Pup Culture Magazine DEC/JAN

PUPCULTURE Dec/Jan 2011 | www.pupculturemagazine.com

MAGAZINE

LAUNCH ISSUE

T- T O U C H

®

THERAPY FOR

CALMING

+

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE KEEPING

YOUR A C T I V EDOG

MAKE YOUR OWN TREAT JAR

THIS WINTER

SURF DOG RICOCHET

INSPIRING OTHERS TO “PAW” IT FORWARD

PUPCULTURE

12 Days of Christmas Give Aways

Our Give Away Starts December 2nd.

To enter please visit: pupculturemagazine.com/xmas-giveaway

MAGAZINE

PUP CULTURE

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Furthering Our Love of Dogs

Publisher PUP CULTURE Magazine Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Martinez Editor Sherri Romig Contributing Editor Geoff Hunt Creative Director Monica Cevallos Design & Production Gabriella Martinez Contributing Writers Michelle Macirella Amanda Seef Sherri Romig Gabriella Martinez Joanne Brokaw Monica Cevallos Carol Giotto Jai Cino Jeanette Bourcy MaryAnn Aquilino Debra Thesing Allison Kowalski Photographers Michelle Macirella, Luminaria Photography Terri Parthum, Terri Parthum Photography

Advertising Inquires call (585) 260.0497 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 2011 by PUP CULTURE Magazine. 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 and its logotype are the trademarks of PUP CULTURE Magazine.

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Pup Culture Magazine! Our October teaser was well-received, and we are thrilled to bring you all of the exciting content in this issue.

This month we are gearing up for the holidays with our Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide filled with great gift ideas for dogs and dog-lovers alike.

Get into the holiday spirit with our Winter Wonderland reader photos on page 28, and try out the treat recipe on page 13 for delicious doggy Cranberry Coconut Treats. Your dog will be drooling!

We also have several inspirational stories for you, including our cover girl, Surf Dog Ricochet, who is a surfing champion golden retriever that raises funds for charity and is inspiring others to “paw” it forward.

You can also read about NYC based pet fashion designer, Laura Kinsey and her stylish fashions for your pup. There’s also an interesting profile on radio traffic reporter, Tom George and his devotion to his dogs.

And there’s so much more! Like health and wellness articles for your dog and those cute little Weiner dogs Max & Mina are getting into trouble again in “The Funny Bone” comic.

We hope you enjoy your holiday season and celebrations with your family, (both two and four-legged) and we will see you again in February for our next issue.

Don’t forget to visit us at www.PupCultureMagazine.com or “Like” us on Facebook to stay current with more great articles, information and giveaways exclusive to the web! Like our 12 days of Christmas Giveaway.

Starting on December 2nd through December 13th visit our website each day to enter the contest. We will be giving away various exciting prizes from a leather flower collar crystallized with dazzling Swarovski elements to a custom pop culture pet portrait!

Remember our bi-monthly subscription is free! So be sure to sign up on our mailing list through the website to have the magazine delivered to your inbox.

Happy Howlidays!

Gabriella & Sherri

TABLE OF CONTENTS

14

20

DOG PROJECTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

13

51

18

26 44

DOGGIE DELICACIES: CRANBERRY COCONUT COOKIES MAKE YOUR OWN TREAT JAR

ODDS & ENDS 4 55 28

49 52

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THE FUNNY BONE: UNWRAPPED READERS PET PICS: WINTER WONDERLAND ASK THE...

BANDIT’S COLUMN

TRAVEL & LEISURE 20 KIMPTON HOTELS

DIGESTIVE WOES: HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES WINTER GROOMING TIPS T-TOUCH FOR CALMING

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING 24

6

TO TUG OR NOT TO TUG: THAT IS THE QUESTION KEEPING YOUR DOG ACTIVE THIS WINTER

COVER STORY 14

SURF DOG RICOCHET: INSPIRING OTHERS TO “PAW” IT FORWARD

RESCUE

57 PUPPY PERSONALS

2 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

30 FEATURES

56

PUPCULTURE Dec/Jan 2011 | www.pupculturemagazine.com

MAGAZINE

34 CURING CANINE

CANCER:GROWING A VISION

OF A HEALTHIER TOMORROW 10 HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

34

LAUNCH ISSUE

T- T O U C H

THERAPY FOR

CALMING

FASHION & ENTERTAINMENT

PAMPERED POOCH

42 PRODUCT REVIEW: NATURAL

CALMING PRODUCTS FOR FIDO 43 PRODUCT REVIEW: WARREN

LONDON OATMEAL SHAMPOO 38 LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

+

LAST MINUTE GIFT GUIDE

YOUR A C T I V EDOG

KEEPING

30 TOM GEORGE: IT’S ALL FOR THE

LOVE OF DOGS 46 SAM & TASHA: PUP STYLE FOR THE MODERN DOG

MAKE YOUR OWN TREAT JAR

THIS WINTER

SURF DOG RICOCHET

INSPIRING OTHERS TO “PAW” IT FORWARD

ON THE COVER

Surf Dog Ricochet Photo by: Pawmazing.com www.pupculturemagazine.com | 3

DECEMBER

CALENDAR O F

EVENTS

DEC 3rd HOLIDAY PET FESTIVAL SCOTTSDALE, AZ

10AM - 5:00PM

Shoppers will find the Holiday Pet Festival to be a pet lover’s paradise...From the latest in pet products, pet foods and pet related services to unique and one-of-a-kind arts & crafts, perfect for your pets and petloving friends.

For More Information: www.holidaypetfestival.com

DEC 11th GREEN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL NEW YORK, NY

DEC 7th LONG ISLAND BULLDOG RESCUE COCKTAIL PARTY NEW YORK, NY

8AM - 9:30PM

The event will feature Beth Stern & surprise guest with photo ops, a wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, silent auction and goody bags. Attendees will also have the chance to view a visual display of Bulldogs currently available for adoption & fostering.

For more info and tickets visit :

DEC 10th BARK & BREW LA JOLLA, CA

6:00PM - 9:00PM

Come join It’s the Pitts Rescue at La Jolla Brewhouse for some delicious food, drinks, live music from Eddie Grey, tail wags and much more to support Operation Puppy Love.

For More Information: www.itsthepits.rescuegroups.org/ info/events

www.longislandbulldogrescue.org

DEC 17th TAILS OF SUCCESS HOLIDAY PARTY

Want Your Pet Related Event Listed?

IRONDEQUOIT, NY

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Please join Roberto Negrin of Hec-lin Couture for Dogs at the New York Citiy Green Holiday Festival. He will be showcasing his new and exciting Ecco Green Collection made entirely of recycled material.

Purchase tickets here: www.brownpapertickets.com 4 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Tails of Success at their annual Holiday Party. Food and drinks for both 2-legged and 4-legged guests will be provided.

For More Information: www.tailsofsuccessny.com

Email us the details at info@pupculturemagazine.com and we will do our best to get it listed either online or in our magazine.

Dear Santa...

I can explain I may not be the best behaved but I am really good at my job here at Sniff Design Studio.

TM

Logos

Business Cards Web Site Design www.sniffdesign.com

& More

By Sherri Romig

“A Number of fail to keep

Keeping our pets active and exercised is an important part of their well-being. In fact, a number of behavioral and health problems can arise if we fail to keep our dogs properly exercised and stimulated.

As the weather turns colder, however, this becomes more difficult to accomplish. Harsh winds and icy sidewalks make neighborhood walks less pleasant (and even dangerous if you have a dog who pulls!), and subzero temperatures make long romps in the backyard impossible.

With a bit of creativity, though, we can get through the winter with our and our dogs’ sanity intact. Let’s explore some options for keeping cabin-fever at bay while we await the return of spring.

Playgroups

Outdoor Fun

Romping with friends is the best exercise a dog can get! Many dog daycares and training centers offer use of their facility for indoor playgroups on evenings or weekends. Check out daycares in your area for a safe and well-run group to bring your dog to.

Bring your pup with you when you head out for some winter fun. Racing down the hill after a sled and trudging back up again are an excellent physical workout, not to mention a great time! Maybe you can even convince your dog to pull the sled. Catching snowballs outside is great fun, too! Toss snowballs in the air for your dog to jump and grab.

Classes Classes are a great way to keep your dog active and engaged, and even make some new friends. Consider re-enrolling in obedience class to sharpen your dog’s skills and get some much needed socialization. Or, look for dog sports or specialty classes to explsore something new. Check out your local training school to see what type of options they have available.

Indoor Games Whether you are hiding and getting your dog to find you, tugging on opposite ends of a rope toy, or teaching your dog to sniff out hidden treats or toys, playing indoor games is a great way to keep your dog active and stimulated. Winter is also a wonderful time to use your creativity and training skills to teach your dog some new tricks!

behavioral and health problems can arise if we our dogs properly exercised and stimulated.” www.pupculturemagazine.com | 7

Puzzle Toys Even when the weather is yucky, you can keep your dog entertained by having him work for his meals. There are tons of interactive food toys on the market: Kong, Buster Cube, Twist’n’Treat (to name a few), with more coming out every day. Pour your dog’s meals into a toy instead of his dish and watch him try to solve the puzzle and play to earn his dinner.

You can even make your own puzzle toys by going through your recycling bin. Put some food or treats in a paper bag or cardboard box and let the dog rip it open to get to the goodies inside. Cut a hole in a milk carton so pieces of kibble will fall out when it is tossed or pushed around. Be creative! What else can you use?

GO OUT & PLAY! So, with a little effort and ingenuity, you and your dog can beat those winter blues by getting out, staying active, and having a great time doing it!

Popular Dog Sports + Activites to Try This Winter AGILITY

Treibbal

Rally

K9 Nosework

Weight Pull

Tracking

Flyball

Freestyle

Learn to navigate an obstacle course with speed.

Show off your obedience skills in a fun manner.

Use your dog’s muscles by dragging heavy sleds.

Relay race over jumps to retrieve a tennis ball.

8 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

Channel herding instincts with giant balls.

Learn to discriminate between different smells.

Follow scent trails to find your target.

(Dancing with dogs)

Put tricks to music in a dance routine with your dog

PUGPOSSESSED not just for Pugs...

Dog Fashions & Artwork 585.671.2273 • www.pugpossessed.etsy.com • dthesing@rochester.rr.com

Heavenly Creatures Blog Joanne Brokaw on Animals, God, Faith & Life

Joanne Brokaw describes herself as “a disorganized, addle-brained, Jesus-loving, dog training, tea-addicted” award-winning freelance writer, blogger and columnist who is also “a terrible housekeeper and equally bad cook”.

Joanne lives with three dogs, a cat, some chickens, and one very patient husband. Join her at her new blog on patheos.com as she tries to satisfy her insatiable curiosity about dog behavior while helping people better understand how to care for and communicate with their pets.

www.patheos.com/blogs/heavenlycreatures

tips + tricks

Holiday

Safety tips

By MaryAnn Aquilino

Holidays are just around the corner and keeping your dog safe during this time is a concern for many. Dogs can actually be more curious than cats, and between the decorations, people coming and going, and tempting treats all around, there’s ample opportunity for your dog to get into something harmful. With just a little planning and preparation, you and your pet can safely enjoy your holidays and spend time together, instead of making an unexpected trip to the vet’s.

Always supervise your dog, and if you can’t, then contain him so he can’t get into trouble. If he has a crate he likes, place him in there for when you can’t keep an eye on him. Tethering him in an area where he can still see you but can’t get into trouble also works; a simple hook in the wall and leash, along with his bed and a toy is all that’s needed.

Some additional things to keep your dog safe: Keep items such as tablecloths, table runners, Christmas stockings, etc., from hanging too low; your dog may be tempted to think they’re special playthings!

Ribbons, yarn, tinsel, and string can cause intestinal obstruction requiring surgery, and can be fatal. Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic; if consumed in large enough amounts they can cause intestinal blockage. Make sure none is left where a dog can get to it.

Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your pet.

Block off wrapped gifts under the tree, as a curious dog will ‘help’ you unwrap them – well before you’re ready to – and they can choke on ribbons and decorations used on the packages. An indoor exercise pen works great to protect the tree and gifts when you’re not there to supervise.

Have your Christmas trees in a stable stand; also attach the tree securely to a window or wall using a hook and some fishing line.

Needles from live trees can be toxic, and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Don’t let your dog chew on branches or fallen needles.

Many ornaments can break or shatter and cause serious lacerations; sharp ornament hooks can also become embedded in your pet's mouth or esophagus. Place breakable ornaments high up on your tree or block off your tree when you’re not there to supervise.

If you use food to decorate your tree, such as cranberry or popcorn garlands, candy canes, etc., make sure your dog can’t reach them.

Chewing on electrical cords, including tree lights, can cause burned mouths, electrical shock, and even death by electrocution. Also, some lights can get hot and cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with Bitter Apple® or Chew Stop™.

Many people like to dress their dogs up, but be cautious with what you use (especially if you plan to use it as part of your dogs’ costume). Decorations such as holly or mistletoe are poisonous to your dogs, ornaments can make unplanned, dangerous chew toys, and ribbons and tinsel cause obstructions if ingested. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t give it to, or use it on, a two- or three-year-old child, don’t give it to or use it on your dog.

Also be careful of common items we all have around during the holidays, all of which are attractive to dogs. They can harm your dog and may be toxic if ingested. These include antifreeze, ice melting products, liquid potpourris, adhesives/glues, batteries, chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, ribbons, tinsel, electric cords, Christmas tree water, lilies, and poinsettias. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 11

PUMPKIN HILL

VETERINARY CLINIC

6265 Tower Hill Road Byron, NY 14422 585.548.9097 www.pumpkinhillvet.com Conventional medicine is melded with the healing arts of Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine to provide an animal with the optimal opportunity to heal itself.

Drool Worthy

CRANBERRY COCONUT

Cookies Prep/Assembly Time: 10-20 min Bake Time: 13-15 min Yields approx. 2 dozen cookies These tasty cranberry coconut cookies are the perfect treat to give to your dog this holiday season. When packaged in cello bags, they make the perfect gift! Not only do they taste great, but cranberries and coconuts have numerous health benefits as well.

Cranberries are rich in vitamins including A, B1, B2, C, and many nutrients. They are full of minerals and antioxidants. Cranberries are also an excellent supplement to your dog’s diet for the promotion of urinary tract health.

Ingredients: • 3 1/4 cups of oat flour • 1 cup of quick cooking rolled oats • 1 tsp. of baking powder • 1 1/2 cups of dried cranberries • 1/2 cup organic honey • 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened dried coconut • 2 tsp. of all natural vanilla extract • 1 1/2 cups of water

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350° and spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray, or line with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix oat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, honey, vanilla extract and water until combined. Mix in dried cranberries and coconut.

3. Sprinkle table with some oat flour and roll out dough to about 1/2” thick. Cut out with your desired shape cookie cutters. Place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

4. Bake until cookie bottoms just begin to brown, about 60 minutes. If baking two sheets at once in one oven, switch their positions halfway through baking.

5. Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then use a wide spatula to transfer to racks to cool completely. Serve to hungry puppies.

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 13

Photo by: www.heartdogstudios.com

“The joy on their faces as they rode the waves and the love Ricochet showed Patrick while they celebrated on the beach was very moving�

SURF DOG RICOCHET: Inspiring Others To “Paw” It Forward By: Michelle Macirella

“I wanted her to be a service dog and I could’ve stayed in that frame of mind and get frustrated with her and frustrated with myself and unhappy, but I gave her that opportunity and said, Okay, be who you are.”

L

iving in Upstate New York, the sport of surfing is not anywhere on my radar. And the thought of a dog who surfs was not even in my realm of possibilities. So when I first heard about Surf Dog Ricochet, a dog who not only surfs, but also raises funds and awareness for charities in the process, I was amazed! She is a golden retriever and a surfer girl who lives in San Diego with her mom, Judy Fridono and her sister, Rina, a yellow lab. Ricochet surfs for fun, for charity and in competitions. A canine surfing competition is another thing I never would have thought existed, but they do, and Ricochet usually places in the top three in every one she’s in. Her real claim to fame with surfing though is that she surfs tandem with special needs kids and people with disabilities.

Her first tandem surfing experience was with Patrick, a 15-year-old adaptive surfer with a spinal cord injury. In September 1995, when Patrick was fourteen months old, he and his mom were walking behind a parked car when the driver backed up suddenly and ran over Patrick, pinning him under the car. He suffered a C4-5 incomplete spinal cord injury and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic.

Patrick has been in a wheelchair ever since. At 10 years old, he started going to Project Walk, an intensive physical therapy program that helps people with spinal cord injuries build strength by exercising parts of the body they can’t move or control on their own. They’ve had amazing results with people from all over the world and Patrick was no exception. But the program is very expensive and to continue, Patrick needed help.

Ricochet and her mom Judy came up with a plan and Surf Dog Ricochet’s first fundraiser was born, which in turn inspired an initiative they started called “Surfin’ for Paws-abilities.” For Patrick’s fundraiser, the idea was for Ricochet and Patrick to surf together on separate boards, but on one wave. After a few runs, however, Ricochet decided she wanted to surf with Patrick on his board and her tandem surfing career began. I watched the video

of the two surfing together and it was difficult to come up with words that would accurately describe this amazing experience.

The joy on their faces as they rode the waves and the love Ricochet showed Patrick while they celebrated on the beach was very moving. Ricochet and her team raised more than $10,000 for Patrick that day and one of her sponsors, the Rose Foundation, awarded a grant that paid for an additional three years of his therapy. “I said to Patrick’s mom after it was over, ‘How do you ever top this?’ I had no idea it was just the beginning,” Judy told me.

However Surf Dog Ricochet’s career as a SURFice Dog almost didn’t come to fruition. Ricochet was born on January 25, 2008, and was the ninth puppy in a litter of 10. She was born and raised as part of the Puppy Prodigies Neo-Natal & Early Learning Program, founded by her mom Judy Fridono, with hopes of becoming a service dog for a person with a disability.

Puppy Prodigies is an innovative program that helps puppies reach their full potential. It provides a comprehensive early learning and intervention program which focuses on critical stages of development starting at birth by providing the puppy with structured exercises and experiences such as early stimulation, imprinting, socialization, environment enrichment, and training.

This prepares the puppy for their future roles, and promotes more successful outcomes. The purpose is to condition the puppies so they learn to learn!

Ricochet was part of the neo-natal program and was on her way to becoming a service dog to someone with a disability.

But at 9 months old she started taking a major interest in chasing birds, squirrels, and other small animals, which put a detour in her path. An instinct to chase as strong as hers would not be a safe match for a person with a disability who would rely on her to stay focused.

The plan had always been for her to be a service dog, so when that changed, Judy was frustrated and not sure what she www.pupculturemagazine.com | 15

Photo by: Judy Fridono

Photo by: www.ilovepacificpiers.com

Fun Facts About Surf Dog Ricochet: Favorite Past Time: Being with people and being petted.

Favorite Activites: Chasing squirrels and cats, surfing, lurecoursing and dock jumping.

Favorite Food: Hot Dogs.

For more information on Ricochet or to view some videos of her in action, check out the following websites: Inspirational YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4 Surfing with Patrick Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miv8zu8itfQ Surfin’ Santa Paws Howliday Giving Drive:

http://www.surfdogricochet.com/Surfin%20 Santa%20Paws%202011.htm Surf Dog Ricochet Website:

www.surfdogricochet.com

16 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

would do. “She was bred to be a service dog and I wanted to still fulfill that responsibility,” she said. As part of her training in the Puppies Prodigies program Ricochet had learned to use a boogie board in a kiddie pool to help her learn balance and coordination.

She liked that so much she slowly started to learn to surf in the ocean for fun. Little did she know all that would come from that learning experience.

When Ricochet was 15 months old she was invited to participate in the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Surf Competition. She had only been surfing in the ocean for two weeks prior to that and she won third place in the competition. “It was at the beach and at that moment, I was proud of a dog that I was so frustrated with for so many months,” Judy told me. At that competition, Judy says she had the revelation that Ricochet was really good at this and started thinking about what they could do with her surfing to make her life still meaningful. This gave her the idea that maybe Ricochet could raise money from her surfing.

The first person Judy thought of was Patrick, who she had met a couple times prior. It was there the idea was born for her to be a SURFice dog instead of a service dog. “She could still help people with disabilities, just in a different way,” Judy said.

“I wanted her to be a service dog, and I could have stayed in that frame of mind and got frustrated with her and frustrated with myself and unhappy, but I gave her that opportunity and said, ‘Okay, be who you are’,” Judy told me. “And then she [Ricochet] made a decision at the beach one day of jumping on Patrick’s surf board – that was not my idea, it was hers – and when I saw that and I saw this dog come back to life it was like…this is what she’s here to do.”

You can tell Ricochet is happy with her life and has found her calling. In any of the photos and videos of her you can see the contentment in her eyes. Judy says, “Ricochet wakes up in the morning so happy. She prances around and is just so happy. Our other dog, Rina doesn’t get out of bed until she hears the kibble hit the bowl.”

Photo by: www.pawmazing.com

Photo by: Judy Fridono

“This whole journey is Ricochet’s journey and I’m just the facilitator.”

After the success of Patrick’s fundraiser, Ricochet and Judy created an inspirational video that soon went viral on YouTube. They posted the video at the end of November and by New Year’s Eve it had a million views. Once again, I watched this video and was moved to tears.

Watching Ricochet’s journey to find herself and her joy as she jumps through the waves along with seeing the impact her efforts have had on Patrick’s life truly are inspiring. Since the video has been posted, it has given Ricochet a great deal of exposure and her new life purpose has grown from there.

She now lives a lifestyle of helping others by pawing it forward while raising awareness and funds for human/animal causes, and strives to inspire people to focus on what they can do instead of what they can’t – to be who they are. Judy says what Ricochet represents is that any individual can make a difference.

She is a positive role model who shows other people how to take action and do something.

Ricochet continues her fundraising efforts, but is now also in the stage of getting awards and national exposure which helps her in her journey to be that positive role model. Besides being a Canine Good Citizen, Certified Therapy Dog, and champion surfer, Ricochet has also received a large number of awards. In fact, the list of awards and media coverage she has received is quite impressive. A few of which include: 2010 USA Today Dog Hero; 2010 Petopia TV, Pet of the Year; 2010 Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk, Top Fundraiser; 2010 Arthritis Walk with Leash Your Fitness, Top Fundraiser; 2010 American Kennel Club Humane Fund Ace Award for Canine Excellence for Exemplary Companion Dog. Most recently, the ASPCA awarded her the Dog of the Year award, which required a trip to New York City and her first plane ride. The annual awards ceremony recognizes heroic

animals and individuals who have made a significant impact on the lives of animals during the past year. Along with Surf Dog, there were several other honorees, two of which stood out to Ricochet and she has helped promote their stories on her Facebook page. One is Mittens, who received the Cat of the Year award.

Mittens was trapped in a milk crate and set on fire by two Baltimore teenagers in 2009. She managed to escape the crate, extinguish the fire and return to nurse her newborn kittens.

Another is a 6-year-old boy named Stevie, who received the Kid of the Year award. Two days before his birthday, his two labs disappeared from his home, so he wanted to do something to help other animals that aren’t loved and in a forever home. So instead of having a traditional birthday, he decided to ask his guests to bring dog/cat food, toys, treats and monetary donations for his local humane society instead of giving him presents. To date Stevie has raised over $28,000.

You can find out about all of Surf Dog Ricochet’s fundraising initiatives, causes she supports and how you can get involved on her website at www.surfdogricochet.com. One of her favorites is her Surfin’ Santa Paws Howliday Giving Drive, which is in its 3rd year, and she is excited because this year she is getting kids involved from the giving end! It started as a toy drive and has now expanded to include a whole giving drive with various giving opportunities. Her goal is to help kids realize that the holiday season is all about pawing it forward. Judy and Ricochet believe kids are our future and learning about helping people and animals is paramount to their potential.

“I believe Ricochet knows her whole plan,” Judy says, “And what’s going to happen next. And I believe she shares the information with me when I need to know it. This whole journey is Ricochet’s journey and I’m just the facilitator.”

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 17

A Special Warning About Cooked Bones & Trash: As tempting as it may be to give your pets what’s left of the turkey to munch on, the cooked bones that are part of the turkey (if ingested) can cause serious intestinal problems or even death.

Make sure not to feed your pets any cooked bones and keep your pets out of the garbage.

BY JAI CINO

“Do not give conventional medications to stop the vomiting, diarrhea, etc., as this is the body’s way of eliminating toxins. Drugs confuse the immune system by going against (anti-) instead of going with what the immune system already knows.”

Editor’s Note: This column’s purpose is to inform and educate the human caregivers of our beloved animal companions about safer, less expensive, less harmful and often quicker methods of healing without using toxic substances that do more harm to them, you and the Earth.

I

t’s that time of year when food abounds. Many of us eat more than usual and often suffer from over-indulgence.

Pets who are used to getting table scraps get more (or this may be the only time of year where they get them), so digestive upsets might occur.

With either scenario, don’t let your pet’s diet be as “versatile” as yours and don’t feed them any cooked table scraps.

Our pets do need a certain amount of fat in their diets, but raw fat is very different from cooked fat. Once cooked, fat turns into grease and their short intestinal systems cannot handle it. If you are going to give-in to your pet’s desires for a treat, then put some raw food aside before cooking for yourself and give it to them when you sit down to eat, as our pets love eating when we do.

The best way to feed your pet is twice a day,putting their bowls away in between. You will have healthier, less finicky pets when putting them on a regular, twice-a-day feeding habit.

How do you spell relief?

Although there are many homeopathic remedies that can cure digestive woes, here are a few homeopathic remedies that can be used for food/garbage poisoning or digestive upsets. Prescribe on the totality of symptoms – and remember these are acute suggestions – If your pet has recurrent problems, they need a classical homeopathic constitutional / chronic remedy to cure it once and for all.

(Note: Homeopathy is universal, so you can use these homeopathic remedies for yourself and your pets):

Arsenicum Album – this is usually the first homeopathic remedy I reach for in food poisoning. Use when there is vomiting and diarrhea at the same time. The animal might exhibit fearfulness, wanting to be more alone, and restlessness (particularly after midnight).

Carbo Vegetalis – Used for when the symptoms above are more severe. The animal may be cold and weak and have severe, foul gas. Gums may be bluish. Oftentimes, they will develop dry heaves and be sluggish and cold, with bloating.

They may feel better after burping or when being fanned.

Symptoms get worse after over-eating or eating rich foods.

China -- Used when the animal’s stomach is distended and/or making grumbling noises. They may be colicky and agitated, with flatulence and belching bringing no relief.

Coffea -- Used for acid indigestion with a sense of fullness or cramps. Symptoms may be accompanied by weakness, nervousness, and even palpitations. May also be used for those who get over-excited and suffer after too much fun.

Nux Vomica – useful for any toxic conditions. Person or animal is unusually irritable and fidgety. Straining diarrhea is common, non-productive retching may occur. Over-eating rich foods tends to bring about this condition. Also known as the “hangover” remedy.

Veratrum Album – If Arsenicum Album does not work for diarrhea, try this next. Use when you feel a sense of coldness and weakness, but not gas.

Do not give conventional medication to stop the vomiting, diarrhea, etc., as this is the body’s way of eliminating toxins. Drugs confuse the immune system by going against what the immune system already knows.

When any being is ill, eating less is usually normal but please pay close attention to hydration as that could be the difference between life and death.

The three golden rules • Match the symptoms carefully to the best homeopathic (most similar) medicine you can find.

• Take one pill. If the symptoms subside, there is no need to repeat unless the same symptoms return.

• For home-prescribing, stick to 30ccs or lower potency.

Disclaimer: This article is in no way intended as a substitute for professional homeopathic and/or medical care. Nothing described in this article should be construed by any reader or other person to be a diagnosis or treatment for any disease or condition.

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 19

KIMPTON HOTELS

When there’s no place like home, these hotels come close.

BY GABRIELLA MARTINEZ | PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIMPTON HOTELS

“With amenities such as pet massage, a complimentary wine hour for pets and their human companions and gourmet dog treats, it’s no wonder why they leave their four-legged guess begging for more.”

Photo By: Rhonda Lewis

“[Kimpton Hotels have] always respected the emotional connection between pets and their human companions and know that taking your pet with you on the road can create a more memorable travel experience.”

I

magine walking into a hotel greeted with your name displayed on a welcome board. If you are staying at any of the Kimpton Hotels, you would (if you were a dog that is). All of Kimpton’s nearly 50 hotels are known for their hosPETality program in which they take the guilt out of travel with your dog and replace it with pure bliss. They go far beyond just being “pet tolerant” and allowing your pet to stay; they include fun amenities and services to ensure that their four-legged guests are just as well cared for as their two-legged ones regardless of age, breed, size, or weight. To top it off, there is no pet fee or limit on the number of pets you can bring.

According to Steve Pinetti, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “[Kimpton Hotels has] always respected the emotional connection between pets and their human companions and knows that taking your pet with you on the road can create a more memorable travel experience. Our creative packages and complimentary amenities add value to each guest’s hotel stay and ultimately set the stage for stress-free pet travel.”

With amenities such as pet massage, a complimentary wine hour for pets and their human companions and gourmet dog treats, it’s no wonder they leave their four-legged guests begging for more.

Many of the hotels also employ “Directors of Pet Relations.” These are key personnel that are in charge of greeting guests with a friendly wag, offer suggestions of local pet friendly hot spots and of course, make celebrity appearances at events for animal organizations. According to their website, they currently employ twelve.

Believe it or not, the Kimpton Hotel has been a leading pioneer in pet friendly travel since 1981 and have welcomed many pets beyond dogs; from a pet Iguana to penguins, sloths and aardvarks!

The company also started a program called “Guppy Love,” for those of you traveling without a pet. At twenty-two of their hotels, guests can borrow a fish-friend throughout the duration of their stay for no additional fee to help ease the loneliness of solo travel. Best of all, the hotel staff members take care of your Guppy Love goldfish, your only job is to love it.

If that doesn’t make you want to organize a pet-friendly vacation, this might: many of the Kimpton hotels have now partnered with local animal shelters and rescue organizations by hosting fundraising events and donating a portion of room revenue, all to help animals in need.

When my friends and I stayed at the Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton Hotel in Baltimore, with three labs and two pugs in April of 2010, we were delighted to see our dogs greeted with open arms.

Our room was also no middle-of-the-road hotel room; it was a luxurious room, complete with jacuzzi tub and outfitted with all the necessary doggie delights from several dog beds, dog bowls, dog treats and a list of other pet-

Apollo lounging on one of the couches at the Hotel Monaco in Baltimore, Maryland.

Photo by: Michelle Macirella

friendly businesses and dog parks near our hotel. The staff was friendly and helpful, consistently going out of their way to make sure both us and our pups were well taken care of .

With its luxurious accommodations, unrivaled openness and unique animal amenities, Kimpton is a brilliant choice for a fantastic, upscale hotel experience for both your two and four-legged family members.

Thinking of Visiting one of the 50 Kimpton Hotels Throughout the U.S.?

Make sure you Stop and Say Hello To Their Directors of Pet Relations: Romeo – Hotel Triton, San Francisco, CA Luna – Hotel Palomar, Los Angeles-Westwood, CA Oliver – Hotel Monaco, San Francisco, CA Maverick – Hotel Palomar, San Francisco, CA Timmy – Hotel Monaco, Portland, OR Kora – Hotel Palomar, Dallas, Texas Oliver – Hotel Monaco, Chicago, IL Dillon – Hotel Burnham, Chicago, IL Bosco – FireSky Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ Charlie – Hotel Monaco, Alexandria, VA Ginger – The Muse, New York City, NY Georgie – Hotel Vintage Plaza, Portland, OR

Apollo & Andrea enjoying one of the many dog beds provided during our stay at the Hotel Monaco in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo by: Michelle Macirella

22 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

THE GREY COTTAGE pet spa & boutique

Dog & Cat Grooming Paws For A Moment 585.329.2162 • www.thegreycottage.com

“Playing tug with your dog is an excellent way to keep him exercised, occupied, and even teach him important impulse control skills.“

TO TUG OR NOT TO TUG T H AT I S TH E QUE STI ON

By: Sherri R omig | Photog r a p hy B y: Michelle Ma cir ella There is a lot of misinformation out there about playing the game of Tug with your dog. Dire warnings and arbitrary rules abound: * If you play tug with your dog he will become aggressive. * You must retain possession of the toy at the end of the game, or the dog will think he won. * If you let the dog win at tug, he will think you are weak and become dominant.

Fortunately, these statements are simply untrue. There is no evidence backing any of these ideas, and plenty of evidence to the contrary. Tug is about having fun and getting exercise. It is also a great opportunity to teach your dog important skills like cooperation and impulse control... and you can even let him win.

TUG IS A COOPERATIVE GAME There have been at least two studies done (Goodloe and Borchelt, 1998; Rooney and Bradshaw, 2003) on playing tug with dogs that have shown there is no link between the game and an increase in aggressive behavior or dominance. In fact, both studies showed that dogs who engage in this type of play with their owners score higher on amenability (playful, approach quickly when called, lick owners frequently) and are less likely to have separation issues. They also demonstrated that there is no difference in dominance behavior in dogs after winning or losing at the game, or whether the dog or owner retains the toy at the end of the game.

Put the game on cue.

We don’t want the pup to think that every time you try to take something from his mouth it is an invitation to tug, so make sure it is clear to him when the game is on. You can do this by using a designated tug toy, or by giving a verbal cue like “Tug!” to initiate the game. If the dog tries to tug when you haven’t given the cue, simply let go as soon as he starts to pull, and pull back only after you give the cue.

The importance of “Give” or “Drop It”

It is also an excellent idea to teach your dog a strong “give” or “drop it” cue, and use this game as an opportunity to practice it (visit Tug is a cooperative game, not a competitive game. When www.TailsofSuccessNy.com for a handout on teaching your dog to dogs play tug, they are having a great time playing with a friend, “give”). Ask your dog to “give” while playing tug. If he does, play not vying for possession of a resource. When you tug with your dog again! If he fails to comply when you ask him to give up the toy, and he wins, does he run off with the toy, congratulating himself simply end the game by dropping the toy and walking away. on his superior strength? Of course not! He thinks “That was great! Let’s play again!” and immediately tries to entice you to grab TUG TEACHES IMPULSE CONTROL the toy for another round.

You can take advantage of the Tug Game as an opportunity to practice impulse control by asking for calm, polite behavior before Playing tug with your dog is an excellent way to keep him exercised, occupied, and even teach him important impulse control you will play. If you have the toy, wait for your dog to sit calmly before you present it to him and give the cue to tug. If your dog skills. has the toy, require him to sit calmly before you will take your end and give the cue to tug. Practicing this consistently throughout the WHEN PLAYING TUG, game will help to teach your pup to go from revved up and excited KEEP THESE RULES IN MIND: to calm quickly, a valuable skill to have!

Teeth do not touch human flesh. Ever.

The dog must know that this is not okay and learn to control his bite. If teeth touch flesh during the game, immediately drop the toy like it is on fire and walk away. The dog will quickly learn that touching flesh with teeth ends this wonderful game and take extra care about how he uses his jaws.

DON’T WORRY & HAVE FUN Go nuts and have some fun playing tug and bonding with your dog! Not only is it a great time and great exercise, but it fosters a spirit of cooperation and is a great opportunity to teach your pup some important life skills. Your dog will thank you for it! www.pupculturemagazine.com | 25

GROOMING

“Feet, specifically the pads of the feet, require special attention in the winter months. Pooches who are not acclimated to spending long hours outdoors have sensitive pads.�

TIPS Jeanette Bourcy

M

ost people prepare their homes for winter by insulating windows, cleaning their furnaces or stocking up on wood for the fire. They make sure their snow tires are on, and fluids are topped off in their cars... but do you know how to winterize your dog?

There are things you should be doing to prepare your furry friends for winter as well.

Another solution is to invest some time training your dog to wear booties when outdoors. Yes they look a little silly, but with patience your dog will learn to appreciate the ultimate in foot protection!

Now lets take a look at another winter grooming issue. A lot of people tend to put off grooming in the winter because they are afraid the dog will be cold if they The winter season brings with it a whole new get a haircut. For one thing, if your dog does not live set of challenges and concerns when it comes to our outdoors (which I hope he doesn’t!) then he probably dogs health and grooming needs. You would think that spends very little time outside in the winter months. creatures covered in a fur coat would be supremely Secondly, letting the hair grow will result in matting prepared to brave the elements. In many ways they are, if the dog is not being brushed out completely on a but in some areas they can use a little help from a friend! daily basis (and who has time for that?!). We see many, many dogs come in for a spring shave-down, matted Feet, specifically the pads of the feet, require to the skin. Trust me, your dog would be much happier special attention in the winter months. Pooches who getting a little chilly when going outside than living with are not acclimated to spending long hours outdoors a matted coat. Tight mats pull on the skin and cause have sensitive pads. There are several ways to protect tender paws. One way is to put a thin layer of petroleum itching, irritation and may even be harboring parasites.

When in this condition, the coat must be shaved jelly on their pads before venturing out. There are also completely off. Circulation that has been cut off is numerous products on the market made specifically for relieved, causing blood to rush back to the skin causing dogs. Mushers Secret is a popular wax-based product painful bruising. So invest in a cute sweater or coat for that helps protect the pads and prevent ice balls from forming. Ice balls are a serious issue for paws, especially your pup, and keep up with regular grooming all year. for dogs with long hair. Those fuzzy Grinch feet may Now go out and play in the snow, take walks, and be cute, but they are a major problem for Fido in enjoy the winter season with your four legged friends. the winter! Your groomer should always trim the fur They will thank you for it! around the pads of the feet and make sure no hair is hanging on the ground, to collect ice while walking. The formation of ice balls is very painful for the dog and can cause abrasions or cuts. Trimming your dog’s nails is important year round, but especially so in winter. Long TRY THIS TIP OUT: nails can cause the dog to splay (awkwardly spread) his Pawz natural rubber dog feet, encouraging more ice to form between the pads.

Deicing salt is another major issue for a dog’s feet. It causes irritation and cracking of pads. Putting a protective product on the feet before a walk will help.

When returning home, wash the feet with warm water to remove any residue and apply a soothing product such as Snout Soother to keep pads supple.

boots. These boots are not padded, helping your dog to still feel the ground and provide added security. Like a sock, Pawz moves with your dog, allowing full paw motion and maximum comfort. www.pawzdogboots.com

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 27

W I N T E R WONDERLAND Our Readers’ Pups Enjoy The Winter Season!

DAISY

LADY DIVA

GRACIE DAWSON, CASPER, KANANI, TALLULAH

EARL

RUBY

RILEY

LARGO MR. FRITZ

MERLIN & MJ

OLIVIA

YODA

GIBSON ROSIE

TAZ

Next month’s theme is: “PUPPY LOVE” Want your pup featured in the NEXT issue of Pup Culture? Email us your best “Puppy Love” photo to:

info@pupculturemagazine.com

TOM GEORGE

IT’S ALL FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS Written By: Amanda Seef & Michelle Macirella Photography By: Michelle Macirella

“When I hear about someone abusing animals, the cops better find them before I do..”

T

om George isn’t all traffic reports and rush hour banter in the Rochester, NY radio biz — the Entercom traffic reporter on five stations is a dog lover and an advocate for the animals in our lives. “If there’s a life after this, I’m going to come back as a dog,” Tom, a 42-year veteran of the Rochester, NY broadcasting scene, said.

Tom lives in the city with his 10-pound Maltese, Theodore Abraham George, or “Teddy.”

Teddy has been in Tom’s life for about a year, living the high life in Tom’s home. The four-bedroom house has one room devoted just to the pup. The room has wall-to-wall linoleum, is furnished with two circular beds and 130 squeaky toys. “At five bucks each, you do the math,” Tom said.

But it’s all for the love of the dog. Teddy even

30 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

“If there’s life after this, I’m going to come back as a dog.”

has his own view of his neighbors from his private second floor balcony just off his room. The balcony deck has an enclosed fence, high enough so Teddy can’t get out, but low enough so he can get some sun and fresh air. But his balcony does have a gate that opens onto a staircase leading to the back yard, so he can hang out with dad.

Tom says he’s had a dog since the age of 5.

“I’ve just always loved dogs,” he said.

Before Teddy he had another Maltese, Abraham or “Abe” who passed away in 2010 after contracting a blood disease where his body attacked his red blood cells. He had a heart murmur, kidney stones and several other complications which were too much for a 6 ½ pound dog to endure. Toward the end he was on an oxygen tank with labored breathing. “The best thing to do was to pull the

plug. And I never thought I would do it, but it’s the best thing we could have done for him,” Tom said.

Abe’s passing was brought up on the radio, bringing in a whole range of comments from sympathetic listeners who had written in to the stations for updates on Abe’s health. “He was very close to us,” Tom said. “You know what it’s like, it’s a traumatic experience. People found out and they were very sad about it.” Tom talked about his experience on the air, describing Abe’s failing health at the end, and got choked up as he discussed how difficult it was for him to make the decision to pull the plug. Many of his listeners were very supportive and compassionate with the comments they posted on the station’s website. He says everyone grieves differently, so anytime you can share that with people who’ve been through a www.pupculturemagazine.com | 31

“It’s just what God has instilled in me, I have to protect creatures He has cared for.” similar experience helps.

Soon after Abe’s passing, Tom brought home Teddy, and his listeners rejoiced with him. “He’s much more of a lover than Abe was,” Tom said. “The dog wants to crawl inside my skin, almost like he’s hugging me.

He’s very affectionate.” When he was asked by someone if it was too soon for him to get another dog, his response was, “I think we need this for the healing process right now. The house is just absolutely empty.”

Holy Apostles Church for a Blessing of Pets, a Catholic tradition that happens in many churches around the world on or near October 4th in remembrance of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who had a love for all creatures. The Pet Blessings are usually held outdoors and each pet is welcomed with a special prayer while sprinkled with holy water.

“Dog’s fulfill your life, they give you pleasure, love. It’s all the emotions, like having a kid.”

Tom’s love for animals has allowed him to be an advocate for them, speaking out against animal abuse. “When I hear about someone abusing animals, the cops better find them before I do,” he said. He goes on to explain how his religion has affected his love for animals. “It’s just what God has instilled in me,” Tom said. “I have to protect creatures He has cared for.”

Teddy, Abe and Gideon — Tom’s Siamese cat — are all names from the Bible. Tom recently took Teddy to

32 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

Tom says he loves Teddy like he’s a member of his family and he wants to make sure everything is done right for him. “Dogs fulfill your life,” George said. “They give you pleasure, love. It’s all the emotions, like having a kid.”

Yes. It’s for the Dog. (now look who’s begging) www.abarkersdozen.com

C U R I N G

CANINE

CANCER

Growing a vision of a healthier tomorrow for our canine f a m i l y.

ALLISON KOWALSKI Photos provided by: Morris Animal Foundation

MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION, CANINE CANCER CAMPAIGN

A

ll dogs like to be petted on their heads.

Dogs are sick when noses are warm.

Dogs do not get cancer. Cancer is contagious in dogs. These are popular misconceptions about dogs, and no cancer in dogs is a common myth. The truth is that dogs are prone to cancer like humans, and it is not contagious.

Cancer is one of the leading natural causes of death in dogs, and nearly 50 percent of dogs will suffer from some sort of tumor in their lifetime. It is especially common in dogs that are more than 10 years old. Like any diagnosis, dogs with cancer may effectively be treated and continue to lead a normal, furry life.

“Cancer is not always the death sentence that it once was thought to be,” said Kelly Weir, content manager for the Morris Animal Foundation. “With early diagnostics and proper treatment, many pets can still live a happy life.”

To prevent canine cancer, organizations like Morris Animal Foundation are stepping up through campaigns and events that support an end to canine cancer. Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization in Denver, Colo. that helps animals live longer, healthier lives.

34 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

Memorial to dogs that have passed from cancer at Florida Cancer Walk.

“Cancer is one of the leading natural causes of death in dogs, and nearly 50 percent will suffer some sort of tumor in their lifetime”

“Cancer is not always the death sentence that it once was thought to be” Though there are other campaigns, organizations and events that encourage an end to canine cancer, Morris Animal Foundation is the largest organization that funds animalhealth research, Weir said.

One large event Morris Animal Foundation supports is the Canine Cancer Campaign. This event funds research in preventions, treatments and eventual cures for canines with cancer or tumors. It trains future cancer scientists, and funds top veterinary scientists around the globe.

The first Canine Cancer Campaign Walk program launched in 2009, and the money raised supports Morris Animal Foundation’s efforts for canine cancer research.

The walks are not only held in Denver, Colo., but other cities like Coconut Creek, Fla. and Los Gatos, Calif. Each walk has hundreds of participants.

Canine Cancer Campaign Walks are not the only way to support dogs with cancer. Dedicated supporters of Morris Animal Foundation hold events in loving memory of their dogs that have passed away from cancer.

“One woman in Reno, Nev. holds an agility event every year where she donates the proceeds to the Foundation in her dog’s name,” Weir said.

Actress and longtime trustee Betty White recently finished a commercial that promotes the Orvis Cover Dog Contest. Owners submit photos of their dog, and the winning photograph is featured on the cover of an Orvis Dog Book catalog. The contest has received more than 10,000 photographs, and raised more than $300,000 for canine cancer research.

Currently, Morris Animal Foundation has 24 active canine cancer studies at numerous institutions across the United States, Weir said. These research studies provide ground-breaking results in canine cancer.

“For example, one study was recently completed at Colorado State University,” Weir said. “The researcher, Dr. Barbara Biller, found that giving chemotherapy in frequent, low doses was more effective in treating sarcoma patients. This is an important finding, and could one day change the way chemotherapy is administered.”

Applicants must go through a rigorous, thorough process to become one of the sponsored scientists to work with Morris Animal Foundation. Studies are chosen after the researcher submits a proposed study; this study and researcher must go through the Foundation’s application process.

“We have three scientific advisory boards comprised of experts who review each proposal and weigh the merit of each study,” Weir said. “They recommend which studies we fund and help monitor the progress. They make sure that we fund the most promising studies that are true to our mission of improving animal health.”

Since the Canine Cancer Campaign began, Weir said funds have helped scientists achieve numerous discoveries, which include: * Test a drug that may help fight soft-tissue tumors in dogs * Evaluate a new way to administer chemotherapy that improves treatment success and decreases side effects * Compile new data that may lead to improved drug therapies for canine lymphoma * Discover resistance for chemotherapy resistance in canine tumors According to the Canine Cancer Campaign site, cancer is the unrestricted spread of abnormal cells, and these cells develop due to damage to DNA. Some dogs inherit harmful DNA, or DNA becomes damaged through exposure of something harmful in a canine’s environment. These harmful substances could include pesticides or tobacco smoke.

“Checkups are the best way to save some dough in the long run when it comes to your pet’s health... Your vet will be able to detect disease early if they have a chance to see your pet.”

Canine bone cancer is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer common in dogs; it starts on the surface of a canine’s bone, and burrows its way to the center of the bone.

“Checkups are the best way to save some dough in the long run when it comes to your pet’s health,” Weir said. “Your vet will be able to detect disease early only if they have a chance to see your pet.”

Other common types of canine cancer include lymphoma, a tumor of the lymph nodes, and mammary-gland tumors, or breast cancer. Female dogs that are not spayed have an increased chance of having mammary-gland tumors.

Prevention of canine disease can start at a young age when owners take their dogs to the vet to be tested and treated.

Annual routine visits allow vets to examine and provide owners with best practices and tips to effectively care for their pet.

There are solutions to treat cancer in canines. Removal of the tumor through surgery is common, but there is not a 100 percent guarantee the cancer is gone. The success of treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread, and the state of the dog’s immune system.

Radiation is an additional treatment solution, and chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses specific drugs to kill cells within the body.

Other prevention best practices include proper diets for dogs and daily exercise.

Dogs can show similar symptoms as humans. If a dog does not appear well, or has a lump, continued swelling or a wound that does not heal, it is important for owners to take their pets to the vet as soon as possible. If dogs are brought to vets, the cancer may be caught and treated early.

Some canine breeds are more susceptible to cancers. For example, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain dogs and Boxers are some breeds that must be watched as the dogs become older.

These breeds have histories with specific cancers that owners and vets can look for.

Also, easy, inexpensive steps can be taken to promote a dog’s health and prevent or treat early stages of cancer in canines.

36 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

Even though millions of Americans are experiencing effects from the recession and tough economic times right now, it is more important than ever to ensure the health and safety of our pets. Taking dogs to a local vet for an annual checkup or donating funds to events like Canine Cancer Campaign allow dogs to lead a happier, healthier life with their families. Through thoughtful gestures or donations, owners have the opportunity to provide hope, love and comfort for their furry friends and companions.

For more information about Canine Cancer Campaign please visit http://www.curecaninecancer.org

or Morris Animal Foundation’s website at: http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org

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PRODUCT REVIEW:

NATURAL CALMING PRODUCTS TO HELP FIDO HANDLE THE HOLIDAY EXCITEMENT BY: JOANNE BROKAW

T

he holidays are fast approaching, and it’s not just an exciting time for you...

Fido is feeling the festive spirit, as well! There are lots of sparkly things hanging from that tree in the middle of your living room and strange people keep coming and going. You may be home less (or more) than usual, and Fido may have to spend the night at a kennel or join the family on a holiday road trip.

All of that can lead to anxiety for your beloved canine companion. If Fido is a little stressed out by all of the holiday cheer, try one of these new calming products to help take the edge off. (Make sure you check with your veterinarian to ensure supplements are right for your dog.)

Happy Traveler, by Ark Naturals We’ve been using this blend of Valerian, German Chamomile, L-Tryptophan, and St. Johns Wort for weeks to help manage dogs that aren’t getting along and the constant tension involved in keeping the dogs separated 24/7. It also helps with trips to the vet and overnights at the kennel. To say that this supplement has been a godsend the last few weeks is an understatement. It comes in a very convenient pill form, making it easy to administer, wherever we are. I like that it seems to give Bailey an even “mellow” throughout the day as opposed to a situational calm in prolonged stressful situations.

Happy Traveler is made in the USA. http://www.arknaturals.com/products/112-happy-traveler.aspx Quiet Tea, by The Honest Kitchen I used this blend of Oatstraw, Chamomile, Passionflower, Skullcap and Valerian root on Bandit when we were traveling this fall. He’s normally fine in the car, but a longer than normal ride and staying with family who had cats and small children made him nervous; then a thunderstorm almost did him in. The tea helped him calm down enough to find a quiet place to chill instead of pacing and barking. He wasn’t drugged, just mellowed out. It’s a little inconvenient to use if you’re away from hot water, but is worth the extra effort. The Honest Kitchen warns that Quiet Tea should only be used under veterinary supervision and should not be used in animals with preexisting liver conditions. The ingredients are all human grade quality. http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/quiet-tea/ Canine Calm and Travel Calm, by Earth Heart Naturals Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to aid in health and well-being, and now you can treat your dog’s anxiety or nervousness with essential oils. Canine Calm includes pure essential oils of bergamot, tangerine, lavender, geranium, ylang ylang, and marjoram; Travel Calm adds ginger to help aid the upset stomach some dogs experience with travel. Introduce the aroma by first spraying yourself and letting the dog smell you in a non-stressful situation so they associate the smell with comfort. Then to help calm your dog, you can spray their kennel (or where ever they sleep), the car, or lightly spray behind your dog’s ears and the back of their neck. I didn’t see much of a change in the dogs, but I thought the smell was great and it gave me a few moments of “ahhhh”. I’ve continued to wear it on my clothes and spray it in the areas where the dogs hang out. I don’t know if it helps them, but I feel better! Earth Heart mists are made in the USA and packaged in BPA free containers. http://www.earthheartinc.com/

42 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

PRODUCT REVIEW:

WARREN LONDON OATMEAL SHAMPOO BY: GABRIELLA MARTINEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHELLE MACIRELLA

A

s my dogs have gotten older, I have found that their doggy odor has grown with them. Their body chemistry has changed a lot since they were puppies, and it’s more important to me to keep their coat soft, shiny, and of course smelling fresh. That’s when we decided to test out Warren London’s Oatmeal Shampoo, which they were nice enough to send us.

The Company Warren London is a luxury natural dog spa and grooming line that is manufactured here in the U.S. (New York City, to be more precise). Their motto “Every dog deserves a spa day!” is carried throughout their products through their high quality and pampering effectiveness. Founded in 2010, they sell a wide range of products from their popular dog nail polish pens (check out our website for an upcoming review) to a variety of shampoos, moisturizers, and even doggy “perfume”.

For a little more background into how the company was founded (as well as meeting the cute co-founders, Maurice and Brittney!), head on over to their website, www.warrenlondon.com. You can also see their entire product line, where you can purchase their products, read the Warren London blog, and (for the business owner) find out about their wholesale pricing and grooming products.

The Shampoo The Oatmeal Shampoo is specially formulated to provide relief for dogs with itchy, scaly, and sensitive skin while revitalizing their coat. The shampoo itself is a coconut based shampoo that contains vitamins A, D, and E. It also contains a very pleasant cherry almond fragrance. Best of all, it is soap and detergent free.

The Review Since I have a dog with allergies that cause him to itch all the time, I figured he would be the best “tester” dog. The soap cleans, lathers and rinses quite well.

Best of all, Bear seemed to really enjoy the thick lather and cherry almond scent.

We scrubbed him down from head to tail and rinsed him off. With the lather being so thick, it did take a little longer to rinse him off, but we eventually got him fully rinsed and squeaky clean.The results were great! Soft skin and coat, less itching and a scrumptious smelling pup waiting to snuggle beside me. He stayed fresh smelling for days; we are definitely in love with this shampoo!

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 43

T-TOUCH FOR 速

Calming

WRITTEN BY CAROL GIOTTO | PHOTO BY MICHELLE MACIRELLA

“TTouch is not massage – we are not trying to work muscle. In most cases, you are moving skin only.”

T

Touch® is a form of training that is focused on building a relationship with your dog based on trust and respect.

TTouch works to get your dog into a balanced state: mentally, emotionally and physically. One of the ways that we do this is through the use of bodywork. Bodywork includes lifts, slides and circles. Most people who have had some exposure to TTouch have seen or used the circle touches, but some of my favorite go-to touches are slides. Zig-zag is a slide that I teach to Therapy Dog Teams; it is easy to learn and can be used anywhere.

I also find that when I use zig-zag on my dogs it calms and focuses me.

Before I get into technique, just a couple of things about practicing TTouch on your dog. TTouch is not massage - we are not trying to work muscle. In most cases, we are moving skin only. When you are getting ready to work on your dog take a big deep breath (or two) and be mindful of what you are doing and what your intention is. Try to stay relaxed and keep your hand relaxed. If you are stressed or hurried that tension will transfer right into your dog.

fig.1 calming your dog down is to get to a light, slow stroke (if for some reason you want to get your dog excited, you would use a quick stroke).

After you work one side of your dog, do the opposite side as well (you may have to switch hands) - remember, we are working on balance. Working only one side may make your dog feel off-balance. Don’t give your dog a “stay” or “stand” command - we want to see our dog’s natural reaction to what we are doing.

Before you start, look at the side of your dog and imagine If it isn’t enjoyable for some reason (and we can’t adjust what we’re a zig-zag line that starts up at your dogs shoulders where the neck doing to make it enjoyable) then we don’t want to force it on our meets the back and continues to the point where the tail meets the dog by making them sit or stand. back. The zig-zag starts at the spine, then goes down the side of Most people ask me how long they need to do the work your dog toward the belly, then back up to the spine, back to the on their dog. Quality is more important than quantity. A couple belly, etc until you reach the base of the tail. This is the path that minutes of focused and centered work is more beneficial than an your fingers will take. (see fig.1) hour of mindless hurried work - fit it in whenever you can. Enjoy!

To start, place your hand up at the neck/spine with your fingers together resting lightly on your dog. Slide your fingers down the side of your dog towards their belly. As you slide down, spread your fingers apart. When you reach the belly start back up towards the spine (bringing the fingers together), then slide What is TTouch®? The Tellington TTouch or TTouch back down towards the belly (fingers apart). Each time you slide was developed by Linda Tellington Jones. Linda down and back follow that path of the zig-zag on your dog’s side. first developed the work with horses and has When you slide down you spread your fingers and when you come expanded it to include companion animals and back up to the spine, your fingers come back together. Once you even humans. TTouch is made up of ground work reach the tail, lift your hand and start over at the shoulders.

While you are doing this be very aware of your dogs reaction. If they do not seem comfortable with what you are doing you may have to adjust your touch. Try adjusting your pressure, your speed or the length of your slide. Does their reaction change? In most cases slowing down and lightening pressure will work, but some dogs (usually those that are very active) may require you to start with a faster stroke. Once your dog settles into your stroke, you can slow down. The goal to

(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 wellbeing. To find out more about TTouch or to find a practitioner in your area visit www.ttouch.com

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 45

Laura is involved in many different pet fashion industry events including the first Pet POP-UP Adoption Shop in the country located in Manhattan and hosted by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals. The POP-UP Shop was held in the Roger Smith Hotel on Lexington Avenue in November and featured an exciting month of pet adoptions, parties and shopping. www.animalalliancenyc.org

“I want my designs to be something you’d feel comfortable dressing your kids in. It’s pet-ware, not prom-ware.”

– Laura Kinsey, Owner/Designer 46 | PUPCULTURE DEC/JAN

W

hen I first adopted my dog, Bear I’d never had a little dog before, so I figured it might be fun to buy him a cute sweater or jacket. Not that he needed anything else; he was already very cute, but I told myself he might need a coat to keep him warm in the winter. I wanted something stylish though, not too cutesy. Little did I know my search for the perfect jacket would be harder than I thought. There now seemed to be an endless array of clothing choices for pets since the last time I had owned a dog. There was everything from holiday sweaters with reindeer heads to wool coats with pearl buttons. I looked around for several months and saw many nice choices, but I knew the perfect jacket when I finally found it. It was an olive colored, satin bomber jacket with a faux-fur lined removable hood and patch pockets from Sam & Tasha, a New York City based pet fashion designer. This jacket was not only stylish, but also a fashion statement. In fact, as I put it on him, I found myself feeling a little jealous that I couldn’t have one for myself!

A couple years ago I never thought I would be buying my dog designer label clothing, nor ever associated the words “couture” or “fashion” with pet clothing. As a photographer I certainly never thought I’d be photographing dogs actually modeling canine fashion. But here I am, excited that I bought a Sam & Tasha jacket for my dog and jealous that I can’t have one just like it. And I’m not alone. I know many people who have entire closets dedicated for their dog’s wardrobe. Pet fashion is more popular than ever, it seems, with plenty of events, websites and blogs catering to the pet owner’s desire to dress up their pet.

In 2010 I attended my first H.H. Backer Pet Industry Trade Show and that’s where I met Laura Kinsey, the designer

SAM & TASHA PUP STYLE FOR THE MODERN DOG

Written By: Michelle Macirella | Photos Courtesy of Luminaria Photography and owner of Sam & Tasha Products for a Modern Pet Lifestyle.

The Backer Show is one of several large trade shows for everything imaginable in the pet industry. This year’s Christmas show, for example, had over 750 exhibitors, of which there were easily 100 or more dedicated to dog clothing and accessories.

Laura’s booth caught my eye right away. It was arranged with colorful and attractive clothes (clothes I would wear), set against the backdrop of Sam & Tasha’s colors and logo perfectly conveying a style of simple, beautiful and modern. Laura and I hit it off and a few months later I was hiring dog models and doing a catalog shoot for her fall line.

Originally from Ohio, Laura moved to New York City in 2000. Her first NYC pet was a bunny named Pepper, who has since passed away, and about a year ago Laura adopted a cute and feisty little Maltese named Hugo. Hugo is a perfect little poster boy for Sam & Tasha fashions and he often travels with Laura to many pet industry events always wearing a Sam & Tasha original, of course.

Laura has a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and worked in that field for 10 years before she got into the pet fashion industry. In 2008 she went back to school at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and graduated with a degree in Textile Development and Marketing. She also completed several Continuing Education courses offered by FIT in Pet Product Design and Development. She says she never had a desire to get into people fashion, but pet fashion seemed like something she could do that would use her interior design background and textile knowledge. It would allow her to have her own business, be creative, and incorporate all the other skills she had learned.

So Laura started her business in 2009 and named it after the first

two dogs she had growing up, Sam (Samantha) and Tasha.

Living in NYC, Laura noticed a lot of people walking their little dogs around who were dressed like they were going to the prom (“dripping in sequins and drenched in gold lame”) and wondered why, “personal fashion was so particular, but pet fashion so outlandish.” She says her products are inspired by contemporary fashion trends – children’s fashion in particular. “I want my designs to be something you’d feel comfortable dressing your kids in. It’s pet-ware, not prom-ware,” Laura says. I tend to agree. After all, our dogs are our “fur kids” so why not dress them tastefully and beautifully?

When asked if there is a big difference between the pet fashion industry and the people fashion industry, Laura says definitely. “Pet fashion is so different. In pet fashion, what sells the most is gimmick or holidays. People fashion is more about trends. Pet fashion is not so much about, ‘Hey, harem pants are popular this year,’ and then all of a sudden that’s what all the dogs are wearing.” Laura says she tries to stay away from the obvious and cutesy with her designs. She tells me people often think to themselves, It’s Halloween, so I’m going to buy my dog something with pumpkins. She hopes her designs will inspire people to think instead, It’s fall, so I’m going to buy this beautiful boiled wool, Sherpa lined jacket in a beautiful rust color that will look great and my dog can wear it through the winter.

You can get more information and see all of Sam & Tasha’s products on their website at www.samandtasha.com.

Laura currently lives in Brooklyn with her boyfriend and her dog, Hugo, and is working on a plan to expand her product line to include beds, blankets, bowls and additional accessories. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 47

MaryAnn Aquilino

Certified Professional Groomer

Book with Me at : Happy Tails Pet Grooming, LLC.

We Groom Dogs Of All Sizes!

3180 Latta Road (Located in Ricci’s Restaurant Plaza) Rochester, NY 14612 585.865.3248

ASK THE...

TRAINER

EDITOR’S NOTE

Sherri Romig is a certified dog trainer specializing in behavior modification for tough issues.

: n o i t s e u Q

uppy, her as a p d te p o d a ck yard. ollo. We Culture, acious ba eagle, Ap p s B Dear Pup ly ld ir o fa r a r caveat: in u ye door to o almost 3, with one y n n g a g w o o e v d n a k a h e We er with gs we’v ear now. trained h ehaved do carpet. b ll e r over a y w t and have fo s e o d e th m n e e n p o th the hap pee e of way from a , but has t She is on of the night, she’ll le o b fo ta ic A d st t... le and unpre but she ju es to squa ic s t, d the midd o h a o r ig h o n c p t s e a h s een om y the is is where vior has b our bedro her spot b m o fr This beha ffling part about th d closing her into r e h ba to block e trie The most ats down ard. We’v m y c e ti s th la to p ickly, or ut arpet. ld ver y qu p. doggy do c . We’ve p o d e a n e th te tt s n o o in g ere way eek has e’re aslee urinates th migrates further a r once a w sed to do when w e n a le e c h s m t the stea e’s suppo door, bu gging out w what sh a o r n d k , y r a e s h to Beagle. g to help Needless pollo the loss tr yin A a t & a e l ’r il e and w -Jessica, W lp!

A Please he Smyrna, G

When a house-trained dog begins to have accidents in the house, the first step is typically to get a veterinary exam to rule out things like bladder or kidney infections. However, in this case, because Apollo is only having accidents at designated times, that is unlikely to be the underlying cause.

The first thing I would look at is safety. Does Apollo use the doggy door without problem at other times of the day? If so, the problem may be that she does not feel safe going out into the yard alone at night. Perhaps she is nervous about the darkness.

Perhaps she was once startled while she was out there. Try installing an outside light near her dog door and see if that helps.

When we are dealing with an unwanted dog behavior, it is important that we do not give the dog the opportunity to continue to practice the behavior while we are trying to re-train. If Apollo has been crate-trained, consider bringing her crate back out and having her sleep in there for awhile. The other option is to leash her or put a bell on her so you will be awakened when she gets up to go at night.

To re-train Apollo, you will need to spend a few weeks getting up with her at night and escorting her out to the designated potty area. The first few nights, go with her outside and wait for her to go. Just be a silent presence, don’t make it fun to have you with her. After that, you will begin sending her out the doggy door on her own while you wait inside in sight. From there, you will begin to send her out the doggy door from further and further away until she gets the idea and is able to confidently let herself outside Have a question for our panel of experts? Email when she has to go during the night. info@pupculturemagazine.com for a chance to get some expert advice in our next issue!

Sherri

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 49

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Bark Avenue Dog 585.244.2275 • www.BarkAveDog.com

Make Your Your Own Own Make Treat Jar Jar Treat

Supplies: Glass Jars or Containers Painters Tape Chalkboard Paint Chalk or Chalk Markers

1

By Debra Thesing | Photography By Michelle Macirella

Make sure your container is clean and dry and tape off the area you want to cover.

2

3

Once the paint has dried for 24 hours you can season the area by using the side of the chalk and working it over the entire area. Wipe clean. This step can be omitted if you use the chalk markers. Fill the jars with your dog’s favorite treats!!

Spray or brush the chalkboard paint per manufacturer’s instructions. Two coats work best.

NOTE: If you use spray paint version, the paint dries much faster! Any excess spray can be wiped off if you get outside the desired area.

FUN GIFT IDEA: Fill with treats or your favorite dry ingredients.

Add a ribbon, tag and instructions to bake. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 51

“Most people think that the stork delivers babies, but that is not true. The UPS man delivers them. I would not lie about that.�

Guess what?! It’s Christmas time and pretty soon we will have parties and Santa will come and leave lots of presents.

Do you know why?

Once upon a time, a man named Joseph and his wife Mary were traveling across the country to a family reunion. On the way, they stopped at a hotel (Mary wasn’t feeling so good). I guess riding on a donkey for eleventy hundred miles can make you feel pretty barfy.

It was not a nice hotel like me and Mommy stayed at when we went on our adventure to Washington, DC. That was a nice hotel with very nice people.

Joseph and Mary stopped at a not-nice hotel with not-nice people. When they went inside, the check-in guy said, “Too bad, buster. You don’t have a reservation and we don’t have any rooms.”

Joseph said to the check-in guy, “Can’t you see my wife Mary has a really bad belly ache from riding on a donkey for eleventy hundred miles? Don’t you have any place we can sleep?”

The check-in guy, as it turns out, wasn’t so mean after all, and said, “Gee, I’m sorry your wife feels sick. I guess you could stay out in the barn.”

The barn is where the people who stayed at the hotel kept their camels and donkeys and horses overnight. There were also some cows and chickens and sheep and at least one giraffe and some Border Collies (to keep everyone in line).

There may have even been an elephant, but Scout told me that and I think he was fibbing.

So Joseph and Mary went to the barn and they unloaded their donkey-mobile. It was pretty stinky in the barn, but Mary didn’t care because she was really tired. So she and Joseph made an itchy bed of hay and went to sleep.

Here is a secret: Mary had a bad belly ache because she was waiting for a baby to get delivered! Most people think that the stork delivers babies. But that is not true. The UPS man delivers them. I would not lie about that.

During the night, the UPS man came to the hotel to deliver the baby for Mary and Joseph. And not just any baby. It was Jesus, God’s son!

The UPS man didn’t want to wake everyone up, so he left the baby in the manger. Just in case you didn’t know, a manger is what the animals eat out of. So in the morning, the animals woke up and ta-da! There was Jesus, asleep in their breakfast!

What would you do if you went to eat breakfast and Jesus was sleeping on your plate? I think that would be a very big surprise! But Mary and Joseph were not surprised. In fact, they were super happy! So they had a big birthday party to welcome Jesus to the world. God’s angels invited everyone, including some sheep herders and some kings.

Santa Claus got the invitation on Facebook and thought it would be nice to bring Jesus some birthday presents. So Santa and the elves loaded the sleigh and went to the party.

They brought toys and a drum and some roller skates and a squeaky ball, because babies like toys that squeak (so do Border Collies!). It was a big, giant party.

And that is why we have parties at Christmas and why we get presents from Santa. And just so you know, Jesus was never on Santa’s naughty list. Unlike some dogs I know.

Merry Christmas!

Your pal,

BANDIT! www.pupculturemagazine.com | 53

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 19

Happy Endings A Destination Pets Helping People Protecting Animals

PUP PERSONALS Welcome to our Pup Personals. We create adoption opportunities so pet owners are more likely to find their perfect pup. Our goal is simple: to help pet owners find the kind of human/dog relationship they’re looking for. And we think we’re pretty good at it. If you would like your adoptable dog featured in our pup personals, please email: info@pupculturemagazine.com for more information.

Seeking a new home to sniff.

I’m Odie, and as a beagle mix, I simply love to use my nose! I’m 10 years old and tip the scales at 30 pounds. I’m a talkative boy in the shelter— saying, “Take me home!” to people I see—but as soon as I get outside, I concentrate on finding all the smells I can!

Looking for a patient and loving family. I’m Prez, a 1-year-old miniature poodle mix. I’m adorable—just check out my big brown eyes—but a bit shy. I would love to be the only dog in the house; I’ll have a lot of love to give!

Want to open your home to Odie?

Contact Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, at 585-223-1330.

Injured puppy needs loving care. My name is Rocky. I am a 3 month old Pitbull mix. I am a super-sweet boy, and even though I am being treated for a serious leg injury, I still love life! I am looking for the perfect family to help me with my recovery and show me everything tlife has to offer.

Want to help Rocky recover?

Contact Going to the Dogs Rescue at:

All Photography By: Terri Parthum

Seeking love and hugs. My name is Molly, and I’m a 4-year-old Lab/pit bull mix. I was found as a stray with my puppies—they are adopted now, and now it’s my turn! I am eager to please and love to play! I can’t say no to treats, either. And I hope you can’t say no to adopting me!

Seeking someone to feed me, walk me, love me. My name is Petie. They think I’m a mix of German shepherd and beagle (!)—and I think I’m pretty handsome! I do get a little nervous sometimes, and I would love to be the only dog in your home.

Please come visit!

Contact Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, at 585-223-1330.

Want to add Molly to your family?

Want to meet Petie?

Goofy boy seeks fun family.

My name is Oso. I am a 1 year old Mastiff/Pitbull mix goofball looking for a family who loves to have fun. I had a tough start to life, but you would never know it! I get along great with other dogs and just want to have a good time.

Cuddle bug looking for a lap. My name is Autumn. I am 1 year old Pitbull. I am an equal opportunity lover: kids, cats, dogs, I love them all! I want nothing more than to spend my days cuddled on your lap!

Want to give Prez a place to land?

Want to play with Oso? Contact Going to the Dogs Rescue at:

www.goingtothedogsrescue.org

Contact Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, at 585-223-1330.

Want to get cozy with Autumn?

Contact Going to the Dogs Rescue at:

www.goingtothedogsrescue.org

Contact Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, at 585-223-1330.

Couch potato looks to be spoiled. My name is Gobo.

I am a 4 year old Minature Schnauzer who loves to be spoiled! I had a tough start to life and now I want nothing more than to spend my days lazing on a comfy couch with a family who loves me. I am very quiet and sweet!

Want Gobo on your sofa?

Contact Going to the Dogs Rescue at:

www.goingtothedogsrescue.org

www.goingtothedogsrescue.org

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 57

MAGAZINE

PUPCULTURE

TM

We can’t buy

your love But we can sure come close to it!

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