Summer 2011
Doggy Dining What is Reverse
Sneezing?
Your Grooming Questions Answered Toys and Treats
that Give Back
It’s a good doggy day
®
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| contents | 11 Features 8 Spay/Neuter Contest 11 Green Dogs 13 Doggy Dining Check out these restaurants that welcome your furry friend 18 Where Dog Became Man’s Best Friend 20 Grooming FAQ 23 Jackson’s Last Run Author Ann Brennan discovers her running partner has Wobbler’s Syndrome 26 I Accidentally Adopted a Pit Bull
23 In Every Issue 7 Ollie’s Corner 8 Dog Happenings 9 Dog Health Reverse Sneezing 10 DOG outings 12 Ask August 17 Unleashed 19 Dog Shopping 25 Tail Waggers Toys & Treats that Give Back 27 Dogs On Film
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28 Dog Living Directory 30 Dog News 30 Doghouse Poll
| on the cover | 13 Doggy Dining 9 What is Reverse Sneezing? 20 Your Grooming Questions Answered 25 Toys and Treats that Give Back
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Cover Photo: Brittany Wright Cover Model: Max Brittany Wright Photography 252-985-8954 www.brittanywrightphotography.com
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Summer 2011 Volume 6 | Issue 2
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Suzanne Jalot Assistant Editors Ollie and August Art Director Dustin Keipper Contributing Writers Courtney Beck, Ann Brennan, Elysa Cooper, K. Gwendolyn, Jennifer Tilman, Jeanne Webster Phodography K. Gwendolyn Sales Pam Gosdin, Cheryl Turner-Blanco Marketing & Promotion John Leonard, Wendy Jalot Circulation Manager John Leonard Distribution Ryan Young
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 (4 issues) is only $16. Call 910-452-3775 or go to www.doglivingmagazine.com to subscribe. Change of address? Call 910-452-3775 or email circulation@doglivingmagazine.com. Advertising: For more information, call 910-452-3775 or email sales@doglivingmagazine.com. Submissions: Please email editor@doglivingmagazine.com for submission guidelines. ©2011 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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Olli e ’ s C o rn e r
Summer is here and August and I are so excited!
We’ll be taking what mom keeps referring to as a “doggy fun trip” to Florida this summer. I’m not sure what she’s talking about, but as long as it means we all get a nice, long car ride together, I’m in! My picture this month was taken by Dick Parrott at a fundraiser for Paw’s Place. And that new collar I’m sportin’ in the picture? That came from Four Legs Good Pet Boutique in Southport. If you have grooming questions, we have answers in this issue. Lucky for me, I only have to put up with the occasional bath and nail trimming. Although, now that I think about it, maybe it would be nice to be pampered at the salon every now and then. Professional groomer Jennifer Tilman fills you in on how often you should bathe your dog, how to deal with shedding and how to make sure you’ve got the right groomer. My cousin Chewy is featured in this issue. My aunt is pretty silly and she wrote my mom a letter about how her dogs are “green.” You can find out what she means by that on page 11, and that’s also where you’ll find the humiliating photographs of my poor little cousin. I should point out that my mom thought they were adorable pictures, but I still say humiliating. We’ve also got some dog-friendly dining suggestions for you. Thank goodness for dogfriendly restaurant owners that allow us to hang with our people while they enjoy a nice meal out. And thank goodness the folks who control restaurant regulations in North Carolina came to their senses and changed the rules to allow dogs in outdoor dining areas. I hope you enjoy your summer and thanks for supporting a North Carolina original. Um, that’s us, Dog Living Magazine! Our logo, covers and editorial are all original and inspired by the wonderful dog lovers in this great state. Thank you!
Insured & Bonded American Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid Certified • Pet
Woofs and Wags,
Ollie Assistant Editor
Feeding & Watering • • Dog Walking • • Pet Play/Cuddle Time • • Pet Transportation • • Field Trips • • Overnight Stays •
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DOGhappenings For an up-to-date listing of events, visit www.doglivingmagazine.com
MAY May 14 2011 Pet Palooza 9am-12noon Independence Park, Charlotte This is the Humane Society of Charlotte’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Join us for the one-mile dog walk or the 5k run which is dog friendly, a vendor fair, fido fashion show, entertainment and fun for the entire family! May 14 Bark for Life 11am-3pm Hugh MacRae Park, Wilmington Walk with your pup and raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Visit www.newhanoverrelay.org to sign up or for more information. May 16 Yappy Hour 5:30pm-7:30pm Carolina Brewery and Grill, Pittsboro Lap up some food and fun during CARE’s Yappy Hour. Enjoy cosmo“paw”litian drinks, mouth watering food, and overall dog-gone good time. A $10 donation includes a Yappy Hour t-shirt, a beverage ticket, and a biscuit for your pup! Plus…children eat free with paying adults. Yappy Hour is an event not to be missed by any person or pup! For more information go to www.chathamanimalrescue.org. May 20 Paws-Ability Charity Golf Tournament Cape Fear National Golf Club Tournament fee is $125 and includes golf, lunch, range balls, 2 mulligans, a raffle ticket for a surprise
drawing and Luau party following the tournament with complimentary beer, wine and soda. Tickets are available to the Luau and reception only for $35. Get your registration form from Janie Withers at 910-5794707 or jwithers2@ec.rr.com. Visit www.paws-ability.org for more information.
JUNE June 4 Cary Dog Days of June 9am-2pm Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Cary The entire family is invited to come out to this free event to enjoy fun and games. Activities include Skyhoundz Canine Flying Disc competition, rabies and microchip clinic and pet adoption information. June 18 Bark at the Park 7:05pm Legion Stadium, Wilmington Bring your pup to the ballpark to cheer on the Wilmington Sharks! June 20 Yappy Hour 5:30pm-7:30pm Carolina Brewery and Grill, Pittsboro Lap up some food and fun during CARE’s Yappy Hour. Enjoy cosmo“paw”litian drinks, mouth watering food, and overall dog-gone good time. A $10 donation includes a Yappy Hour t-shirt, a beverage ticket, and a biscuit for your pup!
JULY July 18 Yappy Hour 5:30pm-7:30pm Carolina Brewery and Grill, Pittsboro Lap up some food and fun during CARE’s Yappy
Hour. Enjoy cosmo“paw”litian drinks, mouth watering food, and overall dog-gone good time. A $10 donation includes a Yappy Hour t-shirt, a beverage ticket, and a biscuit for your pup! July 22-24 Carolina DockDogs Event Ole Gilliam Mill Park, Sanford Join us at the Ole Mill where the dogs will be having a blast jumping into the pond. Friday starting at 2pm you and your dog can try out this fun sport for a $10 donation. Competition will run Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.carolinadockdogs.com or email carolinadockdogs@gmail.com.
AUGUST August 5-7 Carolina DockDogs Event Oconaluftee River Islands Park, Cherokee Carolina DockDogs is very excited to be jumping at the 10th Annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby this year! Join us Friday starting at Noon to try out dock diving for a $10 donation. Competition will run Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.carolinadockdogs.com or email carolinadockdogs@gmail.com. August 15 Yappy Hour 5:30pm-7:30pm Carolina Brewery and Grill, Pittsboro Lap up some food and fun during CARE’s Yappy Hour. Enjoy cosmo“paw”litian drinks, mouth watering food, and overall dog-gone good time. A $10 donation includes a Yappy Hour t-shirt, a beverage ticket, and a biscuit for your pup! 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.
Spay/Neuter Contest Do you know someone who needs and deserves some help getting their pet spayed or neutered? Often owners may want to get their pet spayed or neutered, but, due to financial circumstances, cannot. Free and low-cost spay/neuter programs are critical to helping stop the pet overpopulation problem. Critters on the Move (www.crittersonthemove.com) is working hard to help the pet overpopulation problem one “critter” at a time. Submit a short essay (300 words or less) telling us why you, or someone you know, should receive a free spay/neuter for a pet. Rescue groups are also welcome to submit essays as well. The wonderful folks behind Critters on the Move will select three to five finalists and Dog Living Magazine will post those essays online. Readers will then vote on who they think should receive the free spay/neuter. Essays may be submitted to contests@doglivingmagazine.com. Deadline to enter is June 30, 2011.
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DOGhealth leash. There are many cases that an underlying cause is not apparent, termed idiopathic reverse sneezing. If it is suspected that allergies are a cause, we can sometimes reduce the number of episodes by treating the underlying allergy. If it occurs when pulling on the leash, the fix may be as simple as switching to a harness.
Have you ever heard your dog make a weird, hacking sound almost like he’s out of breath or choking? It might have been a reverse sneeze. Dr. Jeff Ward of Wilmington Animal Healthcare explains further: Reverse sneezing is a very common issue seen in our canine patients. It is an involuntary convulsion or spasm of the upper airway, producing a very stressed looking dog. It can be a disturbing thing to see in your own dog. I have seen numerous dogs presented on emergency for “not being able to breathe.” As scary as it looks, a true reverse sneezing episode is not a major medical issue. However, it is important to differentiate this benign condition from something more serious, such as respiratory tract infection or breathing issues associated with heart disease. There are some similarities in the appearance of reverse sneezing and respiratory distress. A veterinarian should be able to distinguish between the two fairly quickly.
While we don’t associate this condition with a specific breed, we do see it more often in the smaller dog breeds. It is difficult to describe in words what a reverse sneeze looks like. I can do a pretty good impersonation, but NC State Vet School has made it easy with a video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UyBrb0Hhpk. View this link to see an actual dog having a reverse sneezing episode.
Reverse sneezing is often thought to be associated with allergies or inhaled irritants (dust, pollen, etc.). It also occurs in some dogs when they become excited or pull on their
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DOGoutings
Biltmore
Asheville, NC www.biltmore.com
You might not think of bringing your dog to Biltmore, but while pets are not allowed in any of the buildings, leashed pets are more than welcome on the grounds. With nearly
22 round-trip miles of walking and hiking trails, this is a great spot to explore with your dog. Although dogs aren’t allowed in the house anymore, a Saint Bernard named Cedric once had free reign of the first floor. Biltmore’s founder, George Vanderbilt, was very fond of dogs and Cedric was the first pet at Biltmore. The estate has also been home to Russian wolfhounds, sheepdogs and other family pets. In the early 1900’s, the American Ambassador to Great Britain, Joseph Hodges Choate, was a guest at Biltmore. At that time the Vanderbilt’s owned a whole family of Saint Bernards and Choate was as fascinated with the dogs as he was the house. He wrote to his wife, “I shall not attempt to describe the house, which is obviously the finest in
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America, but the dogs are truly magnificent…I wish you could see these great Saint Bernards – five of them, father, mother and three children, all big and splendid. They seem to fill the billiard room and are most affectionate.” The trails at Biltmore will take you along the French Broad River, through forest and wide open meadows. You’ll catch great views of the Biltmore House and
you can also wander through the manicured gardens on the grounds. You could spend at least half a day exploring the trails, if not more. If you want to check out the house, there are actually a limited number of kennels available on a firstcome, first-served basis. You’ll need to see a parking host when you arrive on the estate for that information.
Green Dogs We all want to do our part to reduce our carbon footprints and pawprints. Recycling is one way to do that. But one of our readers writes in to tell us how she takes “going green” one step farther. “We love to recycle, but I hate the water that gets wasted rinsing out containers. Enter my “green” dogs: After I eat my daily yogurt, I give the container to the dogs and VOILA! The container is instantly cleansed of any and all food particles and ready to go in the recycling bin. The bonus, we saved another resource by not using any water for rinsing! And, the added feature of seeing the dogs put their entire head in a yogurt container provides hours of amusement.” To the right you can see the before and after pictures of Chewy, doing her part to help conserve water by cleaning the yogurt cups.
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AskAugust August loves mail from doggies and humans! If you have a question you’d like to ask, just email her at August@doglivingmagazine.com. Dear August, We don’t have any female dogs and my dog doesn’t mingle with dogs that aren’t spayed. There’s no reason to get my dog neutered then, right? Not cutting off his manhood, Wilmington Dear Not cutting off his manhood, Um, do you really want me to list them out for you? Okay, here you go: 1. Your male dog won’t be as tempted to roam away from home. Guys will do anything for a piece of, um, male dogs will search long and far to find a mate, but a neutered dog will not. 2. He will behave better. Intact males (that’s technical speak for not neutered) are more likely to mark their territory indoors and out by urinating on just about everything. Intact males are also very often more aggressive, and neutering your dog can squash that aggression. 3. Neutering will reduce the risk of testicular cancer. Yes, dogs can get that. 4. You will prevent unwanted litters and help the pet overpopulation problem. Sure your dog doesn’t mingle with females that are not spayed. Sure you always keep a tight leash and don’t let your dog wander. But you can never, ever predict when your dog might accidentally get away from you. 5. You’ll reduce the risk of having to explain to your houseguest why your male dog is humping her leg. I’m not saying he’ll never do the humpty dance again, I’m just saying there’s less of a chance of having that embarrassing moment. If that’s not enough reasons for you, then just go visit a shelter. Chances are most of the dogs you see pleading for their lives behind those cage doors are in there because someone chose not to neuter his or her dog. Trust me, you don’t want to contribute to that. Disclaimer: Ask August is provided for entertainment purposes only. For health or behavioral problems with your pet, you should consult with your vet or a behavioral specialist.
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******************************************************************** ******************************************************************** Thanks to new regulations that went into effect last year, dogs are welcome at outdoor dining areas in North Carolina restaurants. Of course, whether or not you can dine with your pooch is still up to the restaurant owner. Thankfully, there are many dogfriendly restaurant owners out there who will gladly welcome both you and your furry friend. South Beach Grill
100 South Lumina - Wrightsville Beach
Overlooking Banks Channel, South Beach Grill is a beautiful spot to dine with your pooch. They serve lunch and dinner and have ample outdoor seating. The menu is huge and diverse. There are obviously plenty of seafood dishes to choose from, but they also have a great selection of salads, pasta, steak, pork and chicken. You will be “oohing” and “ahhing” over the view and the food while the friendly staff “oohs” and “ahhs” over your pooch!
Lilly’s Pizza
1813 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
Lilly’s Pizza has been a favorite of dog lovers since it opened in 1993. As a matter of fact, the place got its name from one of the founders’ four-legged companions. They serve incredible pizza as well as pasta, salad and calzones. They also have a nice selection of beer and wine.
Red Robin
7860 Alexander Promenade Place, Raleigh
We’re not sure if all Red Robin locations are dog-friendly, but this one certainly is! On our last visit the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating to our four-legged diners. Red Robin is famous for it’s burgers and they gladly cooked up a plain burger to serve to each of the dogs.
Fat Tony’s
131 North Front Street and 250 Racine Drive - Wilmington
If you’re in downtown Wilmington with your dog, don’t miss a trip to Fat Tony’s. They have a few tables out front, but if those are full don’t worry because there is a large patio out back. Just take a quick walk around to the back of the restaurant and head up the stairs to find their spacious patio. Fat Tony’s specializes in pizza and Italian dishes and has a large beer selection too. They also have a second location in midtown Wilmington.
Enjoying the back patio at Fat Tony’s.
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The Altamont Brewing Company
1042 Haywood Road, Asheville
Okay, so technically not a place to dine, but still a cool place to hang out with your pup, enjoy a cold beer and even some live music. The bar provides water dishes for their four-legged guests and some lucky dogs might even be treated to a tennis ball. Another great thing about this place is that they have ten local beers on tap in addition to a variety of bottled beer and wine.
Coral Sushi
9525 Birkdale Crossings Drive, Huntersville
Coral Sushi welcomes dogs on their patio in a big way. While dogs and their humans are welcomed on their patio year-round, Saturdays during the month of June from 12pm-4pm, only humans that are accompanied by dogs are allowed on the patio. They call it “Dog Days of Summer at Coral.” We call it delicious and fun!
Village Bistro 14815 John J Delaney Drive, Charlotte (Ballantyne Village)
Lunch is casual, dinner a little more upscale, but dogs are welcome on the patio for any meal. They have a diverse menu with a little something for everyone. They’ll happily bring your pooch a bowl of water and even provide a bowl for food.
More dog-friendly dining… Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company – Asheville 675 Merrimon Avenue Angry Ale’s - Charlotte 1600 Montford Drive Salsarita’s, Blakeney Town Center - Charlotte 9941 Rea Road Alton’s Kitchen - Cornelius 19918 North Cove Road Fishbones – Greensboro 2119 Walker Avenue Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing – Greensboro 345 South Elm Street 101 Lounge & Café - Raleigh 444 South Blount Street, 101 Paladium Plaza Crabtree Tavern - Raleigh 5300 Homewood Banks Drive Stone Crab Oyster Bar - Wilmington 1900 Eastwood Road Scotts Hill Grill - Wilmington 55 Scotts Hill Loop Rd
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Mmmm, a sample of what’s in store for you at Coral Sushi.
Coral Sushi’s spacious patio is perfect for doggy dining.
Fido Dining Etiquette A nice meal can quickly turn unpleasant by an unruly canine diner. Our ability to dine with our four-legged friends hinges on us dog owners being responsible. In other words, a few bad apples can spoil it for the rest of us. Be realistic about your dog’s ability to be obedient in a dining situation. If you know your dog might be a problem, don’t take him with you. There are plenty of other activities you can both be involved in. Here are few tips that will ensure the restaurant owner will continue to welcome you back:
* Don’t let your dog eat from your plate. a water bowl and treats for your dog. (many places will *Bring provide you with a water bowl, but it’s always a good idea to have one on hand)
your dog’s limitations. If he can’t sit still for 30 minutes *Know or if he has a known habit of lunging at strangers, maybe take-out is a better option.
*Always pay attention to what your dog is doing at the table. *Keep your dog on a leash at all times. the server brings your dog water or food, make sure you *Iffactor that extra service into the tip.
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Steve Hofstetter by Suzanne Jalot
unleashed
Steve Hofstetter is an author, columnist and comedian. His latest album, Pick Your Battles, hit number one on the iTunes comedy charts. He’s made numerous television appearances including the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, E’s True Hollywood Story, and even a Barbara Walters special. Hofstetter is one of the top booked acts on the college circuit, has hosted his own satellite radio show and is the author of three books. The one thing he is not, however, is a dog owner. When I first heard about Steve, I wondered why I was even checking this guy out. He doesn’t own a dog so what on earth could he share that is relevant to our dog-loving audience? A lot, it turns out. Steve Hofstetter has never been a dog owner. As a child, the only pets his family owned were a turtle and some fish that lived for about three days. His brother and sister were allergic to cats, and because of an incident that happened to him when he was a toddler, his parents never got a dog. “Oh I’ve been terrified of them,” Hofstetter explains. “When I was a year old my parents were looking for a new house and I was almost bitten by my neighbor’s dog. And at a year old, that sticks with you.” So he grew up and spent most of his life thinking all dogs were going to chase him down and he never had any desire to go near them. And then Sara came along. Sara is Hofstetter’s fiancé and a very avid dog lover. “Once Sara and I got engaged I started watching a lot of the tv that she watches. Hundreds of hours of dog programs.” By watching Cesar Milan and Victoria Stilwell, Hofstetter began to realize that there are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners. “It taught me that, hey, dogs won’t hurt you as long as they’re raised right. Or not even raised right, they can be raised wrong and then put in a good home and then behavior corrected and so it was kind of a complete 180 for me.”
These days Hofstetter volunteers weekly with his fiancé at the local shelter and one day hopes to adopt a dog himself. He says the only reason they don’t have one yet is because they don’t believe they could give a dog the life it deserves living in a small, New York apartment. When their lease is up later this year, it will be time for them to not only look for a new place to live, but also for a new furry family member. “My mother was shocked when I told her I wanted to get a dog,” Hofstetter says. “Just cause I spent my whole life crossing the streets when I saw what I perceived to be a dangerous dog.” Hofstetter has also since learned that dogs make you social and people seem a lot friendlier to you when you have a dog. “Dog people just talk to each other. I was doing a club in Atlanta and Margaret Cho was there as well. She can be a little closed off to strangers because she’s famous and I’m sure everyone wants a piece of her time. Sara was in the green room with me and I forget how it came up, but somehow the subject of dogs came up and then the two of them were just chatting like crazy for a half hour. And that’s just how it works.” Hofsetter continues to play to sold out crowds across the country in comedy clubs and on college campuses. His latest album, Pick Your Battles, can be found on his website, www.stevehofstetter.com and on iTunes. He’s even got a possible movie in development. And, the one thing he hasn’t been able to accomplish yet, dog ownership, seems to be right around the corner. He’s got some advice for those out there who might be afraid of dogs. “Just like people, there are some dogs you don’t want to be around and there are many dogs that are wonderful. You have to find the right one. But most importantly, I would say educate yourself. There is a reason why there are so many people who are dog lovers. If you’re afraid of them, that just means you haven’t been exposed to the right one.”
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Where Dog Became Man’s Best Friend By Jeanne Webster
The following story is one of many author Jeanne Webster includes in her third book Strays. If animals and plants could speak, Ms. Webster suspects they would probably share the brand of simple and practical wisdom that the diverse cast of characters offers the protagonist of Strays. With the help of a lovable and wise dog, the book’s heroine recaptures the purpose and meaning of her life while readers travel their own personal path to reflect upon choice, purpose and a right relationship with the world. In the beginning of time, there was but a single language. Often Man and beast or bird and flower would speak together around the great Council fires. Trees would often bring the messages they heard the wind whisper as it passed through their leaves and wisdom was sought from the great stones. All things lived together within Creator’s blueprint for life and there was a great peace. As time passed, Man with his superior abilities to think and reason, began to use the information passed at these Council fires for his own benefit. He began to manipulate the earth to suit his desires alone. He forgot to thank for what he took and began to take more than he needed. Before when he gathered food, he would not take the first berries he found, but bless them and spare that first bush; taking only from the second and third bushes so one would be left to multiple in the next season. Now he took all with great disregard. Now he took without thanking and moved without consideration. Finally the Council decided that he must be shown the error of his thinking. A special Council gathered and Man was not invited. Each part of creation sent one to represent them, one Deer, one Eagle, one Tree, one Snake and so on until each spirit was represented there. Each was given a turn to voice their complaint against Man’s behavior. It was at this Council that Man’s fate was decided. He would suffer a separation from all of nature and remain alone until he could come to understand his actions were greedy and destructive. And so it was the next day the Council spoke to man and told him of their decision. He was no longer to be one of them and would no longer be able to understand the languages of his animal brothers. Man did not protest; by now his arrogance had fooled
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him into believing he was wise enough and skilled enough to live alone and lonely. Man had sealed his fate. In the end, the separation would be so. It was with deep sorrow that the Great Black Bear slapped the earth with his paw and a crack began to form between Man and Nature. The earth trembled and rumbled and the crack grew wider and longer, but still Man stood fast. He did not ask forgiveness as the crack grew into a gulley and the gulley into a wide gorge. He offered no word as the distance between himself and all the rest grew greater. Just before that gorge grew so wide that it would never be spanned, one animal defied the council. At the last moment the Dog sprang forward and jumped the gorge. He walked to man, gently licked his hand and sat down beside him. Finally the Eagle spoke, “Little Brother, have we not all decided Man’s fate? Why do you now stand beside him? The Dog raised his head and stood proudly beside man, “There must be one that will stand beside Man to guide him and remind him of the love he has lost this day. There must be one that will comfort him and urge him to return to us. I will be that one; this is the purpose I have chosen.” And so on that day, the Grand Canyon was formed and Dog became man’s best friend. It is still to this day Dog’s gift of loyalty and love that will someday spark the return of Man from his separation with nature. In the end, it will be the Dog that leads him home. For more information on Strays, go to www.straysthebook.com. Jeanne Webster is a certified professional life coach, who specializes in teen/young adult issues, life transitions and spiritual integration. She is an award winning author, speaker and columnist. Strays is her third book and first fiction. The subject of numerous articles, Ms. Webster has been interviewed on more than 85 radio talk shows throughout the country.
DOGshopping
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1 P.L.A.Y. (Pet Lifestyle and You)
These cute and comfy beds are much more stylish than that blanket in the corner. Pet Play makes round and square beds in small, medium and large.
$95.00 and up, www.petplay.com
2 Z-Access Display Frames
Place your pet’s collar, tags or any other memorabilia in one of these frames for a unique display.
$12.99 and up, www.Displayit3D.com
3 Neater Feeder
A solution to messy mealtimes, the Neater Feeder has a two-part container that contains food and water spills. Spilled food remains in the top reservoir and water spills trickle down to the lower reservoir. Genius!
$34.99 and up, www.neaterfeeder.com
4 Essential Journey Soaps *made in NC
Your dog will smell sooooo good after you bathe him with this Lavender Dog Bone soap from Essential Journeys. After you visit their website and add the dog soap to your cart, you’ll probably be tempted to shop around for some human goodies too, like lotions, lip balm, soy candles and bath salt. We couldn’t resist!
$8.50, www.essentialjourneys.com
5 Rescue Remedy
As a natural option for soothing pet anxiety, we’ve been a fan of this product for years. Rescue Remedy has now introduced a new, 20ml bottle. (that’s twice the size of what was previously offered)
$18.95, www.rescueremedy.com/pets www.doglivingmagazine.com
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frequently asked questions
How often should my dog get a bath?
Ideally dogs should be bathed once a month. However, some breeds require bathing less often. Shorthaired breeds like Chihuahuas, Vizslas, Great Danes, and pointers, for example, fall into this category. The hair type (double-coated or single-coated breeds), density, texture, and length will determine how often bathing should be done. As a general rule, the longer the hair - the more often the dog needs to be bathed. It’s also important to make sure the dog’s hair get thoroughly dry following a bath to avoid the onset of bacterial infection. Dogs with folds in their skin are especially prone to skin infections in moist, dark areas. Gently use a Q-tip or cotton ball to dry these folded skin areas. If possible, allow the dog to dry while lying out in the sun. The sun will help kill off whatever bacteria remains on the dog’s skin and coat. Also, dogs should always be bathed if they have rolled in something undesirable, even if they live outside. Foul, stagnant water, duck poop, manure, etc. all contain bacteria, which can make your dog sick if licked and swallowed.
What can I do about tearstains on my dog’s face?
There are many factors that contribute to tear stains. First of all, visit your veterinarian to determine whether any underlying health issues are the cause for excessive tearing. Sometimes seasonal allergies may be the cause. Also consider changing the dog’s diet to a higher quality dog food. And finally, some success has been experienced when dogs drink only distilled water. The high iron content in tap water sometimes contributes to the reddish color of tears when air hits them. If these stains really bother you, cleaning the eye area several times a day with either diluted lemon juice, or a salt-water solution may be the answer. Do not, however, use any human eye ointments, cleansers, or Vaseline to clean around the eyes. Getting these substances into the pet’s eyes will do a great deal of damage.
My dog is terrified of the groomer. Is there anything you can do to calm his fears?
Yes. Changing groomers often is beneficial. Dogs have a natural ability to sniff out dog lovers in people. Sometimes the dog will feel more
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From shedding to tearstains to toenail clipping, we asked professional groomer Jennifer Tilman the tough questions about keeping your dog clean.
comfortable being handled by a different groomer. Also the handling techniques of groomers may vary. The dog may find one groomer’s handling techniques more agreeable than others. Many grooming shops are full of commotion and anxiety. Being caged up and surrounded by strange, barking dogs, in addition to having multiple people handling the pet during the course of the grooming day can be very stressful for the animal. Perhaps finding a shop or mobile groomer in your area with a more serene environment will be a good solution to calm your pet’s fears. Some dogs do better in a one on one atmosphere.
Do I really need to trim my dog’s nails?
Yes. Neglected nail trimming leads to torn nails, and nails curling under the toes of the foot causing foot imbalance related ailments, and/or tendon strain, resulting in walking difficulty for the animal. The severity of the foot ailment will determine whether or not surgery is necessary to correct the condition. Furthermore, long nails can curl back under the foot and re-enter the dog’s pads. This is extremely painful. It’s similar to what it would feel like for a human to have a nail stuck in his foot. If the pet owner feels uncomfortable about trimming their dog’s nails themselves, it’s important for them to hire a groomer or veterinarian to do this task for them.
My dog’s cut is too highmaintenance! Is it okay to just shave all her hair?
Yes. In fact, shaving is recommended for dogs that are suffering from severe hair matting, or those whose hair is matted to the skin. Matted hair is quite painful for the dog. It feels similar to having our own hair constantly pulled. And matted hair can be the catalyst for serious health issues. Fleas and ticks cannot as readily be seen if burrowed deep within a mat, yet they can still reach your dog’s skin for nourishment. Skin wounds and infections can also develop beneath mats. Believe it or not some dogs have had live maggots chewing on such wounds. This only becomes evident once the mat is removed. In cases like this, repeated bathing does not eradicate the foul odor coming from the dog’s skin, or remove the pests. The odor, of course, is that of decaying flesh.
If a dog is not brushed as recommended for its breed, the above scenario could become a reality for your pet. If it does, a visit to your veterinarian will be necessary to remove all mats or shave the animal, obtain prescribed antibiotics, and flush the wounds. Shaving the hair is not recommended for some dog breeds. Doublecoated breeds like Newfoundland, sheltie, collie, husky, and St. Bernard are all examples of dog breeds that fall into this category. The cotton-textured undercoat needs to be removed or thinned out by brushing only. Shaving this hair layer will often result in uneven hair growth when the hair comes back in, if it grows back in at all. The dog’s coat will look patchy. And dogs suffering from any illnesses like autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or thyroid imbalances will likely not have the hair grow back at all. If it does, the hair’s texture will be compromised. Brittle, thin, or rough feeling hair will be the result and its purpose as nature’s insulator against extreme temperatures will be sacrificed.
Do you have any advice for dealing with shedding?
Shedding is nature’s way of keeping dog’s skin and hair cleansed. There really is no way to avoid it. And it’s normal to expect high quantities of hair to shed twice a year with the change of seasons. For shedding breeds, brushing is required to assist with the expulsion of unwanted hair from the dog’s body and/or to prevent mat development. Some breeds are higher-maintenance than others are because of their hair type, texture, or density. Brushing these breeds requires more diligence on the part of the pet owners as well. Shit Zhu, Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Cocker spaniels are good breed examples to illustrate this point.
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The appropriate grooming tools and technique is important too. A wire-bristle brush is best used for dogs with either dense coats, or fine or thin hair (single-coated breeds). A tool called the rake, which literally looks like a metal garden rake with two rows of teeth, is best used for all breeds possessing double-coats. The rake is what thins out the cotton-textured undercoat. It is the undercoat that sheds and mats. Regardless of the tool used, proper brushing technique involves brushing through little sections of hair at a time. Grab a handful of hair with one hand. Using the brush in the other hand, gently swipe sections of the hair in a downward motion back against the dog’s skin. This is similar to what ladies do to tease their hair for body. Also beware of the pressure used to brush. Too much pressure will irritate the skin and make it bleed. Always work from bottom to top of the dog (belly to back; and back end to front end), and brush with the direction of the natural hair growth. Also don’t forget the legs, feet, and ears.
What questions should I ask a potential groomer so I know I’m hiring the right person?
Often finding the right groomer is best indicated by what questions the groomer asks potential clients. The groomer should ask what dog breed he/she will be working with. This is important to know because each breed has distinctive temperaments. Some breeds need to be handled differently than others. Also discussing the dog’s age, and any health issues will reveal to the groomer whether special care is needed while grooming. For instance, if a dog suffers from seizures,
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precautions need to be taken to prevent seizures from happening during the grooming procedure. Grooming itself is a stressor for many animals. Furthermore, if a seizure does erupt, the groomer will know how to work through it and keep your pet safe. Hip dysplasia is another serious ailment that can require using special harnesses to help the animal stand for long periods of time. Its comfort is a plus as well. Such information will indicate to the pet owner that the groomer is knowledgeable about medical issues and practices. Therefore, they will know what to do in case of an emergency. It also indicates the groomer cares, and is willing to accommodate the pet appropriately to overcome whatever obstacles become evident during the grooming procedure. Author Jennifer Tilman is a certified pet groomer and owns a mobile grooming business in Raleigh, NC. Her experience as a former veterinary technician provides invaluable knowledge for her business. Her book “Grooming Tales from A to Z.” is available nationwide at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Amazon.com, and Tate Publishing.com. For additional information about dog care, visit: http://groomingtales.tatepublishing.net.
If you live in the Apex, Cary or Holly Springs areas and would like to schedule an appointment with Carolina Pet Spa, contact Jennifer at 919-801-0388.
Jackson’s Last Run
by Ann Brennan
We noticed the symptoms when Jackson was just a puppy but we didn’t know they were symptoms. Jackson was a klutz. No two ways about it. As he got older it became a running joke in our house. He ran into walls, tripped while walking up the stairs and was the epitome of the bull in the china shop.
But there were other signs as well. Chief among them was his tail wagging. We loved that he didn’t just wag his tail. He wagged his whole body. It was one of the thousands of things we loved about him. Then last fall, he took a huge fall in our house. He was rushing to the front of the house to bark at a neighbor’s dog who dared to walk along our street and his feet went out from under him and he slid almost ten feet before crashing into the wall. That was the first time I began to worry. It was the first time his klutzinesss didn’t feel like a joke. Shortly after that fall we noticed him trembling. He is a skinny dog so our first thought was that he was cold. My daughter sat down on ground beside him and soothed him until the trembling stopped but all of us looked at each other knowing that something was wrong. Over the next several days the falls became more frequent and more violent. He stopped jumping up into the car. Instead he would wait for us to lift him up and then would wait again to be lifted down. Waiting had never been a part of Jackson’s life but suddenly he waited for help. It was time to call the doctor. My first thought was that he had hurt himself in a fall. My second thought was hip dysplasia. Over the next several days we made trips to our vet, then to a neurologist and then for an MRI and even before they told us, we knew it was far worse than we had expected. The good news about veterinary medicine is the answers come quickly. Within minutes of having completing the MRI, Dr. www.doglivingmagazine.com
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McDonald was giving us the diagnosis and the prognosis. Jackson has Wobblers Syndrome. Two of his vertebrae have lesions that are compressing on his spinal cord and while there is a surgery available for it, his chances of recovery based on the progression of his disease were slim. Jackson is my running partner. If I even think about lacing my shoes Jackson is waiting at the door to head out with me. Even now, I find him standing there waiting to go. But even though his disease is progressing quickly, Jackson doesn’t understand his limitations and will break out into a full run without understanding that the next step is a fall. For my family this has been heartbreaking. With every fall someone in our house cries. He can no longer go up or down stairs but he doesn’t understand this and though we have gated the stairs in our house he is still as mischievous as ever, nosing past the gate and tumbling down the stairs. Sometimes he gets down them without a problem but twice he has had falls that have stopped our hearts. We know he will not be with us much longer but right now our fear is that one of these falls will cause an injury that shortens our time with him even more. If I could go back, I would not have dismissed his symptoms. I would have taken him to the doctor and pointed out these oddities about our puppy. But I didn’t know. I didn’t understand that clumsiness is an early warning sign of the disease. I didn’t understand that his wagging body was not a sign that he loved us but a sign that he was deteriorating. Had we caught this early we would have had options. Though expensive, the surgery that Dr. McDonald performs could bring Jackson back to full health. Had we understood the disease early and taken him to our vet, his prognosis would have been better. As it is, I spend each day waiting for the next fall or the next cry of pain as his leg becomes stuck into a position that is painful. I wait for the trembling to start and even my four year old understands that that is the sign we need to sit beside Jackson and calm him down. Help him to relax and move through the pain. Jackson is only five years old but we know that he will be here with us for only a few more months. We know that all we can do now is to protect him from his self and love him. Ann Brennan spends her days writing, running and dreaming of coastal living in Annapolis, Maryland. Read more of her work at www.annsrunningcommentary.com. Drop her a line at brennanannie@me.com.
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Tail Waggers
by Elysa Cooper
NEW! Dura Doggie Nebo Ball This buoyant, eco-friendly ball from Dura Doggie is a multipurpose toy- it not only serves as a treat dispenser, but also fits into any standard size ball-launching device. Available in 2 sizes and 4 bright colors, the Nebo Ball also gives back in several ways with this company’s “Chews Your Cause” program. Depending on the color you purchase, Dura Doggie donates 20 percent of the profits as follows: pink represents fighting breast cancer, green is planet preservation, orange is fighting diabetes and blue is helping no-kill animal shelters. So, just choose your cause, pick your color and go play with your pupknowing you have done a good thing! Retail Price: $9.99 To order or find a retailer near you: 805-703-4332 or www.duradoggie.com.
NEW! Planet Dog Eats Planet Dog has launched a new line of healthy, premium dog treats that are uniquely perforated to easily break into smaller pieces for portion control or training. These treats were also designed to fit into all sizes of Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff toys. The rough, crunchy surface of these organic treats helps to support tartar control and the treats are also wheat, corn and soy free. Any dog will love the 3 yummy flavors that include, Salmon Seafood Chowder, Pumpkin Pear Ginger and Peppermint Cranberry Crunch. Planet Dog has been giving back for years through their Planet Dog Foundation, where 2% of their proceeds help to fund training, placement and support of service dogs. Retail Price: $9.99 (14 oz.) To order or find a retailer near you: 800-381-1516 or www.planetdog.com.
Jax & Bones Good Karma Rope Toys A portion of the profits from these 100% eco-friendly, naturally dyed cotton thread rope toys is donated to www.therescuetrain.org, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to saving animal lives. Available in a wide variety of adorable animals and 2 sizes, these toys are great for any size dog. The tips of the toys can also be placed in water and frozen for gum relief for teething puppies. The cast of characters include: Elton the Octopus, Louie the Lobster and Ted the Turtle and all are durable and machine washable.
Toys & Treats that Give Back Whether it is dogs in need, the environment or other notable causes, I truly love to support socially conscious companies. That is, companies with a heart that know there is more to running a successful business than “the bottom line.” In recent years, the number of companies with this philosophy has really grown. It is good to know that you can buy great, high quality products for your dog, and at the same time, help such important causes. Not only will your pup love the following toys and treats, I am sure they would encourage you to support these wonderful companies that give back!
NEW FLAVOR! Zuke’s Prime Venison Z-Filet Treats Zuke’s has added a new flavor to its line of healthy, all-natural, high protein Z-Filets with Prime Venison. Using only the highest quality ingredients, the treats are made in the USA and the venison is sourced from New Zealand. Like all of Zuke’s Z-Filet flavors, these treats are wheat, corn and soy free. According to Zuke’s, this line of treats supports the strength, vitality and health of your dog and is easy to break into smaller pieces. Z-Filets are also available in Premium Chicken and Basted Beef. A portion of proceeds from all of Zuke’s products benefit their “Keep Hope Alive” Campaign, going to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund (www.dccfund.org) Retail price: $5.65 (3.25 oz.) To order or find a retailer near you: 866-985-3364 or www.zukes.com
26 Bars and a Band- Toffee and the Rescues These adorable plush toys were created to encourage people to adopt, “because rescued animals make the best pets”. Available in 6 precious pups, these toys bark when squeezed and each comes with their own rescue story. Available in Toffee the Mutt, Chip the Chihuahua, Donnie the Dachshund, Percy the Pug, Yoko the Yorkie and Megan the Maltese, each 7” dog wears their own breed specific t-shirt. 10% of the proceeds from this line of toys benefits Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (www. bestfriends.org) Retail price range: $9.00- $12.00 To order or find a retailer near you: 909-468-2263 or www.26barsandaband.com
Retail Price: Sm- $14, Lg- $16 To order or find a retailer near you: 626-444-4550 or www.jaxandbones.com
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The first thing I noticed about Flame,
a rescue dog I was considering, was her gorgeous Brittany coat. The second thing I noticed, several days later, was a big square jaw. Turns out when they said she was a Terrier mix, they meant Pit bull. It was quickly evident that Flame was a different kind of dog. Flame’s terrier instincts were strong, and she stalked my two cats with an intensity I’d never seen in a dog. Walking Flame on a leash was next to impossible. She was 45 pounds of solid muscle, and I would return from walks with blisters on my hands from holding her back. Her temperament was different too – she liked my husband and me just fine, but was often standoffish with other people. During Flame’s first trip to the vet, she cowered in the corner in fear and growled at the vet tech. Not one to mince words, my vet’s warning was clear: We must be careful with this dog – she was fearful and a Pit bull mix, a combination that could land her (and me!) in big trouble fast. Now What?
Clearly Flame needed work – and so did my family. Our other dog is an elderly collie mix who’s never met a stranger, but Flame was not that kind of dog. We needed to treat her like the individual she was and learn to manage her.
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The first thing I realized about Flame was that she needed exercise, and lots of it! Our daily walks weren’t cutting it, so I decided to try a local dog day care. Given Flame’s fear of new situations and people, I was concerned as to how she’d react. On the first day, my heart broke as I watched her spend most of the day lying on the floor, too scared to move. Towards the end of the day though, she started to check things out and soon began playing with a small Schnauzer half her size. The employees gave her glowing reviews and when Flame got home, she immediately fell asleep! I started taking her to this facility multiple times per week, and soon she began to greet the employees with licks and wags. The next step was training. I tried multiple types of training collars and enrolled her in classes that emphasized positive reinforcement, with limited success. When Flame was focused on something, no amount of bribery or clicking would get her attention. I began working with a new trainer who suggested a prong collar. I was very skeptical to try it because I worried it would hurt her, but I had to admit I hadn’t had success with anything else. The trainer put the collar on and began to work with her, and I relaxed as I watched her respond to the training without exhibiting signs of pain.
At the end of that first session, Flame was a different dog, and we continued to improve as a team throughout the training. Our training sessions started in our house then extended throughout the neighborhood and even to a local pet store. Flame learned to respond to basic commands, and I learned to handle her with confidence. Attitude Change There was one more big change that needed to happen – my attitude. When I first got Flame, I didn’t tell people she was a Pit mix. Now, I say it with earnest. Flame is not dangerous or aggressive, but she is different – and I’ve learned to respect that. When she’s on leash, she’s all business and doesn’t like to be approached by strangers or other dogs. I’ve learned to speak up and ask people not to pet her or let their dogs approach her. People often act offended or scared when I say that my dog is “not friendly” or “shy with strangers,” but I’ve learned to put her boundaries first.
Flame remains a dominant dog, but she willingly accepts me as pack leader, a position I reinforce constantly. She is told to “lay down” and “stay” as I scoop the dogs’ food, and she must wait for the OK before beginning to eat. She is allowed on furniture, but only upon invitation. Today I am proud to own a Pit bull. Flame is a beautiful, loyal, well-trained dog, and I trust her completely. She willingly accepts new dogs and visitors at our house, enjoys car
Miss ZZtop
rides and going to friends’ houses, and was even rumored to lick the vet tech once. I have come to truly believe that it is not her breed that matters, but my willingness to be a fully vested owner. In my experience, this breed is more work to own – but so worth the effort. Courtney is a Durham-based freelance writer. She and her husband share their home with three adorable mutts and two trouble-making cats.
Smokey
Floppy
Sydney Sasha
Tinkerbel
Titan
Want to see your dog on film? Send your dog pictures to editor@doglivingmagazine.com
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DOGnews Spot the Paw We’ve got a new contest for readers called “Spot the Paw.” In each issue of Dog Living Magazine, we’ll hide the image of a dog paw in one of the ads. If you’re one of the first 500 to find it, you’ll be eligible to win a prize pack full of all kinds of products and services. If you find the paw, simply email contests@doglivingmagazine.com, put “Spot the Paw” in the subject line and tell us in which ad you spotted the paw. You will also need to include the city you live in as we will pick multiple winners from different geographic areas across the state. The winner(s) from this issue may receive prizes from: Chloe’s Playhouse, Four Paws Up Dog Training, K-9 Capers, Little Friends Pet Sitting, Highland Canine Training, Ryan Newman Foundation, Canine Academy, TrimDog, Coastal K-9 Bakery, Tippy’s Treats & More, DogWatch, Oriental Rug & Carpet Cleaning and more! Carolina Canines Needs Your Vote Carolina Canines for Service is one of 500 finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. Toyota will award vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. Each day for 100 days, five organizations will be highlighted on Toyota’s Facebook
page (www.facebook.com/Toyota) and visitors can then vote for the organization they feel is most deserving of a new Toyota vehicle. Carolina Canines for Service is hoping to be awarded a new Toyota Sienna Mobility van which will be used to assist their clients when they train to receive their service dog. The group will be highlighted on Toyota’s Facebook page on August 15, 2011 and that is the day they need your vote so mark your calendar! Four Legs Good Pet Boutique We were so sad to see Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats close up shop (the owners moved back to Maine), but imagine our delight when we learned a new pet boutique was opening up in it’s place! Four Legs Good Pet Boutique is now open at 310 North Howe Street in Southport. The boutique carries unique gift items, jewelry, beds, gourmet treats and has the largest selection of collars in the area. They are also continuing the tradition set by Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats of holding an adoption fair for Paw’s Place animal rescue every Saturday in the parking lot. Do you have the scoop on something we should know about? Call us at 910-452-3775 or email editor@doglivingmagazine.com.
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If you had a friend whom you really liked, but refused to visit your home because she was terrified of dogs, what would you do?
Doghouse Poll
• Promise to keep your dog locked up in a crate or bedroom during her visit • Try to convince her to at least meet your well-behaved dog in a controlled setting to show her she has no reason to be afraid • Nothing, if she’s afraid of dogs, she can’t really be a good friend
What is your favorite North Carolina trail to hike/walk with your dog? The most popular answers: Croatan National Forest – Neusiok Trail, Poplar Grove Plantation, Pisgah National Forest, McDowell Nature Preserve, Hanging Rock State Park, Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve, Eno River State Park, The Beach
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