February 2009 - Spot Magazine

Can this Marriage be Saved?

Finding Your Perfect Match MCAS - Redefining the shelter environment

EVERYTHING PET IN THE NORTHWEST! NORTHWEST ! • FEBRUARY 2009

Shandola, Bruiser, and Sherman

12 Can this Marriage be Saved?

Sometimes the pet who has your heart also has you over a barrel, behaviorally speaking.

Some come with unexpected (and heavy!) baggage, others develop issues surprisingly later in life. Jake Faris checks in with Denise Mullenix of Behave Canine Solutions on two tough cases. One which began with “all the normal things first, including doggy Prozac,” and ended with “We were going to find a way to make it work.”

16 Finding Your Perfect Match First, Know Thyself Many folks working in adoption are employing ever-more sophisticated ways of ensuring a great match. And it’s working!

One of the strongest indicators of success? When you (honestly) consider your lifestyle, and whether the characteristics/ personality of your companion will fit.

25 Reader Spotlight Snow Daze Spot friends and family share their snapshots from “Artic Blast ‘09”

20 MCAS - Redefining the shelter environment Throughout the Multnomah County Animal Shelter there is a noticeable calm. Ann Potter credits that, and other great changes at the Troutdale facility, to an innovative program called Open Paw. It doesn’t hurt that MCAS staff and volunteers function much like a family.

8 Spencer’s Lucky Day Jake Faris was having an ordinary day when the sight of emergency vehicles — including an Animal Services truck — kicked him into full-alert sleuth mode. At the end of the day he had gotten a rare glimpse, a sort of dog’s-eye view, of what a day on the lam can be like for a couple of happy-go-lucky dogs.

That day these two got very lucky.

7 Is it Love?

Or just because we feed them?

Kathy Covey muses on the bond between people and their animals.

10 Learning on the Spot The quick and easy on teaching a new trick. This month: Where’s the Love?

Teaching your dog to look at you more.

6

Rescue me!

Sweet foundlings who find their way to Spot’s door at presstime.

7

Stitch Tested, Kyla approved What better than to look into the stuff of pampering (pedi/mani in this case) in time for Valentine’s Day. Jennifer and the pups check out the Peticure Elite Pet Nail Trimmer

22 Fetch

- Danes do outdoors together - Furever Pets hosts anniversary party - OHS hosts Special Needs Sweethearts Days and Heroes luncheon - Bunnies get their [spa] day — truly! Plus, shake your cottontail: February is rich with rabbitrelated events - Psychic readings, TTouch & 1st Aid at Howl At The Moon - Paws for a Cause Photo Marathon returns - Bust winter blues at Yappy Hour - Yessir, one plus one does so equal eight - Marley and Me stirring things up - Dove blazes trail in treating kidney failure - Deborah Wood retires her column, heads up Bonnie Hays - Happy ending to a great story — Holly goes home It’s time! Cast your vote for - AnimalAttraction.com, a new your favorite individual or breed of social network

business in 40 pet-related categories. Vote today! at www.SpotMagazine.net

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Jennifer McCammon Publisher w/ Broadway, Scout & Peach Publisher@SpotMagazine.net

VOL. 4 • NO. 7 February 2009

Lancea LaPorte Art Director w/ Molly

Our Mission Companion and working animals are important, beloved members of the family. Spot Magazine is the one-stop resource for information, ideas, and events of interest to these animals and their people.

Spot@LaPorte-Design.com Our Policies

Contributing Writers Joan Callander Jennifer DuMond-Biglan Jake Faris Vonnie Harris Toni Jacobsen Nat Weinham

Advertising Janet Wheeland Account Executive Portland Westside w/ Elvis Janet@SpotMagazine.net

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360.903.4174

Name: Pango Breed: German Sherpherd Age: 3 Territory: NW Portland People: Denise Mullenix CPDX Turn Ons: Tug toys, bite sleeves, bite suits, and tennis balls.

Turn Offs: Baths and general grooming, the blow dryer.

Turn Offs: Pango is a Narcotics Detection and Protection K-9. He is also currently training in Search and Rescue.

Photo by O Issac White

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Marnie McCammon Eugene/Springfield Office w/ grandpuppy Roxy Marnie@SpotMagazine.net 541.741.1242

Nat Weinham Writer w/ Hazel Nat@SpotMagazine.net

Jake Faris Writer w/ Buddy Jake@SpotMagazine.net

Spot Magazine welcomes opinions and letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, letters should be signed and include the writer’s full name, address, and daytime telephone (for internal use only). Spot reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Mail to: Spot Magazine PO Box 16667 Portland OR 97292; Fax to: 503.261.8945; email to: publisher@spotmagazine.net.

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Spot Magazine PO Box 16667 Portland, OR 97292 Voice 503.261.1162 Fax 503.261.8945 Published monthly. Distributed from Vancouver to Eugene/Springfield & Sandy to Forest Grove. All rights reserved. Reproduction (whole or part) without permission prohibited.

© 2009 Living Out Loud Inc www.SpotMagazine.net

The Greatest Story of All

Jennifer McCammon with Broadway

W

as that the title of a great love story? For many of us, yes. In fact, it has been for me and my pets . . . nine times and counting! The words simply capture the lifelong love affair we get to have with our pets. And while this may sound a little weird to some, our relationships with our animals do have all the hallmarks of the great love stories. Affection, deep connection, total commitment . . . kisses!

And, yes, conflict. Yep, you know it; that too.

To the editor: I am reading my copy of Spot.

Nice issue, as usual.

My reason for contacting you is: There is a comment in the article “Stretching Your Dollars” that recommends Broccoli for dogs, and I understand it is a no-no for dogs. I’m so glad I took the time to read the magazine this morning, I am sending a list that goes into detail on the things dogs and cats shouldn’t eat. You had used it awhile back in preparing for articles on toxins and food.

It states broccoli is not a dog food, it is bad for their kidneys and other interior organs; it will shorten the life of the animal.

Putting this edition together was really fun. Our blossoming team of writers delivered great Valentine bouquets on the subject of love with our animals. Vonnie Harris brings to light some inspiring innovations happening at MCAS, Nat Wienham looked into some of the latest trends in matchmaking, and Jake Faris checked out the tough stuff, asking: “Can this marriage be saved?”

I hope you enjoy it!

Four of my current pack of five pets have been with me for years (Lula, the newest, arrived a year ago November; everyone else chalks up six to 16 years).

Sweet 16 is Wolf the cat who thinks he’s a dog. After all this time I’m still enamored, charmed and thankful for this sweet boy.

That is NOT to say he doesn’t get on my nerves. No lie, I hate it when he’s mean. He’s mellowing now as an old guy, but boy he could really be bad during the early years.

At age two, Wolf was part of a family being blended: me, a man, Wolf, and my two felines, Gray-C

I used to feed my dogs broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. All are not something a dog should eat. I didn’t know it was bad for them, until I read the list. We all try to do the best we know how for our 4-legged kids.

Spot readers need to know about this, as does your staffer.

I’m sure it wasn’t intentional; these things happen. I have put my foot in mouth many a time — thank God for peppermint shoes.

Anyway, I’m sorry to bring this news to you, but you need to know, and I’m sure you don’t want misinformation out there or coming from the pages of

and McKenzie. ‘Kenzie was a beautiful glossy black boy who was all sweetness except when hunting (at which he rocked). For whatever reason, Wolf took to brutalizing my ‘Kenzie right away, and I couldn’t get them past it. It was horrible, and I was heartsick.

Fortunately, my mom had a special love for ‘Kenzie and, after not too many weeks of enduring Wolf’s brutality, he was on a plane to Nana’s, whom he loved dearly too.

He lived out his years much loved, and relieved of the fear and pain of being stalked and attacked.

Please know that, other than his bullying (solely targeted at McKenzie), Wolf is an awesome, loving, character of a feline. He has a habit of sitting very humanlike, with a repertoire of about nine poses. There’s the Zen Buddha who keeps watch at naptime, the Kid in a Snit mode he saves for the hours preceding departure for vacation, the Old Drunk that doesn’t need a curb for full effect, and the Lounge Lizard, complete with sloe eyes and a languid gait that says, “You know I’m hot. Say it.”

The story of Wolf and ‘Kenzie may be unusual, and while the outcome was better than I could’ve hoped, it was heartbreaking that someone had to go. Surely in less ideal scenarios (where there’s not a loving Nana in the wings) the agony defies words.

Take a look at the hard cases in “Can this marriage be saved?” page 13. Thanks to folks like Denise Mullenix at Behave Canine Solutions, the answer is often “Yes it can.”

Happy Hearts to all this month! Love that bug, and send up a little thanks for the box of chocolates (thank you Forrest Gump) our pets treat us to every day of their lives.

Yours in everything pet,

“Spot.” I want the best for “Spot” — it’s the only place I advertise and it’s a go place to stay for sure!!

Talk to you soon, A J and the K-9’s AJ Limbrick owns and operates AJ’s K9 Kamp in NE Portland Editor’s Note: AJ is one of Spot’s best and most faithful “watch dogs.” She is an avid scholar of everything that’s good (and equally important, what’s not good) for pets, and also keeps her fingers on the pulse of petrelated trends. Watch for AJ’s list o plants that can be toxic to animals May ’09, just in time for planting.

Thanks, AJ, for all you do for our beloved companions, and for Spo

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Suki Reilly Hound Hello! My name is Reilly Hound and I am a sweet, smart 5-year-old purebred Coonhound who has had a terribly tragic life until now. I was used my entire life for breeding and was left outside year-round with little food. I am branded on my left side with the initials of my previous owner.

I will always be scarred from this experience, but I’ve decided to change my name and make the initials mine — RH now stands for Reilly Hound as a symbol of the new life I want to have with a loving family!

I am great with other doggies and would be fine even with cats. I am curious and fun and I love to play. I will be spayed with my adoption as well as microchipped, and I am current on all of my shots. My adoption fee is $180. To meet me, call the nice people at Pixie Project, 503.542.3433. Or visit pixieproject.org to learn more.

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Suki is a gorgeous 12-year-old Snowshoe/ Chocolate Point. She’s a lap cat who loves being brushed, although right now she’s a little lost and shy. She needs a forever home where she can feel comfortable with her very own person and her very own lap once again. Is that lap yours? Find Suki at CAT’s Sherwood shelter (14175 SW Galbreath Dr.). Call 503.925.8903 or visit catadoptionteam.org for more details or to set a date with Suki!

Dex Need company?

Dex knows how to help with that!

He loves to ‘help’ with chores, climb into laps and just be a great companion.

This adorable black and white cuddle bug is waiting for his forever home. Is it yours? Dex hopes so! Meet him at CAT’s Sherwood shelter (14175 SW Galbreath Dr.). Call 503.925-8903 or visit catadoptionteam.org to make a date with Dex.

Is it love?

Or is it because we fill the food bowl?

Kathy Covey • Spot Magazine

I

t’s February and you know what that means: a month-long love fest. Love is in the air, in our hearts, on the store shelves, in the advertisements, and marketed in commercials. It is to the point where if you don’t buy perfume, flowers and chocolates, you just don’t love someone.

Merriam-Webster defines “love” as a strong affection and tenderness; a warm attachment or devotion.

When love is given freely with no expectations, limits or boundaries, we call it unconditional love.

This is the love we believe our pets give to us.

Humans are constantly searching for love and acceptance. We cling to the love of friends, family, spouse and children. However, where we ultimately find our fill of love may not be within our own species, but with our companion animals (be it rat, dog, hamster, horse, cat, canary).

Are pets capable of love as humans define it? Science says no; pets are creatures of instinct and love is a human emotion. However, when you look at the definition of love, how can you deny the contented cat sleeping on your lap or the fast and furious canine tail-wagging as love?

Since the dawn of pet guardianship, humans have anthropomorphized our pets. We attempt to interpret our pet’s actions and define them with a human-labeled emotion. Love is no exception.

Perhaps we created a definition of love conveniently vague

enough to define the adoring gaze from a cat, the lick of a dog, the lean of a horse as love. And so what! We know our pets love us as much as we love them, unconditionally, too. And that is all that matters.

Kathy is PR Manager for the Cat Adoption Team and writer for the Cat’s Meow Blog on Oregonlive.com. She’s also worked for the Humane Society of the United States and the Oregon Humane Society. Kathy and her hubby live with two ‘adopted from a shelter’ cats – Mack and Clio. Shown here with Lil’ Rat.

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Dynamic Duo Escape

Spencer’s Lucky Day Jake Faris • Spot Magazine

I

don’t have all the facts, but from what I could piece together, Spencer, a burly yellow Labrador Retriever, set out on a recent Monday morning with his best friend Reeser to have some fun out in the big, wide world. Reeser is a chocolate Lab, and the two look like negative images of each other. Their family lives near 185th and Farmington in Beaverton, but by 8:30 Monday morning they had made their way south to where Johnson Creek winds its way through quiet suburbs.

The dynamic duo probably thought they were in dog heaven.

Though filled with houses and fences, it’s also dotted with parks, and is perfect for sniffing, marking, and chasing the occasional squirrel. Dogs and their leash-holders are fans of this area for these very reasons, though leashed dogs don’t get to indulge in squirrel chasing.

Spencer and Reeser were checking out the entrance to Summercrest Park on SW Rigert Rd (near SW 170th Ave) when they saw a Boxer named Friday and his owner Katie (who requested her last name be withheld). As she described later, Katie saw the Labs about the same time they saw her. She also saw two cars traveling from opposite directions on the stretch of asphalt the two “loose” Labs were about to cross in approaching Katie and Friday.

Katie tried to warn Spencer, who was sprinting. It happened so fast, she said, that the cars “couldn’t even try to stop.” The north-bound vehicle hit the excited

- Last year almost 1,200 loose dogs were picked up in Washington County alone.

Reeser had either paused to

Neighborhood resident Keith

Driving by I noticed the emer-

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R

EESE ER & R

C : SPEN BJECTS

SU

my curiosity. I met Roberts and his wife Karen, Katie, and WCAS Officer Kent Rohweder. Katie and Karen brought me up to speed as Rohweder waited for a second officer to arrive with a stretcher.

While Karen Roberts described her strange morning — it was usually her Lasso Apso/Bichon Frise named Rocky barking in the backyard — we walked back to check on Spencer, who lay where the two fence lines met. He looked a little scuffed and roughed up, but he was conscious and curious.

At 9:10 we were back in the cul-de-sac when Officer Rohweder noticed a large, dark dog staring down at us from a hill a street away.

Spencer’s lost friend, Reeser. In another stroke of luck, WCAS Officer Tim Locke arrived. He quickly changed course and in less than a minute had Reeser safely in the WCAS “mobile accommodations.”

With Reeser settled, the officers made their way back to Spencer, who looked wet, cold, and a little nervous with all the attention. The stretcher came out but wasn’t needed; Spencer rose gingerly to his feet and was helped into a compartment just inches from his buddy.

Because I didn’t tag along to the Bonnie Hays Small Animal Shelter, the end of the story gets a little sketchy. Susan Field, community relations coordinator for WCAS, explained that while he did have scrapes, Spencer’s initial exam found that nothing appeared broken.

While it isn’t the WCAS’s policy to release owner information, Field did share that Reeser and Spencer’s owners had picked them up.

Spencer and Reeser escaped what could have been a double tragedy. Many pups aren’t so lucky. Field says last year alone almost 1,200 loose dogs were picked up in Washington County.

That’s not counting the “loose” animals picked up after losing their lives. When asked about the statistics on the latter, Field said she didn’t keep those numbers handy. As a dog lover and owner, I can understand why.

Jake Faris is a freelance writer who’s worn many different hats, including a hardhat and the 8-point hat of a police officer.

Jake and his wife Charity live with their two cats and four dogs in Beaverton. The whole pack moved to Portland from Wenatchee, WA three years ago. Now a dedicated Oregonian, Jake finds new reasons to love his adopted state every day.

Contact him at jake@spotmagazine.net

Stitch Tested, Kyla Approved with help from dog mom Jen

Peticure Elite Pet Nail Trimmer This Valentine’s Day give your dog the perfect gift! Make trimming his or her nails a little easier. I have to admit I was a little skeptical when I received my Peticure Elite nail trimmer in the mail. I’ve used regular old dog nail trimmers for years and didn’t see why I would change, until I tried the Peticure on my two dogs.

I still use my traditional nail trimmers to quickly cut length off of my dogs’ nails, but I love using the Peticure to smooth all the rough edges it leaves behind. It makes their nails smooth so they don’t snag my couch or scratch my floors. I

love it!

Love • Cordless • Uses a rechargeable battery • Quick and easy to use with the adjustable nail-size safe-guard • Mess-free with the file safeguard

Don’t Love • Size: big and cumbersome. May be difficult for use with smaller pets

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Training

Learning On The Spot Jennifer DuMond Biglan, CPDT • Spot Magazine

Goal: To teach your dog to look at you more.

Training Tools: • Your dog • A leash • A variety of pea-sized training rewards (this exercise can also be practiced without training rewards)

D

o you ever feel like you’re the last thing your dog notices when you let him out of the car, leave the house, or when you’re in a novel location? The environment is so much more exciting than you are that your dog hardly realizes you’re there. You’re just a glorified pooper scooper! If you would like to get more of your dog’s attention, read on.

Extraordinary things are happening at Multnomah County Animal Services!!

Want to help the animals in your community?

Training Tip #1: Reward your dog for looking at you before you give him treats.

Sounds like a no-brainer, right? But in this case I’m not just talking about food treats, I’m talking about treats like running off leash at a dog park (do not leave your dog on leash once inside the park), taking a walk, going into his favorite pet store, etc. For example, every time you get your dog out of the car on leash, stand in one location (usually right next to the car) holding the leash. Don’t move until your dog gives you some form of eye contact. As soon as he does, praise him, give him a food treat, and then begin walking or let him off leash (if in a safe environment).

Training Tip #2: Acknowledge any and all attention on walks.

The next time you take your dog for a walk, whether on or off leash, count the number of times your dog looks at you or in your direction. Every time he looks at you praise him and/or give him a treat. At the very least, acknowledge that he has acknowledged you. After a week or so of training take another “look count” and see if your dog’s number has improved.

Jennifer Biglan is a certified pet dog trainer and owner of Dog & Cat, LLC Training & Behavior Modification services in Eugene, Ore. She is the proud owner of two dogs and three cats and provides private training, behavior consultations and group classes. If you have questions, contact Jennifer at 541.686.6768, or jen@dogandcat.org. Or visit her Web site at www.dogandcat.org.

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You love them like family.

So feed them like family.TM

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SPOT MAGAZINE

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Behavior

Behave to the Rescue Jake Faris • Spot Magazine herman the Tank — Shermie for short — came in to Christy Caplan’s life as a puppy when she decided to add a third dog to her family two years ago. Even now the Beagle/Basset Hound mix has an irresistible sweet sadness in his eyes.

Like many pet parents, Caplan thought getting a puppy from a shelter was a safe bet. She figured the little white and tan furball wouldn’t bear the emotional scars often found in older dogs from shelters. But, she says, “That’s when the fun began.”

Not only did Shermie come with baggage, he came with a complete set of bags.

And while he’s picked up some good habits from his two canine roommates, Sandy and Bruiser, his issues persist. Caplan ticks off the list: aggres-

S

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sive on-leash behavior (toward other dogs), resource guarding, reaction to hands near his neck (getting collars on and off is quite a job), plus, as Caplan puts it, other “aggressive incidents.”

Knowing these things can be corrected with proper training versus making the investment of time and money for that training can be two

When left alone he would try to get under the doors in the house. His frantic clawing splintered the wood, which then cut his head as he worked to muscle through.

different things. Work, family, and the rigors of daily life often thwart the best of intentions, taking some owners to wits’ end, and the sad

conclusion that a dog like “General” Sherman might be a perfect project . . . for someone else. In a decision born of love and determination, Caplan chose the hard way. “He’s my little project,” she says wryly.

Caplan’s dry humor sparkled as she talked about Shermie’s new dog walker, Polly from Town & Country Pet Services.

On Day One, Caplan gave Polly the list of “900 things you need to be aware of” (or beware in his case). Polly seemed a little incredulous at first, says Caplan, but returning from their inaugural walk she said, “That’s funny, he does do all those things.”

To reduce Shermie’s “900 things” Caplan needed reinforcements. She contacted Denise Mullenix CPDT, owner of Behave Canine Solutions in Portland.

To say Mullenix’s clients are loyal is an understatement.

They seize every opportunity to sing her praises, and Caplan is no exception. Notably absent from these stellar reviews are hyperboles like “miraculous change,” or “180-degree difference.”

Both Caplan and Mullenix describe Shermie’s current phase of training as “management,” the need for which Caplan hopes will diminish with time. “I hope one day I won’t have to bring cheese on walks,” she says.

“Cheese-free days” are exactly what Mullenix endeavors for her clients. But there are no shortcuts; it takes hard work from both human and canine to reach a point where the dog is no longer indulging in naughty behavior. “But don’t get too comfortable,”

Behavior

Mullenix’s creds are impressive, including Certification by the Council for Pet Dog Trainers, Certification in Instruction of Narcotics Detection, Certification in Search and Rescue, and Aggression Control from Reif’s Advanced K-9 in Colorado. Rounding out the list is her recent certificate from Randy Hare’s Trainer’s School for Department and Professional Trainers for Detection.

“We did all the normal things first,

including doggy Prozac.”

His leash aggression made Shermie a perfect candidate for Behave’s Growly Dog class. In order to attend, first he had to go to boot camp — in the form of a few one-on-one sessions with Mullenix.

Now, about a year and a half into his training with Behave, while Shermie isn’t “cured,” he has improved. Caplan says, “[Mullenix] gave me a lot of tools I can use to change Shermie’s behavior,” like treat rewards for good behavior when meeting other dogs. Another is sticking cheese to the fridge like an edible magnet, which simultaneously distracts Shermie and gets him to raise his head, allowing her to get his collar on without nips or growling.

“We were going to find a way to

make it work.”

Mullenix says. “A strong trigger could cause the dog to react again.” This is especially true in the event the dog experiences the same events that caused his issues in the first continued next page

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Behavior

continued from previous page

place. Because the behaviors never truly go away, it’s important to always remember they’re there, just below the calmest surface.

Bob May is another Behave alum and fan. While his Norton is also a Beagle, his story is unique. May and his partner Frank Rodriguez, along with Norton, moved to Portland in 2007 from a rural area near Chicago. During his first 11 years Norton lived on 2.5 acres and enjoyed daily two-hour walks. May says he was always “a normal dog, well behaved.”

Following their move, Norton as good boy became a fond memory. Exacerbated, in May’s opinion, by several moves in rapid succession, Norton’s issues included severe separation anxiety. When left alone he would try to get under the doors in the house. His frantic clawing splintered the wood, which then cut his head as he worked to muscle through.

Food can be a great way to distract a dog during times of separation from his pack.

Thanks to modern gadgets, it’s not as big a challenge as you might think.

Kongtime™, for example, dispenses Kongs at random times throughout the day.

14 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

Like Shermie, Norton also developed aggression on leash. Because this often occurs during the approach of an unleashed dog, it’s particularly challenging in Portland where — while illegal — dogs

“Within three weeks we had it under control,” he says. “It was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen in my life.”

Weekly sessions and daily two-hour walks and treats (the smellier the better) have

“Within three weeks we had it under control.

It was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen in my life.” are often encountered off-leash in and around parks and trails.

Rather than confronting those going “leash-optional,” May decided to focus on Norton’s behavior. As he puts it, “I’m not going to change all of Portland.”

To address Norton’s anxiety and aggression, “we did all the normal things first,” says May, which included Reconcile, which May calls “doggy Prozac.” Then they consulted an animal behaviorist, as well as two trainers who rejected Norton. Their reasons?

Norton’s behavior was “too fundamental.” This puzzled May, especially considering Norton’s 11 years of normal behavior. After working with Mullenix, May says the double dismissal was “The best thing that could’ve happened.”

Mullenix took their case and started them with weekly private lessons. The easiest part of the training, according to May, was dealing with the leash aggression.

helped Norton overcome his issues with approaching offleash dogs. When the situation arose, out came a stinky morsel. “Our goal was to have him turn his head and look at us,” says May. It turned out to be the perfect solution for Norton.

Interestingly, May says he then had to address his own anxiety about loose dogs.

“Denise [Mullenix] had to work on me,” he says, which included 20 to 30 strategies for coping. He’s using the tools. During one outing, he says, they had to escape an overly-inquisitive Rottweiler not once, but twice. May credits Mullenix with helping both he and Norton keep their cool during the encounter.

Norton’s continuing success with leash aggression signaled he was ready for new challenges in his training.

Mullenix had friends bring their own dogs to his sessions. May proudly reports that Norton did fine, and could even indicate — with a sharp bark and without going ballistic — that he was done with the “let’s sniff

throughout the day. He plans to fill it with Kongs™ containing frozen treats to break up Norton’s times of high anxiety, when separated from his people.

Mullenix also recommends Manners Minder by Premier Pet. This is a kibble-dispensing system that she says is “great for use in crate training, prolonged stays and behavior modification.”

May says products like these can “help knock the edge off” an anxious dog.

With all the effort, time and money May has spent helping Norton, you might wonder if he ever felt like giving up, maybe seek a more suitable home for his anxious beagle. While on paper it might be hard to even imagine such a thing, living it is far different than reading about it. Dealing with the torture that anxiety rends on a beloved pet, the stress and frustration of property damage (not to mention expense and fear of

the animal harming himself), and sometimes even pressure from friends or family, hanging in there, like Caplan choosing the hard way, is not easy . . . or cheap.

So has May ever considered giving up?

Behave

each other” get-acquainted canine custom.

“We’re somewhere between having the problem solved and a high level of management,” says May of Norton’s progress. On leash, May feels Norton is “real close to the point of no anxiety” and that he’s “definitely under my control.” In fact, describing the morning walk they’d taken before this interview, he said “I enjoyed myself.”

Overcoming separation anxiety hasn’t gone as well. May says the ideal is to gradually increase Norton’s time alone, the goal being eight hours, the span of a typical work day.

As with the leash anxiety, food can be a great way to distract a dog during times of separation from his pack. But how to feed a pet if you’re not there? Thanks to modern gadgets, it’s not as big a challenge as you might think. May is considering a Kongtime™ by Dogopolis, which dispenses Kongs™ at random times

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March for Mutts Expo NORTH CLACKAMAS PARK Saturday, March 7 - 8:30a.m. - noon Bring your dog to the park for a morning of games, vendors and doggie activities including: agility course, canine police, flyball, pet adoption agencies and kids and dog activity areas. Benefiting Meals on Wheels and accepting dog and cat food donations. $5 per person 5440 SE Kellogg Creek Dr., Milwaukie, OR Info: 503.653.8100 or parks@co.clackamas.or.us

SPOT MAGAZINE

| FEBRUARY 2009

15

Meet Your Match

MEET YOUR MATCH What makes a relationship work?

Photo by Lancea LaPorte

Nat Weinham • Spot Magazine

“What’s your daily routine?

How do you envision that dog fitting in?”

— Amy Sacks The Pixie Project

I

hadn’t met Denise Mullenix before this interview, but I knew her by reputation. The proprietor of Behave Canine Solutions in Portland, Mullenix had at least five different dog training certifications that I knew of. The one that impressed me most, besides her Spot 2008 Top Dog Award for Training, was her certification in Instruction

“It’s less about breed & more about temperament.”

— Amy Sacks The Pixie Project

Jeff Shannon & Molly enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, and many other outdoor activities together.

16 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

of Narcotics Detection, Search and Rescue, and Aggression Control for Police Canines. Here, I thought, is a professional who knows dogs better than they know themselves. With her experience, I had no doubt she’d be able to answer the question: How can Spot readers know they’re making a good match?

While dogs aren’t the only choice of companion animal, with so many traits associated with breed, they are perhaps the most diverse.

Of course, people also love cats, ferrets, birds, rabbits and other animals. One thing the experts make clear, whatever the pet, when it comes to picking the right companion, the same rules apply to all — pets and people.

for your

Best Match • Never acquire a pet on impulse. Consider fostering to ensure you’ve got a fit.

• Learn everything you can about the animal or breed.

• Get to know the particular animal; each has a unique personality.

• Know your lifestyle; honestly consider the needs/habits of the pet.

For instance, I rescued a German Shepherd, a great example of the breed, but also very unique. His parents are both in canine police work, patrol dogs. But he does not have the same confidence. He’s a timid dog.”

According to Tasha Williams of Family Dogs New Life Shelter in Portland, personalities make a huge difference. “The way we educate people is based on our personal experience with these dogs,” she says. “Without knowing a dog, you can only research breeds. But their personalities can be very different from what a book says.”

Williams cautions not to discount breed completely, though, pointing out that while there often are significant differences among dogs of the same breed and even the same litter, “breed still tells us what this dog was designed to do.” For example, she explains that nipping heels or pant-legs by herding dogs can turn from cute and playful to a little too rough, because that breed’s herding drive might become too strong. continued next pg

Meet Your Match

Top Tips

Mullenix arrived at the cafe in Northwest Portland with characteristic high energy; smiling, bright-eyed and enthusiastic. I posed the question. Her answer was a surprise.

“The biggest thing, when I’m assessing a person with a dog, is to assess the human’s life,” Mullenix says. “What’s their schedule?

How much time do they have? Are there children in the home? Other animals? Do they live in the country? In an apartment?

What’s their lifestyle?”

Mullenix’s focus on the person’s lifestyle rather than breed characteristics caught me off guard. I had expected to hear breeds and traits like, “Mastiff: sleepy. Labrador: social.

Beagle: howler.” Instead, I was introduced to a new way of viewing the companion animal selection process.

“No matter what the breed is,” Mullenix says, “you can’t guarantee behavior. You have to take into consideration the individual personality and temperament of each dog, because there are exceptions to every rule.

Meet Your Match

Let’s get specific.

There are nine cat models used by the Meet Your Match survey (Leader of the Band, Party Animal, MVP, Personal Assistant, Side Kick, Executive, Love Bug, Secret Admirer, Private Investigator), but all you need to understand is your own lifestyle.

The survey is just part of the process. Covey says CAT staff

“In a densely populated area, a HOUND BREED isn’t advisable, because they’re generally very vocal.”

— John Archer, Claymore Waggin’ Inn,

“Dogs don’t exercise themselves in backyards; they go pee.”

— Amy Sacks, The Pixie Project

and volunteers evaluate and take Amy Sacks of The Pixie Project in Portland echoes the idea. pains to know their residents’ per“It’s less about breed and more about temperament.” sonalities. Kitty parents responding Can the same be said of other well-loved companion to post-adoption surveys confirm animals? To find out I sought the expertise of Cat Adoption the program made it easier to find Team in Sherwood. the right match. “Eighty percent In 2008, CAT began using a new Web-based survey said the feline-ality was right on,” called “Meet Your Match,” a questionnaire designed to help says Covey. people find the right cat for their lifestyle. According to Kathy One oft-repeated sentiment by Covey, CAT’s PR Manager, the survey “helps people think about their lifestyle and expectations, and how a companion animal will “The way we educate people is based on fit into the way they live.” our personal experience with these dogs.

The ASPCA-designed Without knowing a dog, you can only questionnaire has 16 questions, like: research breeds. But their personalities I want my cat to enjoy can be different from what a book says.” being held — Tasha Williams, Family Dogs New Life, Portland [ ] Little of the time [ ] Some of the time experts — on dogs, birds, rabbits, [ ] Most of the time ferrets and cats — is that despite Results give users a good idea of their own needs while the generalities of species or breed, equipping CAT to make a good match. individual animals, like people, have To be fair, I took the test. I live with one blind cat and if we unique temperaments. were to add another cat to the family we’d want one that’s “Cat breeds are not like dog not too vocal, and is friendly with us but hides when people breeds,” Covey says. “Cat breeds come over. The survey suggested the “Private Investigator,” tend to be more aesthetic. Abysa cat who will “work undercover to keep an eye on you and sinians are highly intelligent, easy your household,” and “can vanish into thin air if anyone or to train, people-oriented, but not anything interferes with my investigation.” Perfect. lap cats. Siamese, they’re talkers.

“A HIGH-ENERGY DOG may not be the best match for someone who is away from home for extended periods of time and lives in a small apartment.”

— Denise Mullenix, Behave Canine Solutions

“CATTLE DOGS are generally highdrive, energetic dogs.”

—Tasha Williams, Family Dogs New Life

“If you have a BORDER COLLIE and run it six miles every morning, it’ll sleep through the day. Then it’s a great apartment dog.”

— Amy Sacks, The Pixie Project

“Good running partners include LAB mixes, HEALER mixes, BORDER COLLIE mixes, PIT BULLS.” — Amy Sacks, The Pixie Project

18 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

Meet Your Match

“I rescued a German Shepard, a great example of the breed, but also very unique.

His parents are both in police canine work, patrol dogs. But he does not have the same confidence. He’s a timid dog.”

— Denise Mullenix, Behave Canine Solutions, Portland

Manx are playful. Persians need a sense of security. Ragdolls are more interested in humans and might be constant companions.

But even within these breeds you’ll find cats that don’t fit the model. And any mixed breed will have a unique set of characteristics.

So, the ‘Meet Your Match’ survey

helps people figure out the best companion based on temperament, not breed. Do you want a timid, gregarious, follow-you-around, or sit-and-look-at-you kitty?”

The diversity of temperaments seems to hold true as much for

birds as for cats and dogs. Deborah Marrel of the Rose City Exotic Bird Club says, “There are amazing differences in personality, even in the tiniest of birds.” Marrel, who has two Cockatiels, says birds can have unexpected affections. “They have a way of bonding. Sometimes you bring a bird home and think it’s

going to be your bird and then they bond with your partner.”

Rabbits, too, defy oversimplification. Rabbit breeds, like Lops and Angoras, have more to do with appearance than temperament. Lorraine Bushek, of Rabbit

Advocates in Portland, says that while rabbits are delicate animals, they often live more than 10 years.

“Kids need to play with them on the floor; rabbits don’t want to be

held,” she says. A quiet household is best, she says, adding, “They don’t need a lot of space. They’re active at dawn and dusk, so their downtime is when you’re at work and asleep. They do well with dogs and cats; they don’t have to be the only animal.” Natural chewers, Bushek cautions, “You have to give them proper things to chew and make sure there are no electrical cords in their room.” Their diet is mostly hay. Lots of hay. “We say 80% hay, 15% plain pellets, 5% vegetables, avoid fruit and continued pg 25

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| FEBRUARY 2009

19

Adoption

Redefining the shelter environment Vonnie Harris • Spot Magazine

I

t was a blustery, sideways-rain kind of day when I met with Ann Potter, Volunteer Coordinator at Multnomah County Animal Services in Troutdale, Ore. From the moment I blew in the front door and escaped the elements, I encountered warmth, energy . . . and a sense of . . . magic.

For animal shelters, taking in and finding homes for abandoned animals can be a strenuous, tedious, sometimes thankless task, so the atmosphere can be simultaneously battle-weary and frenzied.

On arrival at MCAS I was immediately impressed with the calm.

The atmosphere was also incredibly welcoming, and the connection between staff and volunteers felt like family.

“Everybody here has a heart.” says Potter, adding that whether you’re staff or a volunteer, working at an animal shelter takes tremendous emotional courage. “There is no immediate gratification,” she says. “The people who work here have the passion and feel it.”

Potter, who used to teach kids in third and fourth grade, started as a volunteer herself. It’s clear she has the heart for it. Palpable from the moment you meet her, Potter’s warmth, dedication and heart are echoed by the lay of the land in her cozy office — laden with blankets and pillows. I was greeted by her dogs Tag, a 6½-year-old Border

“woof”

20 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

MCAS Volunteer Dalynn Rich with Kringle at outreach.

Kringle was adopted after being at the shelter 2½ months.

Collie she’s had for five years, and Boomba — aka Baa Baa Boomba — a lovely Pit Bull surrendered for separation anxiety that Potter had fostered and fallen in love with. It’s no wonder when you see his big, irresistible face, and experience him leaning in for affection.

Touring the facility, the calm noted on arrival prevailed throughout the various areas. The cat ward is clean and quiet. Two large bird cages filled with Society Finches and Parakeets belonging to staff provide a sweet soundtrack of tin-

kling chirping. The dog run was also surprisingly quiet, most of the dogs low-key. When I remarked on the general calm, Potter attributed it in part to the shelter’s participation in the new Open Paw program (details pg 26). MCAS is currently the only Portland-area shelter participating in this program, which is essentially designed to make companion pets more adoptable, educate pet owners, and keep pets in their homes once they are adopted.

Classical conditioning and reward training are two components of the program, designed to help resident dogs enjoy people approaching their kennels and to learn behaviors to heighten their desirability to prospective adoptive families.

With classical conditioning, staff, volunteers and visitors are encouraged to feed the dogs part of their daily ration by grabbing a few bits of kibble from small buckets attached to each kennel and dropping one to two pieces in front of each animal.

In time, the dogs make the positive association between visitors and yummy tidbits, and are less inclined to bark, growl or hide.

Love doesn’t just mean providing toys and treats;

it’s providing the commitment of a lifelong safe and loving environment.

During our tour, Potter introduced several staff members. “They do for the animals what no one else will do.” she says. While the recent snow before my visit had much of the surrounding area in a state of emergency and many businesses and government services were down, MCAS staff remained on the job. During the December storm, three Animal Care Techs and two Field Officers set up cots and placed big dog beds in their offices so they could stay overnight to ensure someone was there to answer emergency calls, and feed, clean and provide healthcare for the animals.

Animal Care Tech Stephanie Collingsworth was able to pick up and take home several volunteers and staff in her four-wheel drive during the winter blast. A professional trainer, Collingsworth does behavior assessments on all arrivals to MCAS. “When the animals get to the adoption floor, I know they’re safe,” she says.

“There are other options for animals that can’t deal with the stress of a shelter or who are injured or sick in some way,” says Collingsworth, likening the shelter to a halfway house. The Foster Pet Program serves animals with special needs such as being too young or having a treatable illness that requires special care. The Dog Foster program specializes in working with animals in need of further socialization, evaluating a home setting or just providing a reprieve to those who just need a little time out from the kennel environment.

Collingsworth has been instrumental in starting many of the shelter’s programs. She started MCAS’s Comcast On-Demand Pet Adoptions and put together its Placement Partner program. “It started out with different breed groups who would take specific breeds and help get them adopted and/or provide foster care,” she says. Now MCAS has over 180 networks and partners helping find permanent homes for animals. Collingsworth is quick to share praise with her fellow staff. “This shelter would not be where we are today without Mike and John,” she says. “Director, Mike Oswald, and Shelter Manager, John Rowton, they are the ones who make sure the programs get through; they make it happen.”

Adoption fees are low — $120 for dogs (just $60 for dogs six years and older), and $100 for cats (also $60 for six and older). Fees include spay/neuter surgery, health exams, rabies vaccinations and first shots, pet license and microchip.

Adoptive pet parents are given extensive MCAS is currently the counseling by staff who know their breed only Portland-area traits. Potter says, “A lot of the time, they shelter participating use their intuition to in the Open Paw pro‘feel the match.’” It is of utmost importance that each animal’s gram, designed to make personality, care and companion pets more exercise needs fit the family’s. Love doesn’t adoptable, educate pet just mean providing owners, and keep pets toys and treats; it’s providing the commitment of a lifelong safe and in their homes once they loving environment. are adopted.

Adoption

Classical conditioning is also used in the cattery; visitors spoon tiny bits of wet cat food onto popsicle sticks. The kitties know the drill, and when they draw near, visitors are encouraged to speak gently and offer a finger or hand for the cat to sniff, and a nibble of food. Staff work to ensure only one kitty per popsicle stick.

Reward training, just like it sounds, basically rewards good behavior that wasn’t requested. When a dog does something desirable, he/she is rewarded with a few bits of kibble. Positive behaviors include being quiet, keeping all four paws on the floor, sitting, lying down, making eye contact, cocking the head.

continued pg 26

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R O S E C I T Y V E T E R I N A RY H O S P I TA L SPOT MAGAZINE

| FEBRUARY 2009

21

Danes do outdoor fun together PDX Danes will head for a snow day of fun Saturday, February 7. The group will meet at the Sandy Safeway parking lot at 8:15 and leave by 8:30 to head to the Clear Lake (Frog Lake) area on the mountain to go snowshoeing. Snow shoes can be rented reasonably from Joe’s and other sports and outdoors stores. Also on tap this month: Play dates at Ross Park in Vancouver Feb 1, at Gabriel Park (SW 45th & Vermont in Portland (meet at the Winter Dog Park) Feb. 8, at North Clackamas Park Feb. 15, and at Hazeldale Park Feb. 22. All Romps are at 1pm. Details vegasrose@pdxdanes.org or pdxdanes.org.

Furever Pets celebrates 6th anniversary When it comes to knowing animals, Symon Lee, proprietor of Furever Pets on Broadway in NE Portland, is a name to know. Feb. 15 is a great time to stop in and say “hi,” as the shop is hosting a 6th anniversary celebration with food, drinks, door prizes, games, special discounts, limited edition Furever pets reusable shopping bags (with purchases of $50 or more to the first 250 customers), and more. 15% of the day’s total sales will support the animal charities Furever Pets works with.

22 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

PDX Danes member enjoying the snow at Clear Lake, Oregon

OHS hosts big lineup Trail Blazers Pet Night is Feb. 8 The Portland Trail Blazers will host Pet Appreciation Night Feb. 8 during the game against the Knicks. Photos of pets wearing Trail Blazer gear will be shown on the big screen during the game.

Send photos to: petpics@trailbla zers.com.

Valentine’s Day for Special Needs Pets is OHS’s theme for sweethearts’ day. “Special needs” pets need tender, loving care. All will make great pets, but have medical or behavioral conditions that make finding the right match a bigger than usual challenge.

Adoption fees for these special babies are reduced Feb. 13-15, averaging $35 as compared with the usual fees which run up to $85. Check out these special Valentine Babies starting Feb. 12 at http://oregon humane.org/adopt/special_ needs.asp.

The annual OHS Heroes luncheon, featuring the Diamond Collar Awards, is happening Feb. 27 at The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave. in Portland. The Diamond Collar Awards honor animals who have acted to save a human or animal life in peril, who have performed services within the community with undying loyalty, or who have overcome incredible odds to survive. OHS will also honor humans who have had a

positive impact on the lives of animals, exhibiting courage and compassion in the pursuit of animal welfare. Tickets are $45; details oregonhumane.org.

February fun in Vancouver There’s always fun, interesting stuff on tap at Terry Johnson’s popular boutique, Howl At The Moon, 13501 NE 84th St, Ste 105 in Vancouver. This month it’s psychic readings/ consultations Feb. 21, TTouch Feb. 25 and Pet First Aid Feb. 28. Check the FunPlanner for event details, or visit howl-atthe-moon.com.

Great photos for a good cause Paws for a Cause is happening Feb 24-28, when photographer Lara Blair will be offering photo shoots in designated time slots to benefit the Humane Society for SW Washington. The “PAWS” donation is $30; all session fees support HSSW. Details larablairimages.com.

Bust winter blues at Yappy Hour Yappy Hour at Urban Wineworks, 407 NW 16th in Portland, is all about Grapes and Games Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6-8pm. The evening offers

a chance to break free from the winter doldrums with fun, interactive games to test your dog’s spirit, agility and energy while you enjoy a little grape and good company.

LexiDog, the Oregon Humane Society and Urban partner in presenting the monthly Yappy Hour event the third Wednesday of the month. Details urbanwineworks.com.

Yessir, one plus one does so equal eight That is when the equation involves two fertile domestic animals.

Feb. 24 is Spay Day USA, a national campaign that promotes spay/neuter as a simple, humane and effective way to end the tragedy of euthanizing homeless pets. According to the Oregon Humane Society, which claims one of the highest adoption rates in the nation, shelters across Oregon euthanize upwards of 30,000 dogs, cats, kittens and puppies each year. Spaying and neutering pets and feral cats is the most effective way to reduce the vast numbers of animals born only to die prematurely and without a family who loves them. Allowing even one fertile pair of dogs or cats to reproduce can quickly result in up to eight animals in need of care.

Myth-busting The folks at OHS say a spayed or neutered pet will not become fat and lazy, nor will it have a personality change. The surgery DOES decrease aggressive behavior, reducing the likelihood a pet will roam or run away, will virtually eliminate

spraying/marking behaviors, and typically results in a more relaxed, affectionate pet.

Shelters continually hear that cost is the major deterrent. OHS’s Website http: //www.oregonhumane.org/ services/spay_neuter.asp is full of information on assistance programs, which include interest-free loans, vouchers for the Feline Spay/Neuter Assistance Plan (SNAP) (which provides up to $30 to spay/ neuter cats), and a directory of local organizations offering financial resources to help pet owners.

Marley and Me stirring things up In addition to being the hottest property on the big screen in recent weeks, the film Marley and Me has created a buzz with humane societies, advocates and behavior pros. One rep for The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) called Marley and Me “A heartwarming film but not a guide for dog owners,” saying “much of Marley’s ‘bad’ behavior was unknowingly created by his well meaning but poorly prepared owners, and some of it was an anxiety disorder called storm phobia.” The AVSAB offers the following recommendations for those considering adopting a puppy: • Puppies require LOTS of time, attention and training.

Be educated and prepared to begin teaching good manners the minute puppy comes home. Waiting makes the process much more difficult • Enroll in puppy classes asap — they’re as important for pet as for person.

• Prevent unruly behaviors later like jumping, pulling the leash, and chewing household items by continued next page

A whole new meaning to pampering your bunny Bunny Spa Day is happening Feb. 22, noon-3, at Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene.

Doing its part to celebrate Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month and honor the 3rd most popular animal companion, Greenhill is taking pet pampering to a whole new level.

Take your bunny to get pampered with a free manicure, pedicure, grooming and a massage (yep!). Visitors can watch the techniques demonstrated, get advice on house rabbit care and adoption, and shop for supplies, toys, hay and treats for their special bunny. (Please bring your bunny in a pet travel carrier.) Details 541.689.1503 or green-hill.org.

Hop in and meet these sweethearts What sweeter way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than finding some bunny to love.

You can! Rabbit Advocates is hosting an adoption outreach Feb. 14, noon-3, at Western Pet Supply in Beaverton. Visitors can learn about adopting a bunny, have a bunny groomed (including nails trimmed), and get tips and educational materials on caring for and enjoying house rabbits.

Adoptables will be on site (all spayed and neutered).

If you’re bringing a bunny for grooming or nail trim, the Rabbit Advocates ask that you bring clean towels and, if possible, grooming tools.

Events are free; donations for grooming/trims appreciated.

The theme for this month’s event is Love is in the Air — Adopt a Bonded Pair! Details rabbitadvocates.org.

Some bunny special this Valentine’s Day Willamette Humane Society (WHS), and animal welfare organizations throughout the country are celebrating national Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month.

WHS is offering 10% off rabbit starter kits at Davenport’s Den, the pet supply store inside the shelter, for anyone who adopts a rabbit in February.

Rabbits make excellent pets for the right adopter, says WHS bunny behavior expert Stacey Carter. “Rabbits are intelligent, social animals who are capable of forming lifelong bonds with their human companions.”

Many bunnies can be trained to use a litterbox and walk on a harness and leash. Like other pets, rabbits’ individual personalities vary, so Stacey and other knowledgeable WHS staff and volunteers will help interested adopters select the rabbit that best fits their lifestyle. Staff and volunteers can also provide expert advice on rabbit care and training post adoption. All rabbits adopted from WHS are spayed or neutered and microchipped.

To check out the lovebunnies and other pets awaiting loving forever homes, visit WillametteHumane.org, or drop by the shelter at 4246 Turner Rd. SE in Salem noon-7 weekdays, noon-6 weekends.

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teaching and rewarding appropriate behavior from the get-go.

• At no point was “Marley” jockeying to be “alpha.”

Training does not require dominance or harsh corrections. Training and reinforcing desired behavior with positive reinforcement is safest and most effective for puppies. Kneeing Marley to stop his jumping up was potentially dangerous and unnecessary. Teaching him from puppyhood to sit for petting would have eliminated that problem.

• Many dogs suffer from behavior problems unrelated to traditional training. For example, destruction and vocalization during storms is often a common condition called storm phobia. The condition is very treatable.

• Viewers should resist the temptation to adopt a puppy or dog based on a movie.

Movie entertainment is not reality — even when it’s based on a true story. Shelters were filled with Dalmatians purchased after people saw Disney’s 101 Dalmatians several years ago. Once the adorable puppies grew into rambunctious and destructive young adults, many owners dumped them.

“Having a dog in your life can be tremendously satisfying and enriching,” said Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer, AVSAB President and owner of Veterinary Behavior Clinic in Gaithersburg, MD. “However, there is a significant level of commitment required and it is a decision that should not be made lightly.”

24 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

AVSAB has published position papers on Puppy Socialization, Choosing a Trainer, The Use of Punishment, and Dominance Theory in the

Behavior Modification of Animals. These documents are available at AVSABonline.org.

Popular columnist joins the trenches Deborah Wood is the new Animal Services Manager for Washington County. Her role includes supervising countywide animal control field services, operations at the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter in Hillsboro, and humane education and outreach.

Widely known for her popular “Pet Talk” column in The Oregonian newspaper which ends its 11-year run this month, Wood has also authored 12 books on pet training and care.

“Washington County Animal Services is already doing great work,” says Wood. “I hope my skills and background can help make it even better. My goal is to work with the community to create an environment in which no adoptable animal will be euthanized for lack of a home. That means we need to create more awareness and resources for spay/neuter programs, have more people coming to the shelter to adopt their new best friends, and we need more education about caring for pets.”

Prior to her work with animals, Wood had an extensive background managing housing and social service programs for low income and homeless people. She was the Executive Director of Central City Concern, Portland’s largest agency providing housing and social services to homeless people.

Dove blazes trail in treating kidney failure DoveLewis is the first veterinary hospital in the Northwest to offer continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), also known as short-term hemodialysis, for the management of acute kidney failure, giving animals with acute kidney failure more of a fighting chance.

New technology in veterinary medicine, the procedure gives patients who overdose on drugs or ingest deadly toxins — like raisins, and almost always-deadly anti-freeze — a chance of survival that heretofore didn’t exist.

“It may be the lifeline they need when their kidneys fail acutely and traditional medical management is not helping,” says Alicia Faggella, DVM DACVECC, DoveLewis Critical Care Director. “Having this machine available at DoveLewis will give our medical staff the best tool possible to save their lives or, at the least, to prevent organ damage and allow damaged kidneys a chance to heal.”

Causes of acute kidney failure include: • Ingestion of toxins like anti-freeze, grapes & raisins, lilies • Overdoses and accidental ingestion of common household drugs • Trauma • Severe systemic infection • Removal of excess fluid from a patient’s body when medicines fail

Rocky

Jake Jessie

continued from pg 19

sugar.” For fun, rabbits love a box with holes cut into it, or a cardboard tissue roll with hay stuffed inside.

Melanee Ellis, of the Lane Area Ferret Shelter and Rescue in Eugene, says ferrets, like cats and rabbits, don’t exhibit the breed differences found in dogs. Unlike cats, however, she says, “They can be a lot of work. They need exercise — not outside, but a room with toys.”

Ellis says that while two ferrets will jockey to determine who’s alpha, they’re better in pairs. When there’s just one, she says, “You have to be the main source of amusement for that ferret. Get them a buddy. You’ll still have to be involved, but they’ll entertain each other.”

At Claymore Waggin’ Inn in Junction City, John Archer agrees that despite breed generalities, personality is the best guide. However, he suggests that some breed generalities do merit attention. “In a densely-populated area, a hound breed isn’t advisable, because they’re generally very vocal.”

Nat Weinham is a graduate student at Portland State University in the Master’s program for fiction. He lives in Portland with his wife Katie and their blind tuxedo cat, Hazel, a brave little exploerer. Contact him at nat@spotmagazine.net

bailey

britney

quincy

moll Rocky & Elvis

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continued from pg 21

ADOPTION / RESCUE Multnomah County Animal Services . . . . . . 21 Oregon Ferret Shelter . . . 27 BOARDING / DAYCARE Airpet Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Club K-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Cooper Mountain Kennels . 6 Rock Creek Kennels . . . . . 2 CREMATION / MEMORIALS Dignified Pet Services . . . 19 EVENTS March for Mutts . . . . . . . . 15 GIFTS / FASHION / SPECIALTY The Active Canine . . . . . . 21 BeBop USA . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bi-Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Wags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 GROOMING - EUG/SPNG Grooming Dales . . . . . . . . 27 HEALTH & WELLNESS Back on Track . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dr. Mary Mandeville . . . . . 15 Unsinkable Dogs . . . . . . . 20 HOTELS Ester Lee Motel . . . . . . . . 20

26 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

PET FOOD / SUPPLIES Bi-Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Blue Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Snowfire Farm — distributor of healthy pet foods . . . 19 Solid Gold Northwest Holistic Products for Pets 7 PET PORTRAITS PC Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 PETSITTING Deborah Quintana . . . . . . 15 Never Alone Pet Sitting . . . 9 PHOTOGRAPHY Alicia Dickerson Four Legged Photo . . . 11 Good Dog Photo . . . . . . . 15 PRODUCTS BeBop USA . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Kennel Deck . . . . . . . . . . 16 VETERINARIANS / VET HOSPITALS Best Friends Vet . . . . . . . 25 Good Neighbor Vet . . . . . . 9 VACATION RENTALS Ester Lee Motel . . . . . . . . 20 Idyllic Beach House . . . . . 13

The warmth inside the little shelter in Troutdale eclipses nearly all memory of the chill bluster of the day I visited. In addition to the pleasure of taking in the top-notch care and accommodations, I was treated to touching, heartrending and inspiring stories that could fill reams of pages.

The dedicated MCAS staff supplies the basics while the volunteers supply immeasurable enrichment. Together they go above and beyond creating their own brand of magic in finding forever homes and saving the lives of pets — one precious creature at a time.

About Open Paw Open Paw is a nonprofit founded in January 2000 By Dr. Ian Dunbar and Kelly Gorman to deal with the challenge for shelters dealing with overpopulation of unwanted animals. Most shelter animals were once normal, lovable puppies and kittens. Yet many wind up in shelters or abandoned between six months and two years of age. In most cases they became unwanted due to behavior, temperament, or training problems, all of which could easily have been corrected early on. Arriving at a shelter with behavioral baggage already, many animals rapidly deteriorate in the shelter environment.

They often become de-housed trained, hyperactive, noisy, anxious, and lacking in social graces. With each passing day in the shelter, unless a vigorous socialization and training program is effected, the animals, particularly puppies and dogs, become less and less adoptable, and less likely to remain in a home if they are adopted.

Open Paw is a multi-faceted approach to making companion pets (more) adoptable, educating pet owners (preferably before an adoption) and keeping pets in the home once they are adopted.

Education.

Teaching people how to be responsible pet owners is a primary goal, designed to keep animals from being surrendered or abandoned in the first place. In addition to resources, modeling proper care in the shelters is the most effective and humane education.

Socialization.

Pets engage in human/animal bonding sessions and playtime with other animals. Socializing helps build confidence in the animal and the world around him, reducing anxiety and developing trust in people.

This lays the groundwork for the next step: basic obedience. Well-socialized pets are more likely to listen to basic commands in public situations and make better companions.

Training.

Basic commands are taught to improve pets’ behavior and good manners. The better behaved, the better the chance the pet will remain in the home. Basic manners include: - Housetraining - Chew-toy/scratching post training - Socialization to people and other animals Open Paw helps make animals’ stay at shelters happier and healthier. Staff and volunteers receive support, direction and training in animal behavior.

Details: Adoption, Volunteer, Foster \Multco/pets Open Paw Program openpaw.org

Vonnie Harris is a freelance writer, and operator of BowWows & Meows Pet Services of SW WA. She and her brood, Jake and Jessie, both yellow Labs, and parrots Pedro (Yellow-Nape Amazon) and Lorali (African Grey) reside in Vancouver. Vonnie also is “the face of Spot” at many Portland-area pet-related events. Contact her at vonnie@spotmagazine.net.

ADOPTION COMPANIONS FOR LIFE 300 cats & kittens looking for forever home, altered, tested, vaccinated, microchipped, indoor, ready to love. Adoption fee $85-$125.

M-F: 11-7, Sa-Su 10-6. Cat Adoption Team 503.925.8903 www.catadoptionteam.org Volunteers welcome. Fosters needed.

DOG GROOMING EUG/SPRINGFIELD

Grooming-Dales (Dee) 28 West Q St. #F Springfield (541) 726-PETS (7387) With 30 Years of Quality Care

BOARDING $25/DAY AJ’S K9 KAMP Visit the photo page on www.ajsk9kamp.com. Day care & overnight home care. Canines under 30 lbs. Nr the airport.

15 yrs exp. Licensed. Insured. 7am - 8pm 503-252-7652.

CRAFTERS WANTED LOCAL CRAFTERS WANTED Handmade, pet-related items needed for new boutique. Favor given to crafters that use “green” materials. Send links or photos and cover letter to: DS@laporte-design.com

DAYCARE See AJ’s K9 Kamp under Boarding THE BED & BISCUIT ON SUNNYSIDE Daycare and overnight stays in my home for dogs over 30# Special needs, meds OK! Lisa 503-658-5737 FOREST PARK BED & BISCUIT Dog daycare, overnights & basic grooming while you wait or play. Private setting in NW PDX, close to Montgomery Park. Call Linda for details 503-768-9932 or 971-570-3646.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME The Dog Manor for fun and friendly Doggie Daycare! Your best friend’s home away from home.

503-309-0372 M-F 7-6:30 North Portland WHAT IS YOUR PET DOING ALL DAY? Chewing, Digging, Barking Bored and Missing You. Call A LUCKY DOG. 1-800GO-LUCKY

“WE HAVE A WARM HEART FOR A COLD NOSE” LEXIDOG AT 5TH STREET PUBLIC MARKET Features Experienced grooming by Jessica Plante — Let Jess pamper your pup from nose to toes! Call 541-343-5394 for an appointment.

FOSTER CARE FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED If you would like to be a volunteer foster parent for Other Mothers Animal Rescue, please call 503.452.0465 to request an application. We need dedicated animal lovers to care for pregnant dogs or cats and/or their litters until they can be adopted into permanent homes.Please check us out at www.othermothers.org, Then call if you can help these precious puppies or kittens. This is a great way to get to cuddle the baby critters without committing to more than 6 or 8 weeks. Other Mothers needs you!

971.321.6858.

HELP WANTED

PET SITTING

FRIENDLY PEOPLE WANTED To deliver Spot Magazine to newsstands. A few hours, a few bucks. Never leave your own neighborhood! 1-2 days per month. Salem and Eugene routes available. To apply, call call 503.261.1162.

BOWWOWS & MEOWS PET SERVICES Need a pet-sitter who will love your pets as much as she loves her own? BowWows & Meows Pet Services . . . Because It’s All About Them! We also love birds! Serving West Vancouver & Jantzen Beach areas. Pet-sitting and Mid-Day Potty Breaks. 360.903.4174

GROOMER WANTED T-Sat, Exp, detail oriented, neat and friendly.

Please call Liana Mon-Fri 503-291-0010 WRITERS Spot is growing! We are always considering talented writers. The budget is humble but growing. The readership is passionate and the standard is high. If interested, please send letter of intro (especially your areas of interest/expertise in pets), along with two samples to: publisher@spotmagazine.net.

No phone calls please.

LISA & FRIENDS PET SITTING Quality pet care in a comfortable home environment at great prices. In-home visits also available. All pets welcome. Refs. 503490-3762 FURRY DUTY IN HOME CARE Boarding/Daily Walking. Contact Char 503.829.7181 or jcpalmer@molalla.net or MiriamatFurryDuty@yahoo.com or 503-807-4578

PET TRAVEL HOUSE & PET SITTERS DEPENDABLE RETIRED COUPLE We do overnight and vacation house and pet sitting. Dogs, cats, horses, whatever! Responsible with great references. 503-537-9719 or 503-679-5613 KRITTER KARE OF PORTLAND Daily dog walks. Vacation pet sitting. “Overnites” & house sitting services. Caring for domestics & exotics in the tri-county area since 1994. Licensed, bonded, insured.

Refs. 503-252-0599, 503-940-7761.

PET PORTRAITS

FOR THE TRAVELING DOGS WITH FAMILIES Otto Step! Completely portable platform step for loading and unloading Fido. Insert into any 2” trailer hitch receiver, load and stow after use. Visit www.OttoStep.com or call 888-311-OTTO (6886).

TRAINING HAPPY PALS DOG TRAINING Have fun w/your dog teaching manners and/or earning titles in obed, rally, conf, or tracking.

Judges from several orgs. Private lessons, your home or our facilities. Call Loanne or Roger 503-359-9297.

HEALTH/WELLNESS ORGANIC WHEAT-FREE DOG TREAT RECIPES Send $3 & an SASE to Mrs. Paws at 8056 E Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver WA 98664.

WALLACE PARK ANIMAL ACUPUNCTURE Complementary integrative pet care for a variety of health concerns. 20 yrs of experience and instructor to veterinarians. On the dog park in NW Portland. Dr.T. McCormick, LAc 503-810-0755

Dog portraiture in colored pencil. Celebrate your friend or commemorate a past companion!

Contact P.C. Pierce at 503-641-4585 oysterbasco@yahoo.com www.myspace.com/oysterbascoart

Classified Ad Rates: 1x $40

3x $33

6x $25

12x $20

3 lines of text, 45 characters per line Additional lines $1 per line per month *These rates apply only to text ads, not display ads

SPOT MAGAZINE

| FEBRUARY 2009

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F E B R U A RY • 2 0 0 9

1 sunday • Chocolate Fest at the World Forestry Center in Portland’s beautiful Washington Park.

Details worldforestry.org.

11am — Save The Pets in Eugene hosts an adoption event at Petsmart ‘til 3. Come meet adoptable dogs and cats or lend a hand with the events! They’re held every Sunday.

Noon — The Cat Food Bank open ‘til 2:30 to provide cat food for owners in financial need.

The Cat Food Bank is located at CAT’s shelter, 14175 SW Galbreath Dr. in Sherwood.

Details catadoptionteam.org.

1pm — PDX Danes rendezvous to play today at Ross Park in Vancouver.

3pm — Valentine Fun at LexiDog in Eugene’s 5th Street Market.

Greenhill will be brinGing sweethearts to meet.

2 monday • Feline Fix-a-Thon. Cat owners experiencing financial difficulty can have their cat or kitten spayed or neutered at the Cat Adoption Team’s feline veterinary clinic for the subsidized rate of $10/neuter, $20/spay. Call 503.710.8373 to schedule. Don’t delay; spaces fill fast.

3 tuesday 5:30pm — OHS Basic Manners Dog Training class. Fun, positive and flexible. Free Intro Training Class (prerequisite) offered today and Feb. 14 at 2, Feb. 17 at 5:30 & Feb. 28 at 2. Basic Manners classes offered weekly. Details oregonhumane.org.

5:30pm —Volunteer Orientation at Willamette Humane in Salem. Learn about rewarding opportunities caring for animals

28 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

in need. No need to RSVP. Details willamettehumane.org or 503.585.5900, ext. 312.

5 thursday Noon — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis NW. Details dovelewis.org.

6 friday 7:30pm — Singles Mixer at Club K-9 in North Portland. A new Friday-night indoor park for single dog moms & dads and their pups to play & mingle.

Admission $10; RSVP to 503.289.7472.

7 saturday • Looking for [kitty] love this February? During the Cat Adoption Team’s Be My Valentine Adopt-a-Thon today through Feb. 15, unconditional love is 50% off (plus a sweet surprise with each adoption).

Subsidized spay/neuter services available this month. Help prevent unwanted kittens this spring!

10am — OHS Adoption Outreach at the NW Family & Kids Festival at the Washington County Fair Complex in Hillsboro today & tomorrow 10-6. Details oregonhumane.org.

10am — Pet Nutrition & News with Chip Sammons on KKPZ, 1330 AM radio. Chip helps you help your pets live long, healthy, happy lives.

11am — Adoption Outreach at Woodburn Petsense ‘til 4pm with Marion County Dog Shelter.

Come meet some sweet, adoptable dogs!

11am — Volunteer/Foster Care Orientation at Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene.

Find out about the exciting opportunities to work with the Greenhill staff & animals.

Volunteers are needed in all areas, including dog walkers, kennel cleaners, cattery workers, and office help. Details greenhill.org or 541.689.1503.

Noon — Saturday Show & Tell ‘til 4 at Animal Aid, 5335 SW 42nd Ave (south of Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy). Weekday visiting hours 11-4. Details 503.292.6628 or animalaidpdx.org.

2pm — Ask-A-Trainer at Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene. Certified Dog Trainer Nancy Yamin, owner of Mutts Better, chats with visitors in the Greenhill lobby the first Saturday of every month, answering questions about basic obedience & behavior modification. Yamin’s expertise & experience can help solve everyday issues with dogs and puppies. Free.

8 sunday • Portland Trail Blazers Pet Appreciation Night. The Portland Trail Blazers are excited to host Pet Appreciation Night.

Join the fun as the Trail Blazers take on the Knicks. Photos of pets wearing Trail Blazer gear will be shown on the big screen during the game. Send photos to: petpics@trailblazers.com.

9am — Pro-Bone-O Vet Clinic at St. Vincent dePaul at its Lindholm Service Center in Eugene ‘til 1. Pro-Bone-O serves pets of people who are homeless. Services include vaccines, well-pet check-ups, treatment of minor illnesses, diseases & wounds, food & supplies. Details proboneo.org.

10:30am — Basic TTouch for Dogs class at Oregon Humane Society. Spend quality time with your pet & improve his or her health and the bond you share. TTouch is a specialized approach to the care & training involving relaxation. Wellbehaved dogs welcome. Cost $65/with dog, $45/without (fee is

per household). RSVP (required) to: oregonhumane.org/pet_ training.

11am — Save The Pets in Eugene hosts an adoption event at Petsmart ‘til 3. Meet adoptable dogs and cats or lend a hand with the events. Held every Sunday. Details savethepets.org.

1pm — Memorial Art Community Workshop with DoveLewis at 1945 NW Pettygrove, Families Welcome 1-2:30, adults (ages 16 & up) 3-4:30. Enid Traisman, MSW facilitates workshops offered the 2nd Sunday of every month, each with an opportunity to create something unique to take home. Free; RSVP required. dovelewis.org/giftshop.

1pm — PDX Danes rendezvous to play today at the Winter Dog Park at Gabriel Park in Portland.

5:30pm — Basic Massage Strokes for Dog Owners class by Heal at PetUtopia in Beaverton. Register on-site up to day before. Heal provides dog beds & take-home info. Cost $40; RSVP/prepayment required.

Details www.healnw.com.

11 wednesday 6:30pm — Reactive Rover class at Oregon Humane Society.

Does your dog bark or lunge at other dogs while on leash?

Instructors will accommodate reactive dogs to help them learn and feel comfortable in class while maintaining the safety of all. Class runs Wednesdays at 6:30 or 7:30 through March 18; $165/six weeks. Details/RSVP oregonhumane.org.

12 thursday 9am — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis NW. Details dovelewis.org.

13 friday 7:30pm — Singles Mixer at Club K-9 in North Portland. A new Friday-night indoor park for single dog moms & dads and their pups to play & mingle.

Admission $10; RSVP to 503.289.7472.

14 saturday • Looking for [kitty] love this February? CAT’s Be My Valentine Adopt-a-Thon continues thru tomorrow; adoption fees 50% off.

Subsidized spay/neuter services also available. Help prevent unwanted kittens this spring!

• Valentine’s Day for Special Needs Pets. What better way to say “I Love You” than to adopt an animal with special needs on Valentine’s Day? These special babies need tender loving homes. Reduced adoption fees Feb. 13-15. Details http: //www.oregonhumane.org/adopt/ special_needs.asp.

10am — Pet Nutrition & News with Chip Sammons on KKPZ, 1330 AM radio. Chip helps you help your pets live long, healthy, happy lives.

Noon — Looking for Some Bunny to Love? One is looking for you! Meet them, and their wonderful Rabbit Advocates, at Western Pet Supply in Beaverton ‘til 3. Today’s theme is Love is in the Air – Adopt a Bonded Pair!

The Advocates’ events are fun, informative — even beautifying!

They’ll clip your bunny’s nails too! (Donations appreciated, and please bring clean towels and grooming tools if possible.)

Details adoptarabbit.org.

Noon — Saturday Show & Tell ‘til 4 at Animal Aid, 5335 SW 42nd Ave (south of Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy). Weekday visiting hours 11-4. Details 503.292.6628 or animalaidpdx.org.

12:30pm — Finicky Feline class at Oregon Humane Society in

Portland. Led by a certified pet trainer. Great for those entering or considering pet parenthood or who are feeling frustrated with their four-legged friend.

Free; no need to RSVP. Please leave pets at home. Details oregonhumane.org.

15 sunday 9am — Dog 101 at Willamette Humane in Salem. CPDT Annie Ingersoll teaches basic obedience skills & manners.

Topics include basic commands, leash manners, polite greetings, and more. Classes fill fast, so register now. Class runs through March 22. Details/Register willamettehumane.org or 503.585.5900 ext. 326.

11am — Save The Pets in Eugene hosts an adoption event at Petsmart ‘til 3. Meet adoptable dogs and cats or lend a hand with the events held every Sunday. Details .org.

Noon — Anniversary Celebration at Furever Pets on Broadway in NE Portland ‘til 4. Food, drinks, door prizes, games, special gifts & discounts. The first 250 customers with a $50 purchase

will receive a Furever pets reusable shopping. A portion of the day’s proceeds will support local animal charities.

1pm — Dogs & Kids: Making It Work at OHS. Learn how to dog-proof your child and child-proof your dog. Discover common mistakes people make when trying to integrate dogs and kids at home, and how to overcome behavior issues.

Leave pets, kids at home. Details oregonhumane.org. Admission is free; donations accepted, RSVP required: oregonhumane.org/ pet_training.

1pm — PDX Danes rendezvous to play today at North Clackamas Park.

2pm — Pre-adoption [Dog] Class at Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene. Learn everything there is to know before getting your new pet from Certified Dog Trainer Nancy Yamin, owner of Mutts Better. Class covers topics such as choosing the right dog for you, what to do when you first get home and who to call if you have questions. RSVP to Ashlee Dixon at 541.689.1503 ext. 116.

16 monday 7pm — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis NW. Details dovelewis.org.

17 tuesday 5pm — Greenhill Volunteer/ Foster Care Orientation at Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene. Find out about the exciting opportunities to work with the Greenhill staff & animals. Volunteers needed

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Fruits & Vegetables Toxic to Dogs and their symptoms Submitted by AJ Limbrick Apple, Almond, Apricot, Peach, Wild Cherries, Plum, Balsam Pear, Prunes and similar fruit: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, (stem, seeds and leaves).

The seeds of most fruits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs as well as humans Avocados: The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart Broccoli: reported to be pretty potent gastrointestinal irritant Cherry: rapid breathing, shock, mouth inflammation, heart rate increase Chocolate: seizures, coma, hyperactivity, rapid heart beat, tremors, death. Bakers chocolate is the most dangerous. A dog can consume milk chocolate and appear to be fine because it is not as concentrated but is still very dangerous. . 1 oz per lb of body weight for (2 oz per kg) of body weight for bakers chocolate . 1 oz per 3 lbs of body weight (1 oz per 1.5 kg body weight) for semi-sweet chocolate . 1 oz per 9lbs of body weight (1 oz per 4 kg) for bakers chocolate Please keep in mind that these are only guidelines, and if you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate, keep an eye out for ANY signs of poisoning!

Every dog reacts differently to quantity.

Coffee/Tea: Drinks/Foods: containing caffeine or sugar may cause many of the same symptoms caused by chocolate Cooked Bones: uncooked bones should be safe but if they are cooked bones can deteriorate and splinter easily. Can cause extensive damage to internal

30 SPOT MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2009

organs and passageways, often resulting in death.

Mushrooms: acute gastric effects, liver and kidney damage, abdominal pain, nausea, salivation, vomiting Nutmeg: tremors, seizures and death Tobacco: nausea, salivation, vomiting, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) Marijuana: prolonged CNS depression, respiratory depression, weakness, ataxia, sedation, sometimes hyper excitation Onion (cats are more sensitive): gastrointestinal upset, hemolytic anemia, heinz body anemia, hemogloinria, destroys red blood cells Grapes, Raisins, Prunes: can cause kidney failure. As little as a single serving of grapes or raisins can kill a dog. It takes anywhere from 9 oz to 2 lbs of grapes and raisins (between .041 and 1.1 oz/kg of body weight), to cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, and possible kidney failure Salt: excessive intake can cause kidney problems Raw Eggs: While many people feed raw eggs to their dogs keep in mind they can contain salmonella. Dogs do have a higher immunity against salmonella poisoning, but are not immune, and have been

in all areas, including dog walkers, kennel cleaners, cattery workers, and office help. Man hours filled by volunteers free up staff and funds that benefit Greenhill residents. Details greenhill.org or 541.689.1503.

18 wednesday 7pm — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis SE. Details dovelewis.org.

20 friday 7:30pm — Singles Mixer at Club K-9 in North Portland.

A new Friday-night indoor park for single dog moms & dads and their pups to play & mingle. Admission $10; RSVP to 503.289.7472.

21 saturday Noon — Adopt a Cat this weekend. CAT counselors are on-site at local PetsMart stores Saturdays & Sundays ‘til 4.

10am — Pet Nutrition & News with Chip Sammons on KKPZ, 1330 AM radio.

Chip helps you help your pets live long, healthy, happy lives.

11am — OHS Adoption Outreach at Lexi Dog, 416 NW 10th Ave. in Portland ‘til 3.

11am — Pet psychic readings/consultations

by Faye Pietrokowsky at Howl at the Moon ‘til 5:00 PM. Faye will once again be in the shop to help you understand what your pet is thinking regarding issues such as adoption, behavior, abandonment, traveling and more. For more info visit inner-

design.net. Consultations are $20/10 minutes, $30/15.

Reserve space now at howl-at-the-moon.com or 360.891.1935.

Noon — Saturday Show & Tell ‘til 4 at Animal Aid, 5335 SW 42nd Ave (south of Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy).

Weekday visiting hours 114. Details 503.292.6628 or animalaidpdx.org.

12:30pm — Problem Pooch class at Oregon Humane Society in Portland. Led by a certified pet trainer. Great for those entering or considering pet parenthood or who are feeling frustrated with their four-legged friend. Free; no need to RSVP. Please leave pets at home. Details oregonhumane.org.

22 sunday 9am — Pro-Bone-O Vet Clinic at St. Vincent dePaul at its Lindholm Service Center in Eugene ‘til 1. Pro-Bone-O serves pets of people who are homeless. Services include vaccines, well-pet check-ups, treatment of minor illnesses, diseases & wounds, food & supplies.

11am — Save The Pets in Eugene hosts an adoption event at Petsmart ‘til 3. Details savethepets.org.

Noon — Bunny Spa Day ‘til 3 at Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene. Celebrating Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month and honoring the 3rd most popular animal companion.

Bring your bunny to Greenhill to get pampered with a free manicure, pedicure, grooming and massage. Visitors can watch the techniques demonstrated, get advice on house rabbit care, shop for supplies and treats for their special bunny, and even adopt a new sweetheart! Details green-hill.org or 541.689.1503.

The folks at Greenhill say please bring your bunny in a pet travel carrier.

1pm — PDX Danes rendezvous to play today at Hazeldale Park.

24 tuesday

single dog moms & dads and their pups to play & mingle.

Admission $10; RSVP to 503.289.7472.

7pm — Group Training with Jennifer Biglan of Dog & Cat in Eugene. Good Dog 1: Learn fun, positive training techniques in a fun and relaxing environment. Space is limited; RSVP required dogandcat.org or 541.686.6768.

10am — Pet Nutrition & News with Chip Sammons on KKPZ, 1330 AM radio. Chip helps you help your pets live long, healthy, happy lives.

Noon — OHS Adoption Outreach at PetSmart, 9450 NE 82nd Ave in Portland ‘til 4.

27 friday • OHS Heroes Luncheon, featuring the Diamond Collar Awards at The Governor Hotel in Portland. Winners will be honored for: saving a human or animal life in peril, serving the community with undying loyalty, or overcoming incredible odds to survive. OHS will also honor humans who have had a positive impact on the lives of animals. Tickets $45; details oregonhumane.org.

7:30pm — Singles Mixer at Club K-9 in North Portland. A new Friday-night indoor park for

Circle the Date!

March 1 1pm — Explore Volunteering with Your Pet at Howl at the Moon in Vancouver. Delta Society hosts a free informational session for those considering becoming a Pet Partner. Details deltasociety.org.

Free.

25 wednesday 6pm — Yappy Hour: Grapes & Games at Urban Wineworks in Portland’s Pearl District. A great social hour for pooches and their people ‘til 8pm. Tonight pups enjoy a lively evening of fun, interactive games. Prizes from LexiDog will be awarded, and the purchase of a bottle of Bishop Creek Cellars wine benefits residents at Oregon Humane Society. Some will be on hand to meet tonight.

7:15pm — Intro to TTouch in Vancouver. Do you have a pet whose behavior or temperament need improvement? Does your pet have age- or injury-related pain? If so, TTouch can help.

This training and healthcare system is based on cooperation and understanding to promote optimal performance and health without fear or force. TTouch is said to deepen pet/person bond. RSVP/Info howl-at-themoon.com or 360.891.1935.

Weekday visiting hours 11-4. Details 503.292.6628 or animalaidpdx.org.

March 7 8:30am — March for Mutts to support AniMeals ‘til noon at No. Clackamas Park, Milwaukie.

Highlights: Look Alike Contest, Agility & K9 Cop Demos, Stupid Dog Tricks, Flyball, March for Mutts & Prizes, Vendors, Kids & Dogs Areas & more. Details parks@co.cla ckamas.or.us.

Spot is growing! We are always looking for talented, passionate pet people to include in the Spot family! Do you have a good idea? Do you have an interesting story? We want to hear from you! Please send letter of intro (especially your areas of interest/expertise in pets) to: publisher@spotmagazine.net.

28 saturday Noon — Adopt a Cat this weekend. CAT counselors are on-site at local PetsMart stores Saturdays & Sundays ‘til 4.

10am — Pet First Aid ‘til 3pm at Howl at the Moon in Vancouver.

4-hour seminar ideal for pet pros, experienced pet owners and breeders. Topics include CPR, ABCs of Pet First Aid, how to Respond in an Emergency, “Snout to Tail” Assessment, 10 Situations that Require Immediate Vet Care and Assembling a First Aid kit.

Taught by lecture, demo and hands-on skill practice with real & demo dogs & cats. Class includes workbook, certificate of completion and wallet card. Cost $50; RSVP in advance (required) to howl-at-the-moon.com or 360.891.1935.

Noon — Saturday Show & Tell ‘til 4 at Animal Aid, 5335 SW 42nd Ave (south of Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy).

• March 6-31 - Good Dog Photo presents “DOG TREATS,” a special exhibit at the Second Story Gallery in Camas. Features images of over 30 dogs, the exhibit focuses on the joy dogs bring into our daily lives, and highlights the need for adoption. Kirsten Muscat worked closely with local shelters to create a special feature on rescued shelter dogs in exhibit. Details GoodDogPhoto.com.

Feb 5, 2009: Juliana Lukasik and John Beveridge, @Large Films, a commercial film and video production company in Portland.

Feb 12, 2009: The Recovery Association Project, RAP, on helping family members not to enable alcoholic thinking and behavior.

Feb 19, 2009: Carollyn Smith, Grandparents Raising Grandkids: is there racism in the Child Protective Services?

Feb 26, 2009: Sonja Harju with a monthly update on political and social issues.

1450 AM • kpsu.org

evenings/weekends • webcast 24/7 • huge diversity SPOT MAGAZINE

| FEBRUARY 2009

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