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10909 E. Arapahoe Place Centennial, CO Between Lima and Havana just off Arapahoe Rd.
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INGREDIENTS:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We try to avoid making our winter issue look like it’s entirely Christmas, because we know that some of you are totally fed up with it by December 26...but we just can’t resist using this page to celebrate the beauty and joy of the season...so if you are just getting around to reading this in January or February, sorry…as we are preparing this issue it is snowing, and it’s impossible not to be completely caught up in the excitement! We don’t mind letting you all know that for us here at Dogs and Cats Colorado Style, Christmas is a religious holiday, and for that we do not apologize. We believe in God, and we believe that most Americans feel the same way. Christmas is a time for reflecting on the wonderful gift that was given to us, and for remembering, as we joyfully give our gifts, why we do it. Please, as always, remember those less fortunate than you, and don’t get too busy to enjoy the simple pleasures of the Christmas season. Most of all, don’t forget the shelters and rescues. They rely totally on our generosity Have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaaor whatever holidays you observe! Ed.
DDFL Paws to Give
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Ask The Wholistic Vet
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Dogs and Holidays
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Colorado Pet Rescue Resources
10-11-12-13
Pocket Pets make great Pets
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Working Dogs
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Who gets the dog?
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Kids Page
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Publishers
Layout & Prepress
Joe Cefalu Pam Dreeszen Scott L. Simpson
Pam Dreeszen Joe Cefalu
Contributing Writers Dr. Linda Dugger
Dogs & Cats, Colorado Style PO Box 27662 Denver, CO 80227
Margaret Auld-Louie Russell Louie Lene’ Mumaugh Dr. Youkey
720-279-4PET (720-279-4738)
Lorraine May Sales/Marketing Sean Cefalu
BRINDA
petsmag@gmail.com
Complaints, Requests, Advertising Inquiries, Subscription Information ... Please call us direct at 720279-4PET. If you want to see your pet on our pet gallery or if you would be interested in writing an interesting article for us, or, for any other reason, you may E-mail us at: JRC@dogsandcatscostyle.com Once again... we thank everyone for their help…both readers and advertisers. Thank you all so much!
Dogs and Cats, Colorado Style is published quarterly, copyright January, 2002. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. Dogs and Cats does not recommend or endorse any products or services advertised in this publication. Unsolicited articles are invited, but the editor reserves the right to edit any and all materials. All materials submitted to Dogs and Cats are considered to be Dogs and Cats property and unconditionally assigned to us for publication and copyright purposes. No liability is assumed with respect to t he accuracy or completeness of the information provided or from any loss or injury incurred from the use of this publication.
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PAWS TO GIVE™ to Help Homeless Pets this Holiday Season DENVER (November 4, 2013) While you’re making your holiday gift list, don’t forget about the furry, fourlegged homeless friends in need of a little extra help this holiday season. The Dumb Friends League is holding its annual Paws to Give fund drive Nov. 18, 2013 – Jan. 5, 2014, to help the more than 20,000 homeless pets and horses in its care each year. Each holiday season, patrons are invited to our three facilities—the Quebec Street shelter in Denver, the Buddy Center in Castle Rock, and the Harmony Equine Center in Franktown—to fill out a "paw" decoration with a donation amount and a message, which then is displayed on our walls. Children and adults alike often write something in honor or memory of a special pet or horse. This is a great time for patrons to visit the shelters with their families, view the animals in our care, and teach and share the spirit of giving. “It’s also way to help our animals if adopting isn’t an option,” said Bob Rohde, Dumb Friends League president and CEO. “Any amount you can give—whether it’s $10, $20, $30 or more—is very much appreciated and can make a big difference for the pets and people in our community.” This year’s goal of $100,000 will help the Dumb Friends League care for thousands of homeless cats, dogs, small pets and horses. Donations can be made at our facilities, online at ddfl.org/give or by mailing a check to Dumb Friends League Paws to Give, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO 80231. The private, nonprofit organization spends an average of $25,121 a day on companion animal services, including $7,965 daily on veterinary care in its shelters and two mobile clinics. Last year, 16,885 pets and horses were adopted to new homes, returned to their owners or transferred to partner facilities. In addition to adopting out homeless animals, the Dumb Friends League offers many other services, including rehabilitation and adoption for formerly abused and neglected horses, humane education, behavior training for pets, animal cruelty investigations and spay/neuter surgeries at reduced fees, subsidized by donors, for cats and dogs in underserved areas. For more information about the Paws to Give, and to find out how you can help, visit ddfl.org/give or call (720) 2417123. About the Dumb Friends League Founded in 1910, the Dumb Friends League is the largest community-based animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain region, helping pets and people in the Denver metro area and beyond. In 2012, the League expanded the scope of its services to include providing shelter, care and hope for abused and neglected equines in Colorado. The Dumb Friends League has shelters at 2080 S. Quebec St. in Denver and the Buddy Center at 4556 Castleton Court in Castle Rock, as well as the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center™ near Franktown. For more information, visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772.
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ASK THE WHOLISTIC SCIENTIST You Know Your Pet Best
cats. Also, herbs or isolated supplements can have actions similar to drugs, or interfere with drug therapy. Whole food products are generally safer than herbs or isolated supplements. While herbs or supplements can cause side effects or interfere with medications, whole food products do not. Obviously, avoid toxic foods to dogs and cats, such as onions, chocolate, etc. but if the food is safe for animals, such as algae, fish or rice, then supplementing with it is probably not going to pose a danger to your pet or interfere with medications. Single ingredients extracted from food, such as fish oil, can cause problems (such as thinning of the blood), or glucosamine (raising blood sugar). Vets are aware of possible problems like that, which is probably why they tend to reject all products they are not familiar with, including whole food products. We would encourage you to do your own research on the holistic treatments and products you want to give your pet, and then as a responsible pet parent, make an informed decision on what is best for your pet. You are the ultimate authority for your furry child.
by Margaret Auld-Louie An episode of Grey’s Anatomy last season featured a story about a mother who thought her child’s symptoms indicated something seriously wrong with him. She had been dismissed by multiple doctors at multiple hospitals and appeared to be an overly neurotic mother. However, Dr. Meredith Grey, a mother herself, believed the mother and eventually tracked down what was wrong. It turned out the mother was right—there was something seriously wrong with her child that was caught just in the nick of time, before it killed him. This story illustrates that parents know their children best and can often tell when something is seriously wrong, even if the doctors do not believe them.
We feel that the same is true for pet “parents,” if you have had your pet for any length of time. By living with your pet on a day-to-day basis, you get to know what’s normal for your pet and can learn to recognize when something is wrong just from your pet’s behavior. We recently experienced this with our cat, Iris. She had been very ill Russell Louie and Margaret Auld-Louie have 90+ years of combined with acute pancreatitis in August, but was doing better and eating wholistic experience. Contact them at info@OptimumChoices.com or visit again, though her feeding tube had not yet been removed. Then her their website www.OptimumChoices.com. eating fell off some and she became more lethargic. She was acting just like she did when she had an abscess 2 years ago from our cat, NEW Format: Submit holistic pet questions to Julius, attacking her. Her feeding tube had come loose and was info@OptimumChoices.com with a subject: “Ask the sliding in and out. When we looked at it, we saw discharge and, Wholistic Scientist.” If your question is published, we will together with her behavior, concluded she must have an infection e-mail you a free copy of our e-Book: Save Your Dog or there. We took her to the vet, who removed the tube, but said there Cat. was no sign of an infection. So she did not prescribe antibiotics. In the vet's defense, she did not want to give Iris antibiotics unnecessarily as it might cause nausea which would hinder Iris’ recovery from a severe digestive illness. Iris ate better the next day but we had just given her the appetite stimulant drug that she gets every 3 days. The vet thought Iris was fine since she was eating better. However, Iris was not fine. The next day, her eating fell off again and late that night her neck swelled up with a big abscess near where the tube had been. The next morning, the abscess burst, draining pus and blood. Being a weekend, we had to go to the emergency vet clinic, to get the abscess cleaned and antibiotics. Iris immediately started to eat better after getting antibiotics, just like her previous abscess. So, it turned out our instincts were right, despite what the vet (a highly trained internist) concluded. The moral of this story is to trust your instincts about your pet, despite what any expert tells you. Fortunately Iris made a full recovery from the abscess and is continuing to improve from the pancreatitis. If you choose to help your pet holistically, you may also find yourself in a situation where you have to choose whether to follow your instincts about what is right for your pet or do what the vet tells you to do. Not all vets are open to holistic care or raw diets. Even a holistically-oriented vet may be against those holistic products or treatments they are not personally familiar with. We would not suggest going against your vet’s advice, since they have professional medical knowledge that you lack. You should always take their advice seriously. However, your vet is a partner in your pet’s health, not the ultimate authority. As your pet’s parent, you have the right to make the final decision on how to treat your pet. If our vet has a concern about something we want to give our pets, we do research to find out if their concerns are valid. Sometimes their concerns are justified. Not all people herbs or supplements are safe for dogs or cats, so it makes sense to investigate them. For example, alpha lipoic acid, a supplement used by people, is toxic for 7
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like dog toys and pricey dog treats.
To dogs, the Holidays are one long confusing extravaganza. The earth spins faster. Chaos reigns. Actually, it’s pretty much like that for their people too… but dogs don’t know that.
Trussed up in nasty holiday sweaters with bows chafing at their necks and pride, the dogs huddle once again. "There is more", the elder says. "Children come." (Our home is normally a "child-free" zone - safe for other living things.) Sure enough, human puppies spill out of cars to tear open all the packages the dogs were forbidden to touch. Then they turn their attention toward the dogs. The old dog braces for the assault. The t begins... pup tries to make a break and finds that children, puppies that A dead tree, normally fair game for marking, is dragged they are, love a moving target. Finally everyone eats and the into the living room. Ornaments resembling dainty dog pup discovers what the elder dog has known for over a dectoys are sprinkled over the branches but you can’t mark or mouth anything! The people are fiercely protective of this odd- ade. Sit by the kids, they drop food. Plus, in a pinch, you can take food from them quite easily. They’re always running ity. It is even strung with warning lights. The doggies huddle around with something they don’t really need clutched in their and discuss the matter. The oldest explains this seasonal madness to the youngster. "The people have gone mad - it will tiny, dog level, hands. A sip of punch, a cookie, a cracker, some cheese, teething biscuits, milk from a baby bottle, a pass. Give it three weeks." candy cane - it’s a doggie bonanza for a clever thief. SomeSoon, tons of food begin to fill the house - none of it for dogs! times they’ll even give you stuff. All in all, it’s worth the overNext, huge overstuffed bags and boxes appear and are zealous hugs and minor atrocities. crammed into closets with no ceremony at all. The dogs have Eventually, the children, the presents, and (alas) the food, seen squirrels hoard in this way, but they are worried. When have all gone away. The dogs eye that fat sock on the wall your people begin to act like squirrels no good can come of it. the one with all the tantalizing smells. Sure enough, their peoThen strange objects appear - candles, odd dolls with pointed ple begin dividing up the treats: a bone, a ball, peanut butter dog biscuits, toys with the squeakers intact, stuffed animals hats and beards. Worst of all, everything sports a ribbon not yet disemboweled. The madness has brought some joy around its neck. The dogs suspect that doggies will be the next thing festooned. .. The bags are hauled from the closets after all! In an hour exhausted dogs will settle on the couch to and everything is covered with inedible paper and, yes, more watch movies even they have seen before. As the dogs finally pass out, their people begin gently picking bits of candy cane ribbon. Then the whole mess is arranged under the tree corpse and the dogs are warned that any urine will be sternly from their fur. The earth is spinning slowly again.
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dealt with. One of the socks hung on the wall begins to smell
take a leak? Are you willing to reach into a pup’s mouth (and sometimes elsewhere) to pry out a potentially dangerous object? I’ve pulled some mighty interesting things out of Do you have a fenced yard where the pup can safely play? puppy mouths (also ears and rectums) in my day. Do you If not, how do you intend to keep him safe and well exerhave the time and money for puppy shots, worming, heart cised? Can you get home for a midday potty party with the worm testing and preventative, etc., not counting spaying or little furball? Can you explain this to your boss without neutering, dental care and the occasional emergency or insounding crazy? Do you mind cleaning up vomit? Puppies like to refund a lot of things they shouldn’t have con- jury? Will you take the time to properly introduce the puppy to pets already in the home? Are you willing to spend the sumed in the first place. Will you be willing to scrape droptime and money to train your pup to be a good and trustworpings off your lawn and hose urine off your patio furniture? Are you willing to forgive housebreaking accidents? Do you thy citizen? Are you willing to change your lifestyle to accommodate a canine companion’s needs and quirks? Do love your new carpeting? Are you allergic to dogs? Now is the time to find out - not later! Do you mind dog hair on your you promise to provide for this dog through sickness, cross country transfers, the birth of children? Are you ready for a clothing? Your furniture? Everywhere? Can you cope with damage to clothing, furniture, shoes, lawns, - all your favorite long term commitment? Will you love this puppy when he's things? Can you afford hundreds of dollars a year (I’m being old, deaf, blind and just a touch incontinent? conservative, too) for food, vet care, grooming, toys, etc.? Can you provide the exercise level necessary for the breed This Holiday season...think twice or size dog you have chosen? Even after a long day at work? Don’t forget the extra energy a puppy will require for a year or more! Do you want to sleep all night? Every night? Do you mind being in your yard at 3AM watching your pup
THINK FIRST: Do you really want a puppy?
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Poem for Dog Lovers Hello. I've been expecting you for quite some time. Here, come sit beside us for awhile. and let me tell you about this old friend of mine. She might look tattered or maybe old But I won't say goodbye until you've been told. She had the brightest eyes I had ever seen, And wore a beautiful fur coat that would out shine a queen. She was never prissy but walked with an aire ...... And oh so polite, you could take her most anywhere. She could run like the wind and could catch anything she chased But she protected and sat with me when I had problems to face. You could not find a friend nearly so dear. Because no matter the trouble she always stayed near... She has never asked for much from me; Just to love and respect her and I think you'll agree. To give her a good meal plus a nice warm bed is not much to ask; When she has given me all her love and to her this was no task. Now I understand you have a schedule to keep. But I have a small favor before she nods off to sleep. Please fold your wings around her and let her feel young while in no pain;
Sit… Stay… Watch… and pledge your support for the Dumb Friends League Pledges for Pets Telethon, sponsored by Hill’s Science Diet®, on Sunday, Jan. 26, from noon to 5 p.m. on FOX31/KDVR. Tune in to hear heartwarming stories from past adopters, get a behind-thescenes look at our shelters and equine center, learn more about how we help pets and people in our community and meet dozens of adoptable cats, dogs, horses and other small pets. All funds raised will help the Dumb Friends League care for more than 21,000 homeless animals this coming year. To make your pledge, visit ddfl.org/ telethon or call (303) 751-5772.
Dear Guardian Angel of Pets, please keep her safe and happy until I see her again. 9
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*For new clients only. Not to be combined with any other offer Up to 2 pets per household. Expires 2/28/2014
God and Dog God Summoned a beast from the field and He said, "Behold man, created in my image. Therefore adore him. You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks, watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go - even unto civilization. You shall be his companion, his ally, his slave." "To do these things," God said, "I endow you with these instincts uncommon to other beasts: faithfulness, devotion, and understanding surpassing those of man himself. Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death. Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to the faults of man. Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words. Let no fault of language cleave an accord beyond that of man with any other beast - or even man with man. Speak to your master only with your mind, and through your honest eyes. "Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway; forage for him, ward off his enemies, carry his burdens, share his afflictions; love him and comfort him. And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs & wants - which shall be only food, shelter, & affection. "So be silent, and be a friend to man. Guide him through the perils along the way to the land that I have promised him. This shall be your destiny & your immortality." So spake the Lord. And the dog heard and was content. - Author Unknown 14
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A more realistic way to estimate your dog’s age Since a dog’s lifespan is usually limited to 15-20 years, it should be enough to say that a 2 year old dog is young, a 9 year old dog is middle aged, and a 14 year old dog is old, etc. However, for some reason humans feel the need to anthropomorphize every thing that relates to animals. Since we will never be successful in our efforts to stop the needless "humanization" of animals, consider the following: The classic "one dog year equals seven human years" formula has somehow crept into our popular culture. It is a very poor method for estimating your dog’s "human age." It is only accurate in the middle of the spectrum and does not take into account the upper and lower ends of the scale. For example: A 1 year old dog has reached sexual maturity and for all intents and purposes has reached its greatest height and length at this age. No one would claim that a 7 year old child has reached sexual maturity and has stopped growing. At the other end of the scale you must consider that dogs ROU-
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TINELY live past the age of 15. That means in human terms most everyone would be living well into their hundreds! In the case of the worlds oldest dog (29) he would be 203! We think there is a better method.
Use this formula: The first year of a dogs life = 15 years. The second year =10 years. Every year after is equal to 3 human years. Example: a 10 year old dog would be 49. 15+10+(3X8)=49 Another example: a 15 year old dog would be 64. 15+10+ (3X13)=64.
Now, Go Calculate!!
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of saving a rodent who we absolutely adore). During my veterinary school training I worked a little on these guys but never really bonded with them. I have ecently we were on a road trip to Misfound a new appreciation for how wonderful they are as pets. souri. Our first evening as we were walking to a restaurant near our hotel I Both rats and guinea pigs become very attached to humans. Rats are wonderfully smart, easy to train, clean beyond belief spotted a small creature one usually and very fun. Guinea pigs like to sit and contemplate, but will doesn’t see “wild”, in our country anyhow, a guinea pig. The little creature was frantically chewing run laps for fun, make little popcorn like jumps when happy and are very vocal and very -very snuggly. Both love salads blades of wet grass in an area next to a large aluminum type warehouse building. It seemed scared of us, but curious and and will entertain you to no end in their gusto for food. I would like everyone to consider these two “pocket wanted to see us as long as we didn’t come too close. We pets” next time your looking for love at a shelter or rescue. simultaneously spotted a cat nearby watching him with as There are many out there who need homes as much as our much curiosity. Loose cats were rife in the area. Long story short, our trip changed into a rescue mission. We never found dog and cat friends. They are extremely rewarding pets. Finally, and most importantly, these guys need proper an owner after numerous failed attempts and two days later care. Educate yourself well. The Internet is an amazing reloaded PigPig into our car and headed for Colorado. What an adventure! He got to ride on elevators, in cars, room in card- source for advice. Pretty much any cage in a pet store is too small, especially for the pigs. See a veterinarian as soon as board boxes in hotel bath tubs and explored a cat carrier you get him or her. Pocket pets need as much care as any house with my pajama top as bedding. He was wild about dog or cat, and usually their health problems erupt from ignoregular food and water and literally changed his appearance rance leading to inappropriate care. If your vet doesn’t care in a few days fattening up quickly. for these guys be sure to find one who does. I actually take We were easily won over. Guinea pigs are some of mine to Goldenview Veterinary Hospital in Golden, to my the most docile and cuddly creatures you will ever have the pleasure of being around. Little PigPig sat for hours cuddling classmate Dr. Kris Ahlgrim. I know I need a vet who knows our necks and making little purring and trilling noises that were specifically about their needs. Good veterinary care will help overwhelmingly endearing. We quickly stopped talking about you avoid health issues and have a rewarding relationship with your pocket pet. dropping him off at a nearby shelter and were instead talking about rearranging our house to fit him in, buying him a pal, Dr. Linda Dugger, Rocky Mountain Mobile Veterinary toys, and introducing him to our dogs and rats (another story Clinic, 303-257-0202
Pocket Pets are Great Pets
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WORKING DOGS ACTUALLY DO WORK!
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or the vast majority of dogs, life is eat, sleep and play. For some, though, work is also a factor of daily life.
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couple of months work them up to five miles," he said. Early runs focus on both speed and strength training, but in later months, training focuses more on speed. By December, there’s usually enough snow to train with a sled instead of an ATV.
"The handlers will all tell you that they spend more time with the dog than with any other person or animal, including their wives!" said Dr. McNamara. Of course, occupational hazards also come with most canine jobs. Police dogs, particularly, often have a dangerous job description. Stab and gunshot wounds or trauma from being hit by a car during a chase are all possibilities. "It doesn’t happen terribly frequently. But if one dog gets injured, that’s one dog too many," said Dr. McNamara.
"The other pacing factor in my training is that I am a strictly weekend trainer. My schedule does not allow me to train during the week, except very rarely, so I have to make the most of the weekends I have. This is also why it takes months for me to work the dogs up to speed and pulling power," he said. "Certain activities predispose certain dogs to "Still, by the time the racing season rolls around, I typically have over 100 miles on my problems we don’t see in other activities," said Dr. Gillette. The stress fractures in greyBeing a pet dog may seem to be a lucky lot in dogs." hounds, for instance, or injuries to the pads life, but are working dogs worse off than their Not all working dogs are required to perform of dogs that do extensive running on hard more coddled cousins? It turns out that, in at the athletic level of sled dogs, but almost surfaces. But proper handling also includes some ways, they’ve got it even better. all are on carefully crafted programs of care prevention—which is why sled dogs wear to optimize their health—including exercise, booties on their feet when they race across In humans, it’s a well-established fact that diet, and routine veterinary care. "[Working ice and snow, and police dogs often wear those of us who are active and exercise live dogs] are exceptionally well taken care of," bulletproof vests. longer, healthier lives. "It very much applies said Paul McNamara, DVM, DACVS, a board to dogs also," said Robert L. Gillette, DVM, "Sled dog racing is an intense sport, but de-certified veterinary surgeon at Veterinary MSE, director of the Sports Medicine ProSpecialties Referral Center in Pattersonville, spite that intensity, there are remarkably few gram at the Auburn University College of N.Y. He teaches a program of field first aid to medical issues that arise as a result of the Veterinary Medicine. "I see a lot less probactivity. The dogs are bred for running and lems in [working] dogs than I do in pet dogs. handlers of police dogs. pulling and they excel—and thrive—doing They’re better conditioned and better able to "These are athletes that need to be kept these activities," said Mr. Lee. handle the stress than under-conditioned or trained. Every day, they need to have some out-of-shape dogs." In fact, most working dogs relish their jobs. sort of physical activity, above and beyond For instance, he treats many fractures in rac- their basic training. Being fit reduces the like- "The profession they’re in is riskier than being a pet, but the types of dogs brought into this lihood of injuries," he said. ing greyhounds as a result of the stress work all seem to enjoy it. The training all rethey’re under when they run. However, he’s Owners of working dogs are often better pre- volves around play," said Dr. McNamara. also treated a Lhasa apso for the same kind pared to keep their animals in good health, Drug-sniffing dogs are trained by searching of injury—the dog was a hard-core couch as well. "It’s a different type of relationship. for a toy, he explained. So a dog poring potato, and hurt itself running to get its dinIt’s kind of a partnership, and each partner through a car in search of marijuana or coner. Because it wasn’t well conditioned, it puts a little part into the relationship," said Dr. caine experiences the same thrill it gets when was injured much more easily. Gillette. "[The owners] are very much aware. searching for its favorite squeaky toy. They’ll pick something up when most people The physical requirements for working dogs "We can’t get into the minds of these dogs, vary—herding dogs spend much of their day wouldn’t see a problem. They know their but when I put dogs on exercise restriction [to dogs very, very well." on the move, and require stamina. Police rest an injury or other problem], they get dogs, on the other hand, need to be fast and Mr. Lee agreed. "I would say [working dogs’] really unhappy when ‘Dad’ leaves for work expend bursts of energy. Even active pet lives are also different in terms of the care without them," Dr. McNamara added. dogs probably don’t approach the levels of and attention they receive. This is not to imfitness required in working dogs. ply that most pet [owners] do not take excelPolice dogs are trained to only be aggressive lent care—medical and ‘emotional’—of their "Generally speaking, working dogs that are on command; in fact, it would be a huge lianimals, but for sled dogs, the level is exworked are more athletic [than pet dogs]. They are more active and as such are in bet- tremely high by necessity of the demands of ability to have a wantonly aggressive dog that the sport," he said. " Most sled dogs are very couldn’t be strictly controlled, Dr. McNamara ter shape," said Stephen Lee, a physicist said. "They’re trained to do things that can from Los Alamos, N.M. Mr. Lee is an amateur tough and have a high threshold for pain. A seem aggressive, but they only do it when musher must learn to read each individual racer, or "musher," of Siberian Husky sled they’re commanded to do it, or when their dog for any minor sign that might indicate a dogs. "For sled dogs, the activity levels are human partner’s life is in danger," he added. minor injury of some type that, if left unmuch higher than in many other dog sports, "They take drugs off the street, and find peotreated, would become more serious." so they tend to be in excellent physical ple that are lost… They do a huge community shape. Sort of like an Olympic athlete, if you And Dr. McNamara said that he has not "met service." will." a [police dog] handler yet who didn’t want to soak up as much information about his or her Mr. Lee trains his team of four dogs in the colder months of the year, usually about Oc- partner as they could get. They’re a group of tober through March. "In the fall, I begin train- people I enjoy working with because they’re ing on dirt using an ATV [all-terrain vehicle]. I so dedicated to their partners." Most police dogs live at home with their handler, and in begin very slowly, since the dogs have not pulled all summer, and work my way up. De- addition to being a highly trained working dog, they’re also the family pet. pending on how the dogs are doing, I begin at one mile or so runs and over a period of a Dogs can have a variety of job descriptions: helping police officers on patrol, keeping a farmer’s sheep or cattle in line, searching out victims of natural disasters, retrieving quarry for hunters, assisting the disabled, and even sniffing out drugs, smuggled goods, and explosives.
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The Naming Of Cats The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter, It isn't just one of your holiday games; You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES. First of all, there's the name that the family use daily, Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James, Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey-All of them sensible everyday names. There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter, Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames: Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter-But all of them sensible everyday names. But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular, A name that's peculiar, and more dignified, Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular, Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride? Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum, Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat, Such as Bombalurina, or else JellylorumNames that never belong to more than one cat. But above and beyond there's still one name left over, And that is the name that you never will guess; The name that no human research can discover-But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess. When you notice a cat in profound meditation, The reason, I tell you, is always the same: His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name: His ineffable effable Effanineffable Deep and inscrutable singular Name. T.S.Elliot
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Who Gets the Dog? Lene’ Rafferty Morrison, Colorado
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ophie slammed her library book on the island counter. “What is that noise all about?” asked Mom. “You’re never going to believe it,” Sophie spoke
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asked. “What a great idea,” Mom replied. That night, Mom relayed Sophie’s story to her father. “Wow, you’d never know it when hanging out with them,” Dad scratched his head. “I wonder if there’s any way we can help them out,” Mom responded. “I know you’d like to help,” Dad beamed. “Sometimes, the worst thing to do is get into the middle of whatever their disagreement is.” “Sammie’s going to spend the weekend,” Mom replied. “We’ll just love on her like we always do.” Dad smiled. “You look like you’re up to something.” On Friday, the two girls skipped up the driveway to Sophie’s home. Blondie met them at the door, wagging her entire body. “Why don’t you girls take Blondie for a walk?” Mom asked. “She hasn’t been out all day.” Tears. “What’s wrong?” Mom motioned her to the kitchen table. “It looks like you need to talk.” “Sarge has been home alone all day all the time,” Sammie began. “My Dad’s job is out of state a lot. Mom’s having a hard time getting the leaves picked up. Our deck furniture is always put away by now, too.” “We’re so sorry,” Sophie’s mom hugged her daughter’s best friend. “The most awful thing is when Dad’s home,” sighed Sammie. “They’ve been talking real loud at each other,” Sophie added. “They never did that before.” Mom leaned back. Blondie placed her paw on Sammie’s leg. “I’ve got an idea,” said Mom. “Maybe we could help your mom with some of the leaves.” Sammie’s eyes lit up. “Would you?” she asked. The next day, the two girls piled into the backseat of the truck. Sophie’s dad dropped a couple of rakes and an unopened box of lawn bags in the back. Piling leaves, rolling in leaves and raking leaves lasted nearly four hours. Sammie’s mom carried some hot chocolate out to the laughing foursome playing in the backyard. “It feels so good to laugh,” Sammie’s mom giggled. She spilled the hot chocolate. The marshmallows jumped out of the five mugs. A recognizable voice lifted in the air from inside the house, “Get down, Sarge, you big lug.” “It’s Dad!” Sammie jumped up from the pile of leaves. The
slowly. “Try me,” Mom cocked her head. “Remember Sammie?” asked Sophie. “You’ve been friends since you two were Brownies together,” replied Mom. “Did you have a fight?” Sophie tugged the top off the jar, reached in; blindly searched for a succulent chocolate chip cookie. She inspected it, pulled it apart; dropped a section of it in her mouth. “We didn’t have a fight,” Sophie said. “Her parents have been fighting, like a lot.” “They always seemed to be so close,” said Mom. “When did the fighting begin?” A couple of bites, and the cookie disappeared. “These cookies are fresh!” Sophie gushed. “Can I have another one with some milk.” “Take your coat off,” Mom pointed to the chair. “Tell me what’s up.” Sophie’s eyes welled up with tears. “Mom, Sammie’s my best friend,” Sophie began. “I’ve never seen her so unhappy. She’s so cool. She’s more worried about who will get to keep the dog.” “What do you mean?” asked Mom. Mom clasped her hand over her mouth. “They’re talking about ‘De-vorce’,” Sophie wailed. “I love her mom and dad. I want her mom and dad to have a happy ending.” “Do you mean divorce?” asked Mom. “I think that’s the word,” replied Sophie. “It sounds like such a bad word.” “It can be,” Mom nodded her head. Mom pictured their handsome yellow Lab in her mind. “What’s their dog’s name?” asked Mom. “Sarge,” Sophie grinned. “He’s the coolest dog ever,” Sophie went on. “Her parents keep talking about who gets to keep Sarge. They’re not even talking about where Sammie’s going to be. She told me she wants to run away.” Mom set down the glass of milk, edged in beside Sophie; hugged her daughter tightly. Tears rolled. The two sat quietly together. Blondie wandered in and settled on the floor beside the two of them. laughter stopped. The look between Sammie’s parents spoke volumes. Love. Precious sauntered in and jumped onto the table. “I can’t tell you how thankful I am,” said Sammie’s father. “Oh, my gosh,” said Mom. “Precious never does that!” “Maggie needs help with the house and yard while I’m gone. “She feels our sadness,” said Sophie. She scooped the kitty into her lap. Precious purred generously. Sarge’s home was secure. The fluffy oversized cat curled in. “Can Sammie and I have a sleepover this weekend?” Sophie
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Lola: On Life During the Holidays could ever have offered her! and Beyond By Lorraine May, M.A. Lola awakens each morning with Misha May Foundation an eagerness for life and a desire to reconnect with her family. Her soulful eye contact communilove living with my dogs. I cates her love and her full enlove rescuing, fostering gagement in the present moment. and boarding dogs. I love She is a perfect example of living training dogs, and I love learning life well. If she could write a howfrom dogs as well. As you have to book, here is what I think she probably experienced yourself, would say. certain dogs come along who are meant to teach us more than oth- You never know how much time ers and Lola is one of them. you have so be grateful for each day. Lola is a 7 year old black Lab Set your priorities, like spending who was found as a stray with a time together, and make them large mammary tumor. It makes happen. me so sad to know that if she had Adhere to consistent meal times been spayed before her first heat, but also value spontaneous there would have been almost snacks. zero chance that mammary can- Take care of practical family cer would have developed. things like micro-chipping, vet care, and a pet trust. When I saw Lola’s face in the Allow plenty of time for snuggling, shelter photo, I knew I had to go cuddling, napping and hanging get her and ease her last days. I out. was told that she was terminal Create a relaxing, joyful life with and had only months to live. I rules that aren’t too rigid but are was not expecting her to still be very clear. around and going strong after al- Try to be kind and get along with most two years. However, it did everyone to help make life not surprise me to discover that sweeter. she brought more to me than I Stand with your family in sickness
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Lorraine May, M.A., is the Founder, Executive Director and Head Trainer of Misha May Foundation Dog Training and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue which offers a wide variety of educational classes to the community. The foundation offers free puppy socialization. Obedience classes, behavior seminars and in-home training welcome all dogs and issues. The Dog Trainer / Behavior Specialist Program is designed for the working person, and teaches our effective reward-based, anxietyreducing techniques. Misha May was voted #1 Best Dog Trainer 2 years in a row on Denver’s A*List for 2013 and 2012! www.mishamayfoundation.org. mishamayfoundation@gmail.com
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and in health, in puppyhood and old age. Demonstrate your affection often even if it is just a quick pat or endearing word. Celebrate and accept your unique family members with all of their barks and twitches and shakes. Come running when called – this usually results in something spectacular. Investigate the known from a different perspective until it becomes interesting or exciting again. Welcome everyone – they usually bring treats and blessings. Offer and accept love wholeheartedly. Have faith that things can always get better. Focus on what is going well and keep on playing!
DOGS & CATS Colorado
Important Numbers... Adams County Animal Shelter 303.288.3294 303.744.6076 Arapahoe County Animal Control 720.874.6750 Arvada Animal Control 720.898.6850 Aurora Animal Care Division 303.361.0890 Brighton Animal Control 303.655.2091
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Castle Rock Police Dept. 303.663.6100 Cat Care SocietyLittleton Police Dept. 303.794.1551 Longmont Humane Society 303.772.1232 Northglenn Animal Control 303.288.3294 Parker Police Dept 303.841.9800 Sheridan Police Dept. 303.762.2211 Foothills. Animal Center 303.278.7575
Thornton Animal Control 720.872.6012 Westminster Animal Control 303.430.2400, ext. 2862 Wheat Ridge Police Dept. 303.235.2926 Golden Police Dept. 303.384.8045 Greenwood Village Police Dept 303.741.5960 Humane Society of Boulder Valley 303.442.4030 Jefferson County Animal Control 303.271.5070
DNJ Books Dedicated to publishing books that promote and encourage the welfare of animals… The Without A Home series are wonderful and beautifully illustrated collections of short stories about animals who unexpectedly find themselves – without a home. Told not only from the perspective of the animals looking for that second chance, but also in their own words, each story will capture the hearts of readers, and give a deep look inside the hearts, minds and souls of the four legged creatures of our world. Christmas Angels – our newest release – is a fabulous story about a homeless man who is surrounded by angels. Follow Ben as he discovers his true path to what he thought was life due to one of those special angels – a dog named “Angel.” DNJ Books - helping the animals without a home One book at a time… To date we have raised over $16,000 for Colorado’s homeless animals DNJbooks.com/ info@DNJbooks.com Visit us on facebook!
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Enter the Worst Dog Show in Town‌ WHO: Freedom Service Dogs of America Worst in Show dog show for the rest WHY: Help us rescue a shelter dog and enhance the life of a veteran
WHEN: Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. WHERE: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Lowry WHAT: Parody dog show with comedic emcees, the worst dogs in town and celebrity judges.The event welcomes the singing, drooling, hairy dogs that deserve the title of Worst in Show! Think of Eugene Levy & Jane Lynch when they portrayed contestants in the comedic dog movie, Best in Show. Let your imagination run wild with the hilarity that only the WORST dogs can create! 27
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This is Buster Keaton of Wheat Ridge, taking one of about 20 daily naps, according to Marilyn, who loves him.
This lazy pup was a rescue from a local shelter. As you can see, life is now pretty good, and getting better every day for Lulu Belle, of Strasburg.
"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."
Michelle (and Chipper) Jansick, authors of : "Chipper's Friends” The Heartwarming Story of an Imperfect Dog" www.ChippersFriends.com Rusty, new kitten in the Brighton area home of George and Betty, plays with a stuffed animal. They say he was originally a little “freaked out” by the toy, but he is now able to show it who’s boss quite convincingly.
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