July/August 2007 by OllieDog Media

July | August 2007 Volume 2 | Issue 4

Health Insurance for Pets Vive Les Doggies! How my Dogs Saved my Life Vets That Make House Calls !

E RE

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Events, Barking News, Pet-Friendly Business Listings and More!

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Table of Contents p. 15

p. 21

p. 28

p. 22

Porters Neck Veterinary Hospital Drs. Ron & Sharon Harris Dr. Laurel Collier Dr. Rebecca Simmons We’ll Treat Your Pet Like One Of Our Own

686-6297 8129 Market St.

th 1/10 Mile South of Porters Neck Shopping Center Hidden behind Crystal Blue Car Wash & True 2 Form

Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm Sat. 8am-12noon

Features Beach Rules p. 13 You mean dogs arenʼt allowed on the beach year-round?! Tails of Nice p. 15 No, itʼs not the opposite of naughty, itʼs a fabulously dog-friendly town in France Get This Covered p. 19 Answers about pet health insurance From the Litter Box p. 22 No, we havenʼt gone all ʻcatʼ on you, itʼs a perspective on training from our friend at Canine Academy My Dog is Not Fat p. 23 Is there a standard for the canine physique? How my Dogs Saved my Life p. 26 They may not have pulled her from a burning building, but Karen Jarabekʼs dogs certainly saved her life House Call Vets p. 29 Mobile vets make life a lot easier for some pet parents Sydneyʼs Story p. 31 A tale of love, hope and faith

In Every Issue

Family Owned & Operated

Ollieʼs Corner p. 8 Happy Anniversary to Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats in Southport Happenings p. 9 See what pet-friendly event is coming to a location near you DOGhealth p. 11 Can dogs get sunburned? DOGoutings p. 12 Hugh MacRae Park Ask August p. 14 My dogʼs a jumper Unleashed p. 20 WWAY TV 3ʼs Kaci Christian People Treats p. 25 Cape Fear Wine and Beer Hot! Dog p. 27 Weʼve sniffed out the hottest products for you and your pet Chew On This with Amanda Hearring Black p. 28 Watch out for sand bars

On The Cover

Tail Waggers p. 30 Puppy Products

Health Insurance for Pets.....p. 19 Tails of Nice.....p. 15 How my Dogs Saved My Life.....p. 26 Vets That Make House Calls.....p. 29

DOGnews p. 32 Get the scoop

Cover Photo: K. Gwendolyn Cover Model: Bo It was a hot, hot day but Bo kept his cool throughout the photo shoot. He seemed a little confused about what was going on, but was a true professional. Bo is currently living with his “foster” Dad, but we think he’s wiggled his way into a permanent loving home!

Doghouse Poll p. 34 Talking to your Dog

July | August 2007

Dogs On Film p. 33 Our puparazzi are always on the lookout for dogs about town

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So good, even the cats are shouting about it! Get Your Subscription Today! 1 Year (6 issues) only $24

Publisher/Editor Suzanne Jalot Assistant Editors Ollie and August Graphic Design Dustin Keipper Contributing Writers Amanda Hearring Black Elysa Cooper Carole Raphaelle Davis Karen Jarabek Karen Manuel, DVM Zack Moser Lorretta Pyeatt Gemma Quinn Denise Reynolds Phodography K. Gwendolyn

Call 910-452-3775, Subscribe online at www.doglivingmagazine.com or Fill out the form below: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Make checks payable to: OllieDog Media P.O. Box 1914 Wilmington, NC 28402

Payment Enclosed Bill Me

Marketing & Promotion John Leonard Wendy J. Circulation Manager John Leonard Distribution Wendy J. Ryan Young Intern Zack Moser A publication of OllieDog Media, Inc. www.doglivingmagazine.com info@doglivingmagazine.com P.O. Box 1914 Wilmington, NC 28402 910-452-3775 Subscriptions: A one-year subscription is only $24. Please call 910452-3775 or go to www.doglivingmagazine.com to subscribe. Advertising: Reach one of the fastest-growing demographics in America. 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 ©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.

July | August 2007

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Ollieʼs

Corner

DOGhappenings For an up-to-date listing of events, visit www.doglivingmagazine.com JULY

July 5 7pm BARK Meeting

Canine Academy, Bolivia –BARKʼs mission is to educate and promote responsible pet ownership as well as to aid and assist pet owners in need. For more information call 910-2537723 or visit www.canineacademy.us.

July 6 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Category 4 (Classic Rock) Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

July 11 6:30pm Carolina Canines Pet Therapy Class

Does your dog need a job? Therapy classes begin on Wednesday, July 11. Call 910-362-8181 for details or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Can you believe weʼre already half-way through the year? Man, what a year! Thanks to everyone who came out to play with us at Cameron Art Museum in May. It was a whole lotta fun even though my Mom said I didnʼt set a very good example. I was just tryinʼ to meet everyone – I canʼt help it if I tug on the leash. Weʼre going to have plenty more doggy socials in the future. I believe our human staff is working on those plans as you read this. One of those dog-friendly events is ʻBark at the Park.ʼ I told my mom that name is really lame, but she didnʼt ask for my opinion. Come on, there are only about a gazillion ʻBark at the Parkʼ events. You readers expect us to be more creative about these things. But the name is sticking, at least this time. Bark at the Park is going to be a night where you can bring your dog to the ballpark to cheer on the Wilmington Sharks! Another thing weʼre working on is sniffing out all the dog-friendly places in the area that have nothing to do with dogs. Weʼre going to let you nominate and vote for your favorite one. Thatʼs all Iʼve got for now. Ooh, except make sure you check out Cool Dogs and Crazy Cats in Southport. Waaaay cool store…tell the ladies in the store Happy Anniversary. Theyʼre celebrating their first year of business in Southport in July. Enjoy the rest of your summer and remember, if itʼs got to do with dogs, itʼs got to be Dog Living Magazine! Woof!

Ollie Assistant Editor

July | August 2007

July 13 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Cosmic Groove Lizards (Groovinʼ Folk)

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

July 14 5:30pm-9:30pm Bastille Day Celebration

July 30 7pm CFGRR Quarterly Meeting

Call 910-791-5001 for more information.

Weekends in July 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. They can always use volunteers! Call Marlo at 910616-3708.

Saturdays in July 11am-2pm Paws Place Adoptions

Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, Southport – A shelter is no place for a dog so stop by and check out these amazing dogs from Paws Place that need a place to call home. 910-845-PAWS

Saturdays in July 9am-3pm CHS Adoptions

PetSmart, Wilmington – The Columbus Humane Society is at PetSmart with dogs who are ready to find their permanent home every Saturday.

AUGUST

August 2 7pm BARK Meeting

Canine Academy, Bolivia –BARKʼs mission is to educate and

promote responsible pet ownership as well as to aid and assist pet owners in need. For more information call 910-2537723 or visit www.canineacademy.us.

August 3 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – The 360 Degrees (Party Rock)

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

August 4-9 n/a Cruise for the Dogs

Enjoy a 5-day cruise to the Caribbean for $500 per person (includes all taxes and fees) with proceeds to benefit the Sunburst Foundation. Youʼll sail from Tampa, Florida to the Grand Cayman Islands and Mexico. Call 910-313-1068 for details and reservations.

August 10 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Maco Station Band (Party Rock)

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

August 17 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Tommy B & the Stingers (Rock & Blues)

The Wilmington Wine Shoppe, 110 S Front St., Wilmington – Revel in the sounds, food and culture of France! Dog Living Magazine is sponsoring a Poodle and Pups Parade so come early: Registration is at 5:30pm and judging is at 6pm. Prizes will be awarded to the pups and their owners best representing the spirit of France. Info: 910-452-3775.

July 20 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Waterline (Flip Flop Rock) Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

July 21 11am-2pm PCHS 10th Birthday Celebration

For Our Furry Friends Resale Shop, Burgaw – Come celebrate as Pender County Humane Society turns 10! Itʼs also the 3rd birthday for the resale shop and there will be a ground-breaking ceremony for their new shelter.

July 24 7pm Bark at the Park with the Wilmington Sharks

Legion Stadium – Bring your pups out to cheer on the Wilmington Sharks as they battle the Fayetteville SwampDogs! Call us at 910-452-3775 to claim your tickets or for more information.

July 27 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – The Jetty Jumpers (Classic Beach & Blues) Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

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Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

August 17 tba BBQ Fundraiser for PCHS

Train Depot, Burgaw – $6 per plate and pre-orders are accepted. Delivery is available on orders of 10 or more within a 10 mile radius. Call 910-799-5401 for details.

August 18 11am-1pm CFGRR Meet and Greet

Aunt Kerryʼs Pet Stop, Wilmington – Come mingle with Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescueʼs adoptable pooches.

August 24 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Mirage (Beach & Shag)

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

August 26 10am-6pm National Dog Day

Malibu, California – National Dog Day serves to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges the contributions dogs bring to our human world. Even if you canʼt make it to Malibu for the main event, youʼre encouraged to donate just $5 to your local shelter on this day. For more info visit www.nationaldogday.com.

August 31 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Michele & the Midnight Blues (Rockinʼ Blues) Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

Weekends in August 10am-5pm Adopt-an-Angel Pet Adoptions

Saturdays in August 11am-2pm Paws Place Adoptions

Meadowsweet Pet Resort, Wilmington – Call 910-791-5001 for details.

Saturdays in August 9am-3pm CHS Adoptions

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, Southport – A shelter is no place for a dog so stop by and check out these amazing dogs from Paws Place that need a place to call home. 910-845-PAWS

PetSmart, Wilmington – The Columbus Humane Society is at PetSmart with dogs who are ready to find their permanent home every Saturday.

SEPTEMBER

September 28 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Two Step (Dave Matthews Tribute)

September 29 10am Strutt Your Mutt

September 6 7pm BARK Meeting

September 7 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – The Schoolboys (Classic Rock Covers)

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

September 8 8am - Noon Wilmington Dog Jog

Legion Stadium, Wilmington – Itʼs the 8th annual City of Wilmington Dog Jog. Activities include a competitive 5k run (no dogs), a 1.5 mile fun walk, door prizes, vendors and the popular Pooch Plunge! Visit www.wilmingtondogjog.com or call 910-341-4602 for more information.

September 14 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Waterline (Flip Flop Rock) Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

September 15 1pm-3pm CFGRR Play Date

By Dr. Karen Manuel

As you can see, there are several serious health conditions that can be affected by too much exposure to the sun. It is the same for our pets as it is for us; we should protect them from the negative side effects of too much exposure to the sun. If you are concerned about your petʼs skin health or any other health concern, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Franklin Park, Southport – Itʼs time to strut your mutt. Bring your four-legged friend out to Franklin Park for a howling good time. Proceeds benefit Brunswick Area Responsible K9s. For info call 910-253-7723.

Editorʼs Note: For those of you with dual-species households, yes, Dr. Manuel says cats can get sunburn too.

Weekends in September 10am-5pm Adopt-an-Angel Pet Adoptions

Saturdays in September 11am-2pm Paws Place Adoptions

Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, Southport – A shelter is no place for a dog so stop by and check out these amazing dogs from Paws Place that need a place to call home. 910-845-PAWS

Saturdays in September 9am-3pm CHS Adoptions

PetSmart, Wilmington – The Columbus Humane Society is at PetSmart with dogs who are ready to find their permanent home every Saturday.

OCTOBER

October 4 7pm BARK Meeting

Weekends in October 10am-5pm Adopt-an-Angel Pet Adoptions

Saturdays in October 11am-2pm Paws Place Adoptions

Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, Southport – A shelter is no place for a dog so stop by and check out these amazing dogs from Paws Place that need a place to call home. 910-845-PAWS

Saturdays in October 9am-3pm CHS Adoptions

PetSmart, Wilmington – The Columbus Humane Society is at PetSmart with dogs who are ready to find their permanent home every Saturday. Got an upcoming pet-friendly event? Send your info to events@do glivingmagazine.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.

July | August 2007

The Dog Days of Summer May be of Special Concern to Pet Parents

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington – Bring your pooch out on the lawn behind World Market for free music every Friday. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome.

DOGhealth

September 21 6pm-9pm Mayfaire Music on the Town Series – Dung Beatles (Beatles Tribute)

Q Q A

Are dogs prone to sunburn? Itʼs the time of year that the sun is closer to the earth, the days are longer and weʼre all outside more enjoying summer activities. Quite often this means our pets are out enjoying these activities with us. This puts our pets in danger of sunburn due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The skin of dogs is frequently very pale and easily burned, especially for light-colored and short-haired dogs. The best way to protect your pets from sunburn is to keep them out of the sun during the peak hours from 10 a.m. untill 4 p.m. This not only includes direct sunlight from being outside, but also indirect sunlight from lying in front of clear glass windows. If your pet has to be outside, applying sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater in a thin layer over the nose, nose bridge and ears will provide some protection from the sun. If your pet has been sunburned, itʼs skin will be red and tender to the touch just like when your skin is sunburned. It would be best to bath them in cool water and apply concentrated aloe to their skin directly or by mixing it in water and pouring it over the skin and haircoat. Concentrated aloe can be found in health food stores in a liquid form. Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, as well as other dogs with immune mediated discoid lupus, are very sensitive to the sun. This sensitivity worsens their condition. These dogs are more sensitive to solar radiation which can lead to scaly, reddened, ulcerated areas on their noses, eyelids and other areas of their body.

Is heatstroke a concern for pets? This time of year, it gets hot beginning early in the morning and it lasts until early evening. Pets that are left outside must have plenty of cool water and shade from direct sunlight. Preferably when temperatures are over 80 degrees, we should keep our pets inside in the air conditioning. An extremely unsafe place for your dog or cat is inside your automobile. Even a couple of minutes in a vehicle can lead to heatstroke for your pet. Windows being partially down are not enough to keep the temperature safe for your pet. It is best to leave your pet at home when you run errands this summer. Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, anxiety, increased heart rate, dark red gums, lethargy and body temperatures above 104 degrees. If your pet should show any of these signs, immediately spray or immerse your pet with cool water directly or with soaked cool towels. Provide cool drinking water and immediately rush to the closest veterinarian. Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Dr. Karen Manuel is a 1990 graduate of NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. She spent 16 years working in Richmond, Virginia before moving back to North Carolina last May. She currently splits her time between her two housecall practices, one here and the other in Richmond. For futher information visit her website at www.bluewatermobilevetcare.com. 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. www.doglivingmagazine.com

DOGoutings Scenery: Difficulty: Easy Length: Varies

Hugh MacRae Park Wilmington

Directions: Hugh MacRae Park is located near the intersection of South College Road and Oleander Drive. From I40, take College Road just past the Oleander Drive intersection and the park entrance will be on your left.

Hugh MacRae Park covers 98 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for both long and short, easy walks. There is a paved trail that runs around the perimeter of the park and there are also paved and natural trails that criss-cross throughout to provide a little variety.

The gazebo is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the water view

Let s Hit the Beach! Dog Living knows that your dog loves the beach just as much as you do. We also know that the beach is more fun if Fido gets to come along. Now that beach season is in full swing, it would be a good idea to know which area beaches you can and cannot bring your canine compadre.

The park also has rest rooms, picnic shelters and grills if youʼre looking for a pleasant afternoon outing on a nice day.

New Hanover County Carolina Beach: No dogs from March 1 – October 31

One of the best features of Hugh MacRae Park is the off-leash area Just look for the red posts across from the pond near one end of the park. Between those posts you can let your pup run free of the leash, just make sure you have him/her under voice control as there is no fencing to separate the dogs from everything else in the park.

Dogs love the off-leash area

Aside from the numerous festivals held throughout the year in the park, it doesnʼt get too crowded. Most of the festivals take place on the weekend, so the best time to go is during the week and the park is nearly deserted during the cooler winter months.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area: Leashed dogs allowed in non-swimming areas. Kure Beach: No dogs from April 1 – September 30 Wrightsville Beach: No dogs from April 1 – September 30 Leashed dogs allowed the rest of the year Pender County Topsail Beach: Leashed Dogs allowed May 15 – September 30 They must be under voice control at all other times An off-leash exercise area allows Fido to run free (between the red posts)

Brunswick County Caswell Beach: Leashed dogs allowed year-round Holden Beach: Leashed dogs allowed Labor Day to Memorial Day and during the summer before 9 am and after 5 pm Oak Island: Leashed dogs allowed year-round Ocean Isle Beach: Leashed dogs allowed Labor Day to Memorial Day and during the summer before 9 am and after 6 pm

Keep your dog away from the ducks!

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

July | August 2007

Your dog might meet his new best friend

Itʼs a pleasant walk across the bridge over the lake

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!

Sunset Beach: Leashed dogs allowed Labor Day to Memorial Day and during the summer before 8 am and after 6 pm And we hope we donʼt have to remind you, but please, please clean up after your pet! www.doglivingmagazine.com

Ask August Dear August,

Dear August,

I overheard my mom and dad talking about getting me a sitter. I don’t need a sitter! I can take care of myself! Why would they think I need a sitter?

My dog loves to jump on people. I’m working on correcting this issue, but my question isn’t about her behavior, it’s the behavior of visitors to my house. When she jumps on them they say, “Oh it’s okay!” and continue to tell her how cute she is. This is not helping me teach her how to behave. How do I tell my guests it’s NOT okay for her to jump on them without sounding rude?

Big Boy, Wilmington, NC Dear Big Boy, Just because you have a sitter doesnʼt mean youʼre a “little kid.” Pet sitters can be pretty cool. If your mom and dad have to be away for most of the day, a pet sitter can take you outside for walks and make sure you get fed at a reasonable time. With a pet sitter, you donʼt have to be stuck inside all day long. If you have the misfortune to cohabitate with a cat, pet sitters will also change that nasty litter and feed the feline so she doesnʼt make a mess that gets blamed on you. Pet sitters can perform all sorts of tasks for your parents. With a pet sitter you get the luxury of staying at home and the excitement of a visitor whoʼs coming for no other reason than to play with you! If your parents are looking for a reliable pet sitter, they can find a list of pet sitters who support Dog Living Magazine on our website.

Dear Trying to do the Right Thing, First of all, good for you! With a little time and patience, youʼll have your little jumper cured of that unwanted behavior. Now for your guests, I recommend a direct and firm approach. When they say itʼs okay, hereʼs what I want you to say, “I know you donʼt mind her jumping on you, but I mind and I donʼt want her treating you this way. I know itʼs hard, but it would help me out a lot if youʼll just ignore her until I can get her to calm down.” Now whoʼs going to argue with that?

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.

July | August 2007

By Carole Raphaelle Davis

Trying to do the Right Thing, Southport, NC

August loves mail from doggies and humans! If you have a question youʼd like to ask, just email her at AskAugust@doglivingmagazine.com or snail mail to Ask August, P.O. Box 1914, Wilmington, NC, 28402.

Tails of Nice

ore and more, people are traveling with their dogs because when they go on a family vacation they want to take their four-legged furry kid too. But traveling with your dog in the United States can be a real hassle. Youʼve got to spend hours on the Internet trying to find a hotel that will be willing to let you stay there with your dog as if he were some kind of leper who is going to infect an entire resort. Why is it that almost all the hotels and resorts here in the U.S. have senseless “hygiene” laws that prevent our dogs from coming with us on a family vacation? Are dogs really dirtier than people? Have you seen some of these people walking around in hotels? I donʼt believe they are any cleaner or better behaved than my dog. And if hotel management is so concerned with hygiene, why arenʼt they kicking out the kid who is coughing up a dollop of Tuberculosis into his hand and then pushing all the buttons in the elevator? Iʼve decided that unless I can take my dogs, Iʼm not going. My dogs and I are taking our business elsewhere. Elsewhere, it turns out, is a sophisticated corner of heaven—Nice, France—where dogs are treated like guests, not lepers. You might not agree with French politics and you might not even like the French, but the French like your dog.

Dogs are so much a part of European culture, youʼll see them everywhere—in restaurants, in boutiques, in offices, even on public transportation. Nice is the glittering queen of the Riviera—the place to see and be seen. Itʼs a glorious and ancient city that boasts three hundred days of sun per year. Its lush vegetation, baroque architecture and mild climate have attracted writers, painters, movie stars, royalty and, of course, their dogs. Nice has a lot to offer humans too—world class museums, a ballet company, an Opera house, a philharmonic orchestra, Casinos and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. This little city of half a million people is ringed by the Alps to the north east and to the south, beyond its red tiled rooftops and narrow winding streets, shimmers the Bay of Angels and the Mediterranean Sea, where you can swim in clear, turquoise and shark-free water. There are fine restaurants and hotels for every taste and budget and dogs are welcome. Last summer, my husband and I took our two rescued terriers Jinky and Finley to the French Riviera. After tiring them out on a long walk and squirrel safari through Central Park in Manhattan and emptying their bladders just outside the terminal at JFK airport, we took a direct www.doglivingmagazine.com

flight from New York to Nice. Our dogs survived the eight hour flight far better than I did. They werenʼt worried that terrorists were going to take over the plane and they werenʼt the ones who needed tranquilizers. Finley, our Cairn terrier, spent the entire transatlantic flight snoring in her bag while Jinky, our mutt, sneaked up under a blanket between my husband and me. In our economy class seats, we were able to pull up the arm rest and though itʼs not allowed, he slept hiding in the crack between us.

we devoured a dish of succulent moules frittes (fresh mussels steamed in white wine and served with French fries). The staff was friendly, spoke English and didnʼt raise an eyebrow at my slipping some of the tasty morsels into the dogsʼ eager mouths. After dinner we took the dogs for a walk along the Promenade des Anglais towards Vieux Nice (the old section of town). My husband and I delighted in the festive atmosphere and the ornate art Deco and Belle Époque façades of the grand old hotels and Casino while the dogs enjoyed their hike and sniff. They were alert, ears pivoting, noses to the ground, only stopping to steal candy out of a toddlerʼs hand or to engage in peeing contests with French dogs. Unlike human tourists, our dogs had no language barrier. For them, the mutual butt sniff is universal for bonjour! Hello! I like you too!

As soon as we cleared customs in Nice and stepped out the doors of the airport, there was a Great Dane-sized poop in the middle of the walkway. Jinky and Finley were thrilled, as if it were some kind of gift basket or welcome turd. We had arranged to rent an apartment on the Promenade des Anglais, the famous boardwalk along the Baie des Anges. The apartment was in a pleasant Art Deco building with balconies overlooking the sea and within walking distance to the Casino and all of the main local attractions. At the agency, we were greeted by a cartoon-like pair—Madame Monet, a fiftyish French red head in a tight yellow dress and her little black poodle, who lives in a basket under her desk. We didnʼt have enough Euros yet to pay in cash when we arrived but with a typically laid back south of France attitude, she told us, “No problème, Madame, you can pay me tomorrow or after tomorrow when you get to zee bank.” In the tradition of American males cavorting in France, Jinky, our snaggle- toothed terrier from the pound had fallen for his first French girl, the curly little black Niçoise from under the desk. Finley, already assimilating into the French way of life, didnʼt have a jealous fit. She did what French wives have always done— she looked the other way, in the direction of the many handsome French males drooling to meet her on the Promenade.

Finley and Jinky patroling the streets of Nice

We walked past the Place Massena, the majestic Italianate piazza with fountains and through the Jardins Albert Premier, a lushly landscaped park with one of the most beautiful nineteenth century merry-go-rounds in France. It was quite hot and we let Jinky and Finley take a dip in the fountain for refreshment. We stopped for a buttery croissant and café au lait at Le Pain Quotidien in Cours Saleya, the delightful open air market, where as usual, the dogs were served some water before we saw a menu.

“Unlike human tourists, our dogs had no language barrier. For them, the mutual butt sniff is universal for bonjour! Hello! I like you too!” Right away, we knew this was the perfect place to be with our dogs. In Nice you donʼt have to leave your dog at the hotel while you enjoy the sights because they are welcome everywhere (except inside the museums). On our first evening on the Riviera, we walked to Blue Beach, a restaurant and private beach right in front of Rue Meyerbeer. The sun was just going down over the Bay of Angels and we wanted to have a drink before dinner by the sea. As the sun goes down and the sunbathers start to leave, the dogs of Nice arrive for their evening romp at the waterʼs edge. At an elegantly dressed table on the beach with a glass of chilled Rosé in hand, we watched the sunburned children gather their brightly colored buckets and shovels and the big, loud Russian men in tiny Speedos take their last dip of the day, knee deep in the water and slapping their chests with salt water.

Finley, Jinky and the designated poop spotter in Vieux Nice

As the sun worshippers got dressed to go home, we let Jinky and Finley off their leashes to harmlessly chase seagulls on the galets, the smooth, pale grey pebbles that blanket the waterfront. Right behind us, with its lights just coming on, was the fantastic, pink onion-domed gem of the Riviera, the Hotel Negresco. That moment, under a pink and purple sky was the epitome of glamour—there we were, on the French Riviera with our dogs. In America, in the most ordinary diner, we would have been told to get our filthy dogs out of there. But at Blue Beach on the Côte DʼAzur, as if on cue, a handsome waiter came by and asked, “Pardon Madame, would zee dogs like a drink of fresh water?” Halfway up the Rue Meyerbeer, walking away from the water we stopped for dinner at what would become our favorite restaurant in Nice, the Barracuda (2 Rue Meyerbeer). Jinky and Finley jumped into the red leather booth with us and

July | August 2007

The next morning we walked down the Rue de France, the lively pedestrian street that cuts across the city and runs parallel to the Promenade. Because dogs have noses that are so much more powerful than ours, we didnʼt need a map. Jinky and Finley led us to all the good places. They dragged us in the direction of all the mouth-watering aromas coming from the best patisseries (pastry shops) and restaurants. Along the way there were opportunities for canine cultural exchanges as well with some local dogs who were loitering in front of a boulangerie.

The Cours Saleya is an ever changing market and center of Nice society. Every Monday morning it transforms into an antique fair with at least a hundred canopied booths, brimming with silver and crystal, china, paintings, carpets and rare pieces of furniture. My husband likes the antique fair because he says itʼs the one place that makes him feel young. There are trinkets for all budgets and compared to the price of French antiques in the States (even at the exchange rate of $1.36 to the Euro), the prices are reasonable and they expect you to bargain. As you would imagine, most of the dealers have a dog sitting on a silk tuffet somewhere in their booth and I guarantee youʼll get a better price if you make a fuss over their dog. The Cours Saleya reverts back to a flower and food market for the rest of the week and is the best place to sample local delicacies like Socca (chick pea tart) or candied figs. The whole family enjoyed the Cours Saleya because of the thrill of the hunt. I was in hot pursuit of engraved silver cutlery and Jinky and Finley were hounding delicacies that had fallen to the ground which they gobbled up greedily with the same gusto that I bargained for antique monogrammed linens. One of the most breathtakingly beautiful and historical spots in Nice is the Parc du Château, named after a castle that was razed by Louis X1V in 1706. There is no longer a château there, only a lovely park and the vestiges of a Roman fort from which there is a panoramic view of the port, the coast, the Alps and the entire city. This is the best place to hike with your dog and there is a café at the very top where you can have a sandwich or a refreshing glace (ice-cream).

The Port from the Parc du Château

Jinky, fixated on delicious moules at The Barracuda Restaurant

It seems like everyone in Nice has a dog but the French donʼt particularly like picking up after them. Though signs about cleaning up after your dog are posted everywhere, so are the signs of dog poop skid marks on the pavement. On every block, youʼll see an angry Frenchman yelling, “Nom de dieu, merde! as he slips on the pile of doggie sludge and then scrapes the offending glob off his Italian loafers. In just a few days, you too can learn how to master the art of navigating the narrow stone sidewalks of Nice in a sort of poop avoidance ballet. Like a group of people going out for the evening need a designated driver, when you are walking and gawking in Nice, you need a designated spotter: “Poop alert! Watch it, poop to your left! Jump!” The Casino Ruhl has fabulous live shows but none were as entertaining as the hilarious scene I witnessed on Rue Gambetta. A well-dressed Niçoise was walking by a real estate agency when she allowed her Sheepdog to drop a pile right at the front door. Afterwards, she lifted her chin and walked away. Like an enraged bull, an angry Corsican swung the open the glass door and yelled in French, “Hey! You either pick that up right now or Iʼm going to pick it up and fling it in your face!” Reluctantly, she picked it up. I think that hiring people like him might be a good way to for the city to reduce the unemployment rate and get rid of their problème de poop at the same time.

Taking a refreshing dip far from the pound in Los Angeles

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We Americans donʼt just clean up after our dogs though. My husband likes to pick up garbage wherever he sees it (unless itʼs the pile of his underwear and socks at the foot of our bed back home). It was while Kevin was cleaning up garbage in the Parc Alsace Lorraine on Boulevard Victor Hugo that we discovered that our love for France was not unrequited. Every morning on our trip to Nice, we would walk the dogs in that lovely park among the magnolia and palm trees and one morning Kevin picked up an empty bottle from the path and threw it in the garbage bin. Two elderly ladies, both with dogs in their laps, were sitting on a bench watching us with our dogs. “Monsieur,” one of the ladies called out. “You are American, arenʼt you?” “Yes.” “Ah! We knew it! No Frenchman would ever clean zee park but we want you to know, we remember what you Americans did for us once. You saved France and liberated us from zee Germans. We are of the generation that appreciates Americans. Thank you for what you did for France.” I got teary-eyed as they blew us kisses. People often complain that the French are unfriendly. Itʼs true, they can be reserved—but never to dogs. When you have a dog with you and you meet because your dogs are greeting each other giddily on the street and their leashes become intertwined, a certain familiarity and fraternité emerges that breaks the ice and allows a feeling of amiability that pries open a Frenchman, even the nastiest Frenchman, like a moule, revealing his inner sweetness. Because of our dogs, we made some very nice friends in Nice and had an unforgettable vacation. Organizing a trip to France with your dog is not as complicated as you might think but it does require planning. If your dog can be squeezed into an airline approved Sherpa bag, then he can fly in the cabin with you and all you need is an international travel document provided by your veterinarian within ten days of your departure. Your dog needs a current (under one year) rabies vaccine and must either be micro-chipped or tattooed to enter the E.U. (for details, go to http://www.ambafrance-us.org/intheus/customs/cover2.asp). If you have a larger dog who canʼt accompany you in the cabin, I recommend leaving on a direct flight from the East coast of the U.S.. Taking a direct flight insures that the dog will not get lost by the airlines in transit. Instead, enjoy a night in New York at a dog-friendly hotel and leave the next day. Bring a supply of your dogʼs dry food which you can mix with the local food gradually. Also bring a drinking pouch and a temporary name tag with your local hotel number on it for him.

Get This Covered. Zack Moser

Check it out. Did you know that there is health insurance available for your dog? Statistics say . . . probably not. The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) estimates that there are almost 75 million dogs owned in the United States. However, less than one-half of one percent of those animals is insured. Thatʼs what Natasha Ashton of Petplan says. Petplan is a five-year-old insurance company that – you guessed it – offers pet health insurance. Meanwhile, 20% of dogs in England are insured, and over half are in Sweden. Why havenʼt we caught on yet? The first pet health insurance company in America, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) was started 25 years ago. There are now nine different agencies in the country. Got questions? The afore-mentioned Ms. Ashton had all the answers. What does it cover? Almost all insurance companies cover accident and illness, as well as prescriptions, medications, x-rays, etc. Some companies, including Petplan, offer congenital/hereditary coverage, and considering that there are over 500 diseases in pure-bred dogs, that is definitely worth a look. With nine different companies, there is a huge variety of plans, so find one that fits you and your dog.

Do you really need pet insurance? Ms. Ashton was asking the same thing six years ago when her young, healthy, indoor cat developed anorexia. The treatment required over $5,000 in medications. The point is that we do not know when insurance will be needed. Younger animals are more likely to be clumsy and hurt themselves and are not as apt at recognizing danger. Also, the younger and healthier the pet, the lower the cost, and no one will accept animals with pre-existing conditions. In other words, do not wait until your dog is already sick. Moreover, specialty practices in animal care are growing, which is bringing vet prices up. So, once again, do you really need pet insurance? Letʼs talk for real now. What does it cost? Visit insurance websites for quotes. For young dogs, many plans cost less than $20 per month. Now seriously, many of you told us in the May/June issue that you spent between $100 - $200 per month on your dogs, and a few of you said even more than that. So for that little, we all know that it is worth it. Petplan, VPI and Pet Care Insurance are among the largest providers in the United States. Peace of mind regarding the health of your canine cohort is available and affordable, and there is a specific plan out there that will fit your dog and your budget. Now you know.

Accommodations, Restaurants, Places of Interest: www.cote.azur.fr, click on the British flag to see the site in English www.nicetourism.com Interactive Map of Nice: www.plan-nice.org

Pet Escentials™ can

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July | August 2007

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Christian says they end up calling her either “Malley” or “Boo” and they like to see how many words they can incorporate “Boo” into. They call her Boo-tiful or Boo-licious, and when she gained a few extra pounds, she became “Mali-boomer.”

Kaci Christian

Unleashed

She may be new to the area, but Kaci Christian says she already feels at home. She packed up two suitcases one day and moved from the West coast to the East coast to become the Evening Anchor on WWAY News Channel 3. Sheʼs got a bubbly personality and a passion for animals.

By Suzanne Jalot

Christian has been a vegetarian since college and has recently gone vegan. “One of my personal goals is to help educate the community about improving care for pets and respecting all living creatures,” she says, “I hope to make a positive difference in both human and animal lives in our community.”

Kaci and her husband Steve

Malibu has also helped strangers overcome their fear of dogs. One day Christian was visited by a woman and her two children. At the door, the woman asked if there was a dog inside and told Christian she was deathly afraid of dogs. Christian brought out Malibu to show the woman there was nothing to be afraid of. Her two children were timid as well, but eventually warmed up and began to pet Malibu. Seeing her children pet the dog, the woman got up the courage to touch Malibu as well. After a couple more visits, the woman eventually became more comfortable around Malibu. Then one day about six months after the last visit, Christian says she received a call. “The woman wanted me to know that Malibu had changed her life and she had adopted a dog for herself,” Christian says, “Isnʼt that amazing?”

Dropping everything and moving across the country can be pretty scary for some people, but for Christian there was never a doubt that this was the right thing to do. “We have to be open to the signs in our life,” she says. She got the call about the WWAY job while vacationing in Australia. The next day, while walking down the street, she came across a big yellow sign on the side of a bus stop that said, “Your Dream Job.” She said after she saw that she knew she was heading to Wilmington. “I can connect with people anywhere,” she says, “so where better than Wilmington?” Christian says on the flight to Wilmington she sat next to a woman who told her she would be just fine and if you know Oleander, Market and College, youʼll never get lost. “I suspect Iʼll be adding an addition to my family here in Wilmington,” says Christian with a huge smile, “Oh, but donʼt print that! My husband will not be happy with me!”

Christian has been very involved in Yorkie rescue for the past ten years and is a member of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. So, naturally, her little girl is a Yorkie. Her name is Malibu – pronounced malley-BOO! Unfortunately, Malibu didnʼt get to make the move from Los Angeles to Wilmington with her Mommy because Christian says her schedule is just too erratic. Malibu isnʼt the only family member Christian left in L.A. Her husband of 16 years, Steve, still lives in California where he is a tax and estate planning lawyer.

Kaci with legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite

Malibu, Kaci and Mambo, one of Christian’s rescue dogs who passed away

July | August 2007

“He visits once a month and we created the honeymoon a month club and of course, weʼre the sole members,” she says with a grin. They are also able to video-conference over the Internet and even Malibu gets to see her Mommy on-screen. “Itʼs so cute, sheʼll put her nose right up to the screen,” says Christian. Christian and her husband adopted Malibu about six years ago and she has since taken over the role of head of household. “Oh sheʼs a very generous dog,” says Christian, “Sheʼll even share her queen-size bed with me and Steve.”

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From the Litter Box By Lorretta Pyeatte

Let me start by saying it is my true belief that every dog and owner are individuals and have different training needs. When my husband and I introduced a dog into our family with two small children, it was time to be a responsible pet owner and sign up for a local dog training class. I became passionate about training dogs, showing and competing. Dogs are my teacher. Everything I know today I credit to the dogs that have come into my life. Hereʼs what I learned: Dogs are born in packs, very rarely is a dog born a singleton. From day one dogs learn social skills. They learn how to nurse in a group and they use each other for warmth and comfort. These are all reasons dogs enjoy the company of other dogs and people. The number one problem new puppy owners want to correct is wild, over-the-top meeting and greeting behavior. As an example, the mother dog raises her new born puppies with love and compassion. She will clean her puppies by licking them.

Around 4 Weeks At this age puppies develop their first set of teeth. The mother will correct her puppies for biting or any other unwanted behavior. The puppies learn to respect their mom - the pack leader.

4-5 Weeks Puppies begin playing together in a pack. Puppy play includes biting, barking and/or jumping on each other, tugging toys or playing catch me if you can! We call this game tag. These types of dog games are all reasons why people should not play tug or get on the floor and wrestle with their puppy or adult dog. Once you play the same games dogs play together, you become a dog or equal to your dog in their eyes

7-10 Weeks Puppies that stay with their litter mates until they are at least this old learn how to play and share. In no way is their mother dominating, but she is the pack leader. As a pack leader she teaches her puppies respect. The puppies learn that the pack leader will eat first or even eat their food.

July | August 2007

What does a pack leader do? A pack leader teaches by example. Your dog needs a pack leader whether youʼre bringing home a puppy or an older dog. As a pack leader you teach your dog simple commands. When your dog follows your simple commands you praise him or her. That is how your dog learns what makes you happy! All dogs want to be good. If you donʼt believe me tell your dog they are good and watch their tail wag! Dogs respond with their instincts and they may make bad decisions (such as eating the carpet) when left alone. A good pack leader teaches their dog to sit and wait for their food. Simple commands such as sitting to eat give your dog the opportunity to be a good dog. The foundation to a happy dog is obedience. Obedience teaches you and your dog how to communicate and creates a positive environment. If your dog is confused about who is the pack leader they will do what they like and like what dogs do, such as digging up your yard or jumping out of control. Ask yourself who is the pack leader. If you do not have control of your dog you are not the pack leader. I suggest enrolling in an obedience class to start a path of positive leadership. There are many ways to be a good pack leader. Remember the pack leader is the parent your dog needs a parent in control! Lorretta Pyeatte has been training dogs since 1985 and owns Canine Academy with her husband, Allen. She has bred Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers and have successfully titled both breeds for championships and obedience titles in the USA and foreign countries. She believes dog training should be fun and combines basic obedience with agility and social play. For more on Canine Academy, visit www.canineacademy.us.

Okay, Iʼll be the first one to admit that when I donʼt spend quite as much time with my four dogs as I think I should (and my standards are borderline excessive). My guilt usually manifests itself into sneaking them an extra treat or two or surreptitiously adding a few spoons of food at mealtime. In the past this practice has gotten my husband to observe that my two beloved Chihuahuas could be mistaken for pot-bellied pigs, and that my Lab and Chow-mix should be wearing saddles instead of collars. If you look around at other peopleʼs dogs, it would seem that in our too-busy lives, there is a growing problem of canine obesity. Whatʼs a guilty owner to do to get your well-loved pet back on the right track to sveltness? I can only speak from personal experience but if you are a fan of the “Dog Whisperer,” youʼll notice that Cesar Millanʼs first commandment of achieving “balance” in your dog is exercise. It helps to start thinking of your dog as a shaggy personal trainer and get off your duff and spend some extra time walking and playing with them. In our home it seems to be paying off, by transforming our Lab into the calm, manageable pet that he would otherwise not be if we didnʼt exhaust his exuberant self every day. And the benefit for me is that I pull less of my hair out. If youʼre wondering how to tell if your dog is obese, there may be some very obvious clues, like having an anxiety attack before each visit to the vet because you know youʼll be yelled at. Or your dog is so chubby heʼs resorted to scratching himself on your couch corner because he canʼt assume a good “scratch” position. Or if your pet has a square shape with no waistline definition or “tuck-up,” then you can safely assume she is too fat. Alas, there is an exception to this rule, also. It states in the AKC Breed Standard for Labrador Retrievers (our most popular breed) that “the underline is almost straight, with little or no “tuck-up” in mature animals. Healthy weight in canines is determined in various ways and has only been formally established for a select group of purebreds and there are variations that occur. For example, purebreds should not be 10-15% over their recommended “ideal” weight but this ideal varies based on a number of factors including sex (females should be 10% lighter) and bone structure. No standards have been set at all for mixed breeds that make up a large percentage of our pet population. So how do we cut through all these contradictions and find a simple, no-nonsense approach to making this determination in any breed?

By Gemma M. Quinn

Learn the method of most knowledgeable dog breeders and old horsemen:(yes, proper weight for equines is judged in the same way) just run your hands over your dogs body now and then, and get to know what it means for your dog to be in “good flesh.” This simply means you should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them, but they shouldnʼt be carrying so much extra body mass that they are submerged completely. If you have to press really hard to feel anything then your pet is probably overweight. If your dog falls within the “submerged ribs” group, along with regular exercise, you may also want to consider changing their diet to one of more simple ingredients, and that includes treats. After all, in the wild dogs eat meat and whatever else would be contained in the prey animalʼs stomach contents, usually plant material. Trying to emulate a natural diet is usually a sensible way to go in the care of your dog. About a year ago, I switched all my dogs to “limited-ingredient” pet shop dog foods (which can also be prescribed by your veterinarian) because of skin

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allergies. Lo and behold, they all lost weight because they are eating only meat and one source of carbohydrates. For example, rice, not wheat, corn and fillers. All their skin problems cleared up, along with ear infections and I can do the “good flesh” test with them and they all pass with flying colors! Just trusting your instincts goes a long way, too. If your “inner voice” is telling you to get off the couch and walk your dog, listen to it. Maybe the voice might be telling you that your older dog, who is having trouble getting around, might be more comfortable with less baggage to haul. That voice might tell you that itʼs smart to feed less in the summer because your dog doesnʼt need the same fuel amounts to keep warm or doesnʼt move around much in the heat, all common sense. Our connections with dogs go back to time immemorial. It is, without a doubt, the purest, most unfettered relationships we humans have with another species on the earth. Why complicate matters now? Gemma Quinn is a writer and Certified Veterinary Assistant who is no longer employed in the animal medical field because she could no longer bear to attend euthanasia’s or to see dogs and cats dying from preventable illnesses. She prefers to work to improve the plight of homeless animals behind the scenes while practicing Massage Therapy on humans and her own four lucky dogs, one of whom she plucked from the streets and rehabilitated. He refers to her as “that goddess”.

People Treats Cape Fear Wine & Beer

“From rocket scientists to rockabilly, this is your place to network or just relax and enjoy a good drink.” Ever get tired of the same old beer selection in the aisle of your favorite grocery store? Weʼve found a place that can cure that bored beer syndrome.

Weekly Schedule:

Cape Fear Wine and Beer is a cool little shop down on the river that has everything for the true beer connoisseur. Looking for a beer from Armenia? They have it. How about one from Russia? Theyʼve got that too. They have over 225 crafts beers and more than 150 different varieties of wine. And if they donʼt have it, they can order it for you.

Wednesday – Free Wine and Beer Tastings (2 different wines and 2 different beers and the products featured will be on special for $1 off the listed price)

Co-owner Maaike Brandis says that of the top 100 beers ranked by BeerAdvocate.com, her shop has 30 of them. And the place just keeps getting the kudos. According to BeerAdvocate.com, Cape Fear Wine and Beer has been ranked the best beer shop in Wilmington and the third best in North Carolina.

PURINA

And to top it all off, they also happen to be dogfriendly, but thatʼs not the point here. The point is that itʼs a great place to find that unique beer youʼve been searching for and to just hang out at the bar. Brandis says the customers come to the bar for the “beer, wine, education and the people.” The crowd is diverse and the bartenders are friendly and extremely knowledgeable about beer. Brandis calls her place a “Beer Valhalla.”

Insured & Bonded

Brew your own? Cape Fear Wine and Beer is home to the Cape Fear Homebrewers Guild which meets the first Saturday of each month. Itʼs a great way to network with fellow homebrewers. Another cool thing they do is croquet on Sundays. Thereʼs a nice grassy area across the street and you can bring your dog! What could be better than a little croquet and beer on a Sunday afternoon?

Mike Milam 910-259-5200 910-367-6005

315 Hwy 117s Burgaw, NC 28425

American Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid Certified

Tuesday – Pub Trivia

Thursday - $2 Specials (also known as ʻThrifty Thursdaysʼ with two different craft beers for $2 each) Friday – Vinyl Record Contests (affectionately known as BYOV – bring your own vinyl) Saturday – Beer Tasting Challenges (fun for all!) Sunday – Cape Fear Croquet (weather permitting)

106 North Water Street 910-763-3377 across from the coast guard dock Hours: Sun, 1pm-11pm Mon, 6pm-11pm Tues-Sat, 1pm-2am

• Pet

Feeding & Watering • • Dog Walking • • Pet Play/Cuddle Time • • Pet Transportation • • Field Trips • • Overnight Stays •

July | August 2007

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Here’s what we’re howling about

to make of this new life that had been thrust upon me – the life of a divorcee. Bailey and Sierra were happy to leave the tension filled house we had been living in and settled quickly into our quiet little apartment. I kept looking into their beautiful brown eyes and asking them, “Now what?” I never expected them to tell me how to survive my divorce; I just wanted to share my bewilderment with someone. As we adjusted to our new life, I realized that they were in fact rescuing me from my divorce and showing me how to live again. Here are the survival tips I learned from my dogs.

How My Dogs Saved My Life By Karen Jarabek

Iʼm always inspired by stories where someone survives a tragedy because his or her pet rescued them. I glance at my two dogs, Bailey and Sierra, who are sleeping on my sofa and wonder if theyʼd pull me from our burning house or alert a neighbor if I was knocked unconscious. I watch them sleep contentedly, Bailey with her head rested on the edge of the sofa and Sierra stretched out on her back with her paws straight up in the air. Would my beloved couch potatoes be able to rescue me in a crisis? Well, theyʼve already rescued me once, so I shouldnʼt have any doubt that they would do it again. They didnʼt save me in the traditional sense, but they rescued me nonetheless. When I first realized I was getting divorced, I broke down. I couldnʼt breathe; I gasped for air. I ran into the bathroom, threw the door shut behind me, stripped off my clothes and climbed in the shower. I squeezed my eyes shut as the water enveloped me, hoping I could keep the tears from coming but they came anyways. Hot, salty tears streamed down my face mixing with the shower water covering me in diluted tears. The pain however wasnʼt diluted. It was raw and harsh and kept hitting me blow by blow until I collapsed on the floor of my tub hyperventilating. The life I had planned and the life that I thought I was living ceased to exist in that moment. The path that I had been walking had brought me to a cute little cul-de-sac house where I lived with my husband and our two dogs. I believed that the cookie cutter happily ever after was just around the corner. But, I never rounded that corner. Instead I was thrown violently off course. I could ignore it, I could refuse to accept it, I could even try to will it out of existence but the fact remained: my marriage was over. Once I accepted the end of my marriage, which was a feat in itself, I moved out of my cul-de-sac home and filed for divorce. The only thing I cared about was getting custody of my dogs. Nothing else mattered to me. Luckily, he agreed to let me keep both the girls. I left most of the furniture behind and moved into an apartment and started a new job. I felt shell-shocked that my life had done a 180-degree spin. I was unsure of what

July | August 2007

Survival Tip #1 – Get Out Of Bed When I just didnʼt want to face the world and Iʼd rather pull the covers over my head, my dogs lovingly reminded me the most important step in getting on with your life: get out of bed, already! Theyʼd nudge me with their noses, woo at me to make sure I was awake and then go paw at the door until I agreed to get up. Their persistence reminded me that it doesnʼt matter what happened yesterday, today is a new day and I have to get up and get on with it. Battling the urge to put off reality wasnʼt easy but it was the first step to creating a new life. Survival Tip #2 – Stick To A Routine Our daily routine includes: morning walk, breakfast, nap for dogs/work for Karen, night walk, dinner, late night potty break, and bedtime snack. Whether I felt like it or not, this was what we did every single day. I didnʼt have to wake up in the morning and ask, “What am I going to do?” I had my routine. My dogs taught me that simply putting one foot in front of the other and getting through the basic requirements of each day made for a successful day – and that was good enough. Survival Tip #3 – Explore Your New Surroundings Bailey and Sierra didnʼt hesitate to head down new trails and explore what the new apartment complex had to offer. They fearlessly sniffed here and sniffed there and investigated everything that caught their interest. They embraced the change as an opportunity to see what new things they could try out. They taught me to start going out again, even if it was just to Barnes and Noble to get a new book. I soon found new stores and new parks and new restaurants that I could enjoy. Survival Tip #4 – Be Friendly To New People I didnʼt know anyone that lived near our new apartment and neither did the dogs. This fact didnʼt stop them from walking up to each and every new face we encountered to say hello. Theyʼd head straight for them, wagging their tails and sniffing hello. In watching their friendliness, I realized it was time for me to start being friendly as well and to quit wallowing in loneliness. I started talking to more people and opening myself up to new friendships. It wasnʼt long before Iʼd created a great group of friends. Survival Tip #5 – Keep Pulling Forward When I go out for a walk, Bailey and Sierra head straight for our normal walking path. It occurred to me one day that they never bothered to look behind them. They kept going forward, stopping once in a while but always moving on. They taught me that I needed to stop looking backwards. I needed to quit looking at the life I used to have and start pulling forward into the new life that was waiting for me.

Pando Music for Dogs Yes, itʼs really Mozart, Chopin and Beethoven for your dog! Each composition contains special musical frequencies only pets can detect. The melodies are specifically designed to help pets relax and feel more at ease. Theyʼve got versions for your feline friends as well. $14.95 each or a set of three for $44.85, www.pandomusic.net

“Rescue Me” T-Shirts Designed by Kansas City dog lover and artist Marie Mason, 100% of the net proceeds from these shirts will go directly to Paws Place no-kill shelter in Boiling Spring Lakes. The high quality tees are 100% cotton and incredibly adorable. Available in sizes Small – XXL. $20-22, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, 910-457-0115

Pet Escentials Flea Flicker Line 100% natural and also therapeutic, this line of pet products is made locally! Theyʼre made with the finest natural ingredients, infused with essential oils to get results without using harsh chemicals and pesticides. The Flea Flicker line is perfect for summer flea season and contains neem and citronella. $5-13, Pet Escentials, 910-473-0108, also available at Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop, Tidal Creek Coop, Lovey’s Market and The Health Nut

WIN IT! Three lucky Dog Living Magazine readers will win a Pando Music CD! Check out page 32 for details. www.doglivingmagazine.com

Chew on this By Amanda Hearring Black

Watch Out for those Sand Bars

very summer we try to visit Topsail Island for a family vacation. My dog Jake really enjoys the trip because itʼs the only chance he gets to run free – no leash, no fence, no road to worry about. Topsail Inlet has very shallow spots, and when the tide is low we gather Jake and his dog cousins in the boat and cruise over to one of the many sandbars that are visible. We all jump out and let the dogs run free. Jake, being part hound, usually tracks down a sea gull within seconds and chases it until he reaches the point of exhaustion. When all of the dogs eventually come back to the boat for some fresh water and a soft seat to lie on, we then head back to relax in the comforts of our air conditioned beach house. Ah, thatʼs the life for us humans and canines.

Watch out for shells. Jake cut one of his sea gull chasing adventures short one year because he ran through a pile of sea shells. He cut his foot, and it was hard trying to keep it clean, dry, covered and greased up with Neosporin. Always have a first aid kit with you in case your pup has an accident. And keep your vetʼs number handy.

Donʼt give your dog ibuprofen. Jake gets sore running after sea gulls. For a dog that lives a pampered life of king-sized beds, air conditioning and room service, he doesnʼt get the exercise that he should and running on the sand bar takes a toll on his body. Heʼs usually pretty sore the next day. One year, he couldnʼt even make it up the stairs after coming in from boating, so I gave him some ibuprofen to help relieve his pain. Bad idea. Ibuprofen in a dog is like a laxative. Did I mention to keep your vetʼs number handy? Watch out for sand bars (and donʼt let your mother-in-law drive the boat). After getting her left and right confused, my mother-in-law ran the boat up onto a sandbar. Funny story. I was sitting at the front of the boat while her cocker spaniel stood beside me, ears blowing in the wind. Next thing I know the boat went thud, and the cocker spaniel went flying through the air. I tackled her down to the bow of the boat and realized when we landed that the boat was tilted to one side. The cocker spaniel slid down to the edge of the boat but no one fell in. From that day on, I make sure all dogs keep their paws, legs and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Keep your dogʼs health and safety in mind this summer as you enjoy the dog days, and maybe Iʼll see you around. Weʼll be the ones running on the sand bars. About the author: Amanda Hearring Black is the Production Director for a group of regional magazines headquartered in Cary, North Carolina. Her dog, Jake, is thought to be a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Jake was adopted from the SPCA of Wake County.

July | August 2007

By Suzanne Jalot

Madeline Scully has five dogs and five cats. As you can probably imagine, getting them all to the vet for their yearly physical and anything in between can be pretty difficult. “I would try to schedule their updates close to the same time,” says Scully, “Of course, it would still take several trips.” Scully admits getting all her animals to see the vet was a challenge and she always had to have help. But Scully doesnʼt have to worry about running around to get her animals to the vet anymore. Yes, she still has five dogs and five cats (along with a handful of other critters), but these days, the vet comes to her.

There are some things I have learned over the years to keep our dog safe during our boating and beach excursions. Iʼd like to share some of my tips for any of you who have a dog born with sea legs. Even dogs need sunscreen. Yes, those little noses can burn. I slap some SPF 15 on Jakeʼs nose and cross my fingers that he doesnʼt lick it all off.

Is your dog afraid of the vet? Maybe heʼs just afraid of the vetʼs office.

Dr. Karen Manuel has had a mobile vet practice in Richmond for 14 years, and recently moved to the Wrightsville Beach area to start up Bluewater Mobile Vet Care. She says Madeline Scullyʼs situation is a perfect example of someone who is greatly benefiting from a mobile vet. Scully says she just started using Dr. Manuel and sheʼs happy she made that call.

vaccines and medical treatments to the individual pet and itʼs needs. Mobile vets can take care of nearly all routine procedures, but there are some limitations to what they can do. Emergencies and critically ill pets still need to be taken into an office or emergency care center. And of course procedures such as x-rays and major surgery must also be performed in an office. “Any animal that needs to be hospitalized needs to go to the vetʼs office,” says Dr. Karen Bradler, who has been a mobile vet for 17 years, “Itʼs like you going to your doctorʼs office versus the hospital.” So, in other words, you can go see your human doctor for routine care and minor problems and a mobile vet can take care of those same types of problems with your pet. But if you needed major surgery or complicated tests, your doctor would send you to the hospital, the same way a mobile vet would send your pet into a vetʼs office.

Dr. Manuel says there is one other thing she probably wonʼt do. “Due to the deeply personal and delicate nature of euthanasia, itʼs better if I only perform those on patients currently under my care,” she says. But it must be more expensive, right? Both Dr. Manuel and Dr. Bradler do charge a nominal “house-call fee,” but say the benefits outweigh what may appear at first to be an extra cost. “Thereʼs no wait to see the doctor, so youʼre not wasting any time in the waiting room or getting to and from the office,” says Dr. Manuel, “And multiple pets can be seen in one visit.” So it looks like with a mobile vet, you can save something money canʼt buy – time. Becky Cahill says it isnʼt economics that she cares about with using a mobile vet. “Itʼs a lot easier on me,” she says, “My quality of life is so much better and I would hope that more people would consider using a mobile vet. Itʼs just wonderful.”

“The dogs were all so relaxed and there werenʼt the usual tremors,” says Scully, “[Dr. Manuel] was wonderful.” Scully says Dr. Manuel also helped her with nutritional counseling as well. Becky Cahill is another one of Dr. Manuelʼs clients. She has three dogs and says having a vet come to your house is a lot less stress not only for her animals but also for herself. “[Having the vet at your home] gives the vet a better sense of how your pets live and they really can get the whole picture,” Cahill says, “When you take your animal into the vet, he or she can only see what you tell them and I just feel like a mobile vet is more conducive to a whole relationship.” Dr. Manuel agrees and says “All foods, medication and environmental issues are available for me to evaluate.” She says that makes it easier to customize

• No wait to see the doctor • Multiple pets can be seen in one visit instead of multiple trips to the office • Easier on a larger dog that’s tough to transport or older pets that have a hard time getting around • Easier on pets that are skittish at the vet’s office

• The doctor can see the pet in his/her environment, often making treatment decisions easier and more accurate • Helpful for pet owners who are less mobile, or who have trouble traveling with their pet • Helpful for mothers with children who are also trying to manage the pet(s)

• More individual time with the doctor

www.doglivingmagazine.com

Tail Waggers

Puppy Products

“Happiness is a warm puppy” - Charles Schultz

by Elysa Cooper

NEW TO THE MARKET!

Simply Fido Organic Puppy Blanket: These adorable, environmentally friendly puppy blankets are made from organically grown, unbleached cotton that is dyed using only natural plant and mineral extracts. The company states you can, “Baby your pet with peace of mind,” knowing the cotton used is grown without pesticides and made without chemical dyeswhich can cause allergies and sickness in pets. These blankets are very soft, measure 20” x 20” and are available in Oscar the Monkey or Lolly the Lamb.

For many of us these days, the new addition we are welcoming into our family has four legs and a tail! The pet industry has responded to this overwhelming trend by producing a wide variety of high quality products that focus on the comfort, safety, development and happiness of puppies. So, if you are expecting the pitter patter of little paws, here are some great items to add to your must have list…

Retail Price Range: $32-$34 To find a retailer near you: Simply Fido (Planet H Inc.) (718) 383-0453 www.simplyfido.com

Doggles Comfort Pals: Do you have a puppy that destructively chews or that cries continuously when left alone? Your pup may be suffering from separation anxiety. Doggles has come up with a solution with their Comfort Pals line featuring plush companions with a heartbeat that can be felt and heard. They suggest your puppy’s anxiety can be soothed, snuggled up to one of these cozy dogs. Comfort Pals are battery operated and run continuously for 30 minutes once activated. There are several styles available, including Tan Dog, Black, Dog, Terrier Dog, and Mother Dog with bed. Retail price range: $18.99- $38.99 To find a retailer near you: Doggles (866) Doggles www.doggles.com

Fastags- The Tag You Make at Home: Of course, safety is the priority with your puppy, so an identification tag should be on the top of your shopping list! For a quick, easy, do-it-yourself ID tag, Fastags makes a wide variety of colorful tags you can make at home. All you need is an oven, less then 10 minutes and a permanent marker. These tags are made of a durable plastic, so they are quiet, will not discolor fur, and there is no waiting for your tag to come in the mail. There are dozens of unique, fun patterns to choose from including bones, paws, dogs, sports themes and more. Retail Price: $6.99 To find a retailer near you: Fastags (866) 412-6860 www.fastags.com

July | August 2007

Planet Dog for Pups: Keep your pup entertained and challenged with these toys from Planet Dog’s new puppy line. Using their award winning Orbee-Tuff material, they have developed a special soothing formula just for teething puppies. Available in the Orbee-Tuff Bone and Orbee-Tuff Orbo, these toys are perfect for little chompers- durable enough to withstand teething, yet soft enough to be gentle on a pup’s teeth, according to Planet Dog. The Orbo is also designed with a treat spot for stuffing, for added interactive fun. Like all of Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff products, these toys are mint scented, buoyant and recyclable. Both toys come in lil’ and big- good for any size puppy. Retail Price Range: $5.99- $11.99 To find a retailer near you: Planet Dog (800) 381-1516 www.planetdog.com Earthbath Grooming Wipes: Just like human children, our four-legged kids seem to always be getting in to something… keep your puppy fresh and clean with these all natural grooming wipes. These wipes are great for in- between baths, to clean dirty paws, bottoms, remove dander, drool, discharge and the unknown! They contain only natural cleansers and conditioners, including awapuhi extract, aloe and vitamin E for shiny, conditioned coat and skin. The company states that these wipes are safe for puppies over 6 weeks old and will not remove spot-on flea control products. Available in Green Tea Leaf Fragrance and Hypo-Allergenic Fragrance-Free.

It’s My Dog’s Life Memory Book: Our little furry ones grow up so fast! Author Michelle Jaminet has created this colorful, easy to use 9” x 12” puppy memory book to record all of those special times with your new “best friend”. This whimsical journal is written from your dog’s point of view and there is room to commemorate special moments, enter records (vet, grooming…), and photos. This 48 page book also includes a window on the cover, allowing you to place your puppy’s photo to customize your book. The journal is spiral bound and made of acid-free, heavy weight paper.

Retail Price: $12.99 To find a retailer near you: Earthbath (415) 3551166 www.earthbath.com

Retail price: $17.99 To find a retailer near you: Auntie M Publishing (561) 346-0444 www.itsmydogslife.com

sydney’s story By Denise Reynolds

Through our tears and hearts that are completely broken, this is Sydneyʼs story. 2006 was a very difficult year for me/us personally and on top of that, we lost a senior pet, Annie, who we had found (actually she found us) in the grocery parking lot. She had many health issues including cancer and heartworms. She was estimated to be 8 years old and died 7 years later. Oh, the power of a real home and real love! Our experience with Annie is what gave us the power to consider Sydney. We have other adorable pets, Bogey, Haley, and LilyBud (our kitty) and Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue contacted us as a last ditch effort to place a very sick 12-year-old small female Golden that had been rescued from the pound. She just needed a quiet place to live out her life and rest. I was visiting our vet office the next day to pick up special food for our Bogey and guess where Sydney was being held? I figured there was no harm in giving her a loving hug, thatʼs all. Upon arrival, I asked to see Sydney and it was love at first sight. She needed us so badly. She appeared feeble, but she licked me. Ah, the typical Golden Retrieverʼs ability to capture a heart. Little did she know how much we needed her too. We were very excited to welcome her into our home and to provide the peace and solace she so needed and deserved. We were warned, and understood, how sick and arthritic she appeared to be. We picked up a very, very quiet little Golden that afternoon, and had a very quiet ride home. We took her out of the car and her sweet Golden face lit up like sunshine. Ah, a home, finally. She instantly became a different doggy upon entering her new home and meeting her new family. Were they sure she was 12-years-old and not five? Yes, her x-rays showed severe arthritis, but you would never, ever know it. New collar, tags, a bed and all the special care items required were ready for her. She had a nasty cough that seemed to get worse at nighttime, and then about the second night, she began throwing up her food at least twice a day. After many, many phone calls and changes of meds and foods over a two month period, on January 12th, 2007, there was a marked difference in her personality. She was very lethargic and we were immediately startled. The vet diagnosed her symptoms over the phone as megaesophagus and on top of it, it sounded like she may have aspiration pneumonia, common for ME creatures. She needed antibiotics immediately. We immediately changed the way we fed her with instant results. She had to be fed three times per day, and held upright for 30 minutes at each feeding. Wow, what a dedication and change to our personal schedule. But, oh how close I became to this creature. What else do you do while holding such a sweet dear creature close in your arms, warm body, smelling and kissing the ears, belly rubs, burping…. She and I became a team. She adored me and I adored her. We all adored her. She immediately began feeling better and gaining weight. Her blood test concluded she had hypothyroidism which is thought to be the cause of ME in older dogs. She began the medication regimen and continued doing well. Her personality continued to blossom and this little sick dog had more energy and bounce than all of the rest of us, especially when she re-discovered her “Wilson” (tennis balls, five to be

exact). This doggy wanted to play Wilson all the time. Every night at bedtime, all five Wilsonʼs had to be accounted for before she would lie down beside her Bogey to sleep. Bedtime was a challenge, as ME creatures need to be elevated in order for fluids/food not to come back into the esophagus, then up the throat and into the lungs, to prevent from choking and causing aspiration pneumonia. I woke up at least four times nightly to re-position Syd and make sure she remained elevated. Dealing with ME was a challenge, and at first, it was very painful to watch her struggle and find the balance. After my husband and I finally calmed down and began honoring this chronic problem, things became much better and Sydney finally began resting all night long most of the time without regurgitation or incident. Of course, a flashlight was always nearby so we could peek and make sure she was elevated. We often traveled to our mountain home for peace time, which included of course, our entire brood. This past trip was a wonderful weekend, but suddenly, just like in January, Sydney had a marked change in personality on Sunday morning. But what could have happened? We had just played Wilson on Saturday. Oh no, we thought is must be aspiration pneumonia again. We raced to get her more antibiotics. Monday morning, May 14th, we visited the village veterinarian who ran many tests and x-rays. It was not aspiration pneumonia this time, but kidney failure. We pumped IV fluids into Syd and took her back to the house for a few hours without good results. She could not keep food down. The Doc said there was less than a 5% chance of recovery. Although we played with her Wilson one more time, she had not eaten for two days now. We lost Sydney that night, and we lost a big piece of our hearts at the same time. So, after all, Sydney really was a very sick puppy. The attitude and strength she had, the playfulness and never-ending laughs she provided, were all due to the happiness this little Golden felt to once again be part of a real family. Thatʼs why we are sharing her story. Consider an older pet…no matter what the circumstance. Plan on falling in love again, you wonʼt regret it.

Although from the get go, all odds were against her, Sydney taught the Reynolds family these things and left this forever legacy: • • • • • • •

Focus on family first (we had no choice but to slow down and honor the treating of Megaesophagus) Fall in love again at any age with those you love Laugh often (her quirky humor and Wilson caused this reaction every minute we were with her) Love one another (no matter what age or problem, itʼs the love that will extend life) Donʼt give up, eventually you will capture someoneʼs heart too if you share your authentic self and give love Commitment till the end (and she had ours) Inform everyone who loves pets about Megaesophagus

www.doglivingmagazine.com

Dogs on Film

DOGnews Here’s the scoop…

The puparazzi caught these cuties out and about.

National Dog Day The Animal Miracle Foundation whose mission is to protect animals, both wild and domestic, from cruelty and neglect, created national Dog Day. This has been done to raise public consciousness about the number of dogs that must be rescued each year. All citizens (not just dog owners) are encouraged to donate just $5 to their local animal shelter on August 26. Raffle to Win a Commissioned Pastel of your Dog High Cotton Painting is sponsoring a raffle to benefit Adopt-An-Angel. Each ticket is only $1. The winner of the raffle will receive an original pastel portrait (15”x20”) of his or her pet. Contact Mary MillerJordan at hchf@touchnc.net or call 910-471-2658 for more information. If Youʼre Going to Wrightsville Beach . . . F.Y.I. The townʼs Board of Aldermen recently approved a fine increase in dog violations. It rose from $25 to $100. Town representatives say the most common reason people get fined is for having a dog on the beach during the busy season or failure to carry a poop bag while walking the loop.

WIN IT! Pando Music CD (page 27) Three winners Pet Escentials™ Gift Pack (page 34) One winner TO ENTER: For the giveaways listed above, log onto www. doglivingmagazine.com, click on the “Contact Us” link and fill out the contact form with “Pando Music” or “Pet Escentials.” 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. One entry per person and multiple entries will not be counted. CONTEST RULES: Contest entries must be received by August 31, 2007 and winners will be notified by September 30, 2007. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contests are open to legal US residents 18 and older by close of contest date. The decisions of the judges are final. 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 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. Acceptance of a prize constitutes consent to use a winnerʼs name and likeness 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.

July | August 2007

Bella

Cully

Scruff

Wilmington Dog Jog On Saturday, September 8, 2007, the City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation will host the 8th annual Dog Jog. There will be a competitive 5k run and a 1.5-mile fun walk, as well as the pooch plunge. Early registration lasts until August 17 and is $20. After the 17th it will be $25, and the event benefits Cape Fear Golden Retriever Rescue (CFGRR). Info: www.wilmingtondogjog.com, or call 910-341-4602. Do you have the scoop on something we should know about? Call us at 910-452-3775 or email editor@doglivingmagazine.com.

Jo Jo

Rocky

Finley

Do you converse with your pet when no one is around? If so, what do you talk about?

Yes 100% No 0% Doghouse Poll is brought to you by

“I do converse with my dog and she listens. I talk about everything with her.” “I talk to my dogs ALL the time, it does not matter who is around. My dogs are a part of my family and they get treated like such. We talk about when its time to get a cookie (doggie treat). I ask them if they are ready for bed at night. They know what “nite-nite” means and will go get on their beds when you tell them nite nite!” “I prefer talking with my dog than talking with most humans.” “My dog listens to all my problems and she doesnʼt judge me. And she doesnʼt tell me to shut up either!” “I tell my dogs how wonderful they are all the time.”

This monthʼs question: Do you dress up your dog for Halloween? Send your answer to editor@doglivingmagazine.com and put “Doghouse Poll” in the subject line. WIN IT! Everyone who answers the Doghouse Poll is automatically entered to win a gift pack from Pet Escentials™! See the results in the next issue!

Also coming in September: •Can dogs detect the paranormal?

July | August 2007

•The Furminator is put to the test

•Get Tagged

Available at bookstores and online retailers everywhere!

“Jinky’s Hollywood story recalls the brilliant humiliation of Fitzgerald’s Pat Hobby, the uncomfortable self awareness of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Henry Miller’s approach to Life’s Banquet. If everyone who owns a dog or loves to laugh buys this book, the profits will spark the worst custody battle in the history of Tinseltown.” -- MARK BRAZILL, creator of That 70’s Show

“Jinky’s a star! This rescued mongrel knows what’s important in life, and his take on Hollywood is hilarious!” --GRETCHEN WYLER, Humane Society of the United States Hollywood Office and founder of the Genesis Awards

Visit our website at HollywoodJinky.com