Pup Culture Magazine—October/November by PUP CULTURE

PUPCULTURE October/November 2012 | www.pupculturemagazine.com

MAGAZINE

OPT TO ADOPT

PINUPS FOR PITBULLS

RESTORING HONOR TO A MISUNDERSTOOD BREED

SHEDDING LIGHT ON

BLACK DOG SYNDROME

10 REASONS WHY SHELTER DOGS ROCK! DELICIOUS APPLE PIE RECIPE

ROMY ROSEMONT

FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS & BUBBLE GUM

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

MAGAZINE

PUPCULTURE

COVER STORY

DEPARTMENTS

FASHION 4 Fashion Essentials Every Dog Should Have

FEATURES

TTOUCH Confidence Course

BLACK DOG SYNDROME Don’t Judge a Dog By its Color

GROOMING Grooming By Coat Type

PINUPS FOR PITBULLS Restoring Honor to a Misunderstood Breed

TRAVEL & LEISURE Fall Outings for Fido

Meet Olivia and Tallulah Learn a Little Bit About Our Twitter Contest Winners

HEALTH & WELLNESS What’s in A Diet?

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING Even Your Dog Can Give Thanks This Holiday

ROMY ROSEMONT For the Love of Dogs & Bubble Gum

8 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2 APRIL/MAY

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 • OPT TO ADOPT

Photo by Halcyon Claire Photography

DOG AS ART Walter’s New Home

DOGGIE DELICACIES: Delicious Apple Pie

RESCUE Barrio Dogs

READERS PET PICS: Howl-O-Ween

DOG-GONE DELICIOUS TREATS

MAKE YOUR OWN: Reversable Bandana

ASK THE EXPERT

PRODUCT REVIEW: Snook’s Pet Products

THE FUNNY BONE: The Heist

BARK-CETERA

THE PUP CULTURE LIST:

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

10 Reasons Why Shelter Dogs Rock

CONTRIBUTORS

PUP PERSONALS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

COLUMNS 50

BIG CITY, LITTLE DOG

ADVENTURES IN PET SITTING

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PUP CULTURE

MAGAZINE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Furthering Our Love of Dogs

Welcome to the October/November “Opt to Adopt” issue of Pup Culture Magazine. Seven years ago, a little black lab puppy named Andre changed my life forever. I never would have thought this 9-pound, black bundle of fur could have such a profound effect on my career, family and general outlook on life. It is because of him that I am so involved with dogs today. At Pup Culture, we know that dogs are angels here on earth. They provide us with unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and teach us what really matters in life. That being said, even angels need a little help sometimes. This issue is dedicated to all the dogs out there looking for homes, just waiting to make a difference in someone’s life. In this issue, we are highlighting dogs who have a more difficult time being adopted, as well as the rescue groups that are working tirelessly to make a difference. Be sure to learn about Black Dog Syndrome on page 36 and Pinups for Pitbulls on page 40, both touching on two important topics facing shelters today. We are excited to introduce you to Romy Rosemont, who plays Carol Hudson on the hit series Glee in her one-on-one interview with Pup Culture on page 24. Romy talks about life, family, career, and most importantly, life with her two rescue dogs, Purdy and Bazooka Joe. Make sure to check out Dog As Art— A photo editorial featuring the work of contributing photographer, Jessica Luce. In this issue, she presents Walter’s New Home, chronicling Walter, a Great Dane rescue, on his journey to his forever home on page 32. 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.

PUPCULTURE

MAGAZINE

OPT TO ADOPT

PINUPS FOR PITBULLS

RESTORING HONOR TO A MISUNDERSTOOD BREED

SHEDDING LIGHT ON

DELICIOUS APPLE PIE RECIPE

ROMY ROSEMONT

Contributing Editors Bebe Forrest Geoffrey Hunt Michelle Macirella Creative Director Monica Cevallos Photo Editor Michelle Macirella Design & Production Gabriella Martinez Contributing Writers MaryAnn Aquilino Rebecca Astheimer Carol Giotto Cristin Wheat Laura Kinsey Gabriella Martinez Kim Mayes Debra Thesing Elaine Webster Christine White

Contributing Photographers Julie Clegg, Bailey & Banjo Pet Photography Jessica Luce, Jessica Luce Photography Michelle Macirella, Luminaria Photography Robert Ochoa, Pawmazing Photography Advertising Inquires: email advertising@pupculturemagazine.com

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. 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. The information contained in this on-line magazine is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Pup Culture Magazine and Avant-Bark Media, and while every effort is made to provide information which is both current and correct, Pup Culture Magazine and Avant-Bark Media make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the online magazine or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained within the on-line magazine for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

October/November 2012 | www.pupculturemagazine.com

10 REASONS WHY SHELTER DOGS ROCK!

Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Martinez

Cheers!

Gabriella BLACK DOG SYNDROME

Publisher Avant-Bark Media

ON THE COVER

Romy Rosemont & Bazooka Joe Photo By Robert Ochoa

FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS & BUBBLE GUM

4 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

In no event will Pup Culture Magazine and Avant-Bark Media be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this on-line magazine.

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, MaryAnn decided to do what she loved— work with dogs. She studied everything she could about dog training, worked with a several great trainers, and has had success with training dogs in people’s homes. She is also a certified groomer and loves what she does—much less stress and doggy kisses every day; What’s not to like?! She always loved to write and has done so for local newspapers, websites, and now for a great magazine, Pup Culture! One her greatest joys is to be able to help people and their dogs, either through training, grooming, writing, or a combination 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 to 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 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.

Jessica Luce, Contributing Photographer Jessica graduated from Portfolio Center’s post-graduate program for Commercial Photography and knew before she even got her hands on the diploma that dog photography is what she’s meant to do! Her sincere love for dogs of all breeds combined with her creative passion for photography birthed a career that she wouldn’t dare trade for anything else. Jessica is an Atlanta, Georgia native and you can find her photographing family pets and for rescue groups throughout Atlanta and its suburbs..

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.

Terri Parthum, Contributing Photographer Terri is certified by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and 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 (and occasional babysitter) to 3 Yorkies & a Shih Tzu.

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.

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OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER

CALENDAR O F

EVENTS

OCT 6th

DREAM Rescue Howl-OWeenie Dachshund Festival Dunwoody, GA

Starts at 10AM

OCT 6th

Purina ProPlan Incredible Dog Challenge

11AM - 4PM

This premier canine sporting event features dogs competing in a variety of “Olympic-style” events, including high-flying disc routines, head-to-head weave pole racing, large and small dog agility courses, Jack Russell hurdle racing and the crowd favorite – dog diving.

For More Information: www.dreamrescue.org

For More Information: www.barknetwork.com

Dogapalooza Edmonton, AB

Beyond the Myth Vancouver, BC

Gray Summit, MO

Howl-O-Weenie is a festival that features fun events for Dachshunds & their people! This annual event will be held at the Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run and will feature contests including costumes, face kissing, the “Dachsund Dunk” and more!

NOV 16th

OCT 20th

NOV 22nd

2012 Puppy Up! Canine Cancer Walk

Starts at 2PM

HugABull & Paws for Hope are delighted to bring Beyond the Myth, a documentary about breed specific legislation (BSL) and its effects to Vancouver. Join us for a screening, followed by a panel discussion where breed experts, researchers, and animal control experts share their own experiences and thoughts. To Purchase Tickets:

www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/261317

Want Your Pet Related Event Listed?

North Little Rock, AR

10AM-6PM

8:30AM-3PM

Dogapalooza is Edmonton’s largest annual family and fido-friendly event. Our goal is to raise funds for the Dogapalooza Animal Foundation which helps various rescue groups with their funding initiatives.

2 Million Dogs 2 Miles to be held at Victory Lake Pavilion at Tournament Drive and White Oak in Burns Park to raise awareness and funds for canine cancer and comparative oncology research.

For More Information: www.dogapalooza.ca

For More Information: www.2milliondogs.org

6 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Enter your pet event details at www.pupculturemagazine.com/events

or email: info@pupculturemagazine.com

DOGGIE DELICACIES

DELICIOUS

APPLE PIE Photo by Michelle Macirella

8 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS: Crust: n 1 1/2 cups oat flour n 1 cup of water n 1/4 cup of vegetable oil n 1/2 teaspoon of salt Filling: n 3 apples thinly peeled and sliced n 1/2 tablespoon of ground cinnamon n 1 cup natural, unsweetened apple juice n 1 1/2 tablespoons of potato starch

DIRECTIONS: For the Crust 1. Combine oat flour, vegetable oil, water and salt into bowl. 2. Lightly knead dough in the bowl until it forms a ball Note: add water if too dry or flour if too wet.

3. Divide dough into two parts. Flatten each part into a disk, and chill for about 30 minutes before rolling. 4. Press into mini pie tin.

For the Filling 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. Whisk together the potato starch, cinnamon and 1/4 cup of the apple juice. 3. In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apples in the remaining apple juice until tender. 4. Add the potato starch mixture and stir until thickened. 5. Pour into bottom crust and cover with top crust. 6. Bake for 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

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FASHION

FALL/WINTER

LT U

RE MA

P PU

FASHION WE DIG V

Fall/Winter 2012

EVERY DOG SHOULD HAVE

FASHION ESSENTIALS

OF APPRO

KICK OFF THE FALL/WINTER SEASON WITH THESE TIMELESS CLASSICS.

CASHMERE SWEATER:

TWEED JACKET:

BRIMMED HATS:

BOMBER JACKET:

Fall is in the air and sweater weather is quickly approaching. This simple cashmere pullover with detachable corsage by Louis Dog will help fido transition gracefully (and luxuriously) to cooler temps. It’s an absolute essential.

A tweed jacket is a preppy fall topper that will never go out of style. This oatmeal tweed jacket by The Stylish Dog Company is sure to turn heads on your daily walks.

A good, felt hat makes any outfit look more polished. This feathered fedora from Frilly Paws is sure to keep Fido on trend with stars such as Justin Timberlake and Johnny Depp.

This satin bomber jacket from Sam & Tasha is another one of our favorite winter pieces. This jacket seems to strike a rare balance of youthful basics and everlasting elegance.

$123.00 www.louisdog.com

£ 44.00 - £60.00 www.thestylishdogcompany.com

$8.00 www.etsy.com/shop/frillypaws

$ 44.00 www.samandtasha.com

10 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

FASHION ESSENTIALS FOR FIDO

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TTouch®

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

The

Confidence Course Written by Carol Giotto

The Confidence Course or Playground of Higher Learning is a key component of Tellington TTouch. It is used to build selfconfidence and also help with body awareness and movement. Many unwanted behaviors are a result of fear. One way to help conquer fear is to build self-confidence. The Confidence Course can do just that. The confidence course is a set of obstacles or exercises meant to help your dog learn how to think through new situations rather than react to them. You can get as fancy or basic as you like when putting your course together. A typical course will have a half-dozen or so obstacles of varying type. These can be things that are walked across (ladder, hoola hoop), walked on (tarp, mesh), or walked between (open umbrella, garbage can). It is best to use a variety of items to give your dog optimal exposure so you can assess which types of exercises will be most helpful. When you first approach one of the obstacles or exercises in the course, watch your dogs reaction. Do they walk right up to it or do they hesitate? Many fearful dogs will shy away from an obstacle. So what you want to do is first break-it-down and then build-it-back up. Let’s take a ladder as an example, your dog may walk by a ladder in your garage every day and not react to it, but once you take it off the wall and put it on the ground and ask your dog to walk across it, they may be very resistant. What you don’t want to do is drag or push your dog across it thinking they will get used to it. Instead, you need to find a way for them to be successful in approaching the ladder and then add to that success until they are able to walk the length of it. Here’s how: walk up to the ladder and see if your dog can walk the length of the ladder. If not, start to break it down. Can you get your dog to walk up to the ladder and smell it without forcing them? If they can’t walk all the way up to it then see how close they can get. Pause and do some body work on them (see the December issue for instructions on the zig-zag touch or the June/July issue for the circle touch). Now walk away 12 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

and give your dog a break. After a bit, walk back up and see if you can get closer—continue until you can get your dog to walk across it. From there, work up to being able to get them to zig-zag across it and then finally walk down the length of it. While you are working the exercises, you want be sure your dog is moving slowly and with intention (use the balance lead if needed to slow them down). If they jump over the ladder, that is a way of avoiding it; you want them to thoughtfully walk across it. You can even have them pause in the middle of it, do some more body work and ask them to sniff it. You want to be sure they are aware of the obstacle. You would work the other exercise similarly. By doing these exercises, you are teaching them how to think through new situations. Instead of being scary, they start to realize they have the ability to deal with new situations and surroundings. Be sure to stop on a successful note and don’t overdo it. Look for signs of stress in your dog. Giving your dog a break gives them time to process the work that they have done. The important thing is to be patient and help your dog through the process. Trying to rush it will actually make it take longer to see results. n The following household items can be used in a confidence course : • Umbrellas • Wobble board (piece of plywood with a tennis ball underneath) • Balance beam (strong board elevated on cinder blocks) • Labyrinth (make out of hose or rope or tape on the floor) • Hoola hoops (laying on the ground or standing) • Pool kadoodles • Ladder • Gutters • Tires • Garbage cans, or bags • Tarps, mesh • Agility Equipment

GROOMING

14 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Grooming By Coat Type Written By MaryAnn Aquilino | Photo by Julie Clegg

n important consideration when adopting a new puppy or older dog is the grooming requirements for the particular breed and coat type.

Specific types of coats require different levels of care. Dogs generally come with single coats. Single-coated dogs do not have an undercoat and tend to shed less while double-coated dogs have an undercoat and a top coat which they shed twice a year. Double-coated dogs can have either short coats like Labradors or long hair like Collies. Surprisingly, dogs with short coats tend to shed more than dogs with longer ones. This is due to the growth cycle of their hair, which is usually faster than other breeds. There are five basic coats which vary in texture and length. The basic types of coat are smooth, medium, long, wire or broken, and wavy or curly. If you plan to adopt a dog of mixed breed, many times it will look more like one breed or another, as will its coat. Regardless of what breed or mix of breed, the coat will fall into one of the five basic categories. Whatever dog you decide to adopt, take the time to learn the type of coat it has and the grooming required beforehand. You and your new dog will be happy you did.

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GROOMING

LONG COATS

While many owners opt to have puppy cuts done on the smaller breeds by a professional groomer, they still need basic grooming at home. Slicker brushes and metal combs are a must to ensure mats don’t form. Brush the dog all over with a pinhead or slicker first, then use the metal comb ensuring you’re combing from the skin out, as mats form at the skin. Mats tend to form first at friction points such as the underarms, neck, and tuckup (the highest point of the abdomen). Once they are there, the most humane way to get rid of them is to clipper them out. If you plan on keeping your dogs’ coat long, be prepared for daily grooming. Larger breeds require the same type of grooming, though they may need more, as they can collect more dirt and tangles if they are outside a lot. Common Breed Types: Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Setter, Newfoundland, and Old English Sheepdog.

16 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

WAVY & CURLY COATS

Wavy and curly coats tend to tangle and mat easily, especially if the dog swims a lot and isn’t dried and combed afterward. Depending on the coat and home grooming done, clipping at some point may be needed anywhere from every 4 to 12 weeks. Because there are so many variations of wavy and curly coats, asking a professional groomer how to groom your individual dog is a good idea, but the basics include a slicker brush and metal comb. Brushing the dog will give a fluffier look, but over time the curl will come back. So, if you want your dog to look fluffy all the time, be prepared for a lot of brushing! Common Breed Types: Poodle, Bichon Frise, Irish Water Spaniel, and almost any breed mixed with a Poodle.

MEDIUM COATS

Medium coated dogs are fairly easy to groom as they don’t usually get matted and stay fairly clean on their own. However, this doesn’t apply if your dog likes to roll in things that smell wonderful to him! Regular brushing with a slicker brush and a metal comb should do it, though the tops and pads of the feet may need to be trimmed of excess fur if your dog doesn’t get much opportunity to walk on hard surfaces. A professional grooming in spring and fall when they blow coat is also a good idea. Common Breed Types: Border Collies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Great Pyrenees

WIRE OR BROKEN COATS

SMOOTH COATS

UNCOMMON COATS

Wire or broken coats look best when a technique called stripping is done. Using your fingers or a stripping knife, hold the skin taut and, a few hairs at a time, pull the hairs down and straighten out in the direction the coat grows. You can do the coat all at once or in small amounts. Many owners choose to have these breeds clipped down short by a professional groomer as it’s easier to maintain.

Smooth coated dogs don’t need a lot

There are two other types of coat

of grooming, but weekly brushing (following the direction of the hair growth), helps to get rid of loose hair. Using a rubber brush first will loosen the hair and dirt, while following up with a bristle brush will remove both. Brushing also helps distribute skin oils throughout the coat.

that are not very common. Hairless dogs such as the Mexican Hairless or Chinese Crested require frequent bathing and moisturizing. They also need sunscreen when outdoors. Corded dogs such as the Komondor and Puli, which have dreadlocks, generally require no grooming until 8 to 10 months old, but then keeping the cords requires a lot of work. Once the undercoat comes in, hair will start to clump together. You will then have to separate them from each other with your fingers— this takes time and patience.

Common Breed Types: Scottish Terriers, West Highland Terriers, Border Terriers, Otterhounds and Affenpinschers.

Common Breed Types: Beagles, Boston Terriers, Labradors, Pugs, and Weimeraners

Common Breed Types: Mexican Hairless, Chinese Crested, Komondor and Puli.

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TRAVEL/LEISURE

lla lle Macire y By Miche

Written by

18 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

ph | Photogra Martinez Gabriella

Although summer is officially over, Fall brings along many things: changing leaves, cooler weather and fresh-baked pies. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy this colorful season and the outdoors before Winter officially arrives. Apple and pumpkin picking, as well as visiting a corn maze are some fun fall traditions you can do with your dog.

With a little bit of digging we found quite a few apple orchards where your dog is allowed to join in for a little slice of New England tradition. There were a few apple orchards to choose from in New York, New Jersey, Vermont and Boston. Other orchards do not allow dogs so it is wise to call in advance. If you decide to take your dog with you there are a few things to keep in mind: make sure you bring plenty of water and poop bags (we recommend having your dog do their business in advance), keep your dog leashed at all times, and follow the orchard rules. Pack a picnic and make your orchard outing a fun afternoon adventure.

Pumpkin picking isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for humans. Fido can have fun at the patch too. Take a hayride to a nearby pumpkin patch and pick your favorites. When you get home, carve a pumpkin to look like your dog, or better yet, make some fresh pumpkin treats! Remember to check with the farm to make sure dogs are allowed in the patch. Pumpkin is an excellent addition to your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet. Pumpkin (in its pure form) is an excellent source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Pumpkin helps to keep a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system strong, thereby strengthening resistance to cancer and other disease.

In the last decade, a new type of fall fun has sprung up: visiting a corn maze. So why not include your dog in this fall tradition? Not only is it fun for the family, but corn mazes can have miles of paths, providing Fido with his daily exercise and family fun time. Call ahead to find out how muddy the corn maze is, if it has been raining. This assures you will be prepared with rubber boots, a towel and a plastic bag to store your muddy gear!

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HEALTH/WELLNESS

What’s in a Diet? ?

Written by MaryAnn Aquilino

Before the advent of commercial dog foods in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, most dogs were fed table scraps which consisted of the same food their human family ate. Today, we have an abundance of commercial dog foods to choose from, but feeding raw food or home-cooked meals are also valid options.

What are the differences between the three? 20 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

RAW FOOD

COMMERICAL DOG FOOD

Raw foods are just that – raw foods. Raw diets include uncooked meaty bones, muscle and organ meat, raw eggs, vegetables, fruit, yogurt, cooked cereals, cottage cheese, herbs, enzymes, and other supplements. Proponents of raw food diets believe that dogs should eat as their wild ancestors did. They state dogs have better digestion, healthier coats and skin, and less allergies. While they tout them as all natural, unless you’re feeding your dog organic food it can contain the same pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones we humans inject from non-organic food.

Commercial dog food may or may not be the way to go. While it’s easier to feed your dog, it may not necessarily be healthier. One or two manufacturers produce hundreds of brands under private-label names for most of the familiar pet foods out there. This includes the cheapest brands up to and including the premium ones. The largest recall in pet food history of 60 million bags and cans of pet food occurred in 2007. They were all produced by one manufacturing company, showing us we need to be more aware of what we feed our companion animals.

There’s also the risk of bacterial contamination such as E. coli and Salmonella, parasites, serious health issues from feeding an unbalanced diet. There is also an increased potential for choking, breaking teeth, or bowel obstruction and internal punctures when feeding raw meat diets. The benefits of a raw diet haven’t been proven; they’re anecdotal at the current time.

Labels may list a meat or poultry protein as the first ingredient, but split other ingredients into two or more categories. This hides the fact that these split ingredients make up more of the finished product than the one listed first. Research into the ingredients on a label have also shown a lot goes into commercial foods we whouldn’t want our animals to ingest. Acceptable meat byproducts can include lungs, blood, spleens, and diseased meat declared unfit for human consumption. These products are sent to pet food companies directly from the slaughterhouse. In addition, ingredients can be added to product prior to it reaching the manufacturer and because testing is rarely done on these ingredients, manufacturers have no idea what’s actually in the finished product. So what are we really feeding out pets? We don’t really know.

HOME COOKED MEALS While it takes a little time to prepare, home cooked meals using local, natural or organic meats, vegetables, fruits and grains allow owners to be sure what their pets are eating. While buying natural or organic may be pricey, it can also cut down on the number of vet visits over the life of your pet as you will be feeding them healthy, nutritious food. Some commercial food manufacturers have said a home cooked meal isn’t balanced or nutritious, but some veterinarians believe pets can live longer and healthier with home cooking. It’s also not hard to cook a balanced, nutritious meal for your dog, especially if you’re already cooking that way for yourself. Meals for the week can be made in an hour or two, frozen and thawed as needed. There’s much information out there, including recipes for home cooked meals that people have fed their pets for years with great results—consulting a holistic veterinarian or pet nutritionist is also recommended if you’re not sure where to start. Also, most home cooked meals don’t need supplements added, though adding olive, flaxseed, vegetable or fish oils is as healthy for your pets as it is for us humans. Vegetarianism is not recommended for dogs, as they need taurine and other amino acids provided by meat which vegetables don’t supply.

The label on the pet food package doesn’t always tell the story.

However, not all commercial brands are the same. There are also some companies which use 100% human-grade ingredients. These companies will list all of the ingredients that go into their products on their websites. n

SUGGESTED READING: Food Pets Die For by Ann N. Martin. This author has done extensive research for over 15 years on commercial pet foods IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN FEEDING RAW: The Honest Kitchen has a line of dehydrated raw organic pet foods. Warm water is added prior to feeding and each bag makes four times its weight in fresh food. They do internal testing on all product and require certification of testing on raw ingredients from suppliers. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 21

HOWL-O-WEEN BARBIE, MIDGE, SKIPPER, & FRANKLIN

MR.FRITZ

MEATBALL

DANTE, WINSLOW, GLORY, & TIMBER

GENGHIS

GABBY

BEAR SUNSHINE

22 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

MAGNUM

DAISY

MILLIE

SAILOR MURPHY

ANDREA Next month’s theme is: “HAPPY HOWLIDAYS” Want your pup featured in the NEXT issue of Pup Culture? Email us your best “Happy Howlidays” photo to:

PRINCE

readerphotos@pupculturemagazine.com

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 23

22 |PUPCULTURE 24| PUPCULTUREOCTOBER/NOVEMBER AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

ROMY & BAZOOKA JOE

AN INTERVIEW WITH ROMY ROSEMONT Written by Gabriella Martinez | Photography by Robert Ochoa Most of us know Romy Rosemont as Carol Hudson, mother of Finn and girlfriend to Kurt’s dad, Burt Hummel, on the hit series Glee. While Romy admits the students are the stars of the show, her character in real life is much larger than what we are able to see of her on T.V. She is a loving mother, owns two rescue dogs, Bazooka Joe and Purdy, and is married to Stephen Root, most well known for his role as Milton Waddams in the movie Office Space. In an interview with Pup Culture Magazine, Romy opens up about her perspective on love, family, marriage, pet adoption and why having a sense of humor is important. ON HER CAREER & GLEE: PUP CULTURE: What inspired you to become an actress? ROMY ROSEMONT: I was raised in the entertainment business. My dad [Norman Rosemont] was a producer and he used to produce the classics for television, like Man in the Iron Mask and All Quiet on the Western Front during the 70s and 80s. I used to work on his sets and he worked with a lot of the finest British actors and I just always loved doing make believe, and I always loved evoking emotion from people, making them laugh, making them cry. And I saw how it was really well done with my dad and the actors he used. So, it was something I just naturally ... I never thought of doing anything else

PC: Glee highlights challenging issues faced by parents such as teen sexuality and teen pregnancy, what is one of the most important lessons we can learn from glee either as teenagers or parents or both? RR: Um, I think as parents it’s to be open and communicative with your kids. As teenagers, I think teenagers have it hard. So, I think the most important thing that Glee does and what draws teenagers and kids to it, it really does support individuality. It showcases you gotta be your own person and you have to be proud of who you are. Whether it’s Kurt’s battle, or Brittany’s

PC: Who was your greatest role model? RR: There are people who I admire so much. I’ve always loved Katherine Hepburn who’s from way back. I’m just inspired by strong and passionate people. From this year alone, I’m moved by Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep and all of them. There was never one person who I emulated or looked to; I think I’m just moved by people, perseverance, honesty and tenaciousness and you know, obviously their talent. www.pupculturemagazine.com | 25

ROMY, BAZOOKA JOE, & PURDY

battle, or Santana’s battle. All of those things, you have to be committed to what you believe in and stick by it and not bend to peer pressure. And I do think they execute that really well. PC: Are there any similarities to your character on the show and your every day personality? RR: Yea, there is. I think Carol is kind of the caring mom and the one who often plays the devil’s advocate, leaning towards in full support of Finn. So I think she is, she can laugh at a situation, definitely, and she’s going to believe in her son no matter what. So I think, I definitely would support my child or support my friend or support my niece and nephew, or support my husband. And if I disagreed, I would share that opinion, but as long as it wasn’t hurting them or hurting anyone else I would support their decision. So, I think I share that with her. PC: Will we see more of your character as the show progresses? RR: I have no idea, I just recently booked a pilot for the new Rosannne show. I’ll still be on Glee, but I never know what they have in store. PC: Can you tell em more about who you’ll be playing for the Rosanne show? RR: It’s a pilot, so we don’t even know if it’ll be picked up. So, it’s about a group of people who live in a trailer park and it’s just a commentary about what’s happened to the world and this crazy group of people. But it does bring Rosanne Barr and John Goodman back together. 32 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 26 DEC/JAN

BAZOOKA JOE

ON LIFE: PC: What do you do when your not acting or spending time with your dogs? RR: I mean, I love being active, so hiking and any form of exercise I love. I also love to bake. In a perfect world I’d love to own a bakery as well as act because there’s something about baking that makes people happy. PC: Whats one thing people don’t know about you that they’d be surprised to know? RR: I’m a big fan of a good cry. I’m a really emotional person. I would cry at a commercial and I’m not apologetic about that at all. People just always assumed that I was always happy-golucky, always had a smile on my face, but there’s nothing like a good cry.

My husband always makes fun of me, just the worst movies, whatever. He’ll be like ‘Are you Crying?’ And I’ll be like, ‘You know I am.’ PC: Wild Card: Why is having a sense of humor important? RR: Oh, I think that’s imperative in life because if you can’t laugh at yourself, your screwed. Especially in today’s world where so many curve balls are thrown at you in just day to day life. If you can’t somehow find a way to smile at it or laugh at it, you just walk around with your head in your hands all day long. For me, it’s absolutely imperative to have a sense of humor about everything. It doesn’t always work, but it certainly helps. ON DOGS: PC: Have you always been an animal lover? RR: I’ve always been. We had a dog growing up. I mean, I grew up in an apartment, so we never had a lot of animals just because we didn’t thave the back yard for it. And then when I graduated college and was on my own and was persuing my acting career, I would always dog sit for my friends and stuff because I could never afford to have a dog or didn’t feel I was home enough. You know, I’m defintiely someone who believes that you have to spend time with your animals, not wake up, walk them and then 10 hours later you come back. I was always the kid, who whenever we walked down the street and there was a dog, I would always pet them immediately and was never fearful of them biting me or snapping at me. I mean, I’ve been bit numerous times and its never lessened my love for them. I just think dogs are fantastic. I would have a ton of dogs if my husband would let me. But, I also have our dog sitter and he’ll bring some of his other clients’ dogs to our house to play in our backyard and I just love the energy it leaves.

‘Well, why don’t you be a foster?’ Ya know, we have two dogs and for my husband that’s way enough, but I could never imagine giving the dog up. Actually, both our dogs were on trial runs and just never left. I’m a mutt myself , so it never crossed my mind to get a pure bred. PC: Was it love at first site when you met your dogs? RR: You know, it had been a long day for him, it was at one of those dog adoptions and I had brought my best friend’s 6-yearold son with me, and I was like ‘Check him out’ and he was like ‘Whatever, I’m tired lady.’ Someone had actually already put in an application for him, but I wound up knowing the woman who had run the rescue. So, I filled out an application and she kind of liked that he was going to be the center of my world. I was grateful to her for choosing us over the other family. I think actually what it was, she asked where he would sleep, the other family said, “He’d sleep in the kitchen” and I said ‘He’d sleep wherever he wanted,’ and I think that’s what won her over. PC: How did you come up with the name bazooka joe? RR: Well his name in the rescue was Joey, and that just didn’t work with me. And then, I’m a huge gum lover. I have a huge, 4-foot tall bubble gum ball machine in our living room that my husband bought me. It always has gum in it and all the PURDY

PC: What led to your decision to getting a dog and why did you choose adoption? RR: The timing of the dog was I now had a backyard, but also on a sad note, one of my bestfriends had passed away and when I came back from the funeral, (and I had been looking on petfinder.com forever, just waiting for a dog to kind of speak to me), I was like, ‘You know, I’m just not going to wait’. And then I went and put in an application for this one dog I found, her name was Lola, a beautiful pit mix, and I never got a call and then I found my dog, the first rescue [Bazooka Joe]. And I’m just so glad I didn’t get the other one because he’s the dog I’m supposed to have. You know, you see these pet adoptions and I can’t even go to those because I want to bring them all home and I don’t have the constitution where people are like www.pupculturemagazine.com | 27

on as tight as I can and they take it off. PC: Do you have a favorite dog book? RR: A friend of mine actually wrote a book called A Dog’s Purpose, his name is Bruce Cameron. It’s fantastic! I cried all the way through it. I won’t even ruin it by attempting to explain what it’s about, it’s just gorgeous. And there’s a nonfiction book called Merle’s Door, which is about this great bond between a man and he came upon this dog or the dog came upon him, when he was river rafting and they adopted each other and he put in this doggy door and it talks about the life they had. Actually, when I was reading it and finishing it up on the plane, the flight attendant came and asked “Are you ok?” cause I was hysterically crying and then she saw I had the book and she was like “Oh no, I get it. I’ve read it.” PC: If your dogs could talk what would they say? ROMY & BAZOOKA JOE

neighborhood kids come in and use it and when I was trying to think of where to go with Joey, it was just a natural fit. I just love Bazooka bubble gum. He’s really not called Bazooka Joe unless he’s in trouble; it’s really just Joe. He knows the difference. PC: Tell me more about the relationship between Purdy and Bazooka Joe. RR: They’re so freakin’ cute together. Our dog sitter knew that I wanted to get another dog. He kept bringing other dogs around and I kind of felt very guilty because I felt like I was online dating. And then, when he brought Purdy, there was something so mischievous about her and they just got along really well. She’s way more mischievous than he is, but she’s very much tuned into where he is. And in the morning, she tries to get him to play and he’s 5 years older and he’s never had a puppy disposition, he’s always been very cool—a friend of mine called him the Steve McQueen of dogs. Hes just a cool, handsome dog. And shes always like ‘Play with me! Play with me! Play with me!’ When he plays, she’s grateful and when he doesn’t she’s like ‘Oh alright, I’ll go on the couch and lay down.’ They each have very unique personalities. And I swear to you, I have to go out of town tomorrow and the thing I’m most upset about is leaving them. PC: Do your dogs have funny habits or skills? One of their favorite things to do is, I give them either plastic water bottles or coke bottles and they take the top off. I screw it 28 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

RR: “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Because I mean, I wish I could talk to them; I wish tonight I could say, when they see my suitcase, ‘I’m gonna be back’. My dog sitter, is great and I’ve became friends with them and my dogs love them, but there’s nothing like “Mama Bear”. I wish I could tell them, ‘Honestly, it’s gonna be such a short trip’. I really think they would either say ‘I wanna go with you.’ or ‘Thank you so much’. PC: How have your dogs changed your life? RR: Plain and simple, they’ve just made it better. PC: Is there anything else you would like to add? RR: I just think, I strongly believe that just like people having children, people shouldn’t get dogs unless their ready to care for another living being, a breathing thing. I look at my dogs, like when I leave at night or when I come home and I always say to my husband cause he says “You never get that excited when I come home,” and I’m like, ‘Well you don’t wag your butt at me!’ I mean, they are so excited. They make you feel so unbelievably loved and grateful for just taking them for a walk around the block. Their whole body movement is ‘Yeah! Thank you!’ There’s no attitude, there’s no ‘Ugh, really again?’, they just want to be with whoever is their owner or their pal. I mean truly, my favorite thing is to hang on the sofa with my dogs or go on a hike or whatever, but I just love their company. n

ROMY & PURDY

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 29

BEHAVIOR/TRAINING BEHAVIOR/TRAINING

Even Your

Dog Can

Give Thanks This Holiday BY KIM MAYES

f you don’t want your dog to fall to the back of the to-do list this season, you might think about showcasing them at your next holiday party. A great way of doing this is to teach them a trick to perform for your guests! Teaching them a new trick will take some practice, but you can start now before the busy holiday rush sweeps over you. This will give you some extra time with your dog now – which, of course, is always a great thing! Since holiday dinners are a big part of the next couple months, I thought it might be fun to teach your dogs to join the humans and “pray” or “give thanks.” This is a fun, creative trick anyone can teach their dog at home.

Teaching

Your Dog To Pray

The Definition: Your dog lifts his paws to the surface indicated, and then lowers his head to his paws and holds there until released.

Step 1 (Preparation) For this trick you will need: • Plenty of small pea-sized treats for rewards (the smellier the better!) • A chair, stool, etc. you want to use for the place to go pray. The item can be of any height. However, I prefer it to be around shoulder height or taller.

Step 2 (Teaching ‘PAWS UP’) • Tell your dog ‘PAWS UP’ and encourage him to put both front paws on the surface provided. Praise and reward immediately when both paws are up. Repeat until your dog is confident. • Next, progress the amount of time your dog has his PAWS UP. Ask him to STAY in this position. I start with 3 seconds, release 30 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

and reward. Then, push for longer times each practice session.

Step 3 (Bowing The Head) • Once your dog is confident doing PAWS UP, it is time for the most important part of the trick- the bowing of the head! Start by taking a treat and just let your dog sniff it. • Lower the treat just slightly so your dog bends his head a little. As the dog starts to bend, give the command ‘LET US PRAY’ or something similar. At the slightest bend, praise and reward! • Your goal is to bend his head a little lower each time you practice, until he bends far enough for his head to touch his paws. Trouble-shooting: If your dog keeps taking his paws off the chair, you might be lowering the treat too quickly or at too low of a level for the dog to achieve success. Remember,

start easy and build on it!

Step 4 (Holding The Pose!) • Now that your dog can put his PAWS UP and bend his head for LET US PRAY, you will want to lengthen the amount of time he has to hold the position. You can do this by delaying the praise & rewards for a few seconds or, if you prefer, use the STAY command. Of course, start short and grow that time. For Added ‘WOW’ Factor: I like to get the dog used to ‘AMEN’ for our release word on this trick instead of our normal release word. It wins the audience over every time!

Remember – Keep practices very short. I never practice more than 3 to 5 minutes at a time. Start with very short durations and varying distances and distractions. Then, elevate these factors over your practice sessions. n

Walter’s

New Home

Art

Dog as 32 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Photography By Jessica Luce

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 33

34 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 35

Photo by Jessica Luce 36 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Written by MaryAnn Aquilino

e all know discrimination based on a person’s race or color is wrong, but unfortunately, it still happens. That doesn’t appear to be any different when it comes to black or dark-coated dogs, though it may happen with more frequently in the dog world. Dogs with black, or dark colored coats are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized in America’s animal shelters. While there are no hard statistics, as studies haven’t been done regarding this specific theory, the anecdotal evidence is compelling. Shelter workers have a name for it: ‘Black Dog Syndrome’. Possible explanations for this syndrome run the gamut, from superstitions, fear, and negative connotations, to an overabundance of dark colored dogs, to the logistics of photographing a black dog. While people today may not allow superstition to drive their actions, they may be unconsciously prejudiced by all of the negative connotations about black dogs. Superstitions and fears about black dogs have been around for years; in mythology and folklore dogs are associated with the supernatural, death, graveyards, the Devil, and the otherworld. English fairy tales spoke of a black dog the size of a calf with a long black shaggy coat and bright fiery eyes. Harmless if left alone, it could strike a human dumb and cause death if spoken to or touched. Sirius, one of Orion’s two hunting dogs, signaled

hot summer months, a time of sickness and death, while Cerberus was the guard dog of Hell. A play written in 1621, “The Witch of Edmonton”, is based on the trial, imprisonment and execution of Mother Sawyer, a witch, who was accused of having a pact with the Devil disguised as a Black Dog. The church grim, or kirkegrim, haunts churches and graveyards and normally takes the form of a huge black dog. The legend of the Black Dog of Meriden, Connecticut, a small ghost dog, says if you see it once it means joy, but twice it means sorrow, and three times means death. The movies continue to foster this belief. “If you think of any movie with a mean, devil dog, it’s always a black dog, and if you see a witch in a movie, they always have a black cat,” says Mike Arms, president of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Movies such as “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” the “Harry Potter” series and “The Omen” have all shown black dogs as threats. Even the movie “Beethoven” used Dobermans as the threatening dogs, while a loveable St. Bernard is used for the family dog. Reputation is another possibility. Some dogs may appear big and scary on sight, such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, Labradors, and Belgian Shepherds. If a bad reputation ensues due to a situation involving one of these breeds, some people unfairly www.pupculturemagazine.com | 37

assume all of that particular breed are the same way, which is patently untrue. Tamara Delaney, founder of the educational website Contrary to Ordinary: The Black Pearls of the Dog World, (blackpearldogs.com), states “We all know that a prejudice is a preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings, or inaccurate stereotypes. I also think some of the breeds in the last 50 to 60 or so years that have been mishandled by certain groups of people (ie: Rottweilers, Dobermans ,etc.) have affected how we think about a large black dog. You go to a movie, watch a show or read a book... what dogs are they using to show evil or fierceness? Most commonly: a big black one.” It could also simply be that there is an overabundance of black dogs. According to Steve Broomfield, regional center manager for the southern adoption centers at The Blue Cross, “Black dogs often take longer, especially larger ones. People tend to overlook them more easily. Darker dogs don’t have the facial expression of lighter/multicoloured dogs and so don’t always look as endearing.” The label ‘black dog’ has even been applied in non-dog related

areas, furthering the negative connotation. Winston Churchill, who battled serious bouts of depression, called it “the black dog” and it has now become a universal metaphor for depression. Australia has an educational, research, and clinical facility for depression and bipolar disorder called the Black Dog Institute. Another, simpler factor is that black animals are hard to photograph well, making them harder to advertise. It’s also harder to read their expressions, as they don’t have the welldefined ‘eyebrows’ that lighter colored dogs do. Photographer Seth Casteel of Little Friends Photo in Los Angeles says “I hear about Black Dog Syndrome all the time.” Casteel has launched a nationwide nonprofit called Second Chance Photos (secondchancephotos.org ) to help combat this problem, and has tips for getting good photos of shelter animals. The Human Society of the United states and the ASPCA estimate that 5-8 million animals enter shelters each year, and approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Approximately 60% of these are dogs. Vice-President of shelter outreach at Petfinders.com, the largest online pet adoption database, Kim Saunders, says “Overwhelmingly, we hear from the shelter and rescue groups that black dogs, especially the big black dogs, and black cats take longer to get adopted.” Inge Fricke, director of sheltering and pet care issues for the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C., says “It is not a hoax. There is definitely anecdotal evidence. There haven’t been any definitive studies to absolutely prove that the phenomenon exists, but it is something commonly accepted by shelter workers as truth.” Whatever reason, or combination of reasons it may be, black and dark colored dogs have less chance of being adopted into loving forever homes. These dogs are just as loveable, loyal, and devoted companions as a dog of another color. Just as people should be judged based on their character, so should dogs, regardless of the color of their coat.

For More Information on Black Dog Syndrome Visit:

www.StartSeeingBlackDogs.com

Photo by Michelle Macirella

38 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

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 No Pet St www.pupculturemagazine.com | 35

40| PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

PINUPS FOR

PITBULLS

RESTORING HONOR TO A MISUNDERSTOOD BREED Written by MaryAnn Aquilino | Photography by Celeste Giuliano Photography

itbulls, along with several other breeds, have been getting a bad reputation over the last few decades, mainly due to sensationalized and incomplete media reports involving dog bites and fatalities. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 78 million dogs are owned by 62 million households. Yet fatal dog attacks are very rare: approximately 20 per year which equals .0000002% of the dog population. Some states have enacted Breed Specific Legislation against several breeds including Pitbulls, German Shepherds, and Rottweillers and many apartment buildings prohibit specific breeds from residing there with their owners. However, there are individuals and groups out there attempting educate people about these breeds, breed specific legislation laws, and discrimination. One of these individuals is Deirdre Franklin, founder of Pinups for Pitbulls (PFPB), a certified 501c3 notfor-profit organization. Founded in 2005, PFPB educates people about Pitbulls and pitbull-type dogs, while also doing animal rescue and sponsoring animal rehabilitation. PFPB works with dog trainers, behaviorists, rescue organizations, and other animal welfare groups, creating educational materials and hosting educational seminars and programs, raising awareness of the plight Pitbulls face. Deirdre had several inspirations for starting PFPB. First was an attempt to rescue a pitbull mix dropped off at a refuge where she volunteered and being unable to due to the refuge kill

policy aimed at pitbull-type dogs. It was after this experience Deirdre was able to rescue Carla Lou, another pitbull, from Chako, a Texas rescue organization. “She was a tenacious, loyal, gentle and loving soul,” Deirdre describes. “Her eyes were very soulful and had powerful effects of healing people who were hurting. She was full of love and grace.” She was also frustrated by all of the pitbull-type dogs she witnessed being pulled from the streets of the New Orleans/ Baton Rouge area after hurricane Katrina. “I was there doing animal search & rescue work with the Humane Society of the United States and In Defense of Animals,” Deirdre said. It was during that trip, she realized she could utilize her pinup modeling work to continue to help rescue these dogs. “I realized that since I had a great following of my pinup modeling work and those same people helped me raise money to pay for my flight to New Orleans to do my rescue work that I could do something with the attention I had and the faith that people had in me,” Deirdre said. To help raise money for her organization, Deirdre sells a number of products on her website, including human and dog t-shirts with the PFPB slogan, “Take My Leash, Not My Life”, coffee mugs, hot sauce, and an annual pinup calendar featuring pinup girls and their dogs. “I myself am a pinup girl and had been modeling long before I started Pinups for Pitbulls, Inc. It began to feel empty to me in just creating photographs so I decided to merge my two loves into one: modeling and pit bull www.pupculturemagazine.com | 41

are enacted to create a feeling of community safety,” Deirdre says. “Unfortunately, banning dogs based on your perceived understanding of breed has nothing to do with how an individual dog behaves. Banning dogs based on breed versus behavior is a waste of tax dollars and resources that could be better used if spent on educating people on proper dog training methods and enforcing existing leash laws.” .

dogs. There was a need for education in the dog and non-dog realm and I wanted to fill that gap.” Part of Deirdre’s wish is to restore the image of the pitbulltype dog’s reputation, a reputation that was once noble and honorable. “In WWI/WWII era, the American Pitbull Terrier was known as a nanny dog (Helen Keller had one and the dog on Little Rascals, Petey, was an APBT as well). The first dog to cross a bridge in a car was a pitbull-type dog as well. They were used on propaganda posters to illustrate the United State’s ability to be tenacious during hard times. Sadly, since the 1980s they have been vilified in the media as ‘monsters.’ This is a very different image from their heyday,” Deirdre explains. “This is largely a result of poor media reporting. For instance, they are not taking the time to use due diligence in their reporting process. As an example, many dogs in today’s media reports are victims of abuse and live on chains, but the media calls them ‘family pets.’ We don’t treat our family members this way.” Dog aggression can stem from many variables including: heredity, early experiences, lack of training and socialization, lack of neutering or spaying, chaining them, raising dogs to be aggressive through training for protection and dog fighting, and lack of supervision. While any dog can learn to become aggressive, and size is no barrier to the harm that can be inflicted by a bite, Breed Specific Legislation targets mainly larger breeds that have been demonized in the media after a dog bite or fatal incident occurs. “Breed specific legislation is a set of discriminatory laws that 42 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

One of the unintended consequences of breed specific laws is they don’t make the public safer. When a breed is banned, those individuals who will continue to engage in dog fighting, or who want to own a dog for protection or status, will simply turn their attention to another large breed. After a ban in Iowa on Pitbulls, bites from Labradors increased while a similar ban in Winnipeg, Canada showed bites from Rottweilers increasing. There are other ways to make the public safer. If laws regarding leashes, licenses, anti-tethering, sterilization, dog fighting, and abuse were enforced better, if consequences for breaking these laws were commensurate with the crime, and if owners were held accountable for the control of their dogs, there would be less incidents happening and less dogs being unnecessarily euthanized. “There is no ‘inherently more dangerous breed/mix’ despite what the propaganda makers want you to believe. Dogs deserve the opportunity to be members of our families and to be spared from suffering. Every dog is an individual and should be afforded the chance to live a good life based on love and positive reinforcement training methods,” says Deirdre. When it comes to coping with the naysayers out there who don’t have faith in the ability for Pitbulls to be kind, loving animals Deirdre states, “I cope with knowing that we have science and facts on our side. I don’t need every person on the planet to adopt a pitbull-type dog, but what I do need people to understand is that all dogs have the propensity to bite, and regardless of the size of a bite, people can die. It doesn’t matter what the breed of dog it is, a dog can be trained or a dog can be ignored, either way it is the Human that is responsible for the dog’s behavior. All dogs are innocent. Generalizing safety based on how a dog looks is nonsensical and results in continual bite statistics that are maintained or raised due to a lack of facts and human error.” Pitbulls, says Deirdre, “are gentle, noble, loving and kind. They are very interested in their people. They are the underdog that truly deserves a chance to shine. Many are service dogs, therapy dogs, some work in search and rescue, and some for police investigations. We should love that they are willing to trust us regardless of what we have done to their kind.” n

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

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 43

RESCUE

BARRIO DOGS Written by Rebecca Astheimer

here are a number of animal shelters who house sick and orphaned pets throughout the United States, however, few offer solutions to the issue of animal abuse. Barrio Dogs based in Houston, Texas, tries to do just that. Not only does the center offer rehabilitation center for abused dogs, it also makes a concerted effort to get to the root of what causes animal abuse. The preventative measures that are taken ensure a better future for dogs everywhere. Barrio Dogs started when president and founder, Gloria Zenteno, moved to the East End of Houston and was horrified by the amount of feral dogs she saw on the street. Throughout the inner city, neglected dogs roamed the neighborhoods, while many other pets sat out in the hot sun, tied up and bored. Describing the situation as a complete crisis, Gloria started to get involved with local dog rescue groups in attempts to help out. “People needed to be held accountable,” Gloria remarked. “We were

Photo by Halcyon Claire Photography

44 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

dealing with a big problem.” Over time, Gloria grew frustrated with the never ending need to rescue animals, stating, “We kept on finding the same things over and over again.” The process was both mentally and physically taxing and was yielding no change. Instead of approaching the situation topically, Gloria decided to return to square one and get to the root of the problem of animal neglect and abuse. With the help of some other dedicated volunteers, Barrio Dogs was founded; a non-profit organization who works to educate lower-income neighborhoods about adequate animal care. Volunteers for Barrio Dogs visit various communities throughout Houston, speak at schools, introduce children to friendly, rehabilitated dogs, raise awareness about animal abuse and neglect, and offer affordable and free services such as sterilization. “Youth and Paws” is among Barrio Dogs’ many programs; it provides informative visitations to schools throughout lowincome communities about dogs. Occasionally, the visitations will include a rehabilitated dog, and students can get involved in the “Tales to Tails” program, in which children read in front of therapy dogs to help build their reading confidence and develop a congenial relationship with pets. In addition, children can fundraise for animal rehabilitation programs and help construct homes for dogs in need. “The Barrio Dogs Watch Dog” program offers information about the law and animal abuse. Often times, the legality of animal neglect can be quite unclear. The Watch Dog program attempts to explain clearly that animal abuse is against the law, and specifies various offenses that would be considered illegal. “We provide contacts with the SPCA and crime stoppers. A lot of times people want to report, but they’re scared. They don’t know they can do it anonymously.” Gloria points out. The program works to help residents recognize unlawful actions. In addition, the program helps residents differentiate adequate and inadequate animal care in attempts to encourage the community to take a stand against animal abuse.

“

...we want people to realize that .. they can do more than what they think; that they really have a big impact”

In addition, the “Fix It” program aims to neuter 250 dogs in the community for those pet owners who cannot afford the fee. “One of the biggest problems we’ve had to deal with is overpopulation,” Gloria said. “Fix It” reaches the core goal of Barrio Dogs, to take preventative measures for animal abuse and overpopulation, as opposed to trying to cover up a problem already in existence. “Fix It” is one of Barrio Dogs most ambitious (but also effective) endeavors, and it does not come at a cheap price. However, Barrio Dogs only asks that in exchange for the free service of fixing their pet, participants assist the program by helping to circulate the name and mission of Barrio Dogs. Over the years, Barrio Dogs has grown exponentially. The Mayor recently named Barrio Dogs Volunteers of the Year and Gloria points out that the program has managed to “bed 300 dogs, and touch the minds of 800 children”. However, costly efforts like the “Fix It” program require large funds and donations to help keep the organization afloat. Gloria points out the program is entirely volunteer-run and boarding expenses are $1500-2000 a month. “We started a campaign called Be Your Own Hero, because we want people to realize that they can do more that what they think, that they really have a big impact,” Gloria reflects. “We just really want to raise awareness and get our name out there.” For more information on Barrio Dogs and their programs by visit their website, BarrioDogs.orgn

Another program offered is “Barrio Dogs for Better Communities,” which specializes in educating residents about providing for animals. The program includes discussions in which community members can learn how to construct fences or shelters for pets and provides free materials to those who cannot afford them. Photo by Nicole Bean Photography

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 45

By Laura Kinsey

These dehydrated sweet potato treats are a great rawhide alternative! Choose from three sizes. $2.00 for 2 oz. KatiesJar.com

Turkey bacon flavored biscuits might just be every dog's favorite. These get even better by using nitrate and antibiotic free turkey bacon. Available in biscuit shape or small bites. Double yum! $6.50 for 8 oz. or $11.50 for 16 oz. BoonDogBakery.com 46 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Dogs need afternoon pick-me-ups, too. These amazing yummy Mini-Wafers contain pumpkin, vanilla, ginger and cinnamon. $8.99 for 9 oz. ThreeDog.com

Polka Dog Bakery's new vintage-inspired Holiday Hats "Twist Me" Cans will make you smile, and the Pumpkin Pie and Gingersnap flavors will make your dog drool! $13.95 for a 10 oz. canister PolkaDogBakery.com

LT U

RE MA G

TREATS TREA WE DIG

Get a "paw's-up" from both your vampire hunter and door-to-door trick-or-treaters for passing out these frightfully flavorful carob bat treats! Starting at $5.50 for a 4 oz. bag. Larger quantity options available. MairoandCo.com

From pup parties to trick-or-treat, Bing's Barkin Bakery has treats covered! Set of 6 spider donuts, $11.99; pumpkins are $12.99 for 3 large treats. BingsBarkinBakery.com

Fall/Winter 2012

OF APPRO

Usher in the feeling of fall with these maple leaf shaped dog treats! $6.00 for 5 treats. DivaDogBakery.com

Give your pup a slice of good ole fashion apple pie with these treats from Bocceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery. Their healthy take on this American classic is sure to have your dog begging for more! $9.50 for a 5 oz. bag. BoccesBakery.com

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 47

make your own

Sup p

REVERSIBLE BANDANA Written By Debra Thesing

s lie

2 different fabrics

(amount depends on the size scarf you are making)

Scissors Thread Tape Measure Sewing Machine Velcro Squares (optional)

1. Cut two squares of two different fabrics to size needed (see size chart below). Note: When sizing, take into consideration whether you want this to tie-on or close with Velcro. 2. Fold each square in half diagonally, forming a triangle. Press and cut along folded edge.

3. Place the two good sides together and pin around the edge, leaving a 4” opening so you can turn the bandana inside out in step 5. 4. Stitch around the edge with a 1/4” seam. Note: Don’t forget to leave a 4” opening. 5. Press and turn inside out. Push out corners and press.

6. Pin opening in and top stitch around the entire piece, closing off the section left open. 7. Take sewable Velcro and attach on opposite corners of the bandana so you can reverse the bandana. Note: If you prefer, you can just tie the scarf on the dog without Velcro as long as you cut a large enough square to accomodate a tie-on bandana. 8. Put on one very special dog.

Size Chart: X-Small

12” square of fabric

(approx. 16” finished neck edge)

Small

14” square of fabric

(approx. 19” finished neck edge)

Medium

8” square fabric

(approx. 24 1/2” finished neck edge)

Large

22” square fabric

(approx. 30 1/2” finished neck edge)

X-Large

26” square fabric

(approx 36” finished neck edge)

48 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Happy Endings A Destination Pets Helping People Protecting Animals

FINDING THE PET LOVER OF YOUR DREAMS Written by Laura Kinsey

think we’d all agree that finding love in a four-legged form is a pretty easy task. It doesn’t take much more than opening your home to a pet that you’re willing to feed, walk and show affection to – and presto! You are loved by your dog or cat, and they will shower you with affection by following you from room to room, sitting on your lap when you’re feeling blue, running around in circles when you get home from work, sleeping right next to your face, and by possibly peeing on your carpet or leaving dead chipmunks on your doorstep. Finding a partner of the human variety, however, can sometimes present more of a challenge. Did you know that according to the 2010 US Census, approximately 46% of households are maintained by single people? That’s close to 52 million people over the age of 18. Considering the fact that there are over 78 million dogs and 86 million cats in the US, it’s not a huge leap to assume that there are millions of pet owners out there who count their dogs or cats as a primary companion. No one is suggesting that all single pet owners are looking for love or even dating advice, but if it’s starting to bother you that your Friday nights and weekends revolve around your dog’s bath time and play dates, look no further than Charlotte Reed’s new seminar, Finding the Pet Lover of Your Dreams. Ms Reed is a Pet Trendologist and petcare and lifestyle expert who left the world of corporate law behind over a decade ago to start her premiere full-service pet care business, Two Dogs & a Goat Incorporated. As one of the most popular and soughtafter pet experts in the United States, Reed has been quoted as a pet expert in publications such as the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Good Housekeeping, New York Magazine,

50 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

US Weekly and dozens of other national and international newspapers and magazines. This summer, she launched a seminar titled “Finding the Pet Lover of Your Dreams” which kicked off it’s tour right here in New York City. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Reed about her seminar, which covers everything from Internet dating, to how to dress for the dog park, to first impressions and what your pet’s behavior says about you. Here are some highlights on what Charlotte says you need to do in order to find the pet lover of your dreams:

TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT Figure out your “list”. What qualities are you looking for in another person? What are the deal-breakers? Is your list realistic? Do you yourself possess any of the qualities on it?

LOOK THE PART Get your dog park outfit figured out! Before you roll your eyes… think about it. Dog parks are one of the prime spots to meet a fellow dog owner and form a connection. As Ms. Reed puts it, you need to treat your search for love the way you look for a job. You wouldn’t show up for an interview wearing sweats… so don’t wear them to the dog park either! The ideal outfit is something practical and cute that you’ll feel confident in. (and P.S. – this doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Ms. Reed

swears by cropped jeans, cute sneakers, and a simple top.)

PICTURE PERFECT With Internet dating, your picture and profile need to be well thought out. For your picture, Ms. Reed says, wear bright colors, appear vivacious, and consider having it professionally taken. When it comes to including your pet in the picture with you, Ms. Reed feels that is a big no-no, unless your professional life has something to do with animals. (You’re a veterinarian, a dog groomer, or a handler for a show dog, for example.) Remember – the picture is the first impression, and if you look like a “crazy cat lady” potential suitors will scroll right on by your picture.

POLISH YOUR PROFILE Writing your profile for a site like match.com can be daunting—What to include? What to leave out? It is fine to leave your pet out of your profile picture, (see above) but with six times as many people allergic to cats as to dogs, Ms. Reed stresses the importance of at least mentioning that you own a pet if you in fact, do.

GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER Once you have landed that first date, be prepared to let someone into your home. Again, we’re talking about first

impressions. No one wants to walk in and see used wee-wee pads all over the floor, trip over dog toys, or smell the cat’s litter box. Also, says Ms. Reed, take care of your pet’s needs (food, water, walk, belly rubs) before your date arrives. A first date never wants to feel secondary to the dog right off the bat!

Want more? Ms. Reed expounds on these tips and more at her seminar.

For more information on “Finding the Pet Lover of Your Dreams,” and to see if the seminar is coming to a city near you, visit; www.charlottereed.com

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 | 51

Written by Elaine Webster

or many years I had the pleasure of pet sitting for two Siberian huskies named Alex and Ruble. Ruble was the stoic one who found a way to make himself thin enough to slip

immediately. Ruble was too weak and unable to hop into the back seat as he normally did, so I had a neighbor help me get him into the car. The vet and his owners both agreed that Ruble

by the invisible fence next to the garage and end up in front of the house. Alex was the imp and loved to play hide and seek with me around the large chair in the living room.

should stay in the hospital for the remaining two weeks they were away. Luckily, the facility he was in provided a visiting room so I was able to visit him every day and assure him he was loved. He was always so happy to see me and would curl up next to me for lots of petting.

I couldn’t believe it as I watched Ruble press his body flat against the house and slither along the wall on his way to freedom. It was amusing to watch him when he thought no one was looking. The funny thing was he never went anywhere; he was happy just to relax on the front porch. Ruble also loved to eat paper—he would chew up any books left sitting around in the office. One time I even found a wad of chewed up paper, its paper clip still on, lying on the floor. I later realized it was the note and money his owner had left me for my visit; The $60 was nowhere to be found. We’re pretty sure he ate the money even though he had a very innocent face on when I asked him. Alex had a very different personality. He was always instigating playful mischief in the house or when going outside. As soon as we went out the door, he would quickly rush past me and hide behind the bushes waiting for me and Ruble to find him. Ruble loved this game and he tiptoed along my side as we quietly approached the amber eyes peeking out at us. As soon as we came around the corner where he was hiding, Alex would jump out to “get us” and we would all play in the back yard. After a while we would sit on the edge of the hill quietly looking into the woods and each dog, as if bookends, would sit on either side of me. Our time together was always very happy, except for one morning when I heard Ruble in distress and realized he was having a seizure. The poor thing was foaming at the mouth and lying in urine. His vet told me to bring him in for observation

52 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

I had to leave Alex at home while visiting Ruble, but discovered this was fine with him since he now was the only dog in the house and getting lots of extra attention. Alex loved having me all to himself and our games continued for the rest of my stay. He still wanted me to find him behind the chair or behind the bushes outside and his impish behavior kept me smiling. Meanwhile, Ruble recovered and the vet gave him pills to use should he have another seizure. I feel so fortunate to have known and taken care of these lovable dogs for so many years. Both lived a fairly long life and passed from old age related illnesses. When their owners called me to let me know that Ruble had to be put down, so he would no longer be in pain, I went over to see him. Even though he was weak, he was still happy to see me. He laid his head on my knees and sighed while I sat with him. I rubbed his soft ears and hugged him several times. I loved the smell of his thick fur and the feel of his velvet ears. Alex and Ruble definitely left a special imprint on my heart and I will always cherish them. 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.

PUGPOSSESSED not just for Pugs...

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TWITTER WINNER

MEET OLIVIA

Oliva, a 9-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, is one of our Twitter contest winners. She started training at 5 months old and is now a medical alert dog living in Florida with her mom, Abby R. PUP CULTURE: How did you come up with the name Olivia? Olivia’s Mom, Abby R.: I’m a huge fan of Natalie Merchant, but I didn’t want to name her Ophelia, which is my favorite album, because my sister had a turtle named Ophelia and I knew that it would be all I would think about. But, I really wanted the “O” ending in an “A”, so that it sounded like Ophelia. So, I think it was also influenced by Olivia, Mariska Hargitay’s character from Law & Order. Also, George Harrison, his wife was named Olivia. PC: Does Olivia have any character similarities to the Olivia character in Law & Order?

AR: My favorite and her favorite are two different ones. My favorite would be when I lay down next to her she will pick up her arm and put it on my shoulder and start kissing me, like she’s trying to hug me. That’s what I love. I think her favorite past time is going to the dog park or something like that. I mean that’s fun too, but I really like when she snuggles. PC: If Olivia could talk, what would she say? AR: “Why don’t you let me eat more?!” Or I think she would say, “Why don’t I look like you?” because I’m her momma. Or maybe she’d say, “Can we go to the beach again?”

AR: She saved me.

PC: Do you have a favorite memory with her?

PC: How so?

AR: I consider everything with her really

AR: Besides health wise, emotionally she’s been my reason for sticking around. She’s my reason to stay healthy, she really is. As much as she’s responsible for me, to make sure I’m healthy, I then became responsible for her. I’m her mom.

special. I don’t take her for granted. I know how fortunate I am to have her with me and how fortunate I am to be able to take her wherever I go. I know her so well. We do everything together. She’s part of everything.

PC: What is your favorite Olivia quality? AR: There’s something about her energy that is kind of like, you can be exhausted and I could have a really bad day, but as soon as I connect to her it’s like whatever stress there was goes away. As soon as she kisses me, it’s gone. Nothing else matters. PC: Does she have any fun nicknames? AR: Yeah. Boo, Baby Bear, a little love, Spaghetti Head, Bug, Mama, Liv.

54 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

PC: Do you and Olivia have a favorite past time?

PC: What is your favorite part about being a dog owner? AR: It’s a great way to meet people. Like walking around and stuff, it’s a way to be social with people and I think that’s a really nice part of it. You start up conversations with people that you normally wouldn’t. PC: What’s the best piece of dog advice you’ve ever gotten? AR: Be consistent.

TWITTER WINNER

MEET

TALLULAH This cute, 2-year-old southern belle, Tallulah, a lab mix, is our other Twitter contest winner. Starting out as rescue from Wild Heir Lab Rescue, Tallulah is living the good life in South Carolina with her two canine siblings, Maggie and Jack. PUP CULTURE: How did Tallulah come into your life? Talullah’s Mom, Susie Armstrong: My husband and I had fostered a couple of dogs before and we saw her picture on one of our local rescue groups and they needed a foster home for her so we decided that we would do that; we couldn’t let her go after that so we kept her. PC: How did you come up with the name Tallulah?

Photo by Signature Photography

SA: Well, I think we went through about 1000 names and we couldn’t agree on anything. I feel like my dogs need to have people names and my husband’s last name is Tracy, so I guess I was just looking at names, thinking, ‘Tallulah Tracy would be perfect’. And I feel like it fits her because it’s kind of a spunky name and she’s definitely spunky. PC: Does Tallulah have any fun nicknames? SA: We call her lulah a lot, nothing too crazy. PC: Do you have a favorite past time that you do with Tallulah? SA: Probably our favorite thing to do is take all the dogs to the beach. We only live about 20 minutes from the beach. We try for a few times a week, but make it at least once a week. PC: Does she have a favorite treat? SA: Whatever anyone else is eating, but actually she really likes to eat cucumbers and carrots. They all like that.

PC: Does she have a favorite toy? SA: All the toys we have are pretty much hardcore toys. Their favorite toys are probably from a company called West Paw—their toys are basically indestructible. They’ve got this one long one that two of them can play with at one time. PC: What is your favorite Tallulah quality? SA: Let’s see ... I feel like she is always happy, acts like she hasn’t seen you in a thousand years every time she sees you, she’s very sweet, and she wants to always be right beside you. PC: What is your favorite part of being a dog owner? SA:: My dogs make my life so much better. It’s nice that they’re never in a bad mood, never complain, and they’re just happy that they’re there. PC: What’s the best piece of dog advice you’ve ever gotten? SA: I feel like, just, go with the flow. Just letting them be themselves within reason. PC: Why do you think they call dogs “man’s best friend”? SA:: My dogs are definitely my best friends. I can tell them anything and they look like they’re listening and I feel like they’re giving me good advice even though they’re not actually talking.

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 55

ASK THE...

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,

pecific t in one s ir d k c li d grass an top it? tantly eat s n o c ow do I s s a H u ? h d a a u b ih h My c is? Is this Why is th . n o s a e r some

Dear Pup

spot for

idwell - James B Y r, N Rocheste

You may have heard of the word ‘pica’. Pica is when you eat something other than food. In the human world this is considered very odd, but in the dog world most canine professionals consider this to be completely normal behavior. Pica in dogs is usually attributed to 3 main factors – it can be a mineral deficiency, boredom or it’s just plain tasty! Ingestion of grass or dirt itself is typically harmless, but your Chihuahua could get very sick if he/she ingests any pesticides, so make sure the area where she has been “grazing” has not been treated with anything. To stop this kind of behavior we have to figure out why your Chihuahua has decided that this is the cool thing to do! Let’s start with the mineral deficiency factor. Even if your dog is on the best of foods, some dog’s systems require a higher vitamin or mineral content than others. Some canine professionals have said changing the dog to a higher fiber food helps. I myself have owned a couple “grazers” and got away simply by buying some yummy treats made with wheatgrass from my local pet store and adding some greens to their morning meal! The next factor it could be is boredom. A dog left to his or her own devices is capable of picking up any number of strange and unusual habits. If boredom might be the issue, try enriching your dog’s environment a bit more. Offer him treat balls, doggie puzzles or interactive games he/she can play with you outside. Some dogs have even been known to eat grass and dirt just to get attention from their owners. Remember…to a dog, even negative attention is still attention! Lastly, dogs will commonly eat grass or lick dirt if the area is rich with appealing smells and goodies. A dog has an olfactory capacity 40,000 times better than humans! This is quite amazing, but it also means that if your Chihuahua is smelling his favorite delicacy of slugs, snails or any other little critters, he is going to be more prone to lick that dirt. Once you’ve defined the source of your grass eating and dirt licking problems, make sure you go back to your basic obedience commands and brush up on your LEAVE IT around this area. Over time your dog has quite possibly built up the habit of doing this behavior, so you need to make sure you are positively reinforcing when he avoids the area on your command. If commands are foreign to your little Chi-Chi, enlist the help of a positive reinforcement trainer in your area. Of course, as always, if you notice any change in your dog’s behavior or health that concern Have a question for our panel of experts? Email you, please consult your veterinarian. Best of Luck!

info@pupculturemagazine.com for a chance to get some expert advice in our next issue!

56 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Kim Mayes, CDT, CTDI

Happy Tails Pet Grooming, LLC.

MaryAnn Aquilino Certified Professional Groomer 3180 Latta Road (Located in Ricciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant Plaza) Rochester, NY 14612

585.865.3248

Like WIENERS?

PRODUCT REVIEW

Snook’s Pet Products: Sweet Potato Chews Written by Cristin Wheat | Photo by Luminaria Photography

When looking for chews for my dogs, I always consider their safety first. So I was pleased when I looked at Snook’s website and saw their chews were developed as a result of their own concerns about the dangers of using rawhide and bones with their own dogs. Having three powerchewing labs has taught me over the years to err on the side of caution when choosing edible chew toys. We’ve experienced everything from extreme digestive upset to broken teeth. So the fact that Snook’s Sweet Potato Dog Chews are not only edible, but digestible, even for the most sensitive of stomachs, made me extremely happy. Not to mention they are wonderfully crunchy for my dogs, but not rock “teeth-breaking” hard. My youngest lab, Winslow, is somewhat more discerning than my other labs and has had allergic reactions to other “edible” type chews, so I was interested to see how he did with these. I barely got the bag open before he was climbing up my leg to get to it. He quickly hunkered down and went to town with a medium sized chew, never looking up until he had gnawed the very last crunchy sweet potato chunk off the rope. Happily, he had no allergic reaction, no choking or digestive upset and was one satisfied dog. And although he did go through the medium sized chew relatively quickly for an edible chew, it did give him a fair amount of chewing time. I will however, try the large next time—which is actually what the manufacturer recommends for his size. All in all, Winslow and I give Snook’s Sweet Potato Dog Chews four paws of approval. In addition to their chews, Snook’s also carries a line of sweet potato chips and treats. Did we mention that sweet potatoes pack a whole lot of nutritional value to boot? An added bonus to the pawsitively awesome Snook’s line. We also found an array of nutritional and natural care items on the Snook’s website that cover anything from flea problems to skin detoxification. Winslow is looking forward to trying more of the fun products from Snook’s, and of course, some more Sweet Potato Dog Chews.

For more information on Snook’s Pet Products visit www.snookdog.com

58 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

425.577.1917 | baileyandbanjo.com

60 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

www.pupculturemagazine.com | 61

THE PUPCULTURE LIST

REASONS Why Shelter Dogs Rock! Written By Christine White

1. They forgive and forget without any hesitation. 2.

There is always a perfect match. What you see is what you get.

Many shelter dogs come pretrained—they’re past the puppy phase, won’t destroy your furniture, and can follow basic commands.

They see each day as an opportunity to look forward, rather than looking back.

They’re a testament to triumph over adversity.

They give us the opportunity to become a lifelong hero.

The simplest pleasures in life satisfy them, like the feeling of grass under their feet and the smell of fresh air.

By adopting a shelter dog you’ll save their life along with the dog who fills their space at the shelter.

The unconditional love, gratitude, and respect shelter dogs give to their rescuers is a feeling unmatched by any other.

10.

They understand love is an unlimited resource—having their heart broken once doesn’t stop their ability to fully love another.

62 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

MAGAZINE

PUPCULTURE

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy

your love But we can sure come close to it!

www.pupculturemagazine.com/jobs

PUP PERSONALS

Special Needs

Good w/ Dogs

Good w/ Cats

Good w/ Kids

Incompatible

Unknown

Photography By Jessica Luce

Atlanta Underdog Initiative, of Atlanta, Georgia 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 the Atlanta Underdog Initiative at atlantaunderdog@gmail.com or visit their website at www.atlantaunderdog.com to arrange a date.

AXEL

BAM

Confident love bug with lots of energy seeking family to love. I’m a Dogo Argentino who is looking to settle down with the right person. I’ve faced a lot of challenges, but that hasn’t kept me from maintaining a positive attitude. I’m the monogamous type, so I prefer to be your one and only. If you think I’m your guy, hit up my digits and I promise I’ll love you forever.

Handsome stud muffin looking for the right person to sweep me off my feet. If you love to give belly rubs and want to have a forever grateful companion then I’m your guy! I’m a little shy around strangers, but once I get to know you I’m yours forever. If you think I’m your match, go for it.

CASPIAN

RUBY

Shy young man seeks a loving family and a new beginning. My soul mate took a part of my heart when they were killed in a motorcycle accident, but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on love. I’m an equal opportunity lover, which includes the likes of all canines and I’m always up for a good cuddle. If you have room for me in your heart, give me a call.

Friendly, outgoing puppy seeks a loving family and a new beginning. I’m great on a leash and I’m looking for someone who loves to take long walks on the beach or anywhere else. One look at me, and you can see how sweet, innocent, and loving I am. Oh, and if you have another dog at home, I would be honored to have a new playmate!

? 64 | PUPCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER