Jan | Feb 2007 Volume 2 | Issue 1
I Love My Dog More Than My Husband! Dogs and Food – What is Fido Eating? Behind the Scenes at Doggy Daycare Beer for Dogs
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EE R F
Jackets by romy & jacob and Canine Styles out of NYC
Check out the BEST selection of doggie couture in town with names like: • Canine Styles • Oo Ma Loo • Teddy Eddies • Charming
Collars by Yellow Dog Design Sniffany & Co. and Chewy Vuiton by Haute Diggity Dog
Art
oint Needlep
Hand-Painted Glassware
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Monday thru Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
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Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm
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Friday and Saturday 10 am - 7 pm
• romy & jacob • Doggie Design • i see spot • And more!
Spa Products
ats Gourmet Tre Stationary
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Giftware G alore!
Party Collars Garden D écor
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Where your dog plays all day!
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Table of Contents p. 17
p. 26
p. 20
p. 21
In Every Issue
Ollie’s Corner p. 8 Features
Ollie is very excited about his first-ever column!
Dogs and Food – Part 1 p. 14
DOGhappenings p. 9
The first of a two-part series where we explore how food can affect your dog’s health
See what pet-friendly event is coming to a location near you
Dogs At Work p. 20
DOGhealth p. 11
Meet Max, the official greeter at Southport Florist
Beer for Dogs p. 20
Now you can throw back a cold one with your best friend
I Love My Dog More Than My Husband p. 23 How do I love thee more? Let me count the ways…
Jinky Goes to Hollywood p.
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From the mean streets to the Hollywood Hills, this rescued mutt is becoming a spokesdog for homeless animals everywhere
Does Your Dog Feel Guilty? p. 25 Surely he realizes when he’s been bad, right?
Love in Motion p. 27
Certified therapy dog teams are sharing the love with those who need it
Behind the Scenes at Doggy Daycare p. 29 Just what exactly happens once you wave “bye-bye”
What’s in a Name? p. 32
Tips on choosing the perfect name for your new addition
On The Cover
I Love My Dog More Than My Husband p. 23 Dogs and Food p. 14 Behind the Scenes at Doggy Daycare p. 29 Beer for Dogs p. 20
Do all dogs need heartworm prevention?
DOGoutings p. 12
Brunswick Town State Historic Site
Ask August p. 13
Cards can express just how your dog is feeling
Unleashed p. 18
John Stevens and his “Juliette”
People Treats p. 21
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Hot! Dog p. 22
We’ve sniffed out the hottest products for you and your pet
Chew On This with Amanda Hearring Black p. 26 What can brown do for you?
DOGnews p. 31 Get the scoop!
Dogs On Film p. 33
Who did our puparazzi catch this time?
Doghouse Poll p. 34 Bedtime Manners
The “Ultimutt” resource for all things dog! www.doglivingmagazine.com • Events • Pet-Friendly Businesses • Subscription Information • Advertising Information • Where to find Dog Living Magazine • Contact Information
Make sure you check out the Central Bark section for the latest news and information!
Cover Photo:
Katie Britt, Cover Model:
“Jack”
Although we may not get any snow, Jack is dressed and ready for winter at the beach. This adorable pose is the result of one magic word – squirrel. At the sound of that word Jack’s ears went up, he cocked his head to the side and our photographer got her shot!
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Publisher/Editor Suzanne Jalot Assistant Editors Ollie and August
FR
EE
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Graphic Design Dustin Keipper
Subscriptions: Dog Living Magazine can be delivered straight to your home. A year-long subscription (6 issues) is only $24. Please call 910452-3775 or go to www.doglivingmagazine.com for more information. Advertising: Reach one of the fastest-growing demographics in America with an ad in Dog Living. For more information, call 910-452-3775 or check out the advertising page on www.doglivingmagazine.com. Submissions: We are always happy to hear from writers, photographers and illustrators interested in showcasing their work in Dog Living Magazine. Please call 452-3775 or email info@doglivingmagazine.com for details on our submission guidelines. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine is prohibited without written permission of the publisher ©2007 by OllieDog Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The information provided by Dog Living Magazine is intended for informational, educational and/or entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be nor is it a substitute for professional advice. It may be necessary to consult your pet’s veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations in this publication. All materials and services in this publication are provided “as is” without any representations or warranties. Neither Dog Living Magazine nor its affiliates, nor any of their respective agents, employees, advertisers or writers shall be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, omission, timeliness, completeness, deletion, defect or failure of performance. OllieDog Media, Inc. reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.
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Contributing Writers Amanda Hearring Black William Davis Whitney Doremus K. Gwendolyn Tresa C. Jalot Gregg Stepp Marny Temple Phodography Katie Britt Jacob Rudolph Cheryl Snyder Marketing & Promotion John Leonard Wendy J. Circulation John Leonard Ryan Young A publication of OllieDog Media, Inc. www.doglivingmagazine.com info@doglivingmagazine.com P.O. Box 1914 Wilmington, NC 28402 910-452-3775
910-392-3132 • www.amerispec.net/vick
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Ollieʼs Corner H
Happy New Year and what a happy new year it is! Wow - I get my own page to talk about whatever I want. Thanks to you all, my mom (the publisher) is really, really happy. I think that’s because people are reading the magazine and have been so supportive. And I’m really, really happy because now August (my sister) and I get to go on all sorts of cool adventures and we get to test out new toys and treats. Before you cry nepotism, let me just say that August and I earned our positions as Assistant Editors and we work just as hard as everyone else on the staff. We’ve got some pretty cool stuff in this issue. Have any of you ever given your dog beer? My dad really likes beer and he even tries to sneak me some when mom is not looking. Thanks to Happy Tail Ale, mom won’t get mad at dad anymore. It’s beer for us dogs. Isn’t that great? Speaking of what is and isn’t good for you, do you know exactly what’s in that food you’re feeding your dog? Our writers found out and it surprised them. I’m a typical dog so I’m not picky about what I eat. Heck, I’ll eat poop if I can get away with it. But since we depend on the humans in our life to do what’s best for us, the dog food article in this issue will help you decide what we should be eating. I told my mom to start putting names to all the doggy faces for our “Dogs on Film” feature. Don’t you think that’s a good idea? I figured everybody loves to see their name in print. Oh yeah, that silly looking red bandana I’m wearing in my photo? My mom put that stupid thing around my neck because she thought I needed a splash of color. She knows better for next time. Take care, happy reading and keep sending in your comments. Woof!
Ollie Assistant Editor
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DOGhappenings For an updated listing of events, go to www.doglivingmagazine.com
January January 8 6:30pm
ADTC Orientation Azalea Dog Training Club – Come out and register for classes and see what you can expect your pup to learn during the session. Meet your instructor and see demos of Traditional Obedience, Agility and Rally Obedience. For more info, please visit ADTC’s website, http://azaleadogtrainingclub.org, and/or email marny3grs@ec.rr.com.
January 20 11am-1pm
CFGRR Meet and Greet YAPS Pet Bakery, Wilmington – Come meet some of the lovable dogs up for adoption from the Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue.
January 29 7pm
Guest Speaker at CFGGR Meeting Einstein’s K9, Wilmington – Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue quarterly meetings are open to the public and include refreshments and guest speakers. January’s speaker topic: “Pet to Professional – Question the local experts.” For more info go to www.cfgoldenrescue.com or call 910-791-5001.
Weekends in January 10am-5pm
Adopt-an-Angel Pet Adoptions Petco, Wilmington – Homeless dogs, puppies, cats and kittens will be looking for that special someone to take them home. All animals have been spayed/neutered with age appropriate shots. Adult dogs have been tested and treated for heartworms (if necessary) and include a 6 month supply of heartworm prevention. To volunteer, call Marlo at 616-3708.
February February 10 10am-6pm
Artists Aid the Animals American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington – The 3rd annual art show and sale
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benefits the Pender County Humane Society. Browse through the works of local and regional artists to find that perfect piece for your home or for a gift. Proceeds from the art show enable the organization to continue its efforts in caring for abandoned, abused and neglected animals in Pender and New Hanover counties. For more information contact Gloria at 910799-5401 or Norma at 910-452-0049.
Weekends in February 10am-5pm
Adopt-an-Angel Pet Adoptions Petco, Wilmington – Homeless dogs, puppies, cats and kittens will be looking for that special someone to take them home. All animals have been spayed/neutered with age appropriate shots. Adult dogs have been tested and treated for heartworms (if necessary) and include a 6 month supply of heartworm prevention. To volunteer, call Marlo at 616-3708.
March March 17 tba
Walk For Those That Can’t The Loop, Wrightsville Beach – Carolina Canines for Service, non-profit corporation providing specially trained dogs for people with disabilities, will hold a fundraising event, Walk For Those That Can’t, at the Loop at Wrightsville Beach on Saturday, March 17, 2007. We are seeking corporate sponsors for the event and individual’s and teams interested in walking. For more information contact 910-362-8181.
April April 21 8am-11:30am
CFGRR Yard Sale 4736 Wedgefield Drive, Wilmington – Treasures and bargains abound at this annual yard sale to benefit the Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue.
Got an upcoming pet-friendly event? Send your info to events@doglivingmagazine.com or to Happenings, P.O. Box 1914, Wilmington, NC 28402. Please include: Organization Name, Contact (name and phone), Brief Description of Event, Date/Time/Place.
At Bradley Square 5629 Oleander Drive Wilmington 910-794-9121 Other breeds/styles available We can frame your furry family!
Copyright A E Ruffing
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www.genesisframing.com
DOGhealth
By Dr. Iva Nusbaum, DVM, North College Road Animal Hospital
Q What exactly is Heartworm Disease and
why does my dog need to be on heartworm prevention?
A
Heartworm Disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. The mosquito bites an infected dog and draws in blood that is carrying the larvae. When this mosquito bites another dog, it injects these larvae into that dog. All dogs are at risk! The larvae migrate through the body tissue into the bloodstream where they continue to develop into adult worms in the heart. Symptoms can vary from no clinical signs to difficulty breathing, coughing, fatigue, listlessness, weight loss and rough hair coat. Heartworm Disease may cause a combination of medical problems within the same dog including dysfunction of the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys. The worms are found in the right side of the heart and in the major vessels bringing blood to and from the right chambers. They cause inflammation and interfere with blood flow. This primarily causes clots in the lungs and congestive heart failure. It can also lead to liver or kidney failure. Before putting your adult dog on heartworm prevention, we must test for heartworms. Giving heartworm prevention to an adult dog that has heartworms could lead to severe reactions that could be harmful or even fatal. The larvae can be passed to puppies through their mothers’ bloodstream, but they are eliminated as soon as you start your puppy on heartworm prevention. Puppies under six months of age can be started on heartworm prevention without testing, because it can take up to 6 1⠄2 months before the dog will test positive. The puppy should be tested
four to seven months after starting heartworm prevention to detect any infection acquired during the first few months of life. If your dog becomes infected with heartworms, there is treatment available. Treatment is expensive and dangerous. Therefore, prevention is the best treatment. There are several different heartworm preventives to choose from. You and your veterinarian can discuss the best heartworm prevention for your dog.
Dr. Iva Nusbaum is a 1990 veterinary graduate of Ohio State University. She has been enjoying Coastal Carolina for 16 years. Her family pet, Chelsea, is a 13 year old calico. She is an active advisor for the Eta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at UNCW and a gracelette from Grace United Methodist Church.
Got a question for the Vet? Send an email to AskTheVet@doglivingmagazine.com or snail mail your question to Ask The Vet, P.O. Box 1914, Wilmington, NC 28402.
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DOGoutings Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson 8884 St. Philips Road SE Winnabow, NC Scenery: Difficulty: Easy Length: Roughly a 30-45 minute walk, depending on how often you stop
Park hours Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm Closed Sundays, Mondays and most major holidays You can call before you go to make sure the site is open: 910-371-6613 Park office hours 8 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. daily Directions: Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson is in Brunswick County about halfway between Southport and Leland. It’s located off of Hwy 133, about 15 miles from US-17. From Hwy 133, follow the signs to Orton Plantation/Brunswick Town.
No matter where you go, make sure your dog gets plenty of water
The trails are wide open and dog-friendly
Okay, so you might think of Brunswick Town as a tourist site, but it’s also a great place for an outing with your pets, especially if you’ve never visited the site. During the cooler months, you might even have the whole place to yourself. You can’t take your dog into the visitor’s center, but there’s plenty of room to roam the paths throughout the outdoor site. Brunswick Town was founded in 1726, but few people were living there by the time the town was reportedly burned during a British raid in 1776. Today, all that remains are the foundations of buildings and homes that once stood along the banks of the Cape Fear River. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s a beautiful walk and a fun place to explore with your pets. It’s a chance to do something other than your routine walk in the local park. Because the trail encourages a slower pace, it’s a great place to take older dogs or dogs who don’t get around very well, but still need some exercise. Make sure you’ve got water for after the walk and please remember to bring bags to clean up after your pet so it will continue to remain pet-friendly!
Scenery Ratings: 1 paw – Nothing much to look at 2 paws – Pleasant enough 3 paws – Some great views 4 paws – Gorgeous scenery throughout the trail
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Difficulty Ratings: Easy – Relatively flat terrain with no obstacles Moderate – Some hills and/or difficult terrain Hard – Frequent elevation changes (some steep) and/or difficult terrain Very Hard! – Only dogs and people that exercise often should attempt these trails!
Ask August Dogs Are People Too
Dear August, With three dogs and two cats in the house, we sometimes have to clean up “accidents.” Can you recommend a good product that will remove these spills from my carpet? Not so Spotless, Leland, NC Dear Not so Spotless, Hmmmm, very good question. My humans have searched and searched for a “miracle” cleaner as well and there’s no simple answer to your question. In general, though, the faster you can take care of the accident, the better. The best thing to do, after removing solids, is to blot the area with a clean, wet cloth or paper towel and then call in a professional carpet cleaner. We have heard that many, but not all, over-the-counter products will actually change the chemistry of the carpet, and may make it harder to clean up future mishaps. Of course, calling in a professional each time Fido messes up the carpet isn’t exactly practical. A few of the staff members here at Dog Living swear by “Spot Shot” and we also hear that a half and half mixture of warm water and white vinegar can sometimes do the trick. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t remove the stain, don’t lose hope! A professional carpet cleaner
may be able to get rid of it with special treatments or perhaps by re-dying the area. Let’s ask our readers for help on this one. How about it? Do you have a stain removal product you couldn’t do without? Share it with us by emailing your stain removal tip to AskAugust@doglivingmagazine.com.
Dear August, I have so many great people in my life and I’d love to be able to send them cards to let them know I care. The problem is, since I’m a dog, I can’t seem to find any that really say what I’m feeling. Any suggestions? Need A Voice, Burgaw, NC Dear Need A Voice, It’s great that you want to communicate with the humans in your life and I know just the thing that will solve your dilemma. Would you believe we have a card company, with cards written in dog speak right here in our area? Yes, it’s true! It’s called, quite appropriately, “Dog Speak.” There are cards for dogs to send to humans for just about every occasion and a dozen new designs are coming out this year. You can find them at fine retailers in the area including Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop and Yaps Bakery, just to name a few. Happy card shopping!
August loves mail from doggies and humans! If you have a question you’d like to ask, just email her at AskAugust@doglivingmagazine.com or snail mail to Ask August, P.O. Box 1914, Wilmington, NC, 28402. Disclaimer: Ask August is provided for entertainment purposes only. For health or behavioral problems with your pet, you should consult with your vet or a behavioral specialist.
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at your dog is ea
ting?
This is the first of a two-part series where we take a lo what your dog ea ok at ts and how it can affect his or her h ealth.
PART 1
Do you know wh
by K. Gwendolyn
D
ogs love to eat! And you probably know that eating certain “people” foods or that unidentified substance in the yard is not good for them. It used to be that the best food to buy your dog was “whatever he’ll eat.” But did you know that the type of dog food you feed your dogs could have a huge impact on their health and well-being? “All foods are truly not created equal,” says Dr. Stacy Ward, DVM, of Wilmington Animal Healthcare, “It’s really hard for the consumer to look through the huge selection of brands on the shelves and decide what to buy.” Pet food is overseen by The Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO. This independent body sets guidelines for the pet food industry. However, just because a dog food meets these minimum guidelines does not always mean it’s healthy for your pet.
Rendering, Meals and By-Products When deciding which brand of food to buy, the label is the best place to start. But before we talk about ingredients, it’s important to first understand the process of rendering. Rendering is an industrial process that converts waste animal tissue into usable material. When animals are slaughtered, choice cuts are trimmed away for human consumption, but whatever remains of the carcass – bones, blood, intestines, lungs, ligaments and almost every other part not consumed by humans – is used in pet food and other products. These parts are rendered and known as “by-products.” Many pet food labels contain the terms meat or poultry “meal.” The term “meal” means the meat is not fresh, it has been rendered. The majority of tissue used in “meals” comes from slaughterhouses, but can also include butcher shop trimmings.
Does Expensive Mean Better? “In most pet food, the protein and carbohydrate sources are the same,” says Dr. Ward, “But the quality of those sources is different.” Just because a brand is expensive,
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doesn’t always mean it’s better. However, price can be an indicator of quality for the simple fact that it would be impossible for a company to sell cheap dog food using quality ingredients. Dr. Ward says the quality of the sources of protein and carbs are very important. Many of the ingredients labeled as “by-products” are a questionable source of nourishment. The highest quality protein sources are either whole meats or “meals.” Two of the top three ingredients in dog foods are almost always grain products. The availability of nutrients in these products depends upon the digestibility of the grain and again, goes back to the quality of the source. For example, ground rice or rice bran is much better than brewer’s rice. Dr. Ward says additives such as antioxidants and fatty acids are good for your dog and serve a nutritional purpose. Preservatives are necessary in pet food to maintain freshness. Most manufacturers are now using natural preservatives such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Natural preservatives don’t give the food as long a shelf life as chemical preservatives, but they are completely safe for pets.
Flavoring agents serve no nutritional purpose and are simply used to make food more appealing to dogs. Colors are added to distinguish between flavors in a multi-particle food or to maintain a consistent product appearance.
My Dog Won’t Eat Those So-Called “High Quality” Foods “Our dogs are our life and many times they train us [what to feed them],” says Dr. Ward, “We freak out if they’re not eating, but we really need to learn to practice tough love.” That “tough love” means making sure your dog gets proper nutrition even if it takes awhile to get him to eat his dinner. Dr. Ward says the reason many dogs may eat so ravenously is because the food has a lot of fat. You know that unique smell you get when you open a bag of dog food? It’s probably rendered animal fat or restaurant grease. The fat is used as a binding agent and animals just love the taste of fat.
ingredients must have a cereal or grain component. So, while some people might tell you to make sure that one of the first two ingredients is a whole meat source or a single source meat meal, the practice of ingredient splitting makes the label even more confusing. “Ingredient splitting is when a manufacturer lists a whole meat source as the first ingredient, but then ‘splits’ the grain sources listed next,” Dr. Ward says. In other words, it looks like the meat is the main ingredient, but there are four or five different versions of “rice” listed after the meat. That means even though it looks like the meat source should be the bulk of the product, it’s not. This makes it even more confusing for consumers. Food choice comes down to distinguishing quality ingredients. Here are some ingredients that indicate high quality: • •
“It’s like giving your children McDonald’s every day versus feeding them grilled chicken and broccoli,” says Dr. Ward. Of course kids love McDonald’s and eat it up. The chicken and broccoli might not be as tasty, but it’s definitely healthier.
• • •
Dr. Ward says contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t crave food variety, “The best thing to do is to find a high quality food your dog will eat and stick with it.
What Am I Looking For? “All kibble foods are cereal based,” says Dr. Ward. In order to make those dry little nuggets, half or more of the
• • • •
Ground Rice: A high quality source of carbs and the most digestible grain found in pet foods Ground Whole Grain Wheat: A good source of carbs Potatoes: These provide lots of vitamins and minerals Chicken Fat: Contains linoleic acid which is good for skin a coat health Sunflower Oil: Again, this has a high concentration of linoleic acid which is good for skin and coat health Rice Bran: High in fiber and good for proper digestion Pearled Barley: A good source of protein Oatmeal: A good source of carbs Ground Brown Rice: A high quality source of carbs and natural fiber ...continued on next page
Want to reach one of the fastest-growing demographics in America? Build your brand with Dog Living Our specialty is retrieving your target audience! 10,000 copies are distributed bi-monthly to locations throughout Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties Affordable Ad Rates! Call 910-452-3775 or email sales@doglivingmagazine.com www.doglivingmagazine.com
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And these are ingredients where the protein or carbohydrate source is low quality: •
•
• •
•
•
•
• •
Animal Fat: This can be just about anything from recycled restaurant grease to fat from the tissues of mammals Animal Digest: A powder or liquid made by breaking down animal tissue from unspecified parts of unspecified animals Brewers Rice: A lower-quality rice product often used as filler Chicken By-Product Meal: Dry, ground, rendered parts of a slaughtered chicken and can include necks, feet, undeveloped eggs and intestines Poultry By-Product Meal: The same as “Chicken By-Product,” however, the rendered parts can come from any fowl such as chicken, turkey, geese or buzzards Corn Gluten Meal: The by-product of corn syrup or starch and another cheap filler used in dog food Dried Egg Product: Can include undeveloped eggs, shells and other tissues unfit for human consumption Poultry Fat: Low in linoleic acid in contrast to “Chicken Fat” Rice Flour: Whenever flour is part of an ingredient’s name, it means the grain has been processed and most of the nutritional value has been lost, often this is the leftover dust from processing human food ingredients
Choose Wisely “Pet food is marketed for our need to love and please our pet, not necessarily for determining nutrition,” says Dr. Ward. Keep this in mind when confronted with that mountain of choices you see on the shelves. Unfortunately, there’s no simple way to say which food is best, however, quality ingredients are key. Take a good look at the label to determine if the food contains quality ingredients and consult with your vet on your choice. Your dog will thank you.
Coming in Part 2: How can my dog’s diet affect his/her health? 16
Below is a list of the first eight ingredients in some common dog food brands. The ingredients were taken straight from the label on the bag: Purina Dog Chow Adult Ground yellow corn, poultry by-product meal, animal fat preserved with mixedtocopherols (form of Vitamin E), corn gluten meal, brewers rice, soybean meal, animal digest, calcium carbonate Hill’s Science Diet Adult Original Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal, Animal Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Corn Gluten Meal Iams Lamb Meal and Rice Formula Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Grits, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E) Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Original Formula Chicken, Brown Rice, Duck, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols source of Vitamin E Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal and Rice Lamb Meal, Ground Rice, Rice Flour, Rice Bran, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of natural Vitamin E), Poultry Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of natural Vitamin E), Natural Flavors
Jinky Goes to
Hollywood by Suzanne Jalot
It’s a Hollywood tell-all book from an inside source you’d never suspect. The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife tells the torrid tales of showbiz from a dog’s perspective. Dog Living Magazine caught up with Jinky’s mom to get the inside story on a little guy who’s destined to become a spokesdog for homeless pets everywhere. Jinky is a dog with strong opinions and he’s not afraid to share them. He started his blog (with the help of his mother) back in 2003. It became so popular, that he decided to turn it into a book. Jinky now lives in the Hollywood Hills, but he didn’t always have it so good. In fact, he was once on death row. Jinky tells the tale on his website: “My life began in a cage in San Pedro , California . Some creepy guy bought me for his stupid wife and she didn’t want me. . . . One night, the guy took me to the pound. They threw me into a cold, wet crate and slammed the gate. . . . I was scheduled to be ‘put down’ or, as I like to say, murdered. But I got lucky.” His “luck” came in the form of an email to selfprofessed “Hollywood Wife” Carole Davis. Davis is an actress and singer-songwriter and she’s married to Emmy Award winning political comedy writer Kevin Rooney. “I got an email from a rescue group saying they had just rescued 80 dogs from the pound and needed to find homes for them,” says Davis, “I begged my husband to let us just go and look at one of them.” Davis says Jinky was considered unadoptable because he liked to bite, but she didn’t care. “He auditioned for us. He really did. He is an extraordinary dog, he’s just missing words, the ability to speak!”
Jinky and his mom enjoy life in the Hollywood Hills
Davis and her husband first had to introduce Jinky to their female Cairn Terrier. “They met and they fell in love,” Davis says, “I knew we just had to take him home.” (Jinky also dishes about his relationship with Finley, the Cairn Terrier, in his blog and book) Davis says she was so disgusted with the number of animals that are killed every year in shelters that she decided to let Jinky make the plea for the millions of abandoned pets. She says she’s always been an advocate for animal rights. “I think my first animal rights act was when I was eight years old,” says Davis, “I was in Thailand, and I saw a man kicking a little stray dog. I told him to stop and I actually kicked the man in the butt!” Jinky witnesses the neurotic behavior of actors, writers and producers and reports his findings in the book. He’s got strong opinions about these people who he refers to as “self-obsessed.” From a canine perspective, he thinks these people should just relax and enjoy life instead of constantly worrying about their status in life. Davis hopes the book can send a message to readers about dogs in shelters. “I want people to see what a great dog you can get,” says Davis, “What a fantastic friend you can find that someone just threw away.” Davis also wants people to get a good laugh out of the book. And laugh, you will, if you share the same twisted doggy humor as us at Dog Living Magazine. Jinky tells it like it is on his website, “I name names and I bite. I don’t break skin, but I sure can break wind. I should sell my gas to the military. It would abolish all wars.” For more on Jinky and his mom, visit www.HollywoodJinky.com.
Photos courtesy of Maximillian Canepa and Carole Raphaelle Davis
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John Stevens
Unleashed By Suzanne Jalot
Photography by Cheryl Snyder
Country music fans may not recognize the face, but they’d recognize the voice. John Stevens can be heard in the afternoons on WWQQ 101.3 FM. He’s the Program Director for Double Q as well as the new classic hits station, 94.5 FM The Hawk. He’s also a devoted dad to his newly rescued boxer. “You know, I never really liked dogs. I don’t know why,” says Stevens, “But I did always want a boxer.” And he had one when he was little, for about 15 minutes he says. “My dad brought one home and as soon as my mom saw it, she told him to get that thing out of the house!”
Juliette may have had a scary past, but she lives the good life now
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But now that he’s all grown up, Stevens can have whatever kind of dog he wants, and he still loves those boxers. “They’re very chaotic,” he says, “And I like things that are chaotic.” Stevens rescued his first boxer, Natasha, a couple of years ago, however, she had a brain tumor and he had to say goodbye to her in May of 2006. Natasha’s legacy lives on however, because Stevens donated her body to science. The doctors at North Carolina State
University College of Veterinary Medicine will conduct research that could help save the lives of other pets. In August of 2006, Stevens spotted a face on the Carolina Boxer Rescue website that stole his heart. A month before, “Juliette” had been tied to a pole in a backyard with her six newborn puppies. Sadly, the puppies didn’t make it and Juliette was in bad shape. Stevens drove to Charleston, South Carolina to pick her up and become another one of her foster parents. The situation was supposed to be temporary. “But I knew better than that,” Stevens says, “The first thing she did when I picked her up was to start licking me. I knew ‘temporary’ foster was really going to turn into ‘permanent’ home.” The adoption was made final in November and Juliette has been a happy girl ever since. “They [dogs] make such good company and they’re so much fun to have around,” says Stevens. He says he and Juliette have their own routine in the morning and Juliette wakes him up every day at 5:30am on the dot. “She’s like an alarm clock,” he says. She may have had a scary past, but Juliette lives the good life now. She goes to doggy daycare almost every day and Stevens takes her to the dog park nearly every weekend. She has the run of the house (including furniture) and she also gets plenty of play time with dad. “I spend all this money on toys, and what does she want? She wants my socks,” says Stevens, “She drags them around the house, chases them and runs around in circles with the socks!” So even though he “never really liked dogs,” John Stevens says he couldn’t live life without one and he’s even thinking of adopting a second dog. “I really believe they help your mental health,” he says, “Life would be very empty without a dog.” And advice to anyone thinking of dating John Stevens is written right there in his bio on the WWQQ website: “If it’s you or the dog…Guess what?”
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meet max Photography by Jacob Rudolph
Research has shown that pets in the workplace can boost morale and improve productivity in workers. There are many businesses in our area that have “working” dogs and we caught up with one of them.
massive tail doesn’t knock them over as he runs about the place. But Floyd says the only thing Max has knocked over is a basket that sits in the hallway. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to pick that up,” says Floyd, “I guess the smart thing to do would be to move it, but I just keep it there!” Max is fond of sitting on the feet of customers who come to the shop and if his dad tells him to go get his “baby” he happily runs to grab the toy du jour. The day of his photoshoot, his “baby” was a well-worn stuffed birthday cake, minus the stuffing. “Somebody once told me never trust anyone who won’t take a drink or who doesn’t like an animal,” says Floyd. We at Dog Living certainly agree.
If the lab figurine with the “welcome” sign in his mouth doesn’t give it away, the black lab bounding up to greet you as you walk into Southport Florist is a dead giveaway you’re walking into a pet-friendly shop. Max is the official greeter of Southport Florist. He’s two years old, over 90 pounds and full of energy. “He comes to the shop with me every single day,” says Marvin Floyd, Max’s guardian and owner of Southport Florist, “I’ve had him since he was eight weeks old.” Floyd got Max after his beloved 7-year-old yellow lab, Sam, passed away from cancer. Max is certainly an asset to the business as everyone who comes to the shop just showers him with attention. With all the vases in the shop, it’s amazing Max’s
Beer…For Dogs! Have you ever been sitting around, enjoying a cold one with your buddies, and thought, “Wow, wouldn’t it be great if I could bring my dog into this bonding ritual?” Well, maybe it’s more like you had one too many and decided it would be fun to see if your pooch would like a sip of beer (NOT a good idea, by the way!). Now you can share a beer with your best friend! Enter Happy Tail Ale from Dog Star Brewing Company. There’s no alcohol or carbonation and the company says it’s perfectly safe for dogs to drink. It’s made with malted barley and filtered water and fortified with Glucosamine and Vitamin E. The beverage reportedly has a natural beef flavor that dogs go crazy for. It’s not available at any retail locations in North Carolina, but you can order it online at www.beerfordogs.com.
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Kodi is the official spokesdog for Happy Tail Ale
People Treats The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
We know you love your dogs, but sometimes you just want to indulge in a “humans only” outing. “People Treats” will showcase some fun you can have without your dog. –Dog Living Staff
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You don’t need a kid and you don’t need to be a tourist. Break away from your routine for a day and visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Whether you want a quiet day away, an educational afternoon or an outdoor adventure, the aquarium has something to offer. The facility boasts a half-acre freshwater conservatory, a touchpool and a large ocean tank with sharks, moray eels, stingrays. There’s also a seahorse display, an indoor salt marsh and a baby loggerhead sea turtle. Upon entering the aquarium, you walk through the Cape Fear Conservatory, which displays and educates about the wildlife in the rivers, swamps and backyard ditches of the state. The conservatory allows you to get close to not only the fish of the Cape Fear River, but also the alligators, turtles and venomous snakes that make their homes in and around the state’s freshwater rivers and ponds. The conservatory also abounds with a fantastic variety of native plants, including the carnivorous Venus fly-trap. Once inside the aquarium, you can pick up a horseshoe crab at the touch pool, gaze at the stingrays, eels and sharks in the 235,000-gallon Cape Fear Shoals tank and see first-hand the fishes of the Indo-Pacific oceans in their natural habitats, including the clownfish and blue tangs made famous in Finding Nemo. The aquarium’s layout takes you from the beaches and salt marshes of the coasts and barrier islands to the deep waters off the coast. Each tank recreates an environment unique to the region, including the wildlife that populate the waters near the rock jetties at Wrightsville Beach and the fishes that hide within the submerged wreckage of a Civil War-era blockade runner in the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The Exotics Aquatics gallery, home to the clownfish and blue tang, is unique to the aquarium as it is the only exhibit that does not recreate the waters of the Cape Fear. Instead, the aquarium uses the sea snakes, cuttlefish and sea anemones native to tropical Indo-Pacific waters to highlight the environmental pressures and ecological continuity of all of the world’s oceans. An example of this can be found in the lionfish exhibit, which displays an animal native to tropical Pacific waters that has invaded local waters and now calls the chilly seas off the American East Coast home. As you exit the aquarium, you can stroll along a boardwalk that runs through the Memorial Gardens. And if you happen to be with kids, you know you’re not going to leave without a trip through the gift shop. Everyone can use a rubber shark, right? For complete information and program schedules, visit: www.ncaquariums.com.
Hours: 9am-5pm Daily The aquarium is CLOSED on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Admission:
$8 Adults $7 Seniors (age 62 and over) $6 Children (ages 6-17) Children under age 6 are admitted free
Free Days: The aquarium is free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans’ Day The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located on US 421 approximately 15 miles south of Wilmington, just beyond Kure Beach. From Southport, take the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry. For ferry schedule, call 1-800-BYFERRY. If you’re in the area, just follow the brown road signs, and they will lead you right to the Aquarium. You can also call toll free 1-866-301-3476 for directions to the Aquarium.
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Here’s what we’re howling about
Teethers John Paul Pet Products These toys are just begging to be chewed. Put the teether in the freezer and the cold temperature will help sooth those sore puppy gums caused by growing teeth. The design and texture also helps reduce tartar build-up. $12, klondike shop, Lumina Station, 910-256-9265
Now your pampered pooch can have salonquality products too. The line includes a variety of shampoo and conditioners as well as full body and paw wipes, teeth and gum wipes and ear and eye wipes. And it should be noted that all products were tested on humans first! $10, Imago, Water Street in Downtown Wilmington, 910-772-9377
Yum Bowls
TUG
These ceramic Yum Bowls are designed by artist Karim Rashid. They’re available in two sizes and cleverly integrate a handle into the design of the bowl. They’re also microwave safe and have a non-skid bottom.
Made from their award winning Orbee-tuff material, Planet Dog says TUG can take all the yank a dog can dish out. The unique handles make it easy for tug contests whether dog v. dog or human v. dog. The company says the toys are doggie durable, minty, buoyant, recyclable and 100% guaranteed.
$38-$49, klondike shop, Lumina Station, 910-256-9265
$20.99, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, Southport, 910-457-0115
Address Book Every dog lover needs this address book! Each section features unique pictures and some sort of dog trivia, fact, history, etc. $18, Occasions, Cotton Exchange, 910-343-9033
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i love my dog... more than my husband by Tresa C. Jalot
For thousands of years people have found their own ways to demonstrate love. They fall into just a few simple categories. You have your romantics who show their love through poems, candlelight and walks on the beach. The materialists demonstrate love through extravagant gifts. And then, there are married people. Married couples tend to do what I like to call “little things”. For instance, every morning before he leaves for work my husband, Mark, brings the newspaper from the top of the driveway to the front porch for me. It’s not a bouquet of flowers, but it saves me a walk in my pajamas. I also do little things to show I love him. But after a recent analysis of my loving nature I discovered I do more of them for my dog, Stormy. How much more do I love her? Let me count the ways.
What’s In A Brand Name? Mark had a cold. Stormy needed aspirin for a leg sprain. I went to the drug store. For Mark, I grabbed the first generic cough medicine I could find. Fifteen minutes later I was still comparing the most expensive, brand-names in aspirin for Stormy. I decided to wait in line and consult with the pharmacist. Something is Rotten in the State of North Carolina Men revel in their abilities to gross out their wives with the various odors they can produce. My husband is no exception. His flatulent behavior in my presence has resulted in screams, the silent treatment and banishment. Anyone who owns a dog knows the horrific stench that can come from their furry little bodies. My reaction to Stormy? Sympathy for having a gassy tummy.
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream More Than Eight Hours It is widely known in my family how much I value sleep and the dire consequences for those who disturb it. Both dog and husband are my sleeping companions - at least at the beginning of the night. Mark usually gets kicked out of bed and into the guest room for snoring. Stormy on many occasions wakes me up to go outside, yet I have never made her sleep elsewhere. Full of Sound and Fur It took a lot of self-awareness to figure out these double standards: Stormy is praised for barking loudly at strangers approaching the house; I scold Mark for yelling at the neighborhood children walking on our grass. When Stormy squeaks a toy in another room I go running in there to play with her; when Mark calls out to me from another room I ignore him until he comes to tell me what he wants. I gladly pay the expense,
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plus tip, for a mobile groomer to keep Stormy’s fur in shape; I complain that Mark goes to an expensive stylist too often. The Lady Doth Photograph Too Much Most people enjoy surrounding themselves with loved ones, or at least photos of loved ones. My favorite photo in the house is of Mark and me on our wedding day. It could be because that’s the only photo of the two of us. All the rest of our frames proudly display my four-legged friend. She is also the main subject in all the albums, in my wallet, and on the desk at my office. Photos of Mark did not make it into my wallet or office. If You Scratch Us, Do We Not Plead? Mark begs for back scratches. Stormy begs for belly scratches. By now, you have figured out who’s on the receiving end of my nails more often.
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Fortunately for me, my husband is not as observant about all these little things. Although, I think he pretty much knows where he stands in the household. Just the other day he mentioned how nice it would be to get another dog that could be “his”. Et tu, Mark?
About the Author: Tresa C. Jalot works for a non-profit business organization in Wake Forest and occasionally writes to justify the tuition her parents paid for her BA in Journalism from UNC-CH. She sends her apologies to William Shakespeare for the preceding article. Tresa and her husband are the proud parents of three rescued dogs: Stormy, Chewy and Curly. Mark has now dropped to fourth place in affections granted.
Does Your by Whitney Doremus
Dog Feel Guilty? The fact is dogs do not live a life based on morality. There is no such thing as right and wrong in their world. They do not feel guilt and they are incapable of being spiteful. They do however, enjoy getting into trash because it smells and tastes good, chewing up furniture because of an innate need to dissect, and use the bathroom in the house because it is safe to do so when humans aren’t around. Many people even feel like their dog misbehaves on purpose because they are mad at them… this is silly. Dogs get into trouble when left unattended because they are simply finding something to do. In addition to destroying a bookcase and all the books, a dog will nap, drink water, look outside for a while, and nap some more. There is no plotting or designing a plan to get back at their owner. Only humans do that.
When asked, “does your dog feel guilty when he misbehaves?” almost every pet dog owner would respond with a convinced, “YES!” It’s happened to all of us, we’ve been away for a few hours and come home to a torn up pillow, a puddle of urine, or to trash strewn all over the house. We glance to the perpetrator and make contact with big eyes on a lowered head. Our dog is slinking toward us or maybe rolling over to expose his belly. Sometimes he’s trying to run away. Clearly he knows he was bad and now he feels guilty. It’s only natural for a dog owner to assume that his dog knew better and that they are now feeling guilty. The submissive body language does appear to translate into guilt. Growing up with Scooby, Pluto, and Old Yeller has also taught us that our dogs feel guilt and that they know better. Hollywood has been anthropomorphizing pet dogs for decades. Dogs like Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Benji were created to look like they interpreted the world the same way humans do. This has made life rather difficult for the rest of the dogs in the world as they are being held to a standard that is based on fiction.
So why are we so convinced that our dogs feel guilty? In the dog world, one dog will show gestures of appeasement toward another as a sign of respect. This will prevent arguments before they happen or solve an argument if one arises. So when you come home to “Max” and get mad at him for chewing up your carpet, he is showing you gestures of appeasement not because he knows he was bad, but because due to your body language it would be in his best interest to submit to you in hopes of ending the argument. The next time you come home “Max” may offer the same body language because he has associated your arrival with trouble. However, at no time is Max aware of why you’re mad, he just knows you are mad, or have been mad in this situation before. For example, if you have ever punished your dog for getting into the trash when you weren’t home you can knock over the trash yourself then put your dog in the same room and you will see the “guilty” look even though you made the mess. The reality is this: Dogs are simple creatures who do not feel guilt or misbehave on purpose. Do you think a lion feels guilty after it kills a baby elephant? Of course not, it was just being a lion. Whitney Doremus is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She owns Dogs At Play, a doggy daycare and boarding facility and Superdogs Positive Pet Dog Training, an obedience school. She may be contacted at www.superdogsatplay.com.
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Chew on this By Amanda Hearring Black
What Can Brown Do For You? Some dogs’ goal is to terrorize the mailman. Some take their anger out on the meter man. My dog Jake hates our UPS man. Jake is normally a pacifist. Don’t get me wrong -- he’ll raise an eyebrow when he sees a family stroll past our house. He may even growl a little if they have a stroller with them. But if the UPS man enters the neighborhood, go get the ear plugs and get out of the way because Jake always has something to say about it. Only recently did I get to witness what happens when the UPS man ascends my front porch. I was home on maternity leave – a time when the UPS man paid many visits to my house bringing gifts – when I discovered how passionate Jake’s feelings were for him. I was holding my newborn when all of the sudden Jake turned into the manic version of a bi-polar dog and barked hysterically at the front door. I gave my daughter to my mother-in-law and went to see what all the commotion was about. I saw nothing. Jake barked violently, kicking the rug away from the door and dug his toenails into our hardwood floor. I looked out the window and off in the distance I saw a large, brown truck heading our way. Jake continued turning my floor into splinters. I still had not made the connection to what was upsetting Jake until the truck stopped in front of our house and the UPS man leaped out. As he walked up our driveway, package in hand, I grabbed Jake by the collar and tried to calm him down. No such luck. Jake barked and kicked and ran in place, trying desperately to get closer to the front door. I shrugged my shoulders at the UPS man, and he skittishly waved and pointed to our welcome mat. As he approached the bottom doorstep, he bent over as far as he could and slid the package as close to the door as possible. Then he scurried away. As the UPS man turned the corner and drove out of sight, Jake calmed down, walked off as if nothing had happened and resumed his position on the couch. We repeated the charade several times during my maternity leave, and Jake has faced the UPS man alone a time or two since then. Why the hatred for the UPS man? I may never know, but I’m guessing they had a conflict at some point that caused Jake to develop this grudge against him. Jake has no problem with the FedEx lady. The DHL man is of no interest to him. But if Jake hears the sound of the UPS truck off in the distance – and he can distinguish that engine from any other vehicle on the planet – I stand up, stretch my fingers and brace myself for an earful of “woof woof woof woof woof.” Friends and family who may be reading this: for the sake of Jake’s nerves and my eardrums, please choose your package delivery service wisely because Brown does very little for Jake. About the author: Amanda Hearring Black is the Art Director for a group of regional magazines based out of Cary, North Carolina. Her dog, Jake, is thought to be a 5-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Jake was adopted from the SPCA of Wake County.
k Parrott Photo courtesy of Dic
e in Therapy dogs com
s all shapes and size
By Marny Temple
Is there anyone on the face of this earth who doesn’t crave love and affection, an enthusiastic expression, a grinning face, a twinkle in the eye, a soft touch or a sweet little kiss? I think not! And this attention doesn’t necessarily have to be from another person, it can be, and often is, from a member of the canine world.
Certified Therapy Dog teams are there sharing the love - whether it be with nursing home residents, children learning about dog safety and dog breeds, or some other person in need. There are several nationally known groups under which dogs and their humans can be certified, but it has been my honor and privilege to work with Therapy Dogs Incorporated since 1997.
My Golden Retrievers, Logan, Amber and Boo, and I received our therapy dog training in the wonderful program at Azalea Dog Training Club or, ADTC. Two very special ADTC members head up the Therapy Dog Program - Nancy Parrott and Kay Rodgers. Every human half of a therapy team has a story of their companions touching other folks’ lives that is near and dear to their hearts.
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Kay, ADTC’s most devoted therapy person, describes the interaction between her girl, Kacee, and a resident of a nursing home. She had held Kacee up so that a stroke victim in rehab could reach the dog to pet her fur. The lady muttered “soft.” Kay smiled and agreed. It was only later that Kay learned from a caregiver that the word “soft” was the first and only time the woman had spoken since the stroke, six months earlier, had stolen her ability to speak. Kacee’s love had reached this woman and inspired her to make the effort to speak. I have two ‘most moving’ moments in the memory book in my mind. The first is with Logan, now my eldest Golden. He is a sweetheart whose gentle soul just shines out of his eyes. For many years we had a favorite lady at an area assisted care facility who ‘trained’ Lo every time we visited. Now, Lo is a true Obedience dog in that he looks to me when given a command by someone else. So, in order to make our friend smile, I simply moved behind her wheel chair and gave Lo the hand signals that matched her voice commands. She
was always so pleased that Logan was “coming along so nicely” with his training and I always thanked her profusely for giving my dog obedience lessons! My fondest memory with Boo occurred when we were visiting an area home for abused children. There were several ADTC teams in attendance and all but one of the children were very excited and receptive to all the dogs visiting them. The seemingly ‘disinterested’ boy sat very close to his counselor and kept his head lowered, never looking up once. Well, my intuitive Boo seemed to sense this child needed him and instead of going to the kids who were calling to him, Boo approached this lonely lad. The little fella sat very still while Boo pushed up against him. Just as I was about to call Boo back to me, the boy reached up with both arms and grabbed Boo around the neck (this is NOT what we teach the kids to do in our Safety Demo!) and just hung on. Boo stood there with his tail wagging slowly. I studied the child, trying to decide if I should intervene, when I realized the little boy was whispering in Boo’s ear. This conversation went on for several moments while Boo answered the child’s words with wet kisses and constant body contact. Both the counselor and I did our best to keep the tears from falling. That Boo sensed that this little boy needed him much more than the other children did remains a source of amazement to me. Therapy Dog work is a win-win situation. The lonely senior citizens that soak up the love of the dogs, the children who learn dog safety lessons and/or have their spirits healed, as well as the Therapy Teams. The humans bring home memories of the joy and love their dogs give to needy people, while the dogs are delighted that their horizons have been widened and they have the opportunity to ‘get loving’ from more people. About the Author: Marny has lived with and loved (and been loved by) Golden Retrievers since she was 11 years old. She lives in Wilmington with hubby, Dave, and is the Mom to two handsome sons and “Nana” to two precious grandsons in addition to being a ‘Mom” to three Goldens; Logan, Boo and Glory. She is a long time member of Golden Retriever Club of America, Azalea Dog Training Club, Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue and Tarheel Golden Retriever Club.
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A Pups Play & Stay employee helps wear the dogs out
Behind the Scenes Did you ever wonder what happens when you drop off those furry kids at their favorite doggy daycare? Dog Living took a look at a couple of area facilities and even sent in some undercover dogs to dig up the real story. Wrestling is encouraged, but mounting is a no-no. Almost all daycare facilities require your pup to be vaccinated, and you might want to be wary of one that doesn’t. Some will require a “test” visit before being allowed to stay for a full day to see if your pooch will fit in with the group and others will simply separate any dog that becomes unruly. Either way, most places work to ensure there are no major scuffles in the play yard. The play yards at both Pups Play and Stay in Scott’s Hill and Dogs At Play on Wrightsville Avenue were packed with dogs on the days we visited. Pups Play and Stay has a massive spread with three separate indoor rooms and three separate outdoor yards. Tony Ronca, coowner of the daycare says, if needed, the dogs can be
at Doggy Daycare by K. Gwendolyn
separated by size, age and temperament. The dogs didn’t really seem to care how much room they had, as long as they could run around and play with each other. Across town, at Dogs At Play, they have a large indoor room for inclement weather, but owner Whitney Doremus says most of the time the dogs prefer to be in the play yard in the back. The dogs were definitely enjoying themselves as they raced around the large play yard. Doremus and Ronca say they encourage lots of play, as long as there is no mounting involved. Yes, there are doggy cliques. “The first time a dog comes to daycare is like the first day of school for a child,” says Doremus, “They just sort of sit back and watch the other dogs.” She says after a few visits, the regulars will make buddies and hang out together often to the exclusion of other dogs. ...continued on next page
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Over at Pups Play and Stay, some of the dogs even form attachments to the human supervisors. “We’re fully interactive with the dogs,” says Ronca, “And some of the favorite games are tug, fetch and follow the employee,” he says with a chuckle. They go home pooped. One truth seems to be universal at doggy daycares everywhere: Your dog is going to be tired at the end of the day. “They go in there, they get to playing and it’s great,” says Ronca, “We promise their owners’ that they will go home tired.” But why are they so tired? What’s the big secret? What exactly are they doing all day? “They entertain each other or they sit and relax,” says Doremus of her clients at Dogs At Play. There are plenty of toys in the yard including a children’s playhouse and slide. The dogs roam in and out of the playhouse and with some help, many of the dogs even enjoy using the slide. But mostly, Doremus says, the dogs want to run and play with each other.
Pooches enjoy the yard at Dogs at Play
The dogs at Pups Play & Stay enjoy their time in the Astroturf-covered play yard as well. Although there is no “naptime,” Ronca says most of the dogs pace themselves and if they need to rest, they simply find a nice spot in a secluded corner and lie down. Dogs will be dogs. There is a lot that goes on between the time you drop off the “kids” and the time you pick them up. A lot of running and playing and running and playing. It’s no big secret. The dogs are just being allowed to do what they enjoy most – being dogs! If your dog is normally home alone all day, doggy daycare is a great way to prevent boredom and keep him in shape. There are several great doggy daycares in the area and before you choose one, it’s a good idea to visit the facility to make sure it fits your needs and you feel comfortable leaving your dog there. You can find a list of daycare facilities which support Dog Living Magazine in our Business Directory online at www.doglivingmagazine.com.
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These pups are pacing themselves at Pups Play & Stay
DOGnews
Here’s the scoop… Fundraising Help Needed for Sunburst Foundation The Sunburst Foundation helps dozens of dogs and puppies each month who would otherwise face euthanasia. The organization has received very few donations and the director of the foundation has spent thousands of dollars of her own money to save these animals and keep the organization going. They are now in great need of a Fundraising Coordinator to help with the many expenses that go along with saving these dogs. Are you that person or do you know someone who can take on this responsibility? Please contact Linda at sunburstfoundation@gmail.com or call 910-622-0011. Carolina Canines for Service Celebrates 10 Years Carolina Canines for Service celebrated it’s 10th anniversary on December 1, 2006 by placing it’s 25th service dog. The service dogs are given to individuals with disabilities at no cost to the individual. The value of the 25 dogs placed by Carolina Canines for Service is over $700,000. Co-founder, President and CEO, Rick Hairston, with the support of hundreds of volunteers, thousands of volunteer hours, support from friends, foundations and the community at large, has opened doors and helped people regain their independence with the gift of a service dog. Give A Dog A Bone Play Spa Raises Money for Local Rescues During the month of November, Give A Dog A Bone Play Spa raised hundreds of dollars for area rescues. $5 raffle tickets were sold all month and the proceeds went to a different group each week. Winners of the raffle received a full day of play and spa! Sunburst Foundation, Pender County Humane Society, Adopt an Angel, New Hanover Humane Society and Carolina Boxer Rescue were the grateful recipients of the November fundraiser.
Wilmington Now Has Local Contact for German Shepherd Rescue Noble Shepherd Rescue is based in South Carolina but there are now foster homes located in Wilmington and Southport. If you would like more information on fostering or rescuing one of these wonderful German Shepherd Dogs, check out www.nobleshepherdrescue.com or call 910-431-6294. Mutts Were Struttin’ in Southport Over a hundred canines took over the streets of Southport in October 2006 for the 9th annual Strutt Your Mutt, including our assistant editors, Ollie and August. All the dogs and people had a great time and prizes were handed out for best costume and best trick. Proceeds from the day will go to help Brunswick Area Responsible Canines’ (BARK) Meals On Wheels 4-Pets program. Each month BARK members bad and distribute pet food to distribution centers where it is then delivered to Meals On Wheels clients who have pets.
The 9th Annual Strutt Your Mutt Sponsorships Available for PAW JAM 2007 P.A.W.S. of North Carolina is now recruiting sponsors and vendors for Paw Jam 2007. The popular annual event is now in it’s sixth year and will be held on June 9th at Battleship Park. Four different sponsorship levels are available and if you’re a business, this is cause marketing at it’s best! For more information on sponsorship packages call 910-259-7549. Vendors and rescue organizations interested in participating should also call to sign up. Do you have the scoop on something we should know about? Call us at 910-452-3775 or email editor@doglivingmagazine.com
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what’s in a name?
by Gregg Stepp
Molly
y Buck
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our dog’s name gives the rest of the world a whole lot of insight into your personality. Some people put more thought into it than others. Remember, whatever you choose…It’s stuck with you, and your dog, forever.
y Baile
New England Patriot Tedi Bruschi. “Aww, Tedi is a nice name,” I said. She shot back with, “No, his name is Bruschi!” So, this seemingly normal lady is now explaining a name that makes her sound like an alcoholic initially. Why not save the trouble and just use his first name? Explain it to anyone that cares, and gloss over it for those that don’t. And as far as “human” names are concerned, I’ve always been a fan of going the “George”, “Fred”, or even “Steve” route. You get to be creative and crazy at the same time.
I will preface my critique with the background on my dog’s name. My wife Erin and I decided we would name our dog after something important to us. “Boone” was adopted last December. She was named after the location of our first road trip together. It might be a little “butch” for a girl, but she’s always getting called “he” anyway, so what’s the difference?
There are plenty of names available that aren’t already overused, aren’t completely lame, and might even make you seem smarter for choosing them. And doesn’t your little friend deserve a moniker befitting of the undying loyalty she will show you for years to come? If you can, wait a few days after you bring your pup home and use a personality trait to decide. But if you insist on having a name ready beforehand, please do us all a favor and try not to make it stupid!
There are cliché names like Rex, Fido, or Benji. If you’ve picked one of these names, you are either a) not very creative, or b) you really thought it would be funny. It’s not, and your poor dog is now stuck with a name you probably came up with while partaking in some form of drinking ritual.
About the author: Gregg Stepp lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife Erin, but they still consider Wilmington “home.” Their dog, Boone, was rescued from Animal Care and Control and named for one of their favorite cities in NC. Look for more on Boone’s exploits soon.
There are the names that become the “now” name. Lately, it seems that “Bella” has become vogue again. Sure, your dog is beautiful - to you. But the only way that name really works is on a very ugly dog. A bulldog is a perfect “Bella”. Not a King Charles Spaniel. Too obvious. And while we’re on it, if you named your dog Tinkerbell because of Paris Hilton, you are not allowed to have kids. Ever. There are names, much like our “Boone”, that have something to do with an important place or event. These are perfectly acceptable as long as you didn’t decide to call him “Riverfest” because you met your significant other downtown in October. Along those same lines, there are other times when a place is not appropriate. Kure, Bogue, Jarrett, and Banks are all perfectly acceptable North Carolina-isms. Using the names Wilmington, Sunny Point, and Boiling Springs? Not so much. Some people choose to name dogs after people. I was okay with this until I met a woman that named her Pekingese after
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Zoey
There are tons of resources out there to help you find the perfect name for your new pooch. Here are just a few: Online www.terrificpets.com www.puppydogweb.com www.dog-names.us www.doggynames.com
Books The Big Book of Pet Names, by Eugene Boone The Best Pet Name Book Ever!, by Wayne Bryant Eldridge The Complete Book of Pet Names: An ASPCA Book, by George Greenfield
Dogs on Film
Phoebe
Curly
Amber
The puparazzi caught these cuties out and about. Skipper Chewy 33
Would you dump a date if he/she didn’t get along with your dog?
Yes: 97% No: 3%
“DEFINITELY! I’m not going to let a chick come between me and my pups. My dogs are a part of my family.” “Yes. It is pretty simple: Love me, love my dog.” “If my dog doesn’t like someone, there’s probably a pretty good reason for it.” “My old lab mix never really got along with my ex-husband…now I realize she must have been trying to tell me something.”
This month’s question: Do you let your dog sleep in your bed? Send your answer to editor@doglivingmagazine.com and put “Doghouse Poll” in the subject line. See the results in the next issue! Also coming in March: Dog People vs. Cat People, A winery that’s gone to the dogs and fencing solutions 34
Wilmington Fur Ball Thalian Hall Ballroom, Wilmington, North Carolina December 2nd, 2006 A letter of thanks from the Producers What a great event! The Thalian Hall Ballroom was almost full to capacity, everyone looked like a million dollars, and we raised over $20,000 for the Pender County Humane Society! The food was FANTASTIC , the wine and beer were flowing and served by some of the most professional staff we have ever encountered in the business! Sushi was prepared ON SITE by Chef Lee of The Bento Box and was OUTSTANDING! If you missed the First Annual Fur Ball, you missed champagne, filet mignon and sushi, what a combination! Martha Bassett and her Camel City Swingers were in absolutely TOP form for the whole night, laying down a swing beat and dulcet tones that had people dancing till we had to roll up the floor. Brian Stover, our guest auctioneer for the night had people digging deep during the auction of our donated items. Brian and his company deserve a standing ovation! Joyce Geringer-Santiago had a line to her reading table the entire night, till we finally had to usher people out at the close of the Ball! Dan Bailey was photographing attendees in all of their finest in an impromtu studio set up in one corner of the ballroom, what a fantastic souvenier for people to take home! Dan is the BEST! Deborah Cavenaugh was there in person, signing copies of her painting “There is a place in this world for all of us�, which was later auctioned off for a considerable amount of money, thank you so much Deborah! A sincere note of thanks goes out to all of our sponsors who helped make this year such a great success! Please contribute to their success by becoming regular patrons! Plans for the 2007 Fur Ball are already in the works! More room to spread out at Thalian Hall, more tables, more men in kilts, more dancing room and even an outdoor tented event are just some of the latest suggestions so far. If you attended the 2006 Fur Ball, and have any ideas or suggestions for the 2007 Fur Ball, please email us at Iwas@WilmingtonFurBall.com If you took pictures at the 2006 Fur Ball, please email them to Iwas@WilmingtonFurBall.com , and we will add them to the Photo Gallery section. Please include your name and contact information, as well as the names of the subjects in the photos, if you know them. See you next year at the 2007 Wilmington Fur Ball, or as we like to call it, the Second annual Wilmington Fur Ball! - Kim Fisher and Morgan Biggerstaff, Producers