Scratch Magazine

Spring 2009

The voice for the dog.

GR 699 Connecting the Dots Prof. Michael Kilgore Spring 2009

The voice for the dog.

CONTENTS

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APPETIZERS 1

Editors Letter: Took a look at SCRATCH and get a feel and understanding of what it’s all about and what makes it different from other dog magazines.

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OPRAH: Big Money makes Big Changes Oprah uses her influence, power, and money to makes changes again. This time it’s for the benefit our of dog across America.

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Scooter: Disabled and Still Mighty Take a look at a little dog, that’s has a huge disability, but has no idea and no intentions of slowing down because of it.

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Brave Dogs X-ing We all know that dogs are man’s best friend. But what about dogs being dogs best friend. One would have to see it to believe how a dog risked his life in an attempt to save another dogs life.

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Therapy Skies Dogs have many functions to humans. This one is a bit unique as Skylar is the one that does the rescuing, instead of being rescued.

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Back from the Dead Are you thinking the dog rehabilitation is pointless? Well think again, because Fred is definitely a dog that has defied the odds thanks to a select few that had faith is his recovery despite his history.

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FEATURES 26

Cesar Millan: The Dog Whisperer

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Whether you agree with is methods or not, one thing that indisputable is his love for dogs and how is climb to fame as one of the best world renowned dog trainers was all but easy.

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In America in an average year, there are about 8 million dogs that enter shelters, and about four million dogs that are euthanized each year. Learn the benefits of adoption and what you can do to cut back on the number of shelter dogs in America.

BIG Faith Born with only two legs, Faith has been a source of inspiration to those military vets who has been injured in battle.

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City Dogs

LOOKING AHEAD 106

Fur Farms There are many cruel things that happen to unwanted dogs in America. But take a look at some of the things that happen over seas to our furry friends—just for the sake of gaining their fur.

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Redemption Dogs Human prisoners are often times given second chances after committing a crime. But what about dogs?

DOG BITE PREVENTION In America in an average year, there are about 8 million dogs that enter shelters, and about four million dogs that are euthanized.

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Don’t Buy Puppies!

Seems like a bad thing to say. But take another look at those stores that sell puppies and the fine print as well.

Puppy Mills Many people think about their new puppies parents, but not in terms of their living conditions.

PUPPY MILL SURVIVORS In America in an average year, there are about 8 million dogs that enter shelters, and about four million dogs that are euthanized

Here are a few things to keep in mind when your living situation calls for you and your dog to be a part of “city life”.

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Shelter Dogs

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Dog Food Health Now that you’ve gotten your new dog, there are many questions as to what’s the best way to take care of it and how and what to feed it.

Editor’s Note:

The Voice.

In America in an average year, there are about 8 million dogs that enter shelters, and about four million dogs that are euthanized each year.

There is also an uncountable number of dogs that are abandoned on the streets. The detailed reasons why these situations happen may vary, but in general each reason may be traced back to an owners ignorance as to what they were getting themselves into. They see the cute little puppy, but sometimes don’t think about what the puppy will turn into or the responsibilities that accompany it.

In other cases, many of those dogs that are abused and abandoned may be because they may not intially fit that bill for the typical “prize dog” that may be seen on the front cover of your favorite dog magazine, or potentially featured in the best dogs shows. However, just like the old saying goes, “never judge a book by its cover”— the same goes for dogs. Their mix may not always be recognizable by their look. They may not be in the best condition, and they may not always be the first choice of the pack. However, despite being the underdog, they all have one thing in common with just about any other dog they want nothing to be loved and an occassional belly SCRATCH. They want to show their love and loyalty to someone—just about anyone, who’s willing to accept them.

SCRATCH is a start up magazine aimed at being the voice of the dog.

Those dogs who would in most cases be considered the underdog for various reasons. Of course dogs do not have the ability to speak for themselves. Or at least not in our human language. Therefore, this magazine is aimed at being the voice for dogs and the audience in which they communicate to us—the humans.

SCRATCH will be geared towards touching on a number of issues. All issues and stories are aimed at being a vocal advocate for all dogs that may be subject to abuse and abandonment. The dog in general has been bred in numerous ways for different purposes over time. Today, many dogs do not serve the original intent in which they were bred for but rather just serve as a pet or friend. And with this transformation over time, there has been a shift and perhaps a growing desire to have a dog. But with this shift, people have in some cases been irresponsible and there have been a number of issues that have spawned from human irresponsibility. So, that’s why SCRATCH was created. It serves to be the advocate for dogs who can’t speak for themselves and a guide for better understanding of dogs so that people can in turn use better judgement in their overall care and treatment.

designer & editor C. Michael Bell

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I look at you and I don’t see your jelly rolls and multiple chins.

I look at you and I don’t care about your falling out hair.

I look at you and I don’t see the excessive makeup that you wear.

I look at you and I don’t see all the money that you don’t have.

I might as well be blind, because when I look at you, all I want to see is you looking right back at me.

BIG Money makes s BIG ChaNgE O

prah is once again proving her commitment to the dogs of Pennsylvania’s puppy mills by asking her viewers to contact their State Representatives and State Senators and urge them to support House Bill 2525 and H.B. 2532. This legislation will improve conditions for millions of dogs in commercial breeding facilities throughout the Commonwealth and it is imperative that it is passed as soon as possible. So much has happened since the original Oprah program aired in April.

We heard from literally thousands of people from all over the world. People contacted us from all across the United States and from as far away as Russia, Egypt and the Netherlands, all horrified by the inhumane treatment of dogs in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills. Others, who had no idea that puppy mills even existed, contacted us to ask what they could do to help the millions of dogs interned in our country’s large scale commercial breeding facilities. Oprah’s “puppy mill show” received the largest response of any Oprah show in the last two years, and our own web site had over six million visitors. As predicted, Oprah reached more people, helped more dogs, than anyone else ever could.

And while the adoption rates of shelter animals reached an all-time high after the program aired, commercial breeders who mass produce dogs for the pet store trade now complain of an all-time low in their sales and profits (which is wonderful). Thanks to Oprah and her incredible staff, and the incomparable Lisa Ling, millions of animals have found homes, or will find homes when families are ready to make the commitment. Every day, more and more people are beginning to understand that when you buy a puppy in a pet store (or over the Internet without meeting the puppy’s parents), you are contributing to the suffering of that dog’s mother.

Main Line Animal Rescue, and everyone who labors to help mill dogs everywhere, will be grateful to Oprah until the last breeding dog is pulled from the last rabbit hutch or stacked cage. Let’s hope that someday in the not too distant future, the lives of these poor animals will improve dramatically through long needed legislation, stepped up enforcement efforts, and as a result of the increase in the public’s awareness to the plight of the millions of mill dogs in this country.

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Scooter: Disablied & Still

Mighty

Deborah Parker-Garcia couldn’t ask for a better fund-raiser than Scooter. Strapped into his specially designed cart, the two-legged chihuahua blazed up and down the halls of Mill Manor Care Center during a recent visit. He rushed into patient rooms for quick visits, then darted out to the next room.

Scooter was born with crippled back legs and left at a Lorain County shelter to be euthanized. Workers called Parker-Garcia, who has a soft spot for crippled or wounded dogs and cats, and she took Scooter in. She said the dog accepts the cart, because it’s all he has ever known. “He’s so happy and so full of life,” said Parker-Garcia. The retired nurse from the Ford assembly plant in Lorain has turned her Vermilion home into a last-chance shelter for hardship cases from around the country.

She has 50 dogs and cats in the Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary, named after the patron saint of animals. She said she takes the pets that others refuse: the blind, the crippled, old, cancerous, epileptic.

Over the last two years, she has found homes for 192 of them. Some animals, though, she keeps.

Scooter got his wheels after Parker-Garcia put the dog’s picture and story on her Web site with a plea for help. A California woman gave her money to have a cart custom-made. Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer Deborah Parker-Garcia is a retired nurse who’s turned her home into a shelter for animals.

Parker-Garcia takes Scooter and other pets to nursing homes to cheer up the residents. Sharing the spotlight during the Mill Manor visit was Molly, a mixedbreed tan dog with penetrating eyes. Molly has a rear leg that had to be amputated after she was hit by a car and she needed surgery to save the remaining back leg.

Frances Deedrick, originally from Mount Vernon, Ohio, accommodated the dog but was distracted by Scooter, the attention-grabber.

“Look at him. He doesn’t seem to notice he’s in a wheelchair,” she said, while sitting in her own wheelchair. “Oh, I love dogs. I love to see them.”

Parker-Garcia said most of her rescued animals are relegated to her house. She has rescued cats, a huge potbelly pig named Piggy Sue and a 230-pound Saint Bernard dog named Arnie.

“It’s crazy in there,” she said. Parker-Garcia said caring for the formerly unwanted animals is a big job.

“If I’m not feeding the animals or taking them to the vet, I’m either getting calls from people telling me about hardship cases or I’m arranging to have animals sent to new homes,” she said. “I have 1,000 e-mails waiting for me at home.

“It’s absolutely crazy,” she said. “But I love every minute of it.”

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A

dog captures the world’s attention by performing a death-defying and heroic act in Santiago, Chile in January of 2009. The incident, caught on surveillance camera in Chile’s capital, drives a filmmaker from Oregon to investigate the epidemic problem of Santiago’s homeless dog population. Her search uncovers a human stray, raised as a child by street dogs, whose family was, and still is, the dogs.

She is about to venture into their world, where the bond between humans and dogs is stronger than ever.

The action was caught in a 10-second video for the first time and placed on YouTube. A surveillance camera had captured a dog running onto a busy Santiago highway in Chile to rescue his canine companion trapped against the center island. She had been hit three times in the stream of oncoming traffic. He weaves between speeding cars to reach her and then, looking left and right, drags – with his paws – his fallen friend to the side of the road. Road workers arrive, but the injured dog dies, while “hero dog” as he quickly becomes known, disappears into the city, lost amongst the homeless dogs of Chile.

One viewer of the video was not the first person to want to look for the hero dog. Bloggers were suggesting creating a task force to tackle the enormity of the search. There are roughly 220,000 homeless dogs living amongst 15.4 million people in Santiago, and to find one terrified individual would be almost impossible.

For nine months the highway workers, police and a television crew searched for the hero dog. Ironically, it was when they gave up the search that the video was released, first on Chilean television, then international stations and almost overnight it proliferated the internet. When the video popped up on my computer I was ready for another big film project, and this was about to get bigger than I ever imagined.

Research into Chile’s stray dog crisis quickly uncovered a chilling reality of genocide, interspersed with, and sometimes overshadowed by, the joyful stories of profound love and rescue between humans and dogs. To see this heroic dog act, see: www.youtube.com /watch?v=DgjyhKN_35g

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Therapeutic Skies

by Peggy L. Bahus

“Let me tell you about my dog!” How many times have you heard somebody say that? Well, here comes one more. Skylar is a 12 year-old mixed breed who came to live with us in Livermore, Colorado in 2001.

We moved to Wheatland in October 2005 and I began working at the area Banner Health Hospital in the spring of 2006. That is when I saw “Pet Therapy Day” listed on the nursing home calendar. I inquired and found that a class for training a dog to become a therapy dog was held right here in Wheatland. So after a few months of observation and training, Skylar got his new title, Therapy Dog. We have been visiting Platte County Nursing Home every month since July 2006. On Fridays, my day off, Skylar and I are scheduled to visit there by the activities director Amanda Palmer.

Skylar really looks forward to his visits. The residents have come to know him well, and they hear his story from me when they ask questions. But mostly, the visits are about them and the stories they tell us about the dogs they’ve had during their lifetime here in Wheatland, or at a nearby ranch. It’s wonderful to see their faces light up when we enter their rooms. One gentleman said to me that Skylar is part of the family. What a great compliment! Many residents put their hands on his leash so they can just hold it for a while. One lady closed her eyes while holding onto the leash and drifted off to sleep sitting in her wheelchair in the sunlight…just thinking of days gone by.

One day, we were about to leave when one gentleman came up in his wheelchair to see Skylar.

Another gentleman came in from outside in his wheelchair and stopped, facing the other. Both of them were talking to Skylar, who laid down to listen to each of them. I just sat down on the floor by him to listen and wait till they were happy with the moment and ready for us to leave that day.

These are memories that will always be close to my heart. I chose to have Skylar become a therapy dog because he deserves to be doing this. He has had a rough life before he came to live with us, and this is one more way that I can make his life the best it can be, now that he is retired himself. The residents always ask how old he is, and when I tell them that he is 12 years old, they say, “He’s old too!

Just like me!” And they chuckle when I say he is retired. They have a lot in common, and they feel very connected and close to him.

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by Belle Charles designed by Michael Bell

F

Back from the Dead

red came to us on Sunday, June 30, 2003. An owner turn in, he was

shaping his coat. The initial rescuers found that he had not had a haircut in

covered in mange, had numerous types of worms and a skin infection

over three years and the worst of the masses of tangled hair were trimmed

which was a result of fleas and the mange. At 4 years of age, he had

off.) Fred seemed to take pride in the fact that he had a new haircut.

never had any vaccines. We all held our breath awaiting the results of his

The next step was to bring him inside to begin his socialization with our

heartworm test. When the results came back from the lab, we were ecstatic

other schnauzer and our cats. He seemed very glad to be around the other

to find that he did NOT have heartworms. Thus, Fred began his journey back

animals and before long, they in turn, accepted him. Fred had previously

to good health. He began 6 weeks of Ivermectin treatments to cure him of

given up on life and just existed on a day to day basis, so it took a couple of

the mange, along with a two-week course of antibiotics to cure the skin in-

days for Fred to even realize that when we spoke, we were talking to him. He

fection, and several weeks of an antihistamine to help with the insufferable

had apparently been completely neglected. Loud noises and sudden moves

itching associated with dying mange. Fred was neutered on Thursday, July

caused him to panic. Within a couple of days of consistent love and atten-

3rd, and that afternoon met his foster parents, Anita and Jerry Pritchard.

tion, Fred began to soak it up like a sponge, and his extraordinary personal-

Fred had no idea what was in store for him.

ity began to shine through. When we initially held Fred, he would insist on

Anita and Jerry had already submitted an application for adoption, as

standing rigidly in our laps (apparently prepared to run if he felt threatened),

well as a membership agreement to foster our rescue babies. They were

but slowly his muscles relaxed. By the end of the second week, he crawled

determined NOT to fall too much in love with Fred, as they knew they would

up in the bed and laid down on my arm. There was a release of tension in his

have to give him up. The following is Fred’s Story, as told by Anita.

body and he rolled over on his back in order to let me rub his little belly. He

“Fred was my first experience with foster care after joining Schnauzer

went to sleep on my arm and snored loudly. I held him and let him sleep for

Rescue of the Carolinas. My husband, Jerry, and I picked him up in Asheville

over an hour with the secure knowledge that our bonding had really begun.

on July 3, 2003. Although I thought I had prepared myself mentally to see

As we spent more time with Fred, it became very apparent that he has

his condition, my heart was immediately broken. Fred is a four year old pure-

a special way with people. He is quiet and exceptionally perceptive, and has

bred miniature schnauzer that should have been in the prime of his life; but

a way of winning the hearts of anyone he meets. Love and attention is so

it was obvious that life had been cruel to Fred in many ways. When Fred’s

cherished by him that he returns every kindness with an abundance of love

owners became bored with him, he was “thrown away” to fend for himself

and affection. When he gets attention, his little nub of a tail begins to wag

anyway he could. Divine intervention placed him in the hands of one of our

and then his whole body acts in conjunction. His eyes light up with a new

rescuers, Debbie West, and his life took a turn for the better immediately.

realization that life can be a new and promising adventure after all.

He had been diagnosed with every possible worm/parasite (except heart-

We have begun socializing Fred with people on a regular basis. He wins

worms) and was eaten up with mange. His physical condition was terrible,

the hearts of the elderly and small children with his sweet and simple dispo-

but the emotional damage already done to this little boy was even greater.

sition. An elderly lady that he met yesterday let us know that until Fred came

Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas had Fred treated by a veterinary

along, she did not even like dogs. She could not resist his soft approach and

doctor and neutered before he came to our family. We picked up not only

gave her heart to him within minutes of their meeting. We are in the process

a sick little boy, but an abundance of continuing medication. The “dead”

of making arrangements for Fred to become a therapy dog and offer hope

look in Fred’s eyes brought me immediately to tears. I wondered if it was

and love to others that feel the depth of depression that Fred once experi-

too late for him to come back from the depth of depression that he obvi-

enced. He will be attending behavioral classes and will start nursing home

ously felt. The first week that Fred was with us, he was required to stay in an

visits in the near future.

outdoor kennel because his mange was contagious to both other animals

I joined Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas to contribute my efforts

and people. Initially, Jerry took over the primary feeding duties because

to a very worthy program and to help place loving dogs in families that

Fred seemed to be terrified of men in general. We wanted him to learn that

would benefit from their sweet nature. Needless to say, although Fred was

people are good.

to be our “foster” child, we have opened our home and hearts to Fred on

Within a couple of days, Fred was responding to Jerry’s voice and

a permanent basis. When he first got here, we would tell him that he had a

beginning to perk up. With very little training, he quickly took to walking on

mommy or daddy waiting to give him a happy home very soon. Now Jerry

a leash. It seemed that whatever Fred could do to please, he would put forth

and I are proud to announce his addition to our home, one Fred has already

the extra effort. After Fred was no longer contagious, we had him groomed.

made a much happier place to be!”

(Two long hard hours by the groomer and this was not the first attempt at

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“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.”

—Gilda Radner

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Cesar Millan The man behind the

whisper.

While Cesar Millan’s methods have sometimes attracted controversy and differ in approach from those of our own Fab Five, one thing we can all agree on is that he has made the relationship between people and dogs a household discussion. Whether one condones or condemns his approach, his mass appeal is undeniable.

By By Mary-Jo Dionne | designed by Michael Bell

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C

esar Millan (born August 27, 1969) is a professional dog trainer. In his words, he “rehabilitates dogs, and trains people.” He is best known for his television series, Dog Whisperer, which is currently in its fifth season and airs on the National Geographic Channel in the USA, BIO, a Foxtel Channel in Australia and in the UK. He is also the co-author of the best selling books Cesar’s Way, Be the Pack Leader and A Member of the Family. The International Association of Canine Professionals awarded Cesar and his wife, Ilusion, with honorary membership in March 2006.

“Dog rehabilitation” is Millan’s primary profession, which is portrayed on the program through real-life cases with owners and their dogs. Millan opened the Dog Psychology Center in the mid-1990s, prior to his success with National Geographic.

Cesar’s strongest interest is in rehabilitating aggressive dogs, and he holds a special fondness for what he refers to as the “power breeds,” such as pit bulls, rottweilers and german shepherds.

In adolescence, as Millan was deciding what to do with his life, he knew it had to be something to do with dogs. When his family got their first television set, he watched television shows such as Lassie and The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (black and white, and dubbed in Spanish), and once he figured out that the behavior of the dogs on the show was something that they must have been trained to do off-screen, he decided he wanted to get that job for himself. He dreamed of moving to Hollywood and becoming the world’s greatest dog trainer. At fifteen, he got a job at a local veterinarian’s office, helping out by sweeping and grooming and cleaning up after the animals. He says that it became rapidly apparent that he had a natural talent, as he had no fear of dogs and could grab dogs that “even the vet wouldn’t go near.” He was teased for this in school, as some of the other children began calling him el perrero, the dog boy, an unkind term in a city where dogs were seen mostly as mangy scavengers and nuisances.

Cesar Millan does not claim to “train” dogs in the sense of teaching them commands like “sit, stay, come, heel.” Instead, he says that he rehabilitates unbalanced dogs and helps “re-train” their owners.

Millan is known for his ability to walk large packs of dogs at the same time. Where most dog professionals work with one dog at a time, Millan teaches in packs. The dogs in his pack are all rehabilitated, rescued from a wide range of extreme behavior

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issues, from insecurity to severe aggression. He asserts that the pack instinct is perhaps the strongest natural motivator for a dog and teaches that in order to properly fulfill both our dogs and ourselves, owners need to become canines’ calm, assertive pack leaders. He believes that a dog that does not trust its human to be a good pack leader becomes unbalanced and often exhibits unwanted or anti-social behaviors. Millan has stated repeatedly that the walk is an important part of establishing the relationship between a dog and its owner. He often counsels people on how to hold themselves properly while on the walk: Straighten your posture. Lift your shoulders high. Stick your chest forward. Project calm-assertive energy.

Millan counsels people to use calm-assertive leadership and consistently gives dogs rules, boundaries and limitations to establish themselves as solid pack leaders and help correct and control unwanted behavior. Despite his results, some view his methods as outdated. Among his methods are quick leash corrections, quick assertive touches, and walks to drain energy. One controversial method he uses is the alpha roll, where he physically rolls a dog on its back.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, the director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine of Tufts University, has said “Cesar Millan’s methods are based on flooding and punishment. The results, though immediate, will be only transitory.”

lashes. Not something I detected while glued to my TV watching him “train people and rehabilitate dogs” on his Emmy-nominated series, National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer. Almost uncomfortably perfect, the eyelashes evoke a fleeting thought that perhaps eyelash-fluttering-induced hypnosis is part of his magic.

However, that theory is thrown out the window faster than a bag of dog poo in the garbage, when one witnesses the whispering firsthand. At the risk of sounding like a schoolgirl telling ghost stories around the campfire—one who swears this really happened—I assure you I observed the power of the “calm assertive pack leader” in action. I heard the famous “tsst!” with my own two ears.

Instantly friendly, this is a man who, if you met in line at Whole Foods, would offer to carry your groceries. And while I don’t have groceries with me when we meet, I do have my boyfriend with me. Originally there only to drop me off chauffeur-style, Chad soon finds himself talking with Cesar about topics ranging from Buddhism to natural resources. But this, I suspect, is the allure of Cesar. He can pull you in with a magnetism not reserved exclusively for dogs, but rather for the potential he sees in humanity. And after offering Chad the keys to his motorbike parked nearby, it’s clear his meteoric rise to the top has rendered him unaffected.

Cesar and I roam parts of his 43 acres in the rural outskirts of suburban Los Angeles that will house his new Dog Psychology Centre.

He tells me about his new-found respect for women after being raised in a culture that doesn’t promote their value. We discuss

“To me, a dog that is trained doesn’t equal a dog that is balanced, and a dog that is balanced doesn’t equal a trained dog.”— C. Millan Jean Donaldson, the San Francisco SPCA Director of The Academy for Dog Trainers has criticized Millan for physically confronting aggressive dogs and using check chains for fearful dogs.

On September 6, 2006, the American Humane Association issued a press release criticizing Millan’s tactics and called on the National Geographic Channel to cease airing the program immediately.

In October 2006, the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants wrote a letter to the National Geographic Channel regarding concerns “that the program may lead children to engage in unsafe behaviors.” The Association called for a change in the program’s rating of TV-G. The first things you notice when you meet Cesar Millan are the multiple faces of his canine compadres staring from his SUV. The next thing you notice are his verging-on-illegal eyelashes. Yes, his eye-

lessons he’s learned from the likes of Dr Deepak Chopra, Dr Wayne Dyer, and his own wife, Ilusion. And although he is adored by A-list clients, he explains: “It’s not about the home in Bel Air. Humans live their lives based in stories. Dogs live their lives based in reality.”

It is this wisdom that has contributed to his becoming a household name, and his list of tangible accolades grows. He is the best-selling author of Cesar’s Way, Be the Pack Leader, and, most recently, A Member of the Family. He has been a guest on Oprah, portrayed as a character on the animated series South Park, parodied on Saturday Night Live, and is co-founder of the non-profit Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation.

With a resume like this, it’s no wonder there exists a cult-like curiosity about all things Dog Whisperer. So as we sit down, me with my retro tape recorder and he with his startling eyelashes, I am determined to find out who the man behind the whisper really is.

The Interview: MD: Do you remember when you realized your relationship with dogs was special?

CM: I was 13 years old. In Mazatlan, on my way to a Judo competition.

With my mom. I declared: ‘Mom, I am going to be the best dog trainer in the world.’ That was what was available then. That profession. Which is great, but I didn’t know I could actually practice dog psychology. That day to me, in front of this big statue, was the moment I knew there was no turning back.

MD: Have you been back to that spot?

CM: All the time. I’m very symbolic. That spot is a big deal to me.

As soon as I land, I eat shrimp tacos, I get my mom, and we go to that spot. Just to express my gratitude.

MD: You credit your grandfather as the person who most instilled in you a respect for animals. Why? CM: To him, everything about an animal was beautiful. He adored them. He didn’t love animals in the way Americans love animals; he would get a kick out of that: To see a birthday party for a dog…. He was the epitome of honesty, integrity, loyalty. And that’s what he loved about animals.

MD: You’re very open about the fact you came to America by unorthodox means. You were 21 years old when you crossed the border in 1990 after weeks in Tijuana assessing the situation. What went through your mind when you were standing neck-deep in a river, waiting for your opportunity to cross?

CM: It’s unbelievable, but not one drop of fear came to me. I was not afraid whatsoever. Just the feeling of ‘this is what I need to do.’

I was in the water for more than four hours… I felt like somebody was taking care of me.

MD: Originally you were homeless in San Diego?

CM: For two months. But the way I looked at it was that I was a tourist. When people ask me what is it I like about America, to me, it’s the beautiful freeways. Plants in the middle of the road, well groomed. I’d never seen that. And so to me, I felt like a tourist, not an illegal guy running from anything. No place to live, no money.

But I never begged; I worked. At 7/11 you could get two hotdogs for 99 cents. So it was enough. One of the things I always wanted to drink was soda. My mom did not allow us to drink soda. And here, you get refills! For $1.69, you can get all the soda you want!

MD: You come to America and this is the drinking problem you develop?

level, and she sent an English teacher to me for a year. To me, she’s an angel. She opened up my ability to communicate. In Mexico, I was surrounded by people who believed in me. I would be playing marbles and they would say: ‘Oh! He’s going to win!’ And Jada did the same.

MD: She saw you playing with marbles and knew you were going to win.

CM: Metaphorically speaking, yes.

MD: What advice can you give people who want more for their lives?

CM: It’s available. It’s there. The only obstacle and the only person who can stop it is you.

MD: In Dog Whisperer Ultimate Episode Guide, the authors admit the show has attracted some controversy. They joke that the only thing two dog trainers can agree on is they both don’t like the methods of the other. Do you feel you’ve been misunderstood by critics?

CM: Yes, it is definitely a matter of being misunderstood. I am not there to train the dogs. To me, a dog that is trained doesn’t equal a dog that is balanced, and a dog that is balanced doesn’t equal a trained dog. But I’d rather have a balanced dog than a trained dog.

I’ve done more than a hundred shows, and every one of them is positive reinforcement. People are learning it’s not about the dog and that’s positive for society.

I always say my way is not the only way. It’s just an option, not the only option.

MD: The life your sons lead is 180 degrees different from the life you led at their age. How are you able to impart values like ethics, hard work, and respect onto them?

CM: My boys work for what they have. Right now, they are feeding the homeless. They learn every day about being compassionate. I don’t care how wealthy they become as long as they work for what they have. Respect is a big deal to us, and gratitude. We all lived in the hood for a while in a garage in Inglewood. They totally get it.

MD: What is the one message you hope you leave behind?

CM: Connection. Between human beings and Mother Nature.

MD: How has fame changed your life?

CM: I see fame the way my dogs see fame. It’s not real. It’s a story.

I am the same Mexican guy who jumped the border with a dream.

Only with better clothes.

CM: Exactly! But I had never tried it before, out of respect for my mom.

MD: Here’s a quote by Anais Nin: ‘Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive. And it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.’ How did your friendship with Jada Pinkett Smith create a new world for you?

CM: Before I even knew Hollywood, I was watching a movie called A Low Down Dirty Shame. In one scene, there she was, in the fetal position, screaming. I told my wife: ‘I know that girl!’ It just felt real.

Later, I met Jada…and that was it. Boom! Every time I think about it, I get this emotion in my chest. My English wasn’t what it is now.

I shared with Jada that I wanted to take what I knew to a higher 31 | SCRATCH Magazine

“Yesterday I was a dog.

Today I’m a dog.

Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog. Sigh!

There’s so little hope for advancement.” —Snoopy

BIG F aith

An amazing two-legged dog provides hope and inspiration.

By Corey Van’t Haaff | designed by Michael Bell

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Faith, a bipedal female dog, was born in December 2002 with only three legs; two fully-developed hind legs and a deformed front leg, which was amputated when she was 7 months old after it began to atrophy. Her owner, Jude Stringfellow, adopted Faith when the mother dog was found trying to smother the deformed puppy—her son rescued the puppy and brought her home. Many people, including veterinarians, advised that Faith be euthanized.Instead, using a spoon with peanut butter as an incentive, Jude taught Faith to hop but Faith decided on her own to walk; the family’s corgi would bark at Faith from another room, or nip her heels to urge her to walk.

Frankie was a young soldier serving in Iraq when he was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device and lost both legs.

While recovering at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center back in the USA, Frankie was despondent about his injuries. All he had ever wanted was to be a soldier. Now, with no legs, unable to walk, his dream had died. A general on the base told him that once a soldier, always a soldier, even if you’re not in the field. The words probably meant little at the time.

Then Sergeant Faith came to see him. She walked in, upright and proud, and in that moment, everything changed. Sergeant Faith, a mixed-breed dog, was also missing two legs, yet was walking just as a human walks, on two strong back legs. Missing limbs were not holding her back.

“I know he was absolutely moved,” said Jude Stringfellow, Faith’s owner. “He said ‘I know if a dog can do it, I can do it.’”

Frankie continued with his rehabilitation and received two artificial limbs. Before he left Walter Reed, he called Stringfellow on the phone.

“He said, ‘I’m walking out of the hospital, put Faith on the phone.’”

There are other soldiers with similar stories of Faith. Greg, a

19-year-old, had also lost his legs while in Iraq. He met Faith just after his amputation and, said Stringfellow; the dog helped him in his recovery.

“People like to talk to Faith,” said Stringfellow. “It teaches them they’re going to be okay. It brings a smile to their face.”

Jude Stringfellow’s first glimpse of Faith was as a squirming ball of something under her son Reuben’s jersey. Reuben had gone to help a friend bury a litter of puppies that had died nearby in their Oklahoma City neighbourhood, but it turned out that one pup was still alive. The boy couldn’t turn his back on what he saw: a puppy with two big, pleading eyes, two floppy ears, and only two working legs. One front leg was missing completely and the other was misplaced and deformed, ultimately atrophying and being removed while she was still a pup.

Stringfellow, a struggling single mom of three, already had a family dog and surely didn’t want another dog to care for and feed.

“Having another dog was out of the question,” said Stringfellow.

But when her son asked, “Can we fix her?” Stringfellow changed her mind, though she “didn’t think she would live through the night. The vet said it didn’t look good.”

But Faith did live through the night. Following veterinary advice, Stringfellow propped little Faith up with pillows to get her off her chest. With constant encouragement, Faith started to develop strength in her back limbs and started moving.

“We put peanut better on the end of a spoon and held it above nose level,” she said. “She’d try to lick it and fall over, like any other toddler. Eventually her back legs became strong enough to sit up like a squirrel then her belly muscles became stronger so she could sit straight up. That took about three weeks.”

One day, the family took Faith out outside, where there was deep snow. To their utter amazement, she started hopping. The family went wild with excitement.

“She kept doing it over again,” said Stringfellow. “Then we watched her hop in the house. She’d hop over shoes and pillows.

She’d hop from the floor to the couch.”

As surprised as she was, Stringfellow said she saw from the first moment the determination, intelligence, and ambition in Faith’s eyes.“I’d watch her play with the other dogs and she didn’t care that she didn’t have legs. They didn’t care either.”

But hopping wasn’t to be Faith’s preferred mode of mobility. Reuben’s birthday was coming up and Stringfellow didn’t have money for a present. Faith provided one—she started to walk.

“She walked upright like a human,” she said. Stringfellow called a local TV station and by that evening, the story of Faith’s walking was being disseminated by the Associated Press.

Stringfellow said Faith has a profound affect on everyone she meets. Three years after the dog came to live with her, Stringfellow started doing motivational talks throughout the country, with Faith as proof that anything was possible.

It was at Fort Lewis, an army base near Seattle, while visiting soldiers stationed there, that Faith became an honourary sergeant for the day. But as she continued to do her military work, everyone continued to refer to her as Sergeant Faith. A general told Stringfellow that was just fine, because once you’re in the army, you’ll always be in the army.

Of course, it isn’t just soldiers who benefit from Faith’s message of hope and determination. A 13-year-old girl in Panama City who was in a wheelchair played hooky from school to meet Faith about two years ago.

“She spent all day with Faith,” said Stringfellow. “She felt important and needed and hadn’t felt that way in a while. She learned that being handicapped doesn’t stop you from doing what’s needed. She became a spokesperson for handicapped kids in her area and ultimately ran for school council and won.”

As much inspiration as Faith has brought to the strangers she has met, this amazing dog saved her best work for home. Stringfellow explained that just prior to Faith’s arrival, her family had endured

“She walked in, upright and proud, and in that moment, everything changed.” the awful after-effects of a messy divorce, including a five-year custody battle. She was only working part-time as a teacher and was not receiving any child support for her kids, then aged 17, 13, and 12.

“Before we got her, we were looking and acting like a hand without a thumb. We were working independently. I couldn’t make anyone do anything,” said Stringfellow. Once Faith arrived, the family had to work collectively to make sure Faith got everything she needed.

“Faith is like a thumb—she forced us to be a family.”

Update: Shortly after Christmas, Jude was contacted by a pet rescue organization that had received a litter of pups—including one little guy with only two legs. Tanker, as he is now named, came to live with Jude and her family. Jude plans to love him, hug him, squeeze him, train him, spoil him, and put him in the same category as Faith—a natural dog with a purpose. Like Faith, Tanker will travel around the world making soldiers (and others) smile, teaching that if a dog can do it, you can do it, too.

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“The dog is a yes-animal. Very popular with people who can’t afford a yes-man.”

—Robertson Davies

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Living in the city can be great. However, if you make living arrangements without considering your dog, you and him can end up being in a very uncomfortable situation.

With more than 45 per cent of American households owning pets, demand for pet friendly apartment developments is growing. Scratch visits two pet friendly developments that are being embraced by dog lovers.

Urban sprawl, land scarcity and high-density living around transport and retail centres have changed our urban landscape forever. These elements, combined with an influx of cashed up baby boomers who are ‘up-shifting’ from the family home, are putting pressure on property developers and body corporate managers to cater for pets.

“The great cities of the world have pet friendly apartments, namely Paris, New York and London,” says David Pradella, joint director of construction and property development company Pradella. These high-density cities have no choice but to build upwards. Austin is heading down the same path and pets need to be factored into the development equation.”

David is a self-confessed animal lover whose personal passion is evident throughout his landmark Parklands developments overlooking Austin’s Roma Street Parklands. “The pet friendly policy across our five buildings in Parklands has certainly paid off with a number of residents bringing their much loved pet with them. Many residents who moved into Pinnacle had downsized from homes or as I like to call it, ‘up-shifted’, for reasons including children leaving home and to be closer to their work. “It’s not surprising that many had the family dog or cat to take into consideration which can seriously impact on purchasing decisions. “The pet business is worth billions to the American economy, indicating that pets play a major role in our society. In fact Americans have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.” With his own dog Eddie, becoming well accustomed to apartment living after gaining approval to reside in a recently-purchased Gold Coast apartment, David says only a few new inner-city developments coming on stream in Austin could be considered pet friendly.

“Parklands success in the market is evident by the fact that of the 60 apartments in our landmark Pinnacle development, only 20 remain for sale,” he says.

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While there is a size limit for pets at Pinnacle of 20 pounds and under, David says size alone does not automatically guarantee ‘resident’ status.

group called the ‘Pyrmont Pooch Party’, which meets regularly in Cadi Park - one of several parks within Jacksons Landing and one of the area’s most popular dog-walking spots.

“Pets must be well behaved and not too noisy for the comfort of other residents,” he adds.

Resident and Pyrmont Pooch Party coordinator Gaye McLean says the adjoining parklands give dogs and their owners some exercise while providing a great opportunity for social interaction.

Boo Brett has lived at Pinnacle since mid-2006 and couldn’t be happier after the family moved from acreage at Fig Tree Pocket in Austin’s western suburbs.

“The group also comprises Pyrmont residents from outside Jacksons Landing and we always run into each other when we’re walking our dogs.”

“We wouldn’t have moved here if we couldn’t bring Ellie, our much-loved five-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. The apartment is huge and Ellie has adapted very well,” Boo says.

The first stage of another expansive waterfront park has recently been completed at Jacksons Landing, providing a myriad of new facilities and amenities for the public and providing a green, organic space for local residents to share with their children and their pets.

“She’s actually lost weight due to three walks a day. I’ll walk her early in the morning and the children will take her for a couple more walks and a play when they get home from school.

“Apartment living suits Ellie down to the ground because she’s quite lazy, and if she’s not sitting on the lounge or one of the beds, she’s out on the balcony with the family. “Having the Roma Street Parklands on our doorstep is a major bonus.” It’s not just the Brisbane climate and lifestyle that is driving dog-friendly developments. Almost 200 dogs live at Jacksons Landing, a harbour front community in Austin, Texas “While apartment-dwelling dogs and cats have been accepted in the US and the Europe for some time, it is a relatively new concept in other countries,” says Rob Deck, project director of Jacksons Landing, a prestigious waterfront development that encourages residents to keep pets.

Despite catering to the needs of pets, it’s not just the pooches that are enjoying the pampered lifestyle.

Rob says Jacksons Landing has attracted people who want a change of lifestyle; who like the idea of living close to the water, parkland and entertainment facilities; and who use the comprehensive transport systems to get to and from work.

“They like to be among the hum of the city while not always being confronted by it.” Pet friendly property developers are clearly meeting a market need, but to ensure people and pooches live happily together, responsible pet ownership is essential. This means cleaning up after your pooch; ensuring it gets plenty of exercise and stimulation to avoid boredom (which can lead to barking); and teaching your dog good manners and behaviour.

“If developers disallow pets they’re excluding a significant number of potential buyers.” Almost 200 dogs live at Jacksons Landing, which is located near Darling Harbour, and this fondness for pets is considered to be a factor in its sales success.

Things to look for in a pet friendly apartment:

“We have advertising campaigns devoted to attracting residents with pets, setting us apart from most other developments in Texas,” Rob says.

• good insulation or soundproofing

Complete with ample open parkland, special doggy-do bins and even a handful of dog-sitters, four-legged friends are well catered for at the harbour front community. Residents have even formed a

• large safe balconies • extensive tiling or floorboards throughout

• floor to ceiling windows so pets can look out • close to dog-friendly parks and walking trails • a pet friendly body corporate.

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“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.”

—Mark Twain

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It’s possibly unbelieveable to some that such practices are still used and in some cases and countries, condoned for the sake of financial profit. But not only is it practiced, but its actually performed by those in government in some countries.

WARNING: Be careful as to where you walk your dog.

55 | SCRATCH Magazine

Fur Farms In these fur farms, animals such as mink, rabbits, cats, and dogs spend their entire lives confined to tiny, filthy cages, constantly pacing back and forth from stress and boredom. They exhibit stereotypical stress behaviour such as self-mutilation and cannibalism, demonstrating that intense confinement drives them insane.

Fifty million animals are killed for fur worldwide every year, and approximately 74% of that fur comes from fur farms.

Chinese fur farms; specifically, beating larger animals like dogs to the point that they are too weak to resist and then skinning them alive. Often they are simply swung by the hind legs so that their heads may be slammed against the ground. This is common practice. A bullet would damage otherwise sellable pelt, and electrocution and gassing are too expensive for many Chinese fur farms to afford.

Let’s look at the example of mink, the most common animals raised for fur. In the wild, mink are solitary animals that have a home range of up to 2,500 acres. Fur farms, however, contain anywhere from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of mink. Generally, these animals are housed in individual cages to keep them from killing each other – they are caged together only occasionally, with their own offspring, and then only until sexual maturity. Each cage is about the length of the mink’s body – 1 foot by 3 feet. Additionally, they are semi-aquatic animals, and studies have shown that they suffer greatly when denied access to water in which to swim.

Worried that you might be wearing a dog? You should be – workers in fur farms often label dog and cat pelts with “rabbit” or “raccoon” when exporting them to countries where they would not otherwise sell. Two million cats and dogs are killed for fur each year in China, many of them stolen pets.

When it comes time to kill these animals, fur farms utilize one of several methods of slaughter, all of which are approved by the Fur Council of Canada. Larger animals like foxes, bobcats, and lynx are often killed via anal or vaginal electrocution, wherein a clamp is attached to the animal’s mouth and a rod is forced into its anus or vagina. Smaller animals like rabbits, mink, and chinchillas are sometimes put into boxes and poisoned with the use of unfiltered engine exhaust. This technique does not necessarily kill the animal, however, and it sometimes wakes up while being skinned.

Other methods of killing animals include lethal injection directly into the stomach with poisons such as chloral hydrate, magnesium sulphate, or nicotine sulphate, possibly in the forms of pesticide, as well as gassing, neck-breaking, or simply stunning the animal so that it won’t struggle while being skinned. Methods of stunning are often as crude as simply slamming the animal into the ground repeatedly until it is too injured to fight back.

Eighty percent of the world’s fur, including that sold in countries like Canada and the United States, comes from China. Much has been made in recent years of a typical technique utilized in many

If you have an inexpensive item with fur trim, don’t assume it’s fake – the price of dog, cat, and rabbit pelts ranges from just one to six dollars apiece.

Fur Trapping When it comes to wild animals, fur trapping is enormously detrimental to a number of species, including our very own pets. About 5 million “non-target” animals are caught by steel jaw leghold traps every year, including pet dogs, cats, owls, eagles, and various endangered species.

These leghold traps, which have been banned in more than 90 countries, are still legal in places like Canada, the U.S., Russia, and Australia. Some of them are even placed underwater, where they ultimately drown any animal – typically beavers, mink, or muskrats – unfortunate enough to be caught in one. The fur industry claims this is humane, despite the fact that it takes these animals ten or even twenty minutes to drown.

Other common traps are the body grip (or Conibear) trap and the snare trap. The snare trap is designed to strangle animals or crush vital organs. It becomes tighter as the animal struggles, and the industry has even come up with a term to describe the bloody lymph fluid that fills and surrounds the heads of any canines that are caught. They call it “jellyhead”. Like any trap, it is indiscriminate as to what it catches.

Conibear traps, which consist of a pair of metal rectangles meant to snap together and kill the animal quickly, are no less cruel and generally crush animals to death over a period of days. Pet dogs and cats are often common victims of this particular type of trap.

Trappers often wait days to check their traps, which means that trapped animals – who are generally not killed outright – suffer enormously. Some attempt to chew off their limbs in an attempt to escape. When the trapper returns, he or she stomps on the chest or neck of the animal until it dies.

“Larger animals...are often killed via anal or vaginal electrocution...”

Frequently Asked Fur Questions • But it’s cold where I live. What else am I supposed to wear?

• But isn’t fur less damaging to the environment than an artificially-created product?

• How can I tell the difference between real and fake fur?

• Can’t I just read the label?

• How many animals does it take to make a coat?

• But my coat just has a little trim...

• Are you against native people hunting fur animals to survive?

• All the top designers use fur and it’s an integral part of the fashion industry.

• What about leather?

• But it’s cold where I live. What else am I supposed to wear?

Now that we’ve entered the 21st century, there are a myriad of alternatives to fur and it is simply not the warmest thing available.

Fabrics such as Gore-Tex and Polypropylene, for example, are renowned for their ability to keep you warm even in arctic conditions!

For the look of fur without the cruelty, consider one of the many faux fur options available to the public from such vendors as Fabulous Furs or Coquette Faux Furriers here in Canada. Do a quick Google search and see what you can find!

But isn’t fur less damaging to the environment than an artificiallycreated product?

Despite what the fur industry wants us to believe, it’s far more damaging. A study done at the University of Michigan showed that creating a fur garment takes approximately 20 times the energy it would to make a fake fur garment of the same size. Even a fur coat made from a wild animal takes 3 times as much energy.

While an untanned (untreated) pelt is naturally biodegradable and

57 | SCRATCH Magazine

therefore better for the environment, absolutely no untanned coats are sold. After all, who wants a coat that will quickly rot in their closet? The chemical treatments used to keep the fur from rotting are dangerous to the water supply. Some of these chemicals include sulphuric, formic and lactic acids, lead, cyanide, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, chromium salts, alum, sodium chlorite, copper sulphate and ferous sulphate.

Highly elevated levels of these chemicals can be found in the areas around fur and leather tanneries. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention discovered that the incidence of leukemia in residents near a Kentucky tannery were five times the national average.4 Meanwhile, people working in fur or leather tanneries are even more susceptible to cancer; a study conducted by the New York State Department of Health determined that more than half of testicular cancer victims were also tannery employees.

One must also consider the impact that fur-farmed animals have upon the environment. For example, 2.56 million mink were raised and killed specifically for their fur in the United States in 2004.

Each mink produces approximately 44 pounds of feces during its lifetime, which adds up to tens of thousands of pounds annually.

Additionally, mink feces contain phosphorus, and though the fur industry has sought ways to reduce the amount they excrete, U.S. waterways are still polluted with over 1000 tons annually. In fact, in January of 1998 ,Sweden’s largest fox farm was forced to close due to its role in the contamination of the local water supply.

Fur gained through trapping brings up an entirely different environmental issue. An average of three non-target animals are trapped and thrown away for every target animal that is caught – and many of these are endangered species. A study conducted by the University of Minnesota Raptor and Research Rehabilitation program determined that 21% of Bald Eagle admissions involved leghold trap related injuries, and 64% of these admissions were fatal. 8 The rare Alberta Swift Fox, which was once thought to have been driven to extinction by hunting, now exists in small numbers despite decades-long attempts to reestablish their population.

Despite the fact that it is now illegal to hunt them intentionally, Swift Foxes are still at risk as non-target victims of traps set for species such as red foxes and coyotes.

BanCruelTraps.org keeps a list of news reports of non-target animals (and people) injured or killed in traps.

Some endangered animals are caught not only intentionally but legally. The Sierra Club of Canada has warned that the Red Wolf population – estimated at only 200 to a couple thousand individuals – is severely threatened by hunting and trapping and are disappearing at a rate of 5% annually. They predict that complete ban on hunting and trapping is necessary in the 37 townships surrounding Algonquin Park if the species is to survive, but no such ban (or even regulatory measure) exists.10 Meanwhile, there exist only 300 Newfoundland Martens remaining because the species was decimated by once-legal trapping.

It is significant to note that attempts to describe fur as “environmentally safe” in England, Denmark, Holland, Italy, and Finland

were actually ruled false and misleading – and therefore illegal – by advertising standards committees.

Learn more about this issue at Crueltyisnotgreen.com or this report from the Humane Society of the United States, new as of January 2009.

How can I tell the difference between real and fake fur?

Since tags and labels have been proven by the RSPCA and the HSUS to be deceptive (see the latest report on this matter here), you should not rely on these alone when attempting to determine the authenticity of a fur. There are a few easy ways, however, that you can tell the difference between fake and real fur without the benefit of a label.

1. Feel the fur. Real fur will feel soft and fine and will roll between your fingers smoothly. Fake fur tends to be coarser.

2. Push a pin through the base of the fur. If it is real, it will have a leather backing and therefore be hard to force a pin through. If it goes through easily, the fur is probably fake.

3. Pluck a couple of hairs from the coat and set them on fire. Real fur will singe like human hair and smell the same. Fake fur will melt and smell like burning plastic, and it will form into small balls at the end.

4. Blow on the fur so that it separates. If it is real, you will likely be able to see layers of soft, almost wooly fur through which longer hairs protrude. The backing will be leather. Fake fur is generally one simple layer of nearly identical hairs.

Think that just because a fur is cheap, it must be fake? Unfortunately, this is not the case. Rabbit pelts, for example, can be had for 1 to 6 dollars a piece. Fur is no longer exclusively a high-priced item.

How many animals does it take to make a coat?

But my coat just has a little trim...

Recently the fur industry has attempted to boost its sales by adding little bits of fur to coats and other clothing as purely ornamen-

tal trim. The fur may be dyed or mixed with other fabrics to give the impression that it is actually fake. 13 Don’t fall for these tricks – it may be only a little fur, but it still represents the painful existence of the animal who died for it and may actually be a major part of the sales that fueled its death. For example, up to 90% of fox fur is used purely as “just a little trim”, and analysts predict that soon, the number of animal pelts used for trim will actually outnumber those used for full coats! 14

Are you against native people hunting fur animals to survive?

No. But it is important to note that the role of native people in the Canadian fur industry is a very small one. According to the Canadian Fur Council, there exist in Canada 25,000 native trappers out of 60,000 trappers total. 15 In 2002, the total value of trapped fur was $23.6 million. Assuming that aboriginal fur sold for approximately the same price as non-aboriginal furs, that means that $9.9 million worth of aboriginal furs were sold that year, or only $396 per trapper in annual revenue.

In fact, the Standing Committee in Aboriginal Affairs states specifically that “trappers, native and non-native alike, trap by choice and not need.”

In comparison, the Canadian fur industry as a whole makes $800 million a year – therefore, aboriginal profits account for approximately 1 percent annually. Additionally, an overall aboriginal population of 1,319,890 means that less than 2 percent of native people are involved in fur trapping.

If you are interested in buying fur trapped by aboriginal people, you may find it difficult – the fur industry has consistently opposed initiatives to label native fur.

left page: A pet dog caught in a trap intended for other wild animals. above: These are some of the brutal methods used to kills dogs for their fur in countries such as China. The practice is inhumane although legal.

“Today’s fur industry professes to be the champion of Canada’s Natives, selflessly watching over the welfare of a people whose future is uncertain. This is ironic considering that the fur industry has been the most destructive force in our history.” All the top designers use fur and it’s an integral part of the fashion industry.

Actually, the fur industry is in decline and has been since the 1980’s. Top designers and fashion moguls such as Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Jacob, Roots, Burton, Janice Dickinson, Nicole Miller, and Ralph Lauren have all stopped using fur due to public pressure or personal ethics.

What about leather?

Leather is an entirely separate issue but no less important. To learn more about the leather industry, please visit Vegsource.com or Cowsarecool.com.

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“No Matter how little money and how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich.”—Louis Sabin

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Their beginnings weren’t so cute.

A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality.

This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.

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A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs.

Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality. This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.

Puppy mill puppies are typically sold to pet shops—usually through a broker, or middleman—and marketed as young as eight weeks of age. The lineage records of puppy mill dogs are often falsified.

What Is a Puppy Mill?

A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs.

Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality. This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.

Puppy mill puppies are typically sold to pet shops—usually through a broker, or middleman—and marketed as young as eight weeks of age. The lineage records of puppy mill dogs are often falsified.

What Problems Are Common to Puppy Mill Dogs?

Illness, disease, fearful behavior and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are common characteristics of dogs from puppy mills. Because puppy mill operators fail to apply proper husbandry practices that would remove sick dogs from their breeding pools, puppies from puppy mills are prone to congenital and hereditary conditions. These can include: • Epilepsy • Heart disease

• Kidney disease • Musculoskeletal disorders (hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, etc.)

• Endocrine disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism) • Blood disorders (anemia, Von Willebrand disease) • Deafness • Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, etc.)

• Respiratory disorders On top of that, puppies often arrive in pet stores—and their new homes—with diseases or infirmities. These can include: • Giardia • Parvovirus • Distemper • Upper respiratory infections • Kennel cough • Pneumonia • Mange • Fleas • Ticks • Intestinal parasites • Heartworm • Chronic diarrhea How Are Animals Treated at Puppy Mills?

Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Puppy mill dogs do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs—and it is not unusual for cages to be stacked up in columns.

Breeder dogs at mills might spend their entire lives outdoors, ex-

posed to the elements—or crammed inside filthy structures where they never get the chance to feel the sun or a gust of fresh air on their faces.

Help Fight Puppy Mills.

How Often Are Dogs Bred in Puppy Mills?

In order to maximize profits, female dogs are bred at every opportunity with little to no recovery time between litters. When, after a few years, they are physically depleted to the point that they no longer can reproduce, breeding females are often killed. The mom and dad of the puppy in the pet store window are unlikely to make it out of the mill alive—and neither will the many puppies born with overt physical problems that make them unsalable to pet stores.

1. Do Not Buy Your Puppy From a Pet Store That puppy who charmed you through the pet shop window has most likely come from a large-scale, substandard commercial breeding facility, commonly known as a puppy mill. In these facilities, parent dogs are caged and bred as often as possible, and give birth to puppies who could have costly medical problems you might not become aware of until after you bring your new pet home.

When and Why Did Puppy Mills Begin?

Puppy mills began sprouting up after World War II. In response to widespread crop failures in the Midwest, the United States Department of Agriculture began promoting purebred puppies as a foolproof “cash” crop. It is easy to see why this might have appealed to farmers facing hard times—breeding dogs does not require the intense physical labor that it takes to produce edible crops, nor are dogs as vulnerable to unfavorable weather. Chicken coops and rabbit hutches were repurposed for dogs, and the retail pet industry—pet stores large and small—boomed with the increasing supply of puppies from the new “mills.” Today, Missouri is considered the largest puppy mill state in the country.

Seeking a puppy supply source on the East Coast, puppy brokers—the middlemen who deliver the dogs from mills to pet stores—convinced many of Pennsylvania’s Amish farmers in the 1970s that puppies were the cash crop of the future. Brokers conducted seminars to teach farmers how to operate their own breeding facilities. Thirty years later, Lancaster County, PA, has the highest concentration of puppy mills of any county in the nation and has earned the dubious nickname of “Puppy Mill Capital of the East.”

How Can I Help Fight Puppy Mills?

There are many ways you can fight puppy mills, starting with refusing to patronize the stores and websites that sell their dogs.

• Do not buy a puppy from a pet store—in fact, do not buy a puppy from any place that does not allow you to see its entire facility and meet the mother dog. This includes websites that sell pets online.

Anyone can put up a great-looking website boasting the highest standards of breeding and care, but you really have no way of knowing if such businesses are what they claim. Truly responsible breeders want to meet you before selling you one of their prized pups to be sure that he or she is going to a good home. Read more about online scams here.

10 Ways You Can Help Fight Puppy Mills

2. Make Adoption Your First Option If you’re looking to make a puppy part of your family, check your local shelters first. Not only will you be saving a life, but you will ensure that your money is not going to support a puppy mill.

There are many dogs waiting for homes in shelters all across the country—and an estimated one in four is a purebred! Your second option is breed rescue. If your heart is set on a specific breed you haven’t been able to find in a shelter, you can do an Internet search for a breed-specific rescue organization.

3. Know How to Recognize a Responsible Breeder If you’ve exhausted your options for adopting and are choosing to buy from a breeder, remember that responsible breeders have their dogs’ interests in mind. They are not simply interested in making a sale, but in placing their pups in good homes. A responsible breeder should screen you as thoroughly as you screen them! Read the ASPCA’s responsible breeding statement to find out more about how a responsible breeder behaves.

4. See Where Your Puppy Was Born and Bred One sign that you are speaking to an unscrupulous breeder is that they will not let you see the facility in which your puppy was born.

Always ask to see the breeding premises and to meet both parents (or at least the mother) of the puppy you want to take home. You should also ask for an adoption contract that explains—in terms you understand—the breeder’s responsibilities, health guarantee and return policy.

5. Internet Buyers, Beware!

Buying a puppy from the Internet is as risky as buying from a pet store. If you buy a puppy based on a picture and a phone call, you

• You can also take a more active role in fighting puppy mills by working with the ASPCA to pass legislation that ensures that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions. Stay upto-date about current legislation to ban puppy mills by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Please also read our Ten Ways You Can

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have no way of seeing the puppy’s breeding premises or meeting his parents. And those who sell animals on the Internet are not held to the Animal Welfare Act regulations, and so are not inspected by the USDA. 6. Share Your Puppy Mill Story with the ASPCA If you have—or think you have—purchased a puppy-mill puppy, please tell us your story. Every bit of evidence gives us more power to get legislation passed that will ban puppy mills.

7. Speak Out! Inform your state and federal legislators that you are disturbed by the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills, and would like to see legislation passed that ensures that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions. You can keep up-to-date about current legislation to ban puppy mills by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade.

8. Tell Your Friends If someone you know is planning on buying a puppy, please direct them to our puppy mill information at ASPCA.org. Let them know that there are perfectly healthy dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted.

9. Think Globally Have a webpage, a MySpace page or a blog? Use these powerful tools to inform people about puppy mill cruelty by adding a link to our puppy mill information at ASPCA.org.

10. Act Locally!

When people are looking to buy or adopt a pet, they will often ask the advice of their veterinarian, groomer or pet supply store.

Download and print our flyers (and ask to leave them in the offices of your local practitioners.

Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, violations regularly go unpunished, and there are innumerable loopholes and faults within the current system. For example, only animal-breeding businesses considered “wholesale” operations—those that sell animals to stores for resale—are overseen by the USDA. The AWA does not apply to facilities that sell directly to the public, including the thousands that now do so via the Internet. Read more about the Animal Welfare Act. The 2008 Farm Bill With the evolution of Internet commerce, puppy mills have sprouted up all over the world to provide poorly bred puppies of every imaginable breed and designer mix directly to the consumer.

As a result, the U.S. market was flooded with imported dogs in bad health and/or possibly carrying diseases that could harm people and other animals. Because the standards of care in foreign puppy mills are not subject to U.S. regulations—such as the Animal Welfare Act—many of these dogs are bred and raised in extremely inhumane conditions.

Laws That Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills While the ASPCA defines a puppy mill as “a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs,” there is no official definition of “puppy mill” in the legal world. This is one of the reasons why it has been so difficult to create laws that crack down on puppy mills.

The laws discussed here deal only with puppy mill-related standards and rules (civil laws)—they are not animal cruelty laws (criminal laws). For clarity, a similar application of civil law is how restaurants are regulated by their state’s health department. Restaurants that violate health codes can be cited, just like commercial kennels that violate kennel standards. Also, it’s important to note that the commercial breeding of dogs is regulated on the federal level and on the state level—but only in some states.

The Animal Welfare Act The Animal Welfare Act (AWA), a federal law passed in 1966, regulates certain animal activities, including commercial dog and cat breeding. The AWA defines the minimum standards of care for dogs, cats and certain other species of animals bred for commercial resale and exhibition. It also requires that certain commercial breeders be licensed and routinely inspected by the United State

In a major victory, in May 2008 the ASPCA and other animal welfare groups successfully fought for an amendment to Congress’s 2008 Farm Bill that prohibits the importation of puppies under six months of age for the purpose of resale.

The Puppy Uniform Protection Statute In September 2008, the Puppy Uniform Protection Statute (PUPS), or “Baby’s Bill” (in honor of Baby, a three-legged rescued puppy mill survivor), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives

by Reps. Sam Farr (D-CA), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Lois Capps (D-CA) and Terry Everett (R-AL). The bill, numbered H.R. 6949, quickly achieved the bipartisan support of 19 cosponsors representing districts across the nation. A companion bill, S. 3519, was introduced in the Senate by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and three cosponsors. This legislation sought to close the loophole in the Animal Welfare Act allowing commercial breeders who sell puppies online and directly to the public to escape licensing and regulation. It also would have required all dogs held by licensed breeders to be exercised out of their cages daily. Because of its late introduction, Baby’s Bill did not have a chance to pass during the last session of Congress (the 110th Congress, 2007-2008). However, the introduction of federal puppy mill legislation is a major landmark unto itself.

The ASPCA is hopeful that reintroduction early in 2009 will help propel the bill to victory.

Puppy Mill Glossary AKC-Registered: Registry with the American Kennel Club indicates that a puppy had two parents of the same breed. AKC registration does not guarantee a puppy will be in good health. Almost all puppies born in puppy mills are AKC-registered.

Backyard Breeder: A dog owner whose pet gets bred by accident, or one who breeds intentionally for a variety of reasons.

These might include a desire to make extra money, or to allow children to witness “the miracle of birth.” The animals involved are usually not screened for genetic or health problems.

Breeding Female: A female dog who produces puppies in a commercial kennel. These dogs rarely have the chance to leave the puppy mill—they are killed, abandoned or sold to Class B dealers when they are no longer considered useful.

Breed: A group of related animals who are genotypically and phenotypically similar and produce physically similar offspring when mated.

Breeder: A person who breeds animals.

Breeding Stock: Dogs who are continually bred at commercial kennels. They generally live their entire lives in cages and receive little or no veterinary care. When their fertility diminishes, they are killed, abandoned or sold to Class B dealers.

Breed Standard: A set of guidelines that includes the ideal appearance of a particular breed.

Broker: Puppy brokers, also known as Class B dealers or puppy mill representatives, act as middlemen between breeders and purchasers. They buy puppies “in bulk” directly from puppy mills and sell them to retail outlets or research facilities, often shipping the dogs across state lines. Brokers must be licensed by the USDA and must abide by the shipping regulations outlined in the federal Animal Welfare Act. Buncher: A person who takes puppy mill rejects—dogs not up to breed standards—and/or dogs advertised as “free to a good home” and sells them to Class B dealers, who will in turn sell them to industrial research laboratories.

Class A Dealers: Those licensed by the USDA to operate commercial kennels, or puppy mills, that produce dogs for “bulk” sale.

Commercial Kennel: While there is debate about whether dogs can be humanely bred in a commercial environment, commercial kennels are typically considered puppy mills.

Culling: The killing of puppy mill puppies who, for various reasons, are considered unacceptable (twisted leg, coat or eye color not up to breed standard, misshaped ears, etc.).

Debarking: A controversial procedure in which a dog’s vocal cords are severed so that he is unable to bark. In puppy mills, this procedure is often performed by smashing a puppy’s vocal cords with a pipe.

Designer Dog: The intentional mating of two different purebred dogs to create a hybrid. Unlike many mixed-breed dogs, a designer dog has documented purebred ancestry. Designer dogs—such as the puggle and labradoodle—are increasing in popularity, and some puppy mills have started to mass produce them.

Dispersal Auction: An auction that occurs as a result of a puppy mill’s closure. A dispersal auction may include equipment and tools as well as dogs. The typical buyers at these auctions are Class B dealers, bunchers and other puppy mills.

Docking: A general term used for both ear cropping and tail docking, which are cosmetic surgeries performed on dogs to conform to breed standards. These are painful, disfiguring processes often accompanied by risk of blood loss and infection. In puppy mills, docking is often performed by untrained individuals and simply involves the hacking off of ears and tails.

Ear Cropping: The cutting of a dog’s ears to conform to an aesthetic or breed standard. This unnecessary surgery is often done by untrained individuals, without anesthesia, in unsterile environments.

Lemon Laws: Seventeen states have enacted “lemon laws” to protect consumers who have bought unhealthy puppies. The laws allow for purchasers to return a sick or dead puppy for a refund or replacement. Many state laws also offer the option of reimbursement of veterinary bills.

Puppy Mill: A commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given higher priority than the well-being of the dogs. Dogs are housed in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. The breeding stocks at puppy mills are bred as often as possible in order to increase profits. The animals bred in mills are typically sold via the Internet and to pet shops.

Stud: In a puppy mill, studs are male dogs who impregnate the breeder females. They are killed, abandoned or sold to bunchers or Class B dealers when they are considered no longer useful.

Tail Docking: The cutting of a dog’s tail to conform to an aesthetic or breed standard. This cosmetic surgery is often done by untrained individuals, without anesthesia, in unsterile environments.

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State Laws States have the power to legislate higher standards of humane care for commercially bred animals over and above the bare minimums required by the federal Animal Welfare Act. But for a long time, puppy mills were not considered an important issue. This has changed in recent years. In 2008, Virginia became the first state to pass a law limiting the number of adult dogs a commercial breeder may possess at any one time (that limit is 50). The bill went from introduction in the Virginia Legislature to the governor’s desk in just four months. Louisiana also passed a law in 2008, HB 1193, limiting the total number of animals a commercial breeder may possess. As the voting public continues to become more vocal in its objection to the plight of puppy mill dogs, political action and legislator support will only increase in the years to come.

Unfortunately, some states have absolutely no laws on the books addressing the “commercial use of dogs”—an umbrella phrase that includes pet stores, breeders, kennels and dealers. Among the states that do regulate, each government defines the preceding terms differently. To fully understand how producers and sellers of puppies are regulated in each state, careful attention must be paid to each law’s precise wording. See the Pet Dealer chart from the ASPCA’s 2007 Law Manual (pdf) to learn more.

Some commercial breeders who sell directly to the public— including those who sell puppies online—fall into a large regulatory loophole. The federal government doesn’t require them to be licensed, as it considers these breeders “retailers,” and thus the responsibility of the state—but states often categorize these operations as being primarily “breeders,” not retailers. The result is that no one regulates these facilities. There are no inspections, no standards that they are required to meet and no consequences for providing inadequate care.

As Internet purchases of puppies increase, more and more breeders are using this loophole to get around regulation and inspec-

tion. Lack of enforcement by the USDA and state departments of agriculture means thousands of dogs are left to suffer in inadequate and inhumane conditions.

Laws to Protect Consumers If you buy a puppy from a pet shop, you run a high risk of taking home a sick animal. Respiratory infections including pneumonia, as well as hereditary defects like hip dysplasia and severe allergies, are common among the indiscriminately bred puppies from commercial breeders. If you have purchased a pet-store puppy who turned out to be sick, you have may have some recourse—17 states have enacted laws, commonly called “Lemon Laws,” that make pet stores financially responsible for sick animals purchased from them.

Check out our state-by-state list of Lemon Laws (pdf) and know your rights.

The ASPCA’s Involvement with Puppy Mill Legislation For many years, the ASPCA’s Government Relations department has been active in drafting and promoting legislation that would strengthen regulations of the minimum standard of care for dogs in puppy mills. In 2008, we helped write Pennsylvania House Bills 2525 and 2532, legislation to prohibit some of the worst abuses in Pennsylvania’s commercial dog kennels and strengthen enforcement of the state’s animal cruelty law. Pennsylvania House Bill 2525 was passed in October 2008 and signed into law by Governor Ed Rendell almost immediately.

The ASPCA will continue to tackle puppy mills on both the state and national levels while maintaining our mission to raise awareness and educate the public. Recent national media attention to puppy mills has created a strong momentum, and there has been a spike in requests from legislators to the ASPCA to help draft, introduce and pass puppy mill legislation. “In terms of where we will take the fight next, there are many factors that could shape our plans,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director, Legislative Initiatives. “An area’s political climate or available resources can dictate how much success we can achieve on an issue. This might mean having to hold off on battling in certain areas that have very high concentrations of puppy mills, and instead focusing on where there is the most potential for change. We know that the road might be long, but we are hopeful that if we keep enlightening more and more people about puppy mills, the desire to push for stronger laws to protect the dogs will become contagious.”

Luckily, many animal lovers are becoming aware that purchasing a dog—or any animal, for that matter—from a pet store is a big no-no. Almost all puppies sold at pet stores come from backyard breeders or puppy mills, where dogs are housed in cramped, filthy conditions without sufficient veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Furthermore, the breeding stock at puppy mills— the moms and dads—are bred as often as possible, for as long as possible, in order to increase profits. But a growing trend among commercial puppy breeders is to cut out the middleman—the pet shop—and use online retailing to get their dogs directly into your homes.

Internet Puppy Scams Consumers trying to find dogs from reputable breeders or breed

rescue groups often turn to the Web for advice. But they soon find themselves bombarded with elaborate websites offering the offspring of “champions.” With a host of fancy terms—certified kennel, AKC registered, pedigree, health certified—and picturesque photos of tail-wagging terriers, doe-eyed Chihuahuas and every other adorable breed, it is easy to become overwhelmed with choices. Don’t be fooled: the Internet is a vast, unregulated marketplace allowing anyone to put up a website claiming anything. Scattered among the websites of reputable breeders and rescue groups, Internet puppy scammers attract potential buyers with endearing pictures and phony promises.

The Loophole Under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), commercial breeders selling directly to pet stores must be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. However, the AWA does not regulate breeders that sell directly to the public. The AWA was passed in 1966, prior to the Internet boom—lawmakers couldn’t foresee that commercial breeders would someday have the ability to sell directly to the public via the Internet. This loophole allows some puppy mills to operate without a license and without fear of inspection— meaning they are not accountable to anyone for their breeding and care standards. According to a recent ASPCA survey, 89 percent of all “breeders” selling over the Internet are unlicensed by USDA. The Scams An informal online survey conducted by the ASPCA reveals that just as many Americans are now purchasing their dogs over the Internet as buying from pet stores. That said, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, hundreds of complaints are filed every year from victims who were scammed when buying a dog online. Here are some of the most common scam scenarios predators use on consumers: The Bait and Switch In this classic scam, the website depicts dozens of photos of cute and cuddly, happy and healthy puppies. What the consumer doesn’t realize is that these are stock photos taken from a clip-art file—or simply stolen from other websites. In this scam, virtually all contact is done via email, and the puppy is typically shipped without the buyer ever seeing the dog in person. The scam is revealed when the dog is delivered and the buyer is faced not with the adorable puppy from the photos, but a sickly dog, often of a different color or with different markings. Scammers count on people feeling guilty or compassionate and choosing not to send the puppy back.

cash—the money can’t be recovered by the victim. This scam is particularly heartbreaking because there is no real dog involved!

Victims usually arrive at the airport to pick up their new puppy, only to find that they have been scammed.

Sanctuaries or Scamtuaries?

Unfortunately, this next scam preys on animal lovers who want to help dogs in need. In this scenario, the puppy mill will actually set up its website as a “rescue group” or “sanctuary,” offering purebred puppies who have been rescued from shelters, bad breeders, even from puppy mills! The scam is revealed by the price tag—the “adoption fees” for these dogs often exceed $1,000! Breed rescue groups charge nominal fees—usually no more than a few hundred dollars—because their goal is not to make money, but to find wonderful homes for their rescues.

AKC-Registered AKC registry is a service provided by the American Kennel Club.

While many people believe AKC registration means their puppies came from reputable breeders, being AKC-registered means nothing more than your puppy’s parents both had AKC papers. While there are some AKC regulations, they do not restrict puppy mills from producing AKC-registered dogs. The fact is, many AKC-registered dogs are born in puppy mills.

How Can I Avoid Being Scammed?

The best way to avoid being scammed is to simply never buy a dog you haven’t met in person. Please also keep in mind that adoption is still the best option, even if you have your heart set on a purebred dog. There are thousands of dogs waiting for good homes at local animal shelters, including purebreds! Keep an eye on your local shelter, as purebreds turn up more often than people think. There are also a number of reputable breed rescue groups passionate about finding great homes for purebred dogs who have been abandoned, abused or surrendered to shelters.

It’s also important to note that the Internet is a very valuable tool for finding reputable breeders and breed rescue groups in your area. When looking for your puppy online, just make sure you follow these simple tips: • Always check references, including others who have purchased pets from this breeder and the veterinarian the breeder works with.

• Be sure to deal directly with a breeder, not a broker.

• Never send Western Union or money order payments.

• Always visit. Reputable breeders and rescue groups will be more than

Free to Good Home happy to offer you a tour.

Internet scammers don’t just use cute photos to lure potential • If you are told that there will be no refunds for a sick puppy, you are most puppy buyers. They also resort to verbal deceit. With the “free to probably dealing with a puppy mill. A reputable breeder or rescue group good home” scam, the perpetrator will often post a sad story of will always take the puppy back, regardless of the reason. having to find homes for his purebred puppies immediately—he • Always pick your puppy up at the kennel. Do not have the puppy shipped just lost his wife, they must be placed for a dying relative, he is going to Africa to be a missionary, etc. Victims are offered a puppy or meet at a random location. free of charge, and asked only to pay the shipping fee—usually about $400. Buyers are asked to send all payments via a Western Union wire transfer or money order. These methods are favorites www.stoppuppymills.com among scam artists because they are the equivalent of sending

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“Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won’t buy the wag of his tail...”

—Henry Wheeler Shaw

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Prisoners an d unwa nted do gs give each other new ho pe.

By Co rey Va n’t Ha af f desi gn ed by Mich ael Be

A

ll

rmani wasn’t a bad dog. He was a big male Husky mix, between two and four years old, full of energy. Obnoxious, stubborn and difficult to live with were all terms used to describe him. He had a multitude of issues and was in desperate need of training.

So, in November of 2007, when he was found wandering in a field near Alexandria, VA, he was picked up by the local animal shelter, assessed-and then sentenced to prison.

He’s still there, but he truly isn’t doing hard time. Dogs behind bars are not there to be punished but instead to be rehabilitated and then released into society. Armani is one of at least half a dozen dogs (at any given time) who live at the Fraser Valley Institution for Women. And it is the inmates who train, love, and care for the dogs.

Fraser Valley Institution (FVI) is a multilevel facility for women located in South Carolina, on a large penitentiary reserve that also includes correctional facilities for men. FVI opened in 2004 and can house up to 79 female inmates, most of whom live in residential-style units.

na me: Ar ma ni crim e: biti ng

The prison also houses a training centre and kennel for dogs. With 12 runs, half are home to nearby shelter dogs from the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) and half are public dogs just there to be boarded. Grooming facilities augment the training.

During the three-to-six week training program, the women teach the dogs basic obedience and throw in a few tricks. Clicker training is used, pairing a marker signal with high-value reward.

“Any behavioral issues are dealt with, such as resource guarding, shyness, minimal exposure. Unruly, no-boundaries, banana-in-thepants dogs need a little bit of guidance and structure,” says Alicia Santella, the canine instructor at FVI. “We teach appropriate greetings and on-leash behavior.”

The dogs stay at the kennel at night or the women can take them back to their living units to minimize the stress that occurs in a shelter environment. It also gives the trainers a better idea what a particular dog is like to live with.

“All the homes we are looking for the dogs up for adoption] are indoor homes,” explains Santella. “The dogs are house broken, won’t climb on furniture. There’s no unruly behavior which will cause them to be stuck outside.”

Asia was another tough dog, an one-year-old female Rottweiler mix. She was found on the street, brought to the LAPS shelter in February, then transferred to prison in April. The enthusiastic, dominant, obnoxious, and cheeky girl, as she is lovingly described, just found a new home.

“She in the ‘nothing-inthlife-is-free’ program,” says Santella. “She must sit before she gets anything. She just needed someone to spend time teaching her boundaries. She loves to work. The [adopting] family had experience with Rottweilers. Pat of our process for adoption is a minimum of three lessons with the dog [before adoption]. Then we’ll continue to provide training support.”

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Pebbles was also a lucky little girl. The four-year-old Shih Tzu was originally taken into a grooming shop-and never picked up. She peed in her crate and there was blood in her urine. Three large bladder stones were the culprit and medication, diet, and surgery fixed that problem. She then went into foster care for a higher level of support, and that family decided to adopt her.

All dogs that arrive behind the security fence at the prison are cared for and trained. Santella and the women work together to come up with a behavioral plan that includes such basic commands as “Sit, Stay, Wait, Leave it, and Heel.”

The reality for most shelter dogs,” says Santella, “is it’s their last chance. We try to give them every opportunity to be successful so they don’t end up a statistic. We give individual attention in the program. They’re walked ten times a day, socialized with other dogs.” Instead of being punished the dogs are encouraged to behave appropriately. Because they must earn their meals and treats, and because the training is fun, they learn quicker.

But it’s also a work program for the women, who learn general job readiness skills. For example, they learn they must show up on time for work because the dogs rely on them. They learn to work as part of a team. “A lot of these women come from unhealthy and horrible backgrounds. They’ve never had a job so these skills are new to them,” says Santella. “It’s a safe place to practice their skills and build their own self-worth.”

The inmates can also earn five levels of certification in practical skills that can relate to employment after release: groomer assistant, canine first aid, kennel attendant levels one and two, and dog trainer. And there is a definite benefit to the community as dog owners and prospective adoptive dog-parents get a more realistic view of inmates.

“It’s easy to point your finger and say get a job, get off drugs, be motivated. In reality, when you have an absolutely horrible upbringing; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; drug abuse... you have minimal skills for how to deal with these huge emotional this.

It’s a recipe for disaster. Most women don’t need any help feeling horrible about themselves. Society makes them feel worse. It’s a Catch-22 cycle with a tendency to repeat itself.” Outsider learn that they are not as different from the women “inside” as they may have suspected.

“There are a lot of misconceptions associated with corrections; what inmates are. They’re human beings; they’re talented. They have valuable skills to offer,” says Santella of the inmates. Society may try to pretend that by shutting these women away, they will never have to deal with them again. “In reality, every one of these women will be released into the community at some point.”

Like the delinquent canines they help to rehabilitate, the trainer work hard to deserve a second chance at freedom and fulfillment in the community outside. With women an dogs helping each other, both may find new lives on the right side of those prison bars.

d w ith n o b y h t l a n a he “T hey lear ceptable c a n a e b how to d n a s n a m hu ity.” n u m m o c e h t m e mber of

“If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.”—cowboy wisdom

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Dogs have long been our most faithful and devoted animal companions. Every year, however, millions of lost or abandoned dogs enter shelters. Many are adopted and enjoy a new life with loving owners; others, sadly do not find a new home.

Many of us either don’t have the time or may not fully understand the overwhelming need for more adoptions at these shelters. Here is a brief look at the faces of some of the many dogs that can be found at your local shelter, just waiting for an opportunity for a fresh start.

Each with different faces, personalities, and coats. This irresistible collection of portraits is a poignant tribute to all dogs an will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.

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Life at a shelter can be a psychologically devastating experience for a dog, even if it eventually gets adopted to a good home. Dogs are caged and surrounded night and day by the deafening barking of other frightened animals.

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Most shelters, especially city pounds, share common woes. They are understaffed, underfunded, and overcrowded. Some dogs are let outside their kennels only once or wice a week.

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They try desperately to catch the attention of anyone who walks by. Many become distraught and panicky, constantly pacing, chewing, and clawing at the cage. Some even begin harming themselves.

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What they want more than anything is attention from people. They want to play ball and have their backs scratched and be outside in the sun.

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What often makes the differnece to an animal’s coping ability-and therefore its ultimate fate-are the volunteers who take it out, play with it, give it bones to chew on, or simply teach it to “sit.�

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Although the problem is a big one, it isn’t hopeless.

There are ways in which you can make a difference in a dogs life and give it a new sense of purpose...literally.

1. ADOPT

6. SUPPORT

When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue you can choose from dogs,

Support legislation to pass strong anti-cruelty and humane laws on federal

puppies and sometimes purebreds. Adoption fees usually include vaccina-

and state levels. Write a letter, send an email or call your local representa-

tion, deworming, and spay or neutering. Save a life, adopt don’t shop!

tives. Join the advocacy organizations of the ASPCA, Humane Society US and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

2. VOLUNTEER Volunteers are vital to shelters and rescues. They participate in nearly every area by assisting in the care and placement of the animals, providing support for administration, educating the public and helping with fundraising events.

7. BE ACTIVE As a responsible pet owner your pet should be spayed or neutered, getting yearly checkups/shots, licensed, and wearing an ID tag and collar. Do not ever chain up a dog or let a dog roam. Make sure they get enough exercise, training, socialization and love.

3. FOSTER

8. EDUCATE

If you have room in your home, foster an animal until a shelter or rescue finds

Plant the seeds of animal kindness in children early by setting a good ex-

it a permanent home. You can provide a nurturing environment for animals

ample. Show them how to feed and water their pet. Have your animals fixed

so they may mature, heal, socialize, and become or remain adoptable.

and bring them to the vet when their sick. Always give them lots of love and attention. This will teach them to be responsible pet owners in the future.

4. DONATE Many shelters and rescues do not receive government funding. Your tax-

9. CAREERS

deductible gift enables them to offer many services to animals. Donate

There are many careers in animal welfare. From traditional animal-related

monetarily or give things you no longer use such as towels, toys, and a

careers like veterinarians, trainers, groomers, and shelter workers to less

camera or fax machine.

hands-on professions, including lawyers, office support staff and humane educators.

5. CONTRIBUTE Your time and services are valuable. Contribute by offering to take pictures of the animals for flyers, create a website or do minor repair work. In lieu of birthday or wedding gifts, ask for donations to a shelter or rescue. Put a collection box in your store.

10. REPORT ABUSE In order to create a humane society, we must speak up and stop cruelty against animals. If you have information regarding animal cruelty or neglect in your area, report it to your local Animal Services. Your call can save the life of an animal.

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Leading by Example: President Baby Rescue Her voice may have been silenced when puppy mill breeders decided to have her vocal chords cut, but Baby now has Dr. Jana Kohl to speak on her behalf. Having spent nine years confined to a cage-- during which time she suffered the loss of a limb due to neglect, the lovable little bundle of fur has a new life both as an advocate to prevent the cruel confinement of breeding dogs and as the canine companion of Dr. Kohl, the author of A Rare Breed of Love: The True Story of Baby and the Mission She Inspired to Help Dogs Everywhere.

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“No man can be condemned for owning a dog.

As long as he has a dog, he has a friend; and the poorer he gets, the better friend he has.�

—Will Rogers

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Every year, over millions of dogs find themselves in animal shelters across America. Sadly, for every deserving dog that finds a home, at several more will be left behind. The makers of Pedigree believe that all dogs deserve a good home, which is why they are continuing to support dog adoption in America through the Pedigree Adoption Drive campaign. Last year, the highly successful campaign raised over $300,000 dollars for partner shelters across the nation and helped thousands of dogs find new families.

Once again, Pedigree has enlisted the support of four-time World Figure Skating Champion, and self-proclaimed dog lover, Kurt Browning to help spread awareness about the plight of shelter dogs and encourage all Americans to consider making a difference in the life of these dogs.

“I’m thrilled to be returning this year to help get the word out about dog adoption,” said Kurt Browning, Pedigree Adoption Drive campaign spokesperson. “Getting involved in the Pedigree Adoption Drive program was a natural fit for me as I’ve always had a dog in my life. Dogs can have such a positive impact on your life and shelter dogs rule!”

This year, the campaign aims to raise $500,000 through a variety of initiatives including public skating events with Kurt Browning and in-store retailer programs. All funds collected will go to participating shelters across America and will be used to cover the costs of vet care, vaccinations, shelter and food.

Adopting from a regulated shelter means the dogs have already received a clean bill of health from a veterinarian. They will have all their shots up-to-date and be spayed or neutered. Staff are also on hand to help make the selection process easier and can help choose the appropriate dog to fit your lifestyle - whether it be a high-energy puppy who could use the affection of a large family or a laid-back mature dog perfect for empty nesters.

“We encourage Americans who are considering adoption to visit their local regulated shelter,” said Steve MacLean, Brand Leader for Pedigree in America. “Shelters are overflowing with good dogs just waiting to be adopted and loved. And if you are not sure about adopting, visit us at www.mypedigree.ca to learn more about shelter dogs and find out how you can help make a difference in the life of a dog.”

As society grows more conscious of animal abuse and neglect, we read nearly every day about a puppymill being closed down and the animals confiscated. Many times these animals are in deplorable physical condition: parasite-ridden, underweight, bred nearly to death. Most have rarely been out of their small, cramped cages.

They may have eye infections, missing orbs or vision impairment caused by ammonia from urine-soaked quarters. Some have torn, deformed ears and missing limbs from cage aggression. Females may have hernias from painful, extended labor. Their toes may be splayed from walking on wire floors. Many have tattooed ears.

Some have numbers hung around their necks on chains that have grown into their flesh. Their dental state is invariably horrible; most will have painful, infected teeth and gums, some resulting in systemic infections.

These are animals who’ve endured years of torture to make money for uncaring humans. When a reputable rescuer gets her hands on a puppymill survivor, providing medical attention is just the beginning. The physical damage can be staggering. The psychological damage is much worse.

It takes a very special adopter to accept and love a puppymill survivor. Rehabilitation of the puppymill survivor begins with rescue, but can only be completed by a committed, loving family. The purpose of this article is to help demystify some of the acquired behaviors of the puppymill dog, and to let the adopter know what to expect.

Common Puppymill Survivor Behaviors Terror of humans hands: The only time most mill dogs are removed from their cages, it’s a painful experience. The dog may be grabbed by the first reachable part of it’s body: tail, leg, scruff, ears. This takes lots of patience and non-threatening touches to overcome.

You may have to lie on the floor face down with your eyes averted to get the dog to approach you at all. Let him come near you and sniff. It may take an hour, or days for this to happen. You can sometimes begin by holding the dog, petting him gently for a few seconds, speaking softly, then place him carefully down. Let him know you do not wish to restrain him. Lengthen the time for this ritual each day. Never raise your voice, clap your hands, or allow loud noises in the home during this adjustment period. You must strive to create a totally non-threatening environment. Behave as submissively as possible. Build trust slowly.

Aversion To Eye Contact: Many puppymill survivors refuse to make eye contact with humans. This indicates fearful submission which decreases as the dog comes to realize he will not be harmed by you and begins to trust. Talking to your dog in a soft, calm voice helps speed the process. A dog may not speak English, but the gentle tone of your voice and the fact that he is the focus of your concern will be understood.

The “I’m Afraid Of My Food” Routine: Anytime the cage door is opened on a mill dog, fear is the response, because an evil human is behind it. Of course, the cage door must be opened to insert a bowl of food, which may also be used to entice the dog within reach. It’s not unusual to see your puppymill survivor run in the opposite direction when you sit dinner on the floor. Turn your back and walk away until the dog feels “safe” enough to eat. Let him eat undisturbed.

Marking/Housetraining: No puppymill survivor comes housetrained. Some never grasp the finer points. Most males will mark, and many females, too. Crates are useful in housetraining. Belly bands (a cloth band which wraps around male dogs covering the ureter) will help prevent marking. Nicely fitted doggie diapers are available from Foster and Smith. Human diapers can also be used - just cut a hole for the tail. Put your dog on a schedule. Take him outside first thing in the morning, at lunchtime whenever possible, after dinner, before bedtime. If you see him lift his leg in the house, a shaker can (jar filled with small pebbles) or clicker can distract him long enough for you to get him outside. Never raise your voice.

Never hit a dog. Take him outside and reinforce by saying, “Potty outside”, or something similar. Use positive reinforcement when the dog does his business outside...”Good boy! Potty outside!

Good, good boy!” Lots of petting must follow.

Kurt Browing Four-time World Figure Skating Champion

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Flight Risk: All puppymill survivors are high flight risks. Never take your dog outside a securely fenced yard until you are thoroughly bonded. Then if you take your dog outside the fence, doublecheck to be sure harness is secure enough. I sometimes use a collar and harness, then run the lead from the collar through the harness for extra safety. If a mill dog gets loose outside a secured area, he will likely run until he drops; catching him will be quite a feat.

Prevention is by far the best policy.

Coprophagy: Stool-eating is common in puppymill survivors.

There is much contention as to the cause. However, most rescuers feel it is a learned behavior. Again, prevention is the best policy.

Pick up the yard frequently. Some mill dogs stop this behavior over time.

Fear of Water: Many puppymill survivors are frightened of water hoses. Puppymillers generally don’t bother removing the dogs before hosing down their cages. I have known adopters whose puppymill survivors have become well-acclimated to homes, families and leashed walks only to have the dog bolt when they chanced by a neighbor watering his lawn.

Fear Biting: Fear biting is more common in abuse cases than in puppymill survivors, but we do see it occasionally. 90% of all dogs who bite do so out of fear. Puppymill survivors, like feral dogs, usually cower in the presence of humans. Fear biting can frequently be overcome with proper training and commitment, but it generally requires a professional animal behaviorist, not to mention a strong commitment from the adoptive family. Sadly, because of both the enormity of the canine overpopulation problem and the abundance of more easily salvageable dogs, most fear biters are euthanized.

These are a few of the most common puppymill survivor behaviors and suggestions for working with them. Working with a puppymill survivor is not an easy undertaking. But for those of us who have witnessed the miracle of these frightened beings growing to love and trust, to play with toys for the first time, to learn to take soft beds and good food for granted, it is one of the most joyful and rewarding experiences of our lives.

The puppymill survivor who ventures to trust a human being despite a history of cruelty and neglect is a triumph of the spirit from which we can all learn.

“I’m thrilled to be returning this year to help get the word out about dog adoption,” said Kurt Browning, Pedigree Adoption Drive campaign spokesperson. “Getting involved in the Pedigree Adoption Drive program was a natural fit for me as I’ve always had a dog in my life. Dogs can have such a positive impact on your life and shelter dogs rule!”

“We encourage Americans who are considering adoption to visit their local regulated shelter,” said Steve MacLean, Brand Leader for Pedigree in America.

“Shelters are overflowing with good dogs just waiting to be adopted and loved. And if you are not sure about adopting, visit us at www.mypedigree. ca to learn more about shelter dogs and find out how you can help make a difference in the life of a dog.”

—Kurt Browing

Four-time World Figure Skating Champion

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Did you know that 50 percent of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday? Did you know that 800,000 bites a year is severe enough to require medical treatment, while 1 to 2 million go unreported?

Small children and dogs can be a bad combination. Despite your dogs temperment or past history, any dog is potential for biting when it comes to children (or anyone else). Dogs are much like children in that they don’t always understand or are able to differeniate between “rough” affection or coureosity from a child. A child may innocently pull a dogs tail or fur. However, some dogs feels this as painful and can read it as an attempt to harm rather than rough affection. Therefore, since dogs do not have the ability to say, “could you please stop, that hurts!”, there next best instinct is to bite. Most times this isn’t intended to be harmful, particularly with family dogs or dogs with no biting history, but rather a means to grab someones attention. In this case, unfortunately, it can be the childs attention which leads to being frightened or being physically harmed and in need of medical attention. Always supervise small children when they are in the presence of dogs.

The vast majority of dog bites are from a dog known to the child— his or her own pet, a neighbor’s or friend’s. You can help prevent this from happening to your child. Please discuss with him or her the appropriate way to behave around dogs. The following activity will help you and your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs.

Help your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs.

During Dog Bite Prevention week, the ASPCA seeks to educate people, especially children and their parents, about basic safety when interacting with dogs. Most bites can be prevented and avoid by following some simple rules.

Despite the great effort by the ASPCA and other organizations to educate people, during dock jumping events I encounter so many competitors and their children who don’t think twice about coming up to Bailey and petting him. With his constantly wagging tail and happy-go-lucky demeanor Bailey is always attracting the love and attention of others. People assume that because of his breed, he wouldn’t hurt them. In this case they are correct, as Bailey is very people friendly. However, I know a few labs that aren’t. It floors me how many parents let their children come up without asking and hug and pet Bailey. The fact of the matter is that no matter what the breed, large or small, a dog is an animal and can bite.

As competitors we must also remember that at events, a dog’s adrenaline and energy are running on overdrive. They may be more likely to react in a negative way when startled or approached by a stranger. By making sure you ask the owner if you can pet the dog is the best way to ensure both the safety of the dog and yourself.

Dog bites can be debilitating physically, emotionally, and psychologically to both the victim and the dog’s owner. Many dog bites lead to lawsuits, and in the most severe cases to the euthanization of the dog.

Education and common sense go a long way when dealing with dogs. Make sure you take this opportunity to educate yourself and your children about the simple, easy steps you can take to keep yourself and the dog safe. Click here for a downloadable educational activity to share with your kids.

The following is a list of pledges that you can recite with your child: 1. I will not stare into a dog’s eyes.

8. I will not touch or play with a dog while he or she is eating.

2. I will not tease dogs behind fences.

9. I will not touch a dog when he or she is sleeping.

3. I will not go near dogs chained up in yards.

10. I will only pet a dog if I have received permission from the

4. I will not touch a dog I see loose (off-leash) outside.

dog’s owner.

5. If I see a loose dog, I will tell an adult immediately.

11. Then I will ask permission of the dog by letting him sniff

6. I will not run and scream if a loose dog comes near me.

my closed hand.

7. I will stand very still (like a tree), and will be very quiet if a dog comes near me.

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T

he Humane Society of the United States reveals the results of an eight-month investigation into Petland Inc., the country’s largest chain of puppy-selling pet stores. The results show that many Petland stores across the country are supporting cruel puppy mills, even while telling unsuspecting customers that the dogs only come from good breeders.

There are approximately 140 Petland stores in the U.S., selling tens of thousands of puppies each year. In the largest ever puppy mill investigation, HSUS investigators visited 21 Petland stores and 35 breeders and brokers who sold puppies to Petland stores. Investigators also reviewed records of an additional 322 breeders, tracking more than 17,000 individual puppies linked to 76 Petland stores.

Take Action for Dogs: Contact Petland now, and help end puppy mill cruelty» According to Stephanie Shain, director of The HSUS Stop Puppy Mills Campaign, “Petland is perpetuating the abusive puppy mill industry, where dogs are treated not like pets, but like a cash crop. They know that consumers won’t stand for the cruelty inherent in mass-breeding facilities, so they make outrageous claims to hide the reality that the dogs came from puppy mills. People have a right to know exactly what they are buying, but the real victims are the breeding dogs who are confined to life in a cage for as long as people are duped into buying their puppies.”

This is the latest in a series of HSUS investigations exposing abuses at puppy mills, dog auctions, and pet stores around the country. The new Petland investigation revealed: • Despite assurances by Petland staff and on their corporate website that the company knows its breeders and deals only with those who have “the highest standards of pet care,” many Petland puppies come from massive commercial breeders in Missouri and other Midwestern states, where hundreds of breeding dogs are packed into cramped, barren cages—often for their entire lives, with no socialization, exercise, or human interaction.

Hear from a former Petland employee. “People need to see what goes on inside a puppy mill. Once you see it, it hits you.”

• When HSUS investigators visited 35 of the large-scale breeding operations linked to Petland stores, they witnessed puppy mills where puppies are factory-farmed in large numbers. At many, investigators saw appalling conditions: puppies living in filthy, barren cages reeking of urine, with inadequate care and socialization.

• Many of Petland’s puppies are not supplied directly by breeders but are purchased from a “middle man”—large-scale “pet distributors,” otherwise known as brokers—showing that the company may

not even know who the breeders are or what their standards of care may be like. The investigation revealed that some of Petland’s brokers are also buying from puppy mills.

This is just one of the many puppy mills investigators visited which supply puppies to Petland stores.

• Some of Petland’s puppies are ordered online via a pet auction website called the Pet Board of Trade—demonstrating that many Petland stores are not screening breeders as the company’s website claims. In fact, in some cases it may not even know the breeder’s name until after purchase.

• One of the most common sales pitches made by Petland staff is that the company uses “USDA licensed” breeders. However, investigators reviewed publicly available state and USDA inspection reports for more than 100 Petland breeders and found more than 60 percent of the reports listed serious violations of basic animal care regulations. Many USDA breeders exhibit a long history of substandard care and yet remained licensed. While USDA regulations are minimal, some of the Petland breeders are not even complying with these basic animal welfare standards.

• Documented USDA violations at some of Petland’s breeders and suppliers included dirty, unkempt enclosures; inadequate shelter from the cold; dogs kept in too small cages; and inadequate veterinary care. Some of the breeders were found with sick or dead dogs in their cages.

Puppy mills are a source of unbearable cruelty where breeding animals are kept in tiny cages without any socialization for the sole purpose of supplying pet stores and the Internet market with puppies. The HSUS urges all of its members and supporters to spread the word about the great suffering associated with these mills, which also contribute to tragic pet overpopulation.

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Your Dogs Food Health Choosing a dog food in today’s extensive pet food market can prove challenging. With the vast array of choices in today’s pet food market, how can you tell which food is best?

Factors to address before selecting a dog food

• Premium foods - often found in grocery stores, pet stores, and veterinarian offices - contain higher-grade ingredients, but

• Your dog’s age/life stage - make sure you choose a food that’s

may still include some elements of “grocery store” food, such as

nutritionally geared to your dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).

artificial colors, artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, and “filler”

• Your dog’s body condition - dogs who are overweight or underweight need different nutrition than those who are not. Dogs

ingredients. Premium foods are usually more expensive than

who get lots of exercise also have different nutritional requirements.

“grocery store” foods because their ingredients are of a higher

Choose a food that fits your dog’s needs, whether it’s weight control,

quality, and are therefore somewhat more beneficial and digestible.

performance, maintenance, or another formula.

• Healthy foods - the newest addition to the pet food market—

• Your dog’s health history - if your dog has medical conditions such as diabetes, allergies, cancer, or digestive difficulties, you’ll

provide pets with the highest quality, healthiest, and most nutritious

need to choose a food that is appropriate for that condition.

ingredients. They are typically available for purchase online or direct

• Your budget - simply put, feed your dog the best food you can

from the manufacturer. Foods in the Healthy class—including the

afford. Generally, the more you spend, the better-quality, healthier

Drs. Foster & Smith line of foods, and others,contain nutrient

food you’ll feed.

rich ingredients.

Consider Your Dog’s Preferences Keep in mind that no one food is best for every dog. Dogs are individuals, just like people. Some dogs prefer dry food, some canned. Some dogs prefer chicken, some prefer lamb. You could feed a brand of very well-formulated food to a group of dogs and find that most of them do great on it, some do marginally well, and a few actually get sick from it. Luckily, today’s market offers many wellformulated dog foods for dogs at all life stages, and it’s fine to try several to determine which one works best for your dog.

“Keep in mind that no one food is best for every dog.

Dogs are individuals, just like people.”

Look Closely at Ingredients When you’re shopping for a healthy food for your dog, the

Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Dog Food

ingredient list on the back of the bag is a good place to start. By law,

Formulated to provide optimum health benefits for pets, these foods

pet food labels must list their ingredients in order by weight. Look

often use whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, real meat as the primary

for dog foods with meat, fish, or eggs listed as the first ingredient.

protein source, and carbohydrate-rich whole grains like brown rice

These are very digestible, and if they are listed as the first ingredient,

and barley. They should not contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or

you can assume the food offers a good-quality protein source, and

colors. They will almost always be fortified with additional vitamins

includes several valuable, usable amino acids. If you are switching to

and minerals, and will use the best natural sources for fatty acids to

a new food, be sure to allow ample time for your dog to adjust to it.

help build healthy skin and a beautiful coat. Because healthy foods use high quality ingredients, you should expect to pay a little more

Categories of Pet Foods

than you would for other types of pet food. Remember, though, with

When searching for your dog’s next food, keep in mind that pet food

healthy foods you can generally feed less since healthy foods are

is now available in three major categories: “grocery store” foods,

more nutrient-dense than other types of food.

premium foods, and healthy foods.

Check your dog’s health after a month After you’ve done all you can to make sure a food is healthy and

• “Grocery store” foods - those found in grocery stores and mass-market retailers - are typically made with lower-quality, less-

beneficial, take a look at your dog after feeding the food for at least

digestible, inexpensive ingredients and are therefore a cheaper

a month. Bright eyes, a shiny coat, and a healthy energy level will let

alternative. While easy on the pocketbook, “grocery store” foods

you know you’ve chosen a good source for your dog’s nutrition. If

normally do not provide your dog with the healthiest, most nutrient-

you need assistance selecting a food for your dog, seek veterinary/

dense ingredients.

professional advice.

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Looking ahead: This issue of SCRATCH magazine has taken an in dept look at dogs and became a voice and advocate for various issues they typically face from puppy mills to incarceration. We’ve particularly highlighted dog shelters and the need for more people to look into dog adoption before considering buying a new pupppy.

For those of you who we’ve reached, and went out and adopted a dog, or are still considering one, we will have everything you need to know about how to take care of your new friend(s). Everything from proper dieting to what to expect from your adopted dog. Also look out for ways in which you can adopt the right breed that’s ideal for you and your family.

More Recommended Reading & Exploration: Internet: www.dogs.about.com www.petfinder.com/shelters www.akc.org - American Kennel Club www.aspca.org www.akcchf.org www.bestfriendspetcare.com- Dog grooming www.peteducation.com- Feeding / Nutrition http://blog.helpinganimals.com www.living.peta.org. www.tdi-dog.org/ - Therapy Dogs www.animal.discovery.com/convergence

Books: Shelters Dogs author: Traer Scott Street Dogs author: Traer Scott Caring For Your Aging Dog author: Janice Borzendowski Bad Dog A Memoir of Love, Beauty & Redemption in Dark Places author: Lin Jensen Natural Pet Cures author: John Heinerman Canine Body Language author: Brenda Aloff

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