Modern Dog Summer 2014

Recipes for summer fun, plus get to know the Pomeranian, the Boxer and more!

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions

6 Steps to the Perfect Puppy

S U MM ER 2014

Your Dog Problems Solved! p108

Popsicles for Dogs!

Get the recipe for summer fun p30

The Best Way to Greet Your Dog

PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS!

Are you doing it wrong?

Find out on p50

Super-Cute Collar DIY Julie Benz with her dogs Bamboo & Sugar SUM 14

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL SEPT ‘14

$5.95

42

Summer Yum p58

Meet the Pom p26

It’s a Lovefest! p94

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VOL 13

NO 2

PHOTO STEPHANIE MCCOMBIE

PHOTO GRACE CHON

SUMMER 2014

56 FEATURES 32

6 Steps to the Perfect Puppy How to raise a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog in six easy steps! BY STEVE DUNO

38

The Bucket List Dog lovers across North America are ensuring their pets live out their last days in style.

50

The Best Way to Greet Your Dog Are you greeting your dog correctly? Do it right and you’ll improve your bond. BY STANLEY COREN

56

98 80 Years of Jane A celebration of Dr. Goodall, a hero for the planet and

all its creatures.

Dog-Biking for Beginners Have an impossible-to-tire-out dog that always wants more exercise? Try biking with your dog!

The Cone of Deliciousness 102 These dogs LOVE their ice cream!

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING

9 Ways to Help a Dog With Arthritis

Easy ways to help ease sore joints and improve your dog’s mobility.

The Culture of Giving TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie and his wife Heather lend the power of their “One for One” philosophy to animals in need. BY COREY VAN’T HAAFF

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72

78

102

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

BY J. LESLIE JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GRACE CHON

BODY AND SOUL

Julie Benz Dog-loving actress Julie Benz on dogs, love, 66

and why sometimes all you need is someone excited to see you at the end of the day. BY ROSE FROSEK 68 PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRIS AMERUOSO

Traditional Cure: Sulfur for Skin Conditions; Cancer Fighter From Your Spice Rack No Hot Pets; An Alternative to Neutering

86 Super Dogs 72

What if a service dog could change your child’s life—

but no one would give you one? One woman is placing

service dogs with kids denied a dog by other agencies

and, by doing so, making a world of difference for families. BY JEN REEDER

The Itch Stops Here A natural approach to canine skin problems.

34

The Dog Days of Summer Must-haves to make the most of the season.

48

Sweet Summer Steals Keep cool with these fab finds!

BY DR. PETER DOBIAS

THE GOODS

94

Maximum Adorableness: Interspecies Friendships at the Rocky Ridge Refuge The most magical place on earth? It just might be the Rocky Ridge Refuge, home to a veritable Noah’s ark of rescued animals.

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SUMMER 2014

PHOTO TANYA KING

PHOTO SHAKE, CARLI DAVIDSON

113 BREED PROFILE 22

Read Your Breed Get to know the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and the Boxer.

26

The Pomeranian Pint-sized and plucky. BY KELLY CALDWELL

LIVING 20

We’re Giving It Away!

We’ve got three months of groovy giveaways, from treats to dog tags to beds, and winners every week.

30 DIY Eat: Pops for Pups

Whip up these cool treats for your dog in mere moments!

44

Stars, They’re Just Like Us! Candid snaps of some of favourite celebrities out and about with their pups.

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Sweet Tweets 12 Stuff We Love 14 The Scoop 24 Smile! Photo Contest 123 Marketplace

COVER LOOK

12

Actress Julie Benz at home with her dogs Bamboo, a Havanese, and Sugar, a Maltese/ Yorkie cross. Photographed by Christopher Ameruoso. Hair and make up by Kelsey Deenihan

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SUMMER 2014

Esther wears a blue plaid bowtie from Tail Trends (tailtrends.com)

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Insta-Smile This way to inspiration! An Instagram account that has our tails wagging.

76

Cool Dog Trick “Achoo!” Impress your friends with this how-to for teaching your dog to bring you a tissue.

78

DIY Craft: Floral Dog Collar Wraps Perfect for weddings, these lovely, flower-embellished dog collar wraps can be made in a snap!

BY BABETTE HAGGERTY

BY SARAH DICKERSON

108 Ask a Trainer: Growling Puppy

Does a growling puppy have a bad personality? Getting to

the bottom of growling (hint: it’s either fear or resource guarding.) BY TEOTI ANDERSON 110

Ask a Trainer: Potty Mishap Tackling housetraining woes. BY NICOLE WILDE

110

Ask a Trainer: Peeing on Strangers Peeved dog park patrons? What to do when your dog is lifting his leg—on peoples’ pant legs. BY INGER MARTENS

113 Connie’s Book Club

Hit the beach with a good dog and a good book.

Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of summer must-reads.

116

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

128

Last Lick: How I Met My Dog Kai. BY NADIA BARLOW

BY MONICA COLLINS

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 13, 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.

E D ITO R ’S LE T T E R

Both Dog for Dog (p 14) and Tito’s Handmade Vodka (p 16) are two other inspirational companies intent on making a difference and we dig what they’re doing. Then flip to page 94 for a love fest!

The too-adorable-for-words photos from the Rocky Ridge Refuge will bring a smile to your face. And the feel good vibes and inspiration don’t stop there! We hope you’re as riveted as we were by the story of Karen Shirk, an amazing woman who has triumphed in the face of considerable difficulty and is making a difference for families across North America with her groundbreaking service dog organization. And on page 56 we take a look back at 80 years of Dr. Jane Goodall, an unparalleled voice for animals, kindness, environmental stewardship…the list goes on.

Of course, we have tons of funny and cute photos of dogs (a must in our books; check out page 24; training and behaviour advice, terrific DIYs, including pupsicle recipes (p 30), and this project perfect for a dog-inclusive wedding (p 82), plus so much more!

In short, we hope this issue leaves you inspired, smiling, and ready to get out there with your dog and radiate some light!

I’ve just finished reading E2, author Pam Grout’s fascinating New York Times bestseller. Her book outlines nine do-it-yourself energy experiments designed to prove your thoughts create your reality.

Over the years I’ve read volumes on this subject so I was already a firm believer in her theory, but doing the simple experiments she suggests gave me goose bumps so clear were the results. Basically, the theory, in a nutshell, goes like this: there’s an invisible energy force—think of it as a field of infinite possibilities—upon which we draw according to our beliefs and expectations. Grout’s point is that we can train our thoughts and consciousness to influence that energy and bring about that which we desire. If this sounds too New Age-y, it really isn’t. We experience this in its simplest form on a daily basis. Think about how when you’re in a good mood, good things seem to happen: people smile at you; a parking spot miraculously appears; your interactions with people are pleasant.

Then consider the opposite, when you’re in a bad mood, the reverse tends to happen: the barista’s rude; you spill your coffee then smack your elbow on the way out the door. The energy we radiate tends to come back to us; like generates like. So let’s harness that good energy and create positive changes in our own lives as well as for animals and the environment. I believe our combined positive energy can create a force-for-good rippling throughout the universe impacting and influencing others.

Our summer issue provides numerous examples of this type of “move mountains” interconnectivity and positivity. Turn to page 102 to read the wild-ride story of how TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie and his wife Heather are making a big difference for people and animals and in the process inspiring a lot of other entrepreneurs to implement a business model focused on giving back.

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Have a wonderful summer!

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Love knows no bounds. Two Rock Ridge Refuge rescues cuddle together

PHOTO KHAREN HILL

Don’t face reality. Create reality!

C ON TRIBUT OR S SUMMER 2014

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VOL 13

NO 2

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Jackie Clark Mancuso is an artist from Los Angeles. While drawing dogs in Luxembourg Gardens during a Paris sojourn, she was inspired to write and paint her first children’s book, the delightful Paris-Chien: Adventures of an Ex-pat Dog. Before that she was a book designer and art director. Jackie is nearly finished with Hudson’s next adventure, which we simply can’t wait to get our hands on! Check out Jackie’s wonderful illustration for this issue of Modern Dog on page 50.

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Circulation & Marketing Director

Jessica Nosek Audience Development Coordinator

Lauren Cheal Social Media & Events Coordinator

Taryn Cheal PHOTO ROBIN SWICORD

Design & Production

Maxine Matishak Design & Production Assistant

Vanessa Dong Sales & Marketing

Julia Klymenko, Kara Gerlach Accounting and Subscription Services

Celine Benipayo Subscription Services Assistant

Luisana Clarke

Dr. Peter Dobias is known for his fresh, innovative, holistic approach to veterinary medicine and animal healing. He has over 25 years of experience in both conventional and alternative veterinary medicine.

We’re super down with his belief that medical knowledge should be available to anyone who needs it, for free. On page 68, Dr. Dobias applies his healing system based on natural principles to explain how your dog’s itching may have a cause you’ve overlooked.

Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan 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 13, 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 13, 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.

PHONE

(604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131 (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031

FAX

The lovely Grace Chon is a photographer specializing in animals, lifestyle images, and celebrities with their pets, making her the perfect choice for this issue’s shoot with dogloving TOMS philanthropist power couple Blake and Heather Mycoskie (page 102). Grace’s clients include ad agencies, publishing companies, celebrities, non-profit organizations, TV shows, and, topping the list of course, Modern Dog! She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, baby boy, and their beloved rescue dogs, Maeby Fünke and Zoey. Check out more of Grace’s work at gracechon.com.

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SUMMER 2014

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

Copyright 2014 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. Modern Dog is published four times a year. 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!

#SUMMERFUN We Asked...What does your dog like best about summer?

Sunbathing.

—Jordan Burdette

Taking the garden hose away and getting everyone wet!—Sally Deese

Take a wild guess —Samantha Beicker

Being outside at any and all hours, barking at joggers at the park, attempting to go jogging with joggers at the park, and drinking out of water fountains!

—Merca'e Benge

The beach!

Riding bikes! Lol!

Sleeping in the warm sun (she's a Beagle mix).

Going to the beach and

—Tammie Heselton

—Corinna Boehl

rolling in dead things on the sand!!—Randee Gillund

—Michelle Renner

Laying in the kiddie pool!—Meredith Ruffell Snooter loves it all!!

—Rebecca Lord

Air-conditioning and ice in his water.—Millie Martin Laying on our big front porch.

—Sharon Goshor

Bubbles! Definitely chasing bubbles.—Tracey Guy Exploring the shoreline at the cottage and sun bathing on the dock.—Emma Birchall Swimming!

Which is also good for her bad knees.—Regina Liu

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 dog will finally get a break from the heat with this nifty Cool Pad. Thanks to its pressure

activated, non-toxic cooling gel, he’ll be cool and happy in the hot days of summer. It lasts two to three hours and “recharges” with just 15 to 20 minutes of non-use!—Maxine “Too Cool” Matishak ($25, thegreenpetshop.com)

2 I finally got a Buddy Belt harness and couldn’t be happier! What a great find for my Pug who never wears regular collars, but still wants to look stylish and pretty! Buddy Belts are super sturdy, easy to put on, and I don’t have to worry about my dog slipping out. It’s love.—Julia (From $40, buddy-belts.com)

3 I love my new ride! As a golden oldie, I often need to be carried so I adore Love Thy

Beast’s sturdy, stylish, cotton canvas pet tote. It keeps me comfy and looking chic when I’m out and about and the scoop on the side allows me an unobstructed view (very important!).—Miniature Dachshund Rose ($160, lovethybeast.com)

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$

4 For some of us, shedding knows no season. Thank goodness for the Be Forever Furless

brush, which removes my dog’s hair from my clothing. It works on all fabrics; the bristles are even gentle enough for delicate fabrics like cashmere! It’s also great for removing pills, lint, and light soil, and it’s reusable–just rinse and its ready to pick up more pet hair. A definite summer must-have!—Kara ($20, lillybrush.com)

5 A step-in harness makes daily walks more enjoyable, especially if your dog is a relentless

puller! This beautiful lightweight harness from California Collar Co. is perfect for those smaller dogs with huge personalities who tug and pull their way through a walk. It’s a great alternative to the leash and collar and the results include relieved neck stress, increased style, and wagging tails.—Luisana ($69, californiacollarco.com)

6 Summer tip: enjoy some pinot grigio in a fancy crystal wine glass from Anything Dogs

(

while soaking up the sun on a patio, Fido by your side. Is this the best part of summer? I think so!—Celine ($52 for a pair, anythingdogs.com)

7 My dog Sadie and I love supporting companies that promote adoption and Found my Animal is all about that. It doesn’t hurt that their products are top notch too! All of their lovely handcrafted leashes are made with marine-grade rope so they age beautifully. The leashes come in all different colours including hand-dyed ombré options. Pair one up with a matching collar or harness!—Vanessa ($62, foundmyanimal.com)

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8 The clean lines and tranquil burbling of this outdoor drinking fountain for dogs make a delightful addition to your outdoor living space while providing your dog with a continuous supply of fresh, clean drinking water! (You can also use it indoors.)—Connie ($130, hagen.com)

9 This adorably retro carrier is perfect for dogs up to 16 pounds and the stylish people

that love them. It’s not only fashionable, but comfortable and functional, folding flat for storage.—Taryn ($100, humblebeasts.com)

10 I know a dog with some pretty serious anxiety problems, and I’ve tried everything

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to help him cope when his humans are away. The warm and cozy Snuggle Puppy, with its reassuring heartbeat and heat packs, provides real comfort (both for him and me!).

—Lauren ($40, snugglepetproducts.com)

11 A small yet tough dog like me deserves a shirt to show off her attitude. Happy Pups’ “Guard Dog” reversible shirt (there’s an anchor print on the other side of more low key days) will help your dog tell the world who’s the boss (hint: it’s not Tony Danza) and keep her looking sharp!—Miniature Dachshund Esther ($25, happypups.ca)

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CANINE NEWS AND REVIEWS

Best Weather Site Ever Hilarious internet meme forecasts local weather

If you like Shiba Inus, internet memes, and being prepared (who doesn’t?, one may ask), then dogeweather.com is the site for you. Basically, your regular old weather forecast is jazzed up with the addition of a Shiba Inu photo and accompanying silly catchphrases like “light rain—much uh oh,” or “wow sky is clear—much lovely,” depending on the current weather.

This Shiba Inu meme, known as Doge, has been making its way around the Web for a while now, bringing chuckles. Now that it’s grown up into it’s very own weather website, it can even improve a rainy day. Check it out at dogeweather.com.

When people see a Dachshund, they have to yell. ‘A wiener dog!’

Like ‘A rainbow!’

‘A shooting star’ ‘A clown!’

—Kevin Kling

Let Them Eat Dog Treats!

Buy a bag of Dog For Dog food or treats and a matching bag gets donated!

Now here’s a concept we can get behind—a company with a “you buy one, they give one” model that helps rescue dogs! Dog for Dog, a California-based company, makes dog treats and food, and for every single one of their tasty items purchased, they donate another to a shelter or rescue group. In 2013 alone, they donated more than 200,000 dog treats and over 50,000 pounds of dog food, helping feed over 250,000 dogs in need! All of their products are made in the USA, so you can feel good about what you are feeding your dog, as well as the fact that dogs in need are benefitting from your purchase.

We love companies that endeavour to make it easy to do a little good in the world, one dog treat at a time!

Find out more at dogfordog.com

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THE SCOOP

We’ll Drink to That!

A terrific trifecta: spay/neuter programs, fundraising, and vodka The folks behind Tito’s Handmade Vodka, an award winning artisanal tipple, love dogs.

In fact, they’re such big proponents of rescue that they’ve launched VodkaforDogPeople. com, a site offering Tito branded dog products (think cool shirts, leashes, and bowls) with 100 percent of proceeds going to help dogs. They’ve partnered with Austin, Texas-based non-profit organization Emancipet, whose mission is to make spay/neuter services and preventative veterinary care available and affordable for everyone. With the help of Tito’s, Emancipet is expanding beyond their current reach in order to grow and make an impact in communities outside of Austin. We love a company that cares about animals (and if they’re making artisanal vodka, we definitely won’t complain!) Here’s to making a difference.

When I bought the land my distillery is located on, it was a rural field of dreams for me. Stray dogs would often come to the distillery and, because I owned my own dog, I would also take the time to feed and care for the strays. They became a part of the family. Since then we have helped the strays get healthy and find them homes. Some of them are even permanent residents of the distillery! Dogs have been part of our culture from day one and they seem to have taken over the business office now too.

—Tito Beveridge, Founder and Master Distiller of Tito’s Handmade Vodka

65% of Modern

Dog readers’ cook for their dogs TO SEE PAST POLL RESULTS GO TO MODERNDOGMAGAZINE.COM/POLLRESULTS 16 moderndog

SU MMER 2014

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

If Your Dog Could Talk...

My Talking Pet, a hilarious app that transforms your ordinary pet photos into entertaining videos in just a few seconds, has everyone laughing, even Hollywood. It’s rated #1 on iTunes in the paid entertainment apps category after catching the attention of Hollywood celebs such as Ellen DeGeneres, Kat Dennings, and Matt LeBlanc. To get in on the fun, simply upload a photo, indicate eyes, mouth, and chin, record a short message, then enjoy the LOLS. The app lets you share the smiles by allowing you to send a greeting via email, text, or even share on social media.

Interestingly, the app has been used in the UK to increase the rate of successful dog and cat adoptions. The same is now happening in the US with rescue groups using the app to allow the animals to “say a little something about themselves” for potential adoptive parents. Get it for $0.99 through iTunes or Google Play for your iPhone/iPad, smartphone or tablet.

C A R T O O N S © 20 14 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

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.

AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE SPRING ISSUE IS...

“In Dog Beers, I’ve only had 7….”

SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER

MODERN DOG POLL Have you worked with a professional dog trainer?

CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNDOGMAGAZINE.COM

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “I had to get out of the doghouse for a bit.

The pups were nipping at my ankles. And my wife was running the vacuum, which scares the heck out of me!”

SUBMITTED BY BARBARA BULLINGTON

“Sorry pal, it’s cash only here. That sad face and shake a paw won’t do in this place.”

SUBMITTED BY TERRI GREER

“I’ll follow this with a car chaser” SUBMITTED BY MARGARET WOLFSON

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

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

june

1st-7th

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-30th

Win a free one year pupscription to BarkBox—the monthly box of dog goodies that’ll drive your pup BONKERS!

Win a Jax & Bones Cotton Blends Lounge Bed in your choice of colour and size from PetFancy.com, your source for modern pet products!

Win 1 of 10 Fetchbees complete with disc and launching arm. The new and fun way to play fetch without the slobber.

Win 1 of 10 Himalayan Gold Chew Prize Packs from Barkworthies!

These all-natural chews are a super-long lasting, healthy, highly nutritious treat dogs love!

july

1st-7th

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

Win one of eight three-packs of Fruitables Whole Jerky Treats!

Fruitables are USA origin and made from premium cuts without fillers, nitrates or artificial flavours.

Win 1 of 2 sets of Puppy McQueen’s safe, effective, and high-end pet care sets including a collection of their luxurious body sprays and waterless shampoos.

Win one of two Pet Hair Solutions bundles from FURminator for a hairfree home, a happy pet, and the life you want!

Win 1 of 15 copies of H. Jackson Brown’s latest book, Wise Dogs.

Rediscover what our faithful companions can teach us about a life well lived.

1st-7th

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

Win a two-night dog-friendly stay at Hallmark Oceanfront Resorts in Cannon Beach or Newport, Oregon.

Bring your best friend! (Sunday Thursday, excluding July – Sept.)

Win 1 of 10 Niuvy Skin Mends from Vetisse. A natural herbal ointment for allergies, rashes, burns, bruises, and wounds.

Win one of six Stride walking accessories featuring a waste bag dispenser, hand sanitizer, and pedometer, plus a flat pack waste bag refill from 26 Bars & a Band!

Win 1 of 8 sets of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Did What? book and Chicken Soup for the Soul premium dog food.

august

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning June 1, 2014 at 12:01 AM (PST) through August 31, 2014 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 While Boxers are elegant in appearance, athletic, and courageous, they love to play the fool, find fun in everything they do, and just generally resist taking things too seriously.

Just where the Boxer learned this “forever young” philosophy is not really clear. The Boxer’s immediate ancestor, the Brabant Bullenbeisser (literally “bull biter”), was developed in Germany from huge mastiff-type dogs for the then-popular sport of bull baiting, a cruel and gory spectacle that set dogs to fight against bulls. By the mid-nineteenth century, the name “Boxer” was associated with a lighter-built version of the Bullenbeisser, the name possibly arising from the dogs’ habit of using their front feet when wrestling an opponent.

Today, these dogs are beloved family members. This brachycephalic (short-faced) breed is medium in size, yet muscular and strong. Most Boxers are naturally energetic—too energetic, perhaps, for owners who live a calm and sedentary lifestyle. Boxers need daily exercise or they will channel their zest for life into undesirable, often destructive, activity.

The Boxer is devoted to his family, wanting always to be included. Perhaps because of their own perpetually youthful natures, most Boxers relate well to children.

Boxers retain enough of their heritage as police and guard dogs to be vigilant in their self-appointed role as protector. Strangers may be viewed with dark suspicion until introduced by family as friends, but once a Boxer accepts someone, he reverts to his usual lighthearted and charming self. Could the Boxer be the dog for you? Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/boxer.

P H OTO D E B SA M U E L

The Boxer

Is that a miniature Golden Retriever? A Border Collie cross? A Brittany Spaniel?

Nope, it’s a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, one of only four truly Canadian breeds (the other three being the Labrador Retriever, the Newfoundland, and the Canadian Eskimo or “Inuit” dog). Its roots can be traced back to a time when the Canadian Maritime provinces and parts of the state of Maine were still known as Acadia. The earliest documented reference dates back to about 1630.

It is believed that the Toller was developed through crosses between the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Brittany Spaniel with, perhaps, a little farmyard Collie thrown in for good measure. Tollers have become popular partly due to their size (which is small compared to any of the other retriever breeds; an adult male weighs about 40 pounds), combined with their beauty, intelligence, versatility, strong working drive, and friendly nature. The coat is a rusty brown and there may be white markings on the feet, chest, face or tip of the tail. The water-repellent double coat looks very similar to that of a Golden Retriever.

The Toller is a high-energy, high-maintenance breed that needs lots of mental stimulation and exercise. The tireless Toller eagerly retrieves objects... over and over and over again; much like Border Collies, though, they can be equally happy in rural or urban settings provided their needs for work (and play) and sufficient exercise are met.

Could the Toller be the dog for you? Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/nova-scotia-duck-tolling-retriever

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PHOTO DAVID DALTON

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

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E L I M S

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!

Charlie Dachshund

Guinness

American Staffordshire/Pit Bull

Diesel

Kane Koda

French Bulldog

Lab/Sheltie

Great Pyrenees Mix

Stella

Sailor Jack

Maggie

Mini Dachshund

Beagle/Dachshund

Aiko Mya

Jack Russell Terrier 24 moderndog

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Jack Russell Terrier

Shetland Sheepdog

Daisy

Yorkshire Terrier

Misty

Corgi Mix

Sommer

Bichon/ Cocker Spaniel/Poodle

Max

Golden Retriever

Bronx Pit Bull

Lou

Winston

Coton de Tulear

Mini Poodle

Gus

Chihuahua/Poodle

Ammo

Blue Heeler

Nala

Sheltie/Shih Tzu

Harry

Golden Retriever/ Poodle

Luna & Watson Golden Retriever

Think your dog ought to be in Modern Dog?

Yadkin Easy rider

Beagle Mix

Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/ photocontest.

Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

Airedale Terrier

moderndogmagazine.com

25

BREED PROFILE

The Pomeranian Pint-sized and plucky

By Kelly Caldwell

T

ip, tap, tip, tap, tip, tap…. That’s the sound of a Pomeranian walking by, and I dare you not to smile. After all, these pint-sized pooches don’t just walk—they prance. The friendly Pomeranian pairs his animated gait with a joyful spirit and endearing personality. And does this little dog have attitude? You bet—with a capital A. Although a member of the Toy group today, the Pomeranian descended from the hearty Spitz family of dogs native to Iceland and Lapland. The early Pomeranian was substantially larger than today’s, weighing on average close to 30 pounds, and worked in both herding and sledding capacities. The breed was named after the region of Pomerania, now absorbed into parts of Germany and Poland. It was in this region where much of the breed’s development occurred, including its significant reduction in size and transformation from a tough working animal to a lovable lapdog.

Pomeranians were still a fairly obscure breed when they were recognized by The Kennel Club in 1870. The breed’s popularity soared, however, after Britain’s dog-loving, popular monarch Queen Victoria discovered them in the 1880s. In 1888, the Queen was given a Pomeranian named Marco and her devotion to him cemented the breed’s future as a popular companion. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1900, the same year the American Pomeranian Club was formed.

Today, the Pomeranian is a pint-sized companion known for its intelligence, extroverted personality, and desire to please. Consistently ranked in the top 20 of the AKC’s most commonly registered breeds, it’s clear that scores of people have already concluded what Queen Victoria discovered so many years ago—it’s easy to love a Pom. Its good looks certainly don’t hurt. The Pom is a short-backed breed with a gorgeous, heavily plumed tail that serves as one of its trademark features. The breed ranges in size from three to seven pounds and comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and variations, all of which are accepted by the AKC, though orange and red coat colours are the most common.

Keeping the Pomeranian looking his dashing self does take a bit of work. This is a double-coated breed with a soft, short undercoat and a long, harsher-textured outer coat.

That outer coat is one of the throwbacks to the Pom’s early beginnings as a hearty working breed. Regular brushing is required to prevent mats and you may need to trim your Pom to keep him looking dapper.

Exercise requirements for the Pomeranian are modest. Daily walks and play time will do the trick. The breed does bond closely with people, however, so plenty of quality time with your Pom is a must. This affectionate breed will thrive only in an environment where he’s considered a part of the family and his adoration is reciprocated.

While the Pom may not need a lot of physical outlets, this versatile breed will almost certainly thrive in just about any activity you throw his way. Intelligent and extremely eager to please, Pomeranians respond well to positive reinforcement training and have excelled in pretty much every imaginable activity—conformation, obedience, tracking, therapy work… you name it, the Pom can do it and do it with style. Frequent travellers

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Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. According to the most recent AKC registration statistics [1]

Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog [3] Golden Retriever [4] Beagle [5] Bulldog [6] Yorkshire Terrier [7] Boxer [8] Poodle [9] Rottweiler [10] Dachshund [19] Pomeranian [2]

Size: Small The AKC breed standard allows for a weight of three to seven pounds, with four to six pounds considered ideal for showing.

Activity level: Due to its small size, exercise requirements for the Pom are minimal. However, the breed is a people-pleaser who needs plenty of time and attention.

Grooming: The Pomeranian’s thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats.

If you like the Pomeranian, you might also give some consideration to the Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

PHOTOS MARY BLOOM © AKC

Profile: The Pomeranian

will likely find that Poms are good companions for the road; the Pomeranian is happy to go where his owners go.

In terms of health, the Pomeranian is a relatively hearty breed. Instances of alopecia (hair loss) are noted in the breed but the cause is as yet undetermined. In addition, like so many of the Toy breeds, the Pom can be prone to knee issues, most notably luxating patellas. As with other purebreds, if you’re in the market for a puppy from a breeder, be sure to do your research and seek health clearances and references to ensure you are working with a dedicated and responsible breeder.

There are also lots of Poms—puppies and adults alike—in rescue and awaiting forever homes. Check petfinder.com or adoptapet. com.

Back to that attitude, though. This truly is a giant of a dog in a tiny package. Having had the good fortune to see the breed in action at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show several times, I can attest to the fact that the Pomeranian is always a crowd favourite. Huge cheers and laughter always erupt when it’s time for the Pom to strut his stuff during Toy Group judging. Each time I witnessed this, I thought the same thing: the Pom knows the crowd loves him; he knows it, and he loves them, too. He works the crowd and brings a big-dog level of personality to the table.

Whether its a Pom in the show ring or back home at the local offleash park, one thing is for sure: the Pom has absolutely no idea he’s a little dog.

So, yes, the breed gets a capital A for attitude—and in the best way possible. But A is also for adorable, because that’s what the Pomeranian is. That fox-like grin, that joyful spirit, and that larger than life personality? Life with a Pom is guaranteed to keep you smiling. n

Heritage: Originally bred for herding and sledding duties, over time the Pomeranian has been bred smaller. He now fulfills the noble role of doting family companion.

For information on Pomeranian rescue in the United States, visit americanpomeranianclub.org.

In Canada, visit pcoc.net.

Yorkshire Terrier

Havanese

READ YOUR BREED

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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

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NUTRITION

eat D.I.Y.

PHOTO TANYA KING

Pumpkin Pop

Peanut Butter + Banana

Pumpkin Pops - Blend some canned, unsweetened

Pops for Pups Your dog is going to love these! Whip up these frozen treats in mere minutes. It doesn’t get any easier.

Cheese Please - Mix together equal parts cottage cheese, a bit of water, and—if you’re going the savoury route, some peanut butter or leftover chicken, beef or fish. Feeling sweet? Blend in some blueberries, strawberries or watermelon.

Super Frozen Smoothies - Get out the blender and blend together ¼ cup plain, natural yogurt, 1 ripe banana, 2 cups of your choice of unsweetened juice (orange juice, apple or pineapple), and a handful of blueberries. Also try: peach, watermelon, strawberry, raspberry or watermelon. This is a great one to share with your dog! Pour into molds or containers and freeze, or enjoy as a drink—it’s delicious either way. (You can add a bit of honey or agave to your portion if you like it sweeter.)

pumpkin with plain, low fat yogurt and a bit of water, then freeze for a cool, low calorie dog treat.

Cheeseburger Pops - Have some leftover cooked hamburger patties and cheese from your last cookout? Crumble up the burger and cheese, mix it with water or broth (low or no salt!), pour it into the container of your choice, and pop it in the freezer!

Chicken Soup on Ice - Had barbecued chicken for dinner? Don’t chuck the carcass! Throw it in a large pot, cover with water, and let it simmer for an hour and a half. Cool, then pick the meat off, discarding the bone but keeping the cartilage, meat, and broth. Left over cooked carrots and/or peas? Mash them up and mix them in! Pour the chicken broth into your popsicle mold (save whatever’s leftover as a tasty addition to your dog’s next few meals) and freeze. Or go the quick and easy route: freeze some store-bought broth. Just make sure it’s low salt and contains no onion.

Peanut Butter Pops - Simply mix together peanut butter, mashed up banana (the perfect use for the too-ripe bananas sitting on your countertop) and water, then freeze.

TIP: You can make pupsicles in an array of containers.

For bigger dogs, use a popsicle mold or little Tupperware containers. For little dogs, an ice cube tray is perfect for making small-sized treats. Want to make your dog work for it? Pour your popsicle ingredients of choice into a stuffable toy like a Kong, plug the end with peanut butter, and freeze for a hot weather treat your pup can play with! All these treats are best given outdoors to avoid a mess.

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DON’T G OFF TO ET T WRONGHE START!

6 STEPS

to the Perfect Puppy Follow these steps to raise a happy, well-adjusted dog

By Steve Duno

F

ew experiences in life match the joy a new puppy brings. The frolicking, affection, and sheer innocence brighten everyone’s day and add a sweet sense of anticipation to returning home. But that joy can fade to frustration for those not prepared to face the challenges a new pup can bring.

Happily, neither you nor your new puppy need suffer through months of frustration. With the right preparation and the proper plan in place, acclimating your new little friend to life with you can be downright fun. As long as you stick to a routine and trust in your puppy’s ability to adapt, time will turn your new recruit into a happy, reliable new addition to the pack.

#1: Housetraining The key to success here is straightforward; your puppy must be put on a rigid schedule and must be either in your presence or else in a crate, yard or dog pen at all times. Yes, this requires ten to sixteen weeks of extreme vigilance but you are setting your pup up for a lifetime of success. It’s all about the groundwork.

Obtain a properly sized dog crate, which your puppy will eat and sleep in. The crate mimics the close comfort of a den and uses the canine’s innate dislike for eliminating where he sleeps and eats. This is why crate use is the most successful way to housebreak.

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What’s the best age to bring a puppy home at?

Most of us bring a puppy home at eight weeks of age and that’s fine. But if possible, ask the breeder or shelter if the puppy might stay with other puppies until ten or even twelve weeks of age. Those extra few weeks will work wonders for your new pup’s doggie social skills, especially bite inhibition, which is often a problem with puppies in a new home. While still in their litters, puppies learn how to moderate biting and mouthing by observing littermate reactions. Too hard a bite and a littermate will yelp, whereas a “soft” mouthing is accepted. By waiting an extra few weeks, you often have less of a problem with excess mouthing at home as well as a better-adjusted puppy.

Choose a plastic crate, which provides a more secure feeling than a cage-type enclosure. Be sure it is tall enough to let the puppy stand but only long enough to allow her to turn around. It should not be deep enough to let her eliminate in the back and lie down in the front. In most cases, a puppy’s growth rate will require you to move to a larger crate at the four-month stage.

Placement of the crate is up to you; some find it convenient to keep it in their bedroom, while others, knowing the puppy will whine, place it outside of the bedroom. Just know that if you respond to the puppy every time she whines you will be training the puppy to whine for attention.

Next, set up a schedule. Your puppy needs to eliminate in the early morning, after every meal, after play or walks, whenever she gets excited, and right before bedtime.

And, for at least a few weeks, you will probably need to let her out sometime in the very early morning before you would normally awaken. Don’t expect her to last more than four hours during the first month or two. The key is to gradually build up her ability to “hold it,” while teaching her that the home is never a place to eliminate.

Feed her in her crate to endear her to it. And commit to her sleeping there; as tempting as it is to respond to whining or crying, if you relent and take her into your bed, you may end up with an accident occurring while you are sleeping. A major benefit of crate training is that your dog will happily settle into a crate should crating be necessary for travel.

Never allow your puppy to wander unsupervised in the home until she is thoroughly reliable. Also, be sure to remove all food and water after eight pm. And never leave food down for more than ten minutes. Called free feeding, this makes it difficult to predict when the puppy will need to go. By feeding on a schedule, you “synchronize” your puppy’s system to eliminate predictably.

Never hit or rebuke your puppy for accidents. If she has an accident in front of you, interrupt her, calmly saying “no, no no,” then bring to the preferred spot. Avoid cleaning up messes in her presence as it could teach her that playing with waste is okay. If you stick to the routine, your puppy should soon grasp that eliminating outdoors is the ticket.

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Your New Daily Schedule •

• •

• • • • •

• • • • •

Let your puppy out as soon as you awaken. Take her to the same spot outside, on leash, telling her softly to “get in there” or “go potty.” When she goes, praise quietly. I advise to give no treats, as this could connect food to elimination in her mind.

Feed her in her crate. Then—this is vital—take her back out to eliminate.

Play time, or a walk. Be aware of your puppy sniffing or spinning around; this is often a sign that she needs to go. If on a walk, softly say “get in there” or “go potty.” If at home, take her to the preferred spot.

Lunchtime in crate. After, take her out.

Training or play, followed by elimination, then a nap.

Exploration of the home with her on a light leash tethered to your belt loop.

Elimination outside.

Walk or play, followed by elimination then quiet time in crate. Be sure to habituate her to the crate, which serves as a natural limiter to the desire to eliminate. Toss treats into it for her.

Dinner, followed by elimination.

Tether time in and around the home.

Bedtime in crate.

Potty break if need be at 3 or 4 am.

Rise and shine!

#2 When to Begin Socializing Your Puppy Immediately begin introducing your puppy to family, friends, neighbours, and resident dogs, as well as to dogs you know are safe and properly vaccinated, in a calm, safe, controlled environment. The first few months of your puppy’s life are a key socialization window and you need to acclimate her to as many different people and dogs as possible. You must, however, avoid interaction with unknown dogs until your puppy is fully vaccinated, which occurs around the four-month period. After that, socialize her with safe adult dogs and vaccinated puppies as well.

When introducing your puppy to new people, have them take a laid-back approach. Frenetic greetings will only teach her to get overexcited whenever greeting, so be sure to keep it composed and dignified. I tell people to practice “calm indifference” with

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puppies, much as an adult dog would. Doing so will teach her to be tranquil around guests, instead of jumpy or nervous.

Get your puppy out of the home as soon as you can, to greet people and to experience the sights and sounds of the world.

Take care not to overwhelm her, though, especially during the eight-to-eleven week period known as the fear imprint stage.

During this well-defined period of development, if anything frightening occurs—a loud noise, a backfire, a crack of thunder—it will often stay with the dog for life. It is vital, then that you be cautious during this period, and make sure no sudden sounds or scary events occur. If something does scare your puppy, do not comfort or coddle her, as this will just reinforce and legitimize her frightened reaction.

As soon as your puppy passes the four-month immunity stage, take a puppy obedience class with her. You will both learn basic obedience and get lots of socializing time with people and puppies.

#3 How Much Exercise is Too Much Exercise?

Be sure to walk your puppy, play with her, and teach her to chase and fetch a toy. But go easy on vigorous exercise for at least four to six months, especially with large breeds, whose fast-growing bones can be damaged by over-exercising. Stick to an easy, slow jog, and keep distances down to half a mile until the dog reaches six months. Avoid roughhousing and beware of older dogs playing rough. Going for group walks with family and friends is a great puppy exercise!

#4 When and How to Groom Your Puppy Softly brush and comb your puppy every day, and bathe her only when needed. This grooming ritual bonds you to her and also allows you to examine her for lumps, bumps, cuts, or injuries.

Handle her legs, ears, tail, and feet, and even look in her mouth.

And, with a puppy-sized nail clipper, begin tipping her little nails once per week. Just be sure to only snip off about a sixteenth of an inch, to avoid cutting the “quick” and hurting her. Also gently brush or wipe her teeth, using a soft baby toothbrush or a “finger brush,” available at pet stores. You are laying the groundwork for your dog to welcome handling.

#5 What and How Often You Should Feed Your Pup Wean your new puppy off of the breeder/shelter food slowly, over a period of one or two weeks and onto a high quality puppy food.

Feed her three times per day at first, but reduce this to twice per day at around three or four months. Feed on a schedule and never leave food down for more than ten minutes. Feed her in her crate and remove the dish when she is done. Handle your puppy’s food dish in front or her; place a treat or two into it, let her eat it, then pick up the dish and place another treat in it. This will prevent food guarding from developing. Be sure to have all family members do this!

Though most food manufacturers recommend keeping a puppy on puppy food for a full year, it’s better to switch over to an adult formula at around six to eight months of age. This is especially true for larger breeds, that can grow too fast while on a higher calorie puppy food. Slow, steady growth is preferred to prevent excess stress on bones, cartilage, and joints. Switching over to an adult food, with its lower calorie load will help moderate growth and minimize the chances of obesity.

#6 How to Raise a Confident, Well Adjusted Dog (It’s all about positive experiences)

At three months of age (this is when your puppy is out of the sensitive fear-imprint stage), gradually desensitize her to odd sounds, particularly doorbells, vacuums, lawn mowers, and other potentially distressing noises that can trigger aggression or worry. Take your puppy to the front door and, with a treat in your hand, gently knock on the wood while giving it to her.

Praise and repeat. Over a period of days, gradually increase her distance from the door and continue this process of knocking and giving a treat, using a helper to knock. You can do the same with the doorbell.

To desensitize her to the vacuum or some other loud appliance, have someone turn on the noisy appliance inside while you and the puppy play outdoors. The sound should be barely discernible to you at this point. Gradually bring her closer while playing and treating her. Eventually, you should be able to run the vacuum with her indoors without problem.

Take your puppy into your car right away. At first just sit in it with her, giving her a treat or two. Then, with a friend holding her, drive around the block, praise and go inside. Gradually lengthen the time she can drive until it becomes easy for her. Once she is content in the car, use a crate to transport her in for safety’s sake.

By patiently following these six steps, by sticking to routine, you’ll be well on your way to having the perfect puppy that you deserve! n

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Plan the perfect stateside adventure with this book that details the best dog-welcoming places to see and stay, whether you and your best canine buddy like a rugged outdoor journey or basking in the lap of luxury. $25, ruffguides.com

Meticulously handcrafted from solid, sustainably harvested walnut with solid brass detailing, the Gimli Den is a hideaway of such lovely form both you and your dog can delight in it.

From $950, gamla.ca

Help your dog cool off with this four-foot inflatable dog pool designed especially for pups! Made of thick PVC material (like an inflatable mattress), it will stand up to your pup’s claws. $50, alcottadventures.com

Summer The Dog Days of

Say goodbye to urine burn spots on your lawn! Just put Dog Rocks in your dog’s drinking water. Dog Rocks are a veterinary approved, pet-safe natural Australian stone that removes nitrates and tin found in water that would pass through your dog and end up wrecking your lawn. $18, dogrocks.org

Must-haves to make the most of the season

The non-toxic and lead-free Eco Tosser is an earthfriendly alternative to the traditional tennis ball and each ball is handmade in Green Bay, WI by disabled adults, creating employment opportunities! $10, honestpetproducts.com

Bid adieu to slobber and save your back with the Fetchbee! Dogs love to chase the durable disc and the launcher keeps you from bending over and getting your hands slobbery. $25, realinnovators.com

Keep Fido afloat with the EzyDog Dog Floatation Device. This life vest is ergonomically designed for optimal movement and safety for your dog when you are out enjoying the beach or lake this summer. A must-have for boating! $42, thedogoutdoors.com

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Muovo’s super-stylish inflatable bed is a comfy, coollooking resting spot yet lightweight and compact when deflated! $210, finnishdesignshop.us

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The Bucket List Dog lovers across North America are ensuring their pets live out their last days in style

By Noa Glouberman Illustration Kim Smith

R

ide in a fire truck; eat a steak; get a pawdicure; taste treats from around the world; raise money for homeless animals; be adopted. These “bucket list” items are among the unique experiences that several dogs facing terminal illnesses are enjoying in their final days.

“If you don’t have a dog in your life, it probably seems strange or even excessive,” says Riina Cooke of Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, whose nine-year-old Boxer Romeo has a form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. “To me, my dog is everything. I don’t have children—he is my child. I want to make sure that his last days are happy.”

When Romeo’s veterinarian delivered the grim diagnosis last November, Cooke was devastated. She says, “The cancer was in his back legs and, because he’s an older dog, there was no way he could withstand amputation. The only option at that point was to take him home and make him as comfortable as possible.”

After several difficult days, Cooke had an epiphany: “I looked at him and thought, besides making sure he isn’t in any pain, why not try to fill his life with fun, food, and love? Also, I wanted to make memories with Romeo to help me cope with the grief.”

So she started a bucket list for her beloved Boxer, whom she’d adopted as a puppy, adding items she knew Romeo would enjoy, like eating a McDonald’s hamburger and tasting sushi for the first time. Cooke also included activities she could do with her dog.

“We’ve been revisiting his favourite walks and trails, bobbing for tennis balls in the lake…Romeo even made a cash donation to our local animal shelter,” she says. “A lot of his bucket-list items are yummy, but it’s also about spending as much time with him as I can, taking photos, and just hanging out.”

Cooke also hopes that Romeo’s bucket list will inspire other pet owners to “not give up and give in when your dog reaches the end of its life. It’s not about counting the days; if Romeo could talk, he’d tell me to make the days count.”

Across the country in Shilo, Manitoba, 12-year-old Cole Hein, who has a disorder that can cause him to stop breathing without warning, decided to make a similar list for his ailing service dog, Bingo. The Jack Russell Terrier was specially trained to recognize an moderndogmagazine.com

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Cole Hein with his dog Bingo, a Jack Russell Terrier.

“I looked at him and thought, besides making sure he isn’t in any pain, why not try to fill his life with fun, food, and love?

Above: Romeo crosses off an entry on his Bucket List; Riina Cooke and her Boxer Romeo.

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attack and bark to alert the boy’s parents, making her, quite literally, a lifesaver.

“Bingo was a second set of ears for us for seven years,” says Cole’s mother, Mandi Warmbrod-Hein. “When she was 14 we found out she had a medical condition of her own called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which is similar to Alzheimer’s disease. We were told she didn’t have long to live. That’s when Cole had the idea to honour Bingo while she was alive by making a bucket list. He called it her lick-it list.”

Bingo’s list included a family photo shoot, cuddles, and walks, and a request to try dog treats from around the world. When the lick-it list received coverage from CNN, NBC, and People, dog lovers responded from Australia, Finland, Singapore, Egypt, and beyond.

“When my mom asked who I wanted to get treats from, I said the Prime Minister [of Canada], the President of the United States and the Queen of England,” says Hein.

“Well, we didn’t hear from those people, but we got mail from everywhere…I was really surprised that people around the world would care about one dog who was dying.”

When Bingo’s seizures worsened, the family made the difficult decision to put her down. Warmbrod-Hein says, “It was tough on Cole, but he told me, ‘Bingo needs to go to heaven. I want her to stop suffering now.’”

In a statement released after Bingo passed in September 2012, Hein added a final item to his dog’s lick-it list: “Helping dogs living in pounds, shelters, [and] rescue groups get good homes with loving new moms and dads and children who will love them as much as I love Bingo.”

ILLUSTRATION KIM SMITH

Bucketlist savvy The story caught the attention of famed “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan, who, through his foundation, created the Bingo Hein Legacy Fund to raise money for “making more dreams come true for shelter dogs.”

Though Warmbrod-Hein cannot speak specifically to Millan’s involvement, she says, “It’s a bittersweet story. It’s taking a negative and turning it into a positive … that’s the way I see it.”

South of the border in Pennsylvania, Carol Bryant isn’t waiting until her dog, Dexter, is too old or sick to check items off his “Cocker bucket list.” Instead, Bryant is focused on making each and every day with her dog count.

“A few years ago the movie The Bucket List starred Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as men who listed the things they wanted to do before they died,” she writes on her caninecentric blog, Fidose of Reality. “This got me to thinking…dogs already live carefree and in the moment, so what exactly would go on [their bucket] list?”

While Bryant, who’s shared her animal expertise with the likes of Gayle King on Oprah Radio, isn’t sure anything can mitigate the pain of losing one’s dog, she does believe that creating a to-do list of short-and long-term goals to fulfill over the course of your pet’s life can help you avoid having any regrets after your fourlegged friend is gone, and give you a new lease on your own life.

“Having a dog has made me live more in the moment,” she explains. “My dog doesn’t agonize over the past or worry about the future—he’s completely focused on the here and now. By

When adding items to your bucket list, be aware of your dog’s preferences and physical limitations. “Dogs will often do what we ask of them simply to be with us; it’s not in their nature to show pain,” says Alice Fisher, a training specialist and founder of DogSmart Training Systems. “Watch how your dog reacts to the things you want to do with him. Be aware, be in the moment, and realize that their needs and desires change from day to day, particularly if they’re ill or nearing the end of their lives.”

planning fun things to do with him and taking breaks from my work to do them, Dexter reminds me that life is short, so why not take the time to really enjoy it?”

As more businesses recognize the strong bond many people have with their pets, Bryant says it’s becoming easier to include travel and other “big-ticket” items on your dog’s bucket list.

Dexter, for one, experiences weekly visits to pet-friendly stores, drive-in movie nights, and dinners at restaurants that let dogs eat with their owners on the patio.

“You can throw a birthday party for your dog or do an agility course together,” she suggests. “One of the most important components of our list is what I call ‘pawing it forward’—doing things with Dexter that raise funds or awareness for dogs in need.

In this way and countless others my dog really does enrich my life daily.”

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PHOTO BROOKE MALLORY PHOTOGRAPHY

One dog whose bucket list is “pawing it forward” in a big way is Edward Carter—a four-year-old Powderpuff Chinese Crested/Maltese mix who came to Motley Zoo Animal Rescue in Redmond, Washington, as a stray diagnosed with late-stage lymphoma.

“This dog was only given weeks to live,” says Motley Zoo executive director Jme (pronounced Jamie) Thomas. “We had two options: euthanize him or help him live out the time he did have left to the fullest, in a warm, safe, loving environment.”

Enter Brooke Mallory, who agreed to foster Edward Carter (named after the two main characters in The Bucket List) in his final weeks. But the tiny dog’s luck didn’t end there.

“We could see right away that, despite his condition, Edward had an incredible zest for life,” says Mallory, who quickly became attached to her new charge. “We put our heads together and came up with the idea of a bucket list, not only to make sure Edward’s last days were good ones, but also to spread a positive message about canine cancer, as well as the many dogs that need and deserve, rescue, even if they’re nearing the end of life.”

Edward, as it turned out, defied the odds and thrived in foster care for a full five months past his initial diagnosis. In that time

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he was able to cross an incredible number of items off his bucket list: eat at a dog-friendly pub (check!); set up a Facebook page (check!); complete a race (in his very own stroller—check!); ride a ferry (check!); fly in an airplane (check!). Edward, who was receiving chemotherapy treatments throughout his adventures, also completed many of his favourite lowMegan Sutherland, founder key activities, like spending of Willow Tree Counselling, describes grief as a “pertime with his foster brother, sonal process that differs Ottis, and keeping watch from individual to individual.” out the window for tresWhile creating a bucket list passing squirrels. for your dog can be a good “We were very mindful way to ensure you make the of Edward’s health, of how most of the time you have with he was feeling day to day,” your pet, the loss may still says Mallory. “We would sting. “It’s best to expect the never put him in harm’s unexpected and refrain from self-judgment about what you way. But Edward had such ‘should’ be experiencing,” she spunk and so much life in says, adding that it’s normal him, there was hardly a to need support after the loss day that he didn’t get up to of a pet. “Sometimes we seem something naughty!” stuck, unable to function in our When the little dog did daily life existence. Counseling feel under the weather, and therapy can help.”

“Flat Edward Carter” was ready to fill in. For a small

Coping with grief

ILLUSTRATION KIM SMITH

Powderpuff Chinese Crested/Maltese mix Edward Carter enjoys a Bucket List trip to the beach.

It’s not about counting the days; if Romeo could talk, he’d tell me to make the days count.”

donation to help other animals in need, Motley Zoo will send Edward fans a sturdy paper version of their favourite dog, which they can take with them on their own adventures, allowing the real Edward to “vicariously experience life in a limitless way.”

“People have sent us pictures of flat Edward on a tropical beach, at a masquerade ball—even lifting weights at the gym,” Thomas says. “We hear he’s going to go skydiving and tour Italy, Argentina, and Mexico. We have a feeling his ‘flat’ version will continue on long after this little boy has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.”

Sadly, Edward lost his battle to cancer on March 7, 2014. Before he passed, Mallory helped him fulfill one of the last items on his bucket list by adopting him as her own. Now, she and Thomas are committed to continuing Edward’s legacy by creating a fund in his honour to help more animals that have cancer or other medical issues.

“We named his fund Edward Carter’s Rock Out Rescue Relief Fund, a part of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue,” Thomas explains. “We already have two dogs that landed in rescue with mammary tumors that need to be removed. They will be our first fundraising goal.”

“Edward’s message is … everybody can be happier, everybody can do more, everybody can have a better day, everybody can definitely help make someone else have a better day,” adds Mallory. “We will be so honoured and touched to see him featured in Modern Dog, which was always a goal of his from the start.” n moderndogmagazine.com

43

Jimmy Fallon walks his English cream Golden Retriever dog— Gary Frick— before starting The Tonight Show

Game Of Thrones star Peter Dinklage took a stroll in New York City his very own direwolf— his rescue dog Kevin

They sightsee!

They take their dog to work!

! s r a St ’re just

They us! like Julianne Hough takes her Cavalier King Charles’ Lexi and Harley for a walk in Los Angeles

Amanda Seyfried seen hiking with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Finn, through Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles

Their dogs are their workout motivation

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PHOTOS PACIFIC COAST NEWS

They multitask

Jon Hamm and girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt show some PDA as they walk their German Shepherd mix Cora in Los Angeles

Shetya’rresj!ust

T

! like us

They don’t let a baby bump get in the way of a dog walk

Cindy Crawford and her Maltese Yorkies, Sugar and Widget strut their stuff in Malibu

They go off leash (but always have a poop bag!)

Lena Dunham takes her dog Lamby for a walk around Brooklyn

They go to the beach

They strut their stuff

Aw!

Their dogs take the lead

Simon Cowell and his Yorkies, Squidly and Diddly, on Miami Beach

PHOTOS PACIFIC COAST NEWS

Olivia Wilde takes her dog for a stroll before grabbing a tea to go in Los Angeles

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Nina Ottosson makes the best dog activity toys going. Her new MixMax puzzles thrill both dogs and cats, challenging them to use their brains to release the hidden treats.

Made in Sweden, the wooden games are all-natural, formaldehyde-free, and eco-friendly. From $33, nina-ottosson.com

The Tuggo is a hollow, fillable plastic ball with sturdy rope that holds up to all of the tugof-war your dog can muster!

Increase the resistance by filling the ball with water, giving your dog a more intense workout. $30, tuggodogtoy.com

Made of woven rattan with a stainless steel insert, Unleashed Life’s Capri Collection of bowls are the perfect summer accent for your home. $30, unleashedlife.com

SWEET SUMMER STEALS

The timeless look of Wagberry’s Classic Dog Leash will compliment any dog’s personal style.

The nylon webbing material is both tough and attractive, a combo that just can’t be beat! $24, wagberry.com

Is your dog a sailor at heart? Let him show his natty nautical side with this anchor-print bow tie, available for large or small breeds so any pup can look his seafaring best! $15, danesanddivas.com Whether seafarer or landlubber, your dog will rule the summer in this adorable bandana. Bring on the sun and fun with the cute boating print and lovely embossed leather emblem! $20, moodietuesday.com

Update your living room while delighting your dog with Bowser’s Purple Rain dog bed. Cool in the summer and cozy in winter, this luxurious microvelvet-covered bed offers a fresh take on a classic damask print.Removable bolsters and cover make it easy to clean! $119-139 bowsers.com

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49

The Best Way To Greet Your Dog (Do it right and you’ll improve your bond)

By Stanley Coren

Illustration by Jackie Clark Mancuso

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R

ecent research shows that the way you greet your dog after a short or long separation makes a huge difference to the dog. Whenever I return home or come down the stairs after a night’s sleep and encounter one or more of my dogs, I go through a bit of a greeting ritual. This involves first making direct eye contact and then talking to the dog (or dogs) in a happy voice and using their names. At the same time, I am touching and patting or stroking them on the head and flanks. I developed this habit partly because it makes me feel good and the dogs seem to respond positively, but also because back in the 1960s and 1970s, the psychologist Harry Harlow did an extensive series of studies that showed that touching was an important part of establishing warm and affectionate bonds between individuals. His work began with research on mother monkeys and their offspring, however, the research soon expanded outward when it was shown that it applied to humans as well. He demonstrated that the depth of love that a child has for his or her mother is partly due to the amount and quality of touching that the child and the mother engage in. The touching can be deliberate, such as hugging, or as a byproduct of other activities such as grooming the child—brushing their hair, helping to wash their faces and so forth—or it can be almost unconscious as when the mother simply places a hand on the child’s shoulder or pats them on the head when passing their chair. The cumulative effect of all of this touching is a strong affectionate bond. A practical extension of his findings is that clinical psychologists who work with married couples undergoing difficulties in their relationships or with families under stress are trained to observe whether or not the individuals casually touch each other during therapy sessions. If there is such touching, even a light brushing together of hands, it is a positive sign that indicates that there is still a measure of affection and emotional bonding present that can serve as a foundation for healing and strengthening the relationship.

Some new research published in the journal Physiology and Behavior confirms the importance of touching—but this time the study looked particularly at the emotional responses of dogs when a familiar person greets them after a period of separation.

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The investigation was done by Therese Rehn, Linda Handlin, Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, and Linda J. Keeling, researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala who conducted a study on 12 Beagles. The idea was to mimic the typical situation where you leave the house and then return home after a period of some separation from your dog. The general setup involved a familiar person leaving the dogs in a test area for 25 minutes and then returning. Dogs are not great at discriminating length of time and anything over around 15 minutes is interpreted by our pets as a “long time.” When the familiar person exited, the dogs were alone in the area, accompanied only by an unfamiliar veterinary student who (except when called upon to draw blood samples) sat quietly and did not interact with the dogs. We know that even though the dogs were familiar with the area in which they were left, this was potentially a stressful period of separation; research has shown that stressed dogs are comforted by, and often seek the presence of, a familiar friendly person, but, unfortunately for the dog, there was no such person around.

When the familiar person returned after the separation, the manner in which she was supposed to greet the dog was scripted. In one condition, the familiar person greeted the dog by talking to it in a friendly tone of voice and petting it gently. In another condition the same verbal greeting was given but the dog was not touched. Finally, in a control condition the individual did not greet the dog in any way, but simply entered the room, sat down on a chair, and began to read a magazine.

Obviously we can’t ask the dogs about their feelings, however there are now methods to determine their emotional state scientifically. In this particular study the experimenters measured the emotional response of the dogs using a technique that is becoming more common among behavioural researchers. It involves determining the amount of oxytocin released into an individual’s blood stream. The hormone oxytocin is produced in our bodies in various social situations, and it is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” since our bodies release it at high concentrations during positive social interactions such as falling in love, experiencing an orgasm or breastfeeding. An increase in the amount of oxytocin is believed to be an indication of an indi-

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vidual experiencing positive, affectionate feelings.

In addition, the researchers looked for another hormone that reflected the flip side of the coin, namely the amount of stress that the dogs were feeling. This involved measuring the concentration of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is often referred to as a “stress hormone” since it appears in times of unease, fear, tension, or anxiety.

The results were rather straightforward. At the sight of the familiar person returning, the dogs became more active, with tails wagging. The sight of that familiar person was obviously a positive event since the concentration of oxytocin in the dogs’ blood increased and the concentration of cortisol decreased simply because the dogs could now see the familiar person returning to them. When the familiar individual greeted the dog using both their voice and touch, the increase in oxytocin was much higher than when the greeting involved just voice alone; likewise, the drop in cortisol levels was sharpest when the person used both voice and touch in their greeting.

An interesting feature of the data was, when voice and touch were used together, the positive emotional effects persisted for a long time after the actual greeting. The positive change and emotion dissipated much more quickly when the dog was greeted only by speaking, and most quickly when the returning familiar person did not interact with the dog at all. In this last condition where there was no social interaction, the dogs actually seemed bothered and would often wander over to the unfamiliar person in the room to try to make physical contact with them. Thus it seems that although the sight of a familiar person is a positive event for a dog and the sound of that person’s voice is better still, it is actually the sensation of being touched that helps to boost the good feelings experienced by the dog and allows those good feelings to carry forward from the moment when dog and loved one reunite.

For this reason I will continue to greet my dogs by bending down to touch them even though my current physical state and the fact that my dogs are small makes that action a bit painful for me. The positive emotional effect on the dogs is more important to me than the momentary aching that I get from my old arthritic bones. n

ILLUSTRATION JACKIE CLARK MANCUSO

Anything over around 15 minutes is interpreted by our pets as a “long time.”

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INSTA-SMILE

This way to inspiration!

An Instagram Account That Has Our Tails Wagging If you're like us—and especially if you love German Shorthaired Pointers—you're definitely going to want to follow @ifitwags on Instagram. Adorable photos of adorable dogs? Check.

Inspirational styling? Check. A feel good story? Check!

Vancouverite Stephanie McCombie started sharing photographs of her rescued German Shorthaired Pointers, Gus and Travis, through Instagram just a year ago; she now has almost 75,000 followers.

"I started @ifitwags to show everyone how awesome rescued dogs are," Stephanie says. "I didn't imagine at the time it would blow up like it has."

Stephanie's photos are undeniably charming—you'll come away with loads of ideas for photos of your own dogs—but the backstory is pretty darn great too. Gus was rescued from a shelter the day before he was going to be put to sleep—he was just nine months old—and Stephanie and her boyfriend adopted Travis last August after fostering him for three months. Now the cute visages of these rescue dogs that almost didn't get a second chance are brightening the days of many.

Stephanie credits her dogs' comically serious expressions for the success of her photos.

"I think that a lot of the silly styled photos are even funnier because of the deadpan expressions.

The funny thing is they are excited when I pull my camera out because they know they are going to get treats. I think they love their job!"

Check it out at instagram.com/ifitwags.

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55

A celebration of Dr. Goodall, a hero for the planet and all its creatures

T

his past April, Dr. Jane Goodall, the conservationist generations have come to love, celebrated her eightieth birthday, an occasion marked by a global birthday party. Such is the impact Dr. Goodall—and her determination to create a better world—has had. In honour of eighty years of Jane, we take a look back in pictures on the life of this remarkable voice for animals.

A primatologist, ethnologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Goodall still keeps up a remarkable pace, spreading her message of conservation and individual action all around the world. She travels an incredible amount of the time, giving lectures, visiting schools and community groups, and meeting young people involved in her Roots & Shoots global youth program. The downside to all this travel? Not enough canine company!

Though the amount of time she spends on the road keeps her from having her own dogs, it’s something she misses: “I can’t, can I? Three hundred days on the road?” she has exclaimed.

Throughout her life, Dr. Goodall’s relationships with dogs have been very important to her, from Rusty, a close companion of Dr. Goodall’s youth (Rusty wasn’t in fact Dr. Goodall’s dog; he lived in a hotel around the corner and she used to take him for walks and play with him) to Spoof and Mona, the dogs that lived with Dr. Jane in Tanzania.

She now spends time with Charlie, Henry Bean, and Calie (Dr. Goodall calls her Grace Calie) whenever she’s back at her childhood home in Bournemouth, England, visiting her sister Judy and her sister’s children and grandchildren.

In fact, perhaps contrary to expectation, her professed favourite animal is the dog.

“My favourite animal is a dog. I love dogs, not chimps,” she has declared.

“Chimps are so like us: Some are nice and some are horrid. I don’t actually think of them as animals any more than I think of us as animals, although both of us are.”

Here’s to Dr. Goodall’s trailblazing work with animals—and to our shared favourite species—the dog!

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From top: Dr. Jane Goodall with Loup, a Yellow Lab, in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Dr. Jane Goodall plays on the beach near her family home in Bournemouth, England, with her family dog; Orphan chimp Makasi plays with Lobo the dog, at the JGI Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of the Congo

PHOTO © MICHAEL NEUGEBAUER/COURTESY OF THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE; PHOTO FERNANDO TURMO © THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE

80 Years of Jane

©THOMAS D. MANGELSEN/WWW.MANGELSEN.COM

INSPIRE

FERNANDO TURMO © THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PHOTO FERNANDO TURMO © THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE; PHOTO © THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE; PHOTO

“You cannot share your life with a dog, as I did in Bournemouth, or a cat, and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities, minds, and feelings.”

—Dr. Jane Goodall

“My favourite animal is a dog.”

Clockwise from top: Orphan chimp Mbemo plays with pet dog Lobo at the JGI Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo; Jane Goodall with her friend Rusty, taken in Bournemouth 1954, written on the back of photo: “Jane and Rusty the Inseperables”; Always an animal lover, young Jane Goodall holds a puppy at her home The Birches; Orphans JeJe and Zola play with the dog Lobo at the JGI Tchimpounga Chimapnzee Rehabilitation Center

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The Cone of Deliciousness These dogs LOVE ice cream Photographed by Tanya King

Hannah, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, is REALLY into eating this cone.

All dairy products—milk included— can cause intestinal distress in some dogs. Think diarrhea and vomiting.

The culprit? Lactose. A lick or two of ice cream shouldn't hurt your dog, but tread carefully until you know how well your dog handles dairy, lest you have a dog with an upset tummy on your hands.

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2014

Ice cream cone, you will be mine

Toby, an Australian Cattle Dog, wears a Gamewear leather baseball collar, available in a whole variety of teams! (gamewear.com)

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I say, that is tasty

Daisy, an American Bulldog, wears a Sebastian and Co. "Caesar Overlock" bridle leather and brass collar (sebastiancollarandsaddlery.com).

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I use my powers of cuteness to secure that which I desire

Rose, a Miniature Dachshund and the adorable rescue dog of Modern Dog's Editor & Creative Director, wears a sunshine coloured silk ascot from Pup Deville (pupdeville.com).

To make a dog-friendly ice cream substitute, blend together plain yogurt, which contains less lactose than ice cream, with a banana, and perhaps a spoon of peanut butter, then freeze. Or use goat's milk yogurt for a treat containing even less lactose.

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Look into my eyes.

I shall hypnotize you into giving me ice cream

Morris Rover, a rescued Irish Terrier/Airedale Terrier cross (that would be his people's best guess as to his breed mix), wears an Auburn Leathercrafters reflective, adjustable web collar. We love the outdoorsy-ness of the red plaid and the 3M Scotchlite reflective strip woven into it gives you great visibility even in low light! (collarsandmore.com)

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Don't mind if I do!

Genji, a Pug and Modern Dog staffer (Genji heads up the Sales and Advertising team along with her "boss" Julia Klymenko) wears a black and white polka-dotted silk ascot from Pup Deville (pupdeville.com). These are some fancy, ice-cream-loving dogs we've got here!

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BODY & SOUL Cancer Fighter From Your Spice Rack

TUMERIC

(CURCUMA LONGA)

TRADITIONAL CURE

Sulfur for Skin Conditions

Sulfur-containing shampoo (Lime Sulfur) has long been a natural treatment for fungal skin infections, mites, lice, and dermatitis, but it has fallen out of favour with the pet owning public because, although it is natural and works well, it stains fur yellow for a short period following treatment, as well as your hands if you fail to wear gloves when using the sulphur-based soap shampoo.

If you want to go a natural route and are undaunted by the yellow, sulfur based shampoos are readily available from your veterinarian. What you shouldn’t do is use it internally.

A recent article making the rounds on the internet suggested feeding sulfur to your dog as a treatment for dermatitis and other skin conditions. Sulfur should never be fed to your dog as an oral supplement. Although sulfur is a required element in your dog’s body, almost all of the sulfur needed is provided by sulfur containing amino acids provided in the protein portion of your dog’s diet. Elemental sulfur is very poorly absorbed by the intestine and thus almost all elemental sulfur ingested by your dog will remain in the intestine. In the intestinal tract the sulfur irritates the lining causing profuse vomiting and diarrhea which can lead to elevated liver enzymes. In addition, neurological and cardiac signs have been reported with large ingestions of sulfur. To recap: used externally, right on; internally? Definite no-no—EP & LS

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Turmeric, likely found in your spice rack, is one of the most promising cancer prevention foods. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Studies done in other species and with cells clearly demonstrate curcumin’s efficacy against cancer cells. For example, a dose of ¼ of a teaspoon for a 25 pound dog (80 mg/kg body) weight was effective in preventing induced cancer in guinea pigs. While this research may not be directly relatable to dogs, it does show that only a small amount of this safe-for-dogs spice should be required to reap benefits. Add tumeric to your dog’s breakfast and dinner, particularly if your dog has been diagnosed with cancer.

Bonus: the very mild flavour this deep yellow spice imparts makes it very easy to sneak into your dog’s food.

BODY & SOUL

(This isn't the kind of ball we're talking about)

An Alternative to Neutering

No Hot Pets Nothing gets people more excited than the prospect of a warm, sunny summer day. What many people don’t realize though is that the summer sun can turn a car, even with the windows cracked, into a deadly situation for their dog.

A dog’s average normal body temperature is 38°C. But a canine body temperature just three degrees higher means trouble; dogs can only withstand a body temperature of 41°C for a very short time. After that, a dog can become victim to heat stroke, brain damage, and even death. A car—even when parked in the shade with the windows cracked open—can quickly reach deadly temperatures of 50°C and higher. Leave your dog at home when running errands, no matter how quick you plan to be.

Other ways to keep cool Fresh, clean water is important for keeping dogs hydrated, especially in the summer. If your dog is a short-nosed breed or elderly, be particularly vigilant to ensure the heat and humidity don’t impact your dog’s breathing.

Plan to exercise your dog during early mornings and later in the evenings when it is not as hot. During the middle of the day, hot asphalt can burn your dog’s paws, so stick to grass or the sidewalk when out for walks.

Cooling down your pet can involve allowing them access to shade, hosing them down with cool water or creating a shallow wading area, such as a plastic children’s pool, filled with fresh water where they can splash if they like.—Katie Leonard

>>Go! Help spread the word that leaving pets unattended in hot vehicles is a bad idea. Visit nohotpets.ca for Facebook banners, decals, posters, and leaflets to share within your community.

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We all know the very good reasons for neutering our dogs, but many still cringe at scheduling the “snip.” Well, there’s now an alternative to going under the knife, and it’s cheap, quick, and safe. Called Zeuterin, the procedure is a non-reversible, chemical alternative to surgical neutering that has been FDA approved for dogs 3 - 10 months of age.

Essentially, a Zinc compound is injected into each of the testicles, sterilizing the dog. The efficacy rate is 99.6 percent.

This non-surgical process takes five to ten minutes, doesn’t require anesthesia, and is virtually painless.

But how does it work?

The injectable compound chemically interrupts the function of the testicles without removing them. Unlike castration, testosterone production is not fully stopped, which can help maintain healthy metabolic rates and muscle tone.

This is where it gets really interesting…

Because this procedure saves time and money, Zeuterin can potentially change the face of mass sterilization efforts in areas with large stray dog populations.

For the same time and cost as a single traditional surgical castration, five dogs can be sterilized using Zeuterin—and there is no post-surgical recovery involved as the procedure only requires a small injection. The most common side effect is discomfort in the injection site for a few days. It also enables shelters to sterilize their adoptable dogs at a much lower cost. (If the adoptive parent would prefer to go ahead with traditional neutering, that is still an available option.) Interesting stuff, indeed.

For more info go to arksciences.com

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The Itch Stops Here There’s a good chance your dog’s skin problems have been misdiagnosed

If your dog has itchy skin, you’re going to want to read on…

This natural approach has helped many canines with skin problems—without drugs and chemicals!

by Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

S

kip lives in Saudi Arabia. In many ways, he is a lucky dog. He is loved, his “mom” Dina feeds him the best natural homemade diet and she makes sure that he gets plenty of exercise. However, despite all this, life has been challenging for Skip.

For years he has been riding the roller coaster of skin disease with a diagnosis of allergies. It has been very hard for Dina to see him suffer and scratch all the time. Every time Skip gets another prescription of antibiotics or steroids for his skin, the relief gets shorter and the doses need to be higher. Dina is also worried about the side effects of the drugs.

When all the local treatment options were exhausted, Dina decided to fly Skip half way around the world to Vancouver, BC, Canada, where her daughter lived, to see a skin specialist.

After eight months on a strict elimination diet, a batter of allergy tests, allergy “shots,” and more drugs, Skip was still scratching. It was then that Dina and I started working together, and two months later, his skin condition was gone.

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The purpose of this article is not to give you the impression that I can treat every skin condition. However, there is about a nine out of ten chance that your dog will be skin disease free if you apply a few simple steps outlined in this article.

For years, I too struggled with treating dogs with skin problems. I followed the textbooks to a T. I recommended special food, diet elimination trials, allergy tests, chased hormonal conditions, and treated for yeast, bacteria, and parasites. The results were mediocre at best and I felt like I failed my clients and their dogs.

It took some time for me to realize that skin problems are often not what they appear to be. I learned that if a dog has a skin condition localized in a certain area only and the rest of the skin and coat appears healthy, it is unlikely to be primary allergies. Examining thousands of dogs has helped me to understand that there is a close relationship between skin disease and spinal muscle injuries. In other words, skin problems frequently originate from trauma to the back and other muscles. (Many dogs lick or scratch only certain areas such as paws, flanks, abdomen, the head or the hind legs.)

Examples of spine - body relationships: •

Upper cervical spine is related to the head, ears, and eyes

•

Mid and lower neck is related to the forefeet

•

The lower neck and the front portion of the thoracic spine is related to the armpits and forearms

•

Caudal (rear) portion of the thoracic spine and the front portion of the lumbar spine is related to the abdomen.

•

The lumbar spine is related to the hind legs and feet

•

The lumbo-sacral region is related to the hips, tail, and the anus, including the anal glands

Relationship between spinal segments and location of skin lesions or scratching Arrows indicate direction of energy flow.

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BODY & SOUL How do skin conditions relate to the spine?

Lets forget about dogs for the moment. Imagine a beautiful vegetable garden. There is a path in the middle and also smaller paths that divide the garden into individual beds on each side.

The watering system follows along these paths and it is set up on auto-watering while you are on holidays. You go away and when you come back two weeks later, you see that the garden is beautifully green except for one garden bed that is dry and the plants are barely surviving. You immediately clue in. The watering system in that branch is broken!

The body is not much different from the garden. It has energy channels and lines that supply different parts, organs, and skin segments.

The spine is the main “pipe” that conducts the life energy to organs and skin segments—the equivalent of garden beds.

When a dog suffers even a slight injury, it can lead to a change in the muscle tone of the paraspinal muscles, causing either tightness or inhibition. It can also lead to changes in the muscles supplied by the segments further away, causing either spasm, weakness or pain. This changes the energy flow to all the structures related to that segment, including the skin. The injury partially cuts off the nerve, energy, and even blood supply. When dogs are sore or tight, they can’t do anything other than chew and scratch.

Humans see it only as “itching.”

In the case of the garden, no water flow results in dying plants, parasite infestation, and disease. In the case of dogs, no energy or nerve flow to the skin results in rashes, missing hair, hot spots or even secondary bacterial, yeast or fungal infections.

Commonly, these conditions are treated with drugs and a temporary relief is often seen, however, without treating the primary cause, the medication usually stops working. Elimination diets can cause serious deficiencies and the patient’s general health deteriorates.

I am not saying here that allergies or hormonal problems do not exist but they appear to be only a small fraction of the total number of skin disease cases.

If your dog is scratching, chewing or has skin problems, here is a simple plan to follow: •

Ideally feed your dog a natural diet, raw or cooked.

•

Provide your dog with the essentials: whole food; certified organic multivitamins; plant-based broad spectrum

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minerals and amino-acids; essential omega oils, such as salmon oil alternated with plant oils such as flax or ground flax. (Avoid fish oil blends or sardine oils as they often contain heavy metals.)

•

If your dog has received drugs in the past or is middle aged or older, start the whole protocol with a liver cleanse for 6 - 8 weeks and repeat it every 6 months.

You can find more info by Googling “Peter Dobias liver cleanse.”

• Ensure that your dog is toxin and heavy metal free by running a HairQ test. If it comes back positive for toxins, do a cleanse. (Find details at peterdobias.com/products/hairqtest). A HairQ test will also give you an idea about any deficiencies. It may surprise you that even the most naturally fed dogs are often depleted of nutrients, including minerals, some vitamins, and amino acids. Food is simply not what it used to be because soils are depleted and this is reflected in the whole food chain, including dog food.

•

If your dog has skin lesions in a particular region, refer to the chart on the previous page to see what spinal segments need to be checked. Injuries are most commonly caused by collars, retractable leashes, slipping or sliding, or excessive or obsessive one-sided exercise. I often see dogs that love digging or swimming scratching their armpits, triceps or shoulders and dogs that chase balls or Frisbees having lumbar spine problems.

•

To examine your dog’s back, run your thumbs on each side of the spine and press fairly strongly in the inter-vertebral “dip.” You will see that the sensitive spots will be easy to recognize by your dog sinking down, trying to get away or you will see a twitching in the skin.

•

Find an experienced physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist or even acupuncturist experienced in muscular skeletal injuries. If you do not have anyone like this nearby, gently rub or massage your dog’s spine especially in the sensitive region.

Over the years, I have learned that with the exception of conditions such as flea infestation, thyroid condition, and autoimmune or adrenal issues, most skin problems are related either to sprained muscles or undetected spinal injuries caused by overexercising. When these injuries are treated, your dog’s problems are very likely to improve or be gone completely. n

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NATURAL DOG

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Made from an eco-friendly bamboo and rice husk combination, the bowls are strong, durable, dishwasher safe, and will not leach.

The dog bowls come in small or large sizes in green, brown and orange, while the cat bowls are offered in beige and blue. Get yours at thegreenpetshop.com.

Fido-Vite works like supercharged yogurt to improve your dog’s digestion and intestinal wellness. Good probiotics in the intestinal tract means fewer “bad bugs” are present to cause loose stools, ear infections, tearing, odour, hair loss and itching. Fido-Vite comes in a palatable powder so no probioticdamaging processing is used.

Flexx has the same benefits with joint support. fido-vite.com

Good digestion is essential for good health.

Total-Zymes Plus supports healthy skin and coat, controls excess gas, and promotes proper elimination. Total-Zymes Plus comes in two sizes, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs. This great chewable tablet offers an outstanding 16 different digestive enzymes and 14 species of live stable probiotics, along with prebiotics, all in one product! nwcnaturals.com

Stop your dog’s stool eating with For-Bid. Recommended by veterinarians for over 40 years, For-Bid is a purified protein feed that is sprinkled on food. Once consumed, For-Bid travels through the digestive tract and is excreted in the animal’s stool. Now less appetizing, your dog can learn that stool is not for eating. Why wait? Break the habit today! for-bid.com

Petnostics allows you to check your dog’s health, instantly. The patented all-in-one urinalysis cup uses the same colorimetric chemical test strips that veterinarians use in clinics. Simply collect a urine sample from your furry friend and, along with Petnostics’ free iOS app, you can quickly determine if your dog potentially has a urinary tract infection, diabetes, or other ailments. petnostics.com

Synbiont Kennel Wash is a safe, earth-friendly, non-toxic way to clean your pets and their surroundings! Synbiont banishes harmful pathogens transferred from dog parks, footpaths, and shows, keeping your pets and your surroundings clean, safe, and healthy. Approved by veterinarians, preferred by groomers, and used in commercial kennels, this multipurpose product goes far— one gallon makes 50 gallons of wash! synbiontkennelwash.com

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Signs of Arthritis • Stiffness • Pain • Lameness • Slowed movement • A general reluctance to move around

9 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog #1 Slim down If your dog is overweight, commit to helping her

slim down. Extra weight places extra strain on joints, worsening the pain of arthritis. Feeling guilty because your dog is looking longingly at her food bowl? Mix a little pumpkin (unsweetened, not canned) into her dinner; it’s healthy, low cal, and will help her feel full. We like both Fruitables' and Merrick's natural canned pumpkin for dogs.

#2 Gentle exercise

Your dog absolutely still needs regular exercise—it is a must—to keep her moving and from stiffening up, just make sure it’s controlled, gentle, low impact, and short in duration. Try a dog treadmill, which allows for a slow walk at your dog’s desired pace (dogtread. com).

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#3 Ramps & pet steps

Help your arthritic dog get up steps, on to a bed, or in and out of cars with a ramp or pet steps. Two great options are dogramps.com and solvitpetproducts.com.

#4 Improved traction

Arthritic dogs are less steady on their feet. Offer them stability with secure rugs for traction or a product like Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips, which puts an end to slipping, sliding, and struggling, by providing instant traction for slipping senior, arthritic, or special needs pets. Made of a natural nonslip material, they grip the floor, keeping your dog steady and upright. (toegrips.com)

ILLUSTRATION MARGO MCKNIGHT

#5 Canine massage

Massage eases sore muscles, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress for both the giver and receiver. Plus, it’s a great for bonding and a wonderful way to check in with your older dog, enabling you to note any new lumps, bumps or sore places. For a canine massage how-to illustrating four techniques to help your dog rest, relax, and rejuvenate, go to moderndogmagazine.com/how-tomassage-your-dog.

#6 Acupuncture Yes, acupuncture. It’s not just for people.

Veterinary acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory substances.

#7 Sweet heat

Heating pads relieve aches. For a low-tech solution make your own DIY warmer in a jiffy; here’s how: fill a cotton tube sock or knee length sock with four cups of rice or whole corn (not popping corn!), then knot the end or tie it off with string or stitch it closed. Microwave it for a minute, and voilá, you’ve made your dog a heating pad! Or go high-tech for testimonial-backed results that go beyond soothing aches and pains.

Canine Light Therapy pads use specific wavelengths of light for therapeutic and healing benefits including pain relief, muscle relaxation, stimulating acupuncture points, releasing trigger points, and healing injuries. (caninelighttherapy.com)

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#8 A comfy, supportive bed Give your dog a comfortable, supportive bed to ease his weary bones. A well-padded resting spot goes a long way. Heated beds like those available through khpet.com can also ease aches and pains.

#9 Natural supplements We asked Dr.

Loridawn Gordon, a naturopathic veterinarian, for how to help dogs with arthritis naturally. Here’s what she had to say: “Natural options to treat arthritis in dogs include devil’s claw, a herbal remedy that's prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. It's often used when pets are diagnosed with arthritis, but it shouldn't be given if your pet is diabetic. Mild cases of arthritis respond well to vitamins C and E, as well as dl-phenylalanine. If the case is severe, adding sodium oxide dismutase, also known as SOD, can do the trick. This is an antioxidant that provides anti-inflammatory properties.

If you want to take an Ayurvedic approach to treating your pet's arthritis, you can try Boswellia and Ashwaganda. Both are anti-inflammatory herbs that provide relief of stiffness and pain by shrinking inflamed tissues down and increasing the blood supply to these areas in order to promote healing.

Ashwaganda

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also helps generate energy while counteracting the negative effects of stress on the body.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also popular natural remedies that support healthy joints by enhancing the cartilage between the joints. These supplements can help halt the degeneration of the cartilage and help the body rebuild it.

Pau D’Arco is an herbal remedy that's known for relieving the pain caused by arthritis, which can promote mobility if your pet is having trouble getting around.

Turmeric is another commonly prescribed herbal remedy for animals suffering with arthritis because it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It's also a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the liver and protects against myriad diseases.”

Be sure to check with your vet to see which supplements are suitable for your dog. Some natural remedies can react with medications your dog may be on. n

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This set is machine washable and made to last! danesanddivas.com

FASHION FINDS

Who could resist these adorable dog earrings handmade by Faz Jewelry? They’re a fun and fashionable addition to any outfit, perfect for all dog lovers! More styles available at faz-jewelry.com

Express how you feel about your dog with woof-alicious tees from Shaggy Chic! These original designs will add a splash of whimsy to your wardrobe. Proceeds benefit rescue groups. shaggychicapparel.com

Charlie & Me private label has introduced a sophisticated dog carrier in two styles and an array of colours and fabrics. A must-have! charlieandme.us

Durable, colourful ID tags from Dog Tag Art put other tags to shame! Choose from hundreds of stylish designs or upload your own images. Fully personalized and guaranteed for life. DogTagArt.com

Bright and summery, these madras plaid collars from 2 Hounds Design are perfect for your pup! Available in sizes XS through 2XL in martingale or side release with matching leash. Made in the USA! 2houndsdesign.com

Hartman & Rose fine porcelain dog bowls are available plain or patterned in gorgeous colours— turquoise, tangerine, lime green, cloud white, French navy— and presented in a satin-lined decorative box. Medium size. $49, hartmanandrose.com

COOL DOG TRICK Bring Me a Tissue

By Babette Haggerty

Hand Signal: Hands to face (pictured left) Verbal Cue: “Achoo” Tools: Praise and Treats Avg Time: 5-7 Days Difficulty: Intermediate This is a hilarious trick that a lot of trainers borrowed from my dad, Arthur Haggerty, founder of Haggerty’s School for Dogs. It used to catch my father’s guests off guard when his German Shepherd, Barkley, appeared like the consummate butler with a tissue after they sneezed.

Note: this trick requires reliable fetch skills. If your dog won’t reliably bring an object to you, brush up on your dog’s fetch skills first.

Advice From the Expert

This is an intermediate trick with two main steps involved, so be patient. Make sure Rover’s got a solid Fetch in place, then teach him to identify a tissue.

Don’t use this trick with any kind of breed that drools a lot or has excessive saliva, such as a Bulldog or Newfoundland—you’ll end up with a big mess!

Problem Solving

Problem: Your dog can’t grab onto a single tissue.

Solution: It may be easier to twist the top of a protruding tissue from a pop-up vertical box than to teach him to grab a single tissue.

STEP-BY-STEP Begin with a tissue box next to you on the floor. Make sure a tissue is sticking up.

Tell Rover, “Achoo!” as well as, “Get it” and point to the tissue.

Build up to telling him, “Achoo, get the tissue, fetch.”

Once he retrieves the tissue and brings it to you, transition to just, “Achoo!”

Practice several times a day for five to seven days.

Want to further impress your friends? Pick up a copy of Babette’s book, The Best Dog Tricks on the Planet: 106 Amazing Things Your Dog Can Do on Command for an array of tricks from cute to cool, all explained in easy to follow steps!

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Stars and Their Dogs

Julie Benz

"Sometimes all you need is a heartbeat, someone excited to see you every day."

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Julie Benz with Bamboo, left, and Sugar.

Bamboo wears a handcrafted leather California Collar Co. collar (californiacollarco.com) and Sugar wears a striped Fab Dog collar (fabdog.com).

By Rose Frosek Photographed by Chris Ameruoso Hair and make up Kelsey Deenihan

Dog-loving actress Julie Benz, best known for two shows adored by the Modern Dog team—Buffy the Vampire Slayer (she was Darla) and Dexter (she was Rita Bennett)—dishes on why dogs are the best remedy for heartbreak, how to ensure your new fella falls for your dog even if things get off to a rocky start, and her ideal day spent with her pups Q: Tell us a bit about your two dogs.

A: Bamboo is a seven-year-old Morkie [Maltese Yorkie cross] and he's a hot mess. He loves to bark and protect the yard from intruders (squirrels), but becomes a nervous wreck when I start cooking in the kitchen (he hides in the closet!) and he loves to fall asleep in my arms. Sugar is a five-year-old Havanese and she's so easy going. I can take her anywhere and know that she will behave. She's very in tune to our needs and does whatever she can to please us. However, do not disturb her when she sleeps!

Q: When you divorced from your then-husband actor John Kassir, you were widely quoted as saying your dog Bamboo helped you through the divorce. Can you tell us about that?

A: Divorce sucks, but it's amazing how healing a little heartbeat laying next to you can be! My whole world had changed. I was living in a small apartment with rented furniture and I had lost everything that was familiar, but knowing that at the end of my day Bamboo was there waiting for me made everything OK. Sometimes all you need is a heartbeat, someone excited to see you every day and Bamboo was my heartbeat.

Q: Do you have any advice for readers who are going through hard times?

A: Time heals! I know it sounds cliché, but clichés exist because they're truths! When seeking a heartbeat to come home to a dog is a very smart option. moderndogmagazine.com

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Q: You’re now happily married to marketing executive/ Firebrand LA co-founder Rich Orosco. Did Rich and Bamboo get along right from the beginning?

A: No! Rich was not a dog person when we first started dating but I wanted him to be a dog person. I remember he said he thought Bamboo smelled so I would bathe poor little Bamboo every time Rich took me out. Let's just say Bamboo had A LOT of baths! There was also "The Blackberry" incident (Bamboo chewed on his blackberry) and "The Shoe" incident and "The Sock" incident... and...well...there were a lot of incidences, but slowly over time they started falling in love. Now Rich is a total dog person and Bamboo follows Rich around everywhere. They are true friends for life.

Q: Any tips for introducing a new person into the pack?

A: It’s important that the dog spend alone time with you and alone time with the new person.

Q: How about Bamboo and Sugar? Did they like each other right from the beginning?

A: Sugar loved Bamboo immediately, but Bamboo did not feel the same. He started acting very needy and all of a sudden he couldn't jump up on the couch. He would cry and cry until I picked him up. I worked with dog trainer Amy Peel and she said that it was important I spend time alone with Bamboo. I would take him for walks without Sugar and as soon as I started doing that he began to accept Sugar into the pack.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your experiences volunteering for animal groups?

A: I was very active in spreading the word about Patrick the Miracle Dog and the movement that has become known as Patrick's Law. Patrick's Law aims to pursue strong animal welfare legislation at a State and Federal level. [Patrick was an emaciated Pit Bull discovered at the bottom of a trash chute in Newark. He had been tied to a railing and starved near to death before being tossed out with the trash. Patrick, as he was named, was discovered moments before a trash compactor would have killed him; amazingly, made a full recovery, in the process garnering fans around the world.] I had the opportunity to meet Patrick very early in his recovery. When I met him he climbed into my arms, rested his head on my shoulder, and stayed like that for a very long time. He was so trusting even though his human had neglected him so severely.

Julie Benz with Bamboo (left) and Sugar.

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"SUGAR IS AWESOME ON SET, SHE WILL SIT QUIETLY UNDER MY CHAIR, NOT REACT TO GUNFIRE OR EXPLOSIONS, BUT IF YOU HAVE TO KISS ME IN A SCENE, SHE BECOMES VERY VOCAL!"

Q: Why would you recommend volunteering?

A: It’s important we help and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Through fostering and volunteering you are helping a dog that may not have a chance at life. The rewards of fostering a dog outweigh almost everything!

Q: Describe your ideal day with your dogs.

A: My ideal day would be hanging around the house with my husband and my dogs, watching TV, going for a walk, hanging out in the backyard, and taking a nap!

Q: If Sugar and Bamboo were celebrities, who would they be and why?

A: I've always thought Bamboo looks like a cross between David Duchovny and Fabio and I would say Sugar is a lot like Cameron Diaz. Both have a lot of toughness wrapped up in a lot of pretty.

Q: Do your dogs ever come on set with you?

A: Yes! Bamboo and Sugar grew up on the Dexter set. I'm fortunate that they are able to travel with me and come to work with me. Bamboo even had a featured role in Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day. Sugar is awesome on set, she will sit quietly under my

chair, not react to gunfire or explosions, but if you have to kiss me in a scene, she becomes very vocal!

Q: What has been your favourite movie or TV role to date and why? We’re big Buffy fans here at Modern Dog. A: It's hard to pick a favourite! Working on Dexter was amazing, I felt like I was in a master acting class working opposite Michael C. Hall. Playing Darla (Buffy/Angel) was a roller coaster ride, I never knew what she was going to do next! Robin (Desperate Housewives) was so fun and quirky and a real character role for me. Amanda (Defiance) is a total bad ass. I get to be challenged emotionally as well as physically every day and for that I am very fortunate and grateful.

Q: Lessons you’ve learned from your dogs?

A: Patience and unconditional love.

Q: The best part of having dogs is: A: Some days they are the only ones who are happy to see me! n To see more of Julie (and, we can hope, a guest appearance from one of her dogs), watch “Defiance” on Syfy. Season 2 premieres June 19th!

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Floral Collar Wraps

By Sarah Dickerson Photographed by Chic Sprinkles Design & Photography Move over bow ties, this one’s for the girls! These gorgeous floral collar adornments are so easy and affordable to make you’ll want to whip one up for every special occasion (ahem, weddings!).

And the best part? No sewing is required and they only take about 10 minutes to put together! Once you’re done, simply wrap your finished floral collar adornment around your dog’s collar by securing the Velcro straps together. These collar adornments are light enough that your pooch won’t realize she’s wearing it yet thick enough to stay in place. Feel free to get creative with different sizes, colours, combinations, and arrangements. You’ll be hooked, I promise. I’ve already made a whole slew of them for my pup Coco Bean and her doggie friends.

Let’s get started!

MATERIALS • A variety of coloured felt sheets • Hot glue gun • Scissors • Velcro squares (with sticky backs) (continued on next page)

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Perfe ct Wedfdor ings

craft

PET PROJECT

D.I.Y.

Floral Collar Wrap continued

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

ROSE TUTORIAL

BLOSSOM TUTORIAL 1. Cut four equally sized circles out of a sheet of felt. The blossom pictured was made using 2.5-inch circles, but you can choose how large or small you want your blossom to be.

2. Place a line of hot glue down the center of your first circle and fold it in half, pressing firmly to secure.

3. Once folded in half, place another line of glue and fold it in half again, and repeat for a third time. You should now have a small cone shaped ruffle.

4. Repeat the same steps with your remaining three circles until you have four cone shaped ruffles.

5. Once you have all four completed, glue them together in a bunch with all seams facing inward.

1. Cut a circle out of a sheet of felt. The size of the circle will depend on the desired size of the rose—totally up to you!

The roses pictured were made using 2.5, 3.5, and 5-inch circles.

2. Cut a spiral starting from the outside of the circle.

3. Once you have your spiral, start with the inside tip and begin to wrap around until you have a rose bud.

4. Hot glue the end of the wrap to secure the flower.

ASSEMBLY TUTORIAL 1. Once you have your flowers made, combine them into the desired arrangement and secure together with hot glue. Add a couple small leafs also cut from felt to complete the arrangement.

2.To make the strap, measure how much felt is need to encircle your dog’s collar, adding additional length to allow the Velcro squares to overlap. Cut a strip of felt this length and 1 to 2 inches wide. (Feel free to cut wider if you have a larger collar and/or floral arrangement.)

3. Using hot glue, secure your arrangement to the center of the felt strap.

4. Place your sticky Velcro squares on opposite ends (one on the front side at the top and one of the backside at the bottom).

5. Wrap around your dog’ favourite collar and enjoy!

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PHOTO ©2012 JJ KORCZYK PHOTOGRAPHY

Super Dogs What if a service dog could change your child’s life—but no one would give you one? One woman is placing service dogs with kids and, by doing so, making a world of difference for families

By Jen Reeder

T

he world is a better place because a dog saved Karen Shirk’s life 15 years ago.

Shirk has always had a calling to help others. As a teenager, the Ohio resident spent time in the foster care system, so she wanted to help at-risk kids as an adult. She fostered children while she was a college student and worked in group homes and daycare centers for people with autism. At 24, she was in graduate school studying mental health and neurological disorders when she received a devastating diagnosis: she had a rare neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis. As some muscles stopped working, she needed to use a wheelchair and soon, a ventilator to help her breathe.

“I’d gone from a person who was working, going to school, fostering children, to nothing, basically,” Shirk says. “It was not what my life was supposed to be.”

Shirk applied to many organizations for a service dog to help with her mobility issues, but was repeatedly denied. She despaired when one group told her she wouldn't be given a dog because she used a ventilator. Due to the waitlist for service dogs, they told her, they had to prioritize people who had a better chance of reentering society. In the wake of that shattering news, a friend who hoped to give Shirk a reason to go on living insisted that she adopt a puppy on her own, forcing her out of bed and driving her to see a litter of black German Shepherd puppies. There she found Ben, and it was life changing.

“Once I got Ben, I had to do things. I started to get out and went to dog obedience class with him.”

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Karen Shirk, 4 Paws for Ability's Founder, with one of her Papillions

“I don’t think I could tell you exactly what [our service dog] does for Ryan.

I can just tell you without a doubt that Ryan’s a completely different kid.”

Shirk attended classes with trainer Jeremy Dulebohn, who trained Ben for mobility assistance. Ben could open doors and drawers, get change from retailers, help Shirk remove shoes and socks, fetch a bottle of water from the refrigerator. The dog was not only smart but sweet.

“He was 136 pounds of sheer baby…he loved hamsters and bunnies,” she recalls.

Shirk started a new treatment that put her disease into remission; she regained the ability to breathe unassisted, and horseback riding helped rebuild some of her muscles so that she could walk again.

Then, in 1999, Shirk was recovering from open-heart surgery when her morphine pump malfunctioned. She slipped into unconsciousness and didn’t move when her phone started ringing—her father, who lived an hour away, was calling to check on her. Though Ben was trained to only answer the phone when Shirk gave a command, he picked it up and started barking incessantly. Shirk’s father realized something was wrong and called 911.

Thanks to Ben, Shirk survived her brush with death and after her health stabilized went on to adopt four children—her oldest son is named “Benjamin Aaron” in honor of her dog. She also worked to expand her nonprofit 4 Paws for Ability, which she founded in 1998 to help get service dogs to people other organizations might deem “too disabled” for a dog. To her surprise, she found that the most underserved group was children.

While many organizations would give companion dogs to assist children in the home, they had age minimums in place for recipients of service dogs, preventing pairings with children. Since service dogs can go into public establishments like restaurants, shops, and schools, the fear was children would not prove competent handlers. But Shirk, having been denied a dog herself and possessing firsthand knowledge of how life-changing a service dog can be, refused to accept this; her organization would accept those rejected by the big agencies, granting a dog to anyone whose life would be improved by a dog provided they could take good care of one (parents serve as co-handlers/caretakers). Since inception, 4 Paws for Ability has awarded almost 800 dogs, most of them to children, and now places 100 to 120 dogs a year.

“I definitely don’t look at it as work,” Shirk says. “I love it.”

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From left: Becky and her service dog Thule at Becky's Little League Baseball game; Ryan with his autism assistance dog Navin following a Scouts meeting; Justin and his autism assistance dog, Fern; Megan and Pip, her diabetic alert dog

Shirk, having been denied a dog herself and possessing firsthand knowledge of how life-changing a service dog can be, refused to accept this; her organization would accept those rejected by the big agencies, granting a dog to anyone whose life would be improved by a dog provided they could take good care of one.

The nonprofit primarily serves children, though it also has a program for military veterans injured in the line of duty. 4 Paws dogs are mostly bred for the purpose, though some are shelter dogs and donated dogs. They are a variety of breeds and mixes, though Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Papillons, Golden Labs, Poodles, Golden Doodles, Collies, and Newfoundlands top the list. Each dog gets 500 hours of training for assistance with autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, hearing and vision impairment, seizures, diabetes, food allergen detection, and mobility. (Dulebohn, who trained Ben, is the training director at 4 Paws.)

The 4 Paws team starts puppy socialization on the day they’re born as part of the “Puppy Enrichment Program,” and volunteers near the facility’s base in Xenia, Ohio or the new branch in Anchorage, Alaska foster the puppies and breeding parents.

Then, to lower costs and to speed up the training time, dogs are trained around the clock either by local college students or prison inmates. The college students foster the dogs for a school quarter and socialize the dogs by taking them to classes, sporting events, and sleeping with them in dorms.

“You can’t get more socialization than on a college campus,” Shirk says with a laugh.

The prison program teaches dogs basic obedience skills and

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helps them learn to cope with stressful situations—inmates take the dogs to the mental health wings as part of socialization, which can be valuable if they are placed in a home where a child is prone to erratic behaviour. It also gives the prison offenders a sense of purpose and a reason to stay out of trouble so they can keep training dogs.

“It’s just such a win/win situation,” Shirk says. “The dogs get that one-on-one 24 hours a day, and the inmates, some of them for the first time in their entire life, get to do something good.”

Shirk takes pains to be as inclusive as possible, so unlike some other organizations, 4 Paws will award dogs to families that live in apartments or have other pets. And dogs can be trained to cater to a family’s specific needs as multipurpose assistance dogs.

Gina Rittinger’s family traveled from Minnesota to Ohio in 2009 for the intensive two weeks of 4 Paws training required for pairing with the multipurpose assistance dog they were to receive. Fern, a yellow Lab, was trained as a diabetic alert dog for daughter Megan (now 11) and as an autism assistance dog for Rittinger's two sons, Jacob (Megan's twin) and Justin, now 13.

Fern was trained for tracking, since at the time, both boys “would run a lot,” and for behaviour disruption—if a boy gets upset, Fern applies “deep pressure” by leaning into or lying on top of them.

“It’s amazing what these dogs can do,” Rittinger says.

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"We’d been to three neurologists and no one ever told us this. We have a dog for two days and the dog alerts us to silent seizures, which we didn’t know she ever had.”

Justin bonded quickly with Fern, playing with her and snuggling with her in bed at night. Because he can be anxious and fearful, he used to want to sleep in bed with his parents, but now he stays in his own bed.

“Fern provides a lot of emotional stability for Justin. When he gets upset, he relies on Fern to help calm him down,” she says. “He can tell Fern things that he can’t tell me … it’s a really nice safety net for him.”

Fern also helped Jacob in public, where they would be tethered to one another to help keep the younger son from endangering himself by possibly bolting into traffic. But within a year, the dog began having seizures. The family couldn’t bear to part with her, but her medications affected her ability to work as a diabetic alert dog for Megan, though she was still excellent as an autism assistance dog. Without prompting, 4 Paws offered to train a second dog free of charge as a diabetic alert dog (normally families must raise $14,000 to prove their commitment and offset the $22,000 - $46,000 cost of each dog; 4 Paws assists with fundraising). That’s how Megan got Pip, a little Papillon.

“Pip was alerting to Megan within a day or two of being at training,” Rittinger says.

“He’s smart as a whip and right on with his diabetic alert.”

Pip can sense when Megan’s blood sugar is about to plunge or skyrocket out of normal range, sometimes 15 minutes to a half hour in advance, and is “persistent” about alerting Rittinger to be ready to either give her food or an insulin shot. Pip sleeps with Megan at night, and recently when her insulin pump failed, Pip woke up Megan, who then woke up her mom.

Rittinger says after six years, she and her family are still extremely happy with 4 Paws for Ability for providing such gifted dogs, and for being so caring about their animals and clients.

“I can’t say enough about the training, how detailed it is, how comprehensive,” she says. “They are wonderful to work with.”

Florida resident Tom Penders was nervous to take the final handler exam at 4 Paws because getting a service dog for his daughter Becky, who is blind and has autism and seizures, was the “last hope” for his family. Becky’s behaviour had become increasingly violent, and she would regularly attack her father, even knocking out his front tooth.

“We were at wit’s end,” Penders says. “The behaviour issues had gotten so bad by last September that I told my wife, ‘If this dog doesn’t work out, we’re probably going to have to revisit the conversation we had about institutionalizing her,’ because it was that bad.”

Penders started training at 4 Paws with Thule, an English cream Golden Retriever; though children usually need to be present at the sessions so the dogs can learn to interact with them, Becky couldn’t attend because she was having meltdowns every day. But the second night Thule spent with them in the hotel, he started seizure alerting to her, though she wasn’t convulsing. Skeptical, Penders told his training class that Thule was “false alerting.” One of his classmates asked, “Have you ever heard of nonconvulsive seizures, or silent seizures?”

“So we’d been to three neurologists and no one ever told us this. We have a dog for two days and the dog alerts us to silent seizures, which we didn’t know she ever had.”

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“There’s no way I could ever repay them for what they’ve done for us,” Penders said. “This is probably one of the biggest, most important things I’ve ever done for my child.”

After the family returned to Florida with Thule, life drastically changed.

“It was like somebody flipped a switch on Becky,” he said.

“The dog is so mellow and so calming—all the behaviour issues stopped as far as attacking.”

Thule alerts Becky’s parents not just to silent seizures but lets them know (by barking and tugging at their clothes) when she’s about to have a grand mal seizure (which causes loss of consciousness), so they can make sure she isn’t at risk of suffocation by lying face down on her bed, and to have medicine ready in case the seizure lasts several minutes. It also helps Penders and his wife Nell sleep at night since they don’t need to worry unless Thule has warned them to be vigilant.

Thule accompanies Becky to her baseball games—she plays in the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball—and has essentially become the team mascot. He also provides emotional and even physical support for her parents without prompting, alerting on Nell when she had a dizzy spell, and even pushing Tom into grocery shelves for support when he was about to pass out (he has diabetes), something for which Thule was not trained. He says Thule has become a family therapy and service dog and that the 4 Paws staff and parents, who support each other privately on Facebook, are a “big family.”

“There’s no way I could ever repay them for what they’ve done for us,” Penders said. “This is probably one of the biggest, most important things I’ve ever done for my child.”

Texas resident Chris (he requested his last name be omitted) says the intensive “doggie boot camp” and fundraising to get an autism assistance dog last year for his now 13-year-old son Ryan was more than worth it. Ryan is “sensory adverse” so he doesn’t like to be lightly touched, such as having his toenails clipped or hair brushed. Navin, a Golden Retriever, is trained for behaviour disruption when Ryan is upset—he’ll lie on top of the boy when he’s crying and kiss his face until he starts laughing. Thanks to Navin’s calming influence, Ryan can eat out at restaurants without having tics and cope with having his braces tightened.

Though the family (which includes wife Jane and daughter Sarah) has always had pets, Navin is the first one allowed on the furniture so that he can snuggle with Ryan while they watch TV together. Chris calls the Golden Retriever “absolutely a miracle.”

“If you put me on the stand and asked me to put my hand up, I don’t think I could tell you exactly what he does for Ryan. I can

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just tell you without a doubt that Ryan’s a completely different kid.”

Ryan says he loves Navin.

“He’s a good boy. He makes me very happy around him.”

Ryan recently was able to talk to about 30 Cub Scouts and their parents about Navin’s work as a service dog, something that came as a wonderful surprise to his father.

“Four Paws has changed our lives,” Chris says. “They’re changing the world one family at a time.”

For more information, visit 4pawsforability.org. n

At Modern Dog, we’re big fans of 4 Paws for Ability. In fact, Modern Dog’s Connie Wilson (above with Purina's Paul Cooke) selected them as the recipient of a donation Purina made in her name when she was named the 2014 recipient of Global Pet Expo's "Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award." (Yay Modern Dog!) 4 Paws for Ability is in the midst of a five-year fundraising campaign to raise $3 million to repay a loan to triple the size of the existing Xenia, Ohio building so that they can train more dogs and, thus, change more lives. We're super-proud to have made a contribution assisting them in this endeavour. For more on 4 Paws for Ability or to make a donation, go to 4pawsforability.com.

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THE MOST Magical PLACE ON EARTH? It just might be the Rocky Ridge Refuge, home to a veritable Noah’s ark of rescued animals

Cheesecake the Capybara is head foster mom to these puppies.

In this photo she seems to have taken over the puppy pool!

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t looks like one of the most magical places on earth, and it very likely is. The Rocky Ridge Refuge, located in northern Arkansas, is a sanctuary for special needs animals of all kinds, a place where dogs, raccoons, piglets—you name it—cohabitate and heal. Since childhood, founder Janice Wolf dreamed of creating just such a place and the reality has not fallen short of her schoolgirl fantasy. Janice creates a “group home” environment for abused, neglected, and sick animals of all size, stripe, and type, allowing them to peacefully rehabilitate.

She helps along their healing process and, eventually, finds them forever homes, Janice’s animals are rehomed once they have made a full recovery, at which point she brings in another to take its place. At any given time, Janice nurtures 50 to 60 animals both exotic and common. Just some of the animals she has had in her care include capybaras, dogs, chicks, sheep, deer—even an African Watusi steer named Lurch. Janice encourages the animals to intermingle and learn from each other, resulting in some of the cutest photos of animals hanging out we have ever seen. Enjoy!

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Bazinga the mini horse colt needed special help for a rear leg problem. Butterbean the Bull Terrier invited him in to share her dog bed!

Wyatt the Irish Wolfhound greets Mark the baby Emu.

One of a litter of pups born to a rescued momma has a little fun with the ducklings.

Noble, a German Shepherd recently rescued from a lifetime of abuse and neglect, makes friends with an orphan kitten

Crouton the rescued Tortoise insisted on hanging out with a litter of Great Dane pups.

The pup pictured, Guppy, was his favourite!

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ROCKY RIDGE REFUGE

Cheesecake the Capybara and some of the many puppies she helps raise have a watermelon feast. Crouton the tortoise was invited too!

Brothers from another mother.

Two of the refuge's kittens cuddle with a rescued baby skunk.

Elliot the baby goat is loved on by Butterbean the Bull Terrier on the day of Elliot’s arrival at Rocky Ridge Refuge.

A massage session between two friends.

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For more adorableness, check out rockyridgerefuge.com

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Save time + give your dog the exercise he needs: Go for a bike ride with your dog instead of a long walk!

By J. Leslie Johnson Illustration by Natalya Zahn

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imber, trotting happily beside the bike, glances up at me.

He is giving me a look I know well, a look that says, “I want to run!” In response, I start to pedal faster and say, “Let’s go!” As we approach a long, flat section of the bike path, Timber increases his stride, his long legs stretching into a graceful lope. His face breaks out into an enormous smile: an expression of complete pleasure. A grin starts to curl up on my face as well; seeing Timber so full of joy, I can only feel that way myself.

Learning how to bike with Timber has been a blessing. A Husky/Malamute cross, he is a strong and powerful dog. Like many high-energy dogs, a walk was simply not enough of a workout for him. For Timber, a Northern dog bred to pull a sled for long distances over snow-covered terrain, a walk was only a warm-up. What Timber wanted and needed was to run. Taking him for a bike ride set him free: beside the bike, he could run like the wind.

Biking with Timber instead of taking him for a walk had another huge advantage. Since trotting beside a bike is much more strenuous for a dog than walking, cycling gave my sturdy Malamute a much better workout in a much shorter time. I could take him for a half-hour bike ride and then he would be content to head home, put his paws up and take a snooze.

Best breeds for biking Could dog biking work for you? This sport is ideal for dogs with plenty of energy such as the Border Collie and Siberian Husky.

Smaller, lively dogs such as the Jack Russell Terrier can also make enthusiastic cycling partners. Of course, your dog doesn’t have to be a purebred to benefit from biking. Any mutt who has lots of get-up-and go can enjoy the sport.

Aside from energy level, age is a factor in determining whether biking is a fitting activity for your pooch. Puppies and juvenile dogs—particularly large or giant breeds—must wait until their musculoskeletal development is complete before running beside a bike because the impact can injure their delicate growing bones and joints. This generally occurs at about the age of two for large dogs and around 18 months for most medium and small dogs.

And senior canines who lack enthusiasm for vigorous activity or suffer from degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis will take more pleasure from a gentle walk than a strenuous bike ride.

Check with your vet to see if she thinks cycling is appropriate for your pooch.

But is it dangerous? Will my dog pull me off my bike?

Once your vet gives you a “paws up,” the next step is to find a dog-biking leash that works for you and your favourite canine.

These devices are different from regular dog walking leashes; they are designed to keep your dog at the side or slightly behind your bike, enabling you to keep both hands on the handlebars and maintain control of the ride. Most of these special leashes also have a mechanism such as a coil spring that absorbs much of the moderndogmagazine.com

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Have an impossible-to-tireout dog that always wants more exercise? Try biking with your dog!

shock if something suddenly catches your dog’s interest and he gives the leash a tug. There are many dog biking leashes out on the market and which one is best for you and your dog really depends on your needs. Is your dog large or small? Will he trot obediently along beside you or try to chase every leaf that blows across his path? Do you need a leash with great shock absorption or will a basic dog biking leash work for you? I’ve tried both the Springer bike attachment (springeramerica.com) and the Bike Tow Leash (biketowleash.com) and both of them worked well for my large, powerful dogs.

Familiarizing your dog with biking Once you obtain your dog biking leash, give your pooch a chance to become familiar with it. Attach the leash to your bike and let him give it a thorough sniff. Once he becomes accustomed to seeing the leash on your bike, fasten him to it and take him for a short walk while he is attached to the bike. Since dogs sense people’s emotions, stay relaxed and act as though this walk is just the same as any other walk.

When your dog is comfortable walking beside the bike, get on the bike and start pedalling slowly but steadily, ideally in an area with little car traffic. This will encourage your dog to increase his pace to a fast walk or easy trot. As your dog jogs along beside you, praise him for being such a good cycling partner. Avoid making any sudden movements that might spook your dog and cause him to fear the bike. If you turn, make it wide.

Continue cycling in this way for a short time, perhaps 10 or 15 minutes, and then make your way back towards where you started. Slow down, get off your bike and walk your dog back the last little way. When you unfasten him from the bike, praise your pooch for being such a good dog. Do not drop your bike or make any harsh clanging noises with it that might jar your dog.

This simple routine—a walk to warm up, a trot alongside the bike, and then a walk to cool down—is the basis of your dog biking program. As you both become more familiar with biking, you can go for longer rides (my energetic Malamute Timber can handle 30 minutes, max) but do it gradually and take a day off to rest between rides. Remember that your bike allows you to cruise along without much effort; your dog, on the other hand, cannot coast. He must work to keep up with you on the bike so you

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The author and her Husky go for a ride.

need to pedal at a pace that is comfortable for him. For most of the ride, pedal at a speed that enables your dog to travel at a fast walk or leisurely trot—this is likely a fair bit slower than you are used to pedalling so mind that your speed doesn’t creep up. Keep an eye on your dog at all times to ensure he is jogging along without any strain or struggle. If your dog shows any sign of tiredness or lack of enthusiasm—his head drops down, he begins to pant heavily, he starts to drag his paws—stop pedalling, get off the bike and walk for awhile. Stop from time to time to give him a chance to take a sniff or sip some water.

If you start your dog-biking program in the summer, go early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cool since it is easy for your dog to overheat. Choose paw-friendly surfaces to ride on such as an old dirt road, grassy field or earthen bike path—a dark asphalt road can become quite toasty on sizzling summer days and scorch your dog’s pads. Explore quiet residential areas with little motor vehicle traffic instead of congested, smoggy streets.

Working as a team As you and your dog get more accustomed to biking, you can start training him in directional commands. For example, when you want to slow down, say “easy” while gently applying the brakes and then say “whoa” as you come to a complete stop.

As your dog learns what you want him to do, he will become more confident and you will work together as a team. For me, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of biking with my dog; it does not involve me taking my dog for a ride; it is the two of us, working in harmony, savoring every second of our shared experience. n J. Leslie Johnson is the author of Bike With Your Dog: How to Stay Safe and Have Fun. This comprehensive guide tells you everything you need to know about dogbiking from conditioning your dog to the special challenges of cycling in winter.

Check it out a friesenpress.com/bookstore.

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INSPIRE

The Culture of Giving TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie and his wife Heather lend the power of their “One for One” philosophy to animals in need

By Corey Van’t Haaff

Photographed by Grace Chon

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ike a lot of newlywed couples, Blake and Heather figured one day they’d get a dog. Blake’s parents had better advice—get two, they said. But Blake and Heather aren’t just any newlywed couple—they are the brains and heart behind TOMS, with Blake at the forefront of the groundbreaking Buy One, Give One or “One for One” philosophy that has inspired a wave of businesses intent on giving back.

Buddha and Gypsy, two Golden Doodles, arrived just six months after the couple married on September 8, 2012. A third dog, a rescued Golden Retriever named Canyon, followed more recently, as did Heather’s brilliant idea to extend the TOMS philosophy to help animals in need globally.

Not Just Another Entrepreneur As the founder of the hugely successful company TOMS, Blake is known for rope-soled footwear and philanthropy. His business model is built on giving back and this is primarily what accounts for his resounding success. The amazing story goes like this: after

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His original goal was to provide shoes to just 250 kids. In March 2014, TOMS gave away its 15 millionth pair.

coming within minutes of winning a million dollars on reality TV show The Amazing Race, which he participated in with his sister, Blake continued travelling, heading to South America.

Befriending children in an Argentinean village, he noted their lack of footwear; the seeds that would become TOMS were sown. Shortly thereafter, his company along with its mandate to match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need—one for one—was born. And it simply took off.

Even former President Bill Clinton was impressed, calling Blake “one of the most interesting entrepreneurs (I’ve) ever met.” Certainly others have the same opinion: People magazine featured Blake in its “Heroes Among Us” section, TOMS was featured in the Time magazine article “How to Fix Capitalism,” and Blake was named to Fortune magazine’s “40 under 40” list.

“I had this idea to create a business to help people; it was a new concept to have philosophy and charity incorporated into a for-profit business,” says Blake. “Then the book Giving— Clinton’s book—came out and I was one of the first who was doing this idea.”

He thinks Clinton would be proud that TOMS has expanded to become the only footwear manufactured in Haiti [Clinton is the ambassador to lead change in post-earthquake Haiti].

“Haiti needs industry and jobs, and two years ago I committed to putting a factory there manufacturing shoes,” Blake says.

Two months ago that factory opened.

This isn’t the first time, of course, that Blake has found a way to help those who need it, which comes fairly naturally to him.

“I grew up in a home where I witnessed giving and caring.

My father was a doctor and had a great bedside manner. Mom was a generous person and I knew this would be part of my life.”

TOMS has now branched into eyeglasses as well, another vital need Blake encountered in his travels. He realized his One for One philosophy could be applied to more than shoes.

Today, for every pair of TOMS eyewear purchased, TOMS helps give sight to a person in need by donating a pair of eyeglasses. moderndogmagazine.com

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“Life moves so fast, it’s hard to take a moment.

If you have a dog, you take a break.”

And they haven’t stopped there; his wife Heather has inspired Blake to help animals as well.

Blake met Heather in a surf shop. Soon thereafter, Heather moved from New York to California to work with TOMS, staying a year. It was a career move that ultimately built the foundation for their future together, both romantically and professionally.

“I’m the only owner; sometimes it’s lonely being the boss.”

Blake says. “[But] I have Heather at dinner, for walks, to bounce ideas off of. The beauty is she worked for the company, and knows the culture,” says Blake. “I get a lot of inspiration from her ideas and take them back and implement them.”

And TOMS loves animals, both say. The TOMS headquarters, located near Los Angeles, welcomes its 370 employees to bring their dogs to work. On any given day, 40 to 50 dogs report to work. The company has even built a dog run behind the building.

“A lot of science shows that having animals around helps the stress levels. Life moves so fast, it’s hard to take a moment. If you have a dog, you take a break,” he says.

But Blake and Heather’s love for animals stretches far outside the office. It has become a global initiative. Heather in particular has a passion for animals and is very concerned with the issues endangered species face, desiring to raise both money and awareness to protect them. So naturally TOMS “created an initiative. Each season a special shoe is designed and will support a specific animal,” Blake explains. “Heather leads and supports [the TOMS animal initiative] on a daily basis.”

For the first effort, Heather chose the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga national park, a UNESCO world heritage site located along the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]. It is home to a quarter of the world’s remaining 800 critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. Against the backdrop of war, Virunga’s rangers continue to protect the mountain gorillas and other wildlife in the park despite the death of more than 130 of their comrades over the last 15 years due to conflict in the area.

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Follow the adventures of Blake and Heather’s puppy posse: #buddha_gypsy #adventuresofcanyon “I want to raise awareness and have people relate to [the gorillas] and raise money. I want [the funds raised] to go to the park rangers who continue to risk their lives against the rebels. I want to preserve and save gorillas,” says Heather. She says she and Blake first encountered Silverback and Mountain Gorillas when they hiked through Rwanda. It was a tremendous stroke of luck. Their extremely knowledgeable guide was able to get the Mycoskies to the gorillas after only a two-hour hike.

“There were 25 gorillas;” says Blake, “a main male and all the rest were babies or females. They were within a foot of us.

“It was a very touching and intimate experience with these creatures,” adds Heather.

These very gorillas will be the first beneficiaries of the TOMS animal initiative.

They are a high-risk, extremely endangered population. The rebels, Heather says, want the oil under the park, so they try to kill the rangers, kill the gorillas, and then seize the oil.

“The next four seasons will focus on endangered species then we will bring it into domestic animals and farm animals and see how well the program does,” says Blake. The program does not yet have any goals or benchmarks but he hopes the special shoes will sell well.

When not travelling, which actually takes up about half of his year, Blake launched another One for One program, TOMS Roasting Company. For every bag of coffee sold, TOMS supplies one week of clean water to a person in need, in countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Malawi, and Rwanda.

“The main resource to make coffee is water,” says Blake.

“They take the cherries [the fruits that yield coffee beans] and wash them over and over and over. I felt it was ironic that [the people in these coffee-growing areas] needed clean water for health and had no access to it, as it was used for coffee.” He is working with the non-profit group Water for People to build wells, filtration systems, rain harvesters, and other sustainable regional clean water projects.

Blake is proof that to achieve business success, you need to connect deeply and be passionate about what you are doing. It’s really important, he says, for both business success and for happiness, because your business may occupy much of your life.

“TOMS was a small business the first few years. You never know how big a company can get,” he says, adding that his original goal was to provide shoes to just 250 kids. In March 2014, TOMS gave away its 15 millionth pair.

“It’s really important to build community,” he says. He even wrote a book, Start Something That Matters, to demystify the entire entrepreneurial start-up process so new business owners could become more confident.

Outlook, he says, is vital and is one of the things he credits for his own success—he is a very positive person and asks a lot of questions. Heather adds that he is also energetic and determined.

So what’s ahead for this couple that have already contributed so much to people and animals in need? They are always talking about adding more animals. After all, says Heather, their three dogs have “have never destroyed any of our shoes.” n

Blake and Heather’s love for animals stretches far outside the office.

It has become a global initiative.

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Growling Puppy?

ASK A TRAINER Teoti Anderson

I recently adopted a 12-week-old Miniature Schnauzer puppy. He’s super-cute but very jealous of me. If I pet my other dog, he gets growly. My niece kissed my cheek while I was holding him and he growled at her. My sister went to pet his head while I was holding him and he growled at her. Is it normal for such a young dog to be so assertive?

What should I do about this? He’s a small breed so he’s not a danger but I don’t want a mean dog. Help! Worried he just has a bad personality.—Growly in Grand Rapids

This is not an uncommon behaviour, but it’s certainly not a desirable one. You are absolutely right to want to address it now, before it continues. You’re also smart to consider it a problem in the first place. Many people with small dogs think it’s cute when their little ones growl but this is not funny. Little dogs also have teeth and they can bite. Those teeth may not do as much damage to an adult but what about a toddler?

There are two possible motives behind the growling. The first and most common is actually fear. I once worked with a client who thought her dog was being protective of the family. The dog would growl and bark whenever someone came near them.

When I was taking a comprehensive history, however, I noticed there were times that the dog didn’t react at all when someone approached a family member. I also learned that there were times when the dog wasn’t near a family member at all but would still growl and bark. When I met the dog, it became evident the dog wasn’t protecting the family at all—she was protecting herself! She was a very timid dog, easily frightened by strangers and new environments. The fact that she growled when a family member was near was coincidental. This dog was trying desperately to protect herself.

When a dog is afraid, he can bark, lunge, and growl to try to get the scary thing to go away and leave it alone; this is fear-based aggression. This is in contrast to the second possible motive behind the growling, which is resource guarding. If a dog growls over food, toys or people, he is guarding items or people he per-

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ceives to be of value. This growling is not an attempt to protect you. Your puppy is not trying to defend you from potential harm; he considers you to be a high value item and doesn’t want to share you. While some may find this flattering, you are correct in that it’s a problem!

Here are two tactics you should put to immediate use: • If you are holding your puppy and he growls when someone approaches you, immediately put your puppy down. He doesn’t want to share you and he’ll learn he loses you when he gets possessive.

• Make the approach of other people more appealing. Have a friend approach you and offer your puppy a treat before immediately going away. If your puppy stopped growling once the treat was offered, repeat this process so that your puppy starts to look forward to the person approaching. If your puppy is too upset to accept the treat, consider hiring a positive reward-based trainer to work with you and your puppy.

Also know that just because your puppy is growly doesn’t mean he’s got a bad personality or is a bad dog. Resource guarding is not uncommon. With the right training, using positive methods, you can help teach your puppy that there is nothing to be growly about! n Teoti Anderson, CPDT, owns Pawsitive Results (getpawsitiveresults.com), and is the past president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is the author of Your Outta Control Puppy, Super Simple Guide to Housetraining, Quick and Easy Crate Training, and Puppy Care and Training.

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ASK A TRAINER

Inger Martens & Nicole Wilde

Three things are missing: guiding outdoors on a leash for clarity, proper reprimand, and teaching your dog to hold the urge to go.

Potty Mishap I have a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix. She has been spayed. She is also housetrained—or so we thought. She doesn’t do it all the time, but on occasion she will pee and/or poo in certain areas of the house, like the couch (where I sit) or my side of the bed or on my wife’s side of the bed or on articles of clothing left on the ground. She gets a lot of attention. I know she is trying to tell us something, but what is it? She will go months with no problems then, out of the blue—accident city. Please help us!—Perplexed in Poughkeepsie What she’s trying to tell you is: Could you (pleeze!) show me where the bathroom is located?

In essence, your dog is now an adult dog but not totally housetrained. Many guardians of toy breed puppies assume their pups are trained because of the decreasing frequency of “accidents” that occur as their dogs mature. But this decrease is really just due to the fact that your dog’s bladder has grown so she naturally has to “go” less frequently than she did when she was a puppy. Any accidents at all, unless due to illness or failure to provide your dog timely access to an appropriate place to eliminate, mean your dog is not fully housetrained; a true understanding has never been achieved.

Additionally, there are a few things you’re perhaps doing that may be further confusing matters. For example, the use of pee pads can cause a problem. Larger breed puppy parents often don’t use pee pads at all or at least stop using pads way sooner out of necessity—you’d need a pretty big pee pad after 16 weeks!

Using pee pads past the age of 15 weeks can give your dog a mixed signal causing confusion that can extend into adulthood:

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“Do I pee in the house or do I need to ask out?” Clothing left on the floor can even become the occasional substitute for a wee-wee pad. Pack up the pads and focus on re-training your dog to only eliminate outside.

Another possible trigger for the occasional potty mishap is playing ball in the house before ensuring your dog has an empty bladder. With toy breeds in particular, people often play with their pups indoors, but movement or play can stimulate the bowel and suddenly they have to pee or poop. So on that next rainy day when you want to play indoors instead of out, make sure your dog has at least first had a quick trip outside to do her business.

As for your bed, small breeds can often be hesitant to jump off a high bed, which causes them anxiety. If she feels marooned up there and doesn’t have solid housetraining skills—presto, an “accident” on the bed.

The solution is to focus your attention on a formal potty ritual.

Leading your dog outside on leash for every potty break is key.

Pick up all clothing off the floor so that the old pattern can disappear. If an accident has taken place, quietly walk over to your dog, put on a leash to guide her to the mistake, and then say a firm, “No!” Immediately switch gears and in a very positive voice say “outside” and guide you pup outdoors to indicate the route out and where she should go potty. In no time she will be reliably telling you when she needs to go out!

Inger Martens is a celebrity dog trainer and behavioural 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 resourcefor dog owners, pawsforaminute.com.

Peeing on Strangers How can I stop my dog from peeing on people’s shoes when we’re at the dog park? My 18-month old Bouvier has recently started raising his leg and peeing on certain people’s shoes/legs whenever we’re at the dog park. He’s done that to a couple of people and now I’m paranoid as soon as he starts getting too close to someone.

Two trainers warned me in the past that, approximately at this age, he’d be trying to become more assertive and show who’s the boss; however, I had no idea I’d be dealing with this type of problem. What should I do?—Dealing with Peeved Dog Park Patrons in Poughkeepsie

Who me?

Your brilliant Bouvier is clearly trying to remind people in his own special way that the dog park is no place for one’s Sunday best! Okay, seriously, my first question is whether he’s neutered. Marking is one of those behaviours neutering may eliminate, although it’s not always the case. If your boy is still intact and there are no mitigating circumstances, you might wish to seriously consider having him neutered.

Neutering might also help with male-male dog aggression, which can be an issue at dog parks.

It’s up to you to carefully monitor your dog’s behaviour at the park. You can allow your dog to visit with people, but when you see those telltale signs that he’s getting ready to mark, call him to you. Use a high, happy voice rather than a threatening one, just as you do during training sessions. Reward him for coming to you. (By the way, don’t make the mistake that many people do of calling your dog only when you’re getting ready to leave. Most dogs catch on pretty quickly, and a game of KeepAway is the result.)

Begin practicing recalls at home where there are no distractions and progress to areas with low-level distractions. For example, employ a friend, without and then with a dog, to walk past at a distance as you call your dog. Build the difficulty level slowly.

You could also visit the dog park at off hours to practice, since that’s where you need the behaviour to be solid. Next, practice at the park with just a few dogs and people present.

The ultimate goal is that regardless of how many people there are and how badly your boy would like to “shower” someone with affection, you are able to interrupt and call him to you.

Displaying fabulous obedience skills is a way for your dog to really leave his mark on the dog park! n Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA, is a canine behaviour specialist and the author of 10 books, including her latest, Hit by a Flying Wolf: True Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation and Real Life with Dogs and Wolves. You can find Nicole’s books, seminar DVDs, and blog at nicolewilde.com, as well as find her on Facebook (@NicoleWilde,Author) and Twitter (@Nicole Wilde).

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Connie’s Book Club Hit the beach with a good dog and a good book

From left Dog Food for Thought: Pet Food Label Art, Wit & Wisdom; Shake

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

Dog Food for Thought: Pet Food Label Art, Wit & Wisdom

By Warren Dotz and Masud Husain From the beautifully designed to the bizarre, Dog Food for Thought is packed with fascinating images of vintage dog food labels from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Author Warren Dotz is a collector of commercial art and in this lovely little book he shares some of the most curious, unusual, and interesting of his extensive collection, peppered with wonderful quotes about our best friends. An extremely engaging look at the mid-century evolution of design and marketing filtered through a canine-focused lens.

The Book of Why

By Nicholas Montemarano In this extraordinary novel, former self-help writer Eric Newborn retreats from life after his wife’s untimely death, his dog now his near-only companion. Before the loss of his wife, Eric had taught that the power to solve your problems is within you, but his inability to have saved his spouse makes him question his philosophy—until, five years later, a woman knocks on his door and Eric must confront his heartache and reconcile his worldview with the pain he has suffered. Montemarano has crafted a powerful tale of selfdiscovery with a powerful, hopeful message.

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Tantric Coconuts

By Gregory D. Kincaid Tantric Coconuts takes you on a spiritual journey that looks at questions of life, love, companionship, and overcoming odds. Two people from very different worlds (along with their respective dogs) meet and quickly realize that their lives will forever be changed from this chance run-in.

From Dog Food for Thought: Pet Food Label Art, Wit & Wisdom

The Dog Lover’s Guide to Travel

By Kelly E. Carter Get inspired to hit the road with your best four-legged friend. Kelly E. Carter and her Longhaired Chihuahua Lucy share their travel secrets in this guide to 75 of North America’s top dog-friendly destinations. Plenty of photos and insider tips from dog-loving locals will definitely have you itching to pack your bags and bring your dog!

Find Momo

By Andrew Knapp Like a canine version of “Where’s Waldo,” each of Andrew Knapp’s gorgeous, dreamlike photographs hides a well camouflaged Momo, Knapp’s Border Collie, best bud, and genius hider. Knapp’s pooch has secreted himself somewhere within each frame, so as you flip through this hide-and-seek photography book documenting their glorious travel adventures, you have the added fun of searching out the bandana-clad four-legged figure disguised in each one.

Hit by a Flying Wolf

By Nicole Wilde Shake

By Carli Davidson Shake it out! This phenomenal collection of photos of dogs mid-shake will bring a smile to your face.

Photographer Carli Davidson gives you a look at our best friends from a new perspective—one with jowls and ears all over the place!

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Professional dog trainer and canine behaviour specialist Nicole Wilde has a passion for all things canine and a soft spot for their wild brethren, wolves.

Lucky for us, in Hit by a Flying Wolf she shares her amazing rescue and training stories, offering profound insight into how living with dogs and wolves offers not only a deeper understanding of their motivations and nature but of oneself as well. Wilde’s compelling experiences and deep connection to these remarkable animals will keep you turning pages. n

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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, I grew up with dogs being my best friends. I pity the people who do not know and do not understand the love that dogs can bring into our lives. My wife is one of those people I pity. She can see a sleeping puppy and want to leave the room. In her defense, she witnessed a severe dog attack on a man when she was a child and never recovered.

For almost six years I have told her that I will have a dog when our living situation permits. That time has finally arrived, and, although I want to be sensitive to her feelings, I can no longer rob myself of canine companionship. I have been researching loads on the internet on how to help make this a comfortable transition for all of us. Am I being selfish?

—Deprived-of-Dog Daniel

A

If you and your wife communicate openly and compromise, there should always be hope.

Find the park or field in your neighbourhood where the dog people hang out in the mornings. Arise early and bring your wife to see the animals at play.

Stand on the sidelines and watch how the owners and their pets relate to each

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other as well as to other dogs and people.

Assure your wife you will leave if she feels uncomfortable. Don’t pity her. She has legitimate worries.

You both should visit a veterinarian or animal behaviourist to talk about fears. If your wife better understands the reasons why aggressive dogs attack, she will have a sense of how she can train and control a pet in your household.

Instead of doing research all by yourself, involve your wife. Make this a project you two can accomplish together. You must be very patient as she sheds childhood trauma and accepts the idea of dogs as darlings under the same roof. Dog Lady believes it will happen with your constant creative encouragement and support.

Dear Dog Lady, My best friend had a dog I loved too.

Sherman was a scamp, a terrier with lots of guts and guile. I thought he was the greatest and vice-versa. I loved going over to my best friend’s house where Sherman would greet me as if I was the Dog Biscuit Czar with much jumping and merriment. I called him Shermie the Wormie. He was so cute.

I knew he was getting old but I had no idea he was sick until my friend posted

a tribute to Sherman on her Facebook page. She sent me a confirming email but told me she didn’t want to talk about it. I cried deep sobs. I can’t believe he’s gone. He was euthanized last month and my friend still won’t talk about it. What should I do?—Laura A: You should be a good friend and back off. Deciding to let a dog go is very traumatic and some people can’t endure the extra stress of talking about it too soon after the loss. Also, for people placed in the unfortunate position of having to play God with their pets, deciding whether to let the dog go rather than seeking extreme medical care is difficult enough without having to offer an explanation. You must trust your friend made the best decision for her and for Sherman. Why not make a donation in Sherman’s name to a veterinarian or rescue group and send a note to your friend telling her so?

Dear Dog Lady, I despise the way dog addicts attempt to get their dog into places where pets aren’t allowed, by claiming the pet is a “comfort dog.” What a load. These people are using minor health stuff as an excuse to bring their mutt everywhere.

“Comfort dogs” are faddish nonsense.

ask dog lady Also, the guy who doesn’t date because his mutt fills that role is weird. It’s dysfunctional to turn to dogs for a relationship. A dog is not a substitute for human companionship.—Harry A: Ummm. What side of the bed did you wake up on?

Obviously the side of the bed with no dogs allowed. And what advice column have you been reading? Never has “Ask Dog Lady” advised someone not to date because the dog fills the role. Dogs are not substitutes for human companionship but they sure can fill the empty spaces with warmth. By the way, have you thought of getting a dog? A pet might make that chip on your shoulder a little bit lighter.

Grudgingly, Dog Lady agrees with you about “comfort dogs,” also known as “emotional therapy dogs.” Some people abuse the privilege of bringing a dog everywhere with a doctor’s note—particularly in airplanes and “no pets” apartments. This free-range flouting of society’s rules and social convention has given rise to the sort of anger you exhibit against all dogs.

Dear Dog Lady, My dog Jimmy is a great dog and very friendly. When he jumps up on people, I can understand that but I can’t wrap my mind around why Jimmy pees on his own leg while lying in the hallway as we wait for the elevator. He would rather be punished than wait a few seconds more to make it outside. Maybe he can’t control it, but he rarely pees in the apartment. What gives?—Peter A: Sorry, but Dog Lady finds it hard to imagine how Jimmy can pee on his own leg while lying down. Is your dog incontinent?

Before you initiate any training, go to your veterinarian and get a clean bill of health. Pee problems often have an organic cause.

If not medical but behavioural, you will have to walk your dog more. Also, you claim to understand Jimmy’s jumping up on people. Do the people utter an expletive as the dog pounces on them? Jimmy needs training all around. In Dog Lady’s rulebook, jumping on innocent passersby is a much worse dog offense than peeing in the hallway.

How do you discipline your dog? You shouldn’t be punishing, you should be rewarding for good behaviour. If Jimmy doesn’t jump, give him a high-test treat. If Jimmy makes it all the way outside without peeing in the hallway, praise him lavishly and slip him a yummy. Dogs understand positive feedback better than negative yelling. Be good to your dog; don’t expect an Canine Einstein at first. n Write questions or comments to askdoglady@gmail; read more at askdoglady.com or facebook.com/askdoglady.

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LAST LICK

How I Met My Dog Kai

By Nadia Barlow

K

ai insists he and his squeaker toys need my attention. He leaps and flings them happily until he realizes I’m not budging. Then he flops down. When I glance his way, his eyes are full of reproach: “You’re so boring. If I’d known living with you was going to be this dull, I’d have chosen someone else.”

But he chose me. Or we kidnapped him. It’s hard to say what was going through my mind that night. My brother and I had just finished at the shooting range where I’d learned I’m nowhere near as dangerous as I had thought. We headed for a gas station to fill up. I saw him when I stepped out of the car. He was just standing there, his face quiet and his posture timid. He was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen, if the prettiest thing had a lackluster reddish-fawn coat, a bloodied hole in the middle of his head, patches of missing fur, and mange-covered ears. Other patrons looked at us condescendingly. This was the south side San Antonio, Texas, where stray dogs were practically paying residents.

What were we bothering for?

I couldn’t keep him. I didn’t even want him. I knew all about responsible pet ownership. I lived in a college apartment with a strict no-animals rule and three roommates. I had no yard, a busy schedule, and was getting over a guy who needed no time to get over me. It was a no. Period.

But just in case it wasn’t, I called my mom.

“Step away from the dog!” followed by “I can’t take another!” and “What if you can’t find a home?” filled my ear.

If I could live on my own and go to school while working, I could find a home. How hard could any of this be?

In response to my naivety, he threw up in the back of our father’s Jaguar.

I spent Christmas break sneaking around my apartment complex on covert walks like I was a Special Ops team member in the Middle East. The emails I sent out to rescue groups were full of desperation and pleading. Their responses were full of remorse and no room.

Kai endured an attack by my best friend’s Jack Russell.

(Sammy didn’t want a new friend, thank you very much.) He endured a medley of medication. He endured our learning to take care of him. I finally found space at Animal Care Services after

the longest two weeks of my life. My best friend came along as she too had fallen for those slowly standing satellite ears.

After signing him over, our point of contact said he had three days.

“Three days for what?”

“Well he has three days to find a home or we put him down.”

Our jaws were off having tea with Hades while we processed the fact that we, both animal lovers, had unknowingly signed his death sentence.

This was the pound?? They had a giant statue of a dog and cat out front. They had artwork by second graders hanging up. It looked like biscuits and rehabilitation in here!

Not until the cosmos decided I had suffered sufficient guilt and regret for my idiocy was I granted a reprieve.

A friend and her boyfriend, sick of reading my Facebook status updates about the situation, went to adopt him.

Promising the staff that they would always watch over him, they immediately gave him back to me.

I confessed everything to our apartment manager.

I brought proof of vaccination and rabies. I brought photos of Kai at his most charming. I said I would pay a pet deposit and monthly fee. I said if he didn’t agree, this dog would die. I came prepared for hell and war.

“Pay a $500 pet deposit and $30 monthly pet rate. If anyone asks, I didn’t allow this.”

Fast forward four years.

Kai has swum (not very well or enthusiastically) in Canyon Lake. He has made dog friends and enemies at Hardberger Park.

He has peed on dog calendars in Petsmart. He’s thrown up in my house, covered my life in fur, and barked in such a way at two a.m. that I’m convinced we are under attack. Kai is the reason I buy earth-conscious products. He is the reason I participate in Petco’s WalkRunWag 5K. He is the only reason I jog or am outside in unfavourable weather. It is easy to become stationary and stagnant in life. He is the reason I get up and move. I become familiar with my surroundings because of him.

Kai came into my life when it was not convenient. In hindsight, I do not think lessons learned ever are. But they are heart changing. And thereby perfect in all their complexities.

Email submissions for Last Lick to lastlick@moderndogmagazine.com. Because of the volume of email, the magazine cannot respond to every submission.

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