Pet Gazette by Oklahoma Gazette

VOL 1 | ISSUE 2 | Summe r 2017 | FR E E

Pet

Dog Park Etiquette Specialty treats for manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend

PET CALEN DAR

Safety During Summer

protecting pets from

Pesky Pests Preparing for open-air adventures

Oklahoma City pet expo | Therapeutic Service Dogs | Pet Fashion | more! pet gazette | summer 2017

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

Adopt A Pet

Nova is a 5-year-old female Labrador Retriever mix that has received her spaying and shots. She is gentle with children and gets along with other pets.

Belle is a spayed domestic shorthair kitten who is playful and loves both cats and dogs.

Maverick is a neutered hound/ American Pit Bull Terrier mix puppy that will likely weigh up to 100 pounds. He is cuddly and child-friendly. He’s looking for a loving family to play and cuddle with.

Buddy is a hound mix puppy that might weigh up to 60 pounds when he is fully grown. He is fully immunized and neutered, crate- and house-trained and is pet and child-friendly.

Tino is a neutered, domestic shorthair kitten who plays well with her siblings and dogs.

Grey Kitty is a spayed older cat whose owner recently died. She is a declawed indoor cat who plays well with other cats but needs a dog-free environment.

Is your dog bIttIng or nIppIng?

For more information, call The Bella Foundation at (866) 318-7387 or visit thebellafoundation.org/adopt-a-pet

Pet

Pet Gazette is published quarterly by Oklahoma Gazette and is free to readers.

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Heading outside Pet owners should be prepared for anything when taking pets outdoors. By Chris Eversole

Think ahead before taking dogs on outdoor adventures, from protecting against ticks to bringing enough water and food, experts advise. “Ticks are terrible in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Joel Manley, a Bartlesville veterinarian and president of Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. “Make sure your flea and tick prevention is up to date.” Regularly check your pets for ticks, said Gina Peek, an Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist. Manley offers other tips for taking dogs on outdoor adventures. » Before leaving for a walk, think ahead of your dog’s need for water. Keep your dog hydrated, especially during warmer weather, to avoid overheating.

» Mark your calendar to keep track of veterinary visits and when it is time to reapply flea and tick treatment. Owners should protect themselves from ticks as well, Peek said. A repellent containing a 20 percent concentration of DEET acts as a strong buffer against ticks. In addition, owners should keep themselves and pets on cleared trails or paths and avoid tall grasses or bushy overgrown areas. Dressing appropriately is another easy precaution. “Wear long pants and tuck your pant legs inside boots or wear high socks,” Peek said. “Wrapping tape, sticky side out, around the cuffs of your pants will cause ticks to adhere to the tape. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to see ticks.” If a tick bites a dog or a family member, remove it immediately. Use tweezers, tissues and a cloth or a plastic bag turned inside out to grasp the tick and pull it slowly away from the skin without yanking or twisting. Freeze the tick in a plastic bag and record the date of the bite in case the person becomes sick, Peek said.

» Carry food in case your dog’s blood sugar drops. Toy breed and thin dogs such as pointers are prone to low blood sugar. » Keep shots, especially vaccinations against parvo, up to date. Parvo, a virus spread through feces, is highly contagious and can be spread on shoes. Other vaccinations should include distemper, hepatitis and rabies. » Begin shots for puppies at six to seven weeks, which is when the antibodies from their mothers start to wear off. » After the final booster vaccination and initial rabies vaccine have been administered at appoximately 16 weeks of age, puppies should be well-protected against disease and able to explore the great outdoors.

» Get ready with the proper gear. Look for a sturdy leash and a collar or adjustable harness that fits your dog. Harnesses are important for short-nosed dogs because their small trachea inhibit breathing. » Identify your dog with a collar tag and microchip implant. Proactive steps can save you a lot of heartache if your puppy ever gets lost.

Dog ticks pose significant risks to Oklahoma pets and their owners. | Photo Bigstock.com

Photo Bigstock.com 4

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

Drinking buddy

Beer Paws creates special treats for man’s best friend. By Chris Eversole

Dogs are hanging out at breweries, and they’re enjoying local blends. Anthem Brewing Company, 908 SW Fourth St., is among the locations partnering with Beer Paws, a Kansas City, Missouri-based startup company. Anthem frequently stages pop-up sales featuring Beer Paws products, treats containing grain from the brewery’s recipes. “We have a really great time, with dogs and owners enjoying themselves,” said Ben Childers, taproom manager at Anthem. Crystal Wiebe, founder of Beer Paws, developed a following for her blog about her adventures as a dog owner. “I was looking for a product to sell, and I came up with a bottle opener attached to a dog collar,” she said. “I thought it was brilliant, and men and women could relate to it,” she said. “I got a good response, and I moved on to dog treats.” Her growing lineup of products now in-

cludes beer-themed collars and leashes, a “drinking buddy” dog hoodie and a dog beer based on beef broth and malt. The company also sells products for owners, including paw-themed bottle sweaters and Beer Paws T-shirts. Wiebe is associated with 50 breweries. On June 29, she sold her products at Dog Days of Summer at Petco Park in San Diego, California, an event that included a San Diego Padres game at which dogs were welcome and attended for free. “There’s huge potential here,” she said. “Both the beer industry and the pet industry seem be really recession-proof. Craft beer people just get it right away.” Beer Paws is dedicated to celebrating the relationship between beer drinkers and their dogs. For more information, visit beerpaws.com. Photo Beer Paws / provided

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Disaster prep

Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building minutes after the bombing | Photo Gazette / file

Emergency responders help keep animal rescue teams and animals involved in disasters safe. By Chris Eversole

Veterinarian Scott Mason vividly remembers responding to the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. He was part of a group of loosely organized veterinarians who worked around the clock for the first week after the bombing, caring for searchand-rescue dogs that received cuts on their paws or were suffering from dehydration. “That was a bad deal,” he said. “Supporting search-and-rescue was all new to us.” Since then, Mason has been a leader in emergency response involving animals, not only in Oklahoma, but also across the country, including responses to Hurricane Charlie in Florida and Hurricane Sandy in New York. His many hats include serving

as the regional supervisor for the National Disaster Medical System operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Oklahoma emergency preparedness efforts have come a long way since the Murrah Building bombing, Mason said. “It’s been a long process involving many people at the local, state, regional and national level,” said Mason, who owns Putnam North Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is heavily involved in emergency management, said staff veterinarian Dr. Alicia Gorczyca-Southerland. “We get it all — tornadoes, ice storms, wildfires, flooding and A rescue team German Shepherd | Photo Bigstock.com

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

even earthquakes,” she said. Gorczyca-Southerland helps organize animal disaster preparedness teams at the county level, which operates as part of the Medical Reserve Corps, a volunteer organization affiliated with state government. “We have a ‘one-health’ concept covering both the health of people and animals,” she said. Volunteers should sign up in advance of disasters so they can be certified for

their role in emergencies and can receive identification badges, she said. “When a disaster hits, we have lots of well-meaning people who want to help, but we don’t know anything about them,” she said. “It becomes a mess.” One of the most active organizations helping with horses and cattle is Oklahoma Large Animal First Responders, which was formed after the 2013 tornadoes. In May, the organization responded to tornado damage in Elk City. One of the needs is for volunteers with trucks and horse trailers, GorczycaSoutherland said. “They are a key part of our first response in situations from tornadoes to wildfires,” she said. For horses and cattle, common sheltering locations include fairgrounds and boarding stables. “The key is having pre-determined locations set up,” she said. Emergency planning for animals has come a long way since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August 2005, said Dr. Leslie Cole, area emergency coordinator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. “People who were flooded out wouldn’t get in the rescue boat if they couldn’t take their pets,” said Cole, who is headquartered in Oklahoma City. National efforts on animal disaster preparedness have improved since passage of the PETS (Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards) Act in 2006, Cole said. The legislation requires local and state governments to plan for sheltering pets. Generally, a pet shelter is next door to a human shelter — which works better than a pet-friendly shelter that mixes people and pets, she said. “Disaster preparedness for animals is a key part of the whole community response,” she said. “It makes a lot more sense for people to be near their animals.” Oklahomans display their typical helpfulness in disasters, Mason said. That preparedness was on display when he was part of search-and-rescue efforts in the Moore tornadoes of 2013. “We found two lost dogs, and as we were taking them to shelter, we came across an Oklahoma City Animal Welfare setup,” he said. “Mutual aid among juris-

dictions works well,” he said. During the bombing response, emergency responders sent out the word that they needed Dawn dish detergent to clean dogs’ paws and ears. “Within two hours, people had brought us cases of Dawn. It was amazing and heartwarming,” he said. While many people prepare well for their family’s needs in emergencies, they often don’t pay enough attention to their pets’ needs. That’s the message from the disaster preparedness community. “When people prepare a ‘go kit’ for themselves and their kids, they also should prepare one for their pets,” Cole said. “A picture — either as a print or on your phone — of you with each of your animals is key. It’s important to have when you go to a shelter or if your animals get lost.” Cole said owners should have identification collars for their pets and have them microchipped and that tagging and microchipping horses is important, as well. Gorczyca-Southerland said animal prep should include having crates, medicine and medical records ready. For information about volunteering for the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps, visit okmrc.org.

Dr. Scott Mason | Photo provided

Photo Bigstock.com

Other tips from Cole and GorczycaSoutherland: • Your emergency kit should include a food bowl, a three-day supply of pet food, water, a spare collar, a leash, medications your pet is taking and a favorite toy. • Have a first aid kit for your pet. One of the most common wounds that can occur on pets are injuries to paws from storm debris. The kit should include antibiotic ointment, cotton balls and flexible bandages. • Store important documents — including current vaccination and medical records — in a waterproof plastic bag. • Have a pet carrier for each animal. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or cage before an emergency. • For cats, include litter, a litter pan and a litter scoop. • In case you won’t home during a disaster, in advance, place stickers on exterior doors to notify neighbors and first responders that you have animals. • Practice taking pets into your storm shelter. Cats and small dogs should be in pet carriers. Larger dogs should get plenty of practice and rewards for going up and down steps into a shelter. © CTW Features

pet gazette | summer 2017

Pet Calendar In celebration of National Dog Day 2017, Remington Park will become Remington Bark on Saturday, Aug. 26, combining thoroughbred horse racing, dog festivities and racing exhibitions for speedy canines. Remington Bark honors man’s best friend and helps raise awareness and funds for many dog-related charities and dog rescue operations in central Oklahoma. Remington Bark begins at 6 p.m. All dogs must be on a leash and on their best behavior. Thoroughbred horse racing will begins at 7p.m. The first 100 dogs will receive special Wag Bags filled with dog goodies. Remington Bark activities include costume contests and exhibition dog races. The dog races will feature three size classes: small, medium and large. Owners are asked to donate $25 to the Remington Bark Charity Fund. Dog amenities include cooling, drink and picture stations and designated dog potty areas. Many local dog rescue charities are attending. Admission, parking and valet parking are free. Photo Bigstock.com

Adoption Outreach. PetSmart and Central Oklahoma Humane Society team up for adoption events at local PetSmart locations. Edmond PetSmart (on Broadway between 15th and 33rd) offers adoptions the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fourth and fifth Saturdays of the month, adoptions take place at the PetSmart at Interstate 240 and S. Western Ave. Adoption Outreach. Noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 5, A1 Pet Emporium - NW Side, 405749-1738, 2911 W. Britton Road, okhumane.org. Adoption Outreach. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Aug.12, PetSmart, 8357 N. Rockwell, 405-720-0104, okhumane.org. Red Dirt Boxer Pub Crawl, Pub crawl with all proceeds donated to the Red Dirt Boxer Rescue of Oklahoma. Meetand-greet begins at 5 p.m. at The Jungle, 121 W. Harrison Ave., in Guthrie. The Guthrie Trolleys transport to each venue. Patrons Photo Bigstock.com

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

Photo Remington Park

Peace, Love & Pups: A Dog Walk in the Park. The Bella Foundation sponsors the fundraiser including vendors and a pet health fair. Interested vendors can contact via Facebook. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23, Duffner Park, 10801 N. Victoria Place. DogFest Walk’n Roll: Dogfest OKC. Event includes a 1.5-mile dog walk followed by a celebration with dog and familyfriendly activities and vendor booths. 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Oct.

West Central Oklahoma Kennel Club Conformation: All-Breed Group dog show. Features all-breed obedience and junior showmanship competitions. Sept. 7-10. Elk City Civic Center, 1016 Airport Industrial Road, Elk City, akc.org Heard on Hurd. This familyfriendly event is also furryfriendly! Bring your leashed pet and enjoy vendors, food trucks and live music 6 p.m. Aug. 19, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21. 32 N. Broadway, Edmond, 405341-6650.

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grow and develop at normal rates after the lull in growth throughout the cooler months. It is especially important that horses receive consistent trimming and maintenance from hoof care professionals. Owen recommends products with biotin and other nutrients, such as Farrier’s Formula, to improve hoof health.Owners of performance horses generally have them shod, or fitted with horseshoes, Owen said. “Not every horse needs to be shod. If your horse is just around your pasture, it’s not essential, but it’s necessary if you’re taking your horse on trails or having it perform,” she said.

Shelter

If horses aren’t kept in a barn or stable, it is important to provide trees or a lean-to (a roofed open structure with three walls) to help horses regulate their body temperatures, Owen said. Horses naturally work to maintain their body temperatures by sweating, increasing their respiration and drinking more water. They’ll also seek shady areas when they’re available to help them quickly cool down. Providing multiple areas and structures for horses to seek shady comfort can be a simple solution for hot days.

Overheating

Photo Bigstock.com

Safe summer

Warm weather poses challenges to horses’ safety. By Chris Eversole

Increasing heat and drier conditions mean outdoor animals are forced to adapt. The sweltering temperatures in Oklahoma can have effects on animals that are in the sun and heat throughout the day. Horses are a primary example of outdoor animals that experience the effects of the temperatures and must adapt. “Like human athletes, the greater the humidity, the greater toll heat takes,” said Grace Owen of Equine Medical Associates in Edmond. Here are ways that owners can help ease the strain of summer on their horses. 10

The normal body temperature for horses in the summer is 99 to 101 degrees. If a horse’s temperature rises to 103.5 degrees or higher, it’s experiencing heat stress or is ill, Owen said. “It’s important to not cool a horse too quickly,” she said. “The best way to cool horses is to run a hose of water over them and scrape it off, which increases cooling. A fan also can help.” With a few adjustments and careful attention, owners can ensure they are giving horses the right treatment throughout the summer.

Water

Ensure animals have plenty of fresh water. As temperatures climb, horses, like most animals, will naturally feel the need to consume higher volumes of water. Keep two five-gallon buckets of water per stall, Owen recommends. “Keep water tanks relatively full; the lower water gets in a tank, the hotter the water gets,” she said.

Hoof Care

As seasons change and the weather starts to get warmer, hooves will start to

Photo Bigstock.com

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

UNI_17-RP-130_Remington_Bark_Gazette.indd 1

7/11/17 11:14 AM

Local businesses like K9 Couture Company and The Sparkly Spot sell pet accessories and clothing. | Photo The Sparkly Spot / provided

Trendy treats

Suppliers including The Sparkly Spot and Bark & Breakfast cook up tasty treats for furry friends. | Photo The Sparkly Spot / provided

Local boutiques provide accessories and treats for pampering pets. By Chris Eversole The Sparkly Spot, a pet boutique in Norman, is part of a national trend in pampering pets. Owner Amy Rine offers designer pet clothes, collars, leashes, carriers and treats and a grooming salon. At the high end are Susan Lanci collars adorned with Swarovski crystals for up to $175. Luggage for carrying toy breeds is popular, and Harry Barker dog clothing, toys and accessories, which Oprah Winfrey helped popularize, are in demand. Local suppliers include K9 Couture Company, which makes collars and leashes, and Bark & Breakfast, a pet treat maker. Tara Perrin, the owner of Bark & Breakfast, said OKC metro veterinarians, groomers and other businesses are adding more pet-related products. “The Sparkly Spot is definitely the most posh,” Perrin said. “Small dogs are getting really spoiled.” Fortune looked at the national trend. In the Sept. 7, 2016, article “Pets Are Basically People,” it cited a FortuneMorning Consult Poll that found that 76 percent of owners classify their pets as

from left Amy Rine and Donielle Grant groom pets at The Sparkly Spot. | Photo The Sparkly Spot / provided

“beloved members of the family,” compared to the 19 percent who responded that they’re “well cared for, but still considered animals.” Most people who come in for grooming see something cute and buy it,” Rine said. “Some people who come in to shop say, ‘I had no idea you did grooming too.’” Winter is a hot season for sales, with dog sweaters, dresses and pajamas in Many pet owners spoil their pets with toys from local stores. | Photo The Sparkly Spot / provided

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

high demand. In summer, some people buy lightweight dresses to protect their dogs from getting sunburned, she said. Rine bought Sparkly Spot, located at 3770 W. Robinson St. in the Brookhaven Village shopping center in Norman, from its original owners three and a half years ago. “I never grew up with dogs that primped, but thank goodness they do,” she said.

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Staying safe

Advocacy groups help protect people and animals in abusive situations. By Kathleen Romero “When animals are abused, people are at risk. When people are abused, animals are at risk.” How well does this statement from animal welfare professional Judy Johns resonate with you? In the past, this connection hasn’t always been readily understood, but a growing body of research makes it clear: abuse and neglect of animals is inextricably linked with maltreatment and violence of people. Cases of animal cruelty are often treated as isolated incidents, with only an animal victim. But now, more and more professionals are recognizing that acts of animal cruelty are often predictors and indicators of violence against humans, with serious implications for society. Animal abuse is prevalent in homes marked by child abuse, and childhood animal cruelty increases in homes where children witness domestic violence. Domestic violence survivors regularly report that concern for animals prevent them from leaving an abusive situation because their partner threatened, harmed or even killed their pets. Family members 14

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

can threaten or harm pets to coerce or control vulnerable seniors. Animal cruelty is part of a complex constellation of antisocial behavior that has resonating effects on all members of a family. This speaks to a long-lasting bond between people and animals. The impact of the unconditional love of a dog or the healing joy of a cat’s purr can stay with us as we grow into adults. Pets can act as emotional allies when we are in crisis or sorrow. Unfortunately, these pets can become involved in family systems of dysfunction and violence. According to the 2015 Oklahoma Animal Study, there are more than 2 million companion animals in Oklahoma homes alone. This fact, coupled with Oklahoma’s high rates of child abuse, domestic violence and incarceration, illustrates how pets can be at the center of interpersonal violence. Founded in 2014, The Oklahoma Link Coalition responds to mounting evidence that animal cruelty can be a red flag that other family members are at risk for abuse. The coalition’s mission is to

promote collaboration, cooperation, public awareness and education to end violence against people and animals by recognizing the link between human and animal abuse. The Oklahoma Link’s goal is to promote advocacy, cross-training and networking across disparate fields and spread awareness of “the Link” to as many professionals as possible, as well as to the public. On Nov. 7, The Oklahoma Link Coalition will host a conference titled Intersection at Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive. The conference will provide opportunities for training and education to improve the lives of people and animals in Oklahoma communities. The cost is $15, and scholarships are available. Randall Lockwood, senior vice president of ASPCA Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects, is the featured speaker. “By helping communities form coalitions, we are creating a more effective approach in breaking the cycles of violence and protecting vulnerable members of our society,” Lockwood said. To find out more about The Oklahoma Link Coalition and the conference or inquire about joining the coalition, visit oklahomalinkcoalition.org.

Paws for effect

OKC Pet Expo offers adoptions, vaccines and more. By Emily Palmer

All friends, whether they are furry, feathery, scaly or fluffy, are all welcome at the 4th Annual OKC Pet Expo, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 5 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6 at State Fair Park. Many important services for pets and fun activities will be available at the expo, including discounted vaccines and microchipping, vendor booths, live entertainment, prize giveaways and more. All cats are welcome with carriers and all well-behaved, leashed dogs. Animals must have proof of age-appropriate rabies vaccines. The event features national sponsor Petfinder.com as well as several non-profit groups offering on-site pet adoptions. “On average, about 100 pets are adopted out of the event, sometimes closer to 200 in OKC,” said Ethan Barnett, vice president of Amazing Pet Expos, organizer of the event. “ “There is something for everyone and every pet at this year’s Oklahoma City Pet Expo. All pets are welcome and invited to attend this fun-filled weekend, where pets and people are always treated as equals and are never discriminated against. In fact, it’s really a weekend to celebrate everything about pets.” Amazing Pet Expos, which was founded in St. Louis in 2009 as a fundraiser for a boxer rescue organization, now operates 27 events throughout the U.S. Barnett said the organization expects about 13,000 people to attend the event, which does not allow breeders to participate in the event, ensuring that the expo is exploitation-free. Volunteers are welcome and non-profit or-

For the love of good times with good dogs.

ganizations such as the Bella Foundation and rescue organizations will be on hand for fostering, adopting and caring for pets in need. The Bella Foundation will offer low-cost cat and dog vaccinations and microchipping. For more information, call (800) 9773609 or go to www.okcpetexpo.com.

The Bella Foundation will offer low-cost cat and dog vaccinations and microchipping at the expo.

Dog vaccines DHPP $10 Rabies $15 Bordetella $15 Microchip $25 or all four items $50 Heartworm test $25

Cat vaccines FeloGuard Plus 4 $10 Rabies $15 Feline leukemia $15 Microchip $25 or all four items $50 © CTW Features OKC Pet Expo features services, activities, entertainmnet, giveaways and more. | Photo OKC Pet Expo / provived

Welcome to Pet Gazette, a quarterly Glossy maGazine published by OklahOma Gazette.

PublishinG:

october 25, 2017 | January 31, 2018 aPril 24, 2018 | auGust 1, 2018

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pet gazette | summer 2017

Therapy dogs visit nuring homes, schools and job sites during training. | Photo A New Leash on Life / provided

Four-legged help

A New Leash on Life works with local organizations to train service and therapy dogs. By Chris Eversole Veterinarian Scott Mason vividly remembers Lisa Raymond was always optimistic and happy, but her attitude declined gradually after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010. “At first, it didn’t inhibit my activity, but it became more of a problem over time,” she said. “When you’re in pain, your balance is off and your gait is off. Going to the grocery store is like climbing a mountain. Everything is a struggle.” Raymond got a helping paw in early June, when Reid, a 100-pound labradoodle, a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever, became her constant companion.

A New Leash on Life, Inc., based in Oklahoma City, trained Reid to work with Raymond. After he moved in with Raymond, the two began adjusting to each other. One day, Raymond was teetering a bit. “He got right up beside me, and he leaned in. We hadn’t worked on that together, but he just did it,” Raymond said. Raymond is among about 10 people annually for whom A New Leash provides service dogs, said CEO Barbara Lewis. Reid was donated to A New Leash by Keystone Kennel when he was 8 weeks old, and he was placed with a “puppy-raiser” for 14 months. After that, trainer Service dogs help their owners with a variety of tasks. | Photo A New Leash on Life / provided

Annabelle Baker worked with him for six months. “The client builds a relationship with the dog,” Lewis said. “They get to read each other’s mind. It’s wonderful.” Training service dogs takes lots of repetition. “They’re not computers; training is lifelong, and you have to work with them every day,” Lewis said. Generally, A New Leash’s waiting list for service dogs is one to two years long. Raymond was lucky. Reid was available at the same time she applied for a service dog. “Believe you me, I cried when I found out I was going to get him,” she said. A man with similar needs also was waiting for a dog at the time. “I matched him to Lisa because she submitted her application first,” Lewis said. “I wish I could have cloned Reid and provided a dog to both of them.” Reid was free to Raymond, as are all of A New Leash’s service dogs. The organization covers its costs with donations and grants. Puppy-raisers are volunteers; trainers are paid. The cost is $1,500 for the first year and $15,000 for the second year, when most of the training occurs. “We stay involved with our dogs over their expected 10-year working life, and we spend $1,000 a year helping them learn new things to help their owners,” Lewis said. In addition to steadying her and giving her confidence while walking and climbing stairs, Reid also retrieves anything that Raymond drops. “We were at a restaurant. When I dropped my napkin, he picked it up,” she said. “He’s very easy. He’s a good boy, and he’s very intuitive.” Reid wakes Raymond in the morning. “He nuzzles his nose against my face,

his ears perk up and he wags his tail, saying ‘Good morning, sunshine,’” she said. A New Leash trains Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, standard poodles and labradoodles. “They’re excellent retrievers naturally, and they’re not independent thinkers,” Lewis said. “We don’t want any independent thinkers. We want dogs that want to be with a partner, as opposed to doing things by themselves.” A New Leash developed an alternative way for people to make use of service dogs — a more cost-effective option than training a service dog for 14 months before it is placed in service. A New Leash has an entirely different program for therapy dogs. Training lasts only six weeks. The main point of therapy dog training is to ignore other dogs that are at a therapy session, Lewis said. The therapy dogs visit nursing homes, schools and even job sites. “Some companies ask us to come to relieve stress after they’ve worked hard on launching a new project,” Lewis said. “We take several dogs to OU, UCO, OCU and other universities during finals.” In stressful situations, therapy dogs make people more comfortable, Lewis said.

“A dog doesn’t care how you look,” she said. “He doesn’t care how you dress. He doesn’t care what language you speak. Dogs are nonjudgmental, and they love to be with people.” A New Leash provides therapy dogs for hearings in Logan County courts, helping children as they testify about abuse. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s office started the use of therapy dogs in Oklahoma courts, Lewis said. “It’s easier to talk with a dog at your side,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about being ridiculed or saying something wrong.” Rick Young and his dog, Phoebe, visited a summer program that helps children with behavioral challenges at Kaiser Elementary School. Before the two arrived, a video with simple mindfulness meditation techniques was playing. Most of the kids were ignoring it, and they were chattering. As soon as Young and Phoebe — a golden retriever and Rottweiler mix — entered, the room went silent. As Young told the students about Phoebe and let them pet her, they were in rapt attention. “It’s amazing the effect that she has on the kids,” Young said. He signed up for Phoebe to be a therapy dog after he retired in March 2016 from the state treasurer’s office. “She had been through obedience training and agility training,” Young said. “I knew she would be a natural as a therapy dog.” Young, a Vietnam War veteran, takes Phoebe to the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System hospital every Thursday. “Working with her as a therapy dog is very rewarding,” he said. “She has so much love to give.” Lewis has trained dogs for 30 years. She worked with a national service dog training agency for 16 years, and she

Lisa Raymond and her therapy dog, Reid. | Photo A New Leash on Life / provided

founded A New Leash in 2006. Raymond, Reid’s owner, said she is grateful for the work of Lewis and the entire New Leash team. “Before this, I was ignorant about service dogs and therapy dogs,” she said. “I want to do everything I can to encourage people to help.”

Protecting Family & Pets

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Park it!

Metro dog parks:

A trip to the park requires some basic etiquette. By Emily Palmer

For most dog owners, going to the dog park is a fun way to let your dog get exercise while socializing with other dogs. In order to keep the dog park fun for all visitors, we need to be mindful of proper dog park etiquette when we visit. Once you and your dog get to the dog park, it might be tempting to stand back and watch the activity while your dog enjoys the sights. Everybody will have a much more rewarding time if dog owners observe some basic etiquette for visiting a dog park. Many of the suggestions below are simply common sense, but they will make a visit more enjoyable for everyone.

» Keep your dog on-leash until you get to

the off-leash area. This is respectful to other park users and much safer for dogs.

Midtown Mutts Dog Park 409 W. Park Place Myriad Botanical Gardens Dog Park 227-299 W. Reno Ave.

» Close all doors to the dog park or dog run

after entering or exiting.

Paw Park 3303 NW Grand Blvd.

» If a dog becomes unruly or plays rough,

leash it and leave immediately.

Deep Deuce Dog Park 301 N. Oklahoma Ave.

» If children are present, supervise them

closely.

Joe Barnes Dog Park 2516 N. Towry Drive, Midwest City

» Don’t smoke or eat at the dog park.

Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting treats to dogs.

Edmond Dog Park 379 E. 33rd St., Edmond

always maintain visual contact with your dog.

» Don’t scold or touch someone else’s dog.

Pets and People Dog Park 701 Inla St., Yukon

» Phone calls, emails and smartphone apps

» If a group of dogs are bullying another

» Never leave your dog unattended, and

should be kept to a minimum to maintain focus on your dog.

» Always clean up after your dog. Most

parks have poop bags or scoopers, so use them. Pay attention and pick up the poop.

» If you see trash, debris or anything else

that’s out of place, pick it up or dispose of it.

dog, remove your dog from the environment.

Norman Community Dog Park 1001 E. Robinson St., Norman

» Be friendly with other dog owners.

Happy Tails Dog Park 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

» Observe all rules posted at dog parks.

For more information, visit dogpark.com

» Ensure your dog is current on its shots

Wiggly Field Interstate 40 and Sunnylane Road, Del City Mustang Dog Park 1201 N. Mustang Road, Mustang

and has a valid license.

Photo Bigstock.com

» Don’t bring dogs younger than 4 months

to a dog park. Wait until they have all the necessary shots that allow them to play safely with other animals.

» Don’t bring a female dog in season if

she is not spayed.

» Before coming to the dog park,

ask your veterinarian if your dog is healthy enough to play.

» Spayed/neutered animals

are recommended.

» Don’t bring more than two

or three dogs. It subjects parks to overuse. It’s hard enough for many people to watch one dog.

Summer 2017 | pet gazette

pet gazette | summer 2017