May| June 2008 Volume 3 | Issue 3
White Collar Dogs on the Job Bring on the Bling: Pampered Pooches Cool Doggy Websites Fun in the Water !
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Table of Contents p. 21
p. 22
Features
p. 25
In Every Issue
Log On p. 12 Get online and check these puppies out for yourself
Ollie’s Corner p. 8 Ollie talks Paw Jam
Put it Out p. 13 Smoking is a nasty habit and your dog shouldn’t suffer because of it
Happenings p. 9 See what pet-friendly event is coming to a location near you
Dogs at Work p. 15 Check out these ‘white collar’ workers
DOGhealth p. 10 Dr. Brad Kerr explains the Holistic approach to treating canine cancer
Going Green p. 17 It’s trendy and now going green has gone to the dogs
DOGoutings p. 11 Umstead State Park
Thunderphobia p. 20 Ollie is trying a different approach to cure his fear of thunder
Ask August p. 14 Backyard breeding is a no-no
Bring on the Bling p. 22 How much is too much?
Unleashed p. 18 Carole Raphaelle Davis
Reflections on Healing p. 25 A special dog reminds Dr. Cynthia Burnett why she loves what she does
Yum! p. 19 Try this delicious recipe from “The Everything Cooking for Dogs Book”
Trail Etiquette p.27 Everyone loves a well-mannered dog
People Treats p. 21 Primrose Cottage
Fido in Your Wedding p. 29 Tying the knot, doggy style
Hot! Dog p. 24 We’ve sniffed out the hottest products for you and your pet
On The Cover White Collar Dogs on the Job…..p. 15 Bring on the Bling: Pampered Pooches.....p. 22 Cool Doggy Websites.....p. 12 Fun in the Water…..p. 31 Cover Photo: K. Gwendolyn Cover Model: Josey Mae Rescued from the depths of Johnston County, Josey Mae can now happily sniff the roses, or whatever flowers she may come upon. Quite the wiggle-worm, a 2-hour hike before the photo shoot calmed her down…At least a little bit!
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Chew On This with Amanda Hearring Black p. 28 Who peed on my shrubs? Tail Waggers p. 31 Water Toys 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 Have you ever taken your dog to work?
Pet Portraits by Katie Britt at Elizabeth Galecke Photography
Raleigh, NC 919.785.0620
www.elizabethgalecke.com/katie
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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 910- 452-3775 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 ©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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May | June 2008
“...everything you need to know to plan a safe, fun-filled outing with your dog.” – Asheville Citizen-Times
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Ollie’s Corner
Here’s a message to all you smokers: Your nasty habit could be hurting your pets! Yeck, yuck and double-yeck. You should hear my Mom when we’re in the car and she watches someone throw a cigarette out of their car window. I don’t think parents are supposed to say those kinds of words in front of their children, but it sure does upset her. Cigarette butts are trash! Why are you throwing them out of your car window anyway? It’s lazy, inconsiderate and disgusting. August and I get to go to work with our Mom every day, but how cool would it be if all doggies were allowed to go to work with their parents? June 20th is “Take Your Dog to Work Day” so maybe if you ask your boss nicely she or he will say yes. Tell your boss it’s good for morale. How much is too much? Give August an old sock to play with and she thinks it’s the greatest toy in the world, but there are some pet parents out there who feel the need to indulge their pooches a little bit more. Okay, a lot bit more! Does your dog have a wardrobe that costs more than yours? It’s Paw Jam time again. Those crazy folks have found a way to make this year’s event even cooler, and I mean that literally. The heat may be bearing down, but a large tent and some misters should help everyone enjoy the day a little more. We’ll be there, so stop by and say hi, will ya? Woof!
Ollie Assistant Editor
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May | June 2008
DOGhappenings For an up-to-date listing of events, visit www.doglivingmagazine.com MAY May 10 11am-3pm For Our Furry Friends Fundraiser Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, Southport – This fundraiser supports Paws Place, a no-kill shelter in Brunswick County. Event includes and adoption fair, a barkin’ bake sale (for humans!), prizes and more! Call 910-457-0115 for more info.
May 16 9am-5pm Workshop for Adoption Professionals Petco, Wilmington - Adoption Options is brought to you by petfinder.org and is a great workshop for anyone involved in rescues and shelters. Nationally known speakers will discuss some of the newest and most innovative ideas in animal adoptions. To register, visit www.petfinder.org/adoptionoptions.
May 17 9am-1pm APS Walk for the Animals Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham – Participants are free to walk the 5k or 1-mile route with or without a pet. All proceeds benefit the Animal Protection Society of Durham. Activities include demonstrations, contests, rescue group booths and a raffle. Call 919-593-1883 or visit www.apswalk.org for more info.
May 18 TBA PUTT’N FOR PAWS GOLF TOURNAMENT Bull Creek Golf & Country Club, Louisburg - Novozymes presents the Putt’n for Paws golf tournament featuring The Embers! This event features a $5,000 hole in one prize and is followed by a dinner and music from The Embers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. For more information visit www. fchsnc.org.
JUNE
JULY
June 7 11am-3:30pm Cary Dog Day Afternoon
July 26 11am-2pm Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue Reunion
Bond Park at 801 High House Rd, Cary - Live music by 2nd Stage Acoustic Trio, Wag’n Trail Charity Dog Walk at 1pm, Raffle, Rabies and Micro-Chip Clinic, Dog/Owner Look-A-Like Contest, Adoptable Dogs and Food Vendors. Skyhoundz Flying Disk Competition begins at 10am. Proceeds benefit local animal rescues.
Montague’s Pond, Cary – The annual reunion marks its 8th year! Visit www.goldenrescuenc.org for more information.
June 14 11am-9pm Paw Jam 2008
August 23 Start time 1:30pm 7th Annual Golden on the Green Golf Tournament
AUGUST
Battleship Park, Wilmington – The 7th annual Paw Jam has a new format and will be bigger and better! Fooling Betty will headline the festival this year with cover tunes from the 80’s and 90’s. All proceeds benefit area no-kill, non-profit animal shelters and rescue groups. Live music all day, rescues, vendors, beer garden and food court. Visit www.pawjam.net for info.
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.
June 21 11am-4pm Doggie Luau
Swift Creek Community Center, Raleigh - (6221 Yates Mill Pond Rd., off Tryon Rd, behind Swift 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).
Gourmutt’s Bakery, Raleigh – Come celebrate summer at the bakery! Tropical treats for canines provided. Beach attire encouraged! Visit www.gourmuttsbakery.com.
June 21 5pm Auction for the Animals Raleigh Auction House, Raleigh – Hosted by AniMall Pet Adoption Center & Marley’s Cat Tales you’ll find plenty of bargains to bid on! Admission is free. For info visit www.animall.org or call 919-465-2500.
August 23 6:30pm-10:30pm BBQ and Silent Auction
Got an upcoming pet-friendly event? Send your info to events@doglivingmagazine.com or to Happenings, P.O. Box 1914, Wilmington, NC 28402. Please include: Organization Name, Contact (name and phone), Brief Description of Event, Date/Time/Place.
EXTRAHAPPENINGS Traveling outside of the area? Check out these events! Blue Dogs
Of course you’re familiar with George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog paintings. Now you can check out a retrospective of his work at the New Orleans Museum of Art. “George Rodrigue’s Louisiana: Forty Years of Cajuns, Blue Dogs and Beyond Katrina” will be at the museum until June 8th. The exhibition includes nearly 200 of his works borrowed from public and private collections around the world. For information on getting there, call 504-658-4100 or visit www.noma.org.
See Spot Surf Pints and Pups
Newport, Oregon will play host to the 2nd Annual Brewer’s Memorial Ale Fest on May 16th and 17th. The dog-friendly brew festival is held inside the Rogue Ales Brewery in memory of Brewer, the faithful companion of Rogue Brewmaster John Maier. The event features live music, doggy musical chairs, a dog wash, dog dancing and more! Visit www.rogue.com for details.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is hosting the 3rd annual “Loews Surf Dog Competition” on June 28th in Imperial Beach, California. It’s the nation’s largest surfing competition for man’s best friend and over forty dogs took to the waves last year. Each dog is scored on confidence level, length of ride and overall ability to “grip it and rip it.” To register or for more information, visit www.LoewsSurfDog.com. www.doglivingmagazine.com
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DOGhealth By Brad Kerr, DVM
Cancer is the deepest and most insidious form of disease in animals and human beings.
Cancer takes a long time to develop, and often, vague signs may predate the diagnosis of cancer by months to years. In general, most allopathic (Western medicine) practitioners look at cancer as an invasion to be attacked with strong chemical agents (chemotherapy), by surgical excision, by radiation therapy or by any combination of these three modalities. All of these have their place in medicine, but the allopathic approach may ignore the root problem: failure of the body’s immune system to accurately monitor and control tissue growth. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) views cancer as the result of “stagnation” of Qi and/or Blood, leading to inflammation (heat) which then causes tissue fluids to thicken and this problem progresses to a solid mass, or tumor. Whenever there is stagnation of Qi and Blood, the Liver is involved, and must be included in the treatment program, according to TCVM. Whatever the cause of cancer, treatment must involve supporting the patient with the correct diet and supporting the immune system with Chinese Herbal
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May | June 2008
Medicine, acupuncture and supplements. It must also involve rest, a stress-free environment and removing any tumor tissue, either directly through TCVM or cleaning up any remaining tumor tissue left after “conventional” cancer therapy. Herbal Medicine is one important weapon used in treating cancer. Herbs can be grouped into three general categories: tonic herbs (that strengthen the patients vital energy), heat clearing herbs (that help remove toxins released by tissue damage from chemotherapy, bacterial or viral infections, or from radiation therapy), and moving/regulating/invigorating herbs (that help break down masses, move Qi and Blood, and resolve stagnation). Supportive care by acupuncture is effective and safe in all stages of cancer care: before conventional or alternative treatments, during treatments, and as follow-up supportive care after treatments. Specific methods may vary from practice to practice, but, for example, at Wellspring Holistic Veterinary Care, we would select and design a specific treatment protocol involving some or all of the treatment modalities mentioned above to best help your individual pet.
DOGoutings Scenery: Difficulty: Easy to Very Hard Length: ¼ mile and up
William B. Umstead State Park 8801 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC (919) 571-4170 www.ncparks.gov
Park Hours: Nov-Feb, 8am-6pm March-May and Sept-Oct, 8am-8pm June-Aug, 8am-9pm Closed Christmas Day Directions: Umstead State Park is in Wake County between Raleigh and Durham and is divided into two sections. The visitor’s center and camping facilities are located in the Crabtree Creek section. The Crabtree Creek entrance is 10 miles northwest of Raleigh off US 70. From I-40, turn northeast on I-540 and take the US 70 exit. Travel southeast on US 70 and turn right onto Umstead Parkway. The Reedy Creek entrance is 11 miles west of Raleigh off I-40. Take the Harrison Avenue exit and travel northeast into the park.
Scenery Ratings: 1 paw – Nothing much to look at 2 paws – Pleasant enough 3 paws – Some great views 4 paws – Gorgeous scenery everywhere
Covering more than 5,500 acres between Raleigh, Durham and Cary, William B. Umstead State Park has 20 miles of hiking trails. Once inside the park, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of an urban area and minutes from RTP. That is, of course, until you hear the jets overhead from RaleighDurham International Airport, which neighbors the park. Although the noise is frequent, it really doesn’t take away from the experience of the park. Beginners (or those with less active dogs) will find plenty of short, easy walking trails both paved and unpaved. For the more seasoned hiker (and hiking dog), there are trails with monster inclines and longer lengths. Many of the trails interconnect, so at times it can be tricky figuring out which way to go. Park maps are available at the visitor’s center in the Crabtree Creek section. The majority of the hiking trails are also accessible from the Crabtree Creek entrance. Camping is available in the park Thursdays through Mondays between March 15th and December 15th.
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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Log On There are tons of dog-related web sites out there. Some cool, some not so cool. We’ve come up with a list of sites that definitely get two paws up. www.pupstyle.com
The author of this site calls it “the original snobby dog blog.” We call it fabulous. Full of bits and pieces of juicy content you probably won’t find anywhere else, this one is worth a log-on.
www.petfinder.com
One of the best places to find your new best friend, we love, love, love Petfinder! Rescues and shelters use this site to post pictures of their adoptable pups and users can conduct a detailed search for adoptable pets in their area. The site also offers educational content, classified ads and the opportunity to sign up as a volunteer.
www.moochieandco.com
A shopper’s paradise full of unique and fun dog (and kitty) items. Although the retail chain has physical stores throughout Ohio, a wide variety of items are available online. The site also offers a “pet registry” where owners can create a wishlist for their pets.
www.pets911.com
This site’s goal is to increase education and decrease euthanasia numbers. That’s a goal we definitely like. You’ll find information on adoption, lost and found, fostering, volunteering, health, training and more. They also operate a toll-free number, 1-888-PETS-911, that offers the same information.
www.playdatebuddy.com
Does your dog need a buddy to play with? Try PlayDateBuddy. com where pooches can mix and mingle and set up play dates with canine friends. Just type in your zip code and the site will generate locations for play dates. The only drawback is that locations are limited (we found zero locations in the Cape Fear area and only two locations in the Triangle), but you can still use the site to find friends.
www.theswankypup.com
Delightfully stylish and chock full of random information, this site is another one of our favorites. It’s basically a blog about trendy pet products and is updated frequently. They seem to be fairly selective about which products they post on, so it’s definitely a great resource for those pet owners who want to stay on top of the latest trends.
www.itchmo.com
Itchmo.com is the CNN of dog news, kind of. It’s a great place to find interesting stories and product reviews. You can also check out their extensive archives of news for dogs, cats and humans. It’s not the prettiest site on the web, but it is very easy to navigate and we love that!
www.boknowsonline.com
It’s a blog by a dog, for all dogs. Updating the blog frequently, “Bo” delights readers with witty commentary and hilarious observations. Some of the reader comments are just as funny as the original posts. Links are provided to other interesting sites and blogs and we hear Bo is close to getting a book published, which we’re sure you can find updates about on the blog.
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Put it out by Allison Murphy
Today you would be hard-pressed to find anyone that did not agree that smoking is bad for you. It has been confirmed that smoking can lead to heart disease, lung cancer, lung infections, asthma and numerous other health problems in smokers as well as the people they smoke around. It makes us wonder why people still continue to smoke even when they know the disastrous effects it can have on the body.
Want to protect your pet? Quit smoking! And don’t allow others to smoke around your pets. If that ridiculous little stick has so much control over your life that you can’t give it up, the least you could do is not smoke in the house and don’t leave your dirty ashtrays lying around. And please, not only for the sake of our pets but for the sake of our earth: Don’t throw your butts on the ground or out the window of your car. If you don’t want it in your car, what makes you think us healthy folks want to look at your trash on the ground at a stoplight? It’s trash and it’s disgusting. Do your part to improve your health and your pet’s by participating in No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2008, sponsored by the World Health Organization. Also mark November 20, 2008 in your calendars for the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.
Secondhand smoke is a significant health threat to humans, but did you realize the threats it poses to our canine (and feline) friends? Not only can pets be exposed to harmful toxins through secondhand smoke, but smokers also pose other dangers to our pets. Pets can be exposed to toxins by ingesting cigarette butts tossed out by those thoughtless smokers onto the street, sidewalks and beaches. They can even absorb the toxins by drinking from a puddle where someone has disposed of a cigarette. A research study performed at Colorado State University showed that tobacco has a clear effect on dogs and their chances of developing life-threatening diseases. According to researchers, the more people that smoke in a single household increases the dogs’ risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also lead to breathing problems, salivation, diarrhea, vomiting, heart problems, respiratory difficulties and even death.
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Ask August
Dear August, My neighbor has a Golden Retriever that is simply gorgeous. The dog has an incredible disposition and is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met. I keep telling her that she just must breed that dog at least once so those good disposition genes can be passed along. Don’t you think it would be just fabulous for her to have a litter of puppies just like this wonderful dog? Laura Wilmington, NC Dear Laura, Oh Laura, Laura, Laura. You must be one of those sad, misinformed wannabe socialites who thinks dogs are things to be bought and sold for status or some other reason. I’ll bet you even thought it would be a good idea to auction a puppy at a fundraiser, huh? (okay, that’s a topic for another column) I hate to be harsh – wait a minute, no I don’t – This is a ridiculous idea. First of all, unless you’re a professional breeder you have absolutely no business encouraging your dog to procreate. On that note, why isn’t this dog neutered yet? Secondly, just because the father has a good disposition is no guarantee his puppies will be just like him. Even professional breeders who have worked with generations of bloodlines have trouble guaranteeing specific traits. Please go back to making yourself feel important, but I
kindly ask that you drop the subject of amateur breeding. There are too many dogs in shelters to even entertain this nonsense. Dear August, I am a sweet little Cocker Spaniel, but whenever my daddy leaves me for work I get very upset. I bark and cry for hours until he finally comes back at the end of the day. My veterinarian gave my daddy Prozac to give me every morning to calm me down and make me happier. Is giving me this new medicine a good idea? Otis Apex, NC Prozac for pets. Who woulda thunk it? Just thinking about that makes me giggle, so I can’t imagine what I’d be doing if I were actually given the drug. Prozac is the name brand of the drug Fluoxetine and yes, it’s the same stuff used to treat depression in humans. In pets, it’s often used to treat behavior problems such as obsessive compulsive behavior (constant licking, turning in circles, etc.). If it’s working for you, that’s great and I’m sure your vet knows what’s best. I’m all for happy pills, but I just hope they don’t become an “easy” button for lazy pet owners who won’t take the time to socialize and obedience train their dogs. 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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May | June 2008
Dogs at Work June 20th, 2008 is “Take Your Dog to Work Day,” but some lucky pooches get to go to work with their owners every day. Studies show that dogs in the workplace can improve employee morale and even improve productivity. If your employer doesn’t allow dogs, maybe you can still convince him or her to participate in “Take Your Dog to Work Day” this year. Visit www. petsit.org for complete details. Pink at The Pink Alli, Cary, NC This one and a half-year-old Belgian Cockapoo comes to work dressed to the nines every single day and yes, the boutique is partially named after her. This little cutie (we think she resembles what Dakota Fanning would look like, as a canine) even has her own armoire for her wardrobe at home. Her Mom tells us people come into the shop sometimes just to see what outfit Pink has on. The Pink Alli is described as “a girlfriend’s gift shop” and Pink seems to be everybody’s girlfriend when they walk in the door.
Charlie at 1st Trust Mortgage, Wilmington, NC Charlie is a nine-year-old yellow lab and has been accompanying his owner, Don High, to work since the day he first took him home. This off-leash trained dog spends his days at the office greeting customers, visiting other employees at their desks, and sleeping in his “special chair” in his dad’s office. When not hard at work with his daily office duties Charlie loves to go out on the boat and play at Wrightsville Beach Park.
Haley at Chip Rodgers Law Firm, Wilmington, NC This three-year-old rescue dog named Haley can almost always be found sleeping underneath her owner, Chip Rodgers’, desk. She has been making the trek to work with her dad ever since the first day he got her, when she was just two and half pounds. She was named Haley because when she was a puppy she had a little white halo of hair on the top of her head. While there is not much foot traffic in the office, Chip does say that they have actually gotten clients because they have heard about the dog in the office.
Roxy at Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop, Wilmington, NC This adorable rescue dog is crucial to the daily operations at Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop. Roxy is believed to be between four and seven years old and the social butterfly was nursed back to health after her loving owner adopted her when she was 25 pounds underweight and had heartworms.. Her mom says Roxy is special because she attracts many customers to the store and she spreads the word about rescue!
Kimber, Riley, TJ, Turbo and Indy at Phoenix Technology, Ltd., Burgaw, NC If you ever want to hide from the annoying salespeople that come to your door, Veronica Vesligai suggests getting a German Shepherd. She insists they act as wonderful salespeople repellents according to Veronica Vesligai. She is mother to five German Shepherds ranging in age from three to thirteen. She typically brings in three of her dogs to work everyday and rotates the remaining two into her schedule. She first decided to begin bringing her rescue dogs to work with her because it was easier to bring them then to leave them at home. www.doglivingmagazine.com
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Camden at Talk PR, Wilmington, NC Four and a half-year-old Camden has been on the job since she was just eight months old. Mom Debbie Elliott owns Talk PR, one of the top marketing and public relations agencies in the state. Camden holds the position of “Top Dog” in the office and spends most of her time in Elliott’s office, but still likes to visit all the employees from time to time. “She’s that ‘thing’ that takes the edge off,” says Elliott. She says Camden brings a sense of fun and optimism to the office that is missed when she’s not there. There are two areas that are off-limits to Camden – The break room and the conference room. She does, however, watch patiently through the conference room’s slightly opened sliding doors and has even nudged the doors open when her favorite client is meeting.
Rudy at Molly Maid, Wilmington, NC Who would have thought that a cleaning service would allow a dog in the office everyday? Well Molly Maid owner Jim McKenna and his wife bring their eight-year-old English Springer Spaniel in everyday. Rudy (named after the classic football movie of the same name) boasts the title of “Door Greeter” and “Door Smudger” at the office where he has been spending his days since August of 2007. Jim says he first began bringing Rudy to the office when his son went off to college so the dog would not be home all alone. Rudy, who is quite the ladies dog, spends his days at the office shredding boxes, chewing plastic bottles, and barking at the delivery trucks.
Lilly and Gus at Cattail Cottage, Southport, NC Pamela Curtis has been bringing her one and a half-year-old Wiemaraner Lilly into work with her since she first opened the specialty shop Cattail Cottage. According to her mom, Lilly is the ideal shopdog and even has her own bed and supply of toys in the office. Lilly loves to greet customers at the door and many customers come in just to see her. In March, Lilly got a little brother named Gus, who now spends his days at the shop too! Curtis agrees that it’s ironic that her store is called Cattail Cottage and yet she brings in a dog everyday, not a cat.
Tequila at Katt’s Transportation, Wilmington, NC This eight-year-old Chihuahua has been riding shotgun with her owner Shak for as long as he can remember. Shak, who has been driving for Katt’s Transportation for the past six years, never goes anywhere without his trusted companion, Tequila. Tequila will get in anyone’s lap he says and she can even do flips. Many clients even call and ask for Tequila to come pick them up! At a tiny three pounds Tequila can fit almost anywhere, including her owner’s pocket.
Scout & Molly at Scout & Molly’s, Raleigh, NC Scout and Molly are two of the most laid back dogs you’ll ever meet. When owner Lisa Disbrow first came up with the concept of her upscale boutique, she knew immediately what she was going to call it. Customers peruse the racks for stylish, fun and classic looks while Scout and Molly patrol the store. Disbrow also has adoptable dogs in the store at least once a week, and each of those dogs usually has no problem finding a good home.
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May | June 2008
Going
Green by Allison Murphy
We live in a shade of green, or at least that’s what it seems like when you walk into grocery stores, shopping malls and even homes. America appears to be enamored with this new trend of “Going Green.” Instead of looking at the fat grams or calorie count, consumers are now checking labels to see if products are marketed as organic or 100% natural. While this new health conscious and earth friendly movement is already a hit amongst humans, it is now trickling down to their animal counterparts. Many food stores nationwide now house entire departments devoted to natural and organic food products and many of those include pet food. More than a dozen brands of natural and organic dog and cat food are available. It is important to understand that “natural” and “organic” are not the same thing. The USDA has standards for organic food that prohibit the use of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, artificial ingredients or genetically engineered ingredients. Natural food refers to items that have not been altered chemically or synthesized. Many of these items are derived from plants and animals. Tidal Creek Co-Op, located in Wilmington, specializes in providing healthy, organic foods to local residents. Store manager Craig Harris attributes the growth in the organic pet food market to customers’ need to be able to trust that the origin of the ingredients in the food has not been compromised. Tidal Creek was one the few local stores that was not affected by the nationwide pet food recalls. The cooperative market also offers Petgaurd organic dog food at discount prices! There are many benefits to feeding your pet organic food. Organic pet food can reduce the occurrence of skin ailments and allergies, give pets more energy, help them maintain a healthy weight, fewer digestive problems, provide better overall health, stronger immunity, and give animals a better quality of life and longevity. This movement is not limited to just food, it extends to products as well. April McCormack, owner of Wilmington-based Pet Escentials, makes her living selling the therapeutic, all-natural pet-care line. Her products range from all natural shampoos, spray, drops and wipes to rinses and oils for dogs and cats. She became involved in the natural pet product industry because of a personal experience. Her family’s Border Collie died from nasal cancer and McCormack realized that common household products could have contributed to the dog’s cancer. “While I was researching what could be done to help her I realized that all the cleaning products, pesticides on the lawn and her flea treatments could have been the cause of the cancer,” McCormack explains, “I saw a real need for natural therapeutic grooming products to address various issues without using the harsh chemicals and pesticides.” Pet owners are warming up to the idea of natural pet products because they promote the overall health of the animal. “Natural products don’t add anything else to the body that the liver has to sort out and get rid of later,” McCormack says. And that is something we can all feel good about. WIN IT! Go green with Pet Escentials all natural pet care line. Visit www.doglivingmagazine.com and fill out the “Contact Us” form with the word “Green” in the comment field. One lucky winner will receive a gift basket from Pet Escentials. www.doglivingmagazine.com
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By Suzanne Jalot
Carole Raphaelle Davis
Unleashed Photo by Maximilian Canepa
You’re already familiar with her words – Carole Raphaelle Davis is a frequent contributor to Dog Living Magazine and the author of Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife. We thought you might want to get to know her a little better. Davis is not only an author, but also an actress and singersongwriter. Sex and the City fans will recognize her as Amalita Amalfi and she’s also had appearances on Angel, My Wife and Kids, Veronica Mars and SCRUBS. Her movies include roles in The Rapture, Mannequin and Flamingo Kid. And she’s even co-written a song with Prince. Davis is passionate about animal welfare and is active in many rescue groups. Her two rescues, Jinky and Finley, continue to inspire her. “Jinky was on the ‘red list’ at the shelter in San Pedro,” says Davis, “Poor little guy.” Davis says his original shelter documents noted it wasn’t safe to touch him, which made him unadoptable. Luckily, a representative from Chihuahua Rescue drove down from Los Angeles to bail him out, even though he’s not a Chihuahua. ‘My husband and I saw this cute little bat-faced mongrel at an adoption in Burbank,” Davis tells us, “He had been abused. He was so hand-shy it’s obvious he was beaten.” But within a few weeks, Davis says Jinky became “a happy little monkey.” “He is the smartest, sweetest, most interesting dog to us.” Davis says Jinky loves to soak in the Jacuzzi and demands to get dressed up. “He truly is the poster boy for abandoned,
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homeless dogs,” says Davis, “To think that somebody beat him up and dumped him makes me so mad. He’s got the good life now.” Finley is a Cairn Terrier and another rescue. “She is a beautiful, perfect show quality Cairn Terrier,” says Davis, “The kind that could win a dog show.” According to neighbors from Finley’s previous home, she had been tied up outside for years with no human contact. Davis says she was found running down Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles eight years ago. “She really is a ‘dog’ dog and unlike Jinky in the sense that she likes to roll around in the mud and hunt,” says Davis, “[She] never catches anything but leftovers.” Davis says Finley is Jinky’s wife and she’s a “rubenesque” girl with curvy measurements. “She’s also lazy and refuses to walk. We have to put her favorite treats on the end of a long cat toy and dangle it in front of her to persuade this slug/sloth to move forward.” To say that Davis is a huge advocate for shelter dogs would be an understatement. She’s done so much for so many animals and says helping these abandoned dogs helps her heal herself. “When I am lucky enough to save one, even though it’s a drop in the sea, it fills the hole in my heart,” says Davis, “Dogs have an amazing ability to heal emotional wounds in humans. It was a dog who got me through my darkest hours. Now, their darkest hours are my cause.” Davis likes to believe that people who choose to buy as
opposed to adopting are simply uninformed. “If people knew that the pet trade is an ugly business built on the sorrow and pain of the companion animals we love so much, they would stop buying and run to the shelters to get a dog,” Davis says, “What’s important for people to learn is that when you buy a dog, you take the chances away for an abandoned dog to have a happy home.” “I don’t choose my two-legged friends based on their race or beauty or age and I don’t think we should choose animals that way either,” says Davis. She says the magical relationship between dog and human has nothing to do with breed or AKC papers. “Papers are meaningless except to the company that sells those papers and to the snobs who are impressed by bloodlines,” Davis says, “If you went around talking about humans that way with ‘bloodlines’ and ‘champions’ you would be considered a racist creep.” “Dogs add to our lifestyle,” says Davis. Her and her husband take their dogs everywhere and they especially enjoy dogfriendly France, where they live half the year. Davis adds, “Since I write about dogs, my work and travel always has to include dogs.” And speaking of her husband, he’s just as crazy about dogs as she is. “My husband is a dog nut,” says Davis, “He sleeps in a tiny trench on a king-sized bed, unable to move, between snoring and farting dogs. That’s one of the reasons I love him. That and the fact that he’s the smartest and funniest guy in the world.” Davis says there’s never been a time when she didn’t have a dog in her household. “Dogs are the most loving and perfect creatures. They have a built in cuteness that cannot be ignored. They make me want to run home from wherever I am just to be near them in a giant dog pile of dog love.”
Yum!
Black Velvet Cake 1 cup canned beets, no sugar added 1 cup canola oil 4 organic eggs 2 cups unbleached flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup carrots, shredded ¼ cup turkey sausage, cooked
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 2 8-inch cake pans. 2. Process the beets in a food processor until finely chopped. In a mixing bowl, cream the canola oil and beets at medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time. beating after each addition. 3. Sift the flour and baking soda onto a piece of waxed paper. Add the sifted ingredients to the egg-oil mixture and beat until combined. Fold in the shredded carrots and turkey sausage. 4. Divide the batter between the cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing the pans and transferring them to a cooling rack. 5. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened ¼ cup milk 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
Cream the softened cream cheese in a mixer until smooth. Add the milk and vanilla. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Using an offset spatula, frost the cake layers with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting. Refrigerate the cake for 20 min before applying a second layer of frosting. 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. WIN IT! Get your very own copy of “Everything Cooking for Dogs.” See page 32 for details.
Photo by Kevin Rooney
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Thunderphobia by Suzanne Jalot
Like many dogs, there are certain sounds that drive my oldest dog, Ollie, crazy. Fireworks startle him.
The sound of “Daddy’s” car makes him jump around with excitement. And then there’s thunder. I don’t really remember when it started, I just know he wasn’t always afraid. It seems to get worse with each storm he endures. Just before a storm, he starts to breathe a little heavier and when the thunder begins, he begins to pant uncontrollably. Occasionally, he’ll start trembling and at least twice he’s hightailed it into the bathroom and jumped in the bathtub. I’ve tried distracting him and I’ve tried what some trainers suggest, which is to act normal so as not to encourage the behavior. It hasn’t worked. I’ve even tried drugging the poor thing with Benadryl in the hopes that he’ll be too sleepy to be scared. That hasn’t worked either. So, we’re going to try something a little different. We’re going to try Quantum Healing. And we’re going to share with you, our readers, the process and the results. We’ve enlisted the services of Susan King, owner of Companion Chi (www.companionchi.com). The first thing she had me do was fill out a questionnaire detailing Ollie’s fear of thunder. Armed with that knowledge and a picture of Ollie, King will perform each healing session from a distance. How many sessions he will need, we don’t know yet. In the next issue, we’ll talk about his first session, chronicle his progress and give you more information on Quantum Healing. Wish us luck!
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People Treats Primrose Cottage • Carolina Beach Tucked away in a plain, unassuming shopping center is not where you’d expect to find one of the best places to shop in the area. But that’s exactly what you’ll find in a little corner of Federal Point Shopping Center in Carolina Beach. The Primrose Cottage is anything but plain. Full of funky, one of a kind pieces of furniture as well as jewelry, pottery and home décor, this place is a must visit for locals and out-of-town visitors alike. Mother and daughter owners Sue Walker and Jill Belsito have been running the shop together for the last two years. Belsito used to be a florist and says her mom “sucked her into the business little by little” until she finally took it on full time. Like a typical consignment shop, consigners can bring in items but Primrose Cottage also has a section of booths for rent where dealers can sell their own items. Inventory is constantly changing and there is always a ton of stuff to look at. Mom and daughter say the shop has a regular following of both locals and tourists. They say locals use the shop as a sort of “therapy” to come into the store and look around at the ever-changing inventory. If you’re looking for a nice mix of old wood furniture, brightly-colored restored pieces, beachy themed items and surprises around every corner, Primrose Cottage is your place. Primrose Cottage Federal Point Shopping Center #5 Carolina Beach 910-458-0144
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Pet parents spent $41 billion dollars* on their pooches last year. $41 billion dollars. Granted, the majority of that was on food and veterinary care, but then there are those “other” categories of supplies and services. We may be hearing gloom and doom about the economy, but the pet industry is definitely booming. It’s no secret that we are pampering our pooches with indulgences we often don’t even enjoy for ourselves. But how much is too much? Leona Helmsley figured that leaving $12 million in her will would be enough to have her Maltese, Trouble, taken care of for life. Then there’s Ms. Conchita Posner, four-legged daughter of socialite Gail Posner. She stops at nothing to ensure that her Conchita is happy. And if happiness were judged by money spent, Conchita could possibly be the happiest dog on the planet. Posner spends anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 a month on this little girl. Conchita has a full-time staff of two. She has someone who tends to her every whiff, er, whim on a daily basis. In addition, there is someone who sleeps in her (queen-sized) bed with her nightly. She of course has her own bedroom, a four-season wardrobe (currently valued at over $20,000) and a dog wig made exclusively for her little head by Ruth Regina, a former make-up artist to the Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. And then, there’s the bling. This little 1.4 ounce Chihuahua has a necklace from Cartier, which surprisingly, she won’t wear anymore. She choked on it and now refuses to wear diamonds. Posner takes Conchita with her wherever she goes. Lunch at the Shore Club? Of course. But the wait staff must place Conchita’s grilled chicken breast on a napkin to absorb excess grease. Posner does give back. She recently donated $25,000 to a local humane society and as one of their biggest donors, she supports all of their events. Of course, the $3,000 to $7,000 a month she spends on Conchita could sure buy a lot of dog food and vaccines for those poor shelter animals. The next time someone gives you grief about spending $30 on a collar for your precious one, rest easy knowing you’re not the one being extravagant. And remember the great thing about dogs is they love you no matter how much money you spend on them. We all know people who choose to spend an exorbitant amount of money to pamper their pet aren’t really doing it for the pet’s sake, they’re really doing it for themselves. *Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association
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Here’s what we’re howling about
Busy Buddy Twist ‘N Treat Just like the name, this toy will keep your dog busy. Trust us on this one! This rubber treat dispensing toy can be adjusted to fit your dog’s skill level and can be filled with hard or soft treats. It’s not recommended for strong chewers, but works great for other dogs. Available in small, medium and large. $7.99 and up, Premier Pet Products, Major retailers or online at www. busybuddytoys.com
Hydro-Go Pet Water Bottle and Bowl No matter where you are you can give your canine fresh water anytime. The canteen has a detachable bowl that flips out and can be snapped back in for storage. The canteen has a two bowl feature that can be used for watering and feeding. Ideal for walking and hiking, it has a wide carrying strap that can fit around your shoulder or waist. $24.99 and up, Drinkwell, Major retailers or online at www. vetventures.com
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Buddha Bag Got a little dog? This bag is good karma! Your little pooch will love snuggling up in the Buddha Bag. We love the fuzziness of the material and the design elements that allow you to use the bag in several different ways. Fold down the sides to make a little cubby hole hideaway, flatten it out to make a little blanket to curl up on, roll the sides down and you’ve got a little donut to snuggle in and if you pull the inside out, it doubles in size to make a blanket to share. Each bag also comes with a buddHaiku (pet inspired poem). $58, www.buddhabag.net
Outward Hound™ Pet Saver™ Lifejacket Don’t fret about what to do with your dog on your days at the lake or out on the boat, you can just take them along! This high performance doggie flotation device can be used for water sports and many other outdoor activities with dogs. The Pet Saver life jacket can be ordered in five different sizes to fit little dogs to dogs over 70 lbs. $21.99 and up, The Kyjen Company, Major retailers or online at www.kyjen.com
Reflections on Healing by Cynthia D. Burnett, DVM with Claudia Stack, M.Ed.
but on the morning she was hit by the car Mr. Riggs had put her in a pen before leaving to run an errand. He was devastated when he realized later that the latch on the gate to the pen had sprung open after he closed it. “She was a terrible puppy” he laughs today “into everything, and didn’t want to listen.” Yet her tough spirit may have been her saving grace after the car accident. I gave her medicine for shock and pain, and she recovered enough by the following day for me to sedate her and take radiographs. After that I was able to perform the joint reduction surgery to correct the dislocation. Orthopedic surgery has always been one of my favorite areas of practice and even today, after performing thousand of procedures, I marvel at what is possible. Creating a sterile field, then fitting bones back together, or relieving the effects of arthritis, is very rewarding. My training and experience made me confident that I could correct the mechanical result of Sandy’s trauma, the dislocated hip, and her fractured ribs would heal on their own.
Sometimes a patient makes me reflect
on my professional journey. Sandy, a Yellow Labrador Retriever who has been part of my practice almost from the beginning, is one example. I first met Sandy when she was a five-month-old puppy. It was May, 1996 and I was attending Springfest in Burgaw, the small town just north of Wilmington where I live and practice. My hospital had opened just six months prior, and I had been working 15 hours per day. I was just thinking how relaxing it was to walk around the Springfest exhibits when someone came running through the crowd to find me. A puppy had been hit by a car, and she couldn’t walk or even stand.
The day after the surgery Sandy was bright and alert. She was trying to move about even though her right rear leg was tightly bound in an ehmer sling. This type of sling keeps the rear leg in a bent position so the animal can’t extend its leg and pull on the tissue that keeps the hip joint in place. Sandy’s ligament was torn and the joint needed time to heal. Three weeks after the surgery her healing was on track and her hip joint was in place, but to assure she healed fully Sandy had to wear the sling for an entire month. Mr. Riggs shakes his head when he recalls that period. “It didn’t slow her down a
I rushed to my hospital and the woman who had found Sandy brought her there a few moments later. The puppy could not walk, it was clear she was in a lot of pain, and she was going into shock. On palpation I discovered that her right hip had been severely dislocated. The ball at the top of her right femur was completely out of its socket. I also detected some minor fractures of her left ribs. However, I could not take radiographs without sedating her, and I needed her owner’s permission. Fortunately the woman who had found Sandy also managed to get in touch with Ronnie Riggs, Sandy’s owner. He called me a short time later, and I explained that Sandy’s condition was very serious. She had sustained a lot of trauma, and while she needed surgery on her right hip she would have to be stabilized first. “I didn’t even know if she would make it,” Mr. Riggs says now. “I just kept thinking about that while I was driving over to the hospital.” Mr. Riggs had acquired Sandy when she was eight weeks old, and had grown very attached to the feisty puppy. Sandy was a house dog,
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bit,” he says. One night she even got into the neighbor’s trash while hopping around on three legs! There was a noticeable physical effect from sling, though; after a month of using her front legs to pull herself forward, the muscles in her hind end were underdeveloped. In the long term, the trauma from the car probably contributed to the significant arthritic degeneration of both of Sandy’s hip joints. A year after the accident Mr. Riggs brought Sandy in because she was limping and lethargic. Radiographs confirmed severe arthritis lesions on the tops of her hips bones, although the right side was worse. We performed a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) on her right hip, which removed the diseased ball of the hip joint. If the same case were in front of me today, I would pursue the same surgical correction of the dislocated hip. However, I now have additional treatment options that I could have used during her recovery and in subsequent years. These alternative modalities might have delayed or even obviated the need for Sandy’s FHO surgery the year after she was hit by the car. In my practice today I use a blended approach of the latest technology and drugs available from Western medicine, alongside the ancient Eastern traditions of acupuncture and herbal compounds. If a similar case came into my hospital now I would recommend using a combination of acupuncture and laser therapy. These treatment options have also been proven to lessen pain and to stimulate blood flow and cell regeneration. This in turn speeds the healing process. As new treatment options become available dog lovers must make increasingly complex and difficult decisions. New options have the potential to raise the bar of what is generally accepted as standard treatment. Still, each dog owner must decide for him or herself what the right approach is in a situation of traumatic injury. This decisionmaking process must take into account such variables as the dog’s
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overall prognosis, whether the dog can be properly cared for during rehabilitation, and what monetary resources can be dedicated to the dog’s treatment. I believe that having dogs as companions is a privilege that carries the responsibility to care for our canine friends, including the responsibility to alleviate suffering. Despite her advancing age Sandy is still active and loves to swim and play fetch. She has lost some vision to inoperable cataracts, but she still gets around well and shows the lively spirit that helped her come through a traumatic time in her puppyhood. Dr. Cynthia Burnett is a 1992 graduate of NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1995 she established Burnett Veterinary Hospital in Burgaw, NC. She is an accomplished surgeon who enjoys the challenges of orthopedic surgery. Dr. Burnett is active in the community, and she served on the Pender County Board of Health for nine years. To view more pet health articles by Dr. Burnett see www.burnettvethospital.com
Canine Trail Etiquette Eight tips for hiking with your dog… 1. Make sure your dog is trail trained Some dogs tend to get overstimulated on the trail – there are so many new smells, sights, and sounds – and they can respond with abnormal or “bad” behavior, much like children who become hyperactive at a playground. If you do not know how your dog will behave in the woods, start off with a short hike, maybe on a less crowded trail, and see how she responds. 2. Limit the number of dogs in your hiking party to two A group of more than two dogs can quickly turn into an unruly pack, could appear intimidating to other people, and can be more unpredictable. 3. Leave no trace Both humans and dogs should not pick, trample, or damage plant life. Stay on trail whenever possible to prevent further erosion or disturbance to rare or fragile plant life off the trail, and do not make shortcuts or switchbacks up and down steep sections of trail where none exist. 4. Yield to trail users without dogs This includes hikers, horses, other pack animals, and mountain bikers. It is better to give people without dogs the right-of-way than to get into a possible physical or verbal entanglement. 5. Always leash your dog when encountering other people and dogs on the trail Even where it’s not required, it is common courtesy to leash or restrain your dog when passing others. Some trails are extremely narrow, and people might become easily intimidated by passing an unleashed dog in a confined space, especially a large, nosy dog. Be especially careful of small children – a large dog could easily knock down a child on the trail. When parties with dogs come across each other on the trail, both parties should leash their dogs until they have had a friendly sniff hello and are safely past each other. 6. Obey the rules of the trail Trail rules are often in effect for your safety, as well as for the protection of the natural environment. They also serve to keep your pet safe. In places where dogs are prohibited on trails, such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the rule is enforced to protect the native wildlife, which includes a healthy population of black bears, as well as to keep your dog safe from the bears. Trail rules keep natural areas safe, pristine, and enjoyable for future
generations of hikers – and if followed, they will continue to allow the privilege of hiking there with your dog. 7. Clean up after your dog Always carry plastic bags for picking up and carrying away your dog’s poop. You never know when the need might arise, and it is never acceptable to leave dog droppings where they fall. 8. Walk softly and carry a leash Be sure your dog is not a chronic barker before going on a hike. If she does bark at a wild animal, a stranger on the trail, or for some other reason, stop the barking as quickly as possible to maintain the natural peace and quiet of the wilderness. If the only way to keep your dog from barking or in other ways disturbing the native plants and wildlife is to have her on a leash, that is the way you should hike with your dog. Adapted from Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina by Karen Chavez, ©2007, The Mountaineers Books
Please Join Us... 2nd Annual Helping Our Furry Friends Fund Raiser Saturday, May 10th • 11am-3pm • ALL proceeds benefit Paws Place Animal Rescue!
Events include • Adoption Fair • Barkin’ Bake Sale (for humans) No place like home • Art T-Shirt Sales • Prize Giveaways and More!
310 N. Howe Street Southport, NC (910) 457-0115
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Chew on this By Amanda Hearring Black
Who Peed on My Shrubs? A few years ago we tore down our standard new-home construction ten by ten deck and replaced it with one that is actually big enough to hold an outdoor table and chairs set. We added some finishing touches to our masterpiece by planting lots of new shrubs around it. The landscaping looked good at first, but over the next few months the shrubs started dying, one by one. That fall, we dug up the dead shrubs and replaced them with new shrubs of the same kind. Weeks later, the shrubs were dying again. Some of the shrubs were gardenias and Indian hawthorns, which can be hard to grow. We figured our thumbs just weren’t green enough for these plants so the next spring we planted different shrubs – ones that were much heartier. The trend continued. Among the dying plants were monkey grass and a crape myrtle – plants that are pretty hard to kill. We were scratching our heads, trying to figure out what the problem was. Was there a drainage problem? Not enough water? Too much sun? Not enough sun? Bad dirt? Fungus? Pests? It could have been anything.
One day, I was out in the yard with my dog Jake, inspecting my dying crape myrtle when the four-year-old next door called out my name. “Hi Amanda,” he said. “My daddy said Jake killed your tree.” Jake guiltily rolled over and stuck his legs in the air. “What do you mean?” I asked, knowing that four-year-olds can sometimes be valuable sources of information. “Jake peed on your tree and killed it,” he explained, “He killed some of your other plants too.” Ah ha! The light bulb went off in my head. My dog had been watering the plants this whole time, and killed them. Now what? How does one keep a dog from peeing on backyard plants? We considered pulling up the dead plants and replacing them with rose bushes, thorny holly and maybe even a venus fly trap here and there. But that would just be mean. So we settled on a quick, makeshift fence of wooden stakes draped with neon yellow
twine – two items found inside our shed. And it worked. The crape myrtle never came back to life, but the rest of the plants made it through the summer. Eventually, Jake knocked down the yellow twine/wooden stake fence, or maybe the wind blew it over, so we replaced it with a much better looking one made out of white PVC pipe and rope. Apparently it’s hard to find a dog-height fence at Home Depot so my husband had to get a little creative. Now, Jake doesn’t pee on my plants at all. He has lots of pipes to aim at instead. I think he’s happier, I’m happier, and my plants are happy and thriving. We even had pansies survive the whole winter living in unity with a backyard dog. Now if only I can keep him from tearing up my grass when he chases squirrels. That’ll be our project for this summer. 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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wedding
Fido in your
Are you hearing wedding bells?
Or is that the jingle jangle of your dog’s collar? Or maybe it’s both?! Pets are an important part of our lives, so it’s only natural that they are playing new roles in family gatherings and ceremonies. Here are ten tips to make it a smooth wedding day (at least as far as your dog is concerned). 1 - If you’re dressing up your dog, make sure he/she is comfortable with the outfit before the big day. Don’t try putting it on him/her for the first time the day of the ceremony! 2 - Bathe and groom your dog prior to the ceremony. 3 - Let your dog go to the bathroom before the ceremony. 4 - Have a designated chaperone for your dog who will deal with unexpected behaviors and/or accidents. 5 - Make sure all guests are aware ahead of time that there will be a dog at the ceremony. Unfortunately, not all of your guests may be “dog” people, but this is YOUR day, not theirs. A little advance warning is the thoughtful thing to do. 6 - Choose an appropriate role for the dog. Well-trained dogs can make great ring bearers/flower girls and less-than-well-trained dogs can still do well sitting in as an honorary bridesmaid or groomsman. 7 – And speaking of well-trained and less-than-well-trained, remember all dogs are unpredictable. Don’t get upset if something unexpected happens, for instance, your pooch starts eating the flowers or accidentally bumps into the cake table. 8 - Don’t include your dog if you know he’s probably not going to tolerate a wedding ceremony (come on, be realistic, you know your dog!). You can still include him in photos and have someone hold onto to him at the ceremony. 9 - Don’t let the guests feed your dog! 10 - We know it’s all about the bride on the big day, but be prepared for Fido to steal at least some of the limelight. It’s just what dogs do.
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Gourmutt s Bakery “Committed to all-natural goodness for your furry family members”
Dive Into Summer • Canine Life Jackets • Cooling bandanas
• Summer Collars • Water Toys • Doggie Ice Cream
Healthy delicious treats baked fresh daily on premises, including personalized birthday cakes. Gourmutt’s Bakery treats available in Wilmington at Dog Gone Crazy! Super Premium Foods • Aunt Jeni’s • Evangers • Oma’s Pride • Ziwi Peak • • • • • • •
• California Natural • Evo • Primal
Officially Licensed Canine Sports Gear Unique Toys Adorable Collars All-Natural Spa Products Free Range Body Parts Bar Kitty Items And Much More
• Canidae • Fromm • The Honest Kitchen
• Dr. Harvey’s • Innova • Timberwolf Organics
LEASHED DOGS WELCOME!
Gourmutt’s Bakery 6675 Falls of Neuse Rd, Suite 123 Raleigh, NC 27615 Falls Village Shopping Center (lower level) (919) 870-8220
WWW.GOURMUTTSBAKERY.COM
Tail Waggers By Elysa Cooper
The Stick Appealing to a dog’s natural affinity for wooden sticks, Ruffdawg has come up with a great alternative, minus the splinters. These flexible, durable, non-toxic rubber toys are tear and puncture resistant, easy for your dog to pick up and gentle on teeth and gums. Also available in the Twig, for smaller dogs, both are made in a variety of fun, bright colors.
Float & Fetch Toys
With the dog days of summer approaching, float and fetch toys are a wonderful way for your pup to stay cool while enjoying active play. These interactive toys can help keep your dog fit, while providing a challenging activity and special one on one time with your best friend. Whether you choose the ocean, a lake or your backyard pool, these toys are sure to make a big splash with your dog. P.S. Don’t forget the sunscreen and plenty of fresh water to drink!
Retail price range: $12.99-15.99 To find a retailer near you: 800-772-3726 www.ruffdawg.com Gourdo Your dog will never get bored with this multi-function toy from Ruff Wear. Made of natural latex rubber, the resilient and bouncy Gourdo has a slobber free rope handle for easy tossing, dental nubs to stimulate your dog’s gums and a hollow interior for filling with treats. According to the company, you will be amazed by all the uses of the Gourdo, number one of course, being fun! Also available in two sizes and two colors, raspberry and tangerine. Retail price range: $7.95-11.95 To order or find a retailer near you: 888-Ruffwear www.ruffwear.com The Bettie This original, 3-pronge shape designed toy is perfect for a game of fetch or tug-o-war. Constructed of high performance rubber and plastic (non-toxic), the Bettie will keep your dog on their paws with its random bounce. The tapered design also makes it easy to grip and throw and of course, it is also buoyant for water play. The Bettie’s hollow legs are great for stuffing with tasty treats for a special reward. Available in two sizes and six vibrant colors. Retail price range: $10.95-$15.95 To order or find a retailer near you: 866-777-9506 www.otisandclaude.com
Heave Hose Inspired by their Newfie, Katie’s Bumpers has created a line of float and fetch toys using bright color combinations and patterns that are easy for a dog to see and find, whether playing on land or in the water. Excellent for training or just for recreation, Heave Hose is made of durable, pre-consumer recycled fire hose material and comes with a rope handle, making throwing a breeze. These toys are machine washable (air dry) and come in four sizes, from Puppy to Big Mouth, one for every size dog. Retail Price Range: $14.50-$20 To order or find a retailer near you: 866-642-0544 www.katiesbumpers.com
New to the Market Flying Dog Disc Artist and dog lover Stephen Huneck has designed a unique, new line of dog toys inspired by many of his well-known works of art. The Flying Dog Disc is perfect for hours of fetching fun on land or water. The beautiful design on this disc is from one of Huneck’s famous woodcuts, Life is a Ball. Take note - you may be tempted to hang this on your wall! Retail price: $10 To find a retailer near you: 800-743-7723 www.sherpapetgroup.com
The Great Unsinkables New from Go Dog Toys are these whimsical water toys called The Great Unsinkables. Made of neoprene and constructed using their Chewguard Technology, these toys have a super strong lining and reinforced seams for long lasting play. These bright, colorful toys are machine washable, come in two sizes and are available in Hammerhead, Sea Horse and Fish. Retail price range: $10-$15 To find a retailer near you: 800-743-7723 www.sherpapetgroup.com www.doglivingmagazine.com
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DOGnews
WIN IT! The Everything Cooking for Dogs Book one winner Pet Escentials one winner
Here’s the scoop…
TO ENTER: Log onto www.doglivingmagazine.com, click on the “Contact Us” link, fill out the contact form with the comment “Cookbook” or “Green.” 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.
Cary Dog Day Afternoon Get yourself and your pooches over to Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary on June 7th for a doggone good time. The day will begin with a Skyhoundz Canine Flying Disc Competition at 10am. A Wag’n Tail Charity Dog Walk follows and the afternoon will feature live music from 2nd Stage Acoustic Trio. Raffles, contests, a microchip clinic and games will also be featured during the day. Dog-related vendors will be on hand as well as adoptable dogs looking for forever homes. For more info, call 919-244-9519.
DOG LIVING MAGAZINE CONTEST RULES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest entries must be received by June 30, 2008 and winners will be notified by email and/or phone by July 31, 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.
Paw Jam 2008 The 7th Annual Paw Jam happens Saturday, June 14th at Battleship Park with big changes from last year. For starters, the event will be held from 11am-9pm. Headlining band Fooling Betty will rock the crowd with tunes from the 80’s and 90’s. The event is produced by PAWS of NC and 100% of the proceeds go to help no-kill shelters and rescues. For more information visit www.pawjam.net. Presents4Pets The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) is organizing this collection drive for the third year in a row. NAPPS members are reaching out to their clients in order to collect items such as toys, blankets, leashes, towels and other items needed by shelters and rescues. Each member will donate the collected items to local shelters and rescues in their area. The program runs through the first week of November, coinciding with National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 2nd8th. Contact a pet sitter in your area to participate.
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isn’t it time... Wag (wag) v. - automatic movement of a happy dog’s tail, often accompanied by a wiggle and a woof!
...to treat your dog to a good tail wag? 310 N. Howe Street Southport, NC • 910.457. 0115 www.cooldogscrazycats.com jewelry • art • unique gifts • & more... May | June 2008
beds • dinnerware • ID Tags • travel gear
spa products • apparel • collars & leashes
premium dog food • all natural treats • toys
Walk for the Animals! What better way to voice your passion for animal protection than by participating in the 2008 Walk for the Animals. The walk, which is being held in Duke’s Wallace Wade Stadium, will take place on May 17, 2008 from 9am-1pm. There will be a free breakfast provided to all participants in addition to demonstrations, contests, rescue group booths, children’s activities and a raffle. Participants are free to walk the 5k or 1-mile route and may walk with or without a pet. All proceeds will benefit the Animal protection Society of Durham. For more information call 919-593-1883 or visit www.apswalk.org/aboutwalk.html. A Brunswick County Off-Leash Dog Park? Those folks at BARK (Brunswick Area Responsible K-9 Owners) think it’s about time Brunswick County has a decent off-leash area for the pooches to play. They are in the organizational stages right now and want to approach the county commissioners to see about a location for the park. They are considering both new land and renovations to existing county parks. You can show your support by signing a petition indicating your interest at www.ipetitions.com. Just search for “Brunswick County Dog Park.” For more information, or to learn how you can help, call Bill Raphael at 910-612-1822. 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?
Elvis
Hank
Taylor
Toby Scout
Cindy
Have you ever taken your dog to work with you? Yes: 80%
“I used to travel to several states in my previous job. My precious little dog Casey loved to ride with me and stay in the hotels at night. When we checked in he would wait patiently for me to unpack and get my things in order. After that was finished we had to take a trip around the hotel yard so he could “check in”. We would get dinner to go and eat in the room together. At home he would sit next to my computer on the filing cabinet. He didn’t do much work but just knowing he was there made it a better day. Casey passed away last March, I sure do miss him.”
No: 20%
“Absolutely! He goes with me almost everyday! Everyone loves him! The UPS, FedEx, and sales reps all bring him treats---he loves it! He is a “people” dog. He’s an Italian Greyhound by the name of “Hank”.” “I used to take my dog with me to work all the time when I was a professional pet sitter, but now that I am at a desk job my poor baby stays at home. It would be great if more companies would allow people to bring pets with them, the work day would go by much faster and everyone would be happier!”
This month’s question: Does your dog “buckle up” when riding in the car? 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 May: • The Dog Days of Summer 34
May | June 2008
• Boating with Dogs
• The Shelter Dog
www.doglivingmagazine.com
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Available at Amazon.com and other retailers!
“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 web site at HollywoodJinky.com