Jubilee
Creature Comforts
Health
Design
Behaviour
Inspire
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D o g - G o n e
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TA B LE OF C 4 5 00 9 52 72 92 WellnesS 28 94 Pets at Home 74 Feature 34 60
Editor`s Letter Contributors
Artist Profile The Simple Things in Life Creature Comforts Toys for Dogs Hot Fashions Florals For Fido Things We Adore Putting Your Best Paw Forward I Spy Family is Forever Top Dogs! Love is Blind
56 88 98 106
Behaviour
Play the Day Away! Why Have a Therapist When You Can Have a Dog? Puppy dog tails or sugar and spice? Good Neighbours
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C ONTENTS 66 Nutrition 48 Kibble & Bits 102
Breed Profile
Presenting the True Pitbull The Gastropup A Dog’s Code of Ethics
Pawsh Cover
Photographed by Laura Norris
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Two full years of Pawsh the magazine; I can hardly believe it. They say that time flies when you’re having fun, a saying that I have always known to be true in my personal life, but rarely in my professional one – that is until I took an enormous leap of faith and started a little online space about the thing that never fails to bring me joy...dogs. I was told by a lot of people that starting a pet magazine was a waste of time (that’s an exact quote). I was told that I should apply my love of words and my passion for photography to something more commercial, but that isn’t what felt right to me. I wanted to talk about our furry friends on a daily basis in a manner that truly celebrated their special beauty. If you think about it dogs are like living works art. They convey some of the rawest emotion you can find in life; they embody the present and truly savour every moment, from a delicious meal to an even more delicious nap; and they make us endure unrivalled tragedy by their fleeting presence in this world. I wanted to try to capture their incredible beings in a magazine that celebrated all of these things through artistic photographs and poetic words. I wanted to try and help people with their questions so they could give their pets the best lives possible. I wanted to give back to rescue organizations and animal shelters and above all I wanted to encourage an ongoing conversation about dogs. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the incredible community that would come together around this conversation.
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Laura L Benn and Rory
There really ought to be a better word than ‘thank you’ for expressing gratitude – alas it is all I have to offer you. Thank you, deeply, for loving dogs as much as I do and for helping Pawsh become what is today. Please enjoy what is now the 7th edition of Pawsh entitled “Dog-Gone Jubilee” -- a celebration of the past two years of celebration. Much love, as always,
Founder/Editor
Photo by Stephanie Heim
welcome
writers ALEXANDER BENTLEY
Alexander Bentley is a graduate of Algonquin College’s Scriptwriting program, now delving into the deep dark world of short stories and novels. Currently, he’s studying Web Development as a means not to starve to death while pursuing his literary passion. Despite a personal lack of pets at this point in time, he persists in prattling on about them to anyone willing to listen.
LISA DAY
Lisa Day is a certified IPG Master Groomer and IPG certified grooming evaluator. Presently she is the developer/instructor of the Professional Grooming Program at Algonquin College in Ottawa and also teaches behaviour issues as part of the Vet Assistant Program. Lisa has worked with poodles in the sport of competitive obedience for over 30 years in both the USA and Canada. Her current canine partner, GMOTCh Tudorose Smooth Operator RE AM. CDX Am., better known as Shaver, is the first Standard Poodle in the history of Canadian competitive obedience to achieve the highest title offered in obedience—Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion. She has won multiple awards in the field of obedience and many of her pupils are ranked nationally.
Sarah Sypniewski
www.ninjadogconcepts.showitsite.com
Sarah is a writer and entrepreneur living in Santa Monica, CA with her partner Kim and pack of rescue pooches who like to hog the furniture. Coowner of Bark Pet Photography and NinjaDog Concepts, a lost dog logistics service, she is busy writing about it all. Her blog, Sarah Leaps, was recognized as Freshly Pressed by WordPress in August 2011. Her poem, Paws Amidst Pain, written about the therapy dogs of 9/11, is a much-loved tribute used by service dog agencies everywhere. Her first book, Dog Photography For Dummies (Wiley), was just released in November 2011. Despite these credentials, she still can’t seem to get a place on the couch—and she’d have it no other way.
BECKY VALENTINE
www.the-barkitect.com
When Becky is not working full time as a designer for BDA Architecture (a firm in Albuquerque, NM that specializes in designing and building animal care facilities all over the country), she can be found blogging about my favorite designer dog products on The-Barkitect.com. She has two Great Danes, Vader and Vixen, and everyday they help inspire her to push the limits of great designs for people and canines.
ALLISON VORSTENBOSCH
www.theallusionist.ca
Allison is a recovering English major. She spends her days selling chocolates in order to fund her real passion: writing, whether it be about animals or Canadian television. She previously blogged about her adventures in Canadian content and is now a guest contributor to the filmarmy blog. In an attempt to explore her creative side, her new blog will feature short stories, cinematic scenes, soliloquys and maybe even a sonnet. May God help us all.
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Ph o t o g r LIZ BRADLEY
www.elizabethandjane.ca
Liz Bradley is a dog lover who lives with her husband, and their three little fur-kids, Paddington, Wellington and Corduroy, in Ottawa, Ontario. She has a passion for photographing pets, portraits and weddings and also runs the Ottawa Dog Blog.
Lisa Prince Fishler
www.printzphotography.com
Lisa Prince Fishler is owner and full time pet photographer at Printz Photography, and founder of HeARTs Speak, a 501(c)(3), organization that supports artists working to improve the image of shelter animals across the globe through their art. Determined to do something about the over 4 million adoptable animals that lose their lives in shelters each year, Lisa and the HeARTs Speak team are working diligently to unite the individual efforts of animal artists and animal rescues into collective action for social change.
STEPHANIE HEIM
www.stephanieheim.com
Stephanie grew up with an unquenchable passion for the visual arts and fell in love with photography during her final year of high school. A graduate of Algonquin College’s challenging photography program, Stephanie is now hard at work exploring the world of photography any way she can.
Laura Norris
www.laurajanephotography.ca
Laura is an Ottawa-based natural light photographer specializing in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her style is contemporary and prefers capturing special candid moments rather than stiff and posed photos. Laura’s passion is creating unique and classic memories for her clients that can be cherished for a lifetime. She is also a dog lover—she adopted her best friend Riley from the Ottawa Humane Society in August and he is often the subject of her personal work.
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raphers KIM RODGERS
www.barkpetphotography.com
Kim graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA with a BA in Studio Arts. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, PEOPLEPets.com, LAist.com, TMZ, PEOPLE Style Watch Magazine, and Dogs Today Magazine. She is also a founding and current board member of Lu Parker Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving conditions at LA Animal Shelters while enlisting the help of local at-risk youth looking to give back to their community.
TONYA SCHABACKER
www.tonyapetphotography.com
Tonya was able to take the two things she loves most in life—animals and photography—stack them together and make a career. Her ability to capture a dog’s unique personality is what makes her work outstanding and beautiful. She calls Austin, TX home.
SF Pet Photography
www.simonefauque.com
Simone Fauque loves whiskers, quoting Zoolander, nutella, cappucinos, the smell of pine, Lake Massawippi, horsey noses, little stubby wagging tails, photography and her cat Oliver. A Montreal based pet photographer with a degree in professional photography from Dawson College. She is combining her love and understanding of animals, to create modern editorial style pet portraiture.
design beauty Minh Tam Nguyen
Minh believes that beauty lies in the details, a belief that serves her well in her work as a graphic designer. With over a decade of graphic design experience, ranging from corporate work to freelance, her skills are diverse and versatile. When she’s not busy creating gorgeous layouts on the computer, she is often pursuing other creative outlets, such as jewelery, stationary and more. She also enjoys mad cuddles with Rory while working in the PAWSH office!
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Creature Comforts
FOR DOGS
Play, play, play is a fabulous way to wind up or wind down any time of the day!
Fuzzees Boiled Wool toys
www.olivegreendog.com
Tennis Ball Dumbell
www.petsmart.com
Recycled canvas dog toy
www.domesticbeast.com
Bionic play toy
www.petvalu.com
Artichoke chew toy
www.planetdog.com
Love bone
www.cloud7.de
Spinny dog toy
www.petvalu.com
Cotton rope seahorse
www.harrybarker.com
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Artist Profile
The Simple Things
in Life
Written by Laura L. Benn Photography by Gerrard Gethings
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If you had asked Gerrard Gethings five years ago where he thought he would be today, chances are he would never have guessed spending his time in a bright studio with . Quite the contrary in fact. Gethings originally moved from Wigan, a small town in northern England, into the heart of London with the dream of being a painter. But a little Border Terrier named Baxter wandered into his life – and studio – bringing with him the discovery that pet portraiture can also be a type of fine art.
dogs for
company
S
everal years, hundreds of walks and thousands of photographs later, Gethings is now toted by many in the artistic community as the second greatest dog photographer in the world. Guided by his four-legged friends and his beautiful sense of artistry, Gethings’ career has brought him to work for several well known organizations including PETA and The Kennel Club. Gethings chats with Pawsh about how following the simple things – and his small, hairy assistant – has brought fulfilment beyond his wildest dreams.
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Artist Profile
1
How long have you been photographing animals?
I have been photographing animals for as long as I’ve had cameras, but I have only been taking studio shots of them since Baxter arrived. He is really the reason I started. I would go on walks every day and take my camera along. After a while the pictures became a big part of the walk. I set myself a challenge to take one decent photograph of him every day. When your walk is always in the same place this can be difficult, so to change thing up a little I started taking more and more equipment. At first just a tripod; then lights, modifiers, stands and gels. It got a little ridiculous to be honest, but I think it was a great way of learning new techniques in a pressure free environment. I would set up a couple of lights and then maybe stop a passing dog to be in the photograph too. I think people thought me a bit strange but I didn’t care.
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Sometimes pet photography can all start to look ‘the same,’ but yours has a unique style and tone to it. How do you make your work stand out? As far as having a style of my own goes it’s difficult to say. I think perhaps my background has a lot to do with it -- this and the way I went about learning the ropes. I was lucky when I first arrived in London to get a job as assistant to Terry O’Neill. Working with him kind of demystified photography for me. He always kept things simple and that’s what I try to do. Like him, I try and focus attention on the eyes. Not always of course, anything can happen during a shoot, but this is where I always start. Another influence on my style (if I have one) is that for years I was a painter. I studied fine art and moved to London to become an artist, not a photographer. I think maybe I have one eye on composition. Oh, and of course there was all that time shooting Baxter. I had no constraints and wasn’t trying to emulate any particular style. Maybe working in this indulgent way allowed time to develop a style without having to worry about it’s commercial viability.
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What themes dictate your work?
This is quite tricky to pin down from my point of view. I certainly don’t consciously have a theme, but looking back over a few photographs I do tend to isolate the subjects. I almost always shoot with a backdrop and also remove the collar. The collar gives a clue as to the story behind the animal. I don’t like this as it gets in the way of the important stuff. It also ruins the lines, in my opinion. I think the idea of an animal that has been isolated in this way is quite melancholy. Maybe this is a consistent theme. Anyone who has ever had a dog knows that the last thing they want to be is alone. They are very sociable creatures and I think photographically this isolation adds another dimension.
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Pet photography is a very niche market. What advice would you have for somebody wishing to start their own pet photography business? The most important thing for aspiring photographers is that you must love your subject. It is true of every photographer I know, whatever they shoot. In a way you have to be obsessed. If you’re business is successful you will be spending a great deal of time with animals (and their owners). Most of them will be completely untrained (owners too). Some won’t know their own name. Most won’t sit and stay. They may be aggressive, sleepy or scared and you will have to find the patience to deal with them all. Trying to get a beautiful portrait out of a sleepy Mastiff or a hyper active Chihuahua is not for the faint of heart. The owner is going to want to see you in complete control. This can be really tricky sometimes when you’re tired and a dog just isn’t interested. You have to be good with animals and truly love their company. I get asked a lot of questions by
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Artist Profile
dog owners who love their dog, like to photograph him, and decide to be a photographer. It may not be the best idea. It would be like me shooting other people’s kids. I enjoy their company but the idea spending every day with them makes my blood run cold. So the advice is, know your subject.
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What were some of the challenges you faced when setting up your own business and how did you overcome them? I haven’t experienced many challenges as yet, but I have definitely made mistakes. I held myself back at first by steadfastly refusing to get involved with any kind of social media. The possibilities for reaching a wider audience are stratospheric. Here’s an example.....I was recently contacted by someone from a blog site called My Modern Metropolis. It’s an arts blog and I’d coincidentally been following them for a while. They ran a few of my pictures then the next day, the same thing happened again. This time with a site called Business Insider. I’d never heard of it but turns out it’s one of the biggest blog sites in the world. Whoever puts the general interest pieces together for them must be a dog lover, so they ran a few of my pictures. By the next day over a hundred thousand people had visited my web site. This is unprecedented and I hadn’t had to lift a finger. I think it really is very important nowadays to utilize social networking.
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What is your personal golden rule when working with dogs? I have two golden rules; sharp eyes and no panting! The focus of most portraiture is the eyes. It’s what we are all drawn to. For me the eyes have to be sharp and well lit. If a dog has hairy or dark eyes it’s a challenge, but you have to work out how to get the light in there. A white dog with black eye patches is about as tricky as it gets. Panting is another challenge. I want my pictures to be printed and displayed by the owner and panting dogs just don’t look good. This is really tricky to deal with. Almost all large dogs pant, particularly when it’s warm or they are stressed, or both. You have to keep them well watered and as relaxed as possible. Then you have to work out how to get them to shut their mouths. It’s a bit trickier than it sounds.
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Do you always hope to photograph dogs or are there other areas of photography that you would like to one day explore? I already photograph lots of other subjects. I love to do portraiture of people, I do a little fashion, but my real love is animals. There are no creatures I wouldn’t enjoy photographing. I have shot snakes, lizards, tropical birds, owls, chickens, farm animals, all sorts. It is definitely my ambition to photograph wilder animals. I love the idea of using studio techniques
outdoors. I’ve had lots of practice trying this stuff out on dogs and tame animals and really look forward to getting out there. The difficulty isn’t getting the shots it’s getting the commissions for this kind of work.
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Can you please tell Pawsh about your favourite pet photo session to date. What makes it memorable for you? I have had a few memorable jobs -- memorable for different reasons. Last year I did a story for Marie Claire about Crufts. We built a little pop up studio at the NEC and set off to find remarkable looking dogs and their owners. I was told it is the first time anyone has been allowed to shoot this way at Crufts so the results we achieved were kind of special. In terms of characters, Crufts is pretty amazing. It’s like a cross between a private members club in Mayfair and WalMart! I highly recommend a trip. This job was memorable because of how hectic it was and how much we managed to achieve, but they can be memorable for other reasons. Last year a girl came to me with a rescue dog. It had been abused it’s whole life and was so neglected that it didn’t have one single tooth. She had only had it for a few months and I have rarely, if ever seen a stronger bond between an animal and a human. The week before the shoot she had been told the dog had a brain tumour and only had about three months to live. She wanted something to remember him
by. The dog was called Darcy and even after everything he’d been through he was incredibly affectionate. I will never forget that little dog and I’ve included a picture of him as a sort of tribute.
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Do you find working with dog owners easier than non-dog people? Totally.
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How so?
You instantly have some common ground. I notice it all the time. I experienced this on a shoot just the other day. I was commissioned to photograph the editor of a popular magazine. I did some homework and was told by everyone that she was a bit of a nightmare. I was nervous before the job but when she arrived she had a young dog. I reacted as I always do with a pup and fell to the floor to play with him. Within minutes she was sitting on the studio floor with
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me, playing with the dog and enthusiastically discussing his quirks. As a result, the photographs were a success and she seemed to really enjoy the session. I’m sure that without the dog this wouldn’t have been the case.
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What makes dogs a great model to work with?
I just find them easy subjects. I do enjoy working with people but there are lots of politics involved. People are very sophisticated. You never really know what they are thinking. This works both ways. If I don’t particularly like a model/ subject I still have to pretend. Keep things upbeat and get them to relax. It’s different with the dogs. I never find myself saying,’ that Poodle was such an idiot!’ They don’t have any kind of poker face. The position of their ears or tail will always give them away. Plus, almost all of them perk up when I introduce a slice of cheese, which cannot be said of models! The other good thing about dogs is that they rarely look at the computer screen and complain of appearing chubby, old, tired or ugly.
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What is the general reaction from people when they learn you photograph dogs for a living?
It’s very difficult to tell what they really think. There are lots of preconceptions. The images of dogs that spring to mind tend to be the dodgy, high street variety which give the genre a bad name. I suspect that people think this is what I do. The thing is, I take what I do really seriously. A beautiful portrait of a dog is no less interesting to me than a beautiful portrait of any other creature. I like the studio. I like to use lights. Every shoot is an opportunity as far as I’m concerned. It’s exciting because you never know what you will get. I’m very picky about lighting and will spend an age tweaking the levels until they’re just right. In a way I think I try a bit harder because of peoples preconceptions. Or maybe it’s all in my head. Maybe they think it sounds like a fun thing to do.
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What have been some of your career highlights to date?
Difficult to say. I was approached by ITV to take part in a new show called Top Dog Model last year. It was me and a Californian guy called Seth Casteel. We were billed as two of the worlds best dog photographers and I must confess to thinking this was pretty cool. I’ve been aware of Seth for a long time and was pleased to be on the same show. I’ve also recently been asked by the Kennel Club to do some lectures about my work and appear at Crufts as a photographer of interest. Oh and PETA have asked me to do a campaign for them. They do great work and it’s for a really good cause so I can’t wait. Mind you if I think about it, the highlights for me will always be the amazing dogs I get to meet.
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If you could change anything in the pet world, what would it be?
The pet world in general is probably too wide a subject to try and cover. I would start with irresponsible dog owners and end up ranting about over fishing and deforestation. My hopes are very general, and probably shared by every sane, decent person in the world. To simply put a stop to all exploitative and cruel treatment to any living creature. It should be so easy.
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If you were to come back reincarnated as a dog, what breed or mix would you be and why?
Ha. Oh you know, something big and scary! Not really. Maybe a Wolfhound. They’re big but always seem pretty laid back. I suppose when you ask this question not many people say a Chihuahua.
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Your favourite thing about your job is __________?
My favourite thing about my job is that I genuinely love what I do. I’ve always felt really relaxed around animals. I am ALWAYS happy when I’m working. I recently said to my wife one Sunday evening that I couldn’t wait for tomorrow. When she enquired why, I told her I was driving to Bristol to photograph some Dachshunds. She said that I was lucky to feel that way about work. I suppose she’s right.
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Is there anything else you would like to add?
If I am to add anything it should be about my dog Baxter. If it wasn’t for him I would not be doing what I am. He was eight weeks old when I got him and now he’s five. Every day since he arrived has been better than all the ones before. There is no greater pleasure in my life than walking with him. It’s the simplest of pleasures, and it doesn’t cost a thing.
To see more of Gethings’ work, please visit www.dogtownstudio.co.uk.
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WELLNESS
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best paw Putting your
forward: 5 tips to train your dog to run on a treadmill Written by Laura L. Benn Photography courtesy of DogTrot Fitness
love to run
You probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear – a lot! Not only is it a that dogs source of great fun for them, but some studies suggest that regular running exercise can extend a dog’s natural life by two full years!
H
owever, when the weather is horrific or you just can’t make it out for a romp in the park what is a pup to do? The answer could be a specially designed dog-friendly treadmill – but only if you properly and safely train your dog to use the equipment. DogTrot Fitness (www.dogtrotfitness.com) specializes in dog-friendly treadmills and emphasizes knowledgeable training before use so that Fido can have as much safe fun as possible. Here is an easy to follow, step by step guide to help your dog put his or her best paw forward.
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WELLNESS
Step 1
Mutt motivation
According to professional dog trainer, Kathy Chou, it is important to find out what motivates your dog before even going anywhere near a dog treadmill. What is that thing that your dog will do absolutely anything for – is it a toy, kibble, a special kind of treat? Finding out what motivates your dog will help you to encourage and reward them for moving forward with the treadmill.
Step 2
Slow but sure
Introduce your dog to the treadmill idea slowly. Turn it on without your dog on it to allow him or her a chance to get used to the sound, movement and presence of the machine. Next place a few of your dog’s favourite treats or their motivational object on the treadmill at standstill to let him or her get used to being on the machine. Be sure to stand in front of the treadmill as well so your dog is facing you.
Step 3
A gentle pace
When you and your dog are comfortable with the treadmill (and you have the remote control figured out, if applicable), begin with a very short running session set at a gentle pace. Chou recommends starting with the slowest speed possible for only a few minutes. For your dog’s safety use a leash while he or she is learning how to run on a treadmill, but do not pull or yank your dog on the leash if they want to hop off of the treadmill. It is important to remember that the treadmill needs to be a positive place for your dog and that they need to build their confidence at their own pace.
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Step 4
Be supportive
As your dog’s caregiver and trainer it is extremely important that you always stand or kneel in front of the treadmill while your dog is using it. An unattended dog on a treadmill can get hurt if you aren’t careful, so keep your eyes on them at all times. Keep your dog’s attention forward, on you, and encourage him or her to walk towards you when the treadmill is operational. Having your dog’s motivating object on hand can help with this.
Step 5
Repeat, repeat, repeat
Don’t expect your dog to be able to manage a treadmill right away. In all likelihood it will take several short sessions and a lot of repetition before your dog feels confident and capable enough to handle a treadmill in motion. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or if your dog is getting anxious stop the exercise and return to it later. Above all it is important to keep your the treadmill experience as a pleasant one for your dog. With the proper training and encouragement they will be running along in no time!
Keep in Mind A Chou advises that you always leave enough clearance behind the treadmill
for when your dog slides off – and this will happen. “We would suggest that the clearance behind your treadmill be at least the length of your dogs tail (extended) plus 20%. We don’t want any broken tails!” she says.
B “Placing a non-skid mat in that clearance area will also help to keep your dog safe and skid free,” recommends Mary Fisher, coowner of DogTrot Fitness.
C Also, before you even think about putting your dog onto the treadmill, be sure that
you are completely familiar with the equipment. DogTrot Fitness treadmills come with a remote control feature that should be studied carefully as well before use so you can keep your dog as safe as possible.
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FEATURE
Top d o g s ! Written by Laura L. Benn
minds in the pet world
PAWSH chats with some of the best and brightest creative about life, business and chasing dreams!
The world is your canvas Adrian Salamunovic and his longtime friend and business partner, Nazim Ahmed, are the cofounders of DNA11 and Canvas Pop, two distinctly unique art companies. The first company turns human and pet DNA alike (oh yes, actual DNA!) into stunning abstract canvases that hang almost hypnotically on walls and in studio spaces. The second company transforms your photos into awesomely exaggerated canvases, making family photos the new ‘it’ art piece for homes across the globe. Making appearances in the Golden Globes, The View, Azure Magazine and The New York Times – to name a few notable fans – Adrian and Nazim have morphed their artistic vision into two internationally acclaimed businesses that strive to celebrate the common and not so common artistry of life. Name: Adrian Salamunovic Business: Canvas Pop (www.canvaspop. com)and DNA11 (www.dna11.com) -cofounded with Nazim Ahmed. Location: Headquarters in Ottawa, ON and LA. Offices around the world.
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Who is your pet: A feisty, seven-yearold beagle named Bosley. He has more press than I have and has been featured in the New York Times, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesar Milan’s Magazine, People Pets. One of the very first DNA portraits we ever produced was of Bosley – it hangs in my house to this day.
Photo credit: Maria Del Rio
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Favourite thing about your job: I think being able to be creative everyday and having the opportunity to lead a lot of the creative projects here at Canvas Pop and DNA11. Secret trick for working with animals in the office: Well, the most obvious answer is to just have a pet-friendly office. We used to have pets in all the time before, but we have a unique space at the moment where the factory area and customer support is all in one huge area. As you know beagles shed, so fur sometimes ended up in the pieces in early days. We have a new space now and will be getting an even newer space soon, which we are planning to make pet-friendly. Right now my girlfriend’s Yorkie, Maggie, comes in and out of the office all the time, because Yorkies don’t shed. She’s like our unofficial mascot and even has her own Twitter handle, @LittleMissYorkie!
whether it’s a pair of shoes or car, it bites you in the end. Always buy the better thing and get the better value. I tell everybody this now. Worst advice you’ve ever received: When we were in a 2000 sq. ft. office space a friend of mine told me we’re crazy to expand office. They said we were going to be bankrupt. That was 5 years ago. Now we are at 30000 sq. ft. space and going strong. It was the worst advice. Go big, I say, go big. Favourite quote: “Think big.” It’s simple, but it means so much. I try to formulate my life, whether launching a project or contest or whatever around this concept. Just think big. Favourite pet product: Acana dog food. It’s all natural dog food, nice packaging, amazing quality. My dog has a lot of allergies, so this product helps with that. It’s also a good price point and organic (www.acana.com).
3 things I can’t live without: My iPhone – I don’t go anywhere without it. My watch – it’s a nice style piece and my L.A. hat, I wear it everywhere. If I could train my pet to do anything I would: Play dead. That’s a pretty good party trick to pull out. A classic. Best advice you’ve ever received: “Things that are cheap, are expensive” -- my grandad told me that and it is so true. When you buy something cheap, pawsh-magazine.com
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FEATURE
Living with intention Jess Lively is something of a rarity in all of the best ways. Part business savant, part motivational speaker, part life coach-esque presence, she has created a completely unique company that helps people to design their lives, homes and businesses with intention. Applying her business degree with her unique attitude towards these goals has resulted in a new cool, cleansing wave that is quickly sweeping throughout various online communities, ridding us of the common ‘excess’ that so often detracts and distracts from our true objectives, whether personal or professional. In January of 2009 Jess started MakeunderMyLife.com (now JessLively.com) – a place where she could write about decluttering her own life. Since then her experiences have matured into an unprecedented expertise and she spends her days helping clients from all walks of life design their own journeys with intention. Professional title: I help people for a living. I help them design lives, homes, business and homes with intention through one-on-one consultations and workshops. Location: Chicago! Who is your pet? A six-month-old Westie named Franklin. What do you do professionally? blog about my journey to design lives with intention while sprinkling some of my own life experiences throughout in hopes that my story resonates with others. A lot of us go about our lives not thinking about the end in mind. The phrase ‘with intention’ helps you to focus with the beginning and the end in mind. It’s about recognizing that you are a proactive individual, who can forge the path you really want.
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You can make the decision that is also the best for you, so that you do something with intention instead of just floating along and reacting to everything. I help people recognize their own abilities and focus in their lives, homes and businesses. How has living and working with intention changed/impacted your life? My career has been with intention throughout, so it hasn’t really changed anything for me personally, but it’s created a life that I love. I have been doing this for 14 years in terms of the business side. So the point of it now with the intention stuff is that I’ve slowly been able to design a career that I truly love. I get to help people which is awesome. I am putting my own boundaries and restraints and directions and intentions to my career and things are fitting within it. I no longer feel acted upon. It feels good.
Photo credit: Maria Del Rio
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What is your ‘meet-cute’ story with Franklin? In other words, how did you meet? My husband wanted a golden retriever, but I grew up with a Westie and was dying to raise one of my own. So Mr. Lively said yes to westie as long as it was a boy. When we saw Franklin’ litter there were four boys in it who all came running at us. One crawled into my lap and started giving me kisses and his tail kept wagging more than the others. This was Franklin! He really chose us I think. How do you feel that Franklin has added to your life? He has added to our family life and had a great impact there. He’s also helped me become more patient and is really fun. Ultimately though, he has given Mr. Lively and I something to care for together. He has made us feel even more like a family. Something a lot of pet parents struggle with is ‘how to do it all’ while still spending time with their pet. How would you advise them to make the most of their time with furry loved ones? Take him to doggie daycare and don’t feel guilty about it. Franklin LOVES going to daycare and hanging out with his dog friends. I take him twice a week, even if I’m working at home, because he would prefer to go there than sit at home being bored while I work. It’s like an outlet for him to have fun on his own and daycare has really helped him get past the whole nipping phase too.
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Do you feel there is a way to be a pet parent with intention? My intention is to make his life as great as possible, which is the same intention for my life. At first with Franklin I felt like a stay at home mom, which was not the way I wanted to be right now. I wanted to be productive and work, but I also wanted Franklin to be having fun. Again, doggy daycare is a huge help – it’s like training and fun for your dog all at the same time. They learn so much there and it’s one small way I can help make his life the best it can be. What is the greatest challenge of running a successful business and maintaining a good life balance? I say that you have to determine a schedule that is maintainable and enjoyable for yourself. If you don’t like you life and business and balance you can only blame yourself – you are the boss. Don’t be a bad boss. If you choose to say yes you are choosing it; you don’t have to it – it’s a choice. Batching time (aka lumping similar tasks together into a period of time) is great and creates a template for your schedule. Give yourself an outline of work every week. I’m working on not talking so much, because I like to talk, but keeping on time and on target is important for my work. It allows me to move on to the next client and not interrupt one task for the other. Also, don’t be afraid to seek out help when you need it – and we all need it at some point.
2 1
favourite things!
Jess and Franklin’s
1 For special occasions! Dog bowtie www.etsy.com/shop/SillyBuddy
2 The cheapest and cutest
3
‘dog bowls’ ever! Small beaded ramekin www.target.com
3 Red tartan is
Franklin’s favourite! Tanner & Dash Waterbury Tartan Jacket www.diggidydog.com
4
4 My adorable phone
charger base! Universal smart phone dock www.nordstrom.com
5 Paper storage
extraordinaire! Stockholm desktop file www.containerstore.com
6 Pretty office
supply storage Ming boxes www.zgallerie.com
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FEATURE
Miles to style Interviewing Christine Martinez feels like interviewing a modern day superwoman. Not only is this talented young woman an accomplished designer, an insightful author and blogger, and a successful entrepreneur, but she is also the Creative Director of Luvocracy.com – the hottest new tastemaking community that allows users to purchase products from personalized recommendations. The Oakland, California native answers each question thoughtfully and with an articulateness that one would expect of someone well beyond her years. Accompanied by her faithful sidekick Miles, an adorable eight-year-old Miki, Christine shares her advice for striking out into a creative career and sustaining her many multifaceted projects. Congratulations on Luvocracy! For those who may not yet know about the Luv, could you please tell us a little about it?: Thanks! Luvocracy is a new social marketplace where you get to shop all of the great product recommendations made by your friends, family, and individuals you admire on the web. Instead of blindly searching for something you may want to buy, you can browse curated recommendations from people you already know and trust! It’s like whittling down the web to the best of the best. And the major bonus is that everyone is rewarded with a little cut of the sale when their recommendations are purchased. How cool is that? I mean, shouldn’t we all be rewarded for having great taste? What has your experience been like creating this wonderful new community? It’s been incredibly exciting, and a lot of hard work. I’ve worked online for many years, and I’ve “met” so many talented and interesting people. It’s been a ton of fun to reach into the different online communities I’ve
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worked within (from design world to dog world) to create a wonderful new community of people that know their stuff when it comes to great products. You wear so many hats successfully – creative director, blogger, designer, entrepreneur. What would be your advice for juggling multiple projects without sacrificing quality? It’s important pay attention to the little voice inside of you that starts to get very vocal when you’re approaching a critical breaking point. If you really want to maintain a high level of quality across multiple projects, sometimes you have to let one rest for a while. It’s okay to take a step back and revisit something later. You and your work will be better for it. Sometimes you can do ten things at once with a lot of success, and other times two may be your limit. Ride those inspired waves as long as you can, take a little break, and go for it again. How does Miles contribute to your busy days? Miles has been my daily companion and business partner for
Photo credit: Maria Del Rio
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FEATURE
eight years. I used to smuggle him into my studio art classes when he was a puppy, and now he’s a full time startup doggy in San Francisco. He has always been the most necessary part of my busy days, because he’s the only one that can truly break them up for me. Miles quite literally reminds me to walk outside and stop and smell the roses everyday. I love that he makes my colleagues happy as well. His little underbite and sweet disposition puts a smile on everyone’s face. I think we’re all better off for having such a stellar office dog. What is your ‘meet-cute’ story with Miles? Miles is a rare breed that I became familiar with back when I was an art school student in Los Angeles. After babysitting my neighbor’s Miki, I knew I had to have one. I created a puppy fund, and set aside money every month for a year until I could afford a Miki of my own. When Miles’ litter was born, I knew exactly which puppy was coming home with me – the brown puppy with the furry and fabulous white boots. He was an instant standout and we connected immediately. It wasn’t easy being the only twenty two year old in LA that couldn’t go out and party because I was saving for a puppy, but he’s was completely worth it. We’ve been permanently attached to each other ever since! What things do you keep in mind when buying new products for Miles? I’m a quality over quantity person, so I’m always willing to spend a bit more on quality products for Miles that I know are good for him, and will stand the test of time and teeth. I know Miles and his
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likes and dislikes well, so I always look for products that are small enough for his tiny bite, are light enough for him to drag around, and soft enough for him to cuddle with (he loves to cuddle with his things – toys, sweaters, anything!) I always keep Miles in mind when I buy new products. No matter how much I love something, if it’s not right for Miles, it doesn’t come home with us. What are 5 of your favourite pet-related products at the moment? I’m crazy about the products from Found My Animal. Particularly their hand dyed olive ombre leash and collar. They’re so timeless and elegant and I adore their cause. I’m also a big fan of wagwear’s boat canvas carrier for it’s similar classic aesthetic. Miles loves the orange dogpatch sweater from George. It’s been keeping him warm all winter and orange is his color! He’s also loving Molly Mutt’s pillows as a great addition to his bed. It helps to keep his head elevated just the way he likes. Last and certainly not least, Miles and I are crazy about the product collaboration we got to do with Blanket ID as part of their Donation by Design program. Our little Bling Tag was perhaps the coolest thing Miles and I have ever created together, and I love that the proceeds go to the SPCA. A lot of people who start their own businesses or join a new business team often experience a certain degree of fear. How do you overcome that fear of the unknown? In my experience, a bit of blissful ignorance has never been a bad thing. If I had known exactly what I was getting myself into before I moved into something new, I may have let the fear
1
2
favourite things
Christine and Miles’
1 Ombre collar and leash www.foundmyanimal.com
2 Boat canvas carrier www.wagwear.com
3 Orange dog sweater www.georgesf.com
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4 ‘Pictures of You’
pillow pack www.mollymutt.com
5 Donation
by design tag www.blanketid.com
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FEATURE
totally paralyze me. I think all you really need is faith that you’re smart enough to work your way through challenges that will inevitably come your way. You can’t over think it. And you definitely can’t plan for everything. If you can shift and adapt well, there’s really not a whole lot to fear. When you do manage to have some free time, what does your perfect day off look like? I adore hiking! I’m fortunate enough to live in the bay area, which is full of amazing trails. My husband and I love to jump in the car with Miles and head North past the Golden Gate bridge to some of our favorite beach trails. Miles is crazy about hiking as well, and it’s so fun to watch him explore. We typically end a long day of hiking by heading to the beach and indulging in BBQ oysters and white wine.
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What are some of your favourite things about your work and life right now? I have so many things to be excited about at the moment. It’s the most thrilling thing to start to experience your career on a level you dreamed of and worked hard for. I adore the people I work with. They’re all so brilliant. And it’s exciting to meet and work through challenges with them on a daily basis. What I love most has been the opportunity to visit beautiful places and meet inspiring people. I’m actually answering these questions from the patio of India Hick’s fabulous home! You know life is good when you often have those “pinch me, I must be dreaming” moments. All of this plus I just married my high school sweetheart. I feel like the luckiest person in the world. Is there anything else you would like to add? Nope! Just a great BIG thank you! XO
your copy Order
today!
www.blurb.ca.
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Nutrition
Super Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs! Recipe by Laura L. Benn Photography by Laura Norris
oodles of noodles for you and your pup!
An easy, delicious recipe that offers
T
he true beauty of cooking is that it is a sensory experience. Scent, sight, taste, touch and even sound all play an important part when it comes to creating something in the kitchen. The exciting sizzle, wafting aromas, tantalizing textures and enchanting colours are what make cooking a unique and often magical part of the day.
There is also a strong emotional ingredient that comes into culinary play, which is the reason so many of us choose to celebrate momentous life events with food. Great meals help us to savour the moment and to relish the simple things that bring great joy.
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This Lady and the Tramp inspired spaghetti and meatballs feast is ideal for celebrating special occasions – anniversaries in particular. Not only is this delightful dish easy to make, but it offers dinner guests a great source of protein as well as antioxidants. Loaded with beta carotene, vitamin A and fibre this meal will also help your dog maintain healthy digestion and a shiny coat, while satisfying a big appetite. Cooking for yourself and your dog can be so much more than simply slicing and dicing and anxiously hovering over the oven timer. A beautiful meal can nourish the soul and bring us closer to the ones we love.
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Nutrition
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Super Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs! The recipe for both human and canine stews is quite similar, so it won’t take much extra effort to prepare. Just remember to have two pots on the stove – one for you and one for the pup!
Noodles
One spaghetti squash Olive oil
Meatballs
2 cups of organic ground/minced beef Italian seasoning (to taste) Garlic (not for dog’s dish) 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
Sauce
2 cloves of garlic (not for dog’s dish) Pinch of pepper 6-8 tomatoes 1 cup of organic milk 1 cup of sliced carrots 1 cup of diced celery 1 sliced green pepper
Directions
1 Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Place face down on a baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 40 minutes. 2 Once baked remove squash from oven. Use a fork to gently carve out long thin strands of squash into noodles. (The squash will be hot so be sure to use oven mitts when handling it!) Place squash noodles into a separate bowl and set aside. 3 To prepare the sauce wash and dice the tomatoes. Combine with milk in a blender and blend until a smooth consistency forms. 4 Warm two skillets with a tbsp of olive oil on a low heat (one for you and one for your dog). In the ‘you’ skillet gently saute minced garlic. 5 Add celery, carrots and peppers to each pan and saute.
Cupcake Meet Meatball This tantalizing recipe can be scaled down to create a nutritious pint-sized treat for your dog! Simply scoop the luscious squash noodles into a pretty cupcake liner, add a dollop of creamy rich sauce and top with a juicy meatball. Or fill an entire cupcake pan with these mini romantic dinners and deliver to your dog’s next social function for an extra special treat!
6 Pour the tomato mixture into each pan and leave to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 7 In a large bowl combine all meatball ingredients (keeping in mind once again that garlic should not be included in your dog’s portion). Mix together and form into small balls approximately 1.5” in diameter. Bake meatballs at 350 F on a baking tray until meatballs are no longer pink in the middle. 8 In a new pan, warm a little bit of olive oil and saute spaghetti noodles until noodles are all coated and warmed through. 9 Serve in a dog dish and on a plate by layering sauce upon noodles and topping with a meatball or two! (Remember, don’t mix up the dog-friendly sauce and meatballs with yours!) Celebrate and enjoy!
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Creature Comforts
Hot
Riley Tote Bag
Fashions Wrap Panel dress
www.topshop.com
www.rennes.us
Add some sizzle to your wardrobe and home with any of these spicy finds!
Jaclyn striped sandals
www.rocketdog.com
Something Blue Pendant
www.katespade.com
Zigzag floor pouf
www.westelm.com
Stained coasters
www.cb2.com
Little Ribbon clutch
www.katespade.com
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Bone Appetit Dog Place Mat
www.bitchnewyork.com
Ella Dish Jimmy Mod Leash
www.olivegreendog.com
Day dream dog tag
www.blanketID.com
Waggo Wave Bowl
www.domesticbeast.com
Triangles in Bright Dog Collar Bow Tie
www.soopertramp.com
Hemp Stripe Bed
www.harrybarker.com
Houndstooth Jacket
www.theroverboutique.com
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Funky and fantastic pet photography for cute critters
elizabethandjane.ca
photography
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Behavior
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Play the
day Away! Written by Laura L. Benn Photography by Simone Fauque
K
eeping an inquisitive dog entertained is no easy feat. Chances are they bore quickly with the repetitive nature of fetch, they figure out most hidden treat toys within a matter of moments and they tend to get into mischief if left to their own devices. Dogs like this who love to problem solve need a lot of mental stimulation in order to remain happy and amused, which means you may also have to adorn your trusty thinking cap. Here are three easy, at-home thinking games to put your fluffball’s brain to the test while keeping them entertained!
GAME #1: REVERSE FETCH Toss – retrieve – drop. Toss – retrieve – drop. This sounds a little predictable, don’t you think? It’s little wonder that some dogs simply get bored from a good old fashioned game of fetch. After all, at the end of the day there really isn’t much to it. Instead we recommend playing a game of ‘Reverse Fetch.’ This game not only exercises your dog’s ‘stay’ and ‘find’ commands, but it also reinforces their natural hunting instinct and presents a greater challenge then simply chasing a moving object.
How to play: 1. Pick a toy to play with. This can be a ball, a stuffed animal or a chew toy. 2. Show the toy to your dog and use an enthusiastic voice to get them excited about it. 3. Make your dog ‘sit’ and ‘wait’ while you exit the room and hide the toy elsewhere. 4. When you are ready tell your dog ‘find it’ or ‘yes’ (whatever their non-stay command may be) and watch them seek out their toy. 5. Ask your dog to ‘bring it back.’ Reward with lots of praise and excitement. Then repeat.
TIP: To make this game especially exciting for your dog, always hide the toy in a new place, but don’t conceal it completely. In order for the game to be successful, the toy needs to be discovered by your dog and easily accessible so that they can bring it back. pawsh-magazine.com
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Behavior
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GAME #3: ‘PAUSE AND WAIT’ Contrary to popular belief dogs don’t always have to be on the go in order to be entertained and stimulated. Listening to a command, learning a new trick and remaining focused upon a task offers a great mental workout for clever canines and helps to keep them happy as well as engaged. This game employs all three of those important elements to keep your dog engaged, entertained and working.
How to play: 1. Select a special treat for your dog, something that they don’t get all of the time (pieces of fresh apple or pepper are usually quite popular!) 2. Ask your dog to ‘sit’ and/or ‘lie down.’ You can also ask your dog to ‘go to their bed’ or a specific spot if you would like. 3. Walk six to eight paces away from your dog and place a tasty treat on the floor. Stand up and tell your dog to ‘wait.’ 4. Then go about your business – make a cup of tea, make a sandwich, organize the takeout drawer – while reiterating to your dog that they ‘wait.’ 5. After a few minutes release your dog from the ‘wait’ command by saying ‘yes’ and allow your dog to run across to devour their treat. 6. Praise your dog with lots of love.
TIP: For this game to be most successful we recommend staying in the same room as your dog and the treat. Do not make your dog wait more than five minutes for their treat, as focusing on the requested commands requires a lot of mental exertion. Playing this game more than five times in a row in a short period of time is not recommended, as it is a great challenge for dogs to focus for extended periods of time without a break.
GAME #2: BURIED TREASURE Nearly all dogs love to dig, but don’t get many opportunities to do so in their day to day lives. Typically we discourage them from going to town with their little front paws on our sofas, rugs and beds – not to mention the flowerbeds and outdoor compost. Creating a game of ‘Buried Within’ will help them to exercise their innate desire to dig, dig, dig, while once again playing upon their hunting drive.
How to play: 1. Pick a toy to play with. 2. Show the toy to your dog and use an enthusiastic voice to get them excited about it. 3. Make your dog ‘sit’ and ‘wait.’ 4. Making sure that your dog can still see the toy, wrap it carefully in an old towel or blanket – something that you don’t mind getting damaged. 5. Place the wrapped up toy on the floor and tell your dog ‘yes.’ Watch them dig their way in to track down their prized possession!
TIP: For the feisty digger make this game extra challenging by tying loose knots in the towel around the toy. Your dog will have to dig, shake and sniff their way to success. Just watch their tail wag as they accept the challenge!
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Feature
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| No째 6 | Dog-Gone J u b i l e e
Love is Blind
Written by Laura L. Benn Photography by Lisa Prince Fishler
incredible journey
One dog’s overcome blindness those in need.
and
to help
W
hen you first meet Dutchess she seems just like any other golden retriever – goofy, gregarious and perfectly content to sit as near to you as possible (usually on your foot). Only when she raises her head to ‘look’ at you do you notice something different – she has no eyes. Dutchess’ owner, Mark Condon – a professor of biology at Dutchess college in Poughkeepsie, New York – first suspected something might be wrong with his golden girl in August 2010, when she stopped being able to catch tennis balls or toys tossed in her direction. After several vet visits and examinations it was discovered that the then sevenyear-old therapy dog was suffering from pigmentary uveitis – a condition common to goldens that involves inflammation of the eyes, pigment deposits at the iris and secondary glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve.
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Feature
Although medicinal drops and other treatments can be prescribed to slow the damage, Dutchess’s condition inevitably results in painful pressure upon the eyes and blindness. The only option to alleviate pain in the final stages of this optic deterioration is to surgically remove the eyes – an operation Dutchess endured on February 1st, 2011. Dutchess’s eyelids were sutured closed, leaving her with a friendly squint-like expression that somehow manages to reflect her still happy-go-lucky personality. A mere 10 days after her operation, Dutchess was back to her old tricks – fetching toys, frolicking in the back yard and sniffing about her world. A fortnight later she was back to her therapy work, eager to say hello to her regulars who greeted her back with open arms and hearts.
1
How does one train a blind dog, let alone train one to help others. What exercises did Duchess have to go through in order to be a therapy dog and continue her work as one? Training a dog to be a therapy dog is multifaceted. First, the dog must be reliable in her basic obedience skills and leash manners. For example, counting on a dog to “leave it” in a hospital setting is crucial, as the thing that she might be “leaving” alone could be a pill that would be dangerous to ingest. Secondly, becoming a therapy dog team requires training for the handler. She or her must be sensitive to the setting (hospital, nursing home, school, etc.) and the specific conditions and needs of the clients who are there. Overall, I believe that all dog training is founded on a deep trust between dog and handler. This need is amplified when one of the participants is blind.
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2
What is Duchess’s greatest accomplishment to date?
I believe that Dutchess’ retention of her calm -- and calming -- demeanor following her surgery has been most remarkable. I was concerned that following removal of her eyes she would startle easily. I feared that random noises or touches from multiple directions would frighten her and that she would no longer enjoy working as a therapy dog. Were this true, I would have been sad for her, not because of her blindness, per se, but because of her being deprived of an activity that she had loved so much in her ‘seeing’ day. Happily, Dutchess is still the same “bombproof” dog that she has always been and does not become unnerved by auditory or tactile stressors. This has allowed her to continue to do the therapy dog work that she loves so much. This is a testament to her gentle trusting soul.
3
How do people react to Duchess when they meet her?
People are always engaged by Dutchess, because she insists on receiving attention. Some people express pity for her, but I tell them (as does Dutchess, in her own way) that there is no need for this. She is as happy now without vision as she has ever been. Most people are inspired by Dutchess’ ability to shrug off her “disability” and continue to live a full life focused on helping others.
4
What is Duchess’s average day like?
Though she is 10-years-old, Dutchess has plenty of energy. Daily walks, exploration of the neighbourhood, and play in the back yard are always welcomed by her. She becomes especially exuberant on days when we “work”, whether as a therapy dog team at the autism
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center, or as ambassadors at a public event. Dutchess has always been exceptionally fond of food, and shows boundless exuberance twice per day: at breakfast and at dinner.
Feature
5
What misconceptions do you believe people have about blind dogs? Some people believe that a blind dog is “missing out” in some way. From a physiological perspective, vision is far less important to a dog than to a human, so anthropomorphizing dogs is, in this instance, misleading.
It is troubling that dog owners would consider euthanizing a dog solely because of vision loss. Dutchess is an example of how adaptable a dog can be. Because of my extra work with her as her vision was declining, I have become more closely bonded with Dutchess. Her blindness has actually added dimension to our relationship, as we have learned to trust each other implicitly. In addition, I believe that her effectiveness as a therapy dog -- as one who inspires and brings joy and hope -- has been enhanced by her loss of vision. This is not to say that I am pleased that she has become blind, but the “silver lining” of her vision loss is that she is an exceptionally inspirational model.
6
How did you react when you learned about Dutchess’ condtion?
Though Dutchess was “living in the moment”I had been dealing with the inevitability that Dutchess would soon be completely blind, and would likely need to have both eyes removed. So I began to teach her new commands to help her
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in her vision-reduced state (“step up” and “step down” when approaching curbs or stairs, etc.).
8
What else have you and Dutchess accomplished together?
I was able to maintain a balanced, calm attitude because Dutchess’ attitude was, as it had always been, joyful and positive, and because I knew that if I approached the situation as if it were tragic, Dutchess would absorb this stress. It could have negatively impacted her emotional and physical health, which I absolutely did not want.
In May of 2012, several colleagues and I co-founded Canine Link, a non-profit organization that trains, places, and supports therapy dog teams for work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, community facilities, and other settings. I am pleased to be able to work with friends, including Susan Fireman, who are so dedicated to this work.
I read a number of books and visited web sites about living with blind pets and I realized that, while this would be a huge adjustment for both Dutchess and I, the bond between us would only be strengthened by the situation.
In the summer of 2012, my friend Laura Betti and I co-founded a local troop of the Dog Scouts of America, an organization dedicated to fostering responsible dog ownership and celebrating the human-canine bond. Based in Rhinebeck, NY, the “Hudson Valley Howlers” (Troop #223) has grown to over two dozen members. Dutchess became one of the troop’s charter members in August, 2012. She has earned several DSA patches, and continues to work on others.
7
What advice would you have for someone who is dealing with their dog going blind? Above all trust your dog and be worthy of her trust. Encourage her to trust you. With your help and dedication, she will adapt and your relationship will become even deeper. Care for her appropriately. Don’t place artificial limits on her that are based on your assumptions or preconceptions. Allow her to be a dog.
For more information about Dutchess please visit,
www.DutchessTheTherapyDog.com.
In Dutchess’ honour, Mark has coauthored a children’s book titled A Day With Duchess:Life Lessons From A Blind Therapy Dog. Scheduled for release in spring 2013, the story describes how Dutchess is able to help her human and animal friends recognize and use their strengths and talents to help others.
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Breed Profile
Written by Alexander Bentley Photography by Tonya Schabacker So, pitbulls: They are a widely known and misunderstood breed. Even their name is often not attributed properly, because the term ‘pitbull’ actually refers to a general classification of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and any mixes of the three. As a result the pitbull breed has many – most of which are rarely seen in mainstream media.
friendly faces
S
peaking of which, let’s talk history: Pitbull breeds originated in England and were bred for the then-popular spectacle of bull-baiting. When baiting was declared to be inhumane in the mid 1800s, pitbulls were re-bred for the next most popular – and horrific – event: dog fighting. It is generally considered that people in the past were complete jerks.
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It’s from their tragic history that pitbulls get their misguided reputation as mean, aggressive, and violent dogs. But think about it this way – saying that the modern pitbull is a bully is like saying that the modern Englishman is a blood-thirsty, bullbaiting lunatic. It’s just not true and is really, rather ridiculous.
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Breed Profile
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Contrary to popular misconception, pitbulls absolutely adore people. They’re a high-maintenance breed in that regard, too. They love being around people and they absolutely love attention. Without it, pitbulls tend to get depressed (even more so than other breeds) and descend into unwanted and potentially destructive behaviors, like chewing on everything. So it is important to make sure a pitbull is well socialized and has lots of interest in his day to day activities. This is not a breed of dog you can ignore! They are lovebugs who thrive on giving and receiving affection and are gregarious by nature.
There is one very important reason for this: Sadly, the vast majority of people don’t understand this breed. They see it as a naturally violent dog that’s looking for a fight – a misconception perpetuated by by a deluge of misinformation. Mix that with a pitbull’s natural inclination to go up and enthusiastically say hello to everyone they meet and they’re going to end up freaking somebody out. By keeping a pitbull on a leash and investing some time into ‘don’tpull-on-the-leash’ training, you can keep other people at ease while you explain that pitbulls are not the aggressive dogs so many think they are.
Unlike many pure breeds, the pitbull is very hearty and healthy with no great inclination for genetic maladies. Their active lifestyle does require a good diet, so good, high quality food that is packed with protein is a must. Exercise is also a must with the pitbull breed. They’re strong, stocky, and need to run; or at the very least go on long regular walks. About an hour of walking or other exercise a day is good, but it is commonly suggested to keep this breed on a leash.
If there’s one thing that needs to be addressed in any article about pitbulls, it’s training. Training, training, training. A properly trained and socialized pitbull is the pinnacle of fantastic companionship. An untrained pitbull can be a complete and utter handful – again, like most dogs. However, the power and strength of this particular breed means they come with a unique set of needs that should be understood by any potential owner. It’s because of this that pitbulls are considered
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Breed Profile
an intermediate or advanced breed; if you don’t know what you’re doing, things can go wrong quickly. But if pitbulls are such sweethearts, why is there such a stigma around them? Once upon a time Petey, the starring pitbull in Little Rascals, was seen as a loyal, loving, steadfast family companion, adored by thousands of doting fans. But nowadays, that reputation has been disintegrated in the public eye. Why? Well, it comes down to who wants to own a pitbull. Unfortunately, when many unsavory people look for a dog they pick the strongest and “meanest” looking one they can find; and that dog is more often than not a pitbull. What’s happened is that the pitbull has a reputation as a violent dog – and because they have that reputation, people who are looking for violent dogs buy
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pitbulls. Then they make the pitbull aggressive through negative training, which gives the breed a reputation for violence, and the whole thing repeats ad infinitum. It’s a vicious cycle that has shattered the breed’s reputation and must be broken in order to restore this breed to it’s rightful place as devoted companion and friend. Pitbulls are a breed so controversial that they are actually banned in PAWSH’s home province of Ontario. People see a breed that’s built like a tank and has a history of trained aggression, and they assume the worst. Are pitbulls strong? Yes. Are they aggressive? Only when improperly trained or mistreated – as most dogs tend to be. But are they absolute sweethearts in a loving, caring home? Yes. A thousand times yes.
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Creature Comforts
Florals
for
Fido
by Becky Valentine
Nothing says spring time like a gorgeous floral print. Whether it’s a sea of colorful daisies, a playful display of Hawaiian hibiscuses, or clusters of petite roses, floral patterns evoke a sort of spring fever with memories of bright sunshine, warm weather, and gorgeous budding gardens -- all of which make me smile. As a passionate dog lover and architectural designer, I appreciate the combination of beautiful designs and creative canine products. So, with spring time in the air, and flowers on my mind, I decided to put together this compilation of everyday dog merchandise cloaked in fabulous floral patterns.
Multicolored Flower Dog Tag
from Dog Tag Art
Pink and Yellow Flower Dog Tag
from Dog Tag Art
Magenta Daisies Dog Tag
Shop the look below, and whether you get just one, or all of these items, you and your pup are sure to catch the flowery spring fever in style.
from Dog Tag Art
Flower Shape Rope Toy
from Baxterboo
Flowery Dog Costume
from BuyCostumes.com
Yellow Flower Collar
from Nordstrom
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Colorful Flower Dog Print
from Society 6
Rainbow Flower Dog Collar
from Etsy
70’s Flower Print Leash
from Muttropolis
Fluffy Flower Dog Toys
from Baxterboo
Hibiscus Print Dog Waste Bags
from Ebay
Peachy Floral Dog Bowl
from Zazzle
Heart Shape Floral Dog Bed
from Baxterboo
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Pets At Home
Family is Forever Photography by Liz Bradley
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Pets At Home
Families
come in all shapes and sizes, but all a dog ever sees is love.
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Pets At Home
One may be called the
‘loneliest number,’ but with a dog in the picture a family is born.
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The best part about families? Sharing happy simple moments .
together
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Pets At Home
Dogs can’t wait to meet
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new members of the pack...
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Pets At Home
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welcome
And them into the world like one of their own.
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Pets At Home
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love them
All they want is to be close the most. ones who
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Pets At Home
And stay with them
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forever.
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Behavior
Have a Dog? Why have a Therapist
When you can Written by Sarah Sypniewski Photography by Kim Rodgers
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After all, a dog lets you talk your stuff through out loud without making you feel like you’re crazy (you’re not talking to yourself; you’re talking to your dog). He’s heard what you say about your boss, your spouse, the bus driver, the doorman, your precocious niece, your dramatic friend, your overly inquisitive hair dresser, and even your in-laws – and . Plus – best of all – he’ll never tell.
he doesn’t think any less of you
H
e doesn’t let you get away with anything. He isn’t afraid to confront you when you’re trying to have your midnight snack in peace (you might think no one knows about it when you eat it in the dead of night in the dark kitchen, but he knows--he always knows--as the pile of drool seeping under the crack in the door can attest). His nose knows everything. Okay fine--you caught me. You let him have a bite for his honesty. He reminds you how to keep perspective (preferably from the top of his favorite hiking trail or from a moving car window), and that you should change that perspective often (time to go for a walk!).
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Wellness
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He’s great at getting you out of a rut --if you’ve been watching TV too long, he knows that a quick paw to the face or a wet nose nudge is sure to get you moving again (unless you happen to like pee on the rug). But he’s also awesome at getting you to slow down. There’s nothing quite like 75 pounds landing in your lap to anchor you in the present. Be still, he says. Hold me. Stare at the wall with me. And he knows you appreciate it, even though you won’t admit it. He always wants to know more about you: what you’re reading, what you’re eating, what you’re doing in the bathroom, what you stepped on to make your shoe smell so good… He sees you as often as you want--the more, the better, says he--and no appointment is necessary. And if he thinks you’re slacking, he won’t get mad or make you feel guilty; he’ll just be waiting on the other side of the shower curtain and let you come to your own conclusion: Hello there. You know why I’m here. No matter how many months have gone by since your last haircut, or how many dishes are in your sink…no matter how many calories were in that pint of ice cream, or how few dollars are in your bank account…no matter how silly you feel trying out that crazy new at-home workout routine….he doesn’t judge; he’s always on your side. We might spend an average of $30,000 on our dog in his lifetime. That works out to be about thirty-four cents an hour for the 24/7 therapy our dog gives us. Even the math adds up. Why have a therapist when you when you can have a dog instead? Why, indeed.
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Creature Comforts
Things we
Bruno bowl
Designer Life Jacket
www.domesticbeast.com
www.pawsaboard.com
Big pony dog polo shirt
HeroDogTreats Dried Beef Liver
Serious eaters need a serious bowl, making the Bruno set an awesome addition to your dog’s dining routine. Made from cast aluminium with a stainless steel interior, these bowls may look tough but are actually quite easy to clean. Now, let’s make a mean dinner!
A vibrant polo shirt that sports your dog’s love of the sport! Available in a variety of cheerful colours, these shirts allow you to embroider your dog’s name or ‘catch phrase’ on them. They will surely stand out from the pack in one of these sassy little numbers!
www.ralphlauren.com
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Safety first doesn’t mean style has to come second. This designer dog lifejacket will help keep your pup afloat in case of emergency and brighten up the boat at the same time! Cozy to wear, cute to look at, at crucial for canine water safety.
Reward good behaviour with a scrumptious, worry-free treat that will appeal to your dog’s instinctual love of rich flavours. These dehydrated human-grade liver treats are a 100% natural protein-packed snack that is bursting with flavour yet is light on canine stomachs. Simply break into small pieces and let the good times begin!
www.herodogtreats.com
Good dog eco-tote
Animal lovers will adore these eco-friendly tote bags that celebrate our four-legged friends. This bag with its interior compartments and green fibres is ideal for carting around your dog’s gear. Plus you can have each bag customized with your dog’s name if you so desire! How spiffy!
www.harrybarker.com
Lamb Chops Dog Treats
Supporting good dental health and well-balanced nutrition, these baked-to-perfection crunchy treats are a divine way to treat your dog! Made with naturally grown lamb that is free of hormones and antibiotics and containing no wheat, corn or soy, these tasty delights are a great option for allergy-suffering canines. High in protein and pizzazz to help treat your dog right.
Rustic Picket Fence Leash Hook
Keep your dog’s accessories, like leashes and apparel, neat and tidy with this adorable hook. Not only will it make a charming addition to your home decor, but it will make mornings all the more organized too!
www.oreoriginals.com
Waggo engineer stripe circle bed
Packed with simple, comfortable cotton, these circular pet beds are a wonderful place for your dog to snooze the afternoon away. Available in three different colour palettes and sizes and completely machine washable, these beds are a dream that all dogs will adore!
www.waggo.com
www.bwbarkery.com pawsh-magazine.com
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WELLNESS
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I Spy:
How a Veterinarian Examines an animal’s eye Written by William Miller, DVM, MS, DACVO Photography by Laura L. Benn Performing an eye examination on a veterinary patient is not much different from performing an eye examination on a human patient; the exception is, of course, that it is very difficult to get . Since most major eye problems initially present with only minimal signs, such as redness and discharge, a complete eye examination should be performed whenever redness of the eye or unusual discharge appears to catch these symptoms early on.
eye chart
canine patients to read an
T
he initial diagnostics that are done on almost all veterinary patients will include a Schirmer Tear Test, Intraocular pressure, dilation and corneal staining (if medications are prescribed). A Schirmer Tear Test measures the eye’s tear production. Veterinarians will perform this test anytime the eye is red and has discharge. The test is performed by taking a tear test strip and placing the end between the lower eyelid and eye.
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WELLNESS
The amount of moisture wicking up the strip in a minute is measured. A focal light source is then used to examine the eyelids, structures surrounding the eye and the front half of the eye. The Pupillary Light Reflex (PLR) is then determined for both eyes – a reflex that controls the diameter of the pupil, which allows the eye to process various levels of light and dark. This is determined by shining a bright light into the dog’s eye to check responses. Next, intraocular pressure (IOP) – the fluid pressure within the eye – is measured with a tonometer, a device that measures intraocular pressure similar to a blood pressure cuff measuring blood pressure. An elevated IOP may indicate glaucoma, a serious condition which can lead to blindness. Once intraocular pressure is determined to be within normal limits, the pupils are dilated. Pupils are dilated to facilitate examination of ocular structures behind the iris such as lens and retina. Typically, dilation will take 10 to 30 minutes to complete, with pupils remaining dilated for about two hours. A variety of ophthalmoscopes may be used to examine the
back or fundas (interior surface) of the eye. When examining the fundus the veterinarian is looking for a number of issues including, but not limited to: the number and character of blood vessels, size and shape of the optic nerve, pigmentation or depigmentation and retinal anatomy. Once the internal structures of the eye have been examined and prior to prescribing topical medications the cornea is often stained with fluorescein dye. The dye will adhere to corneal structures and if there is a break in the cornea’s epithelial surface this may indicate that an ulcer is present. Once a complete ocular examination is performed, and if something irregular is found, primary care veterinarians may seek consultation with a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Following consultation, therapy may be prescribed by the primary care veterinarian or referral to the specialist may be determined to be in the patient’s best interest. The diagnosis and treatment of veterinary ocular disease requires a team approach incorporating the owner, primary care veterinarian and often veterinary eye specialists. Help keep your dog’s eyes healthy by having them examined on a regular basis!
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) is launching the 6th Annual ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event in the month of May, to screen service animals who dedicate their lives to serving the public. More than 250 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists throughout the U.S., as well as Canada and Puerto Rico, will be donating their time and resources to provide free, sight-saving eye exams to thousands of eligible service animals. Registration for service animal owners and handlers runs from April 1st to 30th, 2013 at www.ACVOeyeexam.org
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MADE IN
CANADA
Your HERO Will Love You For It!
1足855足845足HERO
www.HeroDogTreats.com
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BEHAVIOUR
Puppy Dog Tails
Sugar and Spice? Written by Lisa Day Photography by Tonya Schabacker
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| No째 6 | Dog-Gone J u b i l e e
When a person decides to add a second canine to their happy family they are often faced with this question – Same sex or opposites? Here is what I have observed over the years.
what makes a better pack?
N
ature’s design is obviously opposites – after all the saying does state that ‘opposites attract’ and rightly so. Having a male/female combo ensures a natural harmony and continuation of a species; although, of course, responsible pet owners should have their animals fixed. Very rarely will the opposites be adversaries. And in true nature’s style (sorry about this guys) the females will dictate and assume the controlling, more dominant role. The female will manipulate the male (now does it sound familiar?) to control their environment as one that best suits their needs. The males, however, will comply easily to this role. Their primary concern and natural instinct is to not aggravate the female. They prefer to be just be left alone and allowed to do their own thing. As long as the female sees no objections, then all is as it should be. But many people are devoted to one sex over the other for various reasons. Girl power supporters can be attracted to the smaller sizes that are typically found in the female gender of most breeds, as well as the softer, sweeter look that they can often possess. And many owners prefer the unlikelihood of ‘marking’ that is frequently associated with the males.
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BEHAVIOUR
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Other characteristics that often attract owners to the idea of having an all female pack are that girls are generally more responsible. It’s most commonly referred to by behaviourists as ‘good girl syndrome.’ A female is typically less likely to do dare devil acts and is more cautious.
Pawsh Point
It is advised either gender of dogs be altered to prevent hormonal issues that could or would occur in either same sex or opposite pack scenarios.
As in any ‘sisterhood’, however, there can be disagreements. Yes, even dog sisterhoods can be prone to a little cattiness. Usually conflicts emerge out of issues related with ‘who’s in charge’ and who believes they’re in charge in that given moment. Females are master manipulators and when you have two manipulators trying to out manipulate each other, it can get pretty devious. And if there were an all-out battle, it can be vicious. Girls fight with more intensity than the males, believe it or not. Of course, with proper training, socialization and guardianship, a pack of girls can be completely devoted to each other and the best of friends. A house full of boys, however, also comes with its own unique challenges. The altered males can easily become fast friends and usually just want to have as much fun as possible, whatever the cost. Males are all about ‘rough housing’ and will often engage each other in daily tussles, not unlike two young boys that play together. They’re sillier and often get into
more trouble than the girls (mischief makers!) They’re more likely to be cavalier about things and not always think things through before acting. But they can also be the most loving toward one another and a total ‘bros.’
Male vs. male disagreements, however, usually consists of a lot of noise, posturing, and even some grabbing, but the battle can usually be broken up faster and more easily than with the girls. Again, similar to their human counterparts males for some reason are quicker to forgive and forget than their feminine counterparts.
These are, of course, just generalizations and observations that I’ve experienced through my work as a dog trainer. Gender definitely plays a part in a pack dynamic and in whether two dogs will bond and get along, but just as important is each individual’s temperament. A dog can meet another and be completely uninterested, then encounter another individual and be completely smitten, diving right into play! Just as we need that certain personality ‘click’ when making friends, a dog’s temperament and personality, regardless of sex, plays perhaps the largest role in harmonious cohabitation. What is the answer to what makes a better pack; same sex or opposites? Complementing personalities above all.
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KIBBLE & BITS
Code of Ethics A Dog’s Written by Laura L. Benn Illustrations by Molly Brandenburg
dog-like way
No matter what happens, no matter the day, a dog . will always act in a
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A dog never wakes up on the wrong side of the bed.
A dog will always listen – unless squirrels are involved... pawsh-magazine.com
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KIBBLE & BITS
A dog will never let you feel alone.
A dog will always entertain your guests.
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A dog will always make sure you feel loved.
Molly Brandenburg Molly is a writer and cartoonist, as well as a musical/comedy performer. Molly’s cartoons are a regular feature of Houzz. com, the interior decor online magazine. Molly’s second book, THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS was a Global eBook Award winner and is available on Amazon.com. Prints of Molly’s artwork can be found on www.Fineartamerica.com. Molly is proud to be seen in PAWSH magazine.
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BEHAVIOuR
Good
Neighbours Photography by Simone Fauque
Expert Advice from Master Groomer and
Award-Winning
Obedience Trainer, Lisa Day!
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Does your dog have a pesky habit or two? Send your behaviourial questions to info@pawsh-magazine.com for a chance to receive some expert advice from Lisa in our next issue!
to a new sband and I are moving hu My . lem ob pr a ve I ha ver, our be more excited. Howe n’t uld co we d an nth city next mo ur’s mini-poodle. friends with the neighbo Labrador, Lucky, is best fore and after morning and evening be ery ev er eth tog y pla ey Th y gets quite overs together and Luck ep sle t en qu fre ve ha y work, the I’m deeply pal for a couple of days. upset if he doesn’t see his ce on we move. y fall into a depression ma y ck Lu t tha ed ern nc co you! eak for my dog? Thank tbr ar he t en ev pr I do w Ho Tina G.
Hi Tina, Congrats on your new move, it is an exciting time! It’s good that you’ve allowed Lucky to have a best friend. With the frequency of visits between the two of them, you’ve essentially expanded your pack to include the poodle. That’s a win/win for all concerned. Your move will be an adjustment for everyone and Lucky will no doubt be aware of the new surroundings and regime. To assist Lucky with the changes, it will be imperative that you provide him with a schedule of activities that include you rather than another dog. Going for walks and exposing him to his new surroundings will help make the adjustments easier on him. Keeping him on a consistent schedule will provide him with the daily activities that he requires. This will definitely help him with the adjustment and alleviate the possibility of depression. In other words, keeping him busy enough that he won’t have time to miss his poodle buddy will be the best recipe for your concerns. In time, he may develop a new relationship with some resident /neighbour dogs. But until then, you need to be the ‘best friend’ that he can pal around with. Enjoy your new location,
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BEHAVIOuR
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s developed ge schnauzer-mix – ha lar a e’s sh – lla be Isa g ighMy do ng (yes, stealing!) my ne ali ste s ep ke e Sh . on ssi a new obse good friends ighbour and I are really bour’s new kitten! My ne r I visit, Isaost every day. Wheneve alm er oth ch ea e se we and pt now they no trouble at all – exce is d an me th wi lly ua bella is us her puppy! She’s ems intent on making it have a kitten and she se insists on carryentive to the kitten, but att d an e ntl ge ry ve ing e it home be the neck and trying to tak of uff scr the by nd ou s (aka ing it ar she does without any fus it’ op ‘dr to r he l tel I n with us. Whe . So my question ks completely miserable loo t bu n), sio es gr ag no p being a d how can I get her to sto an s thi do e sh es do y is wh mother hen? Harriett R.
Hi Harriet, What a mothering instinct Isabella has!! That’s a good trait to have in a pet, but, as you’re witnessing, it can be carried a bit too far. The quick answer to this issue would be to prevent Isabella’s access to the kitten. That would be the simplest solution. Isabella can accompany you on your visits, but you may need to keep her on a leash/line to assure you of her whereabouts so that she’s not “kitten –napping” (which is different than cat-napping I would think that once the kitten matures the desire and/ or need to mother may wane a bit. Both from Isabella’s point and the kitten’s, which may start to resist the ‘rescue’. It wouldn’t surprise me that as the kitten grows she and Isabella may very well become close friends. You might want to consider getting Isabella a soft stuffed toy to ‘mother’. Sometimes a pseudo replacement can help address the need to carry and care for when one must take care of something. It’s a good trait to have a caring nurturing dog. I hope this helps.
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s g k n n i a ad Th Re r o F
PAWSH could not exist without our wonderful sponsors. To place an ad in our next issue write to us at info@pawsh-magazine.com.