Modern Dog Summer 2013

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions SUMMER 2013

Read Your Breed

Canine Bullies

Dealing with Dog Aggression

The Chihuahua, Golden Retriever + Weimaraner

Summer

DIY!

Exclusive

a d n a r i M ert!

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

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Tuna Freezies, Blueberry Pupsicles & Vacation Dog Tags

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MEN & DOGS

FineLine Technologies JN Index 80% 1.5 BWR PU

DEBUNKING BATHING MYTHS

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17 IDEAS FOR SUMMER FUN

WE’RE GIVING IT AWAY! P 20 BEST BEACH READS

DOES YOUR DOG REALLY HAVE FRIENDS? Love, loyalty + self-interest in dogs

Ask a Trainer: Ankle Biters, Shy Dogs, Obsessive Lickers & a Rescue Scared of Stairs p 110

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Doggie Détente 10 tips to help manage your dog’s aggression toward other dogs. BY STEVE DUNO

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17 Ideas for Summer Fun Have a blast with your dog! Fun outings, games, and activities designed to make the most of the season.

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Go Find It The battle cry of conservation K9s.

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BY COREY VAN’T HAAFF

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Pearl, a Dog of Independent Means An unlikely pair forms a steadfast friendship.

BY JOHN KEMMERLY

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Quotables: Stars and Their Dogs Stars—they’re just like us!

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The Miami Model How one concerned citizen galvanized a community to take action for animals and tackle a towering euthanization rate head on. BY GWEN HAMPSON

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The Dog Days of Summer We rounded up readers’ dogs for a summer themed photo shoot celebrating our favourite season.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING

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Behind the Scenes Meet the dogs and take a peek into the behind-the- scenes magic and mayhem of this issue’s canine Modern Dog photo shoot.

She’s a Country Girl Exclusive! Dog-loving country superstar Miranda Lambert on rescue, a music-filled childhood, and staying grounded. BY MARY-JO DIONNE Hope is the Key A two-person rescue team not afraid to get their hands dirty shows that it’s passion and dedication, plain and simple, that make all the difference. BY JANE DOUCET

THE GOODS 30

Great Gear for the Great Outdoors Let’s have some fun!

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Summer Scores Cool stuff on the cheap.

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Terrific Toys Dog toys delivering maximum fun.

BREED PROFILE 22

Read Your Breed Meet the Chihuahua and Golden Retriever.

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The Weimaraner The gray ghost that’s all heart. BY KELLY CALDWELL

BODY AND SOUL 74

Simplify! De-Clutter While Doing Some Good; Who’s Your Daddy?

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It’s the Cover Cat Competition; Track Your Dog; Post-Beach Freshen Up; Love, Rover

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Can Dogs Eat...?

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Helping Epileptic Dogs; Survey Says; The Find

Canine Friendship 82 Love, loyalty, and self-interest in dogs.

BY STANLEY COREN

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P H OTO 52 W E E KS O F T R E AT S

FEATURES

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P H OTO T H E R O N H U M P H R Y

SUMMER 2013

Ask a Vet Debunking bathing myths; Knee ligament injuries

LIVING 20

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We’re Giving It Away!

We’ve got three more months of groovy giveaways, from soft, stylish pet beds to natural hip and joint supplements, and winners every week!

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102 Canine Co-Pilot How one Coonhound with a unique talent for standing atop all and sundry parlayed internet fame into a charming new book.

108 DIY Craft: Vacation Dog Tags Make temporary ID tags for your travelling pups.

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Best Buds: Man’s Best Friend A photographic tribute to men and their dogs.

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DIY EAT: Blueberry Pupsicles Thrill your dog—and yourself—with this fresh delight made for a hot summer’s day. BY SERENA FABER NELSON

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P H OTO G R A P H E D BY C A N D A CE M E Y E R

PHOTO CHEYENNE ELLIS

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DIY EAT: Tuna Freezies Get into summer with this simple recipe for frozen little tuna treats both dogs and cats love. BY DANA FOX How I Met My Dog Life is golden. BY ANNIE COLSON Ask a Trainer: Ankle Biters Dealing with a dog driven mad by pant cuffs.

BY COLLEEN SAFFORD

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Ask a Trainer: Scared of Stairs Overcoming a rescue dog’s reluctance to climb stairs.

BY INGER MARTENS

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Ask a Trainer: Shy Dog How to help a shy dog meet new people.

REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 14 24 129

Editor’s Letter Contributors Our Readers Write Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace

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Ask a Trainer: Obsessive Licking Deterring an obsessive licker. BY TEOTI ANDERSON

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Art Attack Brooklyn-based artist Jenny Belin on her life long love affair with her subject matter—pets. BY ROSE FROSEK

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Connie’s Book Club From beach reads to a coffee table book filled with rescue stories, we’ve got what you’ll want to be reading this summer.

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

BY MONICA COLLINS

COVER LOOK Country Superstar and major rescue proponent Miranda Lambert with her dogs Jessie and Waylon. Photographed

by Blu Sanders.

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Last Lick: Mister Pazu Summer code of conduct. BY DIANA THUNG

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 12, Issue 2. 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.

PA I N T I N G J E N N Y B E L I N

BY NICOLE WILDE

W

hen I was a little girl my mom would tell me that whenever I learned something new, I’d get another curl on my brain. In those early, formative years when all I seemed to be doing was learning, these imaginary new “brain curls” I was acquiring were an inspiration to excel, much like winning a prize in a competition. Although my mom’s turn of phrase was a simple way of describing the way the brain changes when learning, according to Norman Doidge, M.D., author of The Brain That Changes Itself, she wasn’t so far off. The discovery that the brain can change its own structure and function through thought and activity is revolutionary, and this emerging field of neuroplasticity will certainly, in the years to come, alter the way we regard our brains, our nature, and our potential.

So what has this got to do with dogs? Lots, but with this column’s space allotment I can but briefly describe just one aspect of my personal learning experience with dogs that has indeed affected my nature, outlook, and motivation. I’ve been publishing Modern Dog now for over 10 years and during that time I’ve read countless dog-related books about health, breeds, training, behaviour, spirituality, and even psychic communication. I’ve learned a lot and, if utilizing my mom’s theory, I have developed a very curly brain!

Most importantly it’s brought about a significant change in how I perceive and relate to dogs (and animals in general). For instance, I now know that dogs not only experience emotion but that their intelligence and understanding is equivalent to that of a two-yearold child. Most people would shudder to think of anyone hurting a vulnerable toddler, yet dogs, just as vulnerable but less protected, are mistreated on a regular basis, oftentimes under the guise of “training.” The recent popularity of negative reinforcement—training by exerting dominance over a dog—is not only heartbreaking, but I fear has set dog training back decades. The dominance model promotes the human as the “pack leader” or “alpha” and uses force, confrontation, intimidation, restraint (like the “alpha roll”) or punishment in order to achieve a desired result. Such methods are inhumane and achieve results only because the dog is afraid

6 moderndog SUMMER 2013

of what will happen if he doesn’t comply. On the other hand, the positive reinforcement model uses non-confrontational methods to work a dog’s brain by helping them learn that good things happen to them when they do the things you like, (good things being food, play-time, toys or cuddles). If “spare the rod, spoil the child” is no longer our parenting mantra, why would we apply the outdated methodology where our dogs are concerned?

If you are interested in learning more about positive training methods, as I’m sure you are—after all, who wouldn’t rather build a bond of trust and love with their dog rather than one of fear and mistrust?—then Victoria Stilwell’s new book, Train Your Dog Positively, reviewed on page 121, is an excellent one to start with. And all of Modern Dog’s trainers (pages 110 - 115) employ humane, positive training methods and are regular founts of training and behavioural expertise. On page 32, Steve Duno offers excellent 10-step advice for anyone with a dog that is aggressive toward other dogs.

To keep the positive vibes flowing, we’ve jam-packed this issue with terrific ideas, fun activities, delish recipes, and good reads to inspire, improve your bond with your dog, gain a deeper understanding of his behaviour (p 104), and generally enlighten, uplift, and help you have a blast! Summer is but a few months in duration so we’re aiming to make the very most of it. Why not delight your dog—and yourself—with our recipe for beautiful blueberry pup-sicles (p 101)? We’ve also rounded up toys delivering maximum fun (p 60), as well as sweet summer scores (p 48). We profile three different breeds, share the story of a Coonhound who’s talent for balancing on top of unusual objects transformed her person’s life (who doesn’t love a good redemption story?), check in with the amazing dogs and dedicated handlers of the University of Washington’s Conservation K9 program (rescue dogs hunting for tiger poop in Cambodia? Check!), and so much more.

Wishing you all an amazing summer season filled with smiling dogs, backyard dinners, sunny days at the beach, and time to delve into your favourite magazine.

Love,

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO KHAREN HILL

E D ITO R ’S LE T T E R

C ON TRIBUT OR S SUMMER 2013

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VOL 12

NO 2

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson

This issue’s frozen, fish-tastic DIY Eat recipe comes courtesy of multi-talented blogger Dana Fox, the mastermind behind thewonderforest.com. She lives in Canada with her fiancé and their four fur babies—three cats and a little Maltese pup. She’s a web designer/ graphic artist in real life, with a passion for all things creative. Check out her super simple—and, as your dogs will attest, simply delicious—recipe on page 102. It’s the perfect little pick me up for pups weathering a hot summer day.

Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Circulation Manager & Marketing Director

Jessica Nosek Circulation Supervisor

Jane Hope Design & Production

Maxine Matishak Design & Production Assistant

Vanessa Dong Sales & Marketing

Sara Lima, Mary Liu Accounting and Subscription Services Assistant

Celine Benipayo Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan Donations Program Liaison

Jessica Nosek

We’re thrilled to be sharing John Kemmerly’s wonderful essay on his fraught early relationship with his dog, Pearl, in this issue. John grew up in South Louisiana, worked in bars and restaurants, sold real estate, and worked on a tugboat. He spent two years in the Texas Hill Country working at Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, a no-kill shelter owned by Kinky Friedman. John now lives and writes near Port Aransas, Texas.

His work has appeared in newspapers, literary journals, and national magazines.

We’re happy he’s added Modern Dog to the list. To read John’s story, turn to page 50.

Honourary Editor-at-Large

Jytte Wilson Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 12, Issue 2.

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 12, Issue 2. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003.

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

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

PHONE (

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

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.

Couple Jud Lively and Lindsey Woodward live in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, where together they form Judsey, an art company that provides illustration for magazines, book covers, and board games. They also make fine art and take commissions for private portraits. To see their work in this issue, an illustration of Pearl, a dog of independent means, flip to page 50. For more of their pet (and people) portraits, check out gojudsey.blogspot.com.

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Copyright 2013 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. One-year subscription prices: Canada $16CAD, U.S.A. $16USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Bark Back! OUR READERS WRITE

ILLUSTRATION JESS GOLDEN

Just wanted to say thank you for writing such a wonderful article about Pit Bulls.

It warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. On behalf of all Pit Bull owners and lovers, thank you! We need more publishers, writers, and editors like you to portray the breed positively. Blame the deed not the breed!—Jessica Walker

It’s a Pittie Party!

WE’V E G OT M A IL As a licensed veterinary technician, father of a 17-month-old son, and owner of the most loving Pit Bull ever, I would like to commend the magazine on the article “Babies and Bullies, Part 2,” highlighting what wonderful family dogs Pit Bulls are. (Loved Part 1 by the way and was happy to see this Part 2!). Our dog Mirka is the most loving and tolerant Pit Bull I have ever met. We are lucky to have her in our family and she and our son are best friends. They play together and she tolerates his constant pulls, pinches, and whacks with toy trucks, all while never so much as flinching, snapping, growling or raising a lip. Each of us that know what the breed truly is must work hard to eradicate the stereotypes that have been built against it. One by one, these dogs and their owners, ambassadors for all Pit Bulls, are slowly breaking down the wall. Thank you for playing your part.—Eric Kancar, LVT, East Aurora, NY [To read Babies and Bullies, Part One and Part Two, go to moderndogmagazine. com/babiesandbullies1 and moderndogmagazine.com/babiesandbullies2.—Ed.]

I just wanted to let you know how much I love your magazine!

My mom’s friend sent me the subscription!

And....I know my Mom will buy me things out of it too! Love, Figgins

I’ve loved reading through my latest issue of Modern Dog and I have “dog-eared” many pages so I can re-read some articles. As Pit Bull owners, my husband and I work hard to dispel myths around the breed.

We hope to start a family one day and there is no way our Pit Bull wouldn’t be a part of it once a baby comes along. Keep up the great

work in providing a magazine that is fun, easy to read and informative!—Darla Read I made your recipe of turkey stew for my dog Chazz and he loved it.

Made a substitution on the parsnips for turnips but otherwise included all other ingredients. Yummy! —AdoptedMomToChazzTheDog [For our “Stew for Sad Dogs” turkey stew recipe, go to moderndogmagazine. com/saddogstew—Ed.]

Looked at issue of MD last night. First chance I’ve had. Love it. Page after page of great products and ideas. Please keep up good work.

—Louise L Bell I received my Spring 2013 issue yesterday and it is a great magazine! I almost immediately turned to the article “10 Fun Ways You Can Help Shelter Dogs” to see the suggestions. Of course, #3 hit home—volunteering to take images of shelter animals.

Being a professional pet-exclusive photographer, I go in once a week to Toronto Animal Services and photograph their adoptables. I do this because I believe in the power of an image and I can see the differences in the adoption times for an animal that has a beautiful photo and those that do not. I thought you might be interested to know that there are photographers in Canada that do this and are making a difference!

—Karen Weiler, poshpetsphotography.ca

LIKE! I got my new issue yesterday and I have to say this is the BEST one yet.

I love the honesty of Corey Van’t Haaff facing her fear of Pit Bull type dogs. I, too, had a fear of them...until I adopted one. I congratulate her on taking steps to understand these wonderful dogs, who are, in fact, just dogs, and for educating more people as to the injustices done to them. THANK YOU! I love your magazine even more now.

—Tracy Richardson Firgens

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

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter

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1 My pup is the grooviest dog on the block with this psychedelic, Missoni-ish zigzag dog

collar with solid brass hardware from 2 Hounds Design.—Maxine “Funkadelic” Matishak ($35, 2houndsdesign.com)

2 This beautiful Maryann Duffle Dog Bag from Rebecca Ray Design is made of sturdy duck

canvas, with lots of room for packing everything you need for trips to the beach or overnight stays. It comes in both muted and snazzy colours like this orange one and, best off all, has a print of a vintage advertisement featuring a pointer! What’s not to love?—Mary ($245, rebeccaraydesign.com)

3 I’m with the band. Ensure safe travels with a vehicle restraint that’s both secure and

comfortable. The “Roadie” travel harness clips easily into seatbelts and acts as a tether that can also be used as a short leash when outside of the car. Comes in sizes suitable for the extra small, like me, all the the way to extra large.—Miniature Dachshund Rose (from $43, ruffrider.com)

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4 All the photos of my dog Molly used to languish on my iPhone because it was such a

hassle to print them. But no more! Now it is easier than ever to print photos of your canine friends from your phone. With this cool printer, no computer or cables are needed; just dock your device, connect via Wi-Fi and print!—Vanessa ($149, vupointsolutions.com)

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5 If I must be bathed—and I must, what with my penchant for rolling in things—I choose

all natural, chemical-free Aroma Paws two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Not only does it leave my coat clean, shiny, and tangle-free, but its blend of essential oils also helps repel unwanted guests. (I’m looking at your flea. And you too, mosquito.)—Miniature Dachshund Esther ($12, aromapaws.com)

6 I’m captivated by artist Janet Hill’s lovely, ever so slightly odd prints, especially those

in the “Miss Moon Was A Dog Governess” series. My favourite, “Lesson Four: A WellMannered Dog Is A Well-Bred Dog,” reminds me of my aloof, discerning, lady-like dog Esther who somehow, despite my efforts, turned out as though she was sent to boarding school.—Jennifer (from $26, etsy.com/shop/janethillstudio)

7 It’s summer! Time to cool off with a trip to the lake! We always bring a Dogsaver Disc

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along to keep our water-loving Lab Wally happy. These brightly coloured toys float in the water, and the super-durable construction stands up to the roughest play.—Jane ($7, mammothpet.com)

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8 Perfect for spoiled dogs or super stylish babies, the “Jessica” carrier from Timi & Leslie is a diaper bag in disguise equipped with such conveniences as an insulated bottle tote to keep my Pug Roxy’s water cool, a zippered sac to hold food or treats, and plenty of storage for my goodies.—Sara ($170, shoptimiandleslie.com)

9 I’m absolutely digging this handmade travelling dog bed from Grey Paw Design.

Made from Pendleton wool, it not only makes camping and road trips better and easier, it also makes the journey five times more fashionable!—Celine ($100,etsy.com/shop/ greypawdesign)

10 My mom loves her new Smoochy Poochy hands-free leash. It comes with a mesh poop

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bag holder so she won’t be caught unprepared, but the best part is the brass grommets on the leash allow it to be worn around her waist or across her shoulder, leaving her hands free for unhampered running, shopping, texting, and more...meaning more walks for me!

—Miniature Dachshund Penny (from $32, petsfuture.com)

11 Because I’m ever so slightly more artistic in my mind than in practice, I occasionally

need a little help. This paint-by-numbers kit helps me complete masterpieces of all the creatures in my life. Just upload a photo of your choice and your coded canvas and paints soon arrive, ready for your artistic touch.—Jessica (from $49, easy123art.com)

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PHOTO CHEYENNE ELLIS

CANINE NEWS AND REVIEWS

Katherine Heigl Launches Pet Line Dedicated to Ending Animal Abuse Hollywood A-lister and past Modern Dog cover model Katherine Heigl has embarked on her newest project, one guaranteed to thrill animal lovers. The venture, called Just One, is a line of pet products from which a portion of each sale will support animal welfare efforts and programs.

“Animal cruelty and unnecessary euthanasia are a major problem,” said Heigl. “Just One believes that if each one of us does one thing to help this problem we will together solve it.

Each time someone buys a Just One product, a percentage of that purchase will help to spay and neuter pets, place orphaned animals in loving homes, and end the euthanizing of 10,000 pets a day. Our goal is to make people aware, and to make it as easy as possible for them to commit to help us change the situation in this country for companion animals.”

Heigl and her mom, Nancy Heigl, both committed animal advocates, established Just One to help fund the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, the organization they founded in memory of their brother and son, Jason, who passed away at the age of 15.

As Katherine says, “the way you solve big problems is by taking small steps. In this case, saving one pet at a time. Hence the name of our company. If thousands of people each help us save just one pet, we can make great strides in eliminating the inhumane treatment of animals.” Check it out at just1pet.com.

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“I’m totally sleeping on your pillow right now.” #DOGLIFE Next thing you know, your Twitter feed is going to be nothing but updates from Rover. The Twitter Tag is an electronic dog tag made by Mattel that attaches to your dog’s collar, detects your dog’s audio and movement and transmits the information back to a USB receiver on your computer, creating a tweet from a selection of 500, such as “Bark and the whole neighborhood barks with you.” (Let’s hope that’s not what’s happening right now.) Check it out at puppytweet.com.

MODERN DOG POLL Do you vacation with your dog?

CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNDOGMAGAZINE.COM

THE SCOOP

Portlandia star and co-creator Carrie Brownstein told Daily Candy, the online arbiter of all things cool and girly, who does (or doesn’t) wear the pants at her place: “I’m loving [my dog] Tobey, because he’s turning nine, and it’s taken him a long while to grow up. He’s quite a gentleman now, but the kind of gentleman who wears shorts year-round. I’m speaking figuratively, of course.”

Public Poop Shaming

A Queens artist annoyed by dog poop littering the sidewalks has come up with a creative way to encourage clean up Poop Graffiti: vigilante action or public service?

Either way, it’s getting a whole heck of a lot of media attention At Modern Dog, we hold that the hallmark of good canine citizenship is to scoop that poop. In agreement is Jang Cho, an art director and resident of Queens, NY, who found that despite fines of up to $250, streets were still littered with dog poop, making for an unhygienic and inhospitable sidewalk.

And so, in a flash of inspiration, Cho set to work to bring attention to the problem by stenciling a toilet around the problem to draw attention to the doody.

(He uses washable spray chalk to ensure that the work is temporary.) He then photographs his work and puts it up on dogpoopproject.tumblr.com. (Cho has also been known to put the photos on posters to draw further attention to irresponsible dog owners.) His efforts are definitely having an effect, if not in a quantifiable reduction in the amount of waste on the sidewalk, then in opening up a dog-poop discourse; his Dog Poop Project has received coverage from everyone from The Gotham to NBC New York.—JH

Find cool dog events near you or publicize your event with our brand new Events & Happenings page.

Check it out at moderndogmagazine.com/events!

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PHOTO CHRISTOPHER HORNBECKER / IFC

Who Are You Sweet On?

THE SCOOP

PHOTO COURTESTY PLOS ONE

CAPTION THIS! Exercise your funny bone. Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderndogmagazine.com/cartooncaption.

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

The skull of the fossil dog found in Siberia.

Ancient Dog Skull Shows Early Pet Domestication C A R T O O N S © 2013 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

Our bond runs deeper than originally thought. DNA from fossil indicates dogs were domesticated 33,000 years ago Recent research published in the journal Plos One has found dogs were domesticated even sooner than originally thought— over 20,000 years earlier. New analysis of a fossilized canine tooth found in the Altai mountains of Siberia, Russia in 1975 has confirmed that the 33,000 year old tooth belonged to one of the oldest known ancestors of the modern domesticated dog.

A team of scientists led by Dr. Anna Druzhkova from the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences found that the “Altai dog” fossil, named for the mountains in which it was unearthed, is more closely related to modern dogs than wolves. This exciting research not only indicates dogs were domesticated far earlier than previously thought, but is also leading scientists interested in the domestication of dogs to explore areas outside the Middle East or East Asia, previously thought to be the centers where dogs originated.—AT

AND THE WINNER FROM THE SPRING ISSUE IS...

Make Your Dog a Star!

Win a photo shoot and a two-page spread in Modern Dog! You heard that right: enter our Star Dog Photo Contest for your chance to have your dog photographed by a professional photographer and featured in Modern Dog! That’s right, fame and, well, fame could be yours! Simply upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/stardog and tell all your friends to vote!

“Well, I’ll be darned. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!”

SUBMITTED BY TRINA SULLIVAN

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “Oddly enough, William, you’re correct. It does appear that the pictures in this cave drawing translate to ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!’”

SUBMITTED BY: VICKIE HAMILTON

“This looks to be prehistoric Collie, similar to TV’s “Lassie.” The gestures appear to be identifying that a young boy has fallen into a tar pit.

SUBMITTED BY: SPENCER HAMMOND

“Pre-Collar Age. Amazing!”

SUBMITTED BY: JOHN FRY

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s y a w a e v i G t a e r G

ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in June, July, and August.

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

june

1st-7th

Four lucky winners will receive a soft, stylish pet bed and matching blanket from Forever Home Pet, a brand dedicated to supporting pet rescues!

july

1st-7th

Win one of two Stay Active prize packs from Bergan containing Natural Hip and Joint pet supplements, EZ Steps leash and a Poncho Seat Protector!

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-30th

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

Win one of 13 copies of My Animal, My Self by Marta Williams. A biologist and animal communicator, Williams offers breakthrough methods for understanding and improving your animal’s behaviour.

Four lucky winners will receive ANY two products from the PureLife 4PETS line. These premium pet supplements are scientifically researched for potency, purity, and palatability!

Win one of three Petmate See & Extend carriers featuring a unique zip-out mesh extension that makes a larger space for small dogs to rest!

Win one of five KONG Treats Boxes with Meat Sticks, Crunchy Bars and Chew Buddies! Your dog will love you for it.

Win one of five Fizzion Starter Kits plus five additional refill packs.

Fizzion’s patented tablet cleaning formula removes pet stains and odours with the power of CO2!

Win a ZÜCA Pet Carrier, a cozy home on wheels to transport your pet in comfort and with peace of mind.

august

1st-7th

Win 1 of 11 Pet Vet Mats designed to help stabilize your pet on slippery surfaces like vet tables, groomer tables, scales, and more!

Win one of ten personalized ID tags from Dog Tag Art. Choose from hundreds of designs, or upload your own photos to create a masterpiece.

Win one of five sets of the Spirit Dogs Trilogy. These heartwarming stories bring hope after a loss and delight with page-turning adventure.

Win one of four Soggy Doggy Doormats. Super absorbent microfiber chenille Soggy Doggy absorbs 5 times more water and mud than regular doormats.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning June 1, 2013 at 12:01 AM (PST) through August 31, 2013 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.

Read Your Breed GOOD DOG

THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER Regal, handsome, and self-assured, Goldens are undeniably beautiful dogs. Their eyes never lose that look of pure, unadulterated love and devotion, and their soft muzzles seem uncannily to gently smile.

Such beauty and lovey-doveyness doesn’t mean they’re the “dumb blondes” of the canine world, though; these gentle beasts were bred for work and intelligence as well as looks and temperament. Records kept from 1835 until around 1890 by the gamekeepers at the Guisachan estate of Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland reveal that Golden Retrievers were developed in the 1800s by crossing a light-coloured Flat-Coated Retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Their purpose was, initially, to retrieve waterfowl, guaranteeing them a gentle mouth that will rarely snap or bite.

Born to please, they are particularly patient with children, friendly with other dogs and people, and easy to train. They thrive on close human companionship, and want nothing more than to put a smile on the face of their owners.

Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/golden-retriever

THE CHIHUAHUA Small, sassy charmer The Chihuahua is an old breed with an obscure history. Most believe that it originated in Mexico with the Mayans, Toltecs, and Aztecs. Certainly, the indigenous people of Central America kept small Chihuahua-like dogs that the rich revered enough to want buried alongside themselves after death.

The name “Chihuahua” is derived from one of the northern Mexican states. In the mid-1800s, American visitors to Mexico became enthralled with a certain tiny type of dog they found living there. Brought to the United States, the little fellows gradually gained popularity as pets. They began to be exhibited at dog shows, and in 1904 the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted them recognition as a breed.

While small—dogs heavier than six pounds are considered outside the AKC breed standard—the modern Chihuahua is a compact, solidly built dog that gives a general impression of alertness and balance. There are two coat varieties, smooth and long. (Both shed.)

Their temperament is described as terrier-like. These are spirited, curious, confident dogs, feisty, and brave. Chihuahuas are excellent watchdogs, loyal and quick to defend their homes and families; they have a strong attachment to their humans and are not particularly drawn to strangers.

Playful, intelligent, and deeply affectionate, Chihuahuas like little more than to cuddle with their humans. They tend to be excellent apartment-dwellers, as they can get much of the exercise they need indoors and often seem to prefer the comforts of home to the great outdoors. (Concrete? No thanks. Up! Up!)

Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/chihuahua

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P H OTO G R A P H E D BY C A N DACE M E Y E R

The total package: a dog with beauty and brains

!

E L I M S

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!

Mona & Raven Pit Bulls

Hendrix Pug

Kuno

Ray

Husky mix

Golden Retriever

Benji

Weimaraner

Clover Daysie

German Shepherd/Husky

Miniature Australian Shepherd

Rufus

Bernese Mountain Dog /Great Pyrenees cross

Lola

American Pitbull Terrier 24 moderndog SU MMER 2013

Lexie

Dachshund/Spitz mix

Tory & Toby Rottweilers

Sia Edith, Nelson & Calyope

Staffordshire

Bull Terriers

Liefu

Jack Russell Terrier

Isla

Border Collie

Maddie

Golden Retriever

Watson

Basset Hound

Radar

White German Shepherd

Bailey Lab mix

Troy

Apollo

Australian Cattle Dog

Border Collie

Think your dog ought to grace the pages of Modern Dog?

Reepo

Labrador Retriever

Send us photos of your picture-perfect pooch! The winning entries will be published in Modern Dog magazine. Enter online at moderndogmagazine.com or 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.

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

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BREED PROFILE

The Weimaraner The gray ghost that’s all heart

MARY BLOOM © AKC

By Kelly Caldwell

A

lthough sometimes referred to as the “gray ghost” of the dog world, with its athletic form and striking good looks, the Weimaraner is really more spectacle than spectre. A simple walk about town with a Weim is likely to yield compliments and queries from passersby who can’t help but admire this handsome dog. What kind of dog is that is a question the Weimaraner guardian must be prepared to field over and over.

The breed first appeared in Germany in the 19th century. It was known then as the Weimer Pointer and developed for the dual purpose of hunting big game such as bear, wolves, and deer—as well as providing family companionship. These dogs were prized and bred for their speed, stamina, and courage, as well as their gentle way with people.

Over time, larger game became scarce and the breed’s working purpose shifted to hunting companion for sportsmen in pursuit of small game.

In early days, while type and temperament were being developed, ownership of this breed was restricted exclusively to members of the nobility. That only started to change when, in the late 1920s, American sportsman Howard Knight began efforts to acquire and breed Weimaraners. Others joined those efforts and in 1942 the Weimaraner Club of America was formed. From there, American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition soon followed. The Weimaraner made its first appearance at the storied Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1943.

The Weimaraner is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. The breed’s piercing eyes are acceptable in shades of light amber, gray, or blue-gray. But the Weim’s most recognizable characteristic, of course, is its sleek, gray coat. A long-haired variety of this breed is recognized in many kennel clubs; however, at this time, the AKC recognizes only the smooth-coated Weimaraner.

Health-wise, the Weimaraner is a hardy and healthy breed, but like other deep-chested dogs Weims are prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach distends and twists due to a sudden influx of gas and air. As a preventive measure, it is suggested that Weimaraners should be fed a few times a day, not just in one large portion. Heavy exercise immediately preceding or following eating is also discouraged.

Today, although this breed still has the instinct and potential to excel as a hunting companion, the Weimaraner more commonly fills the role of family companion. It’s a role for which he’s particularly well suited. The breed was developed with a kind temperament in mind and is renowned for being very good with children and absolutely devoted to his owners.

All of that devotion comes with a trade-off; namely, that separation anxiety can be a challenge with these dogs. The thing about Weims is this: they’re all heart.

If you’re going to share your life with a Weimaraner, you need to understand that a fundamental aspect of their character is their desire to be with you. This is a sensitive breed that wants—and, really, needs—to be part of your life. These dogs will not flourish in a home where they are ignored or treated in any way, shape, or form as an outsider.

A large part of the solution lies in obedience training, which is an absolute must with this breed. In his book A Celebration of Dogs, Roger Caras wrote, “When a Weimaraner

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The Weimaraner AKC Ranking: 32 Size: Medium The AKC breed standard allows for a size of 25 to 27 inches at the withers for males and 23 to 25 inches for females.

Activity level: High This canine athlete needs plenty of exercise.

Several daily walks are an absolute minimum.

Involvement in activities is recommended.

If you like Weimaraners, give some consideration to Vizslas, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Pointers.

Grooming: Low Due to its short coat, the Weimaraner’s grooming needs are minimal. With the Longhaired variety, grooming is still relatively routine.

Heritage: Developed in 19th century Germany as a hunting companion.

For information on Weimaraner rescue in the United States, visit weimrescue. com. For Canadian rescue information, visit weims.ca/rescue.

The Vizslas

The Pointer

READ YOUR BREED

The German Shorthaired Pointer

For more breed profiles, go to moderndogmagazine.com/breeds

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POINTER PHOTO MARY BLOOM © AKC

Profile:

doesn’t know what it is supposed to do it can be counted on to do all the wrong things.” Indeed, while the well-mannered Weim might just be canine perfection, if untrained or ignored this breed is likely to take over your home. And by take over, I mean: tend to do things like eat your couch while you’re away.

The good news on the training front is twofold. First, Weimaraners are not difficult to train. They are smart and eager to please; in fact, they can excel in obedience. Second, once properly trained, the list of potential activities you can enjoy with this versatile breed is virtually endless. Weims can serve as hunting companions, or compete in and enjoy sporting activities such as Flyball, Agility, or Tracking.

Most Popular And if you happen to enjoy the water, Dogs in the U.S. you’re in luck. The Weimaraner loves According to the most recent to swim and has the webbed toes to AKC registration statistics prove it. Whatever your activity prefer- [1] Labrador Retriever ences, these dogs will happily join you. [2] German Shepherd Dog Without question, the Weimaraner is [3] Golden Retriever happiest when he gets plenty of physi[4] Beagle cal and mental stimulation.

[5] Bulldog Perhaps one final consideration for [6] Yorkshire Terrier those considering a Weimaraner: noise. [7] Boxer Yes, this is a vocal breed. Silence may [8] Poodle be golden to you, but the gray ghost [9] Rottweiler likes to bark. It’s another part of the [10] Dachshund breed’s personality that you’ll have to [32] Weimaraner accept and, perhaps, even learn to love.

Roger Caras said it best when he wrote that the Weimaraner is “a dog of high character, and he spends much of his time telling everyone about it.”

And why not? Perhaps the Weimaraner is just sharing what so many have already discovered—that he is a very special dog.

To make this relationship work, your commitment and devotion will be required. Your reward? To be loved like no other by the dog that truly is all heart. n

Your salty dog will love playing fetch on the high seas with these colourful rubber buoy toys from Waggo! If Rover’s more of a landlubber, they’re perfect for a game of fetch or tug-of-war, too! $14, waggo.com

The perfect collar for beach bums! Hot Dogs All Dressed bright and cheery “Hydro” collars are specifically designed for use in and around water so go on and dive right in! From $14, hotdogsalldressed.com

Gear for the Great Outdoors Let’s have some fun!

Beat the heat and prevent heat exhaustion with a cooling vest.

Simply soak this waterretaining vest; the water will slowly evaporate, leaving your dog cooler and happier, though not soaking wet; the vest is laminated on the inside to keep your pup dry. Neat! From $50, gramercypet.com

For pullers, Sam’s Backup Lead attaches to both your dog’s collar and harness, providing you with greater control. Bonus: it comes in great colours, so it’s sure to make your dog look jazzy on his walk.

From $21, ellaslead.com

Soggy Doggy Super Shammy is a must for playful dogs on the go. The super absorbent microfiber material dries your dog quickly for a mess-free car ride home! $20, soggydoggydoormat.com

Keep your dog hydrated during hikes and other summer adventures with this nifty, reusable, nospill water pouch. The specially designed valve prevents backflow ensuring a clean and refreshing drink with each sip. $10, troffpouch.com

Hit the dusty trail! This secure pack will have your pup pulling his own weight (or treats) for once in these detachable panniers.

Complete with sectioned compartments for weight balance, reflective piping, and harness should you want to link up, this really is the ultimate trail pack. From $70, rcpets.com

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Exercise your dog’s body and brain with some backyard agility training.

This weatherproof, mildew resistant tunnel is designed to withstand any rough treatment your dog throws at it! All tunnels are 24" in diameter and come in standard 10", 15" and 20" lengths. From $199, dogtunnels.net

32 moderndog SU MMER 2013

DOGGIE DÉTENTE

10 Tips to Manage Your Dog’s Aggression Toward Other Dogs

By Steve Duno

Illustration by Kim Smith

E

veryone gravitates to Mary’s people-friendly Great Dane mix, Gloria. But toss another dog into the mix and Gloria morphs into a fire-breathing dragon, ready to pounce on the unknown canine, no matter the size, age or demeanor. And so poor Mary avoids other dogs like the plague.

The Stress of Dog-On-Dog Aggression The anxiety that dog aggression evokes for well-meaning guardians cannot be understated. When you cannot confidently walk your dog in a place frequented by other dogs, you resort to skulking out at odd times, crossing streets to avoid conflict, or even not walking your dog at all. This “cloistering,” or avoidance of social situations, only magnifies the problem as your dog perceives your stress and interprets it as danger. Slowly, you become a slave to your own dog’s pathological hostility.

Why My Dog? The causes of dog-on-dog aggression are often hard to determine definitively. Puppies taken from the litter too soon often do not experience enough social interaction with their siblings and can later on show a lack of sociability leading to aggression. Likewise, dogs who get attacked by other dogs can carry that fearful prejudice with them forever. Rescue dogs attacked in a shelter often learn to dread the sight of their own kind. And sometimes, a dog simply has a genetic propensity toward dog aggression.

We often inadvertently teach our dogs to be wary of others. If you tense up and tighten your leash when other dogs come close, you’ll telegraph that lack of confidence right down the leash and into your pet, causing her to become suspicious and on guard.

Pushy, poorly trained dogs can show a desire to bully other less assertive animals. For instance, a dog might, in vying for attention, fight off another dog. If not addressed, this behaviour can become an engrained problem.

Waging the Peace Fortunately, there is much you can do to manage dog-on-dog aggression. Doing so, however, will require regular work on your part and a realization that your dog is a complex being with her own unique personality, history, and tendencies that cannot be changed

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Many dog lovers adopt either an overly cautious, consoling attitude or else a frenetic, over-the-top persona. Both these guises can come across as threatening or insincere to many dogs.

overnight. But with patience and persistence, you can begin to get her to tolerate her own kind.

One caveat: if your dog has had a history of profound dog aggression, seek out the advice of your veterinarian and of a pet behaviourist experienced in dealing with aggression issues. Doing so may help prevent future injury or worse.

The 10 Tips 1. HEALTH AND TRAINING ESSENTIALS Dogs tend to be stoic regarding pain; if confronted with a frisky young dog who wants to play, for instance, a dog with a sore paw might opt to lash out defensively rather than take the chance of further injury. Likewise, a dog with no baseline obedience rules to fall back on may take matters in her own hands and deal with any level of unwelcome interaction with aggression. Training builds confidence and trust; without them, your dog will often react instead of think.

Take your dog for a checkup every year and pay close attention to her overall health. Handle and groom her regularly to detect physical problems, thus making sure self-protection stemming from physical discomfort is not the source of her aggression. Also, be sure to train your dog and to maintain and augment that training to build confidence, trust, and tolerance.

2. REALISTIC SOCIALIZATION Once removed from the shelter or litter, dogs often interact with other dogs only when visiting a dog park or daycare or on daily walks. These brief encounters often serve not as desensitizing social events, but as antagonistic confrontations often made worse by nervous people with tight leashes.

By all means, let your dog play and socialize. But avoid throwing him into situations where he gets overwhelmed by dozens of roughhousing, unpredictable dogs. Overcrowded dog parks with bullying dogs or daycares with many dogs in a small space have done more to breed dog-on-dog aggression than almost anything else, so choose a place with a reasonable number of friendly pets or enough room to provide plenty of spatial safety valves. Avoid forcing socialization; instead, adopt a more laid-back attitude and let the dogs come together in a more natural, less compulsory way.

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3. ACCEPT YOUR DOG’S LIMITATIONS Like people, dogs display a spectrum of personalities, from happy and eager to outright grumpy and antisocial. Breed, history, genes, upbringing—many factors contribute to make your dog who she is. It doesn’t mean that she can’t become more affable; it just means that sometimes you could be asking too much.

Tossing your nine-year-old arthritic Chow Chow into a yard with two eight-month-old Labs, for instance, is probably asking for trouble. Instead, pair dogs of like personalities and ages, balance out genders if possible, and praise any friendly interactions.

Avoid using toys or treats at first to prevent possessive aggression and step in often to mentor and focus.

4. USE CALM INDIFFERENCE When around other dogs, many dog lovers adopt either an overly cautious, consoling attitude or else a frenetic, over-the-top persona. Both these guises can come across as threatening or insincere to many dogs, especially the unsure, nervous ones. Instead, project a confident, almost haughty attitude, one that says, “I’m comfortable here and have no worries.” This, instead of a consoling attitude or one filled with frenzied verbalizing, is the best way to build confidence.

5. PROPER GREETINGS Most people have no idea how to greet a strange dog; they crouch down, reach a hand out, and, in the dog’s eyes, act like a threatening nutcase. Don’t do that, and don’t let others do it to your dog. Instead, greet the person first then have them walk beside you and your dog for a bit. Your dog will perceive that you are at ease and become accustomed to the person’s scent and presentation. At an appropriate point—say, when your dog is sniffing the person’s pant leg—have the person drop a treat on the ground. When the dog looks up for another, your friend can open-palm a second treat to her. Do the same yourself with dogs you see on walks.

When initiating greetings between your worrisome dog and another on-leash pet, the normal dog-dog greeting—a nose-tonose, nose-to tail, play-posturing little ritual—should be replaced by a less confrontational technique called the “directed walk.”

Instead of letting the dogs come face-to-face, simply fall in next to the other person, each of you holding your dog to your left, so that your four-wide formation is dog/person/dog/person. Walk

ILLUSTRATION KIM SMITH

briskly as a group and don’t allow contact—just a no-nonsense, directed walk, as if you are all on a mission.

After a block, do a wide about-face and continue on “the mission.” After a few minutes, with at least five feet of space between the dogs, have each sit, and reward with praise. Then repeat this, perhaps moving behind or in front, or even switching dogs. Do not allow them to actually greet until you have done this numerous times over several days. When you finally do allow them to greet each other, make it a brief nose-up only, followed by a new directed walk. The idea is to get your unsure dog to think there is something important going on that takes precedence over her fears. With dog-aggressive dogs, this “teaming” drill is a vital tool in desensitizing to other dogs.

6. USE THE RIGHT LEASH AND COLLAR If you have a dog-aggressive dog, the right choice of equipment becomes vital to training and to preventing injury. No-pull harnesses do not allow control over your dog’s head, crucial in any aggressive situation. Face collars are not a good option either, as they can be slipped out of by a panicking dog, resulting in escape or unrestrained conflict. And, if a fight does happen and you need to pull your dog away, the increased leverage a face collar provides can result in a wrenched neck for the dog. Nor should a plain flat collar be used, as they can be easily slipped out of. The best option? Try a Martingale collar, a hybrid product that combines the security of a slip collar with none of the negative aspects. These tighten just to the point of snugness but no more, preventing both choking and escape.

Avoid extendable leashes when working your dog-aggressive dog. The ability to extend out as far as twenty feet from you puts your dog too far away for you to act in an emergency. And the possibility of the extended lead getting hopelessly tangled with another dog’s lead all but assures panic and conflict.

Instead, stick with a standard leash.

and force the dog to use other methods to handle his fears.

Placing a muzzled, dog-aggressive dog into a fenced yard with a friendly, confident dog can often be the fastest way to defuse aggression and get a dog socializing. Once the biter realizes he can’t use his mouth to cope, he’ll resort to body posture, growling, running off or chasing—all reasonable coping mechanisms.

After several ten minutes sessions, most biters get the message and become tolerant of that one dog. Then, over time, you repeat the technique with a second dog, and then a third, and so on, until the aggressor realizes that he has friends for the first time in his life. These “friends” can then all be taken out on directed walks in public.

8. NEUTRAL TURF While socializing your dog-aggressive dog, choose a neutral location away from any dog’s home turf. This will reduce the chances of territorial aggression. Avoid spots with big crowds or chaotic activity. A quiet park on a weekday is good; a weekend skateboard park, bad. And if you have any doubts, use a soft muzzle, as described above.

9. LIMIT THE EFFECTS OF TREATS, TOYS, AND KIDS Minimize the chances of food or possessive aggression by limiting the use of food or toys when within twenty feet of any other dog or person. Avoid taking kids with you during these initial sessions to prevent the chance of a protective, parental reaction by your dog.

10. TIMING OF ASSOCIATIONS

7. MUZZLE WORK

When socializing your aggressive dog near other dogs, it’s vital for you to praise or correct her at the right moments. If she sits on command while five feet from another dog, quickly and enthusiastically praise her. Likewise, if she shows aggression or ignores a command, avoid praise, say “No,” and walk her off a few yards. Any reward must be timed properly; reward when she is starting to snarl or sneer, for instance, and you’ll end up praising the undesirable behaviour. So watch her carefully and reward only when she is showing no aggression.

Aggressive dogs use biting as a coping mechanism; if another animal approaches, a quick nip is all it takes to keep the “invader” away. Over time, this becomes the “go to” technique, preventing any chance of socializing. By fitting a quality nylon muzzle to a dog (the cage design muzzle can get tangled in a leash or come off), you passively take away that coping mechanism,

With the right management skills along with patience and persistence, you can teach your anti-social dog to tolerate the presence of others of its own kind. In time, an amicable détente can develop, allowing your dog to face her fears, and express her innate canine desire to socialize and bond. n

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Cool your dog down. Dogs don’t sweat like people do. Instead they regulate their body temperature through their paws and by panting. Help them keep cool on extra hot days by wetting a bandanna, wringing it, out and then popping it in the freezer to make a cooling icy bandana.

Combine two of your dog’s favourite things. So simple it’s genius: float treats in a wading pool.

Fun for everyone involved!

PHOTO EDWARD KOMAR

17 IDEAS FOR Become a modern day treasure hunter. Take to the

Make the most of the season with these ideas for interesting outings, fun games, and cool activities to thrill your dog

By Rose Frosek

WHY DON’T YOU… ?

Add a summer twist to your regular routine. We all know dogs like treat-stuffed Kongs, so why not try a simple summer twist? Stuff the Kong (or any food-stuffable dog toy) with whatever stokes your dog—peanut butter, wet dog food, softened kibble, mashed banana—and then pop it in the freezer for a cool, frozen treat!

36 moderndog SU MMER 2013

woods—or even an urban park— with your trusty hound, a GPS receiver, and the co-ordinates for buried “treasure,” and prepare to have a blast. Geocaching, the 21st century search for hidden stashes, may be all about the hunt but it’s still an awful lot of fun. Read all about it and how to get started at moderndogmagazine.com/geocaching.

MAKE FROZEN DOG TREATS

The fastest way to a dog’s heart? Through the stomach, of course! (This actually holds true for most people, too.) Let your best pal know how much you care by whipping together some super, seasonal treats, from savoury “pup”sicles to frozen watermelon cubes. Healthy, cool, and quick to throw together, they’re a fun way to celebrate the season.

Get the how-to here: moderndogmagazine. com/pupsicles

Create a splash zone. Some dogs love to play in sprinklers. How do you know if your dog is one of them? Set up a sprinkler and play a game of fetch through it. Some dogs just love it. Exhibit A: our “Dogs and Sprinklers: a Match Made in Comedy Heaven” photo gallery at moderndogmagazine.com/dogs-andsprinklers

PHOTO DON GENOVA

Be a tourist in your own town! A surprising number of historical sites, museums, and art parks like Seattle, Washington’s outdoor Olympic Sculpture Park (seattleartmuseum.org) are dog friendly, allowing well behaved, leashed dogs to visit.

Take your dog on a drive-in movie date! Our Sara took her Pug, Roxy, to that date-night staple of yesteryear, the local drive-in movie theatre, and had loads of fun.

Roxy was thrilled to be included in a night out and even got to eat a few French fries. Yes, you might have to journey a bit, but a night at the drive-in means the whole family can come along. In fact, a fair number of driveins are recognizing the draw that is the ability to bring your dog along, and have even created “doggie patches” so your best bud can relieve himself midway through a double header.

Teach your dog to hunt for truffles. Our newest obsession?

Seattle Art Museum Olympic Sculpture Park

Teaching our dogs to hunt for truffles.

Get training now so that when harvest season rolls around—that would be December to March—you’re ready to unearth some black gold. Get started at moderndogmagazine.com/truffle-hunting.

Dine out with your dog. Summer = restaurant patio season, which means dining al fresco with your dog! Get out of the kitchen and take a stroll with your BFF (that would be best furry friend) to the nearest dogwelcoming spot with outdoor seating. If your dog has questionable table manners, grab some take-out and head to the park instead!

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HIT THE (DOG-FRIENDLY) BEACH!

Get high-tech help with a fundamentally low-tech pursuit: explore new dog-friendly areas with the help of a handy app that maps out dog-friendly parks, beaches, and hikes in your geo-location. We like Dog Park Finder Plus for iPad and iPhone, just $1.99 through the iTunes app store. It shows the details and locations of dogs-welcome walks and off-leash-romp spots in both the US and Canada. Perfect for when travelling or checking out new areas in your hometown!

Create an agility course in your backyard.

With a few simple pieces of equipment (a Hula Hoop, two pylons, dowelling or a hockey stick, a mesh tunnel), you can get started practicing the basics of agility. Check out moderndogmagazine.com/diyagility for complete instructions for setting up your own DIY backyard course!

Go camping. Many provincial and state park campsites allow dogs provided they’re on leash.

Check your state or provincial park website for listings of which sites welcome dogs.

Start a walking group. Set a date, put a call out (old school: flyer in your local dog boutique; new school: meetup.com) and get ready to meet new people, make dog friends, learn about new pupfriendly spots, and swap training advice and vet recommendations.

Your posting can be weekly— every Wednesday night— or monthly—like the third Sunday of every month, and can be breed-specific (Dachshund-Corgi cross meet-up!) or all-welcoming. Let the romping and socializing begin!

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Host a BBQ party. Time outside with the fam and the promise of sneaked bits of meat? Doggie heaven, plain and simple.

Swap for cool new-to-you dog stuff You’ve heard of a clothing swap—why not hold a doggie-stuff swap? Trade collars, clothes, dishes, gently used toys or puppy stuff your dog has outgrown with friends.

Invite the dogs along for a socializing op in which you get to take home some new-to-you scores!

Hit the Farmer’s Market.

One of our very favourite summer activities is hitting the farmer’s market and returning home with a basket brimming with glorious vegetable bounty. Why not transform that bundle of kale you’ve returned with into a healthy, tasty treat both you and your dog will adore? Get the how-to for making kale chips (it’s beyond simple) at moderndogmagazine.com/kalechips. Yummers! n

PHOTO JEANNE HYDE

GO FIND IT

The Battle Cry of Conservation K9s

40 moderndog SU MMER 2013

KEEGAN RAMEY, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

By Corey Van’t Haaff

Photo top left: Conservation K9 Haley in a lunar-like landscape while on the Sierra Fisher project.

Bottom: The Moja crew hard at work collecting whale scat that Tucker just located.

M

ax was down to his last chance. The high-energy Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler mix was in a Washington shelter, likely destined for death row, until fate intervened and he was plucked from near oblivion by the Conservation K9s program at University of Washington.

Even at the program, which employs dogs to track and locate evidence of threatened wild animal populations, no one was absolutely sure he would succeed. But with a little faith and perseverance, Max finally achieved “back-up dog” status. Then, to his great fortune (and hers), he was paired with Jennifer Hartman, a field biologist and dog handler at UW’s Center for Conservation Biology.

Hartman had started working with some of the dogs at the Center and wondered if this line of work was really for her. Then she took Max out to play.

“It was so awesome. Working with Max was fun. I wasn’t getting frustrated. He was the first dog I was having fun with,” she says. Max and Hartman have since done full duty searching for Northern Spotted Owl in California. Max bypassed his back-up dog status and is now officially working as a Conservation K9, sniffing out fresh owl pellets to assist with conservation efforts.

Like all Conservation K9s, the dogs work with handlers in the field. Each dog is trained to sniff out feces which in turn are analyzed by scientists to determine the health, activity, and location of the particular species the dogs are tracking.

The Conservation K9 (CK9) program is the brainchild of Dr. Sam Wasser, Director of UW’s Center for Conservation Biology, which houses 17 dogs currently, but has room for 30. Many breeds can be CK9s, but most are retrievers, Labs, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, and, once, even a pair of Jack Russell Terriers. Large muscular dogs, perhaps surprisingly, don’t do well in the program as they tire more quickly.

Begun in 1997, the original premise was to prove the impact of human disturbance on wild animals.

“It’s rare that just one disturbance happens on a population; usually it’s many,” says Wasser, explaining that many factors work together to bring about peril to wildlife.

He uses the example of Orcas. There’s overfishing Chinook salmon. There are also

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PHOTO JULIE MARKS, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

“Those are exactly the kinds of dogs at the pound [we look for]— intense and unadoptable. We search for extremely high-drive dogs. All our dogs are rescued.” toxins in the oceans, and the popular activity of whale watching means that sometimes, people get too close to Orcas. Climate change has its own effect. How these factors affect whales, and at what times of year, and during which activities, all work in conjunction to point scientists to ways to lessen the negative impact on wildlife. By examining the nutritional information, reproduction and stress hormones, and toxins all present in poop, scientists are able to determine which external factors at what times have the greatest impact.

“It’s really important, if we’re trying to resolve the problem, to figure out the impact of various pressures. The feces of an animal contain toxins and genetic information about their health and who they are,” says Dr Wasser. “There is no product more accessible than feces in wildlife.”

And no one can sniff out poop like a dog. Dogs, says Wasser, are an incredibly powerful tool.

CK9s are trained to find the droppings of a specific species, and are rewarded with play only when they are successful. Not just any dog can do this, says Wasser. A scat dog has an obses-

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sive drive to play with a ball so extreme they often cannot be kept as pets.

“Those are exactly the kinds of dogs at the pound [we look for]—intense and unadoptable. We search for extremely highdrive dogs. All our dogs are rescued.”

Sadie May, a 10-year-old owner-surrender black Lab mix from Colorado, started her field work in the tar sands. Then, more exotic adventures called her.

“We left for Cambodia at the end of 2009 to sniff out tiger poop,” says Elizabeth Seely, conservation field biologist and dog handler. The task was to determine if the Mondulkiri Protected Forest, an ideal tiger habitat, was actually home to any.

Unfortunately, Seely and Sadie May were unsuccessful in providing proof of tigers living there, as Sadie May was unable to find the scatological evidence the team sought. “It was like looking for a needle in a haystack,” Seely says. Though Sadie May didn’t find any tiger poop, she did learn, after acclimatizing to the heat, to sleep three feet off the ground, suspended in a hammock with zipped-in mosquito netting.

Photo left: Handlers Bud Marks and Keegan Ramey with their dogs at Pack Forest.

In new environments, says Seely, trust between dog and handler is vital.

“We had a good bond. She is very trusting and so obsessed with the ball that she didn’t notice anything. Like snakes. A king cobra reared on us and I showed her the ball and she was out of there.”

Safety issues are a bigger deal for handlers than dogs, says Seely, and dogs adjust to new situations easier than humans. The dogs’ scat-finding training is so species-specific and is rewarded so satisfyingly—the ball again—that the dogs zone in on a specific scent while ignoring all others. For obvious reasons, dogs can’t be chasing after wildlife that moves or scares them, and this training saves lives.

Seely can attest to this first-hand. While lounging in their hammocks in smoke-filled air from burning wildfires, Seely suddenly heard a huge noise and remarked to a colleague that it sounded like a herd of elephants. Almost immediately, an actual herd of elephants came crashing through the trees. Sadie May started barking and, just like in cartoons, the elephants stopped dead in their tracks, then turned and ran away. Sadie May never left her hammock.

Seely also works with Tucker.

Found on the streets, Tucker was taken to a North Seattle shelter where he was rescued by the CK9 program. The black Lab has spent the last seven years sniffing out Orca poop floating in the Pacific Ocean.

It’s tricky work. Orca poop disintegrates quickly and for the whales’ safety, boats maintain a distance of at least 400 metres.

Tucker’s amazing nose can locate whale poop up to a mile away.

Tucker knows it’s work time the instant he gets into the truck for the drive to the boat, where he exits his crate, gets into his life jacket, and hears the command “go find it.” Tucker and Seely ride up front in the triangular bow of the boat, with Tucker firmly on a leash. Since whales swim in all directions, the boat concentrates on the direction of the wind, allowing the scent to cross Tucker’s nose.

“Tucker shows a change in his behaviour when he hits the scent cone. He turns his head in its direction and wags his tail. He becomes more animated and leans over the edge, shifting left or right depending on where the sample is strongest. He opens and closes his mouth and bobs as we get closer. Once we visualize it and the sample is out of the water, we pass it to Tucker’s nose first, then we play ball,” says Seely. The ball, she adds, is on a rope so if it goes off the edge, she can pull it back, because, ironically, Tucker is afraid of the water.

Heath Smith, conservation field biologist, is the trainer for the Center’s dogs. He says it takes about two months to train a dog, but only a day or so to train on a new scent.

“I tell the handlers the joy for the dog is finding the next scat and then getting the ball. It’s the excitement of ‘find and reward,’” says Smith. “To me, we’re partners on a treasure hunt. The dog needs boundaries but is better at understanding what I want than I am at understanding what they’re saying. It’s easy for a dog to train a handler.

Found on the streets, Tucker was taken to a North Seattle shelter where he was rescued by the CK9 program. The black Lab has subsequently spent the last seven years sniffing out Orca poop floating in the Pacific Ocean.

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Conservation K9s, Rescuing Shelter Dogs and Putting Their Noses to Work for Wildlife Conservation Since 1997 The Conservation K9 program is a non-profit that struggles to maintain itself through the year, relying very heavily upon public donations to help cover the cost of maintaining the program when deployments are low. If you’re interested in making a donation in support of the program, you’ll find more info at conservationbiology.net/donate. For updates on the very cool work they’re doing, follow these loveable dogs and their handlers on Facebook (facebook.com/ ConservationCanines) and Twitter (@conservationK9).

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PHOTO CLAY MEYERS

From top: Canyon Miller and Nick Broman take a photo break with Chester during one of the colder days spent surveying in frigid Northern Alberta; Gator chews his ball up after being rewarded for finding wolverine scat; Scooby rests in anticipation, waiting to go find tiger scat in Cambodia. Check out the elephant!

PHOTO JENNIFER HARTMAN, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

It’s a lot of practice to train a dog.”

Smith says after working in the program for so long, he is still sometimes surprised by what the dogs do.

Take Gator, for example. The Australian Cattle Dog came to the Center when he failed at drug-sniffing. As it turned out, Gator was fabulous at being a CK9. Trained to sniff out maned wolf poop, Gator and Smith headed for Brazil. Gator was ready for work, outfitted in his harness and bear bell for safety. As usual, he responded immediately to Smith’s command to “go find it.”

“He was at one spot high on a hill. I saw him and he was staying,” says Smith, explaining Gator would not move, no matter what, once he found a sample. “Then I see him scoot two feet over and stay. He did this over and over.”

Once Smith reached Gator, the mystery was solved. An army of leaf-cutter ants was carrying the wolf scat away, and Gator was simply following it.

But even with such extraordinary dogs, there are other things that are solid and predictable and, in their own way, a part of the journey one hopes not to miss.

Gator had reached the age of 15 and was living with Smith at the Center. Although Gator had been ill a year before, he had returned to work with Smith, seeking Grizzly Bears in Jasper.

Then he got sick again. In the middle of one particular night, Gator came into Smith’s room. Smith bent over to pet him and Gator collapsed, dying right there at his best friend’s side.

“He was the closest friend I ever had. He went everywhere with me,” says Smith. “Gator was so loyal and amazing. He was the most amazing thing I ever met. I’m lucky I got to say goodbye.” n

PHOTO CANYON MILLER, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

“To me, we’re partners on a treasure hunt. The dog needs boundaries but is better at understanding what I want than I am at understanding what they’re saying. It’s easy for a dog to train a handler. It’s a lot of practice to train a dog.”

MEET THE DOGS!

PHOTO HEATH SMITH, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

PHOTO BUD MARKS, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

CAPTAIN

Breed: Unknown; Sex: Male Weight: 55 lbs Markings: Brown with white chest Birthday: 10/31/2009 Adoption Date: 9/4/2012 Rescue Location: Owner Surrender Species trained on: Wolverine

WAYLON

Breed: Labrador Retriever Sex: Male Weight: 80 lbs Markings: Yellow Birthday: 11/5/05 Adoption Date: 8/18/10 Rescue Location: Owner surrender Species trained on: Wolverine, Orca, Sharp-tailed Snakes

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HALEY

Breed: Labrador Pointer mix Sex: Female Weight: 47 lbs Markings: Black with White Chest Birthday: 4/30/2004 Adoption Date: 6/25/2008 Rescue Location: Owner Surrender Species trained on: Wolverine, Fisher

PHOTO BUD MARKS, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

PHOTO JENNIFER HARTMAN, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

Breed: Border Collie Sex: Male Weight: 45 lbs Markings: Black and White Birthday: 4/7/04 Adoption Date: 10/7/05 Rescue Location: Seattle Animal Shelter Species trained on: Maned Wolf, Wolverine, Grizzly Bear, Fisher, Mt Jemez Salamander

ALLI

Breed: Australian Cattle Dog mix Sex: Female Weight: 40 lbs Markings: Orange Birthday: 4/7/04 Adoption Date: 10/15/05 Rescue Location: Pack Leader Dog Training Species trained on: Maned Wolf, Wolverine, Grizzly Bear, American Pine Marten, Sierra Red Fox, Pacific Pocket Mouse, Pacific Water Shrew, Oregon Spotted Frog, Mink, Short tailed Weasel

HEATH SMITH, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

FREHLEY

PHOTO KEEGAN RAMEY, UW CONSERVATION CANINES

The ideal scat detection dog is extremely energetic with an excessive play drive. They will work happily and eagerly all day long, motivated by the expectation of a ball reward given only upon sample detection. The dogs’ fixation with the ball drives them to work four to six hours a day in the field.

The obsessive, high-energy personalities of scat detection dogs can make them difficult to maintain as family pets, which means many dogs well suited to this line of work end up in shelters. The University of Washington’s Conservation K9 program rescues all its dogs, providing them a rewarding and satisfying career in the field of conservation research.

Get to know a few of the amazing dogs in active duty.

PEPSI

Breed: Labrador mix Sex: Female Weight: 35 lbs Markings: Black Birthday: 11/16/07 Adoption Date: 12/11/08 Rescue Location: Seattle Humane Species trained on: Wolverine, Lynx, Cougar

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Looking for a dog collar with function and style? Check out these two-in-one Wildebeest Bandana Collars. We love both the cool blue denim and the preppy orange anchor print. $20, petswag.com

Perfect for discerning pooches that like to switch things up, these beautiful, Aztec-inspired collar sleeves from Ike & Stella are handmade using durable wool felt and are available in a variety of gorgeous colours and designs. Collar and sleeve from $55 or sleeve only from $25, ikeandstella.com

Not only pretty but practical too, these sustainable canvas storage bins screen-printed with colourful designs by Fluf are just the thing for corralling dog toys. $36, landofnod.com

Say Cheese! Freezedried Cheddar cheese curds make a perfect summer snack for dogs who like a little cheese with their whine. $8, wholelifepet.com

Sweet Summer Scores At just pennies per use, there’s no excuse not to use these ecofriendly, lavender scented, biodegradable poop bags from Earth Rated! Best of all, they’re extra strong and extra long. $6 for a box of 8 rolls, earthrated.com

This handcrafted canvas and birch teepee is an ideal shelter for bohemian dogs and their people, providing a perfect spot for summer lounging. $110, growlergoods.com

Sleepypod’s multi-use travel dish is super cute and extremely practical: it’s a separate no-spill water dish, food dish and sealable travel container in one!

Bonus: the juicy colours may just inspire your next getaway! $30, sleepypod.com

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Turn tasty yet often messy high-value snacks into treats on the go. Just fill this handy sealable, squeezable Treat Toob with your dog’s favourite moist snack (we like peanut butter and liverwurst) and you’re good to go! Great for training and recall at the park—just squeeze to reward! $9, paww.com

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Pearl

A Dog of Independent Means

By John Kemmerly

Illustration by Judsey

ILLUSTRATION BY JUDSEY; GOJUDSEY.BLOGSPOT.COM

S

he was a medium-sized black dog living on the streets of Galveston Island, hustling tourists for food and doing okay for herself, neither too thin nor too disheveled. I wasn’t sure if she had a name, so I called her Pearl after the black pearls of Polynesia. On hot days, she liked to come inside my bookstore for a little A/C and a bowl of water. It was fine with me if she wanted to hang out. I told customers “She’s only a friend, not my dog.”

At one time, she must have belonged to someone (she knew how to sit and shake hands), yet nearly every time I saw her, she was alone, walking past my bookstore at a steady pace.

Maybe when she was young someone abandoned her—in effect, knocked her down—and she never learned to trust people.

One night after closing my business, I hid the cash, turned off the lights, and Pearl was still resting beside my desk. I offered her the option of going back to the street or coming home with me. When I opened the door to my truck, she jumped in.

Pearl had a good time at my apartment, rolling around on the floor and playing fetch with a dirty sock. We walked to the convenience store for a can of Alpo, and after filling her stomach, she climbed into my dirty clothes basket and slept there all night.

Driving to work the next morning, she rode with her head out the window enjoying views of the Gulf of Mexico. That day, she seemed content enough at the bookstore, greeting the customers she liked, ignoring the ones she didn’t. My door was propped open, otherwise tourists usually walked by without coming in, so I kept expecting Pearl to wander off, but instead, she stayed all day. At closing time, we loaded into my truck and I brought her to the animal shelter. It would be good to get her off the street, find a forever home and someone to take care of her. Not me though. I liked being alone.

The guy at the shelter was patient while I demonstrated Pearl’s ability to sit and shake hands. He assured me that she’d be highly recommended to everyone interested in adoptions. We

then walked Pearl back to her small pen, and I told her goodbye.

She seemed to understand what was happening and wasn’t too happy about it. When I tried to give her a final scratch behind the ear, she turned away from me.

“She’ll be okay,” the guy said. “We’ll find a home for her.”

Three days later I called the shelter to ask how she was doing.

“Not too well,” he told me. “All she does is sleep or pace circles in her pen.”

“Nobody wants her?” I asked.

“Not really. I think she likes being alone.”

Sitting at my desk, I started thinking she would be better off running free, dodging traffic, able to sink or swim on her own.

On the internet I learned that three million dogs are euthanized each year, many simply because they hadn’t lived up to their owner’s expectations. “We expect our dogs to be perfect,” one article said, and showed a picture of a cute, sad-eyed mutt at a shelter. He was sitting inside a metal cage with a sign hanging from his neck. “I ate my owner’s shoes.”

On YouTube I watched a video that showed the brutal methods used to euthanize our best friends. Instead of killing one at a time, shelter employees sometimes pack as many dogs as possible into a stainless steel box. While being dropped in, many of the dogs don’t even fight it but rather hang limp and cry. When the lid is closed, they cry louder, and when the toxic fumes begin flowing into the dark chamber, the dogs scream.

After seeing this, I closed the bookstore and drove to the shelter. Walking down the aisle, there were several dogs pining for my attention, jumping up on their gates, barking and sticking their noses through the gaps, but I couldn’t save them all. When Pearl saw me, her face maintained a disinterested expression, letting me know that I was not her saviour, that at some point she would have escaped on her own. Once outside though, her wagging tail and wiggling hips told me how happy she was, and she quickly jumped into my truck. All was forgiven. That’s what

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I like about dogs; you screw up, you let them down, and they forgive you.

At my apartment she gobbled up a bowl of Alpo and, when she looked up to ask for more, I gave her a slice of pizza. We played fetch with a tennis ball and tug-of-war with a sock. She had taken a chance on me, and I had taken a chance on her.

Before Pearl, my typical evening involved sitting for six hours in front of the television. Now, after Pearl, I realized that being alone wasn’t working for me. I called her over, “Hey, let’s go do something. Let’s go run on the beach!”

It turned out, though, that Pearl was only interested in a parttime home, occasionally venturing out of the bookstore to roam the Island without me. Allowing her that freedom, I know, was reckless, certainly not the actions of a responsible pet owner, but the thing was, if I left her at my apartment, she sulked and ignored me when I got home. And at the bookstore, since my door was usually propped open, the only option was to tie her to the leg of my desk, but when I did, she panicked, twisting and pulling to the point of hurting herself. The truth is, back then, I didn’t know enough about dog training and should have hired a professional to help me ease her transition. Instead, I pretty much gave her the freedom to come and go as she pleased.

Otherwise, I worried, she might leave forever.

For a while this arrangement worked well. I expected the wandering off episodes to lessen with time, as she gradually came to appreciate the perks of domestic life: bowls of Alpo, vanilla ice cream, and me, her new best friend—although I didn’t always treat her like a best friend. One time I punished her for chewing my couch and didn’t realize until later that, since I hadn’t caught her in the act, she hadn’t understood why I was mad at her. There was another time too, something I don’t like to think about. When she ate my sandwich, I called her to me and slapped her on the rump. Big mistake. For the next couple weeks, she wouldn’t come when I called.

During this transition stage, we were both learning how to treat each other and both making mistakes. My lack of understanding about dogs didn’t help and must have made it more difficult for her to make a final decision about staying with me or roughing it on her own. “Come on, Pearl,” I used to say, “we can get through this.”

The times she left without returning, I’d worry about where she was and who she was with. After closing at six o’clock, I’d go search for her, usually without success. At my apartment, everything would feel too quiet, too lonely. Was she traveling beside a busy street? Running from bigger dogs? Had she found a safe place to curl up and spend the night?

Thankfully, after six months, Pearl’s independent journeys tapered off. She started walking on a leash, coming when I called and, in every way, seemed more relaxed and happy. We enjoyed watching the Nature Channel together, sitting on the balcony,

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and playing catch with popcorn.

Everything was going well until one afternoon when I walked out of the bank across from my bookstore, and she wasn’t waiting for me. Maybe I took too long inside, or maybe she liked it better on the streets, alone. After doing so much for her, this betrayal was too much, and I refused to run off on another desperate search to find her. Customers asked questions about books, tried to start conversations with me, but all I could think about was Pearl. Why had she run off? Was she okay? At some point the phone rang: “This is Jim Hollister at Moody Bank. You have a black dog, right?”

“Yes,” I answered. “Is she all right?”

“My God, man. Get over here as quickly as you can. Your dog is inside my bank and no one can catch her.”

Rushing to the bank, I felt bad for branding Pearl disloyal.

She must have gone around to the side entrance to wait, and when I didn’t show up, rushed inside to find me. I entered the main lobby and, in front of everyone at the bank, Pearl ran and

When Pearl saw me, her face maintained a disinterested expression, letting me know that I was not her saviour, that at some point she would have escaped on her own. jumped into my arms. “I thought you left me!” I said, and gave her a big hug. We went back to the bookstore, both of us happy to be reunited. Later I realized that she must have been thinking it was my fault, that I was the one who left her.

For the first six months, she had a livefree-or-die attitude, often reverting back to her solitary life. Then gradually she started to trust me and even got nervous and upset when I went somewhere without her. This is why I was so shocked when she went outside one day and didn’t come back.

At six o’clock I closed up the store, counted receipts, and waited for another thirty minutes wondering if I should go look for her. Had Pearl, like the dog in Jack London’s book, heard the call of the wild? I decided to accept her choice and go home without her. On the way back to my apartment, because it was on the way, I drove through the derelict neighborhood on the other side of 25th Street, where Pearl once spent a hectic afternoon with two drug dealers. Not finding her there, I decided to try Mario’s Pizza on Seawall Boulevard, where a friend of hers worked in the kitchen. She wasn’t there either, so I headed back to the bookstore to see if, as countless times before, she was sitting on the sidewalk patiently waiting for me. Not finding her, I went searching on foot. No luck at Tom’s Café, and no one had seen her at O’Malley’s bar.

It was getting dark, so I walked to the alley beside an antique store, where I once found her sleeping behind a trash dumpster. She wasn’t there either.

When I finally found her, she was in Old Galveston Square with a rope around her neck.

Pearl had been a great dog, relaxing in the storefront window during the day, sleeping on the foot of my bed at night.

We had spent countless hours together playing on the beach, watching the Nature Channel, and sharing pepperoni pizza. And now after 12 months, here she was casually walking through the square with a homeless man, probably an old friend of hers.

“That’s my dog,” I told him.

“It doesn’t look like it,” he said.

“I’ve had her for a year.”

“And I had her before then,” he said.

“She needs me to take care of her,” I tried to explain, but knew it was me. I was the one who needed her.

He sat on a bench and gave Pearl some food from his pocket. “She looks happy where she’s at.”

He was right, she did seem happy, but I needed to make sure this was what she wanted. “Untie her,” I told him, “If she stays with you, you can have her.”

He hesitated, so I reached in my wallet and gave him a lunch coupon from Tom’s Café. “OK, we’ll see what happens,” the man said, and slipped the rope off Pearl’s neck.

I crossed my fingers, turned around and started walking away, resisting the urge to call her or pat the side of my leg.

She’s the one who decided to leave, so I wanted this to be her choice. When she didn’t show up at my side, I kept going, putting one foot in front of the other. At the Wenteltrap Restaurant, I turned on 23rd Street heading back to my bookstore without her. And then, just as I was telling myself Never again, Pearl came racing around the corner and ran into the back of my legs, nearly knocking me down. n moderndogmagazine.com

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Canine Co-Pilot How a rescued Coonhound with extraordinary balance inspired a book and changed the life of her adopter during their cross-country road trip

By Rose Frosek

I

n early 2011, a recently heartbroken Theron Humphrey took a good close look at his life and found it lacking. A commercial photographer burnt out on the corporate world, he found his life’s journey coming up short both creatively and personally. The words of a girl he loved echoed in his ears: “You are the most disappointing human ever.”

Waking up Idaho mornings and venturing to work heavyhearted, he had a desire to change, to mix things up. And that’s when he had This Wild Idea.

He would traverse all 50 states and meet one person a day, every day, and tell their story through images. In a flash of inspiration that was to become the focal point—literally—of his journey, he figured he better have a dog along for the ride. “If Steinbeck had Charley by his side on his American travels, I need a good dog next to me in my truck,” he said to himself.

And so he came to adopt Maddie, a sweet natured Coonhound, from an animal shelter that summer and by fall they said goodbye to friends and hit the road together. Inevitably, Theron would come to train his lens on his co-pilot, a dog whose steadfastness and uncanny ability to balance would prove to make surprisingly captivating photos. It all started simply enough. One morning Theron figured he “needed a photograph to remember how we travelled together. So I picked up Maddie and put her on the roof [of the truck]. She just stood there and smiled at me. Good things seem to start that way. You know, small.”

That photo led to others, taken in little—and not so little—towns, road stops, national parks. Shared through Instagram and Tumblr, these quirky photos of Maddie balanced on top of all and sundry zinged their way around the internet. Such was their appeal that they

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“If Steinbeck had Charley by his side on his American travels, I need a good dog next to me in my truck.”

even ended up featured by media outlets like Good Morning America, Wired, Time, and People. These unpremeditated photos of a dog on the road would come to enthrall countless people and even inspire a book, released this spring by Chronicle Books.

Rather perfectly entitled Maddie on Things: a Super-Serious Project About Dogs and Physics, it collects Theron’s photos of his wellloved dog as she placidly poses atop bicycles, construction barrels, a fridge door—even a watermelon the size of a small car. Quirky in the very best way, it is a testament and tribute to second chances, resilient spirits, the lure of the road, and, of course, our canine counterparts, which so many of us rely upon to remind us of the miracle that is the little things. n Theron and Maddie, inexhaustible duo that they are, are currently on a book tour running straight through the summer months and all the way into October that will take them to cities throughout Canada and the US. Check out when they’ll be in a town near you at maddieontour.com.

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CELEB

Oprah Winfrey “Dogs are my favourite role models. I want to work like a dog, doing what I was born to do with joy and purpose. I want to play like a dog, with total, jolly abandon. I want to love like a dog, with unabashed devotion and complete lack of concern about what people do for a living, how much money they have, or how much they weigh. The fact that we still live with dogs, even when we don’t have to herd or hunt our dinner, gives me hope for humans and canines alike.”

Drew Barrymore Dog-lover Drew Barrymore formally introduced the world to her new rescue pup, Oliver, now over a year old, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Showing off photos, she told Ellen, “He looks like a bear. He looks like a tiny little bear. I can’t even handle it. He was a rescue dog. He was found in a box with his brothers and sisters outside of East Valley Shelter.”

Josh Duhamel

and their Dogs Ryan Gosling Hey girl, need a conversational gambit to keep things flowing? Do what Ryan Gosling does and bring along your dog.

When Gosling appeared as a guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, he brought along his dog, George, a mixed lineage mutt—or “some kind of Muppet” as Gosling called him. “He’s more interesting than I am, so I just thought it would be helpful, the actor said as his dog snacked on bits of green apple. Though it’s doubtful all eyes were on George, the dog’s full-body mohawk certainly drew notice, as did the lone red sock, not a fashion statement as some may have thought, but rather hot spot protection. The mohawk though? Apparently George insists on it.

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We’re in love. From Josh Duhamel’s Huffington Post blog: “The best part about adoption is that when you adopt, you save more than one life. By adopting Meatloaf, I was able to make room at the shelter, so more pets can come in, giving them a better chance of finding a home.” And then, just when you think it doesn’t get any better, you find out that Josh is a Dachshund lover to boot.

George Clooney Yet another reason we adore George.

Sigh. George Clooney on Einstein, a black Cocker Spaniel he rescued in 2010: “I start to panic that Einstein is not going to like me” Clooney told Esquire of their first meeting. “So I run into the kitchen, where I have these turkey meatballs, and I rub them all over my shoes... Who knew Einstein was such a food whore on top of everything? He throws himself at my feet.”

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INSPIRE

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

E

The Miami Model

How one concerned citizen galvanized a community to take action for animals and tackle a towering euthanization rate head on

By Gwen Hampson

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ighteen months ago, Miami resident Michael Rosenberg had absolutely no experience in animal rescue. But he was interested in his community, and as a local businessman, photographer, and activist, was an enthusiastic participant in civic life. He often organized speakers for the Kendall Foundation, a Miami-area homeowners’ association of which he is a member, and, on a whim, decided to invite the head of Miami’s Animal Services department to discuss the efforts made to find homes for Miami’s stray and abandoned animals. The speech received polite interest—until the question and answer period rolled around and Rosenberg asked the head of the shelter system how many healthy animals were euthanized every year in Miami-Dade.

“About 20,000,” was the terse reply. Rosenberg was shocked.

“Surely you must have had a bad year?” Rosenberg asked.

They hadn’t been having a bad year. Miami-Dade’s euthanization rate had been holding steady for 25 years.

The next day, Rosenberg visited Animal Services, intending to photograph the animals and adopt a cat. More sobering realizations came quickly as he faced the desperately overcrowded animal cages. Although Miami-Dade Animal Services held regular adoption events, they were not sufficient to find enough homes for the animals overwhelming the shelter. Shelter staff were too busy to even walk the dogs; despite this, Rosenberg saw how friendly and positive the animals were, even as they were taken to be euthanized. Dogs destined to be dead minutes later often licked the faces of the shelter staff and wagged their tails until the final moment.

“It was then I realized that we needed real change,” Rosenberg said. He decided to start by getting all of Miami’s rescue organizations together for a meeting. Together with his collaborators Rita Schwartz and Lindsay Gorton, he inspired these various groups to unite to form the Pets’ Trust, an organization with the specific purpose of achieving an increase in MiamiDade property taxes to fund a no-kill shelter initiative.

But when the Pets’ Trust went to Miami’s 13 commissioners, their initial reception was lukewarm at best. The commissioners thought it would be political suicide to raise taxes for animals.

They were unwilling to even put the idea on the ballot in the

PHOTO LIAM CROTTY

—Margaret Mead

Michael Rosenberg spends 48 hours caged in a Miami Aniimal Services shelter to draw attention to the plight of stray and surrendered animals

November elections, saying that the idea would never garner popular support. Undeterred, Pets’ Trust members went to meet the commissioners, armed with a homeless dog that they had acquired just outside city hall. Faced with a real victim of Miami’s high-kill shelter policy, Miami’s city commissioners agreed that the Pets’ Trust could campaign for a property tax increase, but warned that it would take years— and millions of dollars—to successfully pass the motion.

Rosenberg realized that it was time for dramatic action. On October 5, 2012, Rosenberg was admitted to Animal Services to spend the weekend there—as a surrendered animal would. Rosenberg was caged in the facility, next to dogs and cats for 48 hours, under the glare of almost continual television coverage. His efforts were not in vain.

The Pets’ Trust ballot initiative was passed with 65 percent of the vote on Election Day—a colossal victory for the organization. It had taken just three months for the initiative to pass, an unprecedented achievement. Through a slight raise in property taxes, amounting to an increase of just $16 per average Miami household, a $20 million fund was created for low cost spay-neuter clinics, low cost veterinary care, and educational programs. Rosenberg says that now they are in the planning stages to create an effective program that will be a model for rescue beyond the borders of Miami-Dade. MiamiDade animal service organizations are set to begin receiving funding from the initiative as of October 1st, 2013.

“Just ask your community if they would give a little money for the animals,” Rosenberg suggests to others who would be interested in pursuing a similar plan. “Just see what you could achieve.” n

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Keep bored dogs stimulated and happy with a treat dispensing toy. Just add treats (or kibble for mealtime use), adjust the opening to allow for desired level of difficulty, and let the games begin! Fun and rewarding for you both as busy dogs are often good dogs. $10, worldwise.com

An ideal choice for big dogs with even bigger chewing habits, this heavy duty toy is built to last. It’s perfect for the dog beach (it floats!), a game of fetch or chew session at home. $11, petmate.com

TErrific Toys Maximum fun

These high-flying discs are super durable and have a rim on both sides for an easy retrieval. Their bright sunny colours and phthalate-free vinyl guarantee tons of summer fun. From $13, spindriftdog.com

Go long! Get extreme with your fetch game. With the help of a handheld launcher (sort of like a sling shot) this plush Moondoggie toy will go flying, creating a fun and interactive game that’s also great exercise! $11 ($16 with launcher), longshottoys.com

Playtime for the smaller set still calls for a toy that can take a licking.

This ladybug may look sweet, but she’ll stand up to tiny teeth and hard play. Modern Dog Dachshund Rose loves hers. $7, godogfun.com

The Cosmos collection puts a new spin on your regular ball. Sol is for big dog fun, Luna glows in the dark, and Ringo provides an unpredictable bounce.

Each has a secret compartment for hiding treats and is sure to make playtime out-ofthis-world fun. From $12, planetdog.com

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Durable and bouyant, these all natural, non-toxic rubber toys are great for the beach, the bath, and everywhere in between! From $12, simplyfido.com

This plush squid is just the thing for tugging, flapping, and then falling asleep beside. With filling made from recycled bottles and 2% of all proceeds going to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, this toy will leave both you and your dog feeling pretty darn good. $15, petplay.com

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Jonathan’s fave thing about summer?

Boating!

Jonathan, an Irish Setter, wears a super summery Very Vintage white and blue chevron print organic cotton “Sea Spray” collar. (etsy.com/shop/ veryvintage)

The Dog Days of

Summer! photographed by Tanya King

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Loves birding, belly rubs, bully sticks & kids!

Suki,

a “Shorkiepoohuahua” (that would be a Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Poodle, Chihuahua cross), wears a lovely Zee.Dog pastel checked “Candy Bar” leash. (zee-dog.com)

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Loves the beach, digging in the sand & lounging in the sun

Tucker, a Beagle, wears a sporty Zee.Dog shock absorbent nylon “Tyson” leash. (zee-dog.com) 64 moderndog SU MMER 2013

Adores being out and about & meeting friends

Jam, a seven-month-old

Coonhound puppy, wears a gorgeous Rover Dog 8 brocade “Peacock” collar (roverdog8productions. com) and Yellow Dog Design dark teal “Rope” lead. (yellowdog-design.com)

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Crazy for water!

Tap, puddle, river, lake, ocean— Dax doesn’t discriminate

Dax, a Labradoodle,

wears a mod Fab Dog blue on blue polkadot nylon leash and collar. (fabdog. com) On the feet on his companion are Barbour black high gloss “Town and Country” Wellington boots, perfect for mucking about at the dog park or in the garden. (barbour.com)

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ADOPT ME!

Bubba, a Saint Bernard

mix, wears a cheerful Fab Dog fluorescent pink and orange geometric leash and collar. (fabdog.com) Loveable Bubba is up for adoption through Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) in B.C. Could Bubba be the dog for you? Go to lapsbc.ca or call 604857-5055 to inquire. For more on Bubba, turn to page 73.

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Beach

bum &

er!

avid digg

Sunshade, an Airedale,

wears a handcrafted Hartman and Rose emerald “Snakeskin” patented leather collar and lead. (hartmanandrose.com)

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Oliver, a Portuguese

Water Dog, wears a beautiful California Collar Co. brass and crystal studded leather “Artemis” collar (californiacollarco. com) and Hartman and Rose bright green patent leather “Italian” lead. (hartmanandrose.com)

Loves swimming! (though he needed lessons)

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BEHIND THE SCENES 3:15 Molly, left, thought to be a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Storm, inset, a Chocolate Lab, arrived together along with their people Tracy Cameron and Leigh Higginson. Storm is a survivor and hero. He nearly lost his life in hurricane Katrina and is now a two times certified St. John Ambulance pet therapy dog—he recently got a letter from the Queen thanking him for his service. Molly, the baby of the family, was rescued December 2012; she and Storm are now fast friends.

What makes Oliver an awesome dog?

The Dog Days of Summer Indeed Photographed by Tanya King

F

or this issue’s photo shoot, we escaped from the studio and took to the streets, an endeavour that definitely upped the “wild card” factor— Squirrels! People walking their dogs! A bit of trash blowing in the wind!

The distractions were myriad. We venture the results were worth the effort, though, for how can you celebrate the summer season from the confines of the indoors? We hope this shoot inspires you to slip into your shoes, grab your dog and a leash, and head out into your neighbourhood. There are unheralded wonders to behold and nooks to be explored. If you need some help finding them, we’re certain your dog can assist.

Meet the Dogs

This time around, we had no particular breed, size or style in mind. We simply wanted an array of cuties eager to have their photo taken. To this end we put a general casting call out on Facebook and Twitter (if you haven’t already, Friend and Follow us!) and the applicants rolled in. It was tough to choose—so tough as to be daunting—but we eventually settled on a line up, set a date, and prayed for good weather. Said day unfolded sunny, no small thing in Vancouver, and we set about capturing our canine friends reveling in the good weather.

First up was three-year-old Portuguese Water Dog OLIVER, whose curly coat, and bobbed hairdo, and infectious smile had us at hello. His owner Janine Jackson, shares “we are happy to say that Oliver’s favourite thing about summer is swimming! It took three years to get him used to water (including some embarrassing swimming lessons at a local dog pool), but he is finally a water dog that loves water!”

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“Since the day he came home with us, we’ve been amazed at how smart Oliver is. He’s like a sponge when it comes to learning tricks and loves to help out around the house. He cleans up his toys, helps with the laundry, will deliver items to people around the house, and even tries to help with the gardening (though this one isn’t as appreciated). He loves it when we pull him up onto the couch and he lays on his back in my lap...he’s really like a massive, 50 pound baby!”

At 11:30 Elaine Hu arrived with Sunshade, her superduper sweet 13.5-year-old Airedale possessing all the cuddly stateliness of a giant teddy. It seems Elaine and

SUNSHADE were meant to be together.

“I moved out on my own when I was 16 due to an unpleasant divorce happening at home,” Elaine tells us. “Sunshade came to me as an eight-week-old puppy a few weeks before we moved out together.

There was an immense connection right from the start that I can’t really put into words. I was a sad girl that needed someone; she was a helpless little puppy that had only me to look forward to in her world.”

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What makes Sunshade an awesome dog?

“Sunshade has shown me love, intuition, loyalty, and devotion. She has taught me to pay attention to the little things life has to offer and thoroughly enjoy the moment.

Always look for the sun behind those thick clouds because if you look hard enough, you will always find it. She led her teachings by example. Over the last three years, Sunshade has battled many life threatening health issues, including canine cancer. She fought every challenge that was thrown her way with grace and dignity.”

Aww. If you want to see one of the best videos ever, q go to moderndogmagazine.com/sunshade to see a video of Sunshade nurturing her guinea pig friends. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.

12:15 One-year-old Labradoodle DAX, accompanied by his person, Alison McDonald, made a grand entrance with his perfectly soft russet coat and athletic form. Alison’s family sought an allergy-friendly breed that would be good with children and equally at home lounging desk-side or out on the trails. They settled on an Australian Labradoodle and haven’t looked back.

What makes Dax an awesome dog?

“He just makes us laugh all the time. When he gets excited, he’s really goofy and decidedly ‘un-elegant’. When he plays it’s all arms and legs and somersaults. Dax loves life and everyone and everything in it. He’s very smart, which means that he requires a fair amount of exercise and stimulation to keep him entertained and out of trouble. When Dax does get naughty, it usually involves stealing our socks (we’ve nicknamed him ‘Sup’ for ‘Laundry Supervisor’).”And those aren’t his only quirks. Alison reports that he “likes to watch TV. Even when it’s off. And he joins in on conversations. We don’t know what he’s saying, but he matches his voice to the level of intensity of our voices. And if you yell, ‘Broccoli!’ he’ll come running.”

At 1:00, nine-month-old Irish Setter JONATHAN arrived accompanied by his person, Melissa Gervais. Irish Setters “have a very sweet nature,” Melissa tells us. “They are durable—very little phases them—and they are willing to go anywhere. Even if there is only a tiny space in car, they will squish in. I think Irish Setters are elegant and outdoorsy, the perfect West Coast dog.”

What makes Jonathan an awesome dog?

Definitely his personality. He is a really fun dog to hang out with. He’s frolicking, easy-going, and aristocratic.

1:20 saw Pat Stephens arrive with SUKI, a Shorkiepoohuahua (that would be a Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Poodle, Chihuahua mix). Suki delighted us with her bright eyes, expressive face, sweet personality, and soft curly coat. By far our smallest dog of the day, she nonetheless held her own in her photos.

When Suki happened into their lives, the Stephens, having just put down their beloved dog Teddy of 14 years, weren’t

72 moderndog SU MMER 2013

intending to get another dog. But sometimes fate has its own plans for us. When Pat’s son reported that his coworker had a litter of puppies and inquired whether his parents wanted one, well, it seemed perhaps meant to be. Suki joined the Stephens family on Mother’s Day 2012.

Suki’s personality in three words?

“Playful, affectionate, and intelligent. She loves everyone, especially kids. She has converted children afraid of dogs. This is her most special trait.”

1:45 Our fifth dog of the day was BUBBA GUMP, an adoptable Saint Bernard cross currently residing at the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS). When Rebecca Hemphill at LAPS saw our call-out for dog models, she volunteered to drive out one of their rescues. How could we say no to an offer like that?

Rebecca reports that Bubba is “104 pounds of pure lovin’!” who came to LAPS as a stray. This handsome Saint Bernard mix is approximately two years old and is ready to find a family to call his own. His idea of a perfect day is a meandering walk with lots of opportunities to sniff and a chance to tear around with his dog friends. Bubba has mastered sit and down but is more of a couch potato than a workhorse. He just doesn’t understand why people keep trying to get him to do tricks for treats when he’d rather show off his A+ cuddling skills! He is wonderful with other dogs and has friends of all shapes and sizes. He’d even be willing to share his new home with a cat! If you’re the loving home that Bubba has been waiting for, please call the Langley Animal Protection Society at 604-857-5055 and ask to speak to his trainer today.

l

e!

I ’m

Adoptab

2:30 TUCKER, a Beagle of ridiculously super-soft coat and sweet eyes arrived with his person, Nikki Nagy. Tucker works with Nikki at the Bowen Island Dog Ranch, where he thinks he’s the boss. He loves lying in the sun and catching bugs.

What makes Tucker an awesome dog?

“He has such a great personality and is always doing funny things. He is loving, friendly and fun. Tucker is just a great dog all around.”

4:00 Crystal Schue travelled from Seattle, WA with her too cute for words seven-month-old Coonhound JAM to take part in the photo shoot. Unbelievably, Crystal got the irresistibly floppy-eared Jam through a Craigslist posting—a couple who had gotten her together and then broken up were giving her away, if you can believe it. Crystal took one look at her and it was a done deal. We think they both got pretty lucky.

This will be Jam’s first summer, but Crystal tells us Jam’s favourite thing about sunny days—or any day, really—is “being out and about and meeting friends. Old friends, new friends, dogs, people, sticks, insects, toys…she’s a lover.”

Jam’s personality in three words?

“Goofy. Enthusiastic. Hound dog. I guess that’s technically four, but you get it.

I’ve yet to meet anyone that doesn’t instantly love Jam. She’s amazing. She brings ridiculous amounts of joy to my life.” n moderndogmagazine.com

73

body &soul Simplify!

12 Ways to De-Clutter While Doing Some Good Are your closets and cupboards crowded with dog stuff you don’t need, from an outgrown crate or collar to perfectly nice toys your dog simply didn’t take to? Why not take stock of the excess and create some room in your life—all while doing some good? Most shelters and rescue groups are delighted to receive gently used donations.

Items commonly needed by animal shelters:

1. Toys

8. Leashes and collars

2. Blankets

9. Laundry detergent

3. Kennels and crates

10. Office supplies

4. Newspaper

11. Grooming supplies, like wipes and shampoo

5. Beds

12. Dog clothes and bandannas. They can help a shelter dog stand out from the crowd and get adopted!

6. Towels 7. Food and treats

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

—Maya Angelou

Who’s Your Daddy?

Did your dog never know who his Pa was? Gain insight into your mixed breed dog’s ancestry with Wisdom Panel’s mixed breed identification test, ($75, wisdompanel.com), which will indicate which breeds make up your dog’s unique blend and perhaps help explain some of his predelictions, behaviours and personality traits, as well as potential health concerns.

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body &soul It’s the Cover Cat Competition!

Finally, a chance to procure for your cat the wider audience of admirers she knows she deserves Modern Dog’s sister publication, Modern Cat, is doing some pretty darn fun and interesting things.

(Now who says cats and dogs can get along?

Not us!) Exhibit A? Their Cover Cat competition, a contest that will land one cool cat on the cover of the next issue. Could your cat be Modern Cat magazine’s next cover cat? You’ll never know if you don’t enter! Submit your favourite photo of your cat and you’re in the running. The winning cat will receive a photo shoot and appear on the cover. Enter at moderncat.com/covercontest

RELAX!

Serene music designed to calm your dog If, like us, you've had a dog suffer from separation anxiety, you know how painful it is to leave him behind whimpering and pawing at the door. Luckily, there's a new weapon in our arsenal to soothe anxious dogs— Relax My Pet, relaxation music recording especially for pets. The serene, spa-like piano tracks on this three-CD set, $20, have been shown to have a calming effect on 90 percent of animals, as their many testimonials attest. Don't be surprised if you, too, are more zen-like. Listen to sample tracks at relaxmypet.com.

Track Your Dog With This Nifty High-Tech Device Tagg Pet Tracker is a lightweight, durable tracking device that attaches to your dog’s collar and monitors her location and activity, communicating with you via email and text for 24-7 support. If your dog wanders off, you can find her quickly with the turn-by-turn directions provided, plus, were you wondering what your dog gets up to while you’re at work, it also maps out her activity levels. The cost? $100, including three months of service; service thereafter is $7.95/month.

Peace of mind? Priceless. Thus far Tagg only offers coverage in the US, but their service area is hopefully expanding soon.

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Post Beach Freshen Up

The Get: Gerrard Larriett’s freshening and shining sprays contain lanolin to naturally rehydrate dull coats and moisturize sensitive, dry skin. With three delightful signature aromatherapy scents, Happy Jasmine, Balancing Rose and Relaxing Wildwoods, they leave the coat not only shiny, but sweet smelling, too. $16, gerrardlarriett.com

Love, Rover

According to a survey done by the American Animal Hospital Association, 70% of people sign their pet’s name on greeting cards.

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Can Dogs Eat...?

ORANGES

body &soul

Yes. The citrusy taste may not make them a favourite with all dogs but oranges are safe for dogs to eat and a good source of vitamin C. As with all treats and new foods, remember to just give a little bit or potentially face stomach upset.

CABBAGE

Yes. And many dogs love it. Purple, savoy... all types of antioxidant-rich cabbage is safe for dogs to eat and even beneficial. It aids in digestion, is good for the skin, and is

cancer-fighting. But it can also cause gas, so introduce slowly and only feed a little bit, such as a sprinkling of chopped up cabbage on top of your dog’s dinner. Furthermore, though raw cabbage is perfectly fine in smaller quantities, it does contain a natural compound called thiocyanate which suppresses the thyroid gland and over time can create hypothyroidism if regularly feeding large amounts. If you lightly cook the cabbage then you deactivate the thiocyanate, so cooking the cabbage is advisable if feeding regularly in larger quantities. You have to eat a lot of raw cabbage over multiple days to create the hypothyroidism but it can be done, so cooking and/or moderation is key.

MACADAMIA NUTS

No. Macadamia nuts and foods containing macadamia nuts, such as baked goods can be fatal for dogs. As few

as several macadamia nuts, raw or roasted, can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, vomiting, and back-end paralysis. And as for chocolate covered macadamia nuts? Even worse, so keep them out of your dog’s reach. q For more “people” foods for dogs check out moderndogmagazine.com/10-people-foods 78 moderndog SU MMER 2013

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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The Drinkwell Avalon and Pagoda Porcelain Fountains hydrate your pet and compliment your home. With a

The Spindrifter is the ultimate soft dog disc! Made with a heavy duty, dog-safe vinyl, it flies great, is easy on the mouth, and is super tough! The Spindrifter has a raised edge on both sides for easy pickup and is available in 4 great colours. Best of all, it is made in the USA! spindriftdog.com

70 ounce capacity and dual patented free-falling streams, the fountains continuously recirculate and filter your pet’s water, while upper and lower dishes entice your pet to drink more. The sophisticated porcelain design is more hygienic and adds distinction to your home. petsafe.net

Lickeez Pawsitive Reinforcement spray offers a healthy, easy, fun and safe way to reward your dog! With 600+ zero calorie sprays per bottle, use Lickeez to redirect your dog’s attention, teach tricks, or reward. Spray on toys, food, in dog’s mouth, or anywhere else. Choose from Maple Bacon, Smokey Beef Ribs, Peanut Butter & Banana or Spaghetti & Meatball. lickeez.com

Dogs are speaking up about their Muttluks dog boots; the word on the street is all about Muttluks “pawsitive” reputation for quality, comfort, and durability. The soft and flexible design of Muttluks has a “barefoot” comfort that is, you guessed it, “pawsitively” unique. Be it for hot, cold, rain or snow, the bottom line is dogs love their Muttluks. muttluks.com

Engineered to address degeneration and inflammation at the root of the problem, Recovery SA supports pain-free living. It is excellent for athletic dogs. Recovery SA safely and effectively prevents and halts many lameness-associated conditions and helps your dog recover from injury, surgery, chronic pain, and loss of flexibility. Playfulness prevails when your dog is limber, happy, and free from discomfort! purica.com

Pork Chomps chews by Scott Pet are what your dog craves!

Made with delicious baked pork skin, these premium chews are 100% rawhide free and come in an assortment of delicious flavours that even the pickiest pups will enjoy! A recent university study found that Pork Chomps are 99.9% digestible and even lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in dogs! porkchomps.com

body &soul

Helping Epileptic Dogs While there are no diet-based recommendations for controlling seizures, we can use nutrition to help repair some of the damage the seizure may have caused. (There has been research into high protein or ketogenic diets as a method of preventing seizures, however it did not prove to be effective in dogs.) Moderate to severe seizures cause prolonged muscle contractions, which often causes muscle fatigue and damage, so for epileptic dogs, choose a balanced diet that has a moderate level of high quality protein (25-30 percent protein) and a good source of omega-3 fats (flax, algae or fish oil). Vitamin E and C may be beneficial in reducing the amount of free radical damage that may happen following a seizure. Where prevention is concerned, make sure your dog’s food has sufficient amounts of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals since vitamin, mineral, taurine, and carnitine deficiencies have been associated with seizures. If your dog is having seizures, there are medical treatments that can be used to control the number and severity. —EP & LS

POLL RESULT

65% of Modern Dog readers would confront a person if they saw them fail to pick up after their dog.

The Find A must-have in every canine first-aid kit, Jake’s Canine Remedy spray is an all natural, all purpose skin care product that helps in the healing of hot spots, ring worm, and other unpleasant skin ailments. Made from unique ingredients such as Apricot Kernel oil, this medicinal spray is your doggie dermatologist’s best friend.

From $13, ffrogworks.com For how to build your own complete canine first aid, go to moderndogmagazine.com/DIYFirstaidkit moderndogmagazine.com

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The Doctor is

Dr. Betsy Brevitz tackles common veterinary vexations

DEBUNKING BATHING MYTHS

To bath or not to bath, we answer the question One of the most persistent myths in canine care is that baths are bad for a dog’s skin. I think a dog must have started that rumor, or perhaps people got bad results when they used to wash their dogs using laundry detergent and ice-cold water from the garden hose.

The truth? Baths are not harmful. In fact, they are an important component of the treatment for virtually every skin problem. Moreover, dogs who don’t have a skin problem can—and should—be bathed whenever they are dirty, greasy, smelly, flaky, or itchy. Even puppies as young as eight weeks old can be bathed (as long as they are kept warm and dried thoroughly afterward), but usually a sponge bath with a damp washcloth or baby wipes will suffice for a young pup.

Use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs, not a baby shampoo or other “people shampoo” that is formulated for our slightly acidic skin rather than the neutral to slightly alkaline skin of a dog. Make sure the water’s lukewarm, keep the suds out of the dog’s eyes (unless it’s “tearless,” shampoo can damage the cornea), and rinse well. Gently dry the insides of your dog’s ears with cotton balls or a soft towel after a bath, because excess moisture can promote an ear infection.

If you bathe your dog once a week or every other week and he’s still greasy, smelly, or itchy, it’s time to visit your vet. A clean dog who smells bad or scratches excessively probably has parasites, a skin infection, or seborrhea.

Two to Try We like...

OregaPet Shampoo Therapy With its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial combination of oregano and lemongrass oils, OregaPet’s Shampoo Therapy works as a natural skin and coat cleaner and protector, providing relief from itchy dry skin while repelling and killing bugs, fungus, and bacteria without toxic chemicals.

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Happy Tails Ruff to Smooth Leave-in Conditioner Happy Tails’s all natural, detangling leave-in conditioner with calming lavender and chamomile spritzes on for ease of application, leaving your dog soft, silky, and smelling great. Ideal for wire-haired coats, mats or snarls!

The Doctor is If your dog does have skin disease, then a medicated dog shampoo will be part of the treatment. There are hundreds of different brands, but most of them make use of the same dozen ingredients. Here’s what those active ingredients do: Colloidal oatmeal Soothes and lightly moisturizes itchy skin. Often recommended for dogs with allergic skin disease or mild itchiness.

Tea tree oil Mildly antibacterial, mildly antifungal, and a mild itch reliever.

Sulfur Reduces excessive skin flaking; mildly antibacterial and antifungal, and a mild itch reliever.

cleans greasy skin (may be too drying or irritating if used frequently).

Benzoyl peroxide Antibacterial; helps unclog pores and cleans greasy skin (may be too drying or irritating if used frequently).

Chlorhexidine Antibacterial and antifungal.

Povidone-iodine Antibacterial and antifungal.

Salicylic acid Reduces excessive skin flaking; mildly antibacterial, and a mild itch reliever.

Coal tar Reduces excessive skin flaking and cleans greasy skin; a mild itch reliever.

Selenium sulfide Reduces excessive skin flaking and

Boric acid Antifungal and drying.

Acetic acid Antifungal.

Clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, thiabendazole Antifungal.

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The Doctor is

KNEE LIGAMENT INJURIES

Q

My three-year-old Lab was playing off-leash in the park when he suddenly yelped and held up his left hind leg. He’s still barely using the leg. The vet suspects a cruciate ligament injury. Is this common? What’s the best treatment?

A: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are very common in large, active dogs. The ACL is the key ligament that allows dogs to bear weight on their knee joints. (A dog’s knee is the joint in the hind leg closest to the belly that bends in the same direction our knees do.) Similar injuries are common among people who jog or play sports.

The ACL can be partially or completely torn, and cartilage in the knee can also be damaged. An ACL injury is diagnosed by physical exam and x-rays. The vet will check whether the top of the tibia (the lower bone in the knee joint) can be pulled forward abnormally. This motion is called the drawer sign—as in opening a drawer—and is only possible if the ACL is torn. X-rays do not show ligaments or cartilage clearly, but they sometimes show an obviously displaced tibia or a swollen joint capsule. This will also show whether your dog has hip dysplasia as well, which will influence the treatment and prognosis.

The best treatment for a torn ACL is surgery to stabilize the knee joint. The prognosis for surgery is excellent, but the recovery can be prolonged; it may be six months or more before the dog walks and runs as well as he did before the injury. The other option for a dog with a torn ACL is pain medication and rest—in other words, no exercise off-leash for a month or more. Dogs who weigh less than 40 pounds or who hardly ever run may recover adequate mobility without surgery. Arthritis will develop in the affected knee, but that can occur even with surgery. Glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplements may be helpful in easing the arthritis.

If your dog tears the ACL in one knee, be aware that he has a better than 50-50 likelihood of tearing the ACL in the other knee within the next couple of years. By blowing out the first knee, he has demonstrated he possesses all the risk factors—he’s big, he’s active, and his knees are a vulnerable point.

Excerpted from Hound Health Handbook © 2004, 2009 by Urbanhound, LLC Used by permission of Workman Publishing Co., Inc. New York All Rights Reserved.

Available wherever books are sold.

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PHOTO COURTESY MIRANDA LAMBERT

An Exclus Interv ive iew!

Miranda with her dogs (from left to right), Delilah, Delta Dawn, Jessie, Waylon, Dixie, and Molly.

She’s a Country Girl

Miranda Lambert on Law and Order SVU, a music-filled childhood, and being raised to rescue

By Mary-Jo Dionne

A

s a young girl growing up in the ’70s, I remember listening as my mom, having donned huge headphones plugged into her record player, belted out her favourite hits. Fleetwood Mac, The Moody Blues, and John Denver were near constants in the soundtrack of our small but cheery home, all provided with a backdrop of my mom’s endearingly off-key vocals. For me, a girl being raised in a relatively large city, the closest I would get to relating to life in the country was hearing my mom’s squeaky version of “Well I got me a fine wife, I got my old fiddle, the sun’s coming up I got cakes on the griddle, life ain’t nothing but a funny, funny riddle. Thank god, I’m a country boy.” And while she was, admittedly, quite terrible, something about hearing her sing that song made me wish I too were a country boy, or I suppose, a country girl. It would be years before the series Nashville Star introduced viewers to real life country girl Miranda Lambert, the Texan talent. While she would ultimately go on to place third in the first season of the reality show, the experience would help launch a career that has since been punctuated by her fair share of accolades. Her numerous hits have populated the Top 40 Billboard Hot Country Charts and dominated YouTube. Coupled with husband, fellow country star Blake Shelton and judge on the hit series The Voice, hers is a frequently heard name announced on nights ranging from CMT’s Music Awards to the Grammys. But today the two share more than just space for their countless awards and cakes on the griddle, they share their country home with an impressive lot of furry roommates.

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“My animals totally keep me grounded. They don’t know ‘Miranda Lambert’ they know ‘mom.’ ” MD: While your career today is no doubt on the rise, did you always have aspirations of being a country star?

ML: I never thought of being a country “star.” I hoped I could make a living in some way in the country music world.

One of my dreams was to be a back-up singer so if this thing doesn’t work out, that’s another option for me.

What was the experience of being on Nashville Star like for you? How did it ultimately change your life?

Nashville Star was like college for me. I had been on the Texas Music scene for two years, but I had never left home. In fact, the first flight I ever took alone was to Nashville for the show, so it was a safe place to start and it gave me the independence I would need moving forward.

It was a nine-week audition process, for better or worse; fortunately for me, it worked out for the better.

As someone who has been singing for the majority of her life, what was it like for you the first time you were driving in your car and one of your songs came on the radio? Can you describe that feeling for those of us who will never experience that?

The first time I heard one of my songs I was on the Texas tour and we were in Waco. The song was “Somebody Else” from my independent album. My dad was driving, my mom was in the passenger seat, and my back-up singer and I were in the back of our family Expedition. The band was in a car behind us. I heard the song and yelled at my mom, “Hey put something on besides my CD.” She said: “That’s not your CD... It’s

on the radio!” I called my band and made them switch over to the Waco station!

As a fellow Law and Order SVU fan, what was the experience like for you getting to be on an episode in your acting debut?

It was really exciting for me because I am such a fan of the show and watch SVU marathons all the time. It’s an intense show and they gave me an intense role. I just wanted it to be believable, so I took some acting lessons and am glad I did.

I really wanted to take the role seriously and step out of Miranda Lambert and into the character. It was such a different experience from singing.

Was a love for music fostered in your home as a child? How so?

I don’t remember a single day while growing up when music was not being played in my house. My dad is a singer/ songwriter and my mom listens to everything from Aretha Franklin to Waylon Jennings…When I was about 12 or 13, my best friend told me that she didn’t have a radio in her house. I couldn’t believe it! That year for Christmas, I got her a clock radio. I guess that’s when I realized that I could never live without music in my life.

Was a love for animals fostered in your home as a child? How so?

Just like music, animals have always been a part of my life. We have never been without pets. I can’t imagine how that would be. Thankfully, I’ll never have to experience that [because I’m] just like my parents, who always had an open door policy; I feel the same way about dogs and animals. If any animal needs a place, [they] can stay here. moderndogmagazine.com

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“My fans can expect more music that is raw and real.

And probably more dogs!”

With her six rescue dogs and pro-adoption stance, Miranda is the perfect partner for Pedigree’s Feeding Project, an effort that has the brand supplying selected nominated shelters with 100 percent of their dog food needs. Already, more than 4000 shelter dogs are being fed through the initiative. Cool, right?

What animals do you have in your life today?

I have a lot of animals! Our pets are all mixed breeds. Delta Dawn is a Chihuaua/Pug. She had been living at the Sonic DriveIn for about a week. I brought her home and she was in bad shape and I nursed her back to health. Since I found her right before the ACMs (Academy of Country Music Awards), I brought her with me as I didn’t want to leave her home with friends. She ended up backstage at the show in Vegas and seemed immediately in her element.

We also have Cher, a Chihuahua. I took a friend to a shelter to adopt a dog for his daughter. That’s when I saw a new puppy being brought in that weighed about one pound. She was only four or five weeks old. Someone had heard her crying from a box in a dumpster. After seeing her and hearing the story, I knew immediately she was mine.

Delilah, she’s Terrier mix. She was my first adoptee. She was abandoned in a yard when someone moved. They just left her there with another small dog. Neighbours called and reported it and they took her to the shelter in Tyler, Texas. The other dog was adopted, but Delilah was left behind. My mom and I went to volunteer at that shelter during my radio tour in Texas and they had about 200 dogs there, but neither of us could take our eyes off of this beautiful little Terrier. I guess oftentimes dogs adopt you. She is now retired from the road and lives with my Nonny, where she enjoys a life of luxury.

And we have Betty, a hound. Betty is Blake’s dog in every way. We found her and her sister on the side of the road in Oklahoma around our neighbourhood. She acts just like Blake, as she’s the most mischievous and loving thing in the world. She travels with both of us off and on.

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What makes each of these fur kids special to you today?

Every animal has a special place in my heart. Especially my dogs—some of them go everywhere with me. They are like my kids, with their own unique personalities.

As your career gets all the more meteoric, how do your animals help keep you grounded?

My animals totally keep me grounded. They don’t know “Miranda Lambert” they know “mom.” The first thing they want is to be fed or go outside. Even if it’s snowing and 10 degrees Fahrenheit [-12 degrees Celsius] outside on tour, I have to get up and walk them. As soon as I get off stage they are waiting to greet me. They love the person I am even if I never sing another note.

With a father who was in law enforcement when you were growing up—and witnessing firsthand the effects of domestic abuse in cases he was involved in—do you believe that impacted your desire to also help not only people in need but animals in need as well?

I come from parents who are rescuers. There has never been a person or an animal in need who we have turned down. I don’t know any other way of life.

In what ways do you hope not only your music, but your life inspires others to live or take action?

I hope that my music and my lifestyle inspire others to take action. If it’s leaving an abusive relationship or taking in someone or something in need, I hope I’m making an impact.

With an ever-growing list of achievements under your belt, what can your fans expect from you next?

My fans can expect more music that is raw and real. And probably more dogs! n

PHOTO BLU SANDERS

Jessie and Waylon are Golden Retrievers that my mom and I found on the side of the road on a bridge in the rain. It was pouring, and I wasn’t sure what I saw but we stopped and found those two little puppies and took them to the vet immediately.

Both of them love living on my farm and they’re fully-grown and very happy dogs.

I also have a flock of chickens, two pot bellied pigs, three minihorses, three horses, and three cats.

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Vacation Dog Tags

a s ’ e f Li ch! bea

Temporary ID for travelling pups

ND IF FOU LY 16TH JU N E BETWE 26TH & JULY T ONTAC C PLEASE LAKE JENNY .4567 1 2 604.3 E T DRIV PHABE C B 123 AL TY, OW CI RAINB

IF FOUN D BETWEEN AUG 22ND & AUG 31 ST PLEASE C ONTACT

SAM FOX 417.822 .0784 985 GRE ENGROV E CRES. PORTLAN D, OR

Ah More DIY Craft Online

summer, season of escapes to the cabin, glorious weeks booked off to spend in a little beach town, and camping out under the stars. For those of you bringing along your trusty canines (our pups like mountain hikes, beaches, and campsite cookouts better than just about anything), we’ve created a vacation tag template to provide temporary ID for your dog. Just personalize, print, clip, and add to your dog’s collar so should she somehow stroll down the garden path, people will be able to reach you.

Make it! Just a few super-quick steps to creating your dog’s temporary ID: STEP 1 Go to moderndogmagazine.com/ vacationdogtag to get the template.

Personalized Dog Bowls

Vintage Suitcase Dog Bed

Personalize an enamel bowl with this dot-print technique for a sweet retro look. Get the howto here: moderndogmagazine.com/personalizedbowls

Upcycle an old suitcase to make this cool vintage suitcase dog bed.

Get the how-to here: moderndogmagazine. com/vintage-suitcasedogbed

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STEP 2 Type your vacation contact info into the template, print it out on card stock, and cut it out with scissors.

STEP 3 Next cut out two pieces of clear, selfadhesive shelf liner and sandwich your new cardstock tag between them. (In a pinch, packing tape or even Scotch tape will do the trick.)

STEP 4 Punch a hole for a key ring and attach to your dog’s collar. Happy vacationing!

A two-person rescue team not afraid to get their hands dirty shows that it’s passion and dedication, plain and simple, that make all the difference

by Jane Doucet

F

or Eldad Hagar, 38, and his wife, Audrey, 39, rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing abandoned animals from the streets and high-kill shelters is all in a (very long) day’s work.

Since 2008, Eldad and Audrey have been running Hope for Paws, their Los Angeles-based two-person non-profit animalrescue organization, full-time. In the early years of its existence, Hope for Paws (hopeforpaws.org) attracted some loyal followers and supporters but largely operated on the streets and under the radar. But when Eldad’s three-minute, 41-second YouTube video of their resuce of a small, dirty, blind dog they named Fiona went viral last year, the number of people around the world who started paying attention to the couple’s animal-welfare efforts skyrocketed. And with good reason—theirs is precisely the sort of grassroots effort that shows that anyone duly inspired can make a monumental difference.

Here, Eldad and Audrey share some insights into their unique partnership.

MD: Eldad, knowing that you don’t have “typical” workdays, what is your schedule like?

EH: This work is all I do—sometimes it feels like 40 hours a day! The first thing I do when I wake up is look for animalrescue requests and it’s the last thing I do before I go to sleep. Luckily, I don’t need a lot of sleep. I can be gone for a few days if I’m rescuing a dog in another state.

MD: What’s the most rewarding part of your work? And the most challenging?

Eldad and Audrey with their dogs Dolly (left) and Heidi (centre). On the far right is Jewels; they rescued her from a shelter and she was adopted soon after.

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PHOTO DUSTIN PEARLMAN

The first thing I do when I wake up is look for animalrescue requests and it’s the last thing I do before I go to sleep.

FAITH BEFORE Faith was rescued from the side of an L.A. freeway. This little gray dog actually turned out to be white once all cleaned up!

FAITH AFTER Hilary Barraford, who spotted Faith and asked Eldad to rescue her, adopted her and renamed her Della.

EH: The most rewarding is seeing the transformation of the animals from at their worst to at their best, then finding them amazing homes. Seeing the emotional impact this process has on people is also pretty great. One thing that frustrates me is that there aren’t enough animal-rescue organizations joining forces to help save more animals and reach more people.

MD: You can get frightened dogs to come to you when others have failed.

Do you think that’s because you know the right techniques or because you have a natural gift to communicate with animals?

EH: I have loved animals ever since I was a kid growing up in Israel. I’m really good at improvising during a rescue.

And I’m patient. Every rescue is different because every animal is different.

I’m always having to come up with new ways to capture dogs, whether it’s by using nets, humane traps, portable fences or just enticing them with a cheeseburger. I prefer rescuing dogs by myself because they’re so scared, and the more people who are there, the more likely the dogs will be to run away. It’s important for me to establish a one-on-one trusting relationship with them.

MD: How many times have you been bitten during a rescue?

EH: I can count on one hand the number of times. And I still have all of my fingers!

FIONA BEFORE Fiona on the day Eldad and Audrey rescued her from the corner of a trash pile in Los Angeles. Watch the heartstring-pulling video of her rescue and recovery at moderndogmagazine.com/fiona

SHAGGY BEFORE In January, Eldad travelled to South Carolina to rescue Shaggy, who was living in the woods.

FIONA AFTER Fiona after her “makeover” and surgery to restore sight in her right eye.

SHAGGY AFTER A clean and groomed Shaggy, now mat-free.

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EH: I have a healthy fear of animals I don’t know. When you corner an animal, whether it’s a Pit Bull or a German Shepherd or an angry scared cat, there is a risk you’ll be bitten. So I always approach cautiously. Sometimes I’m working in a rough area of L.A. where there are gangs. If I feel threatened by people? I was a soldier in the Israeli army and I can look after myself.

PHOTO CLAUDIA HOFFMAN

MD: Are you ever afraid during a rescue, and if so, of what?

Eldad in action rescuing three stray terriers.

MD: When you and Audrey created Hope for Paws, did you imagine that your YouTube videos would one day reach people in other countries?

EH Not at all. We started out to be a local rescue organization. At first no one really knew what we were doing; it was a very quiet effort.

“I’m hoping I’ll be doing this well into my 90s! I wake up every morning looking forward to the day ahead.”

MD: You initially resisted using social media to promote Hope for Paws. Why? EH: I didn’t think I’d have time to manage it. But a friend encouraged me to join Facebook, and it has changed my life. Because of social media, we’re able to reach people all over the world with our YouTube videos. This helps teach others how to rescue and properly care for animals. I want to teach the public not just how to rescue animals but also how to not abandon them in the first place.

MD: Do you think the day will ever come when your rescue services will no longer be needed because people will have stopped abandoning animals?

EH: I hate to say probably not. The best I can hope for is that we are minimizing the problem. I have seen improvements in L.A. and in other countries in recent years where fewer animals are being abandoned, and that’s a positive step. So things are definitely getting better.

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MD: Can you see yourself crawling under cars and climbing into ditches to rescue dogs when you’re 60 or 70?

EH: I’m hoping I’ll be doing this well into my 90s! I wake up every morning looking forward to the day ahead. Some of the rescue work is physical, but a lot of it is not. It’s having the patience and the time to establish a relationship with an animal so it will trust you enough to come to you.

MD: What message would you like to send Modern Dog readers about adopting shelter animals?

EH: That there is no reason to buy a puppy from a breeder when there are millions of adoptable dogs being euthanized in shelters every year. With a little effort, you can find every breed at shelters, or you can look for a breed-specific rescue group. The key is hope—it’s what I really want to give people through Hope for Paws, the inspiration for others to join in this effort, whether it’s donating $5 or giving a shelter dog a bath. It doesn’t have to take much time or money, but it can help change an animal’s life.

MD: Audrey, when you married Eldad in 1999, did you have any idea how big a role animal rescue would become in your lives?

AH: Absolutely not! My grandfather Joseph, who died last year, knew that Eldad and I both loved animals and suggested that we should do some sort of work with them. So we began volunteering for some rescue groups. We started out walking dogs that were being boarded at the vet clinic. We learned most of what we know about the work we’re doing now during those eight years of volunteering before we launched Hope for Paws.

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MD: How important are public donations to Hope for Paws?

AH: Very important. We pay for rescued strays that are broken and suffering. They’ve all been out in the elements for a long time. Most are starving and dehydrated. Some have been hit by cars and have broken bones. They may have mange, parasites, fleas, ticks, and infections. Many need immediate emergency care or they’ll suffer a horrible death. We’ve paid for surgeries for many dogs and cats—even for some horses. Hope for Paws’ medical bills are astronomical. So that’s where a lot of our donations go.

MD: How many animals of your own do you and Eldad have?

Eldad with Bethany, a dog he helped rescue in April who was suffering from mange.

MD: Eldad has said that he couldn’t do what he does without your support. He sometimes misses social events to perform an urgent rescue mission. Is that challenging?

AH: No, because if there’s a dog lying hurt and bleeding on the freeway, of course I’m going to say go and get it, regardless of what plans we might have made. What I don’t like is the danger aspect of some of Eldad’s rescues, especially when he goes to a rough neighbourhood to rescue a Pit Bull in the middle of the night. I sometimes wonder, at what point am I supposed to call the police? But he was a well-trained solider in the Israeli army, he’s tough and quick on his feet, and he applies that to his rescue work. So I feel some security because of that.

MD: You occasionally appear in the YouTube rescue videos, and you answer Facebook questions and Hope for Paws emails. What other roles do you perform?

AH: I handle a lot of administration, including issuing tax receipts to donors and overseeing our non-profit board, accountant, and attorney. And I try to respond to every email. But it’s just Eldad and me—we don’t have a support staff—so it can be difficult at times to keep up with the volume.

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AH: We have three dogs, Dolly, Heidi and Chase, and two cats, Cosmo and Brooke. Dolly came from the pound. Heidi was tossed in someone’s yard and brought in a box to the pound.

Chase was a Hope for Paws rescue. Cosmo was rescued by our vet tech. Brooke was a feral kitten Eldad rescued after my 11-year-old cousin heard a noise and called Eldad, who found her in a neighbour’s sewer pipe.

MD: Do you believe that teaching young people how to treat animals is key to reducing the number of abandoned animals in the future?

AH: It’s the most important thing we can do. Eldad and I have gone into classrooms and explained to the kids that animals have feelings and are family members. We tell them if your grandmother is sick, you would take her to the hospital, and that you have to do the same for your dog or cat. It’s one thing to make animal-cruelty laws, but just because a law is in place doesn’t mean people are going to abide by it. It has a bigger impact when we can help kids make an emotional connection to animals; the hope is that when they grow up, they won’t mistreat them. n

q Go! Find out more at hopeforpaws.org and eldadhagar.com.

PHOTO CLAUDIA HOFFMAN

“If there’s a dog lying hurt and bleeding on the freeway, of course I’m going to say go and get it, regardless of what plans we might have made.”

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MAN’S BEST FRIEND Men and their dogs

A while back we ran a Cutest Couple Contest online, collecting some favourites of the shots submitted of men with their dogs to create a super-sweet photo gallery. Realizing we had a hit on our hands—we could look at these awesome photos of man’s best friend all day—we decided: let’s do another call out specifically for photos of men and their dogs and publish a selection of them in the summer issue of Modern Dog! And here we are: proof positive of the enduring bond between men and their best canine buds. Enjoy!

Joey + Cheeno

Rich + Molly Calvin + Coby

Nick + Marzipan

Chuck + Chuckie

Paul ++ Polar Michael Royce

Steve + Maggie 98 moderndog SU MMER 2013

Eric + Hailey

Evan + Reilly

Vernon + Tigger

Tawmis + Odin Bryan + Suki

Drew ++ Chelsea Chelsea Drew

John + Bacardi

Marc + Charley

Bill + Bowen

Josh + Malu

Diego + Sarah Chris + Ranger

Loughlan + Callie

J.R. + Libby

Brent + Hannah

Corey + Nesta moderndogmagazine.com

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NUTRITION

eat D.I.Y.

Blueberry Pupsicles Tantalize your dog—and yourself—with a fresh delight made for a hot summer’s day

By Serena Faber Nelson How pretty are these pupsicles? They might look fancy but they contain just two ingredients… or four if you make a variation for yourself, something we highly recommend.

High in vitamin C and fibre, blueberries are packed with antioxidants that boost cognitive function in dogs.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED •

2 cups plain organic yogurt

•

1/3 cup fresh blueberries

•

6-bar silicon rectangle muffin mold

DIRECTIONS 1.

Combine 1 cup yogurt and half of the blueberries in a blender to form a smoothie.

2.

Pour smoothie mix into the 6-bar silicon rectangle muffin mold, dividing evenly. (You can use an alternative mould or popsicle tray if you prefer. If your dog is little, you might want to use an ice cube tray.) Top up each bar with spoonfuls of the remaining plain yogurt and whole blueberries to create a pretty, layered look.

3.

Cover with foil and place in the freezer on a flat surface for 6 hours or until frozen solid.

4.

Slide out each bar to serve. For easy removal, let the moulds sit out on the counter for a few minutes or run them under warm water for a few seconds.

HANDY HINT: Blueberries can be alternated with diced strawberries or raspberries for variation. To make a version for yourself, add 3 tablespoons sugar, honey or agave syrup and a dash of lemon juice to the recipe!

For more awesome recipes like this one, download yourself a copy of 52 Weeks of Treats

by Serena Faber Nelson and Sarah Dickerson, an e-book of fab dog treat recipes from the über-talented women behind prettyfluffy.com!

Get it for $13 at prettyfluffy.com/52weeks-of-treats-the-ebook.

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NUTRITION

eat D.I.Y.

cats love ’em too!

Get into Summer!

Frozen Tuna Treats

By Dana Fox

We can’t forget about our little friends this summer. They enjoy the sunshine just as much as we do, but unfortunately they can get heated pretty quickly. Why not cool them down with some easy to make frozen treats? Your dog will love you a million times more once he gets his paws on this yummy delicacy. (Your cat friends will love them too.)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED •

An ice cube tray

•

Can of water-packed tuna (alternately, you can use canned salmon)

•

Approximately ½ c water

•

A mixing bowl or Magic Bullet

•

A Ziploc bag

DIRECTIONS 1.

Start by mashing up the tuna in your bowl or stuffing it into your food mixer. Don’t drain the tuna water as it helps with the freezing. Add about half a cup of water to the mix.

2.

Then mix up that tuna! I used my Magic Bullet because, really, it’s my go-to kitchen appliance and takes 10 seconds. Yum... doesn’t that just look delicious?

3.

Fill your Ziploc bag with the mix and cut a small hole in one end. This helps save you from making a huge mess while filling up the ice cube trays. Fill your trays and place in the freezer for a couple hours. Let dogs lick the bowl.

4.

When the treats are nice and frozen, you can pop them out and let your dog have a taste! I recommend letting them chew on these outside or on a tile floor or a plate, because I’m pretty sure you don’t want tuna bits all over your house. You can store these in a plastic bag in your freezer for up to six months, so if you make a bunch you’ll have some on hand for hot days!

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

q For more of all kinds of wonderfulness, from style to design, check out Dana’s blog, thewonderforest.com.

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CANINE FRIENDSHIP Friendship, loyalty and self-interest in dogs

By Stanley Coren Illustration Jess Golden

W

e’ve all heard stories and seen videos of dogs engaging in what looks like extreme demonstrations of friendship and loyalty to another dog. From Japan, following 2011’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, came the video of a spaniel-type dog standing guard, dirty and shaking, over his injured friend, refusing to leave his side. From China and New York came heartbreaking videos of dogs disrupting traffic on busy highways as they stood protecting a canine friend who had been hit by a car when crossing the road. In yet another example, this one amusing, a shelter dog in the UK learned how to open his kennel and then systematically spring his best doggie pals—those who were picked up at the same time that he was—so that they could play and romp during the night when their attendants were not keeping watch. It remained a mystery how these dogs were getting loose at night until the shelter staff set up a video camera and captured the culprit in action.

In the thousands of years since people first domesticated dogs, we have genetically manipulated them to socialize easily and to show friendliness almost indiscriminately. Dogs that have been properly socialized will congenially approach virtually anything that is alive, regardless of its species, and, unless they receive hostile signals, will attempt to establish a good-natured relationship. The bond that dogs can establish not only with other dogs, but also with other species (like humans), is often dramatic and poignant.

It is important to note, however, that sometimes humans read more into canine behaviours that look like loyalty and friendship than is actually warranted. For example, not too long ago I was watching a familiar canine ritual. A female dog approached a litter of pups (not her own). As the four little puppies bounded over to her, she lowered her head and touched the nose of each with her nose. With some, she nuzzled their faces a bit and sniffed other parts of their bodies, however, the opening contact was almost always a nose-tonose touch.

For those of us that have studied animal communication, this nose-to-nose contact appears to be part of a greeting ritual. It is actually more common in cats than in dogs, where the nose touch may sometimes be accompanied by rubbing against the body of the other animal or continued sniffing of the other’s head or body. Cats will use this greeting nose-touch with virtually any nonthreatening cat they meet.

Dogs appear to be more selective in their nose-to-nose touching. Not every greeting is accompanied with snout contact, though it is

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quite common for adult dogs to engage in nose touching with puppies. It is also quite common to use nose touching when greeting another nonthreatening species. Dogs can be seen nose touching with cats and kittens, horses, and so forth. A young human child crawling across the floor is often greeted with a nose touch by an approaching dog.

While most canine researchers agree that this nose touch greeting in dogs is a gesture of friendship that is associated with bonding, recent research published in the journal Animal Behavior suggests that there may be another, more pragmatic reason for nose touching. Marianne Heberlein and Dennis Turner at the Institute of Zoology at the University of Zurich set up a situation in which a dog could explore a room while another dog observed his behaviour.

Let’s call the dog that is watching the observer and the dog that is exploring the actor. The way their experiment worked was a follows.

First the actor has to know that there is a treat hidden in the room, so he is allowed to watch while a couple of dog treats are placed in one of four positions around the room. Next, screens are placed in front of each of the positions. At this time the observer dog is brought into the room. He watches while the actor is let loose. Obviously the first dog will run behind the screen where he saw the treat hidden.

Up to now things are straightforward. The observer dog doesn’t know why the actor dog ran behind the screen since he can’t see the treats. However, sometimes, when the screens are put into place, the experimenters will secretly remove the treats.

That means that sometimes the actor dog finds a treat and gets to eat it, while at other times he runs behind the screen only to find that there are no treats.

Finally, the two dogs are allowed to interact with each other.

As might be expected, there will often be nose touches as part of the greeting ritual between the dogs. Now here is the surprise finding—if the dogs touch noses and the actor dog has just come back from successfully finding and eating a treat, then it is much more likely that the observer dog will now quickly run to investigate the area behind the screen where he saw the actor earlier

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go. If the actor dog has not found and consumed some treats it is much less likely that the observer dog will go investigate the area.

The researchers therefore concluded that the nose touching between dogs not only is a way of saying “Hello” but also helps to answer the question “Have you encountered any snacks or other food around here?” The answer is to be found on the breath of the other dog.

This confirms what everybody who knows dogs suspects. Dogs are naturally sociable and friendly, but much more so when there is the possibility that some food might be involved.

While viewing this nose-to-nose greeting behaviour as purely friendly and based on the bonds that dogs form with each other is a minor misinterpretation on the part of we humans, there are also some cases of canine heroism which might not be as strong a demonstration of loyalty and altruism as a human observer might think.

Consider the somewhat bizarre case of William Brown of Norfolk, Virginia, and his dogs, Fray, a Golden Retriever, Louis, a French Bulldog, and Pinzo, a Pug. Brown’s home was on a rocky beach with a pier extending out into the water, on which Brown would sometimes sit while fishing. The three dogs would usually sit or lie on the pier not far from him. One day, as Brown sat lazily with his fishing line in the water, he heard a splash. He looked around and saw Fray looking over the edge of the pier into the water below. The tide was coming in and the water was rough. To his horror, Brown saw Pinzo’s head bobbing up and down as the Pug valiantly tried to stay afloat. Before he could react, Fray leapt into the water and grabbed Pinzo like a retrieving toy, pulling him to the shore. Brown rushed to the dogs and found that the Pug was sputtering but otherwise uninjured. Brown was ecstatic at Fray’s heroism and made a huge fuss over him, giving the dog a big piece of meat as a reward.

A few days later, the scene virtually repeated itself, only this time it was Louis, the Bulldog, who ended up in the water and had to be rescued by Fray. The Golden Retriever again was the focus of great attention and once more was rewarded with a spe-

ILLUSTRATION JESS GOLDEN

The researchers therefore concluded that the nose touching between dogs not only is a way of saying “Hello” but also helps to answer the question “Have you encountered any snacks or other food around here?”

cial food treat. Two days later Pinzo the Pug was again plucked from the water by Fray and only a day after that it was Louis who again had to be saved by the retriever. At this point Brown was becoming concerned. Neither of his two smaller dogs was a strong swimmer, and both seemed to be becoming accident prone when out on the pier. If he had not had Fray to rescue them he felt sure that one or both of them would have been lost.

The next time he went out on the pier to fish with the dogs, he made sure that he glanced frequently in their direction. He wanted to find out what was attracting the small dogs to the edge of the pier and why they were falling over its side. After a half

To his horror, Brown saw Pinzo’s head bobbing up and down as the Pug valiantly tried to stay afloat. hour had passed, Brown noticed that Fray had stood up. Brown quickly looked and was relieved to see that the other two dogs were sleeping peacefully. Now Fray quietly walked over to the Pug, grabbed his collar in his teeth and with a snap of his head sent the little dog over the edge and into the water below. Fray looked over the side at the struggling dog, gave a single bark and leapt over the side to once again “rescue” his housemate. It is difficult to know what Fray’s motivation was. Perhaps it was simply because he had learned that by “saving” these little dogs he got attention, affection, and special treats. Perhaps he was merely bored at sitting and watching his master fishing and this was a means of playing retrieving games, only with live toys to fetch from the water rather than balls or bumpers. What is certain is that this was neither altruistic nor heroic behaviour on Fray’s part since he was creating the problems that called for his intervention.

Whatever urges turned this dog into a counterfeit hero, they were clearly based upon self-interest rather than a desire to help others, reminiscent of the bogus “rescue” scenarios that some teenagers stage and share on YouTube, portraying themselves as heroic. So, while loyalty and friendship between dogs most definitely exists, things aren’t always as they seem—particularly where treats are involved. n

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HOW I MET MY DOG Life is golden

By Annie Colson

t e e m ! y c r pe

I

t was a cool, sunny December day in El Paso, Texas. The wind was blowing, as usual, and my husband and I, along with our daughter, were on our way to the feed store to pick up dog food for our four dogs. We’d already tried once that morning and found it closed, so finally, at ten AM, we were headed back.

We had just reached the end of our street when I saw a large flash of gold dart in between two parked cars and shoot up a drive way.

Another one?! I nearly exploded. El Paso was notorious for neglecting its animals, and this dog was the second we’d seen wandering and had stopped for that morning.

I wasn’t mad at the dog for being on the street; I was mad at the owners of the dog, having conjured up an image in my mind of the poor thing being left out in the chilly night air.

My husband pulled the car over and I got out carefully, quietly so as not to startle the dog. I picked up the slip lead I habitually kept in the car and searched my coat pocket for treats. None. I hoped I wouldn’t need them.

I walked up to the sidewalk and spotted the dog about 15 feet away from me, cowering by a closed back gate.

“Hey, sweetheart. Where are your people?” I asked softly. He was a Golden Retriever puppy. He had eyes the colour of melted chocolate and, even in his situation, an undeniably bright smile.

“Do your people live here?” I asked and got up to ring the bell.

No answer. I went back to him, closer this time. “Come here, baby.” I reached out my hand and he crawled to me, half on his side, half on his belly, like some strange animal from a Sci-Fi movie. I leaned in and bridged the gap between us, laid a hand

on his belly, and... he peed on me. Not a trickle. Not a stream. A river. For whatever reason, he was terrified. As I shook the dark urine off of my hand, he flinched. I shook my head.

“Do you like to go bye-bye?” I asked.

No response, no perk of the ears or wag of the tail like my dogs would have done. He placed his head in my lap and I put the slip lead over his head. “Come on, lets go see if you have a microchip.”

I carefully loaded him into our van and went around the corner and up the street to the closest vet’s office where we were told that there was no microchip.

After we got home, I called a friend at the Humane Society where I had put in a ton of volunteer hours: “Hey, so, I found a Golden pup this morning. About ten months old, scared of his own shadow. No microchip, no collar, nothing.”

“Put up found fliers, but don’t be too specific,” my friend instructed. “If he’s purebred, people will jump trying to get him ‘back’ when he wasn’t theirs to begin with.”

I posted fliers that read “Found, Golden Retriever at Bainbridge & McCombs, please call Annie to give details,” and left my number.

The next morning they were all gone. I posted them again, 30 of them, all around the neighborhood. But by that evening, they were all gone again.

In my eyes, the silly thing was just a puppy, but in someone else’s eyes, he was apparently a holy terror and they definitely didn’t want him back.

We were beginning to see perhaps why. In his first 48 hours with us, he stole a fresh package of bacon, destroyed a $200+

He had eyes the colour of melted chocolate and,even in his situation, an undeniably bright smile.

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In my eyes, the silly thing was just a puppy, but in someone else’s eyes, he was apparently a holy terror— and they definitely didn’t want him back. pair of cowgirl boots, ate half the contents of my refrigerator, managed to knock down our two year old several hundred times, scattered the garbage throughout the house repeatedly no matter how high up we put it, and destroyed the power cord to my laptop. My husband was livid.

“You have to find him another home,” he insisted.

“We leave for Colorado in a week and some change,” I countered. “There isn’t time. By the time I have time to find him a new home, I’ll already be attached.”

I was already attached.

At the ten-day mark, we named him. My husband and I each wrote about 12 names on individual strips of paper and I held them out in my hands for the dog to choose. Carefully, gently, he sniffed the bits of paper and ever so gingerly nosed into the pile in my hand, emerging with several pieces of paper stuck to his face, but only one in his mouth. I retrieved it.

“Percy,” I said with a smile. “I think Fred or George would have fit you better, but you’ve got the right shade of red to be a Weasley.

Welcome home, Percy.”

“Voldemort is more like it,” my husband grumbled, and we both laughed.

And so he stayed. Percy is now neutered and in classes to learn to control his excitement, but he is well loved, less skinny, and has integrated beautifully with our other four dogs. He loves to play fetch, lie by our daughter’s high chair, and eat home baked treats. He is also still a counter surfer extraordinaire, but we’re all a work in progress, aren’t we? n

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ASK A TRAINER Colleen Safford Ankle Biting My sisters and I can’t wear long pants when we’re at our grandparents’ house because Hendrix, their two-year-old Pug, won’t stop chewing and tugging on our pant cuffs. Sometimes he’ll get so excited he’ll actually bite our ankles! I’m especially concerned that he does this even when I’m going down the stairs because I might trip, fall, and hurt the both of us. He’s also recently picked up the habit of chewing on blankets and flip-flops! Help!—Asking For Assistance with Ankle Biter Flip-flops, blankets, and pants, OH MY! Hendrix sounds like an indiscriminant excitement chewer. Hendrix is keyed up and looking to interact with you. Dogs use their mouths during play, so this is a common issue.

You will need to show Hendrix exactly how you want him to act, what you want him to chew on, and to reward him with your attention when he is doing the RIGHT thing. Conversely, you must be sure to NOT inadvertently reward him for his other behaviour and you must do your best to set him up to limit his ability to practice it.

Hendrix is likely getting a lot of attention for his antics. Does something like, “Ow! Hey! HENDRIX!” sound familiar? I’m guessing you might even attempt to pet him or push him away gently when he goes for your pant cuffs. Even a “no” delivered with the aim to correct him is all just attention to Hendrix. When he grabs items it’s a nice game of chase for him: he’s got a flip-flop and everyone is trying to grab it! And since attention is exactly what he is looking for, his behaviour is reinforced. He thinks: yippee, they’re playing!

Hendrix must not be rewarded for his impulsive “crazies” and having him on leash in the house right now will help. If he is coming toward you, show him a treat or a toy and ask him to sit.

When he does, give him the treat, toss the toy, and engage him.

If he attempts to grab your pants, simply hold his leash away from your body. Do not yell, say even a word nor look at him.

Remain disengaged. Switch ON only when he is calm, acknowledging him with verbal praise. With consistency, he will quickly learn that in order to get attention he must not grab pants. When you are not up for a training moment you can tether his leash near you and give him a food-stuffed toy to work on.

pay him any attention—no talking, no eye contact. Then pick the toy up and toss it again. When he grabs it, turn on again and praise him. As mentioned, you should also purchase a food toy, such as a Kong. You can fill it with his food, kibble or favourite treats. Give this to Hendrix to settle down with and chew on; praise him for doing so.

r Show Hendrix how to interact calmly by sharing a

toy. With a chew toy in hand, like a bully stick or stuffed Kong, sit down on the floor and invite Hendrix over. Ask him to sit.

When Hendrix sits, allow him to lick or chew on the toy while you hold the other end. Praise him and gently pet him. This allows Hendrix’s mouth to be otherwise engaged while you interact with him.

t Practice teaching Hendrix how to be calm when

you walk around by practicing Step, Stop, Sit. Take 15-20 crumb-sized treats or pieces of Hendrix’s kibble in your hand.

Show Hendrix that you have treats in your hand then take one step, stop, look down at Hendrix, and ask him to sit. When Hendrix sits say, “yes,” and give him a treat. Do five reps of taking one step, stopping, and rewarding Hendrix for sitting. Next, take 3 steps, stop, ask Hendrix to sit, and reward. Gradually build up your ability to walk about with Hendrix prancing along side of you nicely.

Here’s a detailed plan for hyper Hendrix:

eEnsure that Hendrix is able to engage and practice

With guidance, patience and consistency you’ll see a transformation from hyper Hendrix to happy-go-lucky Hendrix. Good luck! n

a toy to Hendrix and praise him like crazy for grabbing on to it.

As he prances about with the toy in his mouth, tell him he is the word’s greatest dog. If he drops it, stop praising him and don’t

Trainer Colleen Safford raises awareness on pet-child safety, and understanding dog body language. Colleen’s companies, NY Walk & Train and Far Fetched Acres, have been voted “Best of NY” by New York magazine. Colleen receives daily training from her children and is proudly owned by her rescued Boxer(ish).

desired activities. The minute you walk through the door, toss

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ASK A TRAINER Inger Martens Scared of Stairs My recently rescued 11-month-old Golden Retriever cross, Glinda, is scared of stairs. She has no physical ailment that should make ascending or descending a staircase uncomfortable. How do I get her comfortable on stairs?

She’s too big for me to lift.—Scared of Stairs in Sarasota The first issue at hand is to address a few practical questions to ensure success. Are your stairs slippery? If so, easy-to-install stair protectors can be bought to create a non-slip surface.

Does your dog need a nail trim? Make sure your pup’s toenails are clipped to allow proper paw traction. This can be done with a DIY approach—with clippers or by wearing them down with a quick game of fetch on pavement—or by enlisting the clipping expertise of your vet or groomer. This prep work eliminates any possible misunderstanding of your dog’s unwillingness to attempt the stairs by ruling out safety issues.

Next, get a leash and use a nylon harness instead of a regular collar.

Especially in this situation, using a collar at the end of a leash can create a pulling sensation that can trigger resistance from your dog.

Then get a squeaky ball to squeak! This will have a cheerleading effect and will help your dog follow a sound as well as create a fun distraction. Along with your encouragement, it will help your dog to get over her initial fear of new territory.

Putting It All Together Now here’s the YOU part of the training: practice walking around your house with your pup on the leash. Use your voice like a gas pedal and walk different speeds—fast, medium and slow—while matching your voice to your speed (the faster you walk, the happier and more enthusiastic your voice should be).

This will encourage your dog to think of it as a game and, most importantly, to look at you, which creates trust. Eye contact from your dog is important in determining who’s driving at the end of the leash. Is it you, or your dog? You want your dog to look at you for cues as to what’s next.

Once you’ve mastered this fun bonding exercise, you can attempt the stairs. Say, “Let’s go!” and begin walking briskly toward the stairs with your pup on leash while squeaking the ball in your hands. Don’t stop. The main thing to remember is not to turn your body toward your dog and coax. Just cheerlead next to him, keep your forward momentum, and keep climbing while offering verbal encouragement. A treat at the top can be the ultimate reward.

The main thing to remember is not to turn your body toward your dog and coax.

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a stairresistan t rot tweiler pup

Early training—when a puppy is 12 to 16 weeks old—is the best time to accomplish stair training. Pups of this age are less fearful, smaller in size, and very receptive to high pitched voice inflection. However, successful stair climbing can be accomplished at any age; it just may take a little longer.

If you feel you’re not agile enough for this kind aerobic activity on a staircase with a big pup, a great thing to do is to enroll in an agility class with your dog. This is a fantastic way for large pups to get used to climbing over hurdles of any kind, more methodically developing the trust and confidence to tackle all sorts of obstacles!

Inger Martens is a celebrity dog trainer and behavioral expert. An author, television and radio personality, she has been dubbed “Best Dog Trainer in LA” by Los Angeles magazine. She is currently excited to announce her new online resource for dog owners, pawsforaminute.com.

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ASK A TRAINER Nicole Wilde & Teoti Anderson From the dog’s viewpoint, a big, scary thing is approaching and there’s no way to escape! looking, and work your way up to the bigger, rowdier types.

Keep in mind that some dogs will always be somewhat shy, and that’s okay; it’s not necessary for your dog to meet every person, any more than it is for you. Protect your dog by choosing socialization opportunities wisely. n Nicole Wilde is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who lectures worldwide on canine behaviour. She is the author of nine books, including Help for Your Fearful Dog and Don’t Leave Me! She can be found at facebook.com/NicoleWildeAuthor and twitter.com/NicoleWilde.

Shy Dog How can I help a shy dog meet new people?

—Dani The best advice I can give is to first tell you what not to do—and that’s to force your dog to greet someone.

Although most of us don’t perceive our actions as forceful, sometimes that’s what it amounts to. For example, you might use your dog’s collar or leash to hold your dog close so someone can pet him. From the dog’s viewpoint, a big, scary thing is approaching and there’s no way to escape! Even dogs who are not normally aggressive may growl, bark, or even bite when approached in this way.

Being aware of human body language is a great help in setting up positive interactions. A frontal approach is scarier than a sideways stance. Strangers, if willing, should turn their body slightly away and avert their gaze. Most people walk directly up to a dog, face him head-on, and reach over his head to pat. For many dogs, that’s a sure recipe for creating fear. It’s best to let your dog approach the person instead. Ask them to allow your dog to sniff and get comfortable, but not to reach for her. When and if you feel your dog is ready, allow gentle petting.

Become aware of which types of people your dog is most uncomfortable with. Often, shy dogs are most afraid of men. If that’s the case, begin introducing your dog to women and children before you step up to the big leagues. When you do get to men, begin with those who are smaller, calmer, and less threatening-

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Obsessive Beagle I have a sweet chocolate Beagle who is now three years old. She’s a typical Beagle with a mind and nose of her own, but overall she has a great disposition and is a good little girl and great family dog. The only problem I have is her obsession with licking. When she was a puppy, she would lick herself, furniture, and us. I thought she would grow out of it as I thought it was some kind of nurturing need of hers, that perhaps she was weaned too early or simply likes to groom herself. But it’s now been three years and she still licks herself and our furniture incessantly! I have tried different techniques to avert the behaviour but I have had no success. It’s embarrassing when guests come over and she does this. Any suggestions for me to get to the root of this issue?

—Malki and her Beagle, Soca

There are lots of reasons why dogs can become obsessive about any behaviour. We may never know why Soca is a lick-aholic but there are some things you can do to help alleviate the problem. Here are some suggestions: • Increase her exercise. Remember that just being loose in a fenced back yard isn’t much exercise for a dog. Neither is walking with you. You just don’t move fast enough! Beagles were bred to run miles and miles during a hunt. I’m guessing you don’t hunt, but Soca’s DNA is still telling her to run, so make sure she is getting lots of exercise. Play fetch with her, arrange for doggie play-dates with a canine friend, teach her nose games.

If she expends her energy in healthy exercise, she will have less energy for obsessive behaviour.

• Train her. Teach her basic manners, such as sit, down, coming when called, and walking nicely on leash. Teach her “leave it,” which you can use to divert her from licking. Teach her tricks; train her to roll over, shake paw, and high five. What you are doing here is exercising her brain. It will give her healthier options than obsessively licking. Many folks have the mistaken impression Beagles aren’t very bright—that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Beagles respond wonderfully to positive training.

So get a clicker and some tasty treats and start training!

• You can use a chew-deterrent spray on your furniture and other items Soca licks. Your veterinarian can also give you a badtasting ointment you can put on her paws and the other spots she licks on herself. These probably won’t stop the behaviour, though. When she does start to lick, use your “leave it” cue (after you’ve taught it) and immediately give her something you don’t mind her licking, such as a food-stuffed rubber toy. Will she chew? Try a deer antler or sturdy bone.

• When you have guests over, redirect Soca’s behaviour to her toys, and you can also show off her new tricks!

If you’ve already tried these things and she is not any better, please consult your veterinarian. Soca may need medication. I don’t mean tranquilizers, but anti-anxiety medication to help balance her brain chemistry. This doesn’t mean she’s crazy or a “bad dog.” Sometimes medication is needed in addition with behaviour modification in order to achieve success.

Teoti Anderson, CPDT, owns Pawsitive Results (getpawsitiveresults.com), and is the past president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is the author of Your Outta Control Puppy, Super Simple Guide to Housetraining, Quick and Easy Crate Training, and Puppy Care and Training.

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art attack

by Rose Frosek

Jenny Belin

T

hough Brooklyn-based artist Jenny Belin has been painting portraits of dogs and cats professionally for 15 years, her love affair with her chosen subject matter goes back even further—like all the way back. Growing up in a cat-centric family in sunny California, her muse was Shushu, a “big, orange fluff-ball with tiger stripes and tiny freckles on his pink nose,” as Belin describes him. She drew pictures of him “all the time,” and still has a Crayola sketch she drew when she was just five years old.

Belin’s first big artistic influence was her mother, Daisy, who painted Belin’s roller skates and kindergarten lunch box. With this free-spirited upbringing, it’s perhaps no surprise her grownup inspirations include iconoclast Yoko Ono, Karl Lagerfeld, and Grace Coddington.

With Belin, it’s not all whimsy, however. Her artistic education was traditional; she studied painting at Skidmore College and undertook right of passage pilgrimages to artist-meccas Paris and New York City before delving into professional portraiture and finding her niche with animals.

Why pet portraits? Belin is “enchanted by the personalities” of her canine and feline subjects. Before she starts a canvas, she does several preliminary drawings, from quick sketches to the more involved, a process that helps her form an emotional attachment to the pet she’s painting and capture both the pet’s

likeness and unique character.

“Every time that I receive a commission to paint a dog’s portrait, I feel incredibly honored and inspired,” Belin shares. “Most of the time and without much encouragement, a dog owner will generously share personal and doting stories both funny and sad. Love and loyalty is a two-way street between dogs and their owners. This is what I love most about painting dogs. I feel that I am given the opportunity to pay homage to some very special ones.”

Life experience has taught Belin to “keep drawing and to keep looking for new inspiration.” She keeps scrapbooks filled with reference material, from magazine clippings to vintage photographs—Jean Harlow with “Nosey” the Dachshund, Pablo Picasso with his beautiful Afghan hound, Kazbec. She loves to paint “fine details like whiskers, chin hair and eyelashes. Painting the texture of a dog’s fur is also so much fun. And of course the expression in a dog’s eyes. Eyes reveal so much!”

With her multitude of inspirations and unique style, we thought we’d let Belin describe her work herself. Her summary?

“Rich in colour, expressive in personality, stylish, chic, and fun.”

Sounds right-on to us. n Commissions start at $600, jennybelin.com

“Love and loyalty is a two-way street between dogs and their owners.

This is what I love most about painting dogs.”

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Above: from Compawssion (Self-published, 2013)

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF SUMMER MUST-READS.

The Secret of Happy Ever After

By Lucy Dillon (Penguin, 2013) Pack this one in your beach bag! In The Secret to Happy Ever After, bestselling author Lucy Dillon gives a perceptive and honest portrayal about the many life, love, and career struggles women experience. This heartwarming story of romance and friendship begins when Michelle, a gifted saleswoman with a head for business, moves to Longhampton, a middle of nowhere English market town, in order to distance herself from an ex with a knack for ever-so-subtly making her feel terrible about herself. There she impulsively acquires a neglected old bookstore, enlisting her new and only friend in the area, Anna, to manage the store. The two women have more in common than evident at first glance; both are running from emotional pain, Michelle from a broken relationship, and Anna from her three demanding stepchildren and an adorable but unruly Dalmatian, Pongo. The friends find solace from their problems in the bookstore, immersing themselves in classic tales of romance and adventure, as well as in the finding of lost dogs. But when secrets from Michelle’s past threaten her new start and Anna’s dream of having a baby start to fall apart, can the power of a small bookstore be enough to help them find their happily ever after?—AT Train Your Dog Positively

By Victoria Stilwell (Ten Speed Press, 2013) Two thumbs up for Victoria Stilwell’s new book, Train Your Dog Positively. In it Stilwell, one of the world’s most recognized and respected dog trainers and host of Animal Planet’s TV series It’s Me or the Dog, shows us how we can use scientifically proven, force-free, positive reinforcement to change the way our dogs think, feel, and learn, moderndogmagazine.com

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encouraging them to want to behave. Alpha-based, negative reinforcement methods, such as physical punishment (think leash yanking, or making a dog submit by rolling him on his back), are psychologically damaging for the dog and have potentially dangerous consequences for owners. Today’s most effective dog training theories confirm that reinforcing good behaviour with rewards (praise, food, or toys) while using constructive discipline (like time-outs or vocal sounds) is not only a more successful training tool but also a more humane way of communicating with canine companions. Even the most difficult dogs can be rehabilitated using these gentle methods. Stilwell’s tips, tricks, and advice for understanding canine language, harnessing the power of reward-based training, and tapping into dogs’ natural instincts will demonstrate there are no hopeless cases. Train Your Dog Positively tackles: jumping up; running away; mouthing and chewing; excessive barking; leash pulling; stealing; food guarding; compulsive pacing or licking; poop eating; aggression; submissive urination; scent marking; separation anxiety; thunderstorm phobia—and more—providing not only a teaching handbook but a set of guiding principles to enrich your relationship with your dog, building trust and a lasting foundation for a happy, confident, and well-behaved dog.—CW My Animal, My Self: A Breakthrough Way to Understand How You and Your Animal Reflect Each Other

By Marta Williams (New World Library, 2013) Marta Williams, a biologist and animal communicator who travels the world teaching people how to communicate with animals and commune with nature, has established herself as the go-to expert on animal communication.

Her previous books, Learning Their Language, Beyond Words, and Ask Your Animals, have earned her a devoted following.

In her latest offering, My Animal, My Self, Williams applies years of research to explain how animals can mirror the people they live with on a physical, emotional, mental and/or spiritual level—and that the dynamic can be either positive or negative. For instance, she offers examples of animals taking on the serious illnesses or dysfunctional behaviours of their humans in an effort to help them.

Williams also explains that, in other instances, an animal and person are so connected that the animal can’t avoid having similar experiences, noting, however, that it is important to distinguish between behaviour that rests purely with the animal and those that result from mirroring. Interesting stuff for anyone that shares a close bond with his or her dog.

In addition to examining the process and whys of mirroring, My

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Animal, My Self presents practical, hands-on tools for assessing mirroring between you and your companion animals and presents fascinating success stories of how clients and experts have used the book’s exercises to better understand their animals and tackle inappropriate behaviours. A must read.—CW A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home: Lessons in the Good Life From an Unlikely Teacher

By Sue Halpern (Penguin, 2013) Journalist Halpern has created a terrific, bighearted book that anyone interested in the human-dog bond cannot fail to be delighted by.

A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home is her moving account of her efforts to turn her energetic, adolescent, leash-rebellious country dog, Pransky, into an obedient and calm therapy aid. An accomplished author, Halpern puts to use her varied life experiences, from working in prisons and hospitals to completing her doctorate at Oxford, to beautifully describe and reflect upon the duos experiences as a therapy dog team in a public nursing home. Pransky turns out to excel in this environment and opens Halpern to new experiences and a world of compassion, warmth, and humour. Honest and touching, this book illuminates the lessons owners and dogs teach each other, as well as the transformative nature of acts of kindness—and not just for the recipient. Thoughtful, inspiring, and often joyous, A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home is, at heart, about nothing less than what it is to be human, hopefully with a good dog by your side.—AT Compawssion

By Frank Bruynbroek (Self-published, 2013) A wonderful collection of black and white portraits of rescued dogs by photographer Frank Bruynbroek, Compawssion captures the beauty and resilience that is a shelter dog. Featuring stories from canine-loving celebs such as Ellen DeGeneres, Katherine Heigl, Kim Basinger, and Jackie Chan, this artistic compilation of grateful furry faces reminds us of the plight of the homeless dog and the difference a compassionate human can make.

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

ask dog lady

by Monica Collins

Q

Dear Dog Lady,

For over 30 years, I have known a guy, Peter, who is one of my best friends. He was married when we met and I was single. Once, after we had too much to drink at a work party, we kissed a little but there have been no other indiscretions. He loved and honoured his wife until she died four years ago of cancer. I now live with a man I love and am settled so I was not at all jealous of a woman widower Peter was dating for a while. They’ve since parted ways. But I burn with envy over the cutest new girl in Peter’s life, a Cairn terrier puppy named Munchkin. I went with him to pick up the puppy and I immediately fell in love with six pounds of adorable. For his part, Peter is totally transfixed. He told me he has no inclination to date because Munchkin fills such a large hole in his life. As I said, I’m crazy about the dog too but doesn’t this seem weird?—Renee, Brookline, MA

A

Doesn’t seem weird at all. I’m guessing Peter is well over 60 and this can be a time in life when big ticket relationships are fond memories. Some people lack the emotional and/or physical drive to start all over again—with a human.

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A dog, especially a puppy, presents a very different story—all cuteness with few emotional demands except, “Love me, you fool!” Don’t begrudge your old friend Peter or think of him as an oddball. He’s mapping new territory of the heart in a delightful way. Work out your Munchkin envy by visiting often and playing godmother to the little dog. Put all the questions and concerns about Peter dating on a back shelf in your brain. It’s puppy time!

Dear Dog Lady, Have you written on the matter of “comfort dogs” in no-pet buildings (condos and rental apartments)? I have letters from my doctors supporting my need for such a dog because of my medical condition (atrial fibrillation). However, I expect push back from some Board members even though we have had three comfort dogs in the condo thus far. There is much literature on the subject and growing. I would like as much documentation on the subject presented up front when I make my case.

I very much enjoy your column and value your comments.—Robert, Chicago IL You refer to “comfort dogs,” which are technically known as “emotional support animals.” These are not “service dogs,” spe-

cifically trained animals that assist people with disabilities. Service dogs enjoy rights under the law; emotional therapy dogs do not. Still, there are accommodations made for emotional therapy pets in pet-less housing with the proper certification. You are doing the right thing by getting letters from your doctor; you should also check out the American Journal of Cardiology, which ran a recent study showing how pets are linked to the heart’s ability to handle stress. This article would be an important document for evidence, considering your own heart condition.

Pro-actively work with the Board to determine what type of dog (large or small; purebred or mixed) is preferable. Let them know you take this very seriously. Continue to do research. There’s plenty to read about emotional therapy dogs on the Internet.

Your most powerful argument will be to convince the Board members you will responsibly care for your dog. Make it easy for them to embrace your need to live with an animal.

Dear Dog Lady, My husband and I have had a dog, Laurentian (Laurie), during the entire eight years of our marriage. Now we’re divorcing. We’ve lived separate lives for the past

ask dog lady few months. The agreement was for Laurie, a Husky mix, to stay with me in the house we owned while my husband moved into an apartment. His new place is pet-friendly and he takes Laurie every other weekend. The arrangement has worked out well. I think of our Laurie agreement as the hallmark of our civil divorce. I only wish Laurie thought the same thing. I hate to admit this but the dog seems miserable when he comes back from my husband’s. He’s listless and whiney and occasionally aggressive toward me. He nipped me once when I was putting on his leash and he’s never done that before. I hate to imagine Laurie is “acting out” over our separation. I don’t want to think of him as I would consider a real child. But I wonder.

—Cindy, Ottawa, ON You never do say whether Laurie bonded more to you or your husband during your marriage. In a household, a dog tends to single out one person to show allegiance either because that person feeds or walks the pet more—or because of some mystical ephemera known only to the canine species. Laurie must have revered your husband in such a bonded way and does feel the loss more than you can envision. Dogs really do feel our pain and Laurie must experience the pangs of separation. Dog Lady doesn’t want to anthropomorphize this four-legged creature but the animal is obviously blue when he comes back to you and the family house.

You can deal with this by working out a new custody arrangement with your soon-to-be-ex-husband. Suggest he assume greater responsibility for care of the dog by keeping Laurie for more time each month. You might even think about giving your husband full custody with liberal visitation rights for you.

At eight-plus years, Laurie, presumably a large dog, enters the senior years when stable routines and relationships cause peace and contentment in a dog. Laurie must need time with your husband more than you know.

Dear Dog Lady, I recently adopted a puppy, a black Labrador Retriever. I thought I had come up with the best, most original name for him: Cooper. I knew no other dogs with this name. It is two syllables and I can condense it into lots of nicknames. I was feeling so good about my new dog and his name until I went to the veterinarian’s for a first checkup and the vet tech called out “Cooper” to those of us in the waiting area. Another woman and her Bulldog stood up and went toward the examining room. I said, “Excuse me, my dog is Cooper.” And she said, “So is mine.” I was crushed. I’ve since heard of five other Coopers. I’m not exaggerating when I say nearly every dog I meet is named Cooper. I want to change my dog’s name.

Should I?—Karen, Falls Church, VA moderndogmagazine.com

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ask dog lady

Think of how all those people who named their dogs “Bailey” felt, not to mention those with lovable “Lucys.” Dog names come in and out of vogue. So do people monikers. (Hello, “Brittany” and “Tiffany,” “Brody” and “Logan.”) Don’t sweat this. If you continue to be super-irked about copycat Coopers, you can change the name but any switch could cause some stress for your pup.

You just might be living in a hot “Cooper” zone because the name doesn’t even show up on Loving Pet Products’ list of the 25–most popular dog names as published on babble.com. On that roster, “Max” is number one.

Dear Dog Lady, A guy from an online dating site suggested we meet for the first time at the dog park where he brings his dog every weekend. He gave me good directions and I went there one Saturday afternoon. To be honest, dogs scare me but I figured any man who liked animals was probably a good guy.

The man was awesome looking, the dog not so much. I don’t even know what kind of dog but the beast wore a thick choke chain collar, which looked very scary and hurtful to me. The dog seemed nice enough with other dogs at the park but the guy yelled at it a lot when it was doing nothing but sniffing around.

I don’t even like dogs all that much but I felt sorry for this dog.

Between the collar and the yelling, I decided I had enough so I took out my phone, called my own number and pretended to have a weekend work emergency. I keep thinking about the guy.

I might have been interested but I couldn’t stand the way he treated his pet. Do other women judge potential boyfriends this way?—Gloria, New York, NY Of course. The way someone treats animals is a surefire indicator of how he or she will respond to members of the human race.

You’ve heard that old hellish adage about serial killers: they start by torturing animals. Oh, let’s not think of it.

For someone who doesn’t like dogs, you keyed into the clues.

The choke collar and the yelling over nothing are signals. He may have a very good reason why he puts a punitive metal collar on his dog but, usually, animals wearing this hurtful neckwear do not hang out at a dog park. And the yelling at the dog for nothing is stupid. He probably did it more for your attention.

Dog Lady is a big fan of dogs and dating but you made the right decision to let this one go.

Write questions or comments to askdoglady@gmail; read more at askdoglady.com or facebook.com/askdoglady.

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