contents
6
rescue 8. animal lover's profile 12. bark list 14. match.dog 16. society tails 6.
24
20 18.
fun things to bark about
20.
work like a dog
food for thought 28. let's pawty
22.
health notes
30.
k9's + coffee
31.
24.
Mulch
26.
Ristorante Massimo
marketplace
Artisans, Eateries, Merchants
flips + flops
notes
publisher Nancy Dewar
nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com 603.498.3237
design Mrs. and Mr. Design
info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Publisher’s Note
Ahhh…the joy of summer! There’s nothing better than walking your dog at the beach, though it’s a bit more difficult in the summer due to varying restrictions from beach to beach. Following are few of our favorites. You also can get more info at this website: (HamptonBeachGuide.com/tourism/dog-friendly-beaches).
director of sales & marketing BlakeLee Greene bntgreene@comcast.net (978) 317-5846
thanks to our contributors… Tara Datro Dawn Price Ellen Ratner
Plaice Cove (Hampton): before 8:00 am & after 6:00 pm.
thanks to our photographers… Ron Schmidt (LooseLeashes.com)
Seabrook Beach (Seabrook): before 8:00 am & after 6:00 pm.
cover photo By Jim Stott
Jenness State Beach (Rye): The State beach directly in front of the parking lot doesn’t allow dogs, but they are allowed on the town beaches to the north & south of the State beach stretch; before 7:00 am & after 7:00 pm.
Wishing everyone a glorious summer filled with lots of sunshine and wagging tails!
Cheers + Chow…
Nancy
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Published by Bark Media Group LLC six times a year. Hampton, NH Copyright © 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
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 5
rescue
Meet Some “Forever” Farm Animals By Nancy Dewar Photography by Ron Schmidt (LooseLeashes.com)
If you’re looking for a wonderful way to spend a summer day with your pooch, a visit to the Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts fits the bill. Situated on 230 acres, this bucolic setting offers not only a look back into the history of a seventeenth century farm, but also an opportunity to meet an array of rescued farm animals; most of whom will live out the rest of their lives at their “forever” farm. After a few visits, you’ll probably know many of their names, which are adorable. What makes this unique is that unlike animals on working farms that are replaced year to year, these guys are here for the long haul; and you can count on seeing them time and again!
Newborn Hugo
A network of local volunteers come twice a day to feed, water and clean. This truly is a community supported farm. There also is a pre-school program for children to help with chores. Visit their website to learn about upcoming events and how to become a member.
Little Farmers
The Spencer family was the original land owner. The Pierce family built the home and the Little’s donated the property to Historic New England, the oldest and largest regional heritage organization in the country, in 1986. The 1690 manor house served as the country seat of wealthy Newburyport merchants and an attached farmhouse was home to a Lithuanian family for most of the twentieth century. The farm is open June through October (Thursday – Sunday). They offer guided tours of the manor home, often host weddings and special events, and it is an ideal place for a summer picnic with your pup. There also are a variety of trails for a scenic walk.
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rescue
Baby Hugo Manor House (Photo by @Sara Willman Photo)
Forever Farm Animals
The Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm fosters animals in partnership with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The historic property’s Regional Site Manager, Bethany Dorau, grew up on a farm in Canada and is passionate about animals of all kinds. While talking about their partnership with the MSPCA, she explained, “While thinking of ways to make the farm more family focused, we thought ‘let’s make this a farm experience with real animals.’ I wanted people to meet farm animals that they’ll know for many years.”
The newest addition to the farm is Hugo, an adorable little lamb who arrived quite unexpectantly this spring. All animals are spayed and neutered prior to joining the farm. However, it appears that something with Hamilton’s (Hugo’s dad) neutering didn’t go quite right. Hamilton got together with the ewe named Helen; and bingo…welcome to the world little Hugo!
Most of the animals that come to the farm are those that aren’t easily adoptable such as horses that are not ridable, roosters, sheep, goats and 1,000-pound pigs. Currently there are 23 animals living on the farm. They are of all ages and some
Sky
quite elderly. For the most part, they live outside with walk-in shelters. However, Betty (a 13-year-old sheep) has her own special enclosure in the middle of the pasture that was built by local Boy Scouts. Betty only has 3 legs. She arrived at the farm when she was young, and her leg had to be amputated due to an infection from previous neglect. They created a special place for her so she wouldn’t get trampled by the other animals. However, the other animals come to visit her. Bethany laughed when she said, “Betty is now Hugo’s auntie, as Hugo and Helen spend a lot of time with her!”
Sukey
Some of the other amazing creatures include: Sukey (a 27-year-old quarter horse), Roger (a 20-year-old donkey), an old rooster named Rusty and Amos the barn cat “who has a big fan club.”
Support for the farm comes from Historic New England members, direct donations from visitors, and revenue from programs and events. A network of local volunteers come twice a day to feed, water and clean. This truly is a community supported farm. There also is a pre-school program for children to help with chores. Visit their website to learn about upcoming events and how to become a member. And be sure to bring your pup to the farm this summer (leashed, of course!). It’s a very special place, and the array of special animals are sure to bring a big smile to your face. I loved Bethany’s parting comment, “Even if we get an animal late in their life, as far as they know, they’ve had a great life. They live in the moment.” How very true…and what a gift! Located at Five Little’s Lane, Newbury, MA
Roger
(www.historicnewengland.org/property/ spencer-peirce-little-farm)
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 7
animal lover's profile
Priceless Knowledge By Ellen Ratner – Greenland, NH
Dawn Price calls herself a “store owner with a degree in nutrition.” But once you step into The Natural Dog in Newburyport, you’ll quickly discover her other role - educator. “My goal is to inform people about what to feed their dog,” Price tells me as we walk through her store lined with eight freezers containing premium meat-based products and shelves stacked with natural supplements, vitamins and kibbles sure to please your pup or cat. “There’s a lot of confusion out there,” Price says about healthy pet diets versus “marketing hype” from the pet food industry. To clear up all the muddle, The Natural Dog strives to debunk misconceptions (yes, canned food is healthy!) and explain to all its customers what is “biologically appropriate” for their dog’s or cat’s dining needs.
The A-B-Cs of pet nutrition, according to Price is “more meat based, less processed,” a lesson she discovered two decades ago when her four-year-old English springer spaniel became sick. She began researching foods, then delved deeper into pet nutrition. Soon, this registered dietician was making dog food from scratch, buying her own meat, vitamins and minerals, and following recipes from veterinarians and pet nutritionists. Her spaniel thrived. “He was acting like a puppy again. He lost weight, toned out and got muscular. Not only that but his breath improved, and his coat became shinier.” The once sickly dog lived to age fourteen, while his companion, Price’s Australian shepherd, enjoyed 17 happy birthdays on that same exclusive meat-based menu.
Healthy pet nutrition had a ripple effect in the Price household. As her dog grew stronger and livelier, Price became fascinated with the subject and landed a job as a sales manager for a pet food distributor. In the ensuing six years she met with hundreds of companies throughout New England and Canada and learned the entire industry. When she was ready to start a family and give up the traveling, Price decided to leave sales and enter retail. “I started this because I thought it would be a fun job,” she recounts. “I don’t think I knew how big the industry would evolve.”
The store sells everything from soup to nuts – or so it seems! It carries meatbased products from ten different raw
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food companies and over 20 brands of kibbles. It also boasts a long-term staff who, Price crows, “know their stuff.” I was surprised by how much I learned on my trip up and the down the aisles! Lesson one: Meat is a natural diet ingredient for dogs “starting with their teeth that were made for shredding, tearing and grinding. Not for chewing.” Lesson two: The fresh meatbased diet (also referred to as the raw diet) is “complete, balanced and safe.” Consisting of ground meat, bone and vegetables, it is nutritionally balanced, formulated by veterinarians, contains no salmonella, and is FDA approved. Price informs me that because this raw meal is intended to be eaten directly, it cannot have any bacteria. Grocery store meat, on the other hand, is meant to be cooked, and thus can have a higher bacterial count. Lesson three: The
animal lover's profile
“As people get more health conscious about food and exercise, it translates to their dog. We get thank you letters all the time, often hearing the same common refrain - He’s like a puppy again.” meat diet is convenient since the food comes prepared in either nuggets, patties or a log shape for those wanting to buy in bulk. Just defrost and serve!
For cost-conscious patrons, Price offers tips for being a smart and healthy shopper. “We have great quality kibbles for $30 to $40 a bag.” She suggests supplementing that lower-price purchase with fresh meat or canned food to “add life back to the food.” Additional supplement options include goat milk which is high in probiotics and aids the digestive system, and bone broth which is high in amino acids and benefits the dog’s overall health. And don’t forget to rotate! Price encourages her customers to change the protein source at least every three months. (Would you want to eat liver every day?) “Relate it to feeding your own kids,” she says. Serve your pets fresh food and change up the flavors! In the fifteen years since she opened the store, Price has experienced a few changes.
For one thing, her infant daughter used to accompany her to work every day; now she brings Tucker and Bentley, the family’s 18-month old black lab mix and four-yearold hound mix. I missed the chance to meet them, though, since I popped in on that rare occasion when the dogs were home. No room for extra paws that day! The store’s aisles were bursting with food donations raised for Sweet Paws, a shelter-less rescue in nearby Groveland that is caring for 23 golden retrievers taken from an abusive breeder in western Massachusetts. As the coordinator of a matching-food donation program, The Natural Dog raised over 2,300 pounds of dog food for the local rescue organization. Clearly, educating and giving back to the community comes naturally to Price. Another change she has observed is the increasing popularity for the fresh meat diet. Price marvels at how “the raw food industry has just exploded.” She can even visualize opening a second store to meet this
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 9
ever-growing demand. “As people get more health conscious about food and exercise, it translates to their dog. We get thank you letters all the time, often hearing the same common refrain - He’s like a puppy again.” Yes, those same words that Price used to describe her own springer’s recovery and that set in motion a whole new career. “It’s not a path I set out to do, but I’m glad I did it,” she beams. “It’s been an amazing journey.”
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gear up for summer
SEACOAST BARK List great gear + goods to go fetch…
Tayla Mac is an eclectic boutique in Kittery, Maine offering gifts, jewelry, clothing, accessories and home décor. Stop in to meet owner Mikayla Parsons and her shop dog Leo. Scruffy, her other pup, doesn’t come to work as “he doesn’t understand boundaries!” You’ll find an array of unique, fabulous goods. Mikayla explores venues and studios throughout the country supporting emerging artists, designers and makers with an emphasis on local artisans. Mikayla is committed to offering ethically produced goods, and the vast array of stunning designs are sure to delight you. If you’re looking for a stellar gift…you’re sure to find it at Tayla Mac! What items did we love most? Her lines of baby and kids’ clothing are fabulous, as are the fun throw pillows. 72 Wallingford Square Kittery, Maine (207) 703-2570 (www.taylamacboutique.com)
Pamper Yourself
Leo & Scruffy
Pup Stuff
Clothes & Accessories “Walk Your Dog in Style” Fun Home Goods
For the Kiddos
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seacoastbarkmagazine.com 13
match.dog
"HOW I MET MY TRUE LOVE" love stories about real dogs + their humans
Miss Billie
Greg & Lionel with Yauncy, Maggie & Heidi
Heidi
By Greg Pruitt & Lionel Loveless – Hampton Falls, NH
Owners of Route 1 Antiques (Hampton Falls, NH) & The Collector’s Eye (Stratham, NH)
Greg: It was an early May morning 14 years ago when Yuancy was born and then Maggie a few minutes later. I had seen puppies being born as a child, but this seemed different. It was some deep love from the moment they arrived! It was so fun to watch their sweet mother take such great care of them and then to see their eyes open to look back at you. Most of our dogs had been large, but these two Miniature Pinchers had the attitude to make up the difference.
It was 5 years later that I met Lionel, and the Min Pins approved of him on the spot! At the time, we also had Miss Billie, a lovely yellow Lab. We thought we had enough love in one house to make the world spin. Then one evening Lionel mentioned to friends that we were thinking about getting another dog. It was something he said on a whim. Lionel: The next day, one of Greg’s clients mentioned that she felt strongly that her dog wanted to live with Greg and do energy work with him. However, she was really confused, as her dog Heidi had already shown her that “her next home would be with a black man (with cowboy boots).” Greg invited me into the office, and she laughed in amazement of how it all was coming together.
Heidi had been terribly abused and then turned out into the streets of a small Oklahoma town. Her owner had taken her in but was unable to keep her as she was moving into an apartment. Heidi is a blue heeler/cow dog mix. For months she had little to do with us, and we had no experience with a dog like her. She was sweet and strong, fast and fun, but it took such time to build trust.
Greg & Lionel: We don’t understand how people could be capable of abusing such amazing beings, but we learned so much from her triggers and how well she understood our energy. We also benefit from the depth of love and affection that she shows us. She’s into hard-snuggle and will move right on into your heart. She has become quite the social love dog now, wanting to meet absolutely everyone in our shops each day. Her love and trust of people is wonderful to see after understanding her start in life.
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People always talk about animal rescues and how important it is to save the life of an animal. Once you have one or more, it becomes clear that they have actually found and rescued you. It has been fun to watch our pack age and grow in their relationships too. Billie transitioned 3 years ago, before we moved to New England. It’s difficult to think of the others aging and see some of their sight and hearing start to go. Heidi loves the snow of our New Hampshire home but Yuancy and Maggie are still not fans.
Greg: Lionel, who founded Officially Knotted Bowties, keeps them all in fashion with bowties for the warm months and daddymade doggie scarfs for the winter. Our children are not spoiled but do enjoy some of the sewing perks and other treats. We are so grateful that these awesome bundles of love found us and have changed our lives in all the ways that they do. One of life’s greatest joys!
Sea Dog Brewing Co., Exeter, NY
Famed, Framed & Loved
Sardi’s Restaurant, located on West 44th Street in the Theater District in NYC, is well-know for the fun framed caricatures of famous actresses and actors that line their walls. Founding owner Vincent Sardi, Sr. started this tradition in 1927 to drum up business, and as many as 1,200 caricatures have hung on the walls of the “hall of fame of Broadway.”
Well, Sea Dog Brewery in Exeter has their own very special walls honoring…DOGS! Don’t you love it? Known as their “Walls of Dogs,” they showcase many of their patrons’ beloved canines. They initially started with one wall in the downstairs bar area. Because so many guests sent photos of their precious pups, the Walls of Dogs has expanded to many other areas of the restaurant.
Sardi’s Restaurant, NYC
society tails
HAPPENINGS & EVENTS AROUND THE SEACOAST
Stop by this great restaurant located in the heart of Exeter to see their fun “Walls of Dogs,” grab a cold mug of brew…and enjoy live every music every Thursday through Saturday.
Here are some of the cute Sea Dog dogs…
Photo by Sardi's
Max
Rosie
Sawyer
Beau
Cash
Nemo
Bamford
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Gracie
out and about
Lola’s Granola
Tail Wagging Tuesdays
Good Summer Spirits
Good Summer Spirits
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. has been spreading happiness through their ‘Drink on the bright side’ campaign for the past three years. The current campaign focuses on supporting the ASPCA and shelters across the nation, as they know nothing makes people smile more than man’s best friend. Mike’s is donating $100k to the ASPCA and also supporting local shelters across the nation, including a $2,500 donation to the New Hampshire SPCA and holding a fun Yappy Hour to support the NHSPCA. Please visit their Event section to learn about a variety of Yappy Hours slated for this summer. (www.nhspca.org)
Tail Wagging Tuesdays
If you’re looking for something different to do with your pup, how about taking them out to the ballpark? The Lowell Spinners welcome
fun things to
bark
ABOUT dogs at all their Tuesday home games, known as Tail Wagging Tuesdays. If interested, mark your calendars for June 18th, June 25th and July 2nd. (milb.com/lowell/tickets/promotions)
Lola’s Granola
Health conscious foodies are sure to love Lola’s Granola. This all-natural, organic and glutenfree cereal is named for Lola, an adorable 10-year-old French Bulldog who is loved by Terry and Dick Southwick of North Hampton, NH. Mom Terry said, “Lola is our inspiration. She keeps an eye on us in the kitchen!” You can find it at Joe’s Meate Shoppe in North Hampton and at KB’s Bagels in Hampton, where Lola and her buddy Maddie often wait patiently in the Jeep while their peeps are inside getting a morning coffee! (www.LolasGranola.com)
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Favorite Summer Brews
Dock Diving Photo by Hiking with Fido
Favorite Summer Brews
Here are some of our favorite cold brews for hot summer days…all worth barking about! “Really Old Brown Dog Ale” from Hampton-based Smuttynose Brewing Company is sure to get tails wagging this summer. Sea Dog Brewing Co., a wonderful restaurant in Exeter, offers a great “Sunfish Ale.” And for beer-loving-pups, check out Bowser Beer, a non-alcoholic beer for canines! You can pick up a six-pack at Just Dogs located on Pleasant Street in downtown Newburyport. Your pups will drool over this cool summer brew.
Dock Diving
Dock diving is a competitive dog sport that started in 1997 at the “Incredible Dog Challenge,” an event that was sponsored by Purina. There is a formal organization known as the “North American Diving Dogs,” as well as a local affili-
out and about
Yappy Hours
Drug-Trafficking Parrot
Pasta for Animal Lovers
A Very ‘Coil’ Leash
ate, “Seacoast Dock Dogs.” Diving dogs are enticed to run the length of a dock and leap as far out into the water as possible to compete for height or distance. Smuttynose Brewing Company is hosting a dock diving event on June 29th and 30th. Dock-diving dogs will also be at the Stratham County Fair (July 18th-July 21st). The fair also has a ton of other fun exhibits and events for animal lovers.
Pasta for Animal Lovers
Here’s a great gift idea for animal lovers… pasta shaped like dog bones and paw prints! The Cat Lovers Pasta is purr-fect for crazy cat lovers, and everyone is sure to woof about the Dog Lovers Pasta. The Pasta Shoppe, whose tagline is “Pasta with Personality,” also offers a variety of other fun-shaped pastas for those that love biking, tennis, baseball and more! (pastashoppe.com/product/dog-lovers-pasta) (pastashoppe.com/product/cat-lovers-pasta)
Yappy Hours
Yappy hours for peeps and pups are (thankfully) becoming more and more popular. Every Sunday Hampton-based Smuttynose Brewing Company holds their ‘Snouts Out Sunday’ event, a fun way to enjoy some cold pops with your pups in tow. Throwback Brewery in North Hampton will be hosting a yappy hour on June 26th to raise funds for the NHSPCA, and Portsmouth’s Cisco Brewers will be hosting an event for the NHSPC on August 7th. If you feel like getting out of dodge, head on down to the Liberty Hotel in Boston to attend their Yappier Hour every Wednesday from 5:30-8:00 pm.
A Very ‘Coil’ Leash
We love this tangle-free leash for active dogs and their active people! Because it’s coiled, it never hits the ground, and you’ll never have to reach down to untangle your dog’s feet
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 19
again! It’s made with a hands-free wrist wrap and can be worn around your wrist or handheld. Another bonus…it’s water, dirt and sand friendly. You may purchase this great leash online. (RuffLifeGear.com)
Drug-Trafficking Parrot
A parrot in Brazil was taken into police custody in April for alerting its drug-dealing owners of a bust! When authorities arrived at the suspected drug den, the bird screeched out, "Mamãe, polícia," which is Portuguese for “Mama, police." An officer involved in the operation told Brazilian broadcaster Globo, “He must have been trained for this. As soon as the police got close, he started shouting.” While in custody, officers tried to get the bird to say other phrases. However, it staunchly refused and wouldn’t say a word! The parrot was eventually turned over to a local zoo and will be released once it learns to fly.
work like a dog
Dream Teams By Ellen Ratner – Greenland, NH
On April 12th Laura Barker, Founder and President of Hero Pups, celebrated a milestone graduation behind bars. Thanks to a newly-formed partnership between her organization and the Merrimack County Department of Corrections, four puppies had just completed three months of training by New Hampshire state inmates. “This is a triple-win program,” Barker beams as she describes the effort that’s connecting wounded warriors with pups and prisoners. Established in 2016, Hero Pups teams rescue dogs with veterans and first responders who are dealing with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) challenges. Over the past three years, the nonprofit has made 43 placements, trained the state’s first comfort dog, and created life-changing relationships. Barker even discovered an unexpected perk, smiling when she tells me, “I have friends in jail now.”
I met Barker at her office surrounded by fields with horses, ducks, goats, sheep and a fenced-in area for the dogs. Hero Pups operates on donated property, draws no salaries, and charges no fees. After greeting me warmly, Barker launches quickly into Hero Pups’ story which sprouted from her “aha moment” in a Portsmouth, Virginia military hospital. That’s where her son ended up after being shot in Afghanistan in 2011 and where Barker met other wounded warriors. One soldier, she recalls, was an exceptionally angry amputee who was visibly affected by a therapy dog’s visit. “In walked the dog, and the anger left,” says Barker whose background includes rescuing dogs for various agencies and training working dogs. “I saw what the dog did for him and realized I’ve been training for this all my life.”
Once back home she began training a few dogs on her own and then donating them to veterans struggling with PTSD. When one of those recipients, a bronze star soldier and firefighter, shared his story with the media, “the floodgates opened.” Barker stresses, “You need to have a support system when you come back to move forward.” And while dogs could be an essential part of that support system, few were available or affordable. Every organization she researched charged at least $25,000 to place a dog. Not finding a suitable resource, Barker decided to draw on her own skills, offering a simple reason three years later in her office, “This is something I can do to help out.” Originally focused on helping veterans, Hero Pups now includes first responders
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as well. They’re in the “same line of fire,” Barker notes “They’re seeing and experiencing the same horrible tragedies… and that builds.” To be considered for a pup, the organization lists three requirements: applicants must be seeking treatment for their challenge, be free of substance abuse and be able to financially support the dog after placement. Barker can also sense when the timing isn’t right – yet. On several occasions she’s listened compassionately as callers share their stories and struggles with her, someone “who’s just a lady on the phone.” During those conversations she recognizes that talking to the caller is more essential than providing a dog. “Isolation is a really dangerous place to be,” she warns. While Hero Pups serves heroes in New England, its pups are typically rescues
work like a dog
from down South or out West. The organization will take dogs up to age eighteen months but, typically, it prefers to work with a puppy’s “blank canvas.” Barker explains there’s no way to be certain of the imprint of being in a shelter has on a dog until it’s about a year old. Plus, she adds, she has to consider the dog’s life span and how long it will be able to work with its hero. “My focus is to help the people.”
After arriving and being checked head to tail – vet screening, shots, personality and temperament observations - the new dog class heads off to their puppy raisers (“fabulous people”) who reside across the state. If needed, a trainer will also work with a pup. Six months into this process, the dogs return for a mini-evaluation where the staff notes each dog’s personality, size and stability. Then the matchmaking begins, followed up with a specific training plan “to customize the dog for that hero” before the dog heads off once more to its puppy raiser. A long, thorough process conducted completely by volunteers. When the match is finally made, hero and dog begin training together, usually bonding quickly. Once the person feels comfort-
able and confident, the two are homeward bound, with Hero Pups not far behind them. “We’re always available if they need further follow-up,” Barker states. “We’re there for the long haul.”
2019 has been a year of firsts for the nonprofit. Barker gives huge kudos to the four inmates who “signed up not knowing what they were getting into” and exceeded everyone’s expectations, housebreaking the pups and “getting very far in the obedience.” She raves, “It’s been phenomenal. I’m so shocked at how well this has gone.” Just as heartening, Barker adds, is the growing self-confidence, self-esteem, and respect the inmate trainers gained from their experience.
Hero Pups is also leading the way with Liberty, a white-blonde lab who loves belly rubs and recently joined the Concord Police Department as the state’s first comfort dog. She will be a soothing presence for children, victims of sexual and domestic violence, and those in the community who are in crisis and navigating the legal process. Barker anticipates more facility dogs coming on board and aiding other New Hampshire police departments.
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 21
“This is all-volunteer, but we still have expenses,” she reminds me. Challenges arose this past spring when Hero Pups’ veterinarian retired and its food sponsor changed distribution centers. In addition, the organization is always looking for more trainers and appreciates any donation of time or money. “People can sew vests, walk the dogs or do administrative work.” Fundraising is essential, and the organization is gearing up for The 3rd Annual Hero Pups Ride happening on June 29th. Complete volunteer and fundraising information is listed on the nonprofit’s website.
“We can do better. We should do better,” Baker insists. “The struggle for me is at the end of the day we place a dog, but for every dog we place, there’s ten more people that need a dog.” Reflecting on all those heroes, she sighs, “We owed it to them, and I don’t think we’re taking care of them; I know we’re not.” As for our four-legged friends, Barker muses, “The reason the dogs work so well is they don’t care about how much brass you have on your chest or in your chest.” Which is why, it turns out, they’re more than service dogs; they happen to be role models, too. (www.HeroPups.com)
health notes
Not All Mulch is Created Equal By Tara Datro & Eric Knowles Knowles Tree Service & Outta My Tree (Wicked Good Mulch) North Hampton, NH
Summer is finally here, and many are still busy getting their yards and gardens in tip-top shape after another long New England winter. Mulch is an essential part of gardening as it helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, keeps the soil cool and makes the garden bed look more attractive.
safer for pets. Outta My Tree Mulch, the mulch division of North Hampton-based Knowles Tree Service, offers a selection of natural mulches that are environmentally-friendly, pet- friendly and contain no toxins.
Knowles Tree Service has been in business for 35 years. Owner and dog-lover Don Knowles started out with a chainsaw and a pickup truck in 1984 and has grown the business based on great customer service and precise workmanship with a dedicated and knowledgeable crew. Our company specializes in difficult removals with a focus on protecting your home or business. We offer tree removal, trimming and stump grinding. We have a reputation of excellent clean-up; leaving your property looking like we never were even there. Mulches to avoid, if you have pets, include cocoa-shell and cocoa-bean mulch (contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs) and rocks (can cause obstructions if eaten). Also look for mulches that do not contain insecticides, herbicides or fertilizers. These are used to reduce pests and weed growth and help make soil conditions ideal for plant growth, but some can be highly toxic to animals.
Starting Outta My Tree Mulch was a natural for us. Not only are we huge dog lovers (proud parents of Ms. Lola, Ruby & Baya), but we also had a lot of cut down trees! Our mulch is made onsite using recycled natural wood. Each batch is double-ground into a product of vibrant color and fine consistency, for easy application to your garden beds and properties. We offer a variety of colors: black, brown and red. We also offer a totally natural mulch. It is doubleground; however, no dye is added, giving a nice natural brown appearance.
Organic mulches are the best bet for pet owners, as not only do they help improve the soil's Not all mulch is created equal, and ours is fertility as they decompose; but they also are wicked good…especially for pets! It is natural
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with no chemical treatments. One last mulch tidbit to share (if you happen to have a dog who loves to dig)…try spraying the mulch with garlic water or bitter apple spray. Another idea…lay down metal mesh at the soil level under the mulch.
Using mulch around animals doesn’t have to be a challenge if you use the most natural product you can find. And that’s what Outta My Tree Mulch offers…a natural, safe mulch for your pets. Stop by or we deliver. We look forward to meeting you and your “wicked good” dogs! Knowles Tree Service (knowlestreeservice.com)
Frankie and big sister Grace sharing a coffee for two
dogs and coffee
K9’s+Coffee A Caffeinated Version of “Cheers” By Ellen Ratner – Greenland, NH
My coffee mates and I often wondered, “Whatever happened to Jack?” Although we really meant Tom, who we called Jack because that was the name of his chocolate lab. And isn’t it always the dog that we get to know first? Within minutes we can learn a dog’s lineage, rescue history, biscuit preference, walk schedule and favorite nuzzling technique; but it may take weeks before we can name Fido’s mom or dad.
Amanda Gray and Shelly en route to BNG
Frankie enjoying his spot in Market Square
Gwen surveying the morning scene
Shelly ready to wake up and smell the coffee
That was often the case outside Breaking New Grounds, our former coffee spot, where we met Jack – and Tom –a few years before Jack passed and Tom pedaled off cross-country. Located in Portsmouth’s Market Square, BNG was our caffeinated version of Cheers where we knew every canine’s name. It was where a chorus of “Bear!” welled up from our faithful crowd whenever the blonde overly enthusiastic husky/lab mix rounded the corner with unrestrained joy. (Hold on to your coffee!) “He’s such a goof ball,” his mom, Sam, conceded. She was the second Sam who joined us; the other was a bulky lab who laid patiently by the coffee shop door, tied loosely to a wrought iron rail, while his mom disappeared upstairs for her yoga class. We all kept a watchful eye on the big guy, wandering over occasionally to give him pats and assuring concerned passersby that his mom would return soon. You know, it takes a village. Sam (the dog) shared his customary spot with a large stainless water bowl baring the name Cooper in black handwritten letters. The dish once belonged to one of our favorites, a reddish golden retriever with achy hips who lumbered along with his best pal and rescuer, Walter. After their morning walk, Walter would order his double espresso while Cooper slurped water from his bowl and checked out the canine crowd. They came in all breeds, sizes and personalities. Duke, a happy-go-lucky beagle sat contently on his owner’s lap and occasionally howled his opinion; Murphy, a drooly Newfie was the clichéd gentle giant. There
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was also Expresso, the chocolate standard poodle guide dog; Leah, the Rhodesian ridgeback; Rosie, the sheltie; and Elsa, the boxer puppy who could out-flip, out-twist and outvault gymnast champ Simone Biles. Devoted Frankie, a senior Boston terrier rarely missed a day downtown. “Frankie always knew coffee day and would never let us go to BNG without him,” reveals his mom, Alison Griffin. Same went for Gwen, my elderly German shepherd who loved to scope out the morning activity while waiting for her faithful friend Shirley to drop by with a much-anticipated biscuit. “For people who came to BNG, that was their special time of day,” says Steve Gray, proud owner of Shelly, a golden retriever who stole everyone’s heart. “It was special for Shelly. Though she didn’t tell me, I could tell. Shelly just loves to greet people, and I always loved watching people approach her.” Even sound asleep, Shelly attracted tourists who’d snap pictures of her snoozing on the cool bricks. Gray adds, “It was a nice aspect of life and felt so satisfying that I could provide this environment for my dog.” With BNG now closed, I fear the dog days of summer won’t feel the same. I’ll miss watching Elsa grow into her paws and leap into my arms. I worry that I won’t have a chance to be part of Frankie’s last memories. But there’s always a chance that “the regulars” will find each other downtown, gather around a bench, and watch the dogs laze in the sun. And if Jack’s dad (aka Tom) returns to town, he’s always welcome to join us.
We couldn't do it without our furry friends! Lexi, Rufus, Jax, Layla, Ruby, Bailey and Newman
137 Portsmouth Ave Stratham, NH 03885 603-775-7444 info@drzeff.com www.drrichardzeff.com
food for thought
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The Health Benefits of Rotating Your Pet's Diet
By Dawn Price, Registered Dietitian
Owner - The Natural Dog Newburyport, MA
Feeding your pet the same diet for a prolonged period of time can lead to multiple health issues. Some of these problems include nutrient excesses and deficiencies, allergies and food sensitivities. These health issues can be avoided by feeding a rotational diet. Rotational feeding is the practice of switching and rotating your pet's food to offer them protein, nutritional and textural variety. This is good practice whether you are feeding a fresh food diet or kibble based diet.
Aside from the health benefits, mealtime will be much more appreciated because of the variety in taste and texture. Some pets can become finicky and uninterested in their food once they grow tired of their normal routine. This can be caused by aging, boredom or simply just a change in preference. No one dietary formula, no matter how “complete and balanced” it is, can meet all of an animal’s nutritional needs over an extended period. It is possible for even the healthiest of diets to cause nutrient deficiencies or excesses over time if fed continuously and exclusively. The nutritional needs of humans and animals vary depending upon many factors that are constantly changing. By varying the diet, it brings in potentially missing nutrients, allowing the body to self-correct. Over time, allergies may also develop to one or more of the ingredients in a food if the same
diet is fed continuously. Rotating the diet regularly will reduce the chances of developing food allergies because the ingredients are not in the body long enough to develop an adverse reaction. Feeding a variety of foods helps prevent sensitivities that can be caused from eating the same ingredients for years.
Feeding the same diet eventually creates an environment in the gut where any new food is considered a foreign invader. This often results in gas, bloating and loose stools. Rotating the diet will promote a healthy digestive and immune system. Introducing new foods and proteins to your dog's diet can help them build a stronger system that can easily break down many different forms of proteins. If feeding a kibble exclusive diet, supplementing with fresh foods (such as muscle and organ meat, green blends, bone broth and goat milk) will also help prevent nutrient deficiencies, and improve digestion and the immune system.
Rotating tips
Rotating meat sources as well as rotating through different brands of foods will provide optimal nutrient variety. Most manufacturers use the same vitamin premix in every brand or line of food. For this reason, choosing foods from different manufacturers is important.
The first time beginning rotational feeding, switch to the new food gradually over the course of 7 to 10 days. For digestively sensitive 26 seacoastbarkmagazine.com
dogs, the transition time may need to be slightly extended. Slowly introduce the new food in small amounts. Every couple of days, increase the new food by approximately 25% and decrease the current diet the same. Every food provides different amounts of nutrients and calories. Refer to the manufacturers' recommendations for feeding guidelines for each food. Moving forward, rotational feeding should be done every month or every two months with a new food.
Depending on the dog, you should only need to go through the one-week transition process the first couple times you rotate. After that, the gut will become stronger and introducing a new food becomes easier. Probiotics also help with transitioning to new foods by providing beneficial bacteria which provide “reinforcements” to the gut flora.
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.
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Doggone Grrrrr…eat Entertaining Recipe by Ristorante Massimo
let's pawty
Photography by Jasmine Inglesmith Photography
A Delicious Summer Paw-sta… Directions
Rinse torn Swiss chard in a colander until all grit has been removed.
Place Swiss chard in a large pot of water, cover, bring to a light boil & steam until tender (5-6 minutes). Drain & cool.
Place Swiss chard in paper towels & wring out excess liquid. Chop finely. Set aside. Heat butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped shallots & cook until soft & translucent (3-4 minutes).
Agnolotti Style Ravioli
With Swiss Chard, Ricotta & Prosciutto Filling Ingredients
1 lb. Swiss chard, stems removed & torn 1 ½ T unsalted butter 1/4 C finely chopped shallot (1 medium shallot) 3 T finely chopped prosciutto (2-3 slices) 1 whole egg yolk 1 C whole-fat ricotta 1/4 C grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese 1/4 t freshly grated nutmeg S&P
Add prosciutto & continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add Swiss chard & sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes & then cool until lukewarm.
In separate bowl, stir together ricotta, egg yolk, Swiss chard mixture, nutmeg & cheese. Season with S & P. Place in a pastry piping bag with a small round tip.
Brush dough adjacent to the filling (on both sides) lightly with egg wash.
Fold pasta over filling & press firmly to seal.
Cut filled tube of pasta away from rest of sheet with pastry cutter. Press pasta into equal-sized sections (1” wide), creating a firm seal between each piece. Cut between seals to form each agnolotti.
Place assembled agnolotti on a baking sheet dusted lightly with cornmeal or semolina. Repeat with remaining pasta sheets. Pasta can be stored in the fridge overnight or frozen on the tray until solid & then transfer to a Ziploc bag.
Tidbits…Agnolotti is a kind of ravioli typical of the Peidmont region of Italy made with small pieces of flattened pasta dough folded over a stuffing. There are many pasta sheet recipes online. If making dough from scratch seems daunting, use frozen lasagna sheets available at grocery stores!
Cook agnolotti in boiling, salted water until al-dente.
Assembly
Place one pasta sheet at a time on countertop dusted lightly with flour.
Pipe a straight line of filling (1/2″ diameter) horizontally along sheet.
Massimo’s Mia 59 Penhallow – Portsmouth (603) 436-4000 www.RistoranteMassimo.com
A big thanks to restauranteur Massimo Morgia for sponsoring ‘Let’s Pawty.’ Massimo is not only passionate about food, but also dogs! He’s the proud Dad of adorable Mia, a precious little Maltese/Shih Tzu. When Massimo isn’t greeting guests at his wonderful restaurant, he’s with Mia…his loyal little love-bug.
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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)!
Flip Flop
Cool Look Alikes
How fun is this? Matching dog collars & bracelets for pups & their peeps! These cool designs are made by Friendship Collars, and I love their tagline: “Because best friends should match.” I agree. This a real Flip in my book. (www.FriendshipCollar.com)
Not-So-Cool Look Alikes
Cool Cat Product
I think cats are odd creatures. Though I like them, I really don’t “get” them. So how fun is this? A start-up company is working on a collar that will give cats “a voice!” Like literally. They are creating the world’s first “talking cat collar.” They’ve analyzed cat sounds & have created a program that matches meows to human words. OMG…what a Flip…to finally understand what a cat is really saying! (www.catterbox.com)
Paw-litical Designer Dogs
gentlegiantsrescue-irish-wolfhounds.com
Photo by Catterbox
Photo by Friendship Collars
Though this is kind of yesterday’s news, it’s still a story that makes me barkle… I mean chuckle. A couple of years ago when that funny “Covfefe” tweet came out, my Mom texted her best friend Lisa saying, “Think I’m going to name my next dog Covfefe. Sounds like a poodle, eh.” Lisa’s text back to Mom: “OMG great minds think alike. We were on a walk today & saw a woman with a white Standard Poodle. I said to Rick (her husband)…looks like a Covfefe if I ever saw one!” Mom back to Lisa: “Maybe we should create a new designer dog breed. Covfefe Dogs…a cross between a Standard Poodle & a Russian Wolfhound!” I think this is a Flip-of-anidea! Look how cute they are!
Okay, sometimes it’s fun to dress alike…but not always! Somehow, I came upon these matching outfits for men & their dogs. Yikes! Most men wouldn’t want to be seen in public dressed like their dog! Most dogs hate to be seen in public dressed in anything…and in Hawaiian prints to boot? I checked this one off as a total Flop! (PabloAndCoBoutique on Etsy) Photo by Dog Threads
Crazy Cat Product
A few more thoughts on cats. They are hunters & love to slink around outside. If one has an outside-cat, they should be allowed…outside. However, some crazy company has come up with a new “cat containment system.” It’s an apparatus with a roller that one puts on the top of their fence. When cats reach the top, the roller spews them back to the ground. Geesh…this is a total Flop, but the video on their website is damn funny & worth watching! (www. oscillot.com.au)
Paw-litically-Incorrect Designer Dogs
Photo by Animals.com
seacoastbarkmagazine.com 31
Okay, so a big Standard Poodle crossed with a really big Russian Wolfhound would be an adorable “designer dog.” This match makes sense to me! But one of the oddest designer dogs out there (like really out there…real breeders & all) is the “Pomsky.” This is a cross between a Pomeranian (really small) & a Husky (really big)…and I find the whole concept a bit creepy & not quite right!