The Denver Dog Holiday/Winter 2013

H O L I D AY / W I N T E R I S S U E Complimentary

MAGAZINE YO U R G O - T O S O U R C E F O R E V E RY T H I N G D O G I N D E N V E R !

Chris Parente Everyday show host and dog lover!

The Dog Protection Act Holiday Gift Guide Cabin Fever www.thedenverdog.com

Amazing Dogs!

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They’re They’re not not the the same? same?

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AS AS YOUR YOUR DOG DOG (OR (OR CAT) CAT) GETS GETS OLDER, OLDER, KEEP KEEP HER HER BODY BODY FEELING FEELING AS AS YOUNG YOUNG AS AS HER HER SPIRITS SPIRITS Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapyrehab rehabisisincredibly incrediblybeneficial beneficial for forgeriatric geriatricdogs. dogs.As Asdogs dogsget getolder, older,many many develop developarthritis arthritisinintheir theirjoints. joints.The Thearthritis arthritis makes makesititpainful painfultotowalk walkand andput putpressure pressureon on the thejoints. joints.When Whenexercise exerciseisispainful, painful,many many dogs dogs will will become become less less active. active. This This can can quickly quicklycause causemuscle muscleatrophy atrophyand andweakness. weakness.

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When Whenwe wefirst firstmet metShannon, Shannon, he he had had so so much much life life and and spirit spirit but but his his body body was was having having trouble trouble keeping keeping up up due duetotosevere severearthritis arthritisininhis his joints. joints. Shannon Shannon has has been been doing doing hydrotherapy hydrotherapy rehab rehab with withususfor forfour fourmonths monthsand and can cannow nowswim swimagain again(one (oneofof his his favorite favorite pastimes), pastimes), isis more moremobile, mobile,and andhas haslost lost13 13 pounds. pounds.

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table of contents

WINTER 2013 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

DEPARTMENTS: 7 Publisher’s Note/Masthead 8 Contributors 60 Calendar of events

COVER STORY: 10 Media Hound

Chris Parente, Host of Colorado’s “Everyday” show

FEATURES: 12 Media Hound

Melody Mendez, Fox News anchor and TV host

14 Amazing Dogs

Kandu and Luci: The Amazing Two-legged dogs!

16 Amazing Dogs

Sweet Sammie: The Blind Therapy Dog

17 Amazing Dogs Moxie: The Survivor

21 Cabin Fever 23 The Dog Protection Act 25 Interview with Ron Levi: Founder of DOGTV

26 Finding Rover: Lost dogs no more!

27 Featured Business Owner:

Mindy Jarvis, Owner of Noble Beast Dog Training

29 Denver Animal Shelter

A New facility, a New director, a New direction

44 Featured Non-Profit Every Creature Counts

45 Featured Non-Profit Animal Haus

52 Holiday Gift Guide

THE DOG SCENE: 54 Dog Parent Family Senator David Balmer

55 Social Gatherings 56 Human Animal Bond Event 58 Fun in the Snow 6

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

COLUMNS: 19 Weekend Getaway Frisco

20 Weekend Getaway Crested Butte

31 Health

Canine Mitral Valve Disease

33 Health

Obesity in Dogs

35 Wellness

Monthly Pet Health Checklist

36 Wellness

Veterinary Financial Assistance

37 Nutrition

Peanut butter and pumpkin dog biscuits

39 Safety

Prevent Pet Suffocation

40 Safety

Household toxins

42 Canine Sports in Colorado Launch Flyball

46 Pet Business Profile Well Animal Institute

48 Pet Business Profile Furlocity

50 Bring Wynner Home

publisher’s note

masthead

WELCOME TO THE WINTER ISSUE OF THE DENVER DOG MAGAZINE!

Photo by Picture Your World Photography

All of us at The Denver Dog are extremely excited for the release of our Winter/Holiday Issue. In this issue, you will find fun weekend getaways, a holiday gift guide for dog lovers, informative articles, and so much more. We were honored to be invited to the set of Colorado’s “Everyday” show to interview host Chris Parente and his former cohost, Melody Mendez. Chris and Melody have wonderful stories about their rescue dogs that we know our readers will enjoy.

THE DENVER DOG PUBLISHER/ EDITOR IN CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS:

www.thedenverdog.com Danielle Lewis info@denverdogmagazine.com Diane Roush Don Lewis

We would like to thank Senator David Balmer for giving us an exclusive look into “The Dog Protection Act” which is aimed at reducing the number of non-aggressive dogs shot by police officers.

MANAGING EDITOR:

Kelly Kaliszewski

ART DIRECTOR:

Aaron Tipton

We sincerely hope that all of our readers have a wonderful and safe holiday with their family, two-legged and four-legged!

COPY EDITOR:

Aaron Brachfeld

Danielle Lewis, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR:

OOPS! OUR MISTAKE The Denver Dog makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of our articles.

We are still human (most of us at least) so we do make mistakes. Here are a few mistakes from previous issues.

Issue: Summer 2013 Volume 1, Issue 1 Article: BSL in Colorado, Page 24 Correction: Rifle is listed as a city that does have BSL, it in fact does not.

Issue: Fall 2013 Volume 1, Issue 2 Article: Pet Business Profile: Cisco’s Den, Page 40 Correction: First paragraph, fourth sentence, where it states, “10% of profits go to DMK Rehoming.” This is a typo and should read 100%.

PHOTOGRAPHER: SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR: DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS: WEB SITE DESIGN / MANAGER: HOW TO REACH US:

Tulo Lewis, Assistant to the Publisher.

Photo by Picture Your World Photography

Zoey Kaliszewski, Assistant to the Managing Editor.

Photo by Kristin Adams Pet Photography

Michael Grossberg Karen Hoglund Danielle Lewis Danielle Lewis Diane Roush Aaron Tipton The Denver Dog 16748 E. Smoky Hill Road #115 Centennial, CO 80015 Phone: (720) 218-9444 Fax: (720) 367-5087 info@denverdogmagazine.com www.thedenverdog.com

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:

info@denverdogmagazine.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR / STORY IDEAS:

info@denverdogmagazine.com

POSTMASTER:

On the cover: Chris Parente with his dog, Hurley, on the set of Colorado’s “Everyday” show. Photo

by Spirited Images Photography.

Danielle Lewis info@denverdogmagazine.com

Please forward change of address to: 16748 E. Smoky Hill Road #115 Centennial, CO 80015

COPYRIGHT 2013 No part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the publisher. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited and unsolicited materials that are damaged or lost. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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contributors JILL BROWN Jill Brown is the Community Partnerships Manager at Denver Animal Shelter. She has extensive experience in program development, communications, fundraising, and community organizing in the nonprofit and animal control sector. Originally from Wisconsin, Jill established a collaborative education and outreach program in Milwaukee called Battle Against Dogfighting (BAD). She is now working hard for DAS to forge partnerships, build alliances, and lead educational campaigns. Jill lives in Arvada and has 2 pit bulls and often fosters dogs as well— she is often giving shelter dogs some much needed TLC by just giving them time to hang out in her office.

BONNIE HARLAN “Bonnie Harlan is the Founder of “Prevent Pet Suffocation” which is dedicated to spreading public awareness through her website, Facebook page, interviews, and articles on the suffocation dangers pets face from chip bags and other food packaging. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a MLA from Houston Baptist University. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.”

ALLISON M. HEANEY, DVM, MS DACVIM Dr. Heaney graduated from veterinary school at Kansas State University. Following four years in private practice as an emergency veterinary and general practitioner, she returned to Kansas State University for a combined cardiology residency and masters program.

She became board-certified in Cardiology in 2006.

She was on faculty at Washington State University for 3 years and during that time performed research on degenerative valve disease as well as clinical and didactic teaching. She was awarded a Young Investigator Award by the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology in 2009 for a paper based on her research project.

She moved to Colorado in 2009 and has been providing veterinary cardiology care in the Front Range since that time. She enjoys all facets of veterinary cardiology but is particularly interested in the management of congestive heart failure as well as the medical management of pulmonary hypertension. She has had publications in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, American Journal of Veterinary Research, Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, Journal of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, and Veterinary Pathology.

SUMMER RAE MATHEWSON When Summer Rae isn’t working her day job in marketing, she is a freelance writer and artist. She has a bachelor’s degree of Fine Art from Eastern Michigan University, and can often be found hiking in the mountains, traveling to beaches, or endlessly throwing tennis balls for her rescue dog, Greta.

MYRA MORGAN Myra Morgan enjoys finding opportunities to volunteer and contribute to her community. She connected with Every Creature Counts during her adoption of an ECC rescue dog named Rocky.

She combines her teaching skills and focus on working with local youth by recruiting and providing the instruction for high school students working to earn community service hours. She schedules and maintains communication with volunteers who work at ECC adoption events.

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DANA NICHOLS Dana Nichols shares her Greeley home with several dogs. She is a founding member of the Launch Flyball Club. Dana is an approved NAFA flyball judge.

She served on the NAFA Board of Directors for two terms and held various positions including: Secretary, Photo by Ken Gee Photography Chair of the Rules Committee, Chair of the Judges Committee, and Chair of Elections. In addition to flyball, Dana has competed with her dogs in agility, obedience, and retriever hunt tests. Her current dogs are Border Collies and mixes.

ROCHELLE POPKIN Rochelle Popkin and the center of her universe, Tippy, live in St. Louis Missouri. Rochelle has three wonderful daughters who know that Tippy’s really the one who comes first.

KEN ROGERS Ken lives near Steamboat Springs with his wife Melissa along with their 3 special needs dogs and 2 handicapped cats. Ken teaches with the paramedic program at Colorado Mountain College and works with the Eagle County Paramedic Services. He has a background in motorsports racing and has a passion for helping animals with special needs. He serves on the board of Heeling Friends, a therapy dog organization in Steamboat Springs and also is on the board of Adaptive Action Sports.

ANDY SMIT “Andy Smit is the founder and CEO of Furlocity, Inc. a website that helps pet parents find and book trusted pet care services and accommodations instantly. He has been involved with several startup companies in the past including his own while attending college.

Passionate about animal care and technology and a great need in the pet industry led him to start Furlocity in 2012 along with his wife Amber Kirsten-Smit and Adam Bronte. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three cats, Eisi, Chloe and Tebow.”

JENNY WHITT Jenny Whitt works for National Mill Dog Rescue. Her responsibilities include coordinating puppy mill rescues across the country, and acting as a liaison with breeders and other rescue groups. Prior to moving to Colorado two years ago, Jenny was in the convention business and owned a transportation company in Orlando, Florida. Jenny left the corporate world to become a yoga teacher and focus on dog rescue. She has never been happier. Jenny lives in Monument, CO with her husband and their rescued fur children.

DARLENE WINSLET Darlene currently works for an assisted living community as a Life Enrichment Assistant and Marketing Associate. Her professional background consists of teaching special education and working as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Darlene enjoys bringing people and animals together. She believes in the benefits of the human-animal bond. Her passion for educating people about animals with disabilities, lead her to adopt two dogs with special needs. She and Sammie raise awareness about the benefits of adopting pets with special needs.

MAGAZINE

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Visit our online pet directory to find the best in pet products and services our area has to offer. You can also subscribe to The Denver Dog magazine and never miss a single issue! www.thedenverdog.com

media hound

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

media hound Photos by Spirited Images Photography

CHRIS PARENTE HOST OF COLORADO’S “EVERYDAY” SHOW Chris Parente is the host of Colorado’s “Everyday” show which airs each weekday morning at 10 AM on FOX 31 (KDVR).

This show features a fun and off-the-wall look at the latest headlines, the hottest stories, and the biggest entertainment in Denver. Being a host of a popular television show keeps Chris very busy. When he isn’t at work, he enjoys spending time with his dog, Hurley. Chris may be the host of the “Everyday” show, but it turns out that Hurley is the real television star.

Every year Chris volunteers with the Dumb Friends League co-hosting their annual “Pledges for Pets” telethon. Last spring, only moments after the broadcast had begun, Chris received a phone call from his partner. “There’s a little guy on TV right now, he’s the one!” The couple had been looking to adopt a shelter pet for a while, and from that first glimpse on TV, they were both hooked. There were dozens of adorable pets available for adoption, but there was something about Hurley’s spirit that spoke to Chris. They adopted Hurley the next morning.

Chris is big supporter of animal shelters, rescues, and adoption programs. “I realize that pure breed dogs have their place, but I’ll always go for the “pound puppy,” Chris states. “If anybody is considering getting a new pet, I hope they’ll first consider heading to their nearest shelter.” Chris recently had a DNA test performed on Hurley. The test determined that Hurley is a Chihuahua/Pekingese mix.

Chris takes Hurley to Stapleton Dog Park every night. Hurley loves making friends with the other dogs and now has his own “posse” at the park. If you happen to run into them at the dog park, Chris requests that you don’t tell Hurley he is a dog. “Hurley is convinced he is a human with a gland problem,” Chris says. Hurley has been enrolled in training classes at Petsmart and has learned some amazing tricks. According to Chris, Hurley majored in “sit” and “stay” with a minor in “down”, “spin” and “shake.” He may have a future in the military because he can even “salute” on command.

Animals are a frequent topic on the “Everyday” show. The hosts have often debated about whether dogs are “our children” and whether they should be treated as members of the family.

For Chris, there’s no question. “For whatever joy I have found in life, it’s only been multiplied by having Hurley. Pure love, pure loyalty, pure affection. He can sense when I’m in pain, he knows I’m happy, and his only desire is to please (and sometimes, to chew)!”

COLORADO’S EVERYDAY SHOW Website: www.kdvr.com/category/on-air/everyday Facebook: www.facebook.com/everydayshow

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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media hound

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

media hound

MELODY MENDEZ FOX NEWS ANCHOR AND TV HOST Melody Mendez has had a successful career in journalism. Most recently she served as co-host on Colorado’s “Everyday” show.

Her career keeps her very busy. When she has spare time she enjoys spending it with her dog, Ike. Melody adopted Ike when he was a puppy a few years ago. He was at a rescue for Labrador retrievers even though he is clearly not a lab. Melody knew right away that Ike was a special dog. His name was originally Murphy but Melody felt that Ike was a better fit for him. His hair was a big, spikey mess and he was so tiny when she first saw him.

Ike enjoys being the center of attention. He does like to play with other dogs at the dog park but primarily enjoys attention from people. Ike does not like to be very far from Melody and will follow her wherever she goes at home. “If I’m washing the dishes he will be sitting on my feet; If I’m watching television he will have his paws on my chest and his face in my line of vision; If I’m in the shower he will lie on the shower mat right outside the door,” Melody says. Ike’s favorite toy is a green frog that he carries all around the house. Whenever he is in the mood to play he will grab his frog and bring it to Melody.

you rebuild your life - meet new people and become part of a new community. Despite all of the moves and changes, Ike has been my family and the one “constant” in my life. He has been the smiling face at the door waiting for me when I come home every day. He has shown me the true meaning of unconditional love and loyalty. The fact that Ike is a rescue has also taught me an important life lesson: That everyone - every living being - deserves a second chance. Who knows where Ike would be today if I had not found him and adopted him. Who knows where I would be today without him in my life. For that, I am eternally grateful to my best friend, Ike.”

Melody loves her career as a journalist but says that it is difficult to have to move so often for her career. “With every move, Photos by Spirited Images Photography

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amazing dogs

Photos Courtesy of Ken Rogers

KANDU & LUCI:

THE AMAZING TWO-LEGGED DOGS!

Written by Ken Rogers (Kandu and Luci’s Daddy) Kandu’s story began in October 2005 when his owners, believing that Kandu would never have a good quality of life, took him to a veterinarian to be euthanized. Fortunately, he was rescued by the Evergreen Animal Protective League where his new life began.

Once Kandu made it to his new home the fun began. Martin Kaufmann with Orthopets (www.orthopets.com) fabricated the initial design for Kandu’s wheels and winter monoski. This truly turned Kandu’s life around. He can now run with the other dogs, dash from room to room and roll up and down the driveway.

Luci was abandoned at a truck stop in Delta, CO at the age of eight weeks. Fortunately, she was rescued and taken in by a very nice woman who gave Luci a great home. After a few years, she learned of Kandu and contacted us to see if we were interested in adopting Luci. She believed that it would be beneficial to her to be in a home with another pup like her.

Kandu and Luci are now a certified therapy dogs with Heeling Friends in Steamboat Springs. Heeling Friends is an Intermountain Therapy Animals affiliate that takes teams to hospitals and care facilities to offer comfort and companionship to those in need. Kandu and Luci have helped to lift the spirits of many patients at the Yampa Valley Medical

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Center. This is something they simply love to do and get excited every time they see the front door of the hospital.

Kandu and Luci are also part of a newly formed organization called Colorado Comfort Canines. Colorado Comfort Canines responds to emergencies and disasters with specially trained teams of dogs and handlers to offer comfort care to those in need. All of these teams are certified animal assisted therapy teams and the handlers are all trained in critical incident stress management. Colorado Comfort Canines will respond whenever needed to provide essential comfort care to those in need.

Both Luci and Kandu were born without their front legs so learning to adapt to their handicap has always been a way of life for them. We feel it is important to try and offer them, and many other animals, the opportunity to improve their lives through adaptive devices. These devices have enabled them to run, ski and even swim like all the other dogs.

We also feel it is important to encourage everyone when looking to adopt to not look past the pets with disabilities.

These animals are no different than the others and will provide the same love and companionship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Heeling Friends www.heelingfriends.com

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amazing dogs

SWEET SAMMIE THE BLIND THERAPY DOG

By Darlene Winslet (Sammie’s Mommy) Sammie is a very sweet 5 year old therapy dog. Upon meeting Sammie, you would never know that she had been rescued from a life of neglect. American Brittany Rescue (ABR) took care of Sammie and nursed her back to health.

At the time of her rescue, she was totally blind. I adopted Sammie after seeing a wonderful video that ABR had shared via Youtube. I had no idea how this amazing dog would enrich my life. She brings joy to me and so many other people, too.

After a few months of having Sammie in my life, I knew she was born to be a therapy dog. She has a wonderful personality and only wants to share love with others. I contacted Pastor Jim Galanaugh, the Community Outreach Pastor at Colorado Community Church(CCC) regarding developing a Therapy Dog Ministry. Sammie and I were trained and the ministry was developed. The mission is, “To share the love of God through our certified therapy dog teams by allowing the pure joy of a dog to bring happiness to adults and children. Reaching out to people within the church and people beyond our church walls.”

Sammie and I have worked as a therapy dog team through our church since 2011. Shortly after training Sammie as a therapy dog, she had a complication with her eyes and needed to have them removed. A few days after Sammie’s eyes were removed she was to have her first visit as a CCC Therapy Dog. I was concerned that Sammie may scare the children due to her shaved face, bruised eye lids and stitches. Instead,

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Photos Courtesy of Darlene Winslet

the children loved her and Sammie loved the children! Sammie has visited people through a variety of CCC’s Dare to Care Ministry Outreaches: A Night Of Honor: Recognizing Vietnam Era Veterans, The Food Bank of The Rockies and visiting neighborhoods to show our church cares about them.

When Sammie enters an area where people are present, she follows their voices to find them. Then she sits down, often on the person’s foot, and waits for them to pet her. When the person gets up to leave, Sammie finds another person that would like to visit with her. Her fur is very soft, which makes petting her a rather soothing experience.

People seem to relate to Sammie and are inspired by her triumph over past traumatic events. Through it all, she became the sweetest and happiest dog. Sammie inspires me every day.

Sammie has a Facebook page where she shares her story and conveys the special love of a pet with a disability. I have written a children’s book about Sammie and we are looking for a publisher. It is an important message about how a pet with a disability can bring so much affection to this world!

Sammie may not have eyes but she has a heart as big as the ocean!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow Sammie’s Adventure’s on Facebook!

“Sweet Sammie, The Blind Therapy Dog”

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amazing dogs

MOXIE

By Jenny Whitt (Moxie’s Mommy) I’ve always been a big dog person. Never would I have expected that a six pound senior Maltese with no lower jaw could steal my heart and change my life.

I work for National Mill Dog Rescue. One responsibility of my job is to go on puppy mill rescues in the Midwest.

On my first trip with NMDR we rescued a tiny 12 year old Maltese. This little guy looked like he had given up. He was so weak that he couldn’t lift his head. His face and eyes were covered in mats, and his coat was brown because he was so dirty and covered in urine. He just stared straight ahead, never reacting to touch or being carried out of the puppy mill for the first time in his life. None of us knew if he would even survive the trip home.

As the rescue went on, he would be named Moxie. He could only take one step and then he would fall. He never had the chance to really walk as he had spent 12 years in the same cage, being used as a breeding dog. Moxie was turned over to National Mill Dog Rescue because he was retired and could no longer make a profit for his breeder.

Moxie does not have any teeth or a lower jaw. This is common for puppy mill dogs. When they are young and teething, they only have the wire on their cage to chew on. That alone destroys the teeth. In addition, most only drink water out of rabbit feeders. Drinking this way does not allow the water to flush through the mouth, cleaning the teeth and gums. There is never dental care for these dogs and their jaws literally disintegrate. This is why Moxie’s tongue always hangs out.

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Photos Courtesy of Jenny Whitt

Moxie came home with me to “live out his final days.”

Each time I walked by him, I checked to see that he was breathing. For almost two weeks he barely moved and just stared at the ground. The only time he came alive was when he ate. At the puppy mill he was forced to eat large dry kibble. He could only swallow it whole. Now he was getting raw food that I would mash up, mix with water and make into a soup that was easy on his little mouth.

I always say that all Moxie needed was love. Love cured him. The bond Moxie and I share is incredible. Taking care of him is my greatest joy. It is a year and a half later and he is a different dog than the one we initially rescued.

Moxie now runs so fast that sometimes I can’t catch him.

He is animated and hilarious, just truly excited to be alive.

He knows that he was given a second chance at life. It infuriates me that it took 12 years to get that chance but I can only focus on what we have now or I’ll drive myself crazy.

We celebrated Moxie’s 13th birthday back in June. He is going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. Moxie has a stroller and goes everywhere with me. We are approached a lot in public and he loves giving high fives to his new friends. This is an opportunity for us to educate people on puppy mills and the delight of adopting a senior dog. We could all learn so much from Moxie’s happy attitude and ability to live in the present.

Moxie now has his own facebook page and he educates people on puppy mills. Please visit him at www.facebook.com/ moxienopuppymills.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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weekend getaway | By Danielle Lewis

FRISCO Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor.com.

Frisco is a small town located in the heart of Summit County. The city is referred to as “Main Street of the Rockies.” Frisco is a popular getaway for people who love to ski and snowboard. The city is located near other ski towns including Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. Frisco offers many outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. It is an ideal place to take your family for vacation. Don’t leave your dog at home, Frisco offers many pet-friendly activities so Fido can come!

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HOTEL FRISCO 308 MAIN STREET FRISCO, COLORADO 80443 www.hotelfrisco.com

FRISCO NORDIC CENTER 616 RECREATION WAY FRISCO, COLORADO 80442 www.frisconordic.com

RAINBOW LAKE DIRECTIONS: Park at the end of 2nd off of Main Street. You will see signs in the parking area to turn left to go to Rainbow Lake.

Hotel Frisco offers amenities to make your whole family happy including free high speed internet, cable TV, a library with books and games, and more. The hotel is dog-friendly and allows all breeds and sizes of dogs to stay. Hotel Frisco offers pet sitting services as well. In fact, they are members of the American Association of Pet Sitters and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. They will gladly take care of your dogs while you go out and about.

This ski resort offers pet-friendly trails. Dogs are not permitted on the cross-country ski trails, however, they are permitted on the snowshoe trails.

The trails can take an hour or more to complete. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.

Rainbow Lake offers several dog-friendly trails. If the lake is not frozen over, your dog can take a swim in Rainbow Lake and fetch sticks. Peaks trail offers plenty of room for your dog to roam around. This trail is highly used by mountain bikers so caution should be used if your dog is off-leash. There are several other social trails you can walk through with your dog. As always, please clean up after your pets and keep them on a leash if they do not get along with other dogs.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

For more information, please visit: www.townoffrisco.com

weekend getaway

By Danielle Lewis |

CRESTED BUTTE Crested Butte is a gorgeous mountain town located in Gunnison County, Colorado. It is a former mining town that is now being referred to as “the last great Colorado ski town.”

Crested Butte is a destination for a variety of outdoor activities including skiing and mountain biking. During the winter months, many people escape to Crested Butte to go skiing and snowboarding. Crested Butte offers many pet-friendly businesses and activities so your dog can come along for a great time!

Photo Courtesy of www.visitcrestedbutte.com

THE RUBY OF CRESTED BUTTE 624 GOTHIC AVENUE CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224 www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com

MOUNTAIN TAILS PET BOUTIQUE 510 ELK AVENUE CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224 www.cbmountaintails.com

The Ruby of Crested Butte is a luxury bed and breakfast that provides services your entire family can enjoy.

They serve a hot, Photo Courtesy of The Ruby of Crested Butte. fresh breakfast every morning. Your family can enjoy the hot tubs, a hot tea bar, a library, and a selection of DVD movies. The Ruby offers excellent pet-friendly amenities. Dogs can stay here for a voluntary donation of $10 per night per dog, which will then be donated to Paradise Animal Welfare Society. The Ruby will give your pup comfy dog beds and blankets and healthy, homemade dog treats during their stay. For an additional fee, they offer pet sitting services that include hiking and supervised play time. The Ruby offers Doggie Day Spa packages which include baths, nail trims, and a de-shedding and conditioning treatment. Two dogs are allowed per guest room. Proof of vaccinations are required and dogs must be at least 6 months of age and in good health to stay at The Ruby.

Take your dog shopping at Crested Butte’s only pet boutique.

They offer a wide range of pet food, treats, toys, supplements, outdoor gear, and more! The winter time brings adverse conditions that warrant protection for our pets. Mountain Tails sells weather proof jackets, technical boots, eyewear, and base layering. Your dog will love shopping in this downtown boutique.

TOTEM POLE PARK MAROON AVE. & 3RD ST CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224

Photo Courtesy of www.visitcrestedbutte.com.

Bring your dog to this centrally located park in downtown Crested Butte to run off some energy. Dogs must remain on leash and owners must pick up after their pets. Weather permitting, this park is an excellent place to stop for a picnic.

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Tails Pet Boutique.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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CABIN FEVER | By Danielle Lewis

Have you ever had an overwhelming desire to get back to nature? Or perhaps you just want to get away from regular day to day life for a few days. Taking a weekend trip and renting a cabin is an excellent way to kick back with your family. Your dog can come along for the fun when you make a reservation at one of these pet-friendly cabins!

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DEVIL’S THUMB RANCH RESORT AND SPA 3530 COUNTY ROAD 83 TABERNASH, COLORADO 80478 www.devilsthumbranch.com

O-BAR-O CABINS 11998 COUNTY RD 240 (FLORIDA RD) DURANGO, COLORADO 81301 www.durango-colorado-cabins.com

FOOTHILLS LODGE AND CABINS 0035 SILVERTHREAD LANE SOUTH FORK, COLORADO 81154 www.foothillslodgeandcabins.com

Tabernash is a small town located in Northern Colorado. Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa is open year round. This cabin offers rustically upscale accommodations, fine dining, and spa services. Several of the cabins are designated as dog-friendly. A maximum of two dogs are allowed for a rate of $50 per dog, per night. This rate includes a dog bed, homemade treats, and a leash to use while exploring the 6,000 acres this ranch has to offer. Additional policies can be found by visiting their website.

Durango is a popular getaway located in Southern Colorado. O-Bar-O Cabins offers dog-friendly cabins so your dog can come along for the fun. Dogs over 12 weeks old are welcome with advanced reservations. Luxurious dog beds and yummy treats await your dog in each cabin. Your dog can play in the fenced in O-Bark-O Corral Dog Park located near the cabins. Proof of vaccinations are required for the safety of all pets. Visit their website to read more about their pet policies.

Foothills Lodge and cabins offers vacation cabin rentals at great rates. They have recently renovated their facility and have new beds, furniture upgrades, and other improvements. Guests get free Wifi, and free kayak, snowshoe, and sled rentals. These Southern Colorado cabins offer dog-friendly accommodations. There is a fee of $5 per night per dog. Dogs that are well-behaved and up-to-date on vaccinations are welcome. They are pet lovers and are eager to accommodate your pet’s needs. Visit their website for additional information on their pet policies.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

t all a k o o l Mom‌ s e c a l p e of thes e! m e k a t you can

MAGAZINE YO U R G O - T O S O U R C E F O R E V E RY T H I N G D O G I N D E N V E R !

Are you looking to get more exposure for your pet business?

Advertising with The Denver Dog is the way to go! We offer both online and print advertising options at excellent rates. Advertising in our highly publicized print magazine is a wonderful way to reach dog lovers throughout the Denver and metro area. Our online pet directory is the very affordable way to promote your business to the thousands of dog lovers that visit our website daily. Here at The Denver Dog, we understand the vital role that social media plays in marketing your business. We proudly promote all of our advertisers on our social media sites to ensure that your business receives the exposure that it deserves!

Become a Proud Advertiser of The Denver Dog! Beds N Biscuits www.bedsnbiscuits.com

Noble Beast Dog Training www.noblebeastdogtraining.com

Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group www.dog-swim.com

Sew Jolly www.sewjolly.com

Canvas Canines www.canvascanines.com

Spirited Images Photography www.spiritedimages.com

Dog Breed Cartoon www.dogbreedcartoon.com

Well Animal Institute www.wellanimalinstitute.com

Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs www.toegrips.com

Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital www.wheatridgeanimal.com

Gingerlead www.gingerlead.com

Zippity-Poo-Da www.zippitypooda.com

To advertise, call 720-218-9444 or email info@denverdogmagazine.com

Senator David Balmer and his three dogs: Scout, Cooper, and Digby. Photo by Karen Hoglund Photography.

THE DOG PROTECTION ACT

Earlier this year Colorado made history by passing into law Senate Bill 13-226, entitled “The Dog Protection Act,” which was sponsored by Senator David Balmer, who represents part of Arapahoe County. In the last five years, more than 40 dogs have been shot and killed by police in Colorado. In many of these cases, the dogs were not demonstrating aggressive or threatening behaviors towards the officers. One such case was a service dog named Chloe. On November 24, 2012, Chloe was in the care of her owner’s friend when she got loose and began to roam around the neighborhood.

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Senator Balmer speaks at The Dog Protection Rally on April 3, 2013. Photo Courtesy of David Balmer.

Commerce City police responded to reports of a dog running loose in the neighborhood. An animal control officer managed to get a catch pole around Chloe’s neck to restrain her. Despite the fact that Chloe was already restrained by the animal control officer, a Commerce City police officer proceeded to shoot her five times, killing her instantly. A neighbor used his cell phone camera to record the entire incident. The case immediately drew media attention and outrage from the community.

Shortly after Chloe’s death, Senator Balmer began meeting with Colorado Sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders, who admitted that some of their officers need training in recognizing dog behaviors. Senator Balmer listened to the suggestions of law enforcement and then drafted the Dog Protection Act. At the outset, there was some opposition to Senator Balmer’s bill, but eventually the Colorado Sheriffs Association endorsed the bill. The following outlines some of the key provisions of the Dog Protection Act. 1.

2.

Provide training for police officers on differentiating between canine behaviors that indicate imminent danger of attack to persons and benign behaviors that are commonly exhibited by dogs, such as barking, that do not suggest or pose imminent danger of attack.

Require local law enforcement agencies to adopt policies and procedures for use of non-lethal force against dogs, emphasizing alternative methods that may be employed when dogs are encountered.

3.

Whenever the owner or animal control officer is present and it is feasible, police must give the owner an opportunity to save or remove his or her dog from the immediate area in order to permit a local law enforcement officer to discharge his or her duties.

On April 3, 2013 The Dog Protection Rally was held at the State Capitol. Hundreds of dog owners showed up with their dogs to show support for The Dog Protection Act. In speaking to the rally, Senator Balmer said, “We believe that this bill strikes the right balance. We recognize that police officers have a difficult job, but our bill is intended to protect police officers, protect innocent bystanders and safeguard our beloved dogs.”

Senate Bill 13-226 passed the Senate, the House and was signed into law by Governor Hicklenlooper.

The Dog Protection Act is the first such law passed in the United States, and animal welfare advocates hope that other states will soon follow Colorado’s lead.

Dog owners rejoiced with the successful passing of The Dog Protection Act. While this new law won’t bring back the dogs that were unnecessarily killed, we hope that it will prevent additional families from having to go through the tragic pain of such shootings.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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INTERVIEW WITH RON LEVI, FOUNDER OF DOGTV

Q: A:

HOW DID THE CONCEPT FOR DOGTV ORIGINATE?

I actually got the idea from my cat, Charlie, who didn’t like being left alone while I was away at work. I noticed Charlie paid attention to television shows that had birds and squirrels on them, and that gave me the idea to use television as a tool to entertain and appease pets left home alone.

Q: A:

DESCRIBE THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH THAT HAS BEEN PUT INTO DOGTV.

Unlike any other TV channel, every frame and every sound on DOGTV is designed 100% for dogs. After years of research, we created special content to meet the specific attributes of a dog’s sense of vision and hearing, for example: programs are specially colored to enhance picture details and great emphasis was put on contrast, brightness, and frame rate; the use of special sound effects, music and specific ranges of frequencies are tailored to a dog’s unique sense of hearing without startling or annoying their sensitive ears.

Our original content was produced and developed by a team of pet experts, including Victoria Stilwell, star of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog” and one of the world’s most recognized and respected dog trainers; Dr. Nicholas Dodman, world-leading veterinary behaviorist and chief scientist for DOGTV; and

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Warren Eckstein, pet trainer and popular radio broadcaster known as “America’s most trusted pet expert.”

Q: A:

HOW WOULD A DOG LEFT HOME ALONE BENEFIT FROM DOGTV?

Q: A:

WHERE CAN DOG OWNERS GO TO GET DOGTV?

DOGTV is designed as the perfect babysitter for dogs who have to stay home alone. DOGTV’s three types of programming (Relaxation, Stimulation and Exposure) offer relaxing and stimulating content, as well as positive behavioral reinforcements. Dogs that are left alone tend to become anxious so the sounds and music in the relaxing segment were created to keep the dog calm and peaceful. Many dogs also suffer from lack of stimulation, which becomes acute when their owner is away. The stimulating content will provide the dog with invigorating images, animation and exciting real world sounds to keep the dog up and running. DOGTV’s programming meets a dog’s typical daily cycle and helps prevent mental fatigue, depression and boredom.

DOGTV is available on DIRECTV for $4.99/ month or online, through our streaming service www.dogtv.com/online, and through “Roku” boxes.

Finding Rover

Protecting our best friends

LOST DOGS NO MORE!

| By Rochelle Popkin

It didn’t take me long to fall in love with Tippy. A few hours after the adoption, it was clear that she was the sweetest living creature I’d ever met. That’s what made it so incredibly difficult when I came home one day to realize that Tippy was gone. I was heartbroken.

Because this happened a few years ago, I started my search for Tippy the only way one could look for a dog back then: I called my neighbors, made lost dog posters, and contacted nearby pounds. After many trips to the copy shop, lots of driving, and many phone calls, my sweet Tippy was still nowhere to be found. Finally, a week later, good news arrived. Tippy had been found in the parking lot and taken to a pound. I was ecstatic.

It turns out that millions of dogs are lost every year and only a small fraction are ever recovered. I was lucky.

But now everyone can be a “lucky dog.” A new, free mobile application, Finding Rover, makes finding a dog MUCH easier.

Technology has come to the rescue – and you’re not going to believe how sophisticated it is.

Dog lover John Polimeno came up with the idea of modifying facial recognition technology so that it could recognize dogs’ faces. He funded researchers at the University of Utah to spend about a year refining the technology. The results are amazing.

The technology can recognize your dog’s face amongst a database of hundreds of dogs with 96% accuracy.

Polimeno then hired a San Francisco Bay Area agency to take this technology and create a mobile application that would be easy as pie for everyone to use. The app is nothing short of groundbreaking.

Here’s how it works. If you ever lose your dog, open the app, and with one tap the app will do an instant search of all lost dogs in your area. Within seconds you’ll see a list of dogs’ pho-

tos with the contact information of the kind person (or shelter) who has the dog. Contact the person or shelter, and a blissful scene of face licking and tummy rubbing will follow.

On the flip side, Finding Rover revolutionizes the process of helping lost dogs. Previously, helping a lost dog required time, courage, and often money. If you saw a lost dog on the street, you had to put the dog in your car, go to a vet to see if it had a chip, put up posters, etc. Finding Rover changes all that.

Simply snap a photo and the app instantly shows you photos of matching dogs with the owners’ contact info. Contact the owner and you’ll be an instant hero!

The most amazing part of this new app is that it turns a process that used to require hours, if not days, into a literally one minute search. Imagine how many more people will help lost dogs – and how many more dogs will be returned back home.

And did I mention it was free? Yes, free!

The important thing for dog owners to know is that it’s really important to get the app and register your dog now, before he or she gets lost. Why? Finding Rover works best when you use a photo of your dog looking straight into the camera. I don’t know about your dog, but Tippy hasn’t yet mastered the art of saying “cheese” and looking into the camera. Fortunately for us, the app makers have thought of a solution for this. Right before you snap the photo, the app “barks”, so your dog will look straight at the phone.

Losing a dog is heartbreaking. And while we’ll never be able to fully prevent our furry friends from getting lost, with the incredible technology of Finding Rover, we can all work together to make a huge difference in bringing them back home.

Go to www.findingrover.com, download the app (currently on iPhones, Android coming soon) and let the tummy rubbing reunions begin!

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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featured business owner

Photo courtesy of Mindy Jarvis

MINDY JARVIS

OWNER OF NOBLE BEAST DOG TRAINING Noble Beast Dog Training is Colorado’s largest positive reinforcement training company with 10 professional trainers and hosting services at 6 Metro Denver Locations. Noble Beast Dog Training was founded in 2008 by owner and Certified Trainer & Behavior Consultant Mindy Jarvis. The company was named after Mindy’s late Great Dane Cleo, who she referred to as her Noble Beast. Although Cleo was as sweet as they come with people, she was extremely dog aggressive. Through years of working with Cleo, Mindy successfully helped Cleo get past her dog aggression. Mindy remembers the first time she took Cleo to the dog park without a muzzle, “As I watched her romp and play, the realization that I helped her to get past her fear, anxiety, and aggression set in, it brought tears to my eyes. I had brought a higher quality of life to my sweet girl as well as to our family.”

It was evident to Mindy that people often gave up on their dogs, accepting and living with challenging behaviors, or giving them up to shelters and rescues. She also noticed that most people she knew were using punishment based training techniques that actually made many behaviors worse. This sparked a fire in Mindy to open up a dog training company that would aid in bringing dogs and their owners together by bridging the communication gap through positive, effective, and fun training techniques so they could live long and harmonious lives together.

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Noble Beast Dog Training began with Mindy as the only trainer. She quickly grew her company not simply because she was an excellent trainer, but because in addition to loving dogs, she loves people as well. As business grew, she focused on hiring experienced trainers who had excellent dog and people skills.

Additionally, she held tight to the Noble Beast Core Values of being professional, considerate, fun, honest, respectful, and above average in service.

Noble Beast Dog Training specializes in group play dynamics and dog social skills. Not only offering beginner to advanced obedience classes, but most importantly always FREE Playful Pup Socializing Classes. Additionally, there is a one of a kind group day training program to help dogs improve their social skills, building confidence, and positive experiences with other dogs. This group day training program is great for all dogs, but especially for puppies and adolescent dogs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Noble Beast Dog Training Website: www.noblebeastdogtraining.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/NobleBeastDogTraining Email: info@noblebeastdogtraining.com

DENVER ANIMAL SHELTER Photo Courtesy of Jill Brown

A NEW FACILITY, A NEW DIRECTOR, AND A NEW DIRECTION

| By Jill Brown - Community Partnerships Manager for Denver Animal Shelter Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) is an open-admissions municipal shelter and provides animal care and control services for all of Denver County. DAS provides care for more than 7,500 lost and abandoned animals each year and provides a central location for owners to find their lost pets. DAS’s new executive director, Alice Nightengale is committed to providing humane care to companion animals; adopting pets to new, loving homes; and proactively educating the public about animals, their needs, and DAS’s critical role as a resource.

A New Facility In 2011, DAS opened a new 36,000 square foot facility thanks to funding provided through the 2007 voter-approved Better Denver Bond Program. Designed with Denver’s commitment to sustainability in mind, the shelter is Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. DAS is the first and only animal facility in the U.S. to achieve this nationally-recognized environmental rating. The new facility offers double the space of the old shelter and has vastly increased DAS’s number of kennels and the kennel sizes.

The new shelter also includes several outdoor animal play areas, a veterinary suite, and a community room where DAS hopes to hold more pet workshops in the near future. DAS’s new facility provides additional opportunities to grow and enhance our programs, including: • Improving enrichment (toys, treats, etc.) and socialization for animals during their stay • Increasing the number of pets reunited with their owners • Providing larger spaces (indoors and outdoors) for adoptions, including “real life rooms” • Increasing opportunities for community engagement and collaboration • Enhancing the volunteer program by providing more opportunities, such as photography, fundraising, events, and animal enrichment Where We Stand DAS is transparent when it comes to their policies and positions on important animal-related issues. “We believe strongly

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

in not euthanizing animals for time and space, and only make such determinations based on severe medical or behavior for safety concerns (bite history, aggression, etc.),” states Nightengale. DAS’s live release rate has risen from 67% in 2008 to an average 90% live release rate for 2013. “We continue to pursue innovations in our adoption program and rescue transfers.”

Programs and Progress DAS believes firmly in engaging the community through proactive education and outreach. DAS is a resource for the community for not only pet adoptions, but also education on pet health and behavior issues. DAS provides low-cost veterinary services for vaccination and spay/neuter, and is a one-stop shop for licensing and microchipping your pets. DAS staff – both in the field and at the shelter – also educate citizens about responsible pet ownership and local animal ordinances.

DAS has implemented a new Adoption Hold Program too, which allows potential adopters to give a small donation ($10– 15) to put a hold on an animal before it is available for adoption. Although some pets may be reclaimed by their owners, this program provides a quick exit from DAS if the animal is not claimed.

DAS is collaborating with other local animal welfare partners.

In a partnership with Dumb Friends League (DFL), DAS is taking in all Denver stray animals and all owner surrendered animals and severe medical cases go to DFL. “We are excited to align our resources for better outcomes for these animals,” explains Nightengale. “Ultimately, DAS will become the one place to look for your lost pet in Denver – providing a much easier process for finding your animal.” DAS is also collaborating with Metro Denver Shelter Alliance partners on a pilot program focusing on positive outcomes for healthy feral and unsocial community cats.

DAS is excited about the new opportunities on the horizon and their forge forward to making Denver one of the most pet-friendly cities. For more information and to find out how to help by donating or volunteering, visit www.denveranimalshelter.org. If you are interested in partnering with DAS, contact Jill Brown, Community Partnerships Manager at jill.brown@denvergov.org.

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3481 South Fenton St., B-108 Denver, Colorado 80227 720-203-2488 Visit our website: www.spiritedimages.com “Like” us on Facebook at: Spirited Images Photography

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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health

CANINE MITRAL VALVE DISEASE | By Allison Heaney, Board Certified Cardiologist at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital Degeneration of the mitral valve leaflet is the most common heart disease in dogs. It is estimated that 75% of canine patients presented to a cardiologist have degeneration of their mitral valve. Correspondingly, 75% of dogs that develop congestive heart failure do so because of this disease process and up to 30% of all dogs will have a murmur consistent with Mitral Valve Disease as they age.

Mitral Valve disease develops over time as the mitral valve degrades and loses its structural integrity. Due to the fact that some breeds are overrepresented for the disease there is likely a genetic component.

The purpose of the mitral valve is to prevent blood leaking backwards as the heart pumps blood forward to the body. As the valve degenerates, blood begins to leak backwards through the valve. This leakage can be heard through a stethoscope as a sound referred to as a murmur. While the intensity of the murmur can often correlate with the severity of the disease, this does not always hold true. Further diagnostics, such as radiography (chest x-rays) or echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), can help to assess the severity of the disease.

Chest radiographs allow us to see the outline of the heart in order to determine if it is enlarged. They also allow us to assess the blood vessels in the lungs to evaluate for blood “backing up� in the vessels of the lungs. They also are the best diagnostic tools for evaluating for the development of fluid in the lungs as a consequence of heart disease (referred to as congestive heart failure or cardiogenic pulmonary edema.) Unfortunately, radiographs are limited in that they neither allow us to evaluate the function of the heart nor to assess for other complicating issues with the heart -- such as elevated blood pressure in the lungs. Echocardiography is the gold standard for evaluating heart pump function, enlargement of the heart chambers, eval-

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

uating for increased pressure in the lungs as well as getting an overall picture of the structure and function of the heart. It does not, however, allow us to evaluate the lung tissue directly for the presence of fluid.

Symptoms of valve disease include coughing, increased respiratory rate or effort, decreased energy level, fainting episodes, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Obviously many other diseases can explain all of these symptoms, but among dogs with a heart murmur, careful screening for heart disease should be performed if any of these symptoms develop. For dogs with a heart murmur consistent with mitral valve disease, I encourage owners to monitor a sleeping respiratory rate at home. This is done by counting the number of times your dog breathes in one minute. If, over time, you notice that this number has increased or if it is above 40 breaths per minute you should alert your veterinarian.

While there is currently not an effective surgical procedure for this condition, it is currently being studied and is hopefully in our future. At this time, we can medically manage patients that have developed symptoms due to degenerative valve disease.

While a dog can have a murmur for years prior to developing symptoms, once congestive heart failure has developed the average survival time is 18 months with medical management.

Typically dogs feel very good while being medically managed and enjoy a great quality of life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital 3695 Kipling Street Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Phone: 303-424-3325 Website: www.wheatridgeanimal.com

health

OBESITY IN DOGS | By Kevin T. Fitzgerald, PhD, DVM - Staff Veterinarian - VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital Currently, it is estimated that nearly two-thirds of adult Americans are overweight with 26% of us dangerously so (showing weight-related health issues). Obesity in humans is being recognized as a global problem stemming from easy access to high-calorie fast foods, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits. This alarming phenomenon is likewise reflected in our pet population in the United States. Recent figures from American veterinary hospitals calculate that anywhere from 35 to 40% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Dogs are classified as “overweight” when their body weight is more than 15% above their optimal weight and “obese” when they reach 30% above their optimal condition.

Obesity is not merely cosmetic. In humans, hard data exists indicating that overweight or obese individuals had reduced longevity. Not only do obese humans have a diminished lifespan, but obesity leads directly to a host of health issues such as heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease and compromised lung function, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer (breast, prostate, ovarian, and colon).

Similarly, obesity has been determined to cause identical health issues in dogs. In addition, being significantly overweight reduces a dog’s enjoyment of life and the owner’s enjoyment of the dog. Carrying extra weight makes it harder for the dog to get around, eliminates the possibility of many favorite activities, and limits the things owners can do with their pets.

As bad as these issues are, the diseases associated with excessive weight (harder on the heart, destruction of joints, higher likelihood of diabetes) can be devastating. Although genetics, breed, neutering and spaying, age, and lifestyle of the owner certainly all play a role in predisposing an animal to obesity, recent studies have shown that type of diet, amount fed, level of activity, and commitment of the owner are the most important factors in determining whether an animal becomes overweight or not. Never forget, your dog is totally dependent upon you for everything he puts in his mouth. Are you helping him or hurting him?

The first thing that has to happen is for you to assess where your dog is in terms of weight. Put your hand on your dog’s rib cage.

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Ideally you should be able to feel the ribs without seeing them.

Most dogs I see have a pretty good pad. Next, look at your dog’s body from the top. Is there an indentation behind the ribs, a “waist”, or is your dog a “round-fellow”? When looking at your dog from the side, does the abdomen tuck up or does it protrude with an obvious belly? Your veterinarian can help you determine where your dog is weight-wise.

There is only one secret in weight reduction. You must burn off more energy than you take in. High-fat diets, treats, “people-food”, and lack of exercise are all primary factors in the development of canine obesity. Your veterinarian will help you decide which diet is right for your dog. For instance, simply starting a low-calorie diet may not be justified for all old, overweight dogs. Your veterinarian can be a tremendous resource. Measuring the amount of food you give is mandatory in both weight reduction and weight maintenance. I recommend the use of a measuring cup. Increase the amount of exercise; but be reasonable about your dog’s age and abilities.

(English bulldogs can’t jog.)

Decrease the amount of treats, people food, and other junk food. Try uncooked green beans as a treat or ice cubes. Just like people, dogs become addicted to treats. Be realistic, consistent, and patient. Weight control is a lifelong endeavor but you will get much more out of your shared relationship if your dog is fit.

Your veterinarian can help tailor-make an exercise and dietary program for your dog. Start today with a new dedication to your friend’s health and keep track of the pounds.

Kevin Fitzgerald has a diverse background with both veterinary medicine and comedy.

Dr. Fitzgerald has appeared numerous times on Animal Planet. Additionally, he hosts a weekly segment on CW2’s morning news called Animal House, where he keeps the public informed about pet and animal related-issues. In addition to maintaining a busy practice at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, he can frequently be seen performing comedy shows all around Denver.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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wellness

MONTHLY PET HEALTH CHECKLIST It can be very difficult to remember all of the various procedures your dog needs to stay healthy. Here at The Denver Dog, we recommend pet owners create a “Monthly Pet Health Checklist” to help you remember everything that your dog needs. You can write this on a dry erase board and place it on your refrigerator. Check off the items as you complete them.

Here is an example checklist: Administer Heartworm and Flea/Tick prevention Examine mouth for broken, discolored teeth Check Body Condition Score (www.projectpetslimdown.com) Clean ears as needed

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Providing Fun, Easy to Use, and Effective Training Techniques!

Always FREE Playful Pup Socializing Classes Beginner - Advanced Obedience Classes for Dogs of All Ages In-Home Private Classes and Custom Sessions Group Day Training

(Not to be confused with Daycare!)

Behavior Modifications for Fear, Anxiety, and Aggression Challenges

POSITIVE TRAINING METHODS ONLY!

Contact us today to get started! www.NobleBeastDogTraining.com

Trim Nails

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

wellness

VETERINARY

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The following is a list of organizations that can assist with veterinary bills. Visit their website to see if you meet their criteria.

Care Credit .................................................................................. www.carecredit.com Colorado Helping Hands Foundation ...................................... www.helpingcritters.org Ginger’s Legacy..................................................................... www.gingerslegacy.com P.A.W.S. Colorado .................................................................. www.pawscolorado.org Stymie Canine Cancer Foundation ................................................ www.stymieccf.org

LOW-INCOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE These organizations offer low cost veterinary care. Some organizations require proof of income prior to providing services.

CSU Pets Forever Program .......................................... www.csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu Denver Animal Shelter ................................................... www.denveranimalshelter.org Every Creature Counts ................................................. www.everycreaturecounts.org Good Samaritan Pet Center .................................... www.goodsamaritanpetcenter.org Maxfund Wellness Center .......................................................www.maxfundclinic.org Pet Aid Animal Hospital ......................................................... www.petaidcolorado.org Spay Colorado ......................................................................... www.spaycolorado.org The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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Give a Black Dog a Chance…

Black dogs frequently fall victim to what is known in the shelter world as “Black Dog Syndrome.” According to Petfinder.com, dogs that are black spend an average of four times longer waiting for a home than their lighter counterparts. Black dogs can be difficult to photograph in a shelter environment and there are many superstitions involving black animals. We would like to encourage our fans to give a black dog a chance!

This message was created by Danielle Lewis, designed by Aaron Tipton and provided as a public service announcement by The Denver Dog magazine.

safety

PREVENT PET SUFFOCATION

| By Bonnie Harlan Arriving home, my rescue dog Blue was not at the door to greet me. Instead, I saw a bag of paper trash strewn across the kitchen floor scattered amidst some toppled over holiday decorations. I finally found Blue lying motionless upstairs with a Cheetos bag encased over his head. Screaming, I pulled the chip bag off of his head, but it was too late. He had horrifically suffocated in a chip bag. Something I had never heard of. I soon realized it was an all too common occurrence. Losing my beautiful dog Blue is what inspired me to start “Prevent Pet Suffocation”, a website and Facebook page dedicated to educating the public on the suffocation risks our pets face from chip bags and other food packaging.

Many of these bags are made from a strong mylar-like material which keeps snacks fresher but can be deadly to your pet, especially dogs. When a curious dog puts his head into the bag hunting for crumbs, the bag creates a vacuum-like seal around his neck. As he tries to breathe, the bag tightens around his neck, cutting off the oxygen. Most dogs start to panic then frantically run around until they collapse and die, often within minutes.

Like I was, many people are not aware these chip bags and other food packaging like cereal bag liners, pet food liners, and popcorn bags are a suffocation hazard to their pets. By spreading awareness, we are saving the lives of dogs.

For more information, please visit my website and my Facebook page. I also have an online petition to Frito Lay requesting warning labels be added to their bags.

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Blue passed away tragically after suffocating on a snack food bag. Photo courtesy of Bonnie Harlan.

To help prevent pet suffocation: 1. Keep all chip bags and food bags safely stored away from your dog’s reach. Cut them up after use.

2. Keep all trash can lids tightly fastened or behind a cabinet, especially in the kitchen.

3. Keep kitchen pantry door closed.

4. Learn CPR for pets.

5. Do not allow your pets to roam freely in the house while away.

Please keep your pet safe, and help prevent pet suffocation!

6. Alert your friends and family about the suffocation dangers of bags.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Website: www.preventpetsuffocation.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/PreventPetSuffocation

7. Lobby to companies like Frito Lay and other snack, cereal, and dog food manufacturers to put warning labels on their bags.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

safety

HOUSEHOLD

TOXINS Grapes and Raisins The consumption of grapes and raisins can potentially lead to renal (kidney) failure in dogs. Veterinarians have not been able to determine exactly what it is about the grape that causes dogs to go into kidney failure. If your dog ingests grapes, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Chocolate There is a chemical in chocolate called theobromine which is highly toxic to dogs. Ingesting chocolate can be potentially fatal to dogs. It greatly depends on the amount of chocolate ingested and the size of the dog. It is best to keep all chocolate out of your dog’s reach.

Pennies Pennies contain zinc which can cause kidney failure and damage red blood cells. Ingesting just one penny can cause zinc toxicity and potentially lead to death. Keep all change out of reach of your pet.

Cocoa Mulch As with chocolate, cocoa mulch contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs if ingested. Some manufacturers now claim that their cocoa mulch is free of theobromine. Pet owners should take care when selecting mulch for their yards.

Chewing Gum Chewing gum contains xylitol which is a sugar substitute. It is safe for humans, but if ingested by a dog xylitol can cause hypoglycemia. This can potentially lead to seizures and liver failure.

Antifreeze Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which is highly toxic to animals if ingested. Antifreeze has a sweet taste which attracts pets to lick it up if it is spilled onto the ground.

According to Pet MD, only three ounces of antifreeze can cause kidney failure in a medium sized dog. Keep all antifreeze out of reach of pets. Ensure that you clean it up thoroughly if it is spilled on to the ground.

Rodenticides Rat and mouse poisons contain a highly toxic substance called warfarin. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. Dogs that have ingested rodenticides will often have nose bleeds as they are unable to clot their blood. If left untreated, dogs can potentially die from warfarin toxicosis.

Human Medications & Supplements It is important for pet owners to remember that just because something is good for you, does not mean it is good for your pets. Many human medications and supplements are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of Tylenol can lead to liver failure and red blood cell damage. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatories such as Motrin, Aleve, and Advil can cause intestinal ulcers and kidney failure. You should never administer any of your medications and supplements to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian.

If you believe your pet has ingested any of these toxins, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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Canine Sports in Colorado

LAUNCH FLYBALL | By Dana Nichols Photos by Ken Gee Photography

Flyball is a dog sport filled with excitement, barking, and shouting. The beauty of flyball, one of the few team sports for dogs, is that all your teammates are pulling for your dog as well as their own. Even the dogs get involved – barking and revving each other up. Flyball is a great outlet for dogs with energy to burn. It is open to any type of dog – small, large, purebred, mixed breed, and shelter dogs. The only dogs that aren’t good candidates for flyball are those who are aggressive toward other dogs; and dogs that can’t physically run, jump, and retrieve.

Small dogs, which can’t usually run as fast, are especially valuable because the smallest dog on the team sets the jump height for the team. The entire team runs faster over a shorter jump height, so a team is much faster overall even if the smaller dog is a bit slower than the others.

Each team consists of four dogs, each of whom runs a relay race over four jumps, retrieves a ball from a box, and carries that ball back over the jumps. The race is run head to head against another team of four dogs. Each dog in the relay has to wait to start the course until the dog before him reaches the start/finish line. If a dog makes an error, such as dropping the ball, missing a jump, or crossing the line before the returning dog, the dog has to re-run at the end. The team that finishes first wins.

Flyball tournaments have more lenient rules than many other types of competition. During warm-up and racing, the handler can use food, toys, tugs, or balls – really almost anything that gets the dog excited. One person even encouraged her Labrador retriever to run faster by using a stainless steel bowl with the dog’s dinner. Teams are divided into divisions with similar overall times. Each team races several times during the day against teams in their division. At the end of the tournament, overall placements are awarded in each division. Dogs also earn individual points for each heat their team completes. Those points add up for titles and awards for each dog over its career.

It is important to start your dog with a good training foundation for flyball. The dog is trained to bank off the box when retrieving the ball and beginning the return to the handler, much like a swimmer turns off the wall during laps. Not only is it faster, but this type of turn is also safer for a dog because it channels the dog’s momentum and places less force on their joints than coming to a complete stop. Another vital foundation step is to teach the dog to focus on the handler while other dogs are running. You’ll see that the dogs really notice the team in the other lane and push to beat them. But you have to make

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Canine Sports in Colorado

sure that the dog is trained to stay in its own lane, like cars in traffic, to avoid collisions.

The North American Flyball Association sanctions tournaments in the United States and Canada. Colorado has been holding tournaments since 2003. Colorado currently has eight active flyball clubs. One of those clubs is the Launch Flyball Club. Launch is a small, competitive flyball club. There are six current members who are very active in the dog community, not only in flyball, but also in other types of dog competitions.

Their primary focus is on training their dogs to be the best they can be.

at home. There will be a number of doggie vendors with products for sale. There will also be teams entered from all the local clubs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THESE WEB PAGES: North American Flyball Association – www.flyball.org Region 19 Flyball (CO, NM, WY) – www.region19flyball.com Launch Flyball Club – www.launchflyball.com Denver Dog Sports – www.denverdogsports.com

Launch hosts weekly flyball practices at the Denver Dog Sports facility. This indoor facility has wall-to-wall cushioned flooring that is an ideal surface for consistent training and minimizes the chance of injury for people and dogs. The team uses video analysis to study each dog’s motion on the box to help craft the safest, fastest turn possible. Launch does not teach flyball classes, but a wide variety of people and dogs attend their practices.

The club has many different dogs including: a Boston terrier, Sheltie, Border Collies, Mixes, and Rescues. The human members are dedicated to the sport and spend hours training, practicing, and travelling to tournaments. But most importantly, the team loves their dogs and loves spending time with them.

Launch is hosting a flyball tournament November 9-10, 2013 at Denver Dog Sports. Racing will start at 8:00 a.m. and usually concludes by 4:00 p.m. There is no charge for admission.

Spectators are welcome, but it’s usually best to leave your dog

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featured non-profit

EVERY CREATURE COUNTS | By Myra Morgan

“WE WHO REACH TO HELP ANOTHER CREATURE HOLD THE HEART OF HUMANITY IN OUR HANDS.” Every Creature Counts (ECC) was founded in 1992 by a couple with a deep reverence for animals. Their initial efforts were trapping and neutering of feral cats and a mobile spay/neuter clinic. Seeing the catastrophic number of animals being neglected, abandoned, and euthanized, their efforts quickly grew into the formation of Every Creature Counts as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Every Creature Counts rescues dogs and cats from municipal shelters, rural animal control, and puppy mills. ECC participates in the relocation of animals from dire conditions, and has long-standing relationships with other rescue groups in the U.S. As a no-kill rescue organization, ECC provides life-long care to any dog or cat that reaches our shelter. Animals are not euthanized for age or bad behavior, or because they require extensive medical treatment and care.

ECC has adoption events for dogs and cats at Denver metro area pet supply stores, festivals, and other events. Every Creature Counts places the majority of our dogs and cats in adoptive homes relatively quickly, and finds homes for animals that take a little longer to adopt through special outreach by our staff and volunteers. In 2012, 2,694 dogs and cats were placed in loving homes.

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ECC has spayed/neutered more than 100,000 animals from inception to date, with 7,845 dogs and cats spayed/neutered in 2012. Our clinic operates seven days a week and also offers low-cost vaccinations, micro chipping, and dental services. Every Creature Counts spay/neuter efforts are central to our rescue efforts. Education is also an important piece of the process.

Our Fort Lupton ECC facilities have been greatly expanded through fundraising and the support of ECC friends and donors. We have a 5,000 square foot dog facility and outside dog enclosures. Our six wonderful cat cottages allow our long-term feline residents to live cage-free including outdoor space and provide accommodations for cats that need a break from being in a kennel.

Forty-eight individual dog kennels have been installed, expanding ECC’s ability to accommodate more dogs. Covered outdoor kennels allow our dogs to have fresh air in any season. A separate dog isolation room has also been completed.

To make a much-needed donation, view our animals available for adoption, and for more information please visit us at www. everycreaturecounts.org.

featured non-profit

Photo by: Mafalda Melo Santos, TrueVida Photography

ANIMAL HAUS

A FOOD PANTRY JUST FOR PETS | By Summer Rae Mathewson Tears fell down Betty’s aged face as her voice trembled; “Omar is my only family. He is my reason to get up each day.” Betty is a senior citizen who rescued her sweet dog, Omar, after finding out that he was abused by the past owners. In return, he has loved her unconditionally and brought a new joy to her life.

Like many, Betty has fallen on hard financial times. Betty and Omar have been sharing what little food she could scrounge up. Without any money to feed him, she was struggling with the decision to take her best friend, her constant loving companion, to a shelter. Just so he would be able to eat.

How could Betty cope with the feeling of losing her only friend, simply because she is going through a rough time? Who would she have then? What about Omar? Where could she turn to for help?

Thankfully, Animal Haus is the sweet answer for pet owners who are facing this tough situation. The caring folks at Animal Haus were able to get Omar emergency food supplies to help see Betty through this difficult time. Animal Haus is a

501c3 nonprofit that operates a mobile pet food pantry for hungry pets of eligible families throughout the Denver Metro area. “We chose to start a pet food pantry because pet food is the most consistent cost for the pet owner. In six short months, we provided over 5,000 pounds of food,” said co-founder Troy Naberhaus.

Although each family’s story is a little different, one characteristic is the same- that these families love and adore their pets. Sometimes the pet is the only family or friend that person has, which makes it even more important to keep them together. “Both Betty and Omar were incredibly thankful,” stated co-founder, Jessica Naberhaus. “This is why we do what we do.

We believe pets are family too.”

Learn more about Animal Haus, where the pet food drives are and how you can help at www.animalhaus.org. If you are a business that would like to host an Animal Haus Pet Food Collection Bin or to donate, please contact Animal Haus at petfood@animalhaus.org. People and pets like Betty and Omar thank you for your support and for helping keep them together!

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business profile

WELL ANIMAL INSTITUTE Dee Dee, an anesthesia-free dental tech, with a group of dogs at a clinic. Photo Courtesy of Cindy Lloyd.

The Well Animal Institute provides the services of anesthesia-free teeth cleaning for dogs and cats. Our trained technicians clean your pet’s teeth under supervision of a licensed veterinarian. It is always up to the veterinarian whether your animal is a candidate for this service. This is not intended to replace a dental under anesthesia but rather to be part of your pet’s dental plan.

We believe that removing the plaque and tartar before it can cause periodontal disease goes a long way towards better dental health for your pet.

Please allow us to walk you through our step by step procedure.

First every patient receives a thorough pre-oral exam and a detailed medical history is taken. Our technicians and the veterinarian look at the over- all oral health of the pet and discuss any other health issues that may be present.

Then we calmly & quietly hold them in our laps to perform the dental cleaning which starts with a scaling of each tooth and all its surfaces (lingual, buccal, mesial, distal & occlusal surfaces). The plaque and calculus is removed above the gum line (supragingival) with a hand scaler and then plaque and calculus is removed from below the gum line (subgingivally) with a curette. Areas with pockets are probed and measured and a complete charting of the mouth is done on each tooth for each patient.

When all the areas have been cleaned, your pet’s teeth are polished. Polishing both removes stains and helps smooth out rough surfaces. For those pets that allow us, we will use a high speed polisher, otherwise we will hand polish.

We use a chlorhexidine rinse to disinfect your pet’s mouth when we are finished. If your pet needs antibiotics the veterinarian can prescribe them on site.

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

When we return your pet you will receive a report card explaining everything we found in the mouth and discuss with you any follow up care. We recommend you brush their teeth every day and get a checkup with cleaning once a year for most large dogs and 2-4 times a year for small dogs.

Veterinarians who bring anesthesia-free dentistry into their practice enjoy the benefits of: • Frequent client visits • Allowing high risk patients to be done more often • An added preventative dental service • Identifying and treating serious dental issues sooner We have been offering anesthesia-free dentals to customers in the Denver area since 2003. Please visit our web site to see a calendar of a location near you, or call our office at 303-654-0560.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THESE WEB PAGES: Website: www.wellanimalinstitute.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/wellanimalinstitute.com

Want Happy Pets with Fresh Breath?

We Offer Anesthesia-FREE

Teeth Cleaning!

Call 303-654-0560

Visit Our Website for Locations:

www.WellAnimalInstitute.com

business profile

According to multiple reports, the pet industry will reach nearly $62 billion by 2014. One of the fastest growing sectors within the pet industry is pet care. Today more than ever, there are so many different businesses that cater to pet parents in order to give their pets the best quality care that they deserve. However, finding these providers is no easy task. Traditional methods of finding the best pet care providers often entails searching through multiple websites online or asking family and friends.

This process can be cumbersome in itself, however, a company by the name of Furlocity, Inc., aims to change all that.

profile for their pets, upload their vaccinations and instantly book a stay 24/7.

Pet parents interested in booking a stay can go to www.furlocity.com or call one of their concierge staff members at 1-888-859-9927.

Furlocity is a first-of-its-kind comprehensive website that helps pet parents find and book quality pet care providers in 3 easy steps. Pet parents can search, compare and instantly book pet boarding services, veterinary appointments and even pet-friendly travel accommodations. Furlocity aims to simplify this process for pet parents by centralizing all pet care services and accommodation in one place. Likewise, pet parents can benefit from booking through Furlocity and earning rewards redeemable for free and discounted nights. For those pet parents that take their furry loved ones with them, Furlocity has a solution for them as well.

According to Andy Smit, CEO and Founder of Furlocity, “Pet travel has long been a difficult task for many pet parents due to the lack of information found on the web about how hotels and airlines cater to pets. We therefore decided to create a way for pet parents to see hotel and airline policies ahead of time and include things such as fees, weight restrictions and services offered by hotels and airlines.�

Smit states that pet parents have already seen the benefits of using Furlocity to streamline the way they book pet care services and accommodations. Pet parents can register through their site, www.furlocity.com, in order to create a free complete

Weekday mornings 10am on

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

www.sewjolly.com

Capture your pet’s personality in a fine art photo! Whether you want an artistic portrait or action shots, you can be assured that you will receive amazing photos of your dog or cat.

Fun and unique gift idea!

720-238-3337 • karenhoglundphotography.com The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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BRING WYNNER HOME | By Lynette Ruder Wynner is an 18 month old male Sheltie, a breed that looks like a miniature collie. He has white feet, neck, and chest. His coat color is very striking, much like a red fox. He is microchipped, 15� at the shoulder, and weighs 25 pounds. Wynner came to live with us last December at 9 months of age. Within 48 hours Wynner had stolen my heart. Wynner loves interacting with other dogs, but is aloof around most people, and often skittish around loud noises. On April 26th, he was with my husband at Deer Creek Canyon Park where they had been many times before (3 miles SW of Kipling/C-470 in Littleton).

My husband tripped and dropped the leash. This startled Wynner and he took off running. We’ll never know what caused Wynner to run that day. Since then, there have been no less than 15 potential sightings of Wynner, but he never allowed strangers to approach and was gone by the time we arrived. There were at least a few occasions where our paths were very close to crossing, but the timing was not quite right. So the search continues. Wynner may still be roaming, lying low during the day and scavenging for food at night.

By now, he may have traveled a great distance. He may be thin and matted. It is possible that Wynner could have been taken in by an unknown person. Please, we ask of you, keep your eyes open for Wynner and contact us if you may have seen him, no matter how recent. DO NOT CALL TO HIM OR TRY TO CAPTURE HIM. Call us immediately, try to photograph him, and watch his direction of travel until we can arrive. Losing him has been like losing part of our family and we are heartbroken.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Facebook: www.facebook.com/BringWynnerHome

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Save Longmont Humane Society Longmont Humane Society is facing potential foreclosure at the end of November.

LHS rescues thousands of homeless animals every year. Help save this wonderful shelter!

Donate Today: www.lhsnowandforever.kintera.org

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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holiday gift guide

Find the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life!

“Chipper’s Friends: The Heartwarming Story of an Imperfect Dog” by Michelle Jansick Come, Sit, and Say Hello to a therapy dog dropout named Chipper, and the people who love her. This funny, touching story—narrated by Chipper herself— proves that you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. It is sure to leave a paw print on your heart! This autobiDOGraphy is available as a paperback or eBook on www.ChippersFriends.com.

Canvas Canines www.canvascanines.com Create memories that will last a lifetime with the gift of a pet portrait! Andy Mallen, artist and owner of Canvas Canines, paints that distinctive look in your pet’s eyes, the tilt of their head, and the way they smile. Her dog and cat paintings are a true reflection and best memory of your lovable companion.

Dog Breed Cartoon www.zazzle.com/dogbreedcartoon Dog Breed Cartoon offers 175 dog breeds in cartoon form on over 50,000 products. These products include iPhone cases, clothing, mouse pads, magnets, stamps, plates, towels, napkins, water bottles, ornaments, and more!

Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs www.toegrips.com Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips are natural rubber rings that slide onto dogs’ toenails to enable traction on hard-surface floors and serve as proprioceptive stimulus for the central nervous system. This results in both an instant and cumulative improvement in quality of life for senior and special needs dogs.

Got Antler? www.gotantler.com Got Antler? are high quality, naturally shed moose and elk antler chews. There are a wide variety of sizes to choose from. The pet lover in your life will love to give these chews to their dogs.

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holiday gift guide

Healthy Goo www.healthygoo.com Does the dog lover in your life have a dog that constantly scratches their skin and bites their paws? Healthy Goo is a GOO-licious, peanut butter treat that sublingually builds immune system tolerance to pollens, dust mites, and molds 100% naturally. Give the gift of less scratching and dry skin!

Sew Jolly www.sewjolly.com Stylish modern dog collars for your modern stylish dog! Sew Jolly is an online dog boutique with unique collars that are handmade with love in Denver, Colorado.

They guarantee that each collar is made with only the most durable, metal hardware and trendiest designer fabrics.

My Pet Reward www.mypetreward.com MyPetReward pet tags are the proactive alternative that gets your pets home safely in the unfortunate event they’re lost. Every MyPetReward tag includes your pet’s name, unique id # and the www.

MyPetReward.com web address that links to your pet’s online profile. You can list up to seven contacts all of which can receive text messaging, email or just a simple phone call in the unfortunate event your pet is lost.

Spirited Images Photography www.spiritedimages.com A gift certificate to Spirited Images Photography makes the perfect gift for any pet lover. Spirited Images is a full service photography company offering a personal and creative touch in: Senior, Family, Child, Maternity and Pet Portraits as well as Wedding photography (local and destination).

Tenderfoot Training DVD www.tenderfoottraining.com Love Them and Lead Them is a 2 DVD set with almost three hours of information. The knowledge in this incredibly informative video is like a series of personal lessons for you to review in the privacy of your own home as you learn how to effectively transform your relationship with your dog TODAY.

Zippity-Poo-Da www.zippitypooda.com Zippity-Poo-Da is a two in one waste pouch that holds clean sacks and the picked up dog waste. The Velcro attachment fits all brands of leashes, including retractable leashes and pet strollers. The clean sack compartment will hold all brands of poop bag rolls. The one ounce nylon pouch is user friendly to all dog breeds.

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dog parent family

SENATOR DAVID BALMER

Senator David Balmer with wife Karen and their three dogs: Scout, Cooper, and Digby. Photo by Karen Hoglund Photography.

Senator David Balmer represents Senate District 27, which covers part of Arapahoe County. When he has some down time, David enjoys spending time with his family. The Balmer’s have three dogs: Scout, Cooper, and Digby. His love for all dogs inspired him to sponsor and pass Senate Bill 13-226, entitled “The Dog Protection Act,” which will provide training for police officers to teach non-lethal alternatives to handling dogs.

See separate story on The Dog Protection Act in this edition.

David and his wife, Karen, spend a great deal of time with their four-legged crew. Almost every day Scout, Cooper, and Digby are treated to a run in Cherry Creek State Park offleash area. Scout and Cooper are both Vizslas, and Digby is a German Short-Haired Pointer. At eleven years old, Scout is

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

the oldest. Cooper is eight years young and still has plenty of energy. Digby is three years old and acts like a puppy.

The Balmers cherish their dogs as part of the family. “I can’t describe all the joy that our three dogs bring into our lives,” David said. “We love them so much.”

David describes the dogs as “velcro dogs” for their habit of following the family around the house. The dogs always run to the door to greet the family when they come home. “It doesn’t matter if we have been gone for ten minutes or a few hours,” David states. “We always get the same joyful greeting when we come home.”

the dog scene

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Puppy In-Door Swim and Social Sponsored by Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group, Canine Dimensions In-Home Training, and Aspen Arbor Animal Hospital.

When:

Every 4th Wednesday 6:30-7:30 PM

Where: Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group - Broomfield location 8855 W. 116th Circle Broomfield, Colorado 80021 This social gathering is for puppies 8 weeks to 10 months old. Adult dogs under fifteen pounds are also welcome. Proper socialization and play is essential for puppies to build confidence and learn proper etiquette. Swimming is excellent exercise and will help puppies burn off plenty of energy!

Cost is $10.00, $5.00 of which will be donated to Animal Rescue of the Rockies.

For more information, send an email to audic@caninedimensions.com

Free Puppy Socialization Classes Noble Beast Dog Training provides free puppy socialization classes at several locations throughout the Denver and metro area. These classes will help your puppy learn how to properly socialize with other dogs and humans.

These classes are held at a variety of dates and times. Visit www.noblebeastdogtraining. com to view a schedule of dates and locations where these classes are held.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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the dog scene

HUMAN ANIMAL BOND EVENT Photos by Karen Hoglund Photography The Denver Dog magazine was proud to be a sponsor for The Human Animal Bond event at Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group. Aspen Arbor Animal Hospital and Canine Dimensions in home training were also sponsors of this event. Canine Companions for Independence brought several of their dogs out to the event and spoke about all of the wonderful things CCI does for the community. Seth Casteel, the photographer of the highly popular book, Underwater Dogs, was at CRCG taking photos for his next book, Underwater Puppies. We had a great time and learned a lot about the wonderful benefits of the Human Animal Bond!

Nabisco, a service dog trained by Canine Companions for Independence came out to the event to greet everyone!

Waffle, a service dog trained by Canine Companions for Independence, relaxes during the presentation.

Elizabeth Holman of Canine Companions for Independence discusses the benefits of service dogs for individuals with disabilities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group www.dog-swim.com Canine Companions for Independence www.cci.org Karen Hoglund Photography www.karenhoglundphotography.com

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Lori Beuerle, owner of Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group holds a wolf mix puppy during Seth Casteel’s photo shoot.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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the dog scene

FUN IN THE

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Bella

Charlie Brown

Charlie

Grover

Gus

Jack and Axel

Karl

Luna

Moses

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

the dog scene

SNOW Chloe

Denali

Diesel

Jack

Jameson

Josie

Osborne

Polo Marko

Reko Suave and Ki The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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calendar of events

NOVEMBER 16 NOVEMBER 16TH 9 AM PUMPKIN PIE 5K/10K: DENVER ANIMAL SHELTER FUNDRAISER CITY PARK DENVER, COLORADO Start a new holiday tradition and help raise money for DAS by joining their Pumpkin Pie 5k/10k Team! This is a flat & family friendly 5k/10k that is open to not only runners and walkers – but their dogs too!

All finishers will receive a piece of delicious pumpkin pie, as well as top-notch chip timing, a race logo shirt and access to the finish line expo with vendors and food.

For more information, visit: www.denveranimalshelter.org

DECEMBER 4

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UNTIL TUESDAY COCKTAIL RECEPTION THE PINERY AT THE HILL

11 AM-6 PM

6-9 PM Join Freedom Service Dogs for a special evening with former US Army Captain, Luis Carlos Montalván, the New York Times bestselling author of the book, Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him and his best friend and service dog, Tuesday.

“Until Tuesday” is the story of how two wounded warriors found salvation in each other. You will find courage, love and inspiration in this special presentation.

Enjoy Hors D’oeuvres, cocktails, keynote presentation and book signing.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.freedomservicedogs.org

JANUARY 20 THE MISHA MAY FOUNDATION The Misha May Foundation Dog Training and Rescue Understanding Dogs Program Trainer and Behavior Consultant Program is designed to impart knowledge in a variety of ways, including observation and hands-on application. Please email mishamayfoundation@ gmail.com for an application.

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

The Watering Bowl, 5411 Leetsdale Drive Denver, Colorado In honor of Colorado Gives Day, Freedom Service Dogs is holding a fundraising event at this dog-friendly bar. Activities include doggie Picasso paintings by service dogs in training, complimentary pet portraits; make your own holiday ornaments, lunch and yappy hour specials, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Freedom Service Dogs, a non-profit that rescues dogs and trains them for individuals with disabilities.

For more information: www.freedomservicedogs.org

JANUARY 20TH, 2014 DOG TRAINER/ BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST PROGRAM

PAWS TO GIVE-COLORADO GIVES DAY

26 PLEDGES FOR PETS TELETHON The 16th annual Pledges for Pets Telethon to benefit Dumb Friends League will air from noon to 5 PM on KDVR/FOX 31. Thousands of animal lovers will tune in to hear stories of the pets helped through their donations. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at Dumb Friends League and will learn about how they serve their community above and beyond.

For more information, visit www.ddfl.org

Pit Bulls

are nothing but trouble

This beautiful photo of Zoey Says Stick it to Canine Cancer was taken by Kristin Adams Pet Photography.

They steal your heart!

Help save Colorado’s pit bulls.

Visit www.coloradogs.org for more information.

This message was created by Danielle Lewis, designed by Aaron Tipton and provided as a public service announcement by The Denver Dog magazine.

Take your relationship with your animals to a whole new level!

Resolve Behavior Issues Books & Radio Shows Retreats and Workshops Kim Baker - Animal Expert

303-981-2127

www.kbnaturalhorsemanship.com

4530 S. Reservoir Rd Centennial, CO 80015

www.mybuddyandme.org 2012—2013 1st Place in Dog Training

Vote for us now for 2013 – 2014 to help our rescued animals!

303.239.0382

www.MishaMayFoundation.org mishamayfoundation@gmail.com

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The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

Proceeds Benefit Stymie Canine Cancer Foundation FREE Pupchips (99¢ Value) or $1 off your purchase Can’t be combined with any other offer.

The Denver Dog | Winter 2013

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The holidays bring out the naughty and nice.

We can take care of both.

Visit our online store for unique gifts www.bedsnbiscuits.com

303.940.9188 email: info@bedsnbiscuits.com • www.bedsnbiscuits.com 4219 Xenon Street, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 (I-70 & Ward Road) Open 7 days a week: Monday-Friday: 8am to 6pm

Saturday: 8am to 4pm

Sunday: 2pm to 5pm