Artful Magazine

ARTFU L

Pet Gua rdia n Art

Pet Care

Literary

Ally Benbrook

First Place Service Dog Fine Art Contest Issue #1

FEATURING fine art Pet Life Pet Health training literary Humor inspiration

Artful Pet Guardian

Sasa Prudkov “Beautiful Park” www.ArtforBarks.org

Table of Contents

service dog winners service dog first place ally benbrook

Service Dog second place Cris Weatherby

Service Dog third place dana hawk

pet life

15

why wild horses

17

how to select a do

19

Attention All anim

Fine Art Secrets to Great Cat & Dog Art

By Dianne Woods

Dynamic Creativity

By Lynn Moon

23 33

By Carol Walker

jen clark

By lynn moon

og walker

mal lovers

pet HEALTH

37

When Is An Emergency Truly An... ??

49

Grazing Leads to Healthy Horses

53

Holistic Health Care for Pets?

by scott dilorenzo

by Julie Macias

How to be Your Vet’s Star Client Pet Nutrition 101 Catherine M. cunningham

69 75

by dr. katie kangas

by Lisa Ross

59

81 89

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Table of Contents

training Study Shows Lower Stress Levels... ?? victoria stillwell

Separation Anxiety?

Linda Michaels

positive rattlesnake avoidance pamela johnson

literary

99

Horses

101

The naming of cats

105

how a lot of us bec

by Carol Santora

by T.S Eliot

mary oliver

s

come friends

humor

113 115

send in the mastiff jan a. igoe

cartoons

119 inspiration

125 129 133

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Artful Pet Guardian

Artful Pet Guardian Staff Editor in Chief Catherine M. Cunningham

Executive Editor Lynn Moon

Layout Design Yasmed Miranda

Marketing Anna Crowe

Editorial Offices P.O. Box 972 Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067

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About Art for Barks Our Mission: Art for Barks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was formed to support Service Dogs, Rescue Animals and Animal Artists & Writers. Our goal is to facilitate public education about animals and art through our website Fine Art Gallery, www.ArtforBarks.org, and Artful Pet Guardian magazine.Through our art and literary educational programs, we will help people make humane and informed choices affecting their animals.

Who We Are: We are people who are passionate about dogs, art, books and knowledge. We are fascinated by the more than 31 things that service dogs do to make a human’s life better.

We feel sad about homeless dogs and frustrated about the seriously ill dogs whose owners cannot afford their medical care.

What we do: We want to make a difference. We are giving people. We get involved. We share our time and money to improve the world. We love our day jobs, our families and our furry friends. We still find energy to contribute to Art for Barks and the dog charities it supports. We are homemakers, professionals, self employed and corporate, made rich by our sense of purpose.

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Service Dog Fine Art Contest Talented artists throughout the nation are helping Art for Barks create a special educational project about service dogs and art. There are dozens of ways service dogs and therapy dogs eagerly direct their, warm furry form of love to helping humans. These include: • Emotional comfort and/or seizure notice to wounded warriors • Lending support with physical balance to disabled college students • Assisting the physically disabled • Calming autistic children to improve learning and social experiences • Nurture traumatized children in court • Decrease healing time for children and elderly in hospitals To enjoy more Service Dog Fine Art visit www.artforbarksevents.com.

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Service Dog Fine Art Contest - First Place

Ally Benbrook

“One Touch” by Ally Benbrook

www.allybenbrook.com ally@allybenbrook.com Artful Pet Guardian

ArtforBarks.org

“Isolation” by Ally Benbrook

“Heart to Heart” by Ally Benbrook

www.ArtforBarks.org

Service Dog Fine Art Contest - Second Place

Cris Weatherby

“Ritz” by Cris Weatherby

www.crisweatherby.com crisweatherby@gmail.com Artful Pet Guardian

ArtforBarks.org

“Still Waiting” by Cris Weatherby

“Joyride” by Cris Weatherby

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Service Dog Fine Art Contest - Third Place

Dana Hawk

“At Your Service” by Dana Hawk

www.danahawk.com dana@danahawk.com Artful Pet Guardian

ArtforBarks.org

“Neala and Pj” by Dana Hawk www.ArtforBarks.org

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FINE ART Secrets to Great Cat & Dog Art Dianne Woods pg 23 Dynamic Creativity Lynn Moon pg 33

Fine Art

by Dianne Woods

Secrets to Great Cat & Dog Art

By Dianne Woods

Dianne Woods became a digital artist after a successful career in commercial photography. www.diannewoods.com Artful Pet Guardian

When I get fan mail from people who buy my greeting cards, I’m surprised and flattered, but mostly curious. I wondered, “What would inspire someone to contact me?”

Although my name is on the back of cards, my email address is not. Each buyer has to Goggle my name, go to my website, find my address, write a note and then send it.

While I’m honored that they’ve taken the time to write, it seems like a lot of effort to simply tell me that they like my art.

Being analytical by nature, I assembled the set of cards that had inspired contact - each had an animal theme. After studying the collection briefly, it came to me - these notes are not fan emails, they aren’t even about me.

They are about the sender.

From this insight comes the following list: 1. Universal Appeal 2. Light 3. Design 4. Connection 5. Emotional Impact

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by Dianne Woods Artful Pet Guardian

1. Universal Appeal

If you have not had a tuxedo cat as a pet-companion at some time in your life, you most likely know someone who has. This digital painting of our cat, Sunny, was published as a greeting card in 2009 and is the piece about which people write to me most.

Sunny reminds folks of the cat they currently have and love, or a cat they had as a child. One person, the caregiver for an elderly woman who had a tuxedo cat, told how her charge became attached to the image because it “looked just like her Frankie.� She was writing to ask if I knew where additional cards could be purchased, as they already had bought all that were available at their store.

A piece is successful if the viewer is invited to participate personally in the viewing experience. As an artist, or a person who appreciates art, you will prompt the experience if you can speak to memories, thoughts and feelings that live within the viewer.

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2. Light For years I worked as a commercial photographer. In that time I learned that no matter the project, client or subject being photographed, the foundation of an effective image is light. The same principle holds true now in my life as an artist.

The inspiration for the previous digital painting of a sleeping fox terrier was a photograph taken in the late 1990s. Working on the set of a food magazine, I found myself with some downtime on my hands while stylists prepped for the next spread. Always on the lookout for a great shot, I found one - the editor’s dog, Calder, asleep in a chair bathed in light streaming through a window of the San Francisco loft in which we worked.

True, Calder is a force unto himself, but what makes this image interesting? The light. Directional light determines contour, emphasizes texture and draws shape. It adds dimension and depth and completes the unseen environment.

If your art preference is representational - think about the presence of light in your piece. Where is it coming from? What does it emphasize? Does it evoke feeling?

Artful Pet Guardian

by Dianne Woods

www.ArtforBarks.org

by Dianne Woods

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3. Design Because you are reading this article, I take it you are an artist or have an interest in art. With that said, the third element on my list seems somewhat obvious: Employ design.

Fill the space. Simultaneously, be conscious about the space you don’t fill.

Provide your viewer with direction on how to move the eye across the canvas.

Provide visual direction using line, mass, lights and darks, symmetry, asymmetry, repeating pattern and color.

Have a focal point - what is the punch line or pay off to the piece?

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4. Connection “The way in which two or more concepts, objects or people are connected.” This is the collection of words my computer dictionary assembled to define “relationship.” In the context of this article, I would add animals to the list.

The experience of relationship or connection within your piece will draw people in more immediately and deeply. Essential in all art and in greeting card art, it will inspire people to connect with others.

Create connection with: • Eye contact, humor, charm • A concept or sentiment expressed • A dynamic between two elements or character in the piece.

It simply might be a rendering of something beautiful or evocative at which to look. If it moves you, you most likely will want to share. Good art gives the viewer something with which to identify and the inspiration to keep the connection going.

5. Emotional Impact Whimsy, curiosity, playfulness, humor, contemplation, serenity, even sadness or regret all embrace emotional experience. The most fundamental of the five elements, emotional impact is also the most challenging to convey. This is the element that will elevate the appreciation of art and create a more passionate experience for both the viewer and the artist.

Artful Pet Guardian

by Dianne Woods

www.ArtforBarks.org

Fine Art

Dynamic Creativity Sculptor Marta Klonowska

By Lynn Moon

Creation of an entirely new form of expression is the hallmark of an artist with exceptional talent.

Sculptor Marta Klonowska, who makes dimensional art using shards of glass in a rainbow of colors, demonstrates such special skill. She invites us to share and appreciate her unique art form!

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Klonowska’s art begs the question... how does the artist protect her hands while using such a jagged medium? Durable gloves prevent the flexibility required to piece together such delicate sculptures.

One can only imagine there must be a secret method to her genius.

Either this, or she keeps a large

supply of bandages on hand! Marta’s use of an array of hues gives her sculptures added dimensionality.

One senses a painter’s eye in these creations, as producing depth with tonal variation is a skill acquired through years of two-dimensional art training. Marta is also creative in playfully designing animals in greens, red and blues.

Each animal’s physical charm and personality are whimsically expressed through flow and texture. Light is the focus, or perhaps obsession, of every painter and photographer, but generally a lesser consideration of sculptors.

However, Marta abundantly uses the effects of light to create depth and accentuate her subjects through infinite reflection and sparkle.

in constructing her life-sized sculptures Over this she adds a net mesh, followed by meticulous pieceby-piece placement of shattered glass to render her final, elegant creations. The end results are imbued with charm and personality, but though they look adorable, don’t attempt to pet them! Marta’s subjects are mostly dogs, but her collection includes hares, deer and foxes.

Correct depiction of physical anatomy is an arduous challenge for any artist, whether they sketch, paint, or sculpt, and often requires years of practice. With current neurological evidence that only part of what we see reaches our brain, we can empathize even more with a sculptor striving to master three-dimensional structure.

Marta starts with a metal skeleton www.ArtforBarks.org

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PET LIFE Why Wild Horses Carol Walker pg 37 How to Select a Dog Walker Jen Clark pg 49 Attention All Animal Lovers Lynn Moon pg 53

Pet Life Artful Pet Guardian

Why Wild Horses

By Carol Walker Photographer Wild Hoofbeats Blog

I am writing to tell you why we need wild horses.

I have spent the past 11 years in a love affair with wild horses. My first trip was to the Adobe Town Herd Area in the Red Desert of Wyoming.

After a challenging drive, I spotted the ears sticking up above the sage brush, subtle signs of a wild horse family lying down taking a nap. I was captivated.

When the battle-scarred gray stallion jumped up and ran toward me, I was thrilled, I was scared, and my heart beat faster. When he stopped, his filly came up next to him and made a face at me that looked like a grin. I was a goner.

There is nothing in this world like the feeling I have when I am sitting quietly and just watching wild horses. It is peaceful and very quiet. The horses communicate more with body language than with vocalizations. www.ArtforBarks.org

The more time I spend observing and photographing wild horses, the more I understand about their family dynamics and their society.

The heart of the wild horse society is family.

Each family unit, called a family band, is made up of a least one stallion, mares and their offspring, both foals and young adult horses. One of the first wild horse families that I grew to know was in Adobe Town. There was a red roan stallion who had beautiful white flecks through his coat in the summer. His mare was a gorgeous black beauty with a long, tangled mane. She was shy, he was more friendly and confident.

After a few visits, the stallion would come quite close to me. He was clearly an older stallion. They were devoted to each other. She would come up to him seeking reassurance, and he would patiently stand close to her. I wondered how long they had been together - a few years, a decade?

They had a 2-year-old black colt and a new scruffy looking colt who would end up being a roan like his dad. The roan colt adored his father and liked to imitate him, hoping to be a successful stallion like his dad. This stallion kept his family away from other family bands, and I have noticed that in Adobe Town, all the older stallions are wise and keep their families away from competition. I knew that the older black colt would probably be kicked out of his tight family when he turned three. Yet I never saw it happen to this family.

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Temporary Observer There is nothing in this world like the feeling I have when I am sitting quietly and just watching wild horses. It is peaceful, and very quiet. Watching a wild horse family sleep in the mid-morning sun, some dozing standing, but most lying down, just quiets my mind. The horses know I am there, but they allow me into their world, a temporary observer in their world where daily they cope with the elements, find forage, go to water, and interact with each other.

I have owned and spent time with domestic horses my whole life, but a wild horse is very different. This focus on family is unique, something that can only happen in the wild when an extended family can live together. In late summer, I watched my first Round Up. The roan family was brought in with two other families and immediately separated. The black mare was placed in a pen with other mares, the 2-year-old was driven into a pen with other young horses, and the roan colt was placed with other babies, separated from their mothers for the first time.

The red roan stallion looked so small in the pen with other stallions, and he looked very unhappy, ears pinned back, uncomfortable having other stallions in such close proximity. Many of the stallions called our for their mares, and the thin, high whinnies of the babies rang out, calling www.ArtforBarks.org

for their mothers. Such a contrast to the quiet in the wild. The horses are driven into pens using a helicopter, then divided and grouped by sex and age.

Some of the horses would be taken to a shortterm holding facility and others would be released to the wild. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) expert said no horses older than 11 years of age would be removed. The roan was 22, so I was relieved he could live out his life in the Red Desert.

He may have lost his family but not his freedom.

Unfortunately, the next day they were loading wild horses in huge transport trucks, and I heard a wild horse expert say there were spaces for older horses at a “sanctuary� in Oklahoma. The red roan stallion was driven up the ramp into the truck. I never saw him again.

I tried to track him down at the sanctuary in Oklahoma but could not find him. Some of the older stallions die when they are gelded. The process, which can be traumatic for a young horse, can be devastatingly stressful for an older horse.

Why couldn’t they have left the older horses in the wild to live out their days and die with dignity in this harsh but beautiful land they call home?

I have watched BLM videos where they said horses were better off in long-term facilities than in the wild because they are guaranteed plentiful food and water. Yet, these mustangs have survived in the wild for a long time.

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Why wild horses?

This brings me to the point of my story. Why not just round them all up, put them in pens and pastures, sterilize them so they cannot breed and bring in tourists to see them? Why let them live in the wild?

My answer is because there is something essential in their spirit and in their lives that calls to us and inspires us, taking us out of our daily life in cities and towns where everything is fenced, contained and controlled.

I cannot watch a group of wild horses running, manes flowing behind them, glorying in the sheer joy of living without being moved. I cannot see a stallion and a mare devoted to each other, grooming each other contentedly without feeling that connection and love. I cannot look into the eyes of a wise stallion or mare that has lived through countless winters and springs without feeling a part of me yearn toward that wisdom of the earth and that wildness of the soul.

I cannot watch a young foal finding its legs and leaping in the air because it can without discovering again that the world is a wondrous and exciting place.

I need wild horses in my life, and I need to share their beauty and inspiration with others through my art so they are not lost to the world forever.

www.ArtforBarks.org

All images in this article by Carol J. Walker.

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Second Edition $24.95 US plus S & H www.horsephotographyworkshops.com/buy-the-book www.ArtforBarks.org

Pet Life

How to Select a Dog Walker

by Jen Clark

There are many great reasons to consider hiring a dog walker for your dog. A dog walker provides a good conditioning walk for exercise, mental stimulation, elimination or just to help break up the day. If you are considering finding a walker for your dog but are not sure where to find a qualified professional, here are two great ways to do so: Word of Mouth Referrals: Ask your trainer, vet tech, groomer, local pet store or shelter workers.

Professional Agency - Dog Tec Certified Dog Walker: A handy referral list is listed on: http://dogtec.org/ referrals.php When using Word of Mouth Referrals you will want to check to see if the dog walker is first-aid certified. Also make sure that they pledge to use only humane training approaches. Adverse training methods are not only unpleasant for your dog but can cause undesirable behavior problems.

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With any Professional Agency you are considering using, you will want to ask them to come to your home to meet you and your pet.

You may also need to provide them with a key or alarm code.

Watch if the professional takes notes on diet, allergies, bathroom habits, and social behavior with dogs and people.

It is recommended that you ask these questions: How many dogs to you walk at once? (Fewer the better)

Are you licensed and insured?

If it is a company: Who is walking the dog?

How do they handle cancellations?

Ask about equipment: quality harness and leash.

Ask for references from other clients.

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As a pet parent you should do the following to set up your dog walker for success: Provide them with a list of emergency contacts, including the address and contact information for your Veterinarian.

Make sure you have identification tags on your pet. Consider adding your dog walker’s contact information to the collar tags.

Be sure to share as much information as possible with your dog walker about likes and dislikes, any food sensitivities, behavior issues, etc.

Try to book as early as possible to help your walker guarantee that they can assist you on the correct dates.

By: Jen Clark jeniclark1@gmail.com 858-212-2808. Licensed/Insured; Certified Dog Walker; First Aid Certified; KPA Certified Training Partner

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Pet Life

Attention All Animal Lovers With Talent...

WE NEED YOU! by Lynn Moon Join the Art for Barks parade of artists, authors and veterinarians who lend their talents to improve the quality of life for family pets. Recently, Art for Barks has partnered with San Diego Humane Society in a new program, “Art to the Rescue,” to assist in the adoption of more animals. Previously, Art for Barks created the nation’s first collection of Service Dog Fine Art inspiring people to understand the profound contributions they make in improving the life of humans.

In early art the dog took on spiritual qualities, such as a deity, a guardian of the deceased soul by the Egyptians and an ancestor of man in Native American people and in Central Asia. Genghis Khan traced his heritage back to the union of a grey wolf and a white doe and named his four greatest generals the “Dogs of War.”

In Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome were nursed by a shewolf. The Greeks and Romans The Art for Barks website includes created the constellations after the dogs, cats, horses and wildlife in its great dog “Canis Major” and the celebration of animal art. Today, we little dog “Canis Minor.” Early will tell you a story why dog art has Greek and Roman Art shows dog been popular for so many centuries. images clearly related to modern breeds, such as the Greyhound The earliest dog art images appeared and Mastiff. In the Middle Ages, about 6,000 years ago. Humans sleek Greyhounds were symbols of identified with dogs because they prestige and the Mastiff became a display a similar range of emotions. war dog and guardian of livestock.

Yet, it is the “unconditional love and loyalty” dogs display that make them Little dogs were guardians of the man’s best friend and a favorite Buddhist faith and deemed symbols subject of art. of good luck throughout Asia. In Artful Pet Guardian

by Edwin Landseer (1802-1873) Dogs of St. Bernard Recuing a Traveler Find stimulating art at www.ArtforBarks.org and volunteer at artforbarks@gmail.com

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Christianity, the dog became a symbol of faith. In Europe between the fifth and 14th centuries, hunting dogs were extremely popular in art as a prized family possession.

During the Renaissance, working dogs became the favorite art subject: pulling carts, herding animals, guarding property and competing in sporting events. Edwin Landseer’s (1802 – 1873) painting of a dog with a flowing red cape rescuing a traveler from the water was an early, popular service dog painting.

In the 18th century the individual dog portrait became a popular genre for the wealthy. Today, talented Art for Barks artists will paint a portrait of your family dog for an affordable price.

By the 20th century, a distinct change occurred in the depiction of the dog in art. New styles evolved as artists strove for individuality and a depiction of new concepts. Lincoln Seligman’s “Art Lover” (2010) humorously displays a black Lab appreciating Pop art symbols created

by Andy Warhol (1928-1987).

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“From ancient times to the modern era, the visual representation of man’s most loyal friend remains popular.” Art for Barks

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PET HEALTH When Is an Emergency Truly an Emergency?

Scott DiLorenzo pg 59 Grazing Leads to Healthy Horses Julie Macias pg 69 Considering Holistic Health Care for Pets?

Dr. Katie Kangas pg 75 How To Be Your Vet’s Star Client Lisa Ross Williams pg 81 Pet Nutrition 101 Catherine M. Cunningham pg 89

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Health

When Is an Emergency Truly an Emergency?

by Scott DiLorenzo

Scott DiLorenzo, DVM, is an author and emergency veterinarian at www.animalurgentcare.com, an adviser or www.furlocity.com and president of the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association.

Other than the obvious of caring for four‐ legged creatures all day, veterinarians have a unique job in that our patients do not talk to us. Most other medical professionals (except perhaps neonatologists) enjoy the luxury of being able to ask their patients, “Where does it hurt?” and actually get an answer.

Furthermore, our canine and feline friends have thousands of years’ worth of inherited traits and adaptive behaviors that have allowed them to thrive in an ever-­changing world. One trait that has served them well in the wild but makes our lives as veterinarians and pet owners challenging is stoicism.

This ability to hide their underlying pain and disease is a vital survival tool out in the wild.

Top predators thrive on weakness, so any pain or illness must be masked.

How is this relevant to your dog or cat? Similar to their wild ancestors, our Artful Pet Guardian

domesticated counterparts do not readily show signs of pain, illness or disease. They wait until they no longer can compensate. By that time, however, these pets are often much more ill than most owners could ever imagine.

As an emergency veterinarian, I see the entire spectrum of cases. These range from the concerned owner whose Yorkie puppy chipped its toenail, to the dog that has been vomiting blood for five days and the owner finally thinks that Sunday at 2 a.m. is a good time for it to be seen.

Sweet Sixteen Scratchboard by Patsy Davis www.pdavissculpture.com

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In this article, I will define my criteria for what constitutes an emergency. By no means is this list inclusive. If you only take away one thing from this piece, remember: When in doubt, have it checked out. Say it again. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

In most instances, you can call the emergency hospital ahead of time. A nurse will triage your call and help you decide if your pet needs to be seen immediately or if it can wait.

The following is a list of emergencies broken down by body system and focusing on symptoms rather than the individual disease.

Future articles will discuss individual emergencies in more detail.

1) Gastrointestinal Patients experiencing vomiting and diarrhea are by far the most common reason for a trip to a veterinary emergency hospital.

Just like people, most dogs and cats will vomit at some point in their lives. Dogs in particular are known scavengers and often ingest random, gross things that can cause an adverse reaction in their intestinal tract and lead to vomiting. Sometimes cats may vomit up a hairball.

So when is vomiting or diarrhea an emergency? Two main criteria should be Artful Pet Guardian

considered when deciding whether or not your pet needs to be seen right away: frequency and presence of blood.

2) Urinary Most owners of male cats are familiar with the term “blocked.” This is a common condition, primarily in male cats, where the urethra becomes blocked with debris. The inability to urinate results in immediate changes to the animal’s electrolyte and kidney function that can kill them within hours if not promptly treated.

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The most obvious sign to look for if your cat is truly blocked would be frequent trips to the litter box without any urine production.

This in itself should prompt immediate attention from a veterinarian.

Some cats may show signs of lower urinary tract disease, which often is an indicator that a blockage is right around the corner. (Female cats tend not to block as easily because their urethra is shorter and wider.) Any of these signs should prompt you to see your veterinarian immediately, as they can indicate other urinary disorders, such as UTIs, bladder stones and tumors: • Frequent trips to the litter box with or without urine production • Blood in the urine • Vocalizing in the litter box (sign of pain) • Licking around the vulva or prepuce Dogs do not tend to get urethral obstructions as frequently but may block if stones or a tumor become large enough in the bladder.

Any blood in the urine, pain when urinating or absence of urine production in the dog also should be addressed immediately.

3) Respiratory Fortunately, most cases of respiratory distress are somewhat recognizable to the untrained eye. Unfortunately, it is a very time sensitive Artful Pet Guardian

manner and these animals MUST be seen right away.

Another important factor to remember when dealing with respiratory emergencies is to minimize stress. Any added stress can and will exacerbate your pet’s condition, so easy handling and a quick trip to the hospital is recommended.

Many conditions can result in a respiratory emergency. Congestive heart failure, laryngeal paralysis, feline asthma, brachycephalic syndrome, pneumonia and pneumothorax are but a few examples. The list goes on and on. www.ArtforBarks.org

Signs to look for include: • Any open mouth breathing in cats • Change in gum color from pink to pale, blue or purple • Fast, shallow breathing • Abdominal breathing (exaggerated movements of the abdomen when taking breaths) • Large inspiratory efforts and/or change in sound • Excessive coughing and/or discharge from the nasal cavity

4) Neurologic This encompasses a wide array of disorders. The brain and the rest of the nervous system is a complex and multifaceted organ system that, when disrupted, can have severe consequences on your dog or cat and should not be overlooked.

Seizures: These can occur for many reasons (epilepsy, low blood sugar, trauma, tumors, etc.) and should prompt immediate attention from your vet.

Dogs often display a more generalized form of seizure. They may lose consciousness, fall over and paddle with their legs, urinate and foam from the mouth. Cats may exhibit these signs or be more subtle and only exhibit changes in behavior and muscle twitching.

Ataxia (lack of voluntary muscle coordination): Changes in your pet’s ability to walk may be the Artful Pet Guardian

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result of an issue in the brain or spinal cord.

A common condition is intervertebral disc disease, where the discs in between adjacent vertebra in the spinal cord herniate into the spine. Initially this may result in just pain, however it may progress and result in weakness or paralysis. Although this disease disproportionately affects small breed dogs (with Daschunds being overrepresented) it can occur in other breeds and should be addressed right away.

5) Trauma Although not a body system, trauma and wounds are frequently overlooked. Far too often, I see owners who neglect to have their pet seen after it was hit by a motor vehicle because the animal “seemed fine.� To put it in perspective, if a car hit you or a loved one, would you not visit the emergency room?

Although they may not be limping or show any glaring signs of external trauma, many internal injuries, such as collapsed lungs, hemorrhaging, brain swelling, hernias and fractures, can occur with these events and dogs and cats may not show symptoms right away.

Bite wounds from other animals are another reasons to have your pet seen immediately. Cats and dogs carry a wide array of nasty bacteria in their mouths which, when inoculated under the skin of another animal and combined with the crushing of local tissue, create the perfect environment for abscesses to form.

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A small puncture wound may not seem reason in itself to have your pet examined, but this may be just the tip of the iceberg for what’s brewing underneath.

Always remember that our cats and dogs are masters of disguise. You know your pets better than anyone else. If you feel something is just not right, contact your veterinarian or local emergency hospital. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Art Fact Scratchboard Art by Patsy Davis is about 1/8 thick Masonite, coated with a thin layer of clay which is coated with black India ink. The image is drawn with a razor blade creating white lines. You can put color in the lines with paint or ink if you like and re-­scratch highlights, adding color and scratching again until you get the result you want.

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Health

Grazing Leads to Healthy Horses

by Julie Macias

“Morning Has Broken� by Frances Marino

Artful Pet Guardian

Horses are grazing herbivores. The digestive system of the horse is designed to process small amounts of high-fiber plant foods – grasses and hays – on an almost continuous basis. The equine stomach has an average usable capacity of only about five quarts.

That small stomach, however, is in constant production of as much as 16 gallons of gastric acids a day. Proteins, fats and soluble carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes and adsorbed in the foregut. Colonies of microbes in the hindgut are responsible for digesting the remaining bulk of a horse’s fibrous food. A horse’s digestive tract is a one-way system, as they cannot vomit. Food goes in one end and about 50 pounds of manure per day comes out the other end.

The bulk of a horse’s diet should be made up of hay or pasture grasses. This fibrous material provides not only the majority of the animal’s nutritional needs, but also satisfies its instinctive need to chew and forage almost constantly and keeps the digestive tract functioning properly.

Legume ‘grasses,’ such as alfalfa, supply the higher levels of energy and calcium required by growing, performance or lactating horses. True grasses, such as timothy, are the best choice for most equines, either alone or in combination with a legume. Hay is fed at a rate of approximately 1.5 – 2 percent of body weight per day. This translates into a 1,000 pound horse eating 15-20 pounds of forage per day. This amount is adjusted up or down according to each animal’s individual needs. www.ArtforBarks.org

Additional nutritional needs, such as extra calories or enhanced levels of vitamins/minerals, can be provided in the form of grains, pelleted feeds or highfat rice bran. These should be fed in small portions several times a day rather than as one large feeding.

Fresh water and a free-choice salt/trace mineral block should be available at all times. Horses need to drink an average of five to 10 gallons of water per day to keep their body systems functioning properly. This increases with high heat/humidity, exercise and lactation. All changes to a horse’s diet should be done gradually during a period of several weeks. The beneficial bacteria in the hindgut, responsible for processing the bulk of the diet, are specific to what that horse has been eating, and it takes time for these bacteria to adapt to new foods.

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“Coming in� by Peggy Judy

Horses evolved to wander over miles of grasslands grazing on fibrous plant stuffs for as many as 18 hours a day. When we put them in stalls – or even in pastures – we took away their natural way of eating. It is up to us as responsible horse keepers to feed them in a manner as close to their native state as possible to preserve their physical and mental health.

Julie Macias volunteers at California Coastal Horse Rescue (CCHR) in Ojai, California, where she serves as barn manager and lead nutritionist.

She has been involved in animal rescue and support throughout her life, caring for numerous birds, dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, rodents, lizards and snakes.

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Joseph Piccillo

www.susanstreetfineart.com Artful Pet Guardian

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Susan Street Fine Art Gallery responds to the unique challenges and aesthetic needs of each client, from those who are new to collecting and purchasing a single work to the experienced collector or corporation building a large collection.

As consultants, we specialize in helping build collections that reflect the client’s personal taste and pride themselves on being able to obtain virtually any work of art, whether or not it’s in their current inventory.

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Health

Considering Holistic Health Care for Pets?

by Dr. Katie Kangas

Don’t forget about holistic or integrative health care options for your pets!

Many people are becoming more aware of supporting their own health with better diet, exercise and even with application of more natural healing methods, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. But did you know that these health care options are becoming more available for pets too? Here is a list of some common alternative or complementary therapies that are available through holistic veterinarians and veterinary care professionals: • • • • • • • • • •

Nutrition/Food Therapy Acupuncture Chiropractic Herbal Medicine Homeopathy Essential Oil Therapy Cold Laser Therapy Ozone Therapy PT/Rehab Massage Therapy/Tui-na/Reiki/ Healing Touch

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So how do some of these holistic health care options benefit pets? First, let’s take a moment to explain the differences between holistic and conventional medicine. In general, holistic medicine focuses on correcting the root of the health problem rather than on addressing the symptoms of the problem.

Oftentimes in conventional medicine, medications are overused and underlying sources of disease are not really dealt with or resolved. In many cases, adding more (chemical and/or synthetic) medications ends up causing more symptoms, which are termed “side effects.� Employing natural therapies can help to address the overall comprehensive condition of the patient and assist the body to heal itself. The aim of natural healing is to correct the imbalances that lead to the problem. In addition, most natural therapies have minimal risks or side effects. Both medical approaches have their strengths.

Conventional medicine is excellent with emergency situations and severe injuries, as well as other problems that require surgery or dental care. Alternative/holistic therapies, however, can be more successful when it comes to managing chronic disease conditions or in addressing preventative medicine and overall wellness.

Integrative health care utilizes options from both conventional and holistic medicine. This is the most balanced approach and can provide www.ArtforBarks.org

the “best of both worlds.” There are clearly many reasons for using conventional veterinary medicine and surgery when indicated. There are also holistic or alternative therapies, however, they provide a great adjunct and often are more effective, less expensive and less invasive. In fact, holistic methods can be an effective alternative to surgery or to more invasive or extensive treatment options. One example is in dogs that become paralyzed in the hind end due to “slipped discs” in their spine/back. (This is termed, Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD), which is very common in Dachshunds, Corgis and similar breeds.

The use and combination of acupuncture, chiropractic and laser treatments can have equal to greater success compared to surgery, while avoiding an invasive and expensive procedure. Another example is chronic skin allergies. Many owners spend thousands of dollars during a lifetime of

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battling skin and GI (gastrointestinal) problems with pets that have severe allergies.

Conventional medicine often is lacking a true solution, and many animals are treated with multiple rounds of antibiotics and steroids, only to have symptoms return again and again. It must be stated that these issues can be difficult to resolve with holistic medicine as well, but typically the issues can be greatly reduced (and often times completely resolved!) with safer and more proactive approaches to the underlying problem.

Here is a list of common conditions that often are treated or managed with holistic or integrative medicine: • Arthritis • Back/spine disease or injury • Gastrointestinal diseases (IBD, colitis, sensitive stomach) • Cancer • Allergies and immune-mediated diseases • Skin conditions • Kidney disease • Heart disease • Liver disease Remember, integrative medicine takes a proactive approach and therefore offers excellent preventative medicine benefits, as well, as it aims to support general wellness. Let’s not wait until pets are sick to promote their health!

When looking for holistic pet care, I would www.ArtforBarks.org

recommend finding a veterinarian who prioritizes nutrition and diet in the initial stages of treatment.

Nutrition is truly the foundation of health and should not be overlooked in any disease or health problem.

Good quality nutritional supplements (which are selected based on the individual pet and their type of diet, etc.) also should be added to the regimen.

Quality nutritional supplements can go a long way to improve health and assist the pet in overcoming disease or illness. Other things to look for would be credentials or certifications in specific modalities, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, etc. Ask practitioners for a list of treatment options they offer and/or the modalities in which they are proficient.

Dr. Katie Kangas is a pet wellness educator and enjoys teaching pet parents and veterinarians nationally and internationally. She is co-founder of petwellnessacademy.com and is available online for detailed and personalized nutritional consults for pets at: drkatiekangas.com. To locate holistic veterinarians in your area, visit AHVMA.org Artful Pet Guardian

Gretchen Del Rio visionary water colors www.gretchendelrio.com www.ArtforBarks.org

Health

How to be Your Vet’s Star Client

by Lisa Ross Williams. Publisher Natural Horse Magazine Let’s face it – if you have horses, you’ll require the services of a veterinarian, whether it be for an emergency like colic or an injury, or simply to have blood drawn to determine if your horse is metabolically challenged.

With the shortage of large animal veterinarians, it’s not always easy to get a good vet out when you need him. Building a sound relationship goes a long way toward providing peace of mind, and often gets a quicker response from the vet.

Your job is to be a responsible, educated horse guardian, and respect the vet’s expertise and time.

“Four Grey Horses” by Peggy Judy Artful Pet Guardian

Here a six ways to be a savvy client: 1. Know a true emergency from an urgent or minor issue. If you cry wolf too many times, your vet will not trust your judgment. Remember, he is prioritizing his day’s work around the needs of all his clients.

2. Instill proper manners in your horse using natural horsemanship. Having a conflict during an examination or procedure is counterproductive, puts the vet at risk, and creates stress for your horse. When our horse Riley had a colic issue, our own vet was able to conduct a rectal examination on him without sedation – very beneficial, because in some instances sedation can be detrimental.

3. Be prepared with relevant information when you call the vet. What questions your vet asks you will depend on the situation. For instance, if it’s a colic, he will probably ask you how long it has been going on. Have there been any bowel movements? If so, what do they look like? Is the horse lying down or rolling? If it’s an injury, is there blood spurting out, or is there a foreign object imbedded in the wound? Afternoon Deelites by Dagmar Galleither-Steiner galleithner.com You should also know what the vital signs are, such as pulse, respiration, capillary refill, and temperature. Be sure you know how to take these readings before a crisis arises. www.ArtforBarks.org

4. Understand that veterinarians are not allseeing. They count on you to give them essential information about your horse. They know the species, but only you know your horse’s normal actions, behavior, and personality.

5. Put together a first aid kit and know where to find it. It should include: • Bandage materials, including gauze and roll cotton, pressure wraps such as stretch bandage material, white adhesive and duct tape, and quilt-type cloth wraps • Equipment such as a stethoscope, thermometer, scissors, and forceps

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“Killing Time” by Suanne Wamsley

• Saline solution and/or diluted herbal calendula solution for wound cleansing • Disposable diapers to be used for hoof wraps • Electrolyte paste • Complementary therapy products such as Bach Rescue Remedy and basic homeopathic remedies such as Aconitum, Arnica, Nux vomica and Phosphorus • Numerous bags of frozen peas when cold therapy is needed • Fly masks in case of an eye injury, to protect from light and insects 6. Follow a holistic approach but don’t discount conventional methods during an emergency. Sometimes a fast-acting pain killer or tubing with mineral oil is called for. You can always support your horse’s treatment with alternative therapies after the crisis is over, or even before the vet arrives.

Taking Your Horse’s Vital Signs Pulse In adult horses, a normal, at-rest pulse is around 35 to 42 beats per minute. It’s slightly faster in youngsters and 70 to 90 beats in newborn foals. Take the pulse either between the jaw bones or on the inside back of the knee, and count the beats per minute (or per half minute and double it, to save time).

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Respiratory rate This is taken by counting the number of breaths per minute. You can do this by watching the flank or nostrils. A normal rate is 12 to 25 breaths per minute.

Temperature Normal temperature, when taken rectally, is 99.5° to 100° Fahrenheit (37.5° to 37.8° Celsius) in adults and 99° to 102°F (37.2° to 38.9° C) in foals. Using either a bulb or digital thermometer, lubricate the tip (KY Jelly works well), raise the tail and gently insert the thermometer two to three inches into the rectum. Wait three minutes before reading. If using a bulb thermometer, it’s wise to tie a fishing line to the end with a small alligator clip or clothespin that clips to the tail hair. Horses have been known to suck a whole thermometer in, which is an emergency in itself.

Capillary refill Gum color and capillary refill show the state of circulation. Push on the horse’s gum and release; the color should return to normal in two seconds. Gum color should be light pink; a bluish tinge indicates oxygen deficiency and is cause for concern. If your finger impression stays longer than three seconds, this could indicate shock.

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“Afternoon Deelites” by Dag

gmar Gallenithner Steiner

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Gut sounds It’s imperative to read these when dealing with colic. Using a stethoscope, listen to both sides along the entire gut. You want to hear a low rumbling sound. If there is gas buildup, it will sound like loud thunder and perhaps a pinging sound over the cecum area. No sound indicates possible impaction and is a danger sign.

We all hope we’ll never need the services of a vet for a crisis, but the odds are we will. Take the time to become informed and develop a good relationship with the vet. Your horse’s life may depend on it.

About the author: Lisa Ross-Williams is a natural horse care consultant and host of the If Your Horse Could Talk webcast available at www.naturalhorsetalk. com. She has completed the Basic Veterinary Homeopathy course through the British Institute of Homeopathy, holds a degree in Environmental Plant Science, and is an Equine Iridology Technician.

Lisa is the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of Natural Horse Magazine and the author of the award winning book, Down-To-Earth Natural Horse Care available at www.down-toearthnhc.com

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“Stable Condition” by Gretta Gibney

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Health

Pet Nutrition 101 Catherine M. Cunningham

“3 dog night “ by Jenny Foster

We all know that nutrition is just as important to our pets as it is to the rest of the family. There are several good quality foods available today, so how do you decide which one to feed your pet? Because each animal is an individual, the answer is trial and error – but you can narrow the field significantly. First, Artful Pet Guardian

take a look at your individual dog or cat. How old is he? How active?

What breed? What’s her condition like right now? Is he itchy? Does she have a nice coat? Does he need to gain or lose weight? All these things will play a role in selecting the right food. Next, talk with your veterinarian and other pet

professionals to determine the optimal amount of fat and protein for your companion.

Here’s an example. In general, a large or giant breed dog actually may need less protein than his smaller friends will. Although some foods specifically say they are for large breeds, you may be doing your pet more harm than good. This is especially important for giant breed puppies. Many researchers and breeders say owners should not feed these little guys (who won’t be too little for too long) a food containing more than 2224 percent protein. The reason is that these dogs grow quite rapidly anyway, and the goal is to slow down the growth as much as possible. This avoids numerous bone and joint problems, which are at the least painful and expensive to treat and, at the worst, crippling and potentially life threatening. Smaller breeds, however,

“Patiently Waiting” By Larry Beckstein

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“Golden Retreiver “ Portrait by Evelyn McCorristin Peters

actually burn off more protein because most are more active.

Depending on the individual and the breed, some folks actually keep the tiny guys on puppy food throughout their lives. Again, though, it is important to remember that this is not right for every small dog.

Once the proper protein level has been established, look for a food Artful Pet Guardian

that is preserved naturally with vitamins E and C. Stay away from ethoxyquin, a chemical preservative used as a pesticide and to stabilize rubber in tire manufacturing.

Until recently, many foods that people considered “top quality” were preserved with this chemical.

Many less expensive foods still are preserved with ethoxyquin, although some manufacturers get around listing it on the ingredients label

by purchasing meat that is already preserved with this chemical.

contain hair, hooves or stomach contents, however.

The preservatives BHA and BHT also should be avoided. Unless your animal is a senior or overweight, the first ingredient should be meat.

Some foods contain meat or poultry meal, others meat or poultry byproducts. Meal is dehydrated, clean, rendered meat that comes from animal tissues. Byproducts include organs, blood, bones, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. Neither can contain hair, hooves, etc. Another form of protein is meat or poultry by-product meal.

This includes “parts” that don’t fit other categories. It still cannot

Next comes the quality of the ingredients. It’s difficult to know which companies are the best, and price isn’t always the best indicator (but it does factor in).

by Cartoonist John Pritchett

Something that many people don’t realize is that you usually will feed more of the less-expensive foods because the quality of the ingredients doesn’t provide enough nutrition. The animal will instinctively eat more to compensate. Therefore, you often can feed a better quality food without a major impact on the budget. In addition, a good quality food generally will help with overall health, meaning fewer trips to the vet.

After you have narrowed the search to three or four foods, the next step is the taste test. The best food in the world won’t help if the animal won’t eat it. Select a food the animal seems to enjoy and stick with it. Inevitably, animals seem to get tired of one food, but they really don’t need the same variety we do. If the dog won’t eat and you www.ArtforBarks.org

continually switch foods, you’re sending a signal that if you don’t eat you’ll get something new.

This leads to finicky animals. Always be sure, however, that the animal is just being finicky and the lack of appetite isn’t a symptom of a medical problem. If the animal won’t eat, pick up the bowl and withhold all food (this means no treats, either) until the next meal.

If he or she still won’t eat, offer a piece of cheese or another favorite treat. If the dog goes for it, she’s out of luck and, again, gets no treats or snacks until the next meal. They may skip one or two meals, but eventually they will figure it out and clean their bowls.

If you decide to switch foods, mix a small amount of the new food in with the current food, increasing the new food and decreasing the old throughout the course of a week to 10 days. You’ll minimize the amount of intestinal discomfort and diarrhea that can accompany a quick change. Also, watch the amount you feed. You should be feeding less of a better food, and overfeeding also can cause diarrhea.

In general, you should feed average adult dog twice a day. This is specially important in deep-chested breeds that tend to bloat.

Although most dogs thrive on a meat-based diet, some can do well on a vegetarian diet. Cats, however, are quite a different story.

A cat’s body is incapable of digesting and receiving nutrition from the majority of vegetable proteins. This makes cat and dog food as different as, well, cats and dogs. It also makes cat food more expensive than dog food.

In general, a cat’s diet should be comprised of at least 25 to 30 percent protein, almost all of which should come from meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. While protein provides the basic amino acids for muscle and organ tissues, it is important to remember that it also contains a high percentage of waste. This waste must be Artful Pet Guardian

removed from the cat’s system by the kidneys.

Fat is well used by the cat’s body and does not put a strain on the kidneys. As the cat ages, it’s a good idea to decrease his protein level and increase the fat proportionately. The key here is moderation, both in the rate and amount of dietary change. Sudden changes in diet are especially hard on an older cat.

Although many cats seem to prefer canned food, they tend to do well with dry food that is left out for free feeding. Unless you have a chow cat, most cats will eat small amounts more frequently, which is a healthier way to go. Dry food also helps to keep dental tartar in check.

Most importantly, develop a good relationship with your veterinarian and other knowledgeable pet professionals and know your animal and his or her specific requirements.

“Cat” by Robert Ransom www.ArtforBarks.org

“I thought this was a manual.” - Emmy Lou Artful Pet Guardian

WWW.BETHWITLOW.COM

Beth Whitlow The work of internationally known artist, Beth Whitlow, is characterized by a fresh, whimsical perspective on dog portraiture. Her current body of work focuses on the juxtaposition of the fantasy world and reality, while providing a refreshing commentary on the canine intellect. Using the glamour of fashion to represent each dog’s personality, each piece shows the unspoken expectations house pets must have by how they are treated as equals in our families.

“Brewski” by Beth Wilow

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TRAINING Study Shows Lower Stress Levels in Dogs... Trained Positively Victoria Stillwell pg 99 Separation Anxiety?

Linda Michaels pg 101 Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance Pamela Johnson pg 105

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Training

Study Shows Lower Stress Levels in Dogs Traine Victoria Stillwell

Author Victoria Stillwell is one of the world’s most recognized and respected dog trainers, reaching audiences in more than 80 countries and focusing on force free training. Vist Victoria and learn more about positive dog training: www.positively.com.

A new study rel Veterinary Beh of us in the dog known to be tru training is bene well-being and and that aversiv effects on both.

For the first tim observed dogs i walking and the both the positiv were already fam The R+ (positiv was taught to si dogs into positi rewarded after s loose leash walk for walking nea

The aversive gro in an entirely di put their dogs in on the dog’s rea leash and taugh tugging on the l pulling. The resu although not su Artful Pet Guardian

ed Positively

leased in the Journal of havior reveals what many g behavior field have long ue - positive reinforcement eficial for a dog’s overall the canine-human bond, ve training has detrimental .

who only use positive methods. In the leash walking comparison, the dogs taught using punishment-based methods did not make eye contact with their owners, while most of the dogs that were trained positively did. As for the sit cue, significantly more dogs in the aversive group showed behaviors signaling stress, including licking and yawning.

me, trained scientists in training classes for leash e “sit” cue. The dogs in ve and the aversive classes miliar with the behaviors. ve reinforcement) group it using food to lure the ion. The dogs then were sitting. During training for king, the dogs were praised ar their handlers.

Two dogs in the R+ group licked their lips -- they were about to receive a treat. Again, dogs in the positively trained group were much more likely to make eye contact with their owners. This is the first time that these results have been confirmed by a trainer researcher observing dog training classes, and it upholds several other studies that assert the scientific hypothesis that positive training leads to a stronger bond between man and his dog, as well as significantly lowering stress in the dog.

Although this research is still in its early stages, it is yet another example of how powerful the science behind positive training is and that it provides solid validation that the force-free methods we positive trainers are using are not just effective but are incredibly important in enhancing the human-to-animal bond.

oup learned the same cues ifferent manner. Owners n a “sit” by pushing down ar and pulling up on the ht loose leash walking by leash if the dogs were ults were fascinating, urprising to those of us

See Victoria Stilwell’s two best selling books: Train Your Dog Positively and It’s Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet.

Training

Separation Anxiety? Help Your Dog Cope

By Linda Michaels, MA Psychology

Photo courtesy of Karen Peak & Hunteer

Dogs are social creatures and can over-attach to a pet parent or canine housemate and become habituated to continual contact. When left alone these dogs may experience what is akin to a panic attack in humans. A well-structured change in routine may break the cycle of anxiety if practiced carefully and consistently. • Sleep alone. If you sleep with your dog in your bed -- stop. Snuggle together in bed if you like but when it’s time to sleep, have your dog sleep in a comfy dog bed.

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• Make your arrivals home boring and your departures calm. Effusive greetings contribute greatly to separation anxiety. Changing the way you greet is one of the easiest fixes and something you can do right now to help turn things around. When you arrive home, take your dog directly outdoors to eliminate, then go check your messages or otherwise ignore your dog. Deliver your greeting after your dog has calmed down. Conversely, make your departures non-emotional as well.

• Provide a comfort item. Leave your dog with a worn article of your clothing, such as a sweaty T-shirt.

• Desensitize triggers. Turn triggers -- putting on your coat, picking up a purse or briefcase and jangling keys into neutral events for your dog. Prepare to leave, but don’t leave the house. In time, the triggers will lose their power to generate fear.

“Home Alone” by Cris Weatherby

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• Don’t punish. It won’t help, but it will make an already anxiety-stricken dog even more insecure.

• If you continue to have troubles or if your dog has more than one of the following symptoms, seek professional help from a positive reinforcement behavioral consultant: Sweating or wet coat, drooling, pacing, selfmutilation, trembling, incessant barking or crying, elimination in the house even though otherwise housetrained, chewing or scratching at windows, doors or plaster boards, attempts at escape to find you, frantic greeting although you were gone for just a short while or persistent following.

“Still Waiting” by Cris Weatherby Linda Michaels, MA Psychology and Southern California based, licensed behavioral consultant, trainer, speaker and author, specializes in the psychological aspects of training. Separation anxiety assessment and customized treatment plans are available. 858.259.9663. Please visit http:// www.DogPsychologistOnCall.com or email lindapositively@gmail.com for more details.

Happy Abby evelynmccorristinpeters.com www.ArtforBarks.org

Training

Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance A visit with dog trainer Pamela Johnson

Why do many dogs react adversely to the traditional shock treatment used to train for Rattlesnake Avoidance?

All dogs react adversely to being shocked because it is painful and scary. Facing a rattlesnake is stressful, and now they are being shocked for seeing one.

Can traditional shock treatment cause any organic damage to a dog?

Shock collars can cause injuries to the dog’s skin and may create lasting psychological effects. Shocking also can cause dogs to shut down, lose confidence and become fearful of caregivers.

Many dogs that were “trained” have been known to attack rattlesnakes when the shock collar was off and were bitten so badly they did not survive. It is my opinion that this happens because dogs think that the snakes cause the shock and they want to avoid the pain.

Please explain how Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance training affects the dog’s receptivity to general training.

There are many games and basic behaviors that I teach prior to doing positive rattlesnake training. Dogs need to have some basic knowledge and skills, such as sit, down and stay.

Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance training helps pet parents build a connection with their dogs. The dog learns what Artful Pet Guardian

to do when faced with a scary situation, such as seeing, hearing or smelling a rattlesnake. This training can be used to train a dog to avoid anything that is dangerous.

Training dogs to avoid rattlesnakes using my Positive Dog Training methods is a fun way to affect behavior.

If something is fun, people and dogs are more likely todo it.

Does Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance take longer to train than traditional shock treatment?

No, in many cases it is actually faster. This is because most dogs have a natural instinct to avoid rattlesnakes, and my training helps dogs learn to listen to this instinct. Rattlesnakes make their rattle and hissing sounds to scare predators away. www.ArtforBarks.org

Do the techniques used in Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance have application in other significant elements in dog training?

Yes, dogs trained with my techniques learn many behaviors that transfer nicely to everyday life. There are many behaviors that can save dogs’ lives. I teach dogs cues that can be used for such things as leave it, stay, come when called, leash-walking, tricks, off-leash reliability and so much more.

I use the term “cue” because I am requesting a behavior.

I am not commanding it. With my training methods, dogs learn that it is in their best interest to do the cued behavior because it pays off for them.

Using a command infers that if the dog does not do the behavior there will be a consequence, and I do not punish dogs for wrong choices. It is my job as a leader to set dogs up to succeed by teaching them what to do and rewarding them when they make the right choices.

The more a dog is reinforced for doing things right, the more often they will repeat the acceptable behavior.

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How does the use of a clicker help in training for Rattlesnake Avoidance and other dog training assignments?

The clicker tells the dog what he did right. Once the behavior is taught and the dog understands how to respond to the sight, smell or sound of the snake, the clicker is no longer needed. Then the clicker only is used to train a new behavior or improve a learned behavior.

Are there tools, such as an imitation rattlesnake, that people need to acquire? Where are the best locations to procure these items?

A fake, rubber rattlesnake and remote-controlled rattlesnake are needed and can be purchased from Amazon.com. The remote controlled snake teaches dogs to avoid things that move. Depending on the quality, it will cost anywhere from $50 to $100. This is less expensive than going to a shock-collar clinic, and it is safer and more humane.

Pet parents also can contact a pet store that sells snakes to get bedding, feces and sheds. Downloading a rattlesnake sound from iTunes is another great training tool.

For more in-depth information, I would advise people to purchase my DVD, “A Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance Program,� available through Tawser Dog. It explains how to train dogs to avoid rattlesnakes and also provides games that will strengthen the humancanine bond. This DVD is only $39.99 and is available at www.pamsdogtraining.com www.ArtforBarks.org

Please explain the dog training steps you use in Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance.

I first teach a dog to come when called. Then I use a method called “Old Cue New Cue.” I change the “original recall cue” to something that is specific to avoiding rattlesnakes. The “new verbal recall cue” only will be used to teach the dog to move away from the rattlesnake, or other scary things, and does not necessarily mean to go to the owner.

Then I use the “new verbal recall cue” to teach the dog to move away from a snake through sight, sound, scent and movement. I will use the “new verbal recall cue” one or two times. On the third try I wait to see if the dog thinks on his own to move away from the snake. If the dog moves away on his own, without the “new verbal recall cue,” the behavior is reinforced with a special treat, and we continue practicing.

Initially, how many times do we have to practice each of these training techniques on leash and off leash?

It varies. Many dogs only have to see, hear or smell the snake ONE time and avoid it like the plague. Other dogs might take a few times. It is amazing to see how fast dogs pick it up, though, because the training is very easy.

With time, do we need to repeat the training for Positive Rattlesnake Training?

I recommend practicing Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance training on occasion. Just like any learned behavior, if a dog does not practice it he will forget it. It is similar to speaking a foreign language. If you do not practice the foreign language you will forget it.

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This is not any different than practicing tricks your dog knows. The more you have your dog practice tricks, the better your dog gets at them. The same goes for practicing rattlesnake avoidance.

We practice fire drills at my teaching job to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of fire. If we did not practice we would not be prepared for an emergency.

The same goes for rattlesnake training.

The best part about positive rattlesnake training versus shock-collar training is that there is no harm done to the dog. The training is fun and improves overall canine behavior. There is never any pain or suffering involved when using Positive Rattlesnake Training methods.

Dogs learn to love training and want to learn.

Please provide three games to reinforce the Positive Rattlesnake Avoidance.

You can see some of my rattlesnake avoidance training games on my YouTube Channel. www.YouTube. com/pamelamarxsen I also have a recorded webinar that can be purchased for $20 - $30 through the Pet Professional Guild about training Rattlesnake Avoidance using force-free methods. http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/event-1913569

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LITERARY Horses Carol Santora pg 113 The Naming of Cats T.S Eliot pg 115 How a Lot of Us Become Friends Mary Oliver pg 119

Literary Unbridled by Carol Santora

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www.carolsantora.com

Horses

“Unbridled� by Carol Santora

Horses Running, grazing, playing Nickering, whinnying, grooming Spirited, bold, smart Calm, patient, strong, versatile Powerful, agile, alert, swift, enduring Gentle, balanced, curious Teaching, knowing, awesomeness My muse, my heart, my inspiration Spirit guide and mentor Colors Bright, muted, abstract Line and texture

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Literary

Naming of Cats T. S. Eliot

The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter, It isn’t just one of your holiday games; You may think at first I’m as mad as a hatter When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES. First of all, there’s the name that the family uses daily, Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James.

Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey -All of them sensible everyday names.

There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter, Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames: Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter But all of them sensible everyday names.

But I tell you, a cat needs a name that’s particular, A name that’s peculiar, and more dignified, Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?

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Recent Arrival

by Lori Faye Bock www.lorifayebock.com

Wacky Cat

by Bonnie Murray www.bonniemurray.com

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Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum, Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, 0r Coricopat, Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum Names that never belong to more than one cat.

But above and beyond there’s still one name left over, And that is the name that you never will guess; The name that no human research can discover --But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confuse.

When you notice a cat in profound meditation, The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name: His ineffable effable Effanineffable Deep and inscrutable singular Name.

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“Charlie” by Gretchen Del Rio

“Kennebunk Fire Cat” by Carol Santora

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Literary

Paintings by Evelyn Mcorristin Peters www.evelynmccorristinpeters.com www.ArtforBarks.org

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How A Lot Of Us Become Friends Poem by Mary Oliver Dog Songs One day on the beach Ricky met a dog just his size. Her name is Lucy and she is very pretty.

“Wow,” said Ricky.

Naturally, I met Lucy’s mother, Theresa, at the same time.

It happens that Ricky’s full name is Ricky Ricardo, so how could Ricky and Lucy not take to each other? In fact, they became quite tight. It wasn’t a good day if they didn’t see each other.

So how could Theresa and I not start on that day to become friends?

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www.artsattack.com Artful Pet Guardian

Motivated by the conviction that “The Arts are Basic” “Arts Attack” is devoted exclusively to developing and publishing high quality, easy-to-teach video and video-based visual art curricula for the elementary and middle school, assisting the classroom teacher or a trained art specialist.

Since its initial introduction in early 1997, the Arts Attack curriculum has been adopted and implemented in thousands of schools and districts throughout the United States.

Programs also available for after-school activities and home schooling.

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HUMOR Send in the Mastiff Jan A. Igoe pg 125 Cartoons pg 129 - 132

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Humor

Send in the Mastiff

by Jan A. Igoe

When your kid deploys to another continent, the kind with lots of camels, you fear for her safety. When she leaves you with a dog that’s the size of a camel, you fear for your own safety. Also the mailman’s.

While my military daughter is stationed overseas, her “kids” are visiting. There’s the 55-pound Lab she rescued -- her “toy” dog - and Clyde, who is a dog only in the loosest sense of the term. Technically, he’s livestock.

Clyde is an English Mastiff who weighs between 150 and 160 pounds, depending on how many cars he eats before you weigh him. I have no formal training or special license to handle a beast of this size. I’m not even sure our neighborhood is zoned for it. I’m just doing my part for America.

“Ask not what your country can do for you,” my daughter said. “Ask what you can do for the Mastiff.” So we took him.

Clyde is only 3, but he’s already been through five families who probably Artful Pet Guardian

by Jan A. Igoe

neglected to research mastiff drool, a fastcuring industrial adhesive the dog uses to lubricate his surroundings. Once it dries, the easiest thing to do is buy a new house.

Before Clyde arrived, the three dogs we already own shared one water bowl, which the mastiff empties with a single snort. So we set Clyde up with a commercial stockpot in the bathroom, where he can drain his jowls while inflicting the least collateral damage.

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As Clyde drops his mighty head into the pot, there’s a deafening rumble usually created by boats with twin-diesel engines.

Once his tank is full, Clyde emerges in all his frothy glory, prepared to empty the fleshy flaps that flank his face. Each one holds several quarts of liquid and assorted projectiles with an effective splatter range of 10 feet. (Tip: Foaming at the mouth is not a reliable sign of madness in this breed.

They’re always foaming.)

Since what goes in must come out, we try to empty Clyde frequently. We quickly learned that the pint-size doggie bags adequate for most of the canine world are not one-size-fits-all, so we upgraded to lawn and leaf. My husband thinks the skilled professionals who follow circus elephants around with shovels probably train on mastiffs. And whatever they get paid, it’s not enough.

Wherever he goes, Clyde attracts a crowd.

Strangers always stop to gape and point.

The mere sight of such a majestic animal seems to trigger a spontaneous reflex as reliable as a rubber mallet tapping your knee: “That is a BIG DOG,” everyone assures us, in case we thought we were walking a Pomeranian.

Oddly enough, they’ll still charge up and stick an arm in the big dog’s face without Artful Pet Guardian

asking if he’s friendly. Or hungry. It wouldn’t surprise me to see someone pry Clyde’s jaws apart to stick their head in for a photo opp.

Before you adopt a mastiff, I highly recommend taking the dog for a test drive.

You might want to hold off until you find one with power steering, cruise control and brakes. But if you can’t wait, my daughter can hook you up with a camel.

Jan A. Igoe would appreciate any tips from big-breed owners and cattle ranchers on the care and feeding of big, lovable, slobber machines like Clyde. Write her at HumorMe@SCLiving.coop. www.ArtforBarks.org

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Best Friends by John Pritchett

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Ancestry by John Pritchett

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INSPIRATION

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