Modern Dog Winter 2017

The Ultimutt Gift Guide: Find the perfect presents for all the dogs and dog lovers on your list

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions W IN T ER 2017/18

THE BEST

Foster Me!

BEDS, COATS & TOYS! It's all in here...

Find out how!

TO W HO VE A SOL KING BAR BLEM PROp112

p70

I need a temporary home!

Your Dog is Talking

p42

How to prep your dog for a baby’s arrival

Are you listening? moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL MAR ‘18

$5.95

Adopt me!

INDESTRUCTIBLE DOG TOYS CANDID SNAPS OF STARS AND THEIR DOGS RECIPE: PUP-CAKES FOR DOGS! WEEKLY WINS P20

p98

DIY Printable Gift Tags!

Find Your Perfect Breed Match: Is the Boxer, Boston Terrier or Shiba Inu right for you?

NO 4

18

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FEATURES 32

Family Matters Ever wonder if adult dogs would recognize their mothers or siblings? The results are in!

BY STANLEY COREN

40 Your Dog is Talking. Are You Listening?

How to read your dog’s calming signals and when to

intervene in situations that are causing your dog stress. BY TEOTI ANDERSON 42

Pregnancy, Babies, and the Family Dog Who says babies and dogs don’t mix? A behaviourist- trainer-vet’s account of preparing her Pit Bull for an infant’s imminent arrival—while reassuring her mother of her sanity. BY JENNIFER MESSER

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Animal Champion Marc Ching is what many would call the ultimate champion of animals, rescuing dogs and cats from terrible conditions and disastrous situations around the world. This is what the frontline looks like.

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Adopt This Puppy Our cover pup is up for adoption!

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The Golden Rule Having already revolutionized rescue pet adoption, Betsy Saul Banks turns her attention to foster pets with the goal of saving millions more animals.

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These Foster Dogs Are Looking For a Temporary Home Ever consider fostering? Here’s your chance!

84

10 People Foods For Dogs Ten healthy "people foods" to share with your dog!

BY NOA NICHOL

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING

BY TRACEY TONG

BY ROSE FROSEK

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The Man Who Refused To Quit With sheer dogged tenacity and a broken-down van, Rich Van Engers grew his “aha” moment into an internationally recognized company. BY J. LESLIE JOHNSON

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Dogs’ Past Lives and Secrets Revealed An interview with an animal communicator.

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All The Reasons Your Dog Barks—and What To Do About Problem Barking How to get to the bottom of a barking problem and solve it! BY NICOLE WILDE

BY JENNIFER NOSEK

BREED PROFILE 22

Find Your Perfect Breed Match Is the Boxer or the Boston Terrier right for you?

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Know Your Terriers We asked the AKC for the low-down on the differences between these two popular terriers.

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The Shiba Inu Meet Japan’s national treasure, the foxy dog with plenty of moxie! BY KELLY CALDWELL

BODY & SOUL 74

Sparkles, Social Media Influencer; The Solution To Your Dog’s Stubborn Marking and Accidents

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Is Your Pup Packing on the Pounds?

Here are five steps to help your dog drop the weight!

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The Perfect Leash For Controlled Walks

BY DR. JENNIFER ADOLPHE

BABY GULLIVER SUBMITTED BY CHRISTINA MERTEN

VOL 16

MEVERICK SUBMITTED BY LINNEA

WINTER 2017/18

70

PHOTO SARAH DICKERSON/CHIC SPRINKLES

LIVING

A Hemp-Powered Solution To Your Dog's Aches & Pains

THE GOODS 30

The Apparel Lookbook Your at-a-glance guide to the best canine coats, jackets & hoodies.

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The Ultimutt Gift Guide Find the perfect presents for all the dogs and dog lovers on your list. Your holiday shopping starts here!

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Super Chewer Tested & Approved Check out these durable toys designed to satisfy—and withstand—the biggest chewers in your life!

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Best Beds We’ve found the best beds for every type of dog!

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Look What We Found Nifty finds for dogs & the people who love them.

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 12 The Scoop 20 Smile! Photo Contest 117 Marketplace

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ON THE COVER Adopt me! Adorable, adoptable rescue pup Piper, a 13-week-old Husky/Shepherd cross, is looking for his forever home. Turn to page 60 for details! Piper wears a Hot Dogs All Dressed collar (hotdogsalldressed.com).

Photographed by Tanya King

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Snow Dogs!

These pups can’t get enough of the white stuff!

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Cool Winter Activities Make the most of blustery weather with these three outdoor activities that will have you and your dog looking forward to winter! BY ELEANOR MUNK

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

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DIY Craft: Make Your Dog a Nifty New Braided Collar!

Make this adorable braided dog collar with a tassel for your BFF. BY KRISTINA STEPHENS

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In Memory of Our BFFs Lovely ways to remember a best friend.

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East Coast vs. West Coast: We Try Out Three Pet-Friendly Hotels

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DIY Eat: PB & Banana Pup-Cakes Put a smile on your dog’s face with these healthy and delicious “pup-cakes” for dogs! BY KRISTINA STEPHENS

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Overlooked Black Dogs One photographer’s mission to shine a spotlight on black dogs and the very real and imperilling bias they face in shelters across North America. BY LAURA DENNIS

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Make It! Get crafty with these DIYs just made for a winter weekend indoors.

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

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

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Last Lick New Year’s resolutions as illustrated by dogs.

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 16, 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.

INSET PHOTO ANDREW GRANT

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PHOTO LEE ANN POLING PHOTOGRAPHY

FOSTE R ME

EDITOR'S LETTER

CONNIE WILSON WITH PENNY, PHOTO KHAREN HILL

OUR R E ADE R S WR ITE

What is My Dog Trying to Tell Me?

A Visual Guide to Decoding Your Dog’s Body Language “I found this article with pictures very informative and helpful. I am always looking for ways to understand my dog better, anticipate his needs, etc. This information goes a long ways towards that goal. Thanks!”—Anonymous >> moderndogmagazine.com/what-my-dogtrying-tell-me

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love all that winter brings—the bundling up for crisp walks along streets glittering with festive lights, snuggling up in front of a cozy fireplace, (my dog Penny and I fighting for the best positioning), family (however you define it) delicious food… there are just so many things to love about this season. So we’ve devoted this issue to helping you make the very most of it, from cool winter activities (live somewhere snowy? Try skijoring with your dog!) to the best coats, hoodies, and jackets for your outward bound hound, and so much more. We tell you how to prep your dog for a baby’s arrival, share cool DIY craft projects and recipes galore (Gift tags! Pup cakes!), and of course offer insightful behavioural and training advice, including how to tackle problem barking by looking at the cause. We also profile the amazing Betsy Banks Saul, founder of the rescue pet website petfinder.com, and share her latest endeavour, 911fosterpets.com, a site devoted to matching people with pets who need a temporary foster home. We tell you how to get started fostering—turn to page 70 for a selection of adorable dogs looking for a place to crash while in search of their forever home.

Here at Modern Dog we’ve fostered a succession of dogs and it’s such a fun and rewarding way to make a difference for a homeless dog. We also profile the Boxer, Boston Terrier, and Shiba Inu, provide you with a list of people foods you can share with your dog, talk with an animal psychic, and so much more! Wishing you the most magical holiday season and a terrific start to the New Year. Let’s be kind to one another and make 2018 the best year yet!

DIY Eat - Sweet Potato Chews Prepare these single ingredient fiberand vitamin-rich treats for your dog in 5 minutes flat!

“Tater says "Momma made some before and they were soo good! Made me smile like this! thanks for the recipe! ” —Ashleigh Sharpe >> moderndogmagazine.com/sweet-potato-chews

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“Thank you for the variety of content that you provide as well as the articles adressing senior dogs. I very recently lost my oldest rescue dog and I have a hole in my heart. Thank you for recognizing that the loss of a pet is a real thing!!!!!”

—Velma McGlothin

C ON TRIBUT OR S WINTER 2017/18

•

VOL 16

NO 4

Publisher

Kristina Stephens is an ultimate DIY-er, and can figure out for herself how to do almost anything.

Whether it’s making her own pet products, decorating a cake into an exact likeness of Drake, or even installing a kitchen sink, Kristina can do it all! See some of her adorable pet collar designs at etsy.com/ca/shop/SoFetchPet, or make one of her designs yourself with her DIY braided collar instructions on page 46!

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Design & Production

Clara To Circulation & Audience Development Coordinator

Jennifer Yau Sales & Marketing

Mariah Stanley, Kevin Lee Manager, Accounting Services

Celine Benipayo Copywriter & Administrative Assistant

Laura Dennis Copywriter & Subscription Coordinator

Eleanor Munk Social Media & Editorial Intern

Jacqueline de Ruiter Sales & Marketing Intern

Rachel Sibayan

Veteran photographer and regular Modern Dog contributor Tanya King photographed our super-cute cover! Tanya’s been taking photos for Modern Dog since the summer of 2009 and of rescue dogs in general since 2006, when she began volunteering to photograph dogs from the Vancouver Animal Control Shelter. To date, Tanya has helped over 300 dogs find forever homes with her beautiful studio portraits.

She has two rescue dogs of her own, Daisy and Olive, that, along with two boys and her fiancé, share her quiet country home. Check out more of Tanya’s work at tanyaking.ca!

Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Honourary Editor-at-Large

Jytte Wilson GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION! Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 16, 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 16, 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

Modern Dog team member Eleanor Munk is our talented Copywriter and Subscriptions Coordinator. Before joining the Modern Dog team, Eleanor worked for non-profits and arts and culture organizations, including Ricepaper magazine.

When not working, Eleanor enjoys writing creative fiction, spending time with her mutts Blue and Homer, and pointing out every dog on the street to whomever she happens to be walking with. See some of her writing at eleanormunk.wordpress. com and turn to page 26 to see Eleanor’s suggestions for winter fun!

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

Copyright 2017/18 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. Modern Dog is published four times a year. One-year subscription prices: Canada $16CAD, U.S.A. $16USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter 1 My mum–and my joints–tell me that I am getting up there in years but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to get up on the bed and other comfy furniture. The dog stairs from BuddyRest make this much easier! They are made from low impact foam and covered in Crypton Smart suede that stays clean and stink-free. –Esther the Dachshund (from $150, BuddyRest.com)

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2 As the owner of three dogs, I get A LOT of use out of bioDOGradable waste bags! Made with natural and renewable resources, I love that they help me keep my dog walking trails poop-free and that the bags are eco-efficient. Highly recommended!—Jacqueline (From $6, biodegradabledogbags.com) 3 My mom was having trouble finding the perfect jacket for me as I’m told my chest is a little broader than most pups. Enter the Banff Jacket from Go Fresh Pet—it fits perfectly, keeps me warm, and protects my underbelly. Not only am I the best dressed dog on the block, it’s a breeze to get on and off so we can get straight outside and enjoy those brisk winter walks.— So Ha the chubby Peke (From $38, gfpet.com) 4 With the changing of the seasons and colder weather comes dry, itchy skin for pups everywhere. Trying to lather moisturizer into all that fur is gross, messy, and NOT recommended, so a medicated shampoo like Goodwinol Shampoo for Cats and Dogs is the perfect answer! Not only does it relieve the scratching, but it also contains cedar oil, a natural insecticide that fights fleas and mites. Because it’s so gentle, it’s even safe to use on puppies as young as six weeks!—Jen (From $30, goodwinol.com)

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5 Ever wonder what your dog is doing while you’re at work or out of town? With Pet-Peeps’ Indoor PetCam Pro, you can check out what your pups are up to and even talk to them—this HD camera has a built-in speaker and mic, too! Did your dog do something super-cute or funny (or naughty!) while nobody was home? It has an SD card slot as well, so you can record your dog’s shenanigans and watch it back.—Celine ($150, pet-peeps.com) 6 My dog Maverick HATES bath time with a passion, so it’s quite an ordeal getting him soaped up. SOOS Pets Waterless Pet Bath Mousse is a game changer—it lets me spot clean my big baby in between complete washes, and keeps him from getting smelly by disinfecting and cleaning, not just masking the odour.—Mariah ($21, Soospets.com)

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7 My two dogs are always begging for treats and sometimes it’s hard to say no! That’s why Coco-Charms Training Treats from CocoTherapy are perfect for my pups. With only one calorie per treat, Coco-Charms allow you to indulge your dogs without worrying about them becoming overweight. The small size makes them ideal for training (and for little dogs that prefer small treats) and they’re made from delicious, healthy ingredients that support skin, coat, and digestive health. Blue and Homer recommend the yummy Blueberry Cobbler flavour!—Eleanor ($29 for a pack of three, cocotherapy.com)

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8 Eldoop Design makes handmade clay collectibles for loved dogs and their people. From ceramic sculptures to wheel thrown jars, everything is totally handmade and custom created to capture the look and personality of each dog! Check out the custom keepsake pictured—it’s made of high fire clay and porcelain, and the pup on the rug actually forms the lid, which lifts off so you can store treats or keepsakes. A wonderful gift idea!

—Kevin (From $165, eldoop.com) 9 Riley’s Organics Pumpkin & Coconut Recipe treats are a total hit with my American Eskimo Ava! Made with just five natural, organic, human-grade ingredients, they’re not only delicious but rich in vitamins for optimal health.—Rachel (From $26 for two cartons, rileysorganics.com)

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10 I’m an older Basset Hound with an ingrained marking issue that is driving my people crazy. Enter Belly Bands, a soft fleecy band that holds a disposable maxi-pad and securely Velcros around your dog’s mid-section, saving your furniture and your sanity by containing the mess. It also helps teach boy dogs to stop marking as they don’t like peeing in the band!

Belly Bands are easy to get on and off and they’re machine washable. Perfect for stubborn marking or incontinence!—Blue the Basset Hound ($11 - $31, bellybands.net) 11 My mom takes supplements every day to maintain glowing good health, so she thinks it’s important that I also benefit from a daily supplement. Every day I get a Cosequin Soft Chew loaded with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to protect my aging joints and support healthy cartilage matrix production. And the Omega-3 fatty acids help my skin and coat stay shiny and healthy—just like mom!—Penny Johnson the Dachshund ($18, cosequin.com)

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THE SCOOP

Benching area action during Best of Breed judging.

Must-Watch TV For Dog People Did you know that the second longest running sporting event in the United States is a dog show? The storied Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has been held since 1877—only the Kentucky Derby outdates it, and by just one year. The 2018 show—the 142nd annual!—takes place Monday, February 12th and Tuesday February 13th, with Best in Show going down on the Tuesday evening.

When To Watch From Home Tuning in from home? Set your DVRs to record—daytime competition coverage is expanded this year! Nat Geo Wild is showing select live coverage of Breed judging, as well as the Masters Obedience Championship and Junior Showmanship. The Hounds, Toys, NonSporting and Herding Breeds will be televised Monday afternoon; Sporting, Working and Terrier Breeds get their turn Tuesday afternoon. Monday night the Dog Show Group competitions for Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Breeds take place and will be aired on Fox Sports. And Tuesday night will see Group competitions for Sporting, Working and Terrier Breeds broadcast live on Fox Sports, wrapping up with the main event of the evening, Best in Show!

Travel Tips For Attendees In New York City for the show? The main event—Best in Breed and Best in Show, naturally—takes place Tuesday evening at

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Madison Square Garden. But for behind-the-scenes action, hit up the benching area during the daytime at The Piers, when the Best in Breed judging goes down. Westminster's benching area is where the dogs are prepped for their turn in the ring. Amazingly, this area is open to the public and our very favourite part of the whole show is wandering through taking photos, watching the elaborate grooming processes, and saying hi to and petting the dogs. Think photo ops and gorgeous dogs galore!

For a chance to meet the dogs when they’re off-duty, stay at the dog-friendly Hotel Penn, the preferred hotel for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Situated directly across the street from Madison Square Garden, where Best in Breed and Best in Show take place, this historic hotel is host to many of the competing dogs. Expect to bump into pedigreed competitors in the immense lobby as well as out front of the hotel. Interested in staying at the hotel? All sizes of dogs are welcome, the pet fee is just $25 per stay, and pets may be left in the room (say if you’re going out for dinner) provided they are in their travelling kennels. As for location, it’s right in the heart of the dog-show action—you couldn’t ask for a more convenient home base!

Meet and Compete Agility fans attending the show won’t want to miss the Masters Agility Championship—open to purebred dogs and mixes alike!

This, along with the super-fun AKC Meet The Breeds event, takes place down at The Piers on Saturday, February 10th. See you there!

PHOTOS JENNIFER NOSEK

The TV event of the year approaches!

photo bfa for american humane

THE SCOOP

A Bonnet Wearing Pit Bull is Named Hero Dog of the Year!

Despite her previous life of abuse, Abigail now spends her time changing the negative perceptions surrounding Pit Bulls A Pit Bull with a heart of gold has been named the 2017 American Humane Hero Dog. Before being rescued, Abigail the Pit Bull endured unspeakable cruelty. Picked up as a stray in Miami, Florida and brought to LIFE Rescue, she was anemic, infested with ticks, and had experienced facial trauma so severe it resulted in the loss of her ear. Her “before” photos are truly hard to look at. It was clear that she had been used for dog fighting; her injuries were so severe that she almost didn’t make it.

Once her wounds started to heal, her mission took form. Vets had to replace her face bandage daily and it was pointed out that she looked like she was wearing a bonnet. Soon, photos of Abigail and her bonnet bandage ended up on the Internet, inspiring people from all over the world to start sending her headbands in support.

She quickly became a form of inspiration, bringing awareness to the efforts to help end dog fighting.

After weeks of recovery at the vet, Abigail found her forever home.

Touched by her story, Megan and Jason Steinke of Lehigh Acres, Florida, adopted Abigail. Seeing the impact Abigail and her bonnets were having on people, the Steinkes decided that Abigail was the perfect dog to help change people’s perception of Pit Bulls. To help spread Abigail’s story and encourage others to join them on their mission to end dog fighting, they entered her into the American Humane Hero Dog Awards. On September 16th—while wearing a sparkly headband, of course—Abigail was named the 2017 Hero Dog. Since receiving the honour, Abigail’s Facebook page, “Bonnets For Abigail,” has grown to over 22,000 followers.

She continues to challenge the negative stereotype surrounding Pit Bulls, model forgiveness, and inspire others to help end dog fighting. Despite the cruelty she experienced at the hands of people, she has nothing but love and kisses for everyone she meets. If that’s not inspiring we don’t know what is!

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THIS PLAYFUL PET CAM LETS YOU SEE WHAT YOUR DOG IS UP TO AND TOSS HIM A TREAT!

While we all wish we could bring our dog with us during the day, not everyone is lucky enough to work in a fur-friendly office. Enter Lovoom! Billed as “the world’s most playful pet cam,” Lovoom is like an interactive pet sitter, combining a pet camera with a treat dispenser that can be operated from the comfort of your smartphone—it allows you to see, hear, and speak to your dog, and toss them a snack! The camera rotates, so you can control where, when, and how far (from 3 to 10 feet!) you toss treats, keeping your dog surprised and engaged while you’re away. If you have a busy day ahead, you can even set a timer to launch the treats automatically. Check it out at Lovoom.net. The pet cam is being crowd-funded on Indiegogo at time of writing so will hopefully be available for purchase soon!

HOLIDAY SPIRIT Matching “ugly" Christmas sweaters for dogs and their people!

the swea se ters!

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time for the ugly Christmas sweaters to come out of hiding! The hit of office parties everywhere, they’re a hilariously festive way to wear your holiday spirit. And now, no member of the family will be left out of the ugly photo op—Funky Tails is addressing the gap by making matching hideous holiday sweaters for you and your dog. These humorous sweaters feature pooches in seasonal predicaments such as peeing under the tree and getting tangled in lights. Get your matching ugly Christmas sweaters at FunkyTails.com ($60 for the human version; $20 for canine).

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE FALL ISSUE IS…

Here’s why it’s a good thing

T

here are many dog behaviours that we humans have a hard time comprehending, and of these, the ubiquitous butt sniffing probably tops the list. Think of it as the dog version of a handshake, but so much more.

A dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times better than ours so a lot of dog-to-dog communication is done through smell. When a dog greets another dog with a sniff to the butt, he is getting a biography of his potential new friend. Gender, reproductive status, health, diet, and emotional state are all things that can be gleaned from a sniff of the chemicals secreted by the anal glands. In a mind bending move, Samson Pet Group has discovered how to synthesize these chemicals and put them in a toy! Before you recoil at the idea, the inferior human nose can’t smell a thing. These heavy duty, non-toxic flatties can help pups that suffer from separation anxiety or boredom by providing comfort in knowing that a good friend is only a sniff away! Get one for just $15 at TheSamsonPetGroup.com.

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“There are some nice things here, but where is this "yard" you have for sale?”

SUBMITTED BY: DONIELLE HALL

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “All they had at the cat’s table was a headless mouse toy and the Grumpy Cat Christmas video.”

SUBMITTED BY: JOSEPH A. DEWAN

“Balls....Ahhh....I remember those…”

SUBMITTED BY: CRYSTAL BELLMAN

“Do you have this in a different odour?”

SUBMITTED BY: ARIELLE MCEWEN

“Wow, you're only charging one belly rub for this?

I'll take it!”

SUBMITTED BY: JUSTIN OTIS

C A R T O O N S © 2016/ 17 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

A DOG TOY THAT SMELLS LIKE DOG BUTT? YES INDEED.

PHOTOS MICHELLE STEIGMEYER

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

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

!

E L I SM Douglas

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!

Charlie Emmett

Pug

LongCoatDalmatian

Golden Doodle

Xxx Xxx

Mimosa

Labrador Retriever

Maverick Martini

Mini Labradoodle

Pomeranian

Charlie

BostonTerrier

Kili

Cockapoo Mix 18 moderndog

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Zak Theo

Jack Russell Mix

Mixed

Dior

Japanese Akita

Bear Otis Cortes

Havanese

Kona

Liyah

Cocker Spaniel

Shih Tzu

American Pitbull

Chole Tokki

Rizzo

Charlie

Shih Tzu

Labradoodle

Shetland Sheepdog

Dante Buck-Buck Maltese

Pit Bull

Maggie Rae English Bulldog

Mixed

Layla

Gerberian Shepsky

Think your dog ought to be in Modern Dog?

Pink Briard

Baylee

Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/ photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

Lab

moderndogmagazine.com

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ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in December, January, and February.

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

december

1st-7th

Win 1 of 3 sterling silver PhotoArt charms from Rembrandt Charms and turn a photo of your fourlegged best friend into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

january

1st-7th

Win 1 of 15 Fur-Zoff, the new and better way to remove pet hair from your home and vehicles.

Made in USA of 90% recycled material, it’s 100% durable!

february

1st-7th

Win 1 of 8 holistic skin healing duos from Opie & Dixie. The USDA Certified Organic Paw Balm and Pawstik are the answer to your pup’s dry, cracked, and calloused paw pads!

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

Win the ultimate gift basket from Petcurean! 3 months of the newest NOW FRESH food, a pet first aid kit, collapsible bowl and stainless steel scoop, a blanket & thermos for you, and more!

Win 1 of 10 organic bamboo dog collars from Wagging Green.

Odour resistant, hypoallergenic, and made in the USA. Good for the earth, great for your pets!

Win 1 of 10 Gift Packs featuring the Easy Pour Puree Food Topper, Whole Jerky Grilled Bites, Bioactive Fresh Mouth Dental Chew, and Bioactive Completed Care Treats from Fruitables!

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

Win 1 of 12 bags of the New VitaLife Natural Diets Grain-Free Dog Food.

These protein-rich formulas with real meat as the #1 ingredient and freeze dried bites make for an oh-so delicious & healthy meal!

8th-14th

Win a BLACK+DECKER Smart Dog Collar and three free months of data. Give your dog the freedom to explore life safely with GPS and activity tracking, customized safe zones, and two-way audio.

Win 1 of 5 PetCams! This Puppy will let you see, hear, and talk to your pets from anywhere with a PetCam from Pet-Peeps.com.

15th-21st

Win 1 of 4 True Hemp prize packs including a bag of Chews, a bag of Sticks and a bottle of Oil. Enter to #returnthelove to your pup!

Win 1 of 20 bottles of all natural Beef Flavored Spray, made in the USA with flax and chia seed oil.

Adds essential Omega-3’s to every meal.

22nd-28th

Win an All Terrain “Sailboat” Pet Jogger by Petique. Your pets will travel in style in this perfectly smooth ride!

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning December 1, 2017 at 12:01 AM (PST) through February 28, 2018 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.

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INSET PHOTO: MERLIN SUBMITTED BY CHARLIE JOHNSON

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

Find Your Perfect Breed match

Is the Boxer or the Boston Terrier for you?

The Boxer

A

Playful and exuberant

spark of youthful exuberance and playful rebellion defines this breed. While Boxers are elegant in appearance, athletic, and courageous, they love to play the fool and find fun in everything they do.

Most Boxers are naturally energetic—too energetic, perhaps, for owners who live a calm and sedentary lifestyle. Boxers need daily exercise or they will channel their zest for life into undesirable, often destructive, activity.

Members of this breed are medium in size, yet muscular and strong. As a brachycephalic (short-faced) breed, they do not handle extremes of temperature well. (Also note it is not unusual for a Boxer to be quite “gassy” after eating.)

I'm fun-loving!

Is The Boxer the dog for you?

Find out more at: Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/boxer

The Boston Terrier Amusing, bright, and friendly

W

The Boxer is devoted to his family, wanting always to be included.

Most Boxers relate well to children. Anyone who threatens the family or home of a Boxer, however, may be quickly reminded that this is a dog that was originally bred to protect. Strangers may initially be viewed with dark suspicion, but once a Boxer accepts someone, he reverts to his usual light-hearted and charming self.

Watching a Boxer play the mischievous imp is a joy!

I'm ! ly friend

ith his natty markings, the Boston Terrier— nicknamed “the American Gentleman”—looks more like a black-tie guest than a street thug, but his origins are anything but genteel. It might surprise you, but Boston Terriers were originally bred for pit fighting. Like the local bar brawler in every hometown, the Boston Terrier was once a fearless fighter. But that’s far in the past. The spunky personality of today’s Boston endears them to their human companions.

They're intelligent, well mannered, alert, and rambunctious. Easy to train and frequently effective watchdogs though not barky, the Boston Terrier is good with children and easy to groom Weighing between 10 and 25 pounds, this breed packs a lot of personality into a small package. And those smart looks!

With his tuxedo markings, white “gloves,” and far-set round, intelligent eyes, this dog’s unmistakable looks and charming demeanour have won him many fans.

The Boston’s compact size and medium exercise requirements make him especially popular with urban dwellers. With good reason, this breed has been an American favourite for more than 100 years.

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Is The Boston Terrier the dog for you?

Find out more at: Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/boston-terrier

Dakota

Leonardo Sake

Lo l !

LET IT SNOW!

These pups can't get enough of the white stuff!

Ocho

Maya

Gulliver

Cash

Buddy

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COOL WINTER ACTIVITIES In circle with above: Great breed for allergy sufferers!

Make the most of blustery weather with these three outdoor activities that will have you and your dog looking forward to winter!

By Eleanor Munk

W

hen the crisp golden weather of autumn begins to fade to white and silver, we enter the most bemoaned season: winter.

With its cold temperatures and unforgiving weather, it’s easy to see why so many people dislike the final season of the year, but winter is not all doom and gloom. There is not only beauty but fun to be had in this frosty season! You and your dog needn’t hole up indoors. These three fun outdoor activities may just have you looking forward to the onset of colder weather.

Skijoring This unique meld of cross country skiing and dog sledding allows you to take to the hills with your trusty canine by your side. Just like you, your pup needs his exercise, even in the cold, and skijoring is an excellent way for both of you to get a great cardio workout. Skijoring, originally a Norwegian sport, translates to “ski driving,” and involves a person on skis being pulled by something, whether a horse, a snowmobile, or—you guessed it—a dog. If your furry pal is strong and energetic, this might be the perfect sport for you both. Cold-weather breeds like the Alaskan Husky or Malamute particularly enjoy skijoring, but breeds such as German Shorthaired Pointers, Greyhounds, German Shepherds, and Border Collies have all been known to

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compete in skijoring competitions in the US. According to the American Kennel Club, skijoring organizations recommend that your dog be at least 35 pounds to safely participate in this sport. Keep in mind that the heavier the person being pulled, the stronger the dog needs to be. And of course, enjoyment depends on the individual dog—be sure to assess your dog’s energy level and willingness to participate.

What you need: snowy trails, either flat or gentle hills; a skijoring belt and gangline/tow line (this will run you somewhere in the neighbourhood of $60 at entry level); a pair of cross country skis; a dog harness designed for pulling, such as those made by Hurrta or Kruuse (make sure the harness you choose fits your pup comfortably!); warm clothes and a helmet.

renny mills photography

SKI R WITH YGO!U DO

Geocaching This super-cool outdoor pastime isn’t weather dependent, but is particularly fun in the winter, exploring snowy trails with your dog by your side. All you need is your mobile phone (you can download the Geocaching app for your iPhone or Android) or a GPS receiver, such as the Garmin eTrex 10, $109. Essentially, geocaching is a kind of treasure hunt: using your GPS, you can seek out hidden containers called “geocaches” or “caches,” which are secreted at specific locations all over the world. This addictive pastime is a great way to get outside in the winter—you can go as fast or slow as you like, and you not only get to challenge your navigation skills, but you and your dog will also get to visit places you never would have before, immersing yourself in your surroundings in a way most don’t on a normal walk!

Once you find the cache, sign and date the logbook, re-hide the geocache exactly how you found it, and share your experience online. Learn more at geocaching.com.

What you need: a geocaching account (you can create one for free at geocaching.com); a mobile device or GPS receiver; a logbook.

Dog Sledding A popular sport in Northern areas of Canada and the United States, dog sledding allows you to experience the excitement of having a pack of dogs pull you across a snowy landscape. Imagine racing past frosted pine trees as exuberant sled dogs dash before you, kicking up sparkling powder into the air. It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? One caveat: be sure to research the organization and make sure they’re reputable.

The BC SPCA approves SnowPack Siberian Huskies & Adventures in Avola, BC (price upon request).

Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in Canmore, Alberta has a “working pet” policy (anonymous employee review: “they treat their dogs like people”) and will run you $280 for a one person, instructor-driven tour. There are also many organizations that help retired sled dogs looking for homes, like the Sled Dog Sanctuary (sleddogsanctuary.com), that you may wish to support. Just be sure to do your research before booking to make sure you’re not supporting an outfit that doesn’t treat its dogs well!

What you need: a reputable sled dog organization; warm clothes and an adventurous spirit.

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The Apparel Lookbook Your at-a-glance guide to the best canine coats

WARM

Summit Parka, $80; hurtta247.com

NHL Jacket, $60; togpetwear.com

Expedition Coat, From $55; canadapooch.com

Great White North, From $76; chillydogs.ca

Portland Pullover, From $39; goldpawseries.com

Dinner Date sweater vest, From $35; oscarnewman.com

Super Chunky Red, From $45; fabdog.com

Cascade Coat, From $46; rcpets.com

Monster Dog Raincoat, $33; highsocietycanine.com

ThunderShirt Sport, $45; thundershirt.com

RaptorShield Vest, From $63; raptorshield.com

HOODIES/SWEATERS

Candy Striped Sweater, $23; rubies.com

RAIN

All Weather Soft Shell Vest, $52; louiedecoton.com

BUSTER Aqua Raincoat, From $30; kruuse247.com

FUNCTIONAL

BOT’s Mesh Dog Blanket, From $79; backontrackproducts.com

30 moderndog

Cover Me by Tui, From $20; tulanescloset.com

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PSYCHOLOGY

Family Matters Ever wonder if adult dogs would recognize their mothers or siblings? The results are in!

By Stanley Coren

I

was at a gathering of emeritus faculty members at my university, and a small group of us were standing around drinking coffee and nibbling on cookies while discussing matters that were neither political, philosophical nor earthshaking. At one point during the conversation one of my colleagues took the opportunity to pose a question. She said, "I'm going to visit my dog's breeder this weekend and my husband and I were debating whether Siegfried [her Labrador Retriever] will remember his mother, Ashley. Since I am surrounded by behaviourally knowledgeable people I was wondering if any of you had an opinion?"

The first response came from a behavioural biologist who mused, "Well, I can't imagine that the DNA of dogs has changed all that much from the DNA of the wolves that they descended from. The social hierarchy in a wolf pack is really based on family structure. It is set up so that the parents hold the highest status and are the pack leaders. That means that the pups must have an inherited ability which allows them to recognize and remember

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their mother simply because, for the pack to function well, her status must be recognized and she must be obeyed. I wouldn't be surprised if the recognition of an individual's parents also comes with a sense of kinship and affection. On the flip side, the mother should recognize her own offspring since she has gone through a period of rearing them when her whole focus is on guarding, nourishing, and protecting the pups.”

A social psychologist in our little group disagreed. She argued, “While it may be the case that family structure and recognition of kinship is necessary for wild canines, it's not the case with domestic dog litters. Our dogs don't stay in a family grouping for long, but rather, after only a couple of months, the litter is generally disbanded as puppies go to their new families. After that, the majority of pups will never see their parents again.”

Then she added an interesting twist to her argument, saying, “I am also struck by the fact that there are some behaviours that seem to be incompatible with the idea that the dogs do recognize

their mothers. In particular it seems to me that dogs demonstrate that they lack any recognition of their biological relatives by violating basic social psychological principles. I'll give you the example which convinced me. When my dog was about three years of age, he met his mother again. Although he seemed happy to see her it took less than half an hour before he was trying to mate with her! It seems to me that this is something which he certainly would not do if he recognized her as his mother.”

I felt a poke in my ribs from another faculty member who is also a long-time friend.

I looked at him and he asked in a questioning tone, “Certainly you must have run into some kind of real empirical data which can answer this question?”

It took me a few moments to scrounge through my memory, but I did manage to recall a convincing set of experiments which were done a while back by Peter Hepper of the School of Psychology at Queens University of Belfast in Northern Ireland published in the journal Behavioural Processes, the study involved a number of litters of puppies—multiple sets of Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds—and their mothers. At the time of testing the pups were aged between four and five-and-a-half weeks of age.

To assess whether puppies recognize their own mothers, two wire enclosures were placed at the end of a room. The puppy's mother was placed in one of these, while a female dog of the same age and breed was placed in the other. A puppy would enter at one end of the room and the experimenter recorded which of the areas he went to first and how long he or she spent attending to the dog in that place. The results were unambiguous, with 84 percent of the puppies preferring their own mother.

The second experiment modified the situation by placing puppies from the test pup's own litter in one of the enclosures and puppies of the same breed, age, and gender in the other. Again the pups showed recognition of their own relatives by preferring their siblings 67 percent of the time.

Hepper went on to show that it is scent that cued the recognition of the test puppies’ biological relatives. This was done by repeating the experiments, only now, instead of having an actual live dog in each of the wire pens, he used a large square of toweling that the target dogs had slept on for two days. The results were very similar to the previous experiments. When pups were given a choice of a cloth infused with their mother's odour versus one infused with the odour of a similarly aged, unfamiliar female of the same breed, 82 percent showed a preference for the scent of their mother. When pups were given a choice of a cloth infused with their siblings’ odour compared to one infused with the odour of a dog of similar age and breed but from a different litter, 70 percent showed a preference for the scent of their littermates.

The results of these two experiments clearly show that young puppies recognize their own mother and littermates, and it also shows that this recognition is based upon scent cues.

However, the question which was actually being raised by my colleague is whether, when the pups grow into adult dogs, they still recognize their biological mother. The answer to this requires that the tests be done on adult dogs rather than young puppies.

Luckily, Hepper also gathered a set of dogs that were approximately two years of age.

These dogs had been separated from their mother when they were around eight weeks of moderndogmagazine.com

33

The conclusion is that canine moms recognize their offspring after they are adults and even following a long separation. age and had never seen her again up to the time of testing. He now repeated the previous set of experiments, starting with an assessment of whether, based upon scent alone, the canine mothers still recognized their offspring after all of this time apart.

The results were quite clear, with 78 percent of the mothers sniffing the cloth containing the scent of her offspring longer than they sniffed the scent of an unfamiliar dog of the same breed, age, and gender. The conclusion is that canine moms recognize their offspring after they are adults and even following a long separation.

To see whether the offspring still recognize their mothers, the experiment was revised.

The target scent was now the dog's mother compared to another female dog of the same breed and age. The results were almost the same as in the case of the mothers recognizing their offspring, with 76 percent of the dogs showing a preference for the cloth infused with their mother's scent. This was impressive because the puppies had by now grown into adults and had not seen their mother for around two years.

“So,” I went on to explain to my colleague, “at least as far as the data is concerned, it appears clear that a dog, even as an adult, will still recognize its biological mother— however it does not tell us how that former puppy, having now reached adulthood, will act around its mother once they are finally reunited. Contrary to the beliefs of our social psychologist here, the fact that a male offspring might try to mate with his mother during their reunion should not be taken as evidence that he has failed to recognize her as his parent. Rather than demonstrating that he is not aware of his familial relationship to his mother, it simply demonstrates the fact that dogs do not have the same morality system that is accepted by people.” n

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They hug their dogs.

Gigi Hadid takes her and her boyfriend Zayn Malik's Frenchie, Stitch, to the park in New York City.

They go in for a snuggle.

! s r a t Sey’re just

Selma Blair takes her new rescue Pit Bull Cappuccino Houston (Cappy) for a walk in Studio City, CA.

They bring their dogs along for their ride!

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©ROBERT O'NEIL, SPLASH NEWS; ©GARNIER, SPLASH NEWS;

They go on coffee runs.

©ROBERT O'NEIL, SPLASH NEWS; ©SPLASH NEWS

Th ! s u e k li

Liev Schreiber and his dog Bob take a bike ride in New York City.

36 moderndog

Mandy Moore snuggles up to her adorable dog Joni in a new campaign for Garnier.

They give their little dog a lift.

Selena Gomez has a new puppy! The 25-year-old singer and actress was spotted out and about with her new pup, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy named Charles, in New York City.

They co-adopt.

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! s r a t Sey’re just

Th ! s u e k li

Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner and her 28-year-old musician boyfriend Joe Jonas carrying their new “Direwolf" puppy on a stroll in New York City.

They’ve named the pup they’ve adopted together Porky Basquiat, and he already has his own Instagram account!

Their dog is their best friend!

Allison King, recently seen in Baby Driver, cuddles her adorable Golden/ Toller mix, Cassius.

She frequently posts photos of Cassius to her Instagram account, @allisongking.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: KRISTIN CALLAHAN, ©ACE PICTURES;JACKSON LEE,

They bring their new pups everywhere!

©SPLASH NEWS; XACTPIX, ©SPLASH NEWS; ©BIRDIE THOMPSON

Baywatch star Priyanka Chopra is cuddles her puppy Diana as she arrives at New York’s JFK Airport wearing a colourful outfit.

TRAINING

Outdoor YOUR DOG Winter ISActivities TALKING ARE YOU LISTENING?

PHOTO XXXXXXXX

By Eleanor

By Teoti Anderson

How to read your dog’s calming signals and when to intervene in situations that are causing your dog stress It was my first time meeting a new client and her puppy. Her older dog was trying to get my attention but the puppy kept intervening.

“Puppy getting on the other dog’s nerves, right?” I asked.

“Not so much. He’s amazingly tolerant of her,” she replied.

“Well, he’s about had enough,” I said. Just then, the older dog snapped. The puppy yipped and scrambled away.

“How did you know he was going to do that?” my client asked, surprised. “Do you talk Dog or something?”

“He showed me,” I responded. “Dogs talk to us all the time, you just need to learn how to listen.”

How did I know the older dog had reached his limit? When the puppy approached, the senior turned his head away from her. This is a sign he wanted her to stay away. She kept coming, and started gnawing on his ear. He turned farther away, showing the whites of his eyes—what trainers and behaviourists call “whale eye”—and lifting a lip. All signals he had had enough.

The puppy happily continued chomping on his ear. The older dog then growled and snapped at her. She then understood his message, and backed away accordingly. If she had respected his earlier signals, he wouldn’t have escalated to the snap. Puppies

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often need lessons in understanding Dog, too!

Dogs have a vast repertoire of body language signals they use to diffuse situations they find uncomfortable or to demonstrate they are stressed or afraid. In her seminal book, On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, Turid Rugaas dubbed these behaviours “calming signals.” She describes them as the social skills dogs use to avoid conflict, invite play, and communicate information to other dogs and humans.

Here are some common calming signals. Has your dog ever exhibited these?

The Head Turn This can also be a full body turn, so your dog’s back is to the other dog, person or item. You might see this when another dog rushes your dog, or when the vacuum cleaner comes near him.

The Lip Lick You might see this if you are scolding your dog – he may lower his head and start licking his lips. Take this in context—if you’re dangling a treat in front of your dog’s nose and he licks his lips, he’s probably just indicating he’s hungry.

The Yawn Another one to take in context. Pup just wake up from a nap? He’s just sleepy. But if a toddler is fast approaching him, reaching for his ears, and he yawns, it’s likely a calming signal.

The Play Bow In this pose, the dog’s rear will be up while his front end is low on the ground. This is an invitation to play, as he is making himself smaller and less potentially frightening.

Social dogs often play bow to try to get other dogs to play with them.

Freezing The dog will be completely still. Not even his tail will

How did I know the older dog had reached his limit? When the puppy approached, the senior turned his head away from her. This is a sign he wanted her to stay away.

move. When a new dog enters a dog park, you’ll often see him freeze while the existing dogs check him out. This can indicate to the other dogs that he is not a threat. It can also be a serious indication of elevated arousal or stress. For example, a dog who guards bones, food or other objects may freeze just before he lunges to bite.

Walking In A Curve Walking directly towards something, head on, is an assertive behaviour. Walking in a curve is less threatening. Ever get exasperated with your dog and yell at him to come inside the house? You may notice he approaches at a curve. This can make you angrier, thinking he’s taking the long way around, but he actually could be trying to diffuse a stressful situation.

If your dog displays clusters of calming signals, take note of what’s going on in his environment. Is he trying to make friends with someone? Is something bothering him? Calming signals that are ignored can often escalate. What starts out as a head turn, lip lick and yawn can grow to a growl, snap or bite. In the case of the toddler approaching a dog exhibiting calming signals, you’d definitely want to intervene. By learning what your dog is communicating, you’ll be able to better understand him, and make the world less stressful for him. You’ll probably find he’s glad you started listening! n Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, is a professional dog trainer and author of The Dog Behavior Problem Solver, Ultimate Guide to Dog Training, Puppy Care and Training, and more. She hosts the Get Pawsitive Results radio show on Pet Life Radio and educates pet parents and other trainers on canine behaviour through popular webinars and workshops.

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BEHAVIOUR

PREGNANCY, BABIES, AND THE FAMILY DOG

By Jennifer Messer

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Who says babies and dogs don’t mix? A behaviourist-trainer-vet’s account of preparing her Pit Bull for an infant’s imminent arrival while reassuring her mother of her sanity.

D

uring a routine email exchange with my mom last month, six weeks before the due date of my first baby, the wise words of my dog training mentor rang loud and clear for the first time. Ian Dunbar had warned me: “Family and friends rarely see you as a real expert in your field when it comes to their personal lives—so don’t expect them to, and try not to take it personally.”

After an honours degree in psychology, over 15 years of experience as a dog trainer— ten of which include writing and public speaking for veterinary and dog training professionals—never mind a veterinary degree, the last line of my mother’s email was a shocker: “So what are your plans for re-homing Charlotte before Jake is born? Just wondering. Love Mom.” Charlotte is my 11-year-old Pit Bull, whom I adopted as a young pup. She’s a delightful dog provided you are not of the canine species, and has been a wonderful companion. But in the presence of any unknown dog she is true to her breed: a major hassle for even the skilled handler and a frightening canine psychopath to the lay observer.

Charlotte attended my puppy classes from adoption at 12 weeks until about five months old. However, she was unable to read social signals from the other puppies, and inclined to tackle and hassle puppies relentlessly despite normally effective dog and human intervention. She was the classic backyard-bred Pit Bull: soft and sweet with humans, and downright socially incompetent with other dogs. I did the best I could with her, which was to socialize her well as a young pup so that she could be the finest Pit Bull her genetics would allow and develop a safe bite, a bite that does not inflict damage. I kept up some good doggie buddy relationships for her with carefully chosen peacenik breeds like Labs and Newfies, and found her a Beagle boyfriend as a housemate for many years to keep up the half-baked social skills she did manage to acquire.

Predictably, Charlotte fights with any unfamiliar dog she meets but does no damage, and lives a life rich in human and cat company, and very light on doggie hobnobbing.

Truth is, we basically avoid cold encounters with unknown dogs like the plague.

She meets babies and kids now and then, under the control of a head halter, and has never appeared fearful or aggressive towards them. But her body awareness is on par with BamBam from The Flintstones, which is to say, clumsy enough to knock over or scare a youngster. Between her typical bully overgregarious play style and our provincial breed-related legalities, I have mostly restricted her from meeting unknown children, especially toddlers who are inclined to grab feet and tails—not Charlotte’s favourite type of handling.

My family has always considered Charlotte to be a hindrance to me, requiring housesitter hassles instead of simple doggie daycare or kennel boarding, expensive fencing, and constant vigilance for dogs on the horizon. But they’ve treated her kindly over the years and respected my love and devotion to her nonetheless. That is, until I explained that there were no plans for relocation, that Charlotte was staying put in her moderndogmagazine.com

43

home WITH my new baby, and that, despite her dog issues I do not consider her an undue risk to a newborn. That’s when things got a bit ugly.

In one fell swoop I went from professional dog trainer, writer, and veterinarian, worthy of boasting about to friends and family, to “a blindly biased, obstinate, irresponsible parent who will be very sorry that she let her pride put her baby’s life at risk.”

Charlotte was instantly reclassified as a potential baby-killer, and no amount of fact-citing seemed to have an impact on their conviction.

Had I countered aggression with aggression, like some traditional dogtrainers might, the conflict would probably have spiralled even further downward. But the years of discipline in gentle behaviour modification taught me that fear-based aggression must not be corked; the cause needs to be identified and patiently remedied through confidence building.

I accepted the fact that my well-qualified risk assessment was wholly unconvincing to worried family, and offered to have “objective” input from world-renowned dog experts who happen to know Charlotte personally. Their reiteration that (1) dogdog aggression is no predictor of dog-baby aggression, and (2) a well-socialized Pit Bull like Charlotte who shows no signs of concern over children poses no extraordinary risk compared to any other dog of similar size, was welcomed and seemed to carry some weight. As did my partner’s 30 years of experience as a veterinarian: he patiently debunked myths of locking Pit Bull jaws, clarified confusion between dogdog scrappiness and dog-human aggression, insisted that any dog can become predatory towards young children without warning and that NO DOG is 100 percent safe with kids, and reassured

them that of the hundreds of families he has counselled similarly over the years, none has reported any tragic consequences.

Three weeks into a steady stream of “objective” information, along with my gentle highlighting of all the other risks that we do not try to reduce to zero, but do our best to mitigate by implementing sensible precautions, and irrational fear was slowly being replaced with reflection and acceptance of the reality of Charlotte and my baby—of dogs and kids in general. Supervision of dog and baby was now joining the rest of the list: baby seats for auto accidents, childproof locks for medicine cabinets, and stranger proofing our kids.

Janis Bradley’s book Dogs Bite but Umbrellas and Slippers are More Dangerous (2005; James and Kenneth), provides a wonderful review of the relative risk of dogs to people in the context of modern society. While the sensationalism of dogbite reports would have us thinking it is a problem of epidemic proportions, your actual chance of being killed by a dog is one in 18 million: you are five times more likely to be killed by a bolt of lightning! The reality is that dogs don’t actually bite very often, when they do they seldom cause injury, and even when they injure it is very rarely serious. True, they pose a greater risk to children, who account for 10 of the 16 dog-related fatalities each year in the United States, but when compared to other rare causes of death in children it is a wonder dog bites even make the radar.

Prefer hard numbers? Toys, playground equipment, and five gallon buckets EACH kill more children annually than dogs, and none of these rank anywhere close to the 886 children a year killed by their own family. Comparing dog-bite fatalities to car accident statistics (45,000 deaths per year across ages) shows how

While the sensationalism of dog-bite reports would have us thinking it is a problem of epidemic proportions, your actual chance of being killed by a dog is one in 18 million.

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absurd it is to fret about Fido when transporting baby around in an auto.

Bottom line is that dogs and kids are a pretty safe bet, and the very rare yet devastating fatal attacks that hit the media are almost exclusively committed by groups of dogs left unsupervised with young children. And there is absolutely no credible data suggesting that Pit Bulls are an exception.

Dogs and kids can be a golden combination with a plethora of health and social benefits, but they do require informed guardians who implement some basic precautions. After years of helping others prepare Fido and family for the new baby, it’s now my turn to walk the walk. Five golden rules sit under my fridge magnet as a daily reminder.

1 Plan for having less time with the dog after the baby is born and transition the dog to a “post birth” exercise/social regimen.

Charlotte now has a pet nanny that exercises and feeds her, and will do for six months after Jake is born. Two friends whom she loves will also be spending extra social time with her.

2 Get the dog used to the sounds of babies and their toys.

Charlotte has been enjoying chicken wieners to the musical (not!) sounds of crying babies, screaming toddlers, and any other childrelated soundtracks I can find online.

3 Set up baby-free and dog-free spaces in the house. Dogs and young kids cannot be left unattended, so some zoning is needed.

I’ve put up gates on both floors and Charlotte is getting used to being restricted from the dog-free sections. She’s growing quite fond of the baby-free zones where stuffed Kongs, fine bedding, and a belly-rubbing nanny have appeared.

4 Review the Pavlov Principle: plan how you will associate the

new baby with something that rocks your dog’s world. Just like Pavlov’s dog learned to drool at the lunch bell, you want Fido to get warm and fuzzy over Baby. Jake’s first blanket will go home for Charlotte to sniff, and accompany her all-time favourite dinner: parmesan meatballs on spaghetti topped with liver powder. Yummm!

5 Plan the first meeting of baby and dog, setting everyone up for a successful first impression. We’ll make sure Charlotte has had lots of social time and been well exercised the day Jake comes home. I’ll greet Charlotte on my own first, to let her vent her enthusiasm, and then have someone else introduce Jake bum-first while I sweet-talk Charlotte and give her lots of goodies. She can safely lick Jake’s bottom—there’s nothing sterile about a baby bum—and we’ll keep the first encounter brief but positive.

Ten days from now, I’ll become a first-time mom, and I have nothing but great hopes for my dog and baby bonding well.

Charlotte says she’s ready for “poop patrol” duty (a cookie each time you change baby’s poopy diaper quickly turns Fido into an ace poop patroller… salivating at your heels well before your nose could alert you), and my partner, mom, friends, and dog nanny are all coached and ready to help Charlotte adjust safely to our new lifestyle.

While I am hopeful for a smooth transition, I am also well prepared to shift plans if needed. Not all dogs and kids belong in the same house, and if I see signs of trouble, we’ll promptly pursue other options. Charlotte does have two terrific re-homing offers awaiting her if needed, but we’re both pretty sure she won’t have to oblige. n

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craft D.I.Y.

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER YAU

PET PROJECT

Braided Dog Collar with Tassel Get crafty! Make your dog a nifty braided dog collar!

By Kristina Stephens

Materials

ÆÆ5/32-inch thick nylon rope or cotton rope ÆÆ1-inch harness ring spring snap hook (harness ring and snap ÆÆ2-inch hook available online or at hardware stores)

MAKE IT! How-to

ÆÆMeasuring tape ÆÆScissors ÆÆLighter or matches

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1

Measure your dog’s neck circumference and cut three pieces of rope that are each two times the measurement of your dog’s neck plus an additional eight inches in length.

2

Loop your pieces of rope through the ring and pull until all pieces have an equal amount on both sides.

Start the braid, just like you would with a standard threestrand braid, but because you have six strands, always cross over two strands.

Braid until you have a braid length equalling your dog’s neck measurement plus an additional inch. Make sure to 3 measure from the top of the ring, not just the rope length, and try it on your dog to make sure the finished length is not going to be too tight or loose.

4

After you’ve checked the size, pull all pieces through the snap hook and tie off tightly.

5

Trim the ends— these will be your tassels—to whatever length you prefer.

I find that three inches is a good minimum length but it depends on your preference and your dog’s size.

You will need to seal the ends of the rope. Hold the tips of the rope in a flame for no longer than two seconds at a time then roll the heated rope tip between your fingers. If you find it still looks a bit frayed, repeat until you are happy with 6 the seal. Repeat with all six strands. Now try the new collar you just made on your BFF and await the compliments!

If you want to get fancy, try this DIY using cotton rope. The only difference in the steps is that the cotton-rope ends need to be sealed with a bead of glue. Cotton rope can be fully dyed or dip dyed for an ombre effect, and can be any colour your heart desires!

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MEMORIALS

OUR PICKS

IN MEMORY OF OUR BFFS

PET URNS

Beautiful ways to remember a loved dog

Handmade with love from start to finish, Long Love Memorials create beautiful, minimalist, understated ceramic urns to hold your dog’s ashes, providing a sense of peace and honouring and memorializing your loved one. From $75, LongLoveMemorials.com

Modern Dog Staffers remember their best friends:

PHOTO CHARMS

Mogli

My beautiful Chow Chow Mogli was my shadow. It took some time to get used to his physical absence after his passing, and I wanted to find a way to have him close to me. Carrying his favourite toy around was not practical (and got me some funny looks), so I turned to cremation jewelry from Perfect Memorials. A simple pendant held a small portion of his ashes and I could wear it every day; it was extremely comforting. Even after I welcomed a new fluffy friend into my life, I still wear my pendant every day to keep Mogli close. $23, PerfectMemorials.com—Jen Yau

Rose

It wasn’t until I came across Heart in Diamond, a company that makes memorial diamonds from a deceased loved one’s hair or ashes, that I knew I’d found just the thing to capture the purity and brilliance of my dog Rose’s spirit. I had her ashes and fur made into a single small yellow diamond set in a plain gold stud that I wear in my ear so that now, as before, I take her with me everywhere. Until we meet again my little friend, you are so deeply missed. From $750, Heart-in-Diamond.com —Jennifer Nosek

Kaya

My dog Kaya impacted my life in countless ways. A headstrong, hyperactive dog, she was, at first, more than I thought I could handle. Somehow, though, we worked out our difficulties and when she passed on after 15 years together, I thought I would never recover from the loss. Time thankfully heals, and my beautiful memories of her now make me smile. The tribute to Kaya I love best is the beautiful portrait Liza Graziotto painted of her in Pacific Spirit Park. It hangs in my office and is a daily reminder of Kaya’s beautiful spirit. LisaGraziotto.com —Connie Wilson

To post an online memorial tribute to a dog that has passed on, go to moderndogmagazine.com/dog-memorials

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Keep the memory of your best friend close with a wearable keepsake featuring a favourite photo of your beloved companion.

Rembrandt Charms will add the photo to a simple charm so they will never truly leave your side.

From $65, RembrandtCharms.com

PET PORTRAITS Remember your beloved dog with a custom portrait that will make you smile every time you look at it.

Illustaylor’s custom portraits are hand-painted with acrylic on wooden canvas. Using a photo of your dog, they perfectly capture your pet’s personality, creating a wonderfully realistic piece of art you’ll treasure forever. From $175, Illustaylor.com

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INSPIRE

ANIMAL CHAMPION

By Noa Nichol

Marc Ching is what many would call the ultimate champion of animals, rescuing dogs and cats from terrible conditions and disastrous situations and circumstances around the world. But, no matter how disturbing his eye-witness stories may be, he implores us not to look away, because, he says, that is the only way we will be bring about change.

M

arc Ching’s story begins in beautiful, natural Hawaii, where he was born and raised.

His immense love and respect for animals began there, too. Growing up, his family owned and nurtured many pets. In college, Marc had hamsters, ferrets, cats, and dogs—he even had a chicken living with him in his house.

After graduating, he began working in the health and medical field as a nutritionist and Japanese herbalist—and

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that’s where his love of critters evolved into a full-fledged career.

“People started bringing these abused animals to me in Los Angeles,” he says, adding that he launched his PetStaurant business, making highquality, holistic, healthy food for dogs, in that city in 2011.

“In 2012 we registered as a nonprofit operating as the Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation. We specialize in cruelty cases, animal abuse, locally,

and there is a lot of that going on here in L.A. and in the United States. Our purpose is to push education and to teach people and children compassion: who animals are, why they’re important and why we need to be kind to them.

But now I think we’re most well-known for our work in the dog-meat trade.

Probably 50 percent of what we do now is focused on legislation out there, and changing the laws in China, where there are no animal-welfare laws at all,” he says. “You can torture a zebra, or a dog or anything you want, with no consequences. It is not punishable. So that’s our aim now.”

And just like that, Marc touches on what is perhaps the most heartwrenching part of his work, his life, and his story: the Asian dog-meat trade.

While most North Americans have heard this phrase, few have witnessed or experienced it firsthand.

Marc, however, has—and it has put an

indelible, profound, and tragic mark on his life that he simply cannot shake.

“In Asia, most of the countries there, they eat dogs, just like in America some people eat other animals,” he explains.

“Not only do they eat dogs, but, in many parts of Asia … they believe that if you abuse the animal first it somehow strengthens the meat and the people that eat it get special powers through it. There’s a big cultural divide there that’s challenging to overcome, where the people who live there who eat dogs say, well, in America you eat pigs and sheep and cows, and you can do that but you come here and tell us what to do. While they do have a great point, in China and other regions they’re actually stealing people’s pets, so that makes the situation a little different. A pet is a family member … it’s a crazy situation.”

Marc became involved in 2015 after hearing about the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China—in fact, he initially thought that the photos he saw on social media were fake. When he found out that wasn’t the case, he knew he had to get involved.

“At first my wife tried to stop me from going—she said I couldn’t speak Chinese, and she felt it was

too dangerous,” he recalls. “But I eventually did take my first trip there, in September, and I actually saw that it was worse than what those images depicted.”

On his first three trips to Asia, Marc says, he “didn’t have a plan. I didn’t know anything. I was so new to what was happening, and I was so outraged, that I was desperately trying to do anything I could to stop it. Then, on the fourth trip … I started to go undercover … as a dog-meat buyer.”

Marc cannot hold his emotion in as he speaks of his experiences overseas.

His voice cracks as he relives it, sitting at his home in L.A. with his children

and his own pets surrounding him.

However, he says, “it’s seeing that desperation … that keeps me going back, because I feel so desperate to do anything I can to help.”

To date, Marc has rescued some 3,000 animals in Asia. On his first trip he saved 57 dogs from the meat trade by purchasing them. Second trip, same thing. When he started going undercover, those numbers blew up.

“I would go [to the dog-meat dealers] ask for ‘samples’ and get dogs that way,” he explains. “As our knowledge of what we were doing grew, we started shutting down slaughterhouses—a total of nine so far. With shutdowns, you get

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hundreds and hundreds of dogs. On my last trip we shut down a slaughterhouse that had been operating for 20 or 30 years, that held up to 1,000 dogs. We rescued all the dogs that were there and alive, and then destroyed the place with a bulldozer.”

Marc’s rescue missions in Asia have not been without controversy and criticism, but he stands by the decisions he’s made under incredibly difficult circumstances. "This isn't easy work,” he underscores, "and I don't have control over everything but I'm learning all the while and stand by the decisions I have made. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help and for all the incredible support I continue to receive.”

Many of the dogs that Marc rescues in Asia are placed in local shelters and sanctuaries—but some are flown to new homes in the U.S. And, despite the fact that the numbers of animals saved are so high, there are certain individuals that stick out in Marc’s mind.

Justice is one of those dogs.

“She was in Cambodia, in a slaughterhouse, and I was undercover, walking around filming with my iPhone, when I saw her,” he says. “I asked for a ‘sample’ … and they gave us seven or eight dogs, including Justice. We

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immediately took them to the vet to get them checked out and, incredibly, she pulled through, and went on to have an incredible life with a family in Oregon.”

In fact, Marc’s own dog, Liberty, is a dog-meat trade survivor who reminds him “of the second chances we’re given in life and how great each day can be.”

With that, Marc says that, while his work overseas is profoundly important, there’s a different kind of issue happening right in our own backyard.

“Our foundation is mostly known in the U.S., if you’re not talking about the dog-meat trade, for our work with animal abuse,” he says. “While everything we do is to take a dog that experienced [abuse] and give them the promise that at the end you have a family, you’ll be loved, we have also really grown, as a foundation, to where we pursue litigation and arresting people who commit crimes against animals.”

And, in spite of it all, Marc does see a lot of good in humanity—in, for example, places like Houston, Texas, where he was recently working to rescue animals impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

“I was in Asia when Harvey hit and I actually felt very guilty that I was in another country when such a disaster was happening at home,” he says. “The

day after I flew back to the U.S. I headed to Houston, where the National Guard had issued a warning to anyone wanting to do water rescues of animals—they didn’t want people doing it, but there were hundreds of animals drowning. So we got a boat, right there in front of law enforcement; if they had to arrest me, they would have to arrest me. And, in the end, they didn’t arrest us, and we saved animals.”

That mission, he says, “helped me find myself again, because it was the first time in a long time that I knew I was doing something good. When I reunited the pets with their owners, it was such a beautiful thing. It was awesome.”

In terms of the work that does not always yield such happy endings, Marc has this to say: “The more we share, the more we speak about it, the more we teach people [about things like the dog-meat trade] … that is the only way change will come about. I think that the most important thing I could ask anybody to do would be to be brave, to look at it, to talk about it, because, in the end, that’s the only way to liberate these animals and save them. When tens of millions of people are aware, that is when it will end.” n

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PHOTOGRAPHS ROBERT STOETZEL

East Coast vs. West Coast: We Try Out Three Pet-Friendly Hotels

{ Seattle’s Edgewater Hotel } Situated over the water, this perfectly Pacific Northwest-inspired hotel is enchanting. With romantic sunset views over Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains (request a waterfront room with a balcony), Seattle’s Edgewater Hotel not only delivers a quintessential Seattle experience, but is warm and welcoming not only to dogs but cats, fish, and ferrets as well! For $25 per day, per pet, your dogs of any size—there is no size or weight limit—can accompany you, relax in the provided dog bed and enjoy a repast from the supplied food and water bowls. As for yourself, you can lounge in knotty pine furniture with a house pineapple-infused martini in hand, enjoying the warmth from your room’s roaring river-rock gas fireplace and the view of seagulls swooping over the deep blue waters—waterfront rooms actually extend out over the water so you’re as close to the Pacific as you can get! Note that all pets must be crated if left in the room, but you’ll probably want to bring your dog out exploring. Located downtown, the Edgewater is just a short stroll away from the Olympic Sculpture Park (a perfect spot to take your dog for a walk, coffee in hand, and take in the art pieces, driftwood-strewn beach, and grassy expanses), as well as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. Service animals stay for free!

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Our Editor & Creative Director Jennifer Nosek at the Edgewater.

NUGGET SUBMITTED BY LOGAN AND MIRANDA HANCOCK

{ NYC’s Park Lane Hotel } This elegant hotel, complete with a wow-factor view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, goes out of its way to ensure your small dog will be equally satisfied with her stay. For $100 per pet, per day (Park Lane allows each guest to bring up to two pets if they are 25 pounds or under), your pup can enjoy the hotel’s fabulous Pooch Package, which provides your pup with a cozy bed, food and water bowls, a bag of Blue Buffalo grain-free dog food, and a box of Milk Bones to satisfy late night cravings. Also thoughtfully included are handy Nature’s Miracle pet wipes and eco-friendly disposable pick-up bags, as well as a “Central Park Paws” list of dog-friendly events and sights, so that your dog won’t miss out on the many dog-inclusive activities in the City That Never Sleeps! You can expect to enjoy swanky cocktails from the hotel’s legendary Harry’s New York Bar and Grill or simply relax in your beautifully appointed room, which features warm golden-hued walls, handsome gilded furniture, and luxurious linens; request a room with a view of Central Park; it’s spectacular. A short dog-accompanied stroll away from the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, and Times Square, Park Lane is a luxurious home away from home for both you and your pup!

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{ NYC’s The Benjamin } Spoil your dog by staying at The Benjamin, named one of the top three pet-friendly hotels in North America by readers of 10Best.com. They welcome all four-legged guests—no size limit and no maximum number of pets. And it gets better. Located in the Big Apple’s Midtown East neighbourhood, the chic Benjamin offers a top-notch, super-fun Good Dog program for visiting pups. For the price of $60 per stay, your warmly welcomed dog will enjoy luxurious digs outfitted with a cute and cozy Mungo & Maud dog bed and food and water bowls, and, most fun of all, you’ll find a Bark Box in your room filled with NYC-themed goodies tailored to the size of your pup that’s yours to take home!

Our box featured such iconic NYC-themed surprises, such as a pretzel-shaped dog toy and a plush and squeaky Lady Liberty head. Plus, you can feel good about the pet fee; $10 of the $60 goes to the no-kill shelter Animal League, so your pup’s stay will also benefit dogs in need.

In case you’re starting to feel neglected, rest assured The Benjamin is also fantastic for dog owners—the hotel offers a pillow menu with a choice of ten different kinds of pillows, a tranquil spa with stone and Swedish massages, and an unbeatable location close to the MET, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building!

PET PROJECT

eat D.I.Y.

Holidays or dog birthday parties call for something special for your pup. Put a smile on your dog’s face with these healthy and delicious “pup-cakes” for dogs!

By Kristina Stephens Yields: 15-18 cupcakes or two 4-inch round cakes.

Yummer s!

INGREDIENTS ∙ 2 cups quick oats ∙ 1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter ∙ 1/4 cup coconut oil (try CocoTherapy's, cocotherapy.com) or olive oil ∙ 1 mashed banana (preferably overly ripe) ∙ 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce ∙ 1 egg ∙ 2 tsp baking soda ∙ 1 tsp baking powder e Taste-tester Maisi ∙ 1 Tbsp honey s! ve pro ap hly hig Frosting: ∙ 2 cups smooth natural peanut butter ∙ 1-2 tbs water

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Line your muffin tins with cupcake liners or oil. If making cakes, line the cake pans with parchment paper.

3. Mash banana and add peanut butter, oil, applesauce, honey, and egg. Mix until smooth.

4. In another bowl, combine oats, baking soda, and baking powder.

5. Gradually add the combined wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until well combined.

6. Spoon into cupcake cups or pan until 2/3 full.

7. Bake cupcakes for 18 minutes, and cakes for 28 minutes.

8. While cupcakes bake, make frosting: using electric mixer, whip peanut butter until soft, slowly add water until you have a frosting-like consistency.

9. Once cakes cool, spread or pipe on frosting.

10. You can also decorate the top with crushed dried salmon skins, sliced banana or your pup’s favourite treats.

These pup-cakes can last up to a week in an airtight container, or you can freeze them and keep them longer.

Or make your life even easier with Whisk & Wag's healthy and delicious treat mixes in cheese-tastic flavours like Herbs and Cheddar! Just add water and a bit of oil, roll into treat balls, and bake! Easy peasy home-baked goodness! Find them at whiskandwagtreats.com. Makes a great gift!

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PHOTO KRISTINA STEPHENS

Peanut Butter & Banana Pup-Cakes!

INSPIRE

ADOPT THIS PUPPY

Our cover dog Piper looks sweet as can be in a handcrafted white leather collar from Hot Dogs All Dressed adorned with heart ornaments. you can mix and match the decorations for your own unique look! from $24, hotdogsalldressed.com

…

Our cover pup is up for adoption!

By Jennifer Nosek Photographed by Tanya King

W

e’re thrilled to feature an adorable, adoptable rescue pup on this issue’s cover!

Our cover pup Piper is a 13-weekold Shepherd/Husky cross, rescued from Northern Canada and available for adoption through Cross Our Paws rescue. Piper is already tall for his age and should tip the scale at 65 to 70 pounds when he’s all grown up.

We also photographed two other Cross Our Paws rescue pups (yes, this is the best job ever). Piper’s littermate Anjo, a little girl with one blue eye and one brown, also joined the shoot, along with Olive, a four-month-old Lab mix. Olive is a Cross Our Paws “foster failure”—our photographer, Tanya King, started out fostering her but quickly decided to keep her. We can see why!

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ld Anjo the 13-week-o , ss cro erd ph he y-S Husk in is fresh as a daisy m a leather collar fro d.

Hot Dogs All Dresse d an d fte cra Hand Dogs personalized, Hot All Dressed collars are a fashionable, functional, and g durable Modern Do 4, favourite. From $2 d.com HotDogsAllDresse

All three pups were rescued by Cross Our Paws Rescue, a BC-based, 100 percent volunteer run group founded in 2006. Many of their dogs, like Piper and Anjo are rescued from remote Northern communities. To date, Cross Our Paws has rescued over 600 animals with the help of about a dozen active volunteer foster homes that have opened their hearts and homes to help homeless dogs. Cross Our Paws does not have a shelter facility so their fosters are absolutely essential to their rescue efforts. (For more on fostering and how to get involved in your community, turn to page 70).

The group focuses on local rescue efforts, with most of their dogs coming from BC, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. Bonnie Graham, the organization’s co-founder and adoption coordinator (both volunteer positions), notes the dogs that come into their care “vary from a German

Olive, an adorable fou rmonth-old suspecte d Lab/Shepherd mix, wears romantic “Secr et Garden” dog couture jewellery from Thy Fairest Fido. This stunning piece featur es resin flowers and silv erplated beads. Check out their Benevolent Bling collection—100 % of proceeds support rescue programs! $8 5, ThyFairestFido.com

Shepherd to a French Bull Dog”—i.e. there’s dog to suit your fancy no matter your preference!

Want to help?

Bonnie shares three ways you can get involved

1 Adoption

“There is a huge overpopulation problem globally. Adopting a homeless dog saves a life.”

2 Fostering

“Fostering a dog can be one of the most rewarding volunteer jobs on the planet. It provides the dog with some stability and basic training and helps get them ready for their new journey in life. Many times foster homes fall in love with their foster dog and have first option to adopt permanently.”

3 Escorting

escort a rescued dog by being his travel companion! If you fly frequently (Cross Our Paw’s rescues are mostly travelling from Northern BC, Alberta, or the Northwest Territories to Vancouver, though other rescues focus on other areas) you could escort a dog. This mostly consists of checking the dog in when you check in, picking him up upon arrival at your destination, and then passing him off to the rescue. Talk about an easy way to make a difference! n

If you’re interested in adopting our cover pup Piper, fostering, or escorting a rescue, contact crossourpawsrescue@gmail.com!

Check out all of the dogs currently up for adoption through Cross Our Paws at crossourpawsrescue.com

If you travel a lot, you can moderndogmagazine.com

61

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gift Guide Find the perfect presents for all the dogs & dog lovers on your list.

Your holiday shopping starts here!

The BUSTER Aqua Raincoat is a fun, fashionable, waterproof, and adjustable raincoat perfect for the wet season! Reflective tape ensures visibility during dark walks and it’s machine washable too!

From $30, Kruuse247.com

This denim dog bed from Mister Migs is made from repurposed jeans and lined with plush, fleece-like faux fur. Super comfy, high quality, and able to withstand even the roughest dogs! From $95, MisterMigs.com

A safe dog is easy to spot! This durable and weatherproof harness uses multicolour light and reflectivity to make your pup highly visible from every direction. Save 30% with the code BRIGHTDOG. Noxgear.com/Lighthound

Preserve your memories with Makin A Memory—durable keepsakes that last forever. These frame kits feature a patented swivel and imprint impressions with Makin’s Brand clay. Choose from 4 solid wood designs. MakinAMemory.com The Andis Cordless Easy Clip Li 11-piece clipper kit makes grooming at home easy! A lithium-ion battery provides two hours of non-stop clipping and six attachment combs deliver professional-looking results. $125, Small-Animal.Andis.com ROVER: Wagmore Edition is a beautiful book of 360 heartwarming and soulful dog portraits shown in stunning detail. Photographer Andrew Grant has raised $2,000,000 for animal shelters through his projects.

Learn more at RoverWorks.org

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gift Guide Veterinarian recommended and scientifically proven ThunderEase Calming Pheromones create a natural calm by mimicking a mother’s nursing pheromones.

Available in diffusers, sprays, and collars.

Give the gift of calm!

ThunderEase.com

Oliver is funny, lovable and perfectly imperfect!

From an SPCA start, his heart-warming story will give any parent the perfect opportunity to bond, laugh and share with their child.

HelloMyNameIsOliver.com

Fetch unique gifts for dog lovers on the go! From exclusive pet parent jewelry to pet-themed aromatherapy car diffusers, every purchase lends a helping paw to homeless pets.

PawZaar.com

Discover a variety of monthly and one-time gift boxes to celebrate your best friend!

Perfect for birthdays, holidays or anytime your dog deserves something special. Spoil ‘em rotten at JoePup.com

With great style and fit, the versatile Trail Blazer coat from Chilly Dogs stays in place and repels wind and rain to keep your dog warm, dry, and cozy. ChillyDogs.ca

Whether venturing near or far, dogs love the comfort and security of the KONA CAVE Travel Dog Bed. Carried like a tote bag, it opens into a familiar, cozy place. KonaCave.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

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Fave Find

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The Cover Me by Tui has been voted #1 for the Best Alternative to the Cone of Shame by many pet parents. Give your pets comfort and quicker healing with a 100% guarantee. TulanesCloset.com

FA V

Gift Guide

We adore our pets, but not their excess fur! ConairPRO grooming tools, like the Pet-It 2-piece gift set and Shed-It grooming system, are perfect for your furry friends. amazon.com

Keep your dog close to your heart now and forever. A unique nose print pendant from Robin’s Loving Touch is like wearing an emotion.

Wet noses, warm hearts, unconditional love.

RobinsLovingTouch.com The Prisma Reflective Collar ensures doggies are always safe and visible with military prismatic technology.

An innovative magnetic buckle also makes it a snap to take on and off. Made in the USA. Pup-IQ.com

These glow in the dark ID tags from Bad Tags are for pets who don’t take life too seriously and are sure to make the humans LOL this holiday season! Made in USA. BuyBadTags.com

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JJ’s Journey tells the story of a therapy dog dedicated to helping humans cope with tragedy and loss through love. The power of the human-animal bond will make you smile, laugh, and cry.

JJHospiceTherapyDog.com

P H OTOS CO U RT E SY B E TSY B A N KS SA U L

The Golden Rule

INSPIRE

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Having already revolutionized rescue pet adoption, Betsy Banks Saul turns her attention to foster pets with the goal of saving millions more animals

By Tracey Tong If a homeless animal had a best friend, it would probably look a lot like Betsy Banks Saul.

Betsy has saved tens of millions of pets’ lives—yes, you read that right—through the ground-breaking rescue website she founded, Petfinder.com. The site allows would-be adopters to search out adoptable pets in their area from groups and shelters across North America. Along the way, she changed both public perception of rescue animals and how people adopt pets. Now she aims to do the same for foster animals.

It is not hyperbole to say Petfinder revolutionized pet adoption. The idea for the site came to Betsy and her thenhusband, Jared Saul, in December 1995 as they discussed what the Internet could do to help shelter animals. One month later, Petfinder was up and running.

It was hard work, with Betsy and her husband personally contacting groups and entering the adoptable pets, but for the first time, there was one database for adoptable animals in need of a home. Eventually, Betsy organized an unprecedented 14,000 shelters and rescue groups—nearly every organization across North America—so their adoptable pets were searchable through one place. “Everybody played in one sandbox,” says the Missouri native proudly. And it worked: in the last 20 years the number of animals euthanized annually has dropped from a shocking 20 million animals to 2.7 million, a big step in the

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right direction.

Wanting Petfinder to have an international reach, Betsy sold the website to Discovery Communications in 2006 for $35 million—that’s the kind of profile and traffic the site sees— and remained involved until Nestle Purina bought the site in 2013. But after leaving the company, “something kept me up in the middle of the night,” Betsy says. “I felt like I left some unfinished business on the table. We had done great things for adoptable animals—Petfinder was rockin’ and rollin’—but there were all these pets being left behind.” Animals were being euthanized because the shelters weren’t adopting them out quickly enough, or because there wasn’t enough space. “And there were all these animals that don’t belong in shelters like birds and goats and horses, and other animals that were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Betsy set to work on a new venture, one with the aim of catching the pets that fall through the cracks—and last spring, Betsy, along with Eric and Traci Theis, launched 911fosterpets.com. Already, it’s doing for fostering what Petfinder did for adoption.

Not every homeless animal can be taken in at the shelter, explains Betsy. A foster home is an in-between home, or a place to crash—and it saves lives. “Some animals are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some animals just need a family for

Fostering a pet turns an everyday person into a hero. a day or two while transportation is being set up to get them to their rescue partners, or a couple of weeks to become old enough to qualify for adoption. Sometimes an adopter is interested in a pet but can’t take it yet. If the shelter is full, we can hold pets until a space opens up.”

To get the fostering site up and running, Betsy, along with Eric and Traci, started reaching out to shelters and foster parents, and got companies Merck and PetMeds on board. With an eventual goal of seeing a foster home on every block, 911fosterpets was born.

So far, animals on the site have been viewed over one million times and the associated groups have received thousands of foster offers.

It’s making a real difference. When someone fosters a pet, they not only save that pet’s life, but they also open a kennel space for another homeless pet in need, says co-founder Traci.

“Moms with kittens or puppies, pregnant dogs and cats and dogs and cats with treatable colds who typically need two weeks out of the shelter, are all examples of pets who are being euthanized simply because the shelters don’t have the space to care for them until they are adoptable,” she says. “Two to four weeks in someone’s home can save the lives of many pets.”

While they have their foster pet, foster parents can teach the animal what Traci calls lifesaving skills—“for example, for a younger dog or puppy, learning to love their crate is an invaluable lesson that will help prevent the pup from becoming another tragic statistic at a shelter in the future,” she says.

“Fostering provides a safe, loving place for our furry friends to call home for a little while—somewhere where they can experience what it feels like to be loved and cherished, without all the stress of a shelter environment,” Traci continues. “Fostering a pet turns an everyday person into a hero.”

There are benefits for humans, too. Fostering allows people with limited bandwidth to reap the benefits of pet ownership and feed their need to make the world a better place.

Anyone—millennials who don’t have time for a full-time pet and retirees who travel for months at a time—can be a foster pet parent if they can carve out a chunk of time, says Betsy.

Melissa Troche began fostering dogs after her two children begged for a pet. Over the past seven years, the Clearwater, Florida-based family has fostered 19 dogs through Rugaz Rescue, a Florida organization and 911fosterpets.com participant that rescues dogs scheduled for euthanasia.

“We found a need out there that we were able to contribute to, and it’s really rewarding,” says the single mother. “Many of the dogs have been neglected or abused, and we see them come back to life. It’s good for the soul and good for the moderndogmagazine.com

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spirit and it rewards you in a way you can’t even begin to describe.”

The lessons her children, now 22 and 14, have learned from fostering are invaluable, Melissa says. “They’ve learned to care for something other than themselves. I’m not sure that they would have gotten those lessons from school.”

Traci agrees.

Now that she and Eric have a son, Jasper, fostering pets is paramount, Traci says. “It enables us to teach him about compassion for animals and caring for others while also giving back to our community.”

Traci says people don’t realize that even a short-term commitment can save an animal’s life. One of the goals of 911fosterpets is simply to raise awareness of the benefits of fostering.

“If more people knew, they would step up and foster,” Traci says. “Veterinary care and often many, if not all expenses are covered. [These pets] just need a family to love them and care for them until they can go up for adoption or find their forever family.”

Fostering also allows for a no-commitment getting-to-knowyou period, as opposed to adoption, which Betsy jokingly likens to an arranged marriage.

“When you see a pet at a shelter and you take it home, it’s a miracle when it works out—you haven’t really met yet,” she says. Fostering, she says, allows prospective pet owners to dip their toes in. “It’s a great way to ‘try before you buy,’ and be a little more circumspect about who you invite into your home for 10 years.”

Many times, fostering has a happy ending.

Lots of pets find their forever home with their foster parents, which Betsy calls “foster failures.’’ She herself has had many foster failures, including her German Shepherd mix, Jake, and her mixed breed rescue named Sophie. She’d realized that she had fallen in love with Sophie when she found herself not wanting to receive calls from potential adopters.

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Fostering also allows rescue dogs the precious time they may need to find the right match; sometimes it takes a while for the right family to show up. Betsy recalls fostering a 10-year-old female Golden Retriever in the late 1990s. The previous owner had gotten married and was forced to give up his pet.

The dog was so depressed she couldn’t pick her head up for weeks until a family with young children came to see the dog.

The dog “was bouncing and skipping around,” says Betsy.

“I cried when the dog left but I knew that the dog was a good fit… The dog was so happy and had found her purpose and her family. Fostering can be so rewarding.”

Other times, endings are bittersweet.

Betsy once picked up a stray, dying Cocker Spaniel mix from the shelter.

“I didn’t want her to die in a shelter—she deserved to die in a dog bed in a home. I talked them into letting me take the dog home,” she says. Three days later, the dog passed away, but she did so with dignity and surrounded by love.

A lifelong animal lover, Betsy credits her parents for instilling in her the urge to help others. “I translated that ethic onto all beings and never differentiated between people and animals,” she says.

These days, the 49-year-old former park ranger divides her time between her homes in Crystal Beach, Florida, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, which she shares with about 40 rescue animals. In addition to her current dogs, Jake and Cattle Dog mix Pinto, she has five cats, cows, two goats, five horses, a donkey, a box turtle, eight guinea hens, and 16 chickens. In short, she lives it, and helping animals is her life’s work.

“It’s about the golden rule,” says Betsy. “Everyone needs a hand up sometimes.” n

Find a pet to foster at 911fosterpets.com. It could change both your life and the life of the pet you foster.

Turn the page to check out pups looking for a foster home!

Zero, Bull Terrier Rescue: Rugaz Rescue Location: Tampa, Florida

This amazing boy had a hard start in life.

Surrendered by his family, he was then misdiagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, which left him without proper care for his autoimmune ailments. Luckily, Rugaz Rescue scooped him up and Zero is now undergoing treatment for his seizures and an ear infection. But! Everything can be controlled and maintained and Zero is looking for a foster home to help him spend his golden years as he so deserves. Dogs like Zero wouldn’t have a chance at a happily ever after without foster parents who open their hearts and homes.

Interested in fostering Zero? Contact RugazRescue.com or facebook.com/ RugazRescue. Their all-volunteer organization helps dogs of all breeds and ages, but has a special focus on Pit Bull and Mastiff-type dogs.

Can crash oIn your couch?

FOSTER ME! These dogs—and many more like them—are all looking for a temporary foster home to help them on their journey to finding a forever family. Fostering is a short-term commitment and, most often, all expenses are covered. By temporarily opening your heart and home, you help give a dog a second chance and create space in shelters and rescues so that they can save more lives. Plus, it makes your heart feel good. At Modern Dog we’ve fostered numerous dogs and can attest to what a wonderful experience it is. Check out these cuties and consider fostering—we’re willing to bet you won’t regret it. Find more dogs in your area looking for a foster home at 911fosterpets.com, a wonderful website featuring over 30,000 pets in need of fostering.

Lincoln, Chihuahua mix Rescue: Friends of Homeless Animals Location: Rhode Island, New England

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Lincoln is typical of many of the dogs taken in by Friends of Homeless Animals: he is young, playful, sweet, and loving—life just dealt him a bad hand and he ended up at a rural Texas shelter. He made his way from Texas to New England via Friends of Homeless Animals, which partners with several rescues throughout the country and often take dogs from other states that have overcrowded shelters.

Interested in helping by fostering the adorable Lincoln? Contact fohari.org or facebook.com/friendsoha.

Gigi, Papillon mix Rescue: Bichons and Buddies Location: Los Angeles

Gigi is a three-year-old Papillon mix who loves to go for walks and enjoys socializing with everyone she meets along the way. She's a well-behaved pooch who always has a smile on her face and is looking for a foster home to help her on her journey to finding her forever family.

Interested in fostering Gigi?

Contact bichonsandbuddies.com.

PHOTO LEE ANN POLING PHOTOGRAPHY

Rugaz Rescue Inc. and Project Golden Years.

Poor Treasure was neglected and then abandoned with several serious health issues. Local animal control contacted Friends of Homeless Animals (motto:“Rescuing Small Dogs with Big Hearts”), known for taking in dogs that others might Treasure, Poodle mix overlook. They took Rescue: Friends of Homeless Animals Treasure into their Location: Rhode Island, New England rescue and she is now one of their hospice dogs in need of a foster home where she will be loved, spoiled, and treated like a princess for as long as she needs. Since Friends of Homeless Animals does not have a physical shelter, without foster homes, they would not be able to help dogs like Treasure.

Interested in fostering Treasure? Contact fohari.org or facebook.com/friendsoha.

Zeek is a threeyear-old male Collie mix. Through no fault of his own, Sweet Zeek was surrendered to the shelter by his owner.

Zeek did not show well in the shelter (it’s very stressful there, you know) and this Zeek, Collie mix landed him on the Rescue: Dallas Pets Alive! euthanasia list.

Location: Dallas, Texas Dallas Pets Alive was able to spring him just in time and he is an amazing dog!

Interested in fostering Zeek? Contact dallaspetsalive.org.

Adrian Beltre, Pitbull/Boxer mix

Adrian is a two-yearold male Pitbull/ Boxer mix. Brought in as a stray, Adrian Beltre was on the euthanasia list after his stray hold was up. Dallas Pets Alive pulled him just in time! He loves spending time with other dogs and watching sports movies.

Rescue: Dallas Pets Alive!

Location: Dallas, Texas

Interested in fostering Adrian? Contact dallaspetsalive.org.

Lamar is a five-yearold Retriever/Husky mix. He's house trained and crate trained (though he doesn't need a crate).

He's very laid back, loves all people and kids, and is okay with other social dogs with a proper introduction. No Lamar, Retriever/Husky mix cats though please.

Lamar was rescued by Rescue: Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Angels Among Us Pet Location: Northern Georgia Rescue, a non-profit volunteer-based organization dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats from high-kill shelters in north Georgia. They operate through a network of foster homes in the north metro Atlanta area and could use your help to save more dogs!

Interested in fostering Lamar? Contact angelsrescue.org.

Gerry, Shepherd mix Rescue: Dallas Pets Alive!

Location: Dallas, Texas

Gerry is a two-yearold male Shepherd mix and total sweetheart. Dallas Pets Alive pulled Gerry from the shelter he was at with just minutes to spare—he was about to be euthanized. He had come into the shelter as a stray and Dallas Pets Alive volunteers immediately fell in love with him.

Interested in fostering Gerry? Contact dallaspetsalive.org.

Loretta Lynn, Chihuahua Rescue: Dallas Pets Alive!

Location: Dallas, Texas

Loretta Lynn is a 12-year-old female Chihuahua. This sweet girl has been through it all. She came into the shelter in very poor condition. She had heartworm, a skin condition and luxating patellas in both back knees but she is now on the mend thanks to Dallas Pets Alive.

Interested in fostering Loretta? Contact dallaspetsalive.org.

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OVERLOOKED BLACK DOGS Photography By Shaina Fishman

B

ig Black Dogs—or BBDs, as shelter workers call them—undeniably have it tough. Many animal shelter workers report that adoptable black dogs are frequently passed over in favour of lighter-coloured pups, leaving the black dogs to languish in shelters or, far worse, not make it out at all. They call this Black Dog Syndrome and the reasons are diverse and unclear: it could be negative stereotypes or it could simply be greater intake of black dogs, but one thing is indisputable—there are an awful lot of black dogs patiently waiting for their shot at a forever home.

A contributing factor is that black dogs are more difficult to photograph, and a good photo is crucial to sparking the interest of a potential adopter.

Enter photographer Shaina Fishman who, upon hearing of the phenomenon, decided to tackle Black Dog Syndrome with her striking photo series, Overlooked Black Dogs. Shaina teamed up with Foster Dogs NYC to take photos of 14 black rescue dogs in foster care against a black background and the results are incredible. “While I can’t take great photos of every black dog in a shelter,” Shaina says. “I can bring awareness to the problem and with this series show that black dogs are stunningly beautiful.” We couldn’t agree more.

Want to help? Why not share a photo of adoptable black dog in your area on your Facebook page?

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photo natalia kacala (@hot_photo_dog)

Sparkles wearing Mister Migs.

Meet Sparkles, Social Media Influencer Sparkles is an eight pound seven-year-old Shih Tzu with a passion for fashion, fun, friends, and giving back. Sparkles’ “momager,” Diane Murray, says that her dog not only brightens her every day, but brings daily smiles to her fans as well. “I had no idea that dressing up my precious diva would change our lives,” she says. “What we do is so much bigger than taking pictures.”

This tiny diva is big on influence and style, as illustrated by her Instagram page, @sparklesthediva, which documents her daily fashion stylings for her 50,000 plus followers.

There you’ll find photos of Sparkles sporting her latest couture ensembles in her hometown of Atlanta as well as all over the country—think snowsuits in Colorado, bikinis in Florida, feather dresses in Nevada, and cowboy hats in Tennessee. But for all that, her most well known accessory is her signature smile, which showcases her little tongue sticking out!

Sparkles’ fashion-focused Instagram account led to her being named brand “Ambassadorable” for Atlanta-based dog apparel non-profit Mister Migs. As a brand ambassador, the canine fashionista helps raise funds and spread the word about Mister Migs’ YCU (Your Career Unleashed) program, which helps guide young adults with autism and learning disabilities towards fulfilling careers. Thus far Sparkles has helped raise over $20,000 in funds for the program.

Fans can also follow Sparkles on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and a new fashion blog is in the works. Plus, Sparkles has also started a new Instagram social dog club, @fabulousdogsofatlanta, to bring together the Atlanta dog community. This canine cutie is on a roll!

The Find: Alligator Jerky Does your dog have allergies or food sensitivities? Treat your dog right! Rayne Rewards S.I.T. Alligator Jerky is not only delicious, it’s a simple ingredient treat made from an extremely novel protein source— alligator—making it ideal for dogs suspected to have skin allergies or stomach sensitivities. We tested it and dogs (and cats!) on any diet love it! $19, raynenutrition.com

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The Solution To Your Dog’s Marking and Accidents Does your dog have incontinence issues or a seemingly intractable marking problem? Whether your dog is spot marking, not house trained yet, or experiencing bladder issues, Pet Parent's dog wraps contain the mess, keeping both your house and your dog clean and dry! The bands, which come in sizes to fit Chihuahuas to Great Danes, feature a waterproof shell, leak proof elastic edges, and a non-abrasive lining that wicks moisture, so your dog wets the pad, not the house or your furniture. The boy bands wrap around your dog’s waist and the girl bands fit more like a diaper; both have a multi-layered absorbent pad sewn on the inside—no need to change a soiled pad with your hands. Easy to get on and off, they're machine washable so they can be used over and over again.

Sold in packs of three, you can have one on your dog, one in the wash, and one on hand, just in case! Check out the Pet Parents site (petparentsbrand.com) for testimonials from people using the bands to deal with their dogs’ stubborn marking, incontinence or medical-issueinduced accidents.

BODY & SOUL

IS YOUR PUP PACKING ON THE POUNDS? Here are five steps to help your dog drop the weight!

By Dr. Jennifer Adolphe

A

sk an Expert: Jennifer Adolphe, a PhD in companion animal nutrition, registered dietician, and senior nutritionist at Petcurean, tells us how to accurately assess a dog’s weight and offers 5 tips to help your pup drop the extra pounds!

are high in fat and contain additives and unhealthy ingredients Then follow these five easy steps to easily lose the extra weight: your dog doesn’t need. Replace them with healthy fresh veggie treats, like carrots or green beans. For a list of people foods your dog can eat, turn to page 84.

We all want our dogs to be healthy, and managing weight is an important part of that. If dogs become overweight, it puts them at greater risk of osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, and pancreatitis.

Add an extra block to your regular walking route and a few more minutes of fetch. Make sure to increase the amount of activity slowly to avoid strain.

Keeping an eye on your dog’s weight is important all year, but particularly during the holidays when there’s a tendency to over-indulge. While shortbread, stuffing, and buttered mashed potatoes are appropriate for humans (in moderation), it’s best to keep them away from your dog. Studies show that just a slight increase in weight can shave years off your dog’s lifespan.

How can you tell if your dog is packing on the pounds?

Look for a proportioned, slightly hourglass body shape when viewed from above. You should see a slight tummy tuck and a thin covering of body fat over the ribs and spine. When running your hands along your dog’s body, you should be able to feel the ribs and hips without pressing hard. If you’re not sure, you can use a body condition score chart. Find one here: moderndogmagazine.com/bodycondition.

If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, start with a vet visit.

Your vet can weigh your dog, make sure there are no underlying health problems, and advise the exact amount of weight your dog should lose.

1

Ditch unhealthy dog treats Dog treats are a major culprit for excess calories. Some treats

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2

Find more time to play and exercise

3

Start weighing your dog’s food

4

Conduct weekly weigh-ins

5

Monitor progress and stay on track

Weighing is more accurate and will help you avoid over-feeding. The feeding guidelines on the package are a good starting point to determine the right amount for your dog, but may need to be adjusted to ensure your dog maintains an optimal body weight. Even dogs with the same body weight can vary greatly in their daily energy requirements.

Using your bathroom scale, weigh yourself, then pick up your dog and weigh again. Subtract the difference. A one to two percent loss per week is ideal; a more rapid decline can be harmful.

Adjust the amount of food until a slow and steady weight loss is achieved. Continue adjusting food intake and assessing body condition weekly until your dog reaches an ideal body weight.

Once you’ve reached the optimal weight, make sure to maintain the diet and exercise levels your dog needs to stay healthy.

Don’t let old bad habits return. By working together with your dog to help manage his weight, you can ensure warmth and companionship for years to come!

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BODY & SOUL Ever wonder what the Top 5 most common causes of vet visits are and the average cost for the visit?

Embrace Pet Insurance shares their top 5 most common dog claims

GENIUS!

Diagnosis

Average Claim Amount

1. Diarrhea

$230

2. Vomiting

$411

3. Ear Infection

$172

4. Cranial cruciate ligament tear (torn ligament in knee) 5. Urinary tract infection

$1,045 $204

THE PERFECT LEASH FOR CONTROLLED WALKS This nifty leash lets you walk your dog close and can be worn around your dog's neck once you get to the park!

Modern Dog team member Mariah’s large Shepherd, Maverick, needs very controlled walks—normal leashes always leave too much slack to deal with. Enter the ingenious The Only Leash, designed for big dogs and made from a short loop of bungee (there’s tons of colours and patterns to choose from) that keeps your dog close to you when in use and slips easily over your dog’s head and out of the way when he’s allowed off-leash. Genius! A perfectly controlled on-leash walk and no leash to hang on to or struggle to unclip when it’s time for off-leash fun! It's perfect for outings to the pet store or dog park. $20, onlyleash.com

THE FIND: YOUR DOG IS GOING TO LOVE THIS SUPER FOOD!

One of the hottest new trends in healthy eating is now easily accessible for your furry family members! Coconut oil is a greattasting and nutritious addition to your pet’s diet with health benefits from nose to tail! The good fats in coconut oil are what give it superfood status; they can improve digestion, immune system support, metabolic function, and create a sleek and glossy coat. The coconut meat is also chock full of dietary fiber and dogs go crazy for the fresh nutty taste! If your pup is cuckoo for coconut, the Coconut Lovers Health Pack from CocoTherapy ($35, CocoTherapy.com) is a one-stop-shop. It includes a 16-oz. jar of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and a 6-oz. pack of Organic Coconut Chips.

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BODY & SOUL

A natural solution to! pain relief

A Hemp-Powered Solution to Your

Dog’s Aches and Pains Moving testimonials show the power of CBDs

Did you know hemp-derived cannabidiols, or CBDs as they are commonly called, can help ease suffering associated with age and illness, and even help with your dog’s behavioural issues? This natural solution to pain relief and better health is derived from hemp, a type of marijuana that can be legally grown—it produces less than 0.3% THC so it won’t get your pets high, and can be legally obtained. And the benefits are many, as an increasing number of people who have administered CBDs to their pets as an alternative to pharmaceuticals will attest.

They’ve experienced help with a myriad of issues, from osteoarthritis, seizures, anxiety, and loss of appetite to cancer pain, neurological issues and digestive disorders.

Here is an array of CBD products paired with testimonials from relieved pet parents who were more than happy to share their personal stories of how CBD products have helped lengthen and improve the lives of their beloved canine companions.

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Apawthecary Pets The extensive line of treats, tinctures, and salves offered by Apawthecary Pets are all infused with 100-percent all-natural hemp and combined with other plant-based ingredients, like coconut oil, to help alleviate pain and stress. From $17, ApawthecaryPets.com Scout is our four-year-old Border Collie…A couple days after we got him home he had his first seizure. As time went on, his seizures went from only happening once every six months to, recently, occurring daily. Our vet on the East Coast prescribed Apawthecary hemp treats, which helped a lot…We looked up Apawthecary Pets to find additional medicines to help Scout with his seizures. I am happy to say that since we have begun giving him hemp tincture daily he has not had a seizure. He went from having daily seizures to not having a seizure in a month! We are so thankful [to] Apawthecary Pets for their advice and expertise. Thank you! —Scout

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BODY & SOUL True Leaf

Love Grass

True Leaf Pet makes treats, oils, and supplement sticks that are not only hempbased, but also contain other active ingredients such as turmeric root, salmon and anchovy oil, and pomegranate oil to target specific health issues like heart function, mobility, and anxiety. From $15, TrueLeafPet.com

This powerful cannabinoid supplement is made from only two ingredients—organic liquid coconut oil and raw cannabis oil, or THCA, a cannabinoid that has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth. It is nonpsychoactive and easily administered; just add some drops to your dog’s food. $25, LoveGrassLovesYou.com

I recently won a prize pack of True Leaf treats from Modern Dog. When I saw that the three bags, at cost, were over $57, I told myself that I would NEVER buy any. That was before I tried them. My Chihuahua has never liked any Joint Health treat—until True Leaf…I can especially tell, with the joint health, that Mayrose’s knees no longer “pop,” nor does Grady’s spine. I will definitely order more in the future. Wonderful products!!—M.H., Georgia

My dog ZEUS was given one to three months to live, after being diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma, a very aggressive cancer … My vet was so impressed with how Love Grass fended off the cancer, at moments shrinking the tumor and keeping it from spreading, that he has endorsed this product and started using it with his other patients. We have had Zeus on a very high daily dosage of Love Grass for 15 months and he has had no negative side effects. I want to share how this cannabis oil has given Zeus a much longer life and a great quality of life with no pain.—Pam, Los Angeles, CA

— Two more to try — Iceland Pure

Medical Cannabis Dispensary

Iceland Pure was originally founded to provide the best source of omega fish oils that are essential to your dog’s health, but they have now expanded to offer tinctures made with Colorado-grown, organic CBD hemp combined with pure sardine anchovy oil. From $105/50ml, IcelandPure.com

While dispensaries are widely known as being marketed towards humans, you can now register your furry family members at the Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary in Vancouver, BC. Their oils and treats are specially formulated to address certain issues and can even be mailed Canada-wide!

CannabisDispensary.ca

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EAT

People Foods You Can Share With Your Dog

!

Yum

By Rose Frosek

*

Remember that treats and other additions to your dog’s regular meal should comprise no more than 10 percent of their daily intake. Always introduce new foods gradually to avoid stomach upset. When in doubt, consult your vet.

2. Cheese Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small to moderate quantities. According to the AKC, as long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant, which is rare but still possible in canines, cheese can be a great treat.

Many kinds of cheese can be high in fat, though, so watch that portion size and go for low-fat varieties like cottage cheese or mozzarella.

1. Apple Many a dog loves apple. Crunchy and sweet, apples are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. If your dog has consumed an apple core, seeds and all, don’t worry; a few seeds won’t hurt but overtime could cause deleterious effects so don’t let your dog get in the habit of crunching down your apple core.

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3. Brussels Sprouts This cruciferous vegetable is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Not only is it safe for your dog to eat, it’s healthy! The downside, these babies cause flatulence of the room-clearing kind so tread carefully and keep the portion size small. Recommended serving style is steamed or boiled.

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5. coconut oil has tons of health benefits for your dog, including gastrointestinal, skin and coat, immune system, and joint and bone benefits.

Plus your dog will love the taste!

4. Honey Did your dog get into the honey pot?

Fear not, honey is safe for dogs in small quantities though the high sugar content means they should not have much as it can lead to obesity and tooth decay. Raw honey should not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems.

6. Zucchini

7. Asparagus

Raw or cooked, zucchini is safe for dogs to eat. Plus, it contains a lot of vitamins, fiber, and minerals, and is low-calorie, making it an excellent treat choice for overweight dogs.

is non-toxic to dogs and safe to share, ideally cooked, with your dog. It’s not our top recommendation though, and as in people, it can make urine smell a bit unpleasant after consuming.

9. cucumber Low-cal and crunchy, cucumbers are perfectly safe to give your dog.

10. Strawberries

8. Peas are a good source of vitamin B and liked by many dogs. Add them fresh or frozen to your dog’s dinner!

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are a healthy, sweet treat you can share with your dog, as are bananas, watermelon, blueberries, and cantaloupe.

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I’m-Yunity contains proprietary and standardized extracts to help to reduce pain and fatigue while improving energy levels, mobility, and appetite.

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Does your dog need relief from sniffling, sneezing, nasal discharge, and noisy breathing caused by congestion or allergies? All-natural VetRx for Dogs and Puppies is easy to use and helps to safely promote healthy upper respiratory function. Your dog will love the way it helps restore his sense of smell and appetite. Goodwinol.com

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Have an older dog who’s slowing down? Help him get moving again with Technyflex 100% New Zealand greenlipped mussel powder. Packed with inflammation fighting nutrition, Technyflex offers an allnatural way to relieve pain and promote joint health.

Visit newzealandsbest.com to learn more and use code MODERN for a 15% discount!

An irresistible treat for even the pickiest pooch!

Maggie’s Macaroons are raw coconut treats made of organic coconut and coconut oil. These humangrade treats are so delicious you’ll want them too! Dogs with allergies and sensitive tummies can enjoy them as well—they’re vegan, grain and gluten free, and have no preservatives, colours, or artificial flavours. Three delicious varieties: Coconut Apple Pie, Coconut Lemoncello, and Coconut Vanilla Flax. CocoTherapy.com moderndogmagazine.com

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Know Your Terriers

PHOTOS © MARY BLOOM

We asked the AKC for the low down on differences between these two popular terriers.

The Rat Terrier

The Parson Russell Terrier

Temperament

Temperament

This loyal, active, and playful breed is at its best as a member of its human family—he may be reserved with strangers.

Intelligent and trainable, many Rat Terriers excel in Agility and Obedience, events that also serve as excellent outlets for this energetic breed.

Outgoing and friendly, the Parson is tenacious in the field and affectionate in the home. No matter the venue, the breed is filled with energy, so he requires regular exercise and attention. Although good with children, he does not tolerate rough handling from toddlers.

Looks

Looks

The Rat Terrier comes in two sizes, Miniature and Standard, and is generally 10 to 25 pounds. Sturdy and compact, the Rat Terrier is a multipurpose companion dog giving the appearance of elegance and athleticism. His short, smooth coat comes in any variation of pied patterning (large patches of colour with white). This breed sheds seasonally and requires brushing with a soft brush or rubber curry mitt.

The Parson Russell Terrier is generally 13 - 17 pounds. The breed’s weatherproof coat can be broken (wire-haired) or smooth. The Parson is a clean breed and does not need frequent bathing, but the broken coat may need to be hand stripped.

Heritage: Ratter; farm and companion dog An American breed, the Rat Terrier was created by immigrants by crossing a mixture of terriers including the Old English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, and, later, the Smooth Fox Terrier, Beagle, Toy Fox Terriers, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds. From 1910 through the “dust bowl” era of the 1930s, the Rat Terrier was one of the most common farm dogs, used for ratting, hunting varmints, and other work.

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Heritage: Fox hunter The Parson was first breed in England in the mid-1800s to hunt fox. It was originally registered with the AKC as the Jack Russell Terrier, but in 1997 the parent club requested a name change, claiming that some of the bloodlines were crossed with the Welsh Corgi and other terrier breeds, creating a shorter-legged dog than originally intended; as a result of litigation, the name was changed to Parson Russell Terrier to reflect the “true” taller, more square breed. (The Russell Terrier, a similar breed but shorter and with a more rectangular shape, is also recognized by the AKC; the Jack Russell is not AKC recognized.)

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Make Fido sing for his supper and have a great time doing it with The Odin treat dispensing puzzle toy. This soft yet durable non-toxic rubber toy is designed to make your dog figure out how to get at those treats, keeping him moving AND his brain sharp! $23, WholeWoof.com

Is your dog a tug-aholic? The Viper Synthetic Tug from Doglinte is made from the same topgrade synthetic linen used to make K9 bite suits—now that’s tough! Extremely durable and tear-resistant, these tugs feature a rubber woven handle for a strong grip during playtime. From $14, DoglineGroup.com

super Chewer Tested & approved.

For chronic toy destroyers, there is the JollyTuff range from Jolly Pets, designed to stand up to the most powerful chewer. Plus, the thick natural rubber has raised surfaces to help clean teeth, there are places to stuff treats, it bounces, it’s dishwasher safe, and smells like vanilla! From $6, JollyPets.com

Check out these durable toys designed to satisfy— and withstand—the biggest chewers in your life!

Reduce, reuse, recycle, and play! What is it about empty plastic water bottles that drives pooches crazy? We may never know the appeal but you can fulfill your dog's mysterious crunch craving time with the FAT CAT Water Bottle Cruncher.

This playful and seriously heavy-duty canvas shell fits empty water bottles perfectly and is designed to stand up to dogs that are tough on toys. From $10, Petmate.com A customer review: My dog loves it!!! That is his baby!!

He has destroyed every other toy except this. It stood the test against a 110 pound Lab!!

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A ball that will never go flat even when punctured? This dog-dream is now a reality!

Aptly named The Beast, this super-durable ball made of non-toxic foam has a selfinflating valve so it will always bounce back, no matter what your dog throws at it. Did we mention it floats too? From From $10, RhinoPlay.com

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LIVING

DOGS' PAST LIVES AND SECRETS REVEALED An Interview with an Animal Communicator

By Jennifer Nosek | Illustration Keith Andrew Shore

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L

ike most people, I thought I knew my dog. For years, Esther has shadowed my every move, and this time spent together had given me fair insight into her personality. Or so I thought.

Here is how I would have described Esther: she is coddled; she is a fussy eater with, nonetheless, a penchant for devouring carelessly discarded undergarments; she adores tearing after small children, furiously barking all the while, the result of which is very often tear-stained cheeks (the child's) and profuse apologies (mine); from puppyhood she has had the personality of an old lady; and, despite her somewhat aloof and persnickety personality, she loves me wholeheartedly.

Not quite so. According to animal communicator Claudia Hehr, Esther thinks I'm “okay” to live with. Just “okay.” Hmmph.

In addition, Esther is “not challenged” enough. She “knows her colours” and she “needs to play more.” (Point taken, Es.) She decidedly does not want a dog-sibling, but very much wishes my sister would get a dog so she would have a cousin to play with.

(This, too, I can see.) Also, like most small dogs, I suspect, she is fearful of being trod on.

Furthermore, turns out in Cleopatra's time, Esther was a well-to-do Egyptian woman; in yet another life, she was a male horse.

And now, well, she is my silly little dog, jubilantly rolling in stink, sunning herself in the window or roasting over the heating vent (perhaps well accustomed to the hot temperatures of the land of the pharaohs). The majority of her day is spent napping or shamelessly begging for whatever it is I am eating, and her evening is spent pasted to my side. I half wonder what she did wrong. And what she did right.

I have since tested out the colour theory and it turns out Claudia knew what she was talking about. The first time (okay, maybe more like the tenth, but still) I uttered “go get your pink whale” my dog trotted back with it triumphantly. And I'm beginning to think perhaps she doesn't have the personality of an old lady; perhaps she's simply an old soul.

Claudia Hehr has been an animal communicator for over 35 years. Using telepathy to “talk” to pets, she helps people better understand the personalities and needs of their companion animals. I recently had the opportunity to ask her some questions about her unique profession.

Q: How did you discover your abilities?

I have always had a very special and close relationship with animals and have always seen and respected animals as equals and friends. Even when I was very young, I somehow knew what animals were thinking and feeling. After taking a course in telepathic animal communication, I learned how to focus my abilities better. Now I am teaching people how they can regain this ability also.

Q: How exactly does it work? Do you just “hear” their thoughts?

One can communicate and have a real conversation with animals through telepathy.

Telepathic messages are received in different ways, such as pictures, words, emotions, feelings, or just knowing. I am very fortunate and receive messages in many different ways.

Q: Is there a name for your ability?

When we communicate with animals we use telepathy, which is also known as the universal language.

Q: Can you communicate with every dog you encounter?

Yes, I can communicate with every dog and, actually, with all animals, not just dogs. moderndogmagazine.com

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Animals are usually relieved when I communicate with them because often they have tried for so long to tell their guardians something and they are so happy and grateful when we finally make the effort to hear what they have to say.

Some of the species I have had the privilege to communicate with are dogs, cats, horses, fish, snakes, lizards, insects, birds, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, tigers, bears, and many more.

Q: Does the dog have to be receptive to communicating with you?

We can communicate with any animal but, just like humans, animals have to want to talk to us as well. Animals are usually relieved when I communicate with them because often they have tried for so long to tell their guardians something and they are so happy and grateful when we finally make the effort to hear what they have to say.

Q: Do dogs sometimes sense your ability and approach you, wishing to communicate something particular to their guardians or the world at large?

Yes, that happens quite often. Sometimes I meet an animal that is in pain and asks me if there is something that can be done about it. For example, I recently met a dog that was experiencing pain in his leg and told me he wished he wouldn't have to walk so far. It wasn't that he didn't want to walk; he just barely could because of the pain.

Q: Do dogs ever communicate something to you that you don't want to or are embarrassed to tell their owner?

When I communicate with animals I translate what the animal is saying to his or her guardian. I do not judge any information that I receive and usually there is nothing embarrassing that comes up. [But] one time I was at a fundraiser doing mini-sessions when one lady asked me something about her dog. He didn't want to answer with everyone around being able to hear what he had to say but his guardian reassured him it was okay. He mentioned something about her underwear lying around the house, but did not get into details; he didn't want to embarrass her.

Q: What is a personal communication session and how does it work?

A personal communication session is a session between the

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animal's guardians, the animal and me, during which either the guardian or the animal can ask any questions or say anything they want. At the beginning of each session I have to ask the animal first for his or her permission to talk to them. If it is a telephone session I need some information about the animal, such as species, name, and age, to be able to get in touch with him or her. If it is okay with the animal, the conversation can begin.

Q: How much does a session cost?

The cost depends on how many animals you would like to communicate with and for how long, but generally a 30 minute telephone session is $150, a one hour session is $250, and a 15 minute check-in session, available after the initial session, $75.

Q: What do the dogs brought to you often wish to communicate?

There are many, many different topics. [They're] just like us; we talk to every person we meet about something different. Many animals, however, are very often concerned about their guardian's welfare, happiness, how they treat others, and how they treat themselves. Many animals have much more faith in us than we have in ourselves.

Q: Are there common complaints you encounter?

Yes, one is in the area of food and the other is being left alone for too long.

Q: Was there ever an instance of a dog relating something really important they wished you to tell their guardian? If so, how did the dog owner react?

Many animals actually have very important messages and information for us. Some are so profound people actually have changed their lives after having a conversation with their animal companions.

Q: Do you have regular clients?

Yes, I have clients who like to talk with their animals on a regular basis.

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Q: Describe your average client.

I don't think there is an average client for me but what everyone has in common is the wish to deepen the understanding of and relationship with their animal companions.

Q: What are some of the more common questions you get asked?

There are some questions that come up more often then others, for example, questions about how the animal feels about their guardian. People also often ask if their animal companions are happy, if there is something their companions would like that they don't have and if their animal companion would like to have another animal companion join the family.

Q: Have you ever communicated with a deceased dog? Would you call this a sĂŠance?

Communicating with animals that have moved on is a big part of my work. I don't call it a sĂŠance; it is just a conversation with a soul that doesn't have a physical body at the moment. It works the same way as a communication with a soul that still is in a physical body.

Q: Do you believe animals reincarnate?

Absolutely, yes. Any soul can reincarnate when it wishes to do so. It is so important to always remember that there is no difference between a human and an animal. We are all souls in a physical body, a body that gives us the best ability to do what we have come to learn in this lifetime. We just look different.

Q: Do you believe we will we be reunited with our animals after they reincarnate? Might I come back as my dog's dog? Would that mean I had been very good or very bad?

Who or which species we come back as in our next life has only to do with the purpose that we are to accomplish and learn in that lifetime. It has nothing to do with good or bad. We interchange species many times. Our animals are soul mates and

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we usually will meet again. It is important to remember that we do not need to break up the relationship we had with our animal companions just because they have left their physical body behind. Stay in touch with your animal companion's soul and enjoy the continuation of the wonderful relationship you had, just in a little different way.

Where are dogs in the karmic ladder?

Animals are on the same level as we are. Animals are not lesser beings!!! One dog I communicated with told me that he chose to be a dog to see how it felt to be treated as a subordinate so he would learn valuable lessons for his next life in which he planned to come back as a teacher.

Q: Of the dogs you've communicated with, which had the most interesting past life and what was it?

Some of the animals I have communicated with had past lives that went back many, many centuries. All are very interesting.

Q: Have any of the dogs you've communicated with been a person of historical or other significance in their past lives, like, say, Chamberlain or Marilyn Monroe?

One animal I frequently communicate with that has recently moved on has a very interesting past life that goes back all the way to Egypt, where she was very high standing and powerful.

I asked her if it would be okay to write about it in more detail but she doesn't want me to; the information she has given me was just intended for her guardians to know. Sorry, but I have to respect her wishes. (I wonder if she knew Esther?) n For more information on Claudia Hehr, visit claudiahehr.com or pick up a copy of If Only Animals Could Talk...

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INSPIRE

The Man Who Refused to Quit Rich Van Engers’ sheer dogged tenacity and broken-down van grew his “aha” moment into an internationally recognized company

By J. Leslie Johnson

R

ich Van Engers was down on his luck. He had recently emerged from a complicated divorce, and along with the usual heartbreak came devastating financial loss. “I had nothing,” recalls Rich, adding, “I had to totally start over.”

But he had an idea. One pleasant summer day, while bicycling in the seaside community of Edmonds, Washington, Rich saw a lady come out of a nearby pet store. She was carrying a squirming cat, which was falling through the bottom of the box. At the same time, he caught sight of a canvas awning extending from the building. Rich thought that perhaps he could make a flexible pet carrier, shaped somewhat like the awning.

At the time, most pet carriers were either heavy and hard-shelled, or so soft that they would threaten to collapse when people picked them up. His imagination was sparked: While Rich continued his day job, driving a semi-truck for the Teamsters, his evenings were reserved for his pet carrier project. Using his kitchen table, he cut fabric and designed patterns, enlisting his mom’s help to sew the pieces together.

Soon he had a prototype—the first Sturdi bag, a carrier that was flexible but, as the name suggests, still sturdy and strong. It was ideal for travel and it worked especially well for in-cabin flights because its flexible height enabled it to fit under most airline seats.

Rich started taking his Sturdi bags to local pet shows, gaining not only exposure but invaluable feedback. People who stopped by

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his booth would comment, “That’s really great, but can you put a flap on it, or can you add a shoulder strap?” Rich remembers.

Rich wisely took their suggestions to heart, and after each pet show would set to work at his kitchen table, adding a flap here or a strap there. At subsequent events he would encounter the same people, and they were pleased to see he had listened to them.

Still driving trucks during the day and working on his pet project at night, Rich steadily built his product line. That’s when he caught wind of a prime opportunity, a large pet show, bigger than any he had attended before, in Kansas City, Missouri. It would be full of pet lovers, breeders, trainers, exhibitors, and vendors.

There was, however, a slight problem. He was located on the west coast of the United States, in Seattle, Washington. Kansas City was situated in the American Midwest, a distance of some 1800 miles. He would need to travel through Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado to get there.

Since his bicycle—his only mode of transport outside of his work rig—clearly wouldn’t do the job, Rich scraped some money together and purchased an old beater of a van. He set off, making it about 300 miles before the van broke down. He fixed it. Then he drove about another 500 miles. The van broke down again. He fixed it. Rich eventually made it to just outside of Boise, Idaho, when, as he recollects, “the van really broke down.”

Rich set to work, crawling underneath the van in the wet and

I was recently divorced, I didn’t have any credit cards, I didn’t have any more cash, I was down to nothing.

cold. It was raining so hard that his hands seized up from the chill. He retreated into a nearby washroom, stuck his hands under the dryer to warm them up, and then got back to work. Rich spent “every last dime” fixing the van and then got back on the road, every mile taking him closer to Kansas City, and the all-important pet show.

Rich was about 50 miles outside of Kansas City when he ran out of gas and money. “I was recently divorced, I didn’t have any credit cards, I didn’t have any more cash, I was down to nothing,” says Rich. Never one to give up easily, the former member of the U.S. Marine Corps realized he had something valuable in the van: a brand new set of tire chains. Rich returned them at a local distributor and was handed the princely sum of fifty dollars, which he used to gas up his van, get a shower, and buy a burger.

Rich made it to the pet show, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history. He sold all his products and emerged with $17,000 and a “whole bunch of ideas.” The man who refused to give up reinvested his earnings back into his budding company and set about building it into what it is today: a leader in the pet carrier industry, with a full product line of over 40 items including flexible carriers, portable pop-up pet shelters, and displays for pet exhibitions.

Today, tens of thousands of Sturdi Bags are sold annually, and Sturdi does business in 25 countries with the strongest sales in Germany, Russia, and Japan. Sales at e-commerce retail sites are robust and are now outpacing transactions at brick and mortar stores. Clearly, the company is going strong. And Rich, now in his sixties, has no plans of stopping.

“When you love what you do, it’s not really like working,” Rich explains. “And when I walk through an airport, and I see someone using my products, I still get that same warm feeling.” n moderndogmagazine.com

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FOR THE DIGGER FOR THE DIRTY DOG

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The ultra-cozy and ultra-chic Luxury Plush Pet Bed from Fluffy Paws Pets is made from premium materials that offer comfort without sacrificing durability. The contrasting patters, colours, and textures will please even the most discerning eye!

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As cute as it is to watch pups dig at their bed with gusto, it takes a toll on your dog’s bed, and it’s certainly not as comfortable with the pillow unearthed.

The one-piece design of Bowser’s durably constructed Urban Lounger ensures that the bottom cushion remains securely zippered in place despite digging, while the beautifully patterned microvelvet cover also adds a touch of sophistication to your dog’s dreams. From $110, Bowsers.com

Some dogs love the cozy feeling of being beneath the covers or in a denlike environment—this is the bed for them! The Snuggle Cave Bed from Kona Cave pairs a comfy bolster bed with a detachable cover to create the perfect snooze environment. From $295, KonaCave.com

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The responsive foam in Jaxon Dog Beds will give your furry friend an exceptionally soft and supportive place to rest his weary bones at night. Plus, you and your pup will sleep well knowing that their purchase helped a dog in need have a place to sleep, thanks to their support of PAWS animal charity. From $149, SleepEnvie.com

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BREED PROFILE

The Shiba Inu The foxy dog with plenty of moxie

By Kelly Caldwell

an's p a j t mee tional na ure! treas 104 moderndog

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ENT, D N E P E IND LIGENT, INTEL UCY SA

C

ompact and cute, with a fluffy curled tail, squinty eyes, and a fox-like appearance, the Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s national treasures—and with good reason.

The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed whose origins may date back as far as 7000 BC. “Modern” breeds have been so mixed that their deep genetic history is obscured, but the Shiba—along with 12 other breeds, including the Basenji, Shar-pei, Saluki, Akita, Finnish Spitz, and Eurasier—has been recognized as one of 13 basal or root breeds, meaning that their DNA is less mixed. Written records don’t exist to tell us the full story, but we do know that the Shiba has been developing and enduring for thousands of years.

By the 7th century AD, the Shiba was still evolving into the dog we know today. Japan was so forward-thinking that a dogkeeper’s office was established in this ancient era. Native breeds were registered to preserve Japanese culture, and, from these records, we know that the Shiba Inu was a hunting dog, used mainly in remote, mountainous regions to locate, flush, and drive small game back to hunters.

For many centuries, Japanese breeds were not individually named, but were simply categorized by size and coat colour, and the Shiba was known as the smallest breed. Over time, six distinct native breeds developed, including the small but mighty Shiba Inu. Healthy and hearty, the breed flourished for centuries— right up until World War II, an era that almost led to the Shiba’s extinction.

Countless dogs perished in those years. Many were victims of

bombings; others died from the after-effects of war: starvation and disease. Precious few Shibas remained by the end of the war, and the breed’s future was dire. In a concerted effort to revive the breed, Shibas were sought and found in remote regions of Japan, where they had escaped the ravages of war.

Those dogs were bred with other survivors, and the Shiba began to thrive again. The Japanese Kennel Club was According to the most recent AKC founded in 1948. registration statistics While an extremely popular [1] Labrador Retriever breed in Japan, he’s a relative [2] German Shepherd Dog newcomer to North America.

[3] Golden Retriever The first Shiba was imported [4] Bulldog into the United States in 1954.

[5] Beagle Little other documentation [6] French Bulldog exists pertaining to North [7] Poodle American breed development [8] Rottweiler up until roughly 1979, when [9] Yorkshire Terrier the first US-born litter was [10] Boxer documented. The Shiba [44] Shiba Inu Inu was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1992.

The AKC accepts the breed in red, red sesame, and blackand-tan coat colours. That glorious double coat of his is nothing short of a show-stopper. The outer coat is stiff and straight, while his undercoat is soft and thick. Weights range from 18-24

Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

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Size: Small The AKC accepts male Shiba Inus from 14 ½ to 16 ½ inches at the withers; females 13 ½ to 15 ½ inches. The desired weight is 23 pounds for males and 17 for females.

Activity level: Shibas need lots of physical and mental stimulation. Daily walks and play time are a minimum. Consider trying out some sporting activities, too.

Grooming: Basic maintenance will keep his coat looking beautiful. A weekly brushing and the occasional bath will suffice.

Heritage: Waterfowl Retrievers This ancient Japanese breed was originally used for hunting small game in mountain regions.

For more information on The Shiba Inu in the U.S., visit sirra.shibas.org. In Canada, visit shibarescuegta.com.

If you like the Shiba Inu, you might also give some consideration to the:

Basenji

Siberian Husky

READ YOUR BREED

Norwegian Lundehund

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

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There are various theories about the name of this breed. The word “Shiba” means brushwood in Japanese, and some speculate that the breed was named after the intense red colour of brushwood leaves as they turn in the fall. Others interpret the name as a reference to the fact that these dogs hunted in brushwood. Either way, the Shiba Inu it is.

INSET FROM LEFT IMAGES ©AKC

Profile: Shiba Inu

pounds for males and 15-20 pounds females.

So, good looks aside… what’s he like?

The Shiba Inu is independent, headstrong, and highly intelligent. Yes, this is an oh-so-clever dog… if only he were motivated to obey his guardians! But, he isn’t. The Shiba is not a biddable breed and is often described as rather cat-like in nature.

Because this breed’s personality can be as fiery as that red coat, socialization and obedience training are a must.

The breed does have a reputation for a tendency toward aggression—to other dogs, over food, etc., so lots of early and ongoing socialization are advised. Positive-reinforcement training is the correct approach, because you cannot force a Shiba to do your bidding. Then again, why would you want to, when his independence is such a large part of what makes him so very special! Only work with a trainer who understands this breed and can help you help your dog using positive and creative strategies.

Basic training aside, what can you do with your Shiba? Since he’s clever, agile, and quick-footed, in some ways he’s a natural for many sporting activities. Whether he’ll want to engage in those activities is another question. Obedience, agility, tracking, flyball… you can try it all with your Shiba. If he takes to the sport, odds are he’ll excel at it.

This is a high-energy breed—compact, densely-muscled, and agile. Daily walks and play-time are a must, as is a fenced-in yard. The breed has strong hunting instincts and generally wants to be on the move. Keep him on-leash during walks and within safe boundaries if roaming freely.

While generally a healthy breed, the Shiba Inu can be prone to some health issues. If you’re buying a puppy, always do your research and work with a responsible breeder who can provide health clearances on their dogs, and who is committed to the well-being and good temperament of their puppies.

Looking for a simple, biddable fur-child? The Shiba isn’t for you. This breed is feisty, foxy, and full of energy. In short, the Shiba is a handful and can be a challenge. Sharing your home with a Shiba Inu isn’t just a choice, it’s a way of life.

Headstrong, independent, and more than a little quirky… the Shiba Inu is a wild and spirited breed, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. n

Left to right, from Rover: Wagmore Edition

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF THIS WINTERS' MUST-READS.

Rover: Wagmore Edition

By Andrew Grant We’re here to tell you your coffee table is not complete without a book of strikingly beautiful dog portraits from Andrew Grant. The back story: In 2009, Andrew began taking pictures of both homeless and rescued pups after learning about the millions of dogs that enter animal shelters each year, many of which never make it out. His project turned into a series of limitededition books, the first four of which raised nearly two million dollars for shelter dogs. (The premier book caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres!) This, the Rover: Wagmore Edition, is the fifth in the series. Some of the dogs included have owners who made a generous donation to have their dogs featured in the book; other pups showcased are still looking for a home.

Andrew photographs the dogs without collars or accessories in order to put focus on the eyes, and the result is clear, detailed, and lifelike portraits of dogs—both purebred and mixes—that give you a moving glimpse of their individual personalities. Each of the previous four books are now sold out and can fetch up to $400 if you can find one, so you’ll want to hurry and get your paws on this one, featuring 360 of the most beautiful dog photographs you’ve ever seen, before it also disappears!

The Dog Who Came for Christmas

By Sue Pethick What can bring people together at Christmas better than a dog? Single mother Renee Richardson has a long list of worries before lost dog Max comes into her life. She needs more clients at her hair salon, she can’t find a compatible date, and her troubled young son is in need of new friends. With the arrival of Max, however, Renee’s life is turned upside down. But as Christmas nears, the whole family bonds with the lovable dog and are growing attached… until the previous owner shows up. Handsome and kind, Travis Diehl is the first man Renee has felt a connection to since her divorce. Unfortunately, he also attracts the attention of Renee’s most important client. Filled with romance, drama, and family love, The Dog Who Came For Christmas is a fun, light-hearted read that will give you warm fuzzies.

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From Hello, my name is Oliver

Hello, My Name is Oliver

By Paymaneh Ritchie Children and grown-ups will love the perfectly imperfect Oliver, a black Beagle/Spaniel-cross adopted from the SPCA. Olvier has a few issues—like loneliness, anxiety, depression, and a lack of self-esteem—that make his adjustment to his new forever home a little difficult at first. But through love, compassion, tolerance, patience, and flexibility, Oliver’s humans help him settle in and learn they aren’t too different from each other—we are all perfectly imperfect!

Bound to be a bedtime favourite.

Henry: The Queen’s Corgi

By Georgie Crawley Have you ever wanted to live like royalty? Or perhaps you dream of being welcomed into the royal family itself! This is exactly what happens to Henry the Corgi, who goes missing on a family trip to London, England.

Henry’s family, the Walkers, fear the worst, but Henry is actually living the good life—he’s been mistaken for a royal Corgi, belonging to none other than the Queen of England herself! Initially, Henry thinks it’s fantastic to be showered with luxuries at Buckingham Palace but as Christmas nears, Henry finds he’d rather spend the holidays with his family than be pampered like a royal. Georgie Crawley’s hilarious novel Henry the Queen’s Corgi is a delight that brings holiday cheer!

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JJ’s Journey: A Story of Heroes and Heart

By Tracy Calhoun This heart-melting memoir from Tracy Calhoun, a hospice nurse, relates the moving moments she’s experienced working alongside the incredibly bright and sensitive therapy dog, JJ. When a video of the Golden Retriever comforting a comatose patient in her final hours was viewed by tens of millions of viewers worldwide, Calhoun realized she had an opportunity to show even more people the joy and comfort that a therapy dog can bring in the face of tragedy and loss. Her beautiful memoir hands-down succeeds in demonstrating the amazing power of dogs and how living in an open-hearted way transforms lives.

Noelle: a Novel

By Greg Kincaid Greg Kincaid, the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog Named Christmas, returns with a heartwarming new novel, Noelle, perfect for cozying up as snow falls outside your window. This wonderful, seasonal story is about family and tradition, and a very special, spirited dog that brings everything together. Set in rural Kansas during the holidays, Noelle tells the tale of three different families who, despite facing different challenges, are unexpectedly brought together just in time for Christmas. This heart-string-pulling story explores the deeply relatable trials and tribulations that families can face, especially during the holiday season. Guaranteed to give you warm, fuzzy feelings!

BEHAVIOUR

Do you k now m y triggers?

ALL THE REASONS YOUR DOG BARKS—AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT PROBLEM BARKING

By Nicole Wilde

I

recently saw two German Shepherds at a dog park who were running the fence with two little terriers who were on the other side. Then I noticed that the Shepherds were both wearing shock collars. When I politely asked their owner why, she replied, “Because they bark when they run, and it bothers people.” Talk about shock—I was flabbergasted. Dogs bark; that’s what they do. Expecting a dog not to bark while he’s playing is tantamount to expecting young children to keep quiet while they’re racing around with their friends: it just ain’t gonna happen! That said, there are times when barking can be problematic.

Most dogs will bark when someone is at the front door. This is called alert barking and is a normal behaviour. Most of us want our dogs to let us know when someone is outside anyways; however, we would also like them to stop barking when asked! This is where the problem often arises.

Let’s break those who approach your door into two categories: delivery workers and visitors. For deliveries, a quick, easy solution is to teach your dogs that after a few barks their job is

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to run to a designated area away from the door. You can easily train this behaviour by using a word such as “Cookies!” and then running to the fridge or cabinet where the cookies are kept. Of course, you’ll want to practice initially with no distractions such as an actual delivery or doorbell ringing. Once the behaviour is ingrained, when the delivery person shows up, allow a few barks and then use the magic word. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your dogs race away from the door!

Visitors are a different story, as their entering the home can cause even more arousal. Teach your dogs to go to their beds, lay down, and stay when the doorbell rings or someone knocks. In a nutshell, teaching this “go to bed” behaviour involves repeatedly getting your dog to go to his bed by tossing a treat. Once you can predict that he will go to the bed, add the verbal cue right before tossing the treat. When he’s mastered that, add lying down and staying. Praise and reward. Once your dog gets it, the trick is to add the doorbell as an environmental cue. That means ringing the doorbell and then telling your dogs to go to bed. Repeat, repeat,

repeat! Your dogs will soon come to anticipate that when the doorbell rings, the next thing that happens is that they’re asked to go to bed, and they will actually go to bed upon hearing the doorbell, in anticipation of a treat. Since they’ll be lying down, chances are they will not be barking. Either way, once they’ve been lying quietly for a few minutes, either allow the guest to approach them or release them to go greet the guest. Have a friend or family member play the part of the guest during the training period, and don’t forget to reward your dog for staying in place!

Sometimes dogs bark simply because they want something.

Some dogs bark for attention; others, because they want to be fed, or to be taken for a walk. And it works! How do I know this with such certainty? Because dogs do what works. If something stops working, they stop doing it. What would be the point of barking and barking to be fed if nothing ever happened. The answer to this one is easy; stop giving in. Even if it’s feeding time, if your dog is barking, wait until he’s been quiet for a period of time and then feed him.

Another common complaint has to do with backyard barking.

If your dog barks at squirrels, birds, passersby, and pretty much anything, the answer is to call your dog inside. Again, alert barking is fine, but going on and on is not. What’s that you say? He won’t come when you call? Then it’s time to brush up on the recall, gradually practicing around more challenging distractions.

And don’t forget to reward your dog when he does come. If your dog is barking when left alone, the solution is different. If you’re only gone for a few hours at a time, consider allowing your dog to be indoors instead, either crated, gated, or at liberty if he’s non-destructive and fully potty trained. If he must stay outdoors, figure out what he’s barking at. If it’s a dog on the other side of the fence, consider privacy fencing, which will block your dog’s view. If he’s barking at absolutely everything and you are in danger of losing your dog because he has been declared a nuisance, consider a kennel silencer. This is a sound-sensitive, electronic box that hangs on your fence. When your dog barks, it emits a very high-pitched sound that will startle your dog into silence. On most units, you can set the sound to be audible by human ears or you can choose ultrasonic mode, which only dogs can hear.

This should not be confused with a bark collar that goes around a dog’s neck, and which I do not recommend.

The bottom line is, dogs bark. It’s the way they communicate, and a “barking problem” is really not a problem at all for dogs, but rather just for us. If your dog’s barking has become problematic for you, figure out exactly why your dog is barking and under what circumstances, and then approach the problem positively and humanely. n moderndogmagazine.com

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Look

WHAT WE FOUND! 10

$

Whisk away loose hair and dirt while giving your dog a nice, gentle massage! The BrushBuster is a colourful silicone brush with small, raised “tri-nibs” that work on dry or wet fur and can even be used to collect hair from furniture and car interiors. Double duty–sign us up! Store.Dexas.com

Nifty finds for dogs & the people who love them From

145

$

Wear your breed with these simple and sophisticated leather wrap charm bracelets from Anything Dogs.

Choose from an array of leather bracelet colours featuring the sterling silver charm of your chosen breed— anything from Akita to Vizsla, and many more. If you have a multi-breed family, add a charm for each pup!

AnythingDogs.com

50

$

A resistant, dirty dog, water and suds everywhere: there’s a reason bath time is dreaded. The Pet Wand Pro from Waterpik is here to save the day—and your shirt. With its flexible 8-foot hose and easily adjustable pressure to quickly rinse away shampoo, bath time is a breeze. And there’s an adapter for garden hoses!

Pets.Waterpik.com

20

$

Couch, carpet, cushions, curtains—ever feel like your whole house is wearing your dog? Be Forever Furless with this innovative tool from Lilly Brush that gently removes pet hair and lint from any surface in your home with one quick swipe. No need to worry about pesky refills; just rinse and tap and you’re good to go again! LillyBrush.com

From

40

$

Improve your morning. A custom coffee mug featuring your dog’s likeness is sure to put a smile on your face! Just send in your favourite photo of your pup and Tote Tails’ talented artists will create a one-of-a-kind illustration of your dog that will be featured on your new coffee mug.

Makes a great gift, too!

ToteTails.com

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30

$

Sometimes the prospect of walkies is JUST. TOO. EXCITING! If you have trouble getting the leash on your bouncy and over-excited pup, the incredibly easy to use ThunderSnap leash system is for you. Using powerful magnets and a steel ballbearing latch mechanism, the leash quickly connects to the cap clipped to your dog's collar.

The magnet can withstand up to an incredible 500 pounds of pulling! $30, ThunderShirt.com

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Must-haves for you & your dog

moderndog marketplace

Fine shopping for the dog lover‌ and their best friend!

anythingdogs.com 877.298.0638 moderndogmagazine.com

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Must-haves for you & your dog

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moderndog marketplace

Advertise in moderndog!

Call 1-866-734-3131 or email sales@moderndogmagazine.com moderndogmagazine.com

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LAST LICK

New Year's Resolutions as illustrated by dogs

#1. Be thankful. #GratitudeIsTheAttitude

#4. Don't be afraid to redecorate. #3. Treat yourself. #2. Catch up on your sleep.

#7. Show your love.

#5. Make new friends.

#6. Get more cardio.

#8. Take some time out for yourself.

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#9. Make time for play

#10. Celebrate milestones