Modern Dog Winter 2010

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions WINTER 2010/11

The Great Dog Park Battle One community’s

Just what is your dog trying to tell you?

Decoding canine body language

fight for off-leash space

Dogs+Grief

Saving Aggressive Dogs

Handling Grief in a Pack

Boredom Busters!

Meet the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

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OUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE 5 WAYS TO CALM YOUR DOG ROBERT DOWNEY JR’S LATEST LOVE AFFAIR FOSTERING DOGS DOOR DARTING & NUISANCE BARKING WIN 10

Food Allergies 101

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL MAR 11 C DN$5.95 US$4.95

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Brandi Williams with Bella, Paris, Charlie & Pierre

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PHOTO YOGA DOGZ

FEATURES 34

Dogs of Thunder Saving dangerous dogs.

46

Due Notice Celebrity trainer Mark Harden on coercing cooperation from spiders, on-set mishaps, and Robert Downey Jr.’s latest love affair.

BY MELISSA BARR

52

My Dog Tulip A love story.

BY ROSE FROSEK

60

How Dogs Respond to Death The risk of love is loss.

BY STANLEY COREN

66

Outta Sight!

Dogs with disabilities? No way. These visionchallenged pups are dogs with amazing abilities.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINDSEY DONOVAN

88

One Woman’s Junk is an Animal Shelter’s Treasure Brandi Williams gives us The Daily Buzz on how a pile of old towels led her to a new life.

BY MARY-JO DIONNE

94

Just What is My Dog Trying to Tell Me? Decoding your dog’s body language.

BY SUE ALEXANDER

PAINTING HEATHER LAHAISE

BY STEVE DUNO

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102

The Smallest Act of Kindness So many dogs, so many ways to volunteer.

BY COREY VAN’T HAAFF

106

The Great Ohio Dog Park Battle Where public space, dogs, and bordering private property intersect, a lawsuit ensues.

110

A Foster Story: Taking a Chance on Chance One plucky (and, some might say, a tad persnickety) paraplegic Pekingese’s journey to his happily ever after.

116

How I Met My Dog Winners of our “How I Met My Dog” short story contest unveiled.

BY JAKE MCGEE

BY SARA LIMA

THE GOODS 54

Our Ultimutt Gift Guide Best bets under $25, $50, $100, and $250+, plus great gifts for kids.

144

Boredom Busters! Enriching Dog Toys Rain, sleet, snow has you reluctant to set foot outdoors? Entertain your dog indoors!

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Perfect Pairs Winners of our Modern Dog lookalike contest.

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

31

Sweet Charity From toy drives to animal sanctuaries in need of supplies, four super organizations worth helping out.

BREED PROFILE

40

We’re Giving it Away!

Enter to win three months’ worth of great giveaways.

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42

Dogs and Kids Trainer Colleen Safford on how to stop your dog from chasing and nipping children.

50

DIY Eat Rachael Ray shares a delish, quick, and healthy recipe to enjoy with your pup. Plus, give a dog a bone with Polka Dog Bakery’s Peanut Butter Crunch recipe.

93

Five Quick Tips to Stop Your Dog From Pulling on Leash Trainer Inger Martens offers instant solutions to leash tugging.

115

Art Attack Profile in style. Heather Lahaise’s resonant paintings pair realistic portraiture with modern, minimalist backgrounds.

PHOTO LUCAS ZAREBINSKI

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

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier The right staff.

BY MARIAN BUECHERT

BODY AND SOUL 72

Butt-toning Dog Walking Shoes Convalesce in Comfort Three-legged Dog Resource Dry That Dog; 5 Super Products for Seniors

74

Surviving the Holidays

76

The Doctor’s In The common canine cold, cataracts VS cloudy eyes, plus natural supplements and heart disease.

78

Seeing the Light Education for Change Pet Cause

80

Food Allergies 101

Nothing to sneeze at: food allergies in dogs.

BY ELIZABETH PASK AND LAURA SCOTT

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Our Readers Write 14 The Scoop 22 Calendar of Events 44 Smile! Photo Contest 134 Marketplace

COVER LOOK TV personality and rescue proponent Brandi Williams with her four rescue dogs, Bella, a Chihuahua/Pug, Paris, a Chihuahua/Dachshund, fuzzy mixedbreed Charlie, and Pierre, a Chihuahua.

Photographed by Brian B. Hayes

4 moderndog

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BY MARNI WEDIN

120 Door Darting

Trainer Nicole Wilde offers advice for Houdini-like hounds.

120

What to do if your dog barks. And barks.

And barks.

Trainer Sue Alexander on how to handle excessive nuisance barking.

122

Five Ways to Calm a Hyperactive Dog Trainer Teoti Anderson on how to calm a hyperactive dog.

125 Connie’s Book Club

Curl up with a good dog and a good book. Editor-in-

Chief Connie Wilson’s selection of fantastic winter reads.

129

Ask Dog Lady Dog Lady delved into your most dogged dilemmas.

BY MONICA COLLINS

59 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 9, Issue 4. Published quarterly

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

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E D ITO R ’S LE T T E R

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WI NTER 2010/ 11

M U T T S © 2009 P A T R I C K M C D O N N E L L

PHOTO LINDSEY DONOVAN

German Shorthaired Pointers (I love hound-type dogs like my Kaya girl). I’ll keep you posted as to how the search progresses through my blog on Modern Dog’s website. While you’re there, be sure to enter our exciting new giveaways at moderndogmagazine.com/ giveaways. This issue marks the debut of our new, super sweepstakes of cool products for you and your dog. There will be three months’ worth of weekly winners, so be sure to enter. Flip to page 40 to see all the awesome products up for grabs. t’s been a year now since I said goodbye to my dog, Kaya.

Also in this issue is a ton of indispensible advice for—to take At 16 years of age, her body gave up on her and I did the a page from Oprah—living your best life…with your dog, of hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, help my dear friend leave course. For tackling on-lead pulling and barking to calming a this world. The void she left in my life hyperactive dog, check out the advice from was devastating. Friends and family our acclaimed behaviourists. We also delve told me that the pain would lessen with time, into causes and cures for food allergies (p thoughtfully suggesting getting another dog to 80), screen My Dog Tulip (p 52), announce help. But I just couldn’t go there. As a matter the winners of our How I Met My Dog writof fact, I wasn’t sure that I would ever get ing contest, and introduce you to inspiring another dog. How could I put myself through volunteers and organizations making a difthat kind of pain again? ference (p 31). And then there’s our annual It wasn’t until recently, while thinking ultimate gift guide for dogs and dog lovers: about how time zooms by, the seasons seemwe’ve rounded up the coolest products at ingly melting one into the other, that I realevery price point for all the favourite canines ized just how much I missed those daily and dog people on your list!

“Millions of people who otherwise walks we took together. Kaya forced me to If inclement winter weather leaves your would be completely lost in their minds and in endless past and be active, which sometimes seemed like a dog short on walks and a little down in the future concerns are taken back by chore—that is, until we got outside, together dumps, turn to page 144 for ways to entertheir dog or cat into the witnessing nature’s majesty, from breathtain your dog indoors with our round-up of present moment, again and again, taking sunrises and sunsets to the hush of enriching dog toys. Get a glimpse into the and reminded of the joy of Being.” morning’s calm, a storm’s brute force, or life of a professional animal trainer (p 46) on simply spring’s first snow drops pushing the set of Due Date, the new comedy starFrom Guardians of Being (New World Library; 2009) through frost-crusted earth, always awering Robert Downey Jr, Zach Galifinakis, and inspiring and humbling. Time slowed while a sweet little French Bulldog, read our very walking with Kaya, giving me a better focus own Sara Lima’s account of her road to foson what is truly important in life. It was this recollection of our tering, and so much more—everything you need, in fact for celwalks together that made me realize I’m ready to welcome another ebrating the holiday season and starting the new year off right. dog into my life, though I haven’t yet decided who that dog will be.

I’ve always had big dogs (as Kaya was) and with three or four pintsized dogs in the office, a big dog would certainly balance things out, but I’m keeping an open mind, as I believe when I find the right dog, big or small, I’ll just know.

With so many dogs in shelters awaiting their forever homes, my new dog will be a rescue and I’ve already been on petfinder.

Constance Wilson com searching such breeds as Dachshunds, Springer Spaniels, and Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Live Area

Live Area

C O N TRIBUT OR S WINTER 2010/11

•

VOL 9

NO 4

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc.

With this issue, celebrity dog trainer and behavioural expert Inger Martens joins our Fab Five team of trainers. Inger has twenty-plus years of training Hollywood’s A list and their pups. Her BA in Mass Communications and Human Psychology helped her create unique training tips for dog guardians, which she now shares with us. She is an author, television and radio personality, and was dubbed “Best Dog Trainer in L.A.” by Los Angeles Magazine.

Inger is currently excited to announce her multimedia online resource for dog owners, pawsforaminute.com. Turn to page 93 to read her debut column in which she tackles on-lead pulling.

Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor

Jennifer Nosek Contributing Editor

Marian Buechert Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek

Circulation Manager

Jessica Nosek

Publication Clerks Supervisor

Omar Duran Rojas

Design & Production

Carolyn Howse

Design & Production Assistant

Maxine Matishak

Sales & Marketing

Annica Tong, Lillian Wei, Sara Lima Editorial Assistant

Karin Maxey

Accounting and Subscription Services Assistant

Celine Benipayo

Author and pet behaviorist Steve Duno has trained thousands of pets and their owners.

His eighteen books address a wide variety of topics, including breed-specific behavior, environmental enrichment, basic obedience training, trick training, behaviour modification, and nutrition. Steve’s new memoir, Last Dog On The Hill (St. Martin’s, 2010), tells the story of Lou, his legendary, heroic dog who assisted him in rehabilitating many last-chance dogs with aggression problems. A former school teacher, Steve lives in Seattle, WA, with his family, his ditzy Shepherd-mix Flavio, and Rico, his mixed-breed tornado.

Read Steve’s contribution to this issue, “Dogs of Thunder,” in which he recounts his amazing tale of turning around a Bull Mastiff with a serious attitude problem, on page 34.

8 moderndog

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Controller

Laura Scott, a regular Modern Dog con-

Cecilia de Roca Chan

tributor, is an animal nutritionist with a keen interest in pet nutrition. She holds a BSc in Animal Biology and an MSc in Animal Nutrition from the University of Guelph. In her spare time, she enjoys participating in a number of dog sports, such as obedience, agility, conformation, and tracking with her Golden Retriever, Trevi. In this issue, Laura and her co-writer, Elizabeth Pask, break down food allergies—what causes them, how to assess whether your dog is suffering from food allergies and, if so, which foods are the culprit, as well as how to manage the problem (page 80).

Web Consultant

Dave Egan

Tech Consultant

Mario Rea

Donations Program Liaison

Jessica Nosek

Okanagan Representative

Jytte Wilson

Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 9, Issue 4.

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 9, Issue 4. 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 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 2010/2011 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. One-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $15USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

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

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Bark Back! OUR

R E ADE R S W RI T E

[We love to receive these types of emails! If any other clinics would like a PDF of this article, we would be most happy to oblige. To see the “Terrific Tripods” photo-editorial, go to moderndogmagazine. com/gallery/terrific-tripods —Ed.]

Film Forum I just saw the ultimate dog-lovers’ film, My Dog Tulip, based on the beloved book by British writer J.R. Ackerley. I had been dying to see this film for over a year and doubted it could live up to my high expectations, but I was wrong—it was everything I hoped for and more. Every dog lover will identify with the trials and tribulations of acquiring a dog for the first time and trying desperately to understand what your dog is trying to tell you. This film is not Disney fare, however, as much of the film deals with Ackerley’s frustrated attempts to find a mate for Tulip. It’s also the first hand-drawn but paperless animated film, and every frame is a work of art.

Ultimately, it’s a unique love story about a lonely man and a beautiful dog. I cannot recommend this film highly enough and I hope all dog lovers’ will search it out. You won’t be sorry!

Wendy Twomey Powell River, BC

It’s Unanimous—“Tripods” Are Terrific Indeed Thank you so much for the photo story, “Terrific Tripods” (Fall 2010 issue). In November 2006, my greyhound, Ellie, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. She was the picture of health—aside from the cancer, of course—and was perfect candidate for amputation. (The tumor was at the head and neck of the left hind femur bone.) Several people told us then, and still do, that we were cruel to remove the leg of a racing dog. In truth, keeping her in pain unnecessarily would have been. She was standing the day after surgery and within a month she was running, playing, and dancing for her dinner just like always. She has even treed a wild turkey and chased deer and countless birds out of our yard! Old age is now setting in (she’s nearly 14), and while she no longer runs in the yard with our other dogs, she still amazes and inspires us.

Debbie Safran, Starksboro, VT n I am the technician supervisor at the Veterinary Cancer Group in Culver City, CA. One of our doctors came across your pictorial “Terrific Tripods” in the Fall 2010 magazine. We were wondering if it would be possible to get several copies of the pictorial to have in our lobby and exam rooms for our clients. We are an animal oncology practice and some of our patients have to have limb amputations as part of their treatment therapy. Their owners sometimes have a hard time making the decision, and we feel this article will let them know that their pets’ life on three legs will be the same or better than it is on four legs.

Meghan Ingstad, Registered Veterinary Technician Culver City, Ca

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WINTER 2010/ 11

[Thanks for the recommendation, Wendy. By happy coincidence, we have coverage of this wonderful film in this issue. Turn to page 50 to read more about this charming tale of man and dog.—Ed.]

From Facebook…

Jesse Yasuda: I love the tripods piece! They are so amazing. I also really love the staff picks this time, too. They all rock. You guys do such a great job.

Kelly G. Harry: I finally went & bought my issue. I love it!

Especially the recipes.

Kristen Beitzel: Just finished the issue cover to cover. Are you guys getting any closer to making the magazine six issues a year, or even 12?

Linda Sopiak: I started with your magazine, reading the summer and now the fall issue. I loved the articles about how to cure a dog’s boredom, how old my dog really is, and what not to do at the dog park.

Fawn Frazer: Just got my new issue...lots of great stuff in this one!

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Become a fan of Modern Dog! Go to: facebook.com/moderndogmagazine Win awesome stuff! Besides behind-the-scenes peeks at what we’re up to in the MD offices, the latest breaking stories, and fun updates on the coolest events, we do exclusive giveaways on Facebook and Twitter. Make sure you’re a fan/following!

• hot spots • post-surgical sites • minor wounds

• granulomas • insect bites • and more

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter 1

BQ

BP

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Put it on, squeeze your eyes shut, and make a wish on your gold-dipped bone-shaped pendant necklace from Dogeared. Their sweet packaging, handcrafted in California ethos, and potential for my wish to come true has me sold.—Karin ($30, dogeared.com) 2 Naked Décor has awesomely funky designs, from an orange Dachshund-shaped wall clock to Pop Art-style portraits of your favourite breed. It was difficult picking just one item, but I love the handsilkscreened West Highland Terrier cushions.—Celine ($49, nakeddecor.com) 3 Bach’s Rescue Remedy for pets is a necessity for any dog owner. It has an immediate calming effect.

Whether going to the vet or leaving your dog home alone, this product is a must- have for any stressful situation—Omar ($14, rescueremedy.com/pets) 4 With his talent for dragging me around the block, my Lab, Durrant, is in the running to lead a team in the next Iditarod. Unfortunately for his Arctic ambitions and fortunately for my aching arms, I’ve quashed his career plans by fitting him with a Gentle Leader Headcollar. After an initial careful fitting, it’s easy to put on and remove, and works by encouraging Durrant to walk calmly, without pulling and without injury to his neck.—Marian ($32, gentleleadercanada.com) 5 These indoor/outdoor rugs are machine washable and come in a wonderful array of patterns both dog-themed and otherwise. Boasting that they wash better than your jeans, they’re a great, durable accent to any room or entrance way, particularly those subject to muddy paws or, ahem, the occasional, shall we say, accident.— Miniature Dachshund Rose ($30, homecomfortrugs.com) 6 Winter is the perfect time for nesting. I plan on hibernating all winter long (save for meal time) in my Doggy Divan. Customize it to suit your mood—choose from a variety of cover patterns.–Miniature Dachshund Esther ($30, avivadesigns.com) 7 From trash to treasure! My new personalized quilt is handmade from up-cycled wool in Black Forest, CO. Eco-friendly, cozy, and cute?! Forget it Fido, this one is stayin’ on my bed.—Maxine “Wild n’ Wooly” Matishak ($55, etsy.com/shop/Northernlodge) 8 More than just socks! Power Paws provide traction, easy mobility on hardwood and tile flooring, and protection against snowy sidewalks with a simple application of a waterproof spray. Give your dog “the power to stand, stop, and go” this holiday season! –Annica ($20, woodrowwear.com) 9 I love this beautiful, elegant blanket. Plus, the innovative fabric repels dirt and moisture! A perfect gift for a super-pampered pooch.—Lillian ($69, fetchdog.com) 10 Make a donation in the name of a loved one with a WSPA Really Wild Gift and help to protect animals around the world. Your tax deductible gift can be specific to dogs and will be announced with a personalized e-card.—Carolyn ($20+, reallywildgifts.ca) 11 Made especially for small pets, Wetnoz’s stainless steel Pee Wee bowls, standing on their black rubber “feet,” are perfect in their simplicity.—Jennifer ($44, wetnoz.com) 12 If I had my way, I would have all my little (and not so little) monsters in bed with me each night without losing an ounce of sleep. Now I can have the best of both worlds with the Co-Sleeper Pet Bunk bed. This luxurious doggie duplex allows my three canine companions to sleep next to me without actually being in my bed, and can even accommodate my 105 pound bruiser!—Sara (from $180, armsreach.com/pets) 13 I love my Let’s Go Design hooded dog-walking jacket. Reflective piping keeps me visible at night, the removable fleece jacket can be zipped out, plus it becomes a vest when you unzip the sleeves.

And that’s just the beginning. For a more fitted waist, cinch the belt by utilizing the carabiner clips—to which you can also clip your dog’s leash for hands-free walking. Supplied pick-up bags are dispensed through the grommet hole in the front pocket, plus keep a ready supply of treats stashed in the handy plastic pocket liner! A mesh pocket in the back holds your water bottle while keys are kept on the retractable key chain. A dog-walker’s dream come true!—Connie ($250, letsgodesign.net) 14 Don’t be caught empty handed: get a butler. Make sure there’s always a bag available on your way out the door with the wall-mounted Dog Bag Butler for fast and efficient dispensing of poo bags on the go!—Neo ($30, dogbag.com) 15 Look forward to rainy days in these super cool dog-print Joules Wellies. I’ll be searching out puddles and singing in the rain all winter long in mine.—Jessica ($65, frantisi.com)

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CANINE NEWS AND REVIEWS

LABRADOR RETRIEVER TUBBY. PHOTO PAUL MICHAEL HUGHES/GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

GERMAN SHEPHERD DAZ. PHOTO GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

Guinness WorldRecord Setting Dogs

Looks like this Leonberger sees his glass as being half empty.

Is the dog bowl half empty or half full?

Turns out dogs can be optimists or pessimists

Among the many world-record breakers in the new

According to a new study by Mike Mendl, head of animal welfare

2011 edition of the Guinness World Book of Records

and behaviour at Bristol University, and published in Current

are no small number of dogs. Among the canines in

Biology, different dogs, like people, have different outlooks on life.

the new edition are Puggy from Texas, holding the title

While some may focus on the positive (“He’ll be home soon, I’m

of the longest tongue (4.5 inches, on a Pekingese, no

sure.”) others may instead tend towards pessimism, which, in

less) and fetching fido Rose, setting the record for most

turn, could explain destructive behaviour or barking, especially

Frisbees caught and held; she can catch seven thrown

when separated from their owners.

one at a time and hold them all in her mouth. From

The study ran tests by placing dog bowls on opposite sides of

the smallest, a 4 inch tall Chihuahua, to the tallest, a

the room, one with and one without food. They then placed 24

3 foot 5 inch Great Dane, to the fastest time to pop 100

dogs in a “neutral” area in the centre of the room and monitored

balloons (44.49 second, performed by a Jack Russell

the dogs’ responses. While some dogs bounded towards the

Terrier, of course) there are some pretty amazing pups

bowl with excitement, others were hesitant and slow expecting

featured. Our favourites?

the worst: an empty bowl. Says Mendi, “We know that people’s

Most bottles recycled by a dog

emotional states affect their judgments and that happy people

A Labrador called Tubby, owned by Sandra Gilmore,

are more likely to judge an ambiguous situation positively. What

of Pontnewydd, Torfaen, UK, has helped recycle an

our study has shown is that this applies similarly to dogs.”

estimated 26,000 plastic bottles over the past six years by collecting them on his daily walks, crushing them and passing them to his owner.

Loudest bark by a dog (here’s a category we hope our dogs never compete in) The loudest bark by a dog measured 108 decibels and was produced by white German Shepherd Daz, owned

by Peter Lucken (UK) in Finsbury Park, London, UK, on 15 June 2009.

Modern Dog Poll Results 94% celebrate their dog’s birthday Modern Dog Poll Do you judge others based on the breed of their dog?

Go to moderndogmagazine.com to vote.

14 moderndog

WINTER 2010/ 11

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THE SCOOP

PHOTO DAVID BARAJAS

Tagging the Dog Create a custom pet ID tag at Dog Tag Art and become a world-renowned artist—or at least earn bragging rights with your dog park posse. If your design is chosen by DogTagArt.com to join their cache of pet tags for sale, they’ll pay you $1 royalty for each one sold. Not feeling crafty? Browse the pages of tags already available and purchase for $14.95. dogtagart.com

Hunting a Gourmet Treat If you’re like us, you harbour a secret dream of relocating to the south of France and teaching your Miniature Dachshunds to search out buried culinary treasure—truffles. Those who share this ambition need not pack their bags for Europe quite yet. Instead, head to the 6th Annual Oregon Truffle Festival, held in Eugene, Oregon, and join chefs, foragers, and fans of Oregon’s wild truffles for the delicacy’s journey from unearthing to table. The highlight, though, is obviously the two day Truffle Dog Training Seminar, the only event of its kind in North America, taking place January 28th and 29th. Taught

by Jim Sanford of famed Blackberry Farm Resort along with Jean Rand, the seminar allows not only an opportunity to observe the handling and training of skilled truffle dogs, but to introduce your own dog to the scent of both Oregon

Introduce your dog to the scent of truffles.

and French black truffles. Day one begins in the classroom, with lectures on canine scent detection and the fundamentals of scent training, as well as practical sessions with your dog in the meadow. On the second day, participants and their dogs have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage in an authentic hunt for wild truffles. Though training a working truffle dog requires more than two days of training, many of the participating dogs locate wild truffles and everyone will come away with the skills necessary to continue training toward a good truffle dog. A year in Provence, anyone? oregontrufflefestival.com

Home for the Holidays The holidays are all about family, and this season, over 1.5 million orphaned animals will be a little closer to finding a forever home. With their Home 4 the Holidays campaign, Iams teams up with the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, and 3500 animal organizations worldwide to help make it a little easier to adopt this season.

Adoptions through the program will receive an Iams kit filled with coupons, pet products, a $35 first vet visit rebate, and information designed to help you help your new family member adjust successfully to life outside a shelter.

For those animals who aren’t lucky enough to find their forever families just yet, Iams is launching their holiday Bags 4 Bowls program. For every purchase of their specially-marked cat and dog food, Iams will donate a bowl of cat or dog food to a needy shelter.

For more information, check out facebook.com/iams and help every homeless pet find a family this holiday season.

You’ve Got Mail

g

Petzooba.com specializes in eCards for animal lovers. Their illustrated eCards cover all occassions and are available in tons of different themes and styles, which you can send as-is, or personalize with headshots of your own pets and people (Just how fun this personalization is may evade you—until you try it). Send a few free eCards or buy a year-long $9.95 membership to access the whole selection. With each membership, Petzooba will donate 10% of each subscription price to a nonprofit pet charity. Making someone’s day while making a difference? We give that two paws up.

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The Find You’ve talked about it, picked it up, stepped in it. Time to get over it and play with it. Mr. Poops squeaky toy, also available as Mini Poops. $6/$12. mydogtoy.com

THE SCOOP Calling all witty writers or writers at heart

Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderndogmagazine.com/cartooncaption.

C A R T O O N © 2 0 10 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

The top four most comic captions will be published in the next issue and will each win a one-year subscription to Modern Dog!

ILLUSTRATION ALICIA CARVALHO

Flying the Fido-friendly Skies Petfinder.com’s picks for the most pet-friendly U.S. airlines According to Petfinder.com, Pet Airways, the first ever airline dedicated to pets, is the Alpha Dog of

And the winner

airline carriers. Devoted solely to furry fliers, Pet Air-

from the Fall issue is:

ways ensures their canine passengers’ comfort and safety is paramount. The only downside is that the nascent airline flies out of just a few major airports

C A R T O O N © 2010 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

(see petairways.com for list).

As for top US commercial airlines, JetBlue made the list in the Best Pet-Friendly Amenities category, as well as for Best Animal Health and Safety. Focused on providing a smooth travel experience for those travelling with pets, their JetPaws program provides pet-toting travelers with a pet carrier baggage tag, a travel “petiquette” guide, 300 TrueBlue points each way, and a welcome e-mail. If a pet becomes ill mid-flight, JetBlue will ring the cabin crew to see if there is a veterinarian

“So, how is that internet dating thing going for you?”

SUBMITTED BY TERI GARDINER

Runner-up Captions: “Suddenly, Earl sensed his mistake in allowing Buster to pursue Open Mic Night at the comedy club.”

SUBMITTED BY DENISE NICHOLS

“Henry, its me! But I like your disguise better. I would have never guessed you were hiding in your owner’s hair.”

SUBMITTED BY ANGIE P

“This isn’t the dog that pooed in your rosebush.

This is my cousin Jerry!”

SUBMITTED BY MARISA PETOSA

on board who can treat the pet immediately. They also refuse to permit pet transport in cargo, an animal safety policy supported by evidence; from May, 2009, to May, 2010, the only airlines with zero reported pet deaths were

AirTran was the frontrunner in the Best for Budget Conscious Consumers category.

those that required pets to travel in-cabin.

AirTran was the front-runner in the Best for Budget Conscious Consumers category, allowing small, domesticated dogs, cats, and birds to travel for $69 each way in-cabin.

Frontier Airlines made the list for flying the most diverse range of pets in-cabin, including domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds. moderndogmagazine.com

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THE SCOOP Are You a Dog Lover and a Wine Lover?

Have We Got a Club for You! We all know what it feels like (some of us a little better than others) when you invite that cute guy from the dog park back to your place to check out your new agility set and realize you’ve not got a darn thing to offer him to drink. If you were a Dog Lover’s Wine Club member you could have

Thai Temple Offers Buddhist Funerals for Pets

avoided this predicament by having bottles delivered straight to your door. Carivintas Winery offers three different programs to suit individual sipping needs—two of the same bottles per month, two different bottles every other

At the Klong Toey Nai temple in Thailand, near

month, or three different bottles sent quarterly, all featur-

the river Chao Praya, monks clad in traditional

ing unique dog labels—so you’re sure to have a glass on

orange robes have been performing cremations

hand when you really need one.

for pets for close to a decade, as well as, more

And as if that wasn’t enough, for those who enjoy a side

recently, funeral services. What began as the

of philanthropy with their vice, they also have an affiliate

cremation of strays has evolved in to the temple

program in place so organizations like Best Friends Animal

performing 5 to 15 pet funerals per day. The

Society can raise funds through wine sales. Cheers!

service consists of prayers, a two-hour cremation,

dogloverswineclub.com

and a trip down the river to spread the ashes, during which the families pray that their beloved pet will be born again prosperous and blessed in

Say Cheese!

a better form than the last. While the funeral for a pet costs 1,800 –2,000 baht ($60-$80), the temple

Finally, easy retouch for those freaky glowing pet eyes ruining your family photos

also offers free cremation for those that bring in strays and cannot afford to pay.

Tired of your pets looking like part of Twilight’s Cullen clan in every photo you take? The folks at Kodak have devised the

Embarrassing Moments

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WINTER 2010/ 11

eyed glow that animals are prone to project during flash photography. The Pet Eye Retouch technology identifies the red eye in animals, discerning the difference between this and ILLUSTRATION MAXINE MATISHAK

Whoever said dogs can do no wrong obviously never had her pooch decide to do his business in the ATM room (on security camera!) or bring home a pile of porno mags (acutally happened!) from the neighbour’s trash. Well, sharing is therapeutic, so we want to hear from you!

Tell us your most embarrassing dog stories in 150 words or less. Funniest, most mortifying stories will be published in Modern Dog—under a pseudonym, if you wish. Email your stories to embarrassingmoments@ moderndogmagazine.com.

Pet Eye Retouch program to rid cats and dogs of the eerie-

the effect of flash on humans, and restores your pet’s eyes to their original splendor.

To find a Kodak Kiosk near you and start perfecting those pet pictures, visit kodak.com.

Modern Dog Lookalike Contest Winners!

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It’s said that couples often begin to resemble one another. We wondered if that was also true of people and their dogs, so we asked for your best lookalike photos, and, well, the verdict’s in. Here’s our selection of the pairs that bear the greatest resemblance to one another.

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! Paula & Moose @ Tamra & Summer # Wilsa & Turbo $ Teri & Chloe % Alissa & Buddy Bear ^ Brenda & Red Dog & Debi and Charlie O’Shea * Debbie & Seattle ( Christine & Hollywood Hounds BL Cindy & Phydeaux BM Dad & Fritz BN Yvonne & DicDic BO Gigi & Misha BP Jo & Tequila BQ Karen & Chloe BR Nakoos & Alexis

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CALENDAR

Get out your date book! Winter events not to be missed

FEBRUARY 1 Grab the pupcorn and get comfortable. With Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 DVD and Blu-ray release, the Chi’s are back, this time with a gaggle of puppies, and they’re on a mission to save their owners and keep the family together. disneydvd.disney.go.com

DECEMBER 2 Join Brett Chisholm Photography for his Houston, TX, Collars for a Cause event, an evening of fashion, food, and fun. Bid on the 229 collars designed by celebrities, artists, and fashion designers, all in support the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program of Texas, whose mission is to save the lives of animals by providing free and reducedcost spay-neuter and animal wellness services. The number 229 represents the number of dogs and cats euthanized daily in the Houston area as a result of animal overpopulation, a sad statistic the event aims to alter. collarsforacause.org

COLLAR DESIGNED BY GLEE’S MARK SALLING, WHO PLAYS PUCK.

R I C H A R D F O R E M A N J R ., © D I S N E Y

DEC/JAN Join Snoopy and the rest of the gang as they explore the wonders of the natural world in “Peanuts… Naturally” an exhibition at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA. Missed the run? Fear not! It will be travelling to 31 museums and libraries throughout the US for the next five years. Go to schulzmuseum.org for the schedule.

© 2010 PEANUTS WORLDWIDE LLC

DEC/JAN “Woof! The Art of Dog” runs through January 9th at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach, FL, celebrating (wo)man’s best friend with an exhibition of contemporary portraits by well know artists such as Ron Burns, William Wegman, and more. moas.org

FEBRUARY 14-15 Show your support for the newly recognized breeds taking on the Westminster Kennel Club dog show—the 135th annual, no less—for their first time. New to the ring this year are the Boykin Spaniel, Bluetick Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, Cane Corso, Leonberger, and Icelandic Sheepdog. As in years past, the activity outside Madison Square Garden will be at the Hotel Pennsylvania—make your reservations early (hotelpenn.com). Can’t attend in person to cheer on your favourite breeds? Tune in to USA Network and CNBC, who will be airing exclusive live coverage from the Garden. westminsterkennelclub.org FEBRUARY 22 It’s the 17th annual Spay Day! Join thousands of people and organizations as they work together in an effort to decrease the number of homeless animals. Visit humanesociety.org to find a Spay Day event near you.

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As of press time, the charming My Dog Tulip still didn’t have a firm DVD release date, but late February looked likely.

Call your local video store to reserve your copy.

FEBRUARY 27TH Don your beads and headdresses and join the Barkus royalty for the 19th annual Mystic Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. Proceeds to benefit various animal organizations in the area. barkus.org

Are you feeding your dog the right food?

Chicken Protein #1 Ingredient Omega 3 DHA Prebiotics Corn Free No By-Products No Fillers or Added Glutens Fruits & Vegetables Rosemary Extract Marigold Extract Vitamins C & E Unique Herbal Blend Easy Carry Handle and Top Slider

At Nutrience, we believe in honest nutrition for every stage of your dog’s life. That’s why we include a variety of high quality ingredients, each one specifically tailored to provide a building block necessary for a healthy mind and body. So you get dog food of unparalleled quality with no by-products, no fillers, no added glutens and no compromise.

AVAILABLE ONLY WHERE QUALITY PET FOODS ARE SOLD. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DOG AND CAT FOODS, PLEASE VISIT Nutrience is a registered trademark of Rolf C. Hagen Inc. © 2010

www.nutrience.com

Blog

Blog

Blog

Joey A mama’s boy at heart, spunky and sweet, Joey enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the hammock while nibbling on his favourite food, strawberries.

Ralf This gentle giant came to his owners six years ago emaciated and sick. Now, Ralfasaurus is the happiest dog they have ever known. He likes pretty much everything.

Eddie “Spinmaster” Eddie came to his owner in need of some emotional rescue. Although loud noises still send him into a spin, earning him his nickname, he is now sweet, loving, and well-adjusted. Eddie loves car rides around Kalama, WA and playing ball with his brothers.

Mucha

Here is a dog that likes to help! When Mucha’s not in the kitchen cleaning up, you’ll find him helping with laundry by keeping the pile warm. Mucha also loves kisses, toy ducks, and bananas.

Jojo This li’l cutie can be quite a trouble maker. Jojo likes to ham it up for the camera and play, play, play! Originally from the true north strong and free, she can now be found playing catch and eating bacon in New Jersey.

MasterCard

“Roll-About’s Just Charge It ‘MasterCard’” loves hopping in his Jeep and hittin’ the highway. If MC isn’t feelin’ the wind in his hair, he’s chowin’ down on fresh-cooked chicken and napping in his bed.

Cooper Born on the streets of Taiwan as a stray, Cooper has finally found his forever home.

He enjoys exploring all his new life has to offer. That sure sounds, um, CooperDuper!

Peppy Hailing from Chippewa Falls, WI, Peppy, a classic car enthusiast, is happiest when he can frolick through the countryside, participate in car shows, and go camping.

Yogi Hey there, it’s Yogi... Dog? You’ll find this Yogi sitting in the grass with his daddy, on the lookout for a “pick-a-nic” basket filled with bacon strips.

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

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

moderndogmagazine.com

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E BREED MEET TH

e r i h s d r o f f a The St

r e i r r e T Bull aff The Right St

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By Marian Buechert

“H

ouston, we have a problem.”

“A wide-spread malfunction in the communications system is causing crew members to be mistaken for hostiles.

Please advise.”

Pit Bull. Devil dog. Killer. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) is none of these, yet he is constantly mislabelled. Frequently just lumped in with other “bully” breeds and slapped with breedspecific legislation that can condemn dogs to a lifetime of muzzles and close confinement or even send them to death, the Stafford does, indeed, have a serious problem. Yet, those who know the breed well say it is rarely aggressive towards humans. In the United Kingdom, the Stafford is sometimes called “the nanny dog” for his solid reputation as a family dog, and under the official breed standards of several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the Stafford must be affectionate with children. Few standards go that far in mandating a breed’s compatibility with children.

One of the friendliest and silliest breeds in the dog world.

Confusion in the public’s mind among several breeds, including the SBT, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Pit Bull, along with mixed-breeds arising from or even merely resembling those breeds, is one major issue. A child is bitten, the news reports another vicious attack by a “Pit Bull,” and since most people cannot tell the difference between these breeds, everyone glances fearfully at the neighbour’s jovial Bull Terrier or the well-behaved Stafford down the street.

The SBT’s appearance—compact, solidly muscled, broad chest, wide mouth—probably also contributes to its unearned reputation. This is a dog that looks like a bare-knuckles boxer in peak condition. Dayna Lemke, author of A New Owner’s Guide to Staffordshire Bull Terriers (TFH; 2000), writes: “Part of their charm is that they look so tough, but they really aren’t. Their inner beauty will steal your heart.”

Like most breeds, the SBT is a product of its heritage and breeding—for both good and ill. There is no getting around the fact that the Stafford was originally created in late 18th- and early 19th-century northern England for the “sport” of dogfighting, so it is not a breed that always socializes easily with other dogs or

functional

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www.Spots A Spoiled Dog.com moderndogmagazine.com

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Profile:

Staffordshire Bull Terrier AKC Ranking: #77 in popularity Size: Small—14 to 16 inches Grooming: Low Activity level: Medium Heritage: Dogfighting and family guardian US Rescue: Visit sbtca.com and navigate to their rescue page Canadian Rescue: staffordcanada.com/rescue.html

Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. According to AKC 2009 registration statistics [1]

Labrador Retriever [2] German Shepherd Dog [3] Yorkshire Terrier [4] Golden Retriever [5] Beagle [6] Boxer [7] Bulldog [8] Dachshund [9] Poodle [10] Shih Tzu [77] Staffordshire

Bull Terrier

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animals. Lemke says: “Staffords can be dog aggressive. It’s better to go into the Stafford experience expecting to have a dog who isn’t canine social than the other way around.”

Early and extensive socialization with other dogs and animals is recommended for all Staffords.

At the same time, those who bred dogs for fighting were usually working-class men who kept their dogs in the home with their families and were likely ruthless in weeding out any animals that showed aggression towards humans. Thus, the SBT Club of Canada website reads: “The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the friendliest and silliest breeds in the dog world. They are highly intelligent and extremely submissive to people.”

Individual dogs, whether SBTs or members of other bully breeds—indeed, individual dogs of any breed—are also, ultimately, products of their own unique situation. Their birth, upbringing, and training play a crucial role in determining their behaviour. An experienced, firm, and consistent handler will produce the dog desired. The American Kennel Club website states: “While [the Stafford] is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way.”

Famed conservationist, animal handler, and TV personality Steve Irwin raised his Stafford, Sui, from a pup and rarely went on an adventure without her by his side. He trained Sui to help him wrangle crocodiles, wild pigs, and snakes and she was seen in many episodes of Irwin’s show The Crocodile Hunter.

She was, according to the page dedicated to her on his website, his: “loyal friend, protector and wildlife warrior.” Irwin loved Sui enough to name his daughter, Bindi Sue, after her, and the Stafford and the little girl shared a special bond. “Sui protected Bindi for six years,” wrote Irwin. “It was so funny—no-one was allowed to muck with Bindi whilst Sui was guarding her. Then Bindi would put bows in her hair and play Barbies with her, we lost count how many times Bindi fell asleep on top of a very, very patient Sui.” After a long and exciting life, Sui passed away at the age of 16, not unusual for this breed, which is typically healthy, athletic, and long-lived. Stafford breeders should test for hereditary cataracts and L2- HGA, L2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, a rare disorder that affects the breed.

Sui was a typical SBT in another way: she spent her life as the beloved member of a human family, sharing their daily chores and their escapades. This is where a Stafford excels. “Staffords are so people-oriented that they don’t need canine companionship if they are getting plenty of attention from their human family,” says Lemke.

The Stafford is not a breed to suit every owner, but for those who appreciate this dog’s unique characteristics and are prepared for a bold, tenacious, and loyal companion that prefers human friendship over canine buddies, he does indeed have “the right stuff.” n

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Looking to make a difference? From toy drives to animal sanctuaries in need of supplies, here are four super organizations worth helping out. BY MELISSA BARR

SWEET CHARITY Thanks to these enterprising, brave, and visionary individuals, more animals are finding second chances than ever before.

Here are a few doing something different.

Above: Rolling Dog Ranch’s Steve Smith with his wife and co-founder, Alayne Marker, as well as Wobbly Briggs, who came to them from a Georgia shelter.

Right: Blind Madison rolls in delight. This is how Rolling Dog Ranch got its name.

Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary is a little slice of heaven for dogs desperately in need of respite. Rolling Dog rescues disabled animals, giving them a chance at a safe and loving home.

The sanctuary just moved to its new location in the White Mountains of New Hampshire from Montana, and they offer shelter to a collection of blind and deaf dogs, as well as other blind and deaf animals and those with neurological and orthopaedic disabilities, helping these animals, many who have suffered much hardship before coming to the Ranch, get on with enjoying their lives.

Many of the residents of Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary are “unadoptables” from traditional shelters, but the sanctuary is always looking for kind and compassionate people willing to offer them loving, safe homes, thereby opening up space for them to take in more animals. The sanctuary is entirely dependent on private funds and they do collect donations online at their website at rollingdogranch.org, where you can also find out about the animals they have on site, enjoy the success stories, and keep up to date with their blog. Get ready to be inspired.

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Sweet Charity Teeny’s Friends When Teeny was adopted from a rescue organization, he was in bad shape, had trouble trusting new adoptive mom Katy McDougall, and he’d never had a toy to play with. Katy gave him all the toys he’d ever wanted, and Teeny began to trust her, learning important socialization skills from playing with the toys. Best of all, she couldn’t help but notice how happy they made him. “It made me sad that not so long ago, Teeny had never had a toy to play with,” Katy said. “A toy seems like such a small thing that we all take for granted, but for some city-funded shelters, it’s a luxury they cannot afford, so their animals have to go without. It broke my heart that some dogs had never had a ball to chase or a plush to cuddle.”

To celebrate Teeny’s birthdays, Katy and her husband would ask guests to bring a new or gently used toy as a gift, which would be given as a donation to local shelters.

Spurred by this, in May, 2009, Teeny’s Friends was formed, an organization dedicated to providing toys to needy shelters and needy dogs. Through their website, teenysfriends.com, people can purchase a dog toy for $4.99 for themselves or as a gift (either for someone they know or a shelter they support), and in return, the website will donate another toy to a shelter in need. In addition, in the Austin area, businesses host toy-drive boxes provided by Teeny’s Friends. After two weeks, Katy picks up the collected toys and distributes them to needy shelters. Katy and the folks at Teeny’s Friends are hoping to raise 150 toys for low-income neighbourhood’s shelters by the end of the year. If you are in the Austin, Texas, area and would like to either host a toy-drive box or are in need of toys for your shelter, email teenys_friends@yahoo.com.

Old Dog Town and Second Chance Animal Rescue and Adoption Second Chance Animal Rescue and Adoption functions as a lasthope guardian angel organization for thousands of dogs and cats on death row in kill shelters in the southeastern United States.

Since its inception in 1998, the rescue has successfully placed 2000 dogs in happy, healthy homes.

Run entirely by volunteers, the non-profit, no-kill shelter is also active in animal protection education and legislation, visiting schools and organizations to teach the public about the needs of abused and homeless animals. Part of their operation includes Old Dog Town, where dogs who have been too abused to be successfully adopted are allowed to live out their lives with love, care, and dignity.

Now, due to a torrential flood in September, 2009, the rescue is in need of rescue itself. When 24 inches of water fell in just 24 hours, the kennels in their Canton, Georgia, ranch were so significantly damaged that they are still working to rebuild parts of them.

They need building materials to help with reconstruction, from French drains to gravel, brooms, rakes, cedar chips, and money for concrete and dry wall repairs; gift cards to major hardware stores would be greatly appreciated. On top of their efforts to rebuild the damaged kennels, they are still operating as a rescue, and need treats, dog and cat beds, blankets, bottled water, Frontline, Advantix, Heartgard, and, for the more adventurous, goat bedding, food, and treats. If you’re interested in helping, go to secondchancedogs.org for information on how to donate.

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OVMA SafePet Program Many women in abusive situations report a reluctance to leave over concern for their pets. According to a 1998 OSPCA study, 48% of surveyed Ontario women who had left their abusive partner said that their pets delayed their decision to leave an abusive partner and 61% of surveyed Ontario women who had left their abusive partner stated that their partners had brutalized or killed a pet. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s SafePet Program is dedicated to helping end domestic violence, and helps women leaving abusive partners by offering safe and temporary housing for their pets. Ontario vets and community members volunteer for the program, taking in the pets of women who are entering women’s shelters. They shelter the animals for two weeks, providing all necessary food and exercise, giving the woman time to find more long-term arrangements. The program is looking for more foster parents, with information available on the website, www.ovma.org/pet_owners/safepet/.

Dogs of Thunder Rehabilitating Dangerous Dogs

By Steve Duno Ilustration by Mariah Burton

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A

t 130 pounds, Branka the Bullmastiff lorded over his opulent Beverly Hills estate, which each morning was visited, not by game poachers, but by peaceful gardeners tasked to maintain the property. But to Branka, these terrified men were invaders to be stomped, mashed, mauled, and stood upon. When one of them was badly bitten and a law suit loomed, Branka found himself in leg irons, awaiting sentence.

Canine aggression comes in many forms: dominance, fear-based, hereditary, maternal, redirected, territorial, or possessive, but whatever the type, a dog on the warpath is an untenable thing, and with good cause. They are faster, stronger, and better armed than we are, and can wreak havoc, leading to their own demise.

Over the decades, I’ve worked with dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and temperaments. The hardest to deal with are the violent or terrified dogs—sometimes born that way, usually made that way. Dogs with no qualms about biting a child’s face off or killing a peaceful pet brash enough to say hello. Dogs who find themselves on the brink of euthanasia.

I have worked with dogs whose ability to kill was unmatched by anything short of a lion or bear; explosive, steely animals who would give no warning, but simply attack, bite, and kill.

To save dogs like this takes time as well as daring, and an expertise most owners do not possess.

It also takes an ability to look past that thunderous exterior to find the sweet dog beneath. More often than not, that dog is still there, hidden by fear, pride, perceived privilege—mechanisms built up over the years, concealing the good dog inside. In some cases, there is no good dog inside, but only a genetically broken tragedy in need of a peaceful end. But in most cases, these dogs of thunder can be saved.

No book or television show can teach you how to heal these dogs. Only experience can, and the ability to think out of the box. Stock techniques we use with “normal” dogs— operant or classical conditioning, shaping, chaining—often fail to get through to these dogs. It is not a task for the faint-hearted, but for those steeled to the thought that, if they cannot save the dog, the dog will die.

For years, I had a secret training weapon: a canine partner named Lou, the subject of my memoir Last Dog on the Hill (St. Martin’s Press; 2010). I had rescued Lou from a marijuana grow-op in California in 1989, after he’d lived a quasi-feral life for nearly seven months. After a destructive beginning, the Rottweiler/Shepherd mix settled in and quickly showed great intellect and heart. In his sixteen years, Lou caught rapists and robbers, saved my life numerous times, worked as a therapy dog, befriended wolves, helped teach sign language—an astonishing, cinematic life.

Lou’s most prized accomplishment was his role in helping me to rehabilitate “thunder dogs.” His feral beginnings had created a unique dynamic in his mind and heart; he’d had

Look past that thunderous exterior to find the sweet dog beneath.

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From top: Bull Mastiff Branka; Rottweiler/ Shepherd mix Lou; the author, Steve, with Lou.

the opportunity to develop and respond to a sophisticated canine social dynamic.

Living only with dogs, he’d learned how to cope, how far to push, when to back off. Posturing, hierarchical subtleties, stalking prey, defensive strategies—everything a dog might need to become fluent in “canine.” Compared to “regular” dogs, he was a social genius.

So Lou became the perfect training “ambassador,” a conduit between me and aggressive, confused dogs. He socialized them, tempted them, weathered their assaults, sometimes battled them into submission, won them over. He even saved me on several occasions from Cujo-types hell-bent on my destruction.

Lou and I and a team of other trainers had three months to turn Branka from a gardener-mauling Visigoth into a reasonable companion. If we failed, he would die. I became his primary care person; I’d feed and groom him, maintain his health, and work through the first training sessions. Not a fun prospect, based upon his furious, gate-slamming behaviour.

This Bullmastiff was a dominant, spoiled, untrained musclehead. His breedspecific behaviour had been amplified by his owner’s placating attitude, and a lack of socialization, rules, activity, or routines. The dog lorded over his home like a centurion; all strangers needed to be squashed.

Had Branka been brought to aggression by fear or some other cause, my job would have been more difficult; as it was, though, I had a good chance to succeed, provided I could convince him that I was to be obeyed, respected, and even liked. I spun a plan.

Even bullies need companionship; Branka was no different. Isolate him for a few days and even a gardener might become welcome company. I call it the “Canine Stockholm Syndrome;” eventually the captive becomes enamoured of his captors. So I kept him in an indooroutdoor kennel with all the necessities save company. Every hour, though, I’d visit, sit with my back to him, and read aloud from Beowulf.

Yes, I read to him; angry dogs seem to like it.

He initially growled and slammed the gate with his anvil head. I ignored him.

When done, I’d close the book, toss a cookie over the fence, and leave. Slowly, big bad Branka began to look forward to my appearances. His anger would at some point surrender to loneliness. Dogs are, after all, pragmatic social opportunists.

After three days, I clipped a leash on him and walked him, alone, without explicit handling demands. With my pockets full of treats, Branka and I had reached détente. I could induce simple behaviours with treats (sit, down, on-leash recall). The wild bull was being broken.

Next I double-leashed him with another trainer, and with a soft muzzle on.

Double-leashing allows one trainer to give commands and work a dog in relative safety, while the other trainer simply prevents the dog from attacking the lead trainer. And vice-versa, of course; when done right, the dog cannot attack anyone.

It takes practice though; a strong dog like Branka can pull you off your feet in a second and lunch on you.

I never wore protective gear during these sessions, as many dogs react fearfully to it. I wanted to mimic real-life conditions, too; no owner would walk their dog

Dogs are, after all, pragmatic social opportunists.

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Lou came out of the trees. He was fast and strong, and, unlike Branka, an expert study of the canine psyche. dressed up in a bite suit, so I didn’t either. I do not subscribe to the idea that, if you render a dog’s bite ineffective (through suit use), it will eventually extinguish the behaviour. I know better.

A week of double-leashing Branka evoked a few useless eruptions, especially when we began working him in sight of other people and dogs. But there was nothing he could do about it; he simply had to cope.

Next came envy. I’d tether him to an eye hook mounted to a concrete wall. Then, 20 feet off, I’d work Lou on basic commands, and pet and play with him. Far enough away to prevent Branka from firing up (yes, he was dog-aggressive), but close enough to make him jealous. It’s an example of a “healthy stressor;” Branka now wanted to befriend me. But another thing began to happen; he saw that Lou and I liked each other.

Then the drama began. I took the Bullmastiff out to a fenced-in sheep field and let him go. I walked around and ignored him. He strutted around for a bit, ran the fence, dug a hole, looked at me. I tossed him a treat and he caught it.

Lou came out of the trees. He was fast and strong, and, unlike Branka, an expert study of the canine psyche. He knew what Branka would do, and he wasn’t afraid. I laughed and watched.

Branka charged Lou, who stood in the middle of the field sniffing out sheep dung and watching the charging Goliath. Then Lou’s tail wagged; he knew it was time to work.

Branka roared like a lion. Lou jetted off and cut hard. He’d won agility contests before; no thundering Bullmastiff could touch him.

Lou teased him, slowed down, waited, then took off just before Branka could nail him. Lou toyed with him. Like Muhammad Ali, he rope-a-doped him.

After 15 minutes, Branka collapsed into the grass. Lou stood 10 feet off. After catching his breath, Branka tried again but failed.

Lou flew by me; I tossed him a cookie and he caught it in midair.

Branka barked then collapsed again. Lou sat near him and waited.

We did this for three days. Finally, Branka surrendered. Lou stood close by, watching carefully. “You cannot catch him,” I said, scratching Branka’s rump. He sighed and looked up at Lou. Branka had made the first dog friend of his life.

From then on, I worked Branka with Lou by my side, and let them run in the sheep field. Without him realizing, I had created a small pack for Branka, with him at the bottom. It was a revelation; he could have fun and feel at ease without being in charge.

We socialized him with other dogs, and worked him at parks and on the street. For us, he was now tractable. But our success had to do partly with him being removed from his home, where his aggressive mindset had taken root. Sending him back now would only reopen the problem. So we took him back to Los Angeles, and I joined the gardening crew.

I spent days teaching the family to be decent, respected owners to Branka. Then, I got the gardeners involved in training the brute.

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We went for fast, directed walks together; I handed the leash off each to them, and had them command and reward him. When they arrived at the house, I had the owner take Branka out to meet them at the truck, instead of having them simply walk through the gate. He got treats, pets, attention; he did down/stays, waits, leave-its, and got only earned attention.

Finally, the sentence of death that had

hung over him was commuted.

Branka could have never been passively redirected into a more peaceful role; he had to be confronted with intelligence, perseverance, authority, and unyielding doggish resolve. He was also not a dog who could have been fixed by the owners alone, even with a trainer making regular visits; he had to be re-booted first by experts, then re-homed, with expert coaching of the

The sentence of death that had hung over him was commuted.

family. Without this, he would have been put down.

Lou and I saved hundreds of dogs threatened by the Grim Reaper. It’s an extraordinary feeling; like working the high wire without a net. But it’s also a delicate, dangerous procedure. Each case is unique, and no one “philosophy” ever works, except one which mandates flexibility, and a deep empathy for the canine condition.

And, of course, a desire to deny the Reaper his due. For, truth be told, I have always been able to hear the call of those sweet dogs beneath all that thunder. n

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39

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ASK AN EXPERT

Dogs and Kids

Ask Colleen Safford

Q:

We recently added a new member to our family, a four-year-old Miniature Dachshund. Pelly is a lovely little dog BUT she keeps running and nipping after my children (4 and 6), who squeal and run away. My kids think it’s funny but I’m worried about the behaviour escalating and someone getting bitten. How can I stop the chasing and nipping before I have a problem on my hands? —Nipped in North Bay

A:

Kids and dogs are as well suited for one another as meat The Crate. Pelly should have a place where she can go for quiet and potatoes or apple pie and ice cream. This nostalgic time and when you cannot supervise her. Four- and six-year-olds notion sweeps us into the perfect mommy fairytale daydream of have underdeveloped motor skills and their every interaction “a boy and his dog.” Then, poof, daydream ends and the mania should be monitored and coached. If you are not interacting with begins. I’m speaking not only as a dog trainer, but as a mama of the children and dog, Pelly should be safely confined to her bedtwo toddlers. room (crate). Be proactive. If you see the kids are amping up, hapChildren run, and dogs chase. Children squeal and dogs bark. pily and calmly escort Pelly to her place before things go awry. The The combination can be quite “enthusiastic” (to put a positive spin crate should be in a quiet area where the children will not release on it!). It warrants 24/7 supervision and guidance. her or tease her.

Your question doesn’t give me all of the puzzle pieces, but if Energy Outlets. Build up the power of her bedroom by always you feel the chasing is anxiety-fear driven, I strongly suggest workproviding an assortment of things for Pelly to chew on while ing with a humane dog trainer to assess the situation. Seek a trainlounging in her crate. Food-stuffed toys, Flossies, and a raw marer through The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (apdt.org). If you row bone are all great pooch pacifiers. aren’t sure, err on the side of caution and bring The Children. Your little cuties with opposable in a trainer to help you. Working with a trainer thumbs have a strong ability to learn! You must Your job is may also be helpful and fun for your children teach them appropriate and gentle forms of handling to recognize to learn and to accept information from an Pelly. Give them constructive exercises to interact everyone’s mental with her while you supervise. They can cue Pelly to exciting third party (versus their boring parent whom they hear and see all day, each day). ability, limits, and sit, and YOU can reward her for doing so. They may Meanwhile, try the Harmonious House Plan, understanding of toss a toy for her to chase and YOU may retrieve it as described below. normal behaviour. from her mouth. Teach them to calmly pet her only The Parent. Your job is to recognize everywhen YOU are present and she approaches them one’s mental ability, limits, and understanding (not vice versa). Do not allow them to pick her up of normal behaviour. You cannot entirely change the creatures, but and hug her. While “cute,” to humans, dogs do not understand this you can manage them, guide them, and create an environment to as a nurturing gesture. Teach your children that, when Pelly is lying keep everyone safe. You MUST learn the basics of dog body landown or sleeping, they are not to disturb her. guage and early stress signals; visit www.doggonesafe.com. This is Finally, from one parent to another, never forget the power of a an excellent resource site for child-dog bite prevention. day’s end bubble bath! n Exercise. Pelly needs daily exercise and places to release her As host of The Family Pet on Pet Life Radio, dog trainer Colleen Safford raises awareenergy appropriately, at least one hour of heart-pumping cardio a ness on pet-child safety, appropriate pet selection, and understanding dog body day. Parents are a busy bunch; if you feel you cannot do this, hire language. Colleen’s companies, NY Walk & Train and Far Fetched Acres, have been a walker to help. I cannot stress the importance of exercise for a voted “Best of NY” by New York Magazine and offer quality, life-enriching services to Manhattan’s pooch population. Colleen receives daily training from her toddler dog enough. children and is proudly owned by her rescued Boxer(ish).

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moderndogmagazine.com

43

! e l i Sm

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Wınners!

Pearls

Max Aradia Lynn

Mia Reese Angel

Nellie Gracie

Shirley Girl

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Chubby

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Mantu Louie Dakota

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Lulu

Send us photos of your picture-perfect pooch! The winning entries will be published in the Spring 11 issue. Send photos to: Modern Dog Photo Contest, Suite 202, 343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4. Submitted photographs are property of Modern Dog and will not be returned.

Please include your name, dog’s name and breed, address and contact info, including telephone number. Enter online at moderndogmagazine.com or send 4 x 6 print photographs. Assignment of rights applies; see full details at moderndog magazine.com/photosubmission. moderndogmagazine.com

45

Due Notice Celebrity trainer Mark Harden on coercing cooperation from spiders, on-set mishaps, and Robert Downey Jr’s latest love affair

By Melissa Barr

Trainer Mark Harden with Due Date star French Bulldog Sunny.

PHOTO BY MELINDA SUE GORDON

I

t reads almost like a modern-day fairy tale, with a few extra sea lions, a spider or two, and a charming, if flatulent, French Bulldog thrown in for a little variation. In this twisted Cinderella story, our hero, Mark Harden, goes from smalltown Northern California boy to renowned trainer to the stars, falling in love with a co-star along the way. So how did Harden land the dream job of the century?

“I wanted to be a dolphin trainer,” he confesses. “[Moorpark College] had the only animal training degree you could get, so I went there for a little bit, and I was discovered by Animal Actors of Hollywood while working with a sea lion. I started working for them.”

For his first major job in the business, it was a pretty lucky break, and definitely contributed to Harden’s reputation as a man who can train just about anything.

“They were primarily exotic animals,” he explains. “I started with Never Cry Wolf, and then I did Dracula, Gremlins, and Dennis the Menace and a bunch of shows for them, until the guy who owned the place retired after I’d worked for him for about 18 years. I did everything from ants to elephants—believe me when I say everything!” After working for Animal Actors, Harden went to work for Boone’s Animals for Hollywood, where he continues to work now, collecting credits in everything from Paulie to Pirates of the Caribbean, not to mention Cats & Dogs, Must Love Dogs, and Hachi.

Despite the glamour of the industry, it certainly has not been all fun and games for Harden.

“I did the movie Arachnophobia, where you’ve got a bunch of spiders, and The Dark Half, where you’ve got 5000 tiny birds,” he says. “You don’t really train them, you learn them. You take your training period and you figure them out so that you can train the crew how to film them.”

His latest project, Due Date, stars Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis, as well as an adorable starlet named Sonny, a French Bulldog. In the movie, Downey is desperately trying to make it to the birth of his child and ends up hitching a ride with unlikely road-buddy Galifianakis. The

addition of the dog was actually an afterfree of stunts and tricks, and the director thought. wanted her to act natural, so Harden’s “They were a couple of weeks from role ought to have been pretty simple on going to camera when, at a script meeting, set. Unfortunately, for anyone who knows they came up with giving Zach’s character French Bulldogs, they have a few quirks a dog,” Harden says. “They went on our that made the set of Due Date a particularly website and looked at pictures of our dogs embarrassing and flatulent place. and asked us to bring “Sonny wasn’t really in the French Bulldog to a movie dog and the Unfortunately, for a meeting. We showed anyone who knows director wanted her to him ours but he’s a big be natural. I did very French Bulldogs, male and too big for little. I pretty much just they have a few quirks that made Zach to carry around. handled her and took the set of Due They were pretty sure care of her. But as time Date a particularly they wanted a French went on, she started embarrassing and Bulldog because they’re realizing that a lot of flatulent place. so funny-looking, so I scenes had nothing to do had to go find one that with her and they startwas small enough to be carried around. We ed getting a little boring. She started falling thought we might need to get a puppy, but asleep in the scene. She’s a French Bulldog I am not a big fan of working with puppies, and she snores. A lot. So she slept through so I found a little 15-pound undersized and snored through a lot of dialogue. female named Sonny and leased her from “They also spent a lot of time in a car her breeder.” on a stage and, well, anyone with a French The dog’s role in Due Date is relatively Bulldog knows they can be quite flatulent.

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Sometimes, after several takes, the actors would just fall out of the car because she had stunk it up so badly. Somehow that’s embarrassing for me!”

Laughing, he confesses, “I find it easier to work with animals than actors. I mean, I’ve never had a problem with actors, they’ve all been great. Everyone wants the shot to work so they help you out as much as you can. The animal, though, they’ll just do what you tell them. They don’t ask a lot of questions about why.

The most challenging part? Harden tells us it’s when “they cast the dog against its type. They cast a Poodle or a cute little fluffy dog and they want him to behave aggressively or they cast a low-energy dog and want him to be energetic. I think the closer they cast an animal to the role, the easier it is to get them to be that character.”

Given his tendency to select shelter dogs for his stars, Harden is an expert on training them, and personally believes that failed pets make the best stars.

“I prefer shelter dogs who have generally been owner surrenders,” he says. “Generally people only give up dogs who have a history of what I call success. They are winners because they succeeded in ruining the furniture, tearing up the sprinklers, digging up the flowers. Whatever misbehaviour they thought was fun and worth doing, they succeeded at it. When their owners couldn’t handle it anymore, the dogs ended up in shelters. Those dogs have a lot of ‘push back’ on them. If I’ve raised a puppy and asked him to do the same thing more than once, he’ll think he’s in trouble. These other dogs, they’re going to start to look for a way to get around it. That leads to a lot of interesting behaviours that I can put on cue and you have a dog that keeps trying all day.”

Sometimes, however, this tendency to improvise and work around the restrictions given does not always create a positive result, as Pat Sajak, host of Wheel of Fortune, can attest. While filming a commercial for the game show, Harden’s charge, a feisty Golden Retriever, grew bored with his role and began to ad lib to disastrous consequences that had the cast and crew in stitches, and though Harden tries vehemently to defend his professional honour and claim he was humiliated, he’s laughing as he tells the story.

“Pat Sajak and Vanna White were in their spot and a family had just won a car,” he says. “They were supposed to run out with their dog and go make a fuss over the car. We did the shot many times, and then the dog came up one time and put his feet up on Pat Sajak.

They loved that and asked if we could do it again. Well, this was a dog which, in the previous movie, had to hump somebody, so after a few takes of putting his feet up on Pat Sajak, he started to hump him. That was really embarrassing! Everybody thought it was funny.

I don’t think on-set mishaps are funny, I’m usually dying while everyone else is laughing!”

There is a sense of responsibility inherent in training animals for film, however, and Harden is aware of it. For the dogs themselves, he always ensures they enjoy their work, and if they don’t, he finds homes for them.

“If I didn’t think the dog enjoyed the work, we would get through the movie and I would try to find a home for the dog. It’s a great life for a working dog, but a dog that doesn’t like the work or doesn’t

PHOTOS COURTESY WARNER BROS PICTURES

“I find it easier to work with animals than actors.”

From top: Behindthe-scenes on-set shot of Harden working with Sunny, the French Bulldog star of Due Date; stills from the movie.

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work much, it’s just a kennel life. If I had a dog that I didn’t think had a career in movies, if an actor truly liked them and could take care of them, I would certainly let them adopt it. We gave Halle Berry a cat from Catwoman. She really fell in love with this one cat, so I showed her how to take care of it and set it up in her apartment in Vancouver.”

Harden is not immune to his co-workers either, though he strives to be. In a touching, fairy-tale-esque story that ought to reassure anyone who watched and loved the movie Hachi, the gorgeous Akita star of that movie, Chico, found a home in Harden’s house and in his heart.

“We leased him for the movie Hachi: a Dog Story,” he says. “I trained him for that and I just fell madly in love with this dog.

I couldn’t believe it, I’d work so many and always believed in a teacher relationship.

They come and they go and they aren’t with me all the time, I just needed a bit of separation. But this dog was the hardest dog I ever had to train, and I fell head over heels in love with him.

“Then the movie was over and we were going to return him to the breeder, and she had watched me work with the dog.

She said, ‘You can have him, he’s yours.

That’s where he belongs. Akitas don’t pick people very often, and when they do, they don’t pick another. You guys are meant for each other.’ He’s become a huge part of my family, He’s the single most gorgeous dog on the planet.”

For Mark Harden, hard work and a natural affinity for animals have won him a dream job, dream dog, and enough starstudded names to drop in casual conversation for a lifetime.

As for Sonny, the fragrant yet bewitching Frenchie, she had a little love affair of her own on set. “Zach liked her,” Harden confessed. “But I think Robert actually fell in love with her. His character wasn’t supposed to, but he really did. He wanted to see if he might be able to keep her, but the breeder wanted to keep her.”

The good news? Dog-love is totally catching, and rumour has it, Downey is considering soothing his broken heart over the loss of Sonny by finding another lucky, lucky dog to love. n

Want to get your dog into the movies?

When asked to offer some advice, Harden says, “First, avoid anyone who is telling you that they can get your dog into the movies. There are, like with children and models, people that will take your money and take pictures of your dog. The thing is, most companies have dogs of their own and we rarely go out of our company. We need to own the animals outright because it can take four months of training, six months of filming, and another four months holding them for pick-up shots. You basically have to give your dog up to a professional trainer to get them into film.”

If you want to get into the business yourself, it’s not easy and there is no specific education route to take.

“The college [Moorpark] still exists,” Harden says.

“But it’s called the America Teaching Zoo now. They don’t focus so much on animal training anymore so much as they do animal husbandry and zoo keeping, and it’s a good starting point. It gets you down to L.A. where the business is and it teaches you the most important thing: how to take care of animals.

We do a lot of our recruiting from there. A lot of people also get in through working at a vet clinic, or grooming— any kind of animal experience that shows you it’s not just fun and games. It’s hard work.”

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eat

D.I.Y.

nutrition

Give a Dog a Bone Peanut Butter Crunch Bones This easy, healthy recipe from Polka Dog Bakery will have your dog sitting up and begging for more!

Note: If your dog has a wheat allergy, substitute barley flour for whole wheat flour. Recipe yields 8-24 bones, depending on size of cutter.

INGREDIENTS 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup rye flour 3/4 cup unsalted peanut butter 1 egg 1 1/4 cups water honey peanuts, ground carob chips, unsweetened (optional) SPECIAL EQUIPMENT parchment paper; cookie cutters

DIRECTIONS PHOTO LUCAS ZAREBINSKI

I’m Dreaming of a “Rice” Christmas Here, everyone’s favourite dog loving chef/television personality, Rachael Ray, shares a healthy, seasonal, and seriously tasty dog-approved dish. Let your pup celebrate the season with her quick recipe for a delish, healthy bacon-spiked dinner both you and your dog can enjoy. Yum-o!

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

2 slices bacon 1 carrot, shredded 1 stalk celery, finely chopped ¼ red bell pepper, chopped ½ cup cooked broccoli florets ½ cup cooked brown rice 2 tsp turmeric 2 Tbsp grated parmigiano-

In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; transfer to a papertowel-lined plate to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon bacon grease from the skillet.

Add the carrot, celery, and bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the broccoli, brown rice, and turmeric and cook until heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool.

Serve the rice in a dog dish. Crumble the bacon on top and let it snow with the parmigiano-reggiano!

reggiano cheese

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WINTER 2010/ 11

1. Preheat oven to 3250.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat and rye flours.

3. Mix in peanut butter, egg, and water. Stir to combine. Form a ball, then remove from bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 30 seconds.

4. Roll out dough to a scant 1/4” PHOTO POLKA DOG BAKERY thickness, cut into desired shapes (bone-shaped cutters recommended) and, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet 5. Bake for 40 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool.

6. Brush one half of the bones on both sides with honey. Roll in peanuts until honey is completely coated. Allow to dry, about 15 minutes.

7. If using carob for garnish, melt chips over a double boiler or in a microwave and drizzle onto the bones. Keep in a sealed container for up to two weeks.

Polka Dog Bakery began in the heart of Boston’s hip and historic South End. Founded as a tribute to a one-eyed rescue Boxer, Pearl, this cozy local-dog hangout keeps alive Pearl’s memory and embraces her spirit of small-town friendliness. All Polka Dog treats are baked fresh from scratch every day using the finest all-natural ingredients, with no added salt or preservatives, and can be found in quality dog shops and natural food stores across the globe.

From Wired to Tired in Under an Hour Perfect for trips to the vet, car rides or thunderstorms, Sleepytime Tonic calms a nervous or anxious dog. The blend of all natural herbs does not sedate, it simply relaxes. You'll see results in about 20 minutes but as you continue using Sleepytime Tonic you'll see a decrease in anxiety, hyperactivity and nervousness.

To place an order call toll free 866 427 7920 • 424 227 6363 e-mail Sales@HappytailsSpa.com www.HappytailsSpa.com

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My Dog Tulip, A Love Story

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by Rose Frosek

IMAGES COURTESY NEW YORKER FILMS

A

t the risk of losing the interest of many in this first sentence, My Dog Tulip is an animated film concerning an attempt to find a mate for a rambunctious German Shepherd. But don’t let this deter you. This sweet, offkilter film is a faithful adaptation of British author J.R. Ackerley’s 1956 memoir, directed and illustrated by Paul and Sandra Fierlinger, that stands as testament to the abiding bond between man and dog.

At heart, Tulip is a love story, one that will touch anyone who has ever loved a dog.

The film follows Ackerley’s acquisition of Tulip, a surprise move for the committed bachelor and misanthrope. It is Ackerley’s curmudgeonly voice, provided by Christopher Plummer, that wends its way through the film. Aside from Plummer’s narration, taken straight from the book, there is little dialogue, but that is no bother as this is the story of two; all others are peripheral.

Their misadventures squiggle and jump to life, each cell handdrawn. Tulip is constant motion, riotous movement, over which Ackerley’s stooped figure is seen, hastening to keep up and keep a check on his dog, in whom he clearly delights. Tulip is an awakening for Ackerley, though neither he nor the film sentimentalizes the relationship. Having never succeeded in finding the ideal friend he had been searching for, in Tulip he finds the “constant, singlehearted, incorruptible, uncritical devotion, which is in the nature of dogs to offer.”

That Ackerley was not even particularly fond of canines makes his transformation into an all-out dog person all the more thrilling.

That he, ignorant of the ways of dogs, somehow ends up with a bounding, exuberant 18-month-old German Shepherd, rescuing her from a family not as sympathetic to the peculiarities and peccadilloes of an untrained pup, is a delight. And so begins their tender romance, one based not on Ackerley’s projection of human qualities upon his dog, but rather on his acceptance of her otherness.

It is precisely this, the staunch refusal to anthropomorphize Tulip, that is one of the film’s greatest strengths. She is a dog, her motivations clearly canine, and if anyone grows more like the other in the course of the film, it is Ackerley, who learns to see the world through the eyes of his dog, his life thus transformed.

While the wry reflections on life with Tulip will be familiar to any one devoted to their dog, the film also provides a rather fascinating glimpse into old-school dog ownership, one in which Ackerley stands by, poop-scooper-less, while his dog does her business on the sidewalk, in front of the enraged green grocer, no less. But, as in most great romances, they are too caught up in their own needs and narrative to have much concern for the discomfit of others. Tulip is largely leashless throughout. And then there is the aforementioned fact that much of the story revolves around Ackerley’s attempts to pair Tulip with a suitable mate, a goal not much in fashion in this time of gravely necessary spay/neuter campaigns.

But this is mainly an interesting aside. The real pleasure here is the joyously animated, clear-eyed, unsentimental portrayal of a cross-species friendship, an antidote to the usual maudlin treatment this subject receives. Yes, it’s an odd film, but one that proves utterly charming. n

And so begins their tender romance, one based not on Ackerley’s projection of human qualities upon his dog, but rather on his acceptance of her otherness.

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Be seen! Deflect danger when walking at night with reflective, stretchy Bright Steps Leg Bands, available in three sizes. fab4pets.com

$10

Satisfy your green thumb by growing your dog some barley grass, satisfying his urge to graze and adding nutrients and minerals to his diet. Just plant, grow, and trim! lavishandlime.com

20 or less

$

Gift GUIDE

$15

If your dog’s tough on toys, gift him Go Dog’s Moose Stretch or Flatty toy, made with Chew Guard technology for extra durability. republicofpaws.com

$12

This mediumsized (10”) classic Sock Monkey squeaky toy—with Santa hat, no less—makes us nostalgic in the best way. dogtoys.com

$17

Earl & Mooch: A Mutts Treasury (Andrews McMeel, 2010), Patrick McDonnell’s character’s Earl & Mooch remind us once again of all the beauty there is in life: that dogs and cats can be friends, that the world is a magical place worthy of our respect, and that the smallest things can make a difference. And it’s funny, too.

$16

100% cotton, cute, and squeaky, the Royal Guard toy should have Fluffy barking with a British accent in no time. oopsmydog.com

$9

$10

It’s durable, bouncy, minty, recyclable, glows in the dark, and 100% of proceeds go to the not-for-profit Planet Dog Foundation. Could the OrbeeTuff Glow for Good ball get any better?

The answer is yes, if you pair it with the new, sustainable, bamboo ball-tosser, the Wood Chuck ($20). planetdog.com

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Shake up the menu with Bocce’s Bakery all-natural organic dog biscuits made from locally sourced, in-season ingredients in flavours such as Grandma’s Apple Pie, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and The Elvis. Home delivery service available for $28/ month. boccesbakery.com

$17

Make sure your dog sparkles with Happy Tails’ all-natural Sparkle & Shine Shimmering Mist. Mica adds a bit of glitz to your dog’s coat, while silk proteins and aloe moisturize. happytailsspa.com

20 or less

$

GiftGuide

$14

Bark, pray, laugh. Let the Yoga Puppies 2011 wall calendar help fulfill your New Year’s resolution: organized, flexible, and in a state of Zen. yogadogz.com

$5-7

Go on safari with Charming’s new line of jungle-inspired balloon toys.

These animals, they pack a mean squeak. charmingpetproducts.com

$15

Adored beach brand Body Glove has made a foray into the pet market.

If you’re escaping the winter weather for sunnier climes, be sure to pack their quick drying Pet Rashguard tee. The SPF 50 fabric blocks rays and also prevents chafing should your dog care to try surfing. bodyglove.com

$20

While everything may not taste better with dog hair, it certainly feels better.

Proclaim your love of dog even while toiling over a hot stove. aspcaonlinestore.org

$8-12

Rover can now pick up where you left off with Fisher-Price’s iconic Xylophone, Chatter Telephone, or Rocka-Stack toys made especially for pets. petsmart.com

$14 $8-9

Spice up meal time with a new bowl. We think these retro-print dog bowls in melamine or ceramic are the cat’s meow. ore-pet.com

Tricky treat.

It’s a whole new ball game with the Tricky Treat Ball, a treat-dispensing rubber ball to keep Rover engaged. $14, omegapaw.com

Editor’s Pick You can now doodle dogs all over your iPhone case, which should definitely keep you from mixing up your phone with your lunch date’s. Trexta’s Sketch Up case, available for iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4, is a low-profile protective recycled plastic case covered with recycled brown drawing paper. Use crayon, ink, marker, or pencil to personalize any way you want. $20 for two, trexta.com

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$10-25

$28

Your walls will go to the dogs— in a good way—with Victor Powell’s “It’s a Dog’s World” print. Each poster is matted, signed, and numbered by the artist. victorpowell.com

Put leashes in their place with a colourful leash hook. Have more leashes than you can handle? Hooks are available in various colours and designs–mix and match to suit your mood. thesecreatures.com

$44-52

Keep the kibble locked up tight in case your dog gets the midnight munchies. Simply Delicious powder-coated steel cans with latches keeps food and treats organized and secure. one4pets.com

$7-29

Sushi Pups’ toys are squeakalicious and available in Uni, Tuna, Tamago, or four piece combos. sushipups.com

GiftGuide $

50 or less Editor’s Pick

$20-25

Why not personalize your iPhone case with a photo of you and your pup? The Uncommon iPhone Deflector Case, available for iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4, allows you to upload an image for a completely custom, oneof-a-kind protective cover.

(The one pictured here is of Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson and Kaya.) $35, getuncommon.com

When the going gets tough, the “ruff” get a comfy, roll-up travel dogbed made from discarded yoga mat material. petzenproducts.com

These custom chewresistant canvas dog-bed covers are thrilling in their utilitarian minimalism. Personalize with your pet’s name and paw-print option for an individual touch. Can be custom-fitted to any crate size. animaloutfittersonline.com

The ultimate multitasking jacket. Not only waterproof, windproof, and washable, the 1Z coat is also a harness. 1zcoat.com

$35

Add a touch of whimsy to the garden or home with a hand-cast stone ornamental plaque. carruthstudio.com

WINTER 2010/ 11

Whether or not Rex is into mountain climbing, these durable Mountain Rope leads with carabiners make for easy pit-stops on dog walks; simply snap one end of the lead to the other without having to unleash him to do so. tailwags.com

$35

$42-50

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$30-34

$90

Dean and Tyler’s classic, durable leather collars offer understated luxury for big dogs. This one is finished with antique brass plates. dtdogcollars.com

100or less

$

GiftGuide

$44-68

Canis Wear’s super, functional ski jacket is snow- and water-resistant and cuts the cold with a fleece lining.

Reflective piping and back leg elastics are an added bonus. Fits dogs up to 110lbs. caniswear.com

$79

Save your pennies, in more ways than one. We like to think of this shiny piggy bank (or would that be doggie bank?) as an affordable, miniature version of artist Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog. animicausa.com

$35+

Goodbye wet socks and messy floors! Keep your dog’s dining area tidy with this handy little contraption that prevents spills and protects floors. neaterfeeder.com

$80+

Sweet doggie dreams will abound when Buster sinks into this puffy, super cozy, environmentally-friendly Eco Drop dog bed.

Available in sizes for dogs big to small, $80 - $170. dogids.com

Great Gifts for Kids $17

$17

Catch up on your canine knowledge with DogSmarts, a 60 questionand-answer card game. A super stocking stuffer for dog lovers and game enthusiasts. mentalfloss.com

Easily the two most unconditional friends you’ll have in life: dogs and books.

Louise Yate’s sweet story Dog Loves Books (Random House, 2010) is to sure delight children ages 4 - 8.

Editor’s Pick

$13/$20

Get creative with the MoMA modern playhouse and family, complete with mix and match wall coverings, furniture, and Scotty dog. Because even a mid-century modern house is not a home without a dog. momastore.org (Modern Play Family, $13; modern Play House, $20)

$16-50

Choose among the cute shirts, onesies, dresses, outerwear, and hats in Lucky Puppy’s collection of kids wear. 15% of sales go towards helping homeless animals. luckypuppyonline.com

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GiftGuide$

250or less $120

Shred your way to supper-time with this solid maple skate deck turned Red Tartan Skateboard Feeder, a safe bet for kitchen couture.

Recycled decks also available for the eco-conscious canine. bitchnewyork.com

$220

Catch those priceless moments with the new Flip Ultra HD 2 hr video camera, then share them with the world with it’s preloaded software that allows you to instantly upload to Facebook and Twitter. It’s sleek, compact, and ridiculously easy to use, plus, you can customize the design! theflip.com

$199

This fashion forward mohair Provence leash will definitely set its recipient apart from the dog-park pack. luxurypets.com

$125

Great gift for girlfriends! Reminisce about summer days at the seaside with Blueblood’s Martha’s Vineyard tote. Its durable canvas outer, cotton interior with removable faux-leather handles, four storage pockets, and silhouetted canine will ensure it’s a vacation staple. bluebloodliving.com

$150

Go hands free!

Fundle pet slings carry dogs up to 18 pounds in the same position they would be held in were you to carry them in your arms—safe, natural, and comfortable. gramercypet.com

$150

Channel tropical bliss with the Bambu Hammock from Pet Lounge Studios. The 100% bamboo frame is slung with a comfy ultra-suede pillow for swell, ultra comfort. petloungestudios.com

$195-$245

With it’s orange and yellow colour scheme, Jonathan Adler’s handloomed Llama’s wool Bones bed has definite retro appeal. jonathanadler.com

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$495

Topping our wish list? The Beth O. Bling Bone Benefit Bracelet. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the 18K gold and diamond stunner will go to the North Shore Animal League. blingbone.com

GiftGuide $

250+ Editor’s Pick

$500

The gift that sucks (and keeps on sucking). The latest Dyson Animal is a bit of a genie in a bottle, but in reverse. This cute, compact vacuum is a powerhouse when it comes to removing dirt, dust, and pet hair from your home and its size makes for easy storage. Comes with attachments specifically for removing pet hair. Thank you, Dyson! DC23 Animal, dyson.com

$599

Give your little dog a leg up—quite literally—with this high chair made especially for dogs, and a work of art in and of itself. The “bone” back opens like a doggie door and there are little steps up the rear of the chair if Fido wants to get in for himself.

Custom chairs for dogs over 30 pounds. boneappetitseat.com

$2,500

Sweet lines.

Straight Line Design’s Limited Edition Pet Camper dog den is the ultimate luxury, a custom-built functional piece of art. straightlinedesigns.com

$300

Happy Menocal’s commissioned works are spot on and a dream to look at.

Celebrate your best buddy with a delightful water colour, pencil, and ink portrait or give one as a present that is pretty much guaranteed to be the best under the tree. happymenocal.com

$285

Show off your love of the game with architect, artist, and designer Hugh Hayden’s HEX Tennis Dog Bed constructed entirely of recycled NYC tennis balls woven together. A two-sided black and red cushion in the center provides comfort for dogs up to 25 pounds. hughhayden.com

$280

The innovative Osanpo bench doubles as a stool or flower stand and comes in the likeness of a Lab, Bulldog, Dachshund or Chihuahua. masakazuhori.com

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The Risk of Love is Loss

How Dogs Respond to Death

By Stanley Coren Illustration by Laura Bifano

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B

ehavioural scientists often debate the question as to whether dogs feel emotion when a loved one dies. Those that doubt it suggest that grief, for example, requires some concept of the nature and implications of death, which is beyond the mental ability of dogs, as it is beyond the mental ability of children before the age of four or five years. Others, me included, feel that dogs are very social animals, and it is the sense of loss of a loved one, rather than an understanding of death that triggers grief in dogs. Furthermore, dogs, like people, can respond to the loss of a loved one with a variety of different emotions ranging from anguish through anger, or an unwillingness to accept the situation.

In my own home, I saw the heartache and sorrow that the loss of a loved one could bring to a dog when my cherished Flat-coated Retriever, Odin, died. My Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Dancer, had lived with Odin every day since Dancer was eight weeks of age. They would play together for hours and simply seemed to enjoy each other’s company. With Odin now gone, Dancer had checked each of the four places where his friend would go to lie down. After doing this several times he wandered to the center of the room, looking around forlornly, and whimpering. His grief only gradually wound down, and to this day he still hopefully rushes toward any long-haired black dogs that he sees with his tail batting and hopeful barks that perhaps his friend has returned.

Some dogs, like people, respond with anger and a feeling that an injustice has been done to them that requires retribution.

I recently came across a document describing an incident in France that occurred around the year 1380 during the reign of Charles V in which a dog’s anger led to justice for the death of his master. It concerned a Greyhound named Dragon, who belonged to Aubrey de Montdidier, a noble, who was the nephew of the Count of Montargis. Dragon accompanied his master wherever he went, and slept in his bedroom on a braided rug.

One day, Montdidier was supposed to meet with a friend, Sieur de Narsac. Narsac had known Montdidier for a long time and had also become quite friendly with Dragon, who would often visit his home with his master. Narsac was also well known at court since he was a knight and captain of the king’s men at arms. Montdidier had planned to meet with his comrade to watch a local tournament that afternoon; however, he did not show up at the agreed time. Although his friend searched and made inquiries about him, for three days no one seemed to know Montdidier’s whereabouts.

Dogs, like people, can respond to the loss of a loved one with a variety of different emotions.

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Signs of Grief & How to Handle Grief in a Pack

By Colleen Safford Dogs who have suffered a loss often show signs indicating their ability to grieve and mourn. The Companion Animal Mourning project, conducted by the ASPCA, showed that 66 percent of dogs will exhibit numerous changes in behaviour after losing a housemate. The study suggests that the duration of mourning can vary from two weeks to, in more severe cases, up to six months. In the animal behaviour world at large, the jury is still out on whether dogs are actually mourning the loss of a loved one, or simply exhibiting anxieties related to the change in routine. Regardless of why a dog is exhibiting behaviour changes, a committed and concerned pet parent can watch for signs and help their pooch through this significant life change.

Canine Symptoms of Grief Loss of appetite

• Decrease in daily intake or refusal to eat all together

Lethargy

• Decreased interest in favourite activities • Increase in sleeping

Anxiety

• Pacing with an inability to settle • Increased panting and drooling not related to exercise or breed • Increased whining and barking • Clingy—follows you from room to room, does not tolerate being left alone

Helping the Grieving Dog Exercise

• If your pooch is already trained, build training requests into your daily routine, such as requesting your dog to sit before you give him a meal, toss a toy, or open the door for a walk. Ask him to make eye contact with you while out walking. Ask him to “Come!” for an extra dose of love and attention

Brain Games

Medication and seeking professional attention

• Commit to a daily regimen of exercise appropriate for your dog’s age and physical capabilities. A leisurely stroll for a senior dog, or a fast paced cardio walk, game of fetch, jog, swim or hike for a younger dog will release energy and feel good hormones • Keep your dog busy with environmental enrichment like chewies and food-stuffed toys • Hide favourite treats, goodies, and toys around your home, allowing your dog to pass time with a scavenger hunt

Training

• Enroll in a dog training class or sport to increase your bond and build your dog’s confidence

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• Contact your vet if your dog is losing weight or refusing to take in food or liquids for an extended time period • Work with a behaviourist to establish a more detailed bonding and confidence building and routine • If behaviour changes are severe and prolonged, consider drug therapies such as Elavil and Prozac

Early on the morning of the fourth day, Narsac was awakened by the sound of scratching at his door. When he opened it, he found Dragon, standing unsteadily on the threshold. He looked weak and starved, with his ribs standing out beneath his coat. The poor dog was in great distress, whining and looking up piteously into Narsac’s face. When food and water were brought to him, Dragon gulped it down swiftly. It was obvious that he had had nothing to eat for several days.

As soon as the dog finished eating he seemed to regain much of his strength. He nuzzled Narsac’s hand and began running back and forth between him and the door, looking toward the outside and barking at the end of each run. It seemed clear to Narsac that the dog wanted the young captain to follow him. The dog’s movements were so unusual that Narsac concluded that the dog’s behaviour must have some connection to the disappearance of his master. Perhaps he was trying to bring help to Montdidier, who might be injured.

Narsac decided to follow the big dog, and Dragon led him down the stairs and into the streets, over the bridge, and out of the Porte St. Martin. It was clear that the dog intended him to follow, since every few yards, the dog would turn back to see if Narsac was following him. So they went on until they entered the Forest of Bondy. This was considered to be a dangerous place, especially at night, since it was infested with bandits and brigands.

The dog led Narsac through several narrow forest paths until he reached a location beneath a large spreading oak tree, where the dog laid down at full length and refused to move. Narsac had a feeling of foreboding about this and decided to return to the city for help. He tried to induce the Greyhound to follow him, but Dragon protested with a combination of growls and whimpers. Returning as fast as he could to Paris, Narsac gathered some help. The party began to dig up the earth where the dog had been stretched out, and soon found the body of Aubrey de Montdidier. The body showed evidence of a violent death. When they took the body to Paris for final burial, the faithful Greyhound followed.

After this incident, Dragon attached himself to Narsac. They lived as close

friends for some weeks when, one fine day as they walked out together along the Rue St. Martin, Dragon began to growl fiercely. The dog broke from his side and attacked a young man named Macaire, who was wearing the uniform of the king’s bodyguard and who had been walking quietly along the opposite side of the street. Two people nearby used their walking sticks to beat the dog off, and he was led away by his new master. A few days later Dragon again encountered Chevalier Macaire and once more tried to attack him.

With the second attack, people began to talk. The rumors of these strange assaults by the dog of an officer of the king’s men at arms, directed at one of the sovereign’s

The poor dog was in great distress, whining and looking up piteously. own bodyguards, soon reached the ear of the king himself, along with whispers of a long-standing quarrel between Montdidier and Macaire. King Charles decided to determine the substance of the matter and had the Sieur de Narsac and his Greyhound brought before him at the Hôtel St. Pol. The young man entered and bowed low before the king, but the dog broke from his side and charged through the crowd of courtiers near the throne to once again single out Macaire as a target.

He was beaten off, but this led Charles to conclude that there must be a good reason for Dragon’s hatred of Macaire. Although the guardsman protested that he didn’t know why the dog was attacking him, the king suspected that this was not true. He decided to put the issue to the time-honoured test of trial by combat and, thus, to let God decide who was the guilty party.

That very afternoon, the strange confrontation took place with the king and his courtiers acting as witnesses. Chevalier Macaire was armed with a stick, and the dog was given an empty barrel as a refuge to retreat from his opponent’s attacks. The big dog seemed to understand the importance of this extraordinary fight, and the moment he was released he darted at his

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64 moderndog

WINTER 2010/ 11

enemy, growling and snapping. Macaire seemed to lose his nerve. His swings of the stick went wild and hit only the air, and in what seemed like short moments, the dog found an opening and managed to pull the man down, tearing at him viciously with his teeth. In abject terror, Macaire pleaded to the king for mercy, shouting out a confession that he had murdered Montdidier. The king allowed that God had indeed judged the matter and no further trial was needed. Macaire was executed that same night.

The story of the dog’s anger and sense of loss for his master has become known in the retelling as the “The Dog of Montargis.” Its truth is supported by contemporary documents, and it was also memorialized in a scene carved upon the stone mantelpiece of a fireplace in the old castle of Montargis shortly after the incident occurred.

Sometimes dogs, like people, simply refuse to accept death or loss.

Sometimes dogs, like people, simply refuse to accept death or loss, and, in their depression, they will engage in desperate or irrational acts to deal with their grief.

In the case of Mickey and Percy, we are again dealing with a dog who has lost a housemate. Mickey was a Labrador Retriever owned by William Harrison and Percy was a Chihuahua that was given to Harrison’s daughter, Christine, when Mickey was already a young adult.

Despite their size and age differences, the two dogs were good friends and playmates until one evening in 1983 when Percy ran out into the street and was hit by a car.

While Christine stood by, weeping, her father placed the dead dog in a crumpled sack and buried him in a shallow grave in the garden.

The depression that fell on the family seemed to affect, not only the humans but also Mickey who sat despondently staring at the grave while everyone else went to bed. A couple of hours later William was awakened by frantic whining and scuffling outside the house. When he investigated the noise, he saw to his horror that the

sack in which he had buried Percy was now laying empty beside the opened grave. Next to it, he saw Mickey, who was in a state of great agitation, standing over Percy’s body, frantically licking his friend’s face, nuzzling and poking at the limp form in what looked like a canine attempt to give the dead dog artificial respiration.

Tears filled the man’s eyes as he watched this futile expression of hope and love. He sadly walked over to move Mickey away when he saw what looked

like a spasm or twitch. Then, Percy weakly lifted his head and whimpered. Perhaps it was some deep sense in Mickey that had recognized there was a faint spark of life in the little dog, or perhaps it was his unwillingness to accept the loss of his companion, but for whatever reason, his love and caring seems to have motivated him to make one last try to save his tiny friend. For that act of canine compassion, driven by Mickey’s sense of anguish and sorrow, the animal charity Pro-dog named him its Pet of the Year. n

What if you could provide a meal to a dog in need with every purchase?

Kinda’ like, Buy for One, Care for Two. Here’s how it works: Included in every Darford treat or food box is an individually wrapped single meal of Darford Zero/ G food for dogs.

You can donate the food to a shelter or rescue of your choosing or simply drop it in the Plus One Donation Hamper in one of the stores that sell Darford products.

Carole & Vegas

Rescued August 28, 2008

We supply the food. You donate it.

Together we make a difference. One meal at a time

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Outta Sight!

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LINDSEY DONOVAN

Despite losing her eyesight at four months, a result of cataracts, eightyear-old Roxy lives life just as any other exuberant, rough and tumble dog would. This precocious Pug/ Boston Terrier mix never lets her disability get her down, and has no trouble keeping up with her much larger brother on long walks over rocky trails. She has developed the uncanny ability to avoid collisions with both furniture and other dogs, although she has been known to bruise a shin or two at the dog park. Her favourite pastimes include swimming in her backyard pool, chasing a squeaky ball, and cuddling up at the foot of her guardian’s bed. Even though Roxy lost her eye due to an injury only four weeks before this photo shoot, she immediately bounced back to her old, sassy self in time for her Modern Dog close up!

Roxy wears a Dosha Dog collar (doshadog.com).

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Duke is a German Shorthaired Pointer raised and trained to hunt deer and birds. Sometime between one and three years of age, he lost his sight due to retinal apathy, a genetically linked visual condition. And that led to his being abandoned at a kill shelter in the eastern United States. He spent nine months shelter surfing, spending no more than two weeks at any one place, just steps ahead of doggie death row, before he made it across the border into BC thanks to Dogwood Rescue in West Vancouver—three cheers for the underground railway!

Lacking any semblance of subtlety or caution or fear, Duke takes on the world at full speed. Duke’s world is a big empty field which he then adds objects to one by one, often after bumping into them. It’s a sort of pinball way through life. Duke’s new family quickly learned that his concept of the world was never one of regret for lost vision, but a vast world to be explored as quickly as possible.

It wasn’t all easy. There were lakes of poo early on as the stresses of moving gripped him, broken dishes and plates, furniture pushed to sides for safety, padding taped over sharp corners and hazards, bruised shins, torn ligaments in fingers. More than once, his new guardian, Alan, was left thinking “I can’t handle this,” but then, at the day’s end, Duke would cautiously climb onto the sofa and snuggle down next to him, sigh and drop into a deep sleep within seconds.

“I see Duke as our own private Buddha, teaching us about patience and accepting,” says Alan. “He never gets upset or frustrated. He just calmly shakes off the bumps, cuts and bruises and tries again. He is not a dog with a disability. Duke is an amazing dog with abilities.”

Duke wears a Roverdog8 collar (roverdog8productions.com).

For adoptable Pointers and other “gun dogs,” go to www.petfinder.com/shelters/dogwoodrescue.html

This is Eyerene. Funny name for a sweet little dog but it is her foster mom’s play on words. Eyerene was found on a sand bank in the middle of a river, dumped there likely because her caretakers did not want to help her with her sore eyes.

Eyerene suffers from dry eye and had never been taken to a vet for treatment. Sadly, due to this neglect, her vision is not what it should be, but Little Paws Rescue has looked after her eyes.

She now feels a lot better, but she may always require medication for her eyes.

Eyerene is small and sweet and enjoys going for walks. She does have a little vision and is able to find her way around very well, but will need a home that will give her a little extra care—but she is worth it! She gets on well with other dogs and cats, too. She is looking for someone who is able to be home with her and pay attention to where she is. She will let you know when she needs to go outside with a little bark, and that same little bark will also tell you when it is time to get up in the morning for breakfast or when she is lonely and needs a little love or a lap to rest on. She enjoys company but is very good when left alone. She is a great little girl and deserves a second chance to enjoy life. Contact littlepawsrescue.net for adoption information.

Eyerene wears a Hot Dogs All Dressed collar (hotdogsalldressed.com)

WANTED: a lap, any lap, small, large, tiny—any lap will do. Trixie is a 12-year-old Toy Poodle.

She was once loved very much when her owners were alive and able to care for her, but, sadly, it was time for them to pass on and they had to leave her behind. Family members had promised to care for her, but they changed their mind and found that they had no time and that she was too much trouble. How that could be is perplexing as Trixie is the quietest, sweetest little dog in the world. She lost the vision in one eye a few years ago and the eye was removed.

She still has the other eye, but it is not working very well any more due to age, but she still gets around very well. She doesn’t care to go for walks; going outside to the bathroom is all she needs, before searching for the nearest lap to curl up on. Now, does this sound like a lot of trouble to you? Contact littlepawsrescue.net for adoption information. Trixie wears a Crystal Affair collar (crystal-affair.com).

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Small but mighty Popeye, so named because he has just one eye, was a stray found wandering the streets of California, where he had to act big to make it out alive. Though weighing in at just five pounds, he has a strong personality, making people take notice of him, but deep inside is an undercover Chihuahua who loves to sleep burrowed beneath the covers. He plays well with dog-friends of an equal size and even likes his feline companions. Despite his hardships on the mean streets, he is still a very loving dog. He likes to be held on his back and have his belly rubbed and will fall asleep in your arms just like that. Do you have a place in your pack for friendly, playful, and happy Popeye? Contact dhanametta. wordpress.com for adoption information.

Popeye wears a Crystal Affair collar (crystal-affair.com).

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As a puppy, Noli was dropped at the SPCA along with three littermates, neglected and half starved. She spent six months at the shelter because nobody wanted a wonky-eyed muddybrindle Pit-mix who loved to talk. They did not know what a great dog they were missing out on. Noli is one of those dogs who is wonderful with all creatures, big and small. She tries to mother hamsters and is so gentle with kids. Over time, Noli has lost her eyesight and eventually had to have both eyes removed, but this has not dampened her spirits one bit. She still loves to swim, go for hikes, and play fetch. She has learned several commands that make it easier for her off-leash, such as “slow,” “careful,” and “stop.” She has also earned her Canine Good Neighbour Certificate and now is doing extra work in movies. On set, she has had to walk through crowded streets full of chickens and hold a stand-still amongst a simulated war scene. Everywhere she goes people are stunned by how well she gets around and adapts to new environments.

Her guardian, Sam, tells us, “She has travelled across North America with me several times and loves new adventures. Most of all, she is the best pal I could ever hope for!”

Noli wears a Roverdog8 collar (roverdog8productions.com).

body &soul Tone your butt while you walk your dog That’s right, butt-toning dog walking shoes Join the crusade against the restrictive, unnatural nature of shoes with MBTs, anti-shoes which replicate the rolling action of walking on natural, uneven surfaces—something hard to find in today’s concrete-covered urban jungle.

With curved soles and an unstable surface for your feet, MBT’s can help solve knee and back problems, ease joint pains, burn more calories, and firm your butt and thighs.

They are being called the antithesis of a shoe… We just think it’s an awesome way to share the benefits of a nice, long walk with your dog. He gets to burn off more energy, and you get a nicer butt. It’s win-win. mbt.com

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Dry Dog Keep winter weather outside where it belongs with the Air Force Quick Draw. At just 3 pounds, this dog dryer is portable and easy to use, yet powerful enough to quickly dry even a large, long-haired puddle lover. Just think, no more soggy dog-towels and damp couches! $130, dogdryer.com

Convalesce in comfort!

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Gone are the days of hard, rigid plastic cones. The Comfy Cone post-surgery recovery collar allows Rex to be comfortable while preventing him from irritating wounds or skin disorders. $12 - $27, buschpetproducts.com

1 Adding a supplement to your aging dog’s diet can aid in a number of common ailments. Help boost immunity, aid in digestion, and promote longevity for better all over health and comfort. greendognaturals.com

2 Dog suffering from hip dysplasia or simply a weakened backend will greatly benefit from a sling. A rear harness will aid in mobility for much greater ease during bathroom breaks or sniffs around the yard. handicappedpets.com

Resource for Guardians of Three-legged Dogs

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resulting in a lot of clean up work. Make your morning routine a little quicker with a dirt, liquid and coat-oil repellant dog bed from Doggone Smart. doggonesmartpetproducts.com

4 Make a game of fetch a cinch for even those with fading eyesight. The VisionSmart ball comes in colours that are highly visible to dogs. visionsmartproducts.com PHOTO LINDSEY DONOVAN

At tripawds.com they’re spreading the word: loosing a limb is not the end of the line. As their motto states, “better to hop on three legs than limp on four.” The site is a great community and resource guide for “tripod” pet guardians, those who have a dog facing an amputation, or anyone considering adopting a threelegged pal. Search, blog, post pics, read inspiring stories, and more.

3 Senior dogs can suffer from incontinence,

A couple of drops of an essential oil blend containing grapefruit, carrot seed and ginger constructed especially for seniors will put the puppy back in your older dog. Just put a few drops in the centre of these unique Daisy Paw diffusers that easily attach to collars and leashes. daisypaw.com

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body &soul Surviving the Holidays No-no’s from the holiday table and beyond Ah, guests with good intentions. Well-meaning visitors are often the worst offenders when it comes to giving dogs all manner of things that will upset their stomachs—or worse. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound (or gargantuan vet bill) of cure. Be sure to stress the importance of not giving your dogs the things listed below.

Rich fatty foods Rich holiday foods can cause stomach problems (who wants to wake up to a “present” from the dog?) and pancreatitis. The classic problem? The dog gets into the ham, turkey, or, worse yet, the Christmas goose, gorges on it, and then gets very sick. Signs of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Bones Bones can splinter and puncture

Grapes and raisins Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, so make sure they’re not left where your dog can help himself, like in a bowl on a coffee table.

Bread dough Yeast dough expands.

When ingested by a dog, expanding dough produces gas in the digestive system, causing pain, and possibly rupture of the stomach and intestines.

Snacks from the table (or snatched

from the counter!) are only one source of danger. Be aware of the following risks as well.

Garbage a.k.a “leftovers” Most

be toxic.

dogs will take any opportunity afforded them to get into the garbage and see what “leftovers” they can find and scarf down. Spoiled, moldy food can make them sick. Bones from the holiday turkey can splinter and cause serious internal damage. Secure the garbage immediately to prevent gastric upset or worse.

Chocolate Chocolate toxicity can occur

Candles Keep lit candles out of reach

the stomach or intestines. Poultry bones pose a particular threat as they become brittle when cooked. Dogs should only be given raw meaty bones intended for them, not the bones left over from a holiday feast.

Booze Even small amounts of alcohol, beer included, can within 24 hours and the effects can be very serious. The darker the chocolate and the greater the amount in relation to body weight, the more harmful. The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and experience rapid heartbeat, increased urination, muscle tremors, and seizures. Not good. We’ve heard many a tale of dogs unwrapping boxes of chocolate left under the tree, so if you suspect a gift box to contain chocolate, don’t leave it where your dog can get at it.

Onions Keep dishes loaded with

onions away from your dog. Onions contain thiosulphate, which damages red blood cells and can cause anemia in dogs.

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of sweeping tails and use a screen around the fireplace, particularly if your dog has unsupervised run of the house

Holiday plants Greenery can be toxic to pets, particularly poinsettia, holly, and mistletoe.

Wrapping paper Dogs, especially

When to consult

n

with your vet: If your dog is has diarrhea, a fever, is vomiting and is quiet and lethargic with signs of abdominal pain, or is restless or irritable with a rapid heartbeat or tremors, give your vet a call. n Did you know? Just a few mistletoe berries can be fatal to dogs. n Shiny, sparkly tinsel can be mesmerizing to animals, but can cause severe problems, often requiring surgical removal, if ingested.

puppies, can and sometimes will eat anything. Just ask the good people at the pet insurance companies: a stomach full of rocks? Yep. Several pairs of pantyhose? Check. And those aren’t even the oddest inedibles consumed by our darling dogs. So make sure you pick up wrapping paper as soon as the gifts are open to prevent Fido from making short work of all the ribbon and tissue.

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body &soul The Doctor’s In Dr. Betsy Brevitz tackles common veterinary vexations

The Common Canine Cold “My dogs seems to have a cold. She’s sneezing and sounds a little congested. Can I give her something over-the-counter for it, or do I need to take her to the vet? Other than these symptoms she seems fine— she’s playful and eating OK.” Dogs do get cold-type infections—kennel cough is one—that are contagious between dogs but not between dogs and people. As in people, they usually run their course between 10 – 14 days. If your dog is eating well, is energetic, and doesn’t have any underlying medical issues (such as heart disease), you can treat her at home with basic nursing care.

Don’t give your dog over-the-counter medicines for her cold—they’re not necessary, and it’s easy to overdose a dog on pain killers. But as your grandmother night say, how about a little chicken soup? Offer your dog some chicken soup that’s lukewarm (you should be able to hold your finger in it comfortably), and not too oily or salty. She’ll probably love it, the extra liquid will keep her well hydrated, and it may help relieve her congestion the way it’s been shown to do in people. You could also run a hot shower and hang out in the steamy bathroom with your dog for five or ten minutes once or twice a day to help loosen the congestion.

Clean gently around her eyes and nose with wet cotton balls a couple of times a day if she has mucous there, and make sure she gets plenty of rest and water.

She’s probably contagious so she shouldn’t have nose-to-nose contact with other dogs until she’s completely well.

The Doctor

Dogs do get cold-type infections.

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Cloudy Eyes or Cataracts?

Most dog’s pupils start to look cloudy as they reach middle age, and sometimes owners assume their dogs are developing cataracts. Most often, however, this cloudiness is a thickening of the fibers that make up the lens of the eye, rather than the more severe changes in the lens that occur with cataracts. The “normal” cloudiness of older dogs’ eyes probably blocks some of the light in reaching the retina and decreases their vision a bit, but since dogs don’t need to drive cars this slight handicap doesn’t affect their normal activities.

Cloudy eyes in puppies or young dogs, however, are not normal and should be checked by a veterinarian.

The difference between true cataracts and cloudy pupils is apparent when a veterinarian examines your dog’s eyes with an ophthalmoscope. There are two general categories of cataracts: those that occur in young dogs (usually less than six years old) and those that occur in older dogs (usually more than eight years old). Cataracts of young dogs almost always are an inherited problem. They may be present at birth or first appear when a dog is a few months old, and they may progress very quickly. Cataracts of older dogs also can be hereditary, or they can be caused by diabetes.

Cataracts progressively decrease a dog’s vision, sometimes to the point of blindness, and in later stages they can irritate the eye and become painful. Surgery is the only cure, although vets usually recommend waiting to have surgery until the cataracts have developed to a “mature” stage. During the surgery, which is performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist, the lens is either broken up using sound waves and removed through a tiny incision in the cornea, or removed intact through a larger incision. Sometimes the lens is

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replaced with an artificial one, but that’s not absolutely necessary—a dog’s distance vision is good even without a lens and his near vision is bolstered by his nose and other senses.

If cataracts are so opaque that a veterinarian can’t see through them to the retina, an electroretinogram (ERG) should be done before deciding on surgery. The ERG measures nerve impulses emitted by the retina to check whether the retina is working properly. In some instances, a dog with cataracts may also have a retinal problem that would leave him blind or nearly so even if the cataracts were removed. In such cases, surgery is recommended only if the cataracts are causing pain, not to restore eyesight.

Natural Supplements and Heart Disease “I’ve heard there are natural supplements that can help dogs with heart disease. Is this true?”

C

M

Y

A variety of natural supplements have been investigated for CM their effects on dogs with heart disease. Here are some of the MY more common supplements and how they are used.

CY Taurine and L-carnitine. Some Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, and Golden Retrievers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are defi- CMY cient in these protein components, so supplements are highly K recommended for dogs of those breeds who have DCM. Taurine and L-carnitine may be helpful in other breeds with DCM as well, but so far they haven’t been shown to prevent DCM to play a role in other types of heart disease.

Fish Oil. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil increase appetite and decrease muscle wasting in some dogs with DCM or congestive heart failure. They may also help suppress arrhythmias.

Coenzyme Q10. This antioxidant reduces symptoms in some people with DCM, but so far these effects haven’t been shown in dogs.

Other antioxidants. Antioxidants are believed to help prevent coronary disease, but dogs aren’t susceptible to this condition.

Antioxidants may help relieve symptoms in dogs with congestive heart failure, but so far there’s no direct evidence of this.

Hawthorne berry extract. This natural diuretic makes the kidneys excrete more water and minerals. Diuretics react with many other medications and can change the results of blood tests, so be sure to tell your vet if you are giving your dog hawthorne berry extract. n

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

Available wherever books are sold.

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body &soul Education for Change Humane leadership offered as online courses

Sashas Blend brings back a dog’s old tricks...

And helps create new ones!

It’s never too early or too late to protect your dog’s joints.

We firmly believe that it’s possible to teach an old dog new tricks, and now you can learn a few too.

Thanks to Duquesne University, you have the chance to become an agent for change in animal welfare.

The program is open to those already employed in animal care or those wishing to be, and is taught entirely online to make it convenient for those who spend far too many exhausting hours working for animal rights. Accredited degree courses include Animal Health and Behaviour in a Shelter Environment, Compassion Fatigue, Studies in Humane Education, Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence, and Fundraising, Philanthropy, and Resource Development.

Animal Protection as a Social Movement and Fundraising Basics and Financial Management both start on January 8th. For more information, check out duq.edu/ leadership/humane/.

Seeing the Light Where invasive procedures and medication are out of the question or have proven ineffective, another option has come to light. Light therapy in the form of infrared light delivered via LED technology is thought to reduce chronic pain linked to arthritis, stiffness, and back and joints while simultaneously boosting the immune system and ability to recover post-injury. The TheraPet LED Light Therapy System (therapet.ca) is designed for non-invasive, therapeutic use, and, priced at $89, seems a good place to start. A scientific study of the efficacy of light therapy has yet to be undertaken but strong anecdotal evidence suggests it can make a real difference. Many veterinary practices are employing this kind of low-intensity laser therapy to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms at the cellular level, using the therapy to treat arthritis, muscle or tendon injuries, skin wounds, back pain, and joint. Now you can try it at home!

Pet Cause: Foster a Lonely Pet Why not provide a temporary haven and brighten the holidays for a homeless pet?

Looking for a way to lend a hand during the holidays? Check out Petfinder.com’s Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays program, inspired by Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Dog Named Christmas, which, in turn, was based on the New York Times bestselling novel

by Greg Kincaid. In partnership with over 2,100 shelters and rescue organizations

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across North America, Petfinder.com hopes to place adoptable pets with families over the holiday season. Visit petfinder.com/foster-a-lonely-pet for where to find participating shelters and rescue groups.

Please don’t call me a “dog owner.”

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©WellPet LLC 2010

body &soul Food Allergies 101

Nothing to sneeze at: food allergies in dogs.

By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott

I

s your dog itching and scratching?

Does she have frequent ear infections or poor coat quality? You could be contributing to your dog’s distress without knowing it if she’s allergic to what you’re feeding her.

Food allergies are a rising concern with dog owners and it seems like more and more dogs are suffering from them.

But what exactly is a food allergy?

Food allergies are different from food intolerance. Food intolerance is the result of poor digestion, such as lactose intolerance. People and dogs with lactose intolerance are either missing or have low levels of the milk digesting enzyme lactase.

Food allergies are the over-response of your dog’s immune system to an invading protein. In the case of a food allergy, this

protein is contained in your dog’s food.

Proteins are present in most of the foods your dog eats. While most people recognize that meats are a source of proteins, there are also proteins present in grains and vegetables. Any one of these proteins has the potential to cause a food allergy.

Your dog’s gastrointestinal system (mouth, stomach, intestines) protects her from potential allergens each day. Approximately 70 percent of the body’s entire immune system is centered in the gastrointestinal tract. When your dog eats a meal, the food is first digested in the stomach. The large pieces of food are broken down into smaller pieces by stomach acid and then enzymes and stomach acid work together to break the complex protein structures down into smaller structures. The partially

More and more dogs are suffering from food allergies.

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digested food then moves into the small intestine. The food is further digested until the proteins are broken down into their smallest parts, amino acids, which can then be absorbed into the body through special cells called enterocytes. Enterocytes act as both a welcoming hostess to amino acids that they like and want, and as bouncers (door guards) for amino acids they don’t like. When a whole protein is absorbed in the intestines instead of being broken down first, the immune system reacts and your dog shows symptoms of a food allergy.

When the System Works The intestinal tract’s ability to prevent the absorption of whole protein is dependant on the health and integrity of the mucosal barrier. It is the proverbial guardian of the body at the gastrointestinal gate. The

mucosal barrier (lining of the gut) is comprised of both structural components and immune system components. The structural components physically prevent the absorption of large proteins. The immune system component is responsible for recognizing potentially harmful contents of the gastrointestinal tract. The health and integrity of the gastrointestinal tract is dependant on the normal structure and function of the enterocytes, effective protein digestion, and the presence of the dog’s immune cells (called IgA cells) in the gastrointestinal tract.

The Gut and Immune System Together Prevent Food Allergies IgA cells are a type of immune cell secreted in the intestine. Some of the IgA will float freely in the contents of the intestine while other IgA attaches to the wall of the intestine to prevent whole protein from coming in contact with the enterocytes. Just like volleyball players they bounce whole proteins back into the contents of the intestine for more digestion. The more effective protein digestion in the stomach and intestine is, the smaller the proteins are when they come in contact with the IgA. Small proteins and single amino acids do not get bound to the IgA and are allowed to pass by the IgA and be absorbed into the body as nutrients.

When the System Fails

Unfortunately, every time the food is eaten, this over-response of the immune response becomes greater.

Malnutrition can affect enterocyte structure and function. A poorly functioning or damaged enterocyte can let whole proteins into the body. Once a whole protein has managed to breach all of the gut’s defenses, gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) takes over. GALT can prevent the body’s natural immune response to a foreign protein. Most of the time this is what happens, but in the case of food allergies, GALT does not prevent the immune response and an allergic response (immune hypersensitivity) is formed.

Unfortunately, every time the food is eaten, this over-response of the immune response becomes greater. So continuing to consume the diet that caused the allergic response results in a greater and greater response every time. After this hypersensitivity is formed, each time the dog eats the food, mast cells in the body’s immune system release hertamine. If this hertamine release is large enough, it may manifest as diarrhea, itchy skin, chronic skin infections etc.

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Common anti-allergy foods (novel protein sources) include kangaroo and oatmeal or venison and potato.

Isolating the Problem

At a Glance • Some of the breeds most prone to food allergies include: Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Retriever, Shar Pei, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Dachshund, and West Highland White Terrier • Most common food allergens include: beef, dairy, and wheat.

• Least common food allergens are fish and rabbit.

• General signs and symptoms of allergies include: dry itchy skin, excessive scratching or licking, bald patches, a high frequency of hot spots, ear infections, skin infections, diarrhea, and vomiting.

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The first thing you need to do is work with your veterinarian to make sure that your dog’s symptoms truly indicate a food allergy. If that’s the case, your vet will likely recommend that you try an elimination diet— feeding a food that has a different protein (meat) source and a different carbohydrate (grain) source than what your dog has had before. Common anti-allergy foods (novel protein sources) include kangaroo and oatmeal or venison and potato. This prevents the immune response from continuing to be triggered.

Your vet may also suggest that you try a hypoallergenic diet.

These foods are made with hydrolyzed proteins. That means that the proteins are already broken down into pieces that are small enough that IgA won’t bind to them and they won’t trigger an immune response.

Lamb and rice foods used to be considered “hypoallergenic” when most commercial dog foods were made with chicken or beef and corn or wheat. Since most dogs had never had lamb or rice before, it was a good option for dogs that experienced allergies while eating a regular food. Now, however, many dogs are showing allergies to lamb and rice diets. This is to be expected since an allergy can develop to any diet. If your dog is allergic to lamb and rice you may need to find a food with different ingredients such as fish and oatmeal, or venison and sweet potato.

While your dog is on any special diet, it’s very important that she doesn’t get any other food such as cookies, treats, rawhides, people foods, etc. Since you don’t know yet exactly what she is allergic to, you don’t want to give her something other than her food and trigger the allergic reaction. Once you’ve got her on a food that she is not reacting to, you can start to reintroduce other foods. If your dog reacts, you’ll know exactly which food (or foods) causes the problem.

Preventing Food Allergies Is there anything we, as owners, can do to avoid food allergies from developing? This is one of the toughest questions in dog nutrition today. While we still don’t really know how to prevent allergies entirely, there are things you can do that may help your dog fight off numerous allergies.

Promote a healthy mucosal barrier. This can be done by ensuring that our dogs, and especially puppies, have adequate nutrition and health care.

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A food that only has one or two protein sources can be helpful in giving you more choices later on should your dog develop an allergy.

Watch out for gastroenteritis. There have been some theories that early gastroenteritis or severe gastroenteritis, especially in puppies or young dogs, can result in an adult dog that is more likely to develop food allergies. Preventing gastroenteritis, in theory, is easy— just don’t let your dog eat anything but dog food and treats. In actuality, this is much harder to deal with.

Dogs eat a variety of things, some that are not harmful—grass, dirt, bark, wild berries (i.e., raspberries, strawberries), sometimes a little cow or horse dung—and some that are not good for them (rotten garbage or dead animals). It can be very hard to police what goes in your dog’s mouth.

If you suspect that your dog has gotten into garbage or eaten something that may cause tummy upset, it may be best to feed your dog a low-protein diet (boiled white rice or potato) until the suspected tummy upset passes or you consult your vet. In general, if diarrhea lasts more than 72 hours without signs of getting better or if the diarrhea seems especially severe or malodorous, you should consult your vet. In these cases, do not attempt to treat the dog yourself with over-the-counter medications because diarrhea is the body getting rid of bad things in the gut. To give something that stops the diarrhea can result in keeping the bad things in the gut and causing a serious illness.

Promote effective protein digestion.

In general, your dog should have no problem digesting protein. If you are feeding a homemade cooked or raw diet, grinding or blending your protein source in a food processor can be helpful in improving protein digestion. In kibble-fed dogs, the pro-

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tein is already ground before it is kibbled so there is no need to grind it.

Choose a dog food with exclusive protein sources. A food that only has one or two protein sources can be helpful in giving you more choices later on should your dog develop an allergy. For example, if you use a food with five protein sources (i.e., turkey, chicken, duck, salmon, and tuna) and your dog develops an allergy to it, you now have to find a food that doesn’t contain any of these protein sources. This can be challenging. Conversely, if you feed a diet with chicken as its sole protein source and your dog develops an allergy to it, you can easily find a diet that doesn’t contain chicken.

Preventing food allergies may be impossible in dogs that are prone to developing food allergies. Some breeds are becoming noted for food allergies (see sidebar p.82).

As a result, it is possible that a propensity for developing food allergies may be genetic, in which case, we should avoid breeding dogs that have food allergies.

Don’t Give Up Dealing with a dog with food allergies can be challenging and disheartening. Proper diagnosis of food allergies can make it easier and understanding why food allergies start can help us prevent future allergies from starting. On a personal note, my Labrador has had food allergies all his 12.5 years. It has been a long road and often a difficult one. It is so much easier to find novel protein sources now than it was 12 years ago. If you have a dog with allergies, take heart, it will get better. n

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“Anyone One Woman’s Junk who is an Animal Shelter’s doesn’t a ‘fur’ Treasure have is really

Brandi Williams gives us The Daily Buzz on missing how a pile of old towels led her to a whole new life” out.

By Mary-Jo Dionne

Photographed by Brian B. Hayes

O

Deck to come

pen almost any residential linen closet, and you’re sure to find them.

That pile of no-longer-loved, my-sister-went-to-Maui-and-all-she-broughtme-back-was-this-towel towels. We look past them when we’re making up the guestroom bed, reaching instead for the Egyptian cotton sheets. This was not the case, however, for television personality Brandi Williams who saw in one such pile more than just ratty trash-ready fabric. What she saw—in a story that exemplifies the adage “one man’s junk, is another’s treasure”— was their potential.

Host of programs like The Ultimate Poker Challenge and Outdoor Channel’s DockDogs, Williams is getting more and more air-time as a rising star of broadcast.

In the few short years of her career’s span she has already worked with, and learned from, media moguls like American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest and reality television maven Mark Burnett. While her credits include appearances on Fox, E!, MSNBC, and KTLA, not to mention her new stint on nationally syndicated show, The Daily Buzz, sightings of this go-getter aren’t relegated to on-air. An avid volunteer at shelters across the US, Williams is a frequent speaker at animal rights events. As she tells it, while her television career began virtually effortlessly after a chance bump-in, her career as a crusader began with a pile of old towels.

Photographed by Brian B. Hayes

MJ: You are currently an LA girl, but where are you from originally?

BW: I’ve lived in LA for the last few years, and I am from originally from Pennsylvania. But this weekend I am moving to Florida, to join the team of Daily Buzz.

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MJ: Congratulations! That’s quite a gig. So you found a place that would allow you to take all your dogs?

BW: Yes. We got a house, so it’s great!

MJ: You have become quite a voice on the animal rescue scene. Were you always an animal person?

BW: Well, yes and no. We had dogs when I was growing up. They were our pets, yes. But now, my dogs are my children. It’s at a whole different level now. I’ve become so involved.

MJ: So, when you were little, and you dreamed of what you’d be when you grew up, there was no way it included animals?

BW: No, the only thing that was even close to it was that, when I went into college, I was a biology major…and I had to dissect things. A worm and a frog! I don’t know how I did it. I went into college thinking I’d be an anesthesiologist. But it just wasn’t for me. I was actually getting a weak stomach. Thankfully, the opportunity to work in television just fell in my lap.

MJ: You mean the same way Lana Turner was allegedly sitting at the soda counter at Schwab’s in Hollywood when she was discovered?

BW: I was in Las Vegas, walking through the Venetian Hotel. A guy came up to me and introduced himself as a producer and told me they were hiring. I came across the card a couple of days later when I was doing laundry. I’d been very close to my grandma and my grandpa, and he always said he wanted to see two things in his lifetime. One was to see me graduate from high school and the other was to see me on TV. So I asked myself: “Is this a fate thing?” I did some research and the producer was who he said he was, so I got in touch. I did some work with an interview coach and a dialect coach, and two weeks later, I was on the news!

MJ: How did you become not only a television personality, but a dog-loving television personality?

BW: I was living in Nashville, and there was this little shelter nearby. One day, I was cleaning the house and had a bunch of old towels, and I wondered if the shelter could use them. So I went to the front desk and asked them, and they were thrilled.

The lady went on to say that they were short-staffed and, before I knew it, I was in there, cleaning cages and kennels and, well, it all just hit home. They were so overcrowded. It was so sad. And there was a litter of puppies that had just been turned in; left on the shelter’s doorstep.

I went back home and thought about it and talked about it and decided I’d go back to the shelter to adopt one. Well, when I did, they had been quarantined because they’d been sick and they had all died. I was so angry. So from then on, I made animals a priority. I started fundraising, going door to door, just anything to raise awareness.

MJ: That was quite a life-change to come out of one pile of old towels. Tell us about your venture “Give Pets a Chance” on KTLA? BW: When I first moved to LA, one thing that hit me was that within a 75-mile radius of downtown Los Angeles, there are about 230 rescue groups or shelters. That really got me, and I knew I had to do something. So I talked to our news director about having some of these animals on our show. I knew this was nothing new in terms of

“Before I knew it, I was in there, cleaning cages and kennels and, well, it just all just hit home.”

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being a concept, but I wanted to take it a step further, to educate people. It became “Give Pets a Chance.” We’d feature different rescue groups each week, and it worked. Our animals went like hotcakes, with over 200 of them finding forever homes. 90 percent of the animals we showcased were adopted the same day.

MJ: I understand you have quite a family of dogs. Tell us about them.

BW: Pierre is a Chihuahua. He was rescued from a puppy mill. He’s coming up on 10 years old now and he’s as healthy as an ox. Then there’s Paris. She and Pierre are the grandma and grandpa of the group. She is a Chihuahua/Dachshund. She has a long body and these little legs.

Then came Charlie, who was found as a puppy in a garbage can, who then grew like a bad weed. And, then came Bella, the belle of the ball. Everybody loves Bella! The vet thinks she’s a “Chug,” a Chihuahua/Pug. She came from a shelter too, of course.

Then, one day, one of the shelters called me. They knew I had been looking for a black and white Chihuahua for my grandma, and one had come in, only they called her

“red-listed.” She was from a very abusive situation, so she was biting everybody. As soon as I heard that, I was like “I’m on my way!” They muzzled her, and I sat in the room with her for about 20 minutes, until gradually, she was in my arms licking my face. I worked with her, potty trained her, fattened her up because she was all skin and bones, and…she became mine. She was such a little bit-bit. Just a tiny thing. So that’s what I named her: Bit-Bit. MJ: What do you tell people who are in the market for a new dog?

BW: I always tell them: Adopt don’t shop. I tell them if they have a bit of patience, I promise they will find the breed or the dog they will fall in love with.

MJ: As host of both Hollywood 411 and Best of LA, you had an up-close look at an industry that values youth, appearance, and fame. At the end of the day, how do your dogs ground you?

BW: I am a homebody and that’s because of my dogs. I hate leaving them. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, they love you. They’re everything to me. The only pictures on my phone are of my dogs! n

“I always tell them: Adopt don’t shop.”

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ASK AN EXPERT

5 quick tips to keep your dog from pulling on his lead

Ask Inger Martens

Q:

My Rottie, Hayley, pulls and pulls and pulls on walks. How can I put an end to this supremely irritating behaviour? Please help make walk-time fun again!

—Long-arm Lass from Laredo

A:

This is a really common problem and VERY annoying habit for many dog owners. Often owners feel like they’re water skiing on the end of the leash! Well, making your daily walks fun again is easier than you think, and it starts with you.

Whether you own a Rottie like Hayley or a wild Weimaraner, you can begin to solve this problem by recognizing your use of trigger dog’s ya-ya’s out in order to make walks more pleasant. words or phrases, like “Do you wanna go on a walk?” This dog Lastly, walk your dog like you drive your car. As the driver, owner habit usually begins during puppyhood and tends to create you are the one in control! Since dogs are pack animals, they love chaos and craziness before walks. playing follow the leader. Therefore, if your dog pulls, you should The trick is to put your dog’s leash on silently, keep the leash loose, pivot in the opposite direcusing NO trigger words. Then, instead of going on tion and with a happy voice say, “let’s go” or Recognize your “heel.” Stop occasionally and gently lift up on a walk, guide your dog around the house on leash for a few minutes. Pay some bills or read a magathe leash as you say, “sit;” this breaks up the use of trigger zine and as you do these daily activities, redirect words or phrases. pattern of being pulled. Doing so also creates your dog to sit, while on leash. This exercise will eye contact and makes it fun. Enjoy! n break up the pre-walk pattern of excitement that Inger Martens is a celebrity dog trainer and behavioral expert. An author, televiis associated with a leash. Another tip is to teach your dog to go sion and radio personality, she has been dubbed “Best Dog Trainer in LA” by Los potty on command. This will alleviate the frantic need to pull and Angeles Magazine. She is currently excited to announce her new online resource sniff on walks. For real ball-o-holics, you can use a game of turbo for dog owners, pawsforaminute.com. fetch to your advantage prior to a walk. This will help get your

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body language

Just What is my Dog Trying to Tell me?

Decoding your dog’s body language

By Sue Alexander

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hink for a moment about going to a bridal shower after a long day at the office, a 90-minute traffic snarl, and four customer service misunderstandings to get your bank card reactivated. Most likely, you aren’t in the mood for a “fun” time. Nevertheless, it’s an important event for the bride. Putting on a fresh dress and your best party face, you go, even though you would rather snuggle up with the dogs on the couch and throw in a movie. When you arrive, your sister takes one look at you and says “You’ve had a rough day! Coffee or wine?”

How does she know? How do we pick out that the bride is tense, the bride’s mother is proud, the maid of honour is excited, and the groom’s mother is disaffected?

In humans, we send body language signals without even thinking about them, and we read them accurately through long experience and a certain amount of innate knowledge. Although there are some cultural differences in how body language is spoken around the world, for the most part, we have a base language that we all share.

Tense people tend to be rigid in their movements, nervous people tend to move quickly and with jerky movements, and relaxed people tend to move fluidly and gracefully.

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How often do you watch your dog and read him just as well? Dogs have a rich body language that they use to great effect.

We can eavesdrop on what a dog is telling you by knowing a little bit about how dogs behave when they are relaxed, happy, nervous, frustrated or angry.

Imagine, for a moment, that instead of walking into a bridal shower, you were walking into your living room at the end of the weekend. By considering a dog’s posture, path of travel, gait, eye shape, and tongue, you could quickly assess what that dog was experiencing just as well as you read a friend’s body language.

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Standing Still Standing still may only last for a split second, so you have to watch carefully to see what is happening. When a dog is standing still, he bears his weight in one of three ways: • Feet four-square and balanced. This dog is calm and confident. (See the Doberman Pinscher in Photo 1. The Collie in Photo 1 is demonstrating the curved approach as discussed on page 96.)

• Balanced on his hindquarters. This dog is ready to spring forward, and is confident and willing to interact. (Rottweiler in Photo 2) • Balanced in such a way that he can bolt away from you (or what he is looking at).

This dog is fearful and likely to flee. (Small dog in Photo 2) Dogs may stand in a variety of offbalanced ways that show you which way they would like to dart away. Darting away indicates fear, so if your dog is standing off balance, try and determine what is frightening him.

Photo 3 shows a dog that is balanced on his forefeet in a meta signal called a play bow, and, although he is confident, he is highly aroused and ready to play, not calm.

When you look at a dog, it is important to consider his emotional state. Human body language tells us if someone is afraid, confident, or relaxed, and we react appropriately.

In the same way, we can help our canine friends by reading their bodies carefully. It is unfair to ask a fearful dog to approach things that frighten him, and likewise it is foolish to approach a dog who is broadcasting aggression unless you know more about his intent.

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body language Wither Do You Wander?

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The path of approach tells us a lot about someone’s intent. If you are approaching the customer service desk to return a damaged item, you will most likely walk assertively and directly to the person at the counter. If you approach a friend this way, he or she will likely be intimidated and fearful. The same is true of the dogs you meet. Dogs traveling in straight lines (Photo 4) are more likely to be aggressive, while curved lines of travel (see Collie in Photo 1) indicate a friendly encounter.

If a dog approaches you in a direct line, looking aggressive, turn away, keeping one eye on her. You will often see this sort of rude behaviour from adolescent dogs who are trying out assertive behaviour, albeit in the wrong context. Standing still, looking down at the ground, and yawning may diffuse the situation.

A dog that is moving on a curve does not likely intend harm, although with a large dog, she might knock someone over.

If you see a dog doing this while playing, it is a good idea to bend your knees in case she slams into you by accident.

Photo 6 shows a Dalmatian in danger.

You can clearly see that the dog is balanced in such a way that he can flee.

The Border Collie on his back legs is bearing his weight on his hind quarters and is willing to bolt forward and hurt the Dalmatian. The third dog, a Springer Spaniel, is standing squarely on all four feet, still and confident, preventing the Dalmatian from escaping.

The Rocking Horse Run When dogs are playing, they run in a very particular way. They move vertically almost as much as they move horizontally, rocking back and forth like a child’s rocking horse. Running in this way is inefficient, and reflects that play is all about fun and games, not about running your friends down and tackling them.

(Photo 5) A dog running towards you in this manner is being playful, but it may not be safe—this playful behaviour can be very rough and you can easily be knocked over.

body language The opposite of rocking horse running is flat, efficient movement. (Photo 4) When a dog moves in this way, he is in a hurry and going as quickly as he can. We often see dogs doing this sort of movement during an aggressive incident.

The Eyes Have It It is said that you can read the soul through the eyes. There is nothing as special as looking at the eyes of someone close to you—you can achieve an instant connection. You can also read a lot about a dog’s state of mind in the shape and look of his eyes.

Almond-shaped, relaxed eyes are a reflection of a calm demeanour (Collie in Photo 7). Rounded eyes can indicate arousal and surprise (Chihuahua in Photo 11). If you can see the sclera or whites of a dog’s eyes, beware; the dog is tense and upset and may bite you. Behaviour specialists call this “whale eye” (Photos 8 and 9). The Rottweiler cross in Photo 10 has a very threatening and dangerous expression. Hard eyes and loose lips are the sort of ambiguity seen in dogs who have been punished for growling in warning. This dog is resource guarding the toy he has.

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body language The Tell-tale Tongue Tongues have a lot to say, and they are one of the ways that dogs communicate very differently than humans do. When a dog’s tongue and lips are loose and floppy, don’t worry about that growl—everything is meant in play (Photo 12). When a dog is actually going to bite, he pulls his lips and tongue back and out of the way so that his teeth can do their work (Photo 13).

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A Tail to Tell As with tongues, tail talk is different than human body language communication. Dogs use their tails the way that people use smiles. The idea that a wagging tail indicates happiness is similar to thinking that every smile means only one thing. A low, fast-wagging tail is like a nervous laugh. A high tail wagging slowly is the confident smile of someone who is going to make you do something you don’t want to do. (Miniature Dachshund in Photo 14) And the middle-level, fast, wide wag where the tail hits or almost hits the body is comparable to the excited grin of a child waiting at the airport for Grandma to come out of the luggage area. (Golden Retriever in Photo 15) When looking at tails, look at the base of the tail where it attaches to the body; a dog with a very short tail has as much to say as a dog with a very long tail, and the base of the tail is more telling than the tip. A tail drawn as low as possible in a long-tailed dog will cover the genitals. A tail this tightly tucked indicates extreme fear. The short-tailed dogs are trying hard, and you can only see that if you look at the base of the tail. A high tail may curve upwards and over the back and this can be confusing in a dog who has a tail that naturally curls over his back, so again, it is important to look at the base instead of the tip to learn the dog’s mood and intent.

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body language

Do You Hear What I Hear?

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What does this image say to you?

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Dogs can move their ears independently and almost 180 degrees from the front to the back. In general, consider that the more forward your dog’s ears are, the more confident he is about a given situation. The further back and pinned against his head and neck your dog’s ears are, the more fearful he is. (Photo 16) However, ears serve a dual purpose and can be a bit difficult to read; just when your dog is using his ears to communicate something, he hears something that causes him to pop them out of an easily readable position. Upright, forward ears are attending to what is directly in front of him. (German Shepherd in Photo 17) Then the phone rings and one of his confident, forward ears flicks back to listen. Ears pulled back tight against the neck tell us that the dog is nervous and concerned (Photos 16 and 18) but then the neighbour’s dog barks and the dog flicks one ear forward to listen to that!

Pay attention to the general drift of the dog’s ear and as with the tail, the base is more important than the tip.

When you open the door to reading a dog’s body language, you will learn a lot about what they intend, how they feel about their surroundings, and how they interpret your actions. Dogs don’t lie with their body language, so they are always telling us exactly what they mean by how they stand, move, look, and act. As humans, we are more aware of our verbal communication than our visual communication. Dogs function in a world that depends primarily upon visual communication, so they often read our body language better than we read theirs, but with a little practice we can hone our skills. The payoff to learning to read what your dog is saying is better responsiveness to the dog’s needs.

When you respond to your dog’s needs, you set up a situation where your dog can gain confidence and your relationship with your dog will improve. n

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e d The SMALLEST Act of Kindness

So many dogs, so many ways to volunteer

By Corey Van’t Haaff

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The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.—Oscar Wilde

W

ith all the tragedy and suffering in the world, the concept of one person making a difference can get lost in the enormity of it all. From the global economic crisis to natural disasters affecting millions, it’s understandable that we may want to bury our heads in the sand. But the reality is, one person can reduce suffering, provide an education, or simply make his or her own community a better place to live.

As with so many things in our lives, our dogs can help to ground us and guide our way in this. Finding a cause to be passionate about is the first step towards making a difference and where better to start than with our animal companions who already hold a cherished place in our lives? Volunteering with an organization that helps dogs or works with dogs to help people can give you the chance to move past mere good intentions and begin to carry out acts of kindness.

Your choices are almost endless: raising puppies for assistance dogs, walking dogs at shelters, taking your own pooch to visit seniors or sick kids, fostering homeless hounds—these are just a few options. Read on and be inspired.

Location: Los Angeles, California Agency: Los Angeles County Department

PHOTO HELEN HARTEL

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of Animal Care and Control

ormer PTA mom Robin Kahrs needed to find a new passion once her boys grew up and left the nest. She had always advocated for special needs kids (those who couldn’t speak for themselves) so fostering shelter dogs was a natural transition.

“The ones I am drawn to are the underdogs,” she says from her home in Westlake Village in southern California. “I get them to a place of good health so they can be adopted out and have a second chance.”

The animal shelter she volunteers at is fortunate to have a funded program for animal medical care, from orthopedic surgery to dental care. As a result, the shelter has a large foster program, which is fortunate, since surrenders have increased as families lose their homes in hard economic times.

“Primarily the ones I foster have health issues or are puppies way too young for the shelter. My Rottie mix acts as surrogate mom,” says Kahrs. She has nursed back to health a Shih Tzu who

had an eye removed, and cared for an emaciated dog that needed to learn how to eat.

“I’ve volunteered with the shelter for ten years and probably have fostered close to 100 dogs; I never counted.” When they need her, if it’s a good fit with her existing dog dynamic, she takes the dogs.

Kahrs says dogs always pay you back when you help them. She remembers one dog pulled from the shelter, emaciated with a bowel disease. To digest food, it needed to be given medication immediately before eating. A family in her neighbourhood adopted it.

“The 48-year-old dad had cardiac failure and had been bedridden. This adopted dog gave him reason to get up every day. He adores the dog and walks it every morning. The man saved the dog, but the dog saved the man.”

Location: New York, New York Agency: Animal Care and Control of

New York City

W

hen Christine Hahn left South Dakota and arrived in New York with the dream of being an actress, she says it was the start of a whole new life. Unfortunately, it was a life without dogs.

“I didn’t have a back yard. I missed that—not having a dog. I would say hi to every dog on the street,” she says.

She read an article about an opportunity to attend a training session at Animal Care and Control, the local shelter, but by the time she called, the class was full. Rather than hang up the phone on a willing volunteer, the agency suggested volunteer dog walking as a possibility, and Hahn signed on.

“I go through the kennels and see who really needs to be walked, slip a lead on him, and take him outside. We walk about 15 minutes apiece,” she says. “They sniff the grass and read messages on trees and fire hydrants along the way. It gives a dog a better chance to be adopted. They’re outside, happier, more social.

They show better in the kennel,” she says.

Every Saturday, she gets up at 3 a.m. to go to the shelter and take a group of dogs to NBC Studios for an adoptable dog segment. She returns the dogs, and then starts her walking, ultimately doing the same trek with three to five dogs. Her favourite adop-

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tion story is about a Beagle that she had taken to an adoption event. It was the only dog not to be adopted that day.

“I had spent the whole day with that beautiful Beagle. I was taking her out for a walk before leaving her at the kennel. A family walked in as I was walking through the lobby with the dog and they met him. He was five and not rambunctious,” she said.

That family stayed and got to know him and decided to adopt him from the shelter that night.

“I was kind of blue. He wasn’t adopted—it wasn’t right! And then we walked right into the right family! They found each other.”

Location: Clive, Iowa Agency: Animal Rescue League of Iowa

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he idea is novel—literally: get kids reading by pairing them up with a canine buddy. In the Tales with Tails program at the City of Clive Library, reluctant readers curl up with a good book and read to Laska, a two-year-old German Shepherd and registered therapy dog. Laska’s owner is Nancy Kail of Johnston, Iowa, who brings the Shepherd in for weekly sessions.

“The kids are uninhibited.

There’s no parent or teacher. It encourages kids to read and be confident about it,” says Kail, who adds that the program is so popular, even kids without reading problems participate—or kids who can’t read at all.

“One little girl, the sister of a reader in the last time slot, flipped through the pages of the book and told a story to Laska, but [she made up the story,] she couldn’t read.”

The dogs in the program don’t correct or rush the children through their reading material. The kids read aloud with no limits or corrections, unless they ask for help, says Kail. Reading is done in a special room where a “reading rug” is placed on the ground.

The children can sit on a chair or the floor, but usually curl up in a bean bag chair next to Laska.

“Every time Laska’s done with a child, she does a trick and gets a treat. Usually the child and I both hold a stick and she jumps over it.”

Kail participated in Tales with Tails for years previously with her Boxer. She wanted to continue to read with Laska, as German Shepherds, she says, often get a bad rap.

“It’s good PR for the dogs. People are afraid of German Shepherds. When they see her in the setting of a dog going in and helping people, they see what a good dog does. It shows off how good these dogs can be rather than negative press.”

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Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Agency: Pacific Assistance Dog Society

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or Brian Smith, a travel agent and drive-in movie operator who splits his time between two cities, his volunteer work as a puppy raiser for the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) was years in the making.

“I saw an ad, probably in 2005, looking for puppy raisers. I thought that it would be fun to do something for others and have a dog, but I didn’t want a dog as it wasn’t fair to leave it home for ten hours a day,” he says. He forgot about his application until he came across it three years later. “I looked up when the orientation was. I just went and haven’t looked back.”

He says his primary focus wasn’t so much on the dog as on helping a person in a positive way, and raising a PADS puppy accomplishes this. PADS dogs, once fully trained, assist their owners with tasks most take for granted, like picking up dropped keys.

“The dogs are trained to do things depending on the person’s needs; the dog gives them freedom. It’s one person and one animal—two beings coming together as one.”

Puppy raisers socialize the dog so it experiences every kind of situation imaginable. The puppies stay right beside their raisers as they go about their day: in shopping malls and grocery stores, to doctor’s appointments and hockey games, and even to work.

“The dog becomes part of who you are, you don’t go anywhere without her. She’s even with me at 2 am at the drive-in, picking up garbage after everyone’s gone home,” he says of his fourth puppy, a yellow Lab named London. He picked her up from PADS the same day he dropped off Miles, his previous pup.

“Driving to PADS the day I turned in Miles was teary but, at the same time, completely satisfying. It’s heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time.”

Puppies can stay with raisers for a short time, or for more than a year, depending on many variables. Once the raiser turns over the puppy, they can’t see it again for at least 30 days to allow both puppy and raiser time to adjust. That adjustment can be hard for the human, says Smith, thinking about Miles.

“I raised him. I adored him. He’s now moved on to a different stage in his life. I was part of the beginning. It’s how I work this through in my head. It’s very personal.”

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Agency: St. John Ambulance Therapy

Dog Services

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or Jay, the French Bulldog, going to the hospital is something he looks forward to. For his owner, Julie Marzolf, a small business owner consulting in real estate in Vancouver, it is an opportunity to fulfill a promise.

“Thirty-two years ago, my husband and I were in the hospital with our 11-month-old with a life-threatening illness. It was a scary place to be,” she says. Her daughter is fine now but Marzolf always wanted to bring something special back to a place she was so grateful for.

“Six years ago, Dad was in the hospital and I saw a sign posted about therapy dogs. I connected the two—spending time with a dog and doing something I promised myself I would do 30 years ago.”

She took the therapy dog course and began volunteering in an extended-care facility, but every time a child walked by, Jay would stop.

“Jay responded well to children. Only a few years ago, BC Children’s Hospital wanted a few small, gentle dogs to try out visitation,” she says. It was a match made in heaven.

Spending Sunday afternoons with kids who are seriously ill has been an incredible experience for Marzolf—and for the kids.

“They look forward to the visit. It pulls them out of their pain, pulls their parents out, too. The kids hold the dog or it lies on their bed and they pet it and talk about their own experiences with dogs. It makes all the difference in a child’s day or experience. In some cases, I even send photos of Jay to the families who lost their kids. It’s part of their healing.”

She says that Jay represents something familiar to a child, in a place that is usually unfamiliar. It’s like bringing a little bit of home into their hospital rooms.

“It’s a very intimate special time where the dog is the passport to compassion,” she says. n I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

—Edward Everett Hale

For contact information for these organizations go to moderndogmagazine.com/smallestactofkindness

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The Great Ohio

Dog Park Battle

By Jake McGee

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aking a stroll on High Parkway in Rocky River, Ohio, it’s hard to deny the tranquility of the area. Aside from the din typical of living in a densely populated environment, High Parkway is a very peaceful neighbourhood. You’d never guess this was the front line for a tense battle of city vs. city, all over the local dog park.

Lakewood and Rocky River are two communities just outside Cleveland, Ohio. Both cities are within a 15-minute drive of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the largest airport in the state of Ohio, as can be told by the planes regularly flying in and out every 15 minutes or so during most hours of the day. The noise overhead simply becomes part of the ambiance.

Both cities are also located along US Interstate 90, which provides a constant whoosh of sound, like some mechanical river that never stops. This, too, quickly becomes part of the background noise.

In 2003, Lakewood Dog Park opened on the border between Lakewood and Rocky River, where it occupies an open piece of land next to Lakewood’s waste water treatment plant, as far away from residents as possible. Despite its relatively small size, it’s a popular spot.

“The dog park is a huge social asset to the community,” says Rocky River resident Susan Sabik. “This is a park where people can go (at no charge) and talk with people that have at least one common interest (the dogs). People have become friends with each other there. These people see each other on a daily basis, in most cases. Not to mention that the dogs are socialized and exercised a safe and friendly environment.”

Lakewood resident Karen Karp agrees. “I think it’s huge... it’s an asset to the city just like any other municipal amenity

would be.” Local newspaper The Lakewood Observer has stated: “The dog park patrons are one of the best groups of citizens in this city.”

Marilyn Mulligan, a retired teacher who has lived in Rocky River for almost 38 years, notes that the dog park is “a godsend” for people of her age.

“There’s a lot of people my age there [at the park], because we can’t walk our dogs anymore. I used to walk four miles a day with my English Springers, all around Rocky River. I just can’t do that anymore.”

Overseeing the park are the Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park (FLDP).

“We work to maintain and clean the park, educate the public about dog park etiquette and rules, and serve as a liaison between park users and the City of Lakewood,” says FLDP president, Chad Bray.

Kent Cicerchi, who lives in nearby Brooklyn, points out that the park also serves people who don’t have dogs.

“This summer, a person that works for Kemper House [a facility that specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias] came to the fence, and asked me if the dogs in the park have their shots,” he says. “I explained that’s one of the prerequisites to the park; dogs are supposed to be vaccinated. She then asked if several of us wouldn’t mind bringing our dogs onto the bus, to interact with their patients.

“And so we did. We had one of each size, and we got on the bus. When you see people that can barely talk, some in wheelchairs, some with walkers...it is really neat to see them all start to respond to the dogs. And the dogs are all very respectful of these people. There’s a sense that these dogs have, that this is not somebody to bark at, or to knock over,

Their complaints were investigated and found to be paltry. They continued complaining.

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“The dog park is a huge social asset to the community.” or nip at, or run into. They’ll come up and let people pet them.”

Karp has had similar experiences. “I’ve spoken with two people on different occasions, both recuperating from illness.

Their husbands had driven them there, and they were sitting in the passenger side of the car alongside the fence, watching the dogs. ‘This is my outing for the day.’”

Unfortunately, not everybody feels the same way about the dog park.

About 500 feet or so south of the dog park, atop the valley’s thickly forested hillside, lies High Parkway. One resident, who declined to be interviewed for this article (we’ll call her Ms Smith), took issue with the dog park from the start, and complained about the noise. She kept a daily log of the barking, which she felt was disrupting her social life.

Smith and a neighbour (we’ll call her Ms Jones) contacted authorities in both Lakewood and Rocky River to deal with the problem. Their complaints were investigated and found to be paltry.

They continued complaining.

In an effort to be good neighbours, FLDP tried to work with the two households, limiting the hours of the dog park and locking the gates when it was closed.

It wasn’t enough, and Smith eventually petitioned her neighbours to join in the fight.

They tried to get the park moved to a part of the valley that is known to flood every winter and spring. They tried to get the park to force all dogs to wear muzzles. These suggestions were turned down.

Smith then pushed Rocky River to sue Lakewood. Rocky River resident and city prosecutor Michael O’Shea filed a lawsuit in 2007, citing a consistent nuisance generated from the dog park, which he’d later compare to “the Chinese Water Torture.”

O’Shea says that, because of the loca-

tion backing onto the park, the houses in the neighbourhood are oriented in that direction.

“It’s almost like if your house was on the ocean, the house is then constructed in such a way that, if your back part is toward the ocean, that’s where your patios are, that’s where your glass is.

And that’s how you live, that’s how you socialize, you entertain, you have your coffee in the morning, you have cookouts. It’s all done primarily in the back.

Prior to the construction of this dog park, the vast majority of these folks spent a lot of their home social time in their back yards or in the back part of their house.”

Still, most Rocky River residents who were aware of the case were infuriated that their tax dollars were being spent in what the Cleveland Scene called, “the most engaging misuse of funds in Rocky River history.”

“I just couldn’t imagine our city using my money, tax money, to sue this beautiful park,” says Mulligan. “It’s a frivolous waste of money.”

Susan Sabik concurs.

“I do not feel that the use of taxpayer dollars in this case is working for the greater good for either city. Rocky River has spent close to $20K on this nonsense. The claims that Rocky River have presented are not reality but a perceived reality of one of the two original cocomplainants.”

Together, the two cities hired an audio expert to test the sound levels coming from the dog park, as heard up on High Parkway. Edward Walter, a seismologist and acoustical consultant, performed a series of acoustical tests, using highly precise sound level meters in various areas of the valley, as well as in Smith’s backyard.

“The first time we started off with the dog park and I didn’t hear any dogs barking, and the park was occupied,” he testified. “Ultimately we went up to

City prosecutor Michael O’Shea filed a lawsuit citing a consistent nuisance.

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the [Smith’s] backyard, and it was pretty quiet up there as well.”

When his team monitored sound levels in the Smiths’ backyard from 7 am to 9 pm, they concluded that the dog barking was quieter than the planes flying overhead, motorcycles driving through the valley, and the traffic on I-90; even the wind registered louder than the dog barks.

When the case went to court in July, 2010, one High Parkway resident said, “The dog park isn’t a consistent thing” while on the stand, and later added, “I want to emphasize, of course, that it doesn’t occur nonstop.” Even Mr. Jones, one of the suit’s plaintiffs, testified, “[The barking] was not all day long.”

The trial ended after eight days of testimony, with an estimated total cost to taxpayers of about $100,000. As of September 2, 2010, the case awaits the judge’s decision.

Naturally, this battle has irked plenty of citizens, especially the many Rocky River residents who support the dog park.

“The elected officials need to be held accountable for spending the tax dollars in such a reckless way,” says Sabik. “With that being said, it is also my hope that the residents of Rocky River remember how their tax dollars were spent come election time.”

While both sides profess optimism that the judge will decide in their favour, Bray says that even if the judge rules in favour of the dog park, FLDP would like to continue to keep a line of communication open with Rocky River.

“We would like to remain good neighbours and do what we can to make the best of the situation for everyone involved,” he says. “I think there are still some solutions that can be implemented that will help alleviate the situation even more, which we will look into.”

In the end, it seems Ms Smith and Ms Jones are just going to have to accept the fact that, living next to a park and in a community of over 77,000 people means, sometimes, if they listen real hard, they’ll occasionally hear their neighbours having a good time. n

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A Foster Story Taking a Chance on Chance

By Sara Lima

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PHOTO TANYA KING

Sara and C hance

PHOTO LINDSEY DONOVAN

U

p until the moment I laid eyes upon him, I did not believe in fate. A person’s future was not preordained. How abruptly this belief changed when I met Chance, a paraplegic Pekingese who stole my heart—and my sanity—all in one fell swoop.

The onset of my revelation came at the beginning of last summer. I left a steadypaying but rather unfulfilling job to join the Modern Dog team for three months as an intern—definitely risky considering I had a mortgage and two canine mouths to feed. That’s when I had my first encounter with Chance, in a senior rescues photo spread featured in the summer issue of the magazine. Since it was my first day, I felt it prudent to familiarize myself with the newest edition of MD and all of the wonderful stories contained therein. While examining the contents, I came upon the dog lady.” Then there was the cost to conface that would forever change the landsider, a paralyzed senior dog would most scape of my destiny. My attention was definitely come with a high price tag and instantly drawn to the pink tongue jutting major baggage. I tried desperately to push out idly from his muzzle, a vibrant conthat little face out of my mind and aside trast from his thick, dark from my heart, but resiscoat. I also took notice of I tried desperately to tance was futile—I had his dejected demeanour; already drawn little hearts reason with myself; around his furry mane in he appeared helpless, bringing a third forlorn, even humble, my dog-eared copy of the dog into my already magazine. I had to know as though he considered himself unworthy of phocrowded household his story. tographing at all! I was Chance, or the would be nothing mesmerized; I was sup“Mongolian Monster” as short of lunacy. posed to want this dog… he was nicknamed by and I did. the rescue group who I tried desperately to reason with took him in (the “monster” part proving myself; bringing a third dog into my prescient), is an eight-year-old paraplegic already crowded household would be purebred Pekingese that lost the use of nothing short of lunacy. I would certainly his hind legs as the result of a spinal cord be elected the neighbourhood’s “crazy injury sustained while playing with the

young grandchild of his elderly guardians.

Following his injury, he was relegated to the basement, likely because they were unable to deal with his incontinence. And so he became a basement dweller, left, I imagine, largely to his own devices.

After the passing of his caretakers, no one in the family was able to care for him, so he faced one of two undesirable scenarios: to be surrendered to a shelter (and the chances of a disabled dog being adopted are slim) or be euthanized.

Mercifully, someone told the family about Carol Hine and her gaggle of rescues at SAINTS, a refuge for abandoned senior, sick, or disabled animals, and Chance was given a safe home and permanent refuge from death row.

Well, that sad little tale was all it took; the Monster had my heart. I decided that I had to divulge the details of my most

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PHOTO TANYA KING

the cats snoozing within the open cupboard doors. This kitchen was something pulled from one of my childhood reveries, every surface occupied by an adorable animal—no cooking goes on here.

Outside, a menagerie of canine and feline friends as well as farm animals frolicked freely in an expansive country setting.

We forged on despite the multitude of diversions at hand. We were here for a reason and that reason was Chance. And then, there he was. Our eyes met, and I knew we had simultaneously made the decision to take a chance on each other. He wanted this to work as much as I did. This, despite the first thing I noticed (aside from his woeful brown eyes) was that he looked slightly different from his photo: he was completely bald from the waist down. His coat was all party in the front, business in the back… he had a reverse mullet! Not a good look for a dog in my opinion, especially one with chicken legs. Thankfully, his physical appearance was irrelevant; I was love-struck all the same.

We asked Carol to give us a complete rundown of all the habits, recent obsession to my boyfriend, Jeremy. I tried to remain caunuances, and obstacles we would be facing with this tiny, furry tiously optimistic since Jeremy was usually the voice of reason package. Turns out he has a titch of an attitude problem. He was, within my fantasies. I knew that I was going to have to approach upon first arriving at SAINTS, the prince of the ball, adored and this in a logical manner; I would simply explain that it was our doted on by all of the volunteers entrusted with his care. He was duty as dog lovers to help this unfortunate soul who so badly full of snuggles and snorting and all things Pekingese and sweet. needed a second chance at a forever home.

This impression of an unassailable character quickly changed I decided to play dirty. I was going to confront him with the with his first visit to the vet. Imagine Carol’s surprise when she adorable photos and the heartbreaking story that had already been received a call from the clinic asking if she would like them to my undoing, but without actually admitting to my ultimate plan of euthanize the highly aggressive Pekingese she had just dropped off. the total dog-domination of our household. I reminded him that I Could there have been another paraplegic Pekingese visiting the had been interested in fostering in the past, but there had always same vet at the same time? Negative. Apparently, this vet had the been reasons not to (having two dogs, Roxy and Cash. who, comdispleasure of stumbling upon Chance’s most hated of all activibined, weighed 140 pounds was a pretty good one.) I casually ties—medical treatment. This posed an obvious problem considerpulled up the SAINTS home page and nonchaing this was a dog with multiple ongoing medical lantly mentioned that one of the rescues featured issues. Aside from the paralysis and occasional Resistance was in the summer photo spread was still available. tantrums, he was also plagued with a mysfutile—I had already temper He saw right through my ploy. terious allergy that caused him to develop itchy drawn little hearts scabs all over his body, a particularly uncomfort“Let me guess, you want to foster him?” I nodaround his furry ded sheepishly, disappointed that my intentions able malady, as he cannot scratch himself. mane in my dogwere so painfully transparent. “Well, see if we These were all unfortunate setbacks, without a can go meet him.” I was ecstatic; my devious doubt, but deal breakers, they were not. We had eared copy of the plot had been a success! Was it destiny or just plenty of experience with difficult cases (Roxy has magazine. good luck? I didn’t know, nor did I care. All that been blind since birth and Cash is, well, difficult) mattered was that Chance and I would finally meet. and Chance was no exception. Carol, Jeremy and I, along with The anxiety-laden days leading up to our scheduled rendezvous Chance, decided that our home would be his forever one, and that were torturous; I could not distract myself from the excitement I we were meant to be his permanent foster family. Fate had interfelt at the possibility of adding another four-legged member to our vened, destinies fulfilled. pack. As we reached the long gravel driveway leading up to the Don’t get me wrong, just because something is predetermined, main building at SAINTS, I repeatedly told myself that this was not doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. We struggle every day to manage a guarantee, but merely a meet and greet to see if we qualified as Chance’s physical and behavioural issues. But, in the end, we had possible foster parents for this dog. I wanted to be convinced that no say in the matter. After all, fate wanted me to love this dog, and the odds were such that we were going to leave empty-handed.

I do. n The scene I beheld upon entering the house was a perfect com Read Sara’s chronicle of her and Chance’s trials and triumphs bination of chaos and delight. There were small and medium-sized

in her blog, “A Foster Story: Taking a Chance on Chance” at moderndogmagazine.com/blogs/fosterstory. dogs cavorting about at my feet, temporarily distracting me from

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art attack

by Marni Wedin

Heather LaHaise

Artist Heather LaHaise’s resonant work pairs realistic portraiture with modern, minimalist backgrounds to create a genre all her own. And this is exactly what LaHaise is trying to do: infuse enough abstraction into each piece so that it’s difficult to pigeonhole her work into one category or another. “I always want to show the dog, but not too much of it,” LaHaise says. “I want people to really think about and consider the dog portrayed in my work.” She does this masterfully.

A fan of the underdog, LaHaise finds inspiration from rescue sites and especially loves depicting crossbreeds in her work. “All dogs are worthy of painting and deserve a voice,” she says. “They just don’t have the same awareness that humans do and we can learn from that. If they could talk, I think they would tell us to be true to ourselves.”

LaHaise has always been true to herself and recalls painting dogs already as a young child.

At that time, she was fascinated by Snoopy and would draw him whenever she could. This earned her written recognition from Charles Schultz himself. The letter of accolades and encouragement

he wrote to her still hangs in her studio today. LaHaise later majored in studio art at the University of South Carolina and then moved to New York to continue her studies at the Pratt Institute.

Working with acrylics on canvas, dripping and spattering an urban sense into her work, she describes her technique as “thoughtful disarray.” Some of her backgrounds can have up to 20 layers. When painting a commission, though, her process is a bit different. Working from just a few photos, it’s really important to LaHaise that her clients guide the process. She has an uncanny ability to intuit what her clients want; therein lies the extreme versatility shown in her work.

From regular gallery showings to a feature article in the New York Post, LaHaise has come a long way since her Snoopy-drawing and art school days. She admits that she absolutely loves her life and that she is very fortunate. When she’s not working on a commission, she’s busy painting her own pieces and being a mom to both her son and her two Pit Bull mixes, Charlotte and Justine—both rescues.

Commissions begin at $350. To contact LaHaise, visit heatherlahaise.com. n

“I want people to really think about the dog portrayed in my work.”

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“How I Met my Dog” Writing contest winners

We asked for your stories of how you met your dog and the resultant recountings were more charming and heartwarming than we could have hoped for. Here, the first, second, and third place winners.

Thank you for your entries.

1st

PLACE

The Virtues of a Smart Dog

By Herman Filice Illustration by Jess Golden

M

y life was finally in order. Now I could get a dog. I had a great apartment with a dog run. My girlfriend, Cindy, and I were solid, even talking about “plans.” I could get a dog. I had a good job teaching at a small college, the kind of place that would not object to me bringing my dog to my office, the kind of place with a dozen pet-starved students away from home eager to walk my new puppy. I could get a dog.

I could not, however, justify the puppy in front of me at the Indianapolis Humane Society.

She was not so much a dog as a beast, a dynamo of paws, ears and teeth. They had named her Asti. No, I needed a small dog, someone under 40 pounds. This puppy was not even 5 months old and was already 45 pounds, and if she ever grew into her ears and paws, she was going to be a monster. Those ears...one drooped at the tip even when erect and alert: friendly-tipped, a fault in pure-bred German Shepherds. This little girl was not a pure-bred, though. She was German Shepherd and...something. Australian Cattle Dog, maybe? She had the body of a GSD, but was brindled on her face and back. She was cute, but also striking and unique.

She looked at me with slightly mismatched eyes and had me figured out in a minute.

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Cindy wandered over to me, obviously curious about who had so captivated my attention. “That’s going to be a big dog,” she said very matter-of-factly. “Look at those paws.” The dog reached her hand-sized paws under the chain-link kennel gate and batted at my shoes. Cindy was no dog expert, but she was right: those paws prophesied 50-pound bags of kibble, the need for six-foot fences, accidents the size of lakes, and dislocated shoulders from battles over who was going to walk whom.

The puppy looked up at me with brown/grey/green eyes and obvious confusion as to why she was not already in the car with me. I’ll leave it up to fate, I said to myself. If she’s here next weekend, I’ll bring her home. I didn’t tell Cindy that; she would not have understood. I told her I’d think about it.

The next week that was all I did. I thought about those paws, the ears, and those clever, brilliant, weird eyes. I knew she was trouble. Some people, usually people who don’t have one, will extol the virtues of the smart dog. What they think of as a smart dog is a well-trained, not especially bright dog, a dog willing to do whatever its person requests of it, or a smart dog with a LOT of training or a job to do. No, when I think of a smart dog, I think of power struggles and the constant need to entertain and distract, or replace furniture, shoes, and car interiors. Can I get that dog?

A minor emergency pulled me out of town the next weekend.

Fate, I thought. I shouldn’t get that dog. I wasn’t meant to get that dog. There was no way she would be there after two weeks. She was a cute puppy. Were she an older dog, she might stick around, but a puppy?

The weekend after that, we were back at the shelter. And there she still was. I couldn’t believe it. One of the girls who worked there and knew me from the dozens of other reconnoiters saw me playing with the dog through the chain-link.

“So sad. Someone took her home last week, but she didn’t get along with their dog, so they brought her back.” Great, I thought.

She’s not good with other dogs, alpha female, probably. The word bitch played in the back of my mind. Someone wasn’t ready for a smart dog.

The dog licked my fingers and I could almost hear her. You said you’d leave it up to fate. Well, here I am. Those other people didn’t like me. You can do this. I’m the chaos you need in your life. I’ll be your smart dog. You think too much, too. I’ll get you. I looked at Cindy and she said “It’s up to you. It’s your dog.” I stood up and walked away. I could imagine this shaggy creatures confusion as I walked to the adoption counter: why doesn’t anyone like me?

I got the dog. n

Modern Dog Writing Contest Winners

2nd

PLACE

Jimmy Jazz

By Elisa Townshend Illustration by Jess Golden

I

met my dog in the summer of 1981 on the road going from Denver to Boulder, Colorado. Right next to the Lakeside Amusement Park, a car in the lane next to mine hit a dog, knocking him in front of my car. We both pulled over into the center turn lane and the female passenger from the other car tried to pick the dog up, urging him “Run home, puppy, run home!”

I could see that this dog, who was full grown and large, was not going anywhere.

He couldn’t stand up. So, I struggled to lift him myself and flung him into my back seat and headed on down the road looking for a pay phone that still had a phone book so I could locate an emergency vet.

The dog made not a sound as I found what I needed and headed for a vet’s office not far from there. When I arrived, I studied the stoic dog in the back of my car. He was a beautiful deep, twotone red with floppy ears and a head shaped sort of like a bicycle seat. He was wearing no collar.

“What kind of dog is this?” I asked the vet as he came out to help me bring the dog inside. “He looks like a full-blood Doberman,” he told me. I stepped back. Doberman Pinschers were the Pit Bull Terriers of the 1980s. A lovely breed vilified in urban legend, it was said that their brains grew faster than their skulls, making them mean, and that they would turn on their owners. But already I instinctively knew that this dog would never do anything remotely like that. Surely, if he was mean, he would have bitten me when I picked him up. In my heart, I already hoped that, if he lived, I would be able to keep him.

The dog lived through the night and amazingly proved to have no internal injuries, but his right hip bone was shattered. The vet told me I had several options: do nothing, do expensive, questionable surgery involving pins, screws, and plates, or put the dog under anesthesia and rearrange the bone fragments so that they might heal in a more natural manner. I opted for this last course of action and placed an ad in the Rocky Mountain News to see if any one was missing a dog running loose in northwest Denver.

Two days later, I paid the vet bill, brought the dog home and prayed that no one would answer that ad. After several weeks, no one had, and the dog had finally stopped looking around as if he was waiting for someone. I named him Jimmy Jazz after a song

by The Clash and he became my true best friend.

In spite of a slight permanent limp, he ran beside my bicycle and protected me in my not-so-nice neighbourhood when we walked at night. He accepted first one grey kitten and then another, yellow, one into the family and often slept on the bed with them. When I got married, he moved gracefully from sleeping at the foot of my bed to a large basket next to it. Jimmy only had to be told something once and he would understand. Years later, after my divorce and when Jimmy was, of course, long gone, I thought of him and wished he were still here so I could have him sleep at the foot of my bed again.

When my first son came along, Jimmy would roll on his back in the grass as the baby crawled beside him. But by the time my second son was born, Jimmy was older and would watch from the shade as the children played. After diabetes, although treated, had taken a toll on his body, and I had prolonged the inevitable for about a month longer than reason dictated, I took my best friend to the vet for his final rest.

Now, after almost thirty years as I remember, I realize how fortunate I was to be in that place at that time so we could meet in that way. Jimmy Jazz, my accidental best friend. n

I could see that this dog, who was full grown and large, was not going anywhere.

Modern Dog Writing Contest Winners

3rd

PLACE

Stray Affections

By Paula Wilson Illustration by Jess Golden

I

t was a cold and icy morning on my commute to work. I had just stopped at the drive-thru window at Starbucks to get a cup of coffee and I was heading to the office.

As I stopped at a red light, I noticed a dog sitting in the middle of Renner Road where I was about to turn. She was covered in sleet and she was clearly frozen, not only from the cold, but from pure fear. Cars were going around her but no one was stopping. I knew I had to do something to save her. I made the turn and pulled my car over to the side, threw it into park and jumped out. I managed to scare her out of the street into a neighbourhood where she took refuge on someone’s porch.

As I approached her, she was baring her teeth and snarling. There was no way she was going to let me get near her. But at least she was safe and undercover, unlike me who was standing in the cold getting covered in sleet. I knew I couldn’t just leave her, so I decided to call animal control to come get her. I hated the idea of her going to a shelter, but I didn’t have a choice since she was so vicious. I stood on the corner waiting for animal control to come get her while several cars stopped to ask me if I needed help (since no one in their right mind would be standing outside in that weather).

Animal control finally arrived and they had to use the dreaded loop to get her off the porch. As I drove away I heard her yelping

and I saw her in my rearview mirror, fighting the officer all the way to his vehicle. It completely broke my heart.

Once I got to the office, I explained why I was late and then quickly got on the phone to animal control to get an update on the dog. They informed me that she had been put into a holding pen and she’d have five days for someone to claim her. After that she’d either be put up for adoption or have to be put down.

Needless to say, I went to visit her twice that day to see for myself that she was really okay. She was still snarling at me, so I didn’t dare enter her run, but I did buy some treats to give her through the cage wire. Every morning I’d call the shelter and I’d say “Please tell me someone claimed that dog” and they’d respond “not yet.” After I hung up the phone, I’d go make several visits to her, telling her that I wasn’t going to give up on her.

Finally, on her third day at the shelter, I was brave enough to enter her pen. We were both scared of each other but we both wanted to trust each other desperately. I finally reached out to her and she allowed me to touch her. Once I made that contact it was all over…she started licking me and jumping on me to the point where I had to get on the shelter floor so she could snuggle into me. We had made that connection that no words can explain. I knew right then that I couldn’t leave her to fate because fate had already spoken…it looked as though I was getting a dog.

On the last two days of her five-day waiting period, I called the shelter each morning and asked “Please tell me no one claimed that dog.” They just laughed and assured me that no one had called about her but me.

On her sixth morning, I got to the shelter before they opened and filled out the adoption papers.

They all got teary as I walked out with the ferocious, ice-coated mutt I had found in the street five days earlier.

And that is the story of how I found my best friend, Rennie, named after the street where I found her. That was on January 29, 2007 and every year on that date we go back to the spot where I found her so I can tell her how she is a gift in my life. I can’t imagine my life without her in it and she has brought so much joy to me. We go everywhere together. And although she still has fear aggression issues to this day (she was only five months old when I found her but she had clearly been abused) I wouldn’t change anything about her.

So the next time you see a stray, take a minute to try to save it.

It just might be the greatest decision you ever make. It certainly was for me. n

“Please tell me no one claimed that dog.”

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ASK AN EXPERT

Door darting, muisance barking, and boisterous behaviour

Ask Nicole Wilde

Q:

Every time I go to leave the house or open the door for visitors, Tennyson, my Border Collie, attempts to dart through the door. How can I stop this annoying behaviour?

—Doorman in Detroit

A:

Door darting is more than annoying; it’s potentially life threatening. Some dogs run into the street and are hit by vehicles. Others become lost or encounter aggressive dogs. To keep your dashing darling safe, it is imperative that he is nowhere near the door when it opens, regardless of whether you are letting visitors in or leaving. Until training is complete, use a tether for management; wrap a leash around a banister or the leg of a heavy piece of furniture, then slip the clip through the loop. Whenever the doorbell rings, take a moment to attach the clip to Tennyson’s collar before you answer.

Now for a training solution. Place Tennyson’s bed away from the door but where he can see visitors arrive, and practice down-stays there.

He’ll Once the behaviour is reliable, teach Go to bed, meaneventually ing, “Go to your bed, lie down, and stay until you are start going released.” Begin by sending Tennyson to the bed from a toward the short distance. Work gradually toward cueing him to go to bed as you stand together at the front door, since that’s bed as soon where he’s most likely to be when he hears the doorbell. as your hand Next, add an “environmental cue,” meaning the cue touches the comes from something in the environment rather than doorknob. from you. Since you are concerned about door darting both when guests enter and when you leave, the cue we’ll use is your hand touching the doorknob. To teach it, touch the knob, then say, “Go to bed.” With repetition, Tennyson will anticipate that your hand on the doorknob is followed by the verbal cue, so he’ll eventually start going toward the bed as soon as your hand touches the knob. It does take a bit of practice to accomplish this with the added distraction of visitors, but you’ll soon be impressing your guests, and more importantly, ensuring that Tennyson stays safe. n Nicole Wilde is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer who teaches seminars worldwide on canine behaviour topics.

She is on the faculty and advisory board of the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, and is the author of eight canine-related books, including Help for Your Fearful Dog and So You Want to be a Dog Trainer (phantompub.com).

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Ask Sue Alexander

Q:

My dog, Silver, barks annoyingly and excessively. He barks when the doorbell rings, at squirrels he sees through the window, at other dogs he spies in the distance when we’re out for a walk, if I leave him outside the coffee shop, etc. How on Earth can I get him to stop barking? —Going Deaf in Dallas

A:

Barking is such an annoying behaviour and yet many dogs were bred to do just that! We want our dogs to bark to tell us that someone is coming to the house, or that there is a threat, but we don’t want them to bark at the things we don’t care about. Your question actually describes three kinds of barking and we need to treat each situation differently.

Alarm barking, or what Silver does when the doorbell rings or there is a squirrel at your birdfeeder, tells you that there is something to worry about. For this barking, keep a handful of treats in

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ASK AN EXPERT jars around your house. When you hear barking, toss the treats away from the source of the barking. After doing this for several weeks, when Silver barks, he will come to you for the treats. At this point ask him to sit for one treat; he has learned his job: bark once, come and alert you and get his reward.

When you are walking and Silver barks at other dogs, he is greeting them. If you jerk on his collar you may startle him out of barking, but you won’t put an end to his need to communicate. In fact, over time, you could teach him that other dogs are a pain in the neck! Teach him to ask to greet by sitting and then getting off leash to play. Practice this when you can control who he meets and where he plays. Once Silver understands that sitting will get him the opportunity to play, he will start to look to you for the chance to play, and will offer a sit instead of barking at his friends.

Your final situation—leaving him unattended while you go into a coffee shop—is Silver barking to get you to come back. Before leaving a dog unattended outside of any building, you need to make certain he knows what to do. Teach him to lie down and stay while you are out of sight.

Start by tethering him and asking him to lie down. Give him a treat. Step away and return only if he is lying down. Practice this, increasing your distance step by step, only returning if Silver is lying down and staying quiet. If he stands up, wait; eventually, he will lie back down and you can start over. Once Silver will do this at home while you go out of sight for several minutes, practice outside, in the park, and finally at the coffee shop. You want him to learn that he can make you come back if he stays lying down quietly. Never scold him if he barks while you are out of sight—you never know if someone tried to harm him or if another dog barked at him first. And always use the leash to tether him in case he goofs—it just isn’t worth risking that he will walk into traffic. n Sue Alexander owns and operates Dogs in the Park in Guelph, ON, with her husband, John. Sue is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and sees clients with serious behaviour problems.

She also teaches obedience classes, workshops, and seminars. In their spare time Sue and John enjoy being at home on their farm with their their two dogs, D’fer and Eco.

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Calming hyperactive behaviour

Ask Teoti Anderson

Q:

My Boston Terrier, Scout, is frequently in overdrive, over-excitedly jumping, bumping into me, charging about, nipping at me. How can I tone down his boisterous behaviour? —Bowled Over in Boise

A:

Some dogs, especially some breeds, are full of energy.

Here are five options to help calm a boisterous dog: Exercise. Most dogs who are overexuberant are not getting the amount of exercise they need for their age and breed. For a typical adolescent dog, a walk around the block isn’t sufficient exercise.

You need to get his heart rate pumping for a sustained period. Try starting at 30 minutes a day and see if it has an impact on Scout’s behaviour.

Training. Instead of getting frustrated at what Scout is doing, give him something else to do that you like better.

Don’t want him jumping on you? Teach Most dogs who “sit” or “down.” Train him to chew are overexuberant him on appropriate toys. are not getting the Sports. If you have a dog that is a amount of exercise jumping bean, how about trying agility? they need.

There are lots of sports to give Scout an outlet, such as flyball, lure coursing, sledding, herding competitions, and more.

Diet. If you’re feeding a high-calorie, high-protein food, it may be too much for Scout’s lifestyle. The average suburban dog does not need a “performance” diet! Consult your veterinarian if you have questions about what to feed.

Massage. Some dogs need help learning how to calm down. Learn how to massage Scout to help him relax. Start after an exercise session, when he’s more likely to be tired. Begin by gently stroking the outside edges of his ears.

Rub your thumbs in slow, small circles on his forehead, gradually down his spine and along his body. Make sure it’s a pleasant experience for him. Start with short sessions and gradually make them longer as Scout learns to relax. n Teoti Anderson, CPDT, owns Pawsitive Results, LLC (getpawsitiveresults.com), and is the past president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is the author of Your Outta Control Puppy, Super Simple Guide to Housetraining, Quick and Easy Crate Training, and Puppy Care and Training.

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Above: Margaret Collyer, 1900, private collection, from Dog Stories © 2010, Alfred A Knopf Right: from Callico Dorsey © 2010, Random House

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF FANTASTIC WINTER READS.

The Dog Selector: How To Choose The Right Dog For You (Barron’s, 2010)

By David Alderton If you value your sanity and your canine companion’s happiness, it’s essential to choose a dog that’s suited to your lifestyle, personality, and activity level. (For example: don’t choose a young German Shorthaired Pointer if you’re a couch potato.) If more people considered the attributes of the breed before choosing a dog—a decision often made on appearance alone—there would be far fewer dogs surrendered to shelters. The Dog Selector, a handsome, hardcover tome filled with photos, helps you make an informed decision by giving you information on the essential characters of 130 breeds. This beautifully bound coffeetable book contains large coloured photographs depicting each breed and the accompanying text provides the breed’s history and character while personality, size, exercise, at home, behaviour, grooming, and common health issues are summarized in a concise table for easy reference. There’s also a thumb-nail reference at the top right of each page that provides ata-glance information. A great gift for anyone considering getting a dog.

Dog Stories Everyman’s Pocket Classics (Alfred A. Knopf, 2010) A most welcome addition to Everyman’s Library collectible works is the new Pocket Classics collection, Dog Stories. This pocket-sized compilation of stories from acclaimed authors concerning our canine friends comes complete with a ribbon bookmark so you can mark your favourite “tail.” Twenty stories in all are represented, with contributions chosen from such literary luminaries as Mark Twain, Anton Chekhov, Patricia Highsmith, and Ray Bradbury, among others. Perfect for gift giving or savouring yourself.

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Every Dog Has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs Who Bring Hope & Healing Into Our Lives (Penguin, 2010)

By Rachel McPherson Rachel McPherson, executive director of The Good Dog Foundation, the largest dog-assisted therapy organization on the east coast, founded her nonprofit organization because she passionately believes in the transformational power of the human/dog relationship. Drawing upon her decade-long experience working with and placing therapy dogs, she brings us Every Dog Has a Gift. This compilation of inspirational stories shows us how therapy and service dogs help their humans cope with a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional problems and, importantly, pays homage to the gift that each and every dog brings us, the ability to bring the healing power of unconditional love into our lives.

Calico Dorsey, Mail Dog of the Mining Camps (Random House, 2010)

By Susan Lendroth “Neither rain, nor snow, nor gloom of night kept this pooch from his appointed rounds!”

So says this beautiful children’s book based on a true story from the 1880’s about Dorsey, a stray Border Collie who was befriended by the local postmaster in the then-mining town of Calico, California. Dorsey’s fame grew as a result of dependably carrying mail back and forth between Calico and a nearby town, resulting in Dorsey becoming the most celebrated canine mail carrier in US history. Adam Gustavson’s delightful images ensure readers both young and old will enjoy this tale that illustrates the important roles dogs can play in our lives.

A Nose For Justice (Random House, 2010)

By Rita Mae Brown New York Times bestselling author and animal lover Rita Mae Brown’s newest release, A Nose For Justice, will have you hooked from the start. The first book in her new mystery series, this story takes place in the farming and ranching area of the arid American west and involves a family’s struggle to halt a local corporation from diverting water from their ranch to supply Reno. Conflict erupts when the corporation, willing to go to any lengths, confronts resistance. But when the conflict escalates to murder and the ranch’s owner becomes suspect, Baxter, a Wirehaired Dachshund, and King, a German Shepherd, are called upon to nose out the true killer. This suspenseful page turner was born of real-life issues concerning water rights, a topic that the

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author, as a working farmer, is passionate about, and it gives her the forum to provide awareness of a terribly important subject that has ramifications for all of us.

Through a Dog’s Eyes: Understanding Our Dogs By Understanding How They See The World (Random House, 2010)

By Jennifer Arnold Arnold, the founder and executive director of Canine Assistants, has over 20 years of experience training service dogs to help people with disabilities and special needs, giving her penetrating insight into dogs’ capabilities and how they think and feel.

To Arnold, dogs are neither wolves in need of a pack leader nor babies in need of coddling; rather, they are extremely trusting beings attuned to their owners’ needs and they aim to please.

Relationships between dogs and humans go awry when we fail to understand our dogs and when we send them confusing, mixed signals. Saddened by the current trend toward training methods based on domination and control, which instill fear and anxiety, Arnold wrote Through a Dog’s Eyes to share her methods of choice-based, positive-reinforcement-only teaching techniques. A must-read from a woman uniquely qualified to give insight into the way our dogs perceive the world. Extraordinarily compelling.

Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught A Family—and a Whole Town—about Hope and Happy Endings (Broadway Books, 2010)

By Janet Elder Faced with cancer, author (and a senior editor at The New York Times) Janet Elder finally acquiesces to her son’s lifelong pleas for a dog as her “declaration of faith in the future.” Not knowing if she’d get better or worse, she wanted to give him something to be excited about and to take his mind off a difficult time. So, to the total delight of her son, they get Huck, a Miniature Poodle pup who captures all their hearts while quickly establishing himself an integral part of the family, becoming more than just a pet, but a symbol of hope.

With the cancer treatments finally behind them, the family celebrates with a much-needed vacation. They head off to Florida for some fun and relaxation with Huck safely ensconced in Elder’s sister’s care in the rural town of Ramse, NJ. Soon after arriving, however, they receive a terrible phone call—Huck is gone. Grabbing the first flight back, they start the search for their beloved pet, hoping, against odds, that the small dog hasn’t succumbed to inclement weather, wild animals or traffic. Moved by the family’s plight, the townspeople rally to the cause, helping search for and eventually finding Huck, providing testament to the generosity and kindness of strangers and importantly, that there are such things as happy endings. n

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

ask dog lady

Q

Dear Dog Lady, Every morning, I walk my dog Smallfry (he’s a Terrier mix) at a large public park area where there are lots of other people and their dogs. As you might imagine, I recognize the dogs more than the people, but I have noticed this very nice-looking man with a Bassett Hound. The sight of these two always puts me in a good mood.

The man is tall and the dog is saggy.

They make quite a couple. For me, there’s nothing sexier than a man with his dog. I’m recently divorced and would love to make new friends. Should I introduce myself?

—Treena

A

Introduce yourself to man via dog. A suggested opening line: “My, what a handsome hound. Do you mind if I give him a little treat?” Carry a freeze-dried liver chunk for just such a purpose. The dog, at least, will love you forever. The man may not be so enamoured but you can always hope he feels the warmth of a friendly first impression.

The best approach to people is through their dogs—especially in the morning when everybody’s fresh. Always remember dogs can be stalking horses into human relationships. They are an empathy barometer. Let Smallfry lead the way and go for it.

Dear Dog Lady, My wife and I recently separated, and I have left our dog, Roxy, with her for the time being. Roxy means the world to me. The separation was due to marital problems but I feel like the one who really suffers is the dog. Or am I making more of this than it is? It hurts me not to be with Roxy. I had to get my wife to agree to equal custody of our dog until we could decide what we were going to do about our relationship. That may seem foolish but I really care for my dog. I miss her more than my wife.

My wife has requested that I make arrangements to pick up Roxy for visits. Additionally, I have the adoption papers on our dog and all of her medical records.

Every document is in my name,

even her microchip.

I have legal right to my dog, but I know my wife loves and cares for her as much as I do. My wife and I don’t seem like we are going to get back together, and I want the dog to be with me 24/7. Is that wrong?

Or am I being selfish? —Chris Yes, you have all the proper papers but do you really want to take full custody of Roxy? Already, you have allowed your wife to care for the dog while you work out the details of divorce. Carry this arrangement though to the final agreement because peacefulness rather than vindictive sparring is better for the soul—and the dog.

You and your estranged wife must sit down and hammer out the rest of the details.

For now, you seem to have settled immediate issues of custody. You and your estranged wife must sit down and hammer out the rest of the details. How will you share? Two weeks on and two

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ask dog lady weeks off? How will you split veterinarian bills? What about food and amenities?

When considering the fate of a dependent living creature, be sensitive and kind. Dog Lady suggests you don’t drag out these arrangements but take care of things right away. Dogs are amazingly adaptable. Give them a vigorous daily walk, kindness and stroking behind the ears, good grub, and a deep fresh water bowl, and they’re insanely happy. Because she is well-loved by both of you, Roxy should do fine. You too.

Dear Dog Lady, I love Lucy, our Bloodhound, to death, except we have outside cats, and whenever she can unearth some kitty litter she triumphantly gobbles it up. Totally grosses me out. Some friends suggested putting garlic salt in her meals. Does this help? I love garlic myself, and never had the desire to do what she’s doing. My goody of choice is a caramel frappuccino. —George If you love Lucy the way you claim to, you will put down your caramel frappuccino and follow her when she’s outside sniffing up the stuff. Getting her to cease from gobbling cat poop is as much about your efforts redirecting her and training her to stay away from the kitties’ outdoor toilet.

Eating excrement separates animals from us. A dog will eat this stuff because she never was properly weaned from the mother. Or a dog misses some nutrient from her diet. Or Lucy grazes on feline feces because, yippee, she can. The glop is free and plentiful.

Ask your veterinarian about the nutrition part of this. Maybe Lucy needs a new dietary plan. Never use garlic salt on dog food.

But you can always add an occasional smidge of fresh garlic, although the redolent clove won’t immediately solve your problem.

For that, you need to supervise your dear dog.

Put down your caramel frappuccino and follow her when she’s outside sniffing.

Dear Dog Lady, I’m at an unwanted crossroad with my girlfriend of about nine months. She’s had her dog Poochy for some years before meeting me. While I am not as crazy about dogs as she is, I would be open to Poochy, but the dog has issues—weird to me but not to my girlfriend.

There’s a dog smell everywhere. Also, the dog jumps on me, stares, and begs during the human eating hour; cries, paces, and scratches at doors whenever it is put out of the room or when we leave her place. My

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ask dog lady girlfriend does not train Poochy, but yells and spanks for discipline.

I did suggest we just end things because I was not going to dare asking her to get rid of Poochy.

She asked if we could stay together and work on a solution. I really liked her so I agreed. Seven months later, the situation is still very bad.

I don’t think a dog fits her lifestyle.

I’m not asking her to give up her dog, but I think that’s all she hears.

She’s very protective of Poochy to the point where I’m concerned it’s preventing her from having healthy relationships with human beings.

This makes me frustrated, angry, spent, and annoyed.—Marie The best you can do is to continue the conversation with your girlfriend if you want the relationship to endure. Tell her you want to be top dog. Poochy’s preeminence makes you feel like the underdog and ruins the romance. Your girlfriend needs to hear this. You also must face the reality of her indifference. Maybe she knows exactly what you’re asking but doesn’t care enough to hear.

Only she can decide to train and care for Poochy so the dog fits in with her coupled lifestyle. The Poochy problems you describe—odours, begging, crying for attention—are very doggish dilemmas that can drive a non-dog person away if not properly addressed. Both you and Poochy require care and consideration. If your girlfriend is not willing to give attention, you, at least, are human and can walk away on two legs.

Dog and unfixed. My neighbour keeps the dog expertly groomed and shaved. I once asked about the grooming and he explained the breed has a modified Poodle cut.

The backside is bald and so are the back legs, and nearly the whole tail. I don’t understand it because this dog is a pet. Having to look at Cassius and his shaved testicles is not pretty. I feel the neighbour parades his dog to show off the manhood. I wonder if this is why he has not gotten his dog neutered.

I talked with my wife about this and she suggested I write you. What do you think?—David

We know what moves you!

They’re the same things that move us! From red-hot romance to mind-blowing mysteries, we have something for everyone who’s passionate about books.

Real men fix their dogs. They do this because the neutering procedure makes sense for a dog’s health and well-being in our overpopulated world. The whole scrotal thing is not particularly pleasant for men to ponder but they must if they want to be responsible caretakers. Your neighbour sounds as if he has some issues of his own to work through.

A neutered dog is a calmer dog because the stew of hormones is tamed. A castrato is less likely to respond to the call of the wild—and impregnate a neighbour cur in heat, which could produce unwanted puppies to fill up the straining animal shelters. You can politely suggest to your neighbour that he fix Cassius (how you start this conversation is beyond Dog Lady’s powers of social intercourse). Otherwise, smile and move on with the hope that someone in a position of authority (an animal control officer, Cassius’ veterinarian?) speaks up. n

If your girlfriend is not willing to give attention, you, at least, are human and can walk away on two legs.

Dear Dog Lady, Because of my beach neighbour and his dog, Cassius, I am eager to close up our summer place and move back to our regular home.

Cassius is a Portuguese Water

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by Elaine Brewer-White ebrewerwhite.com 778-882-0120

moderndogmagazine.com

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moderndog marketplace A Greeting from your Best Friend Available in over 100 AKC Breeds + Designer Breeds

Call (989) 652-8100 or visit www.RainingCatsandDogs.com

www.petmedicals.com Frontline Plus - 3 month Dogs up to 22lbs $34.95 Dogs 23-44lbs $35.95 Dogs 45-88lbs $36.95 Cats $34.95

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te imaBag UltTravel The

& Organizer

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All Dogs Go To Bed

Dog beds for all sizes of dogs 1-888-476-8325 www.dogbeds4usbybr.com all-dogs-go-to-bed@hotmail.com

BARK ovations Do-good Dog Gear Created by dog lovers like you, our products support dog rescues through a one-for-one donation program.

Come play

www.barkovations.com

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moderndog marketplace PET PORTABLES The Essential Travel and Safety Kit for Pets Kit Includes

perfect for everyday travel or emergencies

Complete First Aid Kit All-in-one Collar & Leash ID Card Collapsible Bowl Scoop Bags

www.petportables.com 212.889.0156

Perfect gift for any pet lover, any occasion • Hand poured, all natural soy wax • Custom engraved tags • Choice of leather or cotton collars

A bed, sleeping bag or blanket all in one!

Reversible Stylish Generous sizing

nellidesigns.com

Seat Covers • Water, sand and hair repellent • Sand and hair shakes off

dreamonblankets.com 503-680-4316

FREE SHIPPING U.S AND CANADA

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No more tangled, that won’t stay in

HIGH QUALITY AT A GREAT PRICE! Specializing in Fido Fleece coats + all PetSafe and Premier Pet Products

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Personal Shopping Cart & Pet Stroller in One

Fashion, Fun & Safety for you and your pet

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The 'multi-functional' hands-free leash that's ideal for just about anything!

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Bone Appetit Seat Treat your dog and your family to a charming and unique experience.

www.wetnoseboutique.com Featuring: Buddy Belt, Puppia, FuzzyNation, Pretty-Smith, Lupine, Pet Flys, and more.

561-573-0123 www.boneappetitseat.com moderndogmagazine.com

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The lightweight and nontoxic Lock and Play toy set hides treats and bounces for double the fun. $20, wigzi.com

Both the Nebo ball and Beba toy are bright and cheerful, buoyant, recyclable foodstuffable toys that provide endless entertainment.

Choose your colour wisely: each represents a different cause—animals, diabetes, breast cancer or the environment—with 20% of the proceeds donated. $14, duradoggie.com

Stimulate your dog’s mind with an interactive game. Show your dog how to dispense treats by putting blocks into the box and then watch him try for himself. Varying degrees of difficulty. $45, nipandbones.com

Boredom Busters

Release the treats! Link Canine Genius interactive food-stuffable “Mike” and “Leo” toys together for hours of fun for your dog. Available in mini and regular sizes. $13 - $19, caninegenius.com

Keep your dog guessing with the Kong Wobbler. It spins and rolls, leaving treats in its wake when nudged by a dog’s paw or nose. $18, kongcompany.com

Rain, sleet, snow has you reluctant to set foot outdoors? Entertain your dog indoors with these enriching dog toys

Fill the Everlasting Bento Ball with food or treats, then cap with an Everlasting Treat to keep dogs of all sizes entertained. Lasts a seriously long time. $12-20, triplecrowndogs.com

Improve eye-paw-teeth coordination skills with Intellitoys’ Cagey Cube, a plush puzzle containing removable squeaky toys. $14, ihelppets.com Fill the dishwasher-safe TreatStik with treats or kibble, then let your dog puzzle out his reward by manipulating the toy. $13 - $16, treatstik.com

For the toy killer. Indulge your dog’s desire to tear apart stuffies with Egg Babies from Kyjen. These plush toys contain five squeaky eggs to seek and squeak. $8, bestfriendsgeneralstore.com

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Forget the real thing, My Lil Squirrels puzzle toy lets Rover force three adorable plush squirrels from their equally cute tree hollow. Finally, triumph for squirrel seeking hounds! $12, glamourdog.com

Appeal to your dog’s baser instincts.

The Kibble Nibble randomly dispenses dinner as it tumbles about on rubber bumpers for mental and physical stimulation. Available in two sizes for dogs of all sizes. $14 - $21, premier.com