2015 Fall DogCruces Magazine

Fall 2015

The Old

and the

Beautiful Older pets should be the loves of our lives—so why do so many end up dying alone in shelters?

Page 1 5

The

Big “Z”

Newfoundland Landseer “Z” proves that good things can come in big packages!

Page 19

A

Perfect Match

The golden years shine for senior citizens paired with shelter pets in DACHS’ “Pets for Seniors” program.

Page 21 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

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PLUS. . . Doggie Diving in Big Sky Country . . . Walter’s Recipes for Senior Pets . . . The Origin of the Cosmo . . . and More!

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

O

The Autumn of Their Lives

lder dogs feature prominantly in this issue of Dog’Cruces, and it has forced me to face the uncomfortable reality that my three Golden Girls are getting up in age—9, 10 and 11 years old. I know the time will come—much sooner than I’ll ever be prepared—for each of them to leave us and head over Rainbow Bridge to the greener pastures beyond.

This kills me. Why can’t they live as long as we do? What would have been so wrong with giving humans and dogs similar lifespans? As most of us know, the time between falling in love with a furry new acquaintaince and saying goodbye to a treasured old friend is waaaay too brief—even if it spans 15 or 16 years! And to go through this cycle again and again and again can feel like torture.

But maybe it’s not such a bad thing. As much as I miss Zimba, Coda and Zoe, if they were still here I would never have gotten to know Ruby, Star and Lucy. And when my current girls pass on, I’ll get the opportunity to give more animals a wonderful home, correct any blunders I’ve made in the past, and teach new dogs old tricks as I fall in love all over again.

For now, and for all the remaining time we have together, I will appreciate every moment I share with my old girls—and make sure they know they are safe and loved. They’ll receive the best care I can provide, and in return I’ll continue to be rewarded with the kind of devotion that is uniquely canine. My dogs have, in a very real way, helped make me the person I am today—a better person than I otherwise would have been.

These past few months I’ve spent a lot more time than usual up at the Animal Services Center. I pick up unwanted Golden Retrievers for the Golden Retriever Rescue of El Paso so they can be placed in foster homes until adopted. Most of the time I leave heartbroken because of the sheer number of unwanted animals I see at the shelter. I will never understand how people can just drop their pets off and drive away.

The saddest cases are those of the older dogs who’ve been abandoned, because they stand little chance of ever finding a new home.

They’re usually left with no collars, no toys, no names—nothing to acknowledge their years of unconditional love and loyalty to the very people who’ve left them for dead.

Sometimes I’m not so crazy about humans.

Of course, I know I’m ranting to the choir— Dog’Cruces readers are avid and responsible dog-people, and we consider our pets to be full members of our families. We take precautions like spaying/neutering our pets to avoid unwanted litters of pups, teaching our kids how to be good guardians of our animal friends, and—hopefully — acting as positive examples for our friends and neighbors who have pets under their care and protection.

Many of us volunteer or donate to local animal organizations, or help others close to home who may need a dogsitter or a bag of food or treats every now and then. It all helps. It all makes a difference. Good people doing good things can change the world.

I think about my senior Goldens, and I know it’s my responsibility—and my privledge—to make sure these truly are their golden years. I wish everyone felt this way, but, sadly, that’s just not the case. I know there are people out there who could welcome an older dog back into a loving home—maybe you already have an adult dog who would thrive with a buddy around his own age, or perhaps you know a senior citizen for whom an older dog would be a perfect companion. Good people doing good things can change the world.

I read (or maybe heard) somewhere that “dogs die because their work here is done.”

I’d like to think that’s true. But far too many dogs die who could have had lots of good years ahead of them, and our work on their behalf will never be done.

Vic Villalobos Mayor of Dog’Cruces

You can meet the beautiful animals featured on this issue’s cover at the ASCMV, 3551 Bataan Memorial West, Las Cruces, 575-382-0018.

Write to us at: Dog’Cruces Magazine 151 S. Solano, Suite E Las Cruces, NM 88001 or email us at : Vic@DogCruces.com Dog‘Cruces Magazine

151 S. Solano • Suite E • Las Cruces, NM 88001

www.

575-528-8505

.com Local Resources for: Health, Nutrition, Adoption, Lost & Found, Events Log on & join & Furry Fun! the community today!

Publisher Marla Honeycutt Managing Editor/Mayor of Dog’Cruces Vic Villalobos Senior Editors Charissa Paskowski, Jenifer Woods Contributing Editor Phyllis Wright Graphic Artists John Connell, Andie Fierro, Jenifer Woods Advertising Larry Lytle, Charissa Paskowski, Wayne Sinclair, Michelle Sullivan, Vic Villalobos Contributors Margaret Dubbin, Kat Lacy, Kathy Lawitz, Charissa Paskowski, Dr. Scott Pirtle, Teressa Ray, Wayne Sinclair, Vic Villalobos, Jess Williams, Jenifer Woods

Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

3

Music by

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

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Recurring & Ongoing Events

FALL 2015

APA Adoption Events Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

ACTion Programs for Animals, 800 West Picacho Ave, from 12pm-5pm. Also by appointment. Call 575-644-0505.

Red Brick Pizza Monthly Fundraiser for HSSNM Thursday, October 29th Thursday, November 19th Thursday, December 17th Red Brick Pizza, 2808 N. Telshor, from 11am-9pm.

Social hour at 6pm.

Mention “HSSNM” when placing your take-out or dine-in order, and 15% of the proceeds will be donated to HSSNM. Contact Jean with HSSNM at Jean@hssnm.org or call 575-5222529 for more information.

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

OCTOBER Saturday, October 24th

Pet Adoption Event Wild Birds Unlimited, 2001 E. Lohman Ave, #130, from 11am-3pm. Benefits Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary.

Pit Bull Awareness Day A day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about Pit Bulls and their responsible owners.

Saturday, October 31st

Halloween Pet Photo Booth Safe Haven Thrift Store, 840 El Paseo Rd., from 10am-2pm.

4th Annual Pits for Peace Fest Pioneer Park, from 2pm-5pm. Halloween Costume Contest for dogs, food, raffles, live music and more! Benefits APA and Doña Ana Pets Alive!

6th Annual Halloween Canine Costume Contest Las Cruces Dog Park, N. Heromsa St. (near Meerscheidt Rec Center), from 4pm4:30pm. Two categories: store bought and

home-made costumes. All participating dogs get a treat bag, and the top three finishers in each category receive a ribbon. $2 entry fee for each dog benefits the Dog Park. Also celebrating Canine Birthdays of all dogs born during Summer and Fall with a treat bag and a gift. After the contest, humans top off the day with a pot luck dinner just outside the Special Needs area of the park.

NOVEMBER National Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month and National Senior Pet Month Senior pets tend to spend the longest time at a shelter or rescue before finding their forever homes—if they find homes at all. Consider adopting a senior pet and opening your home and heart to a pet for their golden years.

Saturday, November 7th (ongoing)

AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program Horse N Hound, 991 W. Amador Ave., 9am.

Does your dog have good manners? Does it know how to act in public? Are you proud to take your well-behaved pet out? The AKC offers three levels of testing to see just how well behaved your dog is. For more information about this program, the test, and what training you and your dog need, stop

by Horse N Hound. We will have a certified CGC evaluator in the store at 9 a.m.

Saturday, November 7 to answer questions and offer the test. The test and information will be offered the first Saturday of each month beginning in November for those who would like to work on their skills one day and come back to test later. Cost is $10 per dog, and no pre-registration is required.

Pet Photos with Santa SNAP office, 2405 W. Picacho (across from Peddler’s Pavillion), from 10am-4pm. $25 for a photo print and CD of your pet’s photos. Plus a doggie goodie bag. Proceeds benefit SNAP.

Sing for the Animals Karaoke Fundraiser 10 Pin Alley’s Jose Murphy Bar and Restaurant, from 6pm -10pm.

Proceeds go to ACTion Programs for Animals. Prizes for best singers, door prizes, raffles.

SNAP office, 2405 W. Picacho. Clients must pre-registser. Limited time special, $25 dogs, $15 cats. SNAP 575-524-9265.

Thursday, January 14th

Dress Up Your Pet Day Wow your friends and neighbors by unleashing your dog’s inner diva or rockstar!

DECEMBER Wednesday, December 2nd

National Mutt Day

Saturday, November 7th and Sunday, November 8th

Thursday, November 12th

JANUARY

Saturday, November 21st

Paws ‘N’ Hooves Spay/Neuter Clinic

Embrace the love and uniqueness of mixed breed dogs in shelters around the nation.

Mutts can be service dogs, bomb detecting dogs, police dogs, therapy dogs. Adopt a Mutt! Please spay and neuter your pets.

Thursday, December 3rd

The All New Jazzy Critter Christmas Las Cruces Convention Center, from 7pm10pm. Well-behaved, leashed pets welcome!

Silent & Live Auctions, Raffles, Dog Treat Buffet. A pet and people parade in the ballroom, Christmas Caroling, Food and Cash Bar. Tickets $40/person. Call 575-621-4942.

For a complete calendar of events, visit

DogCruces.com

Saturday, December 5th

Pet Photos With Santa Safe Haven Thrift Store, 840 El Paseo Rd., from 10am-2pm.

List is updated as events are announced

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

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We first ran this Vet’s View column in the Summer 2013 issue of Dog’Cruces. Since it fits so well with our “old dog” theme, we decided to revisit Dr. Pirtle’s words of wisdom for this issue.

The Privilege & Responsibility Adoption S Center for

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

he stands at the foot of the bed, chin resting on the mattress, her big, brown eyes darting back and forth from the fluffy covers to me as I stand nearby. Her message is less than subliminal. Daisy, a.k.a. The Princess, is our 13 year-old. She has resigned herself to the fact that she rarely makes it when she tries to jump onto our king-sized bed these days.

Or should I say her bed? Two knee surgeries, muscle weakness, and advancing arthritis have taken away her springs. So, she now “asks” me to lift her to her place of rightful prominence.

or just “different” from their former selves.

Some older dogs can become “grumpy” and less tolerant of disturbances, children, or other pets. Understanding that much of this change is a normal part of the aging process can help us to accept and understand that our older pets are in many ways different from the pets they were in their younger days.

Some aging dogs can experience canine cognitive dysfunction, a polite way of saying doggy senility. There is no reason to believe that a dog’s brain doesn’t degenerate with age in This can’t be easy for her to accept. Daisy much the same way that our human mind does. is not only fiercely independent, but her life These changes in behavior frequently cause largely consists of sprawling sideways across frustration for us as owners when our dogs the bed for 16-18 hours a day. Needing to ask “break” from their former for assistance is probtraining, but understandably quite humiliating ing that some of these The first key to caring for for her, and also very changes are beyond our an aging dog is accepting and inconvenient. If we aren’t pet’s control may help around to help, she might understanding that there will be alleviate some of this be relegated to sleeping frustration. changes — both physical “down there,” where her and behavioral.

Obviously, physical lowly Labrador subjects changes are the biggest Ace and Katie reside. The adjustment for most of us with our aging dogs. remaining hours in Daisy’s life are spent on I’m a big proponent of regular examinations patrol to protect us from all the likely intruders and consultations with your veterinarian to help in our neighborhood. Since she can no longer partner with you in caring for your older dog. hear anything, Daisy must park herself at the Many of us are aware of the old adage about screen-door, or on one of the other beds that a “dog year” being the same as seven years affords her a view of the front sidewalk. While for a human—the point is that dogs age much she cannot hear, her vision is as sharp as ever. faster than we do. I’m often surprised how If we only realized from how many five-yearlong people let their pets go without a regular old children on tricycles, roaming quail, and check-up. Most veterinarians suggest an annual wandering cats she protects us on a daily basis, check-up as a minimum. For the older pet, I surely we’d be more diligent in rewarding her think something more frequent is in order. It with treats and praise! wouldn’t be prudent for us humans to go four, Just like many of you, my dogs are getting five, or even seven years between doctor visits older. Not only is Daisy fully geriatric, Ace and as we get older.

Katie are no longer the youthful pets they once were. They are now ten and twelve respectively, Once your pet has established medical proband I am starting to see the years add up in lems, regular visits become critical to maintain their behavior, as well as the white whiskers on your pet in the best health possible. Following their chins. In this edition of Dog’Cruces, we’ll your veterinarian’s advice is the key to maximiztouch on a few items to consider when caring ing the quality of your dog’s later years. As for our aging dogs. a routine schedule, I suggest regular physical examinations and bloodwork at least once or The first key to caring for an aging dog is actwice a year, starting around five to seven years cepting and understanding that there will be of age—that is, if you aren’t already seeing your changes — both physical and behavioral. Comveterinarian annually. promises in vision and hearing frequently leave your dog with changes in their behavior. Older Some common problems facing the older dog dogs often become less aware, less responsive, include previously-referenced issues: Hearing

, The Vet s View FRAME by

Special Moments of Caring for an Aging Dog the

Dr. Scott Pirtle, DVM

and vision often diminish. Physical strength diet is a good idea. Older pets often require often decreases and is often compounded by lower levels of protein, increased fiber, reduced arthritis. With decreased activity comes greater sodium, or other dietary modifications. Reputable pet food companies usually have special risk of weight gain. Keeping your dog’s weight diets for older dogs just as managed along with they do for puppies. moderate activity can preAlways remember that you are serve mobility for a longer Just like us, many dogs your dog’s conscience! period of time, in addition become less tolerant of to helping decrease You may need to force your pet temperature extremes as the risk of other health to restrict his activity they age. Cold weather conditions. Good arthritis feels worse for the older medications are available in order to prevent him from dog, and hot temperafrom a veterinarian for the suffering episodes of soreness tures like we experience dog that needs a higher here in Las Cruces can due to over-activity. level of pain control. Albe tougher for your dog ways remember that you to deal with. Older dogs are your dog’s conscience! You may need to are more likely to have reduced cardiovascuforce your pet to restrict his activity in order to prevent him from suffering episodes of soreness lar and pulmonary reserves, increasing their susceptibility to heat exhaustion. Their arthritis due to over-activity. Your dog likely “leads with makes them more prone to musculoskeletal his heart” instead of his head, meaning he will pain and stiffness. Providing adequate shade, try to do the things he loves, the things he has lots of water, or warm blankets and housing always done, without taking it easy because becomes more important during extremes of of his age. These dogs will pay a dear price in cold or hot weather. pain and stiffness the next day, much like the middle-aged man that suffers from weekendMany aging dogs are happier, healthier, and warrior syndrome. more comfortable if they can share our environment. Although most of us allow our pets to Another common concern for older dogs live in the house with us, if your dog is usually is dental disease. Older dogs often have outdoors it may be a good idea to consider periodontal disease and broken or worn teeth. allowing him inside—at least during periods Regular veterinary dental care can help to of high heat, humidity, or in cold weather. And minimize pain and prolong good function of finally, some of us may even choose to go the your dog’s teeth. You may need to cut down extra distance, such as allowing our pets on on use of hard toys or dental chews/bones in the furniture or the bed. But I wouldn’t suggest an older dog with dental disease. Sometimes, asking Daisy to share her space. Remember, it’s dietary modification may “her bed” after all! be needed, as well. While many older dogs can eat Older dogs like Da hard diets in the face of isy significant dental disease compassion, unde need rs or loss of teeth, a softened extra care in thei tanding and r golden years. diet may be needed in some instances.

Some aging dogs may require specialized diets prescribed by your veterinarian. Following these special diets can have a bigger impact on your pet’s health than you might imagine. Even in a healthy older dog, a life-stage appropriate

Time Stands Still and

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www.organmountainphotos.com Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

11

Age&

by Jess

Williams

T

oby and I went to the State Fair a few weeks ago. He was mobbed by new fans everywhere we went, and the three most often-asked questions were: 1) Can I pet him? (yes); 2) What’s his name?

(Toby); and 3) How old is he? (He’s almost 8).

Wisdom

Since meeting that gentleman and sharing his moment, I take stock of Toby differently, as well. He’s not quite as rambunctious as he was when he was a puppy. He still has a sparkle in his eye and a swagger in his step, but his little muzzle has a few gray hairs here and there, and it wasn’t long ago that I had to buy him a set of doggie stairs to help him get up on my bed.

That last question often leads to stories, and it Hardly a week goes by that I don’t see a post sometimes leads to tears. People begin telling on Facebook about stories of dogs and cats someone whose senior that lived to Age X before I only recently stopped dying my hair, pet has crossed The Raincrossing The Rainbow Bridge. One fellow told and I only stopped because I found out bow Bridge. The posts usually are accompanied me his Shih Tzu lived I’m going to be a grandfather— by a photo. The photo is to be 16 and was still in pretty good health right and if THAT’S not a reminder of how usually from the critter’s Days, but occasionup until the last month or fast the Earth is spinning under our Glory ally, it’s the last day on so, when the deteriorafeet, I don’t know what is. display. tion came devastatingly quickly.

Recently, my dear friend “He died in my arms,” the man said quietly, Rachel lost her cat of 18 years, Samantha. still stroking Toby’s back as I held Toby in my “Rest in peace, my dear Samantha girl,” she arms. With the New Mexico State Fair raging wrote. “You were a faithful companion for 18 around us, we stood there in a moment of reverie and—for him—remembrance of a loyal years, seeing me through the best and worst of times. You came into this world a feral fighter, friend relegated to mere memories. but blossomed into a gentle lady. You were and “Take good care of Toby,” he said to me before always will be the Queen in this house. I wish he walked off into the crowd. “I hope he lives a I had been with you in your final moments to long, happy, healthy life.” see you to the other side, but I know you left this world peacefully in one of your favorite The Rainbow Bridge awaits us all, that’s for backyard spots. You lived the fullest life a kitty sure. Big dogs tend to have shorter lives than ever could, and you were very loved.” little dogs; and some cats hang on for upwards Beneath the words was a photo of a grey and of 20 years. In my experience, the pets with white feline face, punctuated by a pair of emwhom we share our lives are generally more erald green eyes. Behind those eyes are stories receptive to the aging process than we humans. and memories and history. Reflections of family.

They live in each moment, while we tend to try Testimonies of loyalty and love. to cling to the Glory Days.

I only recently stopped dying my hair, and I only stopped because I found out I’m going to be a grandfather—and if THAT’S not a reminder of how fast the Earth is spinning under our feet, I don’t know what is. So I took a few deep breaths and came to terms with the fact that I have fewer seasons ahead of me than those I have traversed. I put the damned AARP card in my wallet. I stopped objecting when young people called me “Sir.”

12 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

Other times, I see posts about critters that need to be rehomed because their humans have crossed over or can no longer care for their companion animals due to advanced age or infirmity—or both.

This aging thing takes its toll everywhere you look.

But it’s not always bad.

My sister’s mother-in-law, Barbara, recently moved to Las Cruces with her cats. Barbara is a senior citizen with aging cats. They have a lot of fun entertaining one another, and Barbara’s Facebook posts are almost always about her cats, or cats she finds humorous on YouTube, or cat memes found on the Internet. Occasionally, she sneaks in some political posts, but they never stay up as long as the cat posts.

Barbara keeps teaching me (although she may not know it) about how to grow old gracefully in the companionship of the critters one chooses to share the journey. Oh, sure, she interacts quite artfully with us humans, but the moments I cherish are when I catch her interacting with the animals, and she doesn’t know I’m there.

Barbara talks to them and plays gently with them. When she is in pain—and she’s often in pain—she just lets them sit on her lap, and she strokes their fur and absorbs their warmth into her lap— and into her soul.

John Wayne said the definition of courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

We all know the day—the moment—will come when we have to say goodbye to an aging friend or pet. I’m scared of losing both Barbara and Toby, but every day I enjoy their lives is a day of having saddled up. I know also—as we all do—that my day to cross over lies somewhere out there on the horizon, lurking.

I hope to approach my final days and moments with Barbara’s enduring humor and dignity— and with a faithful dog in my lap. I hope Rachel writes my obituary. I hope critters frolic around my grave. I’m absolutely confident The Rainbow Bridge leads to a Heaven where humans and critters will be reunited with one another.

Jess Williams is a native of Las Cruces. He serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley. His favorite quote about death is from Sir Rabindranath Tragore: “Death is not extinguishing the light. It is putting out the lamp, because the dawn has come.”

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Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

13

14 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

This

Old Dog

by Charissa Paskowski & Jenifer Woods

R

ocky, as he would come to be known, was a cute, fluffy, energetic pup at the local shelter. He was one of the last Lab puppies left from a backyard breeder who ran out of patience trying to sell Rocky and his sister when the man needed to get Momma dog ready to breed again soon. Plus, Rocky was not quite what a Labrador should look like— his eyes were blue and his coat was a little too fluffy—but he was adorable, nonetheless.

Rocky was adopted at a few months old by a young couple who found the pup irresistible and chose his name because he was so feisty and always wanted to play. They cuddled with him as a pup and took pictures of him to share with the world.

When Rocky got a little older and more graceful, he would go running with his humans almost daily. As the couple advanced in their careers over the next few years, Rocky’s daily runs became weekly, then biweekly, but he enjoyed them all the same. Rocky spent a lot of his alone time guarding the house against strangers and birds. When his people came home Rocky was overjoyed to see them, even if they just scratched his ear, fed him and then ignored him while tending to their nightly routine of working from home, watching television or catching up on chores. Rocky, their loyal sidekick, was content just to be around them. He loved his humans.

About the time that Rocky was five years old, the couple were more settled in their careers and less active than they had been when he was younger. Rocky would still go on adventures with his humans—to the vet’s office, sometimes to a park and occasionally to get a treat. By now, Rocky was maturing into middle age, and even though he wasn’t as fast as before, he would still enjoy playing, running and spending time with his people. Around this time a new human was introduced—the couple had a baby. Rocky was forced to spend more time outside or in his kennel because he was curious about the baby, and he still wanted to play. As Rocky

was forced outside more and more freqyently, it was becoming apparent that he was having trouble getting up from the hard ground in the backyard. Rocky still longed for his runs and play times, but he was patient and hopeful that things would return to normal. It didn’t quite happen that way.

When Rocky was about eight, another baby entered the mix. The house was becoming cramped, but Rocky was still a loyal companion who loved his family very much. He would try to do everything they wanted of him, but he was having trouble moving out of the way fast enough, and sometimes he would try to play when the couple were tending to the children. He did this because he missed his family’s affection.

When Rocky was ten, an out-of-state job opportunity meant the family had to move.

The couple decided it wasn’t going to be easy moving an old dog, so they would just get a new puppy for the kids when they reached their destination. They packed up the moving van and got Rocky’s leash. The old boy was so excited his tail wagged nonstop. He was happy to go on this new adventure, just like when he was young—maybe they would even go for a run!

Variations of Rocky’s story happen every single day—shelters and rescue groups are full of older family pets who have been abandoned by the people to whom they have devoted their lives, and Doña Ana County is no exception. Most shelters don’t keep hard statistics about the ages of the animals they take in (and owners aren’t always truthful about their dogs’ information), but the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV) estimates that roughly half their dogs are adults, and maybe 3-4% are “older.” This translates to 300-400 older dogs making their way to our shelter every year.

Some people have reasons, some have excuses, others wait to drop off their dogs when the ASCMV is closed so they don’t have to offer any explanation at all. Many older dogs

Rocky’s beloved humans helped him into the car and drove to a building Rocky had never been before. He tilted his head in confusion as his humans, not looking at him, walked him into the building, said a few words to a person behind a counter and walked out the door, leaving him behind.

Rocky had been relinquished. He was too old and would just get in the way of their new life, so he had been dumped. Again. This time he’s not as cute and fluffy.

His coat and muzzle are a little gray and wiry, he’s a little slow and not as feisty as he was as a pup, and he almost certainly won’t be adopted within a few weeks—he might not be adopted at all.

Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

15

come in as strays, with no one ever showing up to reclaim them.

Some reasons sound legitmate— “we’re moving, and the new place doesn’t allow pets,” “her owner died, and nobody in the family can/will keep her,” “I’m being deployed,” but with a little foresight, planning and effort, these situations don’t have to result in a good dog ending up homeless.

10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog 1. Older dogs are usually housetrained.

2. Older dogs are not teething and won’t chew what they aren’t supposed to.

3. Older dogs can focus well because they are mellow.

4. Older dogs have learned what “no” means.

5. Older dogs settle in easily because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Older dogs are good at giving love and are grateful for their second chance.

7. What you see is what you get, this is their shape and personality.

8. Older dogs are instant companions ready for your adventures.

9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself.

10. Older dogs let you get a good night sleep because they are accustomed to human schedules.

16 Dog‘,Cruces Fall 2015 -The Senior Dog Project

Other reasons appear somewhat selfish —“I have personal issues and just can’t take care of her anymore,” “he’s getting old, and that means his vet bills are going to go up.” But the unconditional love of a dear canine friend can often help people through trying times; and, yes, vet bills tend to increase as dogs age—but, again, a little foresight and budgeting (maybe some insurance?) can prevent the inevitability of an aging dog from becoming a financial crisis.

Some excuses are just plain weak— “he started peeing/pooping in the house," “she’s acting different.” A trip to the vet can help figure out why a dog’s behavior has changed, as well as begin to correct it. Yes, this will cost some money, but pet ownership is a commitment. Human up and take care of your companion animals!

Of course, if it were as easy as scolding people in a local dog magazine, there wouldn’t be any animals in shelters.

Once the older dogs join the shelter population, they are less likely to be adopted than their younger counterparts, for many reasons. People are naturally drawn to the adorable, fuzzy puppies, and many young families are specifically looking for a highenergy pup or younger dog for

their children. Some people want to be sure they get a dog who can be trained in a specific way, and they assume an old dog will be harder to work with. Other folks can’t bear the idea of getting attached to an animal that could pass away soon. Impending medical costs are also an issue in many cases—although a young dog will eventually become an old dog, and when he does, he’ll need more expensive care at that time.

Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.

–Sydney Jeanne Seward Older dogs who have been part of a family will often succumb to the stress of their new surroundings and begin to deteriorate in the shelter. They are likely confused and afraid and can become timid and withdrawn. They might lose their appetite and become lethargic, unreported (or new) medical conditions can begin to affect their health, and dominant cage-mates can cause anxiety and even harm.

All these circumstances—and others—can result in an older dog not “showing well” when potential adopters come looking for a pet. Add this to the biases that many folks already have against older dogs, and it’s a lucky senior dog, indeed, who can overcome the odds to find a new home.

So what can we do? Certainly, we can all choose to honor the lifetime commitments we’ve made to our family pets—regardless of their ages. The better care they receive throughout their lives, the less likely they are to develop medical or behavioral issues that might seem overwhelming down the road. But pledge not to abandon them in any case. Get your pets spayed or neutered to avoid spawning generations of unwanted animals. Consider donating to or volunteering at

the ASCMV or one of the rescue groups who help shelter dogs find new homes after being abandoned or abused. If you know of a friend or neighbor who can no longer care for her pet, help find Fido a new home rather than rely on the shelter. And, of course, you could always consider adding an older dog to your family mix.

Old dogs can be cloudy-eyed and grouchy, gray of muzzle, graceless of gait, eccentric of habit, hard of hearing, wheezy, lazy, and lumpy. But to anyone who has ever loved an old dog, these thing are of little consequence. Old dogs are sweetly vulnerable. They show exorbitant gratitude and limitless trust. They are funny in new and unexpected ways. But above all, they seem at peace.

–Gene Weingarten, Author, Old Dogs are the Best Dogs When we decided to feature older dogs for our cover story, we opted to focus on the heartbreaking plight of mature dogs that end up at the shelter. We did so in order to bring attention to the situation, because most of us could never imagine abandoning our best friends at a time when they need us the most.

Unfortunately, it happens all too often.

It would have been easier—and more fun— to devote the space to stories of beloved dogs who grew old with their families, or who were adopted at an advanced age by someone who could see the value of a good old dog.

The good news is—for every instance of someone abandoning his or her family dog on the doorstep of an overcrowded and overwhelmed shelter, there are dozens, hundreds, probably thousands of people who cherish and care for their companion animals for the duration of their lives—and consider it a privledge to do so.

MY OLD DOG

By Wayne Sinclair

to my little family of one and a half. The half was my son. He was with me every week Time passes. It’s inevitable. We can try end our back then. He, too, was quite small, and best to slow the ravages of time, but he it still loved this cute little dog. The Boy want keeps on ticking and passing by. It drag ed to s us all nam e him, so I let him. “Cosmo Kramer Sinalong with it, aging us the entire way. clair!” he exclaimed. So, Cosmo it was.

Eleven short years ago, I happened upon a It is so hard to believe that it was more small Chihuahua walking down the midd le of than a decade ago. Although my son is now Missouri Avenue at ten in the morning.

Allow nearly 19 and lives two thousand mile me to clarify: he was walking – I was s away, driving.

Cosmo is still right here. Gone are the I was certain he would be run over at days of any mohis separation anxiety when I would leave ment, so I maneuvered my Dodge for Durango work, though the inside of the hous into the suicide lane so I could get e doors out and still wear the scars of his constant neur snatch up the little dog before he walk otic ed into scratching from that period. Cosmo the onslaught of swiftly moving vehic also files. nally got over his anger at my son for Before I could get out of the truck, he movstarting out after living with us for three ed to cross the two westbound lanes years. I of heavy swea r, after The Boy left, Cosmo pooped and morning traffic. I quickly turned the Durango peed right next to the door of my son’s and put it between the oncoming forcars and mer bedroom for two years straight! the little ball of fur so he could tippy toe his Now, the aforementioned eleven years way to the relative safety of the side stree t. He have passed. Cosmo is an old, deaf, and walked farther, and I inched alongside blind him. It man. He knows his way around the seemed almost as if he was a wayward hous e steer on pretty well – still, you can hear when he a cattle drive and I was a ranch hand takes on my a wrong turn. He doesn’t wince; it is horse coaxing him along. just the sound of a slight thud as he turns into What seemed like an eternity passed, a wall but or a door. Sometimes you hear a yip we finally made it safely out of traffi as he c. I exdiscovers one of the cats is in his path ited my vehicle and went to get the as he wee dog. trips over it. “Get off my lawn!” you I approached him slowly (Chihuahuas can altend to most hear him say. He’s just a crotchety be mean) and, when I was about six feet old away man. from him, I said in a friendly voice , “Come Yes, time has passed and dragged Cosm here, Little Dog!” He happily pranced o, right The Boy and me along with it. One day, over and jumped up to greet me! sooner than I care to imagine, I know After weeks of unsuccessfully trying to I will find have to bid Cosmo a loving farewell. For his home, it became apparent he had now found a though, we will be two grumpy old new one. Mine. He became quite the men addition cursing time for aging us.

‘,Cruces Fall 2015 yne baskingDog in the glow of you th.

Bygone days: The Boy, Cosmo and Wa

17

The Animal Welfare Team of Las Cruces would like to thank Potty Time and owner, Mario Medina, for 13 years of donated service. Your commitment to helping not just the Animal Welfare Team, but many organizations in Las Cruces, is much appreciated.

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18 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

Workin ,’ Like a Dog “Z” is for Therapawzzz

H

ey there, my name is Z, which is short for Zorrillo. Please forgive my spellin’— when it’s combined with my mom’s interpretation of my pawprintin’, it gits a little ruff sometimes!

I am a Newfoundland Landseer, and my main mission in life is supposed to be to rescue people from drowning! However, since I was born in the hot desert land of Las Cruces, and not in the cold, north wetlands, my mom decided I should become a bonafide, certified, registered “Therapaws” therapy dog —‘cause I need to work!

Right now, I’m the biggest guy in the group; but I’m actually kinda of a little guy for my breed, ‘cause I only weigh about 125 pounds, unlike my big brother Kona, who lives here in town with my Auntie Tricia, and weighs about 180 pounds.

I like to go everywhere my mom goes, ‘cause I’m a social kinda of guy. I got a naturally sweet disposition and am well-known for keeping calm and being gentle. But my mom knew I was gonna be a big strong boy, so she took me to trainin’ at Ms. Karen’s Animal House. I started out in regular ol’ obedience class, and did so well I decided to try Rally-O classes. Now, I got all kinda fancy colored ribbons from Rally-O shows. My Rally-O buddy, Walter, told me not to behave too good, though, ‘causin’ if I act too well-trained, Mom will ALWAYS expect it, and I won’t get near as many treats as when I ‘member to mess up every now and then and finally get it right. Walter said that is the secret to how he trained Auntie Margaret so well!!

When I passed my American Kennel Club Good Canine Citizenship test, Mom decided my manners were good enough to visit some older peeps, and call it therapy—‘cause us furkids make everyone feel better by getting loved on. It’s so PAWSOME! Mom told me it was only okay to bark at home, and that I had to be on my best behavior when I put on my vest, bandana, and bib for Therapaws visits. Mom says she loves Therapaws ‘cause it ain’t got nothing to do with her daytime job, and volunteering to visit peeps in hospitals, schools and nursing homes is especially good ‘cause they are missing their furbabies at home.

I ‘specially like to go to the Alzheimer’s wards in town, ‘cause even though the peeps call me weird names like Max and Spot, and talk about their furkids in Rainbow Bridge heaven, I make ‘em smile when I catch little treats or slobber on ‘em! Us furkids meet peeps and give love to the patients, their families, staff members, and sometimes even furless kids! It’s a ruff life, but some furkids gotta do the tuff jobs— get petted and loved on and given treats!

At Therapaws, I learned from the other BIG boys, Bosco (with Auntie Kara), and Rio (with Auntie Shari—who knows everybody) how to be a good Therapaws dog. I met my buddies Jackson and Ms. Molly By Golly doing therapy work. When we do Therapaws visits, I also get to visit with Auntie Charl and her pretty Ridgeback girls, and sometimes those adorable Corgi girls are there with Ms. Susan. Beacuse I’m a Therapaws dude, each year I gotta go to the vet for treats—and to take tests to make sure I am healthy and can’t pass any bad bugs to furless babies and older peeps.

I think my favorite Therapaws place to visit is just down the road a piece at that Good Sam home, where my buddies, Ms. Mary and Ms. Dorothy

share a room. Ms. Mary always says she doesn’t mind my slobberin’ all over ‘cause she says she slobbers and wears a bib like me!! I love laying down by their beds on the cool tile floor where they give me plenty of treats. They both know BIG DOGS like me are the perfect height for giving some therapy to peeps layin’ down in bed or sittin’ up in them metal chairs with wheels. But I also love layin’ on the floor at little furless kids’ schools and havin’ them little furless babies lay down all around me and feel my soft fur and long tail!!

Since I am sooo full o’ love, Mom also takes me to reading programs at schools! We go to Santa Teresa with her friend, Ms. Dawn at the library, and Ms. Jean has had me over to the local Boy’s and Girl’s Club, as well as to Tresco for Critter Connections. Ms. Jean helps the Southern New Mexico Humane Society, and tells peeps not to chain up their furkids and to make sure they get fixed up so little furpups don’t go over the Rainbow Bridge before their time. My mom also uses me as an excuse to eat at Andele’s Dog House patio for furkid fundraising events and to St. Clair’s for Yappy Hour, where we eat their famous Green Chile Mac ‘n Cheese with Chicken, and donate to help out other furkids in shelters.

My ALLTIME favorite thing is to get my mom to take me on rides in my truck, where I love to hang my head out in the wind, and go to Caliches for poochie cones, and to Starbucks for puppachinos made from whipped cream, so I can slobber real big on the windows and doors. I also get to go to the big pool out in Doña Ana for the Bow Wow Luau to raise money for the shelter furbabies. This year Auntie Julie was there with my adopted furbuddy Cisco—now he’s an agility dog!! But I also like going to NMSU and other schools where the furless kids are at, so we can talk about tests and classes. And I have lots of fun each summer at the Lion’s Club summer camp at NMSU for the hard of hearing kids—they are FULL of love!

So now you know my story, and although I am a kinda big furkid compared to most of the furpups in Las Cruces, my mom says I am just a BIG baby.

So when you see me around town doing my therapy work, it’s okay to ask what I am (a cow or a horse), do I have a saddle, how much do I weigh, how much do I eat, am I always so laid back, why am I so well-behaved, am I a friendly dude, and can you please pet me!! Just look into my big ol’ brown eyes, and know that I am love, and I am here in the desert of Las Cruces to do my ruff job of giving and getting some lovin’, ‘cause I am a THERAPAWS dude and LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Teressa Ray, a Kentucky transplant, is a former professional basketball player, was a Municiple, State, and Dog‘,and Cruces Fall 2015 Federal law enforcement officer for 30 years.

19

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Dona Ana County Humane Society • P.O. Box 1176 • Las Cruces, NM 88004

575-647- 4808 E-mail: dachslc@hotmail.com

www.dachslc.org 20 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

SERVICES PROVIDED by DACHS:

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The Humane Society’s Pets for Seniors Program helps older humans find the perfect canine (or feline) companion for their golden years.

OLD FRIENDS R

esearch shows the most serious disease for older people is not cancer or heart disease—it’s loneliness, according to the Pets for the Elderly Foundation. Pets can reduce depression and lessen loneliness, as they offer affection, companionship and unconditional love.

Plenty of that four-legged love awaits at the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV), which processed nearly 12,000 unwanted animals in 2014.

These homeless pets would thrive in the stable environments that older people usually offer, so the Doña Ana County Humane Society administers a Pets for Seniors program for people aged 60 and over. Seniors receive a $50 discount on the cost of adopting a pet from the ASCMV. That reduces the cost of adopting a dog to $25 (normally $75), and it makes cats free (normally $50). All pets adopted from the ASCMV come with current vaccinations, a microchip and spay/neuter surgery. The Pets for Seniors program, supported by grants from the Pets for the Elderly Foundation, has issued nearly 500 vouchers since 2011.

The success stories abound.

John Harris, 65, moved to Las Cruces after retiring from American Airlines. He visited the shelter in August to look for a dog after a friend told him about the facility. He found Flash. “He’s been a good dog. He was already potty trained; we didn’t have to worry about that,” Harris said. “It worked out really well.”

Robert and Sharon Bronson, who own K&S Automotive, had waited more than a year after their dog, Fritos, passed away before going to the shelter and finding Dino, a Pit mix “He has an awesome personality. He’s very good natured; he comes to the shop with us in the morning,” Sharon said.

“Other than wanting people to pet him, he doesn’t bother our customers. He’s just what we wanted.”

Pets provide other intangibles besides companionship and love. “Dogs—and other pets —live very much in the here and now. They don’t worry about tomorrow. And ‘tomorrow’ can be very scary for an older person. By having an animal with that sense of ‘now,’ it tends to rub off on people,” says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey psychotherapist.

Pets benefit, too, particularly when older folks adopt older pets. “These lucky pets go from the pound to paradise. Since most of the adopters are retired, they have lots of time to devote to a previously unwanted pet,” says Chicago veterinarian and Help Save Pets founder Tony Kremer.

Tank is one of those lucky dogs. Rhett Harsh, 61, a Las Cruces engineer with El Paso Electric, recently adopted Tank from the ASCMV. Rhett and his wife already had one dog, but “we were just looking to get another dog,” he said. “[Tank] is a character, a lot of fun. [The dogs] definitely have enriched our lives.”

“It is always exciting to see the human/animal bonding process at work,” said Dr. Beth VescoMock, executive director of the ASCMV. “This program enables just that: uniting older folks who need companionship with a furry kiddo who needs them.”

Barbara Balla, 73, of Carlsbad, is a retired swimming instructor. She and her sister visit the ASCMV whenever they’re in Las Cruces. “We like to visit and just wander through,” she said. On their last visit, Balla went home with two big tomcats, and her sister adopted two cats and a rooster!

They have a large spread with lots of space for their dogs, cats, fowls, a pot-bellied pig and a horse.

Barbara Balla & Ryder “We have fun with them. We enjoy them and don’t want them to be put down,” she said. “I think they’re a lot of comfort. You can cuddle up with them, they don’t go and tell tales, and they’re fun to watch, fun to be with.”

To adopt through the Pets for Seniors program, go to the ASCMV and choose your pet (or pets), fill out the paperwork and pay the portion of the adoption fee not covered by Pets for Seniors.

There are no income limits. Seniors must meet the ASCMV’s adoption requirements, as well as those of the Pets for Seniors program. These requirements help assure that the pet is the right fit for your home environment and lifestyle, and they also prompt you to think about making arrangements for the pet if you become incapacitated or pass away so that the pet is not returned to the shelter.

Dr. Vesco-Mock sums up, “By adopting through Pets for Seniors, you not only save the life of an animal, you enrich your own life, as well.”

Kathy Lawitz is executive director of the Doña Ana County Humane Society.

on & Dino Robert Brons

& Tank Rhett Harsh

Dog‘,Cruces

John Harris and his

21

Fallnew 2015 buddy, Flash.

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22 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

A

ll of our RV upgrades were finished (at least as finished as they were going to be), our bags were packed, the dogs’ toys were secured in their cargo nets, and 12 days worth of dog food and treats were on board. It was finally time to hit the road for Montana!

This trip to Yellowstone Dog Sports (a canine vacation camp) near Red Lodge, Montana, is the longest journey we’ve ever taken in the “K9 Cramper,” as my wife has come to call it. We were headed there so Ruby could participate in her first North America Diving Dogs competition. I had carefully planned our trip, including stops along the way, places to stay, and dog parks to play in. I’m not sure why I bothered to do that— except that I just must have forgotten how much longer everything takes in the RV. Especially when you figure in the extra stops to repair some of the “things I thought I had taken care of”— like wiring the signal lights backwards on our tow vehicle. Every time I wanted to change lanes my RV would indicate one direction while the “toad” would signal the opposite way. I imagine this was confusing and frustrating for all the vehicles around us—but my wife and I thought it was funny. I fixed it, of course—before it became not-funny.

But enough about that. We made it all the way to Bernalillo on the first day—which means Day Two was a very long drive to Cheyenne, Wyoming. We stopped at a great little RV park with a nice park for the dogs and its very own BBQ restaurant (We knew it would be good, because of all the police officers eating there).

We had to make it all the way to our destination in Montana the next day if Ruby was going to be able to compete. Luckily, we made it!!

We set up the RV for an extended stay at

Yellowstone Dog Sports—a doggie vacation camp that features wide open country, a huge pond for swimming, and beautiful Montana weather. What more could we ask for?

We woke up early the following morning to I love the smell of we do some t dog morning. Smells like.. in the practice .victory! dock diving and learned some things...Lesson one: it’s different diving off a dock than off the side of the pool. Lesson 2: just because you want your dogs to come back and jump again doesn’t mean they won’t swim around the pond ‘til they are ready to come out. Lesson 3: don’t go dock diving before you go to bed— dogs don’t dry fast.

This was to be Ruby’s first diving competition, but not my wife’s and mine. Years ago, our Coda was invited to participate in the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge dock diving event in San Francisco. Coda was a natural, and we think she inspired young Ruby to follow in her pawsteps. Ruby always loved to swim, but when Coda started flying off the side of the pool and making one big SPLASH after another, well, Ruby was This is just the inside of the Yellowstone Dog Sports facility. This place is truly hooked.

an amazing venue for you and your pets. Not only do they have RV sites, they have rooms available for you and your furry friends to stay, as well. They offer all types of vacation camps and programs for you and your pooch throughout the year. We recommend it for a nice week-long family vacation.

Check it out at yellowstonedogsports.com!

For Ruby to compete, we had to step up the training routine!

Motivation is the key, and

Traveling With Your Best Friends

by Vic Villalobos

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! what motivates Ruby has changed over time.

In the early days a tennis ball would suffice, but as she has matured, her taste has become more discriminating. Enter...The Screaming Chicken.

trip from Las Cruces. Our Golden Girl did very well in her six dives, earning her credentials as an official North America Diving Dog, and qualifying to participate in any future NADD events we might choose to attend. She was very proud of her ribbons, but would have traded them all for more time diving off that dock into the cool mountain water!

With the diving event completed, we spent the next few days exploring the area with our friends Steve and Nancy and their dogs. (Did you catch the obligatory Steve & Nancy mention? No issue of Dog’Cruces is complete without one!). We hiked a pass that was over 10,000 feet, and the dogs got to play in the snow in the summer! The La familia del Mayor. nearby town of Red Lodge was only a ten minute drive No, not a real chicken—it’s more like one of away and offered up lots of good eats along those rubber gag chickens, and it makes an exwith an afternoon of shopping. tremely annoying sound as you squeeze it and throw it through the air. Ruby LOVES it!! (We At this point, we’d been in the Cramper for even carry a spare, because we hate to think of five days, during which we had accumulated the trauma if anything ever happened to The enough dog hair to make another dog (our Screaming Chicken). I’m not sure if people got Dust Buster was so clogged with hair that it more of a kick watching Ruby fly through the looked like a gerbil) and we’d gone through air or following The Screaming Chicken as it clothes as if it were mandatory to change four flew oh-so-ungracefully through the air making times a day. So we did a little housekeeping that sound only a Golden could love. and were good to go for a few more days.

All of the modifications we’d made to the There were about a dozen or so Diving Dogs RV were really making our living space more there to compete, including Ruby’s buddy Strik- comfortable. By “space” I mean the 4’x 6’ ing the Wonder Dog who had also made the area we consider the living room. (It was 2’x 3’ before!).

joyed seeing real, live buffalo and other wildlife along the roadside. Unfortunately, we when arrived at Mount Rushmore, we realized they didn’t allow dogs—booooooo! So, much like a scene from a Griswold family vacation, we took the dogs out for a pee in their dog potty patch, snapped a selfie with stony presidential heads in the background, and off we went to see more of South Dakota.

We wish we could have stayed longer in the Dakotas—the weather was great, the scenery was beautiful, and we even snuck in a dog dip in a serene lake. But we had to get back to the desert, so we began our long journey home.

The dog hair was thick as mist in the air of our RV, and we had completely run out of clean clothes, so we wore sweat pants as our dinner attire. We made it all the way back to Albuquerque before we broke down and did laundry— because it just doesn’t seem like vacation if you have to do laundry. Don’t judge!

When we arrived home-sweet-home on Saturday night, our house felt like the Coliseum with so much room to roam again. The dogs were also very happy to get a little space away from each other. This was an amazing trip and served to remind us how much we enjoy traveling with our pets and how much more you see by taking a slow drive across our great country.

We look forward to our next long haul!

We left Montana and Yellowstone Dog Sports wishing we could have stayed another week or two. We had planned to go back through Wyoming and stay a couple days in Colorado on the way home, but we looked at a map and realized we were close enough to make a detour to Mount Rushmore...Soooo, off to South Dakota!

My wife consulted our handy dandy app to find somewhere to stay and came up with a nice KOA just outside Deadwood. We made this our home base for a couple nights and hit the road to see the sights! The dogs en-

La familia de Steve.

The best part of the trip — doggie kisses on the drive home.

Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

23

O

M LD

ESILL A KENN

EL

Full Service Precision Grooming & Pet Boarding

Full Service Pet Care Please ask about our “Season Ticket” Program!

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FOR ALL AGES & EXPERIENCE LEVELS • OBEDIENCE & AGILITY • K-9 CONDITIONING • RALLY OBEDIENCE CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR CLASS SCHEDULES

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lascrucesdoGsports .com

24 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

Penn y for your Thoughts

by Jenifer Woods

Golden Oldies

M

y brother and I began referring to our mother as “Old Woman” when she was in her 30s. Horrible, I know. But forty years later it’s still our favorite term of endearment, and we’ll probably use it until— if ever—she actually becomes an old woman.

met Chuck, he came with a tiny, pampered Maltese named Twinqui, who was (by any standard) a ridiculous dog. But Twinqui had one thing going for her—she didn’t shed. Much. Finally, the Old Woman could peacefully co-exist with a dog in a mostly hair-free world.

At 74, she still chauffeurs those at her church who can’t drive themselves, and takes meals to folks who can’t leave their homes. She drives up to Denver to visit her grandpuppies (and Eric), and travels the country to see friends who are hesitant or unable to make the trip out to New Mexico.

Penny and Summer looooove Nana.

Twinqui lived a very, very long life. But when she crossed Rainbow Bridge, it wan’t long before Bailey, the Yellow Lab, found his way into the household. Mom’s waking hours were still spent trying to keep Bailey off the furniture and out of the living room, but underneath the stern exterior we could all see she really loved him. Even though he shed quite a lot.

But I never really thought of my mom as a “dog-person” when I was young—in fact, quite the opposite. Growing up in Ohio, we had Pepper—a gorgeous (though somewhat dimwitted) Norwegian Elkhound that our grandmother bought for us. Pepper shed. Oh, how she shed.

I shared responsibility for brushing the dog with my brother, but that was a never-ending task, and we had much more fun just pulling great hunks of thick, Nordic undercoat out of the dog and leaving them to gather in corners, under furniture, in the radiator grates—pretty much everywhere. To our young minds, it appeared that Mom hated the dog because of this.

Pepper died my first year in college, and Eric, for some unknowable reason, decided Mom needed a puppy—so he bid on and won Vincent, a Golden/Sheltie/Whatever Mix at a high school fundraiser. I was grateful to be away from home when the dog hair hit the fan after this debacle.

The Old Woman insisted the pup go back whence it came and would neither look at Vinny nor speak to Eric for three solid days.

Unfortunately for her, Dad (the Old Man—a dog-person through and through) spent those three days falling in love with the little puppy. Vinny was permitted to stay, but he was decidedly the Old Man’s dog. I suspect it was Dad’s job to brush—and properly dispose of—Vincent’s hair.

Vinny outlived my father, and the once-resented dog and Mom helped each other through the grief. Vinny got a little weird as he aged, but Mom stuck with him, and he lived to be a very old dog, indeed. When Mom

Bailey was a very gentle, very slow, very old boy when he was attacked and killed by three unleashed dogs on his daily walk in Pioneer Park.

All who knew him were devastated. Mom has not had a dog of her own since then, but spends time regularly with her granddoggies—although they’re still not allowed on the furniture.

Last fall a beautiful, loving, older Golden Retriever was dumped after hours at the Animal Services Center. She had recently had a litter of pups, so had probably been the property of a backyard breeder who determined she was no longer of use. Mayor Vic rushed up to collect the precious girl—he named her Daisy—without having a foster home lined up. I called the Old Woman to see if, maybe, she could keep Daisy for a couple days until Golden Rescue could find an established foster home for her. Mom said yes, and Daisy became the first of several older rescue dogs to whom my mom has opened her home.

It takes a special person to be a foster parent. I couldn’t do it—that’s how I ended The Old up with Summer, after all.

Woman and But Mom isn’t ready to Skye, a settle down with a permaFoster Dog. nent dog just yet (places to go, people to see...), and fostering has allowed her to care for a series of wonderful animals who, for various reasons, have found themselves homeless and traumatized.

I still have trouble thinking of my mom as an official “dog-person.” But one thing is certain— she’s a pretty good Old Woman.

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25

ARTSY BARKSY Inspired by two amazing rescue dogs, ArtsyBarksy.co was created as a whimsical boutique for pampered pups: Custom, unique Dog Collars, fetching Bandanas that slide over your dog’s collar, Bows and Bow Ties, as well as custom made harnesses made to fit your pooch. All products are cruelty-free and handcrafted in Las Cruces. 10% of profits are donated to animals in need. Visit the website at

www.ArtsyBarksy.co

BLUE BUFFALO® DOG FOOD

BOND SILICON LEASH Bond silicone based leash and collar.

Easy to clean, odor resistant, waterproof.

Sold exclusively at Pet Planet, 971 Sand Castle Ave, Las Cruces. 575-528-8180.

Made with only the finest natural ingredients and real meat in every formula, Blue Buffalo offers your dog the wholesome nutrition to support a healthy lifestyle for any breed at any age. Available at Mesilla Valley Pet Resort, 2500 W. Amador, Las Cruces, NM.

www.petplanetcomplex.com

K9 LEVEL 5000 GLUCOSAMINE

www.mvpetresort.com

Recommended for all dogs, especially large dogs or multiple dog households. Liquid Health’s most powerful formula yet! K9 Level 5000 also contains a comprehensive blend of natural, cutting-edge support ingredients to further enhance its effectiveness. Available now at Better Life Pet Foods, 365 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, NM. 575-5279265. 315 Telshor Ste. C, Las Cruces, NM. 575-556-9117.

HEATED PET BED

www.betterlifenaturalpetfoods.com

Keep your canine comfy and cozy as the weather turns cooler with a heated pet bed by Allied Precision. A toasty dog is a happy dog! Available at Horse N Hound Feed N Supply, 991 W. Amador St., Las Cruces, NM 575-523-8790.

www.horsenhoundfeed.com

HARLEY-DAVIDSON PINK COLLARS

®

The color pink shows your dog’s social consciousness and the Bar and Shield® shows that they are, indeed, Tough Enough to wear pink! This and other great Harley-Davidson gear for your dog is available at Barnett’s Las Cruces Harley-Davidson®, I-10 @ Avenida de Mesilla. 575-541-1440.

www.barnettslascruceshd.com

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Fall 2015

WALTER’S LUNCHBOX TREATS Specially made fresh for your pet, orders made upon request. All treats contain NO wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors and are registered for sale in the State of New Mexico. Delivery charge outside of the Las Cruces area will apply. Pumpkin cookies (shown) $8/lb. and Liver and Cranberry Stix, $10/lb. Proceeds from each sale go to area animal rescues, charities and shelters. Email

mldubbin@gmail.com

Las Cruces’

First & Only Walking & running specialty store

Find your happy pace.

Free

Dog Friendly!

grOUP rUnts

gh Wednesday ni pm 6:45 utes 1, 2, 3 Mile Ro available

575•526•6767

runculture@yahoo.com 221 N. Main St. • Ste. E Las Cruces, NM 88005

Your Pet SPACe Accepting for

reServAtionS

Holiday Boarding

• Daycare • Cage-FRee BoaRding • Dog Walking • In-Home in Las Cruces & Surrounding Area Pet Sitting 3920 W. Picacho Ave • Pet Las Cruces Transportation www.YourPetSpace.com • Extras

575.652.4404 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

27

Walter’s

Lunchbox

by Walter Dubbin (as told to Margaret Dubbin)

HELP US SAVE LIVES BY:

DONATING, VOLUNTEERING, FOSTERING & ADOPTING

APA FURREVER HOME ADOPTION AND EDUCATION CENTER

800 West Picacho Ave. Las Cruces, NM OPEN

Tues/Thurs/Most Saturdays 12 to 5 p.m. and By Appointment

Good Old Mom

H

i there, peeps! I hope you all had an absolutely PAWsome summer! I know I sure did. In addition to our summer road trip exploring America’s National Parking Lots, Mom and I spent the month of August baking some Walter’s Lunchbox treats to raise money for a local animal program. In the month of August, Mom baked over 20 lbs. of my Dog Treats with Pumpkin and Liver and Cranberry Stix—under my careful supervision, of course! We were able to raise $150.00 for the Southern New Mexico PAWS program! Pretty cool, Huh?! Watch my Facebook page for our next scheduled baking days and to find out how to get your orders in. We’ll select a different animal rescue or charity each time.

So this issue is about Old Dogs. As I am in my prime, I don’t know much about being old, but Mom’s always saying “aging sucks.” Since she is starting to get a little long in the tooth and often says this when looking in the mirror at all her grey hairs, wrinkles, and age spots—I’m not really certain if she’s talking about aging peeps or pups!

Curious, I asked what happens when pups get old.

She told me that, in general, dogs become less active—so they often require fewer calories than they did as active young pups. She also said our coats become a little less shiny, joints get a little achy, taste buds become less sensitive, eyesight can diminish, kidney function can decrease, and memory and hearing loss can occur.

OH-NO! I am already deaf! That must mean I am already OLD! All of a sudden I felt aches and pains in my joints, my vision started to blur, and my coat didn’t feel as shiny!

I checked the pantry and saw those “treats” she’s been giving me are actually fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements—disguised as treats!

OMD! I AM OLD! Mom’s been slipping me “old dog” supplements for years now!

WAIT JUST A MINUTE! She also said getting old means I don’t get to eat as much! Mom’s been holding out on me! No wonder I think I’m starving all the time and feel the urge to dive head first into the trash for scraps and steal doughnuts and burritos off her employees’ desks at work!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK: http://www.actionprogramsforanimals.org/

Contact us: 575-644-0505 mail@apalascruces.org

28 Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

Armed with this new knowledge, I confronted Mom about why she deprives me from eating everything in sight—it’s because I’m OLD! I told her I was on to her deceptive ways and not going to tolerate it one second longer.

She replied, “Oh, no, Handsome! You’re not an old dog yet—you are healthy, strong, and in your

NOTE: ALWAYS consult with your veterinarian regarding ingredients, serving sizes and special dietary requirements prior to changing your pet’s diet.

prime! But, you’re not getting any younger. One day you will be an old dog, and because I love you so much, I’m doing everything I can now so that you are as healthy as you possibly can be when you are older.”

Oh, what a relief! I’m lucky Mom’s had some experience caring for old dogs and dogs with special dietary needs—so I can look forward to being equally (if not more) spoiled in my later years!

These recipes are especially good for older pups.

One is a homemade diet that is a good choice for dogs with kidney disease. The other is a tasty soft cookie designed for older pups who can’t handle hard, crunchy cookies any more. Enjoy!

Holly Berry’s Kidney Diet 2 Lbs Chicken Thighs (skinless/boneless) 3 C White Rice (dry) 4 Large Sweet Potatoes 1) Rinse chicken thighs, trim excess fat, and place in slow cooker.

Add just enough water to cover the meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2) While chicken is cooking, rinse rice and place in rice cooker. Add water to about 1” over the top of the rice and press “cook.” Alternatively, cook rice on stove top according to package directions.

3) Scrub and rinse sweet potatoes. Place potatoes on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes or until soft.

4) Allow chicken to cool completely (reserving 1 cup of the broth) before shredding or dicing. Dice or mash sweet potatoes. Combine chicken, potatoes, and rice in a large mixing bowl; stir in reserved liquid to desired consistency. For small breeds, you can place mixture in the food processor for a finer texture.

5) Serve warm and store unused portions in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serving sizes will vary.

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Bites 1/2 C All Natural Peanut Butter (smooth) 1 C Pumpkin Puree (NOT Pumpkin Pie Mix) 2/3 C Gluten Free Rolled Oats 2 Tbsp Dry Milk Powder 2 Tbsp Honey • 2 Large Eggs Preheat oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Allow mixture to sit approximately ten minutes for oats to absorb moisture. Drop ½ Tbsp size dollops on parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake for 2530 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before serving. Store in refrigerator in a sealed container up to seven days.

Kat ’s

by Kat Lacy

Korner

The Silver Years

T

he signs are apparent. She yowls in the night for no particular reason. Her fur is not as glossy and soft as it once was, and tuffs of mats have appeared. She seems confused about whether or not she has just eaten, or if she’s gone out the door, or come in the door, or gone out. Jumping up on the window sill is labored. Her eyes are cloudy. Her nails grow long and get stuck to the carpet.

The signs of aging. They don’t always come about all at once, but sometimes it seems as though they have. After all, she is only 19.

She was always a playful cat—hunting mice and sparrows quite effectively. We have to help her out now that she is older. Combing her out twice a week makes her feel better since she was always a meticulous groomer. It hurts her arthritic bones, but she never bites. We trim her nails every few weeks so she doesn’t get stuck to the carpets.

We started her on a Glucosamine supplement (Liquid Health Joint Rescue) that she gets every morning with a sip of milk. She now jumps up on the sill much more easily. We add probiotics and enzymes (Animal Essentials) to all of her food, and as a result she no longer throws up her food every day. We feed her three or four small meals a day—sometimes five. She gets a variety of foods that include highly nutritious kibble (Petcurean Senior Now), grain-free canned (PureVita, Tiki Cat & Weruva), Honest Kitchen dehydrated, and raw foods (currently Nature’s Variety Organic Raw). And on occasion she still manages to catch a mouse. She eats it all but throws up most. I always thank her for her contribution to carpet soiling. She purrs and rubs up against my legs and licks my toes. Golly, that always feels so weird. She has always been a licker. Her name, Bubbles, was earned because she licked, drooled,

and blew bubbles out of her nose whenever we gave her affection.

E H T G N I G N I BR Y COMMUNIT R O F R E H T E G TO S L A M I N A THE

We’ve been through it all together, she and I. She deserves this special treatment in her senior years. She was born in 1995, so I guess she will be 20 soon. My Uncle had a cat that lived to be 25. I remember asking him what he fed her to keep her around so long. “An egg and a piece of bacon every morning.” The rest she hunted (although I noticed he had some canned food for her then, as well). He, too, took care of his old girl in her waning years.

Bubbles has had a few adventures over the years. She was almost eaten by a fox—escaping with only a piece of ear missing. A large bull snake once scared her by the front door.

Years have passed, but she still checks the door carefully before exiting. (You never know if that snake may still be lurking.) She ran away from home (to the neighbor’s house) when the new kitten arrived, refusing to accept his presence for months. After 15 or so years, she tolerates him now and will eat out of the same bowl.

Our kitties give us so much happiness over so many years—from their silly antics as they play when they are kittens, to the simple act of purring quietly next to us while we sleep. They lower our blood pressure, grace our environs with their elegant beauty, and perhaps even establish a connection to our souls that goes beyond any human relationship. They are mystical, alluring creatures that sometimes seem to be only visitors to our human world.

Until our little Bubbles passes out of this human world, we will care for her in all those special ways, giving her a better quality of life and a longer, healthier existence.

After all, even if she doesn’t look 20, she has given us 20 wonderful years.

Kat Lacy is the owner of the Better Life Pet Foods stores.

• Pet Help Line / Caller Assistance • Lost / Found Animals & Re-Home Website Posting • Website Posting for Animals in Need • Adoption & Fostering Program • Spay Assistance • Volunteer Program • Critter Clubs / Humane Education • Volunteer Program • And MORE! Support HSSNM by becoming a MEMBER

575-523-8020 P.O. Box 13826, Las Cruces, NM 880013

www.hssnm.org Dog‘,Cruces

Fall 2015

29

Fine Embroidery of Caps, Jackets, & Shirts

Make a Difference

Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate

L

ocal Animal Organizations always need good people to help them meet their goals. Contact the groups below to see which one(s) would be the best fit for you!

Doña Ana County Humane Society (DACHS) 575-647-4808 www.Doñaanacountyhumanesocietyinc.org

2 Hearts 4 Paws Refuge 575-642-9614 or 575-642-6589 email: twohearts4pawsrefuge@yahoo.com www.2hearts4pawsrefuge.com

Coalition for Pets and People (Zero in 7) www.zeroin7.org

ACTion Programs for Animals (APA)/ Doña Ana Pets Alive! (DAPA) 800 West Picacho, Las Cruces, NM 575-644-0505 or 575-571-4654 email: mail@apalascruces.org www.actionprogramsforanimals.org Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV) 3551 Bataan Memorial West, Las Cruces, NM 575-382-0018 www.ascmv.org Cat’s Meow Adoption Center 2211 N. Mesquite, Las Cruces 575-642-5239 www.catsmeowlascruces.com

Business Clubs Schools

575.524.2590 440 E. Foster Las Cruces, NM Visit us at:

www.HoopTDudesinc.com 30 Dog‘,Cruces Fall 2015

Humane Society of Southern NM (HSSNM) /PetSmart Cat Adoption Center 575-523-8020 email: mail@hssnm.org www.hssnm.org Las Cruces Dog Park Coalition PO Box 13345, Las Cruces, NM 88013 575-520-4382 www.lcdogparkers.com Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary (SHAS) 575-527- 4544 email: safehaven@nightfury.com www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.net

Cherished K9 All Breed Rescue 575-496-6085 email: cherishedk-9s@hotmail.com

Spay/Neuter Action Program of Southern NM (SNAP) 2405 W. Picacho, Las Cruces, NM 88005 575-524-9265 www.snapnewmexico.org

Deming Animal Guardians 575-644-2209 www.deminganimalguardians.org

Therapaws 575-524-2026 email: therapaws@gmail.com

Featured Group

Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary

Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary (SHAS) has been part of Doña Ana County for 20 years.

Its mission is to provide a safe, loving, no-kill sanctuary for dogs and cats that are abandoned, unwanted, or in need of shelter. SHAS helps find forever homes for these anmials, while also providing some permanent residents the lasting care they require.

SHAS is a 501(C)3 corporation that relies solely on donations from the public, grant monies, fundraising events and sales from its Thrift Store (840 El Paseo). If you would like to help by volunteering, please call 408-529-1065 or email triciaquillen@gmail.com. You can also attend fundraising events, make donations, and donate to and/or buy items from Safe Haven Thrift Store (575-541-4942).

For Sanctuary information call 575-805-5338 or visit www.shaspets.com.

Bring your favorite pet with you & enjoy a burger & a cold beer on our outside patio on Main St. We have the best burgers in town, plus salads, dinner specials, sandwiches, housemade brats & desserts. 18 NM Craft Beers on tap!! Only Southern NM Wines!! Now serving breakfast on Tue. - Fri. • 11am - 9pm Saturdays starting at 9am. We can accomadate Sat. 9am - 9pm large parties in our banquet room!

Sun. 12pm - 4pm www.lcmainstreetbistro.com

575-524-5977

139 N. Main Street •Las Cruces, NM

27 Handcrafted Ales & Lagers, Produced on Premises. Also, Awesome Nachos, Burgers, Sandwiches & Homemade Root Beer Floats.

Mon-Sat: 11am - Midnight • Sunday: Noon - 11pm Live Music Thur & Sat 8pm - 11pm www.highdesertbrewingco.com

575-525-6752

1201 W. Hadley Ave • Las Cruces, NM

FROZEN CUSTARD

Come try the Gizmo, Mango Dango and Strawana.

Free Poochie Cone with Purchase. www.caliches.com

11AM - 10PM EVERY DAY! Dogs Must Be Leashed. Thank You.

575-647-5066 575-521-1161 590 S. Valley Dr Las Cruces

131 Roadrunner Pkwy Las Cruces

• Mexican Hot Dogs, Burgers & Top-Dog Mexican Food.

• Big Selection of Draft & Bottled Beer.

• Well-Behaved Pets on Leash Always Welcome on Patio.

www.andelerestaurante.com

Open Daily • 11am-9pm

575-526-1271

1983 Calle Del Norte • Mesilla, NM

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