November | December 2008 Volume 3 | Issue 6
Annual Gift Guide Toys…Destroyed! Warm up your Dog Why Treating Your Dog Like a Human is a No-No
It’s a good doggy day
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Table of Contents p. 10
p. 13
Features
p. 25
p. 31
In Every Issue
Licked Toys p. 8 This website chronicles the destruction of dog toys
Ollie’s Corner p. 7 It’s our two year anniversary
Warm Up Your Dog p. 11 Follow these tips so Fido doesn’t pull a muscle
DOGhappenings p. 8 See what pet-friendly event is coming to a location near you
Annual Gift Guide p. 13 Time to go shopping!
DOGhealth p. 9 Winter Holiday Safety
Paws-Ability p. 19 A Brunswick County organization is making a name for itself
DOGoutings p. 10 Neuse River Recreation Area
House Training 101 p. 20 Trainer Monique Laracuente takes you through the process step-by-step
Ask August p. 12 My dog jumps on my houseguests
12 Strays of Christmas p. 22 Touching tales of abandoned dogs who found forever homes
Unleashed p. 16 Donielle Artese
Pages for Preston p. 25 A Therapy Dog Reading Program
Yum! p. 18 Turkey Sausage Crumbles
The Grey Muzzle Organization p. 28 These folks are looking out for the elderly
Chew On This p. 27 My Dog Loves Me More Than My Husband (Part 2)
Food Therapy p. 30 Fresh, whole foods can be the best medicine
Tail Waggers p. 29 Gifts for dog lovers DOGnews p. 30 Get the scoop Dogs On Film p. 31 Our puparazzi are always on the lookout for dogs about town
On The Cover Annual Gift Guide…..p. 13 Toys…Destroyed!.....p. 8 Warm up your dog.....p. 11 Why treating your dog like a human is a no-no…..p. 12 Cover Photo: Diane Lewis Cover Model: Leo Leo hasn’t mastered the art of “stay,” but he’s perfected “cute” and “handsome.” So many adorable poses, and only one cover! We think this could be the start of a very long doggy modeling career.
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November | December 2008
Doghouse Poll p. 34 Should pet parents be given the same considerations and perks as traditional parents in the workplace?
• Doggie Daycare • Dog Training • Overnight Care
Come Play With Us! We’ll send’em home pooped! 2129 Wrightsville Avenue 342-0602 www.superdogsatplay.com
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AD DLM WEB
November/December 2008
Volume 3, Issue 6
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editors
Suzanne Jalot
Art Director
Dustin Keipper
Graphic Design
Mandy Brown
Contributing Writers
Amanda Hearring Black Dr. Kevin Concannon Elysa Cooper Lisa Fortunato K. Gwendolyn Julie Hauck Brad Kerr, DVM Monique Laracuente Jörn Oleby
Phodography
K. Gwendolyn Diane Lewis
Advertising Sales
Tresa Jalot
Account Manager
Amanda Black
Marketing & Promotion
John Leonard Wendy Jalot
Marketing Intern
Todd Parsons
Circulation Manager
John Leonard
Distribution
Wendy Jalot Ryan Young
Ollie and August
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. For more information, call 910-452-3775 or check out www.doglivingmagazine.com. Submissions: We are always happy to hear from writers, photographers and illustrators. Please call 910-452-3775 or email info@doglivingmagazine.com for submission guidelines. ©2008 by OllieDog Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine is prohibited without written permission of the publisher. This includes, but is not limited to Internet postings and photocopies of the magazine. Dog Living and its logotype are trademarks of OllieDog Media, Inc. 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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November | December 2008
Ollie’s Corner
Another year has flown by and it’s already our two-year anniversary. I can’t bark enough about how great our readers are…Aw shucks, I’ll just say it: We love you all! This issue is packed with so many things I don’t know where to start. Check out our humungous gift guide. There are a lot of good ideas in there for both dogs and humans.
You might notice I’ve been looking a little grey these days. Mom says my grey muzzle makes me look distinguished and I should embrace it. There’s even an organization devoted to dogs who are getting up in their years and it’s called, appropriately enough, “The Grey Muzzle Organization.” They want to get the word out that senior dogs
are still adoptable. I was lucky enough to be adopted when I was just a little pup, so I can’t imagine what it must be like to be an older dog and not have a forever home. Or worse, to have an owner who sends me to the pound just because I’m old. This issue has nothing to do with squirrels, but I do want to mention some strange human behavior I’ve been seeing. August loves to chase squirrels and I think my Mom is now trying to copy her! There is a squirrel that climbs up on our roof sometimes. It’s just sharpening it’s teeth on the lead vent, but Mom does not like it at all. When she hears it, she runs out of the house to chase the squirrel. I think that’s silly. I thought only dogs chased squirrels. I doubt she can catch it anyway. It just sits up there and laughs at her. Me, I don’t really care too much about
squirrels. I’ll leave all that chasing to August and Mom. You’ll notice a new section in this issue called “The Dog Living Directory.” It’s an improved version of the pet resource directory you might have remembered from the March/April issue. We had only planned to do it once a year, but readers and advertisers liked it so much, that we’ll be including it in every issue. It’s very handy! Woofs and Wags,
Ollie Assistant Editor
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DOGhappenings NOVEMBER
December 6 1pm-4pm Dog Club of Wilmington Holiday Party
November 21 11am-4pm Holiday Pet Photos
November 1 9am-Noon 6th Annual Mutt Strutt Oakview Historic Park, Raleigh – Fun for people and dogs! Proceeds go toward supporting Wake County Animal Center’s foster program. $5 rabies shots and $10 microchipping will be available. Dozens of exhibits and vendors, a kiddie area, raffles, dog contests, demos and adoptable dogs. For info, call Nancy at 919-250-4474.
November 15, 16, 18, 22, 23 Call for times Holiday Photos with Santa Coastal K-9 Bakery, Wilmington - He is making a list, checking it twice, going to find out if your dog has been naughty or nice! Santa Clause is coming to town! Bring your dog to Coastal K-9 Bakery, located on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington and get in the Christmas spirit by having their photo taken with Santa. For more information contact 910794-4014.
Give A Dog A Bone Play Spa, Wilmington – Photographer Dick Parrott will snap holiday photos of your furry family members. $25 for six poses on a CD and a color index sheet. 100% of proceeds will benefit Carolina Canines for Service, Azalea Dog Training Club and Pawsitive Partners Prison Program. Call ahead to reserve your time: 910-392-0909.
November 30 1pm-5pm Howl-iday Open House Coastal K-9 Bakery, Wilmington - Come join in the fun at Coastal K-9 Bakery’s Howl-iday open house located on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. There will be refreshments for pets and owners, prizes, discounts on items and much, much more! For more information regarding this event call 910-794-4014.
DECEMBER
Clare Bridge, Cary – Bring your dog for a photo op with Santa. Packages start at $30 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Co-sponsored by Pupsi, PetPourri and Suzie Wolf Photography. Photo sessions are by reservation only. Call Carol at 919-656-7253.
Coastal K-9 Bakery, Wilmington - Missed Santa on his first few stops to the Bakery? Do not worry; he will be making one final pass! Get in the holiday spirit by bringing your pet to meet Santa at the Coastal K-9 Bakery located on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. For more information contact 910-794-4014
For an up-to-date listing of events, visit www.doglivingmagazine.com
December 6 6:30pm-10:30pm Wilmington Fur Ball Thalian Hall, Wilmington – The third annual Wilmington Fur Ball will be bigger and better and to prove it, organizers have reserved the entire upstairs and downstairs of Thalian Hall. 360 Degrees will provide musical entertainment and local restaurants will once again be catering the event. Visit www. wilmingtonfurball.com for more info.
FEBRUARY February 8 11am-5pm Monty’s Home Pet Expo
December 3 5pm-8pm Holiday Photos with Santa
November 16 Noon-2pm Pet Photos with Santa
Dog Club of Wilmington, Wilmington – Celebrate the season with the Dog Club of Wilmington. Pictures with Santa Claus, play groups, light appetizers and drinks, raffle prizes and goodie bags! For info call 910-772-1730.
Schwartz Center, CFCC, Wilmington – The largest indoor pet event in the area, Monty’s Home Pet Expo features pet-related vendors and rescue groups. Proceeds from the event benefit Monty’s Home. Vending space is going fast, but still available, so if you’re a business owner who would like to reach pet lovers, call Barb Raab at 910-259-7911. For more information, visit www.montyshome.org.
Got an upcoming pet-friendly event? Send your info to events@doglivingmagazine.com. Please include: Organization Name, Contact (name and phone), Brief Description of Event, Date/Time/Place.
Pet Portraits by Katie Britt
Licked Toys
at Elizabeth Galecke Photography
Raleigh, NC 919.785.0620
Photo courtesy of Four Legged Media, LLC
If you have one of those dogs who actually plays with the toys you give him, consider yourself lucky. But for those of you whose living rooms are constantly littered with that white fluffy stuff (you know what we’re talking about!), this website is for you.
www.elizabethgalecke.com/katie 8
November | December 2008
It’s called www.lickedtoys.com and it’s the dog toy graveyard.™ Yes, you’ll even find on here those toys billed as “tough” and “indestructible” because we all know that “indestructible” in the dog toy world simply means it’ll take longer to rip apart. Submit your own photos and check out those who are in the same chewed-up shoes as you.
DOGhealth
Keeping Pets Safe and Healthy During the Holidays by Dr. Kevin Concannon
The holidays are a time of the year when families and friends get together, decorate their homes, cook feasts and exchange gifts. Even during all the hustle and bustle, we need to remember that pets are dealing with more people than usual and with new things in and around the house. Safety for family and pets should be a priority. Following the safety tips below will ensure that the furry members of your family have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. Holiday Food and Beverages Food is a constant at holidays celebrations and although it is tempting to share the bounty with pets, it is not a good idea. It is important when making cookies and fudge for friends and family to keep chocolate (both chips and baking form) out of reach of pets. Ingestion can cause toxicity, GI upset and in rare cases death. When hosting parties or handing out gifts, remember that a great deal of the food, candy, and nuts we eat can cause GI upset, pancreatitis, or even intestinal obstruction from wrappers or packaging. Pets should also not be allowed access to alcohol or wine as some grape products can cause kidney damage. For these reasons, it is best to keep pets away from gatherings. Gifts Many children ask for puppies and kittens as gifts around the holidays but this time of the year is not the best time for pet adoption due to busy schedules and often noisy households. Pets should be introduced slowly to a quiet environment to allow them proper time to acclimate. If pets are kept indoors, presents should not be left under the tree. Foreign material such as wrapping paper, ribbons and bows can cause GI obstruction if ingested, which can also lead to life threatening health problems. Decorations Decorating a house has been a long-standing tradition, however, making those decorations pet-friendly is a must if pets are kept indoors. Christmas tree decorations, lights, and bubble lights should be kept away from pets as they could be ingested and become stuck in the intestines. Also some glues or chemicals used in making ornaments can be toxic if ingested. Tinsel or other string decorations (such as
popcorn chains) can cause serious damage to intestines. Plants such as poinsettias, ivy, holly, mistletoe and lilies should be placed out of a pet’s reach as they can be extremely toxic and cause permanent kidney damage. Live Christmas trees or wreaths can be hazardous too. Pets have a tendency to drink the water, which can contain fertilizers. Ingested needles can also cause serious GI irritation or in some cases ulceration. Christmas trees should be stabilized to prevent toppling or falling upon and injuring pets. Lighting and electrical cords should be kept away from pets as chewing can cause electrocution. Lighted candles when knocked over by a wagging tail can be a fire hazard as well as catch fur on fire. Although it may look adorable in photos, decorations such as antlers and hats should only be put on pets briefly with direct supervision and immediately removed to prevent injury. Objects such as bows and ribbons should never be placed around the neck of an animal as they may get it caught on their feet or other objects causing choking or suffocation. Traveling with Pets The holidays are a busy time with lots of people traveling. It is better to board pets or have a reliable pet sitter care for them one or more times daily to ensure they are eating, have access to fresh, unfrozen water, and receive appropriate exercise. If driving, make sure there are ample safe areas to stop every 1-2 hours to allow pets to walk and drink if kept in carriers. Pets should only be walked on a leash in private parking lots or rest areas to prevent being hit by a car or being injured by other animals. All family members, including the fourlegged ones, should enjoy the holidays. Just make sure it is a safe, healthy and happy time for everyone. Dr. Kevin Concannon is the co-founder of Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas (www.vshcarolinas.com).
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DOGoutings Neuse River Recreation Area Croatan National Forest
Scenery: Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1.75 miles Directions: From New Bern, take US 70 east to NC 1107 where you’ll see a sign for the Neuse River Recreation Area. Turn left onto NC 1107 and the park entrance is at the end of the road.
Neuse River Recreation Area Croatan National Forest The Neuse River Recreation Area is a great getaway for dogs and their humans. The best time to visit the park is late fall through early spring. During the summer months, it can be incredibly hot and the bugs will be an annoyance to both you and your dog. The Beady Loop Trail is a good, moderate hike, with just a few hills to make you sweat a little bit. The trail begins on a paved surface, but the pavement ends as you wind through the forest. Near the end of the trail, you’ll hike down to a boggy area surrounded by Cyprus trees and head across a wooden walkway. After that, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the Neuse River before the trail winds back to where you began. It’s a good idea to take bug spray for you and your dog and don’t forget to pick up after your pet.
Scenery Ratings: 1 paw – Nothing much to look at 2 paws – Pleasant enough 3 paws – Some great views 4 paws – Gorgeous scenery everywhere
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November | December 2008
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
Warm up Your Dog by Jörn Oleby
Working dogs, agility dogs and regular family dogs are often exposed to sudden, extensive pressure in their work or during lively play in the yard. It’s like putting the dog into a cold car in the winter and then letting him out to run around and play. By warming up we mean getting warm through activity and increasing the temperature in the muscles. The increase in blood flow allows the muscles to absorb nutrients more easily. The speed of nerve impulses causing muscles to contract increases and the dog is able to run faster. A sound warm up does not tire the dog but rather increases blood circulation and warms up the muscles ensuring that the joints are lubricated and more supple. The dog is then ready to perform more demanding physical exertion without running the risk of injury.
How to do it! Warming up (regular family dogs) can involve walking with the dog on the lead for 15 - 20 minutes before allowing it to run freely. In this way the muscles soften up and are ready for physical activity. Competitive and working dogs could warm up in a more goaloriented way.
Here is a checklist: • Let the dog walk slowly for awhile and then increase the tempo for 2-3 minutes. • Let the dog trot for 2-3 minutes. • Let the dog gallop for one minute. • Then let the dog make some short explosive moves. • Let the dog wind down a little by going back to trotting and then walking. I also strongly recommend that you allow your dog to wind down after the exercise before any stretching activities. As a dog owner there is nothing we can do to prevent all accidents. However, we can prevent muscle-related problems and strain injuries by warming up our dogs regularly. Under these conditions the dog can access optimal gait and stretch to its full length. This keeps the dog well-balanced physically and psychologically, allowing it to retain the agility of a young dog to an advanced age. Warming up should be an automatic element to complement to your dogs daily exercise, regardless of breed, age or size. Jörn Oleby is the author of the book ”Canine Massage and Stretching – A Dog Owners Manual." (www.amazon.com)
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Ask August Dear August, My girlfriend has a dog whom I love very much, but we both disagree as to when treating the dog like a human is too much. He’s a great friend and very much a member of our lives. But every expert that I’ve ever researched says that loving a dog is very healthy, but to treat him or her like a human being can be harmful to the dog. I’m confused. I guess the biggest concern I have is from the standpoint of discipline. The dog has a huge problem with jumping on people (to the point that some friends refuse to visit because of her) and all my girlfriend does is hug the dog and kiss her and tells her to behave. Does the dog understand when you tell her to behave? Or do you have to do something to make her understand that her behavior is not right? Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me. We LOVE your magazine... Confused Wilmington, NC Dear Confused, Simply put, your girlfriend is treating the dog like a human child, and that’s not good for you, your guests, her or the dog! No, the dog absolutely does not understand when you tell her to behave. Especially when that is combined with hugs and kisses. Dogs need clear signals from you when they’re doing something you don’t like and when they’re doing something you like. That’s how they learn. Dogs jump to get attention. Your girlfriend is actually reinforcing this bad behavior by giving the dog attention! It’s simple really. When the dog does something you want, you reward her with attention, a treat, whatever. When the dog does something unacceptable, he gets ignored. Here’s what trainer Cristine Dahl says about jumping in her book Good Dog 101: “If you’re expecting a number of casual guests who are likely to help in your training, start by tacking a note to the outside of your front door that reads: ‘Help me train my dog! Ring doorbell. After door opens, if dog jumps, ignore him. If he sits, pet him.’ This may seem odd, but it is amazing how many of your friends will be delighted with their new and helpful task.” Now, show your girlfriend this column and get to work training that dog! You might also want to pick up a copy of Good Dog 101, available wherever fine books are sold. August loves mail from doggies and humans! If you have a question you’d like to ask, just email her at August@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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November | December 2008
holiday gift guide ‘Howl’iday, ‘paw’liday, whatever you want to call it, the season is here! Many of you will be buying gifts for loved ones this season and the next few pages are full of ideas for both your four-legged friends and those who love them. And if you don’t celebrate a gift-giving holiday, pick out something nice for yourself – you deserve it! 1
It’s a good doggy day gift pack
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Everyday will be a good doggy day with these playful ladies tees from Dog Living Magazine! Order before December 15th and you’ll get free shipping, plus a one-year subscription to Dog Living Magazine. Also available at Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats in Southport. $20.95, Dog Living Magazine, 910-452-3775, www.doglivingmagazine.com 2
Reknitz Sweaters
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Warm, fuzzy and environmentally friendly! $38.00, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, 910-457-0115, www.westpawdesign.com 3
Tuckered Out Bed
The name says it all. This bed is perfect for your tuckered out pooch. $72.00, www.westpawdesign.com 4
Tux
Made of guaranteed tough Zogoflex®, you can bounce it, throw it or stuff your pup’s favorite treat inside. $14.50, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, 910-457-0115, www.westpawdesign.com 5
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Everlasting Beanie Ball
This treat ball should hold up to even the toughest chewers. $9.99 and up, Zeetlegoo’s Pet & People Store, 910-457-5663 6
Eco Bone
No bones about it, your dog will love these little bones made of 85% recycled materials. $9.50, www.westpawdesign.com 7
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Crabby
This crab won’t pinch! $10.50, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, 910-457-0115, www.westpawdesign.com www.doglivingmagazine.com
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SPIbelt
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A perfect spot to keep keys or other items while walking the dog. And no, this is NOT a fanny pack! $29.95, www.spibelt.com 9
chicBuds
No more tangled headphone wires while you run or walk your dog. $29.99 and up, www.chicbuds.com 10
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Pet Portraits by Laurie Gayle
Tasteful and elegant, a pet portrait makes a great gift for someone who already has everything. $varies, 919-812-4402, www.lauriegayle.com 11
Pet Promise Certificate
The recipient picks out the adoptable dog, and you pick up the adoption costs. $varies, www.petfinder.org/petpromise 12
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Bowser Beer
Beer that’s good for dogs! $14.95 and up, www.3busydogs.com 13
Simply Solid Dublin Dog Collars
No stink, waterproof collars…It’s about time somebody invented one of these. $20 and up, www.dublindog.com 14
Poo Boss
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Make your dog carry his own bag! The Poo Boss comes in four colors and features a pocket for dispensing scoop bags and another pocket to hold the “poo” until you can get to a trash can. $17.95, www.agreendog.com 15
Pet Topics Conversation Starters
You can spend hours going through these questions about your furry friend. $9, www.tabletopics.com 16
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The Shelter Dog
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This is one of our favorite books! $11.95, Available at many local retailers and online at www.lightheartedpress.com 17
Pet Escentials
These truly “green” products are produced in North Carolina. $5-12, Retailer information available at www.petescentials.com 18
Asian Style Feeder
These elegant food and water bowls will dress up any décor. $65.99 and up, www.trendypet.com 19
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Molly Maid
Give the gift of a clean home with a Molly Maid gift certificate. This is something pet owners will definitely appreciate. $varies, 910-392-3234
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November | December 2008
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Happy Buddha Dog Tag
Hotei the Happy Buddha is the embodiment of happiness and prosperity. Tags can be engraved with up to three lines. $14.00, www.olivegreendog.com 21
Brush Buddy
The rubber bristles attract hair and the plush terrycloth absorbs water. The Brush Buddy can be used anywhere to keep your dog clean and happy! $29.95, www.thebrushbuddy.com 22
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Pet Luggage Tag
At just $15, these tags are perfect for travelers and anyone else who wants to show off their pets. $15, www.creativetagdesigns.com 23
Doggles Winter Hats
Your dog will stay warm while looking cool in these holiday hats. $12.99, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, 910-457-0115 24
Dog Living Magazine Subscription
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Give the gift of Dog Living Magazine. A one-year subscription is just $24 and you’ll get a discount off that price for purchasing multiple subscriptions. $24, 910-452-3775 25
Snuggle Puppies
Designed to calm and soothe, these little pups help pets and their people. Equipped with a heartbeat simulator and a heat setting, your puppy will sleep better at night with his Snuggle Puppy. $32.99, www.snugglepuppylove.com 26
Christmas Ornaments
“Bad to the Bone” ornament plays the original George Thorogood and The Destroyers song and “Puppy Love” features a white, fluffy puppy with an “08” tag on his collar. $10-$15, Hallmark Gold Crown Stores Nationwide 27
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Bakery Basket
Yummy, doggy treats! No matter which area you live in, there’s a great bakery close by. In the Wilmington area, check out Tippy’s K9 Bakery (formerly Coastal K9 Bakery) and in the Raleigh area, try Gourmutt’s Bakery & Boutique. $varies, www.coastalk9bakery.com and www.gourmuttsbakery.com 28
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are always appreciated. Check out our online Business Directory at www.doglivingmagazine.com for a list of the following service providers:
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Doggie Day Care Training Grooming Pet Sitting Pet Photography 29
Donations
Can’t decide what to get the person who has everything? How about giving the gift of life to a homeless animal? Make a donation in their name to a local shelter or rescue group. www.doglivingmagazine.com
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Donielle Artese
Unleashed By Suzanne Jalot
Photo courtesy of
Donielle Artese
A seasoned dancer, Donielle Artese hung up her dancing shoes to go after the acting world. She plays the young and sweet Sheila White on AMC’s Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning series, Mad Men, and was seen on the big screen in the Adam Sandler movie, Don’t Mess with the Zohan. She graciously cleared her schedule to talk to Dog Living Magazine.
DLM: Your most recent trip to the big screen was in You Don’t Mess with the Zohan. How was it working with Adam Sandler and are you tired of that question? DA: [laughs] Yes, I’ve been asked that a million times! I mean, you know, he’s Adam Sandler, you don’t have too much to complain about. I had a great little scene with just he and I. He’s much more serious than people would expect. I’m sure when he’s not at work, he’s probably a lot more silly, a lot more Adam Sandler. But at work he’s very serious. DLM: So you had a good time on the set? DA: I did. I had a great time on the set. DLM: And now you’re working on the AMC series, Mad Men. Tell us about that. DA: That’s a really interesting show because I am obviously African American and it’s set in a time where you don’t see a lot of us outside of [stereotypical] jobs and I actually play a girlfriend on the show. It’s pretty controversial for the time. It’s a fun role. DLM: Well if you weren’t acting, what do you think you’d be doing? DA: I would probably work at a preschool or something with little, little kids. I have such a love for children. DLM: Moving on to four-legged kids…Tell me about Bailey and Kahlua. DA: When I was about eight I had a Shih Tzu. I’ve always wanted another Shih Tzu. I found one and he was like brown and white and black and he looked like when you first put a drop of milk into a thing of Kahlua and it’s all swirly and I said I want a little Shih Tzu and I’m gonna name him Kahlua and I said that for seven or eight years. I finally got this apartment that was downstairs and I thought that’s it. Here’s my chance. I’m getting a dog. I called [the breeder] one day and said, “Alright girl, I want a brown and black and
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November | December 2008
white Shih Tzu and I’m gonna name the dog Kahlua. Gimmee a boy because women need boy dogs.” I said, “Listen, I’m a Libra and I’m very indecisive so you have to pick him out and you can’t show me any other dogs.” So I got there and the second I walked in he ran right to my feet. I took two steps he followed me. I took two more steps he followed me. And I was like this is my dog. I took him home and instantly fell in love. When Kahlua was about a year old, I was walking down the street and we saw this white fluff and she was just wiggling and running. She was a little six-month-old Maltese. Her name was Ava and she was his absolute best friend for the next six and a half years. She moved when her owner got married and I literally saw him go through a deep depression. I felt so bad. I happened to be out to breakfast with my sister one day and she says, ‘Don’t turn around.’ And I said it’s gotta be a cute baby or a puppy. And I turn around and there’s this guy with this little cute thing in the palm of his hand. And she looked like a little panda bear. And I was like I have to have this dog. He said he had brought her out because she was the cutest one of the litter and he was letting people know that his Shih Tzu had just had a litter of puppies. I followed that man around for three hours. I had no money. I didn’t know how I was gonna get her. I told him. I said, “You don’t understand. This is my dog. This is my dog.” He called her Lola. I said, “You can’t call her that anymore. You have to call her Bailey.” And he said, “You’re serious?” I said I couldn’t be more serious. I went with him to his job. I stayed with him. I held the dog until his job closed. And I was in tears handing her back I and said give me two to three weeks
and I’m gonna have her. And three weeks later she was in my house! Kahlua was not very happy but she was just enamoured with him and he was like if you come near me I’m gonna chew your head off. I had to keep them separated. [After about] two months I started letting them together more and more. He wasn’t crazy about it but he didn’t attack her quite as much. And then he started to tolerate her and now he loves her. DLM: Do you think dog owners treat their pets too much like humans? DA: I think this generation, yeah we do. I think people for the most part are having children much later in life and these are kind of like our supplemental children. At least for the time being. DLM: What do you think is the most indulgent thing you’ve ever done for the two of them? Ever taken them to a spa? DA: That’s what I call the groomer. The groomer is a spa day for them. I don’t really do indulgent but we do have a bakery so I get them pup cakes for their birthday. Bailey usually ends of eating all of them. She’s a little greedy thing. She is just the cutest monster you’ve ever seen. She is just a monster. I don’t know what I did wrong except to spoil her. She eats everything. I’m not kidding when I say everything. Not too long ago I was at an event and they had a tray of cookies and I took a cookie home because they were so delicious. And I had it wrapped all nice in a napkin but I completely forgot about it. It was in a little clutch purse with a zipper. I wake up the next morning and there’s paper napkin all strewn all over the floor. I looked and there were crumbs of cookie in the purse, there were crumbs of cookie all over. The dog had unzipped the purse. This is not a made up story, she unzipped the purse.
I had an Egg McMuffin one day. A friend of mine was over to look at something I had TiVoed. I was fixing something on the TV and I literally turned my back for not even 30 seconds and my friend was like “hey, ah, eh, ah!” The dog had the whole Egg McMuffin. She’s a seven pound Shih Tzu. She had the whole thing. I told my friend I can’t even comprehend what just happened. If anything is remotely close to her, she’s gonna smell it, she’s gonna find it and she’s gonna eat it. DLM: If Bailey and Kahlua could talk, would we find out any secrets about you? DA: Oh, god, probably! I’m sure they’ve got lots to tell. I got really sick a few years ago. I had total kidney failure and literally, was on my deathbed. And dogs are so smart. When I came home from the hospital it’s as if he knew exactly what had happened. When I got home, I really couldn’t walk very much but I have this very feisty kind of independent spirit. Where, if people tell me what I can’t do I try to prove the opposite. And so the doctor said I needed to go home and rest
and I was like no I don’t. And so I insisted on walking the dog. And Kahlua literally would go right outside to the front yard do his business and turn right around and come back inside. And I literally shouldn’t have even been standing there. And for like four or five days he’d do that. And then maybe a week later he’d go next door to the garage next door. It’s one apartment building over. And come right back inside. Maybe two weeks later, he’d go to the corner. It was like he was slowly going, okay, this is about as far as she could go and then he’d turn right back around and come inside. It was the most remarkable thing. He was so well-mannered, so tolerant, so easy going. It was like he was caring for me. Really, really amazing little dog. I would say within three weeks he had me walking around the block. It was really sensational. And it would be easy to say I pulled him back but I really didn’t. He was pulling me to where he wanted me.
DLM: It’s amazing how intuitive they are. They have a sense about things. DA: They really do. I’ve never seen anything like it. I was like this little dog here, is really completely faithful and loyal to me. I had some surgical wounds and he would go up to them and go to my stomach and put his head gently and smell them and then really gently rest his head right there. He was one of my motivations for getting better. DLM: What do you think is the best thing about having a dog in your life? DA: Dogs bring such life to my life. They don’t allow you to ever have those moments – you know this is a hard industry and it’s turning into a hard world right now and I just don’t have the time to be down. Cause I have two little lives. And they’re always so joyful and they’re always with a little smile on their face. I play with them everyday and that just automatically brings joy. It’s almost indescribable. And there are people who give their dogs away. And I can’t understand how you give your pet away. Because they become a part of your family.
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Yum! by Lisa Fortunato
Turkey Sausage Crumbles These “crumbles” are addictive! Offer them sparingly and be sure to bring a bottle of water with you if you’re training outside. Yields 1 cup 2 teaspoons virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, whole ¼ pound sweet Italian turkey sausage 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. 2. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic over low heat. Remove the sausage casing and add the sausage meat to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break the sausage into little “crumbles.” Cook until sausage bits are browned and crunchy. Remove the crumbles from the pan and drain them on paper towels. Discard the garlic cloves. 3. Sprinkle the crumbles onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake them 15 minutes until the crumbles are dry and firm to the touch. 4. Pack the crumbles in a resealable plastic bag lined with a paper towel. Store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Dear Readers, I want to first thank you for all your notes and comments regarding recipes from The Everything Cooking for Dogs cookbook. I know that some of you expressed concern over my frequent use of fresh garlic in many of my recipes. While the opinion as to whether dogs should have garlic in their diet is strongly divided, I believe the flavor and positive health benefits out weigh the possible risks. Like onions, garlic is a member of the allium family, and can trigger Heinz body anemia and may prove toxic to sensitive dogs. However, garlic also contains vitamin C and is thought to regulate blood sugar levels, fight infections and help digestive orders. Since many of the savory recipes call for garlic, you can always keep the garlic whole and remove it after it is browned, or you can simply eliminate it as an ingredient. Should you have additional concerns or questions, I recommend you speak with your veterinarian. As an Italian American, my taste sensibility and flair for cooking is strongly tied to its Italian roots. Thus, fresh garlic sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, is my signature starting point. All members of my family, whether they have two legs or four, love the aromatic flavor garlic imparts to all my cooking. Thank you for this opportunity to address your questions and hope that you will continue to enjoy my recipes. Sincerely, Lisa Fortunato a.k.a. Robbie’s & LuLu’s Mom www.robbiedawg.com
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November | December 2008
Dog Living Magazine loves to give back!
Our non-profit subscription program is one of those ways we help rescue organizations in the community. When an organization signs up, we assign it a unique code that they can promote to supporters. When someone subscribes to Dog Living Magazine and uses that code, we donate $5 to that group.
One of those special groups is Paws-Ability in Brunswick County. Their mission is to promote responsible pet ownership, aid in fundraising for other animal welfare groups and educate the public in legislative matters concerning animal welfare.
Paws-Ability “There are so many homeless dogs and cats in our county. Humans have domesticated these animals then abandoned them.”
Interested in a subscription and helping Paws-Ability? Subscribe online at www.doglivingmagazine.com and use the promo code “PA100.”
Paws-Ability President Janie Withers says knowing she’s making a difference in the lives of homeless animals gives her and warm and “furry” feeling. “Doing nothing to help a bad situation is not acceptable behavior for human beings,” says Withers. “There are so many homeless dogs and cats in our county. Humans have domesticated these animals then abandoned them.” Withers says Brunswick County shelters receive no assistance and adoption fees pay for some costs associated with preparing a dog or cat for adoption, but it’s often difficult to find money for unexpected expenses. “When we raise money for the rescue groups, they are able to help more animals find a forever home,” she says. “This is a win-win for everyone, including the animal.” Want to volunteer with Paws-Ability? Withers says each of their events creates opportunities for people with many different skills and they are always looking for new ideas. “If you have a particular talent or interest, we just know you can find a place within Paws-Ability to utilize that talent and make a difference.” Paws-Ability is specifically looking to grow it’s presence in the northern part of Brunswick County. For more information, you can find the group online at www.paws-ability.org.
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House Training 101 by Monique Laracuente
You brought home your new puppy or dog, and you are excited and eager to perfect the art of house training. Good for you! House training is one of the most important things owners need to help their dogs succeed in, for obvious reasons.
Well, you have been letting Fido outside to do his business several times a day, but it seems like as soon as you let him back in, he immediately relieves himself on your brand new carpet, and you become frustrated. After all, he was outside for 45 minutes. So what do you do when it seems like your home is the toilet and outdoors is for fun? First, you need to take your dog outside on leash to do his business. Yes, that means you need to walk with your dog. Take him to an area in your yard and if he does not potty after 20 minutes, take him back inside and place him directly into a crate.
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November | December 2008
Let him sit in the crate for 15 minutes, and then take him on leash back outside as soon as you take him out of the crate. Repeat this process and your dog will go to the bathroom outside. As soon as Fido begins to pee or poo outside, say “Go potty” and praise gently. One thing to remember is that dogs do not always empty their bladder with one pee. It is important to allow your dog to pee several times, to ensure the bladder is empty. This is mostly true for male dogs, which tend to “mark” their territory more than females. The reason many dogs do not potty when let outside on their own is that the smells, sights and sounds are so overwhelming and distracting. Then when they come back inside, they realize they need “to go” and do their business. Taking them out on leash allows you to: Number one, be sure your dog has relieved himself; number two, praise your dog when he goes; number three, teach your dog the potty command.
If you do not see your dog eliminate, then you know to place your dog into his crate and then try again after 15 minutes. Consistency is key here. If you yell, spank, or punish your dog if he has an accident, he will only learn to hide and use the bathroom in areas you may or may not find! If you catch your dog mid-potty in the house, make a high pitched loud noise like “Uh Oh!” which will interrupt your dog. At this time, take him directly outside to finish.
Also, learn the warning signs that your dog needs to use the bathroom. If you are playing with your puppy or dog, and he suddenly loses interest and begins to circle, pace, sniff the ground, escort him promptly out doors. If your dog begins to cry/whine with no obvious reason, it is probably time to potty. Puppies also tend to get a “worried” look on their face, and when a dog has to poo he tends to have a “bulge” in the anal area. Keep in mind that most puppies do not have full bladder/bowel control until six months of age, and need to be taken out often. (Every one to two hours in the beginning!) Make sure to clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner available at pet stores, to remove the smell and discourage the dog from re-visiting prior potty accident areas. Monique Laracuente is the owner of Liberty Dog Training and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She currently resides in Fayetteville, NC with her soldier husband, two children and three dogs. Her passion is training dogs and helping owners learn how to work with their dog’s behaviors. She can be reached at 910-339-4737 or via her website, www.libertydogtraining.com.
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Another potty problem culprit? Having an unspayed female dog or an unneutered male dog. Getting your dog spayed/ neutered as soon as possible will help the house training process and reduce or eliminate the marking behavior.
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Also, feed your dog on a schedule. What goes in on a schedule comes out on a schedule. Separate your dog’s daily food ration into smaller meals and offer them to your dog twice a day, and keep a schedule. Smaller breeds and puppies may eat more often throughout the day. Young puppies need to eat frequently, and some toy breeds are susceptible to dangerous sugar drops and need to be fed more frequently than medium or larger breed dogs.
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and the shelters were full. I was a little relieved – poor little guy was covered in fleas, afraid of people and scared.
“Annie” as told by Melissa Thomas I found her hiding in some bushes. It was late at night so she spent the night on my porch and animal control came to pick her up the next morning. When I called about her a few days later, they told me she was going to be put down. I couldn’t let that happen, she was only a year old. So, I adopted her, named her and I promised to take care of her. When I adopted Annie, I really did not know what I was getting into with her. She is the type of dog that most people would have returned to the shelter long ago. Many people told me I should. The first night I had her, she ran out the front door. She has broken out of an airline crate and a wire crate. Need new carpet and baseboards? Annie can chew up and destroy the old ones for you. Want to test a romantic relationship? She can help with that, too. She ran away once and my boyfriend chased her down a dirt road and through briar patches – barefoot! We have been married for seven years now. In the ten years that Annie has been with me, we have both learned some lessons. Our most important ones? Commitment and unconditional love. Annie is such an important member of our family and we love her just as we love our two-legged children. I know she will always be mischievous. She knows I will always forgive her. She is a sweet, loving dog and has given up some of her bad habits. See the white dog lying on the black coat? How could I say, “I’m taking you back” to that face? I don’t, I just laugh. That’s just my Annie.
“Charley” as told by Melissa Thomas It was the day before Hurricane Charley. I knew I had to act fast when I heard my neighbor say, “Hey Melissa, I found a puppy on my front porch, what should I do?” Stepping up on her porch, I saw him cowering off in the corner. I moved closer and he backed away. I immediately assumed he had been abused or scared in some way; I had certainly never met a puppy who was afraid of people! The thoughts came like the torrential downpour of the impending storm – what if we can’t find the owner before the Hurricane comes? Where did the puppy come from? Can I keep him? I spoke to him in a soft voice. He looked up at me, wagged his tail a bit and right at that moment I just knew he was going to become our fourth dog. I made some phone calls. No one was looking for him
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In the four years since that day my neighbor found him, Charley has adapted very well to being a member of the family. He learned to trust us and give new people a chance. We learned to be a little more patient. Charley knows he is in a warm, safe and loving home. When we hear that lab/hound bark, we feel safe, too. Most importantly, we learned that a scared, timid little puppy could turn out to be a wonderful dog. All he needed was a little training and a house and family where he feels safe and loved. Charley is a true example of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
“Lucky” as told by Bob Berg In August 1999, my wife and I purchased a house in western Rocky Point. At the time we had 2 dogs, but a cat sorta came with the house. Like many country communities, there was no garbage service so I hauled our refuse to the convenience center (cc). Often when I visited the cc, there was a dog that looked like a long hair German Shepherd, but no one could get close to him. The attendants at the cc said he just wandered in after hurricane Floyd. They began to feed him and named him Lucky. In November, we had a cold spell and on one trip to the cc Lucky had frost on his fur, but he didn’t seem to be cold, or even aware of the cold. It was also clear that he had an infection from what appeared to be a plastic flea collar partially embedded in his throat. The collar had been placed on him when he was a puppy about 10 months before and he had outgrown it. We brought food laced with antibiotics and we were also able to remove the old collar. We continued to bring him treats, food and praise. Gradually he began to trust us. We were always careful to avoid looking him directly in the eyes; we did not want to ‘confront’ him on his turf. Several weeks later after working with him for an hour, he just rolled over on his back exposing his belly to us. This was the ultimate sign of trust. I was able to lift his 70 pounds into the car and we drove home. He did not know any commands, but was a very quick learner. The first lesson was ‘don’t eat the cat’. Lucky demonstrated that he was well equipped to survive in the wild by running down seven adult rabbits! That was how he survived. He also displayed a fear of any long object like a stick or shovel in my hand. He was obviously abused and beaten at his original home. The vet told us he was about one-year-old and had Erlickia (a form of Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and Lyme disease. Well, he is 9½ now and one of the best members anyone could have in their pack! He is the beta male, the enforcer and we love him. After each meal, he thanks us.
“Forest” as told by Bob Berg From our home in Rocky Point, I was driving to work one morning. At the intersection of two roads in the country I saw a dog asleep in the right of way. He didn’t appear to be injured, but he was very malnourished, emaciated. I called my wife who drove down and took him to the vet. He was a Walker Hound dog that was full of parasites inside and out! He was so weak that he could not stand up. After three days at the vet we brought him home.
We put him in our large outdoor kennel away from our other dogs in the fenced backyard where he was able to recover for six weeks. All he could really do was eat and sleep trying to replenish his body. That was four years ago. Our beta female Summer (a rescued golden mix) adopted Forest as her own. She protected him, and played with him until he was more than fully recovered. Now Forest can out run Summer! He is the happiest dog I’ve ever known with a bubbly personality that is full of love. He tells us Thank You every day. All seven of our rescued dogs are thankful.
“Lil’ Girl” as told by Donna Hodges One Friday, I went to see a little black and brown Chihuahua mix that needed a forever home. She had been found and put in a pen with two large hunting dogs so that she wouldn’t wander out onto the busy highway. However, she was so small that the larger dogs wouldn’t let her eat. She was already very thin and now with the big dogs keeping her away from any food and the horrible conditions of the pen itself, she wouldn’t have lasted long. I went back the next day and brought her home. After a good bath, flea treatment and a good meal, she settled into her new home just fine. She is house broken, loves to play with my other dogs Peanut and Snow and loves to cuddle with me. I decided to name her Lil’ Girl since that’s what I kept calling her. That Monday I took her to the veterinarian to get her checked out, make arrangements to have her spayed and get her vaccinations. That’s when we got the bad news. She has heart worms. The doctor said that she could be treated but the treatments are risky and cost a lot of money. I couldn’t help but to cry. I couldn’t let her die so I told them to go ahead and set the appointment for the treatments. I would come up with the money somewhere.
She was initially very frightened, yelped when my husband picked her up and cowered in the back...until I quietly said “here lovey.” She became the instant “kling on”. As we began to get a good look at her my husband remarked “She looks like Max, the Grinch’s dog.” Since it was nearing Christmas she became Maxie. This is not something that we have ever done and we were not sure about the next steps to take other than to feed this sweet little animal and soon. I have never in my life seen an animal this thin and still alive. We were afraid that we were too late. She was so wiggly and grateful - and hungry - she ate anything in her path: Cigarette butts, paper, anything. At the vet she was pronounced although too thin, in relatively good shape, no heart worms and did I mention NOT pregnant? Three weeks later there was indeed a star in the east and it was over our garage where nine tiny puppies came into this world. Once we realized that she was pregnant it was too late to do anything about it. My husband and I chair and produce a fundraiser that raises money for local animal rescues so we had terrific connections to help find the puppies good homes. We kept our dear Maxie and two of her puppies, Flower and Captain. Along with our four Great Danes. And two cats. There is a quote that reads something like “dogs aren’t our whole lives but they make our lives whole.” At this point, happily, our dogs are our lives.
“Anunnaki” as told by Bryan Kupko One day last April I was getting ready for work, rushing around and doing a million and one things not too uncommon to what we all do every morning. I was already running late when I realized I still had several five gallon bottles of water in my back seat that had been there for several days. I went out to my car to get the first bottle and
I shared my story about Lil’ Girl with friends. Three of the friends have been very generous with donations for the treatments and the Nacogdoches County Humane Society has also helped out a lot too. This means that all that was needed now is everyone’s prayer’s that Lil’ Girl makes it through these treatments okay. I am so thankful for the generous heart of our local humane society and the friends who gave both money and prayers for this little girl.
“Maxie” as told by Kim Fisher My husband and I were on our way downtown last November shortly before Thanksgiving. We were riding through a particularly rough neighborhood when a tiny skeleton covered in fur jumped in front of us. It quickly jumped back onto the sidewalk with its little nose to the ground frantically searching the ground for something to eat. We tried to catch sight of her again. She was traveling quickly, but we found her and were determined to catch her. I bought a “junk” sandwich from the gas station and followed her through the neighborhood (um, scary) until finally while she was gulping the sandwich from my hand, my husband quickly scooped her up and deposited her into our back seat.
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She seemed harmless enough and only wanted to engage the other dogs in a friendly game of “chase me” - even though the owner of the other dogs was not at all interested in doggy play time. I watch on in awe of this happy go lucky dog. About a block later this white mangy mutt got the hint and continued on her way in hot pursuit of something? I watched her roam from door to door sniffing the ground like a hound dog in pursuit of a rabbit. I was concerned that if I did not do something that she would end up hurt and/or worse and that someone out there must be heartbroken over this lost dog. I drove across the street to the next neighborhood and found her a few blocks up, still in hot pursuit. I opened the back door of my car and she ran to me in utter joy and glee. This dog jumped right in as if she somehow knew who I was. I decided I would take her to the Humane Society since they were just down the street from where I work. To my surprise, the Humane Society said that they would not take her, but they told me that Animal Control would. I was hesitant about Animal Control. I thought Animal Control? What if no one comes to find her? Will they put her down? No way. I’ll take before that. upon returning for the second bottle I was totally surprised to find a very cute, but very mangy, dirty dog sitting in my back seat. The dog was just there out of nowhere in the 10 seconds it took me to take the first jug into the house and return to the car. “Where the heck did you come from?” I thought. But there she was just chillin’ as if it was the dogs daily routine, no big deal fella - “let’s go” is how she acted.
I went to Animal Control and to my surprise the staff and environment were very welcoming and helpful. The dog was thrilled to be somewhere new as she stood on two legs over the counter to greet the nice lady who was taking down our information. I told animal control the whole story and that I did indeed have every intention to adopt her if no one came forward to claim her.
Being a very affectionate animal lover I was not about to just kick her out, so I told her she had five minutes to hang out then I needed to go. I figured the owner might come around the corner any second to find their lost dog. After I got myself sorted out I returned to the car and was surprised that the dog was so at home in my car, she had now laid down in the back seat and my heart went out to her.
After a day of thinking about our brief encounter, I could not get the dog out of my mind and I called the next day to see how she was doing. They told me she was fine. I offered to post flyers of a lost dog if they would send over some photos. The very helpful staff sent photos over right away. I went on to post flyers all over the neighborhood.
Just then we hear several other dogs across the street and like a bolt of lightning this dirty white dog with THE MOST AMAZING BROWN EYES was out of the car and across the street in a flash. Wow that dog can really run I thought! It scared the heck out of me however, because the street she crossed was a very busy street and she only missed being hit by about five seconds.
A whole week went by and nothing, no one called. I called Animal Control every other day expecting them to say that the owner came by and claimed her and every time I called they said that she was still in the back “waiting for you,” which I was so excited to hear, but still brokenhearted over any owner who may be looking for her. Part of me wanted to go in and get her and be done with it, but I had to wait a whole two weeks to do that. After two weeks, and after they tested, examined and spayed her I got the call from a wonderful lady at Animal Control who knew I really wanted the dog. She was all mine if I wanted her. I dropped what I was doing at work and rushed right over there. When they took me to the back and opened the cage it was magic when we saw each other. I truly felt the dog remembered me and that she took a chance with me and I came through for her. It was magic! Anunnaki has not left my side ever since and I have the luxury of being able to bring her in to work with me every day thanks to a very cool boss (Thanks Jim). Now she is a staple at work greeting everyone with the classic Samoyed smile, bark and howl. This is an amazing breed of dog - very loyal, very loving, very social, absolutely harmless, no aggression whatsoever and utter magic all around. It’s crazy how things in life work out and how people and things pop in and out of your life. Anunnaki, or Nakkie for short, is my child in every sense of the word. It’s amazing the feelings you develop for an animal over time. Next to my lovely wife Michelle, she is my life and I love them both dearly.
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Wait a minute, you might be saying. That’s only seven strays! You can find five more heartwarming tales of strays who found loving homes online at www.doglivingmagazine.com. That makes twelve!
pagesforpreston by Julie Hauck
A Therapy Dog Reading Program I have four beautiful dogs: Thumper, a 13-year-old Cocker Spaniel; Daphney, a six-year-old Cocker Spaniel; Avery, a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; and Preston, whom this article is about. He is my four-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Preston’s story begins where my sofa’s story ended. He had terrible separation anxiety in his first year and relieved his stress by chewing on literally anything. Unfortunately for me and my husband, Preston steered clear of the hundreds of dollars worth of chew toys we bought him and instead became partial to objects that held meaning for mom and dad. He chewed our sofa, our love seat, our wedding album, and the Bible passed to me from my Grandma. He graduated to destroying parts of our home such as chewing on the stairs, corners of the baseboards, drawer handles, window sills, and poor Daphney’s long, golden ears. We realized we had to take action and took Preston to our vet, Dr. Rhonda Maas. Dr. Maas quickly helped us make a plan of attack by introducing us to a behavioral specialist and recommending obedience training. After several consultations with the behaviorist, Preston was prescribed Clomicalm, an antianxiety medication for dogs. He also was enrolled in school and eventually graduated from the Beginner and Advanced Beginner classes, received his Canine Good Citizen Award from the AKC, and began competing in Rally Obedience, earning his Novice title. Since Preston took to training so easily, he was weaned off of the Clomicalm after nine months, with no signs of the separation anxiety returning. The combination of medicine and daily training and exercise worked wonders for our little guy. As Preston embarked on his life post-Clomicalm, I continued looking for activities that would challenge him. We met a Tester associated with Therapy Dogs, Incorporated and decided that Preston fit the bill to try to earn a Therapy Dog certification. During the summer of 2006, Preston was visiting residents in three area nursing homes while our Tester accompanied us and helped us to strengthen his skills. By the end of the summer, Preston had passed the exam and was officially a Therapy Dog through TDInc.
a strategy to use or a goal to achieve. This encouraged them to translate their joy for reading to Preston into other academic areas. The most noticeable insight during this first year, however, was the motivation that Preston brought to my students’ for reading. Their attitudes became very positive when we studied academic reading, social studies for instance, if I told them they could practice the reading with Preston. By the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, I had reworked several aspects of Pages for Preston, most noticeably the involvement of another therapy dog and the addition of a second grade class. Including a second dog allowed me to put the students into smaller groups to ensure that each child could read to a therapy dog. I felt that we operated as a well oiled machine during this second year. My confidence improved with this program as did the confidence of my third grade readers. Every Wednesday morning I would present my students with a book about dogs, either fiction or non-fiction. Through a generous grant from the Sheboygan Education Foundation, I was able to purchase multiple copies of over 20 titles of books about dogs. This theme was an obvious choice when selecting books for Pages for Preston. The books vary in difficulty, however the majority remains within the second and third grade level. I read the week’s book to the students and then allowed them some time to take a picture walk in the book. We do similar activities (read alouds, partner reading, comprehension discussions, writing summaries) in the days leading up to Tuesday, which is Pages for Preston day. As the students practice the book, I remind them that their goal is to be able to read it to Preston. This continues to be a strong motivator for the children. When Tuesday morning arrives, we divide into two groups and make circles on the floor. Each group has a therapy dog and enough books for students and teacher. The students take turns reading a page
When fall arrived I was back at work as a third grade teacher, yearning for those days of summer when I had spent endless hours with my dogs. Early that school year, an idea began turning over in my head: Is there a way that I can be at work and still spend time with my dogs? An answer to that question came as I read through a website titled “Sit!Stay!Read!” about a therapy dog organization based in Chicago that helps children read. I was intrigued and began reading as much as I could on the Internet about using therapy dogs in reading programs at the elementary school level. At the beginning of the second semester, I felt confident that I had gathered enough data and prepared sufficient examples of how I could adopt a therapy dog reading program into my third grade classroom. With my principal’s blessing, the “Pages for Preston: Therapy Dog Reading Program” was born and began in early 2007. That first year was definitely trial and error. I learned that instead of allowing this time to be an open ended choice of text, I needed to make the reading purposeful for the students by giving them
Third grader Xavier Wiegand reads to Preston
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of the book as they sit in the middle of the circle, next to Preston. Preston sits on his “magic carpet,” a blue crate pad that earned its name when Emily, a 3rd grader, announced that “Preston is magic when he listens to me read.” The reading circle continues for approximately 30 minutes, with each student receiving several turns to read to Preston. Comments my third graders made about reading to Preston were not only in favor of the program, but also quite insightful. Caroline shared that “The dogs calm us down when we pet them so that we can read better.” Dylan added “It helps me learn how to read and the dogs learn how to pay attention.” “I like seeing the dogs and having Preston next to me when I read,” said Riley, and Molik summed it up by stating “It gives us a chance to relax and enjoy reading.” This month I started my third year of Pages for Preston. Once again I have made some changes to the program, such as smaller reading groups. I have also applied for another grant through the Kohler Foundation for additional equipment (listening stations, books on tape, and several new titles of books) the students can use to practice their reading. My new crew of kids is once again excited to begin this program as is Preston, who never misses a chance to hop into the car with me and be my Educational Assistant for the day. It is comforting for me to have my little guy with me one day a week at school, but more than that it makes me a proud mom to see the good he is doing as he puts on his therapy dog collar and bandana and works with the students.
Julie has been an elementary teacher for twelve years, ten of which have been teaching third grade. Julie, her husband Corey, and their four dogs, Thumper, Daphney, Preston, and Avery live in Wisconsin, however Julie’s heart is in Wilmington where she vacations every chance she gets. The Haucks are preparing for a new addition to the family, although it will not be of the four legged variety; their daughter is due in February.
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Chew on this By Amanda Hearring Black
My Dog Loves Me More Than My Husband (Part 2) Sometimes, I think my dog loves me more than my husband loves me. Sadly, let me count the ways. 1. If I tell my dog to sit, shake or come, he obeys instantly. If I give my husband a command, he usually tells me he’ll get to it later. I think I may look into training my dog to take out the trash. If only he had thumbs. 2. When dinner is ready, the dog is usually already there waiting for it. My husband on the other hand, takes his sweet time to come to the table. The dog doesn’t even get good tasting food. My husband may say the same thing, though. 3. When I’m having a lazy day, I’ll ask my dog if he wants to lounge around with me and watch chick flicks. He always agrees. If my husband and I watch a movie together, it usually involves Will Smith or a sports story remake. 4. When I want to go for a walk, my dog never says no. My husband refuses to go walking with me unless I put on a very dramatic act as I’m trying to walk the dog and push the stroller at the same time. Those walks are usually out of pity, not because my husband wants to go. 5. I can talk and talk and talk to my dog and he never loses interest. I’m not sure if my husband has actually ever heard a word I have ever said. 6. When I tell my husband my family is coming over or that we’re going to see my family, he never seems extremely excited. When my family comes over or when we visit my family, my dog gets so excited to see them that he almost pees on himself. 7. My dog doesn’t have a problem with the colors of either of our purple bathrooms.
Insured & Bonded
8. My dog doesn’t mind all of the pillows on the bed.
American Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid Certified
9. My dog doesn’t mind if I steal all of the covers at night. 10. At least my husband doesn’t go around sniffing other’s crotches. That would be a reason for divorce. 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.
• Pet
Feeding & Watering • • Dog Walking • • Pet Play/Cuddle Time • • Pet Transportation • • Field Trips • • Overnight Stays •
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Grey Muzzle by Suzanne Jalot
There’s a special place in my heart for old dogs. Maybe it’s because my own dog, Ollie, is getting greyer every day. Or maybe it’s because it breaks my heart to see older dogs get passed over time and time again in the shelter. I recently came across a group that is looking out for these older dogs called “The Grey Muzzle Organization.” It’s founder, Julie Nowicki, was kind enough to speak with me about this wonderful group. Tell me a little about the Grey Muzzle Organization. Grey Muzzle helps senior dogs who have been abandoned. We’re a little different – we’re not a rescue. We raise funds through public donations, and we distribute that money to shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries for special programs that help old dogs. We provide money for programs like hospice care, senior dog adoption, medical screening, etc. We support a wide range of organizations, all over the U.S., as long as the money goes to senior dogs. Why is it necessary to have an organization like this? People sometimes ask why we don’t help dogs of all ages, and cats, don’t all animals deserve help? Absolutely, I wish I had the money and resources to help every single one! But the fact is, old dogs are often passed by. Some shelters euthanize dogs over a certain age automatically, just assuming they won’t be adopted. So old dogs need a champion, and that’s our mission. Why do you think people choose to get rid of their senior dogs rather than take care of them? One of the values of Grey Muzzle is that “old dogs have much to teach us about patience, respect, responsibility, and loyalty.” I think it comes down to a lack of those things in some people and cultures. Basically, it goes back to our disposable culture – let’s just throw it out and start again (like, get a puppy) when it’s not easy any more. What worries me is, what are we teaching the next generation? That when a life that we’ve made a commitment to gets a bit difficult to deal with, or needs some extra care, or can’t jog with us anymore, that we can just toss that life away?
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It’s interesting that there’s not really a standard across cultures, or even across individuals within a culture, for how dogs are to be treated. I’ve seen dogs treated everywhere on the scale from a disposable commodity to a member of the family -- all within one block of a neighborhood. And there’s not necessarily a correlation with wealth – an obviously wealthy woman walked into a Humane Society that we work with a few months ago, and turned over a little dog (with his bed). People have a great capacity for burying unpleasant thoughts. I don’t think most people really consider – or want to consider – what will happen to their lifelong companion when they get dumped at the shelter. Shelters don’t make people take a tour before turning in dogs – seeing the fear, incredible noise, cement cells and stress levels that the dog will be living in (if they live for long). I wonder what the wealthy woman thought was going to happen to her little dog? He wouldn’t be sleeping on his cozy little bed, that’s for sure. What do you say to someone who is willing to open their home to an older dog? I’d say “hurray for you!” I have not yet met someone who regretted adopting an older dog, even if the inevitable leaving was hard. Old dogs are fun to care for because they’ve been through enough in life to know when they’ve got it good. They really appreciate that cushy bed, you can tell (as you try to pry them out of it). And dogs have such a huge capacity to love humans – they’ll love you even though every other human they’ve been with has abused or neglected them. Some people tell me they don’t want to adopt an old dog because he or she won’t bond with them – nuts! Dogs bond, that’s what they do. Come meet my shadow of a dog, who was rescued at age 10!
Online Extra: There’s more! Read the full interview online at www.doglivingmagazine.com.
Tail Waggers By Elysa Cooper
Needle Felted Dog Portraits The attention to detail artist Amelia Santiago crafts into her realistic felted wool dog portraits is incredible. These one of a kind treasures are sculpted out of Icelandic and Merino wool using a photo of your dog. The technique she employs is needle felting, which uses a special barbed needle to create the form of each dog. Each dog is one of a kind and there is no sewing, stuffing or pattern used. Small breeds measure approximately 6” x 7” and large breeds 7” x 10”.
Gifts for Dog Lovers With the Holidays right around the corner, I find myself making my yearly gift giving list for friends and family. Many of them, of course, have furry children, too - I think we tend to also gather in packs! So, for this issue, I will focus on some great gift ideas for dog lovers. From unique and handcrafted to whimsical and humorous, I hope these items will make the humans in your life wag their tails this Holiday Season!
Retail price: $165 To order: www.ameliamakesart.etsy.com (503) 548-3562
Pampered Pet Frames What dog lover doesn’t have an extensive photo collection of their furry best friend around? Your pup will look fabulous in these cleverly clipped pet frames by a.i. paper design. The adorned clip features a pewter charm and holds a 4x6 photo behind a piece of plexi-glass. Handmade from a combination of stained wood, handmade paper and ribbon, these whimsical frames include stamped sayings such as “Dog Tips On Life- always find time to play, be faithful to the ones you love and enjoy a good back scratch now and then” and “Dogs Make the Perfect Boyfriends: they’re always excited to see you, never hesitate to give you lots of kisses and are always there when you need them.” Retail price: $32 To order or find a retailer near you: www.aipaper.com or www.catchingfireflies.com (800) 414-1654
Handcrafted Breed Ornaments These adorable handcrafted breed ornaments by artist Kathy James are the perfect addition to any dog lover’s holiday decor. They are handpainted on cotton cloth and then stuffed and adorned with a ribbon and small bell or holiday light around the dog’s neck. Even the packaging is special - each ornament comes in a small brown bag that has a copy of an original linoleum block print of a dog house with a small wreath above the door. The ornaments are about 6 inches high and are available in any breed. Personalization is also available. Retail price: $25 To order or find a retailer near you: Email: kathyjames313@comcast.net (603) 778-3885
Eco-friendly Boxed Note Cards Beautiful boxed note cards by Paper Russells would make a great gift for any occasion. With original illustrations by artist Myunghye, each box includes 6 card and 6 envelopes with 3 different background colors, 2 cards of each color per box. The notecards are printed on heavyweight, premium recycled paper and each box is tied with a silk ribbon. There are 83 designs available. Retail price: $12.95 To order or find a retailer near you: www.paperrussells.com (866) 517-7738 Canine Chef Aprons These fun and functional aprons by Fur Children are a wonderful gift idea for the chef in your life. Made in the U.S.A. from durable, spun polyester, these aprons feature a hand pocket with the amusing saying, “The chef is not responsible for dog hair in the food!” After all, for many of us, dog hair is just a fact of life! The aprons are adjustable, machine washable (hang dry) and are available in 40 chef hat wearing breeds. Retail price: $30 To order or find a retailer near you: www.zeppastudios.com (800) 347-3045 Sketch Jewelry These sterling silver and enamel necklaces and earrings by artist Mark Poulin will bring a smile to the face of dog lovers of any age. Mark combines his love of drawing, metalsmithing and ceramics to create these playful pieces of jewelry. There are several dog designs available and a selection of bright colors to choose from. The necklaces are reversible, with a second line drawing on the other side. Retail price: $55 To order or find a retailer near you: www.markpoulin.com or www.marmar.etsy.com
Wishing peace and joy to all for the Holidays and a loving home for each and every abused, neglected and homeless dog in the world. www.doglivingmagazine.com
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Food Therapy
DOGnews
by Brad Kerr, DVM
Sometimes the simplest answer to a problem can be the best one. Surrounded with pharmaceutical answers to every problem, bombarded with television ads for “the purple pill” and other drugs, we often forget the simple solution: Food! Food as medicine has long been a staple of Chinese Medicine, used to treat human and animal health problems. In my opinion, it is essential to include food therapy with every treatment plan involving chronic disease. The basic tenant of food as medicine is to use fresh foods. No matter what dried food is being fed, it cannot provide more digestible, useful nutrition than a fresh food diet using high quality organic materials. Using organic materials is best, but also the most expensive way to feed your pets. If this is not possible, strive to use fresh foods labeled “natural”, which will have been created without the use of antibiotics and hormones. The next question that needs to be answered is what materials and ingredients need to be included in the homemade fresh food diet. There are many recipes available. A good series of basic diets can be found in Richard Pitcairn’s book “Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.” The diets in this book are helpful to feed your healthy pet, and some address specific health issues.
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November | December 2008
For my patients at Wellspring Holistic Veterinary Care, a diet is tailored to each patient depending on their specific health problems. Chinese Food Energetics guides the choice of which food items to add to a basic homemade diet. Food Energetics encompasses a system of categorizing foods as either hot, warm, neutral, cool or cold. Within this large set of categories, each food can be appropriate for either excess or deficiency health conditions, for issues of Yin or Yang abnormalities, for resolving dampness, Qi stagnation, Blood stagnation and many other problems. Getting the right diet for each pet using Chinese Medicine depends on a proper diagnosis of the health problem, which is based on the Chinese method of examination, combining the medical history, analysis of the pet personality, physical examination, including pulse and tongue diagnosis. For this reason, I recommend using only basic home made diets until you have consulted with a Chinese Medicine practitioner. One other benefit to feeding whole fresh foods to your pets is that you will be more aware of what you are eating yourself, and will most likely benefit from the learning experience as much as your pet does! Dr. Brad Kerr is a native of Indiana and a 1987 graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kerr became certified in veterinary acupuncture in 2002 and completed training in Chinese Herbal Medicine in 2005. He currently coowns Wellspring Holistic Veterinary Care along with his wife, Dr. Betsy Burbank.
Here’s the scoop… The Painting Pooch is Doing it Again Netop is selling raffle tickets for his framed painting, “The Day of the White Feather,” to raise funds for canine cancer research. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the raffle tickets will be donated to the Morris Animal Foundation. To view the painting and purchase tickets go to his website, www. netopthedog.com. A High-Tech Alternative for Treating Pain in Pets River Road Animal Hospital is the first veterinary hospital in Brunswick County to offer patients treatment with the Class IV therapy laser. This laser therapy can be used on pets to treat arthritis, skin problems, pain from ear infections, dental disease, post-operative pain and swelling and sprains, strains and limps. It is a safe and painless alternative to medications. For more information on how this therapy can help your pet, contact River Road Animal Hospital at 910-454-8910. Two Secrets to Behavior Modification Pet Behavior Specialist Molly Stone says training a dog is easier than you think. Stone will present “Two Secrets to Behavior Modification – Train Any Dog to Do Anything” at the SPCA Curtis Dail Pet Adoption Center in Garner on Thursday, December 4th at 7:00pm. Stone will discuss basic behavior modification theory and how you can use it to train your dog or work with problem behaviors. The cost is $5 and tickets can be purchased online at www.spcawake.org. Do you have the scoop on something we should know about? Call us at 910-452-3775 or email editor@doglivingmagazine.com.
Peaches
Abby
Nate
Maddie
Harley Da vid’sson
Dogs on Film Sid
Glory
Those pesky puparazzi are at it again!
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November | December 2008
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Should pet parents be given the same considerations and perks as traditional parents in the workplace?
Yes - 91% No - 9%
“I’m very glad your recent poll raised the topic of pet parents’ rights. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed. The “media” is always whining about different segments of the population being discriminated against, but no one brings up pet parents. I’ve heard that certain countries in Europe allow people to take time off to spend with their pets if they do not used their allotted maternity leave etc. We as pet parents need to have the same kind of rights here in US.” “It’s about time that we pet owners were given rights similar to our child owning coworkers. I shouldn’t have to worry about job security if I choose to stay home with a sick dog, nor should someone who owns a sick child. I once lost a job when I decided to stay at home a few days with my depressed dog. After working very diligently, several hours a day, I was successfully able to cheer him up. However, upon my return to work, I was told my services would be no longer needed. Wise up employers: Pet’s are people too!”
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November | December 2008
This month’s question: Have you ever caught your dog drinking from the toilet? Send your answer to editor@doglivingmagazine.com and put “Doghouse Poll” in the subject line.
Coming in January: • Spaying and Neutering: Yes, it’s that important • Good Reads • Vet Specialists
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