DOG Life FOOD work EVENTS society
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contents 5.
dog's house
Lonesome Dove Ranch
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happy tails
Sawyer’s Purpose
bark about 12. feature 10.
Territorio de Zaguates
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animal lover’s profile Louise Shye
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406 bark list
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society tails
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weddings
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work like a dog
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health notes Summer Fun
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match.dog
Rusty & Filet Mignon
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wine
Mutt Lynch Winery
marketplace
Artisans, Eateries, Merchants
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inspiring
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flips + flops
Live Life with a Wag
notes
publisher Nancy Dewar
nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com 603.498.3237
Publisher’s Note I’m really fortunate to be meeting so many wonderful people. Of course they’re wonderful…huge animal lovers, including all of our advertisers! Without the support of these partners, we wouldn’t be here! So I really hope you’ll support them! I’d like to simply share brief thoughts about a few…on how they’ve touched me. More to come on others next month. I learned from a few that their beloved family member had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Again, my condolences to Christy Becker (Critter Corral), Roger & Connie Gomez (Pets-Plus), Tom Gilfillan (Whitefish Pottery) and Colleen White (Hideaway Hounds & Cat’s Meow). I never knew that creatures with wings could be adored as much as those with 4 paws! I learned this from Wes Hart (Hart Jewelers) and his beautiful bird Chauncey, who is devoted to Wes and vice versa.
dogs at their office is always a treat, and I love seeing Wally tooling around town with his pups in the back of his truck. It always makes me smile! Danette Sefcak (Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits) is so warm and welcoming, as is their new dining establishment. I love their (dog-friendly) patio, really great food and Danette’s smile. Not only do you get lots of tails wagging around town Jim Connell & Janey Robertson (Tailwaggers), but are the source of lots of smiles too. I love stopping by to visit and share “tails!” Maybe we’ll share a Dewar’s one of these days! On that note…
Nancy
Cheers + Chow…
art director & design Mrs. and Mr. Design info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
thanks to our contributors… Joann Actis-Grande Tanjariitta Anttila Carsyn Beach Joanie Bechtle Randy Bruck Melissa Genovese Lexi Marietti Tristan Taylor Laura Thiel Jim Thompson photographers Alisia Dawn Photography Amanda Wilson Photography Daley McDaniel Photography Jessie Mazur Photography & Design
Lynnie Evans’ (Pawsitively Perfect) endless smile amazes me. Even when surrounded by lots of barking dogs there for daycare or grooming, she always has a smile on her face. Published by 406 Bark LLC six times a year.
Wally & Michelle Wilkinson (Frontier Builders) are wonderful to work with. Being greeted by their 5 adorable (and adored)
PO Box 5566, Whitefish, MT 59937 Copyright © 2016 406 Bark LLC
www.406bark.com 406 Bark is distributed at stores & businesses in: Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork and every point in between. Visit our website to learn more about us. www.406Bark.com (coming soon!) Check us out on Facebook. facebook.com/406 Bark
Interested in advertising with us? Have a good story idea or a suggestion on a great animal or person to feature? Please email Nancy Dewar/Publisher nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com
406Bark Proudly Supports
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In the Dog’s House a look around a unique guest ranch…
Lonesome Dove Ranch…A Guest Ranch & Much More By Nancy Dewar - Photography by Jessie Mazur Photography & Design
Tucked in the rolling hills 7 miles west of Kalispell is a unique guest ranch that is managed by 4-pound Keisha, a Yorkshire Terrier… or so say owners Sharron and Hal Butler! Keisha means “joy” in Japanese, and this little one’s job absolutely brings her joy as she keeps her eye on happenings at the ranch. Often she is accompanied by brother Dusty, a Blue Heeler/Catahoula mix and an interesting mix. As Hal said, “Heelers heel and Catahoula’s nip, so Dusty never knows if he’s coming or going!”
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in the dog's house
The Butler’s purchased the ranch 20 years ago after spending most of their life in Southern California. Hal served in the Navy and the Marine Corps (he recently received a commendation from Congressman Ryan Zinke for his service in Viet Nam) and is a retired LAPD police officer. Most of Sharron’s career was in residential and commercial real estate. She founded the largest independent real estate company in Orange County with over 30 real estate agents in three offices. The couple also had two guest ranches in California, and both are big animal lovers. Sharon grew up around the race tracks, and renowned jockey Willie Shoemaker was her best friend when she was little. She told me that he called her “Squirt!”
Lonesome Dove is not your ordinary guest ranch. Yes, there are wonderful accommodations including two rooms in the main house, three cabins and three tepees for those who prefer “glamping.” Over 600 acres provide miles for beautiful trail rides plus there’s down-home, 5-star food for guests. And the Butler’s love the fact that they get to greet and know guests from all over the world, many who return year after year. But the ranch also is home to an array of interesting livestock, many that are rescues, as well as the “home” (headquarters) to two other businesses started by Sharron.
While working for the Columbia Falls City Court, Sharron was contacted by a detective asking if she could care for a horse in an abusive situation. Of course, she did and continued to receive several similar requests from the County as well as private individuals. Over the years the Butler’s have cared for numerous rescue horses, personally covering all food and medical expenses. Some of these horses have been donated to the Autistic Children’s Foundation and others have been sold to individuals for $1. They have never made a profit on one horse! Currently there are about 30 horses at the ranch
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they are looking to place. They also have somewhat of a “famous” rescue, 39-year old Tillie who was Steve McQueen’s mule. His wife, Barbara, contacted the Butlers several years ago when looking for a wonderful home for her husband’s beloved mule. Tillie obviously has a pretty darn good life, as the average life span for a mule is 27.
Lonesome Dove is also home to over 75 freeroaming “rescue” rabbits. Years ago someone dropped off a Mini Rex and two males. Now there are over 75 big, happy bunnies hopping around the ranch! As we chatted Sharron said, “Be sure to mention that free rabbits are available!”
The Butler’s “planned family” includes Corriente cattle, a breed directly descended from Spanish animals, that were brought to America in the late 15th century from Mexico. They use their herd exclusively for breeding stock. Two enormous buffalo also live on the ranch and are extremely partial to Hal. They should be, as the original buffalos at Lonesome Dove were given to him as a Father’s Day gift from Sharron! They started with three heifers and then later got a bull. Today the herd is down to Tom-Tom (the bull) and pregnant Natasha, who is due any day. Tom-Tom was quite the clown the day we took photos. Not only did he run, huff and stomp; he also showed off by rolling over for us…over and over! If you know of Montana Bounty Foods or happen to be one of the many fans of their “Deep-pit Seasoning,” chances are that you didn’t know that it is made right here at Lonesome Dove Ranch! Sharron started this business 18 years ago based on the popularity of “Hal’s Secret Spice” (now Deep-pit Seasoning) that was a staple in the ranch’s kitchen. Guests raved and a business was born. Since then they’ve created hundreds of products, won numerous awards for many of their recipes, including a Gold Medal for their Indian Fry Bread and 3 medals (Gold, Silver & Bronze) for Deep-pit Seasonings. The line has grown to include an array of soup, stew and chili mixes; a variety of baked good mixes; coffee, tea and cocoa as well as canned goods such as BBQ sauces, jams and syrups. All of
the products are made in their USDA approved kitchen with 100% natural and organic ingredients.
Sharron recently launched a new venture that animal lovers will love! SuppliTreats is a hybrid of treat mixes and health supplements for dogs and horses. There are approximately fifteen different all-natural, human-grade supplements available (for weight management, joint health, senior formulas & more) that one simply adds to the tasty treat mixes and bakes. The treat mix flavors are sure to get mouths watering! The canine mixes include Beef Au Jus, Perfectly Peanut Butter and Savory Roast Chicken. For horses, Apple & Carrot, Oats & Molasses and Peppermint Candy flavors are available. They also offer Ready-Made SuppliTreats that can be mailed directly to customers. These are already baked in one’s chosen flavor and contain the requested supplements. No other company is offering such a product, and they’ve already been picked up by a major distributor.
To end, I think it’s a fun story on how Sharron and Hal came up with the name of the ranch. Sharron explained, “It was really three-fold. We both loved the Lonesome Dove series written by Larry McMurty. Also, after we sold our ranch in California, I was very lonesome for the land. But the third reason was really an omen. When we first looked at the ranch, but didn’t buy it…there was a dove on the fence. We came back two years later and found that the ranch was still for sale, and that dove was there on the same fence again. We bought the ranch, named it Lonesome Dove and she stayed here with us for seven years until she died. It all made sense in so many ways.”
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Happy
Tails
to You Written by Dr. Melissa Genovese, DVM (Whitefish Animal Hospital)
happy tails
Sawyer’s Purpose When it was time to write this article, I knew I had a confession to make. I did not own a dog for my first 11 years of practice. Whew--it’s out there. The next step was brainstorming a topic. My inspiration came to me on a trail run. I was thinking about all the dogs I see around Whitefish--walking in the dark of morning, hiking on the trails, heads hanging out car windows or quietly sitting under a desk at work. I began to think about the purpose of dogs in our lives. In simple terms, they are companions with unconditional support. Yet they are capable of so much more: sensing an oncoming seizure or hypoglycemia, guiding the blind, helping those with PTSD or autism. That made me think about my family and our dog. What is his purpose in our family?
I grew up in a household with a menagerie of pets. You name it, we probably had it. I remember getting my first dog when I was 5-years-old. From that point on, we always had a dog. The year after college, I got "my first" pet. For those that know me, you won't be surprised to hear it was a cat. Once I started vet school and was con-
sumed by long hours and multiple moves, it was clear that a cat was all I needed. After graduation, I planned on getting a dog. I moved across the country, got married and started my career, but no dog. I got my dog fix at work and heard my coworkers complaining about muddy feet and other stories of mischief. This made me a little less eager to get my own dog!
On my first wedding anniversary, my husband surprised me with a kitten. Two cats and I was content. I even taught the younger one to play fetch. By this time in my career, I was also learning more about which dog breeds would suit our lifestyle, but wasn't ready to commit. A few years later, we had twins. At that point, a dog was definitely not in my near future. Work and motherhood (2 children and 2 cats) was enough. I figured that sooner or later, the right dog would come into my life. As our kids got older and my husband had more interest, we talked more often about getting one.
As an early 11th anniversary gift, my husband surprised me again. I was doing dishes when he told me to relax while he took the kids out. That action alone made me suspicious. After about 30 minutes, I realized that he was getting me a puppy! I was elated, but panicked, as I was not prepared for a puppy. Sawyer Cruz joined our family that day. He is a hunting breed I had never
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heard of, a Pudelpointer. They originated in the 1800s in Germany as a cross between a German Hunting Poodle and an English Pointer. I cannot attest to his hunting skills, other than that of huckleberries. In case you are wondering, he is not allowed to divulge our secret spots! That first year certainly wasn't easy--late night potty breaks and going home for lunch instead of the gym. It all felt very similar to having an infant. As time passed, Sawyer filled a niche in our home. My kids
say that Sawyer is the best thing that ever happened to our family. He serves a role for each of us and brings us together for family hikes and walks. He is Olivia’s comfort, Mason’s “brother” and my husband, Bob’s, source of a guaranteed smile when he levitates in greeting on his arrival home from work. As for me, Sawyer is exactly what my husband intended--a running and XC ski partner. A presence that doesn’t require conversation (of course I talk to him) when I need the quiet of the woods to counteract the chaos of life--kids, work, school, sports. He helps me relax, slow down with my thoughts and enjoy the changing seasons through his eyes--the thrill of splashing
406bark
through puddles after a spring rainstorm, a swim in the lake on a warm summer day, the golden Tamaracks in autumn and scents brought to life with fresh snow. I have yet to grasp the allure of a taunting squirrel-maybe with time. And yes, he gets muddy paw prints on
our carpet, chews on the couch and pillows, digs holes in the yard and steals kale and bananas off of the counter. As much as those things drive me crazy, I would not replace him. He has found his purpose within our family.
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Photo by Linda Baumann
out and about
Love Your FarmGirl
Photo by Daley McDaniel
Tito (a.k.a. Tipper)
WAG Race 2016
WAG Race 2016
The 7th annual WAG Race to raise funds for the Hugh Rogers Wag Park was held on May 15th. It was a beautiful day, and over 350 people (with their pups) participated. Known as “one of the most fun races in Whitefish, the event is organized and sponsored by Whitefish Animal Hospital and the Flathead Beacon Running Club. The race day wrapped up with great food, Sweet Peaks ice cream, beer, music and raffles.
A BBQ Sauce Worth a Big Woof
Entrepreneurs Jory Monroe & Jennifer Vickstrom, owners of Kiska’s by the Lake restaurant in Bigfork, have launched a fabulous new line of BBQ sauces with a true Southern zing worth woofing about! Their new Dawg House BBQ line includes sweet, pepper, spicy and smoky sauces. They also have rubs and seasonings including a “Mutt Salt,” which is a salt substitute. You can purchase their great products at these local shops: Ferndale Market (Bigfork), Markus Foods (Whitefish), Blacktail Grocery, Glacier Perks Coffee House & the Farmhouse Café (Lakeside) and at Super 1 Foods (Evergreen & Columbia Falls).
fun things to
bark
About August 20th… THE Dog Day of Summer
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 20th, and get ready to support the Hugh Rogers Wag Park at the annual WAGFEST event sponsored by Alpine Animal Hospital. All Valley dogs (and their peeps!) are encouraged to come to the dog park for this fun summer picnic from 11:00 – 2:00. There will be events for pups, food for the folks, a raffle and more. Register your dog at Alpine Animal Hospital and get ready for a day full of wags. If you’re up for a road trip, head to Missoula on August 20th for the 11th Annual Pet Fest Event. One of the highlights of this dog-centric day is the annual “Weiner Dog Dash,” a race where determined Doxies run across the floor to reach their owners. The “wiener dogs” compete in three categories based on their age: Little Smokies, Frankfurters and Bratwurst! In addition to a variety of exhibitors and vendors, many pet adoption agencies will be there with loving pups looking for fur-ever homes. (www.petfestmontana.com)
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August 20th…THE Dog Day of Summer
A BBQ Sauce Worth a Big Woof
Tito (a.k.a. Tipper)
After the Great Falls/Cascade County Crimestoppers published their coloring book featuring a small white dog named Tipper, they decided to try to find a “real” dog to be their mascot. After reaching out to local shelters for help, they received a tip from someone who had a relative with a little white dog. This dog turned out to be “Tito,” a Jack Russell Terrier and a resident of the Flathead Valley! Tito and his mom, Amy Olson, recently went to Great Falls and met with the Crimestopper members. Tito also visited with local police department members and arrived at his press conference with a police & sheriff escort! There he was presented with his official vest, which he will sport during his school visits in October for "Crime Prevention week" to remind kids to be a "tipster."
Love Your FarmGirl
We found the perfect tote bags for animal lovers…upcycled “feed sacks” made by Love Your FarmGirl, a Kalispell-based company founded by Janine Rubinfier. They offer an array of totes made from recycled pet food bags. So if you’re into dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats or other creatures, you’re covered! They also offer some fun
No Ruffin’ It Here
Confucius Says Meow
Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co.
aprons, bibs and wine totes. These all make great gifts, especially if you have a friend who is the ulti-mutt bag-lady! (www.etsy.com/shop/LoveYourFarmGirl)
No Ruffin’ It Here
Lucky dogs that get to visit Whitefish on vacation now have a wonderful new place to stay! Wagging tails will be welcomed at the Firebrand Hotel, slated to open in early July. All of the pet-friendly rooms are on the first floor, making it doggone easy for pups and their peeps to head out to explore the local territory. There are no size, weight or breed restrictions; so if your dog fits through the door…they are welcome! (www.firebrandhotel.com)
“Chaps n Chicks” Fundraiser
Chicks n Chaps is a non-profit organization founded in Missoula to support local breast cancer patients and survivors. They hold clinics in 10+ states to educate women about the sport of rodeo, with the proceeds going to local community members suffering from the financial, physical and emotional burdens of breast cancer. These one-day clinics teach women how to rope, ride and simply have a whooping
great time. The 1st ever Chics n Chaps event in the Valley will be held on August 20th at the Flathead County Fairgrounds starting at 4 p.m. If you’re interested in participating, grab your girlfriends and have a ladies’ day out getting down and dirty in the arena! After the clinic, kick back and enjoy the PRCA rodeo with your family and friends. The cost to participate is $60, and you may register on their website. (www.chicsnchaps.org)
Bone-Appetit
The ever-growing popularity of food trucks is now giving dogs something to bark about. Dogs in Seattle are giving 2-paws-up to the new “Seattle Barkery,” a mobile café that specializes in canine cuisine. Owners Ben & Dawn Ford, professional dog walkers, came up with the idea when they began making homemade dog treats for their clients. Their bacon pupcakes, peanut butter pretzels and beefy carrot bagels were such a hit that they decided to take doggie dining on the road. This craze is popping up in other places, as well. “Bow Wow Bones” in Austin has many pups smiling, as does Chicago’s “Fido to Go.” This might be a great new venture for someone here in the Valley...pamper our pooches with a Rovin’ Chuck-Wagging Pup Truck!
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Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co.
As their website states, “There is only one thing more enjoyable than a fresh-brewed cup of coffee in the morning, and that is to see a dog’s wagging tail when you roll out of bed.” Ain’t that the truth?! If you’re a lover of both hounds and grounds, think you’ll enjoy this line of fairtrade organic, whole bean coffees and get a kick out of the product names such as the Sit & Stay Blend, the Morning Walk Breakfast Blend and the Alpha Blend. The company donates 20% of proceeds to numerous rescue partners, with their tagline being “Every pound saves a hound.” (www.groundsandhoundscoffee.com)
Confucius Says Meow
If you’re looking for a fun, unique gift for your cat (or cat-loving friend), we’ve come up with a purr-fect one! These handmade fleece Fortune Cookies are chalk full of enticing fresh organic catnip…every cat’s dream treat. They come as a set of four, packed in a classic Chinese food box, with a variety of sayings. Your future is fishy. May you climb to greatness. Your litter box will always be clean! (www.uncommongoods.com)
out and about
Bone-Appetit
feature
Territorio de Zaguates
(”Land of the Strays”)
By Nancy Dewar Photo by Territorio de Zaguates
Sponsored by Dave & Courtney Gamble of Standing Heart Ranch (Whitefish) A friend recently told me about an amazing dog rescue she had read about, “a free-roaming home to hundreds of dogs…and perhaps a good story for you.” I immediately Googled it and found tons of stories from many national media outlets. Most of them were similar, stating: “Territorio de Zaguates is a privately funded, volunteer-run organization in Costa Rica that takes care of 900 dogs. The pups are fed, bathed and taken on scenic walking tours for exercise. It's a completely open space, so the dogs spend their days freely roaming around the property. There are indoor areas for sleeping, bathing and eating.” I learned that Land of the Strays was founded by Lya & Alvaro Battle in 2007 and reached out to Lya to learn more about them first-hand. Our interview follows. It’s an extraordinary story about a few folks who are making an enormous difference for hundreds of strays.
Where are you & Álvaro from? I was born in Canada (Costa Rican mother and British-Canadian father) and moved to Costa Rica at the age of 5 from Ghana, Africa. Alvaro was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. His family moved to Costa Rica when he was 15 years old, and he has lived here since.
Are you married? Any children? We have been together for almost 23 years and married for 9. No kids! I always knew that I didn't want children. I don’t think I was born with the "mother" gene. Even as a child I was not the girl who enjoyed playing house and being the mommy. When I began working in preschool education, I realized that having children was an irrevocable responsibility that I just did not want. So I decided never to have them…and now I have over 700! How did you come up with the idea for Territorio de Zaguates? I had been rescuing, spaying and neutering strays for some time. Some would find homes
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but many would be left behind, although they were adorable and deserving of homes. I would often look at those "unwanted" ones and think what their life would be like otherwise. Put back on the street? Taken to a shelter where they would not find a home either and consequently be euthanized. I had almost 120 dogs at home when Alvaro suggested we send the ones who had little chance of being adopted to the farm I had inherited from my grandfather. We hired a family to live on the farm and look after them and adapted an old barn as their sleeping quarters. This would be their "retirement home,” a place for the dogs to spend the rest of their lives if they were never adopted. Did you both grow up with dogs? Alvaro grew up as the slave and pooper scooper of 4 Great Danes. His relationship to dogs was one of service and responsibility; but not necessarily did he see them as family members or equals as he does now. I, on the other hand, was the daughter of a biologist and grew up loving and respecting every form of life-- in-
feature
The dogs roam freely on walks with their caretakers but are never unsupervised. Some lag behind the pack and end up arriving later than the rest, but they always return to where they know the food is! sects, reptiles and plants. I had everything from snakes to spiders, rabbits to monkeys…any animal we found and brought home was welcome! But I only had 3 dogs as a child.
Do you live at the farm? Alvaro spends most of the week at the farm, as most of our resources have gone into creating the rescue. I work in San Jose as an educational consultant, and most days I'm done around 8:00 p.m. The car we have is old and unreliable, so I get around by bus. However even if I could count on that car, I wouldn’t make it up to the farm till 9:30 or 10:00; and there would be no way of tip toeing in without waking 700+ sleeping dogs! I’m there every weekend. Where do the dogs stay? There is a huge communal holding area in between the two houses on the farm. Most of the dogs eat and chill out there, although some prefer to curl up in and around the houses. The property has natural dividers such as rivers and rustic barbed wire fences, as it once was a dairy farm. The dogs roam freely on walks with their caretakers but are never unsupervised. Some lag behind the pack and end up arriving later than the rest, but they always return to where they know the food is! Do they form their own packs… or run as a group? They run as a group. There are no defined Alfas. Although there clearly are dogs that get more respect than others. I like to think of them as one big family. Some members get along better than others, but all are civilized most of the time.
Are the dogs neutered/spayed when they arrive? It is the first thing we do unless their health at the moment prevents it. Our vets and the services are all paid by us, although they do give us better prices due to the volume. We pay a vet to come up once every week or two. He gets most of the spaying and neutering done then, as well as checks on the ones with skin issues, etc. When a dog needs special tests or treatments, we bring it down to Heredia to a clinic we trust. Who brings the dogs to Territorio de Zaguates? The core pack (some have been with us for almost 10 years) are dogs we had rescued over those years. We have also absorbed remaining dogs from shelters that closed and were going to be euthanized. Some are owner surrenders, and others are brought to us by people who wanted to help an animal but did not know how or lacked the place to keep it. How do you care for so many creatures? I honestly think there is help from above because aside from the help we get from pet food producers (who donate half of the food our dogs eat), the rest of the resources come from my income, donations and the sale of T-shirts & other souvenirs.
How many volunteers? We have occasional groups of volunteers from companies doing social work but beside the staff that we pay to look after the dogs (3-5 men), the only full-time volunteers are Alvaro,
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me and Marcela Castro, who is a vital part of our organization.
Do you really name each one? Yes, we do! And we try not to repeat a name unless the dog with that name is no longer with us. Alvaro, Marcela and I come up with most of the names. When we can, we try to find a name that reminds us of the dog's history. If we’ve rescued a pregnant Mother, we try to name all her pups with similar names. For instance, a mother rescued from a hardware store would have pups named Bolt, Wrench, Hammer, etc. How do you keep them all straight? That is a question I myself don't know! I can hardly remember what I had for breakfast this morning.
How many are adopted each year? It all depends. Puppies are adopted more easily, but generally 4 out of 10 will return to us before their second year. On average, I'd say that 200 adults is a good bet. It increases every year as the awareness grows. Locals are adopting them, and of very recently…tourists, as well. What is a typical day like? A typical day starts at 5:00 a.m. We start cleaning and collecting yesterday's poo and washing out the water basins in order to serve new clean water. We clean out the food troughs and start serving breakfast. Around 9:00 we begin tending to the dogs with special medications or treatments, bath dogs with skin issues, change newspapers and clean the mommy kennels. We then go about doing maintenance work around
feature Our only goal in life is to make these dogs happy. To let them live as they please and grant them fond memories for the day they leave us. the farm. Sometimes Alvaro has to travel to San Jose to take care of shelter related errands. Our day is often interrupted by rain or dogs that need to be taken to clinics, but somehow eventually things get done. No matter what we are doing though, dogs are always involved…either as company or supervising them, they are never far from us! What are your biggest challenges? Aside from general attitudes toward strays and the frustration of not being able to get through certain people's stigmas, our challenges are always monetary. We are expected to live up to first-world standards on thirdworld budgets. How many of the dogs have you taken in as your own family members? Ohhh…too many probably! Some are no longer with us, and I miss them daily. And some are still with me, and I dread the day they cross over. As of now there must be 25 (mostly old souls) that I could not let go of. But in total the number of dogs we have called our own and loved as our children exceeds 60!
Anything else you’d like to add? Our only goal in life is to make these dogs happy. To let them live as they please and grant them fond memories for the day they leave us. We know we can't save them all and many will part without finding a home. But we hope they are able to recover their dignity through us. Still we are not in any way a solution. We are the reflection of a huge problem that can only be corrected if we stop buying pets from backyard breeders and pet stores that cater to them. We must spay and neuter our pets and all strays in order to stop the overpopulation. Dogs are nothing but angels with tails, and they do not deserve to suffer a single day because of us. You can learn more about Lya, Alvaro & their 700+ canine-kids on their Facebook page (www.facebook. com/Territorio-de-Zaguates) or email them with questions at territoriovisits@ gmail.com. They live in Carrizal, a town in the province of Alajuela.
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Dave & Courtney Gamble are enormous advocates of animal welfare and rescue. Over their 25 years of marriage, they have had 14+ dogs (many of them rescues) and several rescue cats. 28 creatures currently reside at Standing Heart Ranch, which is well known for Dave’s horsemanship clinics. That number is likely to increase, as more “rescues” are sure to find them as they always have. If you are interested in private or group horsemanship lessons (any skill level or discipline), contact Dave at 406-220-2534. Thanks for your support & rescue efforts, Dave & Courtney…and for this great story idea!
profiley
Animal Lover’s Profile Training Animals with Disabilities By Randy Bruck (Owner of Savedog Underground Fence Systems)
Trainer and photographer Louise Shye is a total animal lover with a soft spot for those with special needs. She arrived in Whitefish four years ago from Tacoma after a trip to Glacier Park enticed her to move close to the Crown Jewel of the National Park System. “Coming to Montana was like a dream come true,” Louise said. “As a photographer, it was impossible to put my camera down. As an animal lover, it seemed everyone had at least two dogs and they took them everywhere. Montana has so many great rescue programs, I knew this was the place for me!” Louise began her formal dog training in high school at a facility that prepped young dogs for working with the blind. She worked to keep the dogs focused and motivated, removing distractions like cars and other dogs. “Dogs that work with the blind need to be completely focused at the task at hand. They need to be structured in a way where they are completely responsible
for the human’s safety in any environment. The work was rewarding, and it required a lot of consistency and repetition.”
Her appreciation for dogs that help people in need, compelled her to return the favor. While scrolling through her Facebook feed last January, Louise spotted a female with a set of beautiful blue eyes on the Flathead Valley Animal Shelter’s website. Her description read: Elsa is a 4 monthold female Catahoula Leopard puppy that is deaf. She is a playful, sweet, loving girl who thinks she's a lap dog. She would love a family that can give her the time and training she will need to grow up into a fabulous member of her family. Feeling an immediate connection, Louise had Elsa in her arms later that day! How do you train a deaf dog? “Hand signals and a lot of leash control is necessary,” Louise explained. “Treat motivation and controlling her body language helps. Dogs gain a much better acuity of their other senses when they are missing one. You just need to build better connections with sight and smell. Most people don’t even realize Elsa is deaf. I’ve never felt sorry for her. I treat her like she is awesome. And she is!!”
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Louise also cares for her blind horse, Lea, a 5-year old quarter horse she got in college. She was not aware of Lea’s disability until a year after weaning her. Her horse was diagnosed with congenital blindness, and the vet recommended either putting her down or keeping her as a pasture pet. Louise was determined to train her, and today Lea can barrel race and trail ride! How do you train a blind horse? “It’s one big trust exercise,” Louise explained. “At the beginning you have to literally pick up their feet and touch the animal all over in order to sensitize them to human contact. It’s called imprinting. Physical control is key. Direct voice is important also. You need to communicate confidence and direction. Never coax a blind horse, only direct.”
Louise believes that one of the most important aspects in her role as a trainer is to teach people to be better pack leaders. “Either a person establishes themselves as the pack leader with their dog or the dog will be forced to assume that role. If that happens the dog will get confused about its responsibilities and begin barking, digging, not coming when called or display expressions of dominance or insecurities.” She also works
"Either a person establishes themselves as the pack leader with their dog or the dog will be forced to assume that role. If that happens the dog will get confused"
with pups and their owners to learn the fun things…like riding paddle boards, walking & hiking safely and playing appropriately at the dog park! As a huge animal-lover and fellow trainer, I feel really fortunate to have met Louise two years ago. Not only do we collaborate on tricky behavior cases, but we also have become very good friends and both feel the most important advice for any pet owner is: “Be the pack leader…and don’t forget, with dogs, exercise is the best medicine!” Pawnotes: Louise Shye (Shye Dog Training) is an independent dog trainer available for personal, in-home obedience training. She is also a photographer specializing in pets and weddings. She can be reached at 406-309-1900 (shyedog@gmail.com).
FYI: An underground fence is a great way to keep your dog safe and allow them to have unsupervised containment & exercise. It takes about 5-7 days to train a dog on the fence, but it’s well worth it. For more info contact Randy’s SaveDog Underground Fences at (406) 249-3143.
summer fun...
The
406Bark
List
great gear + goods to go fetch… Beast-Dressed for Summer One of the fun things about new seasons is switching out our wardrobes! For our canine pals, now is the time to sport a summer look or go for “fabrics” that work well with water-fun. Green Bean Dog’s red & navy striped collars & leashes offer a crisp, classic look. For dogs that prefer a bit more zip, check out the array of bright, colorful laminated designs from Mimi Green. If your pooch is a die-hard water dog, “Dry Collars” from Stunt Puppy are waterproof, stink proof & set the standard for hunting, field & water dogs. If you’ve a fashionforward pooch (one that prefers bandanas), Billy Wolf NYC has some great striped & camp-style designs. www.billywolfnyc.com www.greenbeandog.com
Summer Stuff for Pooch Lovers
www.stuntpuppy.com
Lab lovers will love this galvanized ice bucket.
(www.theblackdog.com)
www.shopmimigreen.com
Mark your territory on the beach with this oversized plush monogrammed beach towel.
(www.teddythedog.com)
Skecher’s “Bobs Plush-Best Friends” are not only fun, but also help support the Best Friends Animal Society. (www.skechers.com)
Get the conversation going with these “Bad Dog” tumblers. Everyone knows a stubborn pup who does the opposite of the commands being barked! (www.uncommongoods.com)
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Happenings & Events Around the Valley This year’s event will celebrate its 15th anniversary, July 21 – 24, with hundreds of riders and thousands of spectators expected to attend. The largest equestrian triathlon in North America, it attracts riders and horses of all levels, from amateurs to Olympians and features eventing’s three disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross-country. The Event’s four-day trade fair has family activities and a wide selection of great food. This year, nearly 100 vendors from across the Northwest will be in attendance along with 10,000 spectators. Admission is free and the nonprofit accepts parking donations benefitting the Halt Cancer at X campaign which supports cancer research and survivors. And the best news… dogs are welcome! So pack up your pooches and head over to The Event at Rebecca Farm later in July. These four fun-filled days in Kalispell are truly worth stomping & wagging about! (www.rebeccafarm.org)
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society tails
The Event at Rebecca Farm
weddings to woof about
Jessie and Mike Fleege
& Rosie
Photography by Jennifer Mooney Photography
Who are you?
Jessie and Mike Fleege & Rosie We have been living in Whitefish for about 1 ½ years. We moved here from downtown Chicago because Mike got a great job opportunity as an IT Project Manager at Plum Creek Timber (now Weyerhaeuser). Mike went to college at UM in Missoula and had long wanted to return to Montana. However, after starting his career at KPMG in NYC and then moving back to Chicago for a new job with another big-four consulting firm, he thought his dream of living back here would never happen. Fast forward a few years and the job he didn't think existed presented itself. Before I knew it we were packing up our apartment and moving to Whitefish, a place I had never been to or heard of! At the time I was working as an Account Executive at Dow Jones in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to keep my job and work remotely from Whitefish when we moved. I still do this today! Adjusting to the small town mountain life was not an easy for me, but it's been a wonderful growth experience. I had also wanted to live out West, but without Mike I would have never made the big leap, so I am thankful for him as he is always pushing me outside my comfort zone!
How did you get Rosie? We lived in an 800 SF condo in Chicago. Although I had always wanted a dog, a dog in city was impossible. Between our small condo and busy schedules, having a dog was not an option. The first thing I did when I found out we were moving here was start my hunt for our new dog! I had my heart set on a female Golden Retriever. I called and researched many breeders near Chicago and in Montana. After a lot research, I was able to get on a waiting list for breeder in Wisconsin. We waited just about 1 year for Rosie! While at first I was disappointed the wait list was so long, I knew she was worth the wait.
The breeder drove Rosie out all the way from Wisconsin to Bozeman where we picked her up on my birthday last year! Since I work from home and Mike travels often for work, Rosie is my buddy and keeps me company.
We go to the dog park, swim at Les Mason beach and hike up Big Mountain whenever we can. She's a lucky a dog living out here!
outgoing dog I’ve ever met. She makes sure to greet everyone at the dog park before she starts to play.
How did you meet? We grew up together in Chicago, and we've
What was your favorite part of your wedding…and Rosie’s?
been friends since middle school.
The proposal? Mike proposed along the running path on
Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. It's been one of my favorite spots in Chicago for so many years and has always been a special place to me…and now to both of us!
What is love? Love is trust and bringing out the best in each other, and of course lots of laughter.
What do you love most about Rosie? Rosie has never met another dog or person
she didn't love. She is the most friendly,
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Rosie was just excited to be included and surrounded by so many people! She loves nothing more than a good party and lots of people to socialize with. Our favorite part was getting to visit with all our friends and family who came in from Chicago. For most people this was their first trip to Montana, so it was fun getting to share Glacier with everyone!
Who helped with your wedding?
Beargrass Events was our florist. The Cuisine Machine did the catering and Jennifer Mooney Photography was our photographer. All were wonderful to work with!
work like a dog
I Lkve My Job! By Nancy Dewar
An absolutely adorable roan-colored American cocker spaniel found his Mother 9 years ago and has been a permanent fixture at Faucets n’ Fixtures in Kalispell ever since! Judy Bolla, founder of Faucets n’ Fixtures, got Bailey as a 6-week old puppy from a breeder in Great Falls, choosing his name as “his coloring looked like Irish Crème.” He joined her at work immediately, sleeping in a basket under her desk, and has been diligent at “showing up for work” since day one. Bailey’s official title is “The Greeter,” a job he has perfected over the years so well that often people stop by the store simply to say hi to him. When off-duty, sleeping in his bed or under his Mom’s chair are among his favorites. Judy started Faucets n’ Fixtures in a roundabout way. Her husband owned Glacier Precast Concrete, and contractors would stop by and ask her if she could help get a sink or something. As these requests continued, it hit her that there was no plumbing supply showroom in the area; hence the beginning
of Faucets n’ Fixtures. It was originally located on North Main Street. They moved to their large showroom at Idaho Street two years ago, and her daughter Stacy now owns and operates the business. Judy laughed as she told me, “I’m the matriarch of plumbing in the Flathead Valley; the first and oldest showroom!”
A very unfortunate event happened to Bailey at work four years ago that changed his life but certainly not his spirit. Judy and an employee were sitting at the picnic table outside of the showroom when five boys rode up on their bikes. Doing his “job,” Bailey ran out to greet them, and one of the boys kicked him in the head. Judy rushed Bailey to their vet, Dr. Duggar, only to hear he was going to be blind due to trauma. It was glaucoma. Bailey was in great pain so they removed his left eye. Though hoping to save his right, the pain remained and it was removed a few days later. Judy can’t say enough about Dr. Duggar and how terrific he is. As all of this was happening, he told her, “Oh Judy, he’s just a wonderful dog, and I promise it won’t be as bad as you think. He’ll adjust.”
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Adjust is almost an understatement. With the help from a book given to her by the dog ophthalmologist in Spokane, Judy taught Bailey many verbal commands such as left, right, up and down. He gets around pretty darn well and wears a tag stating he is blind, just in case he manages to “escape” from work once in a while. Bailey’s best friend is Stacy’s family lab, Finn. When Judy goes out of town, he hangs out with Stacy and her family. Finn keeps his eye on his buddy, always staying close by and running interference if Bailey gets too close to the fence. Animals’ innate instincts are pretty amazing. Bailey loves his job and everyone he meets! He is loved by the delivery drivers, all customers and attends most client meetings…perched under the conference table. “He’s very sweet, has never snipped at anyone and loves babies,” Judy told me. “Ever since this happened, he’s never looked back. He’s a bit like the Tramp in Lady & The Tramp…a little rogue!”
health notes
Have a Fun (and safe)
Summer
By Dr. Carsyn Beach, DVM (Countryside Animal Clinic)
Summer is many people’s favorite time of year, and it’s all fun and games until your dog comes back inside with a swollen nose. Many years ago my dog Maggie came
back with just that. We later found a vole in our wood pile, which was the source of the bite leading to Maggie’s muzzle being twice its usual size. Wildlife emerging for the spring and summer are among many hazards putting pets at risk.
Pests
Along with summer comes a surge in the insect population. The two most common culprits resulting in veterinary visits include bees and ticks. Since dogs investigate the world with their noses, it’s not unusual to find swelling of the muzzle or face, especially after a bee sting. It’s also time to be on tick patrol after walking or hiking in brush or the woods. Tick saliva can contain a paralytic toxin which may result in weakness in the hind legs. Ticks can also carry several diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which may cause fever, joint & muscle pain and lethargy. Prevention may be difficult for bee stings, but many products are effective against ticks including Bravecto, Nexgard, Effitix and Frontline.
Heat
As temperatures rise, the risk of heat exposure increases leading to dehydration, heat stroke or burned pads. Short-nosed breeds (such as pugs, bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Japanese Chins), overweight pets or heavy-coated breeds are predisposed to developing heat stress or stroke. Always keep fresh water at hand and offer cool places for your pet to escape the heat. Never leave your animals in the car when temperatures are over 65 degrees, as cars are much warmer than outside temperatures (for example, when it’s 70 degrees outside the car will be over 100 degrees in only 20 minutes!). Signs of heat stroke include dry gums, reduced appetite, lethargy, difficulty breathing and sunken eyes. Be careful walking your dog during the summer, not only to prevent heat stroke but also since
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sidewalks and asphalt can cause burns on their paw pads. Avoid walking during high temperatures, if possible; early in the morning or later in the evening is best. You can also try putting booties on their paws, though many do not tolerate these well.
BBQs and Parties
Summertime is party time with barbecues, cookouts, picnics and more. People enjoy feeding bits and pieces to our buddies; however, they may not pay close attention to dangerous items pets find tasty. Foods that they aren’t used to eating or those high in fat (such as meats) can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Attempt to deter friends and family from indulging your pets during parties, especially if these foods involve onions, garlic, raisins, grapes or chocolate, as they can be toxic. Fruit pits, corn cobs,
…and go back to having more summer fun together! bones and skewers are tasty to canines but can cause intestinal obstructions requiring surgery. Try to keep waste covered and away from pets to avoid possible ingestion. Finally, be aware that pets are incredibly sensitive to alcohol and even small amounts can result in alcohol poisoning.
Note: In the last issue we changed some copy in Dr. Beach’s article and incorrectly stated that your pet wouldn’t need an annual heartworm check if they stayed on the prescribed annual medication. We retract this. The American Heartworm Society recommends that all pets in the United States get tested for heartworms annually.
Poisons
With summer comes spring cleaning, gardening and yard work, as well as pets joining owners outside. Common toxins your animal may find enticing include snail/slug bait, gopher/mole bait, pesticides (including pet parasite preventives), rodenticides, fertilizers, antifreeze and herbicides. Keep these products out of reach to prevent exposure to potentially toxic materials. Plants can also be toxic, including mushrooms, lilies, rhubarb, Oleander, Azaleas and tulips. Attempt to limit your pet’s exposure to these plants.
While enjoying all that summer has to offer, try to keep your animals safe from pests, heat stroke, intestinal foreign bodies and toxins. In parting, if your pet unfortunately encounters a skunk, do not use tomato juice. Instead mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap, wash them (avoiding their eyes) and immediately rinse the mix off. Finish by washing them with pet shampoo, towel dry…and go back to having more summer fun together!
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Dr. Carsyn Beach, Countryside Animal Clinic june - july
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match.dog
“How I Met My True Love” real love stories from real dogs
+ their
humans
Rusty
10-Year-Old Golden Retriever Loved by Scott Smith During the summer of 2010 I abruptly lost my beloved Golden, Meggy, due to an enlarged spleen at the age of 12. It was a time of a lot of personal challenges, and I was working part-time bartending at the former Cooper’s in Whitefish. One day I had some customers who happened to tell me that they had just rescued a Golden from the Montana’s Precious Rescue (Golden Retriever Rescue). A light went off in my head…but was I really ready? I reached out to this amazing rescue organization and soon saw photos of handsome Rusty, who had been surrendered as his original family didn’t have time to care for him due to a child with special needs. Of course I had to do this...already! I knew without ever meeting him that he was “my guy!” After lots of paperwork, I was approved and Rusty joined me in Whitefish in the fall of 2010. He is my best friend and bet he’d say the same about me! I think we both rescued each other.
Filet Mignon
3-Year-Old “Maltipoo” (Maltese/Pekinese) Loved by Kylie Jugan
Mignon and I have been together since the beginning. I found her at a Maltipoo breeder in San Francisco and talked with her until Mignon was big enough to take home with me. Being the runt she was extra small, weighing only 6 pounds full-grown. She is the smartest, spunkiest and most playful best friend I could ask for. She loves to play the guitar, skateboard and go on long walks. If you ever meet Mignon, you will find that she can do just about any trick in the book! Her tricks include 360’s both ways, high-fives, rolling over, playing dead, speak, shake, closing cupboard doors and many more! I am so glad that we found each other. Filet Mignon truly is special and my best friend in the whole world.
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dogs and wine
K9’s + Wine A Dog-Centric Vineyard Focused on Rescue By JoAnn Actis-Grande Photography by Anita Nowacka
Sonoma County’s Mutt Lynch Winery is truly all about dogs and, of course, spectacular wines! Owners Chris and Brenda Lynch met through their love of wine and dogs, which led them to opening their own winery in 1995. Their business motto is: Apply Dog Logic to Life—Eat Well, Be Loved, Get Petted, Sleep A Lot, Dream of a LeashFree World (a fun quip from the whimsical artist Sark). When the Lynch’s started their winery 20 years ago, they wanted to support animal welfare groups largely because of their rescue dog Patch, an ex-racing Greyhound from New Zealand who served as their canine ambassador throughout his years.
in the last five years for her wines. Mutt Lynch wines are recognized both for their humorous and “dog-centric” labels and award-winning quality (Unleashed Chardonnay, Fou Fou le Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau d’Og Cabernet Sauvignon, Portrait of a Mutt Zinfandel, Merlot Over and Play Dead Merlot) and its limited production, vineyard designate series Canis Major and mbf (Man’s Best Friend).
from the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for its 2009 Perotti Vineyard mbf Petite Sirah.
Known for “everything dog,” Mutt Lynch hosts “yappy hours” with a nominal cover charge slated for rescues as well as ugly holiday sweater contests and Halloween parties for dogs. Customers can also reserve seating areas for pup birthdays and “bark mitzvahs.” Members of their wine club, Club Mutt, receive a selection of bottles plus a special dog toy or gourmet treat with each shipment. They offer three levels of membership that will wag any wine-lover’s tail; Big Dog, Little Dog and Best in Show! San Francisco’s Bay Woof magazine recently named Mutt Lynch the 2016 “Beast of the Bay” winner for the dog friendliest winery. So if you happen to visit Sonoma, be sure to stop by Mutt Lynch where you’ll meet all sorts of interesting peeps and pooches…plus taste some pretty doggone good wines. Or if you’re gnawing to get your hands on a bottle right away, you may purchase directly from their website. Cheers!
Mutt Lynch Winery donates a portion of all sales to a number of animal rescue organizations. Nationally they support Adopt-A-Pet.com, North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website with 9,000 rescue organizations posting their pets for adoption, as well as a few others Mutt Lynch Winery-“Tasting Room On The Green” dear to their heart. They also provide support 9050 Windsor Road, Windsor, California to 70+ California-based rescue groups and to www.muttlynchwinery.com numerous others in communities throughout the country. Their “Barking Good Wine” in-store display encourages every customer to “Support Varietals included in the mbf series are Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Zinfandel and Charyour local animal shelter.” bono – a unique red grape that is planted on less JoAnn Actis-Grande travels to many great Chris is the winery’s top dog of marketing, while than 100 acres of land in California. Luckily for wine regions all over the world writing Brenda is the winemaker - one of a rare breed Mutt Lynch it thrives near the Lynch’s home in about wine, travel and lifestyles. She lives (less than 10% of winemakers in California are Calistoga. The mbf series has won over 16 med- in the Northeast and can be reached by women). She has received over 150 medals als to date, the most recent being Double Gold email at j.actisgrande@gmail.com
.
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- the
406 bark~It place -
marketplace for artisans, eateries, merchants & more
McGarry’s Roadhouse
Eat good food. Drink good wine. Celebrate good friends… and your 4-legged friends are WELCOME on our patio…where you can SIT, STAY & share wonderful “tails” with friends.
Dinner starting at 5 p.m. Tues. – Sat. 510 Wisconsin Avenue - Whitefish (406) 862-6223 www.mcgarrysroadhouse.com
Pawsitively Perfect
Critter Corral
Nancy O’s Interiors
Treat your dog to the Critter Corral Spa & Boutique… Brush Outs & Hair Cuts Nails & Facials Top Quality Food & Treats Fun Gifts & Accessories
Christie Becker Proprietor & Professional Groomer In Business Since 1996 277 Third Avenue E.N. - Kalispell (406) 756-5883
Pets-Plus
We Love YOUR Animals Like Our Own
THE PERFECT MAT FOR YOU & YOUR DOG! Bold, Bright & Beautiful Gifts & Home Furnishings Lots of unique accessories for animal-lovers… Rugs, Pillows, Frames, Art & More 7935 MT Hwy. 35 – Bigfork Branding Iron Station – Suite 101 (406) 837-7242 www.NancyOInteriors.com
Tailwaggers Saving the world... one pet at a time.
In-Home Pet & Property Care Your Ulti-mutt Stop for Biscuits, Baths & Bedtime Professional Dog Grooming Boarding & Dog Daycare Lynnie Evans / Owner Certified Pet Care Technician 2960 US Highway 2 East - Evergreen 406-756-PAWS (7297) www.pawsitivelypetskalispell.net
Dog Walking - Transportation and Play Time!
We travel to YOUR home to take care of your dogs, cats, birds, livestock, aquatics, yards & plants. We make sure everything is secure & everyone is happy! 10% Off For New Clients
Connie & Dennis Gomez Kalispell - (406) 257-7155 petspluskalispell@gmail.com First Aide Certified, Bonded & Insured, Est. 1997
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Conveniently located in downtown Whitefish, we have all your dog and cat needs covered. Over 9 years serving only the finest, cleanest and healthiest foods & treats. We kick Biscuit, Beds, Toys, Dinner Time, Play Time, Sleep Time! Whatever the weather, we have what your pets need to thrive. (406) 862-8988 419 E. 3rd. Street Downtown Whitefish
Tailwaggers Montana
inspiring
Live life with a
Wa g
Conversations with Dog By Deb Franciosi
I’m pretty sure people in my neighborhood think I’m crazy. I walk with my soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Barleybear, and we talk. . . a lot! When we met, Barley was an 8-month-old pup with little experience outside a 6’ x 6’ pen. His language skills were basic; he furiously wagged and wiggled hello. Now our conversations run the gamut. We discuss meals, bathroom breaks, the weather, our exercise route. More intimately, we talk about how we feel. He shares his concerns about my health, including once warning me when something was wrong (I ignored him & ended up in the hospital). He tells me when he’s not feeling well, when he’s scared and when he’s worried. Snow on the ground is AWESOME. Snow sliding off the roof is evil! You, too, can bring this wonderful aspect of human-dog conversation into your life! To start:
Trust your gut.
If you THINK your dog is trying to communicate something, s/he is.
Pay attention.
Dogs don’t have sophisticated vocal chords, but they are masters of communication. When I’m gently touching the soft fur between his toes, Barley can’t yell at me to knock it off, though he CAN give me a clear message with a couple of short, swift kicks. A brusquely shaken head indicates it’s time to go outside for a bathroom break – NOW. A quick, single-syllable huff shows excitement or annoyance. Context is important…if it’s something he doesn’t like (e.g., getting brushed), he huffs his annoyance. When we’re FINALLY ready to go for a ride, he huffs his excitement.
Watch subtle body language.The direction and shifting of Barley’s eyes ask questions ranging from “Are you ok?” to “Is some of that food for me?” A nose twitch communicates dislike, curiosity and excitement. On walks, his pace indicates his purpose (exercise or a neighborhood investigation). His position relative to me tells his purpose: sniff, potty, stroll or self-preservation. Watch not only WHAT, but WHERE.
Barley is strategic about where he sits: politely
off to the side when he wants some food… right in front of the TV when it’s time for an evening walk.
Watch movements big and small.
Barley is the Shakespearean actor of ears. He cocks them up in curiosity, excitement and bliss. He drops them back in fear or distrust. Combined with focused body posture, he’s on high alert (a cat on his turf or a front door invader). When he’s angry with me, he sits out of reach with his back turned. When he’s worried, he comes close, often resting his head on my torso. He shakes his whole body in general distaste for rain, wind, wet snow, the fit of a new harness or too gentle of a touch. He uses his whole terrier body to say, “There’s something on the trail ahead.” Sometimes he stands boldly to point; other times he hides behind me, “Mommy, you’ve got the bear spray, right?” My favorite is the Wheaten Greetin’…whole body wiggles, lips scrunched, head waggling low; alternating spins and play bows with forward punches in the air. There is no denying his joy! In our first conversation, Barleybear convinced me that we belonged together. It was an overwhelming feeling, but it was more than that. He made soft eye contact, lowered his head with his chin held up just a little bit, his body relaxed and laying down. He became completely still where seconds prior he had
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been a singular wiggle. He exhaled his relief. I was in the moment – that place in which dogs live – and I was paying attention. Deb Franciosi is an education consultant and publisher who loves making jewelry and exploring the forest trails and neighborhoods of northwest Montana with Barley. Deb is also a member of the Paws to Play team working to create a dog park in Kalispell.
- the
406 bark~It place -
marketplace for artisans, eateries, merchants & more
Ten Spoon Vineyard
PAW-FRIENDLY PATIO The Only Authentic Pit BBQ Restaurant in Whitefish!
IF YOU’RE OUT CATTING AROUND AT 1ST THURSDAY’S ART WALK… Be sure to stop in to meet our artists & say hi to Remi, our shop dog!
Dogs Welcome… and nice kids too!
Open Daily from 7 a.m. Breakfast - Dine-In - Take-Out - Catering Classic Home-Cooked BBQ Craft Beers & Wine 102 Wisconsin Avenue - Whitefish (406) 863-9895 www.piggybackbbq.com
305 Baker Avenue - Whitefish (406) 863-2787 www.thewalkingmanframeshop.com
4175 Rattlesnake Drive - Missoula (406) 549-8703 www.tenspoon.com Theresa@tenspoon.com
Hart Jewelers
Maranatha Pet & Home Sitting
Kiska’s By The Lake
July 7th - August 4th September 1st - October 8th
VISIT OUR TASTING ROOM Thursday – Saturday 4-9 pm
Live Music Friday & Saturday
Fabulous Dining in Bigfork
Southern BBQ
Wes Hart – Master Goldsmith Chauncey – Design Assistant
Peace of Mind While You’re Away
Getting Engaged? Montana Sapphires are the NEW Diamond!
Pet Care – House Sitting Transportation – Errands & Chores House Cleaning – And More!
Stop by to see our collection of gorgeous sapphire rings. Or we can create a custom design especially for you. 711 Spokane Avenue - Whitefish (406) 862-6252 www.HartJewelersWhitefish.com
Serving Kalispell, Somers, Lakeside, Creston, Bigfork & Woods Bay.
Catrina G. Davis, B.S. Animal Science (406)407-4276 CatrinaGibbs@aol.com www.MaranathaSitting.com
Bonded & Insured - Background Verification
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Homemade fried chicken to die for. House-smoked brisket & pulled pork.
Featuring our very own Dawg House BBQ sauces. Amazing assortment of mouth-watering sides.
Dogs are welcome on our patio! Opens at 11:00 a.m. – 7 Days a Week Downtown Bigfork 435 Bridge Street (406) 420-2170
- the
406 bark~It place -
marketplace for artisans, eateries, merchants & more
Evergreen Compounding Pharmacy
Whitefish Pottery
Calm Animal Care
Veterinary Compounding
Handcrafted Dog & Kitty Treat Jars… Personalized Too!
Our staff is genuinely dedicated, compassionate & caring…
Working together with your veterinarian to help make medication a treat for your pets.
Custom Compound Prescriptions for Dogs, Cats, Horses & Other Livestock 2141 US Highway 2 East - Kalispell (406) 257-2083
evergreencompoundingpharmacy.com
Beautiful Pottery from Regional Artisans Wonderful Montana Artwork…
Simply a really special store for all! 240 Central Avenue - Whitefish (406) 862-1417 www.WhitefishPottery.com
Windmill Storage & Business Park
Where you’ll feel confident having us be the WATCH DOG of your stored possessions! Lighting & Automatic Roll-Up Doors (on some units) Camera Security System Keypad Enter/Exit – Digital Recorder Personal, RV & Boat Storage Available 5375 Highway 2 West – Columbia Falls (406) 892-8900 www.WindmillStorage.com 2.6 Miles North of Glacier Park International Airport
What can chiropractic do for your pet?
Veterinary Medicine, Diagnostics, Surgery & Dentistry Acupuncture, Nutrition & Chiropractic Care Located 10 Miles West of Kalispell Serving the Entire Flathead Valley Since 1984 481 Main Street – Kila (406) 755-8214 www.CalmAnimalCare.com
Faucets n’ Fixtures
All Dogs Need a Good Home! Brandon Langel
Realtor Known for finding pups & their peeps wonderful new homes here in the Valley! 1380 Wisconsin Avenue The Lodge at Whitefish Lake Brandon@purewestmt.com www.ComeHomeToMT.com Office: 406-862-4900 Cell: 406-390-6676
30 www. 406bark .com
Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Showroom Direct Buying, Idea Inspiring, Industry Leading Dedicated Product Experts Est. 1987 525 West Idaho - Kalispell (406) 752-2602 advisor@faucetsnfixtures.net
doggy thoughts
flips + flops By Flip-Flop
Editor’s Note: These are simply musings from Flip-Flop, an exuberant & opinionated shaggy dog. They are not any sort of product endorsement or “dis” by this publication or any member of our editorial team. Just a bit about stuff she likes (Flips) and stuff she doesn’t (Flops)!
Crazy Cats
Cats may be as confusing to dogs as women are to men! Though I love cats, I sure don’t understand them. There is this crazy toy called the SHRU that they are crazy about. This little battery-operated egg-shaped gadget wiggles around on the floor mimicking a mouse and is billed as “the intelligent cat companion designed to be your cat’s new best friend.” It also squeaks and one may purchase a variety of different tails! This next-generation of cat companionship truly puzzles me. Why not simply get another cat so they can play together…and be real cat friends? (www.getshru.com)
Cool Cats
Cats crack me up! I don’t get their fascination with boxes, but they sure love them. Any box entices them—big, small, corrugated, pretty or ugly—it doesn’t matter. Put it out & in they’ll go. A word of advice to my feline friends…if you want to be a really cool cat, you should check out the Ice Cream Truck cat box. If you’re going to hide in a box & be unentertaining, at least you can entertain your humans a bit. I mean, truly, who wouldn’t get a few chuckles out of a cat “driving” an ice cream truck? (www.famousoto.com)
The “D” Word
I love the “D” word…DOG! But I’m also an eternal optimist. Every time I hear the word “dog,” I’m pretty sure (well, I hope) it’s going to be followed by the word “park. Dog park…two of my favorite words in the world. I bet a lot of dogs in the Valley feel the same. Sometimes my Mom tries to fake me out & says “DP,” but I’ve got that one figured out.
The ”F” Word
Yikes, I hate the “F” word! Maybe I’m not being politically correct even talking about it here, but whatever! When I hear it, my tail drops & I slink out of the room knowing something’s not quite right. It’s funny…I’ve run into other pups that feel the same. My friend Merlin (from the dog park…ahhh, the “D” word!) told me he hates it too. So my advice to humans is “please watch your language around us canines,” as we are much smarter than you think!
Unfriendly Dog Dining
Dog-Friendly Dining
I want to give a heart-felt BARK-out to a few of the restaurants & bars I know of that welcome pooches on their patios. Speaking for most of the dogs in the Valley, we really appreciate your hospitality! (Whitefish: Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits, Piggyback BBQ, McGarry’s Road House, Bonsai, La Cocina Feliz & Stillwater Fish House) (Bigfork: Kiska’s by the Lake & Brookside Yard) (Kalispell: The Desoto Grill).
406bark
Okay, I know it’s all about those laws you humans make about food safety & all of that stuff...the reason we aren’t allowed in restaurants. But why are our laws so different than those across the pond? Geesh, in Europe dogs are a common site in many restaurants & cafes. In fact, there is one in England that goes even a step further in a salute to canines. The Varsity Warwick Pub offers “The Dog’s Dinner” on their menu. The kicker…it’s a dish for humans served in a dog bowl! That may be taking it too far. We pups aren’t advocating for people to eat out of dog bowls…just let us join them on their culinary adventures.
june - july
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