CREATURE COMFORTS
HEALTH
DESIGN
BEHAVIOUR
INSPIRE
NO째
4 H E A R T
SONG
JAN-MAR
2 0 1 2
Table of
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EDITOR`S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS
ARTIST PROFILE A RARE LOOK AT RATS CRITTER CAREERS MONTECRISTO TRAVELS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A THERAPY DOG
9 32 82 94
CREATURE COMFORTS TOYS FOR DOGS PRETTY IN PINK WARM + FUZZY THINGS WE ADORE
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10 54 PETS AT HOME 42 WELLNESS
GOOD EATS! BEHIND BACK ISSUES LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE POM POMS!
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FEATURE
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WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG GETS LOST
SPECIAL OCCASION
LOVE LETTER TO MY DOG
f Contents
24 28 8898
BEHAVIOUR
6 WAYS TO EMBRACE THE SNOW GUESS WHAT KITTY CAT? YIP-YIP! CHITTER CHATTER! DEALING WITH DIVAS
50 KIBBLE & BITS 60 102 104 CLOSING NOTES 110 BREED PROFILE
SUPER SIBERIAN HUSKIES! THE GASTROPUP TAILS TO WAG ABOUT RESCUE ME
IF YOUR PET HAD A VOICE, WHAT WOULD IT SOUND LIKE?
Pawsh Cover
Photographed by SIMONE FAUQUE CULTURE FOR PETS
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Welcome
Laura L Benn
Rory
Just as the powerful ballad from the Tony award-winning musical, RENT, suggests, winter is the season of love. It is a time to stay close to those we care about most, to snuggle together on the couch and indulge in the brisk adventures that await just beyond our front doors. In this issue we attempt to explore the deep and unshakable bond that exists between pet and owner. We explore what it is like to live the life of a therapy dog, we offer insight into natural canine care, we celebrate those furry friends who are sometimes overlooked by society, and we discuss the importance of understanding our pets pesky habits with compassion and patience. I am pleased to welcome several new contributors this issue including the very talented Kelly Brisson and her new column “The Gastropup,” all about how to cook up a storm for humans and dogs at the same time. Also, if you look closely, we have an exciting giveaway in this issue too! A huge thank you to everyone who helped to create “Heart Song” and to you, our wonderful readers, for making Pawsh feel so welcome and loved itself in the world of online publishing. I hope you enjoy our pages this season.
Founder/Editor
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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.
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.
KELLY BRISSON
www.thegoudalife.tumblr.com
Kelly is a home cook who specializes in simple, seasonal dishes with a flare. Animal lover and owner of 3 cats and 1 dog, she’s looking forward to combining her love of food and animals into one. She started writing her own food blog, The Gouda Life, in 2009 and is excited to expand her her writing horizons with Pawsh Magazine.
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.
CATHY JAMES
www.catscovewriting.com
Operating Cat’s Cove Writing Services, Cathy James is a freelancer writer and communications consultant. When she’s not writing feature stories, crafting web content or collaborating social media strategies for small businesses, she can be found making awkward, small talk in the home office with her favourite assistant – her dog, Tuxedo.
DIANNE SARASIN 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.
www.catscovewriting.com
Dianne is a certified animal behaviour specialist who has been featured in numerous magazines, including Dog Sport Magazine. She uses her knowledge to help diagnose and remedy canine behaviourial issues. She lives with her husband in Embrun along with her 10-year-old German Shepherd, Striker, three Golden Retrievers, Abby, the Cairn Terrier mix, and her two parrots, Disney and Scooby.
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Photographers 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. JAMES CROCKFORD
www.jamescrockford.com
British Social Photographer James Crockford is based in the Midlands, but travels all over the UK photographing pets and their families. He specialises in informal, fun portraits of man’s best friend, and has more recently developed his ‘Decidedly Different Dog Portraits’, which have been a real hit with dog lovers worldwide.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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Photographers The PhoDOGrapher, BRITTANY VEINOT
www.phodographer.ca
Brittany Veinot is Ottawa’s PhoDOGrapher! Brittany has experience photographing dog portraits, advertisements, magazine editorials, events and charities, and has patience and understanding when handling all animals.
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. DANIELLE BERNIER
www.daniellelynnphotography.com
Danielle is a Professional Photographer in Ottawa, Ontario specializing in on-location work with Families, Children and Pets. When not behind the lens, Danielle can be found chasing after her two children and two Pugs - Emma and Peanut. Danielle’s ambitions include chasing her dreams of working in commercial photography, and to some day move to the country and open her home to abused and abandoned Pugs.
LAURA HOFFMAN
www.lauramerikayphotography.com
Laura Merikay Hoffmann is a Baton Rouge based professional pet photographer as well as a full time animal science major at Louisiana State University. She provides a personal, fun, social, and one-on-one pet photography experience to private clients around the United States.
MINH TAM NGUYEN
www.happycatstudio.com
Design Beauty
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!
JONATHON ADLER BONE TOY
www.jonathanadler.com ERRATIC BALL
www.petsmart.com BALLOON DOG TOY
www.petvalu.com
I LOVE NYC TAXI
KONG TOY
www.fabdog.com
www.kongcompany.com
MULTI-COLOURED ROPE TOY
www.dixiedogwear.com
HARDWARE HOUND
www.chazhound.com CULTURE FOR PETS
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WELLNESS
G O O D HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS FOR YOUR PET
Written by CATHY JAMES Photography by LIZ BRADLEY WHEN VETERINARIAN, DR. SUE MARTIN, WALKED INTO HER EXAM ROOM ONE AFTERNOON FOR HER NEXT APPOINTMENT, SHE WAS GREETED BY ONE OF HER REGULARS – A 24-LB CAT. WHILE MARTIN EXAMINED THE CAT, SHE ASKED THE OWNER ABOUT THE CAT’S FOOD INTAKE. INSISTING SHE FOLLOWS THE CAT FOOD GUIDELINES, THE ABOUT HER CAT’S CAUSE FOR OBESITY. THAT IS, UNTIL SHE DISCLOSED TO MARTIN THAT SHE GIVES THE CAT A DAILY BAG OF TREATS. CASE CLOSED.
owner remained dumbfounded
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WELLNESS
“T
hat’s like allowing a child to eat an entire bag of chocolate chip cookies every day,” says Martin.
Both snack control and quality have become an increasing problem among Martin’s client list since she opened her North Lanark Veterinary Services clinic 25 years ago. When consulting about pet weight control, she says owners are often surprised to learn just how many calories are packed into popular pet treats. “Some large dog cookies have the same amount of calories as one cup of dog food,” she says. “While the odd treat is acceptable for most pets, they do add up and that’s why dogs and cats are coming into the clinic overweight.” But there is an alternative. Marrying quantity with healthy food options will help with pet weight control and still allow owners to treat their pets.
Feeding her cat a full bag of treats each day left Martin’s client with an overweight cat. To help lower her weight and control the amount of daily snacks, Martin told her client to treat her cat like she would a child. “You might allow your child to eat two cookies a day,” says Martin. “When it comes to pet treats, owners should apply that same approach to their cat or dog.” Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe agrees. Recently named as the first holder of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition at the University of Guelph’s
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Ontario Veterinary College, Verbrugghe brings a buffet of clinical nutritional knowledge to her new position. The veterinarian completed her PhD studying feline carbohydrate metabolism and links to obesity and diabetes. She says snacks shouldn’t contain more than 10 per cent of an animal’s daily intake. “Anything more than that, you’re not providing your pet with a balanced diet and your pet loses necessary vitamins and minerals,” she explains. “The more carbohydrates and fats you’re supplying to your pet, the higher the chances of obesity.”
While quantity control has to be on an owner’s radar, what they put in front of their pet is also important. “Many companies balance their treats by using whatever happens to be inexpensive and available in the free market, and they often use food colouring to make the treat look like meat in order to please the owners,” explains Martin. “There is no pet food police, so anybody could create a dog treat in their garage and sell it, and there is no one to monitor whether they are healthy or not.” She suggests owners do their research about pet food companies, and find out whether they have a veterinary nutritionist on staff. “You can contact these companies and ask who formulates and monitors the treats they supply, as well as comprehending their safety and quality control measures,”
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WELLNESS
explains Martin. “These questions might be overkill, but if you’re truly interested in feeding a commercial treat that is safe, nutritious and good quality, these are reasonable questions to ask.”
So what should pet owners feed their enthusiastic snackers? Look for ideas in the kitchen, says Verbrugghe.
“If your dog or cat has any health issues, check with your veterinarian to confirm which foods won’t be detrimental to their health,” she explains. For instance, an animal with kidney problems shouldn’t have chicken because the protein could do more damage to the pet’s system. But, with any food, balance is key.
Popular dog choices include carrots, apples and broccoli, as they offer both a crunch factor and many health benefits.
“As long as your pet is healthy, these are good food options, but don’t go overboard,” says Verbrugghe.
“Fruits and vegetables contain mostly water and a lot of fibre, making them a filling choice for your pet,” says Verbrugghe.
If pet owners want to wean their pets off the snacking habit, she says to pull a handful of kibble from their regular feeding and hand them pieces of kibble throughout the day.
While dogs are likely to embrace most foods thrown in their dish, cats can be picky eaters. Martin suggests using cheese, tuna and chicken as feline treats. Verbrugghe says cat owners could also cut up a zucchini into small pieces, fitting one piece each into ice cube trays and freeze them. Then, when ready to serve, pull a frozen zucchini piece out and quickly heat it in the microwave. “Many cats like this as a treat,” she says.
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“That way they still think they’re getting a snack, but you’re not damaging their diet,” she explains.
Martin suggests owners do their research about pet food companies, and find out whether they have a veterinary nutritionist on staff.
While taking stock of what’s in your refrigerator, don’t pull out any vegetables from the leek family, including onions and garlic. Grapes and chocolate are also on the do-notfeed list.
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Beyond the well-known banished pet snacks, Verbrugghe says understanding your pet’s needs are key.
Verbrugghe adds a final tip for owners who consistently re-affirm their pet’s adoration through snacks. “People often relate snacks as a means to show they’re taking care of their animals, but it can do more harm than good,” she says.
Rather than asserting a pet-owner relationship through food, she says there’s an easy alternative. “Owners simply need to give their pets more attention and spend time playing with them,” she says. “That’s the first thing pets want from their owners.”
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CRITTER CAREERS
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T R A VEL S Photography by PHODOGRAPHER.CA Dog models: OLLIE (LEFT), MONTECRISTO (RIGHT) Furoshiki by Kiki Hamann (furry sling), leather bag, collar and leash from Louis Vuitton
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CRITTER CAREERS
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travels the world with his faithful human
MONTECRISTO DANTE DUMAS (MONTE FOR SHORT) IS A THREE-POUND LONG-HAIRED CHIHUAHUA, WHO SIDEKICK SONJA LISHCHYNSKI. TOGETHER THEY BLOG ABOUT THEIR ADVENTURES AND TALK ABOUT LIVING LIFE EIGHT INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
hat inspired your blog about travelling with small dogs? It was a very organic process. It started off with talking about Montecristo and our travels on my Facebook page. Friends of mine made me realize that perhaps others would benefit from some of the knowledge I was collecting regarding the often-complex process of travelling with a small dog. They also jokingly reported that Monte was perhaps starting to take up too much real estate on my wall (gasp!) I decided to create a Montecristo Travels Facebook page, making it public in order to reach as many people as possible. Soon, we started accumulating friends. The questions that I kept receiving from all these canine loving people were always related to how I manage to travel with Monte especially in cabin when flying. I was astonished by how frequently the same questions came up. So much so that I prepared a few pre-written responses I would copy paste. Shortly there after, I realized that although the information exists on the web it is widely dispersed and often contradictory. In addition those that have a personal first hand experience rarely are those writing articles. More often than not it is untested hypothesis. Thus the idea for montecristotravels.com was born, marrying my love for the written word to my fascination with travel and my deep love for my canine charge. Writing it from his perspective – living life eight inches off the ground – adds a little humor to the process.
ow many countries have you visited together? Can you tell us about a few of them? Montecristo is only 20 months at this point. As a result his adventures are relatively new and thus the list is still short. He has travelled to the United States, France, Italy and naturally various regions of Canada. Each one of these countries has a lot of surface to cover, so although it seems like a short account when you add the actual cities, villages and towns the cataloguing grows exponentially.
hat has been your favorite country to visit in terms of being a dog-friendly place? I know everyone would expect Paris, France to be the most logical response; but I would have to say that the region of Tuscany in Italy takes the crown. Montecristo was allowed anywhere with perhaps the exception of museums and places of worship (although most churches and cathedrals were happy to turn a blind eye as long as he remained quiet and in his carrier bag). This meant that above being allowed inside of restaurants and on patios for our meals while we travelled (the number one requirement for a five paw dog-friendliness review from us), Montecristo was also given access to grocery stores, fresh markets, pharmacies, any retail space, the butcher and almost all public places including all forms public transportation. It was a joy.
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CRITTER CAREERS
ou and Monte have an excellent sense of style. Could you tell us about some of your favorite travel related items and why? I have always felt that style, elegance, beauty and art do not have to be excluded from things that are also durable, practical and every day items. With that in mind, I get very excited when I find a product that combines style and fashion with practicality and function. But it takes research and a willingness to wait, compare, and not jump on the first suggestion – no matter its source. I fell in love with Louis Vuitton when I was eight while reading a book at my Grandmothers entitled “History through Fashion Icons.” Louis Vuitton represents the epitome of elegance and durability. Each item is still handmade and guaranteed for life and the materials are tough. The Baxter bag is Monte’s current around town carrier for warmer weather. Because Chihuahua’s have a fragile trachea, he doesn’t wear the matching collar – so I do – as a bracelet. For colder weather you can’t go wrong with the Furoshiki – a faux fur sling designed by Miami Canine Couturier, Kiki Hamann. We use this all the time, for quick outings about town and even for snowshoeing hikes. Her bags are also exceptional with loads of big gorgeous pockets for personal items, and camera’s. In the name of full disclosure I do have to confess that I am a huge fan of all her work. For example, I really appreciate her custom approach to harnesses. Each piece is made to your dog’s very unique and specific measurements providing exceptional comfort. People will stop you in the streets to marvel at the artistic creations and the quality of the workmanship and materials.
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hat’s the biggest thing you’ve learned since travelling with Monte? We underestimate the impact a canine travel companion can have on our experiences abroad. The paper work and cost are well worth it. As the daughter of a diplomat I have travelled my whole life; yet Montecristo is the most effective icebreaker I have ever come across. I jokingly refer to him as my personal “blue beret.” No matter what the social status, age, sexual orientation, and ethnicity and even to some extend religious beliefs the people we encounter may have – Monte opens the door. We have met and engaged in conversation with so many amazing and remarkable individuals that we would have never met otherwise … people that have even become long-term friends.
hat are some things people should be aware of before taking their dog to another country? It’s not a dog’s world everywhere and the rules are as varied as the countries and cultures themselves. Paper work and vaccination requirements to enter are just the tip of the iceberg. You do need to do your research – something we hope we are helping people with our blog. You can’t assume the country you are visiting has the same views and perspectives about pets in general as we do in North America. Even in our own backyard things vary significantly. As an example, in the US some states allow dogs on restaurant patios yet others do not. Know the rules and the pet culture before you go and make sure you aren’t bringing your canine tourist to an unfriendly destination.
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Be aware of the effects the new climate may have on your canine. Extreme weather is not just a challenge for humans but also for them. This includes knowing what possible “diseases” the climate generates. Find a vet at your destination that speaks your own language. Embassies are a good place to get that contact information. Read the fine print and rules of conduct for “Pet Friendly” accommodations. We have found that many do not define the term “Pet Friendly” the same way we do. Sadly, all too often the only thing you can do with your dog is be in your room and nothing else.
s there a place you’ve yet to travel that you would like to go? Sometime in the next five years, we plan on taking a year off from our “day jobs” to sail around the Mediterranean. That is a total of 22 nations in 365 days. That is a lot of paperwork for us not to mention the mound it represents for Montecristo to join on this adventure – I still have moments where I look at the list and feel slightly intimidated. But we refuse to leave him behind. We are also watching the political climate carefully and realize that unfortunately we may need to forgo some ports of call. We chose the Mediterranean because it is one of the safest waters to sail with regard to the very real threat of piracy. In addition it combines our love of art, culture and food with an ever-changing coastline while still remaining in relatively calm waters. Start with
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a sea before you tackle the ocean. We are so excited about this project that I could go on for hours so I will desist now before I bore you to tears with the details.
efore we let you go, we must know – where did Monte’s name come from? We frequently hear “Big name for such a small dog.” Naturally this leads to the explanation behind our choice and some fun trivia. My husband – and the man behind all the YouTube videos – is a descendant of Alexandre Dumas, the author of “The Three Musketears” and also “The Count of Montecristo” among others. In his honour and to underline our and our puppy’s surprisingly adventurous (yet calm) nature, we named him Montecristo; bastardizing it a little and making it one word as a name rather than leaving it as a title. The short name “Monte” is rather funny since it means “Mount” or “Mountain.” I assure you, true to his breed, he is one in his own mind. Coincidentally, my husband’s favourite cigar at the time was also the Montecristo.Now, you may wonder why the cigar was named that way. Here is why.Before the time of TV, radio and iPods, their use to be a “reader” in the room to keep the cigar rollers entertained while they worked. Guess what their favorite book was? You guessed it “The Count of Monte Cristo”! It’s a bit of a full circle moment.
www.montecristotravels.com
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BEHAVIOUR
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6 WAYS TO
Written by LAURA L. BENN Photography by SIMONE FAUQUE
DON’T DWELL ON COLD WINDS AND PLUMMETING TEMPERATURES THIS YEAR. INSTEAD TRY SOME OF THESE SIMPLE YET FUN ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR DOG – PERFECT FOR ENJOYING THE .
bright side of snow
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SHOVEL THE DRIVEWAY
This might sound like a chore, but by putting away the snow-blower, bundling up and grabbing a shovel you allow yourself the opportunity to invent a new pet-friendly game! Watch your dog chase after the snow as it moves and eagerly dig into snow banks. They will love the extra time with you, as well as the attention, and bonus, you will get a workout that is both fun and effective!
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BEHAVIOUR
2
PLAY CATCH
Everybody with a dog knows this game, but let’s put a winter twist on it. Replace tennis balls with snowballs! Your pup will stay interested in the game as each snowball inevitably disappears and it will give you an opportunity to relive your childhood.
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STROLL IN FRESH FALLEN SNOW
Have you ever noticed how the world seems to feel a little bit warmer beneath a blanket of freshly fallen snow? No? Well, that’s probably because you usually stay inside. Lace up your boots, grab the leash and drink in a long serene walk amidst a glittering winterscape. Chances are your dog will discover a new world to explore while you reevaluate winter’s beauty.
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Pawsh Point
While playing in the snow can be lots of fun, it’s not for every pooch. Safety is of the utmost importance. Don’t keep dogs outside in cold temperatures for too long, don’t allow them to overexert themselves and never let them play outside in icy conditions, as they can easily slip and injure themselves.
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SNOW SHOE TREK
Taking off for the afternoon on a pair of snowshoes is a great way to experience a different side of winter. Try trekking along designated dog-friendly trails and let your pooch come along for the nature walk!
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TOBOGGANING
Some dogs will love to cuddle up in your arms or lap and join you for a slide down the slopes. Just be sure to consider your dog’s safety before heading off for a ride. Train your pooch how to sit still in your arms by introducing them to the concept of tobogganing on gentle slopes. Also, never allow your dog to ride on a toboggan on their own. Some dogs will even have a blast pulling the sled back up to the top of the hill again! What luck!
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HIDE AND SEEK
Snow creates all sorts of wonderful hiding places which you can use to help hone your dog’s tracking skills. Take an outdoor toy and bury it in the snow, then encourage your canine chum to find it. You might need to help them on occasion, but watching them snuffle through the snow and then find their prize is lots of fun and helps improve their natural instinct to seek.
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BEHAVIOUR
A FEW THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR DOG OR CAT. Photography by LAURA HOFFMAN
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BEHAVIOUR
A FELINE PACE
It’s harder to place a pacemaker in a cat than it is in a dog. “For a canine, the battery is put under the skin in the neck while a lead is run down a vein in the neck,” says Dr. Sanderson of VRCC. “Due to the fact that a cat’s veins are quite small, veterinarians must open the abdominal cavity and sew the tip of the lead onto the heart.”
CLAWS, CLAWS, CLAWS
The medical term for ‘declawing’ is onychectomy. Although the informal term suggests the sole removal of the claws, this procedure actually involves the permanent amputation of a cat’s end bones in the toes and is considered a very controversial practice. 30
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WHO ARE YOU CALLING LAZY?
The average domestic cat will spend approximately 30% of his life self-grooming – not bad for the pet you think may just sleeps all day.
YOU’RE PURR-FECT!
Cats rarely purr at other cats, instead reserving that special noise for their special humans. Don’t you feel loved?
SEEING IS BELIEVING
Registration for the 5th Annual ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exam Event brings begins April 1st for May 2012 event. Animals such as eligible guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs and search and rescue dogs who selflessly serve the public in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico should be examined. More than 200 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists are estimated to provide these free sight-saving eye exams to thousands of eligible service animals. The veterinary specialists volunteer their time to look for problems including redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals. Registration for service animal owners and handlers begins April 1, 2012 at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.
SMELLY FEET!
The only place dogs have sweat glands are between the pads on their paws.
RAIN RAIN, GO AWAY
Ever wonder why your pooch is reluctant to go out in the rain? The average dog’s sense of hearing is nearly 10 times more acute than that of a human being’s. Thus, most dogs hate the rain not because of the wetness, but because sound becomes amplified and it hurts their hearing.
THE NOSE KNOWS
A wet nose can be used for more than nudging you out of bed in the morning – it can be used for identification purposes too! A canine’s nose print (oh yes, nose print!) is the equivalent of a human finger print in its uniqueness. CULTURE FOR PETS
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CREATURE COMFORTS
PRETTY IN
Pink THESE ROSY FINDS WILL MAKE YOU BLUSH WITH LOVE!
OVAL AND OVAL AGAIN EARRINGS
www.modcloth.com HUNTER BOOTS
PENCIL SKIRT
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www.hunter-boot.com
KATE SPADE “SKIRT THE RULES” BLACKBERRY POUCH
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MODERN HEADPHONES
www.urbanears.com
MOTTEGA HOPE COLLECTION LAMP
www.mottega.com
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DOGIT ELEVATED DISH
www.petutopia.co.uk
BUTTERFLY BONE
www.simplyfido.com
PINK RIBBON COLLAR
www.sassypup.net
RICHMOND DOG BED
www.pawspetsupermarket.co.uk HEART POOP BAGS
www.carolsgiftbasketsandmore.com
MARTHA STEWART HOUNDSTOOTH LEASH
www.petsmart.com
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What to do if your
Written by SARAH SYPNIEWSKI Photography by KIM RODGERS
nowhere to
WHAT IF YOU SUDDENLY GOT UP FROM READING THIS ARTICLE ONLY TO DISCOVER SPIKE WAS WHAT WOULD YOU DO? WHERE WOULD YOU GO? WHO WOULD YOU CALL?
be found?
A
lmost none of us expect that our dog is going to go missing. We don’t usually sit around anticipating the day that Spike gets lost, but with pet theft on the rise, plus the constant “anything can happen” factor present in all dog guardians’ lives, knowing what to do if your dog does escape or disappear is increasingly vital Thinking about it now (and even writing your plan down or putting this article somewhere you’ll remember it) can offer you the clarity you need to save your dog’s life. As Lisa Camilleri, 53, of North Hollywood, CA and dog guardian of her lost-and-now-found six-pound chimix Bella says; “First, you panic. And then you panic some more.”
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STEP 1
FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FLYERS When you realize your dog has escaped, don’t assume he will just find his way home on his own. Once a dog is loose, they are totally unpredictable, so you have to get out there right away, but not before getting some friends or family members rounded up to help. Dawn K. Hull, founder of lost pet websites OliverAlert.com and Akekee.com, believes that delegation is one of the best foundations for a successful search and rescue effort. “Have someone go out and search and put up flyers immediately while you stay behind and start working the computers and phones (or vice versa),” she recommends. Make sure your flyers are in colour and feature a nice, clear photo of your dog, your contact information, and a few bits of info that can help identify Spike. However, Hull cautions not to put every detail on the flyer. “Minimizing the info you put out there can help you assess sightings,” she explains. “If your dog has a spotted tongue or a docked tail, leave that off the flyer. You can then use that feature to confirm or rule out when you get calls.” Including the word “reward” as a non-specific value can also greatly increase the chances of recovering your dog.
STEP 2
MULTI-TASK YOUR MISSION Search and flyer at the same time. Ideally, you should start in the immediate area of escape and work out to a 3-mile radius. Hit at least every intersection (get all four corners of the intersection so you hit traffic in all directions), and mid-block if you can, particularly in the area of immediate escape and any re-
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ported sightings. As you search and flyer, stop everyone you see to ask them to look at your flyer and if they’ve seen your dog. “You might even want to make quarter-sheet or business card-sized flyers that people can stick in their pocket,” suggests Hull, just in case your dog is sighted later. When you search, start close to home but realize that your dog can get far, fast. “My biggest misconception was to assume [Bella] was still in the neighbourhood she was lost in because she’s so small and is afraid of loud noises,” confesses Camilleri. “I figured she’d never cross busy streets, but in fact, she crossed at least two of them and ended up next to a freeway on-ramp!” Expanding your search area beyond familiar surroundings and where you think your dog might be will give you a better chance of bringing them home. Also, don’t forget to check shelters and vet hospitals. A phone call is okay, but a visit in person is better, especially to the shelters, where they are often unable or too busy to give you updated information quickly over the phone.
STEP 3
MOBILIZE YOUR NETWORK In addition to these “ground operations,” you should put technology to work for your search, which is maybe the only thing that can move faster than your missing pooch. As soon as you’ve got your flyer designed and distributed, you should get the word out on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels. If you can, set up a page expressly for your lost dog. This helps you keep all of the information and planning organized and makes it easier to network. Next you should email all of your contacts the flyer and the
link to the Facebook page. Also include the escape story and ask the reader to forward the email on. “You’d be amazed at how far-reaching email is,” says Camilleri “The rescue I adopted Bella from sent out an email on the fourth day to everyone in their database, including someone who had just seen Bella the previous day! And the kicker is that the tipper has no idea how she got on the email chain.” Email absolutely everyone you can think of and let good old-fashioned six degrees of separation spread the word.
STEP 4
OTHER RESOURCES You should also list your dog on as many lost dog websites as possible. Some of them charge for their services, while others (like OliverAlert.com and Akekee.com) are free. And don’t forget to check the lost and found section of Craigslist to see if anyone has posted an ad that they’ve found your baby. If not, post one of your own – it cannot hurt and you never know who might be reading. Get your dog’s flyer up online wherever you can – you can cover a lot of ground without even leaving your house and reach a great deal of people thanks to the popularity of smartphones! Alerting your dog’s microchip company, vet, local pet boutique, groomer, and any other place he frequents can also be useful. If you feel like you need additional power, there are many services, such as FindToto.com and LostMyDoggie.com, that will call, flyer, send postcards, and provide other networking services for a fee. There are also trackers who use scent hounds, expert trappers who specialize in recovering missing pets, and other professionals you can hire to help you in your efforts.
STEP 5
HOW TO MANAGE INFORMATION Once you’ve got your basic ground operations and networking established, it’s time to manage your efforts and information. You can create your own interactive map on Google Maps.mOn it, you should place your home, your dog’s point of escape, all of the places you’ve placed flyers (and where you still need to flyer), as well as all of the confirmed and unconfirmed sightings. This tool is amazing because you can update it in real time and anyone who has the link can access it to immediately get a status report, so to speak. With the click of a mouse, volunteers can learn where more flyers are needed, and you can see patterns with the sightings. Be sure to add the map’s URL to your dog’s Facebook page so that everyone is in the loop. When you get sightings (especially your first several), you will most likely be so excited that you’ll want to drop everything and respond. As hard as it may be, however, you should take the time to get as much information as you can before you go to the potential sighting. This will save you valuable time. First, remind the caller not to chase the dog. Loose dogs can spook very easily, even if they are normally friendly and approachable. If chased, the dog could wind up in traffic or other harm’s way. Calmly take down the details: caller’s name and number, exact location of sighting, time of sighting (if it happened before call), direction dog was travelling, and as many physical descriptors as possible. Ask questions until you have a sense of whether it’s your dog or not. Remember, most of the people who call will be good and honest, but unfortunately sometimes the best intentions can be fruitless CULTURE FOR PETS
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and the dog they are calling to report may not actually be your beloved Golden Retriever. Additionally, there is always the sad possibility of dishonest people who may try to trick you out of your reward money. Stay calm, cautious and safe, for your dog’s sake. “If the caller claims to actually have your dog, pick a well-lit public place to meet, like a Police or Fire Station,” advises Hull, just to be on the safe side. If the call turns out not to lead to a reunion, don’t despair. Update your map and Facebook page and keep going. Persistence is really half the battle. If you want to pull out all your stops, consider two suggestions from Missingpetpartnership.org: the first, making your car into a roving billboard; the second, having an Intersection Alert, where you get a group of people to hold huge neon lost dog signs up for a few hours to call attention to your search. It’s never a bad idea to reach out to your local media, either. Contact ,newspapers as well as TV and radio stations -- you never know who might be an animal lover and put you on the air!
STEP 6
FOUND! NOW WHAT? Follow your sightings, keep putting up flyers, and work your system until you close in on your dog. Once you’ve got him in your own sights and the moment has arrived for the actual capture, stay calm. Depending on the environment, you have to adjust your strategy, but the main thing is to work slowly and calmly. Lure, don’t chase. Use food and happy, gentle coaxing. Work strategically to create boundaries and secure areas. Again, these are just general suggestions. There may be cases where you do have to make a sudden grab for your dog. You have to assess the situation at hand and do what is safest, which could mean not doing an
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in-person capture. For particularly skittish dogs, a live trap set and left alone can sometimes be the best solution. Of course, despite all this advice, planning, and perseverance, the inevitable question still lingers -- what happens if you don’t find him? Keep plugging along. There are so many stories of dogs being found weeks, months, even years later. “Even when you feel like your entire world has caved in and you’ll never see your angel again, don’t give up,” Camilleri reminds. “Hope is the one thing you have.”
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“Liz did an amazing job at capturing Wookie’s inquisitive personality and sweet soul.”
Wookie’s human, Mel
elizabethandjane.ca
photography
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PETS AT HOME
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE
Photography by JAMES CROCKFORD
fluff and games
BEING A POMERANIAN MAY LOOK LIKE A LOT OF BUT...OH WAIT...IT IS!
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PETS AT HOME
Of course, life is always far more fun with company! Lots of company!
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PETS AT HOME
A pom is happy for any opportunity to be outside and feel the cool shiver of wild breezes rustle through their fur.
A pom loves to stop and smell the flowers while thinking about all of the wonderful things life has to offer — kibble, tennis balls, squirrels to chase.
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Just the thought of friends coming over to play is enough to make any pom jump for joy!
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A pom is always happy to share the best seat in the house with everyone he loves.
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BREED PROFILE
Written by ALEXANDER VENTLEY Photography by TONYA SCHABACKER
White paws SEND UP PUFFS OF EVEN WHITER SNOW, PULLING A
WOOD AND STEEL SLEIGH THROUGH A COLD THAT WOULD FREEZE A CUP OF COFFEE BEFORE IT HIT THE GROUND. ONLY ONE BREED OF DOG IS TOUGH/CRAZY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO PULL IT OFF.
T
he one thing that’s important to know, the one quintessential fact, the one single detail that paints the entirety of this dog’s personality and charm and outlook, it’s this: the husky is originally a sled dog. From Siberia. Many people are instantly enamored by a husky’s beauty and general all-round majesty. The eyes are also a main selling point, with iris hues all along the blue/brown spectrum, and sometimes even mixing two colours in one eye (parti-colour), or two eyes of different colours (bi-colour). They’re also ridiculously adorable as puppies, with their puffy fur and happy demeanor. Many a cold heart has melted for them. Personality-wise, huskies can be accurately described as sled dogs, from Siberia. They’re very friendly
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and loving, with pack instincts manifesting as a general “I love you” attitude to anyone and everyone around them. Huskies rarely – if ever – bark at anyone, and are accepting and generally trusting of new people. You can’t afford to be rude when it’s frigid outside and it takes every last person and dog to get somewhere not cold. The pack mentality also means that huskies are very strong willed, and will be naughty if they don’t see their owner as ‘pack leader.’ Training is a must if the furniture and yard (and car, and house) are to be kept in one piece. Training is also rather difficult for this breed, not out of any lack of intelligence by the dog, but out of stubbornness and short attention span for things they don’t like. However, with enough time, patience and consistency, a husky does make a lovely and obedient companion.
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BREED PROFILE
Huskies will get lonely (and destructive!) if left all by themselves for too long. As a pack animal, a part of a sled team, they tend to get quite depressed and bored if they don’t have a friend to play with. They also require a great deal of exercise and will take every opportunity to run at full tilt, if able. It’s best if huskies are in a family that can make the time to go out and jog with their dog every day. The lovely puffy coat of the husky is both a benefit and a curse. The coat can protect them from temperatures lower than -30 or -40 degrees Celsius, which is great for Siberia, less so for the North American summer. Huskies have two main shed-times every year (often described as “hairy hurricanes”), but they will be constantly shedding a little bit no matter what. It’s also a good idea to moderate summer exercise so the poor dog doesn’t overheat in the scorching humidity.
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There’s a history of eye problems in the breed, and like other large dogs huskies may be prone to hip dysplasia (a hip disorder where the joint isn’t properly nestled in the socket). Like many other maladies, these things can be prevented/caught early with regular
vet checkups.
Huskies are not dogs for those who aren’t willing to spend the time and effort that this breed demands. If their people aren’t available for exercise and affection, then things can turn sour for everybody involved. But in an environment with lots of attention and activity, this breed is incredibly fun, loving, and generous. A husky will love you, even when it’s galloping through a foot of snow – heck, especially when it’s galloping through a foot of snow. They are sled dogs, after all. From Siberia.
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WELLNESS
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BEHIND BACK ISSUES:
Written by DR. JENNAFER A. JAROSZ Photography by STEPHANIE HEIM
ever paid attention
HAVE YOU TO YOUR DOG WHEN HE OR SHE CLIMBS THE STAIRS? CAN YOU TELL IF THEY ESCALATE IN PERFECT ALIGNMENT OR IF THEY SWAY THEIR HIND END MORE TO ONE SIDE? HAS YOUR DOG EVER YELPED WHEN CHANGING POSITIONS OR WHEN PLAYING FOR NO APPARENT REASON? HOW DOES YOUR DOG SIT OR LIE DOWN? DO THEY FLOP BOTH LEGS OUT TO ONE SIDE (A POSITION OFTEN KNOWN AS ‘PUPPY SITTING’) INSTEAD OF SITTING WITH BOTH HIPS DIRECTLY BENEATH THEM? DOES YOUR DOG APPEAR STIFF OR EXPERIENCE DECREASED ACTIVITY LEVELS FOR REASONS OTHER THAN MATURITY? THESE ARE BUT A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS I REGULARLY ASK CLIENTS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN OBSERVING THEIR DOG’S CHIROPRACTIC CONDITION.
I specialize in joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments; from their anatomy, normal and altered movement, function, disease and purpose. My general patients range in all ages, from the very young to the older and more mature candidates. They can be purebred, mixes, long or short haired, large or small and usually walk in to see me on four legs. Yes, I am a chiropractor for not only people but animals as well, including dogs and horses. Just as humans can achieve aches and pains from everyday situations, the bio-mechanics in a canine also predispose them to the same musculoskeletal complaints. The only difference is, they cannot tell us they
are sore, stiff or in pain. It is up to us as their owner and caregiver to recognize their signs and symptoms and help them receive the necessary care they need to alleviate their problems.
Animal Chiropractors diagnose and correct “Vertebral Subluxation Complexes,” or VSCs, which are referred to as the limited mobility of spinal joints and the effects of all the surrounding structures such as the ligaments, tendons and muscles. The best way to describe the process I use when feeling for vertebral ailments in a pet is to demonstrate using the owners’ own joints. If you take your wrist and bend it until CULTURE FOR PETS
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it comfortably will not move anymore you will discover the end range of the joint. If you then add a slight downward pressure to the end range, you should feel a small amount of “spring” in the joint. Do the same extending you elbow and you will feel a difference -- there will be no spring once your elbow is extended to end range, which is normal for this particular joint. However, normal movement in the spine and most of the joints in the extremity should express spring-type motion similar to what was felt in wrist. When I have located the hard end-feel in the joints that I am examining, I have found a Vertebral Subluxation Complex and a likely source of discomfort.
Decreased movement within a joint can be harmful to your pets’ health, because it means that there is a physiological imbalance occurring. Good health is achieved when the entire body has good communication and systemic alliance throughout. Joints, especially spinal joints and intervertebral discs (found between the vertebra in the spine) receive their blood supply indirectly though movement. Movement accomplishes two important tasks; firstly, it ensures the joint brings in adequate nutrients and blood flow; secondly, it allows for the removal of waste and negative substances that build up in the joint. When nutrients are not allowed to properly flow within the joint it becomes predisposed to damaging effects, such as degeneration or arthritic conditions, the inability to heal injuries, and a domino effect on the surrounding tissues.
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It is important to return the joint to its normal movement with chiropractic and address the soft tissue with massage techniques and specific stretches to restore nutrient flow and health. Once arthritic conditions begin to take effect, it creates a lack of movement on a more permanent level.
Chiropractic care for an animal not only has the ability to prevent conditions which are created by a decrease movement, but can also improve conditions that deliver compensatory effects on the body. Compensations occur when areas of the body do not perform their required function on a normal healthy level. For example, think of an area of your body that has sustained an injury. If it was a lower extremity (foot, ankle, knee, hip) you probably have noticed in order to relieve the pain you have altered your gait, maybe with a limp to reduce pressure off the painful side. After utilizing the compensatory gait, have you ever noticed that areas above the injury began to get sore, stiff, or painful? The same can occur if you injure an area of the upper extremity (hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder). When an injury occurs, the pain and swelling are our bodies’ ways of telling us to relax and heal; to rest the injury. However, activities of daily living do not always allow for this, and in the canine world, rest is usually not an option! So we continue with modifications to go on with our routine. The body will compensate in areas above and below the site of injury until it too breaks down. When the circle of compensations occurs, repetitive injuries
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result. Remember certain conditions do not always produce the obvious limp (just as in humans) so compensations can be silent, until as mentioned above they too begin to break down. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, post-surgical repair, disc disease, ACL injuries, post-traumatic injuries, patella luxations, and common structural abnormalities can all lead to compensations in muscles and joints.
The chiropractic adjustment is performed after a full history and assessment of your dog is reviewed. A chiropractic adjustment is only to be performed by a certified and trained animal chiropractor. Certifications are achieved through post-graduate training at an accredited school and additional certifications can be obtained by examinations from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association or International Veterinarian Chiropractic Association. An adjustment is a very specific, highvelocity, low-force controlled thrust by a hand, which is directed in the joints’ normal range. Although it may sound scary at first, restoring the normal motion to the joints causes minimal to no discomfort. Unlike yourself, if you have ever experienced an adjustment, the noise or “cracking” is not as common in dogs and cats. The noise that is sought after by many chiropractic patients does not always represent the movement of the joint within its normal 58
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range, but instead illustrates the release of the gases (oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide) when the joint is gaped or opened. Joints of a small animal, just like a child versus an adult, are taken to tension according to the size of the patient. Many dogs enjoy their treatments and can respond extremely well after just one visit. A treatment plan is created based on the history of the patient and can depend on the length of time the condition has been present, severity of the condition, age of the patient, past injuries, and demands and goals expected of the patient (agility and sporting dogs versus a house pet). Conditions that are treated at early onset respond relatively quickly even if severe compared to a chronic condition that has never been treated before.
Keeping your dog healthy through maintenance examinations and treatments will help prevent many common problems associated with ageing. Remember, a dog is the best silent compensator, because they are considered “4-wheel-drive.� When a problem occurs in the hind quarters they work double in the front causing excessive wear and tear that will inevitability present problems in the future.
As I mentioned before, my general patients are dogs, cats, and horses. After receiving a primary veterinarian referral for the patient, I will treat a dog inside one of my veterinary clinics in which I am associated with, or out of the home of the animal. I find the location all depends on the dog, as some are
not phased by being brought into the veterinary hospital while others are more relaxed in their own environment. I always want the dog to welcome me into their space and be relaxed so that I can perform the adjustment while they are at ease. Chiropractic care can be a healthy holistic option for many common conditions diagnosed in your dog, such as arthritic prevention and reducing recovery times post-injury. Chiropractic can also be utilized as a wellness approach, and offers benefits for performance care to many sporting dogs. It’s important for you as the owner to be sure to look for some of the common symptoms your dog may present. They are counting on you to be their voice and their caretaker for a happier and healthier life!
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KIBBLE & BITS
Written by KELLY BRISSON Photography by LAURA NORRIS THERE’S NO REASON WHY PERSON AND PUP CAN’T SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME IN THE KITCHEN TOGETHER MAKING MOUTH-WATERING MEALS THAT ARE
and canine friendly!
human
I
f you’re anything like me, you’re currently going through the post-holiday depression. Empty wallets, tummies somewhat softer than they were in previous months from one too many plates of turkey and mashed potatoes, and a disappointing realization that it’s another 365 days until you can do it all over again. Bah-hambug! I know my BFF (Best Furry Friend), Ryder, is glad that I’m finally back home to stay instead of running around like a mad woman. She always gets a bit out-of-sorts around the holidays, almost like she knows I’m out eating, drinking, socializing and celebrating the year without her.
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To make up for being so absent recently, I thought I would make a meal that she and I could share together. And since I have a suspicion that you’re all feeling a little pooped from the past month or two of planning, travelling and celebration, I’ve come up with a dish that’s not only healthy for you and your fur-babies, but quick and delicious, too. Your whole family will be left full and satisfied without having to loosen your belt anymore notches than you already have.
As with any raw diet for dogs, it’s best that you do a little research before you dive in. The dish I’m sharing with you today is packed with wholesome ingredients that are beneficial for pup and owner alike, but there are certain ingredients, like onions, that make it necessary to separate the ingredients into designated human and canine bowls before mixing. The last thing you want is to make your pup seriously ill after the holidays. So with this safety tip in mind and without further adieu, I present dinner for two.
SALMON-SWEET POTATO CAKES with Yogurt-Dill sauce and Green Beans (makes enough for 4 humans + 1 pup) It is important to buy a responsibly caught and canned salmon for this recipe. The toxin levels are lower making it healthier for your family, both human and canine, and it’s environmentally friendly. If you’re looking for a good option, Raincoast Trading sells most varieties of canned seafood and is endorsed by the Ocean Wise™ conservation program as environmentally-friendly seafood. INGREDIENTS
1 medium sweet potato 2 (160g) cans of sockeye salmon (remoce bones/cartilage) 1 egg ½ cup celery, diced small 1 tbsp fresh dill, minced 1 dill pickle, diced small 2 tsp Dijon mustard few grinds of fresh black pepper pinch salt ½ cup oat flour (or whole oats, ground to a powder in food processor) Olive oil Yogurt Dill Sauce 1 cup low-fat greek yogurt 1 tbsp dill Green beans, trimmed (steamed or boil until bright green but still have a bit of a bite, about 2-3 minutes)
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DIRECTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 400. 2 Pop the sweet potato in the oven and roast until the flesh is tender. Let cool and removed the skin. 3 In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato flesh, salmon, egg, celery and dill. Remove a patty-size portion of the mixture to a small bowl and set aside. Add the dill pickle, Dijon, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Add all but 2 tbsp of the flour to the large bowl. Add the 2 tbsp to the smaller puppy portion. Stir both gently to combine. 4 Form mixture into hamburger sized patties about 1” thick. 5 Coat a large non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan in olive oil and place over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot enough that a flick of water sizzles when it hits the pan, put the patties down and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden. 6 While the patties are cooking, mix the yogurt and dill in a small bowl until combined. 7 For human-diners: Serve the patties over green beans and top with a dollop of the yogurt sauce. 8 For canine-diners: Cut the patties and green beans into bite-sized pieces and top with a few dollops of yogurt.
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KIBBLE & BITS
Salmon offers lots of omega-3 fatty acids which can boost immune systems and improve coat quality. Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium as well as protein for people and pups alike. Green beans are a crunchy low-cal snack that will add fibre to your dog’s diet.
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CRITTER CAREERS
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It is important to look your best when you are the guest of honour, so Buddy is always freshly brushed and washed before an y visit. He also sports a striking red neck kerch ief so that everybody knows he’s a member of the OTD. | NO° 4 | HEART S O N G
A DA Y IN THE
LIFE OF A THERAPY DOG Written & Photographed by LAURA L. BENN
B
uddy the black goldendoodle is a proud member of the Ottawa Therapy Dogs, an organization that promotes the physical and emotional benefits of the animal-human bond by training companion animals. At least once a week Buddy visits patients in various hospitals, bringing joy and laughter wherever his waggy tail goes. To learn what a typical visit is like Pawsh shadowed Buddy while he worked his lovable magic!
Pawsh Point
If you know an extraordinary dog who is making a positive difference in people’s lives, write to us at info@pawsh-magazine.com
Providing comfort, love and reassurance is just another day at work for Buddy. He makes a difference in the lives of so many every time he steps through the automatic hospital doors and helps spread the word that paws-itivity never fails to make life a little cheerier. www.ottawatherapydogs.ca.
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After a hearty breakfast and nic e long walk, Buddy is all to eager to climb into the car and start his day. As a therapy dog he has been specially trained to not jum p up, so his person, Jeanne, must lift him into the back of the vehicle – no easy feat consid ering Buddy weighs a whopping 80lbs!
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carethroughout the hospital, Jeanne Before allowing Buddy to walk s,” son rea two and paws. “I do this for fully baby wipes his coat, eyes the into ia ddy trekking dirt or bacter she explains. “We don’t want Bu ility with nt Buddy walking out of the fac facility and similarly I don’t wa going have another rub down before any germs.” The furry lad will home at the end of his visit. CULTURE FOR PETS
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CRITTER CAREERS
with l visit a variety of people, each Once at the hospital Buddy wil uals ivid ind to ts g emergency patien a unique story. From recoverin to lo hel ddy’s list of people to say admitted for knee surgeries, Bu ients. be visiting a single floor of pat is quite lengthy. Today he will
ital staff, it’s the doting hosp d te ee gr s ha sitting by Once he calls! Whether om ro e m so e time to mak for treats... around the beds ng si no , de si r thei
...or enjoying a leisurely ear rub
.... nts.
tention given by patie
s up the at ...Buddy happily soak
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This intelligent fellow even knows how to sit politely next to a wheel-chair regardles s of the fact that there is nobody sitting in it to visit!
wn to ’s back do it r e v o e r re to a ing hours s makes su y a lw a y d Once visit ff ud ewell to sta bby, but B r lo fa l in a a n fi m a e th for at some front desk ell known w o s stop by the is e ed visitors. H even allow is e h s and other e m at someti hospitals th sk! de behind the
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ARTIST PROFILE
A RARE LOOK AT Written by LAURA L. BENN Photography by JESSICA FLORENCE WHEN EQUIPPED WITH A CAMERA THERE ARE A FEW SUBJECTS THAT NEVER FAIL DRAW ATTENTION – GURGLING BABIES, COMICAL DOGS AND SPARKLING SUNSETS. IT’S NOT EVERYDAY THAT AN ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHER DECIDES TO TURN THEIR ARTISTIC EYE UPON AN LIKE THE RAT, YET IT IS EXACTLY THAT VIEW THAT HAS BROUGHT JESSICA FLORENCE, 21, OF PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND A GREAT DEAL OF ATTENTION.
often overlooked creature
A
lthough she has never studied photography formally, Florence has been a self-described ‘artsy-person’ her entire life and credits her artistic background for her smooth transition into camera formats. “Being able to capture a moment is the closest thing to stopping time that we have,” she says romantically, yet another reflection of her creative outlook. Her rare poetic portrayal of the ordinary pet rat is making waves on the internet and transforming this often misunderstood critter’s image into one of cute cuddles!
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ARTIST PROFILE
When I was 17, I had just started to get into photography with my very first camera. I really wanted to photograph people, but I had a lack of willing models. I turned to my rat, Bug, out of desperation really. Luckily she was a great model and was very easy to work with. After taking one photo of her with a teddy bear, she started getting a lot of attention on the internet and it all took off from there.
My rats are often allowed to roam free; running around all day helps get them into the mood for photos. I will start by making my hands very warm and maybe laying a hot water bottle down under a blanket. Warmth makes them sleepy and docile enough to be gently posed. It takes a long time for them to be dozy enough to work with, sometimes a couple of hours. I think the key is being very gentle with them and giving them lots of petting and love. I also think a soft voice helps.
I suppose the main concept is “cute!” I had always found rats to be adorable and I don’t remember ever feeling any differently about them. I wanted to show them the way I see them because I know a lot of people see them purely as vermin and are disgusted. I like to think I have changed a very small percentage of opinions on rats.
I have one dog, a Siberian Husky called Dexter and he is 22-months-old. I have one rat called Max and he is 20-months-old. He is the last of my rats, but I don’t recommend getting a single rat on their own. They need friends! Max gets lots of attention to make up for it.
They are not self-conscious, because obviously they aren’t aware they are being photographed. Every photo of them is just them as they are. They don’t even know how to put on a fake smile! Sometimes it is also nice to just work in silence without having to chat.
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CRITTER CAREERS
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In general I would say it’s relaxed and soft. When I photograph people I never like to force anything out of someone for the sake of the camera. I think natural pictures work best. With animals, although I like to pose them a bit more, I’d say the approach is the same. The shots work better when they have been achieved without being too forceful.
They have all been my pets. They have come from breeders or friends. I also bred the babies from two of my rats, Max is one of those babies.
Honestly I can’t pick a favourite. They all mean a lot to me. I have loved all my rats equally and it is hard when they go. Unfortunately they only live 2-3 years. I am a massive animal lover.
A lot of my favourite memories come from the first rat I started photographing, Bug. She was a character and truly loved her tiny teddies. She treated them like babies and would sleep with them happily. It was so funny to watch her carry them around, push them away when she was grumpy and then cuddle up to them to sleep. She was a wonderful model and such a lovely friend, I was heartbroken when she died and so were her ‘fans.’
Rats are wonderful, affectionate and a much too often misunderstood animal. They are adorable and cuddly and all the things most people would want out of a pet. They are nothing like they are portrayed in the media and wild rats are much different to domesticated ones. If you are looking for a small pet, they are a great choice. www.jessicaflorence.com.
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CREATURE COMFORTS
Photo courtesy of OSCAR NEWMAN
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warm and fuzzy
SOMETIMES EVEN A FURRY FRIEND NEEDS AN EXTRA LAYER TO KEEP THE WINTER CHILL OUT AND THE IN!
1Piccadilly Sweater www.shoposcarnewman.com 2Chocolate Cashmere www.olivegreendog.com 3Buffalo Check Turtle Neck www.fabdog.com 4Striped Bone Turtleneck www.fabdog.com 5Penguin Animal Sweater www.foufoudog.com 6Fairisle Sweater www.juicycouture.com 7Pocket Full of Elephant Sweater & Toy Set www.shoposcarnewman.com CULTURE FOR PETS
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SPECIAL OCCASION
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TO MY DOG Written by SARAH SYPNIEWSKI Photography by KIM RODGERS
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good-looking pooch!”
T
hey’re right of course; you are beautiful – but there’s so much they can’t see in a passing moment, and those are the things I love best of all.
I love the tufts of mini Sasquatch fur that poke out between your pads and how I have to fight the urge to tickle them when you’re napping (you’re welcome). I love your top lip that gets caught in an Elvis impersonation and that one tooth on the bottom that juts out even farther than your massive under bite, prompting people to constantly ask if you’ve left a bit of your lunch behind. I love that I wake up before you and when you hear my voice, your tail thumps like it’s going to fall off and doesn’t stop until I get on the floor and we do our morning hugs. Some people don’t believe it-that you hug like a human--but your chin on my shoulder and a full body lean begs to differ. And if I dare do something else before I give you your squeeze, like--say-use the bathroom, I am always completely amused by the grumbling that rises from your offended throat. I know you’re being
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“Wow! That is one
PEOPLE CALL YOU BEAUTIFUL. THEY EXCLAIM THINGS LIKE, I THANK THEM AND AGREE, BUT THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TRULY BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE. THEY COMMENT ON YOUR EYES, BUT THEY DON’T REALIZE HOW POWERFUL THEY CAN BE – HOW YOU CAN USE THEM TO COMMAND ME TO DO THINGS LIKE LET YOU HAVE THE LAST BITE OF MY VEGGIE BURGER (EVEN THOUGH I REALLY WANTED IT) AND CONTORT MYSELF INTO HUMAN ORIGAMI JUST SO YOU CAN FIT NEXT TO ME ON THE COUCH.
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serious, but you have to admit--it’s a little hard not to laugh. I love to make sure you’re warm enough at night and willingly scootch over to make more room for you in bed. My favorite is when you poke your head out but leave the rest of your body under the covers. It makes me happy that you have figured that out (you’re so clever) and even happier when you start snoring in my face. I don’t even mind your doggie breath; now THAT’S love! I (mostly) love that you not always need to be touching me while I work on the computer, but also, that you’ve decided I should pet you constantly. Even though I’m pretty sure I’m getting the short end of the stick on this one, you’ve made me an incredible one-handed typist. I look forward to fall and winter, for those are the seasons of hoodies, puffy vests, and jackets. When you see I’ve got one on, you toddle on up, scratch at my chest, and I zip you up. Sometimes you stick your head out and enjoy the ride and other times, you’ll snuggle down against my belly and I just end up looking strangely
pregnant. There is nothing better that those hours when I can feel your tiny heart beat against mine. People say you’re spoiled, but I say I’m getting my time in with you while I can, for I know that one day, I will not be able to. I love that I can tell what time it is based on where you’re lying because you follow the sun: if you’re in the backyard, we still have the whole day in front of us. If you’re on the front porch, it’s lunchtime. If I find you in front of the bookcase, I’ve only a couple hours left to get work done, and the closer you get to the bedroom, the closer it gets to your dinnertime. You soak up the warmth with a smile spread across your face, your blonde fur baking while your amber eyes melt in pure bliss. Sometimes, when things get too stressful, I take a break and lay with you. You’re right – you should never be too busy to stop and enjoy the simple things. And looking on the sunny side of things doesn’t hurt, either. You know, there are days I contemplate what horrible things people did to
you and what atrocities you survived before we met. I know I’ll never know about everything that happened to you and it simultaneously makes my heart break and overflow. I cry over the fact that I couldn’t protect you from it and that you can’t tell anyone about it, yet I rejoice and marvel over how you somehow made it through the worst of humankind and arrived at the doorstep of my soul, ready for love. People don’t know that you let me help you tend to your broken spirit and we learned to trust each other, and that’s really what they’re seeing radiate from you when they stop to chat during our outings. Your true beauty is your ability to survive without letting the past destroy your future. I love you best of all for that. I don’t know what I did to get so lucky, but here I am in the presence of greatness. And even though I try to tell you this in different ways, I just wanted to take some time to spell it all out: I adore you, my sweet dog. And yes – they’re right. You are beautiful.
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HOW TO HUSH AN EXCESSIVE BARKER Written by DIANNE SARASIN Photography by STEPHANIE HEIM
barking mad?
IS YOUR DOG’S AFFINITY FOR CHIT-CHAT DRIVING YOU ALTHOUGH YOU MIGHT THINK HE JUST LOVES THE SOUND OF HIS OWN VOICE, YOU DOG IS ACTUALLY COMMUNICATING AND IF YOU LISTEN CLOSELY YOU MIGHT JUST BE ABLE TO DECODE HIS MESSAGE.
A valuable question to answer in this sort of situation is why does your dog bark? Is this behaviour activated by boredom, anxiety, frustration, fear or excitement? Is he being demanding and pushy or simply requesting attention? All of these are logical motivators for your darling bark-box. Believe it or not some dogs, especially those bred specifically for guarding tasks, may even view barking as a problem-solving behaviour. “Oh hey!” they might be saying. “Something is wrong here. There’s an intruder in the house! But don’t worry, my bark will fix that. Woof! Woof!” Whatever your dog’s reason for vocalizing it is important to remember that they always use barking to their advantage. It is a way for them to achieve something in their situation, be it a demand in the moment or a form of emotional release. The trick is understanding what exactly they are trying to achieve.
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There are many different types of barking, each with its own specific message and a dog will often use a wide range of sounds to get his point across. Watchdog barking for example, has two purposes; one is to alert pack members that there is an intruder or a change in the environment. The other is to warn the intruder, as though to say, “Watch out. I see you!” When your dog starts barking try to locate the trigger. If he is barking at a perceived threat he is doing his job and protecting you. You just have to make sure guarding doesn’t turn into over-protectiveness. For example, a stranger coming up to your front door warrants a bark. However, children riding bikes up and down the street does not. You must be able to reassure your dog and let them know when everything is okay. ‘Scary’ barking on the other hand comes from a dog who is either feeling uncomfortable with something in his surroundings or fearful. The message with this bark is “Go away, go away! Don’t come any closer!” This bark is more serious in its tone and usually comes from an under-socialized dog. It is prudent to be very cautious when facing a dog demonstrating a scared bark, as their fear can cause them to lash out in unpredictable behaviour. The nervous bark is usually voiced by a nervous dog, who can act in a variety of ways around strangers. This type of dog might bark but then back off or circle while barking and growling. Another nervous type might settle down when the stranger is seated but bark and tense up when the visitor gets up to leave. Typically, a fear of strangers makes a nervous dog a challenge to train, but understanding that their barking nature is rooted in
nervousness can help professionals determine the right course of action. Demand barking is like the human teenage attitude of talking back. Many dogs will experiment with this tactic to see if it will work for them. Dogs are in many ways great experimenters and they love to train their owners, especially through barking. “If I bark at her will she open the door? Will she pick me up? Play with me? Give me a cookie?” The demand bark is essentially saying, “I want something now. Now, now, now!” While reading this might sound funny, you must be careful with the demand bark as it can become a problem. Be diligent with monitoring your response to the bark or your pooch will learn that barking gets him whatever he wants whenever he wants it. Can you say spoiled? The ‘talking back’ bark is another kind of demand barking. Dogs will use this when you attempt to correct them or you interrupt something they really want to be doing. This barking is usually a type of displacement behaviour stemming from anxiety or over-excitement. To avoid having a chatter-box who always disrupts the neighbours, you must address any sort of talking back with a firm and fair ‘No.’ Boredom barking is sadly one of the most popular reasons for excessively yappy dogs. Just as we might inadvertently start talking to ourselves or humming a tune when bored, dogs will also turn to their voice for company and entertainment. Dogs need lots of doggy things to do to keep them amused. Providing a constructive way to release pent-up energy can, in most cases, greatly diminish barking. Chew toys, bits of kibble in an empty water bottle, lots of exercise and games of hide-andseek will keep your dog’s mind active and his tongue still.
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If you have an excessive barker whose chatty-Cathy ways you are trying to quell, you must keep one thing in mind above all – never yell or scream at your dog. This vibrant outburst from you may sound like discipline, but will actually give your dog the attention he is demanding and thus reinforce the behaviour. Similarly, if your dog is yapping his head off to tell you he’s hungry and you give him food, you are rewarding his naughty ways. Instead, you should make it clear that his barking is inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Be consistent with your disapproval. One way to approach excessive barking is to not even acknowledge your dog until he gives you two seconds of complete silence. He will soon figure out that silence is gold and gets him much more than rowdy bellows. Of course, having a consultation with a qualified professional trainer will help you to determine the root of your dog’s barking, understand what kind of barker they are and tailor a plan to help correct it in a manner that will suit their personality.
Having a dog that barks all the time can be frustrating, but take a moment and put yourself in their paws. Imagine talking and talking at the top of your lungs only to discover that everyone around you is completely oblivious to what you are trying to say? Now that would be frustrating! Help quieten your dog’s throaty announcements by listening to their tone, observing their behaviours and working with trained professionals.
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The most important piece of advice to remember when trying to modify any dog behaviour problem is that you must clearly communicate to your dog what is acceptable and what is not.
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Use a specific word or sound for correction such as “enough,” “stop,” or “no.” Whatever word you use, you must use it consistently and every time your dog barks.
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Praise your dog the second he stops making a racket. If he begins again, repeat your disapproving word over and over until he stops then shower him with attention when silence ensues.
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Stake your claim! If your dog barks at the same object, person, situation, or place, you need to step up and claim that stimulus as yours. Declaring that object as yours sends the message to your dog that everything is under control and he doesn’t have to concern himself with it.
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Be calm. Your body, mind and voice should be calm yet assertive when addressing a dog that barks too much. If you get riled up, chances are your dog will too.
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Give your dog more challenges. A socialization program, brain toys, regular exercise and extra attention from you can make reduce the likelihood of excessive barking.
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Teach your dog to bark on command as a trick. Yes, you heard that right, but be sure to also teach your dog to be quiet on command. This way you can essentially turn the bark on or off when you want. CULTURE FOR PETS
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CREATURE COMFORTS
Written by ALLISON VORSTENBOSCH
THINGS WE
THE DOG BOWL
PERIODIC TABLE COLLAR
www.madebymememe.com
www.etsy.com/shop/RuffHaus
PET PILLOWS SERIES 3
DOGGY SNOOZE SOFA
www.pillowpillowpillow.com
www.doggysnooze.com
Although not designed for dog use, this humourous tribute to the infamous ‘cone of shame’ makes a witty centerpiece or decorative knick-knack for all of your bits and pieces.
Pillow Pillow Pillow by Aaron Stewart and Hornet Toys is an adorable creation of ‘squashable snuggable’ plushies that transform photographs of your pet into unique pillows! Appealing to folks of any age, these charming cushion cousins will suit a wide range of decor styles!
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For the geek-chic pooch there is only one thing their hearts will desire – a periodic table collar of course! This unique design will teach you all sorts of scientific things in style!
Imagine lounging away the afternoon on an elevated dog bed that is not only strong and durable but sleek too! Keep pets away from the cold hard floor with this uniquely designed, orthopedic and chew-resistant sofa that will provide a lifetime of comfort and pleasing aesthetic.
THOMAS SABO CHARM
Remember your canine cutie with an equally adorable charm! Made from 925 sterling silver this high-quality piece is ideal for necklaces and bracelets alike!
www.thomassabo.com
TIDBITS PET TREAT JAR
Every pet deserves to indulge once in a while, but that doesn’t mean unsightly pet treat bags should clutter up your counter space. Instead why not opt for a stylish stainless steel design from WetNoz? With a five-cup capacity and black rubber accent pieces this jar is a treat in and of itself!
www.wetnoz.com
FANCY BUDDY BELTS
If you’re going to wear a harness, you should make it one with a bit of sparkle! These sassy styles reduce tension on a dog’s neck, are comfortable to wear and boast highend hardware!
www.funnyfur.com
GIANT DOG RAIN JACKET
Most giant breeds don’t need any help keeping warm thanks to their enormous weight and thick coats. However, keeping dry is another matter altogether! Waterproof, breathable and eco-friendly these sassy styles will make a huge fashion statement!
www.thatsabigdog.com
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JONATHON ADLER LEASH
COOKIE CUTTER
www.jonathanadler.com
www.petsmart.com
PERSONALIZED PET ART
BEST PET FOLDING PLAYPEN
A beautiful splash of colour radiates from this canvas leash and adds an undeniable element of style to your mid-winter walk with Fido!
Created by digital artist John W. Golden, each piece of customized pet art adds a splash of sentimentality to any wall! Plus each piece is covered in a protective laminate coating to make cleaning a walk in the park!
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Who can resist a cute cookie cutter? That’s right, nobody! Suitable no matter if you’re baking for the dogs or the hungry humans in your life!
If you’re travelling and don’t want to haul a huge cumbersome dog crate around, this folding playpen might be an alternative option! Water resistant and spacious it makes the perfect play area for small dogs who can’t be trusted free reign of the house while nobody is home.
www.amazon.com
MIKKA CLIKKA TRAINING CLICKER
Training can be a snap...or a click with this funky handheld device. With a large easy-to-press button and a neck lanyard you can teach your dog all sorts of amazing tricks!
www.traininglines.co.uk
DOG LOVER MOBILE
For those growing babies who are already dog-obsessed, a beautiful silhouetted mobile from Salty and Sweet that celebrates the bouncy, slobbery, hyper nature of dogs!
www.etsy.com/shop/SaltyandSweet
BENTWOOD CORNER BED
PLAY TUNNEL
www.bowsers.com
www.petplay.com
It can be tricky to know what to do with the corner of a room, so why not just give it to the dogs? Designed specifically to fit without any hassled into a 90 degree corner, this snazzy piece of canine furniture may be the dog bed of your dreams!
Finding new ways to keep your dog entertained can be a challenge, which is which this nifty PLAY tunnel is such a treat! It can be used for agility training, fun and games or a cool fort-like place to nap! Made of durable materials and folds for easy transport!
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DEALING WITH
Photography by DANIELLE BERNIER
Award-Winning
EXPERT ADVICE FROM MASTER GROOMER AND OBEDIENCE TRAINER, LISA DAY! THE THEME OF THESE TWO QUESTIONS IS – WHO IS TRAINING WHO?
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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!
Hi Marie, I’m sure this behaviour does seem to very much be like a Jekyll and Hyde. But it also sounds as if it’s a learned behavior. My first thought is that this isn’t new. I’d suspect this has been going on since he was a young dog. Lucky for you, dogs live in the now and will change their habits as soon as you do. He believes that the toys are his exclusively and no one is allowed to touch them until he deems it. That tells me he’s training you and he’s in charge. Not a good place for the dog or the owner. I’m also curious on whether there are any issues with his food? Will he let you near or take his food once you’ve offered it to him?
Dear Lisa, nauzer who is I have a miniature sch and whenever he about four-years-old he growls and gets a brand new toy mes close to try snarls if somebody co luring him away take it away. I’ve tried but he seems to from the toy with a treat, growls louder. The know it’s a rouse and so gentle in every weird thing is that he’s th kids and won’t other way. He’s great wi , because he’s that even play rough-house haviour only lasts gentle! This snarling be he gets the toy – about a day – the day es back to normal, and then everything go he bares his teeth but it worries me that es this mean and at me like that. What do how can I make it stop? Marie-Ann Humphrey
Try this exercise: When you present the new toy, keep your hand on it. Don’t let him have complete possession. Then when you decide, after a just few seconds, have him relinquish the toy to you. He needs to learn that your hands can come and go on all items in the house, especially what he perceives to be his. Be sure that your hand is still on the item when he lies down with it or proceeds to play with it. You can practice this on the older toys as well. He needs many opportunities of relinquishing the items to you when you decide, not the other way around. With practice and persistence, I’m sure that the two of you will find the ability to share and share alike.
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Hi Greg, It’s hard to live with a Diva, huh? Be grateful she’s not demanding on square cut kibble too! You don’t mention the age, so I’m not sure how long the habit has been practised, but I’d have to wonder how this practice even started? What happens exactly if you don’t respond to her demands? Do you believe she’ll dehydrate even with access to fresh water? To be perfectly honest, I’ve never known of a dog to do this before, but don’t despair, there are a few exercises you can try. 1. Ride her demands out a bit longer. You’re feeling the need to provide her with something that she already has. Let her know that the water will be/is fine and she’ll not die from it. Stand your ground a bit longer. If your conviction won’t allow that, then there’s another option;
Dear Lisa, about her water. My dog Blue is picky less it is fresh from She won’t drink any un ter dish has been the tap. Even if the wa prior, she will still refilled half an hour I put brand new come and bug me until d her water dish water down. I’ve change , but things haven’t in case that is the issue so I don’t have to changed. Can you help ter every hour? be getting up to pour wa Greg Summers
2. You could try and give her ice cubes in lieu of the water. Sometimes the fresh cold sensation is as appealing as running spring. 3. Purchase a recycling water bowl. There’s always fresh water being released into the bowl every time she drinks. That may satisfy her ‘only the freshest will do’ requirements. I hope this helps defeat your little diva’s demands!
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KIBBLE & BITS
THE WORST CASE SCENARIO POCKET GUIDE: CATS by David Borgenicht and Ben Winters
Worried about how to handle your cat’s antics? This sweet little book addresses it all! From hairballs, to catnip addictions, scratching, litter box malfunctions and more! Whatever your cat throws your way, this book will have you covered! Available through www.chroniclebooks.com.
INSIDE OF A DOG by Alexander Horowitz
What do dogs really see, smell, think and know? Containing latest research findings about disease detection, tail signals and their ability to tune into human emotions, this title talks about all of the things we understand least about our canine pals. An interesting look at this species beyond the human habit of anthropomorphizing our pets. Available through
www.chapters.indigo.ca.
SOPHIE: THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF THE CASTAWAY DOG by Emma Pearse
This remarkable tale of courage, perseverance and faith follows Sophie, an Australian cattle dog, who was lost at sea, swam for miles through shark-infested waters to an isolated island and survived alone in the wild for several months. Now a global sensation and often called the ‘canine Robinson Crusoe,” Sophie has become a symbol of inspiration for the resilience of the human and canine spirit. Available through
www.chapters.indigo.ca.
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A satisfy your appetite
S ALWAYS, WE’VE ROUNDED UP A PAWSH LIST OF TITLES TO FOR MEANINGFUL WORDS THIS SEASON!
LEGACY OF THE DOG by Tetsu Yamazaki
This 900 full-colour image book showcases 200 breeds and helps people learn all they need to know about different kinds of dogs. A work of art and an informative resource, this photographic guide will delight, surprise and educate! Available through www.choriniclebooks.com.
OLD DOGS ARE THE BEST DOGS by Gene Weingarten Photography by Michael S. Williamson
This stunning collection of senior portraits pays tribute to the unwavering devotion a dog expresses for its people throughout its entire life. Capturing intimate moments that celebrate the beauty and wisdom of a canine’s golden years, this book is a celebration of unique characters and lives lived to their fullest. Available through www.chapters.indigo.ca.
THE POWER OF POSITIVE DOG TRAINING by Pat Miller
There is something to be said for positivity. By observing body language and reacting appropriately to your dog’s signals, any dog can learn advanced commands. Couple that with positive reinforcement and be amazed by the results! Miller, a well-known dog trainer, shares all sorts of tips and tricks to help get you and your pooch on the right track! Available through www.chapters.indigo.ca.
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KIBBLE & BITS
“THERE IS NO PSYCHIATRIST IN THE WORLD LIKE A PUPPY LICKING YOUR FACE.” ~BEN WILLIAMS Photography by BRITTANY VEINOT Illustration by AMANDA EMDIN
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Breed: Chihuahua Bichon mix Age: Three months Story: I was dropped off at a shelter. Fave Thing: Playing! Whether playing with my foster sister’s large tail, licking people’s ears or chasing toys, I will play any time, any place. Funny Trait: I like to make noises. All sorts of noises. My foster folks like to say I’m still trying to find my voice, because I’ll change octaves and pitch when trying to say something. Superpower: I can make anyone love me! I even converted a large, German Shepherd loving, small dog disliking man into loving me!
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Breed: Doberman/Shepherd mix Age: 11-years-old Story: My family moved and couldn’t take me with them. Fave Thing: Just being with people. Funny Trait: My goofy smile and big ears. Superpower: I look so young for my age of course!
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Breed: Boxer Age: 10-years-old Story: Somebody dropped me off at a high-kill shelter. Luckily the staff thought I was such a good guy that they put out a call to rescues and Hopeful Hearts saved me. Fave Thing: Going for long walks! The outdoors is a wonderful place! Funny Trait: Once in a while and only if I am very bored, I will try to sneak things from the counter, so it’s best to make sure I’m entertained! Superpower: I get along famously with cats! I know, right?
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Breed: Border collie-lab mix Age: 11-years-old Story: We’ve been together all of our lives and were surrendered by our senior owners who had to give up our farm due to health reasons. Fave Thing: Car rides and running around off leash! We can’t get enough! Funny Trait: We do everything together. Everything! Even our photograph makes us look like we’re joined at the hip! Superpower: We read minds. Just saying.
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Breed: Doberman Age: 7-years-old Story: I was rescued from the Paws R Us kennel seizure in the fall of 2011. Fave Thing: Fun in the sun! Funny Trait: I love tiny dogs! Seriously! I treat them like puppies and will do my best to keep them safe! I am such a mother hen! Superpower: I can run faster than the speed of light...yet strangely never fast enough to catch a squirrel.
To learn more about these dogs in need visit www.hopefulhearts.ca CULTURE FOR PETS
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CLOSING NOTES
Photo by SIMONE FAUQUE Send PAWSH your answers to this question for a chance to be included in our next issue! Write to us at info@pawsh-magazine.com.
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This Issue’s Question I always think my boxer, Boris, can understand everything I say by the way he turns his head and flicks his ears when I say something to him. In fact, I often imagine him talking back to me in a deep British accent...like a young Colin Firth. ~ Simone Boyle
There’s no doubt in my mind that my crazy cat would sound like a very hyper Robin Williams! They are both extremely bouncy and happy-golucky! ~ Sam Peterson
My dog, Daisy, would sound like a southern belle – charming, quaint and sassy through and through! ~ Kerry Gibson
I envision my Maltese to have a voice that completely doesn’t suit his petite size. Something that is a cross between Morgan Freeman, The Rock and The Three Tenors all at once. Mighty Maltese! ~ Rachel Pierre
I think it would be great if my dog (she’s a German Shepherd mix) had some grand operatic voice, so instead of barking she sang very loudly for attention. So long as her voice didn’t break the windows! ~ Cathy Morris
CULTURE FOR PETS
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