Modern Dog Spring 2009

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions SPRiNg 2009

Exclusive

Healthy Affection VS Obsession Are you cultivating

Cesar Millan The Man Behind the Whisper

separation anxiety in your dog?

5

PillPopping Pets Does your dog

Common Training Problems Solved— For Good

PublicationsAgreement AgreementNumber Number40743013 40743013 Return ReturnMail MailDept, Dept,202–343 202–343Railway RailwaySt., St.,Vancouver, Vancouver,BC BCV6A V6A1A4 1A4 Publications

need behaviourmodifying drugs?

Puppies!

The Raw Debate Is a raw diet right for your dog?

Must Love Dogs A single’s search for love moderndogmagazine.com Display unTil JunE 09 CDN$5.95 US$4.95

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The AusTrAliAn shepherd Ask dog lAdy heAlThy recipes Top dog Toys cool sTuff under $20

Easy ways to lose weight

with your dog

Herding Put your dog’s natural instincts to work

Sarah Roemer and Dylan

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vol 8

No 1

pho to Jo a n te a s da l e

pho to ta n ya Kin g

SPRING 2009

90

80

Features 32

Must Love Dogs Dating goes to the dogs. Can a four-legged cupid lead to love? Our intrepid reporter, Marni Wedin, aims to find out. By Marni Wedin

38

Herding Under the watchful gaze of the strong-eyed dog. By Patricia KoMar

44

Healthy Affection VS Obsession Are you cultivating separation anxiety in your dog?

By Jennifer Messer

52

Cesar Millan: The Man Behind the Whisper An exclusive interview with the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan. By Mary-Jo dionne

58

Old Dog Haven New hope for old dogs. Good Samaritans offer refuge to animals abandoned in the twilight of their lives. By carreen Maloney

80

The Rising Star—and Well-behaved Dogs— of Sarah Roemer An exclusive interview with the actress. By Mary-Jo dionne

86

A Dog’s-Eye View: 36 Hours in Tokyo Explore the crazy-cool dog-centric Japanese subculture, from dog salons specializing in fur extensions to canine cafes. By Karin sinKevicius

90 96

43 style 37

Cheap and Chic Cool dog stuff under $20.

43

Play! Top toys for hours of playtime fun.

56

Spring Cleaning Clean up in a flash with these dog-safe, high-functioning products, so you can get it over with and get outside.

Pill-Popping Pups Mood-altering drugs and our dogs. By stanley coren

64

Puppy Love Puppies, puppies, and more puppies. PhotoGraPhed By cate caMeron

The Modern Dog’s Guide to Seattle Where to shop, eat, stay, and play.

85

Doggie Styles Fun stuff for feisty pups.

By elizaBeth Gardiner

2 moderndog

s pr ing 2009

103 Best Beauty Bets Grooming problems solved! At-home grooming products that make doing it yourself a snap.

136 Sleepless in Seattle Can you say “road trip?” Canine essentials for a west coast getaway. By Jessica noseK

BODY AND SOUL 70

Diet Tips Get fit with a little help from Fido.

72

Nutrition: The Raw Debate Thinking about making the switch to raw? Things you should know.

BY LIZ PASK AND LAURA SCOTT

74

Chinese Herbs Bring Ancient Wisdom to the Modern Dog’s Health

PHO TO AL AN WE IS S MA N

BY CHRISTINE BESSENT

52

REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 14 23 25 121 133

BREED PROFILE

Editor’s Letter Contributors Our Readers Write The Scoop Pup Profiles Calendar of Events Marketplace Giveaways

28

The Australian Shepherd The best cowdog in the West. BY

MARIAN BUECHERT

LIVING

64

12

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

16

Dog Trick Back to Basics: a reliable stay.

BY ANDREA ARDEN

26

Smile! More smiling dogs in Modern Dog’s photo contest.

49

DIY: Eat Make your own healthy dog treats.

76

Keeping the Faith An amazing dog provides hope, inspiration, and the glue to keep a family together. BY COREY VAN’T HAAFF

PH OTO CATE CAMERON

101 Art Attack Profile in style: Accomplice Design’s Linda and Ervin Bakhshian. BY MARNI WEDIN

COVER LOOK

105 Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good dog and a good book. Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selections for great spring reading.

109 Ask Dog Lady Dog Lady delves into your most dogged dilemmas.

115 The Party: Throw a Puppy Shower Welcome your new bundle of fur to the family with a pup-themed fete. BY KARIN SINKEVICIUS

Actress Sarah Roemer and Dylan, her King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

117 Training Trials? Ask an Expert. Top trainers answer your most pressing puppy questions.

Photographed by Joan Teasdale.

Hair, Robert Mefford; Makeup Kayleen McAdams.

134 Lost Dog Remembrance of a childhood best friend and playmate, a stump-tailed mutt named Moochie.

BY SUZANNE BEECHER

4 moderndog

S PR ING 2009

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 8, Issue 1. 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.

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I

t’s held that everything you want in the world is just outside your comfort zone. With the current economic decline disrupting everyone’s lives today, many a comfort zone has been pared down considerably or has disappeared altogether. But perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise; without that comfort zone luring us into status quo complacency, we’re left with little alternative but to step outside the familiar and contemplate a new reality.

Perhaps this outlook will cause us to reevaluate our purpose on this planet and force us to realize that we’re all connected. When we do harm to another—human, animal, or the earth itself—it affects us all; conversely, the good we do has a ripple effect. Contemplation also makes us reexamine what’s truly important in life, which is rarely material wealth.

With the news full of war, recession, and environmental crisis, though, it is easy to lose hope and feel too insignificant to create change. Here, our dogs help; they are a daily reminder for us to live our lives with the love, joy, trust, loyalty, and devotion that they convey simply in being. They remind us that one being can have a profound effect on another, from brightening a day to changing a course of action.

So, as the spring solstice awakens the earth, bringing new life, it also hopefully witnesses our growing enlightenment and a renewed sense of optimism. In keeping with this theme, it seemed appropriate to photograph puppies for our spring edition’s photo editorial, “Puppy Love” (page 64). Puppies are a wonderful symbol of newness, innocence, promise, love and potential (not to mention cuteness). Remember, if you are adding a new dog to your family, please consider a rescue puppy or dog. Their numbers are legion and include puppies to seniors and every purebred and mix out there.

Yours could be their forever home.

In Faith, a mixed-breed dog born with only two functioning legs (page 76), we found inspiration and another symbol of hope.

Amazingly, Faith overcame her disability by learning to walk upright on her two hind legs, proving an outstanding example to others fac-

ing challenges or disabilities. In this issue, we also shine a light on Old Dog Haven and the remarkable people that open their homes to abandoned senior dogs, giving them a place to live out their last days with love and dignity (page 58).

With the weather warming up and flowers starting to bloom, perhaps you and Rover are itching to hit the road. In this issue’s City Guide, we bring you ideas for a great dog-friendly Seattle getaway (page 96). Or if you dream of heading further afield, we explore the dog-loving Japanese subculture in “Dog’s-Eye View: 36 Hours in Tokyo.”

In our regular Activity department, we check out herding. But if you need to brush up on some basic training first, turn to pages 16 and 117–120. We also round up dog-safe, eco-friendly cleaning products just in time for some spring cleaning. And if it’s Rex that needs some sprucing up, we’ve got product suggestions for quick at-home grooming that tackle every problem, from tear stains to dry skin. Or perhaps those pleading eyes are actually saying, “Do I look fat?” If you’ve both put on a bit of winter weight, turn to page 70 for fun and easy suggestions for burning a few calories, as well as some figures on dog weight that might shock you.

Our cover girl is rising star Sarah Roemer, who talks to us about her dogs and how they keep her grounded in Hollywood. We also look into the life of “dog whisperer” Cesar Millan in an exclusive interview. Plus, we’ve got recipes for healthy dog treats, alternative health and nutritional ideas, plus a look into the burgeoning market for mood-altering drugs for dogs, top toys, and great pup products under $20. We’re hoping this issue fills you with joy, hope, and puppy-like enthusiasm.

Love,

Constance Wilson Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

“I believe that dogs fill a vital function in the collective consciousness of humanity. I would call them ‘the Guardians of Being.’ They show us what we have lost and, once we realize that, they can help us in our shift into a deeper state of consciousness. Of course, we don’t want to be confined to only deep relationships with dogs, but they can teach us how to relate deeply to another being and then we can learn to relate deeply to humans also. That has to be the next step.”

—Eckhardt Tolle, “Guardians of Being,” Modern Dog Fall 07

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s pr ing 2009

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cOn trIB ut O r s SPRING 2009 Publisher

For her first MD assignment, Polish photographer Angie Wojciechowska pulled on her work boots and went on location, lugging her camera equipment to a rural B.C. farm to capture Border Collies hard at work doing what they love—herding (page 38). Angie loves working with dogs, finding it challenging and rewarding.

In fact, she loves her four-legged models so much she started Off Leash Photography, focused solely on pet photography. But Angie tells us this MD photo shoot was one of her favourite assignments; though Angie also loves commercial work and commissions from individual dog owners and their pets, she especially enjoys editorial photography, particularly when shooting in natural light and surroundings. See more of Angie’s work at off-leash.ca.

8 moderndog

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No 1

Modern Dog Inc. Connie Wilson

Editor

Jennifer Nosek

Creative Director

Marian Buechert Jennifer Nosek

Circulation Manager

Jessica Nosek

Design & Production

Carolyn Howse

Design & Production Assistant

Maxine Matishak

Manager, Advertising & Marketing Sales & Marketing

Elizabeth Gardiner Annica Tong Tia Mihalj

Marketing & Administration Subscription Services & Accounting Assistant Controller Web Consultant Editorial Intern Administration/ Advertising Intern Donations Program Liaison Okanagan Representative

Mariella Koc-Spadaro Ariel Castillo Cecilia de Roca Chan Dave Egan Karin Sinkevicius Omar Duran Rojas Jessica Nosek Jytte Wilson

Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 8, Issue 1.

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 8, Issue 1.

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.

PHONE

(604) 734-3131

OR TOll fREE fAX

and dog trainer. Jennifer’s love affair with canine behaviour began during her studies at McGill University, where she completed a BA with honours in psychology. She went on to study veterinary medicine, graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2001.

During her studies, Jennifer founded the first puppy school in Ontario. The publication of her innovative program The Kinderpuppy Course established her as a leader in curriculum development for puppies. She speaks internationally on dog behaviour and training, and her puppy school curriculum is used by instructors worldwide. Jennifer is also a regular contributor to MD as part of our Fab Five trainers, and in this issue she also writes on seperation anxiety in “Healthy Affection VS Obsession” (page 44). Jennifer is owned by her pit bull terrier, Charlotte, and her beagle, Mr. F. Bender.

vol 8

Editor-in-Chief Contributing Editor

This issue marks photographer Cate Cameron’s first contribution to Modern Dog, with “Puppy Love” (page 64). Cate is inspired by the beauty in the reality of everyday. She is the previous owner of Stone Fish Gallery in Calgary and an ardent promoter of photography. Her work has been published and exists in many private collections. Over the next three years she will travel internationally for the charitable organization Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation (CAWST) to document the significance of clean water in the lives of many developing countries, including India, Africa, South America, and Asia. “Photography is about capturing a moment, but essentially, it is a surface that can express a human experience, a way of seeing; it is the space between the individual and reality,” says Cate.

Jennifer messer is a veterinarian, writer,

•

(866) 734-3131

(604) 734-3031 OR TOll fREE (866) 734-3031

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 2009 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. Oneyear 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

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www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 PAP Registration No. 11049 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program and the Canada Magazine fund towards our mailing and editorial costs.

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r e aD e rs w rI t e

pu ppy mil l pho to Co u rte s y hs u s

Bark Back! Our

puppy mills the pits I am a member of a national Dachshund rescue group. I’d like to see Modern Dog do more to expose the puppy mill industry. I would also like to see Modern Dog do more to encourage people to spay and neuter their dogs and cats.

Colleen M. Dundon c2cdr.org [Duly noted and agreed. Education is a big part of our mission and we devote space in every issue to highlighting rescue efforts, shelters, and/or spay and neuter efforts. Puppy mills are vile places and the best way to stop them is at the consumer level—cut off the demand.

To read “Puppy Hell,� our story on the horrors of puppy mills and how to avoid inadvertently supporting them, go to moderndogmagazine.com/articles/puppy-hell-horrors-puppy-mills/269.

Patrick stated that the terrier was used as a bait dog for dog fighting. [saying that] “...they use a little dog to let the Pit Bulls and other fighting dogs ‘practice’ attacking dogs, just to get the blood lust up.� While this is a horrible thing, obviously, that the dog experienced, and a true characterization of how bait dogs are used, many Pit Bulls and other dogs are also used as bait dogs and none of the dogs involved are culpable—they are all victims of human abuse, forced to breed, train, and fight for their lives. I just wanted to clarify this, as the stereotypes of dogs used for fighting, such as the Pit Bull as a “natural� or “willing� fighter, are obviously rampant and untrue. I am sure your readers know this, especially after the uncovering of the atrocities of Michael Vick’s fighting ring. Thank you and love the magazine!

Wendy C. Krull, CA

Column gives Comfort I just wanted to say thank you for answering my email. I was surprised to see my article in Modern Dog’s Ask a Psychic column. I am so at peace with what you told me about my little friend, Collar (Stanley). I can’t thank you enough.

Sincerely, Paula, Oakland, CA

love at First sight I got your magazine for the first time in my Christmas stocking from my husband. The reason he picked it up is because we love Rachael Ray and dogs. I have a 2-year-old Golden named Brave Heart and a new addition to the family, a Siberian Husky named Sucre. I was delighted to discover such a fantastic magazine. I had many laughs and many “Awwww cute� moments. I absolutely loved it and will continue to purchase your magazine. Thanks for such a great surprise!

Jody Bosse, Aurora, ON

Write to us!

Modern Dog welcomes correspondence from all readers. Address letters to

pit Bulls not to Blame

Modern Dog letters, 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4, Canada, or email

I really enjoyed your article on Patrick McDonnell’s “Shelter Stories� and love his work. In his story of terrier General Patton,

us at letters@moderndogmagazine.com. If correspondence is by email, please tell us where you are writing from. All letters are subject to editing.

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter

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1 With its ability to survive slobber fests and muddy encounters, this is no ordinary dog bed. Animal Haus’ “Stream” dog bed maintains its plump, lump-free shape while fighting stains, moisture, bacteria, and odour. It’s made from Crypton Super fabric, engineered to protect the fabric without any toxic chemicals.

What more could you ask for in a good night’s sleep?—Mariella ($190, animalhauschicago.com) 2 Is your pup feelin’ sore? Cold? Warm Whiskers’ Doggyback Jacket Pack can help. The microwavable and freezable piggybacking polar bear or pooch can be attached anywhere on the thermal fleece jacket to heal arthritic pain or warm your pup. So go ahead fido, cuddle away!—Annica ($40, warmwhiskers.com)

$

3 Inspired by their luxury baby slings, the natural-cotton Psling for Dog provides a comfortable, hands-free way to carry small dogs like me. Plus they are beautifully made, manufactured by one craftsman from start to finish in Japan. Maximum weight 22 pounds.—Miniature Dachshund Rose ($95, pslingnewyork.com) 4 Stress free? Check. Positive thoughts? Check. Emotionally balanced? You bet. Me and my best friend

are cool, calm, and collected. Rescue yourself and your dog with Bach flower Rescue Remedy, available in both people and pets formulas.—Jessica ($13, bachflower.com)

5 Jac Trac is a great new company offering sustainable, 100 percent hemp collars and leashes. I particularly love the great colours they come in (made with non toxic, eco-friendly dyes!). Check out their collars, hand-free leashes, and bike attachments.—Lisi, ($20, jactrac.ca)

6 Ahoy Matey! I have sailed the deep blue sea to bring you this heartfelt doggie tee.—Maxine ($30, cafepress.com/maggieross) 7 If you’re having little luck keeping your dog off the good sofa, you’ll love PetzOff. The attractive throw

BM

%

is backed by a crinkly, heavy duty, reflective backing that, when draped over your furniture, will shout “off limits!” Pets don’t like the feel or sound of the aluminum foil, leaving Rover no choice but to seek an alternate snooze spot.—Connie ($60, petzoff.com)

8 With my bad back, I currently need to be toted about and this Bowhaus NYC carrier with its Marimekkoinspired coral daisy print seems just the thing to put the spring back in my step.— Miniature Dachshund Esther ($145, bowhausnyc.com) 9 for those who like clothing and like to show their love for dogs at the same time, Bite The Power offers plenty of options. This sweatshirt keeps me warm and reminds me that small dogs can have big attitudes.—Omar ($38, bitethepower.com) 10 Being a somewhat spiritual type of gal, I’m totally groovin’ on my new Paco collar. Celtic-design

metal insets and flat-set studs sit around the one-inch-wide leather collar. I look stunning and make a statement.—Kaya ($70, pacocollars.com)

11 Enjoy an unencumbered walk to the park with this retractable ball thrower. It’s easy to stash, fun to use,

^

and will definitely keep your dog on the run!—Ariel ($20, ballistic-dog.com)

12 I love things with a history, and these whimsical dog tags from The lovepaw Co. have an abundance of

it, culturally speaking. Named for the King of the Greek gods, the Zeus pet charm is handcrafted in Athens, Greece, of sterling silver from Switzerland and the evil eye is made by artisans in Turkey. Wear it yourself for good luck, or have it engraved as fido’s ID.—Karin ($75, lovepaw.com)

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CANINE NEWS AND REVIEWS

Mickey Rourke Shows His Cojones Having himself made an unforeseen comeback, Mickey Rourke is focusing his attention on other underdogs. Literally. The Golden Globewinning actor for The Wrestler has put his renewed star power behind

them.”

“I became a little more aware of how many dogs are abandoned or put to sleep each week—it’s staggering,” Rourke, 56, says in a video posted on PETA’s site.

“Because sometimes when a man’s alone, all you got is your dog.”

“The most important thing about having a dog and loving a dog is keeping the dog its whole natural life,” says Rourke, who adds that “you have a responsibility to communicate with your animal how much he means to you.”

Rourke did just that when he thanked his dogs in his Globe acceptance speech.

“I’d like to thank all my dogs—the ones that are here and the ones that aren’t here anymore,” Rourke said. “Because sometimes Friolo/Justin/national photo group

when a man’s alone, all you got is your dog.

Hello Retro!

You’ve heard of Tupperware—now meet Pupperware! That’s right folks, and it’s coming straight to your house.

Designed around the concept of the original Tupperware party, the Pupperware party is fast becoming a popular pastime amongst the canine set, with dog-loving friends, neighbours, and acquaintances across North America meeting for snacks and cocktails. Now, I realize that this already occurs—just ask me what I did last weekend— but the difference here is these friends are shopping for dog products at the same time. Talk about multitasking.

Pupperware parties are bringing dog lovers and their dogs together under one roof for a fun afternoon or evening filled with the before placing an order. Party consultants receive a commission while hosts receive large discounts on their order. Party attendees on the other hand, get to shop while drinking.

To catch the Pupperware wave, including info on how to become a consultant, check out partypets.ca in Canada or petlanehome.com and shurepets.com in the U.S.—Jessica Nosek

14 moderndog

sp ring 2009

illustr ati on Jess golden

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Dogs see the world in their own special doggie way. They also eat in their own way.

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THE SCOOP

Duration: Teach your dog to stay while you are next to him by asking him to sit or lie down and counting to one before you mark the behaviour with the word “Yes” or a clicker and then give a tiny food reward. Ask your dog to sit or lie down again and, this time, delay offering the tiny treat for the count of two. It will take numerous training sessions to work towards a consistent 15-second stay with you next to your dog. As you repeat, you should not only gradually increase the delay in the marker and treat, but also vary the time. for example, a series of ten repetitions might look

Distance: Once your dog is skilled at a 15-second stay with you by his side, you can work on distance. To begin, it is best to decrease duration as you are working on increasing distance.

Even if your dog can do a great 20-second stay with you by his side, don’t ask for a 20-second stay as you start to walk away.

Start by just moving your feet as your dog waits one to two seconds for the marker and reward. Then, try taking a tiny step away,

DOg TRiCK: BACK TO BASiCS

3 Easy Steps to Teach Your Dog to Stay

By Andrea Arden

come back and mark and reward. Then gradually increase the distance until your dog has a solid stay when you walk 5 to 10 feet away for just a few seconds. Then you can gradually rebuild the duration by asking for longer stays when you walk away.

Distractions: Once your dog is skilled at a 15-second stay with you 5 to 10 feet away, work on adding mild distractions.

What is mild will vary from dog to dog. If your dog adores tennis balls, don’t have someone bouncing one across the room. Start off with something he isn’t all that interested in and gradually

I

t is far easier for dogs to learn our language if we clearly

build up to greater distractions. Again, as you add difficulty in

define what each word means. A clear definition of “Stay” is to remain where placed until asked

to do something else or until given a release word, such as “Okay.” There are really three parts to the stay: duration, distance, and distractions. Set a goal for you and your dog, such as staying for three or four minutes while you walk 20 feet away, with some minor distractions present (i.e., people visiting or food on a table). Start by teaching each part sepa-

one area (in this case, in regards to distractions)

There are really three parts to the stay: duration, distance, and distraction.

rately and keep training sessions to a maximum of

decrease the difficulty in other areas (duration and distance). Your job is to make things easy for your dog so his road to success is as smooth as possible. So, go back to your dog’s side and work on stays of just a few seconds in length while working around new distractions and gradually increase the duration and your distance from your dog.

Plan many brief training sessions throughout the day and, before you know it, your dog will

about five minutes. Also, regardless of which part you work on,

be ready to win a gold medal in the Three D’s of Stay Training

if at any time your dog breaks a stay, simply ask for the position

Challenge.

again and try for a stay that is not quite as hard.

16 moderndog

sp ring 2009

n

photo © nenette09 - Fotolia.C om

like this: 2 seconds, 4, 7, 2, 10, 3, 12, 7, 5, 15.

THE SCOOP

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Omigod, Legally Blonde the musical is on tour!

Watch the irrepressible

Afternoon pick-me-up www.upsidedowndogs.com

Elle Woods—with her little dog, too—sing and dance

Just try and keep from smiling while looking at these charmingly ridiculous upside-downdog photos. We double dog dare you.

Email your grumpy office mate a link to this site that features a daily photo of a cute puppy. Perhaps she’s just in need of a little cute distraction (aren’t we all?). Cue to ask for that favour: when you hear “Awwwww” from the next cubicle. If you hear nothing?

Run. We all know only the Antichrist doesn’t like puppies.

Malibu straight through pho to Jo a n ma rCu s

A cure for surly coworkers www.dailypuppy.com

her way from the malls of Ivy League law school. For cities and dates, see http:// tour.legallyblondethe musical.com/tour. front back coverFINALflat.ai

R E A D Bone Appetreat:

Healthful Recipes for your Furry

Training help www.dogstardaily.com

Friend (2008), by registered

Before you throw yourself out the window to get away from the non-stop barking/whining/peeing, check out this site, chock full of super helpful training tips, clearly explained in steps you might actually follow.

gist Laurie Southall, provides

1/7/09

9:22:14 AM

Bone

Appetreat

holistic nutritionist and allerC

M

delicious and nutritious recipes Y

Healthful recipes for your furry friend

CM

for biscuits, soft treats, and main meals as well as healthy

MY

CY

CMY

K

sauces, broths, and vitamin-

Veterinary straight talk www.veterinarypartner.com

infused water. There are even handy suggestions, such as

Get help deciphering/remembering just what it was your vet explained to you; look it up on this very helpful site of detailed online pet health information and resources from veterinarian professionals. The site is the newest venture of Veterinary Information Network (vin.com), an interactive resource site for vets, veterinary students, and the veterinary industry, so you know you’re getting the goods.

baking then grinding egg shells

Laurie Southall

ROHP, RNCP

for a natural form of calcium you can add to your dog’s meal. With cute illustrations and playful names like Hoggin’ Dogz, this slim book is chock-full of inspiring, simple, and healthy canine cuisine that makes even the cooking-reluctant feel like tying on an apron.

TMZ for dog lovers www.celebritydogwatcher.com

D O Bring some four-

Get your fix of celebrities snapped candidly with their dogs, from Jennifer Love Hewitt rollerblading with her Boxer to Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively on set with her Miniature Poodle, Penny. Bonus: you can feel better about your guilty pleasure because descriptions about the dogs replace the usual meanspirited comments.

in need of a little pick-me-

DFE stands for dog friendly establishment and this site delivers just that. Going beyond the usual listings of dog-friendly hotels and motels, dfe.us delivers results for all sorts of places across the US that allow access to your four-legged pal, campgrounds and stores included. Search by city and state to plan your vacation, from dog-welcoming hotels and restaurants to dog parks and emergency veterinary service.

up by visiting the infirm or the elderly with your dog—

st. Joh n amBulanCe Canada 2 009

Vacation planner www.dfe.us

legged good cheer to those

become a Therapy Dog Service volunteer through St. John Ambulance (sja.ca) in Canada or partake in Animal-Assisted Therapy as a Pet Partner with the Delta Society (deltasociety. org) in the US. Both programs require a short workshop and an evaluation that looks at your control over your dog and how well he handles such things as crowds and wheelchairs.

Once done, you’ll be ready to make a difference at seniors’ homes, special need schools, and health care centers with your furry friend.

moderndogmagazine.com

17

THE SCOOP

the dingo On the street: the new dog lingo

Dogs Think “No Fair,” Too Treat a dog like a child and she might start acting like one, at least when it comes to a sense of fairness.

According to a study conducted in the Clever Dog Lab at the University of Vienna, Austria, dogs, like children, think “no fair.” According to Friederike Range, lead researcher: “Animals react to inequity [and] to avoid stress, we should try to avoid treating them differently.”

This kind of social awareness in the pack can be traced back to dogs’ common ancestor, the wolf.

Any dog owner can attest to their dog being more responsive when a reward is offered, but what if there are two dogs and only one is rewarded? The experiment, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy

Dogopoly / dog op´ ə le / n. / Exclusive control of a given area, established along with one’s dogs, as in, → “Queen B and her snobby canine posse have a total dogopoly on the small dog run.”/ Dogopolize / -līz´ / v.t. / To establish a dogopoly, eg., →“That rough-housing pack of wild beasts and their negligent owner have unfortunately dogopolized the west end of the off-leash park. We’ll have to take the long way around.”

Poodle / pood´ əl / v. / A showy way of walking, as in,

→“Did you see her poodle by with the newest Marc Jacobs hand bag?”

Labfection / lab fek´ shən / n. / Extreme affection, excessive in measurement and oftentimes unwarranted, indiscriminate, and injudiciously awarded, as in, → “It was going well until he smothered me with labfection at the end of the date. I suppose that’s what you get for not thoroughly vetting blind-date set-ups.”

Modern Dog Poll Results 85% of Modern Dog readers still pick up after their dogs, even if no one’s watching.

of Sciences serial, involved pairs of dogs working with a human tester and a bowl filled half with sausage and half with bread. Each dog was asked to “give a paw” and then rewarded or not. When one dog received a reward and the other didn’t, the unrewarded canine stopped playing. But when both got a reward, they both continued to perform.

A similar experiment has been conducted with primates

Modern Dog Poll Should the formal standards for purebred dogs be changed to focus on health rather than appearance?

Go to moderndogmagazine.com to vote.

but, unlike the primates who stopped performing when they were offered bread instead of sausage, the dogs didn’t rewarded. The three resulting theories as to why the dogs

Constant Canine

exhibited no treat preference were (1) the potential of

What would you give to be reunited with your best furry friend?

receiving a reward at all was so great as to override prefer-

One Florida couple paid $155,000 in an auction held by BioArts

ence; (2) the effect of daily obedience training conditioned

International last July to be one of five winning bidders in the Best

responsiveness; and (3) working in a pack, even as small

Friends Again program. This past January, Edgar and Nina Otto

as a pair, increased motivation to receive a reward.

received their prize, the first commercially cloned canine. Named

care which treat they received, only that they were being

Clive Wynne, associate psychology professor at the University of Florida, contests the findings that dogs show no reward preference because a control test wasn’t conducted as it was with the primates, who were first shown the better treat and then asked to (but didn’t!) per-

Lancelot Encore, after the couple’s beloved late Labrador, Sir Lancelot, who passed

rrr

away from cancer over a year ago,

“Lancey” joins the Ottos’

form for what was viewed as an inferior reward. Wynne

pack of nine other dogs on their 12-acre estate in Boca Raton,

grants that dogs are, however, perceptive to the actions of

Florida, straight from the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation

human beings and an intelligent species. But we already

in Seoul, South Korea, where he was weaned from his surrogate

knew that. —Karin Sinkevicius

mother. –Karin Sinkevicius

18 moderndog

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Dog

THE SCOOP Bulldog Breed Standard Gets Facelift The lovable ugly mug of the Bulldog, which has long represented English tenacity and courage, may soon change forever in its native land, as the governing body of purebred dogs in Britain, the Kennel Club (KC), has brought down a new suggested breed standard that would modify the Bulldog’s distinctive appearance in favour of what the KC is calling a healthier look. Breed standards are the written blueprints which dog show judges and breeders use to guide their decisions on which dogs best represent a breed type.

The move is part of the club’s “Fit For Function: Fit for Life” campaign, which has included the amendment of a number of breed standards to discourage breeding for exaggerated features, such as heavy skin wrinkling, distorted body shapes, short muzzles, and other characteristics that have been linked to health problems. The KC states that the new standards will exclude anything that could in any way be interpreted as encouraging features that might prevent a dog from breathing, walking, and seeing freely.

The British club has been under fire since the 2008 BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed charged that the breeding and showing of purebreds with serious health issues was permitted and even encouraged by the KC’s current breed standards.

The issue has the world of dog lovers sharply divided between those who feel these unique physical characteristics are integral to the breeds targeted and are worth maintaining, and those who believe health must come before all other considerations.—Marian Buechert

Pets left homeless by foreclosure, too Displaced borrowers not the only victims of housing crisis.

As millions of Americans are evicted from their homes in the foreclosures following the subprime mortgage crisis, other, largely overlooked, victims are emerging. Desperate families with no where to go are abandoning a staggering number of animals, simply leaving them behind or placing them in already overburdened shelters.

It was this heartbreaking displacement of family pets that prompted Cheryl Lang, president of Houston-based Integrated Mortgage Solutions, to start the non-profit group No Paws Left Behindvv to provide borrowers, neighbours, and contractors with a much-needed resource for helping these homeless animals. Lang realized the urgent need for action after seeing photos of abandoned dogs, cats, chickens, and even horses in the course of her work in the mortgage field business.

The group’s website offers tips for finding appropriate shelters and foster families, grant information for overwhelmed shelters, and a “paw alert” bulletin system for those that have found an abandoned pet. “Anything we can do to keep the family together,” Lang said. “That’s the mother, the father, the kids, the dog, and the cat.”

Calling all witty writers or writers at heart: create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderndogmagazine.com/cartooncaption.

Cartoon © 2 009 by DaviD JaCobson

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

The three winners will also each win a one-year subscription to Modern Dog!

20 moderndog

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How you can help: Visit nopawsleftbehind.org to offer services or donate money and sign the petition to eradicate antiquated laws where pets are not allowed to be removed from homes prior to eviction, causing a lot of trouble for inspection officers and unnecessary delays in finding shelter for the animals.

—Elizabeth Gardiner

Dog Advantages ad Modern dog:Layout 1

9/2/08

2:19 PM

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To learn more about our dog and cat foods, please visit www.nutrience.com.

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Pup Profiles

“I’m a modern dog! dog!”

Dolce

Age: Three breed: American Cocker Spaniel Hometown: Coral Springs, FL Nicknames: Poopie-woopie; Dolchiewolchie; Cutey-girl likes: New tennis balls; squeaky toys; ripping up magazines; chewing plastic bottles Dislikes: Other dogs getting attention; baths; being alone in the backyard favourite pastimes: Long walks off-leash; sleeping on the couch; catching lizards favourite foods: Cheeseburgers; bread; chicken

Sebastian

Age: Eleven breed: Maltese Hometown: Nashville, TN Nicknames: Mister; Bunny; Baby Bastian likes: Cuddling; Mommy singing; sneaking into the movies; playing with my doggie friends; being adored Dislikes: Water; snow; the beach (Fun in the sun is the way I roll.) favourite pastime: Traveling with Mommy favourite foods: Mommy doesn’t eat meat, so I try to get some goodies from her friends

Veda

Age: One breed: White German Shepherd Hometown: SpringHill, KS Nicknames: Vader; Princess; Baby; Girlie; Banana likes: Balls; rolling around on her back; car rides; poking you with her nose; howling when she yawns favourite pastimes: Swimming; playing fetch; lying on comfy things favourite foods: Raw meat (diet) and anything that smells edible!

Whimsy

Age: Six months breed:Flat-coated Retriever Hometown: Lock Haven, PA Nicknames: Whimsy Woo; Whim likes: Chewing on her teething fish; finding sticks and stones; walking on the Rails for Trails; getting muddy and wet Dislikes: Dogs that are bullies; when people are sad favourite pastime: Playing “where’s the ball” with her house mates, Yaya and Phirst favourite foods: Boiled beef bones; Frosty Paws

Shadow

Age: Fourteen breed: Shepherd/ Collie/ Unknown. Hometown: North Vancouver, BC Nicknames: Wonderdog; Shadowdog; Shadow the Wonder Dog likes: Scratches above the tail; eating; sleeping Dislikes: Ferrets; people who don’t give her cookies; red convertibles favourite pastimes: chasing squirrels; begging for treats; walks; knocking over garbage cans and eating what’s inside favourite foods: Bacon; cheddar; stewed turkey gizzards

Dakota & Mocha

Age: Four breed: Merle/White Australian Shepherd (deaf and blind) and German Shepherd/Chow Chow mix Hometown: Port Washington, NY Nicknames: Queen; Chubber; Dakode/ Mocha; Mochie; Moke likes: Sleeping; tummy rubs; being a bum/Running; tennis balls; tug toys Dislikes: Bathtime! favourite pastimes: Sleeping/Chasing squirrels; agility; flyball favourite foods: Cheese and liver!/Anything that isn’t dog food

is your dog modern?

Want to see your pup profiled in the pages of Modern Dog? Email us at doggieprofile@moderndogmagazine.com with a high-resolution photo and the above doggie data for a shot at stardom! Assignment of rights applies; see full details at moderndogmagazine.com/photosubmission.

moderndogmagazine.com

23

8): 40-*% (0-% %0&4/±5 64& 46/'-08&3 0*The Swedish National Cancer Institute conducted a breast cancer study on women. The study divided the women up into three groups. One group was given flaxseed oil, the second group was given canola oil, and the third group was given sunflower oil.

At the conclusion of the study, the flaxseed and canola oil groups showed no difference from before the study. But the sunflower oil group showed a 69% increase in the risk of cancer. The study was concluded in 1999.

When the health food stores read the study, they removed sunflower oil from the shelves. Immediately, sunflower oil became the cheapest oil available since no one wanted it. Just as immediately, many dog food companies put it into their dog foods.

Some dog food companies claim that their sunflower oil is organically grown. They just show their ignorance!

Whether it is or not, has nothing to do with the cancer problem.

Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Omega 6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory. Solid Gold uses flaxseed and canola oils. They have the perfect ratio of one part omega 3 and four parts omega 6. The 1:4 ratio is perfect for controlling the pro-inflammatory properties of omega 6.

However, other oils are way off-balance. Sunflower oil has no omega 3’s, but has 233 parts omega 6’s. This is the disaster! Safflower oil is worse with no omega 3’s and 243 omega 6’s. Corn oil is the worst of all. It has no omega 3’s and 310 omega 6’s.

Solid Gold uses no soybeans ( sometimes referred to as lecithin), no wheat, and no corn. These are the most allergic grains of dogs. They make the dog chew at the root of the tail and lick their feet. We use amaranth, millet and quinoa, the non-allergic grains.

In 2007, 197 brands of pet food were recalled. They were made in China that caused the death of 6,000-7,000 pets and made 300,000 become ill. Some of these contaminated pet foods were recalled in May, June, July and again in September. Solid Gold is made in the United States and was never recalled.

Some of the Chinese-made dog foods were recalled three and four times.

Please note that Solid Gold uses hermetically sealed (like vacuum packed) bags. We originally packed the bags to 98% sealed. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out. During transportation, the bumps, called dimples, would rub against each other and make holes. We now pack at 93%. The less rigid bags don’t create transportation holes. Thus, if your bag is not bumpy, don’t worry about it. The one-way valve lets air out, never in. During trucking, the weight of the top bags on the stack jiggles! They press out some excess of the 5% air on the bottom bags valves. Remember, this is a one-way valve. Air can go, out but never in.

Never pour out the contents of the bags into another container. During the act of pouring, you expose the contents to oxidation. If you wish to use a storage container, put the entire bag into the container without emptying it.

We use plants that repel pests. Plants cannot run away from pests. They have to deal with them. They release volatile substances in to the air to attract predators of the bugs. This research was confirmed by Professor C.S. Ramen at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Texas.

So, if you want a healthy pet food, feed Solid Gold.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail for others to follow.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Solid Gold is the only dog food company that is a member of the Organic Trade Association, the American Nutraceutical Association, the Medicinal Food Association, Nutraceutical Foods Association and the Life Extension Association.

For a catalog or store near you call or email us at: (619) 258-7356 or (619) 258-1914 (M-F 10-5 PST) or E-mail us at dane@solidgoldhealth.com or www.solidgoldhealth.com Solid Gold Health Products for Pets, the Holistic Animal Nutrition Center 1331 N. Cuyamaca El Cajon, CA 92020

CALENDAR

sit. stay. spring

By Mariella Koc-Spadaro

March

05

28

Take part in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life by joining the Bark for Life Dog Walk at the Sunnybrook Pavilion in Pottstown, PA. pottstownrelayforlife.com

april

Get in on good design for a good cause. Ten ecofriendly animalcompanion habitats designed by top architects and designers will be auctioned off at Petchitecture.

The annual event, held at the Fairmont San Francisco, supports Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), an organization that provides companion animals for senior citizens and low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses. pawssf.org/petchitecture.html

Join the San Francisco SPCA in their

140th Anniversary Gala Celebration, an extravagant event held

at the marvelous Julia Morgan Ballroom in the Merchants Exchange Building. Fete this most worthy organization and be entertained by emcee, Doug McConnell, producer and host of KRON television’s “Bay Area Backroads.” sfspca.org

07/ 08

Get the goods in Los Angeles at the Luxury Pet Pavilion, one of the best high-end pet trade shows. Entry is exclusive to members of the pet industry. luxurypetpavilion.com

18

Give praise where due. The Genesis Awards draws together the media, celebrities, and philanthropists in a star-studded Beverly Hills ceremony honouring major news and entertainment media for producing great works that raise public awareness of animal issues. hsus.org

Go Orange for Animals this month with ASPCA’s campaign in support of Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. Check out aspca.org to learn more on how to become a voice for animals.

10/12

24

May

Spend your Easter long weekend at Canada’s largest pet show, the familyfriendly All About Pets Expo held in Toronto, ON. Go on a hunt to find the best dog behaviour experts, adoption specialists, fly ball competitions, canine fashion shows, cool vendors, and more. allaboutpetsshow.com

17-19

Embark on a luxury getaway with your dog at this year’s annual Wine & Bitch Weekend at the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, MT. The weekend of fun and

15 + 29

Have a gown (and baton) but nowhere to go? Enter your pup in one of this year’s Barking Beauty Pageants, March 15 in Philadelphia, PA, or March 29 in New York City. Compete in three different categories, active wear, glamour wear, and talent, for your pooch’s chance to win great prizes. stonesoupkitchen.org/thebarkingbeauty

20/ 22

Head down to Arlington Park Racecourse in Arlington, IL, for the Chicagoland Pet Expo, which offers a crazy variety of pet products, entertainment, demonstrations, and hands-on attractions. petchicago.com

3

Save a life. Get involved in the American Cancer Society’s Dogswalk Against Cancer, a dog walk-a-thon raising money to fight both human and canine cancer.

Gather with your fellow dog walkers at the Riverside Park in NYC and walk for a great cause. cancer.org

30

relaxation includes wellness seminars, spa treatments, gourmet meals, and a fine wine tasting, all enjoyed with the company of your best canine bud. wineandbitch.com

Help raise funds for the Spokane Humane Society by attending this year’s Pet Fest at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds, WA. It’s a fantastic, fur-filled weekend featuring an all-breed, all-animal companion trade show, along with an adoption fair that helps needy pets find loving families. spokanepetfest.com

moderndogmagazine.com

25

moderndog photo contest wÄąnners!

smile!

Bonkers

Zoe

Helix Kubrick

Bronson 26 moderndog

sp ring 2009

Moyan & Abby

Nika

Hudson

Gus Zeke Molly

Otto Reginald Jr.

Maggie

Jaxon Sadie’s Puppies

Spot

Josie

Drake al Agua

Tia

Letters

Think your dog ought to grace the pages of Modern Dog? Send us photos of your picture-

Oliver

perfect pooch! The winning entries will be published in the Spring 09 issue. 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

b re e D Pr o f il e

Australian Shepherd The best cowdog in the West

By Marian Buechert Photographs by Deborah Samuel

28 moderndog

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moderndogmagazine.com

29

Advertisement: BiologicVET - “Turn your pets’ dream into reality: Joints” Publication: Modern Dog Magazine, Spring 2009 Size: 1/2 vert (3.25" x 9.625")

Blue 1 © 200 9/D eBorah SaMuel

The dogs may have wound up with the “Aussie” tag because a number of shepherds came to the west coast of the United States from Australia in the mid-nineteenth century, some bringing their sheepdogs with them. These stockdogs, bred for station life in the Australian outback and better suited to the harsh conditions of ranching in Arizona, California, Wyoming, and other western states than were the farmdogs of the mid- and eastern states, probably contributed significantly to the bloodlines of what is now the Australian Shepherd.

In the 1950s and 60s, the breed moved into the spotlight when several talented Aussies became celebrities, performing amazing tricks at rodeos and other “Western” shows. Stub and Shorty, trained by Jay Sisler, were the most famous of these dog stars,

Colours: CMYK Date: January 16, 2009 Contact: Andrea Smith 604-460-8440 x265

and prevents premature cartilage wear.

Today’s Australian Shepherd continues to demonstrate traits of working sense, high intelligence, and physical ability.

K

I

f you greet an Australian Shepherd dog with “G’day, mate,” don’t be surprised if he simply cocks an intelligent eye at you and doesn’t answer. After all, members of this breed must be heartily sick by now of being mistaken for dogs from Down Under. Instead, try a drawled “Howdy, pardner,” and you might be welcomed with some Western-style neighbourliness from Ol’ Bob-tail, the dog who helped tame the frontier.

Like famed actor and Australian Shepherd owner Mel Gibson, who is commonly seen as Australian but was actually born in the United States, the “Aussie” is not really Australian but a true-blue, stars-and-stripes American.

The breed appears in photographs of ranching life in the western United States dating back over a hundred years and was held in the highest regard by ranchers, sheepmen, and cowboys back in the days when a working dog was expected to run from morning to night through blistering heat or snowstorms, handle whatever type of ornery animal needed to be moved, and come back looking for more the next day. Whether that dog was called a Bob-tail, a Heeler, a Pastor Dog, or an Australian Shepherd, and whether it was purebred, cross-bred, or part kangaroo, the ranchers didn’t care as long as it did its job.

!

AKC ranking: #33 in popularity Size: Medium—18-23 inches Grooming: Moderate Activity level: High Heritage: Herding US rescue: Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline aussierescue.org Canadian rescue: Aussie Rescue Canada aussierescuecanada.com

30 moderndog

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10.0 in.

10.5 in.

11.062 in.

Bl u e 3 © 2009/De Bo rah S a Mu e l

Australian Shepherd

Blue 4 © 2 00 9/ DeBorah SaMuel

Profile:

eventually headlining in a couple of Disney movies, including one titled Stub: The Best Cowdog in the West.

Today’s Australian Shepherd continues to demonstrate those traits of working sense, high intelligence, and physical ability, making it the breed of choice for many owners who are passionate about canine sports such as agility, herding trials, and obedience. At the same time, dog lovers who may be enthralled with the breed’s talents but who aren’t involved with such energetic activities should be cautioned that Aussies, like all dogs with a high working drive, must have vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation or they can get into trouble. Couch potatoes who spend a lot of time away from home and hound should forget about owning an Aussie. Though devoted to their own human family, members of this breed can be a bit stand-offish with strangers at first and should be well socialized as youngsters.

The Aussie’s coat is medium in length and comes in black, red, blue merle, and red merle. (“Merle” is dark patches against a lighter colour other than white.) All base colours may be set off by white markings on face, feet, and chest, and/or copper “points”—small patches of reddish-brown—in the same areas.

Excessive white markings, especially around the head, may be linked to hearing and eye defects and buyers should be extremely careful when considering a dog that is mostly white. Hereditary eye problems are the health area of most concern in this breed, with a significant incidence of collie eye anomaly (CEA), cataracts, and colobomas (open pits in the eye structures). Anyone searching for an Aussie puppy should ask questions of the breeder about her knowledge of these disorders and how she is working to eliminate them from her litters.

The Aussie may have a naturally short tail (“bob-tail”) or, in some countries where docking is allowed, the tail will be docked to about 4 inches in length.

The traditional Australian Shepherd is medium-sized, about 18 to 23 inches tall. Fanciers have developed two smaller versions: the Miniature at 14 to 18 inches, and the 10to 14-inch Toy. While neither of these downsized varieties are recognized by the American Kennel Club or by the parent breed clubs in the US or Canada, Mini and Toy Aussies are becoming popular with dog lovers who want the versatility and personality of this supreme working dog in a petite package.

Though the Australian Shepherd may have been born among prairie dogs and coyotes rather than koalas and cockatoos, its roots have become less important than its future as an international champion in a wide range of endeavours, from companionship to working shepherd dog.

And, as the laconic stockmen like to say at the conclusion of a job well done, “That’ll do.” n

10.0 in.

®/TM Trademarks ©Mars, Incorporated 2009.

www.cesar.com

7.0 in.

wake up to something special introducing cesar sunrise for breakfast a whole new way to love them back ®

Must Love Dogs Dating Goes To The Dogs

Can a four-legged cupid lead to love? our intrepid reporter, Marni Wedin, aims to find out.

By Marni Wedin Illustration by Rachel Gordon

T

he secret’s out. I’m single. Let me preface that statement: I’m happily single. My days are filled with writing, producing television, triathlon training, and socializing. To those with partners, it seems that I’m living “the life.” While I’m perfectly content cooking just for one…okay, I just lied—I don’t cook. Let’s try that again.

While I’m perfectly content on my own, I am ready to share my life with someone else. (This has nothing whatsoever to do with my mother’s loudly ticking grandma-logical clock, by the way.)

So, for the last few months I’ve been reading self-help books with titles like How to Bring Love and Abundance to Your Life, joined an online dating service, and redecorated my bedroom with matching bedside tables and lamps just to let the universe know that I’m ready for a companion.

It was working: I had been on a number of dates, but nothing seemed to take.

When I heard that Modern Dog needed a writer to cover the BC SPCA’s inaugural singles’ event for dog lovers, the Must Love Dogs fundraiser, I begged for the assignment. Maybe, just maybe, I could find both a new furry and not-so-furry friend at this event.

Who wouldn’t want to spend an evening with dog lovers and their dogs? Must Love Dogs promised to be entertaining, with a speed dating session, a dating game show, and a presentation by dog behaviour guru, Dr. Stanley Coren. It was time to say good-bye to my online dating service for the night and head out on the town.

Unlike initial courtship in the online world, where I could be stuffing my face with fried chicken and watching Law and Order reruns while instant messaging flirtatious banter, at Must Love Dogs, I’d be meeting people of the three-dimensional variety and first impressions would be integral.

I turned to the professionals for help. One 1970’s era FlorenceHenderson-just-got-caught-in-a-wind-storm hairdo later, I looked ridiculous and couldn’t believe I spent good money for this. On the drive over to the event, I remedied the disaster with a rubber band and a headband. Thank goodness for ponytails. Crisis averted.

As I entered the venue, I ignored the conveyor belt of nerves rumbling in my stomach. “I can do this, I can do this,” I told myself firmly. This was no time for shyness to kick in. Regressing to the ten-year-old bookworm who preferred good stories to mingling with kids on the playground, I fought the urge to sprint back out to my car. I focused on the three women ahead of me at the registration desk. Each had brought a canine companion: a Poodle, a Parson Russell, and a Golden Retriever. I gave each dog a pat and avoided their owners; I couldn’t look them in the eye.

Attending this event was letting the world know that I was single and didn’t want to be. My insecurity shocked me. I looked around at the growing line behind me. Somehow, seeing other people in the same situation as me provided comfort, as if we were united in our singleness. I wondered what Deepak Chopra would do in this situation and eked out a smile to the women in line with me.

The evening began with appetizers and wine. A packed room, most attendees had brought their dogs. The atmosphere buzzed and barked with, “Hey, is your dog a purebred Pekingese?” “How long have you had Muffin?” “Where did you get little Max? Isn’t he gorgeous?” and other such opening lines and conversations.

Petless singles were definitely in the minority. And boy, so were the men, with a ratio of three women to each man. I had a lot of work to do and being dogless put me at a major disadvantage.

While instant rapport could be established between on-leash min-

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“While instant rapport could be established between on-leash minglers by casually caressing each others’ pets, no one was going to come up to me with an unsolicited back rub or neck massage, not until our society condones public human petting of the non-lewd nature, anyway.” glers by casually caressing each others’ pets, no one was going to come up to me with an unsolicited back rub or neck massage, not until our society condones public human petting of the non-lewd nature, anyway. What quickly became clear was that I was going to have to come up with a more creative strategy if I wanted to get any attention.

While I determined my socializing strategy, I watched the pet fashion show, listened to Dr. Coren’s presentation on doggie personality, and tried signing up for the speed dating session. Too late: it was full. Until more men signed up, I was out of luck. Instead, I meandered to the food table to initiate some conversation there.

As I ate four mini-quiche and red pepper/ cream cheese hors d’oeuvres, I spotted a

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tall, dark, goateed man with a lovely Irish Setter. Her coat shimmered and glistened.

She looked healthy and very loved. They were both alone. Praying there was no quiche crust left behind in my teeth, I pulled myself together, straightened my blouse, took three steps forward, and bent down to pet the shiny red coat.

“Your dog is beautiful. Irish setter?” So far, so good. The dog seemed to like me and I seemed to have found its-don’t-stopscratching-that-spot spot. He said, “She sure is. We love her.” My posture folded back on itself. I shrank three sizes. Had I just heard the words, We love her? I held my breath. “Carly is my girlfriend’s dog.

She’s an event volunteer. I’m here helping her out.” I gushed back something like “How fabulous for you two” before

rushing off to the bathroom to re-compose myself from the embarrassment.

Despite being at a singles event, the only conversations I had that night were with happily attached men. My single-man radar was fiercely in need of an adjustment. What did my attraction to partnered men say about me? Was I a closeted home wrecker projecting my fear of intimacy by reaching out to unavailable men? Just exhibiting good taste by hitting on men who were obviously great because they were already in a relationship, or was I attracted to that grounded, content confidence that men in relationships tend to exude? Definitely, the latter.

While I didn’t find Mr. Right, I have a feeling he’ll find me when the time is right. Until then, I’m still happily single. n

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look Mom, no hands! Attach the Port-A-Poo to your leash, then lay used doggie bags between its teeth and snap shut for a sanitary, hands-free walk. $9.95, portapoo.com Tattoo me. For some hardcore style, Walk-eWoo Tattoo-Z collection of durable, fade-resistant collars come in a variety of sizes and prints, from classic skulls to sweet bluebirds. $20, walkewoo.com

Give Fido a bit-o-luv with these delish treats made with real chicken or beef in down-home flavours like Roasted Chicken and Smokehouse.

Wheat- and preservative-free and tested by the MD office dogs: 4 paws up! $4.99, bitoluv.com

S.o.S. The Skinny Mayday First Aid Kit includes emergency necessities like cotton swabs, poop bags, and gauze pads in a travel-ready pouch that can attach nearly anywhere via its dog-bone-shaped carabiner. $18.95, wagn4u.com Simply heavenly. Dab a little Pawfume on your pup’s head and neck for a symphony of subtle, sweet smells that will please without overpowering your dog. This organic dog perfume is a solid beeswax blend of botanicals and essential oils. $9.49, aromapaws.com

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Cool Dog Stuff Under $20 Get good design for a great cause with Wagging Green’s quirky, engravable ID tags. Choose an elephant and 5 percent goes to endangered species; buy a bee and help save the honey bees! $14, wagginggreen.com

Add some sweet sparkle to your canine’s collar with FouFou Dog’s sweet strawberry collar charms, each available in several colours. $6.99, foufoudog.com

reduce, reuse, recycle, have fun!

Katie’s Bumpers Bottle Trackers are made of vibrant, recycled fire hose fabric for tough teeth and are meant to be stuffed with a used water bottle. Punch holes in the bottle and fill with treats so the scent waft outs, and let the games begin! $14, katiesbumpers.com

Play Ulti-mutt Frisbee night or day with the Dog Discuit; a durable, light-up L.E.D flying disc that floats should it fly off course. $12.99, niteize.com

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BY PATRICIA KOMAR PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANGIE WOJCIECHOWSKA

HERDING UNDER THE WATCHFUL GAZE OF THE STRONG-EYED DOG

S

harp puppy teeth followed me up the stairs like a shark out of water, nipping at my heels. Drawing blood. Every night, as I climbed the stairs to go to bed, my new pup was tight on my heels, delighting in his little game.

Bruno’s behaviour had me bewildered, but after a chat with our trainer, I had more respect for the little guy. I learned that Bruno was just exercising his instinctual abilities, doing what Border Collies have been bred to do: herding—one of the oldest canine professions. Little Bruno was herding me. I was his sheep.

Border Collies are among the many breeds of dogs, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, Bouvier des Flandres, Canaan Dog, German Shepherd, Corgi, Old English Sheepdog, Schnauzer, and Poodle, that possess a herding instinct inherited from their canine ancestors which hunted in packs by gathering and driving their prey. These dogs benefit by being kept mentally and physically active with opportunities to work. Even if you don’t have that sprawling ranch under the big sky of Montana, there are opportunities offered to challenge you and your dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), American Herding Breed Association (AHBA), and United States Border Collie Handler’s Association (USBCHA) are among the many organizations that offer trials, training clin-

Little Bruno was herding me. I was his sheep.

(clockwise from top left) Cheryl Cooper’s farm near the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.

Ruger waits at the gate. His turn to herd is next.

“Go by.” Ricochet works around the sheep clockwise.

Strong-eyed Ric waiting for Cooper’s next call.

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(above left) Ric brings in a straggler. (above right) All in a day’s work. (left) With her wand, Cooper conjures up action in the field.

ics, and seminars. Instinct testing is offered to determine a dog’s interest in livestock. Herding trials, held in arenas or open fields, include classes for the various experience levels such as Started, Intermediate, and Advanced.

On Whidbey Island in Northern Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington, Susan Crocker runs a farm that includes a 20-acre field where she holds several USBCHA trials each year and two smaller trial arenas for AKC and AHBA events. There are other smaller areas where she trains herding dogs.

“I have three retired Australian Cattle Dogs and another that’s currently the self-appointed chore dog, though he trials, too,” Crocker says. “I also have two Australian Kelpies that I trial in all venues. Though I have several students, my main focus is training and trialing my own dogs, and managing the farm, which takes considerable time and labour for one old lady!”

Working stock dogs are carefully bred for their special abilities and can sell for more than $20,000. These dogs are used to fetch individual livestock, gather them into a group (herd), drive (move the flock or herd in a specific direction), and maintain them in a designated area. Where sheep range freely over large areas, fetching and gathering dogs are used more often, while boundary/continental dogs patrol boundaries, keeping stock out of crops and protecting them against predators.

The dog’s working style is often defined by his stance and whether he’s “strong-eyed” or “loose-eyed.” Strong-eyed dogs tend to work silently and intensely, shoulders low to the ground, controlling livestock with their eyes. Speed and drive are a must. Looseeyed dogs have an upright stance and don’t try to control with their eyes. Body positioning and barking are used for control.

At Cheryl Cooper’s farm located in Maple Ridge, a town situated just shy of the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, llamas, miniature ponies, chicken, and sheep meander near a quaint red

“They need a job. I can put food in the field and as long as there are sheep in the field, the dogs won’t touch the food.”

(above) Ruger rounds up the sheep and drives them toward Cooper.

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5

barn. Cooper, a former competitor in herding, now uses her expertise to teach.

A split-rail fence surrounds the working pen where Ricochet, a black and white Border Collie, is using that hard-eyed stare, willing the gate to open. He knows it’s time to work. Ruger a ten-year-old red Border Collie, excitedly runs the length of the fence.

“Ruger’s a rescue dog, terrified of anything above a whisper,” Cooper says.

“Sheep herding does help. They need a job. I can put food in the field and as long as there are sheep in the field, the dogs won’t touch the food.”

Cooper opens the gate and Ricochet slides through. Like a magician, Cooper raises her blue four-foot-long shepherd’s wand (aka “stock stick”). The field becomes alive with action. Ricochet circles, quick, smooth, and powerful.

Sheep scurry. He rounds them up, driving them toward Cooper. Her calls play out like a song: Shhhh, shhhh, away, shhhh.

Go by, go by, walk up, go by.

Look back, git her, git her out, away.

*

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Good boy, lie down. That’ll do Ric, that’ll do.

Erin Moore, professional dog walker, brings Piper, her three-year-old Border Collie, through the gate. They’ve been training for six months. Piper walks steadily toward the sheep, eyes staring— then charges. Cooper raises her wand.

Piper moves out.

“What we want her to do is the ‘outrun,’” Cooper explains. “That’s why I use the wand, to keep her away.” She calls out: “Away—good girl—come on, walk up.” “Go by” means the dog should work around the sheep clockwise. “Away” means counterclockwise. Piper circles and drives the sheep in.

When five-month-old Tyson, a first-timer, enters the ring, Cooper keeps a watchful eye. “He’s never been on sheep,” she says. “We don’t know how he’ll be. We have no idea whether he’s going to show any interest. We have him on a long lead so we can stop him and pull him away.”

Tyson sees the sheep, runs out, and returns. Ricochet joins him in the ring.

“Ric always comes out with me when I do a new dog,” Cooper says. With his hard-eyed stare controlling the sheep, Ric circles, then pauses, shoulders hunkered down. The sheep freeze.

Tyson, pup that he is, thinks it’s a game and runs at Ric’s tail. Nip! Ric stays fixed, intense. Tyson does another run-by.

No reaction. Ric is working, silently and swiftly circling the sheep. Driving them.

Aha! Tyson’s instinct stirs. He follows Ric’s lead. The two work together, Tyson barking wildly.

“Barking shows he’s not serious. It’s all fun to him,” Cooper explains. “Look back!” she suddenly calls. Ricochet runs back to one lone sheep and brings it to the herd.

Acting mainly on instinct, Ric and Tyson have done what herding dogs have done for centuries. They’ve rounded up the herd.

Once outside the pen, Ric’s strong eyes continue to pierce the gate; he’s still intent on working.

That evening, I hear again whispers of Cooper’s shepherd song—“Shhhh, go bye, away”—as my little pup, tight on my heels, delighting in his little game, nipping away, rounds me up the stairs. n

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Play fetch with a faux-fur fox Tail featuring a rubber squeaky heart designed to bounce and clean your puppy’s teeth with its textured surface. Free on-line Pet Recovery Registration with purchase! mydogbrand.com

For a bear-y good time, ecofriendly Woolies by Jax and Bones have a squeaker for fun, are naturally dyed and reinforced for durability, and are cute to boot. jaxandbones.com

For tiny teething pups, the flexible Puppy Pacifier designed especially for small breeds is gentle on baby teeth and helps prevent plaque buildup. nylabone.com

Fill the durable Dogzilla Arctic bone with water and pop it in the freezer for a chilly treat that tastes like protein and smells of vanilla. The blue colour will attract your dog for hours of chewy fun. aspenpet.com

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Choose from bunny, kitty kat, or squirrel. otomik.com

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Tempt Fido with the

frightened Slipper squeaky toy and never have to search for yours again. doggiegoodie.com

Go stuff it… West Paw’s Tux Story time. The “My Favourite Things” storybook from Oscar Newman features four cute-asa-button squeaky toys nestled in pockets in its “crinkly,” plush pages. oscarnewman.com

Rover will be counting squeakers—all four of them!—with lolly the lamb from Simply Fido’s Squeaker Ring Collection. Be warned though: Lolly’s irresistible, organic cotton stretchy limbs just might provoke a tug-of-war! simplyfido.com

encourage genius in your dog with a Plush Leo puzzle.

Stuff it with the accompanying four miniature squeaky stuffies and watch Fido “puzzle” them out. caninegenius.com

toy, that is. Fill with P.B., cookies, or whatever it is your dog craves, and keep him busy, working away at getting to the treat. Dishwasher safe and durable, the Tux can bounce or float for extra yummy fun. westpawdesign.com

Fun to romp with indoors or out, this durable Tuff enuff toy is designed to last even when Buster is tugging with all his might. The soft exterior is gentle on teeth and gums while the squeakers—one at each end—up the fun factor. tuffenuffpet.com

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Healthy Affection

vs Obsession Are you cultivating separation anxiety in your dog?

By Jennifer Messer Illustration by Jess Golden

L

oving your dog is great. Smothering her obsessively with your affections—not so much. What, you might ask, is the difference? Healthy love, in any relationship, includes wanting the “other” to be able to enjoy time apart. Do you like the prospect of your canine companion enjoying time away from you? Or are you unknowingly fostering dysfunctional overdependence?

If your dog already has separation anxiety does that stroke your ego? Or does it concern you, leading you to seek help in fixing the problem?

Let’s first take a look at why separation anxiety is so common in pet dogs, and then run through a checklist to help you decide which you are nurturing: your dog, or a potential anxiety problem.

Why separation anxiety is so common Dogs, as pack animals, are not genetically well-

designed to spend long periods of time alone. Nature didn’t demand it from their ancestors, so the “I’m quite happy to pass the day by my lonesome” genes were not passed down to most of them. Combine this with our modern dog’s lifestyle that usually imposes times of solitude and presto: the common problem of separation anxiety. Given this mismatch between what dogs were designed for and what our lifestyle demands of them, we need to help them—from puppyhood through to sunset years—grow comfortable with alone time.

Promoting K9 mental health Anxiety in dogs, as in people, is influenced by two main factors: genes and environment, also known as nature and nurture. Once a pup is conceived, we have no control over genetics, but we retain lots of influence over environment. Just as we humans tend to thrive

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Given the mismatch between what dogs were designed for and what our lifestyle demands of them, we need to help them grow comfortable with alone time.

Prevention checklist for the ver-r-ry attached Dedicated dog lovers sometimes fall into the trap of nurturing an anxiety problem by allowing their own emotional needs to interfere with what their dog needs for

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good mental health.

Could this be you? The following checklist will help you gauge whether your well-intended affection might, in fact, be bordering on anxietynurturing obsession.

Are you and your dog joined at the hip?

Letting your dog get used to 24/7 companionship is a disaster in the making. You may be available round the clock today, but circumstances can change unexpectedly. Help your dog become comfortable spending time alone before it is ever a necessity. My favourite first step for alone training is to cultivate a jaws-ercise addiction. When your dog salivates at the prospect of a

long luscious date with a favourite foodstuffed chew toy as you prepare to leave the house, you’ll know you won’t be too desperately missed!

Do you smother your dog with attention to alleviate “separation guilt?”

Lavishing your dog with continuous attention when together creates an unnecessarily BIG contrast effect when you are apart.

The very behaviour that soothes your guilty conscience can hinder your dog’s healthy independence. Blur the difference between being home and away by making sure you aren’t always fawning over her, or always at her beck and call. A baby gate across the hallway while preparing a meal, or some time behind a closed door while online or buried in a good novel, will help reduce the contrast between your presence and your absence.

illustR Atio n je s s go l de n

best when our bodies and brains are well exercised and our social needs met, so do our canine companions. By gradually accustoming Fido to alone time right from the get-go, and then diligently providing a lifestyle that meets physical, intellectual, and social needs, we greatly reduce the likelihood of many psychological problems—anxiety included.

Give your dog the psychological benefits of structure before an anxiety problem develops.

Can your dog sleep solo?

While there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with sharing the sofas and bed with your fur-friend, making sure she can get some shut eye in a portable doggie den is not cruel—it is simply good planning. You never know when she will need to spend the night without you at another home, the veterinary clinic, or a boarding facility. Being accustomed to sleeping alone in a crate or ex-pen can prevent a night apart from being traumatic and triggering separation anxiety.

Do you like seeing your dog immersed in an activity without you?

If the idea of your dog enjoying pastimes independent of you makes your heart ache, then you need to take a good long look in the mirror. Healthy guardianship includes both the gratification of being needed and the desire to enjoy occasions apart. Just as a welladjusted parent delights over their child having a blast at sleepaway camp, a well-adjusted dog guardian relishes their dog’s ability to have a good time without them. If you find yourself compelled to vie for attention when your dog is merrily massacring a rawhide, strategizing over where to bury a bone, or just bumming around with a dog buddy, then your behaviour may be fueling an anxiety problem—in both of you.

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Do you cultivate a healthy sense of security and stability in your dog?

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety make better progress in their training programs when a “nothing in life is free” rule is invoked: the dog has to comply with a request before being granted something he wants. Learning that there are predictable ways of manipulating their environment, such as being picked up by sitting on command, or getting to eat supper by staying “off” the dish until invited to “take it” probably decrease anxiety by building confidence and reducing feelings of helplessness. Structure such as this breeds a sense of security and stability. Give your dog the psychological benefits of structure before an anxiety problem develops: ask her to do more than just lap up your affection— teach her constructive ways of manipulating the world around her.

Avoiding the doggie shrink: key points to remember Healthy affection is but one of the ingredients to keeping your dog off Prozac.

Like us, dogs need much more than love for emotional wellness. Enabling your dog to pursue interests other than you— interests that provide physical, social, and intellectual stimulation—will ensure that being needed, a naturally gratifying part of guardianship, isn’t what defines the relationship. Remember, cultivating confidence and independence in your dog so that she can enjoy time apart from you is a sure sign of healthy love. n

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eat

D.I.Y.

NUTRITION

Make your own healthy dog treats Two fast, healthy, and delicious snack recipes featuring the king of grains. Grains are a hardy source of energy for your dog, but fillers such as refined wheat, corn, cereal, and rice grains can lead to obesity, diabetes, and allergic reactions. Oats

Did you know that oats: * are best known as a strength-giving cereal * are an excellent source of antioxidants * are low in starch * are a valuable source of minerals, including potassium and phosphorus

are an excellent easily-digested

* have a high silicon content, making them beneficial to our dogs’ bones and teeth

alternative that provides fiber,

* soothe the gastrointestinal and nervous systems

vitamins, and minerals. Dogs are rarely allergic to oats.

The following two recipes feature oats as the prime ingredient.

Using organic ingredients when possible will make these treats even healthier!

Peanut Butter and Banana Oat Drops

By Gwen Burgart & Kim Forrest

I

n addition to aiding in training and filling your dog with glee, treats made with carefully chosen ingredients will enhance your dog’s health and well-being. The ingredients in this recipe are both tasty and nutritious.

Flax seed is a rich source of anticarcinogens and omega-3 fatty acids, and is low in calories, fat, and sodium. The countless benefits of flax seed include a healthier heart, smooth supple skin, and shiny coat.

Bananas are creamy, rich, and sweet to a dog’s palate and provide superior nutrition with several essential amino acids, electrolytes, minerals, vitamins B6 and C, potassium, fiber, and manganese. Working and performance dogs thrive on bananas because their natural sugars metabolize quickly to provide instant energy. Dogs recuperating from illness or injury benefit as bananas assist in maintaining normal blood pressure, heart function, fluid balance, and digestive tract function.

Peanut butter is another highly digestible and nutritious food abundant in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

You’ll find these peanut butter and banana treats will tempt even the most picky puppies from the very first whiff!

Ingredients 4 cups rolled oats 2 Tbsp ground flax seed 2 medium very ripe bananas 1/2 cup natural (no sugar or shortening added) peanut butter 1/2 cup water Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix together oats, flax seed, bananas, and peanut butter in an electric mixer. Add water and mix well. Drop 1/2 teaspoon-sized drops onto greased cookie sheet or roll out and cut with a cookie cutter (let dough stand for a few minutes before rolling; it’s sticky initially). Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

The drops last longer and are delightfully crunchy if they are placed in a dehydrator for several hours after baking to remove all moisture. This can also be done in a low temperature (170 degrees) oven.

Recipe provided by Gwen Burgart of 4 Paws Bakery (4pawsbakery.ca)

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eat

NUTRITION

Eggs are the most bioavailable protein. They are an excellent source of fat, protein, amino acids, phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, and vitamin A. They are also one of the best sources of vitamin D and they help with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

Blueberries are packed with power! They contain a high level of resveratrol, which is a natural compound that has been found to have anti-cancer qualities and may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Blueberries’ antioxidants come from anthocyanins, which are the pigments that give blueberries their deep dark colour and, like cranberries, they help to prevent urinary tract problems. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, and dietary fibre.

Berry Bountiful Bars

By Dina Correale

T

his delish snack packs a powerful punch with superfood ingredients, such as carob, which is rich in natural sugars and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium and iron. Carob has a rich history, going all the way back to Egyptian times, when it was combined with porridge, honey, and wax, to expel worms. It is very soothing to our dogs’ tummies.

Unsulphured blackstrap molasses is a valuable source of nutrients, including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, and vitamin B6.

Unpasturized honey is a fabulous source of flavonoids and antioxidants. There are hundreds of different types of honey, each with its own special flavour. The darker the honey, the richer the flavour, and the higher the antioxidant content.

Manuka honey is even more special. Dr. Peter Molan of the University of Waikato in New Zealand, has been studying “healing honey” for nearly three decades. Honey’s acidity has been found to be low enough to hinder or even stop the growth of a variety of bacteria, helping to reduce inflammation, soothing the pain from burns, and it has even been found to be effective against Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach ulcers. They have even developed Manuka Honey bandages.

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Ingredients 6 cups large-flake rolled oats 1 Tbsp carob powder 6 Tbsp cold-pressed safflower oil or another oil of your choice 4 Tbsp unsulphured blackstrap molasses 2 Tbsp unpasteurized local honey, e.g., wildflower, fireweed 1 tsp Manuka healing honey 4 eggs 1 cup sun-dried unsulphured blueberries or other dried berries of your choice 1 cup boiling filtered water Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 9” x 12” baking dish with parchment paper.

Process 2 cups of the oats in a blender or food processor until finely ground.

Mix together all ingredients, except water, in a large mixing bowl.

Add the boiling water a little at a time, and continue to blend ingredients, until all the water is absorbed.

Spoon mixture into baking dish and press down with a wooden spoon until the mixture is an even thickness.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove from oven and score into small bars.

Allow Berry Bars to cool completely before storing in an open container.

“Berry Bountiful Bars” freeze well and this recipe can be easily doubled.

Recipe provided by Dina Coreale of Endless Pawsibilities (endlesspawsibilities.ca)

CFOFGJU!GSPN!51!ZFBST PG!OVUSJUJPOBM!JOOPWBUJPO/

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Cesar Millan

The man behind the whisper

By Mary-Jo Dionne

Editor’s note: While Cesar Millan’s methods have sometimes attracted controversy and differ in approach from those of our own Fab Five, one thing we can all agree on is that he has made the relationship between people and dogs a household discussion. Whether one condones or condemns his approach, his mass appeal is undeniable.

Pho to AlAn WeissmAn Ph oto Robin lAyton

Photo AlAn W eissmAn

T

he first things you notice when you meet Cesar Millan are the multiple faces of his canine compadres staring from his SUV. The next thing you notice are his verging-on-illegal eyelashes. Yes, his eyelashes. Not something I detected while glued to my TV watching him “train people and rehabilitate dogs” on his Emmy-nominated series, National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer. Almost uncomfortably perfect, the eyelashes evoke a fleeting thought that perhaps eyelash-fluttering-induced hypnosis is part of his magic. However, that theory is thrown out the window faster than a bag of dog poo in the garbage, when one witnesses the whispering firsthand. At the risk of sounding like a schoolgirl telling ghost stories around the campfire—one who swears this really happened—I assure you I observed the power of the “calm assertive pack leader” in action.

I heard the famous “tsst!” with my own two ears.

Instantly friendly, this is a man who, if you met in line at Whole Foods, would offer to carry your groceries. And while I don’t have groceries with me when we meet, I do have my boyfriend with me. Originally there only to drop me off chauffeurstyle, Chad soon finds himself talking with Cesar about topics ranging from Buddhism to natural resources. But this, I suspect, is the allure of Cesar. He can pull you in with a magnetism not reserved exclusively for dogs, but rather for the potential he sees in humanity. And after offering Chad the keys to his motorbike parked nearby, it’s clear his meteoric rise to the top has rendered him unaffected.

Cesar and I roam parts of his 43 acres in the rural outskirts of suburban Los Angeles that will house his new Dog Psychology Centre. He tells me about his new-found respect for women after being raised in a culture that doesn’t promote their value. We discuss lessons he’s learned from the likes of Dr Deepak Chopra, Dr Wayne Dyer, and his own wife, Ilusion. And although he is adored by A-list clients, he explains: “It’s not about the home in Bel Air. Humans live their lives based in stories. Dogs live their lives based in reality.”

It is this wisdom that has contributed to his becoming a household name, and his list of tangible accolades grows. He is the best-selling author of Cesar’s Way, Be the Pack Leader, and, most recently, A Member of the Family. He has been a guest on Oprah, portrayed as a character on the animated series South Park, parodied on Saturday Night Live, and is co-founder of the non-profit Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation.

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With a resume like this, it’s no wonder there exists a cult-like curiosity about all things Dog Whisperer. So as we sit down, me with my retro tape recorder and he with his startling eyelashes, I am determined to find out who the man behind the whisper really is.

MD: Do you remember when you realized your relationship with dogs was special?

CM: I was 13 years old. In Mazatlan, on my way to a Judo competition. With my mom.

I declared: ‘Mom, I am going to be the best dog trainer in the world.’ That was what was available then. That profession. Which is great, but I didn’t know I could actually practice dog psychology. That day to me, in front of this big statue, was the moment I knew there was no turning back.

MD: Have you been back to that spot?

CM: All the time. I’m very symbolic.

That spot is a big deal to me. As soon as

I land, I eat shrimp tacos, I get my mom, and we go to that spot. Just to express my gratitude.

MD: You credit your grandfather as the person who most instilled in you a respect for animals. Why? CM: To him, everything about an animal was beautiful. He adored them. He didn’t love animals in the way Americans love animals; he would get a kick out of that: To see a birthday party for a dog…. He was the epitome of honesty, integrity, loyalty. And that’s what he loved about animals.

MD: You’re very open about the fact you came to America by unorthodox means. You were 21 years old when you crossed the border in 1990 after weeks in Tijuana assessing the situation.

What went through your mind when you were standing neck-deep in a river, waiting for your opportunity to cross?

CM: It’s unbelievable, but not one drop of fear came to me. I was not afraid whatsoever. Just the feeling of ‘this is what I

“I declared: ‘Mom, I am going to be the best dog trainer in the world.’”

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need to do.’ I was in the water for more than four hours… I felt like somebody was taking care of me.

MD: Originally you were homeless in San Diego?

CM: For two months. But the way I looked at it was that I was a tourist.

When people ask me what is it I like about America, to me, it’s the beautiful freeways. Plants in the middle of the road, well groomed. I’d never seen that. And so to me, I felt like a tourist, not an illegal guy running from anything. No place to live, no money. But I never begged; I worked. At 7/11 you could get two hotdogs for 99 cents. So it was enough. One of the things I always wanted to drink was soda. My mom did not allow us to drink soda. And here, you get refills! For $1.69, you can get all the soda you want!

MD: You come to America and this is the drinking problem you develop?

Rebellion!

CM: Exactly! But I had never tried it before, out of respect for my mom.

MD: Here’s a quote by Anais Nin: ‘Each friend represents a world in us, a world

Photo AlAn WeissmAn

“I always say my way is not the only way. It’s just an option, not the only option.” possibly not born until they arrive. And it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.’ How did your friendship with Jada Pinkett Smith create a new world for you?

CM: Before I even knew Hollywood, I was watching a movie called A Low Down Dirty Shame. In one scene, there she was, in the fetal position, screaming. I told my wife: ‘I know that girl!’ It just felt real.

Later, I met Jada…and that was it. Boom! Every time I think about it, I get this emotion in my chest. My English wasn’t what it is now. I shared with Jada that I wanted to take what I knew to a higher level, and she sent an English teacher to me for a year. To me, she’s an angel. She opened up my ability to communicate. In Mexico, I was surrounded by people who believed in me. I would be playing marbles and they would say: ‘Oh! He’s going to win!’

And Jada did the same.

MD: She saw you playing with marbles and knew you were going to win.

CM: Metaphorically speaking, yes.

MD: What advice can you give people who want more for their lives?

CM: It’s available. It’s there. The only obstacle and the only person who can stop it is you.

MD: In Dog Whisperer Ultimate Episode Guide, the authors admit the show has attracted some controversy. They joke that the only thing two dog trainers can agree on is they both don’t like the methods of the other. Do you feel you’ve been misunderstood by critics?

CM: Yes, it is definitely a matter of being misunderstood. I am not there to train the dogs. To me, a dog that is trained doesn’t equal a dog that is balanced, and a dog that is balanced doesn’t equal a trained dog. But I’d rather have a balanced dog than a trained dog.

I’ve done more than a hundred shows, and every one of them is positive reinforcement. People are learning it’s not about the dog and that’s positive for society. I always say my way is not the only way. It’s just an option, not the only option.

MD: The life your sons lead is 180 degrees different from the life you led at their age. How are you able to impart values like ethics, hard work, and respect onto them?

CM: My boys work for what they have. Right now, they are feeding the homeless. They learn every day about being compassionate. I don’t care how wealthy they become as long as they work for what they have. Respect is a big deal to us, and gratitude.

We all lived in the hood for a while in a garage in Inglewood. They totally get it.

MD: What is the one message you hope you leave behind?

CM: Connection. Between human beings and Mother Nature.

MD: How has fame changed your life?

CM: I see fame the way my dogs see fame. It’s not real. It’s a story. I am the same Mexican guy who jumped the border with a dream. Only with better clothes. n

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Old Dog Haven

new hope for old dogs Story and photographs by Carreen Maloney

Good Samaritans offer refuge to animals abandoned in f o the twilight their lives

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J

udith Piper finds beauty in the ordinary. Her sensibilities aren’t piqued by the regal good looks of a purebred in his prime. Instead, she’s a woman driven to help shaggy mutts with medical conditions, seniors with creaky bones and matted coats. Dogs whose prettiest days are long gone.

Piper, the founder of Old Dog Haven, rescues animals in the twilight of their lives. Even if they have only a couple of good years, months, or mere days of quality life left, Piper is on a mission to gives dogs the happy endings they deserve.

I asked her why she does it.

“People ask me that all the time,” she says. “I ask, how can you not?”

As she talks about her rescue work, a cluster of 15 old dogs gather around to enjoy one of their favourite pastimes— napping. Sacked out on the living room floor of her Arlington, Washington-area home, their heavy sighs and light snores of contented relief signal deep appreciation. They are resting up for a sedate yet spirited playtime romp that will take place later on the five-acre grassy property.

Since its creation in 2004, Old Dog Haven has pulled animals off death row from 26 shelters in western Washington State. Piper has also accepted pets surrendered from owners, and responds to calls from veterinary clinics.

She and her husband, Lee, together with a network of 50 active foster homes she has assembled, have taken in an impressive 614 old dogs in less than five years.

Nearly 150 households have participated in the foster program since Old Dog Haven began.

During that time, hundreds of dogs have earned their angel wings, passing from Piper’s care into the next world. At the time of this report, 137 dogs were alive in her network. About 15 percent go up for adoption. The

rest stay in foster care.

“This has stretched my capabilities to the limit. I adore these dogs. This is what I was meant to do,” says 63-year-old Piper.

The program changes the luck of the dogs fortunate enough to cross her path. And it is enormously gratifying for the foster parents. Piper mentions an 85-yearold woman who is giving hospice care to a large Wolfhound mix named Ozzy B. “He takes really good care of her,” she says.

Most foster parents are aged 40 to 60 years old, both retired and working. There is one need on which Piper won’t compromise: the dogs must have access to the outdoors every six hours so they can release their bladders. Caregivers accommodate this by installing a dog door, coming home at lunch, or having friends or family members swing by to let the dogs out.

Old Dog Haven is the last hope for death-row shelter dogs that most potential adopters breeze on past without a glance.

The animals targeted by Piper are eight to 17 years old. The plain truth is that senior dogs who land at shelters have a near zero chance of survival. While shelters do the best they can to place older animals, going so far as to offer discounts on the elderly in some cases, or providing scholarships for medical bills, it’s still an uphill grind. Even minor medical costs and inconveniences such as the ongoing need for basic prescription drugs thwart an animal’s chance of being adopted.

With so many cute fuzzy puppies and young athletic dogs clamoring for homes in the midst of an overpopulation crisis, an old dog just doesn’t stand up to stiff competition.

And even if they didn’t fade out of sight amongst the millions, people are frightened to face the prospect of

“It’s the saddest thing for an old dog to die in a shelter with no owner”

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Judith Piper tends to her brood of aging pups on her Washington State property.

How you can help old dogs the demand for old dog refuge is relentless. it is so overwhelming, in fact, that Piper was hesitant to have her organization profiled in modern dog. Publicity always brings out a hyde side—an influx of people looking for somewhere to place their old dogs.

Please note that old dog haven only takes in dogs from western Washington state, and they always have a waiting list. if you want to help, please send Piper your donations, not your dog.

Visit the website for more details on donating, or to read success stories and view animals up for adoption: olddoghaven.org.

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saying goodbye to a companion animal in a short time. It’s hard on the heart, and most would rather turn away.

But that’s not how Judith Piper feels about it. The chance to be there for these animals in their final days is reward enough.

“They deserve to be adopted,” she says. “They’ve been in a home their whole life.”

Her mission is costly. While foster families pay for the dogs’ food and other treats, Old Dog Haven foots the veterinary bills, which average $19,000 a month. “We’re not rich,” says Piper, adding that private donations keep her nonprofit going.

This former specialty retailer used to own a tack store in Bellevue, Washington, a wealthy city on the edge of Seattle. She rode horses competitively. She had friends who rescued animals, and when she became aware of the plight facing old shelter dogs, she and her husband Lee knew they had to do something.

“We just looked at each other and said, ‘We can do this,’” Piper says. “Somebody needed to.”

The dogs all have their own stories about how they became part of Old Dog Haven.

Some were left behind when elderly owners passed away or went into convalescent care. Others weren’t factored into a move, or their guardians decided they didn’t have enough time for them. Children with allergies, or new spouses who dislike their mate’s companion might have caused the animal to be banished from the home. In the wake of rocky economic times recently, home foreclosures and other financial problems have been a catalyst.

Whatcom Humane Society in Bellingham, Washington, is one of the shelters that transfers old dogs into Piper’s network.

“It’s the saddest thing for an old dog to die in a shelter with no owner,” says executive director Penny Cistaro. “If they’re scared, it makes me sad. They shouldn’t die here. They should be with their people.”

“This has stretched my capabilities to the limit.

I adore these dogs. This is what I was meant to do.”

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Outreach director Laura Clark agrees that old dogs are among the most heart-wrenching cases she encounters, and raves about the work Piper is doing.

“Being able to have a resource for older dogs who would probably never be adopted from the shelter is inspiring and really uplifting to the staff and volunteers,” she says.

Piper’s mission goes beyond helping the animals who end up in her arms. Another important component is outreach. She counsels people looking for a place to put their senior pets, respectfully questioning the guardians regarding the issues at hand.

Frequently, it’s a case of recommending euthanasia to people who can’t face taking that compassionate step for their pets. As they grow unable to care for an animal in failing health, they might

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seek to place them somewhere else rather than making the decision and arrangements to end the pet’s suffering themselves.

“I get six or seven calls a week like that, when I have to talk people through euthanasia decisions. Human beings are not always strong souls who can do these things.”

Piper recommends people take an animal in failing health to be euthanized at their own veterinarian’s office rather than putting the dog into the shelter system.

The decision regarding when to euthanize is one that Piper has to navigate several times a month. She watches for signs, including changes of body posture and behaviour.

“It’s not always obvious, because they’re fading away,” she says. “I want them to go out on a good day. I have a gut feel-

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ing when it’s time. I’m no psychic, but I know the signs. The hardest thing is making the appointment. I wake up in the morning sick to my stomach.”

Sometimes, the choice doesn’t rest in her hands.

“Coming home and finding them gone is hard,” she says.

Besides the difficulty of saying goodbye to the animals she’s had in her care the longest, it’s tough to let go of the dogs she barely knew, the “short-timers,” as she calls them.

“If I don’t reach them, if I can’t get to them in time to let them see that someone cares,” she says, she is left feeling empty, unable to fulfill her mission to give that one dog a happy ending. “If you can’t give them several hours of time, it’s awful. Those are the ones that get to me.”

Old Dog Haven’s foster parents are in awe of Piper and her capacity to give animals a meaningful goodbye.

Sandy McCalib has fostered more than 20 Old Dog Haven rescues in the three years since a friend referred her to the website. She chatted with me while she was playing Scrabble with her best friend Lorna Lou, who helps her with the dog chores. Five dogs lay sleeping on cushions around them as we talked.

“Judith will bring a dog home knowing the dog will be put down in 24 hours,” McCalib said. “She will hold that dog all night just to give them love so they won’t have to die in a shelter.”

She added that Piper doesn’t just have her own losses to contend with. She also counsels her foster parents through their euthanasia experiences.

“I call her when it’s done. I’m sobbing, and she helps me through it. She reminds me that they felt love with us, that in their final time they got so much love. They are out of pain.

We gave them what they needed.”

Over the years, Piper has learned how to be there for her charges. If a guardian gives up a dog to her, she doesn’t allow them to visit for three months. If enough time hasn’t passed, the dogs think their stay is temporary, and continue to pine for their family.

It’s usually not an issue. Most who give up their dogs don’t visit. “A lot of people keep in touch, but they stop wanting to see them,” Piper says.

Perhaps it’s too painful, or maybe the memory of their dogs fades with time.

But with people like Judith Piper and her band of volunteers out there to welcome these animals into their homes, the dogs leave the world feeling loved and protected. More than most, they have angels in their corner who see beauty in even the straggliest souls.

“They are wonderful, loving dogs,” says Piper. “I swear this is the best time of their lives.” n

“She will hold that dog all night just to give them love so they won’t have to die in a shelter.”

(clockwise from top left) Jet struts down memory lane, where each brick memorializes a dog gone by.

Judith and dogs say goodbye to husband Lee Piper as he leaves for work.

One of the lucky basks in a sunny paradise on an old dog-day afternoon.

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© 2009 P&G

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65

9-week-old Wirehaired Dachshunds.

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body &soul

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Offer your canine pal a reward of a quick ball-throwing session instead of cookies. It’s a good work out for both of you, and a treat for your dog that won’t pack on the pounds.

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Mix it up. Keep it fun for both you and Poochie by varying your exercise routine.

Instead of always taking a walk around the block, why not switch it up? Go for a hike, or to the off-leash park, or take a jog in a new area.

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Up the workout quotient; offer to walk your neighbour’s dog, too. Bonus: you’ll foster some neighbourly good will while shedding the pounds.

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hitting the pavement for a 40-minute walk with your dog (or jogging for 24 minutes). vacuuming up dog hair from the carpet for 1 hour and 5 minutes (perhaps less fun but think of the sense of accomplishment!).

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If your dog is small, carry her along with you on your errands in a dog totebag.

She’ll love accompanying you and your arms will get a workout hefting her along with you.

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Volunteer to walk dogs at your local shelter; it will do your heart good in more ways than one.

Make a regular dog-walking date.

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71

body &soul What is the best food to feed domesticated dogs?

The Raw Debate

By Liz Pask and Laura Scott

P

eople are very passionate when it comes to the subject of what they feed their dogs, and with good reason. A good diet can contribute to a long and healthy life and even psychological well-being for our pets. The question is, what is the best food to feed domesticated dogs?

While the majority of people feed a commercial kibble or canned food, many owners today are looking for other options.

A raw food-based diet is one approach that has grown in popularity over the last decade, but along with this growing popularity has come growing controversy regarding the benefits of feeding a raw diet.

One of the reasons people cite for feeding a raw diet is that it is a more “natural� diet for dogs. The theory is that wild canids would eat a diet mainly consisting of raw meat and bones, so people should try and mimic this diet when feeding their pets. However, the pet dogs that live in our homes do not resemble their wild cousins. We have bred dogs to have a range in size from the tiny Papillon to the massive Neapolitan Mastiff, and a variety of builds from the light-framed Whippet to the bulky Bulldog. In

addition, there are breeds like the Bedlington Terrier that are prone to specific nutrient deficiencies. With all of these physiological differences between our pets and wild canids, can we be certain that what a wild canid eats is indeed an ideal diet for Rover?

One of the biggest challenges in deciding whether to feed a raw diet is the overwhelming amount of conflicting information, and the fact that much of this information is anecdotal in nature. There are numerous websites and message boards extolling the virtues of a raw diet and there are others condemning raw diets as unsafe and unhealthy.

When choosing how and what to feed your dog, you need balanced information—information that outlines both the good and bad so that an educated choice can be made.

Below, we outline the major benefits and concerns regarding raw diets to help you in deciding if a raw diet would be right for your dog. Keep in mind there are benefits and risks associated with all choices of food for your dog, so you must decide if the benefits of a raw diet outweigh the potential risks. When making the best choice

can we be certain that what a wild canid eats is indeed an ideal diet for Rover?

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for your dog, it’s important to remember that what is right for you and your dog may not be right for someone else and their dog. A raw diet may not be appropriate for all dogs and before you decide what is right for your dog, you should discuss your options with your veterinarian. Consulting a canine nutritionist can also be very beneficial when designing a diet specific to your dog’s requirements.

Types of Raw Diets There are two major types of raw diets: commercial and home-prepared.

Commercial raw diets, which may be fresh or frozen, supply all of the dog’s requirements and are typically in a meat patty form.

Home-prepared raw diets usually consist of raw meat and bones, with veggies, fruits, supplements, and added grains. These diets may not be balanced each day but, if designed properly, should meet the dog’s requirements over the long term.

Other. Feeding a raw diet may provide your dog with a natural outlet for her chewing tendencies; this may help to improve her overall behaviour.

The Risks Safety. Raw diets have been found to contain Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinium, and Staphylococcus aureus, all of which are known human and canine pathogens. These bacteria are shed in dog stools and may be transferred to carpets and furniture as the dog moves around the house. These pathogens usually only pose a serious human risk to the immuno-compromised, the elderly, and young children; however, this is a very important consideration if you are feeding a raw diet and have people in these risk groups living in your home.

In addition, there is a potential risk to dogs from certain pathogens found in raw foods, such as Neospora caninum, found in raw beef, Nanophyetus salmincola, found in raw salmon, and Trichinella spiralis, which is found in raw pork and wild game such as deer, elk, and moose. All of these pathogens can make your dog sick and are potentially fatal.

Feeding bones can cause choking, intestinal blockage or perforations, and chipped or broken teeth.

Health. Because it can be difficult and time consuming to adequately balance a raw diet, nutritional deficiencies, especially in vitamins and minerals, are a significant possibility. To complicate the matter even further, some nutritional deficiencies take many months to show up and you may not

A raw diet may not be appropriate for all dogs.

The Benefits Safety. Over the past couple of years, there have been a number of pet food recalls.

When preparing your dog’s food at home, you have total control of what you include in your dog’s food and where those ingredients are from.

Health. Raw diets (especially home-made diets) allow you to meet your dog’s specific needs. Raw diets can be prepared to avoid foods that your dog is allergic to and can be made to meet your dog’s specific nutrient requirements. The high water content present in raw food may allow you to feed more while still keeping the calories low for portly pooches.

Processed foods often have added preservatives that enhance product shelf life.

Food that has been freshly prepared and has not been processed or had preservatives added is commonly considered a healthier choice. Commercial raw diets are usually frozen, which means they don’t require added preservatives.

The bones that are part of the raw diet are anecdotally considered to be good for dental hygiene, which can be good for overall health.

*

see the problems with feeding a particular diet until the animal has been eating it for months or years.

Raw vegetables are often poorly digested by dogs. Most of the nutrients in raw vegetables are rendered more available when they are lightly cooked and then ground.

Convenience. Feeding raw food is expensive and time consuming. The preparation of balanced meals for your dog every day can be a challenge to fit into a busy lifestyle. As a rule of thumb, if you are eating out more than three meals a week, you are likely too busy to properly prepare meals for your dog, so a home-made raw diet may not be the best choice for your life schedule.

Raw diets are particularly inconvenient if you travel frequently, whether your dog goes with you or stays behind. Many hotels are not equipped to deal with raw food storage, not all commercial brands are available everywhere, and some boarding facilities charge a premium for dogs on raw diets because of the space required for food storage. *** Unfortunately, there is little scientific research on feeding raw foods. This means that some of the information provided here is based on anecdotal evidence and has not been proven at this time. Much of the existing research on raw diets surrounds the microbial risks of raw meats and is very important to take into consideration.

Hopefully, future research into raw diets will allow you to make a more informed choice about what to feed your dog. n Laura Scott holds a Master’s degree in animal nutrition. She lives with two Golden Retrievers, a 12-yearold couch potato and 2-year-old who loves training and competing in dog sports. Liz Pask is a PhD candidate studying nutritional toxicology. She has two Labrador Retrievers who train and compete in a variety of sports.

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body &soul

Chinese Herbs Bring Ancient Wisdom to the Modern Dog’s Health

By Christine Bessent

F

or thousands of years, the people and animals of one of the Earth’s most populous nations have thrived on Chinese herbs with documented results.

Today, in our modern world of robotic laser surgery and prescription drugs, it is easy to overlook the wisdom of the past; however, these herbs can be part of an overall wellness plan designed to create and maintain vibrant health for our canine companions.

How Chinese Medicine Works The principles of Chinese medicine focus on treating the root of a dog’s problem, which then, naturally, relieves his symptoms. For example, you might not consider

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hip dysplasia, arthritis, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting of bile, and/or diarrhea as symptoms of the same underlying problem. But from a Chinese perspective, all of these symptoms fall into the same general category—liver Qi stagnation.

Chinese medicine teaches that a healthy liver works as a pump to provide the smooth flow of Qi, or life energy, throughout the body. When your dog has an even, smooth flow of Qi, he enjoys good health. Arthritis, whether from poor genetics, injury, or overuse, is considered an obstruction of the flow of Qi through a joint. That obstruction causes the pump or liver to work harder and it may eventually overheat.

weakness in their hind limbs, and hearing When heat develops in the liver, probloss. lems can arise anywhere in the body. If Chinese medicine suggests this conthe heat goes to the skin, it will be seen as nection between kidney depletion and skin allergies. Or it could go to the stomhearing loss can alert caregivers to an ach and cause chronic vomiting, particuunhealthy situation before it becomes larly vomiting of bile. If the heat goes to serious. When a dog’s kidney function the colon, it manifests as irritable bowel first begins to slow, blood work will not syndrome, soft stool with mucous, gurshow kidney depletion. Two-thirds of gling gut, and loss of appetite. All of these the kidney will be shut down before the conditions may stem from liver Qi stagnaproblem actually shows up in his blood tion, and specific herbal combinations can work and, by then, it is serious. Instead, be fed in a powder or tablet form to treat dog owners should consider hearing each one. loss in an aging dog to be a Where Western herbs are sign that kidney depletion usually used singly—EchinaAccording may have begun. When the cea to boost immunity, for to Chinese example—Chinese herbs are medicine, the kidneys lose function, the always combined in a forkidney is the traditional Chinese treatmula of usually eight to ten flame of life. ment might include liu wei di huang san, a classic kidney herbs that work in synergy tonic that addresses chronic lower back with one another. In other words, each pain, weak hind legs, and hearing loss in individual herb is not as strong as the our older dogs. sum of the parts, and together they work Dogs who tend toward anxiety become to resolve problems without any negative more anxious with age. Chinese medicine side effects. explains this by distilling the entire world Juan bi san is an ancient Chinese into five elements: fire, earth, metal, formula used for thousands of years to water, and wood. The heart is the fire move Qi through the joints and relieve element, and the kidney is the water elethe pain and inflammation in joints. Long ment, so the kidney (water) controls the dan xie gan san, another ancient herbal heart (fire). Anxiety represents an imbalcombination, is said to resolve liver Qi ance or disharmony in the heart fire, and stagnation, lower heat to the skin, and a weakened kidney loses some of its abilthus reduce the heat, inflammation, and ity to control the heart which would keep itching of skin allergies. Xiao yao san, the dog’s anxiety in check. Thus, keeping a formulation of eight herbs, is used to the kidneys healthy should diminish bring down the heat in the stomach or anxiety in our older dogs. Tian wan bu colon and resolve the gurgling gut, soft xin san is a formula designed to “tonify” stool, and poor appetite of irritable bowel the kidneys so that they can control the disease. heart anxiety.

For assistance in choosing and using Kidneys and the Aging Dog herbal blends for dogs, consult a vetSome common problems in our older erinarian trained in Chinese medicine. canine friends include anxiety, hearing Choose herbal formulas containing only loss, lower back pain, and weak hind legs. pure botanicals with no animal products From a Western perspective, we might or fillers. think of these as four separate issues, The application of Chinese medical but from a Chinese perspective they are theories and the use of herbal formulas all symptoms of one root cause: kidney can provide the power of wellness to give deficiency. you and your dogs long, healthy, quality Have you ever wondered why so lives together. n many dogs die of kidney failure versus any of the other major organs? According Christine Bessent, D.V.M., has practiced holistic veterinary medicine for 21 years, treating animals with to Chinese medicine, the kidney is the Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and chiropractic. She also flame of life and, as dogs age, their flame teaches the benefits of Chinese veterinary medicine through seminars, classes, and internships. Founder of depletes. Slowly but surely, they start havHerbsmith, Inc., Dr. Bessent may be reached through ing chronic soreness in the lower back, herbsmithinc.com. moderndogmagazine.com

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INSPIRATION

Keeping the

By Corey Van’t Haaff

Photographs by Anthony Tortoriello

An amazing dog provides hope, inspiration, and the glue to keep a family together

Faith

Chinese herbal solutions for the

“A dog has one aim in life—to bestow his heart.” j.R. AckeRley

F

Frankie was a young soldier serving in Iraq when he was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device and lost both legs. While recovering at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center back in the USA, Frankie was despondent about his injuries. All he had ever wanted was to be a soldier. Now, with no legs, unable to walk, his dream had died. A general on the base told him that once a soldier, always a soldier, even if you’re not in the field. The words probably meant little at the time.

Then Sergeant Faith came to see him.

She walked in, upright and proud, and in that moment, everything changed. Sergeant Faith, a mixed-breed dog, was also missing two legs, yet was walking just as a human walks, on two strong back legs. Missing limbs were not holding her back.

“I know he was absolutely moved,” said Jude Stringfellow, Faith’s owner. “He said ‘I know if a dog can do it, I can do it.’”

Frankie continued with his rehabilitation and received two artificial limbs. Before he left Walter Reed, he called Stringfellow on the phone.

“He said, ‘I’m walking out of the hospital, put Faith on the phone.’”

There are other soldiers with similar stories of Faith. Greg, a 19-year-old, had also lost his legs while in Iraq. He met Faith just after his amputation and, said Stringfellow; the dog helped him in his recovery.

“People like to talk to Faith,” said Stringfellow. “It teaches them they’re going

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to be okay. It brings a smile to their face.”

Jude Stringfellow’s first glimpse of Faith was as a squirming ball of something under her son Reuben’s jersey. Reuben had gone to help a friend bury a litter of puppies that had died nearby in their Oklahoma City neighbourhood, but it turned out that one pup was still alive. The boy couldn’t turn his back on what he saw: a puppy with two big, pleading eyes, two floppy ears, and only two working legs.

One front leg was missing completely and the other was misplaced and deformed, ultimately atrophying and being removed while she was still a pup.

Stringfellow, a struggling single mom of three, already had a family dog and surely didn’t want another dog to care for and feed.

“Having another dog was out of the question,” said Stringfellow. But when her son asked, “Can we fix her?” Stringfellow changed her mind, though she “didn’t think she would live through the night.

The vet said it didn’t look good.”

But Faith did live through the night.

Following veterinary advice, Stringfellow propped little Faith up with pillows to get her off her chest. With constant encouragement, Faith started to develop strength in her back limbs and started moving.

“We put peanut better on the end of a spoon and held it above nose level,” she said. “She’d try to lick it and fall over, like any other toddler. Eventually her back

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Pho to bRe n be dFo Rd Photos Anthony toRtoR iello

(above) Jude Stringfellow, her children, and Faith.

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legs became strong enough to sit up like a squirrel then her belly muscles became stronger so she could sit straight up. That took about three weeks.”

One day, the family took Faith out outside, where there was deep snow. To their utter amazement, she started hopping. The family went wild with excitement.

“She kept doing it over again,” said Stringfellow. “Then we watched her hop in the house. She’d hop over shoes and pillows.

She’d hop from the floor to the couch.”

As surprised as she was, Stringfellow said she saw from the first moment the determination, intelligence, and ambition in Faith’s eyes.

“I’d watch her play with the other dogs and she didn’t care that she didn’t have legs. They didn’t care either.”

But hopping wasn’t to be Faith’s preferred mode of mobility.

Reuben’s birthday was coming up and Stringfellow didn’t have money for a present. Faith provided one—she started to walk.

“She walked upright like a human,” she said. Stringfellow called a local TV station and by that evening, the story of Faith’s walking was being disseminated by the Associated Press.

Stringfellow said Faith has a profound affect on everyone she meets. Three years after the dog came to live with her, Stringfellow started doing motivational talks throughout the country, with Faith as proof that anything was possible.

It was at Fort Lewis, an army base near Seattle, while visiting soldiers stationed there, that Faith became an honourary sergeant for the day. But as she continued to do her military work, every-

one continued to refer to her as Sergeant Faith. A general told Stringfellow that was just fine, because once you’re in the army, you’ll always be in the army.

Of course, it isn’t just soldiers who benefit from Faith’s message of hope and determination. A 13-year-old girl in Panama City who was in a wheelchair played hooky from school to meet Faith about two years ago.

“She spent all day with Faith,” said Stringfellow. “She felt important and needed and hadn’t felt that way in a while. She learned that being handicapped doesn’t stop you from doing what’s needed. She became a spokesperson for handicapped kids in her area and ultimately ran for school council and won.”

As much inspiration as Faith has brought to the strangers she has met, this amazing dog saved her best work for home. Stringfellow explained that just prior to Faith’s arrival, her family had endured the awful after-effects of a messy divorce, including a five-year custody battle. She was only working part-time as a teacher and was not receiving any child support for her kids, then aged 17, 13, and 12.

“Before we got her, we were looking and acting like a hand without a thumb.

We were working independently. I couldn’t make anyone do anything,” said Stringfellow. Once Faith arrived, the family had to work collectively to make sure Faith got everything she needed.

“Faith is like a thumb—she forced us to be a family.” n

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To see a video of Faith in action, go to moderndogmagazine.com/faith.

Update: Shortly after Christmas, Jude was contacted by a pet rescue organization that had received a litter of pups— including one little guy with only two legs.

Tanker, as he is now named, came to live with Jude and her family. Jude plans to love him, hug him, squeeze him, train him, spoil him, and put him in the same category as Faith—a natural dog with a purpose. Like Faith, Tanker will travel around the world making soldiers (and others) smile, teaching that if a dog can do it, you can do it, too.

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The rising star—and well-behaved dogs—of

Sarah Roemer

By Mary-Jo Dionne

Photographed by Joan Teasdale Hair, Robert Mefford; Makeup Kayleen McAdams

T

here’s a certain privilege that comes from glimpsing a shooting star mid-flight. An air of having been blessed with a rare opportunity— before it’s all but out of reach. And it’s a privilege we felt during our encounter with rising star, actress Sarah Roemer. Reminiscent of the vintage Hollywood tale of Lana Turner being discovered at the Schwab’s soda counter, Sarah’s own story of discovery includes the stuff that dreams are made of. Only hers began when she was approached by industry-insiders while she was buying a coffee.

(Soda? Lattés? What is it with caffeinated beverages and the act of being discovered?)

While this model-cum-actor’s career initially began as a result of her easy-on-the-eyeballs looks, what has evolved is a promising career based on the proper developing and honing of those things actors refer to as chops. And hers are getting much in the way of a workout. In 2009 alone, Sarah can be seen in Screen Gems’ Fired Up, the family drama Hachiko opposite Richard Gere and Joan Allen, the Paradigm/North-by-Northwest Entertainment film Falling Up, as well as the indie-drama Waking Madison. However, to date, the one role that perhaps most rivals her role as Ashley in the hit film, Disturbia, is that of mom to two canine dudes called Clyde and Dylan. Here’s what she had to say about them from her home in LA. MD: What kind of dogs are Clyde and Dylan? And how old are they?

SR: Clyde is a French Bulldog who is three and a half. And Dylan is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and he’s one and a half.

“I fell in love with them both the minute I met them.”

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MD: At what moment did you first feel actual love for your dogs?

SR: I fell in love with them both the minute I met them. I picked Clyde out of the litter because he was the most ‘to himself.’ And so cute! I got him after my other dog had died. When I got Dylan, initially I was more partial to Clyde. But that soon changed. And now I love them both.

MD: Have you always been a dog person?

SR: Yes. Always. I still have my childhood dog, Oreo. He is a black and white mutt. And he’s 14 years old. I always wanted a dog, growing up. But when I was young, my mom wouldn’t let me get one. We went through a lot of weird pets, like turtles and rabbits, before I was finally allowed to get a dog.

MD: You’re a busy gal these days with so many roles on the go. Are you ever able to bring your dogs on set with you?

SR: Yes! I had Clyde and Dylan both with me during the filming of Fired Up. If I shoot locally, I always bring them. I can’t separate them.

They are best friends.

MD: What makes Clyde and Dylan unlike any other dogs?

SR: They are extremely wellbehaved. They have great manners.

They know the word ‘stay’ very well, which allows me to keep them offleash a lot. They are so loyal to me, no matter what.

MD: What’s the most extravagant thing you ever did for, or bought for, your dogs?

SR: My mom bought Oreo a blinged-out collar once. He loves it!

caption

“A perfect day would be waking up and hiking with the dogs, and then heading down to the beach for some fun.”

He feels really proud when we wears it and prances around like he’s showing off. And, once I bought Clyde and Dylan doggie cupcakes from Sprinkles, which is this amazing cupcakes store in Los Angeles.

MD: If you could spend a perfect day with your dogs, what would that day look like?

SR: We love to spend time at the dog beach in San Diego.

So a perfect day would be waking up and hiking with the dogs, and then heading down to the beach for some fun!

MD: You’re becoming increasingly in-demand in Hollywood. How does your relationship with your dogs keep you grounded in an oft-times ungrounded industry?

SR: Dogs keep you out of trouble! I much prefer to be at home, hanging out with the dogs, than going out!

MD: If someone played your dogs in the movie of their lives, who would those actors be?

SR: Well, Johnny Depp would make a great Clyde, because Clyde doesn’t say much. And I imagine him to have a lot of inner dialogue. And I think Zac Efron (High School Musical) would make a great Dylan. He’s just a crowd pleaser!

MD: Okay, this one might be a bit heavy, but what lessons have you learned from your dogs about life?

SR: Dogs are completely honest. Like children. They are a true reflection of their owners. And that keeps me in check.

Having to care for another life makes you have to care for yourself. n

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Capture your mutt’s mug so you can tote Rover with you wherever you go.

Personalized Pooch will place your choice of photo or caricature on almost anything, including this microfiber beach bag. personalizedpooch.com

Outings are a walk in the park with the Doog Walkie Belt, which dispenses biodegradable poop bags and antibacterial wipes and contains pockets for your keys, iPod, and a carabiner to clip the lead while Fido runs free. doog.com.au

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Galleria Artesta

a dogs-eye view:

36 HourS in Tokyo

Story and photographs by Karin Sinkevicius

Paris Erotica

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Hip hounds may not be the first thing that spring to mind when one thinks of Japan’s hyperactive, neon-lit metropolis, but with a little searching, the crazy-cool canine sub-culture of Tokyo can be found, from doggie diners to the fashion-forward fur stylists and boutiques, where even your dog can become a Harajuku lover.

Spot Snoopy’s likeness dangling from a businessman’s cell phone and the cultural phenomenon of “kawaii” becomes apparent. Kawaii means cute in Japanese, and the influence of this obsession with cuteness is everywhere.

Perhaps that is why dogs in Japan have become the pampered pooches our own pups can only envy.

Fridayi 1 p.m.: World’s Greatest dog Meet Hachiko, or rather his bronze likeness, outside Shibuya Station amid one of the city’s busiest intersections. (Feel free to revel in a Lost in Translation moment and watch images flash across high rise building windows.) The faithful Hachiko walked his master, Professor Ueno, to the station every morning and greeted him at the end of each work day. For ten years after the professor’s unexpected death, Hachiko would still return to the station at the exact same time every afternoon.

Unless you speak Japanese, finding the next two shops may take a bit of miming, but your dog will appreciate the effort.

Nestled behind the 8593 Harajuku Face building is Pink Gold (2-32-11-2F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku; 03-5785-0550; pariero. com), an offshoot of Japanese brand Paris Erotica (3-27-23-2F Jingu-mae, Shibuyaku; 03-5785-3350), whose flagship store is around the corner. Shop the gallery-like boutiques for Harajuku girl-inspired dog apparel, and American imports Tarina Tarantino and Little Lily.

Hachiko

Touched by his loyalty, the people of Japan commissioned a statue beside which they hold an annual ceremony in commemoration. The story has been immortalized in a children’s book, and is soon to be a feature film starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen.

Ralph Lauren

Pink Gold

1

2 p.m.: Harajuku dogs One station north of Shibuya is Takeshita Dori, the heart of Harajuku, with its wild mix of fashion and its youthful followers.

Here you’ll find Pet Paradise (creativeyoko.co.jp), a narrow shop chock-full of character-inspired dog apparel from the Disney Pet and Snoopy collections among snuggly beds in fun shapes (Winnie the Pooh’s honey pot caught our eye) and glittery collars.

3:30 p.m.: Pawsh Pooch Stroll over to Omotesando, the tree-lined designer shopping street, to stock up on pint-sized preppy pup-polos at Ralph Lauren (4-25-15 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku; 03-6438-5800; stores.ralphlauren.com/ featured_tokyo.asp) and peruse an entire floor dedicated to Peanuts character Snoopy at toy paradise Kiddyland (6-1-9 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku; 03-3409-3431; corp.kiddyland.co.jp/en/index), a fivefloor emporium of beloved childhood favourites and Japanese anime characters.

Finish the day off by relaxing on a bench in nearby Yoyogi Park (adjacent to the Harajuku train station and Meiji Shrine) while Fido runs free in the designated dog run after a hard day of shopping.

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daytrip: Odaiba Somewhere Over the Rainbow Cross Tokyo’s famous Rainbow Bridge via monorail into Odaiba. Pop by the Decks Tokyo Beach to see the bizarre Puppy the World (1-6-1 Daiba, Minatoku; 03-3599-2851; puppytheworld.com), where customers can rent dogs by the hour to walk along the nearby manmade beach or take next door to Puppy’s Dining, which offers a menu for both two- and four-legged patrons. The certainly questionable practice of dog rental is offered at several pet stores across Tokyo.

Visit VenusFort at Palette Town (http://55vf.jp), a Venice-inspired shopping mall—think Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas—for the ultimutt shopping experience. Make your way down to the first floor to Pet City, a one-stop pet superstore. Make a trip memento by booking a sitting at the professional dog photography studio, located in the center of the store (03-3599-3411); theme costumes are available—sumo pup, anyone? Next, make new friends at the outdoor Venus Dog run, then share a treat at the Dog café. Finish with a round of last-minute shopping at the large Pet Paradise to pick up the pieces Fifi’s been dreaming about since her Harajuku quickie.

sUNdayi 11a.m.: High class Kibble Enjoy a relaxing brunch at Deco’s Dog Café (2-20-14 Nishi-Ebisu, Shibuyaku; 03-3461-4551; hot-dog.co.jp) in upscale Daikanyama. Dine on traditional Japanese fare while Rover chooses off his own menu, specifically catering to the health-conscious canine.

Puppy’s Dining

1 p.m.: doggie style Finish the trip with a flourish by getting your hair, and your dog’s, done at Galleria Artesta (g-artesta.com).

You and your pampered pooch can relax together in the sleek and modern atmosphere while the stylists work their magic: a little cut-and-colour for you; highlights and fur extensions for Fifi.

Fast Facts:: Bringing your dog Unless you’ll be in Japan for an extended period of time, bringing Rover may not be worth the required quarantine period. If you simply must fly with Fido, see maff.go.jp/aqs/english for more information on reducing the quarantine period and vaccinations and paperwork requirements.

Japan also requires microchip identification, as well as advance notification. Check with your airline’s pet policy before booking a ticket. United Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin; visit united.com for rates and restrictions. n

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Pill-Popping Pups Mood-altering drugs and our dogs by stanley coren Photographs by tanya king

I

t was the early 1980s and Nicholas Dodman of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University was standing next to a colleague watching a dog that had been brought into the Animal Behavior Clinic. The dog was panting furiously and pacing around the room. It cringed and trembled when it was approached.

Dodman looked up and announced that the dog was clearly feeling anxious. His colleague shook his head and muttered something about the dangers of treating dogs as if they had such human-like feelings. “Dogs don’t experience the same mental states and emotions that people do,” he argued.

Dodman’s colleague was really restating a belief that many scientists have held since the 1600s. It began with René Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician, and biologist who claimed that only humans have feelings and conscious mental processes. Animals were thought to be simply the equivalent of biological machines with no psychological processes worth mentioning.

Two hundred years later, Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution changed our view of the biological world, challenged Descartes.

He suggested that animals have much the same mental abilities as people, although these may be more limited in scope. Furthermore, he believed

that the emotional experiences of animals are quite similar to those of humans.

Dodman was clearly siding with Darwin when he answered his colleague with “Well, how about this? Let’s give the dog an antianxiety drug and see what happens.”

What happened made history: the dog’s behaviour improved dramatically.

At the biological level of analysis, this is what should have happened. The brain of the dog is very similar to that of humans in many ways.

The limbic system, which controls the major emotions, including fear and anger, exists in both species and operates in a similar manner.

Furthermore, the basic neural chemistry of dogs and people is the same.

Today, most veterinarians have learned to accept the fact that animals have emotions and can suffer from some of the same emotional problems that people do. These include not only anxiety, but also depression, irrational fears and phobias, anger outbursts, obsessive and compulsive behaviours, and a broad range of neurotic and stress-related problems. Animal behavioural pharmacology is a growing field of research and most veterinarians have been trained how to use psychologically active drugs. Drugs for pets are now big business and the Pfizer Drug Company

Drugs for pets are now big business.

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Some dogs, like people, can have an imbalance of vital chemicals in their brain.

has established a companion animal division which brought in nearly a billion dollars last year.

For the sake of simplicity, we can divide major psychological problems experienced by dogs into two clusters. The first involves anxiety and stress-related difficulties and the second involves anger and aggression problems. At the neurological level, these apparently very different conditions are closely related. Karen Overall of the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior at the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs with a history of aggressive behaviours normally have higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, in their blood. This is similar to dogs suffering from fear and anxiety. Dogs with aggression problems also show unusual levels of neurotransmitters, These are the chemicals that carry messages from one nerve cell to another including serotonin, dopamine, and the monoamines. Anxious and fearful dogs show the same imbalances in neurotransmitters. Even without the benefit of high-powered chemical analysis systems, animal behaviourists have long recognized the link between anxiety and anger and often speak of “fear-based aggression.”

When a psychologist looks at a behaviour problem in a dog, he or she normally considers two possible sources of the difficulty. The first has to do with the animal’s experiences and personal history. Dogs that have not been adequately socialized or have been treated harshly by their owners or suffered from traumas often develop psychological problems. However, some dogs, like people, can have an imbalance of vital chemicals in their brain. Common human conditions ranging from clinical depression to anger management difficulties exist in dogs and may result from similar chemical imbalances.

How widespread such conditions are in pets is difficult to determine. Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance in the United Kingdom has been collecting data on this subject and they suggest that depression and anxiety are widespread in the British canine population. They found that 623,000 dogs and cats in the UK had suffered mentally in the previous year, while more than 900,000 suffered loss of appetite because of stress or emotional problems.

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Faced with psychological problems in dogs, veterinarians turned to the drugs designed for people.

Deficits in serotonin, a hormone that serves as a neurotransmitter, seem to play an important role in the control of aggression and mood changes in the brain, especially when certain other conditions that affect impulsive behaviours are present. Restoring the chemical balance is not easy, since serotonin can’t successfully be administered as a shot or pill. In human beings, there has been a good deal of success controlling such conditions with drugs that keep the serotonin already in the brain from being broken down and reabsorbed around the nerve endings. This, in effect, increases the amount of serotonin available for use by the neural system.

The class of drugs that do this is known as “serotonin reuptake inhibitors” or SRI’s. The best known of these is Prozac.

When faced with psychological problems in dogs, veterinarians such as Dodman turned to the drugs designed for people. Just as he had predicted, Prozac in various forms not only successfully controlled anxiety-related problems in dogs but also helped reduce some forms of aggression. This prompted Eli Lilly, the company that manufactures Prozac, to create a chewable, beef-flavoured version of the medication specifically designed for dogs.

There are, of course, purely behavioural treatments for many psychological problems in dogs, including those related to fear and anger. However, these are often time-consuming and require own-

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ers to change their routines and the way that they interact with their dogs. Popping the dog a pill is thus an attractive alternative to many. It also relieves the owner of any potential guilty thoughts that their own behaviours and actions may have caused or contributed to their dog’s difficulties.

Unfortunately, these drugs are not the perfect solution. By law, only veterinarians can prescribe such medications and they are expensive. SRI’s do not cure the problems overnight, but often take three to six weeks before any improvement is noticed. Furthermore, the drugs must be administered regularly for the effect to build up. If the course of medication is interrupted for a few days, the benefits are lost and you face several weeks of treatment before they will be restored.

The available data, based on reports from dog owners, suggests that drugs help in 50 to 60 percent of cases of extreme phobia or severe separation anxiety, and in 75 to 90 percent of cases of aggres-

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drugs should be a line of last resort, not an easy solution. before you ask your vet for drugs, you might try the following alternatives: • consult with your vet about possible physical causes for the behaviour problem • talk to your vet about possibly psychological causes for the problem and whether he/she thinks they could be overcome by nondrug means • consult with an animal psychologist or professional behaviourist/ trainer to determine whether training could modify the behaviour • change your dog’s diet Finally, if you do end up putting your dog on drugs, make sure you understand the financial and time commitment involved. Realize that the drugs will take time to take effect.

Recognize that if you fail to dose your dog correctly and consistently, you will be setting him right back to the beginning. n

sion. Sometimes the failure of the drug to provide a long-term solution comes about because the dogs’ owners stop administering the medication when the symptoms finally go away, while others may feel that the medication isn’t working when the problem doesn’t disappear after the first week or so of using the drug.

If you suspect that your dog’s brain chemistry is the cause of his aggression and mood swings, there is something that you can do that is less expensive than veterinary treatment and also can be used as an aid if you are going to try behavioural treatments for such problems. The first involves 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a naturally occurring amino acid used by the body in the manufacture of sero-

Most dog owners don’t really care why a drug works. tonin. In North America, it is marketed as a dietary supplement and is available over the counter in health-food stores and some pharmacies. It is designed for people who want an antidepressant and something that may aid in sleep, but it works by effectively increasing the production of serotonin in the nerve endings and therefore can help reduce anxiety and aggressive tendencies in many dogs. As in the case of Prozac, the effects may not be seen until the treatment has gone on for up to six weeks, and if you stop administering it at any time, you lose any benefits and must start over. Doses of 5-HTP are often recommended as a “booster” along with behavioural treatment of these problems.

One non-drug treatment that specifically targets aggression is still being researched but appears promising. At Tufts University, a team of researchers switched dogs to low-protein, preservative-free diets and found that the diet seemed to reduce certain types of aggression in a reasonable percentage of dogs. Changing your aggressive dog’s diet in this way is worth a try because if it works for your pet, you’ll see the effects within a week or so and you don’t have much to lose.

Most dog owners don’t really care why a drug works as long as it controls their dog’s behavioural problem. Sometimes the nature of this control is a surprise to the veterinarian.

Take the case of Joco, a Parson Russell Terrier, whose problem was telephones.

Whenever one rang, he would dash over to the sound, jump up on the furniture, and then attack the phone. This was driving his owner to distraction and Joco’s very existence was threatened.

Joco’s veterinarian treated this as an

anxiety-triggered aggression problem and prescribed a Prozac type of medication, but it didn’t seem to work. Therefore, he raised the dosage and also prescribed another drug that he hoped might calm the dog. A few weeks later, he called Joco’s owner to check up on the effectiveness of the treatment.

The dog’s happy owner reported, “The medication really did solve the problem.

Now Joco is so groggy all the time that he can’t reach the phone in time to do any damage!” n

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the modern dog’s guide to

seattle >where to shop, eat, stay, and play.

By Elizabeth Gardiner

•

Illustration by Paul Dotey

Sniffed out: the city’s best ideas for a full day of doggie nirvana.

Herewith, Seattle’s top dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, and outdoor spots. thrilled. The hotel offers each canine guest a designer dog bed, a water bowl with distilled water, and a selection of freshly baked treats from Three Dog Bakery. Best of all, the Alexis imposes no fees or size restrictions, and no crating is required.

And then there’s the dog-menu room service: mouth-watering meals for your pooch are on offer, ready to be delivered straight to your door. alexishotel.com

>s tay Arctic Club Hotel

5

700 3rd Ave. (at Cherry) (206) 340-0340 Seattle’s newest boutique hotel, The Arctic Club, is steeped in history. Housed in the glorious Arctic Club Building founded in 1908 as a private gentlemen’s club for Klondike gold rush “entrepreneurs,” the redressed locale offers many pleasures, from the old-world lobby bar to the charming preserved architectural details.

Pictures of the original club members

along with sepia portraits of Inuit still line the walls, greeting hotel patrons. The luxurious, old-world décor is a reminiscent nod to this adventurous era but with all the modern comforts: free wifi and HBO, flat-screen TVs and room service from the hotel restaurant, JUNO (mantra: local, sustainable, organic). There is no fee for bringing Buddy along, but there is a size limit of 30 pounds. A cozy bed and food and water bowls await your dog and the concierge is happy to arrange walking/sitting services. arctichotelseattle.com

5

Sorrento Hotel

1

900 Madison St. (206) 622-6400 The beautiful Hotel Sorrento delivers lavish, turn-of-last-century Italianate style in a central location, just a hop, skip, and a bark away from Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. You can trust your dog will enjoy her stay; for a $60 fee, your room will be stocked with a plush dog bed, organic treats, and water and food bowls.

On request, the hotel will also set up doggie daycare services, on-site grooming, and, in case your dog is channeling some west coast vibes, a pet psychic. As in many hotels, dogs must be crated or out of the room when staff services the room.

Dogs of any size are warmly welcomed. hotelsorrento.com

Alexis Hotel 1007 First Ave. (206) 624-4844 The Alexis Hotel marries modern, Northwest-coast flavour with the luxury and comfort associated with Kimpton hotels. Located just blocks from Pike Place Market, the hotel is perfectly situated for taking a stroll with your dog. Upon return to your room—each is uniquely decorated—your dog will no doubt be

Hotel Max 620 Stewart St. (206) 728-6299 If you and your dog are looking for an artistic experience during your stay in Seattle, Hotel Max is for you. This cool Provenance hotel is all about art; original works are showcased throughout the hotel. This, combined with the simple yet lavish details that characterize the Max’s approach, ensures your stay will most definitely be unique. Dogs are welcome and spoiled at this hotel. A $40 fee gains a dog of any size entrance and includes dog bed and bowls, lots of treats and bottled water, and a welcome note. hotelmaxseattle.com

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>eat/Drink Norm’s Eatery & Ale House

5

460 N 36th St. (206) 547-1417 If you are in need of a pub “where everybody knows your (dog’s) name,” then Norm’s is your destination. Located 15 minutes north of downtown Seattle in the quaint Freemont district, Norm’s is a great place to grab a burger and a brew with your furry pal in tow. The super dog-friendly bar and eatery is named after the owner’s dog, Norm, and the bar’s decor is a tribute to man’s (and woman’s) best friend, with pictures of canine pals hung all over the walls. This place is, as one of the clientele claimed, “a dog lover’s dream.” Definitely a great place to stop by with your dog and make some new friends.

in Post Alley in the heart of Pike Place Market, with a great view overlooking the bay. The elegant setting serves lunches and dinners that you and your fourlegged friend can both can enjoy—dogs are welcome inside. thepinkdoor.net

> sh o p

VIP treatment akin to that HMB’s celebrity fans receive, make a private appointment. highmaintenancebitch.com

Three Dog Bakery 1418 1st Ave. (at Union) (206) 364-9999 A trip to Seattle isn’t complete without a stop at one of the very first bakeries for dogs, the Three Dog Bakery. Since its 1989 conception, the store has branched out across North America, China, and Japan. Three Dog Bakery has an amazing array of freshly baked treats, from fancy cookies to doggie birthday cakes, made from scratch with natural ingredients, as well as a selection of accessories, toys, and beds. threedogbakery.com

>play Metro Transit

The Beveridge Place Pub 6413 California Ave. SW (206) 932-9906 This place might be a little bit out of the way for tourists but it’s a fun hangout and definitely worth the effort if you are looking for a true Seattle experience. With its wide selection of beers and laid-back atmosphere, this place has Northwest Coast written all over it. The bar is a beautiful mahogany antique piece and the place offers fun activities like pool, foozball, and board games. Best of all, though, dogs are welcome! beveridgeplacepub.com

Pink Door 1919 Post Alley (206) 443-3241 If you’re in search of a small restaurant with lots of ambience and delicious food, look no further than the Pink Door. The Italian restaurant is conveniently located

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217 Yale Ave N (206) 324-4400 This great boutique targets the urbanite dog and her human caretaker, with a BYOB (bring your own beast) store policy. Not only do they offer a variety of dog bowls, beds, and treats, they also offer evening social events—in short, everything a city-dwelling mongrel could need, or, more to the point, want. urbanbeast-seattle.com

Se at tl e P ar k S an d r ec r ea t ion

Urban Beast

Do some sightseeing on the city bus— take public transport! Seattle’s buses are canine-friendly. Service animals for persons with disabilities ride without charge, as do small dogs that will fit in their owners’ laps. Large dogs pay the same fare as their owners but may not occupy a seat; they should ride on the floor of the coach next to their owner. transit.metrokc.gov

High Maintenance Bitch 1713 N 45th St. (310) 497-4461 What started as a feather boa collar for Lori Pacchiano’s beloved Boston Terrier has grown into a high-end line of apparel, “cosmuttics” (think bling: organic body glitter and fur dye), and dog accessories that have been part of the Golden Globe swag bag. Bring Fifi for a custom fitting or have you and your pampered pooch’s portrait illustrated. Coming soon: the High Maintenance Bitch Spaw with edible, all-natural treatments like the Oatmeal Cookie Bath. Visit Wednesday through Sunday from 12 – 7pm, or for

Warren G. Magnuson Park

1

7400 Sand Point Way NE Encompassing 350 acres, including a mile-long stretch of coast line along Lake Washington, Warren G. Magnuson is Seattle’s largest park. Your dog won’t be short of free-running green space here; nine acres have been set aside for an offleash area where your dog can run, jump, and play to his heart’s content.

Dr. Jose Rizal 1008 12th Ave. S. on North Beacon Hill The northern part of this park is a fenced, off-leash area offering a lush setting for your dog to romp, as well as a great view of Puget Sound. Should Fluffy need a bit of refreshment, a water fountain can be found on the main trail.

Plymouth Pillars Borean Ave. and Pike St. This conveniently located downtown dog park offers an off-leash area for your pooch. Though the narrow gravel park might not be ideal, it does offer a great view of the city and is a good place to take a break from shopping and burn off some excess dog-energy.

GroomingSPA Seattle

1

308 NE 72 St. (206) 527-2707 While in Greenlake, stop in at GroomingSpa Seattle for some poochie pampering. From a jetted tub to a doggie treadmill, this full-service spa has it all. groomingspa.com

Seattle Art Museum’s “Sculpture Park”

1

2901 Weston Ave Get some culture and some exercise at Seattle Art Museum’s free admission sculpture park. Leash Rover and stroll through the SAM’s collection of local artists’ sculptures. seattleartmuseum.org n moderndogmagazine.com

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by Marni Wedin

Linda & Ervin Bakhshian, Accomplice Designs

F

or Linda and Ervin Bakhshian, it was the love of a good dog that inadvertently propelled the launch of their business, Accomplice Designs, a luxurious line of dog collars, leashes, and pendants handcrafted from the finest English bridle leather, sterling silver, and original miniature drawings.

When the love of their life, a feisty terrier-cross named Milou, entered their world a few years ago, they couldn’t find the right collar for her. Tired of shopping around, the Bakhshians decided to craft one themselves. In hindsight, Linda admits, “We weren’t thinking of that project as a prototype for our business, we were just making something nice for our dog.” Many others noticed the uniqueness and fine craftsmanship of Milou’s collar and offered positive feedback. What started out as a project just for Milou evolved into something much bigger.

The Bakhshians embody the philosophy: Do what you love and success will follow. What both Ervin and Linda love is being creative and being able to be creative together. Both have been embracing their artistic sides since childhood. Whether it was doodling with crayon for Ervin or making doll clothes for Linda, constructing original works of art has always been a huge part of both their lives.

Both Linda and Ervin are self-taught artists, having taken only one jewelry making class. Since then, they have honed their skills through “lots of reading and lots of practice.”

“We would love to have gone to art school, but it has been fun to

find our own path and do our own thing,” Linda says.

Linda met Ervin while traveling in his hometown of Nice, France, in 1993. They’ve been together ever since and now live in Montreal, Quebec. Both also have degrees from Cal State University; Linda, a PhD in pharmacy and Ervin, a masters in computer science.

The business melds Linda’s and Ervin’s artistic skills perfectly.

Ervin creates each drawing for the pendants to its miniature scale using very sharp coloured pencils. Each drawing takes one to two hours to complete. The pendants come in 3/4 inch and 1 inch sizes, and customers can choose one of Accomplice’s charming designs or commission a unique, customized drawing.

Linda focuses on the leather work, hand-cutting the pieces and then softening them with conditioners.

The couple works together to form the metal components from sterling silver sheets and rods.

Prices begin around $200.

To commission a piece or peruse their line, visit accomplice-design.com. n

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Problem: Body odour Freshen up Fido between baths by subduing odours with Christina Said’s sweetsmelling Florida Creamsicle Spritzer. Available in Strawberry Shortcake and Meyer Lemon Cheesecake as well. christinasaid.com

Problem: Vegan princess in need of pampering

Problem: Eh? Say what?

Vegan-friendly Doggie Sudz naturally repels ticks and fleas, and contains Neem oil for a lustrous coat. Available in soothing lavender and mango, each shampoo bottle comes with a bonus pet charm inside. austinrose.com

Remove ear wax and abolish odour while preventing infection with Pal Dog’s Ear Wash, a gentle, all-natural cleanser made of essential oils. paldog.com

Problem: Dirty dog on the go Fur Dogs NYC’s anti-oxidant rich Moringa Seed and Calendula Foaming Cleanser acts as a waterless shampoo and is gentle enough for puppies, while the detangler can be used as a leave-in conditioner. furdogsnyc.com

Problem: Muddy paws Not to be mistaken for your coffee mug (but travels just as well with its spill-proof lid), the Paw Plunger has built-in brushes to remove dirt and can double as a pawbath to soothe sore paws. pawplunger.co.uk

Best Beauty Bets GROOMING PROBLEMS SOLVED

Problem: Lack-luster coat & dry, itchy skin Moisturize damaged coats Problem: Not-so bright eyes Problem: Bad breath Help control bacteria in your dog’s mouth with Spot Organics’ essential oil Peppermint Dog Breath Spray for an instantly kissable pooch; because everyone deserves a little lovin’. spotorganics.com

Sprinkle Angel Eyes on Fido’s food or water to prevent staining around the eyes and mouth. As the hair grows, trim away already affected areas to reveal the gleaming coat beneath. Now that’s something to bark about. angelseyesonline.com

while helping to relieve Rover’s dry, itchy skin with the shea butter and oatmeal deep conditioner, Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) by Happy Tails. happytailsspa.com

Problem: Gnarly feet Protect precious paws with Woof Cosmetics’ Paw and Fur Balm. The quick-absorbing balm made of vegetable and essential oils also works to soothe hot spots, dry skin, and revive a dull coat. woofcosmetics.com

Problem: Shaggy dog DIY with the Pro-Pet Clipper Kit from Andis. The no-noise tool won’t frighten Fido and has a variety of easy-to-clean blades available to choose from. andis.com

Problem: Sensitive skin Problem: Cookie monster in need of clean-up Cookie Moon doggie wash is not only scrumptious-smelling, but made with organic ingredients for sensitive skin and soft coats. Savour scents like Mint & Chip Cookie and S’More Graham Cracker. cookiemoon.com

Heavenly Gentle Puppy Shampoo by Animal Sense Pet Products is a chemical-free, vegan-friendly coat cleanser that’s PH- balanced to be mild enough for your new bundle of fur. animalsensepetproducts.com

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(above left) Judy olausen from the book Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives They Transform (above right) from PhoDOGraphy

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTIONS FOR SOME GREAT SPRING READING

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (Ecco; 2008)

By David Wroblewski This startling story immerses you in the rural Wisconsin life of the Sawtelle family who, for generations, have selectively bred an unusual line of (fictional) dogs called Sawtelles, known for their personality, advanced intelligence, and ability to intuit commands and make decisions. The story revolves around Edgar Sawtelle, born mute, who speaks only in sign, Almondine, his faithful canine companion and epitome of the special Sawtelle breed, and Edgar’s mother and father, who lovingly work together raising their son and training their special dogs. Their idyllic lifestyle is disrupted when Edgar’s uncle, Claude, returns home and Edgar’s father suspiciously dies. After the treacherous Claude worms his way into his widowed mother’s affection, grief-stricken Edgar unsuccessfully tries to prove his uncle’s guilt and flees the farm. Fighting for survival while living in the wild with the three dogs who followed him, Edgar comes of age, and realizes he must return home to face his father’s murderer. This riveting novel will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

PhoDOGraphy: How to Get Great Pictures of your Dog (Watson-Guptill; 2008)

By Kim Levin If you’re wondering how to take better photos of your dog, grab some most-helpful advice from pet photographer Kim Levin. PhoDOGraphy’s 100+ beautiful photos will inspire you to immortalize your own fur-kid and Levin’s accompanying tips for taking great dog photos are laid out in chapters covering easy-to-follow techniques for a whole host of settings and approaches, plus tricks for tackling more difficult subjects/environments, such as snow, black dogs, and litters of pups. PhoDOGraphy will soon have you snapping images that are worth barking about.

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(left) from Canine Couture

Speaking For Spot

Canine Couture (St. Martin’s Griffin; 2008)

By Lilly Shahravesh Get your creativity flowing with a “pet” project from Canine Couture: 25 Projects.

This charming book is well put together with easy-tofollow directions and templates for projects ranging from personalized food mats, poo-bag holders, toys, collars, and leashes, to beds, bandanas, travel blankets, hats, leg warmers, and coats. The projects are kept as simple as possible to suit all levels of sewing skill and the instructions are concise and accompanied by lots of illustrative photographs. When the results are so cute and the steps so clearly outlined, it’s easy to get inspired; I want to make all these things. A great book for the would-be crafter with canine.

SAVED: Rescued Animals and the Lives they Transform (Da Capo; 2008)

By Karin Winegar with photographs by Judy Olausen With foreword by Jane Goodall This collection of compelling stories about rescued animals, the people who saved them, and the extraordinary relationships that are forged as a result will bring a tear to your eye. “When it comes to animals, we receive far more than we give, in love, comfort, and happiness,” states Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society of the US, and SAVED provides ample proof.

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(Trafalgar Square; 2008)

By Dr. Nancy Kay Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Kay has put her 20-plus years of working with dogs and people to excellent use compiling a book that will assist dog guardians when seeking answers to often-times confusing veterinary medical questions. With real-life examples accompanied by fun illustrations, Kay provides helpful advice on topics such as: How do I go about telling my vet I’d like a second opinion? Does my dog really need to be vaccinated? When’s the right time to euthanize my ailing, aged, or injured dog? Should I put my dog through treatment for cancer?

Is pet insurance really necessary? Offering expert advice, delivered with warmth and humour, Speaking For Spot deserves a home with every dog-inclusive family.

Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds (Trafalgar Square; 2008)

By Desmond Morris Whether you’re a serious dog enthusiast or simply love dogs, you’ll enjoy flipping through this 752-page book detailing the history and unique characteristics of over 1,000 breeds from around the world. Author Desmond Morris defines “breed” as a type of dog that differs from all others in some way, has a separate history and breed name, and has been breeding true for a number of generations. The breeds he covers include more than just the usual AKC-acknowledged favourites and are set out according to their origin and function. With an extensive index at the back of the book, it’s easy to find the breed you’re looking for. From the obscure to the well-known breed, with herders, hunters, and even wild dogs in between, you’ll find the information meticulously researched.

The accompanying illustrations of over 500 breeds are very well done, and while I can’t help but feel colour photographs would have enhanced the book further, Dogs nonetheless provides a comprehensive account of the diversity of dogs and is well worth reading and referencing.

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Bothered and Bewildered?

Crazed and Confused? if your doggie dilemma has you down in the dumps…

ask dog lady Q

be flirting and bantering about favourite movies, websites, TV shows, vacations, work successes, light romantic and family history, blah, blah, blah—not canine castration.

In time, you may be asked to meet the Labrador. You can then inspect the situation for yourself and make a comment or not—and Dog Lady urges not. No matter how much you believe in spaying and neutering, you have to understand you are dating an intact guy who’s queasy about these matters with a woman he doesn’t know very well. You are not dating the dog.

A

Dear Dog Lady, How do I teach independence to Lola M. LaRue, my four-year-old cockapoo?

—Tina, East Orange, NJ

Dear Dog Lady, I’ve had one date with a guy I immediately liked and he’s asked me out for another. He talks about his Labrador which is fun for me because I am a big dog person. On our date, he was describing how other dogs yap and run around his Lab. He laughed about it. I did too because the stories were funny. But I wonder if his dog is neutered. Maybe that’s the reason the other dogs are all excited and nervous.

How do I bring up this subject? I feel strongly that every dog should be fixed.

—Sandy, Vancouver, BC

Sandy, when dating, tact can be the better part of valour.

And “intact” is the polite term for an unneutered dog. No matter what you call it, do not broach the subject. At this early stage, you have no right to ask about the genitalia of his pet—or anybody else’s for that matter.

Whatever decision he has made for the Labrador remains his personal terrain.

Also, if you rashly bring up this delicate matter, Dog Lady assumes you will turn off your new guy. What man on a second date wants to discuss the big snip-snip in casual conversation? You two should

Tina, you sent along a picture of the aforementioned Lola LaRue and Dog Lady instantly puddled at Lola’s feet.

Your dog is impossibly cute. And this is the big problem with adorable little dogs: We yearn to do everything we can to please them. The consequence? They can become hyper-dependent on us. This dependency causes them to suffer separation anxiety with all the issues of inap-

propriate barking, chewing, and other unmentionables. You didn’t say whether anxiety has already become a problem with Lola, but you’re smart to teach her independence in any case.

Here’s what you do: Walk out the door without saying goodbye and leave Lola to her own devices—whatever those devices might be. Do not greet her when you come back home. This new procedure will test all your patience but by adopting a nonchalant attitude you teach Lola how to be free of you.

Resist the temptation to murmur any terms of endearment such as, “Oh, my sweetheart angel, be a good girl. I’ll be right back.” Or, “Lola! Mommy’s home!

Where’s my little scrunchcake?” Nothing.

Go about your business as if there was no dog in the house. After about 15 minutes, and only when Lola is calm, you can greet her like the beauty queen she will always be.

Dear Dog Lady, As I write this, I am driven mad by the shrieks of a monkey. The monkey is a stuffed animal that emits high-pitched electronic wails when my dog bites down on it. This toy had been hidden way under the couch for months until my husband moderndogmagazine.com

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found it and gave it back to Huggy, our Jack Russell Terrier. Before the monkey vanished, Huggy liked it but not obsessively. He can’t let the toy go now. He runs around the house with the monkey in his mouth and whines when we don’t chase him. When he’s not running, he’s sitting with the monkey and biting down on it constantly to trigger the screech. As I said, the sound makes me nuts. I have tried taking the toy away. I hid the monkey once when Huggy was sleeping and when he woke up he whined so much I finally gave it back. This monkey business has been going on for five days. He does eat, goes for walks, and sleeps. But as soon as he is finished with any of those, it’s back to the monkey.

I am beginning to worry about this behaviour. Should I take away the toy for good? My husband tells me it’s funny and I should deal with the noise.

—Gwen, Chicago, IL Gwen, of all the monkeys sitting on your back in the realm of dog behaviour this is a light burden. Dog Lady sides with your husband. Huggy’s monkey is a cute fixation.

Monkey or no monkey, you should teach Huggy the “leave it” command. This is when you order a dog to focus on you and surrender. “Leave it” is a basic lesson in Dog 101 because we need immediate control of our dogs biting down on anything.

When Huggy runs around with his monkey, stop him, tell him to sit and ask him to “leave it.” Hold out your hand for the relinquished monkey. Carry a treat to reward him and wear a wet suit because the slimy toy will drip saliva.

Always train him but, overall, ease up on Huggy. Stop your obsessive worry about your dog’s obsessions. Terriers are all about passion. You should be grateful he’s not gnawing on your shoes or the table leg—or your leg. He’s a monkey junkie.

Nothing wrong with that. Our dogs are not droids. They feel.

They think. They are consumed by interests: screaming monkeys, tennis balls, rump roasts, whatever. Our lives should be so simple.

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Dear Dog Lady, I am desperate for advice. I started dating my boyfriend about eight months ago. Shortly after we started dating, he informed me that he shared joint custody of a dog with his ex-girlfriend.

It is always something that has bothered me, but because I love everything else about him I have tried to ignore it or set my feelings aside. That hasn’t really worked and often things boil over in a frustrating argument. I need some help on how to better deal with the situation from many angles.

After my boyfriend and his ex broke up (they lived together), she was so angry she wouldn’t let him see the dog for two months. He is now very cautious not to upset her because he wants to make sure he can still see the dog. He even avoided telling her that he was dating me for a long time because he didn’t want her to get mad and take away his dog privileges. I hate that

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I have also noticed that the dog, Julie, tends to have a negative reaction to the arrangement. The switching normally occurs by one dropping Julie off at daycare and the other picking her up (something I prefer as it decreases their contact). Often times when Julie comes home from daycare she is sick to her stomach and has diarrhea or throws up. I have mentioned the custody arrangement to my boyfriend as a possible source of this and suggested that he talk to his ex about making sure they feed her the same food, but he doesn’t seem to take it seriously because he thinks I am just upset about the situation in general. While I surely am, I have gotten to know the dog and I love her and she now likes me. I am genuinely concerned for her. How can I talk to him about this and get him to take me seriously?

I am not jealous of his ex-girlfriend and I truly do trust him. In my mind, if the relationship moved to another level, a different arrangement with the dog would have to be worked out. I would not want to go into an engagement or marriage while keeping his ex-girlfriend a part of our lives.

Is there any way to ask him to reassure me that the situation isn’t permanent or that it would change if things progress further without being presumptuous or sounding like I am looking to be engaged anytime soon? Also, how do I approach him about my concern for the dog?

—Anne, Dallas, TX Anne, when an ex-couple shares custody of a dog, the arrangement must be spelled out contractually, the same as for a child.

Your boyfriend and his ex have not done the hard work. They have a loose arrangement. The slipshod agreement hurts both you and the dog.

Julie does suffer because your boyfriend and his ex have not agreed about what kind of food to give her and what veterinarian to share for emergencies, vaccinations, and yearly checkups.

Julie requires consistent care, not loopy disregard. And you need a contract as much as the dog. With everything spelled out, there is less wiggle-room for emotions to intrude and feelings to be hurt.

Continue to stick up for Julie kindly and politely. You’ve grown to love the dog and you make a savvy diagnosis: her sour stomach is probably caused by constant changes in food.

Feed your own soul. Never make plans in your head that do not include the dog. Never imagine just because you’ll get engaged or married, the dog will disappear.

Gently lead your boyfriend around to the conclusion he needs a contract with his ex-girlfriend to care for the dog. Do not burn with jealousy if they have to meet face-to-face to agree on terms.

Encourage him. Your kindness and support will be the impetus he needs. Arguing with your boyfriend about his ex only pushes him further away from you. So drop it before he drops you. n

Visit askdoglady.com to ask a question or make a comment.

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The Party

Throw a

Puppy Shower

PHoto BY Jana VackoVa

Welcome your new bundle of furry joy—whether she’s a new pup or simply young at heart—with a traditional pink or blue bow wow-themed bash.

Bake a batch of pawshaped treats, break out the party games, and don’t forget the pee pads.

By Karin Sinkevicius

The Pre-Party Plan

Party Favourites and Favours

dog’s socialization level and vaccination schedule in mind. It might be a good idea to block off a quiet corner to keep the party from turning into a rave.

Step 2. Put your dusty scrapbooking tools to use and create your own invitations. A birth announcement-style invite featuring a photo of your new arrival makes for a sweet keepsake, while a simple bone-print notecard with the party details listed inside is classic and classy. Or save the time for playing with your new furbaby and order the Puppy Shower in a Box from sincerelyfido.com which comes complete with invites, decorations, and pupcake mix.

Step 3. Find a local or online dog boutique that provides a gift registry service; then, go to town choosing cute and crucial new puppy products to ensure the grandparents spoil their new granddog in style.

Challenge: transform plain, brown paper bags into goody bags with painted-on puppy faces. Fill with waist line-friendly dog treats, a squeaky toy, and a little something sweet for your two-legged guests (the gift-givers, natch.)

Then test the cross-breed friendship lines by teaming up guests with their four-legged BFF’s for a treasure hunt. Have the dogs sniff out yummy treats with clues attached for your guests to decipher. Make the clues lead to the litter of goody bags.

Play a perennial shower favourite with a canine twist: Don’t Say “Dog.” Each guest is given a string belt with poop bags tied on. During the course of the party, whoever hears someone say “dog” gets one of the offender’s bags. The person with the most poop bags wins a treat. Good dog.

Step 1. Select the guest list with your puppy’s or rescue

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recipe

Barko’s Beef Biscuits

In food processor, process until smooth: 2 cups (474 ml) fresh parsley, chopped “ruff” 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped “ruff” 2 eggs 1/2 cup (4 fl. Oz./120 ml) water 1 clove garlic, minced Cooked ground beef

Add the processed ingredients to the dry ingredients

WilliaMS So no Ma

Pan-fry until cooked through, drain fat, let cool: 1 lb. (454 g) ground beef Alternatively, you can boil the ground beef if you prefer not to fry.

Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl: 2 cups (474 ml) all-purpose spelt flour or barley flour 1/4 cup (60 ml) ground flax seed 1/4 tsp. (1.25 ml) sea salt Set aside: 2 cups (474 ml) allpurpose spelt flour or barley flour for rolling

them from “puffing up” in the oven.

and mix well. Divide into

Place the biscuits onto a

three or four equal parts.

baking sheet covered with

On a generously floured

parchment paper.

In a 350° oven, bake for

surface, roll one portion of the dough until it is 1/8 inch (3

8 minutes, then flip them

mm) thick to 1/4 inch (6 mm)

over and bake for another 8

thick. Dust with flour often to

minutes.

Refrigerate in a container

prevent sticking.

Cut the dough with your paw-shaped cookie cutter or

for up to two weeks or freeze until ready to be devoured.

into 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm x

Yield: 200 biscuits

2.5 cm) squares.

Recipe courtesty of BONEappetreat: Healthful Recipes for your Furry Friend (Laurie Southall, 2008) by Laurie Southall, ROHP, RNCP

With a fork, poke holes into each biscuit. This will keep

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TRAINING TRIALS?

Ask an Expert

Our Fab Five answer your most pressing puppy

questions

Ask Jennifer Messer

Q:

My new puppy only listens to me if I have a handful of treats. How do I wean her off treats so she’ll obey me regardless of what I have to offer?

—Tricked for Treats in Toronto

A:

SIMPLE: THINK vEGAS INSTEAD OF vENDING MACHINE

The reason that your puppy only listens to you when you have a handful of treats is because she has learned that obedience only gets her what she wants if she sees the goods up front. Not surprising that she ignores you when you are empty handed; would you put coins in an empty vending machine? Nuh-uh.

Your vending machine strategy was perfect for teaching her the meaning of your requests. But now she needs motivation of “walkies” while you ask her to lay off the cat. to comply regardless of whether she sees any rewards up front.

4 When she does a so-so job, acknowledge the effort with Time to turn your puppy into an obedience junkie—vegas style. mild praise.

Slot machines are addictive because putting coin after coin 5 When she does a pretty good job, praise her well and occain and NOT getting an immediate reward is a predictive of an sionally give her something of mid-range value from her eventual jackpot. Some jackpots are small, others huge—but wish list. you just never know what you will win, or when. The excite6 When she does a great job, surprise her with a jackpot of ment and surprise are addictive, and the reward schedule one or more of the things on her wish list, saving the best builds great endurance for even quite long periods of no payoff. stuff for only the very best performances.

While gambling can be a problem addiction for humans, dogs never lose the roof over Remember, when teaching your dog sometheir head for taking a shot at obedience in the Think Vegas thing new, you need to start out as a vending hopes of scoring some favourite food or fun. So instead of vending machine so that she learns what the right unleash your puppy’s inner vegas—the irresistmachine. response is to your request: you can lure her ible itch to see what surprises good obedience to comply with cookies, and should reward brings—with these six simple rules: her every time she gets it right. Then, once the behaviour is pretty reliable, STOP showing her the goods 1 Make an inventory of your puppy’s wish list: attention, upfront, and only reward her for compliance sometimes, savfood, affection, playtime, intellectual stimulation, exercise, ing the greatest rewards for her very best performances. If you and whatever other “legal” goodies turn her crank. Be play your cards right she will quickly catch on that any obediaware of what her absolute favourites are on this list: the ence request is a chance at the jackpot, and you will both have better performances will get the better rewards. tonnes of fun playing the obedience game, vegas style. ■ 2 Reserve some of the food and game items for use ONLY after good behaviour—don’t give away these golden ones Jennifer Messer is a veterinarian working in Ottawa, Ontario. She has an honours for free!

BA in psychology from McGill University and a DVM from the Ontario Veterinary 3 Give NO clues of what goodies are in store until AFTER she College, and is author of The Kinder Puppy Course available at pavski.ca. She is listens to you. No cookies in hand when you ask her to sit, owned by her Pit Bull, Charlotte, and her Beagle, Mr. F. Bender. no tug toy in pocket when you call her to come, no promise

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Ask an Expert Ask Delores Wall

Ask Teoti Anderson

Q:

Q:

—Puddles in Portland

—Nibbled in Newark

My 16-week-old puppy, Mabel, doesn’t seem to be picking up on the concept of indoors vs outdoors. How long should it take to housetrain a puppy?

A:

© JE ANCLICLAC - F O TO LIA. CO M

If Mabel isn’t picking up the concept of indoor vs outdoor, it’s up to you to make sure you are very clear in your guidelines.

Every time Mabel makes a “mistake,” it’s your mistake.

“Oops, I wasn’t watching her and I didn’t get her out on time.”

Making sure she goes outside and doesn’t make mistakes is more efficient (and humane) than scolding her for going in the house.

Punishment can make matters worse, as she may start to hide to do her business. Just get her outside.

First, if Mabel is peeing two or three times in an hour, make sure to rule out any medical issues with your veterinarian.

Then, have a set routine and stay consistent. Mabel must not have free run of the house and she must have a feeding schedule.

Do not leave food down for her to munch on all day, and remove water at about 7 pm.

Kennel (crate-train) her during the day in the kitchen where there is usually more activity. At the door, use the word “Outside?” in a questioning tone, then as you open the door to take her out, again say “Outside!” as a statement. Take her out first thing in the morning on leash, to a spot you have designated, praise and treat for bathrooming outside. When at her bathroom place, use a cue as she eliminates: “Peepee, peepee, good girl!” Treat. Have a bit of playtime and training with her when back in the house, then into her kennel for one or two hours.

Repeat this schedule throughout the day. At night, keep the kennel in your bedroom so you can be alert if she needs to go outside, then back into her kennel for some more shuteye.

You can also tether her to you while in the house, so you always know where she is. Again, take her outside sooner rather than later, so you lessen any chance of her bathrooming in the house.

Keep a simple time schedule on the fridge to note when and what she does outside. As the days and weeks progress, you can lengthen the time between bathroom breaks.

As she is having to relearn where she’s to go, it may take longer for her to learn the new routine. If you stay consistent and have patience, Mabel can be reliably trained within a few weeks. ■ Delores Wall, CPDT, behaviour specialist, trainer, mentor, founder of DogSmart Training Inc. and Trainer Apprenticeship Programs (www.dogsmart.ca), Vancouver, Canada, is a devoted advocate of training through positive methods for reliable results.

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My puppy, Sally, is chewing everything in sight. How can I get her to chew on the right thing (her chew toys) and not the wrong things (the table leg, my fingers)?

A:

Chewing is normal for a puppy. Puppies chew when they’re teething, especially at four months of age, and again at around seven months when the back molars come in.

Puppies also chew to explore their worlds and because it’s fun. This may help you understand why they do it, but probably doesn’t make you feel much better as you’re staring at what’s left of your table!

To teach Sally better chewing habits, buy chew deterrent spray and use it on items you want her to avoid.Then teach her the cue, “Leave it,” using the following steps.

Have treats in both hands. Hide your left hand behind your back.

Hold your right hand right in front of Sally’s nose, and show her the treat in that hand.

When she In a friendly voice, say “Leave it” and chews on quickly make a fist to cover the treat. Do not you, cry pull your hand away. Sally needs to think the “Ouch!” treat is within reach. She will likely sniff, lick, or paw your hand, trying to get the treat. Just be quietly patient.

The second Sally moves away from your hand, praise her. Then, bring your left hand out from behind your back and reward her with a treat from that hand.

Practice until she no longer tries to get the treat out of your hand. Then, switch hands. Put your right hand behind your back and tempt her with a treat in your left hand.

With consistent practice, when you say “Leave it,” Sally will move away from whatever she’s headed towards. very useful for a growing puppy!

When she chews on you, cry “Ouch” and sound like you’re really hurt. Turn away and completely ignore her for a count of ten.

Then turn back around and immediately give her one of her toys, and praise her for chewing on that. Always praise her for chewing on what you want. You may have to repeat this many times, but it will help teach her that humans are fragile and not for chewing! ■ Teoti Anderson, CPDT, owns Pawsitive Results, LLC (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.

Ask an Expert Ask Ian Dunbar

Q:

I’ve been told that its crucial to socialize my puppy, Sal, at an early age but also that she shouldn’t play with other dogs until she’s had all her shots. I don’t want her to miss the crucial early socialization window. What do I do? —Lonely in Louisville

A:

The Critical Period of Socialization—the optimal time to socialize puppies—begins to close at 13 weeks of age. Consequently, you want to make sure that Sal is fully socialized by 3 months of age, so that she can continue to socialize in puppy class and dog parks and on walks. However, socializing Sal to people is far more important than socializing her to other dogs.

Most puppies have spent sufficient time socializing with their mother and littermates to tide them over during the social doggy vacuum in their new home until they have had sufficient shots to visit areas frequented by other dogs. Puppies should avoid high-risk areas until they have had at least two series of shots and are at least 3 months of age. The most hazardous areas for young puppies are: 1. the sidewalk and car parking areas immediately outside veterinary clinics; 2. veterinary clinic waiting room floors. (veterinary clinics are the go-to place for diseased dogs and waiting room floors are seldom cleaned more than once a day, while sidewalks and clinic car parks are rarely sterilized at all. Keep your puppy in the car until time for your appointment and then carry your puppy to the examination table and do not put it on the ground anywhere outside or inside the veterinary clinic.) 3. dog parks; and 4. sidewalks.

However, socializing Sal to people cannot be put on hold. Hopefully, the breeder introduced her to at least a hundred people, especially children, men, and strangers. Now it is your job to introduce her to at least another one hundred people while she is between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Socialize her to people in the safety of your own home, with, of course, the precaution that outdoor shoes remain outdoors (to prevent fomitic infection). Once Sal is 10 to 12 weeks old and has had at least one full series of puppy shots, it is urgent that you attend puppy class.

Puppy class venues are usually relatively safe areas.

Puppy classes are essential for learning bite inhibition (via dog-dog play-fighting), continued socialization with people (during off-leash play), handling by strangers, and for you to learn how to train your pup in a controlled yet extremely distracting setting. By integrating training interludes into play, rather than being a distraction to training, play with other dogs now becomes a reward for training. And of course, puppy classes are a fun night out for you and your gal Sal. ■ Dr. Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviourist, dog trainer, and author of several books and DVDs. He is the Founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (apdt.com) and co-creator of dogSTARdaily.com—a daily magazine for dog owners.

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Ask an Expert

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Ask Nicole Wilde

Q:

I’ve heard you can over-exercise a puppy and that they need to sleep a lot. How much play time is too much?

—Puppy Love in Princeton

A:

Ah, the life of a puppy. Wouldn’t it be nice if your biggest problems were overdosing on cuddles and hearing, “Awww, how cute!” fifty times a day?

Young puppies seem to sleep all the time (and doggone it, they’re adorable even then!). Counting naps, snooze time comes to roughly 18 to 20 hours per day. unless a pup is sleeping way more than is normal or appears lethargic—in which case a visit to the veterinarian is in order— there’s no need for concern. The canine body will naturally engage in the right amount of restorative sleep in order to maintain health.

Play and exercise are trickier issues, partly because humans often control those activities. Although working breeds generally require more exercise than, say, lap dogs, care must be taken with all puppies to guard against over-exercising. If you’ve got another pup the same Snooze time age at home, chances are the two will comes to engage in play and rest in a natural patroughly 18 to tern. But if you have an adult dog in the 20 hours house, that dog’s stamina level will be higher than the pup’s, so you may need per day. to provide periodic enforced rest periods.

Taking your pup for brief walks in a health-safe area is fine, but jogging with him or allowing him to jump or engage in high-impact activities is not. A pup’s bones are soft and are therefore at risk of damage—they don’t ossify until approximately 18 months of age. Don’t allow young pups to run up and down stairs, jump in and out of vehicles, or engage in any type of jarring activity.

Daily short periods of controlled exercise are best. Play with your pup in the house, and practice basic obedience exercises such as sit, down, and come. Teaching a retrieve is another fun way to combine training and physical exercise. Above all, if you are not sure how much exercise is appropriate for your particular puppy, check with your veterinarian. ■ Nicole Wilde is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer who teaches seminars worldwide on canine behaviour topics. She is on the faculty and advisory board of the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, and is the author of six canine-related books, including Help for Your Fearful Dog and So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (phantompub.com).

To submit a training question, email training@moderndogmagazine.com.

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Lost Dog

By Suzanne Beecher

Y

esterday when my husband and I were out for our morning walk, we stopped to read a poster that was tacked up on a telephone pole.

Lost Cat! Brown Tabby Morris 20 years old and hard of hearing

My husband commented that it was “that time of year,” and Morris was probably just taking a stroll around the neighborhood. But the poster made me think about what happened to my dog, Moochie.

When I was five years old, Santa left Moochie under the Christmas tree. Moochie was part terrier and part something else that must have had a very long tail, because when he was just a pup, the veterinarian said we needed to shorten his tail or “the tail Five-year-old will grow longer than the dog.” And so we had his tail nipped.

Suzanne with waspuppy, an only child, no brothers or sisters to play with except herInew Moochie.

Moochie. Even when I’d dress him up in a pink dress and tie a

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ruffled bonnet around his neck, he was a real trouper. He’d sit in the side basket of my bicycle, barking nonstop, “Look at us” and we’d ride up and down Main Street. I loved that dog, but honestly I don’t know how my parents put up with the pooch.

Moochie loved to chew blankets. He never touched a shoe, sock, or a chair leg, but every single blanket in our house looked like a piece of Swiss cheese. Perfect little round holes—they were a real work of dog art, and every blanket, on every bed, was a Moochie masterpiece.

I never tied him up when he was outside; there wasn’t any need to, because Moochie never left the yard. So it was strange one day when he just seemed to disappear. Everybody knew everybody, and their pets, in the small town I grew up in. But when I asked the neighbours, nobody had seen Moochie. Months went by, I was miserable and I’d given up hope on ever finding him. The worst part was not knowing what had happened to him.

You know how things just seem to come together sometimes?

There’s no reason why a topic of conversation should come up, but it does when the time is right. And that’s what happened one day when I was waiting for my mother to get off work at the Dime Store.

It was almost five o’clock, closing time at the Dime Store, and my mother was behind the register ringing up the last customer when out of the blue, the woman she was waiting on started telling a story about a dog who had wandered on to their farm a couple of months ago. She said it was a small brown dog, with a stump of a tail, and he just showed up one afternoon in their barn. He didn’t look well, and was obviously a very old dog, so she made a bed for him and tried to get him to eat, but he wasn’t hungry. She was so worried about the dog that she got up in the middle of the night to check on him. The woman was in tears by then, telling us the story, and my mother and I were crying too, because we knew who the dog was. Moochie died in her arms about three in the morning.

Why did Moochie run away? I’ve always thought about it this way: best friends never want to hurt each other and I imagine Moochie decided it would be just too much for me—he wanted to spare me the pain, so he ran away from home to die.

Lost Dog! Brown, part terrier with a short tail Moochie 15 years old and the best friend I ever had Suzanne Beecher is a writer and the founder of DearReader.com, an online book club produced for North American libraries and Books-a-million. Over 365,000 people read with Suzanne every day. Sign up for the free service and Monday to Friday you’ll receive a 5-minute portion of the featured book of the week. Meet authors, win books, and be one of the four lucky readers each month to receive a batch of Suzanne’s homemade chocolate chip cookies. Suzanne’s inspirational memoir is coming from Touchstone in 2010. Especially for Modern Dog readers, Suzanne has put together a sample one of DearReader’s past selections, Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasotene. Go to tinyurl.com/9lqsnt to sign up!

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1 Every westcoast dog enjoys some grass every now and again.

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