PUPCULTURE August/September 2012 | www.pupculturemagazine.com
MAGAZINE
GARTH STEIN
LITERARY ISSUE
ON THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN & MORE
TAIL WAGGIN’ TUTORS
THERAPY DOGS HELP CHILDREN TO READ
JOHN GROGAN
+
TOP 7 BOOKS FOR DOG LOVERS SCRUMPTIOUS SWEET POTATO & MAPLE BISCUIT RECIPE
TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO EXTRAORDINARY
Most pet store puppies coMe froM puppy Mills.
Take the pledge not to buy anything in pet stores that sell puppies.
m o c . s ie p p u P e r o t S No Pet
MAGAZINE
PUPCULTURE
8
14
16
20
22
26
28
COVER STORY
DEPARTMENTS
22
10
FASHION Fall Into Fashion
FEATURES
12
TTOUCH Nail Trimming
32
GARTH STEIN On The Art of Racing in the Rain & More
14
GROOMING Trends in Creative Dog Grooming
38
TAIL WAGGIN’ TUTORS Therapy Dogs Help Children to Read
16
TRAVEL & LEISURE Dog Surfing
40
ALAN LAZAR From Composer to Novelist
20
HEALTH & WELLNESS Vaccinations & Titer Testing: What You Need To Know
26
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING Coping With Separation Anxiety
JOHN GROGAN Turning the Ordinary into Extraordinary
8 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2 APRIL/MAY
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 • LITERARY ISSUE
38 32
44
40 28
DOG AS ART The Librarian
44
RESCUE Project Breathe
58 6
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
8
DOGGIE DELICACIES: Scrumptious Sweet Potato & Maple Biscuits
18
READERS PET PICS: Bark to School
48
MAKE YOUR OWN: Doggie Doorbell
50
TOP 7 BOOKS FOR DOG LOVERS
56
ASK THE EXPERT
58
PRODUCT REVIEW: SmartBones
BARK-CETERA
60
THE FUNNY BONE: Reading Hazards
4
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
5
CONTRIBUTORS
62
THE PUP CULTURE LIST: 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Makes the Best Teacher, Ever
64
PUP PERSONALS
COLUMNS 52
BIG CITY, LITTLE DOG
54
ADVENTURES IN PET SITTING
www.pupculturemagazine.com | 3
Welcome to the August/September literary issue of Pup Culture Magazine. The summer is going by fast and we’ll be getting ready for the arrival of fall soon. So in the spirit of back to school, crisp air and dogs playing in colorful leaves we wanted to highlight reading, authors and literacy for this issue. As always we strive to bring you excellent content to inform, entertain and spark your creativity! We are proud to bring you our cover story with John Grogan, the author of Marley & Me on page 22. John talks about his journey with Marley & Me and how his dogs have impacted his life. We had so much fun with him and his two labs, Woodson and Wallace during our photo shoot at his beautiful home in the Pennsylvania countryside! We are featuring interviews with two other successful authors as well. Read our Q&A with Garth Stein, the author of The Art of Racing in the Rain on page 32, and our interview with Alan Lazar, the author of Roam on p 40. We are also highlighting two special programs sure to warm your heart. Tail Waggin’ Tutors, a reading program where kids can visit their local library and practice reading out loud to therapy dogs and Project Breathe – a program partnering with local fire departments to provide the necessary tools to save pets suffering from smoke inhalation following a house fire. Check out one of our newest additions to the magazine, Dog As Art— A photo editorial featuring the work of our contributing photographers showing dogs can make fantastic fine art subjects in a variety of ways. In this issue, for our literary theme, we present The Librarian on page 28. And what would a literary issue be without a poem and suggested reading. Our “Adventures in Petsitting” columnist, Elaine Webster lends us one of her favorite poems, “Little Dog” on page 36. We also have a great list of “Top 7 Books for Dog Lovers” on page 50. We’re always on the lookout for unique stories about dogs, their owners and community programs. So feel free to let us know about a great story you think we should cover or feature. Don’t forget to get social with us on Facebook, Twitter and our website at www.pupculturemagazine.com to stay current with more great articles, information and giveaways exclusive to the web. Our bi-monthly online subscription is free, so be sure to sign-up on our mailing list through the website to be the first to have the magazine delivered right to your inbox.
Cheers!
PUPCULTURE August/September 2012 | www.pupculturemagazine.com
MAGAZINE
Gabriella
LITERARY ISSUE
GARTH STEIN
ON THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN & MORE
TAIL WAGGIN’ TUTORS
THERAPY DOGS HELP CHILDREN TO READ
+
TOP 7 BOOKS FOR DOG LOVERS SCRUMPTIOUS SWEET POTATO & MAPLE BISCUIT RECIPE
ON THE COVER
JOHN GROGAN
TURNING THE ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY
INTO
John Grogan, Woodson & Wallace Photo By Michelle Macirella
4 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
PUP CULTURE
MAGAZINE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Furthering Our Love of Dogs
Publisher Avant-Bark Media Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Martinez Contributing Editors Anna Marie Martinez Michelle Macirella Creative Director Monica Cevallos Photo Editor Michelle Macirella Design & Production Gabriella Martinez Contributing Writers MaryAnn Aquilino Rebecca Astheimer Allison Clark Carol Giotto Laura Kinsey Michelle Macirella Gabriella Martinez Kim Mayes Debra Thesing Elaine Webster Christine White
Contributing Photographers Julie Clegg, Bailey & Banjo Pet Photography Linda Dow Hayes, Hayes Photography Michelle Macirella, Luminaria Photography Robert Ochoa, Pawmazing Photography Terri Parthum, Terri Parthum Photography Advertising Inquires call (585) 454.9706 or email advertising@pupculturemagazine.com The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs, or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising, the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2012 by Avant-Bark Media. All rights reserved. No part of publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the internet or photocopying without the written permission of the publisher. PUP CULTURE Magazine and its logotype are the trademarks of Avant-Bark Media.
Contributors Gabriella Martinez, Editor-In-Chief
MaryAnn Aquilino, Contributing Writer
Gabriella is a marketing professional and owner of A Barkers Dozen Gourmet Dog Treats. Her intricately decorated treats have been featured in various publications such as People Pets, Dog Tipper and local papers. She is a graduate from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelors of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Printing and Publishing, Photographic Arts and Sciences, Marketing and Psychology. A life-long animal lover, she currently lives with her 3 dogs and 6 cats.
After 25 years in the corporate world, I decided to do what I loved – work with dogs. I studied everything I could about dog training, worked with a couple of great trainers, and have had success with training dogs in people’s homes – though not so much with my own two dogs! I also went to grooming school and love what I do – much less stress and doggy kisses every day; what’s not to like?! I’ve also always loved to write, and have done so for our local newspaper, a couple websites, and now for a great magazine, PupCulture! One of my greatest joys is to be able to help people and their dogs, either through training, grooming, or writing, or a combination of any of the three.
Michelle Macirella, Photo Editor & Contributing Writer Michelle Macirella is the Owner/Photographer of Luminaria Photography in Rochester, NY. In addition to being a photographer, Michelle was also a professional theatrical Stage Manager and Production Secretary on Academy & Emmy Award winning film and television productions such as A Beautiful Mind and Ed. She has been a contributing writer and photographer for several publications including Lake Affect Magazine and Rochester Woman Magazine, and is a member of Professional Photographers of America. One of Michelle’s specialties is commercial pet photography and pet portraits. She is a lover of all things dog, especially her own Tibetan Spaniel mix, Bear, who brightens her life every day.
Monica Cevallos, Creative Director Monica is an avid animal lover and design and illustration fancier, who 8 years ago merged these three loves together to form Sniff Design Studio™, an awardwinning graphic design studio that caters to the pet industry. She holds degrees in Fine Art, Graphic Design and Print Production from San Fransico State University and Platt College of Design. She is also the proud mother of Willamina & Maxamillion (A.K.A.) Mina and Max, two darling yet little devil dachshunds.
Christine White, Contributing Writer Christine White lives in Rochester, NY with her dog Bailey Rae, named after musician Corinne Bailey Rae. Her areas of interest include fashion, researchoriented articles and feature stories chronicling inspiring people within the dog industry. Christine graduated from S.U.N.Y. Geneseo with a B.A. in communication and has been writing ever since she can remember. As a marketing intern with the American Red Cross Christine gained experience interviewing clients and writing press releases, blog posts and testimonials. She volunteers regularly at local animal shelters providing the animals with walks along the nearby trail, love and attention.
Debra Thesing, Contributing Writer (Crafts) Debra Thesing works in the legal field by day and all things Pug the rest of her waking hours! She is the owner of Pugpossessed - a little shop not just for Pugs. She and her husband are owned by 6 Pugs, 3 of whom are rescues. She is actively involved with rescue and travels near and far meeting up with online friends and going to Pug events and fundraisers.
Rebecca Astheimer, Contributing Writer Throughout her college career, Rebecca was a columnist for her University’s newspaper, and spent her free weekends volunteering at local animal shelters. She is a graduate of Hoftstra University and lives in Rochester, NY with her beloved Cardigan Corgi, Scooter.
Carol Giotto, Contributing Writer (TTouch) Carol was first certified as a Tellington TTouch Practitioner in 2001. She is actively involved with Therapy Dogs International; she is the current director of TDI Chapter #216 and she and her two therapy dogs (Jonah and Lottie Mae) visit various libraries and nursing homes in the Rochester Area. Carol is also a founding member and Treasurer of Veterans PetReach, Inc., a local charitable organization whose mission is foster, train and place a carefully selected shelter or rescue animal with a Veteran who can benefit from the presence of a companion animal. Carol is also actively involved in fundraising activities for the Rochester City Animal Shelter (Rochester Animal Services). She lives with her husband, English Mastiffs and a cat.
Kim Mayes, Behavior & Training Kim Mayes is an AKC CGC and Puppy STAR Evaluator, a SARA Therapy & Service Animal Trainer/Evaluator and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor. Kim is also Team Leader for Rockin’ Dawgs All-Star Pro Performance Dog Team and enjoys in competing in many dog sports, however, her passion lies with trick training, animal acting and canine freestyle. Kim resides in Titusville, Florida with her 3 Siberian Huskies (Seppala, Nali and Abbey) and her English Bulldog (Riddick). Her dogs have received multiple titles over the years and have gone to do work in books, training videos and print ads. Her dog ‘Seppala’ was the 1st dog in the country to receive the title of Trick Dog Champion and her rescued English Bulldog ‘Riddick’ has been the 1st, and so far the only, dog of his breed to achieve the same title.
Allison Clark, Contributing Writer Allison is the mother to three boys, Thomas and Charles (human) and Ernie (canine). She spends her days handing out snacks and taking them all for walks around the block to work off some of their excess energy. When she isn’t cleaning up after the boys, she enjoys sewing and writing in her attic studio where Ernie is allowed, but Thomas and Charles are not. You can check out Allison’s adventures with her family on her blog at www.beanandgoobs.blogspot.com.
Julie Clegg, Contributing Photographer Julie Clegg of Bailey & Banjo Pet Photography is an award-winning photographer, most recently voted Best of Western Washington. Julie’s efforts to raise money and awareness for canine cancer research led her to start another company called Lick. Slobber. Drool., a dog lifestyle company that sells canine cancer related products with a portion of the proceeds going back to canine cancer research. Julie’s work has been featured on several covers of City Dog Magazine where she is a regular contributor, in addition to Dog Fancy, The Bark and Pup Culture. She currently resides in Issaquah, WA with her family which includes Bailey & Banjo, her two lovable yellow labs.
Linda Dow Hayes, Contributing Photographer Linda Dow Hayes is a portrait photographer living and working in Upstate New York. Born and raised in New Hampshire, she has fond memories of time spent with her first family dog, Susie and her stepdog Rasputin. She enjoys spending time with her family attending sporting events and concerts as well as hiking and relaxing at home. Along with her English Springer Spaniel, KC (short for Katherine Claire-which her family decided was far too proper of a name for daily use), she has a cat, Maybelline, and 2 Japanese Fighting Fish, Gypsy and Mayor McFish, as members of her family.
Terri Parthum, Contributing Photographer Terri is a certified by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) & is currently serving on the Board of Greater Rochester Professional Photographers. She has over 20 years experience in the photographic industry. Many 4 legged friends have made their home with her over the years. Currently, she is the proud Aunt (& occasional babysitter) to 3 Yorkies & a Shih Tzu.
www.pupculturemagazine.com | 5
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER
CALENDAR O F
EVENTS
AUGUST 18th PET FEST
Missoula, MT
AUGUST 26th
WITHOUT BORDERS BOXER RESCUE PUB NIGHT
SEPT 12th
SUPER HEROES AMONG US New York, NY
Burnaby, BC
10AM - 3PM
4PM - 8PM
Pet Fest is Western Montana’s premiere pet showcase and adoption event. Pet Fest features exhibitors, rescues, shelters, entertainment and contests which attract hundreds of visitors.
Come and enjoy our Silent Auction & the chance to win some amazing prizes, all while helping to improve the lives of hundreds of homeless Boxers.
American Humane Association’s “Super Heroes Among Us” is a night to celebrate Hero Dogs and heroes to animals everywhere. Join us as we honor the 2012 Hero Dog Award Finalists, and some of today’s greatest champions and protectors of animals.
For More Information and Tickets: www.petfest.net
For More Information: www.wbbr.ca
For More Information please call: 866-242-1877
SEPT 16th
5TH ANNUAL ROCHESTER HOPE FOR PETS GOLF TOURNAMENT
SEPT 22nd
BARKTOBERFEST ROCHESTER NY
Want Your Pet Related Event Listed?
VICTOR, NY
8:45AM - 4:30PM
Enjoy a day of golfing fun while also helping local pets in need at Victor Hills Golf Club in Victor, New York. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. and all proceeds benefit Rochester Hope for Pets.
For More Information: www.RochesterHopeForPets.org 6 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
8:30AM-3PM
Greater Rochester’s most popular event for pet lovers! Join us for the 5-mile race, 1.5 mile nature walk, and pet festival in an effort to raise $144,500 to support homeless and abused animals in the Rochester community.
For More Information: www.lollypop.org
Email us the details at info@pupculturemagazine.com and we will do our best to get it listed either online or in our magazine.
SCRUMPTIOUS
SWEET POTATO & MAPLE PHOTO BY: MICHELLE MACIRELLA
BISCUITS
INGREDIENTS: n 1 1/2 cups oat flour n 1 1/2 cups rice flour n 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats n 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes n 1/3 cup organic maple syrup n 1 tsp vanilla n 1egg
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until a stiff dough forms. Add water if too dry. 3. Flour surface with either rice or oat flour. Roll out dough and cut shapes with a cookie cutter. 4. Place on baking sheets and bake for approximately one hour or until treats are crispy and golden brown. Allow to cool. 5. Place in cello bags and package as gifts, place in treat jar or serve immediately to hungry puppies. 8 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
FA L L
INTO FASHION By Laura Kinsey
14 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 10 JUNE/JULY
Argyle pattern... baby blue or pink with silver rhinestones... now, this is the sweater your pup should wear on school picture day! $65, www.oscarnewman.com
We love the preppy look! These colorful leashes and collars are made from recycled plastics, making them extra smart. Collars. $20-$24; Leashes $28, www.harrybarker.com
Choose your colors! Perfect for posh pups, these preppy striped scarves will keep your dog cozy as summer turns to autumn. $14.95, www.jonathanadler.com
Who says you can’t bring a buddy with you to school? Handmade patchwork plaid dachshund. $50, www.etsy.com/shop/iasio
Make an impression on the first day of class! This classic white dressup collar with detachable bow-tie earns an A+ for style. $20.95, www.doggieclothesline.com
This dog really is your best friend. Organize your desktop by holding pencils in his legs, note paper on his back, a cell phone in his tummy, and messages in his mouth. $59, www.vacavaliente.com
You’ll never lose the key to your locker with these tartan plaid keycharms. £4.99, www.thedoorstopcompany.co.uk
www.pupculturemagazine.com | 11
®
TTouch® For
What is TTouch ? The Tellington TTouch or TTouch was developed by Linda Tellington Jones. TTouch is made up of ground work (or the confidence course), body work and leash work. TTouch can be used to address a number of behavior issues as well as to benefit general well-being. To find out more about TTouch or to find a practitioner in your area visit
www.ttouch.com
Nail Trimming Written By Carol Giotto
In the past issues of Pup Culture Magazine, I’ve described the “how-to” of some specific body work. In this issue, I’m going to discuss how to apply the work to a real-life situation: Toe Nail Trimming. Many dogs are not comfortable having their toe nails trimmed. One of the contributing factors is many people only touch their dogs feet when they are going to trim their nails. Add into the mix an occasional clip of the quick and basically your dog now associates their feet being touched with discomfort. TTouch can be used to change your dogs’ perception of toe nail trimming by helping to give them a different experience of having their feet handled. I am going to explain the full process, but for some dogs you may need to break this into multiple sessions. It all depends on how receptive your dog is to the body work (and how uncomfortable they are with having their feet handled). To start, get your dog into a more relaxed state. Do this by using Zigzag (see Dec/Jan Launch Issue). Remember that this is a light touch, you are not massaging (working muscle), but rather letting your fingers slide through your dogs’ fur over their skin. Once you feel that your dog has started to settle, instead of stopping when you reach your dogs tail, let your hands continue and slide down the length of your dogs leg. When your dog is OK with your hands sliding over their feet (they are not pulling their feet away), the next step is to continue the zigzag with the leg stroke, but now let your hands pause on their feet. If your dog isn’t comfortable with this, back up a step and go back to the long stroke without a pause. Once your dog is OK with the pause, build up the length of time you are able to pause and then start to hold their foot in your hand. Next start your Zigzag at your dog’s front foot (instead of their shoulder) - follow the same guidelines as for the hind leg. The full stroke will look something like, hand on front foot, pause, slide hand up to shoulder and do Zigzag, when you reach the 12 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
hind end continue to stroke down the back leg, pause at foot. The next step is adding the circle touches described in the June/July 2012 Issue of PupCulture Magazine. Start at your dog’s shoulder and start making small, light, slow TTouch Circles using the tips of your fingers. Slowly work your way down your dog’s leg. As you start to approach their foot and they pull their leg away, move your hand back up toward their shoulder and then start moving back down toward their foot. You will continue doing this until you have reached their foot. Depending on how sensitive your dog is, it may be necessary to take a break or move to another part of their body where they are more comfortable being touched . When you are able to touch your dog’s foot without them pulling it away, you want to continue to do the small TTouch Circles all over their feet, between their toes and also on the underside of their feet. By working their feet with TTouch you are giving them a different reference point with having their feet handled. When you are ready to do some toe nail trimming, start by doing some of this body work first, this will help to calm and focus them and make it easier for you to work with their feet. Give them a break in between toes by doing some body work. While it may take some time to get your dog comfortable with you handling their feet, you will find that toe nail trimming can ultimately become a much less stressful event.n
If your dog does not seem to enjoy the Tellington TTouch Bodywork, try to adjust what you are doing. You can: 1. Move to a different part of their body 2. Adjust your speed 3. Adjust your pressure 4. Put more or less of your hand in contact with them 5. Use the back of your hand Remember to pause and give your dog an occasional break. Taking a short break gives your dog a chance to process the work you have done.
14 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Creative Grooming TRENDS IN
W
WRITTEN BY MARYANN AQUILINO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE CLEGG
hen one hears the terms ‘Creative Grooming’ it usually brings to mind the extreme grooms often seen in grooming competitions. But this is a misconception. There are numerous styles of creative grooming that offer the opportunity to individualize and customize our canine friends, and all without compromising the comfort or safety of the animal involved. Creative grooming for competition involves deviating from breed profile grooms and uses extravagant color schemes and designs that are imprinted, trimmed and carved into the coat. This is not the typical groom a dog gets at your local salon. The amount of time it takes to grow and maintain a coat for competition takes months or even up to a year to prepare it for grooming the actual design. Some of the designs done can take up to 30 hours to complete the pattern and color work, which is done in 1-3 hour intervals. While this isn’t something the regular dog would get, the possibilities for competition grooms are endless! There have been dogs groomed to look like zombies, camels, pandas, peacocks, sports logos, and even Captain Jack Sparrow and Gene Simmons of KISS. If a creative groomer can think it up, they will attempt to create it! But creative grooming isn’t just for competitions. Creative grooming includes enhancements to regular pet grooms by adding bold or pastels colors to various areas such as the tails, ears, nails with gels or sprays; giving a dog a mohawk, either on the head only or down the whole back; especially adorable are lion cuts on small dogs such as Pomeranians. Temporary tattoos that are airbrushed designs—usually created with a stencil and non-toxic dye especially made for animals—are a growing trend. Creative grooming also includes using bows, bandanas, feathers, hair extensions, jewelry, rhinestones, and more, to enhance the overall look of the groom. Something that’s also practical for the average pet owner is the ‘abstract runway’ look, shown in competition at the All American Grooming Show and the Atlanta Pet Fair. The focus in this type of grooming is a modified breed profile groom with little to no color enhancement added, yet a bit of creativity involved. It can involve a simple abstract design sculpted into the coat that can be produced in a salon within a reasonable
amount of time. It’s a mini version of the extreme designs in competition creative grooming. Creative grooming also comes into play when grooming mixedbreed dogs, such as Yorkie-Poos, Malti-Poos, Schnoodles, Golden Doodles, etc., as there are no ‘breed standards’ for these breeds. Mixed breeds can resemble one of their mixes than another, so a modified breed standard may work on some of them. Coat texture can be another determining factor as to what cut will work best with a particular dog. The groomer can use their experience and creativity to suggest what can be done to each individual dog to make it look the best it possibly can. Pure breeds can also have issues; creativity comes into play when hiding flaws or camouflaging faults that distract from the breed standard. One of the hottest trends in creative grooming is Japanese Dog Grooming. This is different from regular grooming in that groomers in Japan tend to emphasize “cuteness” over breedspecific styling. They emphasize the eyes, and shape the body and legs, to enhance and maximize cuteness, and also offer creative coloring. The look includes bell-bottom legs, short round faces, rounded brows, with long or puffy ears that are set higher on top of the head giving the dog a cartoon like appearance. Mohawks and pom-pom feet are also gaining popularity. Most of the work is done by hand scissoring, which is more time-consuming. Many groomers belong to the National Association of Professional Creative Groomers (NAPCG), which created the Silas Award which recognizes competitive pet groomers who abide by the highest safety standards by forgoing potentially dangerous products and practices. There are a number of petsafe, non-toxic grooming dyes available today so bleaching products and oxidizing dyes are no longer used by creative groomers who worry about the health of the pets they groom. The old maxim that if it’s safe for you, it’s safe for your pet just isn’t true. Pets have more sensitive skin than we do, so it pays to be careful what is put on them. It’s always best to go to a professional groomer who has experience using dyes and colors.n www.pupculturemagazine.com | 15
SURFING
D O G
NEW SPORT MAKES A SPLASH WITH DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS Written By Allison Clark Photography By Robert Ochoa
16 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
C
are to catch a wave with your favorite four legged friend? Looking for a new activity that you and your pooch can participate in together while soaking up the sun? Many dog owners in Southern California are doing just that. It’s not surprising that in California, a state known for its coastlines as well as its surfers, the sport of Dog Surfing has taken off. Owners and pets alike take to the ocean on their boards to participate in a quickly growing west coast sport dedicated to the further strengthening of the human/canine bond. Surfers have been surfing with their dogs for years, but it isn’t until recently that the activity has become an organized sport designed to offer pets and owners a way to bond and get a great workout. Dogs learn to surf with their owners through a series of steps designed to get the dog acquainted with the surf board as well as the water. Many dogs are natural surfers and take to the sport immediately, while others take a little longer to become accustomed to the sport. Dog surfing is essentially the same as human surfing. Riding the waves on a board with the primary object being to stay standing on the board. Life jackets are always worn by the dogs and no dog is too small or too big to participate. In 2006 two organizations formalized the sport of dog surfing by hosting competitions to raise money for pet friendly charities. The first was the Lowes Coronado Bay Resort as a way to promote their pet friendly hotel. The hotel, which offered human surfing lessons as well as canine surfing lessons sponsored the first Surf Dog Small Wave Competition to benefit PAWS of Coronado. There were 29 participants who were judged on the length of the ride, confidence and style. The second dog surfing competition in 2006 was sponsored by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe as a way to promote their animal shelter. These two events drew small but devoted crowds. By 2010, more than 150 dogs were surfing in these two competitions where over 5000 spectators watched. Today there are five different Surf Dog competitions in California including the Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s Surf Dog Competition in Imperial Beach in May; the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Surf Dog Competition at Ocean Beach in San Diego in June; the Surfin’ Paws Surf Dog Jam at Dog Beach in Huntington Beach in July; the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at Dog Beach in Del Mar in September; and the Surf City Surf Dog Competition at Dog Beach in Huntington Beach in October. Dog surfing is a great way for you and your pet to bond while getting a great workout. There are many ways to involve yourself and your dog. If you or your dog are afraid of water then this is probably not the activity for you. Training includes learning how to use a surf board as well as obedience training. Once your dog is comfortable on a surf board, all are welcome to enter any of the competitions held throughout Southern California. Dog surfing lessons are offered at Helen Woodward Doggie Surf Clinics, Coronado Surfing Academy, Surf City Surf Dog, and Su’ruff Camp programs offered at Lowes Corondao Bay Resort, to name a few. You can also find tips on teaching your dog to surf at www.surfdogricochet.com or www.socalsurfdogs.com.n www.pupculturemagazine.com | 17
BARK TO SCHOOL BAILEY
DEWEY
DAISY & BUTTERCUP
DIAMOND
PENNY & SOPHIA
18 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
TIMBER
PORTER
SAILOR
DIESEL
LILO
ARCTURUS Next month’s theme is: “HOWL-O-WEEN” Want your pup featured in the NEXT issue of Pup Culture? Email us your best “Howl-O-Ween” photo to:
readerphotos@pupculturemagazine.com
www.pupculturemagazine.com | 19
YOUR RATIONAL SIDE CAN SAY
‘IT’S JUST A DOG, IT’S JUST AN ANIMAL’ BUT REALLY, ANYONE
WHO’S OWNED A DOG KNOWS
YOU DON’T JUST REPLACE THEM
LIKE YOU REPLACE
AN APPLIANCE THAT
BREAKS—THEY ARE A
PART OF THE FAMILY.”
BEFORE I KNEW IT,
I WAS WRITING A BOOK ABOUT A COUPLE GROWING UP TOGETHER
AND FIGURING LIFE OUT
AND FIGURING OUT
RESPONSIBILITIES WITH
MARLEY,
THIS CRAZY DOG IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL.”
Coping With
Separation ANXIETY
26 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Written By Kim Mayes, CDT, CTDI
A
s fall time approaches, our children go back to school, our work schedules pick up and our poor dogs are left alone with a complete upset to their daily routine. Did we prepare them for this? If not, we might be faced with the barking, destructiveness, potty training problems or any of the other regressions associated with a puppy or older dog suffering from separation anxiety. So now what? Your sweet little angel has turned into a frantic mess when you leave. What can you do? What will ever make her feel comfortable again? The following is a list of steps to take to get you on the right track. Over the years, doing these things with my own personal dogs and rescue pets has given our home a lot more comfort— and sanity—for all of us.
1
First thing in the morning spend 30 minutes with your dog. This should not include breakfast or potty walks.
2
If you are leaving the house for more than 20 minutes, ignore your dog 30 minutes prior to leaving.
3
Every time you leave the house, provide your dog with a special “goodbye” toy, even if you are just going to get the mail! I recommend a Kong treat ball or something similar. Note: Any time someone is home, the dog is not allowed access to the “goodbye” toy.
7
8
You will need to do a mock “leaving” routine at least 3 times daily. This includes putting on uniforms, grabbing keys, turning off lights, etc. Once you are ready to go, walk to the door, put your hand on the doorknob, hold it for 20 seconds, then go and sit down on the couch for at least 15 to 20 minutes before changing clothes. Take at least 3 short trips throughout the day. You can make multiple trips to the mailbox, or take a short walk. Each short trip should not exceed 10 minutes in the beginning.
In the end, remember this is a fear. No different than something we might be afraid of ourselves. Every dog has a different level of anxiousness and every dog will take a different amount of time overcoming their fears. With your guidance you can help your friend beat this and build an even stronger bond with them in the process.n
Other Useful Items To Help With Separation Anxiety The Comfort Zone Plug-In releases a natural pheromone like a mother dog might release. I have found it to be very helpful in extreme cases of anxiety. Natural tablets and liquids such as Calm Ease and Richard’s Organics Pet Calm.
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Each person in the house must take one day a week and perform the life needs of the dog (i.e. water, food, potty, etc.). Everyone in the house must take a turn.
A tried and true old favorite in my house – Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time tea. It is a natural relaxant for both pet and owner alike. Simply brew some tea just as
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Each family member must take time to bond with the dog. This can be done by taking an obedience class or even better – a trick training class. Just taking a walk is not an adequate bond building experience.
you would for yourself, cool it off in the fridge and give in place of water or pour over their food. Medications are available from your veterinarian, however, severe side effects can also be associated with them. The medications do a good job of muting the problem but will
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Try not to do your “get ready” ritual in the same order every day. Change things around a little bit so the anxiety doesn’t build up as much.
not solve it. Please discuss this with your veterinarian first.
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Librarian The
Photography By Michelle Macirella
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G
arth Stein is a father, husband, dog owner, former race car driver and novelist. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Seattle, Garth lived in New York City for 18 years, but later returned to Seattle where he currently lives with his family and his dog, Comet. Although Garth has written two other novels, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets and Raven Stole the Moon, he is probably best known for The Art of Racing in the Rain, a New York Times bestseller about a race car driver whose family struggles through loss and hardship. The story is told through Enzo’s point of view, the family’s beloved dog. Enzo is a philosophical dog who has an obsession with opposable thumbs, and on the eve of his death he reflects upon his agenda to become human in his next life. Pup Culture Editor-In-Chief, Gabriella Martinez, chatted with Garth Stein to talk with him about The Art of Racing in the Rain and his dog Comet. PUP CULTURE: I saw that you dedicated your book to Muggs, your family dog. She must have meant a lot to you. Can you tell us more about her? GARTH STEIN: So I thought it would be fun to dedicate the book to Muggs because well, I had a dog narrator so it makes sense and it was sort of homage to my father. So when the book came out, my parents had read the manuscript of it, but they hadn’t seen the final copy, so they didn’t know that I dedicated it to Muggs. My parents happened to be over
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at my house when the very first book was delivered by Federal Express and my father sat next to me in the kitchen and I said, ‘Hey Check it out’ and I handed the book to him, and he turned it over in his hands. He was very impressed and he opened up the book and paged through it a bit and when he
“There really is a profound relationship that people have with their dogs and my father was no exception.” saw that it was dedicated to Muggs, he started to cry. So there really is a profound relationship that people have with their dogs and my father was no exception. So that’s why I say it’s sort of dedicated to my father via Muggs cause who knows, Muggs has probably been reincarnated a few times by now. PC: You could have written about anything, what lead you to write a book about a dog? GS: Well that’s sort of a long story. I used to make documentary films and at some point a film came across my desk called State of Dogs. It’s based in Mongolia and it’s about the legend in Mongolia that dogs can actually be reincarnated as a person. So that’s where the very first seeds began to take hold. This was a great idea — a very profound idea, that we could be able to meet, see and talk to our pets again. Cause we do have such love for them and their life cycles are shorter and part of what
GARTH STEIN ON THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN AND MORE
Written by Gabriella Martinez Photography by Julie Clegg
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PC: We heard Universal is looking to turn the book into a movie. Any idea on when we can expect it to come out? GS: That I don’t know. It’s Hollywood— they don’t keep me involved. One day I’ll get an invitation to the premiere and that’s pretty much my role. PC: At the end of the book, you elude to the fact that Enzo was, in fact, reincarnated. Do you see yourself writing a sequel where Enzo reflects upon his life as a human? GS: Who knows. I have no plans to. We have to remember that things don’t live forever and part of the experience is that it’s a final experience. The goal of a writer, i think, is to create a feeling of catharsis in the reader. You want that feeling when the book is over, ‘Oh geez, I had so much fun. I enjoyed this character so much that I want to spend more time with him.’ But it’s over, and in the same way the great books can move people, that should be the goal of every writer. PC: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
we have to deal with is death, obviously of our animals. So I thought that was a cool idea, but I didn’t know how to tell the story. So then that’s when I saw the poet, Billy Collins do a reading of “The Revenant”, one of his poems, which was told from the perspective of a dog that had recently been euthanized. And the first line of the poem is, “I am the dog you put to sleep, as you like to call the needle of oblivion, come back to tell you this simple thing: I never liked you — not one bit.” It’s just very funny and the dog is very sarcastic and kind of a little bit bitter about his previous life. And when I heard that poem, I realized, ‘Oh of course, a story about a dog that is reincarnated into a person would only be told from the dog’s point of view.’ PC: Do you think dog owners connect with your book differently and have a different appreciation for the book than non-dog owners? GS: I don’t know. Probably, I mean, yeah I’m sure they do. Everybody plugs into a book in a different way and that’s just the nature of writing. Everybody has an individual experience and every reader reads with each of his/her own experiences and values and ideas so therefore, connect with it on all sorts of different levels and that’s what’s great about the medium. PC: Why do you think people are so drawn to Enzo? GS: I guess in a weird way, we identify with Enzo — the reader identifies with Enzo, even though the reader is not a dog. Although dogs may have read the book, I don’t know, but for the most part readers are not dogs.
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GS: I want to make a transforming experience for a reader. And that’s idealist. I’m a writer; writers are allowed to be idealist. How a reader is transformed should be individual and based on the reader. So, it would be I dare say, presumptuous of me to say, ‘Well I want them to take this away,’ because that is not my place. In a sense, writing a book is having a conversation. I put something out there and a reader will take it and interpret it. An unread book is nothing but a stack of papers; it’s a doorstop. Until someone reads it and interprets it, it doesn’t have any value. Therefore, by our very nature, we are giving up the book and as a writer, often to let go of it before it can be taken in. So that being said, that’s the whole — that’s the idealistic card. The other answer is: I have three kids. I want them to read my books and I want them to learn something from them. The idea that they should focus on what’s ahead of them and not regret what’s behind them. They should not worry about things they can’t change and only worry about things they can, and they should pursue everything with great joy and enthusiasm and if it doesn’t make you happy, do something else. And the idea that we, to whatever degree you choose to believe in, we create our own destiny. If you want something badly enough, you make the sacrifices, you put in the work, you set your goals and you accomplish them. So, if my kids get that as a takeaway from the book then great. And then that is for me and my kids and if anybody else wants to take something else away from the book, you are more than welcome to do so. PC: Can you tell us a little bit more about your dog, Comet? GS: Comet is a very sweet dog, but she has a few more lifetimes to live as a dog before she’s ready to come back as a
person if you know what I mean. She’s not quite ready yet. That being said, we just love her to death. She’s the sweetest dog and she will do anything for a tennis ball — she’ll run herself into the ground chasing tennis balls. She’s really a great member of the family. But she’s a little bit insecure — a little bit neurotic. She’s got some issues — self-doubt and other things, but hey, she’s in this life to learn something and she’ll come back again and try it again. She’s what I like to call a back alley labradoodle. She’s not one of those fancy mutts from Australia or whatever. Just a lab and a poodle got together in a dark alley and well there’s Comet. And you know, a labradoodle is supposed to take the best attributes of a lab and a poodle and mix them together to create one superdog. Yeah, well, so Comet got the opposite of that. But you know she’s sweet and loyal and my pal. PC: What are a few things you love about Comet? GS: Well first of all, she’s cute. There’s something endearing about her big brown eyes when she looks at you. You know she is very clever about certain things and very self-taught in terms of when she wants to go out in the back yard and just do her thing. She knows how to get people to do things with her non-verbal skills. I joke around that she’s not very bright, but in fact, she is very bright. Like with the Chuck-It for instance — I’ll be out on the field throwing balls and if I throw one high and I can she is gonna outrun it, I yell ‘short,’ and she’s taught herself that when she hears ‘short’ to pull up and look around, which I thought was really clever of her to do. She’s really great with the kids. My youngest son is five and he often lies down on top of her on the kitchen floor and she never objects. If she ever has any objections she just kind of gets up and walks away. She’s never reacted in any way. She’s very sweet and she communicates in pretty infinite ways. PC: Have you always been a dog lover?
number of years, a dog is going to go to the great fields to run for a while. But we still get involved with a dog. It didn’t stop us from having a dog, falling in love with a dog, sharing a life with a dog because the emotional pain we are going to feel at the end is part of the cycle and we know the highs, the joys and love we get to have the entire time with our dog is worth it. We need to experience the highs and lows because if we didn’t have lows it would be a very dull place. We need peace and we need boundaries because that’s the human experience. PC: Are you involved with any community events/ unique causes? GS: Well as a matter of fact, I am. I co-founded a non-profit organization called the Seattle 7 Writers (seattle7writers.org) — it’s an affiliation of 56 northwest authors. We have a pocket library program where we set up libraries in unconventional places. Kind of informal libraries in homeless shelters, teen shelters and halfway houses and places like that. We do mentoring for students, we raise money for various literacy organizations and we do fun sort of outreach to support local bookstores and libraries to sort of energize the reading public. And that’s an organization we started about three years ago and it’s doing quite well and so I’m very excited about it. PC: Are you currently working on any books now? Care to give us a bit of a teaser? GS: Oh yeah. I’ve got my new book that I’ve been working on for quite a while now. It’s a sort of multi-generational, family saga, northwest, non-traditional ghost story. It’s a much larger book and its 130 years old and several generations of this family. It deals with the logging industry in the northwest. Hopefully I will be able to finish it up in the next few months and it will be out sometime next year or so.n
GS: There’s something nice about having a dog in the house. You know its the unconditional love issue. You know we put so many requirements and conditions on people — the behavior of the people around us, you know, ‘You said this, so therefore I said that,’ and ‘If you hadn’t done this, then I wouldn’t have done that.’ With the people we love, we really make our love contingent on their behavior, but with dogs we don’t really; we don’t really do that. And so in that sense I think dogs are great and I’m so glad we have Comet with my kids cause in a sense they always have a friend to go to. So in that sense, yeah, I’ve always loved and appreciated dogs. PC: What is one lesson that your dog has taught you? GS: In a book, you have to have emotional highs and lows because we need to identify with a character and go through a journey and then create this catharsis for it to pay off. In that sense having a dog as a companion is doing the same thing. Our lifespan for the most part is longer than a dog’s and so we know how the story is gonna end. You know, after a certain
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LITTLE DOG From Virginia ... Pierre is his name. Ancient and wobbly, my shadow he became. My companion in the mountains whimpering his commands — need to pee, feed me now, turn the night light on now, Ma’am. We hiked the trails ... me picking him up when changing the lead. Setting his short and chubby body down again, he would pick up speed. We ate meals together, watched storms roll in and shivered in the cold night air. That was my time spent with a little dog named Pierre. —Elaine Webster
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Photo by Michelle Macirella
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Written By Rebecca Astheimer Photography By Linda Dow Hayes
THERAPY THERAPY DOGS DOGS HELP HELP CHILDREN CHILDREN TO TO READ READ
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or children struggling with reading, one of the most interested child. There are little to no expenses that need to be daunting tasks is to read in front of their peers. As paid, making the program accessible for everyone. Due to this ability and development varies from child to child, fact, sessions can occasionally become a bit crowded and some deciphering complex words and sentences in front of more libraries will ask parents to register their children beforehand. advanced classmates can serve to be stressful and aggravating However, most events are open for children to walk in at any for children and discourage them from reading altogether. time with either a book from home or an age-appropriate Fortunately, Tail Waggin’ Tutors, a program offered by the book provided by the library. The environment is casual, TDI organization (Therapy Dogs International) provides comfortable and welcoming, with volunteers sitting with their young readers with a far less judgmental audience; a calm and dogs and welcoming children to have a seat next to their pet friendly therapy dog. Throughout the and start reading. The child reads “The real goal of Tail Waggin’ Tutors U.S. various libraries are offering uninhibited or judged by anyone weekend sessions in which any child is to get children to read more and around them. The volunteers is welcome to stop by, read a book build their self-confidence, and I sit quietly and don’t correct the to a dog, pet the animal and receive children when they mispronounce definitely think that’s happened. I’m a commemorative sticker and pencil words in order to allow them to feel happy with what it has become.” for participating. comfortable and read at their own pace. When they’re done, the children pet the dog, receive a Tail Waggin’ Tutors boasts sessions all throughout the United picture of their new friend, and can either choose a new dog to States, even reaching out to a few locations overseas. As the read to or a new book, or are allowed to leave with their parents program has gained popularity, it has expanded from one to at their own discretion. multiple libraries throughout communities and continues to gain attention through local news stories and personal accounts. Every weekend, therapy dogs will be brought in by volunteers The program, which lasts about one hour, is free of charge to participating libraries (depending on the demand and library and is entirely volunteer-based. Fortunately, Tail Waggin’ size, there can be as many as one to 10 dogs present). The dogs Tutors really only requires a trained dog, a library book and an are all registered therapy dogs, which means they have yearly 38 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
health check-ups and pass the test required for all therapy dogs (as mandated by TDI). These tests require that dogs demonstrate “confidence and control,” including proof that dogs are accepting and friendly towards strangers, sit politely for petting, are properly groomed and in good health, can calmly walk through a crowd, know the sit/stay commands, come when called, react calmly to distractions and other dogs and work well amongst children (along with a few other requirements). These dogs are domestic pets, in fact, most of the dogs participating are simply volunteers’ pets who have passed the test. The dogs vary in breeds, from Goldendoodles to Pitbulls to English Mastiffs. Therapy dogs have to be comfortable with children of all ages, as there is no cut off age for Tail Waggin’ Tutors participants. In addition to enabling children to build self-confidence in their reading, Tail Waggin’ Tutors also helps introduce children to dogs in a friendly and safe manner. For example, the stereotypes of Pitbulls being aggressive and vicious is wiped clean when a child is given the chance to meet a calm, trained, friendly Pitbull (and there are Pitbulls who participate in the program). Carol Giotto, director of TDI Chapter #216 in Rochester, NY, explains that, in the city libraries particularly, “children are afraid of dogs. We try to teach them that they can be friendly pets.” The Tail Waggin’ Tutors website explains, “some children that have not had an opportunity to be with
dogs have a fear of them. As a child interacts with a TDI dog, they develop a better understanding of a dog.” Children are introduced to dogs of all different sizes (some double the size of them) and various breeds and are given the opportunity to befriend them, sit next to them, touch them freely and pose with them in pictures, thus establishing a relationship of comfort and trust. Carol thinks of the program as being a great success. “Children’s reading has gotten better,” Carol remarks, “some schools have developed formal programs and track reading progress of those children who participate.” Carol pulled out a book of letters students wrote to her and the Tutor’s program, thanking her for bringing in her pet dog, Lottie Mae. Carol reflects, “The real goal of Tail Waggin’ Tutors is to get children to read more and build their self-confidence, and I definitely think that’s happened. I’m happy with what it has become.” n
For more information on therapy dogs and how to register your own pet, visit: www.tdi-dog.org To learn more about Tail Waggin’ Tutors visit the “Children Reading to Dogs” section on the TDI website. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 39
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ALAN LAZAR FROM COMPOSER TO NOVELIST Written By Michelle Macirella | Photography By Robert Ochoa
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lan Lazar is a musician, composer, screenwriter and now author of the new novel, Roam – a heartwarming story about the travels of Nelson the dog during the eight years he is lost and his journey to get back home. In the book Alan writes from Nelson’s perspective, specifically through his sense of smell. “I just wondered, what is a world where everything is defined by scent?” he says. “What does it mean to experience the world so much through scent rather than through vision as a human being does?”
“It was really a very, very personal project for me. I never really thought it would get published. I wrote for about a year and I started showing it to some friends and family and was getting very strong reactions, so I thought, ‘Well you know what, let me send it off to some agents,’ and it ended up getting published,” Alan says. “And now I get fan mail from all over the place – people who have been touched by the book. It’s just been such a wonderful and surprising thing to have happened and I feel very lucky.”
According to Alan writing a novel was not something he ever intended. He started noticing stories in the news about dogs being reunited with their owners, due to the miracles of microchip technology, often after traveling six years or more. As a dog lover himself he was fascinated with what had happened to those dogs during that period of time and how they had managed to travel such vast distances. Then a few years ago after the death of his father, he went through a lot of soul searching and questioning the meaning of life, like many people do after they lose their parents. He says that made him sit down and write. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 41
Alan believes dogs are members of our families and people who lose dogs suffer a terrible loss – almost like the loss of a family member, but believes our society at large doesn’t really recognize that fact. “So often people suffer that loss in isolation – they don’t have the support of friends and family. I just think there are a lot of people out there who have been touched by the book because of that.” Knowing that he was a composer, the publisher came up with the idea of having Alan write one song for the book, which ended up expanding into seven different piano pieces. “At first I was a little nervous about it because I didn’t want to take away from the book itself, but the more I got into it, it really felt like something that would be pretty cool for readers just to have this thing that isn’t seen that often with books. And I felt it would be a way to heighten the emotional experience of the book,” he says. Using modern technology to make the book an interactive experience there are QR codes within it taking you to each piece of music. And in the e-book versions you can touch a button on the screen while you’re reading it and the music will play. Alan’s three miniature poodles – Nelson, Milan and Chicky (Chicky passed away last December) all helped to inspire
the character of Nelson in his book. “All of our dogs are so dedicated to our family. They show so much love.” Alan feels like dogs don’t have so many negative emotions as humans can have; they’re filled with love. So he wanted to write Nelson’s character with that in mind – just a very noble character full of love and with only the best intentions. Every day when Alan goes into his studio to work his dog Nelson scratches on the door relentlessly until Alan lets him in, and then he just sits on the couch and sleeps. “He just wants to sit with me,” he says. “Funny enough I’d say that’s my favorite thing about him. It’s such security for me. When I look at him sleeping on the couch it feels like everything is right in the world.” When asked what he thinks his dogs like most about him, Alan says it’s probably his ability to love them back. “Conventional wisdom is that dogs only love you because you feed them. And I think any dog lover would disagree with that entirely,” he says. “The relationship with one’s dog is such a powerful relationship and it’s so much about mutual affection. At the end of the day they just love getting love back from you. The more you can give them, the more they’ll take. I don’t think there’s any limit on love for a dog.”
“When I look at him sleeping on the couch it feels like everything is right in the world.”
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Yes. It’s for the Dog. (now look who’s begging) www.abarkersdozen.com
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Written By: Christine White Photo By: Jessica Luce Photography 50 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 44 JUNE/JULY
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t’s 2 a.m. and you are jolted awake by the sound of explosions and screaming. Before you have time to understand what has just happened, a cloud of black smoke envelops the room and obscures your vision. As you try to make your escape, bright flames are spreading from floor to ceiling. Although you want to save all of your 8 dogs, you’re only able to to scoop up one. You realize at that moment that if you try to save all of your dogs, you will become engulfed by the flames. When you finally find your way to the front door to meet the fire department, you stop to scream your dogs’ names hoping they will answer your call. Instead they remain inside, too scared to move, too scared to run for their lives. Just as you’re about to lose hope, the local fire rescue team charges into your home to rescue your dogs. They immediately get to work resuscitating your dogs using the pet oxygen masks, compliments of Project Breathe, a program responsible for saving the lives of numerous pets including yours. All but one of your pets are saved. Chris Carney, whose experience is summarized above, was a victim of a house fire this past March and is grateful his fire department was able to use the pet oxygen masks to save his dogs’ lives. “I try to save dogs [by fostering those who need homes], but that night Project Breathe and Gainesville Fire Rescue saved mine,” stated Chris. “People ask me how I’ve been able to cope with so much loss and the great difficulty that followed. I tell them it’s not so bad, I have my dogs.” The roots of Project Breathe were anchored in 2007 when the Radio Systems Corporation (RSC), parent company of the Invisible Fence Brand, made a donation to the local fire department in Traverse City, MI. “When we heard about RSC making a donation we knew this was something we wanted to embrace and support,” said Laura Wright, Director of Marketing, Invisible Fence Brand. “Our dealers immediately embraced the idea of helping pets and their families by partnering with local fire departments to provide the necessary tools they need to save more pets suffering from smoke inhalation following house fires.” Photo by My Journal Courier
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I try to save dogs [by fostering those who need homes], but that night Project Breathe and Gainesville Fire Rescue saved mine.”
While we all know fires are dangerous for humans, few of us stop to consider incidents like the one experienced by Carney. “The U.S. Fire Administration does not keep an official statistic of the number of pets that die each year as a result of fires, but industry web sites have cited an estimated 40,000 to 150,000 pets die each year— most from smoke inhalation,” stated Laura. Although Project Breathe began on a corporate level, local dealers have taken the initiative to partner with state veterinary associations and local fire departments to educate others on the importance and impact of immediate oxygen to a pet in distress. “Oxygen is the mainstay of treatment for smoke inhalation and the quicker oxygen can be administered, the more likely an animal will survive,” explained Laura. Just recently, a local Invisible Fence dealer in Rochester, NY donated over 37 pet oxygen mask kits (which include small, medium and large oxygen masks) to Rochester Rural Metro, a leading provider of private ambulance and fire protection services to cities, counties and healthcare systems nationwide. “Invisible Fence has done a good job of bringing community awareness to the problem of house fires and how it affects pets in our community across the nation— that pets suffer from house fires just as much as humans do” stated Rochester Rural Metro Public Information Officer, LaShay Harris. According to Casey Weiderhold, Invisible Fence Brand Coordinator of Upstate New York, rescue organizations like Rural Metro are proud to participate in Project Breathe, which has helped save the lives of numerous pets over the past five years. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 45
Photo by The Plain Dealer Photo provided by Invisible Fence Brand
“Before having our masks, the firefighters didn’t have any specific protocol or equipment to help them rescue a pet suffering from smoke inhalation,” explained Casey. “They made up what they could as they went along and just hoped for the best.” According to the Project Breathe Program Fact Sheet the masks are shaped to fit on an animal’s snout in order to give a proper flow of oxygen. By using an oxygen mask designed specifically for pets, it allows first responders to provide lifesaving support until veterinary care can be obtained. Along with oxygen masks equipped specifically for dogs, participants of Project Breathe receive the training necessary to maximize their effectiveness. “They’re going to teach each medic or paramedic how to use the device, how much oxygen should be delivered, how to properly put the device on the pet’s face and then talk about the different signs of a pet that’s in stress”, stated LaShay. “They’re also going to teach some very basic skills on pet CPR and pet first aid.” In addition to saving pets suffering from smoke inhalation, the 46 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
“
Before having our masks, the firefighters didn’t have any specific protocol or equipment to help them rescue a pet suffering from smoke inhalation.”
pet oxygen masks have been used in ice/lake rescues, as well as in extreme heat conditions where animals need to be revived with oxygen. People who wish to support Project Breathe may visit www. invisiblefence.com/02 to make a donation. Fire departments and other rescue organizations that would like to request kits are also encouraged to visit the same website. “A pet really is a member of the family,” stated Casey. “It’s not just an animal in the house. You love them, you care about them. When donating to Project Breathe you’re helping to protect that relationship. If all of your possessions are lost in a fire and if you have a dog or a cat, it makes a big difference to help you get through those hard times.” n
Saturday
22
nd 2012
September 8:30 – 3:00pm
Help Support Homeless and Abused Pets In Our Community
5-Mile Race & 1.5-Mile Walk for the Animals Please help us raise $144,500 for animals in need.
September 22nd Event Festivities
PRESENTED BY
EVENT SPONSORS
Crazy Dog T-Shirts • Invisible Fence • Lost Pet Alert • Med-Scribe, Inc. Monroe Wheelchair • Medved Running and Walking Outfitters Petsmart • ServiceMaster • Sinzibukwud Band Three Heads Brewing • White Haven Memorial Park Zaretsky & Associates, Inc
7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Race registration begins Race begins Walk registration begins Race awards Walk begins Fundraising awards & animal contests
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. – Vendor & food tents open, professional portraits by Kathy’s Creations,* doggie day spa, microchip clinic, children’s activities, dog agility fun runs* and pet contests.* *Online sign-up begins 8/15. Spaces are limited.
Egypt Park, Route 31 & Victor Road Fairport Rain or Shine • Sociable pets welcome!
REGISTER! www.lollypop.org/bfest
make your own
Sup p s lie
Doggie Doorbell Written By Debra Thesing | Photography By Terri Parthum
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TOP 7 BOOKS FOR
DOG LOVERS WALLACE by Jim Gorant
Saved from a suspicious breeder, Wallace was a dog with so much drive and intensity that he flustered the people and dogs around him to the point that the no-kill shelter where he ended up considered putting him down. But where some saw menace, Roo and Clara Yori saw misunderstanding. Determined to give Wallace the focus and support he needed, the Yoris stumbled into the world of canine disc competitions, where Wallace exceeded all expectations, and along the way he helped salvage the couple who had saved him and became a symbol of hope and potential in a larger struggle.
STAY
by Allie Larkin Savannah “Van” Leone has loved Peter since the day they met. The problem is, Peter has loved Van’s best friend, Janie, since the moment they met. And now they’re walking down the aisle, with Van standing nearby in a Halloween orange bridesmaid dress. After the wedding, Van drowns her sorrows in Kool Aid-vodka cocktails and reruns of Rin-Tin-Tin, and does what any woman in her situation would do: She buys a German Shepherd over the internet. The pocket-sized puppy Van is expecting turns out to be a clumsy, hundred-pound beast that only responds to Slovakian. And thus begins a friendship that will alter Van’s life in ways she never imagined.
97 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DOG SMILE by Jenny Langbehn
97 Ways to Make a Dog Smile is a gift of pure pleasure for dogs and the owners who love them. Created by Jenny Langbehn, a veterinary nurse who really knows what makes dogs happy, it combines the creative gift of touch with imaginative play scenarios that are just loopy enough to ensure that your dog will be amused, whether he’s laughing with you or at you. Adorable full-color photographs of smiling dogs accompany each entry. Just look at those dogs (you might say), what a tail-wagging, chop-licking, howling good time they’re having. And see if your dog doesn’t agree.
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OOGY: THE DOG ONLY A FAMILY COULD LOVE by Larry Levin
In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the animal hospital to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen--one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue--ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. The Levins, who were unable to resist Oogy’s charms, decided to take him home.
YOU HAD ME AT WOOF by Julie Klam You Had Me at Woof is the often hilarious and always sincere story of how one woman discovered life’s most important lessons from her relationships with her canine companions. From Otto, Julie realized what it might feel like to find “the one.” She learned to share her home, her heart, and her limited resources with another, and she found an authentic friend in the process.
EMILY AND EINSTEIN by Linda Francis Lee
Emily and her husband Sandy Portman seemed to live a gracious if busy life in an old-world, Upper West Side apartment in the famous Dakota building. But one night on the way to meet Emily, Sandy dies in a tragic accident. The funeral isn’t even over before Emily discovers that her marriage was made up of lies. Suddenly Emily is forced on a journey to find out who her husband really was . . . all the while feeling that somehow he isn’t really gone. Emily finds comfort in a scruffy dog named Einstein. But is Einstein’s seemingly odd determination that she save herself enough to make Emily confront her own past and help her find a future after she meets a new man?
STANLEY’S PARTY by Linda Bailey Stanley knows he isn’t supposed to sit on the couch. But one evening when his people are out, he dares to try a single paw. One thing leads to another, and before Stanley knows it, he finds himself hosting the best doggone party a dog ever had!
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Written & Photographed by Laura Kinsey
E
ven though I’m not going back to school this fall, I can’t help but feel motivated to learn something new when this time of year rolls around. I don’t have children to prepare for a new school year … but what about my dog? What about your dog? Do you have a new puppy? Do you and your dog just need to learn some new tricks? With this in mind, I jumped at the opportunity to chat with Denise Herman. Denise is the owner and founder of Empire of the Dog; a company that offers training classes and private lessons with dogs and their people in New York City and Baltimore. She has worked her magic on my dog, Hugo, in the past, but when we met this time, we talked about her— everything from how she became a dog trainer, her must-have training item, and lots in between.
PUP CULTURE: How and when did you start Empire of the Dog? DENISE HERMAN:
I started the company when I moved to Brooklyn. I had lived in California, and I had worked as a dog trainer for about a year full time, and for a year before that part time. Then I started the company when I moved out here. I was trying to think of a name and I thought, what could I call it? Well, it’s the Empire State, and I’m a child of the Star Wars generation, so I thought, “Oh! Empire of the Dog!” It will satisfy both (thoughts), and it’s fun and grand and kind of kooky. This was in the summer of 2000.
PC: How did you become a dog trainer? Is it something you knew you always wanted to do? DH: I had no idea! I have a background as an artist. I had moved out to California for work and the two things collided. One thing was that I missed my home dog so much. I had a border
52 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
collie that we had gotten when I was in college that I just fell in love with. I just missed her so much when I moved. So I started fostering dogs. I knew a little about animal rescue, and I knew I wanted to work with dogs. So I started looking in the paper for animal jobs and I saw an ad that said, “Dog trainers needed. Will train.” I didn’t have to throw a bunch of money down or quit my job and I could do it on the side. That allowed me to try it on. I really liked it, but after a year of doing it part time, I knew I was a hack. I had learned how to imitate a dog trainer. So I joined the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). Today there are so many associations, but back then there was hardly anything. I went to a conference to meet my peers, and that’s where I saw reinforcement training and clicker training. That really cemented in me that I didn’t want to do it how I was doing it. I used to be much more old school since that’s how I was taught. It was more traditional military, policed based, dominance kind of stuff. Which is not a progressive approach. I didn’t want another way to legitimize violence in my life. Then I found the Jean Donaldson Academy for Dog Trainers in San Francisco, and I went to school out there. I realized I like teaching. Dogs are a great vehicle but I don’t train dogs as much as I teach people how to change and interact and make their dog what they want them to be. You can train dogs really well but still be a terrible family dog trainer. If you can’t relate to people and get them on your side and get them to do what you know is best for them and their dog, you’re going to flunk. If you can’t impart it the right way, people aren’t going to respond. I try to be really empathetic with people.
PC: Can you tell us a couple of funny stories? DH:
I’ll tell you a couple. We had a lady once that I went to
see, who had three Yorkies. She’s introducing me to the dogs, saying, “This one’s Nutty, this one’s Buster, and this one’s Lucy.” And then I looked in the corner and said, “Who is that one over there?” She said, “Well, that one’s not alive.” It was her stuffed Yorkie that had passed away. She had it taxidermied! Recently, one of our clients had a lesson. Her dog was young and rowdy – very normal stuff. But she had maneuvered into her kitchen a giant painting ladder that she climbed up onto to drink her coffee in the morning so that her dog couldn’t knock her over and bother her the whole time. We also had some guy once who started changing his clothes in another room during the lesson, and then started rolling around on the ground telling us about his hair plugs and taking painkillers. It was very odd!
PC: What are the most important behaviors new dog owners should enforce with their dogs right away? DH: Well, I would not like to use the word enforce! It’s not a battle of wills with your dog. That’s such a terrible dynamic to have. They’re really simple. You don’t have to have the adversarial “thing.” But I would say a couple of things. Socialization is so important for young puppies, specifically for puppies under four months. You can deal with so many things later. It’s important to a degree after that but there’s a huge misnomer right now about waiting to take your dog out. If you get your puppy at 8 weeks you should start class at 8 weeks. If you start at 16 weeks, you’ve lost a lot of time already. Our puppy classes cut off at 18 weeks. At that point so many developmental things are already cooked. A lot of progressive vets are getting it now, but (some) vets are very worried about radical health issues. But the benefits of puppy class far outweigh the risk. I explain it sometimes as, “You’re losing daylight hours,” if you wait. The second important thing I like to call impulse control or tolerating frustration. That means simple things like getting your puppy used to being on a leash that’s maybe tethered under your foot, not able to consistently cruise around. They need to get used to not getting what they want when they want it. When dogs learn coping mechanisms early, it makes them the dogs that can go through the world a little more easily without having total meltdowns. It also means you can take your dog with you to so many more places. Impulse control at curbs and car doors is important too. It’s a safety thing. Your dog shouldn’t be checking for traffic. At the curb they should
know they don’t get to go again until someone says it’s okay.
PC: Do you have favorite training items or products that are indispensible to you? DH: I am huge into puzzle toys and energy burning toys. Things like hollow bones, and toys that deliver food or treats that engage the dog without you having to be present or engaging them yourself. They build independence in the dog and they tire them out mentally. (Some) people still don’t get that dogs need mental stimulation. They give them a lot of physical stimulation with dog parks and daycare and (playing) fetch but all that is dependent on either your time or your money. The energy burning puzzle toys and chew toys will help your dog to build focus and have a life outside of compulsively having to socialize with you.
PC: Lastly, how do you feel about cats? DH: I love cats! No one knows this; it’s a big secret. On the Empire of the Dog Facebook page, there’s a picture of me with ribbons and trophies with my cat from when I was thirteen or fourteen. I was showing cats. I was that girl! Thank you Denise!
For class schedules and more information, please visit empireofthedog.com or their facebook page at: facebook.com/EmpireOfTheDog
Laura & Hugo Laura Kinsey is the owner of Sam & Tasha, a small line of dog dresses, coats and accessories sold nationwide. Obsessed with design in all it’s forms since receiving a Christmas present of furniture templates and tracing paper as a kid, she worked for ten years as an interior designer before studying Textile Development at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. This led to a pet fashion design class, and the rest is history. She launched the company’s first product line in 2010 and stays connected to the industry attending trade shows and trunk shows all over the country. Laura lives in Brooklyn, New York with her 10 lb. Maltese rescue dog and occasional muse, Hugo. =
www.pupculturemagazine.com | 53
Written by Elaine Webster
F
or seven winters I was lucky to spend time with a beautiful golden retriever, Barnie, while his parents were in Florida eight weeks each year. One of my favorite things to do with Barnie was to play in front of the huge picture window looking out over the valley below. I love to dance, so I would put on
In order to stay warm I put on extra clothes, my red ski jacket with the hood over my head and a long winter coat I found in the closet. George put on a brave front and was right beside me in bed burrowed deep. Only our noses were sticking out from under the covers. We tried to get some sleep that night and
a favorite song and dance around the living room. One day, while dancing, Barnie came over to me with his rope toy and poked my leg with his nose. I took hold of the other end and discovered Barnie liked dancing too. I’m sure we made quite a picture, and I swear he was leading. Whenever we stopped, he would jump up and down barking with joy. Then he would start a new game chasing me around the house while trying to retrieve his bone from my hand.
hoped another tree didn’t fall on the house.
Our days were full of fun and at night, when it was time to sleep, Barnie hurried past me and hopped onto the bed first. He stretched out across most of it and I curled up in the one corner he left for me. It felt like we were in a race to see who would get the best part of the bed and he always won. Snoring from him followed quickly with occasional leg twitches from dream time adventures. Sadly, our good times would end when Barnie developed cancer in his leg at nine years old. He became quite ill and a few months later he passed away. His devoted and impish personality remains in my heart and must have influenced the new dog that came into his house—a small, curly-haired mutt named George, with the same joyous nature. My very first sitting with George turned out to be an unexpected adventure – a huge ice storm. George and I woke up the first morning to the loud noise of trees crashing down around us. One of the trees came within inches of the porch roof and landed just a hair away from the glass patio doors. Electric wires were hanging down in the streets leaving us stranded without power. There was no heat or electricity in the house and we had no way to heat up food or drink. 54 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
The next day I took the car out on the one road that didn’t have live wires in the middle of it. The area looked like a war zone with twisted tree trunks covered in ice. I managed to find one gas station open and was thrilled to get a hot cup of coffee. Upon my return, George and I quickly settled into the warm bed eating our discovery of gourmet mints and dog treats I had found in the closet earlier. I was worried about George getting sick in the cold house, so we spent a lot of time running and playing in the house and only took short walks outside on the frozen grass. It was amazing to see all the damage the ice had done to the countryside. Ironically, George was just fine and I’m the one who ended up with bronchitis after that weekend. Fortunately the phone lines never went down, so I was able to keep in touch with the family and let them know what was happening. Since the crews restored the power within two days, the family did not have to return home. George proved to be great company during that storm and brought many more happy memories into my life after that. He had the same sweet disposition as Barnie and I often felt as if Barnie was still there in spirit dancing with us.n
Elaine Webster is the author of three books: Seeking Balance, Grandma’s in the Basement and Dawn Dancing and is currently working on her next book. Besides an author, Elaine has also been a pre-school teacher and artist. One of her biggest passions, however, is animals, and she is the owner of Elaine’s Pet Sitting: The Furry Godmother for Your Pets in Rochester, NY. Elaine has been a pet sitter for 20 years and loves getting to know and taking care of so many different dogs and cats.
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TRAINER
EDITOR’S NOTE
Kim Mayes is an AKC, CGC & Puppy STAR Evaluator, a SARA Therapy & Service Animal Trainer/Evaluator & a Certified Trick Dog Instructor in Titusville, Florida.
Question: Culture,
y of three b ur family o d n a p x ome. to e his new h y decided in tl n e fe c li re to I ing well nd and ne everyth ng fairly o ti d p s My husba a a d h a rs is a cat n he f eight ye a cat. The our dog o ne occasio : o m n adopting hile our le O b t. a ro c home. W new ave a p r e h u th o e w in m t o r, e e fr p t, we ay ew Howev r that nigh aving a n to stay aw h te n f a la o c p s e s te h e rs g tr in ony n the doo cape the s and anyth g for us o nsure harm door to es e in e it to a th o t w d u s o a y il w ed ome and ld like n our fam even bolt . What ca and I wou me back h a in d c a n g a y a b ll s a n u e tu h p p dog even dog? My is may ha ur cat and ue like th o s r is r fo e l th fu o s fear an less stres transition is th e k a and m larke -Sandra C , LA along. t e g to m ans the New Orle
Dear Pup
First off, let me congratulate you on deciding to add a new member to your family. In a perfect world, your new kitty and the dog would have taken one glance at each other, fallen in love and be fast friends from that moment on. The fact of the matter is, life isn’t perfect. In the real world we must deal with the duty of establishing a new member into our family unit. Sometimes, this is no small task! Unfortunately, like humans, some animals don’t handle change very well. While there can be many contributing factors to this, the bottom line is that your dog seems to be associating bad things with the arrival of this new cat. So here is your main objective: Cat =Good Thoughts! If you can achieve this, stress will be relieved from all parties and you can all live a bit more harmoniously! Here are some tips to set you on the right track: 1. Being Around Cats Means Good Things Happen. If your dog is truly afraid of the cat, you must spend time building his confidence around him. Get yourself a good ole clicker to help shape steps in the right direction. Whatever you click is the EXACT act we want your dog to do. ‘Load’ the clicker so Click = Treat. Any interest or movement towards the cat receives the click. Any movement away results in you packing up your clicker and treat bag and playing with the cat on her side of the room. This might take multiple practice sessions (some dogs are more fearful than others) but keep practicing – Don’t give up! 2. Help your pooch understand he is still Top Dog. It’s all the little things you do that count! Make sure you pet him first when you arrive home, put his food bowl down first, let him have access to special places with you that the cat does not, etc. 3. Try to Pinpoint Problems & Relieve Stress. What is it about that cat that makes your dog anxious? Maybe it’s his fast movements? If so, practice commands with your dog with elevated distractions that involve movement to begin the desensitization process (remember, start slow!) What else might trigger the anxiety? Adapt sessions accordingly. I also like to use a product called the Comfort Zone Plug-In for these type of anxieties too. It releases a pheromone to help your dog relax (they make one for cats too which is very helpful). 4. Enlist Help! Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a good positive reinforcement trainer and behaviorist in your area. This type of situation is exactly what they are there for! Dogs and cats seem to have a unique way of establishing their boundaries in a house. Have a question for our panel of experts? Email While some might become fast friends, you should be happy if they just develop a info@pupculturemagazine.com for a chance to healthy respect for each other. Best of Luck! get some expert advice in our next issue!
Kim Mayes, CDT, CTDI
56 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
SmartBones: Peanut Butter & Chicken Flavors Written By Gabriella Martinez| Photo By Michelle Macirella
Like most dog owners, I pay attention to the type of dog food and treats I feed my dogs. Rawhide chews are one of the things I don’t give them since I’m concerned with the numerous chemicals used to process them, which presents a problem for me. How do I fulfill my dogs’ urge to chew (sparing my shoes and other valuables) and avoid giving them those icky rawhides? Enter SmartBones. According to their website, SmartBones are made using extruded, wholesome grain starch and other vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and peas in place of rawhide and combines it with chicken jerky. Oh, and did I mention that they are over 99% digestible and fortified with vitamins and minerals? This dog mommy is intrigued. So of course, when I received my packages of peanut butter and chicken flavored SmartBones, I was eager to have my four-legged tastetesters try them, but not before I read the ingredient label. After which I made one note: this product is not a suitable rawhide alternative if you have a dog that suffers from corn, barley or chicken allergies, since all flavors contain both. With that in mind, my pups could not participate in this trial, but their border collie friend, Glory, was more than happy to help with the review. As soon as I opened the bag, Glory knew something good was heading her way and she was not disappointed — she loved her SmartBone. Once she had it in her grasp, she went right to chewing. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it lasted about as long as a rawhide chew would typically last. I was a bit concerned about carpet staining, but that didn’t seem to be a problem for us either. Overall, I would say SmartBones is a great alternative to rawhides if you are a dog owner who isn’t ingredient restricted due to food allergies. Hopefully in the future, SmartBones will come out with a flavor set that can accommodate dogs with allergies — I’m sure my dogs would love to try them.
For more information on SmartBones visit their website:
www.smartbones.com
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www.pupculturemagazine.com | 61
THE PUPCULTURE LIST
10
REASONS Your Dog Makes The Best Teacher, Ever. Written By Christine White
1.
He is a living example of what it means to be altruistic—helping others will always trump pleasing himself.
2.
He lives life one day at a time, reminding us to do the same.
3. He’s not one to judge a book by its cover. How you treat him is most important. 4.
If you ever disappoint him he’ll still love you anyways and isn’t going to hold a grudge.
5. He reminds us that being independent is overrated. It’s ok to ask for help when you need it. 6.
He knows the greatest things come to those who wait—like treats for good behavior or a walk in the park.
7. His commitment is undying. He’ll stick with you through thick and thin, good times and bad. 8.
Love has and always will guide his actions. Fame and fortune aren’t even on his radar.
9. He doesn’t expect you to buy him presents. A walk in the park will do. 10. You can cry on his shoulder anytime. He’ll be there to listen with open ears without passing judgment, without interrupting and without trying to pitch his own opinion. 62 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
MAGAZINE
PUPCULTURE
TM
We can’t buy
your love But we can sure come close to it!
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PUP PERSONALS
Special Needs
Good w/ Dogs
Good w/ Cats
Good w/ Kids
Incompatible
Photography By Linda Dow Hayes
Lollypop Farm of Rochester, New York is proud to introduce you to a sample of their most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. If you feel a spark and would like to make a “love connection” please contact Lollypop Farm at 585.223.1330 or visit their website at www.lollypop.org to arrange a date.
ALEX
BABY
Older gentleman with lots of energy seeking a new family to love. I’m a miniature poodle mix who loves to go for long walks and get treats afterwards. I’m not as playful as I used to be, so a family with older children would be right up my alley. I’m a great cuddler and I’ll always greet you with an enthusiastic butt wag when you come home!
Sweet older lady seeking a new home. Just like a fine wine I’ve gotten better with age. I may be small in size, but I have a big heart. I’m pretty mellow and well behaved. And I can’t wait to find a new family to love. I can be a little picky at times, so I want to make sure I meet everyone in the household. If you think we’d make a good match, give me a ring.
CHEYANA
KRIS
Friendly girl seeking a new beginning with a loving family. My previous family had to move and couldn’t take me with them. I’m a pit bull terrier mix with a beautiful white coat and lots of love to give. I’m a happy lady who loves to socialize and go for walks. I prefer adults and teenagers to hang with at home. If you think we could be friends, come meet me!
Young southern belle from West Virginia in search of a new family and a better life. I’m a pretty German shepherd mix and just a little on the thin side. Although people tell me I’m calm and well-behaved, I love to socialize and have fun. I’m looking for love and am really good at giving love back! Give me a call if you want to help me make a new start.
64 | PUPCULTURE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
IT CAN HAPPEN SOONER THAN YOU THINK . 50% of all pets born are accidents. Spaying or neutering your pet at 4 months can prevent those accidents and help save millions of dogs and cats from being killed in shelters each year. PREVENT MORE. FIX AT MONTH FOUR.
fixatfour.com