrake will engage and automatically stop your dog from going further. Available in May; $49.99 at thundershirt.com.
t No Dog Left Behind Bring your dog along wherever you go with a hands-free, vet-approved carrier by K9 Sport Sack. Easy to use and comfortable for both you and your little buddy, the K9 Sport Sack can carry any pup up to 23 inches long and under (or around) 30 pounds. The forward-facing dog backpack is simple to use and features adjustable straps for the perfect fit, whether on a long hike or simply running errands. Available in a variety of vibrant colors, starting at $59.95 at k9sportsack.com. 14 • CityDog Magazine
A Shop for Dogs and the People Who Love Them! Voted Best Pet Boutique by Seattle A-List in 2016! 278 Winslow Way E Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 BIBarkery.com facebook.com/BIBarkery
Front Range Harness p The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is easy to put on and comfortable for dogs to wear. The harness features two leash attachment points: an aluminum V-ring centered on the dog’s back for everyday walks, and reinforced webbing at the dog’s chest for training or additional pull control. And, an ID pocket keeps dog tags quiet and easily accessible. Match it with a Front Range Leash for the complete set up. Available in five sizes and six colors; $39.95 at Pet Elements in West Seattle or at ruffwear.com.
Filson for Fido u Seattle’s own Filson has manufactured unfailing goods for the last 120 years and is known in the Northwest for its rugged outdoor wear. But, did you know the retailer also provides a variety of canine-friendly products? Whether it’s a super durable rope leash ($75), K-9 First Aid Kit ($90) or canvas travel bowl ($40), Filson carries these and many more canine-centric gear at filson.com.
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Spring 2017 • 15
{CITYDOG SHOWCASE} SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Carrie Cramer Fine Jewelry u Get your paws on our sparkle! We offer fine jewelry in 31 unique dog-lover designs, handmade in Los Angeles using premium materials. “Dogs have the power to make everyone around them radiate, and that’s exactly what I hope my debut line of necklaces will do—make people shine.” – Carrie Cramer. To see the full collection, visit carriecramerjewelry.com.
Auburn Leathercrafters Leashes & Collars u Strong, soft, and comfortable. US grown and produced cotton rope that is made in US plus genuine Wickett & Craig chestnut bridle leather and a solid brass snap make this leash one you will happily carry. Available in both snap and slip styles. Visit www.CollarsandMore.com for complete details.
GoDogGo G4 Fetch Machine u
Keep an eye on your pets with a PetCam u
GoDogGo G4 Fetch Machine The perfect automatic ball
Built-in speaker and mic lets you talk to your pet. Sensors allow you to see in the dark. Built-in alarm lets you use it for motion detection recording. Free app. Move the PetCam around and up/down remotely. Hotspot ready. Plug-n-play sets up in minutes. $149.99; enter “citydog” at checkout for $20 off. pet-peeps.com
launcher for the ball-crazy dog in your backyard! Multi-use features offer independent dog play or remote controlled launch for the perfect game of fetch. Keeping dogs happy, safe & healthy since 1999. GoDogGoInc.com 16 • CityDog Magazine
{CITYDOG SHOWCASE} SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
My Dog Nose It All-Natural Sun Protector u My Dog Nose It was created to keep your best friend safe from the environment they love to play and be in! Completely natural and water resistant, this paraben free sun protector is safe to use on any Fido or Fifi. My Dog Nose It acts as a barrier from the sun and environment. Skin cancer isn’t just on the rise with humans, but also our pets! Use pet25 for 25% off at mydognoseit.com.
Scout and About Outdoor Gear u Functional, durable and tastefully designed, this new outdoor adventure collection by P.L.A.Y. is perfect for active pooches and people. The line features training pouches, travel bowls and tents plus rope toys, outdoor beds and roll-up travel mats. So, hit the trail in style with these go-to travel accessories for your next doggone adventure. New at citydogmagazine.com/shop!
KONA’S CHIPS Crazy Good Chicken Jerky Made in the USA! u Since 2007 KONA’S CHIPS has made a solid commitment to dogs everywhere for outstanding quality, a safe and reliable product, and enjoyable eating. Give your dog the best there is….. give your dog a bag of Kona’s Chips! From $11.89 at konaschips.com. REFRESH, REPLENISH, RESTORE.
NelliDesigns’ New WAWag Candle u NelliDesigns’ new WAWag design features all of the things we love most in the Pacific Northwest—hiking, biking, paddling and best of all, barking. The “Pacific Paws” scent is a hit too, with the fragrance of frasier fir trees to remind us of mountain trails on rainy days. $28 at citydogmagazine.com/shop! Spring 2017 • 17
{LIVE WELL} UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIPS
UNLIKELY
FRIENDS
WRITTEN BY APRIL CHOI PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY HILE
Best friends Maximus and Nacho only ever bicker when Nacho tries to sleep on top of Maximus and bites his ear as an invitation to play. Maximus typically gives Nacho a head swipe and goes back to sleep. “He’s like the little brother that won’t leave you alone,” Zac says. The rest of the time, the one-year-old Juliana pig and one-year-old wirehaired terrier-mix live together harmoniously in Clark County, Wash. with Megan and Zac Hawkins and their children Hayden, Kylie and Brooklynn. “Maximus is the laidback snuggly one and the dog is the fast-paced one who wants to play all the time,” Megan, a part-time Uber driver says. “Maximus would rather lie around and be a bump on a log.” The pig came first. Megan had wanted a pig since high school. The family previously lived on a farm with normal-sized pigs and enjoyed their fun and playful personalities, so they started the search for a mini-pig that could live in the house. On their first try, the first piglets were huge and feral. On their second try, the piglets were friendlier, but they initially only saw black and black-and-white pigs and Megan was set on a pink one. They then found the only pink piglet left sleeping in a doghouse and took him home. The tiny piglet that looked like a puppy when they brought him home is now forty-something pounds and outweighs the toddler in the house.
Top: Unlikely friends Nacho and Maximus. Above: Best friends and sisters, Kylie and Brooklynn. 18 • CityDog Magazine
They thought it would be nice for Maximus to have a friend while the family was out of the house and started to look for a canine companion. The family had always had dogs before and had read that if they got two pigs, there was a chance they would develop a bond with each other and become less friendly with humans. So, a dog it was to be.
After an initial one-on-one, meet and greet with Nacho at the Oregon Humane Society, Megan brought the whole family including Maximus to meet him. They went to one of the outside areas where the Humane Society workers asked if they could record the encounter. Nacho ran up to the pig and checked him out. “He (Nacho) wasn’t afraid of Maximus,” Megan says. He wasn’t aggressive towards him. He did all the right things to show that he would potentially be a good little buddy. He basically kept pursuing him and that’s what sealed the deal.”
try to raid the kitchen and diaper bag. You can’t leave any kind of food out or he’ll eat it. For Maximus’ birthday, Megan is thinking of celebrating with a tiny angel food cake and maybe some strawberries with whipped cream for the animals to share. Whereas Nacho is not a big eater.
Despite the pig’s indolent nature, sometimes the two of them will get the zoomies around the house and chase each other. They take turns being the chaser and the one being chased. Nacho, who is much faster, will double back if Maximus is being too slow.
“Nacho loves This page: The entire Hawkins family, two- and four-legged: attention,” Megan Zac, Megan, Hayden Kylie, Brooklynn, Nacho and Maximus. says. “He’s not big on Both animals are big snugglers with the food. He could kind of care less. He’ll eat it. humans as well. “I have bad knees,” Zac says. He just wants love. He just wants to be in “I’ll put a blanket on me and Maximus will your lap.” jump up on my lap unannounced. Then he’ll But, they do share a common love for plop down on your lap and go to sleep.” blankets and snuggling and their favorite They each have their human favorites. mutual activity is sleeping together in the The dog adores the baby while Maximus is a same bed. “Maximus will be lying down,” “one-woman pig” and will squeal if Zac tries Zac, a construction worker says. “Nacho to pick him up. always wants to be glued to his side. Maxi-
They have differing opinions on food. Maximus loves food. Any food. All food. And if you don’t keep an eye on him, he will
mus will be lying under the blanket and next thing I know, Nacho will jump on top of the blanket and sleep on Maximus.”
The duo share an Instagram account (@maximus_nacho) and play and sleep and go for outings together. Their favorite place to visit is Petsmart because of the constant stream of treats from everyone in the store.
Despite the chaos of having three children, a pig and a dog, the pig subtracts from the chaos instead of adding to it for Megan. Spring 2017 • 19
They also love sleeping on top of the clean laundry, a habit that Nacho picked up from Maximus. “It’s funny because when we got the dog, he never did that,” Megan says. “I literally think he learned that from Maximus. And then Nacho was like ‘hey, that’s a good idea.’” Although the pair amicably share the same bed, sometimes they battle for attention. People regularly come up to the family and want to meet the pig and take photos. “The pig is an attention hog and the dog gets jealous,” Megan says. “We have a double lead and we put it on them sometimes. Everyone wants to pay attention to the pig. The dog will mouth their hands non-aggressively and stuff. As if to say, ‘I’m here too!’” However, when push comes to shove, Nacho is protective of Maximus against perceived dangers. “Nacho will bark and stand in front of the pig and the baby,” Megan says. “If we’re in public and there’s a lot going on, he’ll stand in front of Maximus and be like ‘I don’t know if I want you to come closer.’”
20 • CityDog Magazine
Unlikely Friendships: Dogs BY JENNIFER S. HOLLAND BOOKS WE LOVE Who doesn’t love a dog? And who does a dog not love in return? Almost no one—or no creature—as it turns out. Unlikely Friendships: Dogs is an irresistible reminder of the affection and bravery of all breeds great and small. Bringing together 28 new stories of canine kindness, plus a handful of classic tales involving dogs from Unlikely Friendships, Unlikely Loves, and Unlikely Heroes, these heartwarming true stories will have you falling in love with man’s best friend all over again.
Meet Rex, a German shepherd who learned to love and trust again through the improbable friendship of a goose. Popeye the Mastiff, who ran into a burning stable and saved 17 terrified horses by nibbling at their hooves. And a temperamental husky named Lilo, who saved a kitten from near death. These are just some of the remarkable stories you’ll find in Unlikely Friendships: Dogs. Enhanced with beautiful full-color photographs, these true stories of camaraderie, affection, and remarkable bravery are more than a lovely tribute; they are proof that dogs are every creature’s best friend.
Laska and Deer | Photo © Frank Hecker Naturfotografie
“I feel like he actually calms me down,” Megan says. “When the kids are stressing me out, I’m just like ‘pet the pig.’”
{EAT WELL} HEALTHY FOOD, HEALTHY LIFE
HEALTHY HOUNDS
From puppy to senior, a healthy diet can mean a lifetime of health and well-being.
Bringing a puppy home and welcoming him into your family is an exciting time. Starting at the beginning with proper nutrition, diet and supplements will give your pooch the best preventative care to a long and healthy life. Although it may seem daunting, it is actually quite simple to prepare meals. Marc Ching, owner of the PetStaurant in Los Angeles, Calif. and fourth generation herbalist and nutritionist, recommends cooking for your pet rather than store bought options if possible. Ching explains that humans eat a varied and diverse diet to stay healthy and happy and the same is true for our pets— even more so if they are eating the same meal twice a day for their entire lives. As one can imagine, a lack of diversity in their diet is exacerbated when meals are not nutritionally sound. In order to prepare meals for your pet you need to determine their needs. For example, small dogs grow and mature faster and often require more protein in their diets while larger dogs require denser meals (medium dogs are somewhere in between). In the beginning puppy months, puppies will eat a few times a day in smaller amounts, then after about six months their eating routine will change and adapt to twice a day with a larger amount. This will carry into adulthood as the routine your pet will follow. When preparing your dog’s food, choosing the right carbs and proteins are key. For example, hearty greens like kale is perfect to include because of its nutritious value. Kale is a leafy green that provides an excellent source of fiber, vitamin K (bone health) and vitamin C. Brussels sprouts and asparagus are also rich in vitamins, fiber and potassium. To start, choose a protein from a quality meat source. You can choose the cut of meat depending on your budget. Organic meats, which are recommended, are a great option for your pet but are not necessary when preparing Spring 2017 • 21
Herbalist and holistic nutritionist, Marc Ching, teaches people how to cook and prepare healthy meals for their pets.
small squares then bake for another 10 minutes. Treats will be semi-soft when done. Store in the refrigerator. “Once my clients see how easy it is to cook for their pets, the next question that comes up is supplements,” says Ching. “My clients want to ensure they are giving their pets enough vitamins and nutrients to grow.”
homemade food. Preparing your own meals using whole foods dramatically increases the overall quality of your product and will be more beneficial than most prepared commercial products. Protein such as fish or chicken should be included in every meal. The breakdown of protein are called amino acids, which are simple organic compounds that help your puppy’s body grow strong. Protein is a great source of energy and also assists with the body’s natural chemicals (like hormones) and helps to keep the immune system in proper working order. Good meat choices include turkey breast (lean, ground turkey is okay), chicken breast (unless a chicken allergy is of concern), beef chuck roast or other similar cuts of meat, and whitefish (the best and most nonreactive meat source). Bison, pheasant and venison may be hard to find, but are also excellent sources of protein for your pooch. In a stock pot (an anodized stockpot is recommended), add your vegetables first. Some good veggies to choose from are kale, zucchini, broccoli florets, green beans, lettuces, bok choy, alfalfa sprouts, dandelion greens, Brussles sprouts, spinach and celery. Stir frequently so they do not burn. While the veggies are cooking, cut your meat into cubes. The moisture from cooking the veggies will create a nice broth. Once this happens, add the meat and cook until it is browned. 22 • CityDog Magazine
When preparing meals for your pet, follow a 60/40 meat to veggie ratio. That means for every six pounds of turkey or fish you cook, you would add four pounds of green veggies. After cooking, you can portion out meals and freeze in bulk, so you do not have to cook daily. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also make healthy treats for in between meals. Most treats are full of grain and sugar and are very unhealthy. Starch and sugar are the most common cause of dog allergies. The licking of paws, constant scratching, hot spots and ear infections are usually the consequence of high sugar and high starch diets. Marc Ching recently partnered with Rescue Pet Foods to create probiotic treats that double as a treat and a probiotic. There are plenty of good options on the market, but you can always opt to make your own like this healthy option.
DESSERT TREAT 5 tablespoons almond butter 1/4 cup almond flour 1/2 cup cold pressed coconut oil 1/2 cup flax meal 2 eggs (if you want to make a vegan treat, simply omit the eggs) 1. Mix the eggs, almond butter and flax meal together in a bowl. 2. Sift in the almond flour and then heat the coconut oil. 3. Mix all ingredients together. 4. Line a baking sheet
with parchment paper, and apply some coconut oil to the paper to prevent sticking. Preheat oven and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. 5. Remove pan and cut treats into
This is a valid concern to have and solved easily. Along with proper diet, it is wise to give your pet extra care in the form of supplements to provide that preventative measure for future health. During the first few months of your puppy’s life their mind and bodies are growing and maturing rapidly. Supplements will help make sure they are getting everything they need to do so as healthy as possible. Just like your pet’s food regimen that carries into adulthood, so will the use of supplements; adjusting of course, as they age. Ching recommends omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to keep their coats shiny and their skin flexible as well as vitamins, such as E, to support their natural defenses and immune system. Using supplements will also help increase your dog’s blood flow, which can help prevent stagnation that leads to fatty cell accumulation, which can lead to lipomas (better known as fatty tumors). Probiotics are also important for your pets. Whole Leaf Organics is a great choice as it promotes gut and digestive health and is ideal for skin infections as a good preventative measure. Probiotics can be expensive but there are affordable options. Coconut oil is a cheap alternative for treating skin issues; for every 15 lbs. use ½ tsp (never exceed two teaspoons a day). Apple cider vinegar for pH balance, acid control and digestive health is also a great solution. Enzymes are also ideal to aid in digestion. Whole Leaf Organics Purify enzyme helps bloat, digestive problems, gluten intolerance and food allergies. Enzymes are an easy way to help your pet feel better and cleanse their digestive tract with the utilization of natural enzymes and plant based herbs to strengthen cell integrity and structure.
Making sure your dog’s water is filtered versus tap is another healthy step in the right direction. Tap water contains chlorine, which is not good on any immune system, let alone your pet’s. Keeping hydrated is not only good for Fido’s immune system, it helps flush out unwanted and harmful toxins. One last tip to remember—keeping your puppy at a healthy weight with a healthy diet is the most preventative thing you can do to protect their health and lifetime of well-being. However, while starting a healthy regimen when Rover is a puppy is ideal, Ching is quick to point out that he often doesn’t see pets at the beginning of their lives, but mostly in the middle or end when problems arise—but he says, “It’s never too late to turn things around.” Practicing all of these preventative measures, even later in a pet’s life will still benefit them. Preparing meals, giving them supplements to help their bodies absorb nutrients and fight off unwanted toxins, and changing to filtered water will maximize the years they have left. Most of us lead busy lives and cooking for our pet can be challenging. If you are unable to cook for your pet, whether it be from budget or time, and you need to buy dog food rather than make it, Ching recommends looking for low starch ingredients with minimal grain and moderate protein.
A protein range in the low 30s or high 20s is recommended. Also, check the ingredient list and look for meat as the first ingredient listed—and the shorter the ingredient list, the better. Dehydrated food is a good option as opposed to kibble. Starch is added to food to make it into a kibble ball, which can lead to increased risk of skin infections and allergies. Kibble that includes probiotics may seem like the best option when shopping for food, but be cautious. Probiotics are living organisms that provide your pet with the right amount of good bacteria to help them stay healthy. If not stored correctly in colder temperatures or left on a shelf too long, the organism will die and be useless to your and pet. Pet nutritionists andcrafts independent , fiber arts, other artisan pet stores will carry healthy pet food brands ghly regarded national competition. and quite possibly have already prepared meals to make it super easy. ker: Temple Grandin!
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Born into his vocation, Marc Ching is a fourth generation Japanese herbalist and holistic nutritionist and owner of the PetStaurant, a place where animal nutrition, wellness and prevention is the primary focus. Not only does Marc work to help people with pets find the right foods for specific ailments, but he also teaches people how to cook and prepare meals for their pets.
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ONE
COMPASSION AND CARE FOR HUMANS AND CANINES
HEALTH
WRITTEN BY REBECCA SANCHEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEMINA GARLAND-LEWIS
Kindness and compassion towards all living things is the mark of a civilized society. Cesar Chavez penned these prophetic words in a 1990 letter, advocating for the humane treatment of animals. Today, the Pacific Northwest is closer to becoming the utopia that Mr. Chavez imagined, a place where kindness and compassion towards all creatures, human and animal alike, are treated as a priority. Change. It just takes a handful of dedicated people. Documentary photographer and University of Washington Center for One Health researcher, Gemina Garland-Lewis is one such person. One Health advances research that ‘recognizes that the health care of humans and animals in a community benefits when there is collaboration and communication between human and animal health professionals.’ Gemina dedicates her efforts to raising awareness for a more permanent One Health clinic where homeless people and their pets can obtain health care, for both the human and the animal, in a side-by-side setting. Vision and desire can change the world. The journey of helping homeless people and their pets started a few years ago for Gemina, when she stumbled upon the Doney Clinic (doneyclinic.org) while photographing homeless people and their pets in Pioneer Square. The Doney Clinic provides veterinary care to the pets of homeless and qualifying low income people in the Seattle area.
Top: Penny Lane and Deja share a kiss outside her RV at the Ballard Safe Lot (they’ve since found housing together.) Above: The Union Gospel Mission in Seattle’s Pioneer Square houses the Doney Clinic. 24 • CityDog Magazine
Touched by the dedication the pet owners showed for their animals, often putting their pet’s needs before their own, Gemina thought that the best way to convey their experience was through visual storytelling. The similarity of all pet owners, regardless of housing or financial status, was not lost on Gemina. Every animal lover strives to care for their pet in the best way possible.
Union Gospel Mission photo by J.Nichole Smith
{LIVE WELL} ONE HEALTH FOR HUMANS AND CANINES
Homelessness is often equated with being physically unable to care for an animal. But when you talk with a homeless person you will find that they routinely prioritize their pet before themselves. Sole companionship, being reliant on one another often changes the pendulum of the human animal bond. Creating an existence where the human and the animal develop deep bonds for one another, arguably creating therapeutic value where medical care becomes a primary need and brings out the best in one another. Walking a dog becomes exercise not previously incorporated into a homeless person’s lifestyle. Healthy behavioral changes take place by simply adding a much needed, albeit fuzzy, companion to the mix. All of this occurs without judgment, animals are loyal and free of discriminating thoughts, thus love their caretaker without reservation. Loyalty and non-judgment are traits seldom shown to the homeless, so imagine the value of having an animal in their life. Recognizing the importance of this connection, Gemina and One Health are committed to preserving these unique human-animal relationships by trailblazing new ways to advance healthcare for this
population. One Health’s research targets expansion of clinical settings to incorporate the health of the patient’s animal, thereby creating interactions between human and animal healthcare providers. These intentional steps involve very simple and easily managed changes including practitioners taking a history of patient’s contact with animals and then connecting with the veterinarian on issues that overlap between humans and animals, such as lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and avian flu. Through research, where findings encourage healthcare providers to implement these changes, One Health’s goal is to improve diagnosis and prevention of zoonoses diseases (any disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans) and enhance the health and well-being of humans and their pets. Their vision is simply, quite simple. In the future, wherever homeless citizens obtain healthcare, their pets will also have access to veterinarian care. In some cases the future is already here. The Everything To Me website, at everythingtome.org, not only serves as the photodocumentary, courtesy of Gemina, for the beautiful relationships of homeless
people and their pets, but also is the repository for readily available community resources. The epiphany for this project came about when the director of One Health went for a walk down University Way in Seattle and took notice of the high number of homeless youth and their companion animals. At a recent Town Hall meeting, Gemina, joined by Penny Lane, a homeless woman, and her pit bull-Shiba Inu mix, Déjà, spoke about Everything To Me and highlighted a pilot project to provide sideby-side, human and animal healthcare. Recognizing that opening a clinic would be a daunting and likely cost prohibitive endeavor, Gemina and One Health combined forces with the University District’s Facing Homelessness to host The Feel Good Day, where basic needs such as haircuts and podiatry care were provided to people experiencing homelessness. For the first time ever their pets also received free mobile grooming, and thanks to Seattle Animal Shelter they also received veterinary services, including vaccines, collars, leashes, food, and spay and neuter vouchers. Above: Ray and his dogs, Zephanius and Zafina, sit in their RV in Ballard. Spring 2017 • 25
After the pilot project proved successful, Gemina and the Seattle Animal Shelter joined forces with the Seattle King County Clinic, a multi-day clinic held every year at Seattle Center for uninsured and under insured individuals. Due to health regulations, the group was unable to participate in side-by-side care, however they successfully provided veterinary care to pets for a subset of individuals partaking in the clinic. Passion for a good cause made way for a third successful project where the group, now joined by the Seattle Humane Society, worked with the Community Resource Exchange at United Way of King County, to offer homeless individuals essential hygiene items and services, and to provide their pets with much needed veterinary care and pet food. With three successful pilots programs under her hat, Gemina, with thoughts of a more self-sustainable, side-by-side clinic model, turned her attention to the King County Public Health mobile medical clinics to discuss how to integrate veterinary care into their model. To understand how best to utilize their mobile healthcare units, the group performed a needs assessment to identify where homeless patients obtain 26 • CityDog Magazine
their pet’s veterinary care, as well as to gauge interest in receiving side-by-side care, and lastly to understand barriers the homeless face when seeking animal care for their pets. Interestingly, what was identified was the lack of a shared understanding between individuals who provide pet care and those who focused on the human care Top: Danny cuddles up with his two dogs, Baby Girl and LOKI, in the school bus they’ve been living in with a friend and his services. While both groups were working dog Cheese. Above: Haile plays his dog, Nala, at a park in towards the same goal south Seattle nearby where they have set up their tent. of helping the homeless, neither knew about the other’s available benefits, and therefore referrals and resources were not fully utilized. Thus the expansion of the Everything To Me resources portion of the website. Penny Lane and Déjà are prominently featured on the Everything To Me site. Their story resonates with every pet lover. The moment their eyes met, Penny Lane and Déjà immediately bonded. “I consider her my child,” Penny Lane explained while sharing her story with the Town Hall audience. Love, it’s a powerful motivator and for Penny Lane, Déjà is her motivation to stay healthy. That’s why the side-by-side clinical and veterinary care model envisioned by Gemina, One Health and the plethora of other organizations, is pivotal for a healthy, strong and
Photo by J.Nichole Smith
Doney Clinic at the Union Gospel Mission.
vibrant community. What One Health and Everything To Me touts is not unique, other great communities have also joined the compassionate healthcare model. At UC Davis the students for One Health run a veterinary clinic alongside a medical clinic in the highly underserved community of Knights Landing, California. Access to resources is often the bright line in the sand between those who have and those who need. Every step taken by the forces working to advance side-by-side healthcare help to remove the obstacles that preclude people, regardless of socioeconomic status, from receiving the clinical and veterinary care they and their pets need. Information is powerful, and it is with this in mind that Everything To Me has devoted time and energy into cataloguing where one can obtain free or low cost pet spay and neuter services, receive food and toys for their pets, find pet-friendly shelter, receive no or low cost human health care, and get informed on the benefits that animals have on their homeless care takers. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a visionary is a person who thinks about and plans for the future with imagination or wisdom. Gemina Garland-Lewis is one such person. Her imagination and wisdom, coupled with the research and efforts from One Health, are helping to create a society where compassion is an every day reality. Care to join this very worthwhile cause? If you would like to help, particularly if you are a veterinarian, contact Gemina through the Everything To Me contact page at everythingtome.org. Compassionate care is a sign of an advanced society, and we are fortunate to live in such a place.
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{LIVE WELL} HELPING PAWS, HELPING PEOPLE
HELPING PAWS HELPING PEOPLE WHEN YOU SEE A DOG IN A BLUE COAT, IT MEANS A CHANGED LIFE FOR SOMEONE LIVING WITH A DISIBALITY OR PTSD.
WRITTEN REBECCA SANCHEZ PHOTOS COURTESY OF HELPING PAWS
Six-year old golden retriever Jed and his human handler pal Carl Ringberg were the first graduates of Helping Paws Veterans with PTSD, a program designed to train assistance dogs to help veterans affected with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since 2014 Jed has been with Carl in his job as a senior district fleet manager with Waste Management helping him manage workplace stressors and fight off the emotional numbness associated with living with PTSD. Carl has what most would consider a stressful job at Waste Management, overseeing maintenance for a large fleet of trucks and a team of technicians. Carl searched for two years to find a dog like Jed, “First and foremost, you have to apply to Helping Paws to show interest,” explains Carl,”then the veteran has an in-home interview and has to get referrals from their physician and psychologist.” The journey for a veteran with PTSD to get a dog like Jed is well worth it once there’s a match, and that’s when the veteran and dog start training to learn how to work together to manage the PTSD. “There is a training process where the dog and the veteran work one-onone, every Saturday for three months, and then the dog goes home with the veteran to live full-time,” continues Carl. While Jed had some early separation anxiety issues, which caused Helping Paws to question if they would be able to place him, all turned out well when Carl came along. “I needed the consistent touch from the dog and so did he, Jed needed me. We were a match made in heaven and we bonded right away,” says Carl. Jed helps Carl at work, and in life, by demanding attention whenever he senses that Carl is anxious, jittery, or losing focus.
Top: One of Helping Paws’“Dog in the Blue Coat.” Above: Veteran Carl Ringberg and Jed. 28 • CityDog Magazine
Jed also helps Carl feel safe in crowded places, and often will make himself a barrier between Carl and approaching strangers and leads Carl out of a crowd on command.
“Jed does a great job hanging out with me at the Waste Management office,” Carl offers when asked about how Jed helps him at work, “all of my co-workers love having Jed at work. He tends to wander down the hall every now and then, to say hi to all the office people.” The sweet face and loving nature of a beautiful golden retriever is all Carl needs to help him remain calm as he slowly re-aclimates to life after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. “He wakes me up from nightmares and jumps up on me to lick my face until I wake up, even if I push him off,” Carl shares. Helping Paws worked with Jed to help him learn a lot of different skills designed to help Carl feel safe and calm, “The upmost important job Jed does for me is teaches me to fight the emotional numbness you get from PTSD. By being able to hug Jed and give him the love that he needs, he is in turn making it easier for me to give my children the hugs and love they need.”
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Carl is blessed to have Jed, and together they make a special duo. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, PTSD affects between 11-20% of men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 12% of Gulf War veterans. Organizations like Helping Paws, along with supportive companies like Waste Management, make it possible for veterans to thrive at work with a little help from specially-trained dogs like Jed. To learn more about Helping Paws visit their website at helpingpaws.org.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebecca Sanchez lives in Seattle, Wash. with her three dogs and is a published author and nationally recognized leader in exploring the human-animal bond. Known as The Pet Lifestyle Guru™ Rebecca firmly believes “we need animals as much as they need us!” To showcase her love of all things dog, Rebecca is the founder, chief creative officer, and brilliant mind behind the award-winning, social media star MattieDog, who happens to be ‘A Little Dog Making A Big Impact In This World!’ See more at mattiedog.com. Spring 2017 • 29
{BEHAVE WELL} SOUND ADVICE FOR A HOUND’S LIFE
CITY DOGS
AT WORK Giving your dog a “job” can go a long way toward a more calm and relaxed canine companion.
WRITTEN BY JULIE FORBES PHOTOS BY CLARA KAPPELMAN
“That’ll do,” she says to her border collie. His tongue hangs, while he tries to manage panting and smiling at the same time. Dunk! He jumps in the pool of water that waits at the bottom of the course. Tongue flapping, he soaks for a minute, which sends a wave of giggles through the hillside crowd at Misty Isle Farm. Drenched, he scurries to catch up to his human, clearing out for the next team to enter the course. Does your dog get to experience the deep satisfaction of completing a job well done? Every year, the Vashon Sheepdog Classic hosts teams from all over the world to compete in the second largest herding trial in the United States. In the belly of the Puget Sound, quirky and quiet Vashon Island is only a twenty-minute ferry ride from Seattle. This year, on Saturday, June 10th, Dr. Temple Grandin will present Understanding Animal Behavior at the Vashon Center for the Arts. On Sunday, June 11th, she’ll be on-site at the trials answering questions, signing books, and talking with me for a brief interview in front of the crowd. For years, I have encouraged my Sensitive Dog training and behavior clients to attend the herding trials on Vashon, to witness a quintessential example of the ancient human-dog working relationship. Many undesirable behaviors in dogs are attributed to, or caused by, chronic pent-up mental energy, or boredom. An unemployment epidemic exists in America and the grossly-unemployed are our dogs. For 40,000 years, humans and dogs have been living and working together. City dogs, especially, are often treated as receptacles for affection, rather than intelligent animals designed to work and think. Of course, the job description depends on the genetics of your dog. You won’t, for example, see any bloodhounds, retrievers or whippets competing at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic. However, if you need a dog to find a missing person, retrieve something in the water, or catch a rabbit, then those breeds would be top choices, respectively!
Top: Competing in the Vashon Sheepdog Classic. Above: Cooling off after a hard day’s work. 30 • CityDog Magazine
More and more, we view our dogs as members of our family, but less and less are they valued for their ability to do work, solve problems and think. I have observed dog after dog come to me with frenetic, anxious energy, and after a working session leave totally calm, grounded and relaxed.
Why is mental work so powerfully effective in calming dogs down? For the answer, I asked Temple Grandin her thoughts on this and “gray matter.” She says, “Brain tissue is extremely metabolically expensive. In humans, twentyfive percent of everything you eat fuels the brain, and working on mastering a skill or figuring out how to solve a problem is much more engaging than jogging.” If you aren’t familiar with Dr. Temple Grandin, she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, and is being inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame this year. As a professor of animal science and a person with autism, Dr. Grandin’s exceptional ability to communicate verbally has been invaluable to numerous families and teachers of autistic children. Her professional work has dramatically improved the quality of life of livestock and companion animals all over the world. In my 2015 interview with Temple Grandin, on The Dog Show with Julie Forbes, I referenced what she had said at a talk I attended regarding her thinking being sensory-based, not word-based—associative, not linear.
“I don’t think in words,” she said. “Where animal behavior is similar to autism is in cognition, which is thinking. In autism some of the social circuits aren’t hooked up, so animals are going to be much more emotionally connected. So the cognition is what’s similar, not the emotion. You’ve got to get away from verbal language if you want to understand an animal living in a sensory-based world.” In our recent conversation, I couldn’t help but remember how Temple related her own thinking to how animals think, when she told me, “I get a certain satisfaction when I figure out how to design something. It is very pleasurable to trouble-shoot how to make things work successfully. I find joy in problem-solving.” Do pleasure and satisfaction help a once-hyper and agitated dog calm down? To truly know your dog, is to know how your dog thinks. If you don’t know how your dog thinks, then you don’t know “Jack.” Temple Grandin and I hope you will join us at the Vashon Sheepdog Classic on June 10th and 11th, for more thought-provoking conversation and inspiration. For more information and tickets, go to vashonsheepdogclassic.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Forbes coaches humans and their dogs to achieve a deep connection, and brings ease to their co-existence through effective communication and understanding. In addition to her Seattle-based business, Sensitive Dog, Julie hosts and produces The Dog Show with Julie Forbes: An evolved perspective on life with dogs. The Dog Show with Julie Forbes airs live, every Wednesday, at 2 p.m. in Western Washington on AM 1150. Download all of the over 400 episodes on iTunes, SoundCloud and www.dogradioshow.com. Temple Grandin’s interview is Episode #314.
Spring 2017 • 31
{BEHAVE WELL} QUIRKY QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
WHY DOES
MY DOG ANSWERS TO SOME OF YOUR MOST PRESSING QUESTIONS.
WRITTEN BY ALYONA DELACOEUR, UW-AAB
While our pets without a doubt provide unconditional love and always find a way to make us laugh, they also tend to partake in some odd behaviors. Have you ever found yourself asking “why does my dog do that?” Those quirks may seem normal to our pets, but may be very confusing to us as dog owners. Whether we realize it or not, these behaviors are actually a form of communication—a way for our furry friends to express themselves and communicate with us about their internal health and wellness. Being able to better understand these particular behaviors can help owners improve their dog’s overall well-being.
WHY DOES MY DOG EAT POOP? Eating poop, or coprophagy, is quite common for dogs. If your dog starts to eat stool, you may need to have him evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues or concerns, such as internal parasites, dietary insufficiencies, malabsorption syndrome, diabetes, and/or thyroid disease. Benjamin L. Hart, DVM, Ph.D. concluded that most dogs eat poop because of an innate predisposition to protect fellow pack members from potential parasites that will form in the stool. In other words, poop eating could simply be your dog’s attempt to clean up after themselves. Many environmental stressors such as anxiety, stress, boredom, isolation, attention-seeking or confinement can cause your dog to eat poop. Working with a professional behaviorist can help to find alternative ways to isolate these stressors that may be negatively affecting your pet’s mental and emotional state. Try cleaning up after your dog right away or avoiding areas, such as public dog parks, where you would not be able to supervise them as closely. This will help to prevent him from eating another dog’s stool.
32 • CityDog Magazine
WHY DOES MY DOG LICK EVERYTHING? When a dog starts to lick, either his human, himself or his toys, he is trying to communicate. Licking can be a sign of affection from your dog. When a mother licks her puppies, a connection develops between them through pleasure hormones in the brain. A dog who is anxious, scared, unsure, insecure or bored may try to self sooth through the act of licking. When the dog licks, the brain releases endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in the body making them feel happy and secure. A dog who feels some form of stress in his life will be more likely to lick in order to make himself feel comfortable in his surroundings. If your dog is licking himself quite often, bring him to a vet to get him checked out for any possible skin irritations or allergies. Some neurological obsessive disorders can also cause your dog to lick excessively.
WHY DOES MY DOG SNIFF OTHER DOG’S BEHINDS? A dog’s nose is about 10,000 – 100,000 times more sensitive than a human’s nose. Sniffing rear ends and other private parts is a form of chemical communication between
dogs. This common behavior is how dogs learn about another dog’s diet, gender, where they have been and their emotional or sexual state. It’s similar to reading a diary that was written with scent molecules and pheromones. According to Dr. George Preti from Monell Chemical Sense Center, dogs have anal sacs that contain the apocrine gland, which gives dogs that wonderful dog smell, and the sebaceous gland, which secretes the smell of any acids that are inside. These acids are influenced by the dog’s diet, health and emotional state. Dogs do not get distracted by the “poop” smell because of an organ called the Jacobson’s Organ. The American Chemical Society states that it is a second olfactory organ in the dog’s nose, which often leads directly to the brain and only picks up the smell from this chemical communication.
WHY DOES MY DOG LIKE TO ROLL IN THE GRASS? Dogs roll around in the grass to mark their territory, in addition to using it as yet another form of communication. Unless your dog is rolling around in something gross, it is better for your dog’s well-being to let them continue. Because we do not
fully understand all aspects of their communication, we do not want to hinder their expressions, as it might affect how your dog experiences and learns about the world around them. Some dogs also roll around in the grass to relieve an itch or a skin irritant. It is important to continuously examine your dog and schedule regular vet visits to make sure your dog is healthy.
WHY DOES MY DOG WALK IN CIRCLES BEFORE HE LIES DOWN? This behavior is left over from the days when dogs purely lived as wild animals, rather than domesticated pets. In the wild, dogs would walk in circles before laying down to drive out any unwanted environmental factors from their sleeping area, such as snakes and bugs. This act also pushes the grass down to make a more comfortable sleeping spot. Dog’s paws have sweat glands called apocrine glands and by walking around in a spot over and over, the dog is able to mark the area with their scent. Aly and Truffle practice “stay” surrounded by heavy distractions at the beach (Truffle loves to swim). Spring 2017 • 33
Some dogs shred toys to release frustrations or to rid themselves of any stress or fear they may be experiencing. Puppies also shred objects to help ease their teething pains.
WHY DOES MY DOG HUMP? One of the biggest disservices that you could do for your dog, is to assume that all humping is associated with dominant behavior. Some dogs do hump as a form of power or attempted control, however only a very small percentage. Most dogs who choose to hump, are the ones who are lower on the dog hierarchy and may not have basic doggy manners yet. Humping is also a form of expression between dogs. It can communicate that the dog is interested in another dog for playtime or mating purposes. Behaviorists find that most of the time humping is a signal from one dog to another to start playing—almost like an invitation. Humping is also considered self-soothing. One dog might hump another dog because they are stressed, anxious, uncomfortable or unsure of what else to do. Our dogs experience a variety of stress factors each day—some of them even caused by the owners themselves. Sometimes they just need a way to alleviate stress. Try training your dog to go to another room or work with a behaviorist to find alternative ways for them to relieve the stress.
WHY DOES MY DOG ROLL OVER DURING PLAY—IS IT SUBMISSION?
Aly and the pups practice “impulse control” when waiting for treats.
WHY DOES MY DOG LIFT HIS/HER LEG TO PEE? Dogs experience the world through their sense of smell. They learn all about their surroundings and information about other dogs through their noses. The best way to tell other dogs about themselves is by leaving their own scent behind. Lifting the leg allows a dog to pee on something that is vertical. Behaviorists believe that marking vertical objects serves a couple of purposes. One being that scents that are off of the ground tend to carry further in the wind than others. Scents that are up on vertical objects are also at another dog’s nose level. It is believed that peeing up off the ground might make your dog seem larger to other dogs.
WHY DOES MY DOG DESTROY HIS/HER TOYS? A dog’s mouth anatomy is designed to shred and tear prey. Our dogs do not get to do this on a day to day basis, especially when we feed them pre-made and bite-sized kibble. Some breeds have a higher instinct to do this than others and may take out those instincts out on your furniture or shoes. Allowing your dog to rough house with his toys can help elevate some of those needs to destroy other objects. Shredding toys can also help to keep your dog mentally and physically busy. There is no evidence that “killing” toys will cause your dog to be more aggressive or that it will eventually release the wild animal inside. However, it is important that you make sure your dog knows the difference between objects they can shred and ones they cannot. 34 • CityDog Magazine
Kerri Norman and colleagues at the University of Lethbridge and University of South Africa conducted a study to find out exactly why dogs roll over. They looked at many instances of dogs rolling over to determine whether they were associated with submission. They studied a variety of behaviors, such as decreased play, remaining passive and/or whether they were the smaller or weaker dog. What they found was that dogs were rolling over as a combat maneuver. Dogs would roll over right before launching to play attack (offensive), evading being bit (defensive), meeting a potential mating partner (solicitation) or just for the simple fun of it. Of the 248 dogs that participated in this study, not one situation was considered a sign of submission. It is important to focus on reading your dog’s body language, such as their facial expressions, ears, tails and body posture. If your dog is rolling over because he is being bitten or is being pushed beyond his comfort level, intervene. Other than that, try to let the dogs play between themselves.
CONCLUSION Our furry friends have been our companions for thousands of years, yet we constantly misunderstand and misinterpret their behaviors. Many times, we as dog owners often get upset with them for simply being a dog. The best thing we can do for our furry friends, is to understand that these behaviors are actually a form of communication. It is important that we better educate ourselves about these specific behaviors in order to understand what they are trying to tell us.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alyona DelaCoeur, UW-AAB is the founder and face of Why Does My Dog. Aly has a certificate in applied animal behavior through the University of Washington and is a certified veterinary assistant and AKC Evaluator. Aly provides an unbiased perspective on dog training by providing practical, intelligent and caring advice for people to impart on their canine companions. Her experiences come from years as both a pet specialist and independent dog trainer, where her constant interactions with dogs provided a broad spectrum of behaviors to interpret and understand. When she is not creating new videos for Why Does My Dog, Aly enjoys some down time with her dogs King (Lhasa Apso), Pumpkin (Lhasa Apso), and Truffle (Pit Bull). For more information on Alyona DelaCoeur or Why Does My Dog, please visit her website at WhyDoesMyDog.com.
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{HEALTH+WELLNESS} HEALTH TIPS FOR THE WHOLE DOG bring to the table so that, as a team, they can help provide the best environment for the animal to fully recover. The surgeon provides the proper diagnosis and corrective surgery, the physical therapist provides the mechanical tools and movement re-education and the massage practitioner provides the soft-tissue manipulation that together help the animal regain the most optimal function possible.
MASSAGE AND SURGERY
Massage is generally considered to be a tool for healthy individuals or for relaxation. While true, massage also has a role in preparing an animal for and helping an animal recover from a surgical event. When an animal is sick or injured, it is critical to have a veterinarian determine the cause of the problem and then determine the best approach. Massage should never be viewed as a substitute for proper veterinary care or as a way to avoid surgery or treatment when appropriate. In fact, an animal massage practitioner is not equipped or legally allowed to make a diagnosis or provide a treatment or prognosis for a specific condition that may be affecting your pet. However, massage can be an important addition to a treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian. In fact, nowadays veterinarians are using massage to assist a rehabilitation effort and to help prepare animals for surgery. Massage can help in reducing muscle tension and stimulating the circulatory and immune systems so that an animal can go into treatment better prepared. Following surgery, massage can help by reducing boredom as a result of restricted activity and mobility, reduce inflammation and encourage circulation, both of which contribute to better healing. During a prolonged recovery, a massage therapist may become a valuable liason between the client and clinic, ensuring that post-surgical instructions and exercises are being carried out effectively at home. On a recent trip to Japan, I met with Dr. Masashi Mori, a respected veterinarian and orthopedic surgeon with one of the largest clinics in Kyoto. His clinic includes a rehabilitation facility with water treadmills and physical therapy equipment. He uses massage extensively to ensure his patients have the best chance for successful surgery and recovery. We were discussing one of the most common challenges for dogs in the United States as well as Japan, conditions or injuries affecting the Cranial Cruciate Ligament. Similar to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in humans, this ligament affects the stability of the knee and can sustain strain or tears under duress. Ligament injuries of this nature can both cause or be caused by excessive muscle tension. Dr. Mori noted that once he started using massage prior to surgery, he found that he could access the joint more easily because the associated muscles were more relaxed and could be easily retracted or moved to allow access. Furthermore, he noticed that recovery time and healing both improved if massage was continued after surgery in conjunction with swimming and physical therapy. Dr. Mori’s comments mirrored what I have heard from other surgeons elsewhere around the globe. Massage can be an important tool not only in cases involving cruciate ligaments, but also in surgeries designed to address hip dysplasia, spinal injuries or trauma involving fractures or soft-tissue injury. Each practitioner focuses on the area of expertise that they
36 • CityDog Magazine
In my own experience, I have provided massage before, during and after surgeries. Some “pre-hab” programs are designed to help an animal reach optimal weight and fitness prior to an elective surgery to improve surgical outcomes. In these cases, massage can be used to stimulate metabolism, assist with muscle tension or recovery related to an exercise program and reduce fascial tension that comes with altered postures and movements. During surgery, massage can be used to stimulate lymphatic function, optimize oxygen utilization and support anesthetic recovery. After surgery, massage helps restore circulation impaired by ligature (the tying of the limbs associated with positioning the animal during a procedure), assists anesthetic recovery and supports the body’s natural inflammatory response to speed healing. In the weeks following surgery, massage can be used as part of a pain management regimen, to reduce boredom, minimize scarring and help an animal return slowly to activity. We all hope that our animals never need to face surgery as a result of injury or disease. But if we find ourselves faced with that decision, it is nice to know all of the options we have at hand. Your veterinarian can refer you to a physical therapist, rehabilitation specialist or massage practitioner as needed. You can also find a listing of qualified massage practitioners by visiting nwsam.com or contacting the Northwest School of Animal Massage at 877.836.3703.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lola Michelin has been a Licensed Massage Practitioner for people and animals for over 25 years. She is the Director of Education at the Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM), which she founded in 2001. When not practicing massage or teaching, she runs Paxhia Farm, an equine rehabilitation and retirement facility on Vashon Island. For more information about NWSAM, visit nwsam.com.
{SOCIAL CALENDAR} MAKE A DATE WITH YOUR DOG registration required. Large dogs: 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Small dogs: 12:30-2 p.m. Every spring, Homeward Pet teams with Camp Charlie to present one of the most fun—and funniest—dog events in the Northwest. The Easter B’egg Hunt lets all dogs—large, small, young and old—hunt the Private Off-leash Park at Camp Charlie for colored eggs full of dog treats. All the eggs they find are theirs to keep; all proceeds from the event benefit Homeward Pet. homewardpet.org
PAWS Wild Night
2014 model search winner, Liberty, who sadly passed away this year. The 12th Annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search kicks off at Auburn’s Petpalooza.
April Reading With Rover April 2 • Mill Creek, Wash 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at University Bookstore, 15311 Main St April 4 & 18 • Redmond, Wash. 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Redmond Town Center, Unit C-240 April 8 & 22 • Edmonds, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Edmonds Public Library, 650 Main April 8 • Lake Stevens, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Lake Stevens Library, 1804 Main April 9 • Bothell, Wash. 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Bothell Public Library, 18215 98th Ave NE April 11 & 25 • Bellevue, Wash. 6:30–7:30 p.m. at 16000 NE 10th St April 13 .• Renton, Wash. 6:00–7:00 p.m. at Renton Library, 100 Mill Avenue S April 13 • Sammamish, Wash. 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave SE April 19 • Woodinville, Wash. 3–4 p.m. at Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd NE April 22 • Monroe, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Monroe Public Library, 1070 Village Way
Easter B’egg Hunt April 8 • Duvall, Wash. at Camp Charlie Private Off-leash Park, 25809 NE 124th Street. $10 per dog onsite, no advance
April 8 • Seattle, Wash. 6 p.m. cocktail hour and silent auction; 7:30 p.m. dinner, program and live auction at Fremont Studios, 155 N 35th Street. Dazzling décor, silent and live auctions, delicious animal-friendly food, and outstanding wine combine in an unforgettable evening of friend-raising and fundraising for the animals. This is PAWS’ flagship fundraising event—a night that sees 500 animal champions come together to support the care and rehoming of homeless cats and dogs, and the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wild animals. To purchase tickets, go to paws.org.
Fur Ball Auction & Dinner April 15 • Bellevue, Wash. 6 p.m. reception and silent auction; 7 p.m. dinner and live auction at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th Street. This is Homeward Pet’s largest annual fundraising event, bringing more than 500 animal lovers together to bid on amazing silent and live auction items in support of the homeless cats and dogs in their care. Guests enjoy a gourmet dinner and dessert, delicious wine, raffles and much more! For more information and to buy tickets, visit homewardpet.org.
Whistler Dog Fest April 15 • Whistler, B.C. It’s a dog’s world! In Whistler, this rings especially true, and we love it. Since 1998 Whistler doggies and their owners have turned out in droves to celebrate the doggone greatness of canines of all sizes and stripes. In awe-inspiring outfits and with personalities galore, the hundreds-strong Dog Parade leads the way for the exhibitions, agility demonstrations and competitions to follow. DogFest is a kidfriendly, pet-friendly event. wssf.com
NW Pet Fair April 22 & 23 • Portland, Ore. Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Portland Spring 2017 • 37
{SOCIAL CALENDAR} MAKE A DATE WITH YOUR DOG Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Drive. The NW Pet Fair is the largest pet expo and pet adoption event in the Northwest! This amazing pet expo brings entertainment, fun, shopping and demonstrations and free! Pets welcome. nwpetfair.com
Reigning Cats and Dogs Auction April 21 • Spokane, Wash. 5:30 p.m. at the Red Lion, 303 W North River Drive. The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) has become the regional animal protection agency for the Spokane area. This fun event will help raise money for the over 11,000 animals that come to SCRAPS each year in need of shelter, food and care. scrapshopefoundation.org
See Spot Run: 5K Run & Doggie Dash April 23 • Yakima, Wash. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Sherman Park next to the Yakima Humane Society. Join over 500 animal enthusiasts showing their support for homeless pets while enjoying the great outdoors—not to mention a bit of healthy fun. Bring your own furry friend(s) along, or walk one of our adoptable dogs. All levels of fitness and ability are welcome. yakimahumane.org
May Reading With Rover May 2 & 16 • Redmond, Wash. 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Redmond Town Center, Unit C-240 May 6 & 20 • Edmonds, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Edmonds Public Library, 650 Main May 6 • Snohomish, Wash 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Snohomish Library , 311 Maple Ave May 7 • Mill Creek, Wash 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at University Bookstore, 15311 Main St May 9 & 23 • Bellevue, Wash. 6:30–7:30 p.m. at 16000 NE 10th St May 11 • Renton, Wash. 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Renton Library, 100 Mill Avenue S May 11 • Sammamish, Wash. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave SE May 13 • Lake Stevens, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Lake Stevens Library, 1804 Main May 14 • Bothell, Wash. 1:30-2:30 at Bothell Public Library, 18215 98th Ave NE May 17 • Woodinville, Wash. 3–4 p.m. at Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd NE May 17 • Pacific, Wash. 6:00–7:00 p.m. at Algona/Pacific Library, 255 Ellingson Rd 38 • CityDog Magazine
May 21 • Tukwila, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 300 Andover Park West. May 21 • Mountlake Terrace, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Avenue W May 27 • Monroe, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Monroe Public Library, 1070 Village Way
Red Square Charity Car Show May 7 • Seattle, Wash. Noon–4 p.m. at University of Washington, NE 45th St. & 17th Ave NE. Cars, cars and more cars! Featuring a broad spectrum of high-end exotics, imports, tuners, classics and muscle cars. Your participation helps PAWS care for thousands of cats, dogs and wildlife each year. redsquarecarshow.com
Walk/Run for the Animals May 6 • Vancouver, Wash. 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Esther Short Park, 301 W. 8th St. Join 2,000 people and 1,000 dogs for Vancouver’s largest gathering of people passionate about pets. Choose from two dog-friendly courses, a 3-mile walk along the Columbia River or a 5k timed run through Fort Vancouver with finishers’ medals, awards for top finishers and top runners per age bracket. After your walk or run, head back to Esther Short Park for the Party in the Park with dozens of petfriendly vendors, dog agility demos, awards and fun for you and your dog. All proceeds go to southwesthumane.org.
Spring Cleaning Donation Drive May 13 • Woodinville, Wash. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. drop-off at Homeward Pet Adoption Center, 13132 NE 177th Place. Your unwanted items benefit the animals at Homeward Pet. The more they collect, the more they make— every pound counts! Drop off your soft item donations (clothes, shoes, purses, towels, bedding, blankets, etc.) at Homeward Pet. Thanks to Value Village, Homeward Pet receives $.20/lb from the total weight of donated items. homewardpet.org
Tuxes & Tails May 13 • Bellevue, Wash. 5 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center. The annual Tuxes & Tails Gala is the Seattle Humane Society’s premier fundraising event. Every year, more than 900 animal lovers gather to bid on amazing silent and live auction items in support of the animals in their care. Guests enjoy a gourmet dinner, delicious wine,
auctions, raffles and find delight in the night’s celebrity and pet fashion show. For more information, visit seattlehumane.org.
Doggie Dash May 13 • Portland, Ore. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Come help the Oregon Humane Society turn Tom McCall Waterfront Park into one big block party for dogs and people. You can sign up to run with or without your dog in this 2.5mile fun run/walk. Afterwards, enjoy live music, a pancake breakfast, contests, and more. oregonhumane.org
Fore the Animals Golf Tournament May 19 • Port Orchard, Wash. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Kitsap Humane Society is hosting its Fore the Animals Golf Tournament at Trophy Lake Golf and Casting, 900 SW Lake Flora Rd. Gather your foursome, dust off your golf clubs and practice your swing! Your attendance directly benefits animals in need. The best part is you can bring your dog. Only one dog per foursome and it must be leashed. Or, just come for dinner and awards ceremony. kitsap-humane.org
Auburn’s Dog Trot & Petpalooza May 20 • Auburn, Wash. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. at Game Farm Park, 3030 R St SE. It’s a fun-filled day for pet lovers and their furry friends. The event kicks off with a Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run. The course is flat, easy and enjoyable for all ages. Petpalooza features live entertainment, pony rides, an agility area, the ‘Unleashed’ pet contest, face painting and other children’s activities, over 150 vendor booths, pet adoptions, give-aways and food vendors and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained including the CityDog Cover Dog Model Search! Unleash your dog’s inner super model for his chance to be on the cover of CityDog Magazine! $10 registration fee goes to Auburn Valley Humane Society. For more information about the model search, visit citydogmagazine.com. For more information about Petpalooza, visit auburnwa.gov/petpalooza.
Pinot & Pups Wine Gala May 20 • Portland, Ore. at the Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave. 5:30 p.m., reception, fine wine tasting, silent auction, raffles and adorable puppies. 7 p.m., gourmet dinner with fine wines, keynote speech and live auction. Celebrate the magic of guide dogs and the extraordinary wines
of the Pacific Northwest. Event proceeds will be used to offset the costs of training students who are blind with their new guide dogs at the Oregon campus. guidedogs.com
Oregon Humane Society Pug Crawl May 21 • Portland, Ore. 12–4 p.m. at Portland Brewing Company Taproom, 2730 Northwest 31st Ave. The highlight of the day is the Parade of Pugs at 2 p.m., where, if past tradition holds, almost 100 costumed pugs will walk the runway and compete. The winner will be chosen based on the creativity and originality of his or her costume. You may come with or without a dog. All dog breeds are welcome to attend (leashes required). Admission: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. All proceeds benefit the pets at Oregon Humane. For more information, visit oregonhumane.org.
June Reading With Rover June 3 • Snohomish, Wash 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Snohomish Library , 311 Maple Avenue June 4 • Mill Creek, Wash 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at University Bookstore, 15311 Main St June 6 & 20 • Redmond, Wash. 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Redmond Town Center, Unit C-240
Vashon Sheepdog Classic June 8–11 • Vashon Island, Wash. The Vashon Sheepdog Classic attracts people from all over the Northwest and the world who are inspired by the bucolic and beautiful setting, local fiber and fare, and the amazing world of the working sheepdog. Special guest, Dr. Temple Grandin on Sunday, July 11. Thousands of dog lovers come to picnic at Misty Isle Farms and watch the dogs work over the four-day event. Attend for the day or stay the entire weekend. For more information, visit vashonsheepdogclassic.com.
Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk June 11 • Seattle, Wash. Registration starts at 8:15 a.m. at Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd South. The Furry 5K benefits Seattle Animal Shelter’s Help the Animals Fund, which provides veterinary care for the thousands of sick, injured and abused animals that the Seattle Animal Shelter helps every year. Please come run or walk to help raise money to save animals’ lives. More information at furry5k.com.
June 11 • Bothell, Wash. 1:30-2:30 at Bothell Public Library, 18215 98th Ave NE June 21 • Woodinville, Wash. 3–4 p.m. at Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd NE
July
June 10 • Lake Stevens, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Lake Stevens Library, 1804 Main
June 24 • Monroe, Wash. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at Monroe Public Library, 1070 Village Way For more dates, visit readingwithrover.com.
Seattle Amazing Pet Expo June 3 & 4 • Seattle, Wash. Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at CenturyLink Field Event Center. Watch live demonstrations in agility, obedience training, pet care, and activism. Enjoy great giveaways and prizes, plus amazing discounts on your favorite pet products. And, if you’re looking to add a new pet to your family, a mega-adoption event will have more than 300 pets available for adoption. Free admission and pets are welcome. seattlepetexpo.com
Call for an estimate.
Tofino Woof-fit Mini-Triathlon for Dogs and Their People June 18 • Tofino, BC at Chesterman Beach. To support The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund, join up to 50 dog/human teams to walk, run, swim, wade, paddle and “yoga” your way in a mini-triathlon course, with up to 5 km of pure fun, plus food and frolic for all, including a special “Kids Zone!” More information at smilingblueskies.com.
June 8 • Sammamish, Wash. 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave SE
Keeping your dog safe in the yard.
206.452.0581 • seattledogguard.com
Marysville Poochapalooza July 8 • Marysville, Wash. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Asbery Field at Totem Middle School, 4th & Alder, downtown Marysville. Poochapalooza is Snohomish County’s largest dog event—it’s like a county fair for dogs, showcasing pooches at their best and brightest. Enjoy dozens of pet vendors, contests, fashion and rescue runway show, flyball, Running of the Wieners wiener dog races, dog dessert dash hosted by Pupcakes LLC, plus food, music and much more! $5+ suggested donation gets a goodie bag for the first 400 visitors; donations support M-DOG, the volunteer group that maintains Marysville’s Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-Leash Park. poochapalooza.org Be sure to check out citydogmagazine.com, where you will find the most comprehensive calendar of canine events in the West! Spring 2017 • 39
Saturday, May 20 10am-5pm
GAME FARM PARK
3030 R STREET SE
FREE!
3DKO/G5TRKOT auburnwa.gov/petpalooza 253-931-3043 | #petpalooza17 auburnpetpalooza
son $18 per per by April 21 son $23 per per ion at tr is g re te la t-day on son even $25 per per
registration ed with early T-Shirt includ 100! st fir to g ba FREE goodie
Live Animal Entertainment | 150+ Vendors | Petting Zoo | Pony Rides Agility Area | “Unleashed” Pet Contest | Children’s Activities | AND TONS MORE!
Stay at our pet-friendly hotels Ask for special Petpalooza pricing A complete list of hotels can be found at auburnwa.gov/petpalooza