June issue to iissuu by Dogs & Cats, Colorado Style

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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Greetings, readers, and Happy Summer!

INGREDIENTS:

We’re so excited that summer is finally here, aren’t you? So many great outdoor activities available, it’s hard to know where to start! It’s always so refreshing to be outside in warm sunshine.

Ask the Wholistic Scientist/Interactions with Medications You and Your Dog: Summer Scenarios by Lorraine May M.A.

I’d like to take a minute or two of your time to address an issue that’s bugging me. You may roll your eyes and turn the page, because it’s an age-old problem, and you’d think it would have been solved by now, but it’s not.

Tips For Keeping Pets Safe This Summer by Megan Rees DDFL

Pets & Acupuncture by Linda Dugger, DVM

Barking dogs! Please, please, please...follow me here and consider for a minute if this might be you: you love your dogs, and you play with them, exercise them, provide toys for them, and you even have a doggy door in the garage door so that they can go outside/come inside whenever they want. They are well-behaved and happy, and life is good, right?

5 Great Vacation Spots for You and Your Dog by Lexi De Forest

KIDS PAGE

The Wild and Wacky World of Petz and Animalz by Dr. Youkey

Laser Therapy in Emergency Medicine!?! by Dr Youkey

by Russell Louie

In our neighborhood, we have dog owners on both sides, and directly behind us, they have 3 large dogs. The two yards that touch on ours in the back (in a 4corners kind of way) also have one or two dogs each. The problem is that the owners directly behind us are the family I described above...with the doggy door...and they do not realize that one of their dogs has a Jekyll & Hyde personality. He is an angel when they are home, but the minute they leave, (which is 7 am until 5 pm, trust me, I know their schedule) he becomes a maniac! He is protecting the yard, no doubt, but his aggressive behavior is pretty scary! It starts when we open our patio blinds in the morning. He charges through the yard, growling, snarling, and barking, hurling himself against the fence, trying to jump over it or come through it, and it does not stop for the rest of the day. I do not know where he gets the energy, or how he keeps up that level of intensity. His frenzied behavior, of course, affects the other dogs, and at any given time, there are at least 3 or 4 dogs barking. And this is while we are still in our house! You can imagine what it’s like if we go out in the yard! We don’t even bother anymore. These neighbors, of course, think we are being difficult. They can’t imagine their angelic, adorable pooch acting this way. We are exaggerating, of course. Meanwhile, I fantasize about recording the din for 8 hours or so, and playing it in their bedroom window all night!

Publishers

Layout & Prepress

Joe Cefalu Pam Dreeszen Scott L. Simpson

Pam Dreeszen Joe Cefalu

Contributing Writers Dr. Linda Dugger Margaret Auld-Louie

The sad thing is, the dog is not happy...he is stressed out! He would be so much better off staying in the house during the day, or going to daycare.

Russell Louie Lene’ Mumaugh

Dogs & Cats, Colorado Style PO Box 27662 Denver, CO 80227

BRINDA

303-946-8343

Dr. Youkey

So...if your neighbors tell you that your dogs bark, take it seriously, check it out...there are people with less patience than we have, less love for animals than we have, that would take matters into their own hands, and the outcome might be tragic!

OUR COVER DOG’S NAME IS SAUL! HIS PHOTO IS COURTESY OF DOGGY DUDE RANCH AND THE O’CAT CORRAL

~Ed 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: petsmag@gmail.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. 4

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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ASK THE WHOLISTIC SCIENTIST Interactions With Medications

power of whole foods are contained in the pulp and peel. Do you want ALL the benefits Nature put in whole foods for you and your pet or do you want to just treat the symptoms?

by Russell Louie Question: Do I need to worry about interactions with medications with holistic products?

It is for the above reasons Optimum Choices focuses on “wholistic” superfood products (like an orange) rather than isolated supplements (like a Vitamin C pill) because they are safer. We know of no known interactions or contraindications using our BioPreparation (microalgae), Seacure (fermented whitefish) or ALPHA-G (polysaccharide peptide rice product) with any drug (medication), vitamin, herb, supplement, homeopathic remedy or other holistic products.

Answer: It depends on whether you are giving “holistic” isolated supplements or “wholistic” whole food products. This question highlights one major difference between supplements and the whole superfood products we offer. Drugs and supplements have high concentrations of active ingredients to treat just the symptoms. For example, an arthritis supplement might include high concentrations of glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate. Did you know high doses of glucosamine could have side effects? Go to: www.OptimumChoices.com/Whole_Food_Products.htm. An isolated Vitamin C supplement may have high doses of ascorbic acid (1,000-2,000 mg.). A vet (or doctor) would rightfully be concerned if you were giving high therapeutic doses of Vitamin C and giving certain medications, undergoing cancer treatment or taking your pet in for surgery. In contrast, our whole food product BioPreparation has less than 5 mg. Vitamin C per capsule. An orange only has 60-70 mg. of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). No vet (or doctor) should be concerned at these low levels of whole food Vitamin C with interactions or contraindications with medications (drugs) for you or your pet. Does this mean there is no holistic benefit and our whole food products do not balance the immune system? Consider these studies.

We believe true “wholistic” wellness is more than just the absence of symptoms. STOP supplementing the symptoms and balance the WHOLE body with WHOLE food products for optimum health and Freedom From Illness. For a summary PDF, go to: www.OptimumChoices.com/Downloads/ STOP_Supplementing_Symptoms_flyer.pdf Russell Louie and Margaret Auld-Louie have 90+ years of combined wholistic experience. Contact them at info@OptimumChoices.com or visit their website www.OptimumChoices.com.

NEW Format: Submit holistic pet questions to info@OptimumChoices.com with a subject: “Ask the Wholistic Scientist.” If your question is published, we will e-mail you a free copy of our e-Book: Save Your Dog or Cat.

Scientists discovered the beneficial nutrient in citrus fruits that prevents scurvy is Vitamin C. What is not commonly known is by taking isolated Vitamin C in the form of an ascorbic acid supplement one only gets rid of the symptoms of scurvy. When the ascorbic acid supplement is discontinued the symptoms and disease returns. However, if one gets Vitamin C made from an extract of whole green peppers not only do the symptoms disappear but the scurvy is gone when discontinued. Vitamin C in the form of a whole food product contains rutin, bioflavonoids, Vitamin E, selenium and zinc that Nature dictated is needed for Vitamin C to work optimally in our body. All these complementary nutrients are present in whole food sources of Vitamin C (for example, green peppers, oranges, rose hips, acerola cherries, algae). By taking only an isolated supplement with just ascorbic acid or by juicing an orange and throwing away the pulp and peel, one is missing all the above necessary nutrients. The question now becomes, Do you want just the absence of symptoms for you and your pet or do you want “wholistic” wellness? Here is another important benefit of using whole food products. The more expensive Vitamin C supplements are buffered to prevent nausea for those with a sensitive stomach (cannot tolerate ascorbic acid). Nature included the buffer ingredients needed in the pulp and skin of whole food sources of Vitamin C (the white pulpy part of the orange). So, who is smarter—the scientist that discovered we need to put back the buffer ingredients in isolated Vitamin C supplements or Nature? New research shows that 90% of the antioxidant 7

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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Celebrate the cat days of summer at the sixth annual Dumb Friends League CatFest on Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Quebec Street shelter in Denver. CatFest will feature hundreds of adoptable cats and kittens, adoption specials, goodie bags for adopters, clicker-training demonstrations,

chats about cats from health and behavior

atFest at the Dumb Friends

experts, fun photo opportunities, music, local

League...

food trucks and dozens of vendors selling cat-

Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

related merchandise. Admission is free! For

Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St. in

more information, visit www.ddfl.org/catfest,

Denver

or call (303) 751-5772, Ext. 1378.

www.ddfl.org or (303) 751-5772

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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You and Your Dog: Summer Scenarios By Lorraine May, M.A.

Summer is the time for everyone to enjoy the out of doors. More adults, more kids and more dogs abound. Even in the midst of having fun, though, numerous situations can pose challenges for you and your dog. Preparing for some common summer scenarios will help you and your dog relax and enjoy your time together. Here’s hoping that some of the following tips are helpful to you.

by using it initially when it is not storming and accompanying this with treats. Give your dog four drops of Bach’s Rescue Remedy flower essence emergency blend during the storm, every few minutes, until you see improvement. Beginning now, give your dog two drops of Bach’s Mimulus flower essence four times daily on a treat. Play the CD Through a Dogs’ Ear. Massage your dog, pet him calmly, or just sit with him. Say in a relaxed jolly voice, “I love thunderstorms (or fireworks)” if you really do. Open a bottle of Lavender or Valor essential oil and let your dog approach if willing.

You and your leashed dog are having a lovely walk when an unfamiliar off leash dog comes running straight toward you. Throw treats directly at the dog to redirect his attention as you happily escape. Practice a fun ‘Let’s Go’ that involves turning and running with your dog as if it were the best game ever. Desensitize your dog to the opening of an umbrella which can be used to startle the other dog. Teach your dog ‘Back’ so that he will go behind you and not engage. You and your newly adopted dog see children headed straight for your dog’s face. Hold out your hand as a stop sign and say firmly, “We are in training!” While they try to figure out what you mean, you depart quickly thus avoiding a potentially stressful situation. Teach your dog to sit and relax under any circumstances by practicing Karen Overall’s Relaxation Protocol http:// www.dogdaysnw.com/doc/OverallRelaxationProtocol.pdf For one minute each day, reinforce your dog with ‘yes’ and a treat each time he makes eye contact with you. This will condition your dog to look to you for guidance in any situation.

You want to take your dog with you on vacation. Practice a solid ‘Wait’ beforehand so he won’t jump out of the car or run out of a door. Purchase a 20 or 30 foot cotton lead so that he can explore safely but not encounter the tragedy of getting lost. Decide if your dog needs to be crated, secured with a harness or contained by a gate when riding in the car. Teach a reliable ‘Leave It!’ to prevent your dog from ingesting attractive but strange or dangerous ‘vacation treasures’. Take preparatory incrementally distant trips to acclimate your dog to a longer journey in the car. Take along a few of his familiar-smelling things like toys or a blanket to ease his mind. Some dogs who have been abandoned or re-homed worry with any car trip that this might reoccur. Add an ID tag with your destination’s telephone number ensuring that there is a local number where you can be reached.

You have company coming and they are bringing their dogs who have not yet met your dogs. Do introductions one-on-one in neutral areas such as on a walk or at a park or a tennis court. Start with the two friendliest dogs. Have two dogs meet at a time, until everyone has met. Then slowly integrate. Don’t rush this as an initial negative association is sometimes difficult to recover from. Each dog needs to feel that the other dogs being present make their life better and more fun. Don’t expect the dogs to hang out 24/7. Give them rest times and breaks from each other. Feed them separately and cultivate a stress-free atmosphere where they don’t need to compete to get what they need.

If you didn’t find anything helpful in this article for your situation, think about what will work for you and your dog, and then teach him to do it ahead of time. Waiting until you are in a stressful or challenging situation is like competing in the Olympic Games without any training and expecting to win a medal! Enjoy a safe and fun summer with your dog! What! You don’t have a dog to spend the summer with? Well, allow me to present Koley, a 6 month old neutered Lab mix, who would love to go on vacation with you! Email mishamayfoundation@gmail.com for more adoptable animals or fostering information.

Your dog is afraid of thunderstorms and/or fireworks. Develop a positive association for your dog to a Thundershirt

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, anxiety-reducing 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 | 303-239-0382 12

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE THIS SUMMER Submitted by Megan Rees, public relations manager for the Dumb Friends League.

As the temperatures rise, and in an ef-

they must be out during the day,

coat will actually trap heat, attract

fort to help pet owners protect their

remember that asphalt and concrete

parasite and cause skin sores.

animals from summertime hazards, the

can get extremely hot and will burn

Keep your pet away from spots or pud-

Dumb Friends League is offering the fol-

the pads of your pet’s feet. Your pet

dles of auto coolant in the garage,

lowing hot weather pet safety tips:

must always have shelter available

driveway, street and parking lots.

Make sure your pet has access to plenty

to protect it from extreme tempera-

The sweet taste of this poisonous

tures and inclement weather. Be

liquid is tempting to animals, but

aware that older or overweight pets,

can be fatal.

of fresh, cool water. Never leave your pet in a parked car. When it’s 80 degrees outside, the

as well as flat-faced dogs such as

If your dog must travel in the back of an

inside of your car will reach over 100

pugs and bulldogs, are more likely to

open vehicle, make sure it’s in a se-

degrees in just 10 minutes—even if

overheat.

cure crate. Not only is it safer for

you crack the windows! Your pet

Many people treat their lawns with pes-

your pet, it’s the law. Some city laws

could suffer from heat stroke … or

ticides this time of year, so keep

prohibit animals from riding freely in

worse.

your pet away from unfamiliar yards

an open vehicle. Also, be aware that

and grassy areas.

the floor of a truck bed can get ex-

Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening hours instead of during

Keep your pet well-groomed, but resist

the middle of the day when it’s hot-

the temptation to shave off all of its

test.

hair. Your pet’s coat will protect it

It’s best to keep your pets inside, but if

from getting sunburned. A matted

tremely hot and may burn the pads of your pet’s feet.

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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My Cat Stopped Grooming Itself ! By Rachel Diller, NCMG, CFMG Often times, this is a universal statement from cat owners. The cat has gained some winter weight and possibly left it on all summer. Perhaps the cat has arthritis and they can’t quite reach areas they want to lick. Luckily for you, the licking isn’t really grooming. It’s just licking, something cats commonly do. Real grooming involves combs, shampoos and a high velocity dryer. A real, professional grooming will boost your cats self esteem and create an unmatched bond with you, their owner, as time goes on. A clean cat is a happy cat, after all! What should you do? We suggest scheduling a professional grooming for your feline friend. It’s the first step to eliminating problems relating to shedding hair, midnight gacking of hairballs and the ever painful mat. Greasy skin combined with shedding hair creates these mats. Matted hair twists and knots up against the skin. So, your cat is enduring a greasy, dirty hairball that is stuck to the body. Just think how magnificent it would be to have your cat regularly groomed in an environment free from stress and barking dogs? Just think how much more your cat will love the owner who loves them just as much! For more information, please visit us online at www.urbansophisticats.net. Urban Sophisticats | 5788 S Rapp St. | Littleton, CO | 303-730-2102

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

Pets and Acupuncture Recently I became certified through CSU for veterinary acupuncture. My reason for getting this certification was that my mobile veterinary practice deals with a lot of pain cases resulting from arthritis. I was surprised, as I would imagine many of the pupils were, to find how many different medical conditions acupuncture can be used to treat, either alone, or as a supplement to more conventional treatments. I thought I would share with my readers a little of what I learned this fascinating tool can do for us and our pets. Many people have asked me how and if acupuncture works. I have learned there is no “if” and the “how” has now been discovered thanks to the research being done at CSU and many other places. Acupuncture points are areas where nerves course out of bone or through tissue. These nerves then run to other areas, where needling them from near the skin surface will have an effect at the distant site, or an effect locally. For instance, a nerve that courses down near the middle of your back may have a direct effect on your bladder, or one that courses from your back down your leg may also affect your internal

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organs and visa versa since nerve conduction is a two way street. Therefore, I may needle an area on the back leg for a sinus congestion problem. The nerves, when needled at the skin surface, cause a release of dynorphin and enkephalin. Then, deeper in our brain, other chemicals are released, called serotonin and norepinephrine, and finally, endorphins and ACTH are released. To summarize simply, these chemicals are pain killers, antiinflammatories, and chemicals that make us feel good. Interestingly, drugs given to a patient that will reverse morphine will also reverse or block the effects of acupuncture. Many people know that morphine sometimes works well for one person, and not for another. Acupuncture also shows this variability of effectiveness on an individual basis. Does acupuncture hurt? I was always under the impression it did not hurt. During this course I found that needling a nerve can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. The needles actually will grab the tissue and hold on, releasing after the effect is finished and then in many cases the point that was tender is no longer. Making the relief last, though, may take many treatments, or only one, based on how long the condition has 16

been going on and how severe the condition is. Acute conditions respond faster, chronic ones slower. If you have been painful for weeks or months, expect to take weekly treatments and then taper down as the effects spread out. If after about 6-8 treatments there is no relief, the condition may not be treatable with acupuncture. Western medicine is as effective as Eastern medicine – neither, in my opinion, is better, and both are important. We should be thankful we are living in an age that is looking to integrate the two and to understand scientifically why ancient medicines and techniques were effective. Acupuncture is just one more tool healers can use to help their patients. Moreover, acupuncture may be used for many different conditions with variable effects— sometimes, amazingly powerful effects. Acupuncture is extremely safe as long as it is used for the correct condition and does not delay a more effective or appropriate treatment. I am excited to have this tool at my disposal for the benefit of my patients. Dr. Linda Dugger; Rocky Mountain Mobile Veterinary Clinic, PC; 303-257-0202

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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5115 S. Santa Fe Dr.

We can handle allLittleton, your sunroof, tinting and clear CO 80120 bra needs but it’s really important now with 303-761-1931 summer upon us to consider this, non tinted windows allow huge amounts of heat to enter your vehicle. Window tinting will ALWAYS make a very noticeable difference! Accomplish two huge things.... Have a way nicer looking vehicle and feel way cooler doing it.

5115 S. Santa Fe Drive Littleton, Co 80120 303-761-1931

This is Hazel, the “bird dog”, sent to us by Debbie, from Costco 18

DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

Five Great Vacation Spots for You and Your Dog By Lexi De Forest, from Cesar’s Way

When you’re ready to hit the road this summer for some much-needed vacation time, don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends along for the ride. Many popular human escapes are actually places both people and dogs can enjoy together. So when you’re packing for your next summer road trip, don’t leave the dog’s bag behind.

1. Sonoma Valley, California The trip starts on the scenic West Coast in Sonoma, California. Known for its expansive and beautiful vineyards, Sonoma is the ideal place for a relaxing vacation for you and your pooch. What you may not know is that Sonoma is also a very dog friendly city which means that the wineries aren’t strictly for humans. Over 50 wineries in Sonoma Valley delight in their dog friendly establishments. So when touring the serene wineries of Sonoma, feel free to bring your dog along as you sample the local harvests. After a long day of tasting assorted wines, make your way to one of the restaurants in town where even the dogs have menus. Howards station Café and Glen Court Café both offer delectable doggy dining alongside their humans. But if feeding your pet tableside isn’t your concern, many other restaurants in the area offer dog friendly patio seating and good food too. Eventually your dog is going to need some time outdoors so head over to one of the regional parks in the area for some doggy one-on-one time. Hike difficulties range from easy to advanced depending on the park so make sure to choose according to your dog and your experience level.

2. Fort Collins, Colorado Next on your U.S. road trip, make sure to stop in Fort Collins, Colorado for an experience of a different sort. While it may not strike you as the most popular Colorado destination for dog lovers, it may surprise you how much you can do

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with your dog in this humble town. The typical attraction of Fort Collins is the numerous breweries that the city offers and dogs aren’t excluded from the fun. At most breweries in town, your dog is welcome to accompany you on the patio as you try out the assortment of craft beers. If the patio isn’t enough, New Belgium Brewery and Funkwerks Brewery actually allow dogs inside their tasting rooms for a more intimate experience. When you’re ready to spend some time lakeside with your pup, take the short drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir for a good splash and a good time. You can expect a short hike down to get a spot on the water but once you’ve made it down, feel free to play a game of fetch in the water. It’s fun for your dog and great exercise too. But don’t forget to take a dip yourself; the water is just as refreshing as it looks. And when you’re ready to settle down for the night, head to The Best Western University Inn for dog friendly accommodations.

3. Austin, Texas When you’re ready to leave the mountain life behind, it’s time to take your dog on an urban adventure. In Austin, you and your dog can travel most anywhere together. Most retail establishments have adopted a dog friendly attitude as long as the dogs are wellbehaved and friendly. Most restaurants in Austin follow a similar mindset and allow for your furry friend to hang out on the patio as you take in the sights as well as the food of the thriving city. When the cityscape begins to become overwhelming for either you or your dog, Austin also offers over 15 off leash dog parks to take your pooch to unwind and socialize. It is very important on a trip like this to observe your dog’s emotions and take care of their instinctual needs.

4. Chattanooga, Tennessee If you’re looking for the next great adventure, hop on the highway off to Chattanooga for some outdoor fun. The best activity in this area is hiking the expansive gorges. North Chickamauga Creek Pocket Wilderness is a perfect all day hike for you and your dog if you are willing to take on the whole ten miles. And 23

when the heat becomes overwhelming, don’t be afraid to go for a quick dip in the creek that runs throughout the gorge. Then take a sunset walk on the Walnut Street Bridge for a relaxing walk across the Tennessee River. The peaceful walk offers gorgeous views of Coolidge Park and downtown. After walking the expanse of the bridge, make your way with your pup to one of the many restaurants offering dog friendly patios. You can have a good hearty meal and you both can take it easy. After your day of excitement, head on over to the Best Western Heritage in to get some sleep for the next leg of your journey together.

5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts The last stop on the road trip is Cape Cod. The beaches in the area are numerous and widespread but you must watch out for summer dog restrictions on some of the beaches. Because of a high influx of humans, admittance of four legged friends on certain beaches is prohibited but there are still some gems that will allow your dog year round. Truro, Wellfleet, Orleans, and Eastham Beaches are those that are always accepting our pups. On these beaches, dogs are allowed anywhere there isn’t a designated swim beach for humans so stake out a nice sunny spot for you and your dog and feel free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Watch out for signage regarding nesting shore birds, however, as summer is their breeding season. If you’re interested in a nice walk or run with your pooch, feel free to hop on the Cape Cod Rail Trail for a historic walk on what was once a 22 mile railroad through many of the dog friendly beach towns. Food and water are available on the trail so you and your dog can be fed and hydrated if you choose to travel to other beaches from there. Just remember these dog friendly experiences will remain that way as long as we and our pups remain good citizens. So, remember the basics:  Clean up after your dog  Observe all local leash laws  Only bring your dog along if they are friendly and well-behaved.

DOGS & CATS Colorado

FunDay for Dogs is held in conjunction with the Summerset Festival Sunday, September 14th, from 10 am to 4 pm at Clement Park in Littleton. Event applications and additional information available at www.summersetfest.com

The day kicks off with the "Woof Walk" - proceeds benefit nonprofit groups in attendance. Colorado Disc Dogs, RUFF Flyball and Rocky Mountain Agility hold competitions and/or demos throughout the day! Deer Creek Animal Hospital sponsors the FDFD stage with contests and Performances. Donations collected through Favor's Project also benefit non-profit groups.

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DOGS & CATS Colorado

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Kids Page Milo the kitty says, “Connect the dots and see what you can draw!”

A Few Silly Jokes 

Why do birds fly south for the winter? Because it’s too far to walk.  What goes up slowly and comes down quickly? An elephant in a lift.  Why is there a crab in prison? Because he kept pinching things!  What do you call a brainy insect? A spelling bee.  Why did the man throw the butter out the window? Because he wanted to see butterfly.  What happened to the cat that swallowed a ball of wool? She had mittens.  How do porcupines kiss each other? Very carefully.  What do you give an elephant with big feet? Plenty of room!  Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side.  What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.  Why does everyone love cats? Because they’re purr-fect!

DOGS & CATS Colorado

Prisons Give Unruly Rescue Dogs a Second Chance From the Pets.Canada website

Programs Match Abandoned, Abused Dogs With Offenders for Obedience Training

GIG HARBOR, Wash.— The penitentiary here holds more souls than it was ever designed for. Some of the residents are loud and "mouthy," needing lots of one-on-one attention; a few just can't keep still. Others just want a good tummy rub. Home to female offenders, including murderers, Gig Harbor is one of several prisons across the country that welcome dogs with a bad rap. The Washington Corrections Center for Women here pioneered the concept of matching abandoned, abused and neglected dogs with offenders, many of whom come from backgrounds almost as dire.

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paired with Zuma, a Lab-Pit Bull mix, whom she is training to be a service dog. At Gig Harbor, the dogs, just like the inmates, are given the chance to redeem themselves. Take Pax. An exuberant Golden Retriever, he flunked out of a Wisconsin prison program after being branded as incorrigible. Former corrections officer Teresa Crutchfield remembers the day last year when Pax first loped into her unit at Gig Harbor. "He'd grab everything with his mouth and wouldn't let go," she recalls. But after being matched with a convicted murderer, Pax got care and attention around the clock. He graduated at the top of his class five months ago and is out of the disciplinary doghouse. A Catholic nun, Sister Pauline Quinn, hired Pax to replace her retiring Doberman as "spokes-dog" for her Bridges and Pathways of Courage program, which pairs problem pooches with the convicts who train them.

Launched in 1981, the program has blossomed into a plethora of nonprofits bearing names like Colorado Cell Dogs, Death Row Dogs and New Leash on Life—all of which rescue dogs from crowded shelters. From there, they get straightened out by prisoners. With repetition, rehabilitation blooms into skill sets a dog can really be proud of. From fetching tennis balls con-canines learn to pick up house keys for the wheelchair bound. Starting with leash-tugging exercises, a dog may learn to help fallen humans to their feet. Offenders here earn their way into the dog program by remaining infraction-free during their incarceration. They also earn $1.41 an hour—a good wage in an institution where kitchen jobs or swinging a mop pays less than a third of that. "This is what gets me through," says Alvinita Stuart, a convicted murderer whose sentence ends in 2016. Some also get the benefit of canine therapy, learning to talk out their problems with a psychologist while stroking a well-mannered pooch at their sides. Ms. Stuart, 49, says she becomes "synchronized" with each dog in her care. "One taught me how to control myself," she says. "I learned I had to be fair. I couldn't be inconsistent." She says the best part is having a dog to take back to her unit each night. Recently, she was

Dogs with exceptional aptitude like Pax can graduate to become service dogs for the disabled. Some are companions to elderly shutins, while others aid children with autism. A few find work within prison walls, sniffing out contraband narcotics. Two Gig Harbor alumni have more exotic assignments. They now work for the University of Washington's Conservation Canines—a corps of high-energy dogs who enjoy nothing more than bounding through the wilderness sniffing for the droppings of endangered species. This joint also takes in "civilians"—pets from nearby households whose owners prefer placing them in a prison rather than the confinement of a traditional kennel. Gig Harbor's commercial unit lets locals lodge dogs for $19 a day, cheaper than at any private kennel nearby. For a fee of $25 to $80 per dog, the facility offers spa services, too: a 26

bath, blowout, nail grooming and even a specialty cut. Grooming clerk Amanda Shockey, 45, says owners request special puffball styles (for their poodles), or sometimes a "faux hawk"—a fake mohawk to crown the head. "Having the exposure to the animals gives you a connectivity you wouldn't have," says Ms. Shockey, a convicted murderer who won't be eligible for release for nearly two more decades. "Seeing them get a second chance and being part of that second chance gives me greater hope for my future as well as theirs." Retired educator Don Weitz of nearby Fox Island, Wash., recently dropped off threeyear old Arrow, a Greyhound, for his latest stay. "The first time he came he was so whiny, from the separation and all," recalls Mr. Weitz. "We heard he stayed with an offender, which calmed him down." He says both dog and master like that Arrow shacks up with a human, instead of being left alone in a cage. "They treat him so well," he says. "Plus we know he'll never escape." At some prisons, offenders even train dogs for local pet owners. The Friends for Folks program at the Lexington Correctional Center south of Oklahoma City takes in civilians' dogs for remedial courses. "The owner brings the dog, brings the dog food. It's basic obedience but we might offer a little extra. Like trick training, or Frisbee dog," program coordinator Lee Fairchild explains. "Let's say they chase a cat. We get them out of that." The program, which accepts donations, has a two-year waiting list. Most people give $100 for a month of training. But bargains aren't all that bind prison programs to their communities. It's the bridges that form between two worlds that rarely merge. "The minute we get to the parking lot at the prison, he knows where we are," says John Sharp, a construction manager who is owner of a Shih Tzu named Baxter. "He typically spends all his time with the inmates." "Baxter is very high maintenance," says Yolanda Pouncey, a convicted burglar who isn't due to be released until 2026. The 39-year-old cuddles Baxter in her sleep, wrapping strong tattooed arms around her tiny charge. The inmate brushes back a tear as she explains how she feels having a dog that adores her, too. "They're so loving, so understanding," she says. "There are days when I come in all down on myself. But the minute that dog looks up and smiles at me, it just takes that all away."

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Spending on Pets is at an All Time High Reprinted from Denver Post,Sue Manning, AP

from their kids," Vetere said.

LOS ANGELES—Dogs and cats have become part of the American family's inner circle over the past 20 years, sleeping in their own beds or yours, eating food bought specially to help their digestive tracts, drinking purified water and cuddling up in chairs on heated pads made to fend off arthritis.

"In the past, children were a reflection of us, and people are now extending that to their pets," said Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, a San Diego veterinarian who How much did Americans spend on owns the website pawcurious.com. other popular industries? They spent just under $44 billion on carbonated People don't bring their pets in just for soft drinks in 2012, based on the latest health reasons anymore—they also year of data available, the Mintel want them to look good and smell Group said. In 2013, Americans spent good, she said. "From my perspective, $83 billion on beer, Mintel said, alit's a good thing. It's nice to see people though Beer Marketer's Insights set care as deeply as they do." sales at just over $100 billion.

In addition to veterinarians, some pets have their own groomers, trainers, sitters and occasional walkers. All this suggests a bright future for an industry that has grown alongside the popularity of pets, expanding at a steady 4 percent to 6 percent a year since the American Pet Products Association started record-keeping in 1996.

billion for supplies and over-thecounter medicines; $2.2 billion for live animal purchases; and $4.4 billion for other services.

People have always spent more on food than any other pet spending category, and pet food trends follow human food and diet trends, according to Vetere.

Other pet industry spending last year included $14.4 billion for veterinary care; $13.1 billion for supplies and over -the-counter medicines; $2.2 billion for live animal purchases; and $4.4 billion Americans spent an all-time high $55.7 That means if you are on a health kick, for other services. billion on their pets last year, and chances are your pet is too. Those services include grooming, spending will creep close to $60 billion "Food choices are extraordinarily con- boarding, training and pet-sitting and this year, association president and fusing," Vogelsang said. "I think people grew by the largest percentage last CEO Bob Vetere told buyers and exspend more time in the dog food aisle year—6.1 percent. hibitors at the Global Pet Expo in Orthan they do in the rest of the store." lando, Fla., on Thursday. Health and wellness products, supplies The biggest chunk of 2013 spending, $21.6 billion, went for food—a lot of it more expensive, healthier grub. In 1996, total pet spending was just $21 billion. Adjusted for inflation, that's $31.3 billion.

Sales numbers show owners are buying more age-specific, breed-specific, vitamin-infused or additive-enhanced foods, Vetere said.

Dave Bolen is president and CEO of Pet Supplies Plus, a chain of 294 specialty stores in 24 eastern states. His The humanization of our pets started 25-years-old business has expanded about 20 years ago, Vetere said in a telephone interview. As pets accepted every year—it opened eight stores in their new perch in the family, manufac- 2013 and plans to open 30 this year. turers introduced products that helped "We are bullish about pet ownership," animals move from the backyard to the he said. front room. It can only get better, Bolen added, as "What is feeding a large part of the people discover all the healthy benefits growth now are the baby boomers who of owning pets. have become empty-nesters and are looking for some other ways to find the Other spending last year included $14.4 billion for veterinary care; $13.1 love and affection they used to get 29

and over-the-counter medications— which grew by 7.4 percent in 2012— grew only 3.9 percent in 2013, Vetere said. Sales of live animals—everything except dogs and cats—has fallen off in the past few years, Vetere said. He expects it to drop off another 2 percent this year. American pets include an estimated 95.6 million cats and 83.3 million dogs, the APPA said. There are also 20.6 million birds, 8.3 million horses, 145 million freshwater fish, 13.6 million saltwater fish, 11.6 million reptiles and 18.1 million small animals.

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