Nashville Paw Magazine

NASHVILLE

October / November 2016

Wellness Issue

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Heather Dowdy

ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR

Lauren Finney

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Fran Sherman

ACCOUNT REP

Jeannine Hill

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Michelle Conner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Dowdy, Jenni Hargrove, Pam Johnson-Bennett, Wesley Roach, DVM

DISTRIBUTION TEAM

Millie Brown, Morgan Castillo, Hing Hoskins, Stephanie McKee, Carol Medley-Herron, Maggie Odle, Meredith Robinson, Cindy + Bob Rudolph, Marge Wild

WHERE TO FIND NASHVILLE PAW

Nashville Paw pick-up locations are listed at nashvillepaw.com/locations. Or, subscribe for just $30 to have it delivered year-round (6 issues) to your mailbox! Order online at nashvillepaw.com/subscribe.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material within this publication is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. While we strive to feature highly reputable companies and organizations, we are not liable for any claims made by such.

©2016 Nashville Paw Magazine PO Box 11373 Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-474-5710 info@nashvillepaw.com

nashvillepaw.com

Happy fall, ya’ll! It’s Barktoberfest time!

last year, the event that began eight years ago with about 40 dog lovers on the patio of Loews Hotel welcomed an unbelievable 11,000 guests and their pooch pals to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. It was a turnout I had not ever fathomed. Standing in the middle of the festival at one point, mouth agape and staring at the continuous line of cars snaking from the road to the parking lot, I felt like I was somehow in the wrong place.

“Are they all really here for my event?” I asked.

“Isn’t it awesome?” my husband, Chris, grinned.

“No!” I gasped. “It’s terrifying! We didn’t plan for this! These people are never going to get parked!”

You see, despite the fact that our little patio event had, over some years, slowly progressed into a small festival of 3,000 attendees, we simply had no way of seeing this coming. We’d hired parking staff to accommodate growth to about 4,000 guests—not 11,000! Simply put: growing pains. Good problems to have, but highly frustrating for those in attendance.

While the event itself was a huge success and gained rave reviews from guests and vendors alike, the con -

Snuggle time with our rescued pittie, Briley. Follow her on Instagram @musiccitypittie… and don’t forget to follow us @nashvillepaw!

stant complaint was that parking was indeed a nightmare. We just had no way of knowing.

So, this year, we’ve gone big time. We’ve hired out the area’s premier parking company who staffs major music festivals, and although it’s costing us dearly, getting in and out of our festival will be a much smoother parking experience for you this year. We’re also opening up a second entrance and parking area to better manage the flow of traffic. And while we still have no idea what growth in attendance to expect—as there is no way to know with a free community festival—we are much better prepared should numbers soar again.

We’ve also added some new areas and activities to the event as it continues to grow. It’s become such a huge endeavor that we thought it finally deserved its own section in our fall issue. Check out our Barktoberfest Festival Guide on pages 26-31 for the festival schedule, musical lineup, activities and more—plus a map of this year’s layout. Then bring out the whole family on October 15 for Middle Tennessee’s biggest dog festival of the year!

Also, as this is always our Wellness Issue, we offer healthy, holistic pet diets, tips for better understanding and recognizing canine bloat and stomach torsion and advice on fighting feline obesity. We also explore some new pet boutiques in the Nashville area and more.

We hope that you enjoy this issue, and we look forward to seeing you at Barktoberfest! As always, I welcome your questions, ideas and feedback via my email address below. Happy fall, ya’ll!

Cheers, Heather Dowdy Founder & Publisher info@nashvillepaw.com

Quality Pet Nutrition for Health + Wellness

Local pet store owners share their favorite holistic pet foods and supplements

freeze-dried raw foods

Enjoy raw without the thaw! Stephanie Sotiros, owner of Keke’s Dog Bakery in Brentwood, loves feeding raw pets. She says, “The benefits of feeding your dog a raw diet that is minimally processed and made in a cold-pressed process are plentiful. Raw feeders tend to see allergies decrease, improved appetite and better digestion, a healthy immune system, great skin and coat, less tartar build up, clean teeth and more.”

She suggests two of her favorite brands, both available at her store. Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried formula can be fed as a complete diet or used as a topper on kibble to bump up nutrition. The patties come in 5.5 oz, 15 oz and 25 oz. bags and in 8 flavors: Lamb, Chicken, Beef, Venison, Duck, Rabbit, Pheasant and Surf-n-Turf for easy rotation. They are 90-95% Grass fed, cage-free, wild caught nutrient rich organ meat and bone, with 100% organic fruit and vegetables. This 100% complete life stage diet is grain-free and contains no fillers. stellaandchewys.com

Another great way to feed a complete raw diet is Sojo’s Complete Diet and Sojo’s Wild. Sojo’s encourages rotation of their diets. The difference with Sojo’s is that you measure out the amount of food, add water, soak to hydrate the food then serve. Sojo’s first ingredient is gently freeze dried meat, combined with fruits, vegetables and natural vitamins and minerals to create a balanced, healthy life stage diet. sojos.com

open farm pet foods

Open Farm is a family business based out of Toronto, Canada, and their pet foods are a favorite of Kimberly KellyThompson, General Manager at Happy Retales Pet Supply in Brentwood. The Open Farm mission is to create highly nutritious pet foods with high-quality ingredients while also driving positive change within the pet industry. The company is Certified Humane, their foods are sustainably sourced and their grain-free diets are made with high levels of fresh meat, non-GMO fruits and veggies, prebiotic fibers and generous portions of coconut and fish oils. Available as dog and cat food and treats in store at Happy Retales. For more information, visit openfarmpet.com.

paleolithic pet diet

Dianne Glaus, owner of Nashville-based Pet Must Haves Warehouse, couldn’t wait to tell us about the new Hounds & Gatos canned food line she has in store. This Paleolithic pet food focuses on 100% animal protein with whole, humangrade meat fortified with vitamins and minerals and free of soy, grains, glutens and artificial preservative and colors. Available in a variety of protein sources for both dogs and cats. houndandgatos.com

farm-to-bowl goodness

Orijen Pet Foods is a favorite of Pat Stagner, owner of Nashville Holistic Pet, located in Nashville and Franklin. This biologically appropriate, high-protein diet is made with regionally-sourced, “farm to bowl” ingredients, many from Kentucky farms. The Auburn, KY kitchen was custom built from the ground up to make the most advanced pet nutrition available. The diet is available for cats and dogs in a variety of human-grade proteins for all stages of life. orijen.ca

small dog nutrition

Developed by Horizon Pet Nutrition, Amicus is a kibble designed specifically for small and mini-breed dogs. While still maintaining a grain-free, high-protein, lowcarb nutrient profile, Amicus utilizes red lentils to create a tasty, nutritious food that is low on the glycemic index and high in antioxidants. There are three different diets, depending on life stage. It’s available at THR!VE Healthy Pet Market, located inside The Farm at Natchez Trace in Franklin. horizonpetnutrition.com

natural pain and inflammation relief

Jeannine Hill, owner of Licker & Whine Pet Market in Murfreesboro, loves the safe, effective pain relief and healing support offered by CanineActiv capsules. The supplements are available in a variety of formulations, including Pain Relief and High Performance, which relieve pain and inflammation while promoting healthy, natural healing and repair of damaged tissue for dogs. Also great when used with highly active, sporting dogs to prevent inflammation, encourage rapid recovery and offer greater endurance. Efficacy was proven in a double-blind, placebo controlled canine clinical study. Available in her store or online at canineactiv.com.

news bites

New Pet Boutiques Launching Around Town

BY HEATHER DOWDY

When I started this magazine in 2006, the Nashville area was only home to a handful of locally owned pet supply stores. Fast forward a decade, and Middle Tennessee now has more pet boutiques and dog bakeries than Fido can shake a stick at. And that’s a good thing, because there is now something for everyone, in so many areas—and your pet pals can be pampered all day long!

The Kessinger family, our friends who own Three Dog Bakery in Franklin, have announced the opening of a second store at 1982 Providence Parkway in Mt. Juliet. The anticipated opening is scheduled for early to mid-November. “The store will be comparable to our Franklin location, but a little larger,” says co-owner Leslie Kessinger. “Same great bakery, same great quality and same awesome customer service!”

The store will also feature one-of-a-kind treats, toys, collars, leashes and beds as well as a great variety of premium pet foods. For more information on the opening, follow their Facebook page, check out their Instagram @threedogbakerynash or visit their website at threedogbakerynash.com.

Meanwhile, a new pet store has recently soft-opened in the SoBro neighborhood, set atop the beautiful Rolling Mill Hill area near Crema and Pinewood Social. EarthWise Pet, a company founded in Oregon, now has a home in Nashville thanks to entrepreneur Stephanie Foster, who owns the shop with her parents. She says, “Being born and raised in Nashville, and watching the continued growth of our city, I felt the need for a pet store downtown… We wanted to offer a different kind of pet store that offers products not found in many other stores. Our store is inviting and our staff is knowledgable, warm and welcoming.”

EarthWise Pet offers holistic, premium pet food and treat choices along with earth-friendly pet supplies ranging from pet shampoos and toys to beds and accessories. In addition, the shop offers gentle and loving grooming services as well as selfwash tubs.

The store celebrates their grand opening event on Saturday, October 22 from 10am-4pm, complete with food, drinks, prizes, special discounts, vendors and all sorts of fun for your furry friends—including a Halloween costume contest. (Sneak into the store before then to find the perfect costume!) For more information, follow them on Facebook, check out their Instagram @earthwisepetsobro or visit their website at earthwisepet.com/nashville-sobro

Finally, East Nashville will soon welcome a new pet shop as well. Pet Wants is currently under construction and hopes to be open by late fall. Located on Woodland Street, the new pet boutique will offer its own proprietary pet food brand, slow-cooked with fresh, all-natural ingredients. In addition to buying in-store, Pet Wants offers food delivery to homes throughout Nashville and will also offer handmade salves, sprays and balms as well as supplements and treats.

Says owner Shawna Cohen, “When I rescued my dog Enzo in 2005, I wanted him to have the best nutrition possible. I was feeding him high quality food, but he started to have health issues. That led me to home cooking food for him and our newest family member, Shelby. When I heard about the Pet Wants franchise and mission, I decided to sell my home in New Mexico, quit my job, and move to Nashville to open a location.” Shawna says that she is a strong believer in healthy living, and she is excited to share her knowledge and passion with Nashville pet parents. For more information, visit their Facebook page or petwantsnashville.com. np

A furry shopper chooses a special treat and some freshly baked pup cups at Three Dog Bakery in Franklin.

Photos courtesy Three Dog Bakery

Penelope4Shorthair Female, 1 Year

I love to pounce around and get attention!

Nashville Cat Rescue

615-596-4471 •nashvillecatrescue.org

Kikdare4Australian Cattle Dog Mix

Female, 6 Months

Mama was a heeler, daddy was a mystery!

Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue snootygiggles.com

Natasha4Tabby Female, 6 Months

I’m very sweet! Come meet me!

Williamson County Animal Center

615-790-5590 • adoptwcac.org

Oliver4Shorthair Male, 2 Years

I’m very friendly and outgoing!

Nashville Cat Rescue 615-596-4471 • nashvillecatrescue.org

Enya Gray4Labrador Retriever Mix Female, 1.5 Year

I’m a petite 48 pounds and have wonderful manners. Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue snootygiggles.com

Arnie4Pit Bull Male, 4 Years

I’m a gentle soul with a big heart.

Williamson County Animal Center 615-790-5590 • adoptwcac.org

Rosie4Shorthair Female, 1 Year

I love to play with fishing pole toys.

Nashville Cat Rescue

615-596-4471 • nashvillecatrescue.org

Simon4Pit Bull Male, 3 Years

I love toys and I’ve never met a stranger!

Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue snootygiggles.com

Hoffman4Labrador Retriever Mix Male, 7 Years

I’m great on a leash, playful and housetrained!

Williamson County Animal Center

615-790-5590 • adoptwcac.org

you know? 5 million pets are put to death in shelters every year. Save a life…adopt your next pet! Rescue Groups: Submit your FREE adoptable listing by sending pet photo and bio to info@nashvillepaw.com by 10/26/16 to be considered for the next issue.

Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog on the Move

Whether you have a hyperactive puppy who always wants to play, or an older dog you have to coax into exercise, it can be helpful to learn some new, creative ways to keep your pooch healthy and “on the move.” We asked our staff about their favorite ways to keep their dogs active, and came up with these five out-of-the-box suggestions.

Our dispatcher, Andrew, lives in an apartment with his pit bull, Pete. Even though Andrew regularly takes Pete on walks, he wants to make sure his pup gets enough exercise while living in small quarters. Instead of feeding Pete with traditional food bowls, Andrew keeps a collection of feeding puzzle toys that require Pete to move around and work for his meals. Two of Andrew’s favorite toys are his interlocking West Paw Toppl toys (which require Pete to nose the two pieces apart to get the delicious-smelling treats inside) and the KONG Wobbler, which Pete has to roll around the apartment to receive a few pieces of kibble at a time.

Our quality control manager, Keith, lives in a two-story home with his wife and their Chihuahua, TJ. Even though TJ is far past his puppy stage, he never seems to run out of energy for playtime! Unfortunately, during the summer, it can get too hot for Keith to give TJ regular walks. So on extremely hot days, Keith and his wife sit at opposite ends of their staircase after work and toss TJ’s favorite toys up and down. Keith and his wife are able to tell each other stories about their day while letting TJ get the exercise he needs.

Nick, our general manager, has a very hefty English Bulldog named Sampson. While we didn’t ask how he knows this, Nick admits that Sampson can’t help himself when he’s around bubbles—he goes crazy trying to jump up and pop them! While Nick originally used giant bubble wands to entertain Sampson, he later invested in a bubble machine that blow hundreds of bubbles for him off the side of his back deck.

And our new marketing assistant, Christian, has an aging dog, Riley, who doesn’t love to run around the way she used to. However, Riley does love the water. One way Christian exercises Riley without putting pressure on her bones and joints is by playing fetch in one of Nashville’s local lakes on the weekends! Christian and his fiancé also look forward to the Nashville Paw Canine Summer Splash every year where they get to play in the pool with Riley and tons of other Nashville dogs!

Finally, my own rescue dog, Lucille, loved playing when she was a puppy, but has since grown bored with chewing bones and playing fetch. However, I found out by playing with my cat that Lucille really wanted to chase the toys that I would drag around on a string. While cat toys are definitely too flimsy to use with a thirty-pound terrier mix, I decided to make similar, stronger toys out of sturdy sticks, a couple feet of rope, and some of Lucille’s previously-loved toys. (Before playing this game with your dog, be sure nothing fragile and breakable is in the play area!)

Even though staying “on the move” with your dog can be fun, leave your heavy-item moving to the professionals! If you’ll be moving to a new home this fall, give us a call at 615-248-6288 or visit twomenandatrucknashville.com! Mention this Nashville Paw article for $25 off your next move.

Lazy pup? Our staff offers tips for how they keep their pets moving.

Tips for helping an overweight cat trim down Battling Feline

BY PAM JOHNSON-BENNETT

You may remember the story of Buddha, a local Nashville shelter cat who received national media attention in 2013. When photographer Penny Adams discovered him at Metro Animal Care and Control, she knew she had to save him. At 31.4 pounds, he was more than twice the weight of an average cat. Buddha began veterinary care through Animalia Health and Wellness in Franklin, including a regime of the appropriate amount of cat food and exercise. Part of Buddha’s exercise plan included regular sessions on the water treadmill.

While Buddha’s weight was extraordinary, it highlights a greater problem: that so many cats are now overweight, and that it is putting them at risk for health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, arthritis and more. Many people have simply gotten used to the image of an overweight cat and perhaps no longer recognize what their cats should look like in terms of a healthy body. And, it goes deeper than that — just as is the case with people, being the right weight doesn’t mean you’re

healthy. Buddha had apparently been fed table scraps, which is never a healthy, well-balanced diet for a cat of any size.

Are we over-feeding out of love? Lack of knowledge?

Convenience? It has to stop. An outdoor cat who depends on her ability to hunt in order to eat, is getting the perfect meal— a mouse—while our beloved indoor cats are getting stuffed with carbohydrates. Am I suggesting you turn your indoor cat into an outdoor cat? Not at all. However, I am suggesting that we all consider taking a good look at what you are feeding your cat, how you are feeding her and how much activity there is in her life.

Are You Feeding Your Cat The Wrong Food?

Cats are obligate carnivores and they must get protein from animal sources. Cats who are eating only dry food are getting too many carbohydrates in their diet. Dry food is typically sprayed or coated with animal digest to increase its taste appeal. A hungry cat doesn’t stand a chance! So, a cat who

is eating just dry food has to eat more of it in order to get adequate amounts of protein (and with some lower quality dry food much of the protein may come from plant sources and not animal). The high carb amounts in the dry food can alter the cat’s blood sugar, which then can lead to obesity. The “lighter” versions of dry food are the worst culprits of all because they contain higher fiber and more carbs. The protein and fat in food, not the carbohydrates, are the things that send the signal to the cat’s body that it has received adequate amounts of what it needs.

The other problem with dry food is that it has a very low water content. A cat on an exclusively dry food diet may not be getting adequate amounts of water, which could lead to urinary problems. Wet food (canned, raw or homemade) has a muchhigher water content and the cat has a much better chance of getting enough water in the diet. (In an outdoor setting, a cat who hunts would typically rely on the moisture content within the prey she catches, to satisfy her body’s moisture requirements.)

Are You Feeding Your Cat Too Much Food?

And, as if the above isn’t bad enough, dry food may lead to obesity because it’s convenient for free-feeding. Many cat parents load up the food bowl with a heaping mound of dry food for their cats to nibble on throughout the day. Perhaps some people do it because they’ve been led to believe that cats self regulate their food intake. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case or else we wouldn’t be seeing so many overweight cats. Many cat guardians also rely on the convenience of how dry food can be left out all day. For a busy cat parent, this makes life easier so a family member doesn’t have to rush home in time to supply kitty with her dinner. Consider more controlled feeding times.

Is Your Cat Bored?

Many indoor cats aren’t receiving adequate environmental enrichment so they don’t have to do much mental or physical work to earn their meals. Cats are predators and they’re born to work for food. They’re hardwired for mental and physical activity and yet the only activity too many cats are getting is the limited number of steps they have to take in order to reach the food bowl… a bowl that’s brimming with a mountain of carbohydrate-rich dry food. Try incorporating feeding puzzles to encourage your kitty to “work” for his food, and be sure he is getting plenty of interactive play time.

Putting Your Cat on a Weight Control Program

Before you even begin to start a weight management program for your cat, be sure she gets a thorough examination from your veterinarian, including a full blood work-up. You need to know exactly what potential health concerns your cat has so you can address that as part of the nutritional program. In some cases, there could be an

underlying medical program actually causing the weight gain. Your veterinarian can also tell you how much you should be feeding your cat in order to have safe weight loss. It’s crucial that you not put your cat on a drastic diet where she loses too rapidly. A drastic reduction in calories can result in a condition known as hepatic lipidosis. This is a life-threatening condition that affects the liver. Cats who don’t eat for 48 hours or who are put on a highly restricted calorie intake are at risk. That’s why it’s very important to do a gradual weight reduction program and do it with your veterinarian’s guidance. Your cat’s case is very individual and your veterinarian can tell you how much your cat should safely lose each month in order to stay healthy. A gradual weight reduction program is also better from a behavioral standpoint because your cat won’t become frustrated and confused by a sudden drastic reduction in food. You may be reading this and thinking to yourself that you disagree with what your veterinarian tells you in terms of the type of food to feed. Perhaps you want to feed raw or homemade food. Whatever you decide, please work with a veterinarian on the nutritional plan to ensure you’re feeding the right amount and the right combination. Any kind of weight reduction plan should also be partnered with an increase in activity. If your cat is extremely obese then that activity may be very limited at first, but any type of movement is beneficial. From there, you can ease into a regular exercise and play routine.

Make Sure All Family Members Cooperate

Nothing undermines a weight reduction plan worse than having one family member sneaking food to the cat. Before you begin the program make sure everyone in the family, including your children, understand the importance of what is being done for your cat’s health and how it’s imperative that everyone is on the same page. Some family members can feel really guilty when they see the family cat begging for food or sitting in front of the empty food bowl as if she hasn’t had a meal in a week. Nip that guilt in the bud or else the cat will be the one who ultimately suffers. np

Pam Johnson-Bennett is a certified cat behavior consultant and star of the television series Psycho Kitty airing in the UK on Animal Planet and in Canada on Nat Geo Wild. Her new column, “The Feline Kind” appears in each issue of Nashville Paw. Pam is the best-selling author of seven books and owns Cat Behavior Associates, a private veterinarian-referred behavior company based in Nashville. For more information, visit her website at catbehaviorassociates.com.

The and TWISTS

BY WESLEY ROACH, DVM

Understanding canine bloat and GDV of Stomach Torsion TURNS

If you share your life with a dog, chances are that you may have heard of a condition called “bloat”. However, many pet guardians don’t have a clear understanding of exactly what it is, how to spot it, or what to do about it – and many do not realize that bloat and twisted stomach (GDV) are two individual but related problems.

It is important to recognize that GDV can present a serious, life-threatening emergency that can affect any dog regardless of size or age. The following information is aimed at helping you better understand bloat and GDV in pets and how to respond in order to give your pet the best chance at recovery.

What is bloat?

Bloat is when the stomach over-distends with air, liquid or food and puts pressure on the body’s other organs. In the case of bloat, the stomach does not twist on itself, and therefore is typically not life-threatening. However, bloat can be very uncomfortable and your dog may require veterinary care to decompress the stomach or receive fluids for rehydration. Dogs that have a history of bloat may be at increased risk of GDV in the future.

It is very important to understand that you cannot tell from the outside whether your dog is simply bloated or having a true stomach torsion. Therefore, you should

Creative Commons Use Courtesy of Wikivisual

always take your dog to the veterinarian immediately to determine the cause of the distended stomach, which typically requires an x-ray.

What is GDV?

GDV (Gastric Dilitation and Volvulus) is also referred to as a “stomach twist” or “torsion” and occurs when the stomach bloats and then twists on itself. The dilation causes the stomach to greatly increase in size, putting pressure on the main blood vessels in the abdomen. This prevents blood from getting back to the heart, leading to shock and death. The dilated stomach also puts pressure on the diaphragm and makes it hard to breath. The twisting of the stomach cuts off the blood supply to the stomach wall, causing large portions of the wall to die and eventually leak food and liquid out into the abdomen, causing infection and death.

Overall, this is a bad deal if not addressed quickly. Emergency surgery is the only solution. Surgery allows decompression (deflating) and untwisting of the stomach, and has an 80% survival rate. Without surgery, GDV is 100% fatal, typically within hours, and is not a pleasant way to go.

What type of pets are at risk of GDV?

Large and giant breed dogs appear to be the most at risk—especially ones with deep chests, such as . Great Danes have the highest risk, with a 40% change of developing a GDV during their lifetimes. Other at-risk breeds include Weimaraners, Saint Bernards, Gordon and Irish Setters, Standard Poodles, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and others.

However, it is important to remember that GDV can occur in any size or breed of dog. There are even a few reports of GDV occurring in Dachschunds and Basset Hounds, most likely due to their deep chests. GDV can also occur at any age. It is not just a disease of young dogs, and we frequently see dogs over ten years of age with GDV.

While there are a few reports of cats with GDV, this is extremely rare and typically associated with the cat having anatomical abnormalities, such as a diaphragm rupture.

What causes a GDV?

Many studies have been done, but no single cause has been found. Factors that are thought to contribute to the risk of GDV include bigger size, deeper chest,

family history of the condition, dogs that are anxious or stressed, large meals, fast eaters, exercise following a meal and using raised feeders for food and water.

How can you recognize GDV?

Dogs are stoic creatures and often don’t show they are in pain, so it is up to you to look for signs that your pet is in distress. Signs of GDV include an enlarged stomach and abdomen area, restlessness, excessive drooling and/or “dry heaves” where your dog tries to vomit, gag or cough up something, but nothing comes out. Your dog might stand uncomfortably or in a hunched posture. Once again, you will not be able to tell the difference between bloat and GDV without an x-ray, so assume the worst and treat the situation as a life-threating emergency.

What to do if you suspect GDV?

Time is of the essence, so you must act quickly. This is not the time for a “wait and see” approach. GDV is 100% fatal without emergency surgery. Call your primary care veterinarian and tell them you suspect GDV. If your veterinarian’s office is open and able to accept emergencies, take your dog there immediately. If your vet’s office is closed or they are not able to treat your pet, call an emergency veterinary clinic (our number for NVS is on the back cover of this magazine) and bring your dog to the hospital immediately. By calling ahead, you will help us save valuable time and allow us to be better prepared for your pet’s arrival.

The veterinarian will immediately evaluate your dog for GDV and treat for potential shock with intravenous fluids while preparing your pet for emergency surgery. The stomach will be deflated to relieve the pressure, and untwisted to restore the blood supply. The extent of damage to the stomach will also be assessed. Small areas of stomach necrosis can usually be removed, but large areas of necrosis may not be repairable. To prevent the stomach from twisting again, the surgeon will attach the stomach to the body wall in a normal position. This procedure is called a gastropexy. Your pet will need to spend the night in the hospital for monitoring and supportive care. Approximately 80% of dogs will survive GDV surgery and make a full recovery.

How can you prevent this life-threating condition?

A veterinarian can perform a preventive surgery called a gastropexy where the stomach is attached to the body wall in a normal position to prevent a future

GDV. Prophylactic gastropexies are 100% effective at preventing GDV for the rest of your dog’s life. A prophylactic gastropexy is best performed when your pet is already having another surgery such as a spay or neuter, but it can be done at any time after six months of age. The risks to your pet from this procedure are very low, especially if your dog is healthy at the time of surgery. Talk to your primary care veterinarian about having a prophylactic gastropexy done for your dog if you have an at-risk breed. Many primary care veterinarians are able to do this in their offices while others refer the dogs to our specialty hospital. At NVS we are able to perform prophylactic gastrowpexies through two small incisions using special laparoscopic (key hole) surgery.

Other things you can try to reduce the risk of GDV include feeding your dog two or more small meals per day instead of one large meal; avoiding walks and exercise for a while after your pet eats; preventing your dog from gulping large amounts of water; avoiding food that cause gas; and placing bowls on the floor instead of using raised feeders. There are even specially designed

“slow feeder” bowls that slow down your pet’s eating. Many of these are available online or at local pet supply stores.

And always, keep an eye on all your pets for subtle changes in their health or behavior. These changes might indicate a medical problem that needs attention from your veterinarian. np

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. If your pet is showing any changes or symptoms, be sure to bring him to a veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Wesley Roach is board certified in veterinary surgery and is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. When Nashville Veterinary Specialists first opened in 2010, Dr. Roach joined its surgery team. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary surgery including orthopedic, soft tissue/oncologic, and neurologic surgeries. He and his wife, Laura, have two dogs, Merle and Attie. nashvillevetspecialists.com

The Story Of Wumbo

Meet one of the most special pups at Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue

Never be afraid to love something special.

—Shawn Aswad, Founder of Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue

TEXT BY HEATHER DOWDY

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CONNER

Our fall cover star is dear to my heart, and if you follow Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue on social media, then he is likely dear to yours, too.

As I arrive at “Camp Snooty” for our fall cover shoot, the Snooty Giggles gang comes rushing to greet me across open, green fields. Lagging behind but determined as ever are two-legged Hoopla (our cover dog last fall) and little Wumbo, to whom he has passed the torch. I’ve spent time with Wumbo on a few occasions, and each time my heart swells a little more in love. You simply cannot be in his presence—his soulful eyes, his tender affection—without falling head over heels.

At just a year old, sweet Wumbo is already a hospice care foster. Bred as a hybrid called an American Bully (pit bull and French bulldog), he was taken by his breeder at just

five weeks old to a local veterinarian to be euthanized because he was suddenly unable to walk. Fortunately, a vet tech offered to take him home and reached out to Snooty Giggles for assistance.

Dr. Kevin Au of Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners diagnosed him with neoporosis (a parasitic infection and neuromuscular disease) and began treatment. He began immediate physical rehabilitation at Animalia Health and Wellness in Franklin, including his muchpublicized water treadmill sessions. He became strong, using a wheel-cart in public and happily bouncing around by his front legs at home.

He crawls into the dog shower every single day to make sure he gets his special time! He lifts his legs up to help you find the hidden spots..

Everyone was excited because it appeared we had an immobile dog who would indeed walk again, which rarely happens,” says Shawn Aswad, the rescue group’s founder and director. “But one day, while he was in rehab, one of the veterinarians did a little physical exam on a whim and noticed a slight heart murmur that had not been there before.”

An echocardiogram revealed subaortic stenosis (SAS), a narrowing of the area underneath the aortic valve that causes some degree of obstruction of blood through the heart. “I wasn’t too concerned at first,” says Shawn, “because we’d had several adult dogs enter the program and who went on to be adopted with SAS… and, so far, none of them have been sick or required medications. So we moved on and didn’t think twice.”

But a couple of months later, Wumbo stopped progressing in rehab. He no longer wanted to work in the treadmill. “He had been such a hard worker in rehab, so we thought that maybe, as a puppy, he was just getting bored and tired of the repetition. So we came home and let him rest for a few weeks, and just let him be. It seemed to be exactly what he needed… at least for a while.”

But within a few weeks, Wumbo became depressed and lethargic. He began losing muscle tone, which led to urinary incontinence. Shawn recalls, “Suddenly, things were not looking so good. He became sick and we discovered that his heart murmur was much worse than before. Another echocardiogram showed that the SAS had progressed immensely. (continued on p. 25)

4 Life Lessons From Wumbo

1. Not everything that looks tough is. Sometimes, they are the most fragile.

2. You can use your eyes to get anything you want out of anyone… at least if you are a dog. Or at least if you are Wumbo.

3. If you want something bad enough, you will drag yourself across ten acres of terrain like it’s nothing. It may just be a green ball with white stripes to everyone else, and there may be a dozen balls right next to you, but if you really want the green ball with white stripes… you make it happen.

4. When someone helps you and shows you compassion… love them. Kiss them, hug them, thank them, even if they know how much you appreciate them. Sometimes, they need your love just as much as you need their help.

(continued from p. 22)

“So, here we were now with an eightmonth-old puppy on our hospice care roster,” says Shawn. “I spent about 48 hours being really, really angry and we moved on and decided to try our best to make every day an amazing one for Wumbo.” Of course, according to Shawn, he’s pretty easy to please, so pushing around beach balls, blowing bubbles and lounging in the pond are really all it takes to make his day.

“The water is his favorite. Because of his heart, he is becoming too weak to walk much or use his cart, but when you get him in the water where he is weightless and can move as freely as any other dog, he could stay there forever and ever. We call him our little hippopotamus because of the way he moves through the water with his eyes underneath and wide open, hunting for frogs.”

But his very favorite moments are spent alone with mama Shawn during bath time. “He demands a bath every day,” she says. “He crawls into the dog shower every single day to make sure he gets his special time! He lifts his legs up to help you find the hidden spots. But his favorite part is getting dried off. Lots of time for massage for his tired muscles.”

Wrapped in a towel, the mild-mannered pup sits in Shawn’s lap as she rocks him back and forth and sings songs to him. “We read Peter Pan a lot around here, so I sing the song “Lost Boy” to him. There seems to be quite a connection between the Lost Boys, Neverland and Camp Snooty… Wumbo is a bit of a Lost Boy for sure. He is an orphan who will never get the chance to grow up.”

But while it is not certain how much longer Wumbo will remain with us, those of us who have spent time with him cannot deny that he makes every moment count—and that his brief presence here on earth has united so many animal lovers and touched so many hearts. Today, we honor his tenacity, his sweet spirit and the legacy he will leave behind—to, as Shawn puts it, “never be afraid to love something special.”

For today, it’s time for those bubbles. np

Barktoberfest 2016 EVENT GUIDE

A Dog-Friendly Fall Festival of Music, Food + Fun

Hosted by Nashville Paw Magazine + The City of Franklin Parks

Last year, the event that began in 2009 with about 40 dog lovers on the patio of Loews Hotel welcomed an unbelievable 11,000 guests and their pooch pals to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. It was a turnout I had not ever fathomed. Standing in the middle of the festival at one point, mouth agape and staring at the continuous line of cars snaking from the road to the parking lot, I felt like I was somehow in the wrong place.

Thanks to our presenting sponsors for making this free community festival possible! Please be sure to stop by their booths to thank them for supporting this event and to check out all they have to offer.

TEXT BY HEATHER DOWDY PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CONNER

“Are they all really here for my event?” I asked.

“Isn’t it awesome?” my husband, Chris, grinned.

“No!” I gasped. “It’s terrifying! We didn’t plan for this! These people are never going to get parked!”

Be sure to pick up a festival program at either event entrance near the wood entry signs for a complete listing of vendors, food trucks and more.

You see, despite the fact that our little patio event had, over some years, slowly progressed into a small festival of 3,000 attendees, we simply had no way of seeing this coming. We’d hired parking staff to accommodate growth to about 4,000 guests—not 11,000! Simply put: growing pains. Good problems to have, but highly frustrating for

those in attendance.

While the event itself was a huge success and gained rave reviews from guests and vendors alike, the constant complaint was that parking was indeed a nightmare. We just had no way of knowing.

So, this year, we’ve gone big time. We’ve hired out the area’s premier parking company who staffs major music festivals, and although it’s costing us dearly, getting in and out of our festival will be a much smoother parking experience for you this year. We’re also opening up a

(Continued on page 30)

For more information, visit our event website at tnbarktoberfest.com …and be sure to join our Facebook event page for updates! .

second entrance and parking area to better manage the flow of traffic. And while we still have no idea what growth in attendance to expect—as there is no way to know with a free community festival—we are much better prepared should numbers soar again.

Also new this year is our first-ever Handmade Marketplace, featuring local arts, crafts and retail products handmade right here in Middle Tennessee. We have also doubled the food trucks, increased the number of vendor booths and even have real public restrooms to boot!

Of course, we’ll have plenty of fun activities for the whole family, such as the Dogs + Kids Carnival, located in the Main Barn and hosted by Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue. Outside the barn, kids can enjoy playing in a sandbox and more.

Our Pet Adoption Fair features local animal shelters and rescues hosting meet-and-greets with their adoptable pets. Be sure to browse their booths to

show your support of their work and to apply to adopt a new furry friend! Meanwhile, trainer Kat Martin Ray of Dogs + Kat will be giving dog agility and training demonstrations throughout the day in the agility ring in front of the main barn. See sign posted at agility area for demo times. And, as always, we’ll be giving away thousands of dollars in prizes in our Howl-OWeen Costume Contests , including a kids contest (ages 3-12 with or without a dog), a dog-only contest and a dogs + humans combo contest.

Also, be sure to stop by the Nashville Paw booth just outside the main barn for your festival t-shirt, to enter prize giveaways and more. np

pet emergency support

ASPCA Animal

Poison Control Center

888-426-4435 aspca.org/apcc

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency

Nashville: 615-386-0107 nashvillevetspecialists.com

Nashville Pet Emergency Clinic

Nashville: 615-383-2600

Murfreesboro: 615-890-1259

Rivergate: 615-859-3778 nashvillepetemergency.com

spay + neuter clinics

Beesley Animal Foundation

615-890-6878

beesleyanimalfoundation.org

Pet Community Center 615-512-5001 petcommunitycenter.org

Rover Mobile Clinic

615-352-4030 nashvillehumane.org

PLEASE NOTE! Due to limited page space and many listings, we are no longer able to list all local resources here. If you don’t see the resource you need listed here, please log onto nashvillepaw.com/directory for a more complete listing of local rescue groups, dog parks, and animal welfare programs and more.

The Spay Station

615-444-1196 newleashonline.com

Sumner Spay Neuter Alliance 615-452-2233 sumnerspayneuteralliance.org

feral cat trap-neuter-return

Feline Fix

615-512-5001 petcommunitycenter.org/feline-fix

county animal care + control

Nashville Metro Animal Care + Control

615-862-7928 facebook.com/metroanimalcare

Rutherford Co. PAWS

615-898-7740 paws.rutherfordcountytn.gov

Sumner Co. Animal Control

615-452-2400 sumnersheriff.com/animal_control

Williamson Co. Animal Center 615-790-5590 adoptwcac.org

Wilson Co. Animal Control 615-444-9775 wilsoncountytn.com

nonprofit animal shelters Happy Tales Humane 615-791-0827 happytaleshumane.com

Humane Society of Sumner Co. 615-822-0061 sumnerhumane.org

Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter 615-773-5533 mjshelter.com

Nashville Humane Association 615-352-1010 nashvillehumane.org

New Leash On Life 615-444-1144 newleashonline.com

Safe Place for Animals 615-451-7342 safeplaceforanimals.com

BARKTOBERFEST IS OCTOBER 15!

OCTOBER EVENTS

Boston Tea Party

October 8 • 10:00am – 2:00pm

Edwin Warner Park, Site #5 50 Vaughn Rd in Nashville

Southern Cross Boston Terrier Rescue presents their 11th annual Boston Tea Party, featuring a silent auction, contests, games, food and fun for the whole family. This gathering of Boston Terrier lovers welcomes all friendly, leashed pups to join in. A picnic lunch is included. Addmission is a $7 donation per person and all proceeds support the group’s rescue mission. 270-963-6755, southerncrossbtr.com

Barktoberfest

October 15 • 12:00pm – 5:00pm

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm

239 Franklin Rd in Franklin

Celebrating its 8th year, Barktoberfest is Middle Tennessee’s dog-friendly fall festival of music, food and fun! Hosted by Nashville Paw magazine in partnership with the City of Franklin Parks, the event is held at the gorgeous Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Last year, this fast growing festival welcomed over 11,000 guests and their pup pals! Barktoberfest won third place for “Best Festival” in The Tennessean’s 2013 Toast of Music City Awards. Live music will include The Honey Vines and Eight O’ Five Jive, and guests will enjoy over a dozen food trucks and 40+ local vendors. As always, we’ll have local rescue groups on site for meet-and-greets with adoptable pets, and plenty of activity for the kids and dogs. This year, we are excited to introduce a new local craft fair as well, featuring locally made arts, crafts and products for sale. Of course, the highlight of Barktoberfest is always the costume contests for kids, dogs and adults— and we’ll be giving out more than $3,000 in fun prizes to the winners! General festival admission and parking is free. Contest entry fees and details on website. This event is rain or shine. 615-474-5710, tnbarktoberfest.com

(See ad page 3)

Pit Bull Awareness Day

October 23 • 11:00am – 4:00pm

Centennial Park

2500 West End Ave in Nashville

Nashville PITTIE hosts a pit bull party in the park, complete with vendor booths, contests, games, giveaways and more. The organization will also be providing free spay/neuter vouchers for personally-owned pit bull breeds. Proceeds support their mission of restoring the positive image of the breed as well as their rescue efforts. All breeds of friendly dogs welcome. nashvillepittie.org

N OVEMBER EVENTS

Free Pet First Aid Class

November 19 • 10:00am – 12:00pm

Nashville Veterinary Specialists 2971 Sidco Drive in Nashville

Do you know what to do in case of an emergency with your pet? Could you provide lifesaving CPR and rescue breathing? Animal Emergency at Nashville Veterinary Specialists and Nashville Paw magazine thinks that every pet parent should be prepared for a pet emergency, which is why we’re proud to continue our series of FREE Pet First Aid classes. This two-hour class will teach the basics of pet first aid and CPR, and you’ll leave knowing how to give your pet the best chance of survival until you can get him or her to a pet emergency clinic. You’ll also learn how to treat non-emergency wounds and how to tell when a problem can be treated at home or requires veterinary care. Space is limited and fills quickly, so reserve your space today by emailing Becky Dan at bdan@nashvillevetspecialists.com or by calling NVS. Refreshments and a class packet will be provided for all attendees. 615-386-0107, nashvillevetspecialists.com (See ad back cover)

Agape Animal Ball

November 19 · 7:00pm - 11:00pm Hutton Hotel

1808 West End Ave in Nashville

Nashville Humane Association hosts the 2016 Back by popular demand, this animal-themed masquerade ball benefits Agape Animal Rescue and their mission to save dogs. The evening offers dinner, dancing, carnival games, live and silent auctions and special live performances. Attire is formal and tickets are $100, which include admission, dinner, dessert, complimentary wine and beer and two Tito’s Vodka cocktail tickets. agapeanimalball.org (See ad page 18)

Upcoming event?

To reserve a FREE listing for your event, email event details to info@nashvillepaw.com Listings will be published as space allows.

Nashville Paw Marketplace

@msmae_thelab @msyoungsma @raylewisthepug @rowdyandthehound @blondeacre13 @moby_the_great_white @theodoreoliverdoodle

@thepampered_princes @troythesavage @willieandthegang @woodythecavalier @theogoldendoodle

• Fully researched healthy pet foods made with only the finest ingredients

• Knowledgeable sta

• Nutrition for all breeds, life stages, and health conditions

• Locally owned and operated

FIXING FOR A CAUSE

The Farm at Natchez Trace honors People for Animals, an entirely volunteer group working to reduce the population of homeless pets by assisting with spay and neuter costs.

Founded in 1986, this dedicated group also promotes shelter adoptions and supports animalfriendly legislation. Fully 97% of donations goes towards negotiated-rate spays and neuters, with 2,300 surgeries funded in 2015 alone. To support People for Animals or to become a volunteer, visit their Facebook page or go to: www.PeopleForAnimals.net.

The Farm at Natchez Trace is committed to the beloved pets entrusted to our care and to animals in need throughout our community. To learn more about our pet lodging, daycare, salon, training, and new THR!VE healthy pet market, please contact us today or visit our website above.