contents
6 6.
animal lover's profile Linda Cloutier
words of wisdom 10. work like a dog 12. match.dog 8.
14.
fun things to bark about
16.
food for thought
18.
feature
22.
Helping Animals Around the World
animal lover's profile
Terry and Dick Southwick
local tails 26. rescue 24.
30. 31.
let's pawty
Ristorante Massimo
flips + flops
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 3
publisher Nancy Dewar
nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com - 603.498.3237
design Mrs. and Mr. Design
info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
director of sales & marketing BlakeLee Greene bntgreene@comcast.net - 978.317.5846
thanks to our contributors‌ Alissa Bournival - Kiki Larouge - Melanie Lovell Dawn Price - Elizabeth Strazzulla cover photo Phil Chura - ChurasPhotography.com Published by Bark Media Group LLC six times a year. Hampton, NH Copyright Š 2019 Bark Media Group LLC Seacoast Bark is distributed at stores & businesses in: Portsmouth, Exeter, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Greenland, Stratham, Seabrook, Kittery, Newburyport, Rowley, Ipswich & everywhere in between!
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 (603) 498-3237
notes
Publisher’s Note Happy holidays & cheers to a wonderful 2020! Maybe a good New Year’s resolution would be to try to approach life more like dogs! Love unconditionally. Live in the present. Make real eye contact. Bark when you feel like it. Enjoy treats. Truly engage. Don’t judge and run with a great pack.
Cheers + Chow…
Nancy
P.S. A big thanks to photographer Phil Chura for our great cover! For a truly special gift, arrange a photo session with Phil. His photography is outstanding, and he has the perfect whistle to get your dog to look right at the camera… with perked up ears for a perfect shot! (ChurasPhotography.com)
4 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 5
animal lover's profile
A Quintessential Dog Mom By Nancy Dewar
Linda With Her Kids
Bentley as a Pup (far right)
Sophie & Bentley
Linda Cloutier, owner of Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths in Greenland, is the quintessential devoted dog Mom! I always knew she adored her “kids,” but after chatting with Linda and her designer and fellow dog lover, Lori Genovese, I realized she’s crazier than me when it comes to canines! I cook for my dog; but not like Linda! I’m more like Betty Crocker; Linda is right up there with Rachel, Paula and Emeril! Her pups get a healthy variety of homemade chicken, pork, turkey and beef dishes. Linda also subscribes to NomNomNow, a home delivery service with 100% human-grade fresh food for pets, for nights when she doesn’t feel like cooking. “Dogs are like people. Who would ever want to eat the same thing day after day,” Linda said!
Visitors at her design center are enthusiastically greeted by Sophie, her 7-yearold Standard Poodle and sibling Bentley, a handsome 1-year-old Golden. Linda grew up surrounded by Miniature Poodles and vowed that she’d someday get a Standard Poodle. Sophie is her third, who follows her predecessors Tara and Nicole. Golden Retrievers entered the mix when a client walked in holding two Golden puppies. Linda said her immediate response was, “Oh my God these are the cutest puppies I’ve ever seen!” She contacted the breeder and within a week had her first Golden who she named Sara. “I arrived and she was staring straight at me. That cinched it.” Her beloved Riley, who passed away last year, was her second. And though young Bentley has big paws to fill, he’s doing a great job. Linda said, “Bentley’s my Velcro dog; always by my side.”
Her career as a designer began serendipitously. After studying fashion at Green Mountain College in Vermont, Linda headed to New York to pursue a career that she quickly realized wasn’t for her! She returned to Vermont and one day noticed a store called Kitchens by Design. Something nudged her to go in and say to the owner, “If you’re ever interested in hiring me, I’d love work for you.” He hired her on the spot, kicking off her 40-year career as a kitchen and bath designer. Linda decided to move to the Seacoast when the economy was slowing down, and as she said laughingly, “after I’d dated most of the single guys in that little town!” She started her own business 27 years ago and has developed a large and loyal client base. Linda’s career began before the era of computers. All plans were created by hand.
6 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
“I’m still kind of back in the old days and am a bit of a dinosaur, as I still hand-draft all plans." Designer Lori transforms them into 3-dimensional CAD renderings so clients can visualize the rooms. They have a bit of fun in the process by personalizing the renderings with faux place settings, accent rugs and dogs, if their client has one! One design had a window seat. Lori said, “It was a perfect place for a dog to watch the world go by, so we plopped one in!” They placed a large black dog in one, and their client called them delighted. “How did you know I had a black Great Dane?”
The design process involves a lot more than meets the eye. “It’s not just about pretty pictures.” Each project entails hundreds of intricate details to coordinate and monitor. Linda and Lori work on 24 to 30 projects annually. An average
animal lover's profile
Sophie in Her Gear
Bentley Dressed for Halloween Riley Celebrating His Birthday
Many people are installing special showers to clean up their soggy doggies after romps on the beach. Clients also consider feeding and food storage areas, though not a lot are interested in builtin beds. “Why would you need a dog bed area when you have lots of comfy furniture?” kitchen remodel takes about 6 months, and new construction can take up to a year. Most of their business comes from highly respected relationships with area builders, word of mouth and many return clients. “We now find ourselves working with our customers’ kids. I have to laugh as I remember when they were in diapers and eating Cheerios in their highchairs,” Linda said. “One of the things I love most about our work is that we continually meet wonderful new people and become friends.”
I asked what impact dogs have in the design process. Many people are installing special showers to clean up their soggy doggies after romps on the beach. Clients also consider feeding and food storage areas, though not a lot are interested in built-in beds. “Why would you need a dog bed area when you have lots of comfy furniture?” Linda and Lori laughed when talking about their extensive involvement in the planning process. “We know where everything is going to go; from cutlery, pots and pans, serving pieces and all. If they ever had a party, we should be in the
kitchen telling the caterers where to find things!” Poodle Sophie works like a dog and is at the shop five days a week. Bentley, however, gets a day reprieve each week when he goes to “school” at The Barking Dog daycare in Exeter. He’s one of their star pupils (of course), and his favorite activities are swimming and hanging out with his gal-pal Bella! The duo’s favorite thing in life is spending weekends at Ossipee Lake in the summer. Bentley gets to swim endlessly, and Sophie’s passion is jet skiing. She even has the proper apparel for her favorite sport; a life vest and Doggles! Linda said Sophie’s totally obsessed. She’ll sit patiently on the back of the wave runner for hours…waiting, waiting, waiting. Once they take off for a jaunt around the lake, the-faster-thebetter in Sophie’s mind! The entire family enjoys their lake house at Ossipee, including Linda’s husband Alan and their daughter Hannah, a sophomore at UNH who looks forward to getting a Great Dane someday. A special part of the
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 7
place for Linda is the little cemetery where all her puppies are buried. Linda told me, “I hope it stays in the family forever, and I want to be buried there too. Sometimes I just sit there and cry. I’ve a plaque there with that special poem: ”If tears could build a stairway & memories a lane; I’d walk right up to heaven & bring you home again.” Wouldn’t we all?
3D Rendering Complete With Dog
words of wisdom
Walter’s
Words of Wisdom By Walter Eugene Davis Senior Helpers – Stratham, NH
Walter Eugene Davis
Tips for a PAWSitive Holiday Season Hey friends, it’s Walter Eugene here again with some great tips to get you through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. You know my Dad told me, “Every holiday is not a Hallmark holiday.” With all the media hype our expectations get built up for something grand; and then when it falls apart, we are left with a heavy heart and a sack full of disappointment.
So with that said, start off by being REALISTIC. That way you won’t get your feelings hurt. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanza; focus on the meaning of the holiday and rejoice in the history and traditions. Forget the tinsel town stuff – that is where things get twisted. MODERATION – from November 28th to January 2nd you humans eat (and drink) in excess. Oh, it is the holidays so it’s okay to throw caution to the wind! Remember that drinking alcohol with many medications can cause adverse effects including falls. Stick to a regular ROUTINE. It will help lessen the stress. Don’t burn the candle at both ends. Stay with your regular schedule as much as possible. Don’t forget that I like to take walks on the weekend. So, if you need a partner, give me a call! The only thing you need to feel GULTY about is not being good to yourself. Don’t let the Season be the Reason that you are overanalyzing why you didn’t get invited to a party or that you bought a gift for someone and they did not reciprocate. Who cares! It truly is better to give than receive, especially when it comes from the heart. If you don’t want to be ALONE, then don’t be. There are things that you can get involved in without having an invitation. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, the SPCA, visit the elderly who are in facilities, drop off coffee to the police department or cookies to the fire department. Hey, can I go with you? If you are feeling OVERWHELMED, it’s okay to simply say NO. If you aren’t feeling it, then don’t do it. Better to sit home on the sofa and watch a good movie with a bowl of popcorn (and me at your feet) than to be some place you don’t want to be to begin with.
A big thanks to Dwight & Gayle Davis,
owners of Senior Helpers, for encouraging Walter Eugene to write this new column! Walter is a 6-year-old Lab mix rescue. They all found each other via New England Lab Rescue. Walter came from Hartsville, SC, and ended up hitting the jackpot with his new family! He participates in the family business providing love and comfort to many, with his official title being “Director of Security & Pet Relations.” Walter is also an active member of the welcoming committee!
Feeling a bit NOSTALGIC? Don’t we all this time of year? We are inclined to think about the PAST and not live in the PRESENT. To think of our childhood days, fun times with family and friends. It is a perfect time to make new memories. In the words of my dear friend, Dr. Seuss, “You’re off to a great place, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So….get on with your day!”
Senior Helpers provides in-home, non-medical care offering tailored services ranging from companion care for those who need daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases. They’ve worked with clients ranging in age from 25 to 104. Senior Helpers was voted “Best of the Seacoast” in home health care and received the “Business Excellence Award” and “Top 200 Most Influential Business Leaders in New Hampshire” from the New Hampshire Business Review.
I wish you all PEACE and LOVE, Walter …. See you in 2020
Stratham, NH – (603) 583-4580 www.SeniorHelpers.com/nh/greater-seacoast 8 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 9
work like a dog
Creations Inspired by
Tradition and Cute Wet Noses By Elizabeth Leary Strazzulla
As a writer and an artist, I never envisioned that a large part of our family’s life’s work would end up revolving around dogs! Our turn down a new road started when my daughter Lucia found an old leash in our family home. The leash, rugged and intricate, had been made by my great uncle while he served in the US Coast Guard. “How do you make these?” Lucia asked. “I don’t know,” I responded. “Would you like to learn?” And we were off and running with what soon would become our new company, Salty’s Own! We bought some hanks of rope from the local hardware store and a knot book. Before long, we were studying videos on YouTube and practicing knots with intriguing names like “Turk’s Turban” and “Cobra.” With some of my distant memories of crafts learned at 6th grade camp, we developed our own design. From the beginning, we were determined to make the best leash we could.
Trout inspecting beaver tree.
Eventually, Salty’s Own moved away from the complex leash to a smoother, more flexible double-braid design with a split traffic loop of our own invention. Yet something critical was missing. How can you possibly have a dog leash company without a dog or two? Lucia and her sister Anna had been asking for dogs for a long time. The timing was perfect. Cody, our yellow Labrador joined us that winter; and his baby brother, Trout, our Jack Russell enlivened the house further in the spring. The addition of the puppies to the impromptu “staff” of Salty’s Own inspired many new products. Cody contributed the idea of highly visible Float Leads for the beach. Trout still serves as the able model of all things little dog; especially as a tester for escape-proofing and strength. As our company and our dogs grew, Trout proved to inspire beyond the realm of Salty’s Own. When Anna was scheduled to travel to a nature camp with her 6th grade class, a problem arose. She didn’t want to leave her dog! We thought this was understandable and suggested she develop an alternate project that she could present to her teacher and principal to see if she could be excused from the trip. As we live on the banks of the Parker River, there certainly was plenty of nature
Trout & Cody hard at work.
10 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
work like a dog
Cody at the beach.
Salty’s Own is growing. Our leashes are now on dogs in 11 countries, yet we continue to find our sources of materials and stories locally. Sea Grasses leash design.
right outside our door. We considered the usual things - an information poster of native plants and animals, a poem, a paragraph, etc. But Anna wanted to find a way to include Trout. Wasn’t he the reason she stayed home in the first place? Then Anna thought maybe Trout could tell the story about the animals along the river. She began to write. We took the photographs to show the animal signs and tried always to include Trout. What a time we had getting him to inspect the beaver-chewed tree trunk! Anna climbed out on the rocks where the beaver-felled tree leaned out over the water and clung to the river side of the tree. I framed the shot and waited. Trout had to see what she was doing! He came right to the beaver tree, and “Snap” we had our shot. We all really felt that Anna and Trout had a special bond that was helping them work as a team on this project. It was Lucia who suggested, “Why don’t you turn this into a book?” Since Trout and Anna are nearly inseparable, pursuing the idea was natural. More photographs were taken and stories about Trout’s growing up along the Parker River were add-
Great uncle’s original leash.
ed; the day Cody taught him to swim and his first ride in the kayak, to name a few. Trout becomes both teacher and student in the book Anna titled “The River – Trout’s Adventure Series.” It stays true to the original mission as Trout teaches about the animal and plant life, and yet he is also the youngster learning about his surroundings. Anna was so pleased at the reaction the younger school grades had when she read it aloud. Seeing the connection the children made with Trout was both rewarding and affirming. Anna and Trout are now working on the next book in his Adventure Series; “The Seashore.”
A local focus has always been important for us at Salty’s Own. When the time came to publish the book, we sought out the expertise of Daryl Perkins and Walter Christiansen at Harborside Printing. Using a Newburyport based company meant that Anna would be part of the technical process of the book. Although she had chosen the pictures to accompany the text and laid out the pages, it was wonderful to learn about the decisions that had to be made to go to press. As with our choice to always use American made paracord, we knew that the use of many
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 11
toxins approved elsewhere are not allowed here. Using Harborside Printing also meant that we would be assured of environmentally responsible production of the book.
As Trout and Anna look forward to telling more tales of Trout’s adventures, I am always impressed at the way our lives have been influenced and inspired by the addition of Trout and Cody to our family. Salty’s Own is growing. Our leashes are now on dogs in 11 countries, yet we continue to find our sources of materials and stories locally. “Working like a dog” is a good thing but working with them is better still!
Note: You can find Salty’s Own leashes at The Natural Dog, Just Dogs & Quinn’s Canine Cafe in Newburyport. Trout’s book is available at The Jabberwocky & The Birdwatcher in Newburyport. (SaltysOwn.com) Elizabeth Leary Strazzulla is the top dog at Salty’s Own, LLC. She is an award-winning writer and artist and resides in Byfield, MA.
match.dog
"How I Met My True Love" love stories about real dogs + their humans
By Alissa Bournival – North Hampton, NH
Dogs have always been a part of our family. Before I entered this world, my father and mother rented their first home in Rye Beach. My father, a member of the Strategic Air Command at Pease AFB, posed a question to my mother. ''If you could have any dog, what kind would you choose?" Without hesitation, she responded, "A dachshund! They are so cute!" So, Dad went on a special mission. He visited numerous breeders until he found just the one, and they called him simply,'' Sam." Our house became a home. In becoming a home, it invited friends. Soon, the beagle next door became a frequent visitor. He would wait patiently at our back door and bark his morning greeting, and Mom would announce, ''Sam, George is here.”
She would open the door, and Sam, wagging furiously, would bound out to greet his friend. Off they would go. They were on a mission, too. Our home was directly across from the Franciscan Friary. In their explorations, Sam and George had discovered that the friars welcomed their presence as much as the two wayward dogs enjoyed the heavenly food offerings given to them in the course of their contemplative strolls.
When we moved to Hampton, we acquired a beautiful German Shepherd. It’s the first dog I recall. Sam and the German Shepherd became friends, but I was too young to remember Sam. By the time we were relocated to Littleton, Colorado, Sam had expired. My father named our Shepherd, Baron Von Steuben, after a Prussian American general who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. True to his heritage, Baron would accompany the four of us children, forever protective in our adventures. In fact, the neighbor across the street would call our mother when she was letting her children out to play and ask if Baron von Steuben could come out to keep an eye on all of us.
My father was then transferred to California. There, Baron continued his duties in the foothills as motorcyclists and cars passed by our house. He also watched over our family’s first Chihuahua, Pancho. They were a team, and just as in a western movie where no fences impeded the adventurer, Pancho and Baron would explore the area. One day, they walked into an unfamiliar neighborhood where there was a fierce defender of a property. From what I
recall, Mom received a sorrowful call that a little dog had lost its life. The protective dog resented the appearance of Pancho and Baron on her premises and engaged in a fierce attack. Baron, trying to help his dear friend, inserted himself between the two dogs; though Pancho lost his life.
We all cried over the loss of our dear valiant Pancho. Then there was Tequila- another Chihuahua who joined our family and helped heal our wounds. Tequila remained with us for many years after we left California and moved to New Hampshire. Baron did not. He stayed with his old friend Pancho. One evening, the family piled into the car for a short ride to the grocery store. Dad opened the car door to let Baron out for a few minutes, bought some groceries, got everyone in the car; and we headed home. When we emerged, we noticed Baron was not with us. We raced back to the store. He wasn't there. "Baron, Baron, where are you, boy?" We called and called, stopping along the way and calling again and again. Dad tried to comfort us "He knows the way home, and it's not far," he said. "He will come back. You will see him tomorrow.” We waited, and we waited; calling his name. We made inquiries. No luck. Finally, Dad discerned from reports that a farmer who lived a few miles from us had reported that what appeared to be a wolf had crossed his property, and he had shot it. Dad cried for days. So did we. Now there was only Tequila. Dad's next assignment was in
12 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
Vietnam. When he came home, I knew he was not the same after seeing so many deaths and wounded, including his dear friend, who was blown up as he came back to the base. He retired shortly after. There is nothing like another dog to heal and nurture. Tequila was getting old, and Dad's birthday was coming up. I bought him a Golden Retriever. He smiled. He named the dog Luther after an old Vermont farmer who was taciturn and content with life. When I got married and left our home, my life was empty without a dog. I took my husband to a pet store just to see the dogs. He had never had a dog when he was young. We looked at all the animals. Suddenly, my husband was alert. A little Chihuahua lay curled up in a dog bowl to keep warm. “I want to see that one,'' he said to the clerk. The clerk couldn't believe it. There were so many others…barking, begging, for someone to love. The clerk, shaking his head in wonderment, retrieved the dog, and gave it to my husband. When he held it up to him, the dog put its paw in my husband's pocket. "I'll take him," he said. We all were bonded. In closing, my brother, Bill, captured the essence of our shared love of dogs in a recent conversation. "Do you think dogs go to heaven, Alissa?'' He had just lost his dog, Miguel. " I am sure they do." "Well, if I arrive at St. Peter's Gate, and he says, "You can come in, Bill, but your dog must remain outside, I am not going in." My feelings, exactly.
out and about
Play, Chew & Clean
@the good mutt
1st Annual
Mutt-Mixer
Yappy Hour June 20th
1st Annual Mutt-Mixer
Even though winter is just beginning, Allen Wayside Furniture and Seacoast Bark are already thinking about summer! Well, kind of… as we will be hosting a Yappy Hour for peeps and pups (a.k.a. the 1st Annual Mutt-Mixer) on Saturday, June 20th, to kick off the Summer Solstice! It will be held at Allen Wayside Furniture on Route 1 in Portsmouth. Animal rescue groups will be on site, as well as food & beverage trucks, music and more. Be sure to mark your calendar. It will be a fun event to mix with friends, other pups…and you may possibly even find a new best-friend to bring home!
Play, Chew & Clean
This could be a perfect stocking-stuffer for your pup! Started by UNH alumni, CocoChew is an all-natural local dog toy company that uses co-
Utli-mutt Gift for Pups & Peeps
fun things to
bark
#DogFriendlyDover
About Photo Ray Bisson
conut husks to make eco-friendly dog toys with dental benefits. Originally inspired by observing stray dogs chewing on fallen coconuts in Hawaii, CocoChew packs the natural scrubbing benefits of coconut fibers in a fun rope and ball toy. The company also actively participates in numerous fundraising events for rescue dogs. To purchase, visit The Natural Dog in Newburyport and Hamilton, MA. (CocoChewLLC.com)
Utli-mutt Gift for Pups & Peeps
If you’re looking for a gift that every dog-lover and dog will love, it could just be the Furbo Dog Camera & Treat Thrower! The camera lets you see and talk to your dog when you’re not at home. It also alerts you if your dog is having a bark-attack while home alone, so you can check in and see what’s happening. Another benefit?
14 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
It lets you dispense treats to your pup remotely! Approved by over 5,000 vets and professional dog trainers and loved by Ellen, this could be the perfect holiday treat for someone on your shopping list. (ShopUS.Furbo.com)
#DogFriendlyDover
Sit.Stay.Smile. Pet Photography has begun a unique initiative to get people to see downtown Dover as a destination for dog-owners. As part of their initiative, #dogfriendlydover, they are distributing window stickers to all dogfriendly establishments. To further Dover’s dog friendliness, they (along with It Takes a Village Pet Care) produced the 1st Annual Dover Dog Howloween costume contest. This community celebration and parade raised nearly $2,000 for Pope Memorial Humane Society and attracted over 500 dog owners. For some fun photos, visit the Dover Dog Howloween Facebook page.
out and about
Good Eats
Dawn Price, Bentley & Jeff Sirois
Soothing Podcat (Podcast)
little guy, BIG mission
Your Dog’s Younger Than You Think
According to a recent article in the Smithsonian, researchers have developed a new calculation to understand how our canine companions' ages correspond to our own. According to this new formula, one dog year isn’t equivalent to seven human years. It’s an interesting read on their website, and it also includes an online calculator to figure out your pup’s age. I thought my dog was 70, but it looks like she’s really 67.3. Yay…great news! (smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/theres-newbetter-formula-calculating-dog-years)
Good Eats
The Natural Dog in Newburyport has been a staunch supporter of Seacoast Bark from day one. Owner Dawn Price, a professional nutritionist, is also a contributor to the magazine with her “Food for Thought” column. When visiting her store, one gets top-notch personal advice on the best food and diet for your dog. Dawn recently
opened a second location in Hamilton, MA…a treat for those that live on the North Shore! So, if you’re looking for good (and healthy) eats and treats for your pup, visit The Natural Dog. And don’t miss their Grand Opening event on Saturday, December 14th from noon till 5:00. There will be giveaways, raffles and representatives from various companies on site to answer questions about food and nutrition. The new store is located at 22 Railroad Avenue in Hamilton. (TheNaturalDog.us)
little guy, BIG mission
Portsmouth author Eileen Doyan published a wonderful book in 2014, Pet Tales, that captured first-hand stories about people and their amazing pets. Eileen is now working on a children’s book called “little guy, BIG mission” based on Christy Gardner from Lewiston, Maine. Christy is an Army veteran who lost both of her legs while serving our country. Her service dog, Moxie, not only helps her with her daily routine but also helped save her life. Christy is now helping others by training service dogs to work in class-
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 15
rooms with children. Eileen’s book will focus on anti-bullying and having the fortitude to never give up…using Christy, Moxie and a new special little puppy named Lucky as examples. It will be released Spring, 2020. You can see more about Christy’s remarkable story via this online video (lnkd.in/eywFifb) and follow Eileen on Facebook (facebook.com/unforgettablefacesandstories/).
Soothing Podcat (Podcast)
What will people think up next! If you’re a cat lover, you may find this new podcast not only funny but soothing, as well! Bilbo The Cat (from Ireland) is a popular cat-influencer on Twitter with a large, loyal following of thousands. This bold feline entrepreneur realized the next natural business extension would be an audio component; hence, the launch of TheBilbcast with some assistance from his Mom, Ellen Murray! Episode 1 is now available on SoundCloud. It starts with a brief intro, a few minutes of music followed by nothing other than purring. Yes, that’s right…40+ minutes of purring. That’s sure to put anyone to sleep! (soundcloud.com/bilbcast)
Food for Thought
Nutrition Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy During the Winter By Dawn Price, Registered Dietitian
food for thought
Owner of The Natural Dog, Newburyport & Hamilton, MA
Diet:
Adjust Caloric Intake Accordingly Caloric intake during winter months often needs to be adjusted. Whether calories should be increased or decreased depends upon activity level and time spent outdoors. Increasing calories is a good idea for dogs taking part in activities such as snow shoeing, cross country skiing or winter hiking. Dogs that spend less time outdoors during winter months with lower activity levels should decrease caloric intake during these months. Kibble is very dense in calories and if overfed, may pack on a lot of calories quickly. Not all food has the same caloric value per cup of food, so it is important to feed according to package directions. Decreasing the amount of kibble and adding fresh or raw foods to the diet is a good way to manage a healthy weight in dogs. In addition, a high quality, whole foods, meat based diet will help ensure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.
Support Joint Health & Immune System
During the winter, the cold and dry weather can affect your dog’s joints. Joint supplements should be used for older dogs and dogs suffering with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin, anti-inflammatory agents and omega fatty acids are often helpful. Adding fish oil and supplements containing green lipped mussels are good choices for supporting joint health. Keeping your dog’s immune system strong during winter months helps ward off illness and lethargy. Adding supplements contain-
ing berries and/or medicinal mushrooms will help support the immune system. Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are powerhouses that have an abundance of phytochemicals as well as antioxidants to fight free radicals. Medicinal mushrooms promote healthy immune and cell function. They are natural “immuno-modulators,” which means that they can go into the body and adjust the immune system either up or down depending on the condition or issue.
Special Care for Skin, Coat & Paws
During the cold, winter months, it is important to take extra care of skin, coat and paws. Dry, flaky skin can be treated by adding omega fatty acids. There are many choices and it is recommended to rotate oils. Some good choices are coconut oil, salmon oil, and sardine oil to name a few. Using paw balm as preventative care will help to treat dry and cracked pads. It also creates a semi-permeable barrier which protects the skin from snow, ice and chemicals that may be present. Always choose a paw balm made with natural ingredients.
Holiday Reminders
Pay close attention to what your dog is consuming during holiday parties and events. There are many foods that can be potentially harmful and should be avoided.
Chocolate: The toxicity can vary based on the type of chocolate, the size of your pet and the amount
16 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
they eat. It is safest to consider all chocolate off limits for pets.
Sweets and baked goods: These are often too rich for pets and can cause gastrointestinal issues. In some cases, an artificial sweetener called xylitol (often found in baked goods, candy and chewing gum) has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs.
Unhealthy table scraps: Gravy and fatty meats should be kept away from pets. Many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets including onions, raisins and grapes. During the holidays, when our own diets tend toward extra-rich foods, table scraps can be especially fattening and hard for animals to digest and may cause pancreatitis.
Yeast dough: Yeast dough can cause problems for pets including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
Dawn Price has a BS in Nutrition & is a Registered Dietitian. She worked for many years as a dietitian at Massachusetts General Hospital & Lawrence General Hospital. She decided to pursue her passion for animal nutrition & joined the sales team of a large pet food distributor. She was promoted to Sales Manager & was responsible for covering New England & Canadian territories providing nutrition seminars to retail stores & veterinarians. Dawn was also the instructor of Canine & Feline Nutrition at North Shore Community College for many years. She opened her store, The Natural Dog, in 2005.
feature
Helping Animals Around the World By Kiki Larouge Photos by @ Kiki Larouge Photography
A quick note from the publisher: Judy Hoover, owner of the wonderful boutique Just Dogs in Newburyport, has been big supporter of Seacoast Bark and a great resource for story ideas. For months she’s been urging us to meet local photographer Kiki Larouge. “I think she would be great for an article.” Judy and Kiki have worked closely over the years supporting local animal rescue groups. Twice a year they host a dog adoption event in conjunction with Last Hope K9 Rescue. Kiki does the photography gratis, and she also donates half of her fee for professional pet photos to various rescue organizations. When I finally met up with Kiki, I realized her most interesting story wasn’t about photography, but rather how she lives her life and supports animals in need in many aspects. Following is her story about being a world traveler!
It’s been almost twenty years since my first trip around the world. I’ve since circled the globe three more times (49 countries and counting!) and know that experiencing the cultures of so many different places over the years has undoubtedly influenced and
shaped me and my world views. In many instances, I saw first-hand the struggles of others and felt drawn to want to help and give back. From raising much needed funds to help in the fight to end human trafficking to sponsoring a girl’s education in Nepal for over a decade now, I believe that one person can help make a difference and be the change they want to see in world. In addition to women and children’s issues, I’m active both locally and internationally in animal rescue too.
I seem to instantly connect with dogs everywhere, and it is always heartbreaking to see any sentient being in need or suffering. It has become a common habit for me to save any leftovers from meals and keep them in my pockets to give to street dogs. And there have been several international bus rides spent in tears as I pull away from the station and my new little four-legged friend watches sadly as the bus pulls away. One time in Chile, the dog tried to board the bus with me. The thought of that sweet soul is something that will be with me always and is equally a vivid memory as the following days spent hiking in the stunning natural wonders of Patagonia.
18 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
Recently on my last couple of trips abroad, I reached out to local shelters to find more ways I could be of help. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of this before. In 2018 I visited the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter on a dive trip in Belize. A lovely, compassionate soul named Ken welcomes as many cats and dogs as he can fit in his little compound where he also lives with his daughter. He travels regularly to the mainland to rescue dogs and cats off the streets of Belize City who would otherwise suffer the horrendous fate of being poisoned by the government in their barbaric attempt of animal control. The handwritten sign on his gate asks for donations and requests for the small island’s tourists to come walk the dogs every day.
feature
The handwritten sign on his gate asks for donations and requests for the small island’s tourists to come walk the dogs every day. I spent a couple afternoons getting to know Ken while photographing the animals and taking his dogs for walks. I noticed quickly that because they are street dogs and have never been trained on leads, they pulled relentlessly on the leashes. It made me think…how can I get proper harnesses to them to alleviate this problem? As soon as I returned to the US, I reached out to 2 Hounds Design, as my own adopted rescue dog uses their harnesses and I love them. Within a couple of weeks, they had sent me a box of new leashes and harnesses. I then added some toys and treats and shipped it off. It was then that I vowed to always do my research before I left for a new country and bring any supplies I could along with me.
Since most international flights allow a second checked bag for no additional fees, this makes transporting a suitcase full of donations easy and is exactly what I did on my recent trip earlier this year to Uganda. When I found the USPCA in the capital Kampala online, I reached out to see what I could do. Since they don’t have easy access to puppy and kitten formula in East Africa, that was their number one request. I quickly found out from my US rescue friends that Esbliac is a top choice. First step: Order a 5lb bag online. Next step: Call the company that makes it and request a donation. Not only did they thankfully oblige and send me some more bags and canisters of the formula, but local non-profit Sweet
Paws Rescue and several friends donated more leashes, harnesses and toys too. Before I knew it, the extra suitcase was full.
I flew in several days ahead of my friend with whom I had booked a two-week trip of safari game drives and gorilla tracking so that I could deliver the donations to the shelter and volunteer, as well. While seeing and photographing gorillas and other African wildlife was truly a highlight of all my travels thus far, equally as wonderful and rewarding was getting to know the staff and meeting the animals at the USPCA.
Travel Tip: Next time you’re getting your passport ready to go out and explore the world, think about ways you can give back to the communities at your final destinations. I’m still unsure of where my 2020 travels will take me and what will be the 50th country added to my world travels list but, wherever that may be, I will be doing the same.
Kiki Larouge is a Boston based photographer who specializes in Family + Dog Portraits. She volunteers her time and talents to animal rescues all over the globe and donates half of every Dog Portrait Session fee to local shelters and rescues. Follow her adventures on Instagram @larougephoto and Facebook @ Kiki Larouge Photography.
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 19
20 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 21
animal lover's profile
A Couple That Creates
“The Creature Comforts of Home” By Nancy Dewar
Adorable French Bulldogs, commonly referred to as “Frenchies,” rank in the top five most popular dog breeds in the US according to the American Kennel Club. However, they are top dogs in Terry and Dick Southwick’s world, with Pugs following right behind! Frenchies are completely irresistible. How can one not love their sturdy little bodies, smushed in mugs…not to mention their bums, which are pretty darn cute.
Terry and Dick live in North Hampton with their two French Bulldogs, 11-year-old Lola who they got as a puppy and Maddie, their 5-year-old rescue pup who’s been part of the family for four years. When talking about their dogs, Terry referred to them as “our current batch!” Talking about Lola ’s age, Dick stated, “11 is the new 5!” Terry and Dick have been married for nearly 40 years, and their dogs are truly their children. Prior to Maddie and Lola, they had six very special Pugs over the years. They got Morgan, their first, about a year before they got married. “We called her our out of wedlock dog, and she spent time between both of our homes!”
Their last pug Clara lived 17 ½ years with a debilitating hind leg disease the last five. She maneuvered around with assistance from her Eddie’s Wheels, and Dick and Terry carried her outside to do her business for years. Other Pug family members included George, Bella, Mac and Mocha. While reflecting on never having had children, they both agreed that maybe having dogs was the reason. Dick laughed and said, “Having dogs is like having two-year-olds forever. They never really grow up!”
Not being that familiar with either of these breeds, I asked about their differences. Dick explained, “Frenchies are like Pugs on steroids. Pugs are more mellow. French Bulldogs are a combination of Bulldogs, Pugs and Terriers.” The Terrier influence probably contributes to the “steroids” part; i.e. must be active. The other difference is their ears. Pugs have floppy ears. Frenchies do too as a puppy, but they eventually stand straight up. Terry laughed and said, “Frenchies eventually grow into their ears. Though they look huge when they are puppies!”
The Southwick’s not only create wonderful homes for their pups, but also for many others with their business, Southwick Construction Inc. Dick grew up in the construction world having worked for his Dad’s company. The business also brought the couple together, as they met when Dick was working on a project at Terry’s parents. 90% of their work is building custom homes. The duo, working closely with their clients every step of the way, approach each project as if they were building the home for themselves. Terry, who loves the design aspect, explained, “It’s all about form and function, not just the design. Often architects are more concerned about the aesthetics. To us it’s all about everyday living. We cook, so we know how a kitchen should flow.” I laughed when they were talking about huge laundry rooms that are popular now. “No one really hangs out in a laundry room, why make them so big?” Both are passionate about their business and love guiding clients through the process, focusing on each client’s lifestyle.
22 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
animal lover's profile 90% of their work is building custom homes. The duo, working closely with their clients every step of the way, approach each project as if they were building the home for themselves. “Everything is personal, and nothing can be just ordinary,” said Dick. All the craftsmanship and finish work is done onsite, and their work is truly beautiful…from custom cabinets to walls, moldings to stairways. Terry and Dick have built 5 homes for themselves. I asked about some of Maddie and Lola’s favorite features of their current home, as it’s always fun to learn from a dog’s perspective! “They both love the walk-in shower, and Maddie loves the fireplace. When she hears the “click” when we turn it on, she makes a beeline for it!”
Terry and Dick do a lot to make the lives of other dogs better, as well. They are involved with several Pug and French Bulldog rescue groups. Both tend to be “expensive breeds” when it comes to potential health issues such as breathing problems and skin allergies. Hence, many are given up for adoption as their medical needs can be costly. “What bothers me is that the breeds are popular because ‘they’re ohso-cute,’ and then people can’t afford them,” Terry said. A lot of their support goes to the French Bulldog Rescue Network, the Pug Rescue of New England and SNORT; Short Nose Only Rescue Team! One of their funniest anecdotes was about Dick buying a coffee mug for $200 in support of a rescue group. It said “My Pug & I Talk Sh#t About You,” and the writing wore off after the first time in the dishwasher!
“Having dogs is like having two-year-olds forever. They never really grow up!” What a gift to spend some time with Terry and Dick. “We are best friends.” That was so obvious. Also, as obvious, is their unwavering love and support for man’s best friend. Lola and Maddie go everywhere with them, as they love car rides. The couple’s get-away trips are usually just long weekends, as they hate being away from the kids. Dick told me, “Whenever I see a Frenchie, I just have to stop.” Years ago, they had a boat named “The Pug Pen.” A fellow boater came up to them and asked, “Are you George’s parents?!” We all can relate to that one…people often know our dog’s names; though not ours! Terry has also created a line of granola (for people!) named after Lola, Lola’s Granola, which is sold locally at KB’s Bagel Shop in Hampton and at Joe’s Meat Shoppe in North Hampton. Every aspect of their life really does revolve around their pups and their commitment to creating the most wonderful homes possible…for their kids, other people and other dogs in need. Creature comforts are the things that you need to feel comfortable in a place; e.g. nice surroundings, good food, companionship, etc. Terry and Dick Southwick truly do create the creature comforts of home in many ways.
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 23
local tails
Meet Some Special Seacoast Pups… Our magazine celebrates everything pets and those that love them. Therefore, we’re happy to present these adorable pictures of some very special dogs who live on the Seacoast! We asked all what was the number one gift on their Christmas list this year. Hands down, it was treats! Imagine that? If you want some special and delicious cookies for your pup, please visit one of our loyal marketing paw-tners: Woof in Hampton, Canine Cupboard in Portsmouth and Just Dogs in Newburyport. P.S. If you’d like your pup's picture in an upcoming issue, send an email with “Local Tails” in the subject line to: nancy@SnazzyJazzyPet.com.
Charlie - Stratham
Suzette - Brentwood
Maizy - York
Cece - Newburyport
Noble - Newburyport
Bos'n - Rye
Ben - Portsmouth
Iggy - Hampton
Angelina - Portsmouth
Fonzie - Hampton
24 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
Jorja Louise - Hampton
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 25
Team celebrating successful event.
rescue
Living Like a
Shelter Animal By Melanie Lovell – President Cape Ann Animal Aid
What does it feel like to be a dog or cat in the setting of a busy animal shelter? To be alone, thrown into an unfamiliar environment, looking out at the world from behind metal bars and surrounded by unfamiliar noises and smells? To lack all comforts of home…but to also carry the expectation of presenting one’s best self to a steady parade of potential adopters? In October, four members of the Cape Ann Animal Aid community sought to answer these questions by way of an event called “Night Without a Family.” During this annual fundraiser, participants agree to spend 24 hours in the Gloucester-based no-kill animal shelter living like shelter animals. This includes sleeping in actual kennels and having their activities, meals and bathroom breaks directed by shelter staff. While it is unlikely that any participant can truly experience the stressors faced by shelter animals between intake and adoption, the goal of the event was twofold: to increase awareness of the enrichment programs employed by the shelter for its furry residents and also to raise money for the nonprofit. Each participant set a goal of raising $5,000 in sponsorship donations for the shelter, using social media platforms, in addition to face-to-face solicitations to encourage their friends and family to give. Participants this year included two Gloucester councilors at large, Melissa Cox and Jen Holmgren; Joyce Light, a faithful shelter volunteer who spends most Saturdays here; as well as me, president of the board of directors. While Holmgren and Light quickly made themselves at home in their individual kennels, I was given the opportunity to share my kennel (and the entire experience) with an actual shelter dog named Picasso. The scruffy 9-month-old
terrier mix rescued from Texas had previously been adopted by a family but later returned to the shelter. To give Picasso a bit of free publicity, I requested him as a roommate for the fundraiser!
When asked if the medium-sized rescue dog was named after the famous Spanish painter, the answer wasn’t so simple. “He had a serious skin infection paired with demodectic mange when he arrived at the shelter as a young puppy last spring. His medical issues have since been resolved, but they left him with some permanent scarring and hair loss, especially on his face,” I replied. “Combined with his severe underbite, his face did resemble a bit of a Picasso painting. He’s grown a lot since then and is quite a handsome fellow now, though Invisalign probably wouldn’t hurt!” Cox was the only human participant who spent the night in the wing of the building dedicated to housing the shelter’s feline residents. Cox noted that she was looking
26 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
to adopt a cat soon and would be “interviewing the cats all evening.” This included a tete-a-tete with Lasagna, a 10-month-old domestic short hair, who Cox soon learned was very affectionate except when she touched his chin. Lasagna quickly let Cox know she had erred. “Even pets have pet peeves,” she quipped.
Like our actual shelter dogs, the human participants were treated by staff with enrichment activities to keep their bodies and minds occupied. A small bucket hanging outside each human’s kennel was filled with candy bars; a sign on the door informed visitors that the human occupants could earn a treat by performing some trick requested by the visitor. This effort mirrored the shelter’s attempts to have kennel visitors interact with shelter dogs who are often not presenting their best selves in a noisy environment. A small treat in exchange for a “sit” or “down” can show an otherwise unruly dog that good behavior often results in positive reinforcement.
rescue Plastic dog toys, which would normally be filled with hardto-reach meat-based treats for canines to play with in their kennels while waiting for visitors, were instead filled with small puzzles and games to keep the human minds busy. And some enrichment activities needed few modifications, including an agility obstacle course set up outside for the humans to stretch their legs after a long and noisy night in their cages. But it wasn’t all fun and games. Routine “veterinary care” was provided to the human participants, including plastic syringes filled with “dewormer” (vanilla pudding) to get rid of any potential parasites (gummy worms).
To shed light on the importance of Cape Ann Animal Aid being more than just room and board for its dogs and cats, the fundraiser’s human participants had all enrichment activities taken away from them during the last hour of the experience. Sixty minutes dragged by for the humans with no physical or mental stimulation, an unfortunate experience suffered by many animals in less engaging shelter environments. When asked to describe that transition from stimulation to boredom, Light noted that, “If you have nothing to do, you’re just sitting there, counting the hours. And I imagine that’s what animals [in other shelter environments] who don’t have the kind of enrichment programs that we have here do. Time just hangs heavy on their paws.” By the end of the 24-hour period, we all were ready to regain the comforts of our own homes. Rebecca Baylies, the shelter’s Director of Development and Communications, informed the group that the fundraiser had generated over $22,000 in online and offline donations, well above the team’s goal of $20,000. Each participant was then “adopted” by a family member or friend. “It was wonderful to have our loved ones show up and release us from our kennels,” said Holmgren. “But it was also bittersweet knowing how many dogs and cats in the shelter would not be going ‘home’ today.” Cape Ann Animal Aid is located at 4 Paws Lane in Gloucester, Massachusetts. (CapeAnnAnimalAid.org)
Joyce Light in kennel.
Picasso at 6 a.m.
Melanie Lovell & Picasso
Jen Holmgren in kennel.
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 27
28 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 29
let's pawty
Doggone Grrrrr…eat Entertaining A Great Gift for Dog-Lovers
Sponsored by Ristorante Massimo “Authentic Italian Food Is More Than Our Passion… It’s Our Life’s Work.”
I’m a lot like my Dad. I love food & love reading recipes! Here is one of my favorite dog treat recipes. The cookies are delicious, it’s easy…and a batch of these Peanut Butter Holidog Cookies would be wonderful gift for your dog-loving friends…for their dog! Happy Holidays…Buone Vacanze! Happy New Year…Felice Anno Nuovo!
Peanut Butter Holidog Cookies Ingredients 2 ½ C whole wheat flour 1 t baking powder 1 C natural peanut butter 2 T honey 1 egg
Mia
Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, baking powder & egg in large bowl. Ad peanut butter, water & honey. Stir until the dough is stiff. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to ½” thick. Cut with cookie cutters & bake for 20 minutes until golden. Place in airtight container & give as gifts! Recipe from TheCookieRookie.com
59 Penhallow – Portsmouth (603) 436-4000 www.RistoranteMassimo.com
Massimo’s Mia In Italy, Christmas Eve is celebrated with “The Feast of the Seven Fishes,” dishes of fish & other seafood. Massimo & his large, loving family celebrate this tradition every year with an array of delectable Italian dishes. Ristorante Massimo also offers a wonderful selection of fresh fish & seafood entrees…not to be missed! Massimo is not only passionate about food, but also his adorable Mia, a 3-year old Maltese/Shih Tzu! And Mia shares her Dad’s passion for food. So, a big thanks to Mia for sharing another of her favorite recipes…and her wonderful holiday style. Grazie…bravo cane! (Thank you…good dog!)
30 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
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)!
Tasty Sweaters
Flip Flop
Ugly Christmas sweaters always seem to come up this time of year. But here’s one that has a very pawsitive spin…Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookie kits! I think these are great. What a fun way to put a new twist on your traditional cookie recipes. Another idea…make dog biscuits with the ugly sweater cookie cutters. I’m sure this would get your dog’s tailing wagging.
Silly Sweaters
I know many peeps love putting their pups in holiday garb. And many pups do, indeed, need sweaters to keep warm in the winter. If you do decide to dress your dog up for the holidays, I beg you to choose a sweater with style…not an ugly Christmas sweater!
Not-So-Cool Treat
Cool Treat
OMG…if your dog drools when they watch you enjoy ice cream; you’re going to love this one…and so will they! Now there’s a make-at-home ice cream mix for dogs that is healthy and delicious. All you do is mix with water, freeze and serve (as often as possible!). It’s offered in a few different flavors. My favorites are Blueberry and Pumpkin, as they both have goat’s milk in them, which is oh-so-good for dogs. You can buy this cool treat online or at Just Dogs in Newburyport.
Leanlix is a new low-calorie treat and training tool for dogs. I guess it’s a good treat if your pup is overweight, as it takes 40 licks to equal one calorie. That’s a lot of licking! However, I’d much rather prefer licking something with more substance…like ice cream! (www.himalayan.pet/)
Great Furniture for Cats
If you’re into cats and great home furnishings, I think you’ll love this innovative cottagestyle table. It not only serves as a nightstand or whatever, but also holds your kitty’s litter in a unique and unobtrusive way. Another bonus…its design makes it hard for us dogs to get to it!
Crazy Furniture for Cats
This sure is a crazy table in my book. But if you’re a cat…or a cat-lover…you might think it’s neat! Hong Kong-based designer Hao Rua created it out of a solid piece of wood with hand carved holes and tunnels…a perfect feline playground plus a fun way to share your workspace! Very functional, I guess. But still, a bit crazy from a dog’s perspective!
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 31