Modern Dog Fall 2011

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions

FALL 2011

THE BIGGEST CANINE LOSER

HOW TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR DOG turn to page 56

ARE A FEW EXTRA POUNDS HARMING YOUR POOCH?

GOOD DOG

The Inspiring, Unsinkable

DESIGN

Denise Richards

Solutions for the home

Publications Agreement Number 40743013 Return Mail Dept, 202–343 Railway St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

PET PROJECTS

DIY Eats & Crafts FALL

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL DEC 11 CDN$5.95 US$4.95

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THE ROTTWEILER GREAT APPS AND GADGETS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GROOMING HOW-TO SEPARATION ANXIETY 6 RARE BREEDS

Our Dog Beds, Ourselves WHAT YOUR CHOICE OF DOG BED SAYS ABOUT YOU

DOG + CAT

How to create harmony in a multi-pet home

WE’RE GIVING IT AWAY! 3 MONTHS OF FANTASTIC GIVEAWAYS P 40

FALL 2011

VOL 10

NO 3

PHOTO KHAREN HILL

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PHOTO TANYA KING

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FEATURES 34

Friends or Foes How to create harmony and keep the peace in a cat/dog household. BY STEVE DUNO

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We’re Giving It Away!

Three months of fantastic giveaways are up for grabs.

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A Chance for Bliss Old dogs and an assortment of last-chance animals find a place to call home. BY COREY VAN’T HAAFF

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Property Brothers’ Jonathan Scott Loves Little Dogs The smaller the dogs, the bigger the man.

BY MARY-JO DIONNE

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How to Bring Out the Best in Your Dog Every dog has his game: activities to suit your dog’s type. BY JENNIFER MESSER

BY STANLEY COREN

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A Dog Less Common

Six rare breeds. PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING

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More Doggone Smart Apps 10 great iPhone and Android apps for dog lovers.

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The Inspiring, Unsinkable Denise Richards An Exclusive Interview Denise Richards on motherhood, animal rescue, and taking off the eyelashes. (It’s just the way she was raised.) BY MARY-JO DIONNE

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Last Lick: How I Met My Dog An accidental mom. BY FRANCES UKU

THE GOODS

United States of Dog: From the Quirky to the 33 Sublime, the Top 10 Dog Destinations in America 5,000 miles. 14 states. One woman and her dog on a quest to experience the best and the quirkiest of all things canine across the US. BY BELINDA JONES 47

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Elizabeth Taylor, Grand Dame of Diamonds and Dogs The canine loves, many husbands, and serious jewels, as recounted by the incomparable Liz Taylor herself.

Our Dog’s Beds, Ourselves Our homes, right down to the dog beds plunked throughout, are undoubtedly a reflection of ourselves.

Choose your favourite to reveal your aesthetic type.

10 Things Your Dog Wants Right Now Make your dog’s day with these 10 things that thrill canines.

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Style: Home Decor Good dog design for the canine obsessed.

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Great Fall Gear Must-haves for making the most of the season.

BREED PROFILE 28

The Rottweiler The Watchman. BY MARIAN BUECHERT

LIVING

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BODY AND SOUL

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Stuff We Love Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter.

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HOWLowe’en Prepare to be upstaged. Canine costumes take the cake.

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DIY Eat Answer the call of your dog’s inner hound dog with these PB + Banana and bacon treats. Elvis would be proud.

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DIY Craft Cool pet projects from our favourite crafty lady, Martha Stewart.

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Operation Africa A grass roots, ground level spay, neuter, and vaccination effort in Botswana unites African and North American vets, techs, and animal lovers.

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Canine Blood Donors; Canine 911; Seaweed Superfood

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Best Breeds for Allergy Sufferers; Natural Fix for Negative Emotions

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Sad Statistic; Mushrooms for Health; Nothing to Sneeze At

Beauty School At-home grooming how-to. BY SARA LIMA

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Pup Profiles Meet this issue’s selection of super, smiling dogs.

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BY ROB SPOONER

The Doctor’s In A separation anxiety behaviour modification plan and 112 spinal disc disease.

Overeaters Anonymous The Biggest Canine Loser: how to drop those pounds and why it’s absolutely essential to slim down your 114 chowhound. BY ELIZABETH PASK AND LAURA SCOTT 117

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REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 14 24 26 137

Editor’s Letter Contributors Our Readers Write The Scoop Calendar of Events Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace

Photographed by Kharen Hill.

Hair by Giovanni Giuliano; Makeup by Joanna Schlip; Styling by Cynthia Summers.

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More Embarrassing Moments Your dog did what? Cringe-worthy canine escapades.

Tackling Resource Guarding Dealing with a dog hell-bent on protecting his dinner.

BY COLLEEN SAFFORD

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Art Attack Paul Boddum’s paintings of dogs meld figurative technique with abstract minimalist backgrounds.

BY SARA LIMA

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Herding Hassles How to nip nipping in the bud. BY TEOTI ANDERSON

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Socializing a Dog-Phobic Rescue Making a dog’s dog of your no-play pup.

BY NICOLE WILDE

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Inspire: The Cheer Squad Canine visitors provide affection and alleviate lonliness in seniors living in assisted living facilities.

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Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a dog good and book. Seven brilliant reads.

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Ask Dog Lady Bothered and bewildered? Crazed and confused? Dog Lady delves into your most dogged dilemmas.

COVER LOOK

Actress and rescue proponent Denise Richards with her rescued French Bulldog, one of the many second-chance dogs with whom she shares her home.

Barking at Guests How to put the kibosh on your noisy canine welcoming committee and gain some much-needed peace during dinner parties. BY INGER MARTENS

BY MONICA COLLINS

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 10, Issue 3. Published quarterly

by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

hile stopped at a traffic light on the way home from work the other day, I watched a woman walking with her dog.

It was the dog who first caught my attention, as she was a mostly brown German Shorthaired Pointer who reminded me of my dearly departed Kaya, a dog of the same breed and colouring (and my impetus to start this magazine). As I watched the woman interact with her dog, I was horrified to see her continually and harshly jerk her dog’s lead, bringing the dog roughly to her side. She would then whip the leash handle back and forth, striking the dog on the flanks and head when the Kaya dog least expected it. The confused dog would wince and then meekly look at her owner, wondering just what was expected of her. I felt terrible for the dog and saddened to think of how many other dogs suffer abuse in the guise of training.

That heartbreaking scene also brought back memories of my own dog training experiences 17 years prior when Kaya, an energetic and rambunctious puppy, and I first attended puppy training school together. Back in those days, negative reinforcement was the recommended, default method used to train dogs. A sharp jerk of the leash (such as this woman on the street used), often with pinch-style collars, was supposed to let your dog know who was boss and teach them to do your bidding by associating discomfort or pain with choosing otherwise.

Using such negative reinforcement training techniques on Kaya did not work. We failed the first training course, enrolled in a subsequent one, and then failed that one as well. Kaya simply

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would not learn using that method and I still torment myself today thinking about how that experience adversely affected my dog; some of her fear-based anxieties were, I’m sure, a result of those very classes. It saddens me to think that I subjected my dog to those archaic training techniques, especially as now, armed with loads of knowledge on positive-based training methods, I, instead, could have helped my best friend learn manners in a positive, fun way. Thank God our dogs continue to love us despite our shortcomings.

It’s never too late to learn how to be a benevolent leader and a good place to get started is right here in Modern Dog. Check out the training Q & A’s with our very own Fab Five professional trainers and behaviourists Jennifer Messer, Nicole Wilde, Inger Martens, Colleen Safford, and Teoti Anderson. You’ll also find answers to tons of other training and behaviour problems by visiting moderndogmagazine.com/training. For a review of a great book on positive training methods, one that I’ve just finished reading, flip to “Connie’s Book Club” on page 125.

This Fall issue has everything you need to make the most of the season, from DIY Eats and Crafts (pages 54 and 94) to activities that bring out the best in your dog, regardless of his type (page 56). Then turn to page 48 for an exclusive interview with the (handsome and charming) home renovation show star Jonathan Scott of Property Brothers on his unabashed love of his very tiny dogs.

Gracing the cover is the unstoppable rescue superstar Denise Richards in a Modern Dog exclusive photo shoot and interview.

Prepare to be inspired.

Plus, we’ve rounded up loads of cool stuff for the home. “Our Dog’s Beds, Ourselves,” is our guide to what your dog’s bed reveals about you, while page 103 offers hip décor solutions for the dog-friendly home (removable carpet “tiles,” anyone?)

Dogs. They’re truly a gift, enriching our lives in so many ways and providing a constant reminder on how to live joyously and love unconditionally. We’re happy to be your ally in doing the best for your dog and making the most of your time together.

Constance Wilson, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

“Friend: One who knows all about you and loves you just the same.”—Elbert Hubbard

PHOTO LINDSAY DONOVAN

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PHOTO TANYA KING

E D ITO R ’S LE T T E R

C O N TRIBUT OR S FALL 2011

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VOL 10

NO 3

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Belinda Jones is the bestselling British author of nine escapist “chick lit” novels and one non-fiction travelogue entitled On The Road To Mr. Right, which earned her a spot on the Sunday Times Top 10 chart alongside her hero Bill Bryson. Two more recent thrills include an impromptu marriage in Vegas and becoming a first-time dog owner. Not only has Bodie (that’s the dog) wiggled his way into her current novel, California Dreamers, he’s also the focus of her next book project—turns out he’s the best furry muse she’s ever had.

Check out Belinda’s article, “United States of Dog: From the Quirky to the Sublime, the Top 10 Dog Destinations in America,” on page 58 of this issue.

Connie Wilson Editor

Jennifer Nosek Contributing Editor

Marian Buechert Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek

Circulation Manager

Jessica Nosek

Publication Clerks Supervisor

Omar Duran Rojas

Design & Production

Maxine Matishak

Design & Production Assistant

Vanessa Dong

Sales & Marketing

Sara Lima

Sales & Marketing Interns

Beth Ritchie, Grace Messer Editorial Assistant

Karin Maxey

Accounting and Subscription Services Assistant

Celine Benipayo Controller

Deborah Green has been photographing animals for rescue organizations, events, and clients in Northern California since 2005, a path that led her to start her own photography company, Four Feet Fotos, last year.

Deborah specializes in lifestyle pet photography, making her the perfect photographer to capture the menagerie of abandoned older animals that call A Chance for Bliss Sanctuary home (page 42). She’s also a software beta tester, a contributing member of the ProShow Enthusiasts forum, and manages a ProShow tips website. See more of Deborah’s wonderful images and slide shows at fourfeetfotos.com.

Cecilia de Roca Chan Web Consultant

Dave Egan

Tech Consultant

Mario Rea

Donations Program Liaison

Jessica Nosek

Okanagan Representative

Jytte Wilson

Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 10, Issue 3.

Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 10, Issue 3. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003.

Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131

PHONE (

FAX (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031

Affectionately referred to as “Ol’ Man Lima” by her sassy coworkers, feisty Modern Dog staffer and regular contributor Sara Lima has a penchant for dog puns, Pit Bulls, and Pugs. The fall issue marks her first foray into both DIY grooming (“Beauty School,” page 100) and the dog-art world (“Art Attack,” page 118). For more Sara, follow her chronicle of her trials and triumphs with her motley crew of canine misfits, Cash, Roxy and Chance, in her blog “Bark On” at moderdogmagazine. com/blogs/barkon.

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The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements.

Copyright 2011 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. One-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $15USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Bark Back! OUR R EA D ER S W R I T E SW E E T T W E ET @maritimegypsy I’d rather read Modern Dog than Cosmo or Elle... guess that says a lot about me, huh?

YOU ’VE G OT M A IL Was at my local bookstore today browsing through magazines. After glancing at a few, nothing really interesting, I picked up the most recent copy of Modern Dog. I have to say I was very impressed, especially by the depth and richness of the photography. I’ll be anxiously looking forward to future issues.—Jay Midkiff I recently received my first issue of Modern Dog and immediately read the article covering the most dog friendly cities in the US. I was floored when I saw Santa Cruz as number five! I live here and believe me, this is NOT a dog-friendly city. Dogs aren’t allowed on Pacific Avenue (downtown) and you will quickly get run off or given a ticket if you even attempt it. I don’t think we have any “legal” off-leash beaches and so you are always risking a ticket there as well ($80 a pop). People who come here hoping to take their dog with them as they explore Santa Cruz will be highly disappointed.

I would suggest people to go to Carmel-by-the-Sea instead.

Now that is a true dog-friendly city! Ocean beach is legally offleash and the entire downtown area is dog-friendly. They even provide water bowls and the shopkeepers provide treats when you walk in the door.—Jen [Thanks for your email, Jen. The cities named were from livability.com’s search for the most pet-friendly cities, based on their criteria of best places to work, live, play, and own a pet. Sounds like Santa Cruz is not so hot for the latter. Check out our coverage of Carmel-by-the-Sea in “Top 10 Doggie Destinations in America” on page 58.—Ed.]

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F A C E B O O K F R I E NDS Just wanted let you know that I received my magazine in the mail today. I can say that purchasing the magazine was probably the BEST online purchase that I ever made. Loving every page of the magazine with all my pets right now.

—Nicola Cheng I just picked up your recent issue having never read your magazine before and was completely blown away. What an amazing magazine and, to boot, it’s not overly costly! I have never sat and read a magazine cover to cover but I did with yours. It had so many relevant articles! Keep up the amazing work. I’ll be cancelling my boring Cosmo subscription and switching to your mag as soon as I can!—Michelle Fremont I found your magazine through the app store on my iPad...

WOW! You had me not only with the fact it was digital, but priced appropriately and you offered past issues at only $0.99.

Not only did I sign up and grab the latest issue, but I went back and purchased a bunch of previous ones as well. Kudos on a job well done and embracing the new media/form with the iPad. I’m one happy customer!—Frank Bisono People, if you haven’t checked out Modern Dog mag yet— DO!!! It’s the stuff, man. Like the filling in dog toys. Can’t wait to rip in and get to it!—Amy Walden

For a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to in the MD offices, the latest breaking stories and videos, cool contests, events, and exclusive giveaways, become a fan of Modern Dog and follow us on twitter. Go to facebook.com/ moderndogmagazine & twitter.com/moderndogmag.

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter BP

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1 I am so excited to set up my parakeet-blue Lucky Key Hook and Charging Station in my new apartment! It’s perfect for organizing everything from cell phones to puppy leashes.—Beth ($48, thesecreatures.com)

2 Artist Shannon Thiesen perfectly captured Roxy’s stubborn playfulness using a combination

of striking colours and minimalistic pop art elements. Commissions starting at just $65 ensure each furry muse has the chance to be immortalized.—Sara ($65, shannonthiesen.webs.com)

3 I like to welcome fall with a new collar and these beauties by Addison and Logan are available in tons of prints that are fun and original, two adjectives that describe me perfectly!

—Rose ($24, poochesandprincesses.com)

4 Rehabilitated Dishes are just that—old dishware that has been reworked, reglazed, and

refired into works of art. Awesome works of art. And lucky for us dog lovers, some of Sarah Cihat’s designs feature our best buds in all their porcelain glory. Her choice of colour and design are spot on—I want them all.—Jessica (dinner plates from $60, sarahcihat.com)

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5 Aren’t dogs twice as cuddly after they’re bathed (especially if their shampoo smells like

pomegranate and cucumber)? Get your favourite Aroma Paws shampoo scent in soy wax candle form to fill your home with that same lovely freshness. It’s also available in a gift box—give it to your friend along with a bottle of their shampoo for a discreet way of saying: yo, your dog can smell this good, too!—Celine ($13 - $18, aromapaws.com)

6 The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been delighting humanity from the 14th century

forward, as evidenced by its appearance in paintings, sculpture, and tapestries. Curl up with The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A Tribute in Art to enjoy a stroll through art history and the many ways this little dog has sparked imaginations.—Marian ($59, laughingcavaliers.com)

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7 My Pug, Franklyn, is going to love his new, luxurious Sherpa pet carrier. It’s the perfect

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solution for weekend trips as it will keep him travelling in both comfort and style! And when it’s nap time (which is often for Frankie) we’ll just roll down the side flaps and it’s off to dreamland.—Grace ($128, sherpapet.com)

8 I intend to wring every remaining bit of fun from what remains of the warm weather by spending all my free time, of which I have an abundance seeing as it’s only cut into by squirrel patrol and dinner time, floating on my awesome pool lounger made especially for dogs.— Miniature Dachshund Esther (from $89, frontgate.com)

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9 Having a lifelong love of stained glass, I just had to get an Art Glass tag for my dog, Penny.

Available in an array of unique and stunning colours, each handcrafted glass tag is bonded onto a metal backing plate that can be engraved with your dog’s ID, combining beauty with practicality.—Connie ($19, ArtGlassTags.com)

10 This beautiful, handcrafted feeder is the perfect height for my pup, Molly. Stainless steel bowls are inset into a raised pine table stained in a variety of lovely colours. Available in an assortment of heights/sizes.—Vanessa ($30,etsy.com/shop/merlinsbarkproducts)

11 I love that I can now see out the car window thanks to my Solvit Tagalong pet booster seat for dogs up to 30 pounds. Installed in just minutes, it provides me with an unobstructed view while keeping me safely contained.—Penny ($35, SolvitProducts.com)

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12 Zen Corgi is at one with the universe and now I am too, with my hand-painted Zen Corgi

mug from Jen Ray. Porcelain, one of a kind, and dishwasher/microwave safe.—Maxine “Relaxishak” Matishak ($25 corduroy.etsy.com)

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13 My obsession with charm bracelets has expanded into neckware with this beautiful handsawn and embossed recycled sterling silver, salvaged copper, and semi-precious stone PEACE LOVE DOG necklace crafted by the talented Deanne Pace.—Karin ($85, deannepace.com)

14 I recently ordered a portrait of my dog, Neo, from Canvaspop.com. What a wonderful experience! They paid great attention to detail and involved me in every step of the process.

Anyone who would like a high quality yet affordable portrait of their dog should check them out.—Omar (from $30, canvaspop.com)

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CANINE NEWS AND REVIEWS

For Those That Like a Little Wiener With Their Wine

Food Trucks Craze Goes to the Dogs

Taking to the streets with gourmet dog treats It seems the food truck craze has gone to the dogs, if you will, with trucks now catering not only to korean fusion taco lovers but their furry friends, too. Chicago’s Fido to Go has dogs chasing the big yellow bus for entirely new reasons: freshbaked and frozen treats. Not only are they serving dog snacks street side, they’ve taken sustainable business practices to a whole new level, as well; their Fido to Go bag doubles as a biodegradable waste bag and their business cards feature adoptable dogs from local rescue organizations. Follow @fidotogo on Twitter to find out where they’re at.

In Atlanta, Poochsicles and Bark Bites are driving through neighbourhoods offering doggie ice cream, allergen-free baked treats, and even a chicken stock and liver-based beer for dogs. This rolling store also offers fetch toys and poop bags, saving the day when you find yourself ill-prepared for your visit to the dog park. Get twitter updates as to their current locale by following @poochsicles.

Our favourite Tina Fey quote?

Her response to the query in the “Proust Questionnaire” in Vanity Fair, “What is your most marked characteristic?” Her answer: PHOTO ART STREIBER/NBC

“Obedience and a long nose. (I might be a Collie.)”

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Research has proven that our canine friends are good for our health, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure, making us laugh, providing us with unconditional love and companionship, and helping us lose weight and stay fit by forcing us to take daily walks. Research has also shown that wine (in moderation) is good for our health, both heart and soul. For all these reasons, plus the really cute label, we suggest picking up a bottle of award-winning Longue Dog French wine.

CHECKING IN

The Carlton Hotel, NYC This elegant and centrally located dog-friendly Murray Hill hotel exemplifies classic New York style and sophistication.

The grand lobby is certainly something to bark about, featuring vaulted ceilings and abundant old-world charms (marble! fountains! Tiffany dome!), while the rooms are bright, airy, and comfortable, with tasteful modern décor.

But best of all? Dogs of all sizes are welcome. Their “Love Your Pet” program, designed in conjunction with Animal Planet, comes complete with indoor dog house, blanket, leash, flashlight, bed, bowls, place mat, treats, and a list of local pet partners, including pet groomers, masseuses, walkers, and stores, to ensure a perfect Big Apple vacay for both you and your pooch. Rooms start at $269 plus an additional $50 per stay fee for Fido. A percentage of the latter goes to Animal Planet’s cause-related initiative, R.O.A.R. Just one more reason to get your bark on in Central Park. carltonhotelny.com

THE SCOOP SURF

It’s the Pits

Best in Show

Following Thanksgiving dinner (if you’re American, that is), tune in with nearly 20 million other viewers to the 10th anniversary edition of The National Dog Show presented by Purina. NBC began televising the competition, a Kennel Club of Philadelphia institution since 1879, ten years ago in the slot immediately following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Showcasing 2,000 purebred canines representing over 160 breeds, it was an instant hit.

Inspired by the surprise indie film success, Best in Show, which takes a satirical look inside the world of dog showing, The National Dog Show takes a more tongue in cheek approach to the commentary. Hosting is Seinfeld alum John O’Hurley accompanied by expert analyst (and voice of Westminster) David Frei.

This year, six new AKC-approved breeds will be introduced at the show: the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Norwegian Lundehund, Xoloitzcuintli (see page 70 for more on this breed), American English Coonhound, Cesky Terrier, and Finnish Lapphund. Tune in November 24 to see who takes Best in Breed, Best in Group, and Best in Show. For an up close look at the dogs, head to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center November 19 to watch the lead-up elimination rounds.

Yorkie-Loving Stars Hills’ star Kristin Cavallari (Rocco) Supermodel Gisele Bundchen (Vida) Orlando Bloom (Frankie) Naomi Watts (Bob) Molly Sims (Poupette) Miranda Kerr (Frankie) Ivanka Trump (Tiger) Natalie Portman (Charlie) Alyson Hannigan (Zippy) Liev Schreiber (Bob) Emmy Rossum (Cinnamon) Jay Mohr (Maibel) Danielle and Kevin Jonas (Morkie—that would be a Maltese/Yorkie cross—Riley)

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With editor-in-chief Michael Mountain of Best Friends Animal Society fame at the helm, stubbydog.org is out to champion the plight of Pit Bulls. The breed’s rebranding campaign involves highlighting positive true stories about Pit Bulls to counteract all the negativity surrounding the breed.

Here’s to shaking off the current prejudice against these dogs that were once deemed “America’s family pet.”

Get Some Fur on Fur Action Looking for an instant pick me up? Search no further than AnimalsWithStuffedAnimals.com, an endearing photo gallery that provides a much needed reminder that there is still innocence in the world and that it’s ridiculously adorable. Photogenic creatures ranging from dogs to lion cubs are partnered up with stuffed companions in a beautiful display of vulnerability and tenderness that will capture your heart and bring you back to the days when your teddy was your bestie.

THE SCOOP

Dogs With Ink Tattoo You... Not Your Dog

We’re all familiar with tattooing a dog’s ear or underbelly for the purpose of identification (done while under anesthesia, usually during a spay or neuter), but what about decorative ink for dogs? It may seem unbelievable, but shelters in urban areas are reporting an increasing number of dogs covered in tattoos among their intakes. In a few cases, veterinarians have copped to sedating a dog for the sole purpose of decorative tattooing, which is risky and unnecessary at best. If you like the idea of exhibiting your love of body ink through your dog, opt for temporary tattoos specifically designed for pets. Check out Pet-Ink.com; they offer a variety of temporary dog “tattoos” to appease every canine’s inner rebel.

Which would you have chosen?

In the Club Finally—fun, flexible drop-in training for a flat monthly rate.

It’s one of those instances of “why isn’t everyone doing this?” Vancouver’s Release the Hounds’ new Dog Training Club is an epiphany, offering dog training within a gym-membership-type structure. Members pay a flat monthly fee allowing them to drop in to over 15 types of dog training classes. Rates start at $59 for a single dog to $89 for a Pack Plan (three or more dogs), plus a one-time joining fee. Choose from positive, correction-free training classes like Puppy Preschool, Tricks & Games, and K9 Etiquette & Communication, among many others. The revolving class schedule runs from 10am to 9pm Monday through Thursday, and 10am to 3pm Fridays and Saturdays.

Hopefully, more training outfits follow suit.

MODERN DOG POLL There was a lot of debate around the Modern Dog office as to which shot of Denise Richards should make the fall cover. Option a) Denise with her rescued elderly Golden Retriever, Tina, is beautiful and warm and we love having a Golden, especially one that’s a senior (a Golden oldie?), on the cover. Option b) shows Denise with the newest addition to her rescue pack, pup Sophie (we’re guessing this little one’s part Dachshund). Hard to say no to an image so sweet and sunny and optimistic. And then there was option c), the cover we ultimately went with, that has Denise with her rescued French Bulldog, Hank. We love this cover for its real, simple, genuine friendliness. That adorable Frenchie face doesn’t hurt either. Which would you have chosen?

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Do you think little dogs deserve to be cut some slack in the training department due to their size?

Go to moderndogmagazine.com to vote.

PAST POLL RESULTS 74% of readers think dogs should be allowed in restaurants.

THE SCOOP

CARTOON © 2011 BY DAVID JACOBSON

Modern Dog’s Cartoon Caption Contest Exercise your funny bone. Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderndogmagazine.com/cartooncaption.

The most comic captions will be published in the next issue.

Your Dog is Watching You Is your body language at the root of your dog’s bad

and the winner from the Summer issue is: “What do you mean you’ll have to remove my gizzard?”

SUBMITTED BY DENISE JOHNSON

behaviour? A new study published by the online journal Learning and Behavior reveals that training doesn’t stop when we call the session over or put the clicker away: we are constantly giving off subtle non-verbal cues that our dogs pick up on. Research conducted at the University of Florida proved that eye contact was a key signal for domesticated dogs, shelter dogs, and wolves.

“The question was, are dogs and wolves responsive to a human’s attentional state?” said Monique Udell, who is now an assistant professor of psychology at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. “Do they have a feeling of whether we can see them or not? Turning your back— that’s a cue all the animals were sensitive to.”

But when the testers held books, it was only the domesticated dogs who avoided those reading. Familiar with the inattention reading signals, they only sought treats from the testers looking at them, while wolves and shelter dogs were indifferent to the cue and just as likely to approach those reading as not, having never

Runner-up Captions:

experienced book reading behaviour before. A bucket

“In that moment, Fred hoped that Fluffy had forgotten all about the electronic bark collar fiasco.”

animals were as likely to seek treats from the person

SUBMITTED BY RACHEL JESSE

“Your orthopedic surgeon couldn’t make it but I assure you, I have more experience with bones than anyone else on staff!”

SUBMITTED BY SUZAN MANDLA

“Don’t worry Mr. Houser, you have my complete surgical attention and we have lit up the “NO SQUIRRELS” sign!”

SUBMITTED BY SPENCER HAMMOND

“Remember when you said, ‘he won’t miss those walnuts’?....”

SUBMITTED BY PAM MCDERMOTT

element was added in as well, and, interestingly, all the with the bucket over her head as the person holding the bucket. Since it’s relatively abnormal for humans to walk around with buckets on their heads, they hadn’t learned how to read that cue.

“Dogs don’t have to read our minds. Dogs read our behaviour,” said Dr. Udell. “That might be why dogs are so successful in human homes. They are watching us.

They are quick learners, they can figure out when you are going to give them the next treat or whether you are going to give them a bath. Whether we know it or not, we are training them.” moderndogmagazine.com

19

THE SCOOP UK Dog Artist Transforms Refuse into Rad Scultpure

WE ASKED: What lessons have you learned from your dog?

English artist Robert Bradford transforms discarded plastic toys, as well as household items and other colourful refuse, into sculptures, most notably of dogs, that offer a commentary on our consumerist society, our collective history, childhood, and nostalgia. It’s a waggish (ahem) approach that delights, then invites deeper exploration and thought. The sculptures, ranging from dogs to robots to automatic weaponry, are comprised largely of small toys that are screwed together creating a bright riot of minutiae that make up a powerful whole, beckoning the viewer closer to examine the details. They resonate with both children and adults, often resulting in a walk down memory lane as toys are recognized and delighted in.

“Public reaction to the sculptures has been largely very positive—in some cases gleeful,” says Bradford. “Often children drag their parents to come and look at the pieces and then a whole sequence of recognition and recollection usually begins, naming the various toys and recalling the times and circumstances of their use. There is usually some fascination with the sculptures, the individual toys used, and with the process of their acquisition and construction.” Several of Bradford’s Plastic Toys sculptures have been bought by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museums. You can see the fascinating sculptures up close and personal in their San Francisco, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Niagara Falls, and London-based locations.

In a recent survey conducted

by Purina, over 30% of New Zealanders thought their pet communicated its feelings better than their partner. And more than 70% of respondents thought pets had human-like emotions. Surprised? Not us.

20 moderndog F ALL 2011

You don’t need a bunch of toys or treats to make you happy.

Lots of love and a stick are just as good, if not better.

—Marnie Goodfriend Stop and play every once in awhile, even if you think you are too busy.—Heather Ulmer How to be completely single-minded in pursuit of a treat.

—Rupunzel Book

It’s fun to just run around like a crazy person sometimes.—Amanda Srigley Leap for joy for everything you get!— Margie Fulkerson

Always greet someone when they walk in the door.—Ivy Glick To stop and say hello to strangers. Sometimes they need puppy love too.— Michelle Fremont

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again...and then if all else fails, take a nap.— Kristina Salisbury Life’s too short to be cranky.—Justin Porter

Never leave your false teeth on the coffee table...Border Collies will play with anything! —Sylvia Weatherby-King If you make enough noise, people will give you what you want.— Monica Hudak

Always be yourself, even when everyone’s watching! —Raquel Sanchez

coolcostumes

L W O H HALL

-O-WEEN

Prepare to be upstaged. Canine costumes take the cake. (Brace yourself, next All Hallow’s Eve your neighbour’s dog may be dressed as Katy Perry.

We kid you not.)

I

t’s happened: people are spending more on their pet’s costume than on their own—or on their kid’s. According to Savers’ (known as Value Village in Canada and some states) Halloween Shopping Survey, 24 percent of respondents plan to dress up their pets in costume and will spend an average of $59 to do so. That’s more than adults plan to spend on their own costumes ($48) and more than parents will spend on their kids’ costumes ($32). It’s such big business that Savers even does pet-costume trend forecasting. “We forecast pet costumes by following overall trends for adults and children,” says Savers buyer and costume expert, Mary Ginatty. Case in point: California Costumes, makers of fanciful (and often very sexy) Hallowe’en costumes for adults, as well as ones for infants, children, and pets, is introducing a Katy Perry costume among their 2012 dog offerings. Traditional looks like pumpkins or ghosts are also popular for pets year after year. Fantasy characters (16 percent) and pop culture figures (12 percent) will also be seen, according to the Savers survey.

“Pet costumes are our fastest growing costume category,” Ginatty tells us. “This year, we’ve doubled the Halloween buy.”

Better buy some biscuits along with the usual assortment of mini candy bars.

Costumecraze.com offers costumes in sizes to fit most dogs, from little to large, and range from $3 - $22. Shrek, $15

California Costumes (right and below) offers sizes that fit most breeds of small dogs up to 20 pounds. $13 $35 californiacostumes.com

Savers’ pre-packaged dog costumes range from $10 to $23 and fit dogs eight to 80 pounds. With Yoda and Darth Vader among the choices, you can help your dog choose between good and evil.

Quick Fix

Sweethoots’ crocheted dog hats are available in an array of awesome designs—skunk (as seen up top), Viking warrior, pumpkin head...) and are made to order so can fit any dog. Skunk dog hat, $16, etsy.com/shop/ Sweethoots

Combine an adult snake bracelet with a pharaoh headpiece from the Savers/ Value Village costume section and your dog will be ready to walk like an Egyptian.

Total cost: $22

CALENDAR

Your Fall Must-Do List Get out your date book! Fall events not to be missed

Take me out to the ballgame. On September 10, grab Rover and join the New York Mets for an afternoon that’s as American as it gets: baseball, peanuts, crackerjacks, and… dogs. Really, what else could complete that list? The aptly named Bark in the Park event takes place at Citi Field in Queens. Get your tickets ($52 buys both you and your dog admission with part proceeds going to the North Shore Animal League) at mets.com/dogs.

Talk the talk and walk the walk. September 18-25, join thousands of dog lovers across the US as they take to the streets for Strut Your Mutt, a fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Society. Flagship walks in Los Angeles (September 24) and New York (September 25) will feature festivals with fun activities like the Belly Rub Hub and Canine Café. strutyourmutt.org

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Hit Long Beach, CA October 30 for the 11th annual Haute Dogs Howl’oween Parade. Dress Rexy in all her freaky finery (Bride of Frankenstein? Heidi?) and join in the fun with 400+ other costumed pets. Following the parade, bob for wieners and steal some kisses in the Bulldog kissing booth while helping raise money for spay and neuter programs, Operation Santa Paws, and Haute Dogs’ non-profit org. hautedogs.org

October 15 Hit the beach—Cannon Beach, OR, to be specific, to check out Surfsand Resort’s 14th annual Dog Show on the Beach. The day consists of fun, lighthearted competitions like Best Bark, Fluffiest Dog, and Best Tail Wag, as well as a hot dog roast and ice cream social, in benefit of the Clatsop County Animal Shelter. Bonus: the stunning Pacific Northwest scenery. surfsand.com/pets

On November 19 & 20 join thousands of dog lovers and their pooches in Toronto, ON for the dog-themed, dogs-welcome indoor shopping extravaganza also known as Winter Woofstock. You and your dog can breakfast with Santa, participate in the Stupidest Dog Trick contest, and of course, shop ‘til you drop for all the best, wackiest, coolest dog stuff around. Plus, free samples abound! winterwoofstock.ca

PHOTO MARTIN HOSPITALITY

On October 1, you can be a hero, baby, or, at the very least, be in the presence of them. Join the American Humane Association and Cesar Canine Cuisine for the Hero Dog Awards Gala event in Hollywood (herodogawards.org). The culmination of a six-month contest, the gala awards event features celebrity judges Whoopi Goldberg and (former Modern Dog cover star) Victoria Stillwell and will recognize all hero dogs (nominated and otherwise) while bestowing one of the finalists with the top honour. If you can’t make it to the event, tune in November 11 when the awards will be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel.

October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month, our favourite month of year and an effort we can’t do enough to promote. A heartrending, stomach sickening statistic: the HSUS estimates that four million (that’s right, four million) cats and dogs are put down every year. Why not save a life? Adopt your new BFF from a rescue or shelter. This month (and every month), opt to adopt. Find your new buddy at petfinder.com.

! e l i m S

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Wınners!

Morley

Sadie

Mikey Jr. Missy

Killian & Caleb

Mick

Dakota Pooky

Bo 26 moderndog F ALL 2011

Summer

Cedar

April

Bella

Max & Mason Wolfgang P

Muska Jazz

Teddy Sunny

Nemis Lucy

Boomer & Muffin

Think your dog ought to grace the pages of Modern Dog? Send us photos of your picture-perfect pooch! The winning entries will be published in Modern Dog magazine. Send photos to: Modern Dog Photo Contest, Suite 202, 343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4. Submitted photographs are property of Modern Dog and will not be returned. Please include your name, dog’s name and breed, address and contact info, including telephone number.

Please send 4 x 6 print photographs or enter online at moderndogmagazine. com. Assignment of rights applies; see full details at moderndogmagazine.com/photosubmission. moderndogmagazine.com

27

MEET TH

E BREED

r e l i e w t t o The R

By Marian Buechert

Photographs by Deborah Samuel

D I C E 1© 20 01/ D E B O R A H S A M U E L

n The Watchma

28 moderndog F ALL 2011

T

hose Rottweiler eyes. Big, dark, expressive. Watchful. Taking everything in.

Making sure that nothing threatens home or family. Judging the temperament of an angry steer. Following the movements of an adored master or mistress. And saving the life of a desperate man poised on the edge of self-destruction.

Stinky, a ten-year-old Rottweiler, was recently inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame as 2011 Service Dog of the Year for her work as a psychiatric therapy dog helping soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder. In a tribute to her, owner George Leonard spoke of how Stinky’s unconditional love and nonjudgmental presence had saved several lives.

“One case in particular, the individual…was going to bring grave harm to himself… but he was upset because he thought, well, what’s going to happen to that dog? What am I going to do with that dog? And then Stinky just sat there and stared at him. And then he said, ‘I just can’t do it.’”

Later, the soldier said “Thank God that dog was with me. Having her around definitely saved my life.”

High praise for a dog of a breed that is often at the top of the list in legislation banning or tightly controlling ownership of certain breeds. The Rottweiler has a bad reputation in many minds. Yet, this is a breed that has lived only to serve humans in many capacities over its long history.

This is a breed that has lived only to serve humans in many capacities over its long history.

Records of the Rottie stretch back almost 2,000 years, when Roman legions on the march used mastiff-type dogs to control and protect livestock. In the German town of Rottweil, the breed was fine-tuned into an all-around helper for tradesmen, pulling small carts, carrying the owner’s purse around his neck for safekeeping, working stock, and guarding family and property. The breed became known as the Rottweiler Metzerhund—the butchers’ dog of Rottweil.

Today’s Rottweiler retains almost all of the characteristics prized in the old Metzerhund. Up to 27 inches tall and weighing in at 90 pounds plus, he is a large, muscular dog with immense strength and surprising agility. He is calm but bold, usually aloof with strangers, and can still be called upon to herd livestock or do draft work when required.

The American Kennel Club website states: “An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment.”

A Rottie will determine what is under his protection, stake out a territory, and defend it. In The Rottweiler Handbook, (Barron’s, 2001) Joan H. Walker writes: “The Rottweiler is very territorial. This is part of the essence of the Rottweiler. To the pet owner, this means that he or she will need to work regularly with the Rottweiler to keep the dog’s territorial aggressiveness in control.”

Control and leadership are vital when dealing with this breed. The American Rottweiler Club advises potential owners: “Ownership of a Rottweiler carries much

BRAWLIE2©2002/DEBORAH SAMUEL; BRAWLIE5©2002/DEBORAH SAMUEL

Profile:

The Rottweiler AKC Ranking: #11 in popularity Size: Large—22 to 27 inches Grooming: Low Activity level: Medium to high

greater than average legal and moral responsibilities, due to traits possessed by this breed, their size and strength.” Rotties that are not given consistent and firm training are likely to challenge their owners for alpha status in the household, a recipe for disaster.

“Rottweilers are by nature an assertive, confident breed. Males in particular will try to dominate their owners, if given the opportunity,” Walker writes. Author Richard G. Beauchamp (Rottweilers for Dummies; Hungry Minds; 2001) states: “Without the proper training, a Rottweiler can become an unruly brute. A Rottweiler wants—and needs—a leader in his life.”

The Rottweiler with a job to do and guidance in how to do it is a happy dog. Not every Rottie will be given the responsibility and freedom to do the fantastical things the Rottweiler main character in the Good Dog, Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. Carl! children’s books gets to do in the According to AKC 2010 course of babysitting his young mistress, registration statistics but almost all Rotties will enjoy obedience, [1] Labrador Retriever agility, carting, herding, or some other pur[2] German Shepherd Dog poseful training.

[3] Yorkshire Terrier These robust dogs are generally healthy [4] Beagle individuals, but like most large breeds, [5] Golden Retriever reach their senior years fairly early, around [6] Bulldog age seven. Two health issues owners [7] Boxer should be especially aware of are hip [8] Dachshund and elbow dysplasia and gastric torsion.

[9] Poodle Dysplasia is often seen in Rotties, though [10] Shih Tzu responsible breeders are working to reduce [11] Rottweiler the incidence. Gastric torsion, also called “bloat,” is a life-threatening condition in which a dog’s stomach flips or becomes twisted, causing gases to accumulate in the stomach and cutting off the blood supply to vital organs. The death rate from gastric torsion is shockingly high—about 33 percent—and Rottweilers are at risk, so owners need to be vigilant and take preventative measures, such as feeding several smaller meals during the day rather than one large meal, and restricting vigorous exercise after eating. For more on health issues related to this breed, visit rottweilerhealth.org.

The Rottweiler, standing proud in his striking coat of black with tan markings, is a handsome and hard-working member of the community, and it is fortunate for those soldiers whose lives Stinky saved that breed-specific legislation did not succeed in banning Rottweilers in that jurisdiction. One soldier could have been speaking of all Rotties when he said of Stinky: “That dog’s got a lot of love to give.” n

If you like the Rottweiler, check out: MARY BLOOM © AKC

Heritage: Livestock and guard dog US Rescue: rottnet.net Canadian Rescue: rottclub.ca/rescue.html

Bullmastiff

30 moderndog F ALL 2011

Beauceron

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

moderndogmagazine.com

31

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dog design

OUR DOG’S BEDS, OURSELVES Choose your favourite to reveal your aesthetic type Our homes, right down to the dog beds strewn throughout, are (sometimes unfortunately) a reflection of ourselves. Choose your favourite from below and read on for insight on what your choice of bed says about you.

THE CLASSICIST

THE MINIMALIST The sleek, masculine lines of this angular, modern piece are an excellent complement to your spare, stainless steel appliance-filled loft, while the faux leather finishing sits well with your ethics. Large enough for most medium-sized dogs or three littler guys, the Panthea Dog Couch, with its low, minimal profile, looks good with the tulip bar stools in your open kitchen and the low slung couch in your living room. $299, dogfurniture.com

The classic shape of this timeless bed suits your clean, elegant, North American style. This bed is equally at home in your well upholstered living room, airy summer getaway or yacht’s poop deck (heehee), especially in natty navy. The cotton canvas cover (with NanoSphere finish that repels dirt, liquids, and odours) and loft-y hypoallergenic fiber fill fit well with your good looking, easywear, comfortable aesthetic. From $95, doggonesmartbed.com

THE MODERNIST Fans of Marimekko, the Finnish design house founded in 1951, run the gamut from Jacqueline Kennedy to leftist intellectuals. Take your place in this spectrum of appreciators with the Marimekko-print DoggieLounge by Fatboy.

With it’s bright, iconic, oversize flower print on easy-clean coated nylon, it’s the perfect compliment to your Mid-century Modern furnishings. $139, greenergrassdesign.com

THE ROMANTIC

THE BACK TO THE LAND-ER For the cabin, your upstate hideaway, your home in the deep woods. This rustic Slingshot Bed is handmade from Tennessee hickory, finished with nontoxic water-based lacquer, and inset with a recycled foam cushion. This bed appeals to your rugged inner lumberjack and speaks to your love to craftsmanship, nature, and the environment, while the vaguely Navajo “Bear Wear” cushion cover shows you’re still on trend. $348, hickoryriverdog.com

This Louis XV-style Pompadour bed upholstered in plush velvet is at home in a luxe, antique-filled residence.

Inspired by the original 18th century model, its romantic Old World beauty appeals to those whose perfect weekend includes hitting the flea markets in Paris—or those who wish they were. The ready to order beds support stylish small dogs only, though custom versions in larger sizes can be commissioned. $278, une-vie-de-chateaushop.com

THE SOPHISTICATE Flocked flowers give the monochromatic Central Park bed a chic look that pleases your refined design sensibilities and flawless taste. With it’s natural cotton base-tone and black pattern, it’s elegant and feminine and perfectly at home in your urban oasis, where it clearly belongs next to your coffee table piled with copies of Elle Décor. From $159, madisonavenuemutts.com

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Friends or Foes How to Keep the Peace in a Cat/Dog Household

By Steve Duno Illustration by Jess Golden

T

he Hatfields and the McCoys. Rome and Carthage. The Capulets and the Montagues. Enemies all, never to know a moment’s peace. To that list, history must certainly add cats and dogs.

Or must it? Just what is it about this infamous rivalry that fuels such antagonism?

Time and evolution, it would seem. Cats and dogs weren’t always separate creatures; they emerged out of the dim past, over 40 million years ago, from prototypical carnivores known as miacids, who eventually split into felids and canids, or the branches of the evolutionary tree we now recognize as cats and dogs.

It was this biological split that began the age-old rivalry. But long ago, they were not separate; they were one. Perhaps, with help from us, they can be again, at least beneath the safety of our roofs.

Some of us dog lovers are “ambidextrous” when it comes to cat fancy. I know I am; I enjoy a cat’s friendly head butts, leg-slinks, gentle pawings, and its close connection to nature, as if it kept three paws here with us, and one still in the wild. But for many of us, our love for dogs plus our fear of conflict and potential injury has prevented us from following through on this latent cat fancy. And the truth is, cats run, and dogs chase; this reality has stoked the stereotype for millennia.

It needn’t be so. Many pet-loving homes enjoy the canine and the feline experience, the pets finding their respective places, and even enjoying each other’s company. So then, what’s the secret to this inter-species peace?

Planning, patience, and luck, it would seem. The successful dog/cat home is a well-thought-out place, with an owner who understands both pets equally well, and who provides them with space, attention, guidance, and training.

THE PERFECT MATCH The ideal way to begin a dog/cat love affair is to start afresh, with a puppy and kitten of similar age growing up together, oblivious to their infamous heritage. Though breed isn’t crucial, the relationship might fare better if the dog selected stays on the smaller side and has the potential for introspection and focus, rather than a penchant for non-stop roughhousing or predation. Sighthounds, terriers, and Arctic breeds, with their high prey drives toward small animals, can prove more challenging than other dog breeds, though even they can be taught the positives of feline love. The choice of kitten should lean toward outgoing, confident, and swashbuckling: a “doggish” kitten if you will. An abused stray or feral feline wouldn’t be a good choice.

When starting off with a kitten and puppy, territorial restrictions aren’t all that important, though you’ll need to restrict the litter box from the puppy, and make sure respective food dishes are off-limits to both. Luckily, cats have a three-dimensional potential, making it

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35

Cats and dogs weren’t always separate creatures; they emerged out of the dim past, over 40 million years ago, from prototypical carnivores known as miacids. possible to locate their items up high and out of a dog’s reach.

be okay with each other. And, be sure to limit the puppy’s access to the litter box and the cat’s dishes!

THE RESIDENT PET SCENARIO

36 moderndog F ALL 2011

THE SWEET OLD DOG SCENARIO Many of us have older, well-adjusted dogs, with little if any cat experience, or with positive cat experiences somewhere in their past. This is an excellent opportunity to bring in a kitten.

Use the same technique as above; keep the kitten in a separate room for a few days (no crate needed), allowing the dog to scent it out. Then open the door and place in the entry a baby gate high enough to keep the dog out.

If the kitten is young enough, it won’t leap over the barrier, at least not for a week or two. Monitor the new housemates; see if the dog shows curiosity, and not aggression. Reward the dog when it remains calm and passive in the kitten’s presence.

Remember; a timely nip of turkey meat can work wonders.

After a few days, if all goes well, carry the kitten out, and let the dog sniff its rear, then, with the kitten in your lap, let a face-to-face greeting occur. Pet and praise the dog, calmly.

Holding the kitten in your lap will help convince the dog that all is well, and that you’re in charge of this most interesting event.

Over time, and as the kitten grows, allow them more and more access, and freedom. Chances are you will have succeeded in bringing Romeo and Juliet together, family histories to the contrary.

ADULTS By far the toughest matchmaking attempt would be the adult cat with an adult dog. Both have years of experience behind them, some good, some bad. Neither have had, to your knowledge, any positive inter-species history. The chances of aggression and injury for this scenario are high.

Can it be done? Sure—over time, especially if the pets are easygoing and confident, have no history of aggression that you know of, and if the cat hasn’t been a feral, stray, or indoor/ outdoor warrior. But it will take patience on your part. The pets will need to be kept separate for a good while; the cat in one large room, the dog in the rest of the home. A week of simple scenting, followed by a full, see-through partition allow-

ILLUSTRATION JESS GOLDEN

Let’s say you already have a cat at home, and you’re considering adding a dog to the family. This is the next best scenario to the kitten/puppy acquisition. Why? Because that teen or adult cat will, in every way, be lord of the manor, the maker of rules, and the arbiter of space and privilege. Your home is really its home. Any dog coming into that space will either bow to that cat’s will, or find itself in an everlasting fight for its life.

Your best bet? Bring a puppy into this cat’s world, and not an adult dog. A puppy will be completely subordinate to an adult cat, with no learned cat aggression, and no sense of dominance. The puppy will quickly learn boundaries from the cat, who will discipline it, school it, and gradually accept it as a childish waif of little threat. The puppy’s age and total lack of status will be its saving grace.

If you do bring a puppy into an adult cat’s home, you must take precautions.

First, the cat must be outgoing, confident, and sociable, with no history of aggression with dogs. An indoor/outdoor cat will have a much harder time adjusting to the puppy than will an indoor-only pet, as it has almost certainly experienced some level of canine conflict on the outside, or at least cat-on-cat aggression. Any cat experienced in combat with another animal might not take kindly to even a puppy. You must also take great care that the puppy does not get injured, especially around the eyes, from errant claw swipes.

If bringing in a puppy, consider keeping it in a separate room for the first few days, letting the cat smell but not see it.

Next, use a crate for the first real interaction. Place the puppy in a crate (preferably a plastic one with gratings too small for a cat to easily reach through), then open the room door and let the cat in to investigate. Once the initial dramatics are over, carry the puppy around the home with you, letting the cat intermittently smell its rear. Watch the cat’s rapport; if it seems calm and curious, place the puppy down for a minute and give it a go. If not, stay at this stage for a few days, then try it again.

Eventually, take the training wheels off and let them have at it.

But when you leave, keep them separate until you know they’ll

Cats run, and dogs chase; this reality has stoked the stereotype for millennia. ing them to see but not touch. Copious amounts of praise and reward to both, if they cooperate.

At this point, you’ll be able to predict any potential for success; if the dog, for instance, erupts into froths of predatory rage, it’s probably not going to work. Likewise, if the cat turns into a mindless warrior, the odds are stacked against you (though the cat won’t be as predatory toward the dog, and could actually find three-dimensional solutions to the issue). If it appears that they are more curious than combative, leave the

38 moderndog F ALL 2011

barrier up for two weeks, and see what happens. If friendship blossoms, have at it.

One caveat; if you succeed in convincing your cat that dogs are its friend, realize that it may try to generalize this to other, less friendly dogs. So as a precaution, limit other dogs’ access to the home territory, for safety’s sake.

With luck, persistence, and the right dog and cat, the peace can be kept, and you’ll be able to enjoy both sides of the carnivorous coin. n

Fall Giveaways

ENTER TO WIN!

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in September, October, and November.

Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every week.

september

1st-7th

Win one of three Gwen Gear collar and leash sets, handcrafted in San Francisco, in your choice of their exclusive designs.

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-30th

8th-14th

15th-21st 22nd-31st

Win a BISSELL PROheat 2X® Select Pet upright deep cleaner that removes pet stains and odours and keeps your carpet looking newer, longer.

Win one of five DogTwister interactive toys from Nina Ottoson.

Fill with treats or food to provide challenging and fun brainwork for your dog!

Win one of four gift baskets filled with SPINZ, a 100 percent edible, wheat- and gluten-free interactive chew toy for dogs. All-natural, healthy, highly digestible fun!

october

1st-7th

Win one of 20 buffalo treat gift packs from Canine Caviar, the only alkalinebased dog food in America that is designed to prevent cancer.

Win one of five new Chill Pads from P.L.A.Y.! Eco-friendly, stylish, and ultra-soft, these durable mats are perfect for your home, crate or car.

Win one of five ORGANIX Grain-Free starter kits, featuring two bags and six cans of our new ORGANIX GrainFree Food. For Pets.

november

1st-7th

Win a one-year supply (365 treats!) of GREENIES JointCare Treats with New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel to nourish and keep your dog’s joints healthy.

Win one of 15 copies of Animals and the Kids Who Love Them, a collection of heartwarming stories perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

Win one of four UGODOG dog potties, an innovative and environmentally friendly housetraining system that’s economical and mess-free. UGODOG equals no more pee pads!

Win one of 10 new Microdry Memory Foam Ultimate Luxury Pet Mats. Super-soft and ultracushioned, it’s the creature comfort dogs have been begging for!

The Petmate Replendish Waterer provides a continuous flow of fresh, filtered water and helps prevent the growth of stain and odour-causing bacteria.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning September 1, 2011 at 12:01 AM (PST) through November 30, 2011 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.

40 moderndog F ALL 2011

A Chance for Bliss

By Corey Van’t Haaff

Photographed by Deborah Green

M

ax probably thought he was set for life. The Italian Greyhound had been living with his owner for 12 years. There was no reason for the dog to suspect that anything would change. But when his owner-dad met and married the woman of his dreams, Max’s life became a nightmare. He was summarily surrendered to a shelter when he no longer fit into the married couple’s plans.

There isn’t much of a waiting list for an old dog of any breed, and senior dogs are often the first to be euthanized in over-crowded shelters, or they languish in cages after lifetimes of running freely in homes. The future holds little hope for elder dogs and Max was desperate for a second chance. He got just that when A Chance for Bliss (ACFB) stepped in and provided a forever home.

“Of all our dogs, he was the fastest to fit in,” says David Bartley, co-founder, with his wife, Deanna, of ACFB, a senior-, special needs- and end-of-life-sanctuary for dogs and other animals. Opened in 2000 and located in northern California about 30 minutes east of Sacramento, the sanctuary provides home for dogs passed over for adoption due to age and condition. “They are at least ten years old, or have some sort of unique or debilitating special condition,” David explains.

“Everyone loves Max. People are taken when they see him; he is so sweet. If he can get his nose in a spot, he figures the rest of his body will fit. He snuggles forever,” says David. “Guaranteed, he is the first dog to greet every single visitor. He is so incredibly sweetnatured, so kind and loving; an extraordinary dog.”

The Bartley’s sanctuary wasn’t a pre-ordained venture. David is the first to admit he didn’t grow up dreaming of starting a dog rescue charity.

“I was a fastidious neat freak,” he says. He met Deanna while both worked in the mortgage industry. His future wife had a Boston Terrier which, David recalls, “farted and snorted and was eight when we met and lived another four years. It was an extraordinary experience for me to have this relationship with the dog.”

After that first dog died, Deanna discovered two Boston Terriers, aged 12 and 13, that needed homes. One was blind and suffering from Cushing’s disease; the other was just old and, as David says, didn’t have much gas left in the tank. David, on the other hand, was

intent on getting a Boston Terrier puppy, as he was in no hurry to be devastated by saying goodbye to another dog anytime soon.

Deanna, however, was persistent, so the aging Bostons, re-named Chance and Bliss, came home to stay.

“The part I didn’t expect was that these senior dogs in a home environment, being loved and cared for, rebounded. The experience of Chance and Bliss was just so amazing; to see two dogs discarded, then see how they came alive. It’s clichéd, but I got the sense every day that they were grateful. I was moved that I could love someone else’s dog as I loved my own. I forgot Chance and Bliss didn’t live their whole lives with us.”

The Bartleys now share their 3,000-square-foot home on two-and-a-half acres with some 22 dogs, all smaller and all living inside the home. David says his wonderful neighbours permit the use of three adjacent properties for other species, including horses, sheep, bunnies, and a steer.

The Bartleys made the decision in the earliest days that the dogs would not be available for adoption.

“They have a sense of permanency here,” says David. “It’s so tangible; once they arrive, they know they are home. There’s a sense of ease, a noticeable difference. It’s amazing how well they all get along. They realize it’s their home.”

Some 85 animals have already lived—and died—at ACFB. David documents every resident when it arrives and when it leaves. Even if a dog isn’t there for long, David says it has an impact.

The sanctuary gets numerous visitors every month and David says it takes maybe 30 seconds for all the dogs to settle down once someone arrives; a reflection of their contentment at being home.

The surrounding community has been very supportive of the sanctuary—one group of self-sufficient volunteers comes four days a week to muck pastures, groom horses, and pick up dog poop—and it’s not a one-way street: the “useless” senior and specialneeds dogs at ACFB pay back in their own unique way. Once a month, the folks from Easter Seals Help to Recovery Adult Day Health Center visit. These adults suffering from brain injuries find that the extraordinary experience of interacting with these lastchance rescue dogs helps them to live more ordinary lives.

“It makes a huge difference to [the volunteers], judging on feedback from staff,” David says. “It helps with their communications and memory and mobility, speech, cognition and social interaction but especially memory. They remember what animal they worked on and what they did.”

One such regular visitor is 47-year-old John Sims, who had been managing a group home when he had a stroke six years ago.

“It took away pretty much everything on my left side. There’s been some progress but it’s still not working,” he says. Sims has been an outpatient client at the center for four years and a volunteer at ACFB for the past three.

“I am the unofficial official dog washer. I bathe the dogs. It gives me a chance to get closer with the dogs,” he says. “I love dogs. They’re my main passion in life, ever since I can remember.”

More than just an emotional boost, Sims’ volunteer work adds to his physical and cognitive therapy.

“It’s clichéd, but I got the sense every day that they were grateful.”

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P H OTO D A N T E F O N TA N A

“I have to stand and block the dogs from jumping with my body placement.

After a while, I get to know the dogs. It helps me with my memory; it helps me with my balance. I stand without my cane. It helps big time,” says Sims.

Sims lives in an apartment and can’t have what he most wants—a dog—but says bathing several dogs every visit, each requiring a different medicated bath or special skin treatment, allows him to give and receive love and affection “It lets the dogs know they’re with a calm, caring person. I love them, especially Max. There should be no favourites but Max is a particular favourite I have. He’s my buddy.”

Although the volunteers’ help is much needed and appreciated, ACFB still has ongoing expenses of about $20,000 each month, including veterinary care, and, as a registered charity, relies on donations to meet those bills.

The truth is that some dogs simply cost more to care for, like Grace.

Originally fostered by Boston Terrier Rescue of Greater Houston, Grace came to David’s attention by email (half of David’s 22 dogs are Boston Terriers).

The stray had heartworm, glaucoma, a tumour, and a prolapsed rectum.

“I said to them, if she was closer, we would take her. They said, ‘if we get her there, will you?’ I said yes.” A corporate employee on company business tucked her into an airline carrier and delivered her to David.

“She looked awful: emaciated, withdrawn, almost catatonic. We took her to our amazing vet who said her heart was in pretty good shape but we needed to get her eyes out, then deal with the rectum and if she was okay with the anesthetic, address the heartworm,” says David. Now, just one year later, Grace is much improved. “We nicknamed her Trouble, which we take as a good sign. If she wants something, she sits up and barks like a metronome.”

Watching dogs like Max and Grace

not just settle in, but thrive, is proof, says David, that old or sick dogs can be loving, contented, and happy animals if given a chance for bliss.

“Guaranteed there are more Maxes in shelters. Don’t let age or condition be a deterrent to adopting,” says David.

“Every animal here has a name and a story; some stories are of intense

neglect and abandonment. [But] I forget how and why they came here and, if I can forget, so can they. I get so involved and passionate about revitalizing and restoring hope to a living being.

There’s no place for these animals to go. They get excited again and come alive here. I wish I could give that feeling to every person.” n

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46 moderndog F ALL 2011

2 Your dog will love loung-

1 Get your chew on with

ing on this comfy and super durable hand-sewn bed with eco-friendly high-loft fill made from recycled plastic bottles. (You’ll dig the upholstery-grade microfiber cover in a subtle white leopard print cover offset with red.)

From $85, petplay.com

naturally shed deer and elk antlers, a healthy, long lasting chew to keep your tough jawed dog busy. Rich in calcium and protein, they don’t splinter, chip or crack, and are odourless (“Hurrah!,” say the rest of your home’s occupants). For puppies and seniors, choose the softerchewing split antlers. $14, prairieantlers.com

4 Ambrosia bites are

3 The Trets Reward

just that. These soft, little Rocky Mountain Elk Liver and Quinoa treats are jampacked with deliciousness.

Food of the gods, indeed, and at only three calories a piece treat time can be frequent. Yes! $9, waggerspetproducts.com

Pouch attaches to your waistband or pocket and its easyaccess magnetic closure keeps Tippy’s treats handy for “at-your-fingertips” rewarding. $15, woofhoof.com

6 Odds are your dog

would cash in all his chips for a chance to win the jackpot of treats hidden within the interactive DogCasino toy from Nina Ottosson. Use the plugs on top to lock the flaps and increase the difficulty. $55, nipandbones.com

5 Who wouldn’t want

to drink from up to five flowing streams of fresh, filtered water instead of yesterday’s tepid tap water? The Drinkwell 360 stainless pet fountain means your dog never has to resort to drinking from the porcelain throne again. $100, petfountain.com

8 Okay, so maybe your dog is not

overly occupied by sartorial concerns, but we’re betting this bowtie will exponentially increase the number of treats and pats he receives, something he’ll undoubtedly be super into. $18, loyalluxe.com

9 What dog wouldn’t

want to lounge in a luxuriously soft, handcrafted minky blanket?

Just be prepared for their new-found lavish taste. From $38, dreamonblankets.com

TOP 10 THINGS

7 Twiz spirals

through the air, invigorating boring old fetch.

Lock this bendable, floatable, recyclable, dishwasher-safe toy’s handles together for maximum flight or unlock to hide treats inside. (Did someone say treats?) $17, westpawdesign.com

YOUR DOG WANTS RIGHT NOW 10 More nighttime

romps? Yes please!

Glowdoggie’s bright, waterproof, Germanengineered LED collars are a step-up from your average reflective-striped safety gear. A variety of colours and all sizes, from super little to extra big, allow dogs to step out at night and be seen. $49, glowdoggie.com

Property Brothers’ Jonathan Scott Loves Little Dogs The smaller the dogs, the bigger the man

By Mary-Jo Dionne Photographed by Chris Matthews

C

had and I were at a dinner party when one of my friends leaned over and confessed: “I find your husband uncomfortably good-looking.” While I couldn’t help but agree, knowing whole-heartedly I scored in the lifemate department, her description has always stuck with me.

Uncomfortably good-looking. A compliment, to be sure, but nonetheless a peculiar word choice to describe what I can only call that rugged brand of fishing-supplies-catalogue-model look.

While totally enamoured with Rad Chad, I’d be lying if my friend’s words didn’t pop into my head when there was a knock on the door and it was Jonathan Scott on the other side.

Yes, uncomfortably good-looking. At 6-foot-5, a construction dude with—I couldn’t help but notice—fine taste in fabulous footwear (Italian, I think?), Jonathan makes up 50 percent of the hit series Property Brothers’ co-hosting team. Along with twin brother Drew, put simply, the brothers are gaining more attention than a hot real estate market, as their show tops the ratings on both the W Network and HGTV. While Chad and I have been renovating a 1937 home in Deep Cove, a seaside Vancouver area neighbourhood that screams location, location, location, the process has been one big year-long headache, headache, headache. So when the property face-lift surgeon himself shows up, I immediately feel the tides of Deep Cove change for the better: a wave of good energy washing away the psychic remnants of burst pipes, blown budgets, and—the bane of my existence—a never-ending

deck construction that created a leak in the ceiling beneath it.

But as much as I wish Jonathan Scott were here to announce he’s abandoning the show in order to tackle my house instead, that’s not the case. Instead, over cups of green tea, we talk about this licensed contractor’s two general foremen. Or, make that, his two general foredogs, Gracie and Stewie. While not rumoured to be uncomfortably good-looking, they do seem uncomfortably well behaved, not to mention uncomfortably fortunate to have the dad they do.

MD: How many seasons has Property Brothers been on air?

JS: We finished our first season in Canada, which is still airing in the United States on HGTV. We just found out they’ve purchased all 26 episodes of season two, which is great. We’re about a month into filming season two.

MD: For those rare people who have yet to see the show, what’s the premise in a nutshell?

JS: We find people their absolute dream home. Then, we crush them and tell them they can’t afford it. So, we go out and find fixer-uppers that they can afford. And I show them computerized 3D renderings of what it could look like if we were to renovate. The technology I use is by Neezo Renders. It’s the same technology used in blockbuster films. We can actually show walls coming down, new walls going up, and furniture going in. So that they can see what the potential is. Then, they pick one of the two homes we’ve selected for them and we get at it. Most of the projects take between 4 to 6 weeks to do the

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entire house. A larger scale renovation can come in at about 10 weeks. These are real families with real budgets, so the show captures that real emotion. I have three crews working at a time. And by the way, I work three times as many hours as Drew does. When I’m on set, he’s off at the spa.

MD: What’s the best part about working with your identical twin?

JS: We know what each other is thinking before we have to say anything. We step into a home and we both just know.

MD: You’re clearly a construction guy, and yet you have these two wee dogs, Gracie and Stewie. What is it about them that makes them so endearing to you?

JS: I grew up on a ranch. We always had big dogs. Labs and even a 200-pound Rottie. However, with my lifestyle, you need to have a dog you can take with you.

So my first dog was a Yorkie. His name was Gizmo and he was only 2.5 lbs. Unfortunately, he was fragile, and he passed away. But, before he died, he totally opened me up to small dogs. He was one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever met. Shortly after Gizmo, I got Gracie. I like having two dogs, it lets them bond. Then, I got Stewie. I brought Gracie with me to check out our options, and she wouldn’t socialize with anyone but Stewie. They were instantly inseparable.

MD: And you’ve managed to incorporate them into your

life, even in the face of juggling multiple properties, a hit series, and a brokerage company?

JS: Totally. And people who assume it’s hard, … I just don’t get that. It takes a bit of planning, that’s all. They travel everywhere with me. The logistics are pretty easy. They are so small and so well behaved. They have their little crates and I bring them to the set with me. I crate trained them so I can replicate that feeling for them if they ever go stay with somewhere new.

I have the same set-up wherever we go.

No matter where we are, I just say “bed time” and they go right to beds. They stay with me in Vegas for the winter, from about December to February. Oh, and the dog parks in Vegas are unlike anything you’ve seen. They’ve divided them into large-breed parks and smallbreed parks. And there is always a third area that is not being used, so they can regenerate the grass. They have these fake fire hydrants out for the dogs. And great seating. I literally go every day when I’m in Vegas. The canine social scene in that city is great. The dogs come with me to Canada when we’re filming. Production for the show put us up in a house, because I need a yard for them. The first time they saw snow, in Toronto, they thought I was punishing them. They even offered us penthouse suites downtown, but we needed to consider Gracie and Stewie. I always say they are my monkeys. My hounds. My beasts.

“It’s nice to see something a little out of the norm. I’m 6-foot-5 and [my dogs] are my kids.”

50 moderndog F ALL 2011

“For all those guys out there trying to be macho, I can honestly tell them, I have more women at the dog park come up and talk to me!”

MD: What’s one small-dog myth you can bust?

JS: The one thing that’s a myth is that they’re yappy. Mine don’t yap at all. They only do when I come home. Gracie does this banshee thing… it’s like this scream. They’re both very social.

And totally laid back. I call Gracie my little pothead, because she just sits back and takes it all in. For all those guys out there trying to be macho, I can honestly tell them, I have more women at the dog park come up and talk to me! Sure, I love all dogs, but at the end of the night, I will come home and the three of us will watch a movie together on the couch. And Drew loves them too. He comes and takes them out all the time. He’s like the cool uncle.

MD: What’s the best tip you have for someone getting into the market as a first-time buyer?

JS: Don’t get in over your head. It’s very easy to say “Oh well, what’s an additional 30 or 50 grand?” But don’t do it. It’s all about the numbers. And consider something that has a rental suite potential. That can be a great way to subsidize the cost of home ownership. Some people say the hardest part of purchasing is coming up with the down payment, but think about it and maybe talk to your family. Approach it as a joint investment.

Don’t be afraid to ask.

MD: There’s a feeling out there that you can either be a house person or a dog person, but not both. How do you ensure your own home is aesthetically pleasing, but also dog friendly?

JS: I always ask people who don’t have dogs what it is they’re afraid of. They usually say things like: soiling in the home or chewing or barking too much. Then I tell them, great. Just train them not to do those things, and you’ll be fine. I don’t allow my dogs free reign through the entire home. Dogs are presentmoment focused, so you have to catch them in the moment engaging in the inappropriate behaviour and correct it then. You need to be the one in control in your home. If your dog feels like they’re in control, that’s a problem. I don’t use violence or choke chains. It’s a matter of being consistent and diligent. It’s our own laziness that makes them lazy.

MD: If there’s a woman out there reading this article who may have a boyfriend or a husband who’s embarrassed to be seen with little dogs, what can you tell her she should say to him?

JS: He needs to think of it as perception of ratio. The smaller the dog, the bigger you look. Sure, there’s a double-take moment when people initially see you. Then, they smile and giggle a little.

But my experience has been that women feel like they can trust a guy with little dogs. It’s nice to see something a little out of the norm. I’m 6-foot-5 and they are my kids. n

52 moderndog F ALL 2011

Jonathan’s Simple Tips For a Dog-Friendly Home RR Bamboo floors are great for dogs. They’re durable and are harder than most species of hardwood. They’re also environmentally friendly because bamboo is a highly renewable source of material. A bamboo plant can grow up to 78 inches in just 40 days.

RR Consider laminate floors. You

cannot tell the difference between some of the new single-board laminates and an engineered hardwood.

And it lasts ten times as long. If, for some reason, you do see some pet- or life-related damages, it’s easy and affordable to replace.

RR Sometimes accidents happen if dogs don’t have outdoor access.

Every place I go, I pick up this really cool glass door panel—available at Home Depot for around $90—that slides into the existing patio door track, and gives the dogs their own door. It causes no damage to the house.

And you can take it with you when you go.

RR Have plenty of storage. Nobody likes

to have toys strewn all over the place, in fact, most trainers will tell you that you should only allow your pet to access a small handful of toys at a time. I like to have a couple of baskets or trunks that tie into my living room décor, but also function as hiding spots for excess puppy paraphernalia.

RR Who spends more time in the back yard? You or your hounds? Put some items out there that they can really enjoy too.

My Gracie LOVES to bask in the sun on a warm day so I have a separate little chair for her on the back deck with a comfortable cushion. She is just in heaven when the rays start flooding in. Stewie likes to patrol, so I put a small stone feature in the centre of the garden so he can climb up it and enjoy the view. It’s almost reminiscent of Simba on Pride Rock!

nutrition

eat D.I.Y.

Answer the call of your pup’s inner hound dog.

Elvis would be proud.

PB & Banana Treats Treats for all! These quick, healthy snacks can be made super teeny or extra large depending on the size of your dog, and pack parsley power for freshening breath. Tasty and easy to make, they’re perfect for taking on walks, for training, or just plain old treat time.

This recipe is easy to tinker with. You can substitute dried mint for half of the parsley, if you like. And don’t hesitate to adjust the size of the treats to accommodate very small or very large dogs, baking them a few minutes less or a few minutes more, as needed. If your dog has challenges chewing, grind the rolled oats in a food processor before adding them to the mixture. Makes approximately two-dozen treats.

INGREDIENTS 1 banana, peeled 1 cup oat flour 2/3 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup dried parsley 3 tablespoons peanut butter 1 egg, beaten

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 300°F. Put banana in a large bowl and use a spoon or potato masher to mash it thoroughly. Add oat flour, oats, parsley, peanut butter, and egg and stir well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Roll mixture into 24 balls, using about 1 tablespoon dough for each; transfer to a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet as done. Use the back of a spoon or the heel of your hand to press each ball into a (1 1/2 to 2 inch) coin. Bake until firm and deep golden brown on the bottom, 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely.

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM WHOLE FOODS MARKET (WHOLEFOODSMARKET.COM)

TIP: It’s best to store these in an airtight

container in the refrigerator. Or, freeze them to give to your pal later; just be sure to thaw the treats before handing them out.

54 moderndog F ALL 2011

The Baconator

Homemade deliciousness your dog will devour (just don’t spoil it by telling him how inexpensive and easy this recipe is). Makes approximately 100 one-inch square treats.

INGREDIENTS 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 cup water or low sodium chicken stock or the water from canned tuna 6 tablespoons bacon fat, melted (save your bacon grease!)

4 cups whole wheat flour

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet.

Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in milk, water, and bacon fat until well blended. Gradually stir in flour to make a stiff dough. Roll out dough to 1/4” thickness and cut out with a pizza cutter or cookie cutter of your desired size and shape.

Regardless of your dog’s size, small is always good. Place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes for a softer cookie or 30 minutes for a crisper cookie. Cool on racks, then store in a covered container in the refrigerator. Freeze those that won’t be consumed in two weeks time to keep them nice and fresh.

TIP: You know what they say about too

much of a good thing. Bacon fat, in smaller amounts, such as that in these cookies, adds a flavour dogs love. Too much—like a whole can of drippings—can cause pancreatitis and land your dog in the vet or worse. Remember, treats are just that, treats. Treat accordingly.

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How to

BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR DOG Every dog has his game: activities to suit your dog’s type By Jennifer Messer

Do you live with a 14-month-old Pointer cross who thinks that the height of amusement is a daily Ironman marathon? Or a Border Collie who spends all day figuring out the complexities of the supposedly dog-proof garbage can? Maybe your pooch is the kind of dog who prefers to spend every day lying in bed under the covers.

Different dogs have different needs for stimulation, dependent upon their breed types, ages, intellectual interests, and health.

Choosing activities carefully for an individual dog can help him or her to be a balanced member of the family.

RR The Exercise Junkie

EJ can be a demanding, pushy, and obnoxious housemate, especially without his daily run. This dog is a perpetual motion machine, rarely relaxing on his own. It is tempting to take EJ out and run his legs off every day in the hope of bleeding off some of his energy, but beware—you can inadvertently train up an elite athlete who needs more exercise than you can give him. Limit repetitive games like fetch to five or ten repetitions at each end of another, less intense activity.

Teaching EJ to relax with a daily massage and some soothing music can go a long way in helping him learn to settle. You can also help EJ to calm himself by fine dining him each evening.

Ask him to lie down beside you and feed him his meal piece by piece over the course of half an hour to an hour. Only feed him when he is lying down, so that he learns that being in the down position is when food comes. As he develops self control, you can take him out and fine dine him outside, and eventually at the park where he can learn to settle down and watch the world go by.

56 moderndog F ALL 2011

RR The Busy Intellectual Maybe you live with a canine-stein who specializes in finding the optimal angle to pull out the security lock on the dog-proof garbage can, and who can open all the baby gates in the house? BI enjoys a good mental workout, and training activities that challenge his grey matter are a wonderful form of stimulation. You can make up your own activities—from basic hide-and-seek to more complex games—or shop the canine brain-teaser market where Nina Ottosson’s products have been a big hit (check out nina-ottosson.com). For more on challenging BI’s IQ, read Brain Boosting Games at Modern Dog online (http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/articles/brain-boosting-games/1721).

Look for good intellectual outlets, but don’t underestimate the benefits of physical exercise; regular aerobic exercise is as important for BI as it is for brainy humans who only think best when they keep fit. Unstructured off-leash exercise will do, or you can satisfy both body and mind with cognitively demanding sports such as herding, tracking, or treibball (a very cool new sport of ball driving; check it out at americantreibballassociation. org). Daily exercise will prevent BI from using his extra energy to memorize your banking data. Ignore his needs and he just may amuse himself ordering dog toys off the Net while you’re at work.

An inner athlete may lie deep within your couch potato that will come out when you find just the right sport for her.

RR The Lone Wolf

LW is completely on her own agenda, a bit like the high school loner who just seemed to march to his own tune. LW benefits from activities that support developing a solid and trustful relationship with you. Hand feeding, short daily training sessions, and regular predictable routines that include teamwork can encourage LW to increase her interactions with you. Teaching LW tricks like closing doors or lights, putting her toys away in the toy chest, or fetching you a cold soda from the fridge can balance her need for personal space with your desire to have fun with her. Just because she’s not a cuddle-bug doesn’t mean she isn’t interested in learning new skills and earning some praise and treats along the way.

RR The Couch Potato

At the other end of the spectrum from EJ is CP. She may have attracted you because of her cuddle-bug personality, but if you let her avoid all exercise, she may end up overweight or ill. A vigorous daily walk helps CP to stay trim and fit.

An inner athlete may lie deep within your couch potato that will come out when you find just the right sport for her. I have what must be the LAZIEST Beagle in town, whose idea of a fun time is spending the weekend with my dad watching TV, snacking, and snoozing. When I throw a Frisbee, he tells me to fetch it, and laughs at dogs who fall for agility, yet his eyes shine with excitement over tracking.

If you have a short-nosed couch potato like a Pug or Bulldog you’ll have to choose your exercise outlets carefully. These dogs can get into breathing problems and overheat quite easily, so run your plans by your veterinarian before upping CP’s exercise regime.

*** Like people, dogs are individuals and your dog is unlikely to fit neatly into one role or description. Puppies tend to be exercise junkies with a dash of busy intellectual thrown in for good measure. Elder dogs tend to become a little set in their ways, combining aspects of the couch potato and the loner. Recognizing aspects of your dog’s personality can help you to address his or her needs by balancing those needs with activities that keep Fido on an even keel. n

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Road Trip 58 moderndog F ALL 2011

5,000 miles. 14 states. One woman and her dog on a quest to experience the best and the quirkiest of all things canine in the US.

By Belinda Jones Illustration Vanessa Dong/ Photographs Belinda Jones

O

ur adventure began last spring when, having been a hardcore cat person my entire life, I suddenly found myself enchanted by every passing dog, from Dachshunds to Dobermans, all of whom seemed to be giving me a knowing look as if to say: “It’s time.”

I must have surveyed every one-eyed, three-legged sob story in Los Angeles when a friend said to me, “Why don’t you just get a happy dog?” And that’s when I met Bodie.

He’d been picked up wandering the streets of South Central with a bad sniffle and was due to be euthanized when rescue group Pryor’s Planet swooped in and saved the day. There wasn’t an ounce of self-pity to this grinning Chow-Pit mix and when I took him home I was amazed by his impeccable manners (most of which I’ve undone) and his Zen demeanour.

And then the medication wore off. (He’d just been neutered.)

I now had 50 pounds of robust energy on my hands and the only dog who could match his appetite for play was a giant Bullmastiff named Winnie. When her owner relocated to Portland, Oregon (repeatedly rated the most dog-friendly city in the US), the idea of a road trip was born.

Some would say making a 2,000-mile roundtrip as a first-time dog owner just three weeks into the relationship was a little ambitious (okay, foolish) but I was oblivious to any potential hazards and luckily Bodie turned out to be just as fearless and easy-going as I’d hoped.

He also has exactly the same taste in hotels as me. (For a gangland stray, he sure does love the finer things in life.)

I have to say those three weeks cruising in a metallic orange Honda Element (voted dog-friendly car of the year) were transformative for me: I’d been utterly bereft when my beloved US Navy beau Jonathan received orders to relocate from nearby San Diego to Norfolk, Virginia, and then told me he was going to be at sea for 10 months of the upcoming year. He felt there was too much uncertainty in our future to make any promises and so we split. I was wretched (as, it turns out, was he) but being around Bodie’s relentlessly joyful spirit I couldn’t help but start enjoying the simple pleasures of life again. (There’s nothing like finding out your dog has a penchant for tzatziki to make you smile.)

Bodie and I had the time of our lives—which was just as well, because almost exactly one year later, Jonathan returned with newfound clarity and a marriage proposal, meaning that Bodie and I were now invited to make the rather more epic journey from west coast to east!

Altogether we explored 14 states on a perpetual mission to have as much dog-related fun as possible. There are so many wonderful experiences to be had, I would like to take this opportunity to share my Top Ten with you (in geographical order):

1 SAN YSIDRO RANCH, SANTA BARBARA, CA You know you’ve arrived when you step onto the jasmine-draped deck of your own private cottage and see both your name and your dog’s branded into wooden panels beside the door.

Inside, you discover bottled Evian beside the doggie water bowl and a squeaky Bow Wow Beanie courtesy of hotel owner Ty Warner, who just happens to be the creator of Beanie Babies.

As you explore the tranquil lavender-lined gardens, you’ll understand why Julia Roberts honeymooned here. Taste the food and you’ll know why Oprah is a regular diner. I ordered chicken and rice off the dog room service menu for Bodie and we shared a cosy fireside dinner before star-gazing on our flagstone terrace.

Rising early, we hiked a portion of the 17 miles of adjacent trails and then enjoyed matching massages. Bodie was putty in the hands of Glenys, so in the zone he looked like he was doing yoga.

We could’ve lingered for all eternity but gorgeous Arroyo Burro off-leash beach was calling, just 20 minutes up the coast. This was a first for Bodie and we happened to find ourselves romping in the surf alongside Tamar Geller, acclaimed author of The Loved Dog, barefoot with her pups. Talk about a Hollywood ending! sanysidroranch.com moderndogmagazine.com

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We strolled in splendour watching the riverboats glide by feeling like we were in a scene from The African Queen. (I was Katherine Hepburn in my giant sunhat while Bodie made an excellent Bogey.)

2 CARMEL, CA Dogs are definitely first-class citizens in Carmel, even the high-end jewellers offer dog biscuits and one exquisite perfume boutique (Ajne) invites you to explore your own sense of smell by creating a customised scent, all while your dog splays at your feet in aromatic bliss.

Come sunset, amble down to the beach and bring your camera—this is one of California’s great beauty spots.

Just be sure to keep your dog at sea level; mine went scampering up the bank and ended up tearing around the legendary Pebble Beach golf course just days before the US Open.

At the fabulous Diggidy Dog Boutique, you can purchase dog biscuits in the shape of cocktails, ideal to take along to Doris Day’s Cypress Inn, where you’ll find as many dogs at the bar as boozers.

Better yet, you can actually dine indoors with your pup on account of the tables being “technically” in the lobby.

We over-nighted two minutes’ walk away at the cosy Monte Verde Inn. Manager Randal makes you feel like you’re staying with friends and Bodie was so content he had his first ever morning sleep-in. Heaven! ajne.com; diggidydogcarmel.com; cypress-inn.com; monteverdeinn.com;

3 DOGGIE DASH, PORTLAND, OR Of all the wild, ruggedly scenic spots in Oregon, why would I recommend a city destination? Because it’s not every day you can take your dog for a walk with 6,000 other dog-lovers. Each May, the Oregon Humane Society hosts a fundraiser that is a true spectacle. As well as the mass riverside stroll, you can enjoy doggie costume and kissing contests, free pancakes, and the sensation of being united with your fellow man (and dog) for the greater good.

Stay at the Hotel Monaco and you’ll be greeted by a dog

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concierge (former Guide Dog for the Blind, Timmy), given innumerable treats, and offered sessions with a local pet psychic.

(Bridget told me Bodie was having a good time but worried that we might be lost, seeing as it was so long since we’d been home.)

If your dog has ingested too many calories at Cupcake Jones, call Run! Daycamp for Dogs; fitness fiends David and Erica will pick up your pooch and take him on an amazing pack run though the local countryside. I actually went along for the ride, got drenched, and loved squelching in the mud almost as much as Bodie. oregonhumane.org; monaco-portland.com; petsaretalking.com; cupcakejones.net; daycampfordogs.com

4 CAESAR’S PALACE, LAS VEGAS, NV

First there was Cesar’s dog food, then dog whisperer Cesar Millan, now Caesar’s Palace is going to the dogs! Bodie still had to bypass the blackjack table (all those card-counting classes in vain) but thanks to the new PetStay policy, he was welcome to sashay down the caramel marble corridor leading to the sumptuous Augustus Tower suites and treated to nifty Bella dog bowls, a zippy doggie bag dispenser, and handmade cookies that looked yummy enough for human consumption.

With everything in Vegas being on such a grand scale, we were surprised to find such a little square of Astroturf assigned for the morning pee, then again the neighbouring Bellagio fountains proved inspirational and it’s not every day your dog gets to do his business within view of Chanel and Dior. Afterwards at the hotel gift shop, Bodie selected a squeaky toy in the shape of a bottle of Cristal (or Cristail, to be precise!)—perfect for toasting the newlyweds emerging from the Hound Dog Ceremony at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. *I only found out after the fact that dogs are banned from walking The Strip itself! caesarspalace.com; vivalasvegasweddingchapel.com

5 MOAB, UT I was in two minds whether to include this hot rocking state on account of the fact that a) Bodie was not welcome at any restaurant terrace (lady at the visitors center: “You wanna have dinner with your dog?!”) and b) both Canyonlands and Arches National Park have a rule that your furry friend can only go where your car can go, which is fine if you’re recreating scenes from Thelma & Louise but frustrating when you have a hankering for a hike. But then I discovered the dog-friendly Negro Bill Canyon Trail, which has all the majestic looming red rocks and soft pinky-terracotta sands of the parks plus a cooling stream with great gnarly branches to chew on.

After staying the night in a claustrophobic motel I discovered the irresistibly cute 3 Dogs & A Moose Cottages where dogs can roam freely in their idyllic garden.

I also have to give special mention to the friendliest family vet I ever met: Moab Veterinary Clinic on Spanish Valley Drive.

There’s a little one year-old girl toddling around reception who can mime dog in sign language. For that alone Moab makes the list, 3dogsandamoosecottages. com; discovermoab.com

6 GREAT

SAND DUNES NATIONAL MONUMENT, CO Thirty-five miles from Alamosa you can live out your Lawrence of Arabia fantasies, trekking a vast golden plain and then attempting to scale the drifting dunes (tallest in North America).

For Bodie, this was like exercising on a step machine—every paw

up he sank back down, continuing to scrabble ad infinitum. You’ll definitely need to bring an ample water supply for the pair of you, maybe even a snack; that way you can take your time marvelling at the scenery while your dog attempts to burrow to Australia.

Just be prepared to be emptying sand from your pockets/shoes/ ears for days to come.

One fun overnight option is Best Western’s Movie Manor in Monte Vista where, from May to September, you and your best friend can cuddle up and watch a film projected onto a giant outdoor screen from the comfort of your motel room!

Alternatively, you can drive three hours north and stay at Number 7 on my list… (nps.gov/GRSA; bestwesterncolorado.com/montevista-hotels)

7 THE BROADMOOR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO I’ve been fantasizing about visiting this fabled five-star haven for over ten years, ever since I saw an aerial shot showcasing its breathtaking 3,000-acre setting at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain.

I could almost sense the “if these walls could talk” history and feel the exhilarating tingle of the fresh Colorado air.

The resort is so plush you can’t quite believe they allow muddy paws and yet this is one of the very few places that permit you to leave your furry friend in the room. When you check in, you will be given a comprehensive Pitty Pat Club kit including a Best-Friend-In-Residence card for you to hang on the door for when you are over at the Charles Court restaurant sampling the local specialties. Your dog won’t go unspoilt with Mother Hubbard cookies and his very own bone-shaped Broadmoor ID tag.

This was definitely one of Bodie’s favourite places—just opening our patio doors onto a lake-view lawn he went into a paroxysm of delight, writhing on the grass and then gawping breathless at the vista. His jaw was still slack with wonder when we visited nearby Garden of the Gods where, unlike Moab, you can scramble around the mythical red rocks to your heart’s content. And it’s free.

I definitely wish we’d had more time here. This was true doggie deluxe! broadmoor.com; gardenofgods.com

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Unleashed, your dog starts nosing in the bushes until he catches sight of the Enchanted Lake.

8 MUSEUM

OF THE DOG, ST LOUIS, MO The American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog is a must and a marvel. Over 700 original paintings, drawings, sculptures, bronzes, and porcelain figures are on display, along with fascinating exhibits (including Dogs of War and a Hall of Fame) and a charming library, all of which you can peruse with your pup.

Drive 25 minutes west and you can drop your little masterpiece at the Frolic Inn for daycare with dog behaviour expert Kristen (she introduced Bodie to his first donkey), leaving you free to visit the Incredible Dog Arena at Purina Farms where highly excitable rescues perform agility skits, including leaping for Frisbees over a heated swimming pool—this is actually where dock diving originated.

The best dog-friendly accommodation in St Louis is the quirkily hip Moonrise Hotel in the Del Mar Loop district, just a few blocks from a rustic but cozy coffee shop called Kayak, named after the owner’s Siberian Husky. One more block and you’re at Forest Park where you can enjoy Yappy Hour at the Boathouse and, come July, enter the Paddle with Your Pooch contest. Definitely something we plan to attend next summer. museumofthedog.org; purina.com; frolic-inn.com; moonrisehotel. com; boathouseforestpark.com

9 THE GREAT DISMAL SWAMP, SUFFOLK, VA

It’s the name that got me.

I had to know just how dismal a swamp could be: I pictured a vast brown mulch but discovered something lush and green and frankly Amazonian. Better yet, the immaculately tarmac-ed road running alongside the canal

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is closed to cars and shaded by a canopy of trees. Less fabulous is the threat of bears; apparently you are supposed to ‘fight back’ as opposed to ‘play dead.’ Far more lethal in my mind are the ticks.

Don’t even consider coming here unless your dog is Frontline-d to the gills. I was oblivious and Bodie is still paying the price for my ignorance. Still, for a blissful hour or two we strolled in splendour watching the riverboats glide by feeling like we were in a scene from The African Queen. (I was Katherine Hepburn in my giant sunhat while Bodie made an excellent Bogey.)

Historic Page House Inn, Norfolk, a 30 minute drive from the swamp, is equally atmospheric and happens to be within walking distance of the Bea Arthur Dog Park, a must for Bodie as he is a huge fan of The Golden Girls. Huge. pagehouseinn.com

CAROUSEL BARK PARK, WILMINGTON, DE A major contender for Most Scenic Dog Park in the US. You drive into a wooded dell (having first taken a wrong turn into the adjacent equestrian centre), park beneath the shade of a Beech tree, cross a trickly stream, take the left fork, and then reel as 50 acres of sprightly green grass greets you. Unleashed, your dog starts nosing in the bushes until he catches sight of the Enchanted Lake, whereupon he romps down to the muddy bank and propels himself into the water with joyful abandon, no regard for how deep said lake may be.

In the ocean, Bodie swims with a slight air of panic, but here he happily doggy-paddled way out for sticks, occasionally returning with a droopy green beard of pondweed. (Rather more tasty are the “ruffins” offered at the nearby Centreville Café.)

We were continuing on to New York City for Fleet Week, but Philadelphia, PA, is just half an hour away and I must say the Hotel Palomar looks supercool and offers great VIP (Very Important Pet) amenities.

Park: 3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808; centrevillecafe.com; hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com n

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A Dog Less Common SIX UNUSUAL BREEDS PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING

PYRENEAN SHEPHERD

Pyrenean Shepherds, or Pyr Sheps, as their enthusiasts call them, have been herding sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France for centuries. In World War 1, they distinguished themselves providing service to the French troops, with hundreds assisting—and often giving their lives—as couriers, guard accompaniment, and search and rescue dogs assisting in finding injured soldiers.

Small, lively, and athletic, they are well suited to activities like agility and are excellent companions for active guardians.

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CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG

Paco Collars handcrafted, studded leather collar; pacocollars.com

A denizen of the South, these dogs were named Catahoula Leopard Dogs after the Catahoula Parish of Louisiana where the breed originated. Renowned hunters, these agile dogs are, amazingly, able to climb trees in pursuit of prey.

Thought to be one of the oldest surviving breeds in North America, Catahoula were prized by Native Americans for their hunting prowess.

Smart, energetic, and determined, Catahoulas need a lot of exercise and, without a firm hand, will often try to take a dominant position in the household.

NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF

These massive dogs, an ancient breed, are known for their imposing size— they weigh up to 150 pounds—and the loose folds of skin that cover their large frames. They can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Asia, and were used as dogs of war in the Roman army. In this role, they are thought to have worn spiked leather harnesses to disembowel the enemy’s horses. More recently, one took a starring role in the Harry Potter movies as Hagrid’s pet, Fang, and no wonder; with its massive head, huge body, and wrinkly skin the Neapolitan is an awe inspiring figure falling just short of cinematic invention. Steady, loyal dogs, they are protective of their families and, due to their size, strength, and temperament, require socialization to ensure they are not aggressive with strangers. They rarely bark unless provoked and, as such, are renowned for sneaking up on intruders.

Hot Dogs All Dressed leather collar with paisley embellishments; hotdogsalldressed.com

SCOTTISH DEERHOUND

One of the oldest breeds, the Scottish Deerhound was known centuries ago as the Scotch Greyhound, Rough Greyhound, and Highland Deerhound. It wasn’t until the 16th century that it began to be clearly identified as a breed, one that could be owned by no one of lower rank than a duke, a distinction that nearly resulted in the breed’s extinction. A keen sight hound, they were used in the pursuit and killing of deer; these superlative hunting skills are now showcased in lure coursing events.

Gentle, quiet, and dignified, these dogs make excellent couch mates when indoors, but outside must be exercised with caution or in fenced areas only due to their high prey drive. The Deerhound’s wiry coat requires little in the way of grooming and its exceptionally tall, thin, bony frame—it can weigh up to 110 pounds—cuts a majestic figure. moderndogmagazine.com

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XOLOITZCUINTLI

A Tail We Could Wag hand-woven Mayaninspired collar; tailwags.com

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The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced SHOWlow-eats-QUEENT-lee) is one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds.

They were worshipped—and eaten— by the Aztecs, who also sacrificed them so these ancient canines could fulfill their role as guides through the underworld. Clay and ceramic figures of Xolos date back over 3000 years and have been discovered in the tombs of the Aztec, Mayan, Toltec, Zapoteca, and Colima Indians.

Modern day Xolos bear a striking resemblance to these artifacts; this primitive, natural breed has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Its reputation for possessing curative powers persists to this day in some Mexican and Central American villages.

Also known as the Mexican Hairless or the shortened form of “Xolo,” the breed was paid tribute in Frida Kahlo’s art, as well as her husband, Diego Rivera’s, who, in a famous mural in Mexico City, painted one baring its teeth at the invading Spaniards as they arrived in Vera Cruz. Two varieties exist: coated, as well as the more popular “hairless” that is without fur save for a shock of hair on the top of its head. Characterized as calm, tranquil, aloof, and attentive, these dogs range in size from 10 to 50 pounds, and are grouped into three categories: miniature, standard, and toy. It is estimated there are currently fewer than 1,000 in the US, but the breed’s popularity may be on the upswing: just this year it made the AKC’s list of 170 recognized purebreds after a 50-year absence.

PULI

The dreadlocked Puli’s most notable feature is its mop-like coat, which naturally clumps into woolly cords, affording protection from harsh weather, providing waterproofing, and preventing shedding. The cords grow long enough to reach the ground but are often cut shorter.

An ancient breed, it was introduced into Hungary more than 1,000 years ago, brought into the country by the migration of the Magyars from Central Asia. They quickly became greatly prized as flock-herding sheepdogs, working alongside the similar but substantially larger breed, the Komondor. Active, intelligent and, according to the AKC breed description “possessing an excellent sense of humor,” this medium-sized, family-loving breed requires a lot of attention and exercise. Grooming is required to keep the cords thin and clean, and thorough drying after bath time is necessary to prevent their cords from mildewing.

CANINE 911 Emergency vehicle for pets

Could Your Dog Be a Canine Blood Donor?

Imagine the unthinkable has happened and your dog was involved in a terrible car accident. You rush to the vet and your dog needs blood. There are some vet hospitals that carry supplies of blood that your vet can purchase, but they could be hours away. If you’re very lucky, your vet has a supply of blood on hand and can begin the procedure right away. But if not, your dog’s best bet may lie in the paws of a neighbour, a dog from your area, who is a registered blood donor.

Veterinarians need more blood. With diseases like hemophilia and cancers, as well as surgeries that require transfusions and accident-inflicted trauma, thousands of dogs’ lives rely on donated blood, and there are currently not enough donors to meet the need.

How can you help? Ask your vet; your dog may qualify as a donor.

Though the requirements differ slightly from place to place, in general, if your dog is over 55 pounds (25 kg), in good health, between one and seven years old, up-to-date on vaccinations and heartworm medication, and has the universal blood type (which your vet will test for), then she may qualify.

The procedure is relatively simple and stress-free. The donor’s blood is taken from the jugular vein. It generally takes about half an hour, and blood volume is restored within 24 hours.

After donating, your dog should be fine, but should rest for the remainder of the day. Offer food, water, and snacks after collection to replace nutrients, and reward your dog with snuggles and a little bit of pampering. Your dog is a hero, after all. But you already knew that.

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Atlanta-based Frogs to Dogs pet sitting and dog training company has launched its own version of the AAA: Atlanta Animal Ambulance.

This emergency vehicle for pets is equipped with oxygen and first aid equipment and is on call 24/7 to carry injured or ill animals to a local vet or Emergency Animal Hospital. The truck is usually driven by owner Andrew Zbeeb, along with fireman Tad, who is certified in canine and feline CPR and first aid. For critical transports, they are are accompanied by a licensed veterinary assistant.

Got an upcoming vet appointment and want the AAA for a smooth transfer? You can call and book ahead as well.

The Seaweed Superfood That Fights Radiation Poisoning Kelp, the ocean algae rich in potassium iodide (iodine), magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium, is thought to be good for improving your dog’s coat, strengthening teeth, and, particularly helpful for overweight dogs, aiding in better digestion.

As with all natural supplements, adding kelp to your dog’s diet should be discussed with your vet, especially if your dog has a thyroid deficiency as it may interfere with thyroid medications. Kelp supplements sold through sites such as allnaturalpethealth.com are human grade, and thus sharable between you and your dog.

As a bonus, this seaweed superfood fights radiation poisoning. Kelp tops the list of nutritional supplements that can help protect the thyroid gland.

PHOTO ALLEN E. SULLIVAN

body &soul

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body &soul

From the happy-go-lucky Bichon Frise to the ancient and rare Xoloitzcuintli, the American Kennel Club recognizes these 11 breeds as hypoallergenic.

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TOP 11 Best Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

The American Kennel Club’s Lisa Peterson gives us the low down on the dealing with allergies to dogs. It’s (unfortunately) all about cleaning. That, and choosing the right breed.

While no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, there are many breeds with consistent and predictable coats that the AKC suggests for allergy sufferers. These breeds have non-shedding coats, which produce less dander. It’s actually the skin dander attached to pet hair that causes most pet allergies in humans.

Top things allergy sufferers can do around the home to reduce symptoms, regardless of breed they have: Try and vacuum daily, as well as mop hard floors and dust with a damp cloth. This will help prevent you from stirring up settled allergens. It also helps to frequently wash your dog’s bed. Make the bedroom a dog-free area to limit the amount of exposure the allergy sufferer has to the dog.

Reconsider fabrics. Certain fabrics in the home may be more or less likely to hold pet hair and dander. For example, wood or tile floors and leather or vinyl furniture will be easier to clean and less likely to hold onto hair and allergens than carpeting and upholstered furniture. Also try and avoid fabric curtains.

Frequent bathing does not help make your dog less allergy inducing.

If you have a shedding breed, a bath tends to loosen hair and promote shedding. For the single-coated dogs that are better for allergy sufferers, a daily brush and even a wipe with a damp cloth will help to remove allergens from the coat that the dog may have brought in from outside, such a pollen, molds, and dust. The best tactic would be to have someone in the family who is not allergic do the grooming. Grooming your dog frequently can really help ease reactions.

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1. Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced SHOW-low-eats-QUEENT-lee) 2. Bedlington Terrier 3. Schnauzer (all sizes) 4. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier 5. Kerry Blue Terrier 6. Poodles (all sizes) 7. Portuguese Water Dog 8. Maltese 9. Bichon Frise 10. Chinese Crested 11. Irish Water Spaniel

Natural Fix for Negative Emotions This all-natural stress reliever uses flower essences to ease anxiety and fear in emotionally unbalanced pets. Simply add a couple drops of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy for Pets to your dog’s drinking water to calm your dog. You’re a doubter? Read some of the testimonials on the site rescueremedy.com/pets.

body &soul Sad Statistic: Canadians spend

more time surfing the web than playing with their pets A new research study conducted by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition offers a troubling snapshot of the state of our pet’s health and wellness. Among the rather depressing findings were these startling statistics: • On an average weekday, pet owners spend nearly twice as much time surfing the Internet (48 minutes) and three times as much time watching TV (79 minutes) as they do playing with/ exercising their pets (25 minutes).

• Veterinarians believe that the majority of dogs (55%) and cats (70%) they see do not receive an adequate amount of exercise to maintain good health.

Mushrooms for Health Although many Westerners think mushrooms are nutrient-void, if delicious, they actually rank among other greener veggies as a good source of antioxidants, vitamin B, niacin, selenium, and protein. They have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for a variety of human ailments, but it was only in recent years that it was discovered that certain mushrooms are also beneficial to our four legged friends. Their therapeutic effects include the boosting of immunity and energy, managing stress, reducing cholesterol, promoting joint health, and even aiding in the fight against cancerous tumors.

This, however, does not mean you should send Fido out into the yard to forage. Most wild mushrooms are extremely toxic to dogs. The best way to introduce mushrooms to your dog’s diet is with a canine-specific formula, available in liquid or powder supplements, as well as treats, containing one of these five commonly used medicinal varieties: Reishi, Coriolus, Maitake, Shiitake, and Cordyceps.

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Nothing to Sneeze At Children living under the same roof as a dog or cat are less likely to develop allergies to those animals when they grow up, a new study has found. Compared to babies born into cat-free homes, those in homes with cats were about half as likely to be allergic to them as teenagers. Oddly, growing up with a dog also reduced the male children’s allergy risk by roughly half, but not for girls, a finding that stumped the researchers. Exposure during infancy is key. When the animals were introduced after the baby’s first birthday, there was no effect on the allergy risk. Researchers believe that the early exposure strengthens the baby’s natural immune system to pet allergens and related bacteria. Previous studies have had mixed results and genetic predispositions to animal allergies can’t be discounted, leading the researchers to advise that it’s too early to rush out and get a pet simply to ward off allergies in your infant, though they also state that there is absolutely no reason to get rid of your pets because you’re afraid they’ll provoke allergies.

© Del Monte Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Choose

to get your roommate off the couch. Choose ose to run the hills. to go for a run. Choose dirt over pavement. Cho to run up a mountain.

Choose to let your roommate push you. Choose you two have come.

Choose to reflect on a mountain about how far Choose to pet your roommate.

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We choose ingredients for people who choose dogs.

At Nature’s Recipe® we thoughtfully select every ingredient to craft healthy recipes for your dog, because every choice matters and Every Ingredient Counts .® Find us at your local Pet Specialty store.

body &soul A SEPARATION ANXIETY BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION PLAN n Give your dog a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour of aerobic

exercise each day. n Work on basic obedience commands (come, sit, sit-stay,

down, down-stay) for 15 or 20 minutes each day. Use rewards for compliance (praise, a quick pat on the chest, a food treat) rather than reprimands or punishment for lack of compliance. If you need help getting consistent obedience from your dog, work with a professional trainer. n Wean your “Velcro dog” from being attached to you at all

n Don’t use an anti-bark collar. It’s unlikely to work on a dog

times when you’re home. Use a baby gate to barricade her in a separate room for part of the time when you’re home.

with separation anxiety. n Start a program of desensitization or “flooding.” Flooding for

n Provide her with a delicious distraction, such as a Kong toy

stuffed with a food treat (peanut butter is a popular Kong stuffer) while she’s by herself. You can also use a “down-stay” or “get in your bed” command to put some distance between you. n Ignore her for 20 minutes

before you leave and 20 minutes after you return. Effusive goodbyes and hellos make a dog with separation anxiety feel worse. n When you leave her alone, don’t

give her the run of the house or apartment. Instead, use a baby gate to confine her to one room, such as the bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen—wherever she’s least likely to do damage or disturb the neighbors. Leave a radio or TV on very low to provide distracting background noise. n Do not leave a dog with separation anxiety in a closed crate.

Many dogs with separation anxiety have panic attacks when crated and will injure their mouths or front feet trying to bite or claw their way out of the crate.

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separation anxiety would involve setting aside several hours on a weekend during which you enter and leave your apartment so often that you essentially wear the dog out. Leave the apartment every few minutes, on a varying schedule, for a minute or two at a time then come back. Be sure not to return while your dog is barking or howling, or else you will be rewarding her for that behaviour. If it’s impossible to walk out the door without having your dog bark, you might have a friend remain in the apartment while you go in and out. Desensitization for a dog with separation anxiety involves giving her your customary cues that you’re leaving—such as picking up your car keys or briefcase, opening the coat closet, putting on your “work shoes,” and so on—without actually leaving. n A DAP diffuser or collar may help calm an anxious dog. n An antidepressant may be helpful for a dog with separa-

tion anxiety. Clomicalm (clomipramine) is widely used for that purpose. In severe cases and for occasional use, an anti-anxiety medication can also be given one hour before your departure.

No drug can extinguish separation anxiety on its own, however.

Desensitization is essential.

SPINAL DISK DISEASE

The Doctor’s In

Dr. Betsy Brevitz tackles common veterinary vexations

“I have a somewhat arthritic 12-year-old Beagle, and when he started dragging a hind leg, I didn’t think too much of it. But the vet was very concerned about a spinal disk problem, and wanted him to have a myelogram right away. Are disk problems common in dogs? How serious are they?”

A: Spinal disk problems are quite common, and they can be very serious indeed, progressing to irreversible paralysis in some cases. So it’s wise to pursue a diagnosis without delay if your dog has symptoms of a possible disk problem: severe neck pain, front leg weakness or paralysis, or lower back pain and weakness or paralysis of one or both hind legs.

The bones of the spine form a canal that shields the spinal The progression of these symptoms—from dragging a foot to not cord from bending and pressure. Beneath the canal that houses feeling deep pain—reflect how deeply the spinal cord has been the spinal cord, the vertebrae are separated and cushioned by affected and what the prognosis is. intervertebral disks, which have a gelatinous core and a rubbery Like neck instability and wobbler syndrome, spinal disk probouter layer. These disks can break down over time, becoming lems are treated with corticosteroids to reduce swelling and less elastic and flexible. Occasionally these inflammation around the spinal cord, plus strict Symptoms of a disks rupture or expand upward into the cage rest. A dog that has a paralyzed leg or legs vertebral canal, putting pressure on the spipossible disk problem: but still can feel deep pain should have surgery nal cord and causing pain, leg weakness, as soon as possible to remove part of the versevere neck pain, or paralysis. tebra and disk material and relieve pressure on front leg weakness or the spinal cord. The spinal cord of a dog who is A spinal disk problem is diagnosed by a physical exam and a myelogram or an MRI paralysis, or lower back paralyzed and hasn’t had deep pain sensation or CT scan. Plain x-rays of the spine (withfor more than 24 hours is extremely unlikely pain and weakness or to recover, so surgery is not beneficial in such out contrast dye) can sometimes provide paralysis of one or both cases. Such dogs will remain paralyzed for life. clues to the location of the problem, but a myelogram is much more precise and Compression of the spine by an unstable disk hind legs. definitive. can be sudden or can progress slowly over time.

On physical exam, a dog with a spinal disk Having your dog examined at the first sign of a problem may show neck or lower back pain; exaggerated reflexproblem—neck pain, back pain, or dragging a foot—will allow es (like our knee-kick reflex) in the affected leg or legs; a failure him to be treated before the condition progresses to irreversible to sense where his feet are, possibly causing him to knuckle a paralysis. n foot over or drag it; paralysis of a leg or legs; loss of superficial Excerpted from Hound Health Handbook © 2004, 2009 by Urbanhound, LLC pain sensation in the leg (as from a pinprick); or loss of deep Used by permission of Workman Publishing Co., Inc. New York All Rights Reserved pain sensation (as when a toe is pinched hard with forceps).

Available wherever books are sold. moderndogmagazine.com

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OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS The biggest canine loser

By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott

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C

anine obesity is the most common nutritional problem seen in vet clinics in North America. In North America, it is estimated that 30 percent of adult dogs are overweight. Any breed of dog can become overweight but it is most commonly seen in Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Pugs. In today’s society, it is easy to let ourselves get overweight and, as a result, we are letting our dogs get fat as well. A sedentary lifestyle and a climate that is not always conducive to outdoor activity can result in an increase in weight for our dogs.

Being obese for a long period of time predisposes your dog to joint disease, respiratory disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, skin disease, cancers and heart problems. Even allowing your dog to be a little bit overweight can cause a reduction in life span. A study done by Purina found that dogs that were considered moderately overweight (not obese) for their lifetime had a 15 percent reduction in life span. In short, overweight and obese dogs die younger.

Similar issues are seen in people who are overweight throughout their lifetime.

How can I tell if my dog is overweight?

You can’t always tell if a dog is overweight just by looking at the dog. You really need to get your hands on the dog and have a good feel of ribs, shoulders, hips, and spine. This is especially true for dogs with thick, fluffy coats; their coats can easily hide their true “figure.” The easiest way to assess your dog’s weight is with a “rib check” or body condition score (BCS). When you put your hands on your dog’s sides, you should be able to feel her ribs easily—you shouldn’t have to dig for them. In a side view, you should be able to see her waist clearly and, when looking down on your dog from above, you should see an hourglass figure. You can do a BCS on your dog using the set of diagrams on the following page and the list of questions below.

1 Can you feel your dog’s ribs easily?

2 Can you feel the top of your dog’s shoulder blades?

3 Can you see the last rib in your dog?

4 5 6 7

Can you feel your dog’s spine but not see it?

Can you feel your dog’s hip bones but not see them?

Does your dog have an hourglass figure?

Does your dog have a waist when you look at the side view?

If your answered “NO” to more than one of the questions, your pooch could probably lose a little weight.

How many extra pounds are okay?

We tend to think in pounds when we think of obesity, but the number of extra pounds that would be considered obese would depend on the size of the dog. Obesity occurs when a dog weighs more then 10 to 15 percent above his ideal or fit body weight. For example, a Chihuahua that should weigh 5 pounds (2.3 kg) will be obese if he carries an extra half pound (227 g), while a Labrador Retriever who should weigh 66 pounds (30 kg) might not be obese until he weighs more than 73 pounds (33 kg), or 7 pounds (3 kg) over his ideal body weight. The table on the following page lists obese weights for various sizes of dogs.

Body weight by itself is not considered a 100 percent reliable indicator because dogs can vary greatly within a breed and the height and size of frame will also play a role in determining whether a dog is overweight. One of the most frequent comments we hear is that “my dog is not overweight, he’s just big-boned.” A dog can be big-boned and have a good BCS, including a tucked waist.

So don’t worry as much about the dog’s weight in pounds— worry more about your dog having an ideal BCS.

What causes canine obesity?

While there are medical conditions such as hypothyroidism that can cause your dog to gain weight, the most usual cause for obesity in dogs is too much food and not enough exercise. If your dog suddenly starts putting on the pounds, or if you’ve reduced his food and he’s having trouble losing weight, you definitely want to talk to your veterinarian. moderndogmagazine.com

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If your dog tries to convince you that he is starving on this new regime, you can try adding a small amount of canned pumpkin or green beans.

Most pet dogs lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle. A leisurely walk around the neighbourhood does not provide a lot of calorie-burning exercise. Because of this, it’s important that the food your dog is getting doesn’t exceed his needs.

If you are adding lots of extras on top of your dog’s normal ration, the calories from those treats can add up quickly. A large Milk-Bone biscuit has 120 calories, which is more than 10 percent of the daily requirement for a 75-pound (34-kg) dog. A teaspoon of oil (such as salmon oil) contains 40 calories; that’s about 25 percent of the daily requirement for a 5-pound (2.27-kg) dog.

OBESE WEIGHTS BY DOG’S SIZE Fit weight (lb)

4

11

22

33

44

55

66

77

66

99

110 121

Obese weight (lb)

5

13

26

37

51

64

77

90

101 114 128 141

means that your dog won’t be too hungry and that you’re changing to a lifestyle that you can continue.

Make sure you are using a measuring cup to measure out your dog’s food; it’s easy to feed a bit too much if you’re just eye-balling the level in the bowl. It can also help weight loss to switch to feeding two meals per day if you aren’t already doing so. This can help your dog feel fuller and gives you a better idea of exactly how much he is eating.

If your dog tries to convince you that he is starving on this new regime, you can try adding a small amount (a couple of tablespoons for a medium dog, less for a smaller dog) of canned pumpkin (not pie filling!) or green beans (unsalted). Since these are a source of extra fibre, you may want to introduce them slowly to make sure they agree with your dog’s gut.

BODY CONDITION SCORE CHART COURTESY HILL’S SCIENCE DIET

How can I introduce a weight-loss regime?

Once you have determined your dog’s current weight and BCS, you will have a good idea of how much weight she needs to lose. If your dog needs to lose 10 percent of her weight or less, you should be able to achieve this through some simple lifestyle changes. If your dog needs to lose more than 10 percent of her weight, you should work with your veterinarian to ensure you are following a safe weight-loss program.

The next step is to determine how many calories your dog is eating. Check out the package of the dog food you are using and calculate how many calories your dog gets daily. Commercial kibbles range from about 300 kcal/cup to over 500 kcal/cup. The more calorie-dense the food, the less you’ll need to feed. Keep a food diary for a couple of days, if you need to, and write down everything your dog is eating. Make sure everyone in the house participates. Once you know what your dog is normally eating, you can figure out where to make the cuts. First reduce the amount of treats being given, and then, if you still need to cut calories, reduce your dog’s daily food by about 10 percent. The goal is for your dog to lose about 1 to 2 percent of her body weight per week. For a 75-pound (34-kg) dog, this would mean losing 12 ounces to 1.5 pounds (340 to 680 g) per week. For a 10-pound (4.5-kg) dog, you are aiming for a loss of 1.5 to 3 ounces (45 to 90 g) per week. At this rate it will take 8 to 12 months for your dog to reach his ideal weight. But slow and steady weight loss Your veterinarian should also be able to provide you with a BCS during a check-up.

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Another low-calorie but very filling treat is air-popped popcorn. Smaller dogs can have a couple of pieces; larger dogs can have up to a cup. Just make sure you skip the butter and salt on your dog’s portion.

Most dogs are able to lose weight by just reducing the amount of regular food they eat.

While there are a number of diet dog foods available, cutting back on regular food is usually sufficient. The feeding guidelines on commercial dog foods are just that, guidelines.

Your dog may need a bit more or a bit less than what the bag recommends. In our experience, a larger breed dog such as a Labrador Retriever can typically maintain a healthy weight on about 2 cups of kibble per day. Some breeds, such as German Shepherd Dogs, would need a bit more food for the same size dog.

Keep an eye on your dog’s body condition and adjust her food to meet her own unique needs.

What about exercise?

Dogs need exercise to keep both their minds and bodies in shape. To keep your dog’s exercise regime interesting for both you and him, here are a few tips.

Vary your route. Take a different route through the neighbourhood or go the opposite direction than you normally do.

Try out a new trail. Ask around or check out your town’s website for information on dog-friendly trails. The fall is an excellent time to check out some new scenery.

Bring a friend. Invite one of your dog’s friends (and her owner!) over for a playdate in the yard or meet up at an off-leash park. Dog play is a great way to get exercise and lots of fun to watch.

Don’t let the weather stop you. Even if it’s not a perfect day, you and your dog can still get out for some exercise. Dress appropriately and, once you’re out there, you may find it’s not as bad as you expected.

Exercise indoors. If you can’t get out, find games that are safe to play in your house.

If you have room, your dog can play fetch, you can send him up and down the stairs, play hide and seek, or practice calling him to you from different rooms in the house. If you live in an apartment building, you can even go for a walk indoors and visit a few different floors.

Take her swimming. Check out taking your dog to a dog swimming pool if she is older and has arthritis.

Consider getting a dog walker. A dog walker once or twice a week can be a good option if you have a hard time getting your dog out for long walks.

Swap duties. If you and a friend both have dogs, take turns walking both dogs. Less work for you, and your dog gets to walk with a friend.

The easiest thing we can do to keep our dogs healthy is to keep them fit and trim. All the high-quality food in the world will not make your dog healthy if he’s eating too much of it. To get your dog started in a weight-loss regime, start with increasing his exercise a little bit and feed a little bit less for a month and then reassess his body condition and go from there. Keeping him at a healthy weight will reduce your dog’s risk of developing cancer, joint disease, respiratory disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, skin disease, and heart problems. Keep Fido fit and help him stay healthy. n

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Promotional Offer for DogTread Treadmills included. Treading for Dogs: Instructional DVD, $24. dogtread.com

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dogs and cats with diarrhea. It contains a blend of four live active bacteria strains and has been proven to promote intestinal health, as well as healthy immune system functioning. Plus, thanks to the convenient and eco-friendly bottle and scoop design, you will never have to open another packet! For product details go to pscpets.com/intelliflora.html.

From the makers of Rest Easy Bed Bug Spray comes Rest Easy Flea Spray. Rest Easy is a true green all-natural spray

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Now you can take your dog’s temperature from the comfort of your home with the first non-contact thermometer

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Has your dog got “allergies?” Is he itching, biting, scratching, chewing? Is there blackened skin, bad odour or hair loss? Are

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NZYMES Healthy Skin Kits help to address yeast overgrowth, support the body, and restore beneficial intestinal flora. Nzymes.com

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Doggone Smart Apps 10 great iPhone and Android apps for dog lovers

Apple Apps

1

1

2

1. Top Dog: Farmyard Adventures $0.99

2. iCuccioli Free

Ever dream about herding sheep on a farm? That dream is about to come true! Help Top Dog herd sheep, ducks and pigs by guiding them to where they need to be. Suitable for all ages—easy to play but difficult to master.

Even though it’s in Italian, you don’t need to understand the language to enjoy this simple but entertaining app.

Simply click on the cute dog on the main screen and start playing dress-up!

3

4

3. Dogs $4.99

4. Fido Factor Free

Think you know your dog breeds? This stylish app offers a breed reference guide along with a breed-quiz game. With over 1300 images and information about the breed’s look, purpose, temperament and origin, you can test your knowledge or have fun searching for the perfect breed.

Effortlessly find dog spots near your current location. This app is the ultimate guide to dog-friendly locales, proving particularly useful in new neighbourhoods or unfamiliar cities. Generate results for the closest off-leash park, nearest groomer or dog-friendly patio in cities across North America. Categories include restaurants, dog parks, beaches, and more, and users can add their favourite spots.

5

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Android Apps

5

6

5. Talking Ben the Dog Free

6. Donuts Dog Free

Have you ever wondered if you sometimes annoy your dog with your affections? With this hilarious app, gain some insight into how your dog might respond could she talk: Poke, tickle, and annoy Ben the dog to make him respond. You can even record a funny video of your phone convo with Ben and send it to your friends.

A dog that eats doughnuts? The adorable Donuts Dog is a battery-management widget that notifies you of your battery status. The dog also says cute, funny phrases. What more could you want?

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7. Dog Pile Free

8. Squeaky Fun Time Free

Warning: addictive game alert. If you’re looking for something to absorb the time during the morning commute, while standing in line or when brushing your teeth, we’ve got the app for you. Dog pile is a puzzle-style game that requires you to match your given dog with the pile. With HD graphics and fun and unique levels, you’ll be entertained for hours.

Squeaky Fun Time is exactly that. With 16 different squeaky sounds, this app will either delight your dog or drive him into a squeaky-fueled frenzy. For even more fun, you can save your favourites as ringtones and surprise your dog every time your phone rings.

8

9. AllDogs Free

10. Snoopy Wallpaper Free

Instantly become a dog expert!

This app provides information about dog breeds and gives you vital information about how to take care of your dog.

Now you can have everyone’s favourite Beagle as your phone’s wallpaper.

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The Inspiring, Unsinkable Denise Richards

Denise Richards on motherhood, animal rescue, and taking off the eyelashes (It’s just the way she was raised.)

By Mary-Jo Dionne Photographed by Kharen Hill Hair, Giovanni Giuliano; Makeup, Joanna Schlip; Styling, Cynthia Summers

W

e’ve been thinking about her a lot lately. I mean, collectively, we have. In the wake of what is sure to be one of the most media-scrutinized head-scratchers captured in real time by the modern conveniences of, well, Twitter for one, social media addicts have been transfixed by the curious rants of her former husband, Hollywood’s one-time golden child, Charlie Sheen. And as his questionable behaviour snowballed, all the while, our thoughts went out to her: Denise Richards, the gorgeous girl-next-door bombshell who appeared by his side in what—at first—felt like a love affair worthy of a chick flick rating. But even before their marriage ultimately took its final bow and their curtain went down, and before her ex’s admittedly odd #WINNING-related diatribes, we knew there was more to Richards than boy-toy eye-candy. The possessor of one of the most recognized faces in film and television over the last two decades, from her 1991 role in the pre-teen cult classic Saved by the Bell to her recent stint on Dancing with the Stars, Richards has been a part of the pop culture backdrop and forefront for a phenomenally lengthy ride by Hollywood’s easy-come easy-go standards.

Yes, this is a woman who can hold her own. The mother of Sheen’s two daughters, Sami and Lola, and the subject of an endless stream of interest in her personal life, she still manages to keep her head high and her finger on the pulse of that which really matters: a healthy balance between career time, family time, and a

heckuva lot of animal rescue awareness. All told, this is a woman who is less eye-candy, and more, well, soul-candy. Sure, we’ve been thinking about her a lot lately. But as far as I’m concerned, she’s earned it.

MD: You are currently based in LA, but where are you from originally?

DR: Illinois. A suburb of Chicago, called Downers Grove.

MD: It’s been said you were the only girl on the baseball team and your family used to spend vacations in a tent. Do you still integrate some of that sense of fun into your life today?

DR: Oh yeah! I mean, I prefer hotels to tents today. But really, I like both. I love the outdoors. I grew up in the outdoors… river rafting and cross-country skiing. I definitely carry that love over into today with my daughters and our lifestyle.

MD: As a child, growing up, was a life in the entertainment industry the Plan A? Or was there another field that interested you as well?

DR: I always thought if I didn’t act, I’d be vet. But yes, from a young age, I wanted to be an actor. Except I lived in Illinois… So there wasn’t much opportunity for that. When my parents moved to California for my dad’s job, that changed. I probably would’ve eventually moved here as I got older, but we moved to California

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when I was 15 and I started modeling, and traveling. And things happened the way they did… and it worked out well.

MD: You’ve appeared in some classics when you were first getting started in the industry: Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, and even Seinfeld. Now that you are a more experienced actor, when you look back, what do you think you learned about the craft from those early days, working with masters like Aaron Spelling and Jerry Seinfeld, for example?

DR: I learned a bit from each person. With Aaron Spelling, well, he was truly such a genius. Very hands on. Very proud of his shows. This was a huge lesson. He was involved in everything from fittings to hairstyles. Everything had to be cleared through him. Just being around these people, you learn different things. The most important thing I learned though is that there are some people who are very professional… and some who are not. There are some people who are respectful, and some who are not. Like, the ones who are really respectful of the crew too. It’s not just about the actors… it’s about the crew, too. I’ve worked with both types, and I learned from that.

MD: For as expansive an inventory of titles you have appeared in, my favourite Denise Richards moment is your appearance in the final airport scene in Love Actually. What was it like to work with Richard Curtis? And how does it feel to be permanently part of one of the most successful ensemble cast dynamics in film history?

DR: Richard Curtis actually sent me a letter asking if I’d be in

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his movie. And I am a huge, huge, huge fan. He’s written my all-time favourite films. So I was thrilled and wanted to be a part of it. He is lovely and delightful. The one day we were filming, I got to meet Hugh Grant, which was surreal for me. I was quite intimidated to be there, honestly, because they are all such a brilliant actors. The night before every job, I do not sleep… It’s like your first day of school. My mom came with me to London for the shoot, so it was a girls’ trip.

MD: It’s clear your mom, Joni, was a hugely positive influence on your life, and we are so sorry for your loss. How does the way you were raised by your mom affect the way you raise your daughters, Sami and Lola?

DR: My mom was a very strong woman, She was very fair.

Any time we were going through a difficult time, she was there to say: “You’ll get through this. You’re stronger than you think.”

And I will be faced with these things with my daughters, too. My mom was a stay-at-home mom. Dinner was always on the table at 6 pm. What that taught me is that family time is so important.

That’s really impacted my life. You have to show up for your kids. She was very hands-on, and I’m very hands-on. Of course I need help—I’m a single, working mom. So my dad helps. He lives at the house with us. He makes the breakfast, and I braid their hair. He’s the strong male figure for the girls. He’s the best grandpa.

MD: Were your mom and dad role models to you when it came to your love of animals?

DR: My mom was especially. She wanted to open a sanctuary.

That obviously rubbed off on me.

MD: On your site, DeniseRichards.com, you posted a list of “25 Things You Don’t Know About Me” and #3 is that you have a three-legged dog, a blind dog, and one with terminal cancer. You also said that you have a soft spot for hard-toplace dogs. Why is that?

DR: I think it all started when I would see my mom rescue dogs. You know, they all need a home. If we don’t adopt the hard-to-place dogs, they will get euthanized. I will even go in and adopt the dogs who are extremely old. I have a dog I adopted a year ago, Josie. She’s 17 years old now. I didn’t know how long she’d make it, but I wanted her last days to be good ones.

MD: You’re an active supporter of Best Friends Animal Society. Tell us about your new segments on Access Hollywood Live.

DR: I love Best Friends and the work they do. They are amazing. What we are doing [on Access Hollywood Live] is on the last Friday of every month, we have someone high-profile bring out a dog that needs to be adopted. It’s so important because it increases awareness of the kinds of dogs available for rescue at a shelter. I mean, I was guilty of buying from a pet store. Once.

Twelve years ago. I saw that puppy in the window, and, well, it was before I knew any better. So what we are doing now is all

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about awareness. There are so many dogs who need homes today, and… I even adopted my dog Sophie during one of these shoots, because she was so darn cute.

MD: You’ve also volunteered with Best Friends’ Pup My Ride program. Can you tell us about that program?

DR: Every other Monday, we go to a shelter in the LA area, one that is a “kill shelter.” We take 30 to 50 dogs who otherwise would be put down, and we transport them via vans to Utah where they will get adopted out. The program has saved over 2,000 dogs from being euthanized. I physically go and actually take the dogs out of the kennels. It’s a great program. I love being involved.

MD: You’ve been on numerous Most Beautiful People lists from Maxim to FHM, and you live in a city that values appearance, yet you’ve managed to stay grounded. What’s the secret to that?

DR: People can say different things about LA, but I love this city.

We have access to so many things. It’s what you make it. The city doesn’t make you. I want to be a role model to my kids. It was the

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way I was raised. Yes, this is my job, but when I come home, I take the eyelashes off, throw on my shorts and flip-flops, and hang out with the kids and the dogs. It’s all about who you surround yourself with.

MD: What advice do you have for any woman who might be going through a complicated separation, in terms of staying strong?

DR: I’ve written a book actually. It’s called The Real Girl Next Door. And that’s the reason I wrote it. I got to a point where I hit rock bottom. Now that I’m on the other side, I wanted to inspire other people. To help get them through a difficult time.

MD: You said in one of your blog posts that your parents taught you during challenging times to pick yourself up and move forward. Is that how you got to the other side?

DR: I was one of those people going through a hard time. My mom died. I was going through a humiliating public divorce. My career suffered. My parents taught me that you can wallow in your misery or you can do something about it.

“Yes, this is my job, but when I come home, I take the eyelashes off, throw on my shorts and flip-flops, and hang out with the kids and the dogs.”

MD: How has their advice factored in to how you’ve handled the publicity around your ex-husband’s recent circumstances?

DR: I’ve been handling this for eight years…

MD: Right, so for us it’s recent. But for you, not so much.

How are your girls doing?

DR: They are excellent. They are so good. I keep them very sheltered. It is the age-appropriate thing to do right now. They are very good, happy girls. You make a decision to be there for your kids.

You have to.

MD: There’s no denying your former in-laws are a wellknown Hollywood family. Do you believe being part of such a well-known family makes trauma tougher to handle?

DR: It’s not the high-profile family that makes it tough. It’s the divorce from the high-profile actor who was starring in the #1 sit-com... That was very difficult. The public loved him. America adored him. It was a really hard time.

MD: As far as your career goes, you’ve appeared on sit-coms, dramas, and even been a Bond Girl. In the Hollywood sense, you’ve done it all. What can we expect from you professionally in the years to come? Where do you see yourself going next?

DR: My dream is to do movies again. I would love a huge break in a Quentin Tarantino film.

MD: I’ll see what I can do for you. Let me make a call. I’m incredibly connected.

DR: Thanks!

MD: What are you most proud of as a woman today?

DR: Being a mom. My girls are my biggest accomplishment.

MD: If someone’s in the market for a new pet, what do you say in order to encourage them to go the rescue route?

DR: Reach out to your local shelter or rescue groups. You’ll be saving a life. And you will find any breed at all in a shelter. There are so many animals that will be euthanized if you don’t. n

Update: Just following our interview and photo shoot with her this past June, Denise became a mom again, adopting a baby girl domestically. The newest member of the Richards family has been christened Eloise Joni Richards, after Denise’s mom, Joni, while the name Eloise was chosen by Denise’s daughters Sami, 6, and Lola, 7.

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craft

D.I.Y.

Martha, Martha, Martha

PHOTO SCOTT DUNCAN

petproject

We’ve got cool pet projects from of our favourite crafty lady, Martha Stewart. Personalize an enamel dish with your dog’s name for a vintage look, then whip up a tote adorned with your dog’s silhouette for the ultimate arm candy.

Reason number 253 we love Martha Stewart: she loves dogs and crafts just as much as we do. And when the two collide, as in these two dog-themed craft projects she put together, we’re in heaven.

Personalized Bowls A dot-print personalization with your dog’s name matches the old-fashioned look of an enamel bowl.

Tools and Materials • Enamel pet bowl (the ones pictured here are available at georgesf.com) • Scissors • Transfer paper • Clear tape • Pen or stylus • Applicator bottle with fine tip • Scrap paper • Baby wipes • Straight pin

Step 1

Step 2

Print your dog’s name on a piece of paper in your desired font, adjusting size to fit bowl. Cut out each letter. Cut a piece of transfer paper slightly larger than each letter.

Place transfer paper under first letter and tape both to bowl; repeat with remaining letters. Using a pen or stylus, firmly trace the outline of each letter.

Remove the letters and transfer paper; a faint design should be visible on the bowl. Pour paint into an applicator bottle.

Practice making dots by squeezing the bottle gently over scrap paper, then apply the paint to the dish following the traced design with evenly spaced dots. Use a straight pin to unclog the tip, as necessary.

Wipe away mistakes with a baby wipe. Let the paint dry for two hours, then wipe away the transfer lines with a baby wipe. If the bowl has a rubber ring along its bottom, remove it. Bake the dish according to the manufacturer’s instructions; let cool before reattaching rubber ring.

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PHOTOS JOHNNY MILLER. COPYRIGHT © 2011, MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA, INC.

• Food-safe ceramic or porcelain paint (such as Porcelaine 150)

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petproject

PHOTOS JOHNNY MILLER. COPYRIGHT © 2011, MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA, INC.

Silhouette Tote Keep your dog—or at least his image—with you at all times, and show everyone just how cute he is; adorn a bag with a silhouette of his profile. The Ultrasuede fabric used here doesn’t fray, so it’s simple to work with, and twill tape, used for the collar and leash, is easy to shape.

Tools and Materials •

Photograph of your dog’s profile

•

Ultrasuede fabric

•

Fabric pen

•

Fabric scissors

•

Craft glue

•

Natural-canvas tote bag (the one pictured is from ecobags.com)

•

Twill tape

Step 1 Photocopy picture, enlarging so that your dog’s image is about two-thirds the height of the bag; cut out along your dog’s outline.

Step 2 Lay photo cutout, face up, on front of fabric, and trace with fabric pen. Cut out.

Flip fabric silhouette.

Step 3 Apply glue to dog’s head. Position silhouette, glue side down, on bag; press to adhere. Apply glue to the rest of the

back of the silhouette in sections, pressing and smoothing out as you work.

Step 4 Cut a length of twill tape slightly longer than needed to form a collar and leash.

Apply glue to one side of the twill tape in sections; position tape on the dog, starting with the back of the dog’s neck and curving the tape to mimic a collar.

At front of the dog’s neck, tuck tape slightly under the fabric. This will make it easier to pivot the tape upward for the leash. Continue gluing and positioning tape for the leash. Let dry and you’re done! n moderndogmagazine.com

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This truck doubled as shelter from both rain and sweltering heat during the two day project at Makalamabedi Bridge. Pictured is one of the villagers who arrived with his dog and stayed for the day to watch surgeries. Many of the dogs were rounded up from local cattle stations and brought to the clinic site, a 10’ x 10’ gazebo in the middle of a field in the middle of nowhere.

OPERATION AFRICA

Photographed by Rob Spooner

M

aun, a rural frontier village that has rapidly developed into the fifth largest town in Botswana and its unofficial tourism capital, faces a problem prevalent in many parts of the developing world—an uncontrolled canine population. Not only are the dogs themselves in desperate need of veterinary care, they pose a threat to the locals—both the people and wild animal populations. Though “owned,” these dogs are most often loose and left largely to their own devices, and their numbers and the spread of disease have gone unchecked.

Rabies and canine distemper are a serious threat, infecting humans and decimating the local wildlife population, including the endangered African wild dog, cheetah, leopards, and lions have also been affected by the dogs’ presence. Rising to the challenge is the Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS). So far this year, they’ve vaccinated 1,126 dogs and they’re not done yet.

MAWS has been providing veterinary care through its clinic and outreach campaign since 1998. The non-profit organization is staffed entirely by volunteers and focuses primarily on the sterilization and vaccination of dogs in order to reduce breeding and eliminate the transmission of disease, though cats and livestock are often treated as well. MAWS offers its free or low-cost veterinary services alongside programs to educate the villagers on responsible dog ownership. Their goal for 2011 is 2,000 sterilizations and vaccinations.

In April, as a pilot project, the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT) headed to Botswana to lend a hand, hoping that it would prove to be the beginning of an annual partnership. CAATS was founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina by Vancouverite Donna Lasser, an animal health technologist, in order to provide veterinary care and medicine to animals in need worldwide. As well as disaster response teams, the organization provides animal wellness clinics to communities with limited veterinary access. This year’s trial run in Maun was such a success that a subsequent team-up between the two groups took place just a few months following the first, with a second group of Canadian vets journeying to Botswana to tackle another round of spay/neuters and vaccinations. It looks like both groups are well on their way to achieving their goals. n

mBoth MAWS and CAAT are always on the lookout for volunteer vets and trained animal health professionals looking to make a difference at the ground level. For more information, visit maunanimalwelfare.com and caat-canada.org.

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These dogs are quite representative of the mixed-breed dogs of the area. Many have a prominent ridge (as per the Rhodesian Ridgeback).

A couple of the villagers arrived by donkey with their dogs, who are often used for herding and protection of yards and livestock, trotting faithfully alongside.

Dr. Rob Spooner performs a spay surgery on a dog in Xhumaga while the dog’s guardians look on.

While the majority of the dogs encountered fit a certain general description, there are always exceptions. The team’s very first surgery in the MAWS clinic was an “evil little white dog” who looked and behaved nothing like the local mix. The surgery troughs—used to keep the patient in position on its back—were fashioned from various sizes of PVC pipe cut in half lengthwise and screwed to a piece of plywood—effective and ingenious!

The pack at the MAWS clinic.

Registered animal health technician Annette Pecak supervises the animals recovering from surgery while the guardian of one of the dogs watches. All sterilized dogs are marked with red spray paint to identify them as already having had surgery. Considerable effort can be expended rounding up the dogs for a project, so this is a time-saving device for future projects.

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BEAUTY SCHOOL At-Home Grooming How-To This dog has no idea a bath awaits him.

By Sara Lima

Does your dog masquerade as a shaggy, walking carpet clicking its way across the floor in between trips to the groomer? Well, no more! We asked professional groomer Nicole Tyson of Clayburn Dog Grooming to give us a step-by-step guide to the DIY basics for those that possess the will, but currently lack the wherewithal. (No judgment! Nail clipping can be daunting.)

RR NAIL IT

RR EAR YOU HAVE IT

If your dog is like many and absolutely dreads his pawdicure above all else, remind yourself to remain cool, calm, and collected throughout the not necessarily unpleasant process. If he yelps out in fear, fight the urge to do the same, and instead forge ahead quietly and offer the occasional reassuring gentle pat when he’s silently cooperating. Dogs are tricky creatures, and many will yelp before you’ve even applied enough pressure to clip the nail. Steel yourself to the cause and both you and your dog will learn that it is a quick, painless procedure.

To begin, have your dog standing and hold one foot back at a time (the way you check a horse’s foot). For dogs with black nails, trim the tip of the nail in very small increments. Continue clipping until you see a dark circle in the center of the nail (the quick). If you do clip the quick, resist the urge to panic and simply blot and apply some styptic powder, such as QuickStop.

If you don’t have any on hand, flour is a good substitute. If your dog has white nails it will be easier to see where the quick ends, but still clip in small increments as the quick sometimes extends past where it looks to end.

Regardless of your dogs’ ear type (floppy, cropped, or pointed), a cotton swab should never be used to clean their ears. Instead, squirt some gentle ear cleanser with natural ingredients made specifically for dogs directly onto a cotton ball and clean around the outer areas of the ear. Most vets will advise not to squirt anything right into your dog’s ear canal, even if the product advises you to, unless it is vet-prescribed medicine. Just like with our ears, don’t clean too deep or too often. The frequency with which a dog’s ears should be cleaned varies tremendously according to breed and the individual. When you notice a light brown, waxy build up, you’ll know it’s time for a cleaning! Be sure to check for signs of infection, such as dark brown or black smelly wax or a red and inflamed ear canal. If any of these are present inside your dog’s ear, it’s time to visit the vet.

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RR BUM WRAP Anal or “scent” glands are found in dogs, cats, and many other mammals. Expressing anal glands—the delightful process of emptying the glands surrounding a dog’s anus—should be done by a professional. Expressing glands is usually only required in smaller breeds since the, ahem, “waste” of a larger breed mostly does the job for you, unless their stool is consistently soft and therefore does not apply enough pressure on the glands to empty them. If you notice scooting or biting at the bum, it might be time for an exorcism. Some smaller dogs need their anal glands expressed as often as once a month. Neglected, the anal glands can become impacted or infected, requiring antibiotics and/or surgery.

RR HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW Mid to long coat: Your best option for long-haired (such as a Shih Tzu), wire-haired (Brussel’s Griffon), or double-coated (Golden Retriever) breeds is to use a combination of a universal brush to smooth the coat along with a fine tooth metal comb to untangle mats.

The universal brush will untangle hair and loosen mats, but you’ll need the comb to get right down and catch any remaining knots in the coat.

If the dog has a double coat (like a Pekingese, German Shepherd) you may also need a good deshedding tool, such as a FURminator, designed for long-haired, double coats.

Short or smooth coats: Even though you don’t have to worry about mats or tangles with short and smooth-haired breeds such as Boxers and Chihuahuas, short coats still need to be brushed to remove loose fur, distribute oil through their coat, and to increase blood flow to the scalp. The best options for our short-haired friends are either a rubber curry brush like the Zoom Groom or the FURminator deshedding tool designed for short-haired dogs. Happy grooming! n

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These FLOR Sophistikat carpet tiles are simply genius, combining the modern—they can be arranged (and cleaned!) by adding or removing squares—with a centuries-old Eastern European pattern for the best of both worlds. There are an array of other gorgeous patterns to choose from, or mix and match to create your own unique look. Sophistikat FLOR carpet tile in Palm, $14 per square, flor.com

Jot all your reflections, lists, sketches, and brilliant ideas in a Good Dog! Journal. It’s inspiring cover features classic canine postures by contemporary Brazilian artist Sandro Solsona. $8/$15, paperblanks.com

These Jimmie Martin armchairs are custom made to your specifications, from the frames’ finishing—traditional wood, gilded or silver leaf finish—to fabrics and art work, though this Dachshund pair is perfect so you may just want to order this up exactly as it appears here. jimmiemartin.com

Faceted like gemstones, these non-slip ceramic dishes from DePeDi (stands for DEsigned PEt Dish) are a delight. We certainly wouldn’t mind these particular “rocks” in our kitchen. From $59, depedi.ee Pet Stop’s Mission Style two panel, freestanding gate is perfect, possessing both good looks and simple functionality.

Easily blocks the hallway entrance leading to the antique Turkish rug that your otherwise perfect rescue dog insists on peeing on. $125, petstop.com

Deck out your desktop or bookshelves with these stylized, gunmetal-glazed ceramic pups. $70, unleashedlife.com

Send invites and thank you’s on Anthopologie’s sweet, stylish Fashion Pack Note Cards featuring fine canines in dandy get-ups. $18, anthropologie.com

Style:

HOME DECOR {Editor’s Pick} How

awesome are these beds? See Scout Sleep’s lovely, comfy, environmentally-friendly dog beds boast naturally dyed hemp covers and great air circulation. The illustrations and patterns are by Katie Logan, a New Orleans based designer with a passion for interior design, Louisiana, and her pets, and the beds are designed, printed, sewn, and stuffed all in Louisiana. Further bonus? 10% of all proceeds goes to the Gulf Coast Fund.

From $130, seescoutsleep.com

We’re crazy about Swedish graphic designer Lisa Bengtsson’s Tilsammans wallpaper, featuring 12 very distinct Dachshunds.

You don’t have to be a Doxie lover to dig her work, either; this is dogcentric design at its very finest. Individual characters also available on pillows or posters. huset-shop.com

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PUP PROFILE ’M A MODERN DOG!” “I

DUDLEY Three-year-old English Bulldog Dudley (“Dubbley” to his friends) likes pillows, sleeping on your lap, and nibbling on cheese and peanut butter. He dislikes big dogs and calls Camarillo, CA, home.

NALA Voracious eater and Lab-meet-up group regular, Nala, a six-month-old Labrador puppy, prefers the finer things, like playing with her best friend, Buck, an Am Staff, and sleeping on her owner’s pillow. Her Serbian nickname, “Mila,” means honey, which is perfect ‘cause she’s so darn sweet.

JAKE The Today Show’s “Top Dog” 2nd round finalist, otherwise known as Jake or the recycling Green Dog, is a 10-year-old semiretired Search and Rescue Rottweiler who picks up litter in his off-time at the park. If only we were all this accomplished!

PINK FLOYD Pink Floyd, a hunter and a lover, is a rescued albino Cairn Terrier with amber eyes and big heart. Floyd is proud to say he dislikes nothing, though he especially loves to play with really big dogs, go on car rides, and chase squirrels in his hometown, Sarasota, FL.

CHUPPY Goofy and loveable Golden Retriever Chuppy is the happiest thing that ever happened to his family, brightening up their days and always giving them a laugh.

He’s really taken to his role; he smiles all the time and is a nonstop tail-wagger.

CHEWBACCA Four-pound Chewy thinks he’s a lion.

Rescued from a Missouri puppy mill, Chewy—or Chew-bear, depending on the day—likes ice chips, boat rides, and belly rubs. He dislikes pedicures and will eat anything that’s dropped on the floor of his home in Lake Lotawana, MO.

AUGUST WEST Named after the August West in the Grateful Dead song “Wharfrat,” AugustAugust the Dogust (aka “Goostoe”) likes chasing chipmunks and visiting friends in his hometown of Snowmass, CO. He loves to relax in the sun, preferably with views of the mountains while eating pineapple like it’s steak.

HARLEY Miniature Pinscher Harley lives for secondhand Starbucks cups (he has to patiently wait until his guardian has finished his green tea Frappaccino). Residing in Cheney, WA, he likes driving in the truck, going on walks, and chasing deer. He goes bananas for bananas.

HURLEY Hurley-Bum of Hanna, AB, likes dog treats, car rides, and going to the dog park. While this two-month-old pup will take a pass on the rain and puddles, anytime is a good time for his favourite food, Cheez-Its.

Is your dog modern? Want to see your pup profiled in the pages of Modern Dog? Enter online at moderndogmagazine.com/photocontest or email us at doggieprofile@ moderndogmagazine.com with a high-resolution photo and your doggie data for a shot at stardom! Featured dogs will be chosen by the Modern Dog editorial staff.

Assignment of rights applies; see full details at moderndogmagazine.com/photosubmission.

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PHOTO STANLEY SHERMAN/EXPRESS/GETTY IMAGES

Elizabeth Taylor, accompanied by her Poodle, sips a drink and smokes a cigarette during a stop for interviews at Jersey airport en route to Nice, France, 1957.

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Elizabeth Taylor, Grand Dame of Diamonds and Dogs The canine loves, many husbands, and serious jewels, as recounted by the incomparable Liz Taylor herself.

By Stanley Coren

T

he glamourous and much-publicized life of screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away earlier this year, moved through many phases, from child star to Oscar-winning actress to AIDS activist, in and out of eight marriages and several life-threatening illnesses. Through it all, one constant in her life was her love for her dogs.

The English-born American actress with violet eyes is best known for such classic films as Cleopatra, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Butterfield 8, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Yet many of us first became aware of Elizabeth Taylor when, as a child, she co-starred in the first Lassie film, Lassie Come Home. She played Priscilla, the daughter of the Duke of Rudling, who ultimately helps to return Lassie to the care of her beloved owner, played by another child star, Roddy McDowell.

Both the director, Fred M. Wilcox, and Rudd Weatherwax, the trainer of Pal (the dog that played Lassie), commented on how well Taylor got along with her canine co-star. Three years later, she again appeared on screen with that famous collie in The Courage of Lassie.

I was fortunate enough to meet Elizabeth Taylor once. I was on a book tour, and was scheduled to appear on a magazine-type television show where several guests are each interviewed in separate segments for each episode. I was sitting in the “green room,” where guests wait until they are needed in front of the camera. When Taylor entered the room, we were introduced. She was there to speak about her activities to help AIDS victims. When she learned that I was the author of a book on dogs, she smiled broadly and sat down on the sofa beside me and we began to chat. Fortunately for me, as occasionally happens in such taped television shows, things were running well behind schedule and it turned out that we had about a half hour to talk.

I knew that Taylor’s life had been filled with a number of spaniels, Dachshunds and a variety of smaller companion dogs, including Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingese, and Lhasa Apsos. However, I remembered that on her sixtieth birthday, she had been given a great-granddaughter of the original Lassie (Pal). So I asked her if she had a particular fondness for Collies.

She smiled and told me, “When they first gave me the puppy I was wearing my favourite necklace, the one that Richard gave me. [Actor Richard Burton had been her husband twice, and had

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“All of my husbands have liked dogs—it is a sort of a prerequisite for being with me.”

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PHOTO © SCIENCE AND SOCIETY/SUPERSTOCK

Elizabeth Taylor with her Yorkshire Terrier, 1963.

given her many expensive gifts, including that $100,000 jewelstudded necklace.] The puppy started to paw and chew at the necklace, and I remember telling people there ‘She likes diamonds and emeralds—we’ll get along fine!’ She did cause some problems when I divorced Larry [construction worker Larry Fortensky was her eighth and last husband] since he had developed a fondness for the dog and wanted to claim her as part of the divorce settlement. But I sued for custody and won.

“All of my husbands have liked dogs—it is a sort of prerequisite for being with me. Well, perhaps all except for maybe Eddie. [Singer Eddie Fisher was her fourth husband.] We had a Yorkshire Terrier together and he didn’t treat that dog very well. That certainly didn’t help our marriage any.

“The one who loved dogs the most was Richard [Burton].

When we first got together, I had several Pekingese. I like having my dogs with me, even when I travel. Anyway, Richard and I were scheduled to make a film called The V.I.P.s in London together. But at that time, there was a six-month quarantine for dogs coming into England. I petitioned the government to waive the quarantine, but they refused. So Richard suggested that we could charter a yacht which we could moor near the Tower Bridge instead of staying at the Dorchester Hotel. The idea was that if the dogs never set foot on British soil then they would not be subject to the quarantine law. This was in 1963, and the rent for the yacht was $20,000, which was a lot at that time. The British tabloids made a big deal of it, calling it ‘the most expensive kennel in the world.’ I didn’t mind, and we lived on it for the entire time that the film was being made.

“Like I said, Richard liked dogs, but I think that sometimes he would get jealous of me because I always got along with the dogs better than him. I mean, when I would call the dogs or tell them what to do, they always listened to me and obeyed.

It wasn’t as if the dogs didn’t like Richard, it’s just that sometimes they would ignore him in order to pay attention to me. It was around that time, maybe while we were still living on that yacht, that Richard showed up with a Pekingese. The dog was named E’en So, and he was blind in one eye. Richard claimed that he had rescued it. It was a pretty dog, and I already had four others, so an extra Pekingese wasn’t any bother. The problem was that E’en So didn’t respond to me very well at all. On the other hand, he watched and listened to Richard a lot and did whatever he told him to. I was getting pretty frustrated at

PHOTO© BETTMANN/CORBIS

PHOTO © CAT’S COLLECTION/CORBIS

Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Courage of Lassie, 1946.

PHOTO EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS/GETTY IMAGES

Eddie Fisher accompanies wife Elizabeth Taylor in London, 1960. Her movie, Cleopatra, in which she plays the starring role, is in production.

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor hold their dogs aboard the boat “Beatriz of Bolivia,” Tower Pier, London, 1968.

“The puppy started to paw and chew at the necklace, and I remember telling people there ‘She likes diamonds and emeralds— we’ll get along fine!’”

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PHOTO RON GALELLA/WIREIMAGE

the whole thing, until Richard finally let me in on the joke. He had actually bought the dog already fully trained—but only to commands spoken in Welsh. That is a language which Richard spoke very fluently, and one which I didn’t know a single word of.” She giggled as she told me this.

“When one of the older dogs died, Richard got me another Pekingese — this time it was a puppy, so that I knew that there were no tricks involved. However, that pup almost did cause a major crisis. You see, Richard liked to get me jewelry—and I do like jewelry. I suppose it was around 1969, when, without telling me, Richard bid on a jewel at Sotheby’s. This jewel actually had a name, ‘La Peregrina.’ It is an extraordinary, pear-shaped pearl which was given to Mary Tudor, the daughter of Henry VIII, by King Philip of Spain in 1554. I mean this is really a famous jewel—it appears in two paintings by Velazquez. It was even owned by the Bonapartes in the early 1800s. Anyway, Richard had it couriered to Las Vegas, to the top floor of Caesar’s Palace, where we were living at the time. When he put it around my neck, I couldn’t stop touching it. Every time I felt it, I wanted to scream with joy and I couldn’t stop dreaming about all the famous people who touched it just like me. I must’ve touched it too much, or pulled at it or something which loosened the snap on the necklace chain, because when I went to reach for it again a few minutes later it was gone!

“I didn’t know what to do. I started to cry. I kept thinking ‘What if Richard finds out that I lost it?’ So I took off my shoes and started to retrace my steps, feeling for it in the carpet with my toes. Then I got down on my hands and knees to look. Just then I noticed that the new pup looked like he was gnawing on a bone. This was odd, because we don’t give the dogs bones. So I rushed over and opened the puppy’s mouth. I think I must’ve shrieked when I found La Peregrina. It was completely intact

Elizabeth Taylor and her Maltese check in to the Plaza Hotel in New York City, 1969, with Richard Burton and his daughter, Kate Burton.

and it hadn’t even been scratched—thank God that puppy teeth are not that strong!

“Right now I have a white Maltese named Sugar. She is really special. She amazes me, and sometimes I think there’s a person in there. She gives a different kind of love. It’s unconditional— not like the love I get from men!”

At about that time, Taylor was called into the studio and I never got to speak to her again. However I do know that, following her surgery, Sugar became her constant companion. The white dog was with her at all of her interviews, and the promotional tours for her cosmetics. She seemed never to be more than a few inches away from Taylor. When Sugar died in 2005, she was replaced by another Maltese, Daisy, a descendent of Sugar. Daisy was with Taylor until the end.

Elizabeth Taylor has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame at 6336 Hollywood Boulevard, just a short distance from 6368 Hollywood Boulevard, the location of Lassie’s star.

It is fitting that a woman who loved dogs so much should not be far separated from her first canine co-star. If there’s a Hollywood Heaven, perhaps Taylor is walking again in Technicolor fields with Lassie and all the other dogs she loved during her life. n

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ASK AN EXPERT

Barking at Guests

Ask Inger Martens

Q:

How can I get my Akitas to stop barking at people who come into my house?

If I have people over for dinner, the dogs eventually stop, but as soon as someone attempts to get up from the table, they start the barking again!—Deafened in Dallas

A:

Barking can make many dog owners crazy and guests uneasy. Especially the barking of two Akitas who appear to be ruling the roost! So much for a happy hello…. Here’s the translation and meaning behind those barks and the scoop on how to solve the problem.

To a degree, barking is a normal communication for a dog to alert you that someone’s at the door. The issue that alarms me, as a trainer, is not so much the barking at the front door, but rather the barking at your guests when they get up from the table. The two of them barking at a movement can represent the beginning of an even bigger territorial issue.

Dog’s are den and pack animals, this is a Fido fact. Therefore, both dogs need to look to you, the owner, for direction. If none is provided, they will do their thing. Barking at guests who are merely getting up from the table is warning you by your dogs.

They are telling you that they don’t trust the intruders in THEIR house. Here’s the clincher: it’s not their house—it’s YOURS! The most awesome thing you can do is to get organized and redirect your dogs prior to guests coming over.

Applying a den concept by providing a space within your house will give the dogs a sense of security and send a signal to them that things are in your hands. This type of behavioural modification will benefit your dogs and you can reclaim your own

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house. All that’s needed is just a little positive reinforcement and a little reverse psychology on your part. Both your guests and your dogs will love it.

Create a new ritual with a baby gate. Prior to guests coming over, Dog A is gated with a chew bone, music, and the command “wait.” Dog B gets to greet the guests at the door on a leash and in a “sit/stay” position. The leash allows you to enforce positive commands. As you guide your dog to sit, gently lift up on the leash. This process is what creates the eye contact and gives the positive direction from you to your dog that was missing.

Separating the dogs will help break the “dynamic duo” pattern and create a new way of greeting guests. At the next dinner party, you can switch dogs. Another great thing to do in order to reverse this “bark fest” is to have the guest who is saying hello, do so with a cookie.

Both dogs will learn (over time) to greet guests individually and enjoy your guests one at a time until a new pattern as a greeting evolves. Now that’s a happy hello. n Inger Martens is a celebrity dog trainer and behavioral expert. An author, television and radio personality, she has been dubbed “Best Dog Trainer in LA” by Los Angeles magazine. She is currently excited to announce her new online resource for dog owners, pawsforaminute.com.

HEALTHY INGREDIENTS, PH BALANCED FOR PETS NO SLS/SLES NO PARABENS

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Embarrassing Moments Your dog did what?

Cringe-worthy canine escapades

After a very cold day, I ran a hot bath to warm up. I was fostering kittens and they were in my very large bathroom so I closed the door. I was relaxing in the hot bath when I heard a huge commotion in my apartment and suddenly the police officers I know were standing over my butt-naked self. It seems Kiwi wanted a snack and hit the 911 button.—Lisa Cullen n My girlfriend’s parents had just moved into the beautiful

new house they’d been building for what seemed like forever.

Anya, my well-trained GSD mix, and I visited for the first time at Christmas. Anya’s very first action when we arrived was to head straight for their bedroom, jump up on their bed and pee (at great length) all over the brand new bed and comforter, something she’d never done at our house. Happy Holidays...

M

y dog, Sharpie, liked to beep the car horn while I shopped. I was constantly hearing over the loud speakers, “Will the owner of a white station wagon with a small black dog in it please report to the courtesy desk? Your dog is beeping the horn and appears to be VERY UNHAPPY.” (He was never left for long periods of time and, yes, he had the air conditioner on, as well as the radio. He just liked to bring attention to himself).—Lorrie DeWitt

n Penny is a Corgi mix and a good girl. But, a few years back,

I was on my own front porch so it wasn’t that bad, but it was pretty funny.

—Jesse Yasuda

she ran out the front door when I was taking out the garbage.

Worried that she might get hit by a car, I went into panic mode.

It was nighttime and I had been cleaning. I ran into the hallway and grabbed the first pair of shoes in sight, black pumps I had kicked off after work. I slipped them on, grabbed her leash, and frantically looked for something that might entice her to come to me. Seconds later, I was running down the street in a pair of denim shorts, a stained tee-shirt and high heels whilst squeezing a squeaky rubber turkey drumstick and shouting, “Pen-ny.” About six neighbors in a nearby driveway all stopped mid-conversation to gape as I caught up to Penny and walked her home in as dignified manner as possible.—Barbara Bullington

n My dog Kodi and I were driving down the main street in the

n I was widowed at a young age, and my beloved mixed breed,

small college town that we lived in. He was in the back seat enjoying the wind in his ears when we stopped at a light. He proceeded to jump out of the back window and go to the side of the road and take the biggest poop I have seen in my life. This was during rush hour. I freaked out and jumped out of the car after him, leaving my car in the middle of the road. He seemed to care less about the whole ordeal and just jumped back into the car like nothing was wrong. We got lots of honks and now Mommy always gives him just enough room to put his head out of the window, nothing more.—Jess Dove

Casey, was my world after my husband died. Several months after my husband’s death, a close friend persuaded me to go out to a club with him to hear a local band. When he came to pick me up, he had brought along his friend who was in Grad school and was also looking for a night out. The Grad student was the most handsome and charming guy. We spent the evening together and it was an instant connection. When we returned to my home, I opened the front door only to be greeted by 40 pounds of potting soil that Casey had ripped open and drug across the living room floor. I was so embarrassed and thought there was no way this guy would every call me again. Long story short, we have been happily married for 22 years!—Julie Webster

n Today my dog ripped my pants off...

n My first service dog, Kiwi, was a character with a mind of her

own. When training her to hit a pre-programmed 911 button for emergencies, we knew there would be some stress when EMS came barreling through the door, so we had police friends come help us. Kiwi would practice calling 911, they would come in simulating an emergency, then give Kiwi a treat.

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Submit your embarrassing moment (maximum 150 words) to embarrassingmoments@moderndogmagazine.com. Chosen entries will appear in Modern Dog. Entries subject to editing.

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ASK AN EXPERT

Aggressive Guarding

Ask Colleen Safford

Q:

I have a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles who is VERY food protective.

He will guard anything from my son’s sippy cups to a spoon. He will even guard the kitchen area if he smells food. When we try to get him away from the food he sits and stares at you, refusing to move. He will growl if we try to move him.

Aside from food, he is well-trained, well-mannered, and sweet. When he was a pup, I found I could not use any food training treats because he would get overwhelmed, so I always had to use positive things like toys or praise. He has slowly gotten worse. Help!—En Garde in Garden Grover

A:

Your little king has a serious case of the “Mines!”

Resource guarding is the term used to describe this type of behaviour in the dog training world. Have you watched Finding Nemo? There’s a scene where seagulls fly frantically about fighting for one fish saying, “Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!”

This behaviour is not only common in dogs, but in most species. Those with the most resources in life have a better chance for survival. The behaviour is common, but nonetheless problematic, particularly when the guarding is aimed at the humans in the house.

The level of resource guarding that the king of your house is displaying concerns me, particularly since there are young kids of the sippy-cup age in your family. Let’s be honest, it is very unlikely that they will be able to comply consistently with the rules in order to ensure their own safety at all times. If this behaviour pattern continues, someone in your house is in a very likely position for a dog bite. For this reason, I absolutely suggest working with a humane and gentle trainer focused on positively teaching Pooh that having humans near coveted items is a good thing, not something threatening.

A knowledgeable trainer will help you change the king’s feelings about you being near him and his things. Together, you will work to ensure that he remains relaxed and actually feels happy to have you near instead of feeling tense, anxious and threatened. You will do this through a gradual system of approaching him at a distance where he remains relaxed, tossing a food reward toward him, and then retreating. This will be done over the course of various sessions. With each session you will gradually increase your proximity. Your overall goal is to be able to approach, pet, and even exchange objects with him without him tensing up and growling.

Until you can get a trainer in to work with you, I will give you a few tips to implement a management system. This is NOT the solution. This is merely a temporary plan to keep you safe and to prevent the problem from escalating.

1 Pooh cannot have access to your kitchen during food time right now. If you are doing the mommy shuffle, trying to prep food, feed restless children, and clean up all at once, you do not have the appropriate time or level of attention required to address this resource-guarding issue.

2 During mealtime, you are going to place Pooh in a crate or separate room. You may feed him his meals during this time, too—to avoid confinement boredom. Preferably, you will do this through toys, like a Kong. Stuffing his meals into a toy will avoid boredom during his separate time and will also burn a little mental and physical energy.

3 A clean and well-kept castle is an absolute must right now. I know it’s a tall order with young children, but keeping all sippy cups, food, crumbs, and utensils up and away between meals is imperative. Before the king comes out again after meal or snack times, the kitchen is tidied and cleaned.

The objective is to break Pooh’s ability to practice this behaviour. We need to teach him new appropriate behaviours and avoiding his old routine is very important. Think of it as a sport.

The more he practices, the better he gets and when we’re talking about the game of MINE, we want to stop him from practicing all together.

Visit apdt.com to find a trainer in your area and please do it as soon as possible. Focusing on a peaceable kingdom ensures safety for all. n As host of The Family Pet on Pet Life Radio, dog trainer Colleen Safford raises awareness on pet-child safety, and understanding dog body language.

Colleen’s companies, NY Walk & Train and Far Fetched Acres, have been voted “Best of NY” by New York magazine. Colleen receives daily training from her toddler children and is proudly owned by her rescued Boxer(ish).

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art attack

by Sara Lima

Paul Boddum

T

oronto artist Paul Boddum credits an assertive friend for dragging him to a local pet show and forever changing the course of his career, eventually launching his foray into pet portraiture. The inspiring personalities and energy that the dogs exuded at the show were the catalysts in his ultimate transition from early-childhood education daycare teacher to professional pet artist. Although the shift into his full-time creative life transpired in recent years, Boddum has been painting dog portraits part time for over 20 years.

“I was more and more drawn to spending my days in the studio making art,” states Boddum. “It was one of those work/life balance issues.”

It’s likely that being adopted himself has sparked Boddum’s insight into the connection that his clients have to their pets, especially to those that have been rescued. “I didn’t realize until much later that maybe that (connection) had something to do with my choice of subject.”

Aside from studying visual arts at York University for one

year, Boddum is mainly a self-taught artist. He describes himself as a figurative painter who uses a contemporary mix of both representational and abstract elements. The portraits vary greatly, but one aspect that remains consistent is his treatment of the background not as an area of focus in the painting, but instead as an extension of the animal.

Each commissioned piece is a collaborative and interactive process that begins with a consultation to get a sense of the relationship between the client and his or her pet. Boddum hopes to convey the meaning that the animal brings to his clients’ lives and the distinct personality of each dog, whether it’s expressed by the colour, look, or stance captured within the portrait.

“I try to take the idea of the pet right out of it, and just look for the soul and their inner beauty,” he says.

In the end, Boddum hopes that when the owner gazes upon the painting, they feel reflected back to them the connection they have with—as he puts it: “that animal, their pet, their family member.” Commissions start at $850, paulboddum.com. n

“I try to take the idea of the pet right out of it, and just look for the soul and their inner beauty.”

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ASK AN EXPERT Ask Teoti Anderson

Herding Hassles + Socializing a Rescue

Ask Nicole Wilde

Q:

Our white German Shepherd is a rescue from the SPCA. Off leash around other dogs his hackles go up all along his spine.

On leash, he barks and makes aggressive moves.

He’s become a person dog with no dog-to-dog interaction skills. This is hard to train out without interacting with other dogs! Help?—No-play in New York

Q:

Our puppy is a herding dog and he nips at our heels as we walk around the house. How can we get him to stop this?

—Nibbled in Nashville

A:

Corgis nipping at a child’s heels. Shetland Sheepdogs corralling toddlers in a corner. German Shepherds chasing the cousins. This is a common issue with herding breeds.

Your dog is genetically programmed to chase sheep, ducks, cattle, or other animals. If they aren’t handy, well, the family will do just fine! This doesn’t mean you have to settle for this behaviour, but it should help you understand your puppy’s motivation.

He’s just following his DNA. There are a few things you can do to help your heels.

Give your puppy more suitable outlets for his energy. Herding breeds are active. Play fetch, give him food-stuffed toys, set up puppy playdates with other suitable, safe puppies. A tired puppy is less likely to chase.

Teach your dog to walk with you, rather than chase you. Have treats that your dog really likes. Cue him to sit next to you. Take one step, click with a clicker (or mark with a verbal “Yes”) and give him a treat. Take another step, click and treat. Work up to several steps at a time. Gradually work up to you taking more steps and walking faster. This will make it more rewarding for your dog to walk next to you.

Teach your dog to chase something else. There are some great lure toys on the market, such as those consisting of a stick with a long cord and fuzzy toy attached. Walk and drag the lure beside you, encouraging your dog to chase that instead. Your dog will be getting great exercise, and leave your heels alone in the process! n Teoti Anderson, CPDT, owns Pawsitive Results (getpawsitiveresults.com), and is the past president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is the author of Your Outta Control Puppy, Super Simple Guide to Housetraining, Quick and Easy Crate Training, and Puppy Care and Training.

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A:

This sounds like a case of insecurity combined with leash frustration. He lacks confidence around other dogs and when the leash restraint is added, his fear-based reactivity goes over threshold.

Work with your German Shepherd in public, in as controlled a manner as possible. Distance is a critical factor, so find a park or other area where you won’t be blindsided and can reroute if necessary. At what distance can he spy another dog and remain calm? Say it’s 20 feet; you would start 30 feet away. Each time he sees another dog, feed him one super-yummy treat after another.

Keep the leash slack! A head halter might help at the beginning, too—you can wean him off it once his behaviour improves.

When the other dog disappears, the treats stop. An association is being created between the appearance of other dogs, and the tasty treats. Eventually, your dog should be able to notice another dog and then automatically look to you for treats. As long as he remains calm, over time, gradually lessen the distance.

You can also instill an alternative behaviour such as targeting.

Teach your dog to touch his nose to your hand on the verbal cue “Touch” (how-to articles can be found online), and reward him with a treat. Then ask for a “touch” each time he sees another dog. He’ll soon be nudging your hand at the sight of another dog. (Tip: The amount of nose pressure is a good indication of his stress level.) You could start with the classical conditioning described in the preceding paragraph and, once your dog is able to calmly look at you for treats as other dogs pass, switch to the targeting behaviour instead; now you’re asking him to do something to earn the treat.

If possible, work on these skills with a professional trainer who has their own calm, non-reactive, well-trained dogs. You will also need to train obedience commands such as a rock-solid recall and attention. Patience is essential, as your dog did not develop this emotional response overnight. The good news is, with your help and dedication, the prognosis is excellent. n Nicole Wilde is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who lectures worldwide on canine behaviour. She is the author of nine books, including Help for Your Fearful Dog and Don’t Leave Me! (phantompub.com). She can be found at facebook.com/NicoleWildeAuthor, twitter.com/NicoleWilde, and on her Wilde About Dogs blog, wildewmn.wordpress.com.

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INSPIRE

THE CHEER SQUAD

PHOTO TANYA KING

Pet visitation helps relieve stress, increase optimism, and address the basic human need for positive interaction, physical affection, and acceptance. It also helps residents who have recently lost their independence make the transition to facility living. Pet and Friends’ pet visitation program (petsandfriends.org) touches the lives of more than 15,000 people in over 200 long-term care facilities across BC’s Lower Mainland. In the US, for volunteer opportunities in your area, go to volunteermatch. org and enter your city and “dog.” In Canada, visit getinvolved.ca and search by organization, interest or postal code.

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PHOTO LYNN PARKIN, YALETOWN HOUSE

S

ophie and Pearl, the Maltese companions of Cindy Hogan, have been pet visitors at Yaletown House, a non-profit care facility for seniors with complex care needs in Vancouver, BC, for the last four years. Every Tuesday night, they go to visit the seniors in residence, alleviating loneliness and providing company and unconditional love. Before a visit, the dogs get their hair brushed, their signal that they are going to see the seniors. There’s lots of excitement and a few barks before they pull Hogan over to Yaletown House to visit their friends, rushing in as if to say, “We’re here!” and happily getting straight to work, snuggling and greeting the residents.

Sophie and Pearl were screened to become pet visitor candidates by Pets and Friends, a nonprofit society that’s mission is to provide the healing comfort of animals to people who can no longer live independently.

Sophie is a love machine and goes up to every resident, wagging her tail and waving her butt, thrilled to see everyone. Pearl is a bit more reserved but is very content to sit on laps and is often reluctant to leave, putting on the brakes when it’s time to go. While Sophie and Pearl enjoy the visiting, for Hogan the best part of volunteering is “the smiles on the faces of the residents as we make our rounds. The most common comment we hear is ‘You’ve made my day.’”

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How awesome is this dog’s smile?

Above and above right: from The Dogs of Central Park © 2011, Universe

Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good dog and a good book

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF BRILLIANT FALL READS.

The Dogs of Central Park (Universe Publishing; 2011)

By Fran Reisner The green center that is the heart—and lungs—of New York City has a special kind of magic, the words themselves, Central Park, a tonic of sorts, for it seems an improbable oasis in the bustle of Manhattan, spat out as you are from the congestion of Midtown into the higher digits (and pay cheques) of the Upper East Side before the pavement drops away and the green acreage begins. New Yorkers and tourists alike flock there, but it is perhaps the dogs, busting free of the sidewalks and traffic, that best embody the miracle of the park, reveling in the space, the grass, the trees, and, yes, the squirrels. In The Dogs of Central Park, Fran Reisner, an internationally award-winning photographer and speaker, captures the joyous dogs who frequent it.

The book features canines of all sizes and shapes, from Mikimoto and Gem, a Standard Poodle couple, to Scheki the three-legged rescue pup from Israel, all shot against the incomparable backdrop the park offers up, from John Lennon’s “Imagine” memorial to the skyscrapers in the distance marking its perimeter.—JN

To Fetch A Thief (Simon & Schuster; 2010)

By Spencer Quinn Spencer Quinn delights readers with the third installment of his New York Times-bestselling mystery series featuring the lovable characters Bernie Little, a private investigator, and Chet, his trusty canine companion. Chet is a handsome pup known as the best tracking nose in the valley and together they make up the Little Detective Agency. When an old-fashioned traveling circus comes to town, this dynamic duo is hired by Popo the clown to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Peanut the elephant and her trainer Uri DeLeath. Chet narrates the story, offering a light-hearted, humorous canine perspective on the human world. The result is a delectable combination of suspense and wit which adds up to an irresistible read.—BR

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Dog (Simon & Schuster for Young Readers; 2007)

By Matthew Van Fleet; photography by Brian Stanton If you want to delight a young child with a book that will not only teach her about dogs, but also withstand her eager page-turning hands, then this sturdy, interactive book is a great choice. Those already familiar with Van Fleet’s million-copyseller Fuzzy Yellow Ducklings will understand why Dog, a similarly constructed book, will captivate toddlers (and adults, too!).

The same pull-tabs and tactile surfaces that create a fun learning experience are here, this time accompanying photographs of 20 breeds of dogs. The rhyming verses demonstrate comparisons and contrasts, such as “Little dog, Big dog, Teeny dog quakes.

Dry dog, Wet dog—shake, shake, shake!” The pull-tab then moves the bathing dog’s head from side to side, simulating shaking. Guaranteed to bring a smile.—CW

I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in This Relationship (NAL/Penguin; 2011) Edited by Wade Rouse Bringing dog lovers and comedy aficionados together, funny-man Wade Rouse manages to bring out both emotion and humor in this compilation of stories by luminaries such as Carol Leifer, Jen Lancaster, Rita Mae Brown, Laurie Notaro, Jane Green, W. Bruce Harbsion, and many more. Masterfully woven together, these heartwarming tales prove that even though we may take things too seriously, the dogs in our lives sure don’t. They will always be there to love us—and to poop on the floor. With this book benefitting the HSUS and other animal shelters/causes, we can show them a little love back.—GM

The Art of Raising a Puppy (Little, Brown and Co; 2011)

By The Monks of New Skete This revised and updated edition of the bestselling book offers an in-depth, stepby-step guide to raising and training a pup based on a program that enhances the bond between puppy and owner.

New and expanded chapters cover crate training, the importance of play, adoption, and more. The Monks of New Skete, who have trained, bred, and raised dogs at their monastery for over three decades, focus on communication and mutual respect beginning in puppyhood. More than 125 photo illustrate and explain techniques and critical stages. From common concerns such as chewing

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and house-training to socialization, pack dynamics, and even a puppy aptitude test, The Art of Raising a Puppy is sure to be a comprehensive reference for all new dog owners.—MM

Training Your Dog the Humane Way: Simple Teaching Tips for Resolving Problem Behaviors & Raising a Happy Dog (New World Library; 2011)

By Alana Stevenson In Training Your Dog the Humane Way, professional dog trainer and behaviourist Alana Stevenson illustrates how animals learn and why they learn best through benevolent leadership. With this as her foundation, Stevenson provides effective, positive dog training techniques, making it easy to avoid resorting to punishment or inadvertent negative-reinforcement. Whether you’re looking to remedy ongoing behavioural problems or simply searching for a good basic training manual, this book arms you with the information you’ll need. Stevenson’s easy-to-follow methods and advice will teach dogs polite manners and remedy all matter of ills, from house-soiling and barking to play-biting, leash-lunging, fear of strangers, separation anxiety, car sickness, and more. If you’re seeking a training guide that offers a compassionate way to guide your best friend to a desired behaviour, Training Your Dog the Humane Way is a wise choice.—CW

Your Dog Is Your Mirror: The Emotional Capacity of Our Dogs and Ourselves (New World Library; 2011)

By Kevin Behan Kevin Behan, veteran dog trainer and leader in dog rehabilitation, explains the theories behind his revolutionary new model for understanding canine behaviour.

Rather than the alpha/dominance model espoused by the likes of Cesar Milan, or the positive approach where training is accomplished through treats and reinforcement, Behan proposes a new model, one that is founded on the belief that “dog cognition is a function of emotion that forms the group consciousness within a pack, be it an extended wolf family or the pairing of a domestic dog and its owners.” Further, he believes that a dog’s very purpose in our lives may be to reveal the core emotions we have lost touch with, the emotions that become subsumed by our constant thoughts. He believes that many problematic behaviours that develop in dogs can be resolved through this new prism of understanding dog cognition. His theory, developed over 30 years of training dogs, opens the door to a whole new world of communication and understanding between species, and possibly a whole new understanding of ourselves. A fascinating read.—CW

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Put on this jacket and go!

This waterproof jacket has a removable fleece liner and removable sleeves for all-weather wear and features reflective piping, pockets for treats and poo bags, leash clips, and removable treat pockets.

All this and it looks good, too! A dog walkers dream come true. Editor-in Chief Connie Wilson loves hers. $270, letsgodesign.net

Part Indiana Jones, part English Patient, these 1930s vintage trunks turned pet divans hit all the right notes for an equal dose of comfort and nostalgic cool. Lockable caster wheels and a fully washable, handmade cotton duck pillow complete the package. From $240, iheartsalvage.com

Get on the positive reinforcement train with a charming, brightly crossstitched canvas collar emblazoned with the words Good Dog. If your dog isn’t exactly “good,” per say, one can hope it’s a self fulfilling prophesy. $36, thelifeofryley.com

Early’s of Witney have been making some of the finest British blankets since 1669. They’re best known for their horse blankets, but make lots of other lovely, cozy, last-forever things, too, like this Witney dog blanket, available in three sizes to fit small to large breeds. From $38, pedlars.co.uk

Pawesome’s “I Heart Tripods” unisex tee gives a deserved shout out to all the awesome three-leggers out there while helping pet owners in vet debt: proceeds from the tee are donated directly to the vets of individuals facing dauntingly high veterinary bills. $25, pawesome.net

How cool is this? Loyal Luxe’s Native American Teepee for Fluffy Little Critters (small dogs and cats) is made from 100 percent recycled cardboard and comes with six interchangeable ornaments including a dream catcher and eagle emblem. Complete with their faux bearskin rug to create the ultimate hiding spot for your lil’ den dweller. Teepee, $24; rug, $30, loyalluxe.com

GREAT FALL GEAR Problem solving dogs everywhere will love the Buster Cube, an interactive and treat dispensing toy that will keep their noses busy and brains busted. $16, ourpets.com

Gone are the days of being dragged into the bushes by an over-enthusiastic pet. Made of 100 percent rubber tubing, the Wacky Walk’r lessens tugging and pulling for both you and your co-walker. $25, wackywalker.com

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BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED? CRAZED AND CONFUSED? IF YOUR DOGGIE DILEMMA HAS YOU DOWN IN THE DUMPS…

ask dog lady

by Monica Collins

Q

Dear Dog Lady, We have a seven-yearold black Labrador Retriever named Schoodic who is a dog lover’s dream come true. He is smart, funny, handsome, loyal, and loving. He is extremely close to our daughter, Kate, who left the nest this year.

When we talk to Kate on Skype, she will often try to talk with Schoodic.

We place the laptop close to him so he can see her but he doesn’t seem to be able to recognize Kate on the laptop. We have tried holding a dog biscuit close to the screen. He loved the treat but went back to staring into space. Do you have any suggestions for teaching dogs to cross the great technology divide?

—Kate’s Mom

A

You have a Lab with barks and no bytes. We humans, so addicted to our technology, cannot summon up the magic powers to motivate creatures with brains not hardwired to cross the digital Great Divide to make sense of it all. A dog would rather

gnaw on an iPhone.

Dogs understand technology only as far as you can throw a tennis ball. If they can’t smell it, Skype doesn’t exist. They can’t taste it. They can’t relate to it in any way—except visually when some dogs go ballistic to see other dogs and animals.

The dear dog refuses to listen to the telephone.

They bark and jump at the screen because they presume the doggie through the looking glass is real. Alas, their hissy-fits are folly.

When Dog Lady is away and calls home, the dear dog refuses to listen to the telephone when Mr. Dog Lady holds the receiver up to his ear. Heck, the sorelymissed pet gets downright huffy—or confused—and walks away. He may hear a familiar voice but he makes it known that the procedure is bothersome and he’d rather not be a part of it. Sounds like Schoodic and Skype.

Dogs are present in the present, not the

far-off and illusory. They don’t do holograms or ghosts in the machine. When Kate shows up in person, Schoodic will be all over her. For now, a dog biscuit near the laptop screen will have to sustain him. Don’t force your Lab to interact with something he does not know or care about. When you talk on Skype, allow your dream dog to wander about without forcing him to care about air.

Dear Dog Lady, I would like to start out by letting you know that I am a dog groomer in New Jersey and I love picking up Modern Dog and reading the “Ask Dog Lady” columns. You often present sides and views that people in a certain situation may be ‘too close’ to the problem to see, and only by stepping back and viewing the facts can one see what is the right and fair outcome.

I must say I was very disappointed by reading your response to the neighbour of Cassius, the intact Portuguese Water Dog. It seems that you can only see one side of moderndogmagazine.com

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ask dog lady this particular issue, which is that “responsibility is neutering, always.”

Not the case. The letter mentioned that the dog is in proper show (grooming) pattern, which involves a front end at a bare minimum of an inch long, often topping three inches.

This takes hours of brushing weekly.

It also costs much more money to have a groomer put a dog into such a pattern. Since David never once mentioned Cassius being loose, only his owner walking him, there is no reason to suggest the owner isn’t being responsible. A dog not allowed to roam free or breed isn’t contributing to overpopulation and having a dog in show cut doesn’t mean the owner has issues.

I couldn’t even begin to count the number of Poodles that I’ve put into show pattern even though they were house pets. If people really love a breed and love its look, there is nothing wrong with keeping them in pattern, regardless of what the neighbours think.

As for the health aspect, intact animals and neutered animals each have an increased risk of certain diseases. Yet, if your intact animal gets a disease related to testosterone (testicular cancer, enlarged prostate) you can nearly always neuter the animal and cure the disease. Once the animal is neutered, however, there is no “easy fix” and your dog can have problems such as vaccine intolerance, hypothyroidism, and prostate cancer.—Well-Groomed In New Jersey Thank you for your letter. Dog Lady is so pleased you enjoy “Ask Dog Lady” in Modern Dog, even though you disagreed with the answer about Cassius, the unfixed Portuguese Water Dog. On the subject of spaying and neutering, Dog Lady believes

intractably in spaying and neutering. You and she will have to disagree respectfully.

And we can be civil about it, too, because, in the real world, there is no “right” answer about all this. Every dog owner can decide about the fate of his or her own dog. The problem comes with all those unwanted dogs that have no one to make the decision for them.

Dear Dog Lady, We rescued a small Jack Russell/ West Highland White Terrier mix two years ago. He was either one or two years old, so now he’s either

He could be saying, “Did anyone ever tell you you’re the most gorgeous creature on Earth?” three or four. We just love him.

When we got him, he had full-blown heartworm, was very thin, and had a puncture in one of his eyes. He is now at a good weight and healthy as can be.

One thing I’m concerned about is that Toby cries in his sleep.

Sometimes it turns into yelping. It was happening all the time when we first brought him home and still happens, but not as much. My heart breaks to hear him cry. I always gently pat him and let him know everything is okay when he’s in this state.

If you have any suggestions for us to help him with his nightmares, I would appreciate it. I hate to think of what his life was like before he came to live with us to cause these.

—Suzie

You have a Jack Russell/Westie mix and you rescued an angel. Now, don’t worry when your angel yelps in his sleep.

He’s not suffering; he’s dreaming as dogs dream. It’s perfectly normal. Indeed, Toby could be chasing a squirrel in his subconscious, or galloping through a field of heather back in the old country (British Isles for Westies and Jacks), or cornering a rodent, a cat, or imaginary varmint. Your heart shouldn’t break but should feel glad that Toby is having a deep dream and he is peaceful enough to fall soundly asleep.

Your patting him only wakes him to the real world, which isn’t such a bad thing, but it interrupts the furious subconscious activity.

Dear Dog Lady, I read somewhere that dogs can detect colon cancer with the near-precision of a colonoscopy.

I also read articles that dogs can sense other cancers such as melanoma, bladder, lung, ovarian, and breast. They diagnose by sniffing human breath. Our Shepherd-mix, Crunchmaster Funk (Crunchy) sometimes stares at me. I have to admit this spooks me a little because Crunchy looks at me with such intensity I imagine he smells cancer and is trying to tell me I’m sick. I admit I’m a bit of a hypochondriac but how do I stop thinking this way?

What does Crunchy smell?—Karen The pheromone of worry. Crunchy might smell your fear. He also sniffs the various essences of you as well as any stray cat dander you might carry on your pants leg. Crunchy is infatuated with eau’d’you. Otherwise, he’s not trained to be a cancer sniffing dog. Or a drug sniffing dog. Or a corpse sniffing dog. Or a bomb sniffing dog. Right? The dogs that sniff for

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seizures or diseases such as cancer are trained to do so—the same way other “sniffers” are expertly schooled. According to the news story from the Associated Press, the colon cancer sensitive dog lives in Japan and works with a researcher. The process of training is quite expensive, so cancer-sniffing dogs will not take the place of colonoscopies any time soon. If you have any question about your health, you really should see your doctor not your dog.

And please don’t imagine Crunchy is telling you the worst when he stares at you. He could be saying, “Take me out.” Or “feed me.” Or, “Did anyone ever tell you you’re the most gorgeous creature on Earth?”

Dear Dog Lady, I currently own a large (86-pound) Rottweiler mix whom we may have over-socialized a bit. The problem comes when we go to the dog park in our apartment complex with its small collection of “regulars.” My dog, Coco Chanel, seems to get along with pretty much every dog she has ever met.

But some dogs do not get along with her, and Coco can’t read their signs.

There is a female German Shepherd (GSD) that is also a “regular,” but she seems to hate my dog’s guts. When a fight would start, the other owners would blame my dog even if my dog had been showing no aggressive signs until the other dog went after her (for the record, if someone bit me, I would bite them back, too). The GSD has also gone after a variety of other dogs. We always remove Coco after a fight starts, but I have never seen the other owners do the same. What is a nice way to tell these owners to not come in the dog park when we are there? Is there a nice way to tell someone their dog is outright aggressive?—Anya In a negative nutshell: no can do and no. You have an 86-pound Rottie mix. You have a lot of dog power at your beck and call. All the more reason why you should keep your pup safely wrangled around other dogs or people who may be afraid. You can’t tell anybody else not to come to the dog park. You can only control your own actions, despite your parenthetical phrase about biting the other dog back. Steer your dog away if you see people or dogs unfavourable to Coco Chanel. Sure, you have as much a right to be there as anybody else but you should choose times to be at the dog park when Coco can socialize freely.

When two dogs don’t like each other, it is not pretty. Sadly, such is life. You could enter into a long-term peace agreement with the owner of the Shepherd and walk the dogs together, take them to behaviour classes, and just generally commit to their good citizenship. Alas, such notions are canine utopian.

For the time being, act like a good person and make sure your dog doesn’t hurt anyone. Keep your eyes open to Coco’s bad behaviour and do not rationalize the growling as another person’s—or dog’s—fault. n

Ask Dog Lady has a fan page on Facebook.Write a question or comment on the Wall. Or email askdoglady@gmail.com.

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Last Lick

HOW I MET MY DOG

An Accidental Mom

(Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love a Shelter Pup)

By Frances Uku

O

ur plans had all been very carefully mapped out.

It was a lovely Saturday afternoon in brownstone Brooklyn and my guy, Tom, and I were going about the business of open-house viewing. After our last co-op appointment of the day, I suggested we make a brief stop nearby at the lovely home of our friends, Nidia and Robert. Surely they’d be the ones with the inside scoop on the neighbourhood, Prospect Park, and the properties in which we were interested. Unbeknownst to Tom, however, this was also my sneaky excuse to lavish kisses on their two Boston Terriers. I grew up with big dogs and had long nursed thoughts of adopting, but, to me, NYC apartment dwelling didn’t seem fair for any but the smallest of dogs. So when Robert suggested we all go check out the current tenants at Sean Casey Animal Rescue (SCAR) that afternoon, I didn’t think it would end in much more than an overdose of cuteness and a subway ride home empty-handed. I was half-right.

Robert had heard from several neighbours that there was a French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix available at SCAR and was eager for us to meet this creature. A little too eager, even; I mean, I’d been talking a good game about pining for a pup but wasn’t looking to be nobody’s momma! When we arrived though, Sean tells us the Frenchie/ Boston had just been adopted that morning, but another would be arriving in a few hours and he’d happily give me a call if I wanted to come back and check him/her out. What the heck, I thought, as I dropped my digits and headed back home with a rather-relieved Tom. Bullet dodged. Except Sean did call as promised, to say that the dog had, indeed, arrived that evening and I’d have a courtesy period of 12 hours before he/she went public on their website and Facebook page. Still not quite sure what forces were moving me, I texted Robert and Nidia and asked if they would please go back down the road to SCAR and report with

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their findings. Quick as a flash, the photos started arriving. My favourite Boston fanatics were beside themselves: “Omg, you must get her. I mean, the pictures don’t even do her justice.

Oh, and keep in mind,” they warned, “this one’s purebred and kinda SUPER CUTE, to boot. She will be gone in a day tops.

You should totally get her. No pressure. (But get her).”

They might have saved themselves the energy—once I got a look at those floppy ears and squashed-up nose, I was done in. I sprinted back to SCAR the very next morning, met this gorgeous pup in person (so comfortable was she that as I took her in my arms for the first time I received a warm helping of poop all over my person). Who on earth could resist such charms? I filled out an application, was thankfully approved, and my little 9.5-pound princess accompanied me out of SCAR sporting her snazzy new collar, leash, chew-toys, and other niceties for her new life as Quincy Beatrix Uku. She spent the first few days with her Aunty Nidia and Uncle Robert, who were kind enough to offer her bed and board alongside canine cousins Otto and Ella. Like most Boston Terriers, Quincy is wicked smaht. She already responds to her name and basic commands (the essential sit-stay-paw) and is wont to perform hilarious dinnertime tricks, such as getting up on her hind legs and twirling around like a circus act. And because her seductive powers are just yea strong, Mr. Tom “Dogs are fine but I prefer cats” met my Quince-Paste and insisted we not tarry until our home purchase is completed but, rather, immediately bring her home.

Why waste precious minutes better spent exploring Prospect Park?!

I feel truly lucky that Quincy barged her way into my formerly blah life. She’s a walking commercial for the furry love that awaits all who take a chance on a shelter pet. As a family, we’re SCARred for life! n