July | August 2008 Volume 3 | Issue 4
Sit Ubu, Sit Dog Days of Summer Buckle Up! Ahoy Mates! It’s Dogs on Boats
It’s a good doggy day
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Table of Contents p. 18
p. 19
Features
p. 24
In Every Issue
The Dog Days of Summer p. 9 Just what exactly does that mean?
Ollie’s Corner p. 8 I’m a pirate dog now
A Different Kind of Healing p. 12 Ollie attempts to tackle his fear of thunder
Happenings p. 9 See what pet-friendly event is coming to a location near you
The Shelter Dog p. 13 We love this book and you will too
DOGhealth p. 10 Tips to beat the summer heat
Buckle Up p. 16 They’re just as fragile as kids, so let’s keep them safe in the car
DOGoutings p. 11 Oakdale Cemetery
Attorney at Paw p. 18 Calley Gerber is fighting for the animals
Ask August p. 14 The Ring Zinger is a fabulous toy
A Not-So-Bitter Outcome p. 21 An 11-year-old rallies legislators after losing her two best friends
Unleashed p. 19 Debbie Elliott and the animal lovers at Talk PR
Boating with Dogs p. 23 Ahoy! It’s dogs on boats!
Yum! p. 20 Easy Turkey Burgers
Cross Training p. 25 Sit Ubu, Sit
People Treats p. 22 Area Baseball Teams
Chiropractic Care for Pets p. 29 Dr. Gail Galligan tells us why are pets need adjusting
Hot! Dog p. 24 We’re howling about these products for you and your dog
This Really Bites p. 31 Dr. Brad Kerr discusses ridding your home of fleas the natural way
Chew On This p. 28 My Dog is Allergic to Grass
On The Cover Sit Ubu, Sit…..p. 25 Dog Days of Summer.....p. 9 Buckle Up!.....p. 16 Ahoy Mates! It’s Dogs on Boats…..p. 23 Cover Photo: K. Gwendolyn Cover Model: Foose Foose’s full name is “Professor Foose” and he is one laid back dog from California. Usually we have a hard time keeping the models sitting still, but with Foose, we had a hard time getting him to move! He gave us so many perfect poses, it was hard to narrow it down to the choice you see on the cover.
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July | August 2008
Tail Waggers p. 30 Travel Gear DOGnews p. 32 Get the scoop Dogs On Film p. 33 Our puparazzi are always on the lookout for dogs about town Doghouse Poll p. 34 Does your dog buckle up in the car?
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Assistant Editors Ollie and August Graphic Design Dustin Keipper Contributing Writers Amanda Hearring Black Elysa Cooper Dr. Gail Galligan Jennifer Goetz, DVM Gary David Goldberg K. Gwendolyn Susan King Brad Kerr, DVM Phodography K. Gwendolyn
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Subscriptions: A one-year subscription is only $24. Please call 910-452-3775 or go to www.doglivingmagazine.com to subscribe. Advertising: Reach one of the fastest-growing demographics in America. For more information, call 910-452-3775 or check out www.doglivingmagazine.com. Submissions: We are always happy to hear from writers, photographers and illustrators. Please call 910-452-3775 or email info@doglivingmagazine.com for submission guidelines. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine is prohibited without written permission of the publisher ©2008 by OllieDog Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved 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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July | August 2008
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Ollie’s Corner Aargh! I’m all decked out in a new collar with pirate symbols. August has a cool new collar too; it has surfboards on it. So now I’m a pirate dog and she’s a surfer chick. My mom’s pretty cheap so the only reason August got a new collar is because her old one finally broke. And I guess mom felt guilty getting August a new collar without buying one for me. Oh well. At least I can go around now saying ‘aargh’ (or I guess that’s ‘baarghk’ in my case) while I sit in my Dad’s kayak on dry land. In this issue you’ll find out a little more about energy healing, which is what I’m going through for my fear of thunder. I’m still scared, but I’m improving. My mom met this really nice lady a few months ago who has started her own animal law practice. I haven’t met her yet, but it sounds like she’s doing a good thing. You can read all about her on page XX. It’s boating weather! I love to ride on my grandpa’s boat and stand on the bow with the wind blowing on my face. But not like in that weird Leonardo DiCaprio Titanic movie scene. You won’t ever hear me screaming, “I’m king of the world.” Oh yeah, just in time for summer barbecuing Hormel Foods asked adults which fictional character they’d call upon to get them out of a barbecue emergency. Superman and MacGyver topped the list, but Lassie came in with 11% of the vote. I can hear it now. “What’s that girl? Timmy shoved the grill into a well after burning the burgers again? And now he’s calling for takeout? Good girl Lassie!” Happy Grilling. Woofs and Wags,
Ollie Assistant Editor
We just had to share some mail from a reader that made us smile. Trish from Wilmington writes: “I thoroughly enjoy your magazine and always find that you've got fascinating articles, stories, photos and advertisers.” She goes on to say… “My friends and I all enjoy your magazine and love all of your articles. I also try to do business with your advertisers since they must be dog-friendly businesses, so tell them that their advertising with you does bring more customers!” Thanks Trish! We find that we have the most fascinating readers!
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July | August 2008
my new collar
DOGhappenings For an up-to-date listing of events, visit www.doglivingmagazine.com JULY July 13 5pm Bark at the Ball Park Buck Hardee Field, Wilmington – Join Dog Living Magazine as we cheer the Wilmington Sharks to victory. Bring your pooch and get in free! Lots of treats and doggy fun. For more info, call 910-452-3775.
July 19 10am-2pm Meet the Artist Event Gourmutt’s Bakery, Raleigh - Jana Lange creates a unique keepsake made with your photographs and beautiful papers and collage items. Each is a one-of-a-kind, original piece of art. Call (919) 870-8220 for more information.
July 20 3:30pm-5:30pm SPCA Pet Loss Support Group SPCA Curtis Dail Adoption Center, Raleigh- The SPCA of Wake County is sponsoring a pet loss support group that is facilitated by professionals. The support group offers a forum and resources for people coping with the loss of a pet. The
group meets on the third Sunday of every month at the same time and place. For more information visit www.spcawake.org.
July 26 11am-2pm Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue Reunion Montague’s Pond, Cary – The annual reunion marks its 8th year! Visit www.goldenrescuenc. org for more information.
AUGUST August 23 Start time 1:30pm 7th Annual Golden on the Green Golf Tournament River Ridge Golf Club, Raleigh - Golfers can register as a team or as an individual. The registration deadline is August 8, 2008. For more information visit www.goldenonthegreen.com.
August 23 6:30pm-10:30pm BBQ and Silent Auction Swift Creek Community Center, Raleigh - (6221 Yates Mill Pond Rd., off Tryon Rd, behind Swift
Dog Days of Summer
SEPTEMBER
Road Race and One Mile Dog Walk will be held at the Wake Forest College Birthplace. The event will feature a certified 5k road course for the serious runners and a one mile dog walk for the serious dog lovers. There will also be a $10 micro-chip clinic on site. Some proceeds from this event will benefit the Franklin Country Humane Society. Visit www.fchsnc.org/ for more information.
September 8 8am-1pm Wilmington Dog Jog
October 25 11am-4pm DogFest 2008
Legion Stadium, Wilmington – Dog Living Magazine is a proud sponsor of the 9th Annual Wilmington Dog Jog to be held at Legion Stadium off of Carolina Beach Road. The event features a 5k run, 1.5 mile fun walk, vendors, door prizes and more! The Dog Jog also features the “Pooch Plunge” at the Legion Stadium swimming pool. For more information call (910)341-4602.
Empire Park, Wilmington - The 2008 DogFest will be held at Empire Park. There will be music, vendors, food, costume contests for the dogs and kids, games and prizes.
Creek Elementary) A $5 entry fee includes hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and more! A silent auction even includes the chance to get your dog on the cover of Dog Living Magazine. Proceeds benefit Sound Pet Animal Rescue (www.soundpet.org).
OCTOBER
Got an upcoming pet-friendly event? Send your info to events@doglivingmagazine.com. Please include: Organization Name, Contact (name and phone), Brief Description of Event, Date/ Time/Place.
October 4 tba Paws for Life 5K9 Road Race and One Miles Dog Walk Wake Forest - The 4th annual Paws for Life 5k9
Those lazy, hazy dog days of summer. We’ve all heard it and some of us have even used the phrase, but do we even know what it means? Our crack team of hounds sniffed out the details just for you. In order to understand the dog days of summer, you’ve got to know a little bit of astronomy. The brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius (the dog star). In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun. During late July, when Sirius appears to be in conjunction with the sun, ancient people believed the heat from Sirius added to the heat from the sun, thus causing a period of hot, sultry weather or, the dog days of summer. Of course, we know that the heat during this time has nothing to due with the added radiation of the star. The heat we feel is because of the earth’s tilt. Now don’t you feel smarter?
Other Bits and Pieces -The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “dog days” as the period between early July and early September when summer is at it’s hottest and muggiest. It’s also defined as “a period of stagnation or inactivity.” -According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the dog days last for 40 days beginning with July 3rd, which coincides with the ancient rising of the dog star, Sirius. -The ancient Romans called these days caniculares dies (days of the dogs) after Sirius, the brightest star in the heavens (besides the Sun). -Folk legends describe this as an evil time “when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies.”* -This hot period of summer was named in early times by observers in the Mediterranean in conjunction with the rising of Sirius, the dog star *Brady’s Clavis Calendarium, 1813
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DOGhealth
By Jennifer Goetz, DVM
Beat the Heat With temperatures on the rise, many of us don’t realize that our pets can have trouble with heat too! On hot summer days, a person, dog, or cat can be stressed to the point of physical illness just because of the heat. Parked cars are particularly dangerous as the temperature can reach 120 to 160 degrees in just 30 minutes, even with the windows rolled down. However, even in your own backyard, pets can easily get into serious danger. Pets have a fur coat and they can’t sweat. Pets cool themselves mostly through panting. Watch your pet for signs of hyperthermia, or heat stroke, such as vigorous panting at rest, unwilling to rise, frothing form the nose or mouth, and rigid muscles. If you find a pet in trouble, first move the pet inside into the air conditioning or into the shade. Next, wet the body with cool (not cold) water or rubbing alcohol, but do not give the pet food or water or apply ice or cold water. Always take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. A normal body temperature for a cat or dog is 101.5F, and only a few degrees above this can cause serious organ damage. I have seen and treated many cases of heat stress and heat stroke. Unfortunately I have seen several fatal ones. This is definitely a case where prevention is the cure. Do these preventative things, plus be aware of the signs of heat stroke and get your pet to the doctor in time to save his or her life!
5 TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT -Shade is critical. Remember that parts of the yard that are shaded in the morning, could be in full sun in the afternoon. -Water, water, water! Leave on a sprinkler, leave a baby pool in the shade, put ice cubes in the dog’s water bowl or even hose your dog down several times a day. Water should ALWAYS be accessible to your dog. -Never, ever leave your dog in the car in the heat of the summer. Even with the windows rolled down, temperatures in the car can reach upwards of 120 degrees. If you’re not in the car, your pet shouldn’t be either. -If you exercise with your dog, try to do it in the early morning on early evening. You may be able to wear less clothing, but your pooch still has on a fur coat. Believe it or not, your best friend will continue to run with you even if he’s overheated. Another reason to avoid the hottest times of the day is that hot asphalt can burn sensitive paws. -Pets need sunscreen. Even though they get a little bit of protection from their fur, if they’re going to be out in the sun, make sure to dab on the sunblock on sensitive areas such as around the nose and on the tips of the ears. Make sure you use petapproved sunscreen. Human sunscreen can cause problems for your pet. Dr. Jennifer Goetz graduated veterinary school from NCSU in 1997. She is the owner of Animal Hospital at Brier Creek, Where Pets are Family. Check her out at www.AH-BC.com.
“...everything you need to know to plan a safe, fun-filled outing with your dog.” – Asheville Citizen-Times
Available at local book and outdoor stores, and at: w w w. m o u nt a i n e er s b o o ks.o rg 1-800-553-4453
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July | August 2008
DOGoutings
Scenery: Difficulty: Easy to Very Hard Length: ¼ mile and up
Oakdale Cemetery
Oakdale Cemetery 520 North 15th Street Wilmington, NC 910-762-5682 www.oakdalecemetery.org
Directions: Oakdale Cemetery is located near historic downtown Wilmington. From Market Street (US17) heading South, turn right onto 15th Street. The cemetery can be found at the end of the street.
It may not be the first place you think of when you decide to take your dog for a walk, but don’t discount this unusual location. Oakdale Cemetery is rich in history and provides a calm, peaceful setting for a relaxing walk with your best friend. The cemetery covers 165 acres and was first chartered in 1852. The first person to be buried in the cemetery was 6-year-old Annie DeRosset. She was the daughter of the first president of the cemetery corporation. There are several specialized areas in the cemetery including a yellow fever section, an enclosed Hebrew Cemetery and even a special plot for people with no family. It’s worth it to pick up a map at the administrative offices located just outside the gates of the cemetery that lists points of interest. There are so many interesting stories behind the graves including that of a river boat captain and his dog who both lost their lives in a fire in 1880. A relief of “Boss” the dog is on the back of the captain’s monument. Oakdale Cemetery is a non-traditional, but ideal place to walk with your dog, take in a little history and perhaps do some selfreflecting.
A tribute to “Boss” is on the back of his owner’s grave
Nance, the little girl who died at sea, was buried in the rum cask they used to preserve her body
Winding paths and large shade trees greet visitors
Leashed dogs are welcome in the cemetery
Gravesites date back to 1855
This appears to be the grave of a beloved pet
Scenery Ratings: 1 paw – Nothing much to look at 2 paws – Pleasant enough 3 paws – Some great views 4 paws – Gorgeous scenery everywhere
Difficulty Ratings: Easy – Anybody can do this! Moderate – You might be sweating when you finish Hard – This could make some of you wish you were in better shape Very Hard! – Only dogs and people that exercise often should attempt www.doglivingmagazine.com
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A Different
by Susan Kin g
In the last issue we told you about Ollie’s extreme behavior during thunderstorms and how we’ve enlisted the help of Susan King, owner of Companion Chi, to help Ollie overcome his fears.
beliefs an animal may be harboring. Since animals are highly tuned into the energy around them, many are also taking on the stresses, fears, and ailments of their caregivers. This continual imbalance in the energy system eventually leads to imbalances at the physical level such as illnesses, behavioral problems, or phobias. For example, pain is usually blocked energy being held tightly in one part of the body.
According to King, Ollie’s first session went very well. After his first session, King said to expect a healing period of about 25 days. She told us not to anticipate any dramatic changes during this time. She then gave us his healing statement, which is a part of the process. We’ve had a couple of nasty thunderstorms since that time and although Ollie is still terrified, I have noticed a very interesting change.
During an Energetic Healing session, the Energy Worker is providing an animal with the healing energy of the Universe to help the animal’s energy system balance and resonate at the higher frequency of health and vitality. In addition, the proper flow of energy is re-instilled. This, in turn, provides an animal with the tools he needs to help himself heal, since only an animal can fully heal himself. The role of the Energy Worker is to facilitate and support the healing process at the energetic level. But, for Energetic Healing to work, the animal has to be ready and willing to heal. I have yet to work with an animal who has refused energy work, but I have had some not ready to heal a certain issue, so we work on overall energetic balancing and support.
Before his sessions with King (i.e. the last several years), Ollie would be inconsolable during storms. If I tried to call him or even comfort him, I would be ignored. He basically treated me like I wasn’t even there. After his first session however, that changed. Oh the heavy panting and trembling didn’t disappear, but he now comes to me for comfort. For example, during the last storm I called him up on the bed to lie down with me and he jumped right up and stayed by my side during the whole storm. King says that’s a good start. We asked King to help us explain the fundamentals of Energetic Healing and here’s what she said: An animal’s body, just like a human’s, is an energy system. Energy gives life to all living things and all living things share the same energy, sometimes referred to as Universal Energy. Energetic Healing, also called Energy Work or Energy Medicine, refers to various modalities that interact with the body’s energy system to restore balance and promote healing on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. An animal’s energy system is intimately associated with his health and well-being. A balanced and vibrant energy system leads to a healthy and vibrant animal. An animal’s body is designed to heal itself and wants to heal. The energy system is always adjusting the energies available in order to restore balance and vitality. But, over time, this balance is hard to maintain due to the daily stressors and contaminants of modern life, such as chemicals, pollution, and processed foods, as well as traumatic memories and
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Kind of
Healing
July | August 2008
Quantum Healing is one of many Energetic Healing modalities. In Quantum Healing, it is believed that most physical, mental, emotional and fear issues result from a thought form being held energetically, called the Seed Thought. Using Quantum Healing techniques, the Seed Thought can be completely removed energetically which leads to the healing of the resultant issues. With Ollie, I am using Quantum Healing techniques to remove the Seed Thought that caused his Thunderphobia. In addition, I am using other Energetic Healing techniques to help him keep his energy system balanced and strong. My role is to provide Ollie with the tools he needs to heal. Susan King, HTACP, helps animals heal through the use of massage, energy work, and flower essences. Susan specializes in helping animals overcome fears, phobias, traumas, anxieties, and behavioral issues. These sessions can be done as distance healing sessions. Susan also offers massage workshops so Guardians can learn how to provide their own dogs and cats with safe and effective full body massages. For more information, please visit www.companionchi.com or contact Susan at (919) 244-1264.
theshelterdog We’ve never done traditional “book reviews,” but from time to time we’ll point out a book we really like. This is one of those times. We came across a book that touched us so much we knew we just had to share it with you. The Shelter Dog is the story of an angel dog who asks to be sent back to earth as a dog in an animal shelter so he can be adopted. But Hero soon discovers the life of a shelter dog isn’t exactly what he expected. We spoke with the author, Christine Davis, to find out what inspired her to create this magical book. DLM: What was your inspiration for the story? Christine Davis: It was my beloved dog, Jake, who gave me the inspiration for The Shelter Dog. I found Jake in a county shelter, back in 1995, when he was about 5 years old. No one could have prepared me for the bond that would form between the two of us. We were connected on levels I didn’t even know existed. When I lost Jake in 2006 the grief was overwhelming. I had just suffered two other losses in my life, so my coping resources were completely depleted. I often autograph books for people who have lost
an animal companion. I started telling them I’d ask Jake to be on the lookout for their special critter – maybe he could take them under his wings and show them around. That got me thinking about angel dogs – what really goes on out there in the starry skies, after our critters leave us? I wondered if one might like to come back to earth for a special purpose...but what would that purpose be? For years people in animal rescue have asked me to write something about the plight of older shelter dogs waiting for families, and suddenly I knew what purpose an angel dog might have in mind if he came back to earth. That’s how The Shelter Dog was born. DLM: What do you hope people get out of reading the book? Christine Davis: My hope is that people visiting animal shelters will stop and really look into the eyes of every shelter dog there – especially the older ones. They are all waiting for someone to see beyond the gray muzzles and the tired legs, into the hopeful hearts that still beat inside. Each of those creatures has a story. They may even have been loved very deeply, once in their past. But one thing we know for sure is that they all are seeking the same future – a chance to be a member of a loving “forever” family, where they will be treasured for the rest of their lives. Remember what Hero teaches us – the dog you bring home from a shelter just might be an angel! The Shelter Dog is available online at www.lightheartedpress.com.
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Ask August
Dear August,
Dear August,
My dog Zeus loves to fetch. He goes crazy for sticks, tennis balls and anything else he can run after. Do you have any ideas on how I could switch things up to keep it interesting? I know Zeus never seems to tire of fetching a tennis ball, but the same old thing is getting old.
My parents came home with a cat the other day. A cat! I’m not a snob, so I tried playing with her, but she just hissed and ran away. I tried again, and again, she hissed and hightailed it to the other side of the house. I don’t want to be rude, but how many times can I be snubbed by this new family member before I give up?
Randy Wrightsville Beach, NC
Farrah Clayton, NC
Dear Randy, Dear Farrah, What does Zeus look like? I like to fetch…Maybe he’d like to get together some day? But on to your question – There is a way to switch things up. It’s called the “Ring Zinger.” It’s not exactly a ‘fetching’ toy as much as it is a ‘chasing’ toy. You basically launch this round ring from a throwing mechanism and the ring zigs, zags, hops and bounces like crazy. You can check it out for yourself at www.naturesinstinct.com.
Cats are weird. Get over it, come to my house, and we’ll laugh and laugh as we chase my stupid housecat all over the place. August loves mail from doggies and humans! If you have a question you’d like to ask, just email her at AskAugust@doglivingmagazine.com.
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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July | August 2008
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15
car restraints by K. Gwendolyn
Even though we treat our dogs as family
members, that treatment doesn’t always extend to car rides. We don’t intentionally put our dogs in danger, it’s just that many of us don’t really think about the consequences of having an unrestrained dog in a car accident. Maybe it’s time we did.
Patrice Kaizar, owner of Einstein’s K-9 Training and Activity Center has witnessed first-hand the horrors that can happen if your dog isn’t properly restrained. “I have seen dogs that have road rash, no eyes and even limbs being amputated from not being restrained in the car,” she says. Kaizar now crates her dogs whenever they ride with her, but that wasn’t always the case. “I was once driving with my Doberman in my lap and my window was down,” she recalls. “My Doberman was highly trained and he saw something outside of the car and jumped out of the window.” At the time, Kaizar says she was driving around 50 miles per hour and she had to watch him roll on the road in her rearview mirror. Luckily, her Doberman escaped with only a case of road rash. Kaizar says putting dogs in the back seat of your car is not enough. “Dogs should be restrained all the time,” she says. Just like infants, dogs should not ride in the front seat because of the dangers posed from airbags. And although we think it’s adorable to watch the delight on their faces
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July | August 2008
with their heads out of the window, we shouldn’t let them do that either. And dogs should never, ever sit in your lap while you’re driving. Kaizar learned from her experience, but sadly, others haven’t. “I know a man who rides around with his dogs in the back of his pickup truck and he never ties them down or restrains them,” says Kaizar. “One of his dogs jumped out of the truck once and had to get its leg amputated.” Kaizar says she still sees the man driving around with the dogs in the back of the truck. Regina Kaiser volunteers with North Carolina Schnauzer Rescue. She says they try to educate people about safe car travel as much as possible when they adopt from the rescue. “I think it’s a relatively new idea to put your dog in a restraint,” says Kaiser. “Maybe [some dog owners] think it is too much of a hassle,” says Kaiser. “Or they somehow think the dog won’t be happy in a seatbelt harness or crate.” Whatever the reason, Kaiser thinks there needs to be more awareness about the dangers of not restraining your pet in the car. “Dogs are just as small and fragile as small children,” says Kaiser. “[Restraining your pet] is like putting your child in a car seat or booster seat. One wouldn’t imagine not doing that.”
why buckle up?
• A loose pooch in the car could become a distraction for the driver • In an accident, unrestrained animals are dangerous to human passengers • Your dog could bolt from the car after an accident • Emergency personnel could be hampered in getting to you, because of a protective dog in the car • A restrained dog is less likely to be injured in a car crash
bark buckle up
Similar to the “Click it or Ticket” campaign for humans, this campaign was started to promote the importance of keeping your pets safe in the car. The website if full of resources and educational information on why you need to buckle up your pets: www. barkbuckleup.com
Never let your pet ride in the front seat! The front passenger airbag could cause serious injuries or death to your pet.
dog seat restraint
• Dog seat restraints are basically a tight fitting harness that that buckles into your car seat belt. • Prices for these kind of restraints typically range from $15-$75 dollars. • When buying a dog seat belt look for a restraint with wide straps, preferably lined with sheep skin for comfort, and make sure you look for a belt that is a perfect fit for your pet.
dog car seats
• Car seats provide a partially enclosed sitting area for your pet. • While car seats provide ample restraint, they usually do not meet the same standard of protection provided by some of the higher grade seat belts. • Prices range from $45 to $150.
travel crates/carriers
• Pet Travel crates are usually made from heavy gauge metal wire or high density polymer plastic. In the event of • a serious accident plastic is better because your pet’s legs will not poke through. • Most travel crates do not do not secure to the car seat. • Prices typically range from $20 to $90. • Best for smaller pets and it gives them a sense of security.
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17
Attorney at Paw
by Suzanne Jalot
It’s a cliché, but Molly was her father’s pride and joy. He
loved her more than anything and they were virtually inseparable. Unfortunately, Molly’s dad was diagnosed with cancer and died when she was only 3-years-old. Even sadder, Molly’s “mom” wasn’t really a dog person. Since there was no provision in her dad’s will as to what should happen to her, Molly faced the possibility of being euthanized because her “mom” didn’t want anything to do with her. Luckily, she was dropped off at the New Hanover Humane Society instead of having her put to sleep immediately. I’m not sure a dog would consider it “lucky” to be dropped off at a shelter, but at least she was no longer facing immediate death. Molly’s dad could have saved her from all this trauma and stress with one simple move: Setting up a pet trust. That’s where people like Calley Gerber come in. Gerber is the first attorney in North Carolina to concentrate solely on animal law. There are other general practice firms that may handle a few animal cases, but Gerber Animal Law Center is the only one that specializes in it. Gerber says her goal is to help as many animals as possible. “I feel like it is what I was meant to do,” says Gerber, who quit her job as in-house counsel for Wakefield Development to make the leap into her own practice. She knew it was risky, but she says it’s worth it. “I’m glad I’m filling a void,” she says. Gerber’s practice focuses on all types of protective animal law issues such as cases against those who have injured or killed your animal and setting up pet trusts. She can also help draw up contracts for those in animalrelated professions such as pet sitters. Gerber says she is particularly interested in speaking with rescue organizations to find out how she might help them. “Maybe they are trying to get control of a dog that’s being abused,” says Gerber, citing one example. Another example might be trying to help a group go after a dog-fighter. Getting rid of the gas chamber as a means of euthanizing animals is high on Gerber’s priority list as well as passing a state-wide no chained dog ordinance. “If there is food and water and shelter you can chain your dog outside it’s whole life,” she says. “Suffering is not just physical, it can be emotional too.” “There’s a wide gap between people who think it’s okay to tie out their dog and people who think of their dog as a lifetime companion,” says Gerber. “I feel like I’m getting a chance to make a difference.”
Why do I need a pet trust? - Over half a million pets are euthanized each year because their owners’ passed away and didn’t leave any provisions for them in their will. - A pet trust becomes active if you are incapacitated, whereas a will only becomes active upon your death. With a will, there can be a gap of time while the will is executed where there is no care for your pet. If you suffer a stroke or incapacitating accident, a pet trust can help keep your animal with you in your home. - You can choose who will care for your companion once you are no longer able. You invest a great deal of time and energy into caring for your pet. The idea that at the same time your pet is grieving for you, he or she may be traumatized by being sent to the shelter is almost unbearable. Would you want the end of your pet’s life to be full of fear and pain? By setting up a pet trust, you can make sure that never happens. - In the trust, you can provide detailed instructions on vet care, grooming and any other aspect of your pet’s wellbeing. - A trust is not subject to probate, therefore the provisions of the trust remain private. - Setting up a trust is simple. You can start with as little as $25 to fund the trust and it’s as easy as setting up a bank account and having a pet trust drafted. A life insurance policy or 401(k) may have the trust as a beneficiary to further fund it after your death. You control the money until the trigger is activated by your incapacity or death.
Want to get in touch with Calley Gerber? Visit www.AnimalLawNC.com. 18
July | August 2008
Debbie Elliott says every company, organization and individual has a unique story to tell. Elliott’s company, Talk PR, is no different. In her role as President, she is instrumental in guiding her company and their clients to long-term success. In her role as animal lover, she has been instrumental in seeing that her company supports a cause close to her heart. Talk PR recently unveiled “Project Pet Project,” with the mission of helping pets that help people. The marketing agency is donating time and money to Carolina Canines for Service to the tune of $20,000. Have you always been an animal lover? Yes! I wasn’t much into dolls as a child, but I was obsessed with my stuffed animals. I would place them in my bike basket and take them all for rides around the neighborhood. I still have many of these stuffed animals in safekeeping in a hope chest. I was also always good friends with all the dogs in the neighborhoods where we lived. In one particular neighborhood, I spent much more time hanging out with the dogs than with the kids. I had a posse of about 5 dogs that I would go round up and we’d hang out, play games and take walks. There were many years when I thought I would be either a vet or a wildlife biologist, but my strengths were more geared towards writing and communication. Why do you think there’s been a shift from people thinking of their dogs as “pets” to people thinking of their dogs as “family members?” I think that more and more families are separated by greater distances than they were years ago. And people are having fewer children as well. The absence of these close family ties has elevated the dog into a place within the family of great importance to fill in these gaps. Tell me a little bit about Camden. Camden is a sweetheart. It was love at first sight for me and my husband. We adopted her at four months old from the Kershaw County Animal Shelter in Camden, SC. Her name was “Tequila.” We changed her name to Camden in honor of my husband’s hometown (my mom is from Camden, NJ, so we were doubly motivated to name her Camden).
Debbie Elliott and Camden
Unleashed
By Suzanne Jalot
her role as Top Dog very seriously. She’s always in a great mood, is never late and will do just about anything asked of her. She spends a good part of her day in my office lying on her back on her dog bed with her legs splayed up in the air. That way, she’s always ready for a tummy rub, which she gets a lot of from everyone in the office. What’s the most indulgent thing you’ve ever done for Camden? That’s a tough question. We don’t indulge her with treats or by allowing bad behavior. She does have lots of monogrammed dog beds throughout the house. Perhaps the most indulgent thing we do is that when we’re on vacation, we hire a dog sitter to come in and take her back and forth to the office each day so she can go to work as usual.
She’s a schnauzer mix who LOVES to swim. In fact, she swims more at our lake house than all the labs in the neighborhood. I’ve even taught her how to jump off the dock!
Tell me about Project Pet Project. Pets improve the quality of life for all who come in contact with them. And some pets take this act of kindness one step further as service and therapy animals. To spotlight the unique contributions of animals that offer physical, medical, emotional or psychological benefits to people in need, Talk PR launched Project Pet Project.
Camden is very fun loving, but is also very eager to please. She’s been a joy to train and is always open to learning new things. Camden LOVES coming to work every day. She takes
Our first Project Pet Project initiative is an exclusive partnership with Carolina Canines for Service, a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence through the gift of
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The Talk PR team discusses “Project Pet Project”
a quality-trained service dog. We will work as Carolina Canines’ exclusive marketing sponsor, donating time and money to drive its mission through graphic design, publicity and marketing services. Why is this project so important for you personally and for Talk PR? Pets have always been one of the biggest joys in my life. And now I have an opportunity to return the favor by shining a light on the joy that pets bring into the lives of people who need them most. Companion animals can’t speak for themselves, so we want to work to give them a voice through Project Pet Project. Out tagline for Talk PR is “Find Your Voice.” This is our way to extend that to pets and give them a voice too. How is Camden playing a role in this initiative? We recently graduated from Carolina Canines’ animal-assisted therapy team training. We plan to visit schools and libraries as a part of the organization’s Paws for Reading program that helps children develop their literacy skills by reading to pets. Why don’t you think more companies support animal-related causes? I think that it is more acceptable for companies to support causes that directly impact people, such as health, education, housing, etc., and that animal causes are seen as important, but secondary. We typically hear more about individuals who support animal causes, rather than companies that
Yum!
do. Corporate giving, like individual giving, is a personal choice. We hope our work here will inspire other companies to partner with any nonprofit. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to give, it’s your time and your talent as a business in our community that will be priceless. What is in the future for Talk PR as it relates to animal-related causes? Anything is possible. We’re always cooking up creative ideas and promotions over here for our clients, and I’m confident we’ll bring this same level of creativity and enthusiasm to Project Pet Project. We would welcome the opportunity to do marketing and public relations work for companies who specialize in pet products and services. Whatever we can do to expand our knowledge and expertise in this arena will benefit Project Pet Project. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you, your company or Project Pet Project? Camden and I plan to try our hand at kayaking this summer. I have a new kayak that can accommodate her right in front of me. Now we can get even closer to all the birds on the lake that she loves to bark at! As far as Project Pet Project goes, it’s been a wonderful experience to get this campaign up and running. The entire staff takes a great deal of pride in the program and we hope other companies will be inspired to lend their support to animal-related causes.
Easy Turkey Burgers Yields: 16 servings Serving Size: 2 tablespoons These mini-burgers make great snacks at a dog’s birthday party. Serve them on dinner rolls, which are just the right size for the tiny patties. 8 ounces ground turkey meat 1 organic egg, beaten 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats 2 tablespoons Romano cheese, grated 2 tablespoons organic chicken broth, cold 1. Use your hands to mix the turkey meat with the beaten egg and minces garlic. Add the rolled oats and grated cheese. Wet your hands and form them into small silver dollarsized patties. 2. Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Lightly spray it with nonstick spray. Grill the burgers 5 minutes on each side. When they are cool enough to handle, break them apart with a fork. Add the chicken broth and serve over kibble.
Burger Condiments If you end up serving the burgers at your dog’s birthday, remember to offer toppings cut to the appropriate size. You might consider a dollop of blue cheese, the Barbeque Sauce found on page 194 of Everything Cooking For Dogs, or a schmear of liver and cream cheese pâté, especially for the birthday boy or girl. From Everything Cooking for Dogs, Copyright © 2007, F+W Publications, Inc. Used by permission of Adams Media, an F+W Publications, Inc. Co. All rights reserved.
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July | August 2008
WIN IT! Get your very own copy of “Everything Cooking for Dogs.” See page 32 for details.
A Not-So-Bitter Outcome by K. Gwendolyn
After losing two of her best friends to anti-freeze poisoning, 11-year-old Haley Ham decided she was going to do something to prevent the same thing from happening to someone else’s best friend. Haley’s best friends were Sam and Jessie and they did everything together. “Sam was like my brother, says Haley. “And he was so sweet and always there for me.” Jessie was a neighborhood dog who followed Haley everywhere she went. The three were a close bunch until one day Haley woke up and Sam was really sick. “The vet tried giving him the antidote for the anti-freeze,” Haley says. “Four days later he died.” The day after Sam died, Haley found Jessie in a bad state too, but it was too late. Haley says the vet told her and her mom Jessie’s kidneys were already shutting down and there was nothing that could be done, so he was euthanized. At just 11-years-old, Haley Ham became a crusader for animals
Anti-freeze tastes sweet to animals, but it is in fact a very deadly poison and it doesn’t take much to kill a dog or cat. An estimated 10,000 pets die each year in the U.S. from anti-freeze poisoning. Haley wasn’t about to let the issue go, however. She started writing government officials and even created an online petition to rally support. Haley says through research for a 4-H project, she found out there’s a bittering agent (Denatonium Benzoate) that can be added to anti-freeze that makes it taste bad to animals and children. How did this 11-year-old even know where to begin? “I did a lot of research and I’d already done a petition to save our county fair,” says Haley. “I contacted all the state senators and representatives until I got a response.” Haley says she received form letters from all her government officials except one, State Senator Raymond Finney. Finney finally put the gears in motion to try and get Tennessee’s law changed.
Sam (above) and Jessie (below) were Haley’s best friends until someone poisoned them with antifreeze
The Haley Ham Act of 2008 unanimously passed the state Senate and passed with an overwhelming majority in the state House. The bill is now waiting to be signed into law by the governor and Haley will be attending the ceremony. Even though it costs more to add the bittering agent, antifreeze manufacturers favor legislation such as this to give them liability protection. They have been trying to get a law passed at the federal level for many years. Environmentalists have been fighting legislation because the effects of the bittering agent on the environment are not yet known. Haley has been given awards by P.E.T.A. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and The Humane Society of the United States. “I’m definitely a more headstrong person because of this,” says Haley of her efforts to get this bill passed. Denatonium Benzoate is required in antifreeze sold in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Legislation is pending in Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Rhode Island. North Carolina lawmakers are not currently considering any antifreeze legislation.
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People Treats Play Ball!
Who doesn’t love a good baseball game? Lucky for us, there are some great opportunities to catch all the action live. When you’ve just gotta get out and hear the crack of the bat, the smell of the popcorn and the roar of the crowd here’s where you can find it.
The Wilmington Sharks The Sharks are a summer collegiate team and member of the Coastal Plain League. 2008 marks their 12th season in Wilmington and their large fan-base includes both the two-legged and four-legged kind! For the past couple years they have opened up the ballpark to dogs for one special game so that dog owners could enjoy the game with their best furry friends! Buck Hardee Field, Wilmington Website: www.wilmingtonsharks.com Tickets: $3.75 and up (910) 343-5621
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The Carolina Mudcats
The Durham Bulls
The Mudcats are a Double-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins. Their stadium’s name comes from the fact that they are located in Wake County, but just steps away from Franklin, Johnston, Nash and Wilson counties. Former Mudcats who went on to the majors include Miguel Cabrera, Anibal Sanchez and Andy Van Slyke.
The Bulls are a Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays with a gorgeous stadium in Durham. This team is rich in history that dates back to 1902. In 1987 during the filming of the movie Bull Durham, the famous “snorting bull” was placed in the Bulls’ previous park as a prop. That “prop” has remained with the Bulls ever since and is a staple in the current park.
Five County Stadium, Zebulon Website: www.gomudcats.com Tickets: $5 and up (919) 269-2287
Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP), Durham Website: www.durhambulls.com Tickets: $7 and up (919) 956-BULL
July | August 2008
Boating with Dogs Life on the water is sweet this time of year and life on the water with your dog can make it even better. Things to keep in mind when boating with your pooch: • Make sure there is enough fresh drinking water aboard for your dog. • Make sure that you have your dog wear a personal flotation device, even if they can swim. An accidental overboard can frighten even the most experienced canine swimmer. • Make sure that you try to acclimate your pet to boat environment if they have never been on a boat before. Let your dog explore the boat while it’s still docked and make sure he gets used to the sounds, smells and feel of the boat before taking off. • Too much sun and heat can cause major problems for your pet. Make sure that there is a shaded area for your dog on the boat. Make sure that they drink enough and try and constantly wet down their coats, this can keep dogs cool. • Make sure your pet has a collar with an identification tag. • Provide a special pet ramp for your pet to get on and off the boat. It’s not easy getting a wet dog back on the boat after a swim! • If your boat trip doesn’t allow for regular land stops, then you must make provisions for your pet to use the bathroom. A portable dog potty that simulates grass is a great option. • Call ahead to make sure any marina you’ll be docking at is pet-friendly. • Make sure your dog has a collar with and ID tag with current contact information.
Heidi, Captain of the kayak, and her owner Trish on the Intracoastal Waterway off Wrightsville Beach
Ollie & August as they navigate the waters off of Carolina Beach
Looking for some more salty dogs? Check out Salty Dogs by North Carolina author Jean Fogle. The book contains over 110 photos of dogs being dogs at the beach. www.jeanfogle.com
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Here’s what we’re howling about
Read My Paws Adoption Tee The shirt is right, adopting a dog is the ultimate form of recycling. These adorable tees are 100% organic and available for humans and dogs. $24.95, Gourmutt’s Bakery, 919-870-8220
Scoop Sign Politely remind dog walkers to pick up after their dog with this tasteful sign. Made out of PVC, the sign is durable and will do the job so you don’t have to run out of the house screaming at inconsiderate dog owners. $29.95, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, 910-457-0115 *SPECIAL: $5 OFF THIS ITEM UNTIL THE END OF JULY!*
Guard Dog Lawn Protectant You’ve got brown spots on your lawn and your beloved pooch is to blame. What can you do? Try Guard Dog Lawn Protectant. It’s formulated with organic and all-natural ingredients and it will repair root damage caused by your dog and help restore your lawn to the “green” it’s supposed to be. $18 and up, depending on product/size, www.GETMicrosolutions.com
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July | August 2008
DogPause Bowl This bowl for fast eaters gets two paws up from our Assistant Editor August. Her meals are much more enjoyable now. The cute little bowl comes in blue and red and for those of you who like to support local stores, the makers of the DogPause Bowl promise this bowl won’t be found in any of those big box retailers. Groovy! $17.95, www.dogpausebowl.com
Cross Training
The Labrador Retriever puppy is not happy without his human family. That was the opening sentence in the book Diana and I had checked out of the Berkeley library to help us train our new two-month old puppy, Ubu. Little did we know it at the time but Ubu had his own ideas about “training” and they weren’t going to be found in any book. I had been walking on the Berkeley campus the day before, and at the foot of Sproul Plaza, next to the “LESBIAN NON-SMOKING VEGTARIAN STALINISTS AGAINST THE WAR” table I saw a young woman seated, cradling a box of cute, black, furry puppies in her lap. I smiled at her, told her I thought the jury was pretty much in on Stalin but I might be willing to give him a second look if only for her sake. She smiled and pointed to the box of puppies and the handwritten sign “free to non-Republican families.”
by Gary David Goldberg
idea of “lie down” was excessive since we already had “sit” and “stay” but he good-naturedly picked it up in an afternoon. At this rate we’d have to introduce Algebra and Geometry soon to keep him interested. As far as being apart from his human family this was not a problem for Ubu because he never was. We took him everywhere: School, movies, restaurants. He had a unique ability to “get small.” And, when he would hear that command – (Ubu preferred to think of it as a suggestion) - he would slink quietly along the floor and when we got seated in the classroom, or the theatre, or the restaurant he would silently curl himself into a black furry ball and get under my chair.
In about ten minutes, an excited Diana joined me on campus to help pick out our puppy. As we studied the box of puppies carefully we realized this was not going to be an easy choice. We met the mother, Frieda, a beautiful elegant canine. Father unknown but everyone suspected Rusty, a handsome roguish Labrador who lived off Telegraph Avenue and was tangentially connected to the physics department.
Ubu carried a Frisbee in his mouth most of the time and was really a world class player. Diana had written on the inside, Ubu’s Frisbee and listed his telephone number, too. When we went to class together a lot of times he would walk me to the door and then go trotting off to find someone on campus to play Frisbee with him. He was direct, as are most Labradors and he would go up to someone he thought a likely candidate and drop his Frisbee at their feet or on two unfortunate occasions drop it on an art project and a senior thesis. Sometimes I’d be walking with him and we’d pass someone I didn’t know who’d say, “Hi Ubu,” and Ubu would smile back. “Who’s that?” I would ask. “Just a guy I play Frisbee with.” Ubu was, what I would later hear described as a “lifetime dog.” As in once in your lifetime, if you’re lucky, you meet that dog who’s going to change your life. And Ubu changed mine.
As we took each puppy out for a walk it became clear that we really wanted to take them all. Since our apartment didn’t allow any pets at all, it seemed the wiser course perhaps would be to just take one. And, it was clear that the one we liked best was this little guy who kept rubbing against our legs, almost like a cat and then looking up at us with those burnt-sugar eyes that said “take me home.” And, we did.
I had always wanted to be a guy who had a dog. A big dog who was never on a leash but who would be controlled by – (Ubu preferred “respond appropriately to”) - affection and respect. I was trying to change myself from a city kid, sports-crazed and rigid, to a more laid back country boy. More mellow, more in touch with nature. And, being with Ubu and his energy put you in contact with those natural rhythms.
On the ride home Ubu sat in my lap as Diana drove. I was so excited I could barely contain myself. Evidentially so was Ubu, who promptly peed all over me. Diana looked at me and smiled, “That means he likes you.”
Ubu taught me to play. Just play. Not worry about winning and losing but making time and space disappear as I watched this creature totally immersed in every moment of his life. Never false. Fiercely loyal.
Ubu was wickedly smart and his training proceeded at a rapid pace. He got “sit” and “stay” in one morning. He thought the
Unabashedly affectionate and generous of spirit. Qualities I wanted in myself. Ubu always expected the best of me and I
I shook my head sadly “no” and walked on thinking I would really love to have a dog but my parents won’t let me. And then I remembered. I don’t live with my parents anymore. I haven’t for about seven years. I live with a beautiful young woman, Diana Meehan, who I know loves dogs, cats, squirrels and oddly enough seems to love me although at this point in our relationship I’m probably after cats but before squirrels.
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tried to live up to that reflection. He gave me confidence to be who I wanted to be. He taught me patience. He taught me to take time to smell the flowers. And, occasionally to piss on them. One night a few years later when Diana and I were both working as waiters in L.A. I got a call at work from the LAPD Station on San Vicente off of Sunset Blvd. Ubu had somehow gotten out of our apartment and had gone out looking for us when a Good Samaritan saved him by pulling him off the street. And, they were holding them there. I rushed out forgetting my wallet with my I.D. and when I went to pick up Ubu they wouldn’t release him to me. “How do we know he’s your dog?” The desk sergeant asked. At that point Ubu who was chained to a brick in the wall in the next room heard my voice and started howling. Then there was a crash and then the sound of a chain scraping the floor and then Ubu came out into the front room. He had gotten so excited when he heard my voice that he’d literally ripped the brick out of the wall and was dragging it behind him as he came to me and knocked me over with kisses and hugs. The cop looked at us rolling around on the floor together each making highpitched squeals of delight. “Okay, I believe you. He’s your dog.” Yeah. And, I was his guy.
Gary David Goldberg is the founder of UBU Productions which produced nine television series including “Family Ties” and “Brooklyn Bridge.” He is the author of the upcoming book, "Sit, UBU, Sit: How I went from Brooklyn to Hollywood with the same woman, the same dog, and a lot less hair" (Harmony 2008). Ubu was, of course, Gary’s beloved Labrador Retriever and tells about his love affair with his dog (who, ultimately was the namesake of his TV production company).
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Chew on this By Amanda Hearring Black
My Dog is Allergic to Grass Ah, July. The dog days of summer are
upon us, and my crabgrass has never looked so plush.
of trial and error, we came to the conclusion that it’s got to be the crabgrass. He’s fine until July, when the crabgrass thrives from the heat.
My husband has spent years conducting chemistry experiments in our backyard trying to kill the crabgrass without killing all of the other grass. Usually the good grass dies and the crabgrass lives on, spreading thicker and thicker each year. Every Saturday my husband comes in from mowing, cursing the day this thick, moisture-absorbing species entered into our lives. It’s sad to watch a grown man get defeated year after year.
We tried many things to soothe Jake. Our vet told us to give him Benadryl. The thing about Benadryl is that he has to constantly have it in his system during the summer or else as soon as it wears off, he’s back to chewing. I’ve taken Benadryl a time or two and know its drowsy effects. I refuse to drug my dog so I’ve looked for more creative ways to sooth his itch.
I think the only living being who hates crabgrass more than my husband is my dog Jake. A few years ago -- the first summer we noticed the crabgrass -- Jake started chewing on his feet. It started out as an obsessive lick, but eventually turned into a violent fleshripping chew. Sometimes we heard the sound of what we thought was Jake tearing up a raw-hide bone, but realized it was actually his feet he was trying to rip apart. Our vet said it sounded like Jake may be allergic to something. After many summers
We tried an antiseptic spray, but Jake does not like having things sprayed on his feet. I’ve thought about over-the-counter ointments, but he would just lick that off. The only thing that really prevents him from chewing on his feet is wearing socks. I bought a 12-pack of little boy’s socks for my dog to wear. It took a while to get used to, but Jake finally figured out how to walk successfully in them. Sometimes he’ll step on the front socks with his back feet and they slide off, but we just slip them back on and he’s off on his way again.
He sometimes forgets that he’s got to walk more carefully on the hardwood floors, but he’s got the hang of it overall. And like most kids, when he comes inside from playing in the backyard, his socks are covered in dirt, so it’s nice to have a few extra sets of clean ones. Yes, sometimes the neighbors stare when our 85-pound dog is prancing around the yard wearing socks, but at least I don’t come home to find a trail of bloody paw prints in my carpet anymore. If only they made doggie shoes -- then Jake would be much more fashionable. Hopefully my husband will find the right treatment to kill the crab grass for good this year. Then Jake won’t be the laughing sock, I mean stock, of the neighborhood. Amanda Hearring Black is a freelance writer and graphic designer. Her dog, Jake, is thought to be a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Jake was adopted from the SPCA of Wake County.
Insured & Bonded American Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid Certified • Pet
Feeding & Watering • • Dog Walking • • Pet Play/Cuddle Time • • Pet Transportation • • Field Trips • • Overnight Stays •
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July | August 2008
Dr. Gail Galligan with two of her patients, CJ (left) and Pilgrim (right)
Chiropractic Care
Our dogs and our pets are so much a part of our lives they truly become our family. We ask them to do
everything from a simple ‘sit, stay’ to high performance agility tasks: up and over fences, up and down steps and through tunnels, which they are more than glad to do for us. But one day you notice Bailey, a German Shepherd from Monkey Junction, is not jumping quite as high or going through the agility course quite as quickly as she once did. Maybe Bruno has stopped his normal routine of snuggling with you on the couch or the bed because he can’t get up. Possibly Katie, a Shepherd from Topsail Island, is waiting at the bottom of the stairs for you to come and help her go up them. Left unattended, these daily activities have now become symptomatic, possibly causing pain, discomfort, biomechanical problems and unseen physiological problems for your pet.
There is an alternative drugless method of healthcare for your dog: Canine chiropractic care. Humans have enjoyed the benefits of chiropractic care for more than 100 years, many seeing their chiropractic physician for more than just back pain. They visit their chiropractors for more energy, improved sports performance, better disease resistance and assurance of a more drug-free life for themselves and their families. This is called wellness care. But why have chiropractic care for your family dog? When Prissy, a ten-year-old Pomeranian, came into my office she was limping on her front left leg and actually holding it up off the floor most of the time. She had suffered most of her life with pain and weakness and she could not walk effectively. Local veterinarian Dr. Pandolfi had ruled out everything and diagnosed her with Cervical Instability. Prissy’s owner, Karen, recalled a time when a very young Prissy had taken a big jump and landed onto her neck and shoulder. She did not show symptoms for many years which allowed the instability to set in causing tissue and nerve damage over time. Prescribed narcotics and anti-inflammatory medications made no difference. Karen brought Prissy in for a chiropractic evaluation. It took five adjustments over a ten day period before we saw any difference. By the end of one month Prissy was running the stairs at home. She has been in three times since for re-evaluations and tune ups. She is a different
dog and a happier dog. Karen is tremendously happy to have her companion out of pain and enjoying her life again. Sydney, a 14-year-old Pekinese, was owned by an elderly man whose task in life was to take Sydney for walks. (Yes, who was walking who?) Sydney was carried into the office by the elderly man’s daughter. Sydney could not walk; he had incontinence and constipation as well. After consulting with the daughter and evaluating Sydney, I adjusted Sydney’s spine with a high-velocity, low-force specific chiropractic adjustment. I said come back in two days. On the second visit Sydney had had a bowel movement and had better control of his bladder although he was still not walking. Again I said come back in two days. The third visit was similar in that Sydney was not walking but, he did have control of his bladder and bowels! That in itself is a blessing! I said again come back in two days. On the fourth visit, to our amazement, Sydney ran into the office using all four legs. The owner got his dog back and they both got back to walking.
Dr. Gail Galligan
¹W. Olmstead, DVM, Canine Chiropractic Care, Bringing Out the Best in Your Dog
Dr. Gail Galligan earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and was awarded her doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1998. Her practice, Galligan Family Chiropractic, includes a large percentage of dogs, cats, horses and people too! Dr. Galligan is a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and is southeastern North Carolina’s only AVCA certified animal chiropractor; one of 800 certified animal chiropractors in the world.
Chiropractic care deals primarily with the nervous system, the most important system in the body. According to Guyton’s Physiology all other systems, muscles, organs, and cells are directly controlled by or directly influenced by the nervous system. The spine acts as an armor protecting the nervous system. The nerves exit the central nervous system through wholes called intervertebral foramen which are between the vertebral bones each spinal bone forming a motor unit. The Vertebral Subluxation Complex means that the vertebrae and its corresponding motor unit (surrounding soft tissue and other vertebrae) are not moving correctly.¹ Your dog looks fine and behaves normally, but unknown to you there are subluxations in its spine. Early on, some subluxations can exist without symptoms. However, left unattended they will eventually become symptomatic. Most commonly symptoms will present themselves as poor motion, pinched nerves, poor blood flow, compromised ligaments and tendons, swelling, heat, pain, redness or poor bodily function like constipation or incontinence. Subluxations can cause damage long before symptoms become apparent. Your AVCA certified doctor is trained in detecting these subluxations; otherwise they maybe overlooked.
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Tail Waggers By Elysa Cooper
Zuka Bowl Fashionable, yet functional, this convenient portable bowl from Itzadog comes in 2 sizes (10 oz. & 16 oz.) and an array of hip and colorful pattern choices. Made in Colorado, the durable Zuka Bowl comes with a carabiner clip for easy carrying on a leash or belt loop and is great for food or water while away from home.
Travel Gear- For dogs (and their humans) on the go! For many of us who are dog lovers, we enjoy taking our furry best friend with us wherever we go‌ after all, who makes a better companion? The trend of traveling with our pets has grown significantly over the past few years and so have the products available for going on the road with your dog. Whether you are just running around town or taking a longdistance trip, the following products will ensure the journey you make with your pup is safe, comfortable and fun.
Retail price range: $12-$16 To order or find a retailer near you: (800) 961-2DOG www.itzadog.com
Kurgo Auto Zip Line with Harness For those of us who struggle with safety versus comfort for our dogs while riding in the car, Kurgo has come up with an innovative solution. The Auto Zip Line with Harness allows your dog the freedom to move around, while keeping him restrained. This system has a nylon webbing line that simply attaches between the two rear passenger side handles, creating a tether run that attaches with a leash to the Kurgo safety harness. The secured line allows your dog to move around the backseat while providing safety in case of sudden stops or accidents. The versatile safety harness can also be used with just a seat belt and also as a walking harness. Available in S-XL for every size dog. Retail price: $39.95 (includes the zip line, harness and leash/tether) To order or find a retailer near you: (877) 847-3868 www.kurgo.com Chuckit! Pocket Ball Launcher Love your ball launcher toy, but it is just too big to take with you? Chuckit!, the originator of the award winning Chuckit! Ball Launcher, has come up with the answer- The Pocket Ball Launcher. Compact (12.25 inches long) and portable, this interactive toy enables you to take your game of fetch with you and keep Fido fit while traveling, without ever having to pick up a drool covered ball again. Retail price range: $7.99-$9.99 To find a retailer near you: (800) 660-9033 www.caninehardware.com
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July | August 2008
Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Does your pet love to be with you, but gets car sick or anxious while away from home? Happy Traveler is an all natural herbal calming formula designed to ease these symptoms, according to the manufacturer. Using human grade ingredients, the herbs used in Happy Traveler include Valerian for calming, German Chamomile for relaxation and St. John’s Wart to relieve anxiety. Happy Traveler can also be used for other stressful times, including trips to the Vet and thunderstorms. Retail price: $9.95 for 30 capsules To order or find a retailer near you: (800) 926-5100 www.arknaturals.com
My Best Friend First Aid Kit To keep our dogs safe and healthy while out and about, it is important to be prepared for any situation. VSI pet care offers comprehensive first aid kits to allow you to treat minor injuries and stabilize serious wounds while you seek professional help. Designed and recommended by Veterinarians, My Best Friend First Aid Kit includes essentials needed for most emergencies including: an Emergency Care Instruction Card, bandages, eye & skin wash, antiseptic wipes, hydrocortisone cream, first aid cream, insect sting wipes, scissors, swabs, forceps, gloves and more, all in a water resistant hard shell case or denier soft bag. Retail price range: $24.95-$29.95 To order or find a retailer near you: (800) 831-7245 www.petfirstaid.org
New to the market! K9 Bags As responsible dog owners, we all know how important it is to clean up after our dogs. With K9 Bags, you never have to worry about being unprepared for the inevitable. This product is a poop bag dispenser, L.E.D. flashlight and hand sanitizer all-in-one! In addition, K-9 bags feature a reflector for safety at night and a handy hook to attach the bag after use. These bags are also 100% biodegradable. Retail price: $12.95 (refills are also available for both the bags and hand sanitizer) To order or find a retailer near you: (877) 459-2247 www.k9bags.com
This Really Bites: Flea Season is Back in Full Force by Brad Kerr, DVM
It happens every year like clockwork,
so no one should be surprised to find him or herself dealing with flea control problems once again. Fleas cause more discomfort than any other pet parasite. There are 2,200 known flea species worldwide. The great majority of flea problems in pets are caused by infestations of Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. This is not a reason to blame cats for the fleas on your dog, cat fleas just happen to be more successful at getting on pets and surviving our efforts to eliminate them than other species of fleas. Many people are interested in natural flea control. Numerous options exist, including essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, pennyroyal and others), brewers yeast, garlic, vitamin B1, apple cider vinegar, etc. Unfortunately, not all of these options are safe for pets, and most of them are only moderately effective at best. Essential oils, applied topically, are useful as repellants, but pets are likely to groom these oils off their coat and ingest them, leading to toxicity to liver or kidneys either rapidly, or after accumulation in the system. According to Dr. R.M. Clemmons, neurologist at University of Florida at Gainsville, most studies have shown Brewer’s yeast and garlic to be ineffective in controlling or repelling fleas and ticks. Eucalyptus , when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods, has the GRAS status ( Generally Recognized As Safe). Eucalyptus is used to treat infections, fever, and as an expectorant for coughing. At safe levels for oral ingestion, it is not known to be effective in controlling fleas.
Dog Caviar Is your dog an elitist? If so, he might enjoy Power Patties from Dr. Harvey’s. Okay, so it’s not really a treat for doggy snobs, but it is an “elite” treat! You could call this the “caviar” of the dog world, but you probably wouldn’t want to eat it yourself. Power Patties are made with tripe. Is tripe some exotic type of food such as caviar? Kind of, well, not really. Tripe is the stomach lining and stomach contents of cattle. As gross as it may sound, it’s actually a very healthy treat for dogs. Tripe is considered to be one of the most complete foods for carnivores, is easily digestible and includes vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, usable protein and essential fatty acids. To us, it smells like fish food, but to the office canines it must have smelled like heaven because from the moment we brought the box of Power Patties into the office, they couldn’t keep their noses out of it! www.drharveys.com
More recently, environmental control of fleas in the yard has been addressed by using Nematodes (a type of roundworm that will not infect humans or pets) in the yard. These are available at garden supply stores and are totally safe. They will help keep flea populations down in the outside environment around your home. Using a combined approach to control fleas works best. Daily flea combing is a safe, non- toxic method that requires only time and patience. Keep a small bowl of hot, sudsy water to dunk the comb in, trapping the fleas, which can then be flushed down the toilet. Flea traps are also useful in reducing indoor flea populations- some include a light to attract the fleas and a water trap or sticky material similar to fly paper to trap them. Daily vacuuming of the house is also helpful. One good trick for killing fleas in the vacuum is to put a 3 inch piece of flea collar in the vacuum cleaner bag (otherwise, flea collars are pretty much useless). There are safe products for use in the house, such as Flea Maxx, which contains boron powder. This works best when areas to be treated are carpeted. Cleaning pet bedding frequently is also essential in keeping flea populations down. Finally, many pet owners resort to using any of the various oral or topical veterinary or over the counter flea control products. Most of these are safe for most pets, however, over the counter varieties are toxic and can be overdosed, especially in cats. Several of the topical products are very effective but can’t eliminate fleas in the environment, which is why effective flea control must involve controlling fleas on the pet, in the house, and in the outdoor areas the pet frequents. Anything less just does not get the job done. Dr. Brad Kerr is a native of Indiana and a 1987 graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. His interest in acupuncture stems from knowing a war veteran who could only control pain from his injuries by getting acupuncture treatments. Dr. Kerr became certified in veterinary acupuncture in 2002 and completed training in Chinese Herbal Medicine in 2005. He currently co-owns Wellspring Holistic Veterinary Care along with his wife, Dr. Betsy Burbank.
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DOGnews
WIN IT! The Everything Cooking for Dogs Book one winner
Here’s the scoop…
TO ENTER: Send an email to contests@doglivingmagazine. com with “Cookbook” in the subject line. You must provide your name, mailing address and phone number. You can also send a postcard with your name, address, age, email address and phone number to Dog Living Magazine, PO Box 1914, Wilmington, NC 28402. DOG LIVING MAGAZINE CONTEST RULES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest entries must be received by August 31, 2008 and winners will be notified by email and/or phone by September, 2008. Winners who cannot be reached because of incorrectly supplied contact information or who fail to respond to attempts to contact them in a timely manner forfeit their prize. Contests are open to legal US residents 18 and older by close of contest date. The decisions of the judges are final. One entry per person and multiple entries will not be counted. Prizes are nontransferable and may not be substituted. The odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner(s). Contest subject to all local, state and federal rules and regulations. Void where prohibited. All entries (including photographs) become the property of OllieDog Media, Inc. and will not be acknowledged or returned. Winners may be required to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity release. Entry into a contest constitutes consent to use a winner’s name and likeness, as well as any submitted photos for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes without further compensation. For the names of winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “DLM Contests”, PO Box 1914, Wilmington, NC 28402.
We want your rescue tails, er, tales! We want to hear about you and your adopted dog. Tell us the story behind your rescued dog and we’ll publish the top stories in an upcoming issue. Just write down in 300 words or less how your dog came into your life and what he or she means to you now. Send your submissions to editor@doglivingmagazine.com. Dealing with Pet Loss? These folks can help. Monty’s Home gives you a number to call where volunteers listen, care, support and refer. The number is 910-259-4663. The organization also holds a support group meeting in Magnolia the first and third Sunday of each month and in Wilmington on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. For more info visit www.montyshome.org. The SPCA of Wake County also runs a pet loss support
Life is good... by the sea! The finest selection of gifts & supplies for dogs, cats and the people who love them.
Everything you need for tail-wagging good times with your furry best friend! *Including a great selection of eco-friendly items and products made in the USA.
310 N. Howe Street Southport, NC • 910.457. 0115 www.cooldogscrazycats.com jewelry • art • unique gifts • & more...
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July | August 2008
beds • dinnerware • ID Tags • travel gear
spa products • apparel • collars & leashes
premium dog food • all natural treats • toys
group that welcomes anyone, no matter how long ago your pet passed away. For more information you can visit www.spcawake.org/petloss. Help a rescue every time you search the internet No matter what you’re looking for, if you use www.goodsearch.com to find it, you can help one of thousands of charities. There’s nothing different about it (it’s powered by Yahoo!) except the fact that approximately one penny is donated to your favorite charity with every search. A holistic approach to pet health If you’ve got questions about the Raw Diet so many people have been talking about, Carol’s Pet Café can get you the answers you’re looking for. Carol says there are many benefits to your pet’s health by feeding a Raw Diet. For more information visit www.carolspetcafe.com. Do you have the scoop on something we should know about? Call us at 910-452-3775 or email editor@doglivingmagazine.com.
Dogs on Film Did your dog get caught by the puparazzi?
Princess
Ginger
Bailey
Hyde
Blitz and
Skyy
Spriggs
Does your dog “buckle up” when riding in the car? “…I don’t drive a car, I drive a compact truck. Initially, I bought a harness and put Otis in the passenger seat next to me. I fastened the harness to the seat belt. Problem was that Otis was too big for the passenger seat...he kept knocking me out of gear. And I was afraid that if I continued to transport Otis in the front seat that I would have to buy a new transmission for my truck. So, I bought a bed to cover the back seat of my 4-door truck. Otis was OK riding in the back seat with the little back rear window of my truck open so that he could stick his muzzle out and sniff and look around. There are three (3) seat belts in the back seat. I harnessed Otis into the center one. Otis had so much freedom that he could stick his head between the two front seats and “watch me”. One day (February 2008) I did not have Otis in the truck with me. I was stopped at a traffic light on College Road. Some guy hit me in the rear. Did $2300.00 damage to my truck. That was when I learned my lesson. I was so glad that my dog was not with me during the accident. If Otis had been harnessed into the center seat belt, he would had gotten slammed! …Otis has learned to be happy harnessed into a more restrictive back seat belt. He can not put his muzzle on the gear stick. And if I get rear-ended again, I pray that my dog will not get slammed.”
Yes: 25% No: 75%
This month’s question: What’s the strangest thing your dog has ever eaten? 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 July: •What’s a Havanese? 34
July | August 2008
•Road Trip: RVing with your Dog
•Veterinary Specialists
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