NY Pets Magazine - Fall/Winter 2015 by The Magazine Shoppe

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FALL/WINTER 2015

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Fritzy & Mousey FREE COPY

The pets that bring joy to celebrity Fredrik Eklund Pet Protection Year round advice on flea and tick prevention

Aquatic Life

Plants and their relationship to water quality and fish

Bird Boogie

Connecting with your bird through music and dance

Focus on Ferrets A pet that is energetic, entertaining and fun

Winning Products Great new items for pets and owners

the lola project Dogs helping those with mental illness

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LOCAL EVENTS ARTICLES TRENDS & MORE!

NY Pets Magazine | SPRING 2013

From the Editor

Lots of great advice articles by award-winning contributors

“

As we are gearing up for the holiday season and all its festivities, let’s not forget about our pet family members and what they need.

Who can believe another fall/winter season is upon us. Where does the time go? As we are gearing up for the holiday season and all its festivities, let’s not forget about our pet family members and what they need. Maybe your fish tank is due for a little cleaning and sprucing up? How about a few new live plants as suggested by Peach Reid in her article? Does your new pup needs a bit of training? Please read The D.O.G Obedience Girl’s article to find out. What about flea and tick protection for the cooler months? Check out the article by Dr. Paris Revoir to find out what to do. Are you confused about what hays to feed your small furry pets; please let’s look in depth at what is available and the nutritional values. We are honored to have Fredrik Eklund along with Fritzy and Mousey adorning our cover. Award-winning author, Brue Littlefield has given us an amazing interview with him. Watch Fredrik on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing and look for his new book The Sell due out in 2015. The two dachshunds were so amazing during the photo shoot and were always posing for the camera…like it was something they do every day. Will we see more of them on this hit show? Make sure you take a look to find out. As you can see, our list of distributors continues to grow with each edition. We hope you support them and search for them on your travels throughout the tri-state area and more. I am sure each will have many new exciting items in their stores to help you with your holiday shopping. And, remember our great advertising partners. This magazine would not be possible without them. We at NY Pets Magazine wish you an amazing fall/ winter and holiday season. We look forward to great things happening in our industry in 2015. And, we promise to keep you well informed. Happy Holidays,

Doreen

” FALL/WINTER 2015 | NY PETS Magazine

Table of Contents NY PETS Volume 3, Number 1 (FALL/WINTER) 2015

Features

7 Canine Party of Six The pack that just kept growing…and growing 23 Bearded Dragon Who would think lizards could be so much fun? 27 Fritzy and Mousey The pets that bring joy to celebrity Fredrik Eklund 37

Ocean in the Mountains How coral is putting Roanoke, Virginia on the map

42 2

Elderly Pets Proper care for your aging cats and dogs

NY Pets Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

magazine

NYpets

Publisher Alan Luff Associate Publisher Doreen Luff Contributing Writers Lisa Acton Jorge Bendersky John Carlin Seth Casteel Britney Digilio Annalisa Gesterkamp Bettie Hamilton Sarah Hodgson Noah Horton Susi Lacoff Resner Bruce Littlefield Laura “Peach” Reid Paris Revoir DVM Emily Shearon Loren Spiotta-DiMare Doug Staley Lucas Stock Andrew Thayer DVM Joanne Willard Photography Jorge Bendersky John Carlin Seth Casteel J.R. Corvison/Reef Aquaria Design Britney Digilio Integrity Imaging (COVER PHOTO) Bill Sigafoos Craig Sotres Jerilyn Weber Advertising Sales Alan Luff Production The Magazine Shoppe Editor Steve McNeill Creative Director/ Production Coordinator Eric Pezik Art Director Patti Whitefoot-Bobier COPY EDITOR Barb Chambers Director of Development & New Publications Sarah Freeman Winning Pet Product Editor Doug Staley Published by NY Pets is published twice a year by AKUSA Publishing Inc. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Phone: 845-721-5765 Fax: 845-268-7844 Email: doreen@nypetsmagazine.com Advertising: alan@nypetsmagazine.com

Departments 4 Winning Pet Products Great items for pets and owners alike 15 Why Should I Train My Dog? How to get your pet to be on its best behavior 17 Picture Perfect Saving shelter pets’ lives one frame at a time

57 Hay There An ideal nutritional source for your small herbivore 62 Pet Protection Year-round flea and tick prevention

20 CRITTER CHATTER 35 AQUATIC LIFE Plants and their relationship to water quality and fish 45 Focus on Ferrets A pet that is energetic, entertaining and adorable

54 Bird Boogie Connecting with your bird through music and dance

66 The Lola Project Dogs helping those with mental illness 70 Animal Garden Philip Merryweather’s sanctuary in paradise

49 Keep the Holidays under Control Food and visitors; a recipe for your dogs to go wild FALL/WINTER 2015 | NY PETS Magazine

Gift ideas for pets and owners alike By Doug Staley It’s that time of year again when the colors of the leaves change, the holidays arrive and old man winter shows up. As we do the seasonal clothes and curtain change, we should think about our pets’ seasonal needs. In this article, I will bring you products that will help and enhance your pet’s life as well as make great gift ideas for any pet owner. So here are the fall/winter 2014/15 winning pet products:

Fido fleece and matching lead/collar

These high quality dog coats combine cozy comfort and style at a surprisingly affordable price. The signature collar-to-tail closure offers easy on and off. The anti-pilling fleece keeps your dog toasty warm and sheds water and dirt. With 9 designs and 15 sizes to choose from, these coats offer a custom-like-fit for every dog. Fido Fleece® keeps your dog warm and cozy all year round. They have matching collars and leads so your pet can be in full style when it goes outside. How cool is that – a dog with a matching coat, collar and leash. My neighbors thought so when they saw my dogs strutting down the street in their new attire. Hey, after all, we are in New York. www.petsafe.com

Fashion Pet from Ethical Products

If the weather gets really messy, Fashion Pet from Ethical Products has a great line from classic cable sweaters to waterproof all-weather and shearling coats and boots to keep your pet warm and dry. They even have a great line of warm and toasty pajamas for dogs. Great for snuggling by a warm fire on a cold winter night. As someone speaking from experience, there is nothing cuter than dogs wearing pajamas and sitting by the fire. It has been a tradition in my home for years and my dogs love it! www.ethicalpet.com

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

DOG GONE SMART™

We have prepared our dogs for the cold messy weather, but have we prepared our home for the mess that weather can bring? Here are three products from DOG GONE SMART™ that will help keep your home clean and dry and would make a great gift for any pet owner.

DIRTY DOG DOORMAT™

Welcome the Dirty Dog Doormat™ into your home. This amazing mat instantly soaks up water, mud and dirt; keeping floors clean and dry. It is extremely absorbent due to the wicking power of thousands of microfiber strands, dries 5x faster than ordinary doormats, is machine washable and has a tough, non-skid backing that helps keep the doormat in place. The Dirty Dog Doormat™ can also make feeding time spill-free and slobber-proof; just put it under your dog’s bowls and see for yourself. You can even use it in your dog’s crate to keep him/her cozy, soft and clean. A quality made dual-use product for keeping Fido and home clean.

CAT LITTER MAT

Now for those who have a kitty, you may want to check out the Cat Litter Mat, which is a spin-off of the popular Dirty Dog Doormat™. This super absorbent Cat Litter Mat pulls litter scatter off the cat’s feet and traps it into the mat; no more cat litter crumbs across the floor of your home. For any of us with cats, this will cut down on vacuum time. Now, we all know when the weather is inclement, our dogs can get wet and dirty and body wiping and cleaning is essential. This next product will address the situation in a more efficient manner.

ZIP N’ DRI™

It’s the smarter way to dry your dog. Go ahead and let ‘em shake! Keep the water mess contained in the new Zip n’ Dri™. The super-absorbent microfiber fabric dries the dog 4x faster than traditional cotton towels. You can zip-up your dog’s body in the Zip n Dri™ to contain the mess when shaking or drying, use the head flaps to dry the dog’s ears and face, and the hand pockets allow for a better grip when drying. This sure makes dealing with a sloppy wet dog easier. You can use it after bath time, outdoor play, or those rainy, snowy days we will surely face this winter. When it gets dirty, just machine wash and dry. Check them out online at dgspetproducts.com. Now that we have well-dressed, clean and dry pets at home, how can we keep them entertained and happy during the holidays and those tough winter days? I think toys and treats will surely make things brighter and the next products will certainly hit the mark.

Sherpa Hear doggy toys

Any pet lover knows that dogs love the feel and sound of “squeaky” toys, but enduring the high-pitched repetition in the wee hours of the night can drive any pet parent crazy! Ultrasonic HEAR DOGGY!® toys are made with a squeaker ONLY your dog can hear! Hear Doggy! plush toys give your pet the same sensation and enjoyment of traditional squeaky toys without the irritating noise. Can you believe it? What an amazing idea! The science behind Hear Doggy! is that dogs can hear sounds at a higher frequency (0 to 45 KHz) than humans (0 to 20 KHz). Tuned to an ultrasonic range in the 24-28 KHz frequency, each Hear Doggy! squeaker is out of human hearing range, but still fun for your four-legged friend. The first thing I did was try them on my dogs. Seeing is believing, and after squeezing the toy without an apparent sound, my dogs’ ears perked up and they came running to get these new toys. I couldn’t get them out of the bag fast enough as they all wanted their chance to play in the “squeaky toy” band. But, all was quiet. They were chewing away on these toys and having a blast. I must admit the quiet was very calming. They heard the squeak because I know how my dogs play with squeak toys and the band was in full swing. This winter, when we are cooped up indoors, this type of toy would be welcomed in any household. Hear Doggy! toys are available in two plush designs: Stuffed toys (Blowfish, Whale and Penguin, available in small or large) and Flats (Deer, Rabbit and Skunk) come in one standard size and contain no messy stuffing in the body. They are durable and would make a great gift for any canine. Hey, why not collect all the fun characters, it may be a long winter. www.hear-doggy-doggy.com After all this fun and activity, my dogs like to have a snack. I am always careful about choosing treats. They must be healthy with nothing harmful and my dogs must love them. These next winning pet products meet the criteria. Be assured, that should you bring some to a pet-owning friend, they will approve also. fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Look who’s Happy treats is a great new line of treats crafted from healthful

ingredients in their family-owned plant. Grain and gluten-free, they contain no by-products, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. My dogs and my clients’ dogs gobble them up. The line has three styles of treats: Fetch’n Fillets are made with naturally raised meat or cage-free poultry and are a joy for dogs to eat. Naturally packed with savory flavor, they’re the perfect snack to reward your pup and get his tail wagging. Tempt’n Tenders are made with USA-raised cage-free chicken and are crusted with yummy goodies like carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and blueberries. Loaded with taste, texture and aroma that’s truly unique, they’re a joy for dogs to eat. Happy Wraps are made from dry-roasted sweet potato or carrot wrapped with USA-raised cage-free chicken or turkey and provide two tantalizing tastes in every chomp. These wraps are worth yapping about; we’re sure your dog will agree. www.lookwhoshappy.com I like to vary my pets treats to keep them interesting so here is another great treat maker that cares about your pet.

Happy Howie’s natural dog treats

Happy Howie’s makes All Natural Dog Treats in Detroit, uses U.S.-sourced ingredients and makes them fresh to order. Happy Howie’s adds a human spin to their treats by making sausages, jerky, and even burgers. All of its treats are made in small batches and can take from one to three days to cook. It’s charcuterie for dogs. Over the past six years, Happy Howie’s has developed from a small, relatively unknown Detroit-based company to one of the best producers of all-natural dog treats. From its original oneof-a-kind deli style sausages for dogs, Happy Howie’s has expanded to include burger patties, jerky and other treats that dogs love. Happy Howie’s is proud to serve dogs in 40 states. My dogs just tried their gourmet meat rolls which are available in beef, lamb or turkey and loved them. I cut little pieces as a treat or I shred some on their kibble as an alternative to canned food. www.happyhowies.com We have looked at many products that you can buy for your pet or as a gift for a pet, and so we need to think about the owner as well. There are many gift items out there for pet owners; from breed shirts and hats to breed magnets and plaques. I found a great gift item that fits right in with the mix.

Rover - Greatest Sits Collection is a coffee table book that would make the perfect holiday gift for pet lovers of all ages! It has raised over $1million for animal rescues nationwide. Rover was born out of a desire to raise awareness and funding for shelters in the hopes that more animals be adopted and fewer euthanized. The book captures beautiful canines of all breeds, shapes, and colors, with Andrew Grant’s lens granting a soulful intensity that highlights the personality and vitality of each. Rover proves that you can find happy, healthy, adorable pets available for adoption in local shelters. Proudly MADE IN THE USA. www.rovertotherescue.com I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and that it has given you some great gift ideas for pets and their owners. Enjoy all this season has to offer, be safe, love your pets, and I will see you all again next edition in the spring.

Doug Staley aka “dPetguy” is a groomer, breeder, pet sitter, pet retailer, multiple pet owner and consultant to the pet industry. A graduate of the Nash Academy of Animal Arts, his passion for animals has spanned almost four decades. Doug may be contacted at dpetguy@mac.com.

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

CANINE

Party of Six The pack that just kept growing…and growing

By Loren Spiotta-DiMare

Had someone suggested a decade ago, I’d own six dogs at one time, I’d have replied they had overstayed their welcome at Happy Hour. But here I am today, the proud pet parent to six wonderful canine companions: Woody, Rory, Junior, Topo Gigio, Lily, and Louie.

fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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Party of Six Loren, Lou and Topo Gigio

’m not completely sure how it happened. But it went something like this: My husband Lou and I adopted our first dog, Chelsea, a Welsh springer spaniel early in our marriage. In the beginning she was an “only child” and quite content with the arrangement. But when she approached her fifth birthday we determined she needed a canine friend. Enter Smokey, a field spaniel puppy. The ensuing year with its unexpected “sibling rivalry” was one of the most disruptive of my life. Chelsea was miserable as Smokey continually stole her toys, favorite resting spots, and worst of all, our attention. The experience inspired me to write my first children’s book, Chelsea & the New Puppy. But with time, patience, and training, the two became friends and co-habitated peacefully for over 10 years. Chelsea left for the Rainbow Bridge when she was 15. I’m convinced having Smokey by her side contributed to her longevity. The three of us were devastated by the loss and Smokey became especially clingy. I started hosting doggie play dates to give him some

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

“ My husband Lou and I adopted our first dog, Chelsea, a Welsh springer spaniel early in our marriage.

”

canine companionship. The play dates soon became a large part of my social life as we pet parents chatted away while our pups raced and chased each other. After six months, we felt ready to bring another dog into the family. Celtic’s Woodland Sunrise “Woody” is a field-bred Irish setter. Now I should tell you from the get-go, we don’t hunt. But I was attracted to the smart looks, outgoing personality, and shorter coat of the field-type Irish. And since I enjoy walking my dogs, hosting the play dates, and dabbling in various dog sports, I thought I could meet his exercise needs. But as a friend watched Woody running warp-speed laps around the yard, paws barely grazing the ground and asked, “What were you thinking?” I had to reply, “Good question!” Woody chased everything from bees, to bikes, to cars – once even a helicopter! Six dog trainers and one animal behaviorist later the best advice I received was, “You’ll never stop this behavior, just keep him safe.” So he is always on leash or behind a fence. Lou likes to say, “Woody lives life in the fast lane.” I say, “He’s responsible for

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Party of Six Woody – nothing like a good rolL

Loren and the Gang before Louie arrived

all my gray hair.” And who knows what poor Smokey was thinking. To his credit, he took this “red ball of fire” in stride and the two easily became friends. Thankfully Woody, despite his out-of-control energy and prey drive, is a sweetheart of a dog. He loves everyone, young and old, delights in car rides, and enjoys long walks. Shopping, where permitted, is also a favorite pastime. But as Smokey entered his early teens, Woody’s exuberance became too much. Smoke just couldn’t keep up. Woody needed a more ag-

ile friend. We decided adopting a young, adult dog would be our best option and researched various spaniel breeds. By a stroke of luck, when I contacted the then secretary of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, she had just made the decision to place one of her adults in a pet home. Rory was a show champion and had participated in hunt tests. Unfortunately, one of his siblings just didn’t like him and continually started fights. The two had to be kept separated at all times; a tough way to live especially with eight other dogs in the household.

Rory was three as was Woody and had a mellow personality. We were sure he would be perfect for us. Since he had been a show dog, I assumed he’d be well-socialized and trained. Rory bonded with me on the ride home as the two of us sat in the back seat of the car. It took much longer for him to trust Lou as he was somewhat fearful of men. We introduced Woody to Rory in a nearby park. They were so interested in the birds they barely noticed one another—which was actually a good start. When we reached the house, Smokey liked Rory immediately. Woody’s nose was out of joint for about a week but then he accepted his new friend. It was great to see them hunt the backyard birds together. Woody would stalk as setters do, and Rory would rush in and flush. Smokey contentedly watched the young guys from the deck. We lost dear old Smoke in 2005. He was over 16 and seemed to pick his own time, which helped me deal with his passing. As Rory and Woody approached their seventh birthdays, Lou asked when I’d like another pup. “When the boys are about 10,” I replied. Lou felt that was too old and wanted to add to the family sooner. I didn’t need much convincing. After some more discussion we decided we’d like a tri-color English springer spaniel. I contacted breeders and rescue groups. I actually did find a few breeders who had tris in their line but none were local. I’m not keen on long drives or air shipping so my search continued. Then one night I found HIM. I was on Petfinder.com and plugged in P.U.Ps – a local rescue group. A photo of an adorable, seven-week-old, tri-color pup popped up. He was listed as a pointer-mix but looked like a spaniel. Lou barely walked in the door when I excitedly told him about the puppy and dragged him over to the computer. He was equally smitten so I filled out the application. After checking our vet references, we were approved the next day. We made arrangements to pick up the pup that weekend. Our puppy, with his tri-color fluffy coat stood out among his siblings who looked like labs and pointers. I fell in love with him immediately. While we tossed around names over the next few days, Lou got in the habit of calling him Junior. The name stuck and I call him Junie for short. Rory accepted the little guy right away. Woody came around in about a week. FALL/WINTER 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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Party of Six (L-R) Smokey, Rory and Woody waiting patiently at the door

Lily

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

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Party of Six LITTLE LOUIE

From the get-go, Junior was special. He seemed to have an old-man’s soul in a puppy body. He was quiet and calm. After raising Woody, I often said, “Thank you God, I deserve this puppy.” He was also independent, intelligent, and easy to train. But as time went on he grew bigger and developed quite a thick coat. He no longer looked like a spaniel and I was quite curious about his ancestry. Canine DNA tests were just becoming available so we decided to take advantage of them. The results were interesting and plausible: border collie, German shorthaired pointer, and Doberman pinscher. Junior’s Mom looked like a GSP. He definitely resembled a large border collie and the Dobie could account for his long muzzle. One night, when Junie was a year-andhalf old, I was looking at puppy photos on Pet Finder to relax when my eyes fell upon a litter of pups. They were listed as chihuahua/pug/ beagle mixes. While most did resemble chuggles, one little fellow, the chocolate fluffy one, stood out. He looked like a spaniel—a mini version of our dear departed Smokey. I zoomed in on the individual photos.

“ Lou barely walked in the door when I excitedly told him about the puppy and dragged him over to the computer. He was equally smitten so I filled out the application.

”

The mini Smokey was beyond adorable. Probably the cutest puppy I’d ever seen. I went to talk to Lou about the pup. He thought I was crazy. “Why do we need another dog?” he asked. “We don’t need another. But he’s so cute –looks just like Smokey. And he’ll always be small – a forever puppy,” I responded. “I don’t want another dog,” Lou said. End of discussion. But later that evening I convinced Lou to look at the pup’s photos. That did it. “Ok, you can apply,” he said. “But if we get accepted, this one is Your Dog – Totally Your Responsibility.” I quickly filled out the application before he had a chance to change his mind. We’ve never adopted so quickly before. I usually research and plan for months. But bringing Topo Gigio into our family was one of the best decisions we ever made. Topo is a delight and has no idea how small he is. He’ll jump on a couch to be at eye level with his big brothers when they play. Junie was especially good with him and allowed the little man to wrestle with his head. When we go for walks, he struts his stuff just like the “big boys” and is the first to bark an alarm if we run into a neighbor. FALL/WINTER 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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CANINE

Party of Six Topo adores Lou. Each morning when I open the gate to our bedroom he slips past to jump into bed with his “Dad.” He runs after the tractor when Lou mows the lawn and loves nothing more than curling up for a nap in Lou’s lap. Lou is equally attached to my dog! Life settled into an easy flow. Having four dogs (or 3 ½ as Lou says), really was no more complicated than having three. I actually enjoyed it. I like having individual relationships with my dogs as well experiencing the relationships they have with each other. Also, keep in mind, as an author I work at home. So every three or four hours I take a break and head outside with the dogs. We either play in the yard, take a walk in the neighborhood, or run errands. I have a station wagon and each has their own spot within it. When Woody and Rory approached their 10th birthdays, we’d occasionally talked about our next generation of dogs but didn’t have a set plan in mind. Then one night, I was again looking at puppy photos on PetFinder (my sister says I need a new hobby), when I spotted HER –a beautiful, three-month-old, black tri-color English springer pup. I couldn’t believe it! After all the time and effort I’d spent trying to locate a tri a few years prior, what were the odds I’d find one with a local rescue group? Could it be fate? Lou was already asleep so I wasn’t able to tell him about the pup until the next morning. I could barely sleep. Five dogs at one time? Was I out of my mind? How would the Boys react? But when Lou saw her photo, he said, “You better fill out the application.” I did and a few hours later I heard from the Rescue Rep. In another twist of fate, she turned out to be a friend of a friend. After the vet reference check, we were approved later that day. I made arrangements for us to meet the pup on a Tuesday evening. It was love at first sight for both of us. She had the sweetest face and most beautiful markings. We arranged to adopt her the day after Thanksgiving which was later that week. We met at the home of our mutual friend so the “boys” could meet their new little sister on neutral ground. They all accepted her easily. She and Topo became especially close as they were about the same size. It had been a while since we raised a female puppy and we’re often surprised by how “girlie” our Lily can be. She’s a flirt and loves to hug and cuddle. Since she and I are surrounded by fellas, I often say to her, “We girls have to stick together!”

“

Our family planning is now complete. We won’t go beyond six as we know in our hearts we’d be unable to give more than our current pack the attention and lifestyle we want each of them to have.

”

Lily is always in a happy mood and she’s also very energetic. In the early morning she gets a wild case of the zoomies. One time, she ran around the dining room table, through the center hall, across the living room coffee table, banked her turn on the couch and landed in the Queen Anne chair! I signed her up for an agility class soon afterward. She’s a natural at the sport – though she’s equally content carrying a favorite toy around in her mouth, hanging out with her brothers or napping with us. At the moment, she has her front paws draped over my legs as I type. Several months before we adopted Lily I was writing a book about Cavalier King Charles spaniels. I became especially close with Diane, one of the breeders I interviewed. In fact, we were in nearly daily email communication for months. I often joked that I was her new Best Friend. I was already a fan of Cavaliers when I began writing the book but it turned out Diane also bred Tibetan spaniels. I’d never met a Tibbie before and became completely smitten. I often told Lou how cute and yet different they are. For example, they’ll snuggle but not lavish you with affection like a Cavalier. A quick snuggle and they’re off. Seems they have their own agenda and are often referred to as catlike. Diane had a singleton pup at the time.

Michaela could strut her stuff like nobody’s business and had an air about her that clearly said, “I’m in charge here.” I believe she was four months old at the time. I was so taken with her I was tempted to sneak her out the door in my pocket. Last August, Michaela’s mother, Holly, had a litter of four boys. To tell them apart, Diane called them Stewie, Huey, Louie, and Dewie. I thought they were irresistible and tried to convince my sister and a dear friend to adopt one. But neither pursued the idea. Then in November, Diane emailed me her Christmas photo of the four boys which I promptly forwarded to Lou with the comment, “Too bad we couldn’t convince my sister to adopt one.” His reply, “Maybe Topo could use a friend his own size.” I nearly fell off my computer chair and quickly wrote back, “Are you serious? Can we afford and manage six dogs!?” His response, “Yes.” I called Diane. By that time, only Louie was available. I asked Lou if he’d like to change the pup’s name but he gets a huge kick out of having a namesake. Louie is the most fun and funniest puppy we’ve ever owned. Just looking at that little round, fluffy butterball face makes us laugh. The pack quickly accepted him. In fact, within just a few hours of his arrival, Lily, Louie, and Topo were sitting in Lou’s lap watching TV. Louie, the Little Lion King, loves people. I think he will make a wonderful therapy dog. We’re about to begin his training. Our family planning is now complete. We won’t go beyond six as we know in our hearts we’d be unable to give more than our current pack the attention and lifestyle we want each of them to have. So how do we respond to those raised eyebrows when people hear about our Canine Party of Six? We echo the same sentiments as my friend, Cathy, who also has a six-dog family, “There’s a lot of love in this house.” NYP Loren Spiotta-DiMare A long-time member of the Dog Writers Association of America, Loren is the author of 16 animal books for adults and children. To learn about them visit: www.LorensReadingRoom.com Photos contributed by Jerilyn Weber, Craig Sotres, and Bill Sigafoos.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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DOG 1-4_v1.indd 1

2014-11-24 7:54 AM

Why Should I Train

My Dog? How to get your pet to be on its best behavior By Joanne Willard

“Joanne.” “Yes?” “Joaaaaannnne...” “...Yes???” “JOAAAAAANNNNNNE.....” (Laughing) “YES?” “Why is Petal so baaaaaaaaddd???” This is a conversation (word-for-word) I had this morning with a client. I will call her Mary to protect the innocent.

s I dropped off Mary’s seven-month-old boxer (after a stay with me), Petal proceeded to (a) mow Mary down in joy at their reunion; (b) race around the house like she might possibly be possessed by the devil; and (c) attempt to steal the newly-purchased groceries off the counter (they were still in the bags). I actually hear these words often: “my dog is bad,” or “my dog doesn’t listen,” and “my dog is stupid.” Ninety-nine percent of the time,

none of these is true. Dogs are not “bad.” Dogs – much like children – are not going to listen unless they are taught that they are supposed to. While some dogs are not the brightest lights in the sky, most are intelligent enough to learn what we teach them. That’s the key; what we teach them. Petal’s problem – and the problem most dogs have – is that she was never taught what was expected of her. She was also never instructed as to what she is and isn’t allowed to do. Even if some attempt at training has been made, often it is wildly inconsistent, or it is being done in a way that makes no sense to a dog. Since dogs live in our homes with us, it is

up to us to teach the same manners we ask of all family members. Class Is Not Enough A six-week obedience class is not enough to teach your dog the things you need it to learn. It’s a good start, but that’s all it is – a start. It takes years to teach children everything they need to know to be well-behaved, kind and gentle family members. It is going to take at least a few months to teach a dog the same thing. Be Patient Give your dog all the time it needs to learn what you want it to learn and to get good at it. fall/winter FALL/WINTER 2014 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Why Should I Train

My Dog?

People tend to think that the moment a dog understands what a word means, it is going to obey it every time, everywhere, no matter what. That is SO not how it works. Do your children start saying “please” and “thank you” with no reminders in every situation as soon as they are able to say the words? Of course not! Help your dog, at least as much as you help your kids. Remember – you’re not only teaching your dog appropriate behaviors, you’re teaching a whole new language. Be Consistent If one day jumping on you ends in play and the next day it ends with you yelling, you are going to end up with one confused puppy. Decide what the rules are going to be and stick with them. If you don’t want your dog to jump on you, never let it jump on you – or anyone. If the puppy is not allowed on the furniture, never let it on the furniture. Make sure everyone in the family knows what the dog’s rules are, and that everyone enforces them. It does not matter how cute the puppy is; if it is not allowed on the couch, it can’t be on the couch. Try not to confuse the situation as it is not fair. Be Positive The more you yell at your dog the worse

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

the behavior will be. Dogs do not respond to yelling; if anything, it scares them (which is not good – your dog should never be afraid of you). Most of all, it makes you look out of control and a little crazy. Dogs don’t respect crazy. Praise good behavior in a calm and controlled way and show the correct way when a mistake has been made. This will lead to an easy learning experience for all involved. Be the Leader Be the leader; not in an “alpha dog” way. Your dog knows perfectly well you’re not a dog. Be more like a parent. Set rules and boundaries and enforce them. Don’t let your dog tell you what to do. If you let your dog tell you when it’s time to go out, time to eat, time to play, etc., it is not going to be particularly inclined to listen to you. Set your pet up to understand that you’re the one who makes the decisions about when and how things happen in life. Don’t leave your dog languishing in a world with words it doesn’t understand being shouted. Don’t let your pet get in trouble for things it does not know are wrong. If you take just a little time to teach your dog some basic manners and a bit of your language, it will make your life – and your pet’s – a thousand

times easier and more pleasant. And, that’s what it’s all about, right? Making it easier to live happily ever after. NYP

Joanne spent over a decade in the world of advertising, but ultimately realized working with dogs and their families was much more rewarding. She’s been a certified dog trainer, behaviorist and nutritionist for over 15 years now and has never looked back. She’s worked with all kinds of dogs on all kinds of problems, and has yet to meet a dog she couldn’t help. Joanne has chosen to concentrate on family dog training because more than anything else she wants to help people better understand their dogs, and dogs better understand their people, so they can all live happily ever after. Joanne Willard Owner/Certified Canine Behaviorist & Nutritionist The D.O.G. Peace. Love. Dogs. 914.419.8958 joanne@thedogobediencegirl.com

Picture Perfect

Saving shelter pets’ lives one frame at a time By Noah Horton Tips by Seth Casteel and Jorge Bendersky

ach year, nearly eight million animals are taken into shelters, but only half end up being adopted. To help them beat the odds and find their forever homes, pet industry leaders are coming together through One Picture Saves a Life, a program and five-city tour designed to educate shelters and the public about proper grooming and photography practices. Looking at the state of adoption today, many people think of shelter dogs as the scared, dirty or injured animals they see in TV

ads. However, the reality is that they are amazing, healthy animals in need of a home. To make this reality the perception, Greatergood. org, Wahl, The Animal Rescue Site and a team of celebrity experts are uniting. Together, they are proving that the right grooming and photography can bring out an animal’s inner and outer beauty. Appearance matters. This is especially true for dog adoption. With the majority of dog adoptions starting online, having a wellgroomed dog with the right photograph can make all the difference in finding a new home. At each tour stop, celebrity experts edu-

cate shelter volunteers and the public on best practices, showcasing how grooming and photography can help a shelter dog put their best paws forward. Jorge Bendersky, celebrity groomer and author of DIY Dog Grooming: From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show, brings his dog grooming tips to life through live grooming demonstrations. Armed with the latest grooming tools from Wahl, Bendersky teaches volunteers tips and tricks to get dogs looking, smelling and feeling their best. He compares grooming to dancing the tango, suggesting that it’s not about the cut, but making a meaningful fall/winter FALL/WINTER 2014 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

16 17

Picture Perfect

Tips from the Experts In Focus By Seth Casteel • When you first meet the dog be respectful and don’t get too close. • Choose a location that has no distractions that puts a focus on the dog. • Avoid the sun, harsh lighting and backgrounds that are a similar color to the dog. This will help capture details. • If the dog has unique features, take additional pictures that showcase them in the photo. • Treats, toys and noises are a great way to engage the dog and have them look into the lens. connection. Being comfortable and properly holding and guiding the dog can eliminate any wrestling. Seth Casteel, award-winning photographer and author of Underwater Dogs, works his magic with a camera, showing that a photograph is one of the best tools in helping to get dogs adopted. His workshops help volunteers to become comfortable with the animals and hone their skills, turning scared dogs and blurry or caged photos into a portrait that showcases their personality in the best light. Jackson Galaxy from Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell provides special attention and advice for shelter cats on select tour stops. He focuses on his unique philosophy of the ideal cat lifestyle, which he refers to as Cat Mojo – the inner drive and needs for cats to hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom, and sleep. In addition to educational resources and expert advice, Wahl has donated grooming supplies to 140 shelters nationwide to help wash and ready 10,000 dogs for adoption this year. Shelters that received product were encouraged to take their lessons from the One Picture Saves a Life program and put it to the test. Their great work, which includes before and after photos and makeover stories, can be found on the Dirty Dogs Before and After Gal-

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

lery at onepicturesaves.com. “Unfortunately, due to limited resources, only half of all pets entering shelters today are receiving the proper grooming they need,” said Shay Moeller, pet product manager for Wahl. “To help make a change, we sought to get supplies into the hands of shelter volunteers, while working to change public perceptions about dogs that might just need a little extra grooming and TLC.” Shelters that received grooming supplies were also invited to submit their photos to the Dirty Dogs Makeover Contest for the chance to win up to $5,000 in grants. NYP

Noah Horton began working at GreaterGood.org as Director of Foundation Relations in early 2013. He joined the team after leaving his 3-year stint at the Petfinder Foundation as a Program Manager and then Assistant Director. At Petfinder Foundation, Noah helped foster corporate and charitable relationships to help end the euthanasia of adoptable pets. At GreaterGood.org, he is continuing his work creating lasting and productive partnerships with the goal of helping people, pets, and the planet with programs that operate all over the world.

Groom like a Pro By Jorge Bendersky • Before grooming, take the dog for a walk to calm them down and pet them to make sure they are not overly stressed or scared. • Keep all of the grooming supplies you need within reach to avoid interrupting the experience or stressing the dog • Waterless shampoo is a great option for in-between baths. It is easy to apply and removes dirt and oils. • When grooming, humming can help to calm the dog. • For stubborn tangles, use de-tangle spray or sprinkle with some cornstarch to loosen up the mat before using a slicker brush.

CRITTER CHATTER Surita from Peekskill asks:

Q: What is a labyrinth fish and what does it mean?

We have all seen the beautiful colors of the dwarf gourami, the comical antics of the kissing gourami, the interesting shape of the paradise fish, the unbelievable color patterns of the pearl gourami and the magnificent presence of the Betta. But, what do these fish have in common? The main characteristic of this species of

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

fish is it has an additional piece of breathing equipment. It is a labyrinth organ, which is adjacent to the gill behind the eyes. This feature allows the fish to survive at very low oxygen levels. They can also breathe air from above the surface of the water. These fish originate in the poorly aerated waters of Asia and Africa. Another characteristic of the labyrinth fish is that it also has long pectoral fins that

extend to the front of their bodies. This fin enables them to search and find food. Most labyrinth fish are very hardy, peaceful and make perfect additions to a community tank. This is true for almost all except for the male Betta. The labyrinth species enjoys water temperatures between 76 and 84 degrees and survive best in well-planted tanks with hiding spots to

avoid bright light. They can be kept with larger schooling tetras and with more peaceful barbs such as cherry or gold. Most of the fish in this species are also interesting breeders. The male builds a “bubble nest” of small air bubbles at the top of the tank or on floating plants if they are in the wild. Below the nest, the pair has an active courtship and the eggs are fertilized and deposited in the nest. The male cares for the eggs and the young. He will keep them in the nest until they are able to swim and search for food on their own. To breed these fish, they are best kept in pairs. The males are usually more intensely colored and generally have a more pointed dorsal fin. A few pairs can be kept together in a single tank. An example of a labyrinth fish that cannot be kept together is the male Betta. If in the same tank, they will usually fight until death. If you wish to breed the Betta, it is best to carry it out in at least a 10-gallon tank with one male and three to four females. In this way the male will not stress out one female; as he will constantly be on the chase. There are, of course, other ways to breed the Betta; you can use a smaller tank with one male and one contained female (until the time is right to let her out). Just pick a method you think will work. Once the nest is built and the eggs deposited, the females must be removed. The male will guard the nest and take care of the eggs until they start hatching. At this point you will probably need to take the male out of the tank. Breeding the Betta is a lot of work, but if you have time and patience, it can be a rewarding hobby. One of the more difficult fish in this spe-

“ One of the most popular fish in this labyrinth species is the dwarf gourami. It comes to us in colors of turquoise, flame red and powder blue.

”

cies to keep and breed is the chocolate gourami. This fish is a mouthbreeder, but sometimes they will build a small bubble nest with a few plant pieces. The female will carry the eggs around in her mouth for a bit and then spit them out into the nest. The chocolate gourami is not an easy fish to maintain and the fry are extremely slow growers. One of the most popular fish in this labyrinth species is the dwarf gourami. It comes to us in colors of turquoise, flame red and powder blue. This fish, however, does like a lot of light. The light encourages the algae to grow which encourages this fish to breed. They build a very large bubble nest with quite a bit of plant matter attached to it. The kissing gourami is also quite fascinating. When looking for food and algae, the lips on this fish become quite protruded. These fish also touch each other with their lips (this is why they are called “kissers”). Unfortunately, this really cute habit is generally a sign of threat or dominance. The pearl gourami is definitely one of our favorite community fish in the labyrinth species. They love to live in groups in a wellplanted dimly-lit tank. When they become acclimated, their orange color with a dotted pattern is simply gorgeous. The male of the species will tend to have more color. The pearl gourami will also spend most of its time toward the top of the tank, so remember to use gentle filtration. As you can see, there are many interesting fish in this colorful, active and peaceful species. They would make a great addition to your tank, even if you have no intention of breeding. NYP FALL/WINTER 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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REPTILES

Bearded Dragon

Who would think lizards could be so much fun?

By Susi Lacoff Resner

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a friendly fellow, I thought, looking into the tank of the bearded dragon lizard. I watched in awe as this creature lifted his torso and seemingly waved his arm at me. And so, I waved back; the little creature was so adorable! It turns out there are several interesting behaviors this type of lizard exhibits, including waving and head bobbing, having nothing to do with any social skills.

fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Bearded Dragon

o apps needed when “beardies” are around. These amazing, docile lizards make great pets on all fronts and certainly are active and entertaining critters to watch. The original “lounge lizard” just loves to hang out. Jungle Bob’s Reptile World on Long Island refers to them as “study buddies” or “lap lizards” since they make excellent companions for children and adults. They enjoy the warmth and dryness of the desert and sandbased tanks make for quick and easy clean up. Tree branches and other decorative items are placed in the tank providing activity and interest for both the “beardie” and spectator. This lizard is equally comfortable outside of the tank, perched on the shoulder or in the hands of its owner, sitting comfortably while taking the world in. Although some of the bearded dragon traits can look rather menacing, it generally is just a façade to scare away predators. Spikes and dark beards aside, these

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

lizards truly are lovable. They are also a terrific way for young children to learn about responsible pet ownership. For many people, the lizards of the world offer an opportunity to step back in time to the Jurassic period….the era of the dinosaur. Our fascination with these incredible creatures of days gone by can be satiated by owning a lizard. Although lizards are in fact not dinosaurs, they are thought by many to be “dinosauresque.” There are many types and sizes of lizards but the bearded dragon certainly is the most popular reptile pet; for good reason. Incredibly adorable as a tiny head reveals itself emerging from the egg…barely a few inches in length; each stage of life is quite enjoyable to experience. Happy to be in a tank with other “beardies,” they play and interact with each other. One must exercise caution as these cuties grow older. Fights over territory may occur with the same gender. Although originally from “Down Under,” bearded dragons are now captive-bred. These

critters arrive on the scene in a few different colors and patterns from a sandy grey to bright citrus, red and orange. Other than a rinse in the sink and an occasional nail trim (mani/pedi anyone?), this creature is practically maintenance-free. Watching the lizards grow into adults is lots of fun. Their energizing spirit is evident immediately after birth, whether they are just sitting up and looking out at the world around them or interacting with their tank mates. Bearded dragons grow to approximately 18” as adults. They maintain their docile nature throughout their life which can last approximately 15 years. “…Let there be dragons…” Although there are many species of dragons still roaming free in their native Australia, one type (Pogona Vitticeps) dominates the pet trade. Decades of captive breeding has yielded many different genetic types. The morphs in the trade, including German Giants, can grow 50 percent larger to over 24”.

Bearded Dragon

The leather and silk backs have smaller scales making the skin feel smoother to the touch. All have “spikes” on them which look menacing. This prompts many an owner to name their reptilian friends “Spike.” Once you have decided to keep a bearded dragon for a pet, and have found a buddy for yourself, it is time to prepare his/her habitat. According to reptile expert Jungle Bob Smith of Jungle Bob’s Reptile World, “many cage options exist that have moved reptiles from a life ‘in the basement’ to a home in the den or living room, tastefully decorated to reflect not only your personal taste but to keep the animal’s health and safety as the top priority.” Jungle Bob suggests, “the tank should be a minimum of a 20-gallon for baby dragons while single adults need at least a 40-gallon breeder tank. The wider width provides the animal sufficient room to turn around.” A lid or cover for the tank is a necessity to prevent your friend from escaping. Bearded dragons are from the desert region so they need a basking temperature in

“ Spikes and dark beards aside, these lizards truly are lovable. They are also a terrific way for young children to learn about responsible pet ownership.

”

the mid-90s to help them digest their food and low humidity in the enclosure. “Ultra Violet B lighting (UVB) is essential to help the lizard absorb vitamin D-3 and calcium,” Bob stresses, which should be added routinely to their diet. “We can’t recreate the beneficial effects of the sun, but with proper lighting, diet and supplements we can assure a long healthy life for captive bearded dragons.” Generally not aggressive by nature, bearded dragons may exhibit certain behaviors that you would perceive as aggressive. If they try to bite or appear overly aggressive, handle them with gloves if necessary until they get used to you. Biting is a defensive reflex. Once they realize you are not trying to harm them, they usually tame quickly. “Beardies” will exhibit certain instinctive behaviors particularly when a perceived predator is near. This may also happen when a potential mate or two males encounter each other. Bearded dragons will often be seen waving their arm. (Although we want it to be that the dragon is acknowledging us, it is fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Bearded Dragon

actually either a submissive move or one dragon is acknowledging the other.) Head bobbing is another common behavior for bearded dragons although more common in males and is used as a territorial sign. Digging is another behavior generally exhibited with a pregnant dragon as she is creating a place to lay her eggs. In colder months, your dragon may seem lethargic and disinterested in food. This is normal as the dragon is in brumation, a sort of semi-hibernation, which is natural. It is cute to see bearded dragons lying on top of each other but it really exhibits the survival of the fittest philosophy; signifying dominance. Other behaviors your pet may exhibit include opening its mouth to regulate body temperature and twitching its tail. However, puffing out their beard is where the dragon gets its name from. Like a croaking frog, the male dragon’s beard turns dark as a way to threaten a rival or impress a mate. Although I was far from an expert, I felt connected to this animal in a way I never thought I would to a cold-blooded creature. I mean, there is nothing warm and fuzzy about a reptile. Having owned many a fluffy puppy in my life, I couldn’t understand my

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

attraction, but the attraction was there nonetheless. I learned my “Spike” was omnivorous, eating insects, greens, some fruits and small of amounts of protein regularly. Dragons can be finicky at times and want an assortment of food, but hey, who doesn’t? Size of the insect

THOMAS PFEIFER

is important to dragons, particularly baby ones, which can’t handle large prey items. This will, of course, vary with the age of your dragon. Use the space between the eyes as your guide. The size of the insect should be its equal and not any larger. So, the eyes have it! Bearded Dragons…the real BLF!! (Best Lizard Friend) NYP

Susi Lacoff Resner has spent the better part of the last three decades focused in Technology, Textile Design and Wildlife Education. Several years ago, fusing her passion for simple, well designed and functional solutions for any industry, Susi founded YogaUgoTM; to bring simple, exquisite and functional design to a world that is moving quickly. “We are always on the go with ‘stuff ’ to carry from cell phones, water bottles, wallets, yoga mats and even micro-pets!” Adding to the YU product line, Susi recently launched the Beardie Bag; a fun and functional design to carry your micro pet; from beardies, puppies, ferrets et al. in style and comfort. When not on the yoga mat or at her design desk, Susi can be found engaging our younger generation about the wonders of nature, its most amazing creatures and sharing her passion for the rainforest. www.YogaUgo.com

Fritzy & Mousey NYPETS FEATURE

The pets that bring joy to real estate celebrity Fredrik Eklund

By Bruce Littlefield ~ Photos by Integrity Imaging

fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Fritzy & Mousey

Photo by Integrity Imaging

hen I first met the charismatic Fredrik Eklund, star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, he didn’t brag about the billions of dollars he’s done in real estate deals or his show’s Emmy nomination. Instead, he wanted to show me photos of his two miniature dachshunds, Fritzy and Mousey. His dogs, like my furry pal Westminster, are his muses. As we wrote our book The Sell: The Secrets of Selling Anything to Anyone, Fritzy, Mousey, and Westminster kept us company, often at the beach. In an exclusive interview for New York Pets, Fredrik shares his story of how his biggest deal is his dogs.

while. I was fixated on the idea. When I saw him in the pet store, I instantly fell in love. He is freckled with white and black spots and as soon as he looked at me with his one blue eye and one dark brown eye, I knew he was my Fritzy. He was so small he could stand up in the palm of my hand. That night he slept in my armpit. He was a mischievous little boy with a lot of energy, so I decided to get him a little girlfriend: Mousey.

Fredrik: Fritzy had his name long before he was even born. Mousey’s real name is actually Mouseylina, because she looks just like a girlmouse. She is tiny with huge ears. Bruce: They play a big part in your show and in your social media. Do they enjoy the attention?

Fredrik: Fritzy came first. I had dreamed of a miniature dachshund named Fritzy for a

Fredrik: No, Fritzy hates cameras. It’s funny, he turns away from it, avoids it. Mousey, on

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

Bruce: What’s your favorite Fritzy and Mousey moment?

Bruce: How’d they get their names?

Bruce: How’d Fritzy and Mousey come into your life?

the other hand, loves it. She loves dressing up, loves getting the attention. We laugh, because sometimes after placing them for a photograph, snapping it and leaving the room, we come back 10 minutes later…Fritzy has run off to hide in his basket, but Mousey is still sitting up in the exact same position waiting for more photos.

Fredrik: When I cry and they lick my tears. It’s so beautiful, maybe they just love the salt, but I choose to believe they are trying to make me feel better. I always think of Mousey, especially, as my guardian angel. Bruce: What’s their routine with you? Do they sleep with you? Fredrik: Not any more. They used to and all three of us loved it. But when Derek moved in, he built them two little soft doghouses, and FALL/WINTER 2014 | NY Pets Magazine

Photo by Integrity Imaging

it is better because we all get more rest this way. At 6 a.m. on the dot, Fritzy comes to wake us up with his tail spinning like a helicopter propeller... happy to see us each morning, but even happier to be fed. Bruce: Derek is the disciplinarian, and you’re the pushover. Is that how it goes? Fredrik: Yes, just like it should be. I love spoiling my little rats. Bruce: You’ve said you want to have kids. Is this how you’ll be raising your kids too? Fredrik: We will be raising them together, so thank God I have Derek to set some rules. When I love someone I have a tendency to give them everything they want. Derek is good because he teaches me that too much good can also be a bad thing. Bruce: What do they do while you’re working?

“ When I love someone I have a tendency to give them everything they want.

”

Fredrik: Stretching in the sun. They love the sun! They get a long, healthy walk by our dog walker Chris. They play. Sleep. Cuddle. And probably discuss the meaning of life and Dog Heaven. Bruce: Did you have a dog when you were growing up in Sweden? Fredrik: Always. I have had dogs my entire life. I don’t see a life without them. They are like a portal to the greater animal kingdom and therefore the universe for me. They are my meditation. Bruce: What do you feed them? Fredrik: Dry food. But Mousey has had some food allergies and that has been challenging. She is vey delicate and, on top of that, picky. She is a real little diva. As an example, she is obsessed with coffee and wine. Of course I don’t give it to her, but she smells it when I have it and goes crazy over it, trying to catch fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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“ Regardless of how tiring my day was, how bad the weather is, or what difficult time I’m going through, they are there.

”

Photo by Integrity Imaging

fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Fritzy & Mousey

Photo by Integrity Imaging

some with her long lizard-like tongue. Fritzy on the other hand, hates the smell of coffee and wine; the two of them couldn’t be more opposite. Bruce: Do they do any tricks? Fredrik: Fritzy likes doing high-fives and catching treats in the air. Mousey is not interested in anything but being held. She doesn’t even like treats that much and has never cared for bones. All she is longing for is to be held by me. When I ask her to sit, which she knows, she just looks at me like “really, Daddy?” Bruce: Is there a funniest Fritzy and Mousey story? Fredrik: There are so many. Fritzy often does the impossible with his little short legs

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

Photo by Integrity Imaging

“ I support several dog charities, and wish there was more I could do.

”

and somehow gets up on tables anywhere and eats whatever is there and it worries me because there are things he tries to get to that dogs are not allowed to eat. He is really crazy about food. We joke that his one blue eye is the food-eye, and it’s always looking for food. We think he sleeps with one eye open (the blue one). One time on Fire Island, God knows how, he found an entire grilled chicken outside and ran with it in his mouth, chased down the beach by me. Fortunately, the chicken was heavier than he is or I might have never caught him. He gets a crazy look on his face when there is food around him. We can’t ever use that word at home, so we say it in Swedish, “mat,” but he now knows that too and has figured out the word “food” in every other language. So, we try to spell it out: F-O-O-D with long pauses in between each letter and his ears still shoot up in the air. Another time

Fritzy & Mousey he ate an entire watermelon and looked like a balloon and peed for days. He will never ever learn his lesson.

and will never end. Regardless of how tiring my day was, how bad the weather is, or what difficult time I’m going through, they are there.

Bruce: They were an important part of your wedding. Tell us about that.

Bruce: If Fritzy and Mousey spoke like humans, who would they sound like?

Fredrik: I had this vision that they would carry the rings in their mouths and hand them over, but it got too complicated with all the guests and the camera crew filming it for MDLNY. Besides, Derek and I got married standing out in the actual water, so they would have had to swim out. Instead, they were dressed in white like all the guests and watched the ceremony in the sunset. Interestingly, when we were done, I think they were more excited than anyone. They barked and jumped and danced around in the sand like they knew what had happened. They really adore Derek and always have.

Fredrik: I think Fritzy would speak in French… about food, most likely: how much he has eaten, that he is still hungry, and what he is planning to eat next. Mousey would speak like a five-year-old, you know, with innocence and without a full understanding about how the world works, which can be so endearing. She is not the smartest dog in the world, and I love her for it.

Bruce: They’ve been to Mexico with you too… Do they like to travel? Fredrik: Yes, they love the beach. We always say Mousey was a fish in her former life. When she goes to the beach, her personality changes and she turns into a little sea-monster. But it’s not that easy to travel with them all the time, because we travel a lot. So, on quick trips like a back and forth to the country or the Caribbean for a couple of days, they stay with the dog sitter in our apartment.

Photo by Integrity Imaging

Bruce: Anything else to tell us? Fredrik: I want more. I want 15 dogs. No, 20! I want to be one of those old ladies with 30 cats, but dogs, and Derek, of course. I want to roll around in dogs and always be around them. Derek thinks I’m crazy, and my friends say that we absolutely can’t get a third, but I still dream of it. I mean life is so short, and there are so many dogs to love. I support several dog charities, and wish there was more I could do. The other night I was cuddling with Mousey and Fritzy and I thought to myself that they really have made me such a better person. They humble me, make me responsible, and constantly remind me what’s important in life: the simple things. NYP

Bruce: Do Fritzy and Mousey like the holidays? Fredrik: No, because we are usually traveling abroad. With my work, it’s the only time I can go away for more than a week, so usually we go abroad 10–14 days every year over the holidays and we can’t possibly bring them. So, they stay home with one of two people that have always stayed with them since they were babies, and at home where I know they feel safe and happy. But I know they miss us and we miss them. It’s hard, you know, when you are so incredibly attached to your dogs, it’s virtually impossible to enjoy a luxury resort in paradise without them. Bruce: What’s your favorite thing about having dogs? Fredrik: Getting literally attacked with kisses and cuddles every single time I come home. Every time! It never fails to make me happy

Fredrik Eklund leads the #1 real estate team in the nation and is a member of Douglas Elliman’s senior management team in Manhattan. Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, he is active in the Real Estate Board of New York and is involved with several charities.

Photo by Integrity Imaging

Bruce Littlefield is a TV personality and bestselling author of numerous books, including Airstream Living and Garage Sale America; and is the coauthor of many bestsellers, including Zach Wahls’s My Two Moms and Barbara Corcoran’s Use What You’ve Got. Originally from South Carolina, he lives in New York City. For more stories of Fritzy and Mousey, preorder a copy of The Sell: The Secrets of Selling Anything at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Photo by Integrity Imaging

fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

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FISH

Aquatic Life Plants and their relationship to water quality and fish By Laura “Peach” Reid

hen you think of an aquarium, chances are your visualization is a beautiful, lush, planted fish tank with driftwood, rocks and lots of colorful fish. Live aquatic plants are one of the most overlooked, though one of the most important, organisms in the life cycle of the freshwater aquarium. A properly planted aquarium will help bring years of enjoyment, with very little care and maintenance. We all know that the most common and best way of starting a new aquarium is to let the tank run for a day or two, and then return to your local pet store to buy a few fish. We propose that when you do this, you also purchase some live aquatic plants. Good starter fish should include an algae-eating type of fish, such as an Algae Eater, Flying Fox, Otocinclus or Plecostomus. Why live plants? Live plants provide fish with a little green food while giving a more natural look. Fish stress is also reduced in a live-planted aquarium. When you have live plants, oxygen is provided to the environment during periods of light while the plants consume carbon dioxide from the water. This helps to keep the pH balanced. Live aquatic plants also consume nitrates (fertilizer) which

keeps this potentially toxic form of nitrogen to fish under control while helping the plants grow. Some hobbyists avoid adding live plants, thinking they are too difficult to keep. But most aquatic plants are fairly hardy and do not require a lot of care (as long as a few basic precautions are taken). First, consider what species of fish you will be keeping. Most community aquariums; those that house Tetras, Guppies, Rainbows, Rasboras, Mollies, Swordtails, Platies, Gouramis and/or Danios, are ideal for keeping live plants. There is no point in trying to grow plants with Cichlids or Goldfish. Second, unless you don’t mind replacing them often, you want to make sure you are buying true aquatic plants. You will see that certain types of “house plants” (terrestrial or marginal) are also available for aquariums. These include Sandy (Sanderiana), Brazilian Swords or Peace Lily (Spathiphylum), Bella Palm, Aluminum and Red Crinkle, to name a few. There are many types of true aquatic plants available, including Cryptocorynes, Vallisneria, Sagittaria and Echinodorus (Amazon, Radican, Micro and many others). There are also a number of “bunch” plants – Cabomba, Hygrophila (many types), Didiplis, Cardamine and so much more. You will see that some grow tall while some stay short, which will enable you to create a beautiful plantscape. A

good rule to adhere to is ensure you pick off any dead or decaying plant matter, which will help your plants stay healthy and fresh. A third consideration is lighting. A minimum of 10 to 12 hours of light per day will help ensure good health and growth. Additionally, depending on the type of plants you have selected, different types of light bulbs will work better than others. In general though, standard fluorescent bulbs with two to four watts per gallon will suffice. Attending to these few simple precautions should guarantee your success in keeping a natural-looking and beautiful aquarium to enjoy for a long time. NYP

Laura “Peach” Reid is owner and President of Fish Mart Inc., the Northeast’s largest wholesale distributor of aquatics and small companion animals, reptiles and birds to retail pet stores in the region. She is also on the PIJAC Board of Directors. Fish Mart Inc. 28 Richards Street West Haven, CT 06516 (203) 937-7387 FAX (203) 937-9865 www.fishmartinc.com

fall/winter FALL/WINTER 2014 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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Ocean

in the Mountains By John Carlin Photos by J.R. Corvison/Reef Aquaria Design

clownfish darts up and down among the rocks, while nearby, a vlamingi tang races a school of yellow tangs to a morsel of food, as corals from the world’s tropics gently sway in the current. It’s not what you would expect to see in an old railroad city nestled in the mountains of Virginia. Welcome to Center in the Square,

a museum-based anchor of downtown Roanoke, Virginia, a city of about 100,000 people nestled in a valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shops, restaurants, and a thriving farmer’s market surround Center, which has become a focal point in the downtown of this small city that boasts a lively arts and culture scene and is an emerging Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The aquariums, collectively known as the Ocean in the Mountains, are the first thing visitors see when they visit the six-

story building. The 8,000-gallon living reef is literally five feet from the front door. Nearby, two floor-to-ceiling cylinders hold two dozen or so moon jellyfish, drifting gracefully in the current as they mesmerize visitors. A smaller marine aquarium, representing shallower tidal regions, gives patrons an up close and personal look at some of the more unusual denizens of the reef, including sea horses, a horned cowfish, and colorful wrasses as well as pistol shrimp and watchman gobies which share a sandy crevice. Fall/Winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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Ocean

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“The longer you stand here, the more you see,” said Kayla Tolley, a 20-somethingyear-old visitor standing in front of the smaller aquarium. “Every time you think you’ve found all the life in this aquarium, something else emerges from a burrow or crawls out from under a rock. I could stand here all day.” Across the atrium, a freshwater system is dedicated to the Roanoke log perch, a fish listed by the federal government as endangered. The log perch lives in limited numbers in the nearby Roanoke River, which cuts through the middle of the city. The aquarium reminds citizens and visitors alike that clean water is critical to the survival of the species, and for that matter, all of the other darters, chubs, minnows, and sport fish such as smallmouth bass that call the river home. Adjacent to the log perch display, a large map turtle begs for food in a 400-gallon exhibit, while two painted turtles jockey for position with a red-eared slider. A late addition to the menu of aquatic offerings, the turtle display is a favorite among visitors. “They are so personable,” said Stephen Sinnes of Roanoke, whose job it is to feed the turtles. “They come and meet you at the glass, almost like a dog greeting you at the door after a long day at work.” Three years ago, visitors to this same atrium saw nothing but a security guard seated roughly where the turtles greet visitors today. That was before the building closed for two

“ We looked at how the coral was flourishing in the 8,000-gallon aquarium and thought, why not try to sell some of it?

” years in order to undergo a $27-million overhaul that resulted in a revitalized Center in the Square, not only including the Ocean in the Mountains, but a world-class butterfly garden as part of the Science Museum of Western Virginia, which occupies the fourth and fifth floors of the building. Though visitors must pay to enter the

various museums on the upper floors, or to see a play at Mill Mountain Theater, which is also under the Center umbrella, there is no charge to walk in the doors and enjoy the aquarium attractions. That posed a problem for Center’s management – how does one provide world-class aquariums with no dedicated revenue stream? Part of the answer came from The United Pet Group headquartered in nearby Blacksburg, Va., which owns Instant Ocean, among other aquarium brands. The company donates 100-percent of the salt used in creating the marine environment for the reef, tidal, and jellyfish aquariums. However, more revenue was needed. The answer was right there…behind the aquarium glass. “We had a brainstorming session with staff and members of the board of directors and we asked ourselves how we could establish a non-traditional source of funding,” said Dr. Jim Sears, President of Center. “We looked at how the coral was flourishing in the 8,000-gallon aquarium and thought, why not try to sell some of it?” It made sense. Coral growth requires stable water parameters, which are most easily achieved in large volumes of water. Hobbyists have great success in tanks of 75–100 gallons, so why not give it a try in a tank that is some 80 times larger? The aquarium already undergoes daily maintenance and testing, has a Fall/Winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Ocean

in the Mountains

sophisticated filtration system that reduces impurities such as nitrates and phosphates, and the required lighting was in place to maintain the corals already on the reef. A number of additional aquariums in the basement life support room have been plumbed into the system, in addition to other corals planted in the main reef. The plan is to propagate the corals for later harvest. In the meantime, the staff has been buying and dividing (a process aquarium keepers call “fragging”) other coral colonies for immediate sale at www.mountaincorals.org, a website created by Center staff. 100-percent of the proceeds are returned to Center In the Square which is a registered 501c-3 non-profit to help offset the cost of the aquariums. Marine hobbyists will recognize coral names such as acans, frog spawn, zoanthids, chalices, and other selections commonly

NY PETS Magazine | Fall/Winter 2015

found in retail stores and other on-line coral sites. “We are trying to offer more of the rare, ultra-grade corals,” said Ben Carlin, who is heading up the project. “Between the quality of the corals, and the fact that people know they are supporting a non-profit, we hope Mountain Corals will catch on in a big way.” Center’s aquarium team introduced the concept by walking the aisles at The Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA) in Denver over Labor Day weekend in 2014. “People were so supportive. Aquarium keepers wanted to know when they could buy and many of the nation’s top coral vendors offered to help get us started,” said Carlin. “We don’t know of anyone else who has ever tried selling corals as a non-profit fundraiser,” said Sears. “But, we already had the aquariums and a full-time team working on the tanks, as well as the in-house team needed

to create and market the website. We hope we are on to something big here.” If you would like to feel great about adding a new coral to your aquarium, knowing you will help a non-profit organization, go to www.mountaincorals.org and place an order. All of the corals are photographed individually, so it’s “What you see is what you get” (or WYSIWYG). Prices are competitive and bargain hunters will be pleasantly surprised. Or better yet, take a trip down Interstate 81 to Roanoke, check out the city’s cool vibe and spend some time enjoying the Ocean in the Mountains. NYP John Carlin is a regular contributor to NY Pets Magazine. He lives in Roanoke, Virginia where he is an award-winning journalist and president of Carlin Aquarium Systems.

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Fall/Winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Elderly pets Proper care for your aging cats and dogs By Dr. Andrew Thayer

ging is a natural part of life, for pets as well as people. In our hospital, we consider cats over 7 years old, seniors, and those over 14 geriatric. Dogs are a bit trickier because in addition to age, the size of the dog is associated with different life spans. Small breed dogs tend to live the longest with an average life span of about 14–16 years, followed by medium, then large and finally giant breeds. Some giant breeds only live to be 6–8 years of age. As pets age, they have different dietary requirements. Certain diseases become more common and, just like people, lumps and bumps are more likely. There are also some problems that are more common in cats than dogs (and vice versa). Let’s start with cats since they are usually discussed after dogs and they deserve respect. As cats get older, they should basically maintain their body weight. Loss of an ounce

NY PETS Magazine | Fall/Winter 2015

annually is probably not significant, but loss of half a pound to a pound annually is very significant. When you think about the average 10-pound cat, loss of one pound is 10 percent of its body weight. This can be hard to notice if you see your cat daily. Frequently, the weight loss is slow and insidious. The importance of an annual examination from your veterinarian can not be underscored enough. People who skip a vet visit because they believe their pets are perfectly healthy are often making a huge mistake. The two most common diseases of elderly cats are renal disease and hyperthyroidism. Renal, or kidney, disease usually presents as a cat that is losing weight and has an increase in thirst and urination. Usually there is a decrease in appetite and there may be dehydration and vomiting. Hyperthyroidism presents as a cat that has a ravenous appetite, weight loss and vomits regularly. It can also have an increase in thirst and be dehydrated. A cat’s teeth are also something that need to be addressed as your pet ages. Since it is

very difficult to brush the teeth of a cat, most cats need their first “dental” between 3–5 years of age. Advanced dental disease can lead to bladder, heart, kidney and respiratory disease. It can also be the cause of a cat not eating because of discomfort. Another concern as a cat ages is “hairballs.” There is a common misunderstanding by people that hairballs are normal. This is not the case. Chronic hairballs almost always indicate an underlying gastrointestinal disease. In cats, the most common disease this is an indicator of is inflammatory bowel disease. The best human analogy would be Crohn’s Disease. If your cat is a chronic hairball vomiter, meaning more than once to twice monthly, you should discuss it with a veterinarian. Just like people, as cats age, they have a greater tendency towards developing lumps and bumps. Some of these will be insignificant and others may be forms of cancer. There is no way of telling what they are without performing cytology or histopathology on the masses. The veterinarian will explain your

Elderly pets options if your cat develops masses. Weight loss is equally as important in dogs. Depending on what additional signs are presented with weight loss, your veterinarian will want to run specific tests. Unexplained weight loss should always be pursued regardless of species. Dogs tend to develop arthritis more than cats, but cats can develop arthritis also. The poster child for arthritis is an overweight, older, large or giant breed dog. These dogs should be started on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, like Cosequine, when they are middle aged. This is called a chondroprotective and it helps both as a prophylactic and forms the foundation for treatment of arthritis. Older dogs tend to develop Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. This is not a disease but more a compilation of signs. Signs such as: a reversion of house training, a change in the sleep/wake cycle, decreased greeting behavior or confusion could all be indicators of CCDS. These signs are very similar to humans as they age. There is a medication to treat these signs called Anipryl. If your older pet is exhibiting some, or all, of these signs you should mention this to your veterinarian. Your dog’s teeth should not be ignored. They are far easier to brush than a cat’s teeth. Also, if you find a bump on your dog it should be shown to your veterinarian. As pets become older, they tend to sleep more soundly. A word of caution: be careful when waking a pet from a deep sleep. They tend to be disoriented and may just instinctually bite before they know what is going on. It is safer to call to a dog to wake them than to rub them with your hand. Getting old is not a disease. However, older pets are more apt to develop disease compared to younger pets. General signs of disease in pets are: weight loss, decreased appetite, increased thirst, chronic diarrhea, chronic vomiting or lethargy. The most important way you can take care of your pet is a regular vet check-up. Your veterinarian will take a thorough history, perform a comprehensive physical examination and recommend testing blood and urine on an annual basis. By performing annual prophylactic blood work, your veterinarian can discover disease early in its progression and be able to affect the outcome with less invasive and less extensive treatment options. This should also greatly improve your pet’s prognosis. NYP

Dr. Andrew Thayer received his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. He has worked at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Hospital as a staff veterinarian, animal

hospitals in Westchester County and Fairfield, Connecticut as well as emergency veterinary facilities. Andrew established the Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital in 2002 and has been the head of medicine for the last 11 years.

Fall/Winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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FOCUS on

FERRETS The often misunderstood pet is entertaining and fun By Emily Shearon

A fantastic pet Ferrets are incredibly interesting little critters, and their popularity as pets has continued to rise in recent years. Blending the desirable characteristics of both cats and dogs, they are particularly well-suited for apartment and indoor living. They are loyal and playful like dogs, but with an independent streak (and capability to be littertrained) like cats. Ferrets play hard and sleep harder. Because they sleep 18 to 22 hours a day, their schedules are easily adjusted to sync with the needs of their owners.

The merry mustelids It seems like everybody has known somebody who had a ferret, but not many people have had much hands-on experience with them from which to draw their own conclusions. For this reason, people are often quick to equate ferrets with rodents and other small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. While these pets are all wonderful in their own right, nothing could be farther from the truth. A happy, healthy, well-adjusted ferret is intelligent, affectionate, playful and endlessly entertaining. And, as far as biological classification, they are mustelidsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not rodentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;along with weasels, badgers and minks.

FALL/WINTER 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

FOCUS on

FERRETS

Digital life Thanks to the rise of social media, people now have a window through which to catch a glimpse of these unique companion creatures. Ferret photos and antics have acquired quite a following, both from ferret owners and potential ferret owners (also affectionately known as “ferrents” or “farents”), as well as from people who simply enjoy watching amusing animals online.

Domestic journey So, where exactly did the ferret come from? And how did it end up here? The domestic ferret is thought to be descended from the Western or Eastern European polecat (not the near-extinct black-footed ferret that is recently being reintroduced into the American wild). They were used in the 12th century to hunt rabbits in England and in the 18th century to help control the rodent population on ships. That’s how they arrived in America with the colonists. It’s easy to surmise that their human keepers probably thought they were pretty fun to hang out with, and that’s what started the ferret’s journey to domestication. Either

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

way, by the early 1900s, ferrets were being imported by the thousands to control rabbits, raccoons, rats and mice.

Paying the bills But the ferret’s work history includes more than just “ferreting out” undesirables. Their long bodies and willingness to run through long dark tunnels made them well-suited to several very specific (albeit unusual) tasks, such as running lines under ocean pipes and across large aircraft. Ferrets were even used to run cable at Buckingham Palace for Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding. Machinery has now made ferret wire-running obsolete, but it is still amusing to imagine an eager Boeing ferret scurrying through an airplane pipe sporting his handy harness. Nowadays, the thing ferrets work at the hardest is entertaining their owners. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!

American ferrets today The majority of American ferrets as pets are

born in upstate New York at Marshall Farms, the world’s largest ferret breeder. Their story started back in 1939, when the Marshall family were raising ferrets in their backyard. The family eventually expanded their rodent-control pursuit into a full business, and it is the same family-owned company that thrives today. In 1993, Pete Reid saw a need to provide food and playthings for ferrets, and so Marshall Pet Products was born. The company has also expanded into providing products for horses, cats, dogs, birds and other small animals, with an emphasis on earth-friendly innovation. Pete and Marshall Pet Products have enjoyed curating the popularity of ferrets as pets through social media. They’ve also helped out by sponsoring a ferret-based motion picture by ferret-loving director Alison Parker. Her upcoming Santa’s Little Ferrets, starring a business of exquisitely trained Marshall ferrets, is in production now for availability this holiday season, and is certain to help further the popularity of ferrets as whimsical and intelligent pets. Parker’s previous effort, The Magic Ferret, was featured at the DC Shorts Film Festival earlier this fall.

FOCUS on

FERRETS

A new look at New York legality Ferrets have gotten some national attention recently as their legality came into focus in the City of New York. New York City residents have been legally prohibited from owning ferrets as pets since 1999, when Mayor Rudy Giuliani enacted a ban. However, the new DeBlasio administration has recommended a repeal of the ban. If New York City ferret owners are finally allowed to own their ferrets (legally), that will

leave California and Hawaii as the only other two states that do not allow legal ferret ownership. We’ll all keep our fingers crossed! NYP

Bio Marshall Pet Products Since 1993, Marshall Pet Products has provided innovative pet solutions for ferrets, cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Top brands include Earth’s Balance,

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NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

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“ Though I’m not encouraging a place setting at your table, there are other ways to make the holidays pleasant for your dog.

”

y favorite part of any holiday is the feast. Spare me the packages and all that comes with It – traffic, shopping lines, commercials, children more focused on “what they get” rather than the holiday itself and how blessed they are. Call me a curmudgeon, but I come alive in the kitchen. I love everything about a holiday meal; from selecting choice ingredients and testing a new spin on a favorite recipe, to the way the house smells when everything is cooking and having those I love around and under our big wooden farm table. Last year’s holiday festivities had me—as it will this year, camped out in the kitchen, with Whoopsie, Balderdash, Hootenanny and Bamboozle – our dogs, ever present and underfoot. Merrily mincing and sautéing along, the actual canine-connection did not strike me until I was lifting the turkey’s carcass from the sink to the pan. Looking down I saw them staring at my hands, drooling, as their eyes collectively glazed over in true carnivore fashion. I was grateful they did not leap up and wrestle me to the ground. As my daughter twirled to her Alvin and the Chipmunks CD blaring on the kitchen radio and my son did his best happy shriek in his “exersaucer,” I suddenly recognized the injustice the holiday banquets play on our dog’s psyche…and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Domesticate the dog all you want, but I still respect those who can resist the temptation to risk it all for one gigantic chomp. As you nosh this holiday season, take a moment’s pause to consider your pet. Though I’m not encouraging a place setting at your table, there are other ways to make the holidays pleasant for your dog. An extra outing My mantra, “Tired dog, happy family,” holds especially true around the holidays. Give your dog an extra romp and you’ll be surprised how much easier your day will go. Early meal, extra helping If you’re planning a 5 p.m. banquet, feed your dog at 4 p.m. and heap in an extra scoop to stave off temptations. While you’re stuffing yourself to the brim, your dog will be enjoying the holiday’s excess too.

fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

Keep the Holidays

UNDER CONTROL Find a store bought canine delicacy and discourage temptation. Though in fantasy your dog will be dismembering the turkey’s carcass, spare the potential hazards in lieu of a store-bought goody. My dog does back flips for bully sticks and on holidays certainly gets her fill. Corral your dog from the kitchen and dining area and should he/she sneak in, use an abrupt sound—such as “tsst,” or “eh, eh,” the moment he/she eyeballs your spread. If your dog is accustomed to a leash, and has a bed it enjoys lounging on, try leashing your pet to it in sight of the action, but not in the midst of it. Scraps in the dish By the time you’re reading this article, Thanksgiving 2014 has passed, but whether we’re talking leftover turkey or the next holiday’s ham, go ahead and toss some scraps into your pet’s bowl. God bless the dog that waits that long. A word about visitors Whether you’re having an entourage or just a few happy travelers, your dog will take notice. If the thought of doorbells, visitors, and the ensuing chaos is giving you nightmares, you are not alone. Come November, my phone starts to ring with frantic pet owners eager to understand how they can use positive reinforcement to condition good behavior since screaming, poking and pushing their dog is completely ineffective! I am grateful to report that the solution is easy. Let these instructions be your guide and perhaps your salvation. Remember that dogs have the same brain capacity as a toddler. They delight in attention and don’t care if it’s negative or positive. A reaction—any reaction or response, even a negative one like pushing or shouting, will excite a repeat performance. Dogs, being a different species, translate our frustration as confrontational play, or worse, frantic idiocy. Dogs who jump, bark, or nip are engaging your visitors in playful posturing that they’ve likely learned from their interactions with you. Spend this time teaching your dog alternative ways to vent enthusiasm. • Discover a toy your dog cherishes above all others; a ball, bone or squeak toy, for example. • Get several of them and place them by the door. • Since good manners start at home, begin teaching your dog to divert his enthusiasm by labeling the toy; e.g. “ball” and playing with

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

Keep the Holidays

UNDER CONTROL

•

• • •

that toy when you’re together. In a week’s time your dog will associate the word. When you come in, ignore your dog’s enthusiasms initially and toss the ball as you say “ball.” Your dog may not go for it immediately. Keep it up. Avoid looking at, talking or touching your dog until he’s calmed down. Use a greeting phrase like “Say Hello!” as you calmly pet your dog. You may use food to reward your dog once he’s settled down, encouraging him to sit and rewarding what I call the Four Paw Rule (all four paws on the floor).

Finally, as the holidays approach, consider your dog, his breed inclinations and personality. Older dogs or those with an “uppity” air (many eastern breeds, such as lhasa apsos or Tibetan spaniels) prefer to be spared any mayhem. Condition them quickly to a room and a comfortable spot – an arm chair or quilted cushion. Exercise them to near exhaustion, play some soothing music, leave a favorite chew/toy nearby, and after greeting everyone, lead them aside and let them sleep through it. If company is staying overnight,

provide a similar spot in shared rooms and ask your company to respect the dog’s personal space. Children under five must be separated at all times, unless your dog delights in them. Puppies, or those who are puppies-at-heart dogs, will not tolerate isolation well. Equip them with a proper training collar and leash and handle them through the initial greetings. Whether the company is there for an hour or a week, leave the leash dragging behind your dog when he is supervised to enable easy interference. Condition him to accept being “stationed” (placed on a short leash attached to immovable object with bedding and toys to distract him while you entertain). Exercise is paramount; a tired dog makes for a happy household. Quick reference with a trusted training manual can help you brush up on dog manners for this, your midnight hour. Protective personalities, often with breed and genes backing them up, will predictably have a nail-biting anxiety attack when stressful preparations are met with incoming hordes. De-condition his door-knocking alarm code by having a friend or family member ring the bell 20 times in succession. With your dog on a leash, say, “It’s not your job!” as

NY Pets Columnist and Best-Selling Author

Sarah Hodgson

The Lifestyle Coach For Dog Lovers!

you pull the dog to your side and/or send him to a specified place. Exercise your dog heavily before company arrives and consider keeping him on leash when they appear to enable both interference and direction. Keeping a few of these tips in mind will make for a great holiday season for one and all! NYP

Sarah Hodgson is an author of several dog books and Huffington Post blogger but still loves her work as a dog trainer and an associate certified dog behavior consultant (IAABC). She’s available for private lessons, group dog training classes, lectures and media appearances in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties. Live outside the tri-state area? Schedule a phone consultation to discuss frustrations or pre-dog or puppy questions or set up dog-training lessons via Skype. You and your dog will be glad you did! Sarah can be reached at sarah@whendogstalk.com or 914-241-1111.

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BIRDS

BIRD

boogie Connecting with your bird through music and dance By Lisa Acton

arrots are such intelligent creatures. We all know they have the ability to mimic words. But, did you know they often try to mimic actions as well? Everyone talks about enriching the lives of our companion parrots. There are so many articles that make it seem difficult or seriously timeconsuming. I am here to tell you that it is really simple to enrich the life of your parrot by just involving them in your daily routine. For instance, who does not put on music and dance around the house while cleaning? Yes, it really is that simple. Most birds will do some head bopping or sway side to side when music is playing. Encourage them to do it more by dancing yourself. This makes it more fun for your pet and you are now interacting in a “rocking” way. If you do not know if your friend will dance, it does not hurt to try. Here are some tips to get you started.

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

1. Turn on your radio or iPod. 2. Close the curtains and dance, dance, dance (your neighbors may think you are a little odd). 3. Never worry about making a fool of yourself (your bird won’t). 4. Get rowdy. While my birds and I dance, I let them yell and let it all out. I must admit, sometimes, I do too.

While it is great fun for the birds, it is also great fun and exercise for you. Exercise, after all, is great for everyone; animal and human. That’s it. So simple, right? It is funny…over time you and your bird will look forward to your dance sessions. Believe it or not, many birds will soon develop a taste for certain music and genres; much like their human companions. You must be thinking I am truly crazy by now…right? But, from my experience, it is true. My bird Grace just loves Eminem, the clean version. (I do not want her picking up any bad words). The beat makes her so excited. My hubby’s cockatoo, Casey, loves Jazz; Chantal Chamberland is her favorite. She will whistle and sing to it.

BIRD

boogie Bonnie, our blue and gold macaw, loves AC/DC. The song Back in Black is her all-time favorite. She really dances her heart out to that one. Since they each have their own boogying style, it is so much fun to watch. Each one dances so differently. The cockatoos are all over the place with their movements. Heads flying, wings moving and bopping up and down on their perches. The macaw is more of a controlled dancer with her head just going up and down. But, her eyes…every time her head comes up, she pins her eyes and says, “Whee.”

and more basic daily activities, interacting becomes less of a chore. You also begin to have more fun. While you are enriching the life of your birds, you are certainly enriching your own as well. Some bird owners claim they have birds that are unsocial. Dancing is a great way to begin to engage a bird of that nature. You don’t even have to open up the cage. Just follow the same steps I mentioned above. Dancing will also work on some smaller birds such as cockatiels and English budgies and on some “rescue” birds also. I have had many “rescues” spend some quality dancing time with me.

So, crank up the music, put on your best dancing shoes, and start boogying with your birdie. Next thing you know, you will dancing the night away. NYP Lisa Acton is a happily married mother of three, in addition to working as a marketing consultant for a technology company. She somehow finds the extra hours to pursue her passion as a wildlife rehabilitator. She has her state and federal license for rehabbing and, in addition, has rescued over 500 domestic parrots.

“

Some bird owners claim they have birds that are unsocial. Dancing is a great way to begin to engage a bird of that nature. You don’t even have to open up the cage.

” I believe the personality of each bird causes them to like and dislike certain music, much like humans. If they don’t like a song I have on, at times, they won’t even move. Be prepared to try a few tunes. I work from home, which means I am fortunate to be able to dance with my birds on a daily basis. Every afternoon during my lunch break we have a quick “dance-off”. Ten to twenty minutes is so much fun and gives me a much-needed break. I am not going to tell you who wins the “dance-off” most of the time… but, I can give you a hint…it has feathers. As we learn to include our birds in more fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

“ HAY there ” An ideal nutritional source for your small herbivore By Lucas Stock

eeding hay is one of the most important daily rituals for pet parents of small herbivores such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. By keeping your pet’s living space stocked with fresh, high-quality hay each day, you not only help fulfill a daily nutritional need, but also provide a healthy foundation for your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Hay offers many nutritional benefits, all of which are important to the long-term health and happiness of pets. Among many benefits, hay prevents obesity, dental disease, boredom and diarrhea. The long-strand fiber in grass hay facilitates healthy gastrointestinal function of small herbivores and should be the foundation of every such animal’s diet.

At first glance, all hays on the shelf at your local pet store might seem very similar. However, any pet parent who has cared for multiple animals will likely tell you that their pets’ tastes, preferences, and even hay-eating habitats are oftentimes very different. As a longtime producer of hays and small animal nutrition, we’ve heard countless accounts of owners whose pets’ taste preferences are as unique and varied as their own. “Thumper” may love Western Timothy, while “Patch” only eats Orchard Grass. For new pet parents, these variations in taste preferences might raise some questions, most importantly, “Is it okay to feed more than one variety of hay?” Not only is feeding a variety of hays okay, but it can be extremely beneficial in the grander scale of encouraging hay consumption and all of the related benefits.

The Apple Analogy Take a moment to think of your favorite varieties of apples. Most apples have flavors in common, but all are unique in their own ways. Some are tart, some are sweet, and some are a combination of both. From a nutritional perspective, however, all apples are very similar. As different as the Red Delicious at the supermarket tastes from the Northern Spy at your local orchard, both offer approximately the same nutritional benefit. In the same way, all hays (with the exception of alfalfa, which is a more nutrient-dense legume) are very similar nutritionally. Western Timothy hay and Orchard Grass look and feel different, but both provide an ideal balance of nutrition for adult herbivores, including high fiber, low protein, and low calcium. (Young fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

HAY there

and pregnant/nursing pets have higher nutritional requirements, making alfalfa the ideal choice during these stages of life.) Knowing that all hays are nutritionally-interchangeable allows you to cater to your pet’s taste and texture preferences. You will also be assured that he or she will receive all of the crucial hay benefits. Variety – The Spice of Life When you offer a variety of different hay tastes and textures, there will be many benefits beyond finding a favorite. Because hay is a product of nature, some variability is to be expected. Pets that are fed a variety of hays are less likely to become picky eaters and are more likely to accept subtle changes in taste and texture, which can occur from bag to bag. Preventing picky eating habits is an important step in preventing potential health problems (such as gastric stasis and dental disease) which may arise as a result of decreased hay consumption. We encourage pet parents to mix hays together to keep mealtime interesting and even offer a useful Taste and Texture Guide on every bag of Oxbow hay. Some pets love the sweet taste and soft texture of Orchard Grass, while others prefer a heartier, crunchier hay like Oat. Mixing them together keeps mealtime fun and allows your pet to experience new tastes and textures. Mix it Up! When it comes time to mix a small herbivore’s favorite selections, all you need is a clean plastic tub and your chosen varieties. Empty the desired portion of each variety into the tub, mixing by hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Observe your small herbivore as he eats to determine which combinations he enjoys

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

the best. Most of all, have fun and feel good knowing that you are providing the foundation for good health for your pet.

“ Observe your small herbivore as he eats to determine which combinations he enjoys the best.

” Adding Enrichment Providing mental stimulation through enrichment is another important responsibility of every pet parent. With all of hay’s essential nutritional benefits, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the mental benefits that hay provides for small animals as well. One great option for adding enrichment via hay is by adding a 100

percent woven hay habitat to your pet’s living space. These habitats make great hideouts for pets, and can be safely consumed. Just make sure to choose a product that is made 100-percent of hay and does not contain any string, wire, thread, or other materials which may cause harm if ingested. A New Way to Feed Hay Compressed hay products such as our awardwinning new Harvest Stacks make a great enrichment tool as well, providing pets with the opportunity to interact with hay in a new way. Small pets love moving the Stacks around and pulling them apart. Harvest Stacks can be fed as a primary hay source or can be supplemented with loose hay. Harvest Stacks provide many benefits; they take up 75 percent less space than loose hay and produce 80 percent less airborne dust, making them a valuable new option in the hay category. Hay is central to the daily diet and experience of small herbivores. It meets essential nutritional, physical, and mental needs of pets, and providing it can be a fun experience for owners as well. By providing hay in a variety of tastes, textures, and forms, you can do your best to promote your pet’s health and well-being and enhance your bond with your beloved companion in the process. Have a “hay day” every day – you’ll have fun and your pet will thank you. NYP

Lucas Stock is communications manager at Oxbow Animal Health. For more information about any of Oxbow’s premium hay varieties, visit www.oxbowanimalhealth.com or call (800)-249-0366.

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fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

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Overweight Pet? Slim-down tips for dogs and cats

Obesity is a major problem our pets face today. According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats are overweight or obese. That equals approximately 80 million U.S. dogs and cats at increased risk for weight-related disorders such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension and many cancers. It’s up to you, your pet’s health and wellness advocate, to take action to help your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight. But how do you do this? Be aware Pay attention to your pet’s body shape. If you run your hands over your dog or cat’s sides and can’t feel his ribs, there’s a good chance he may be overweight. Many pet owners dismiss their pets “fluffiness” as cute. Or they rationalize with comments like “Food makes him so happy; what will a couple of extra pounds hurt?” A couple of extra pounds can hurt…a lot. Talk with your veterinarian If you think your pet might be a little – or a

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

lot – on the heavy side, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s weight and to put together a plan. Keeping your pet at his ideal healthy weight will impact his health across the board. Feed your pet a healthy diet Does your dog need to be on a reduced calorie diet food? Perhaps. It depends on the dog and his weight-loss needs. Plenty of dogs can lose weight effectively on a regular food with controlled portions. And, some dogs benefit from a specific weight control formula, like Halo’s new Healthy Weight Grain-Free recipes for dogs or cats. Either way, a healthy diet is key; one that’s free from excess sugar, salt, preservatives, dense fillers, and more. Watch the treats Treats are one of the biggest culprits in pet weight gain and one of the biggest barriers to weight loss. Treat calories need to be counted in your pet’s overall daily caloric intake. Many treats pack a ton of calories into a small bite and sneaking your pet “treats” of human food can also be detrimental to his weight. Instead, treat your pet with natural, low calorie

treats and even then, make sure to count the calories in the daily allotment. Only 10 percent or less of daily caloric intake should come from treats. Help Your Pet Get More Exercise Both dogs and cats benefit from daily exercise whether or not they’re on a weight-loss or maintenance plan. It’s pretty easy to find ways to exercise your dog – regular walks/runs and playtime – but how do you exercise a cat? You might be surprised to learn that it’s easier than you think. Designated daily playtime is a great start. Store-bought and home-made toys can get your cat moving – running, jumping and playing. Keep trying different types of toys and games until you find something your cat can’t resist. With a little planning and effort, this weight loss endeavor with your pet might be easier than you think and you will be amazed at how much healthier and livelier your pet seems once they start slimming down! By Bettie Hamilton, VP Product Development Halo, Purely for Pets® | November 2014

PET protection A veterinary perspective on yearround flea and tick prevention By Paris Revoir, DVM, Bayer HealthCare Animal Health

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

PET

s a practicing veterinarian, I often had a first-hand view of the distress that a flea or tick infestation would cause a pet, as well as the pet owner. Even more importantly, I observed the complications and symptoms associated with diseases that fleas and ticks could cause. For example, I would occasionally see tiny kittens suffering from severe anemia that were covered with fleas. Fleas are voracious feeders and a blood meal can serve as their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s been stated that a flea can consume up to 15 times its weight in blood per day. The most common diagnosis made in my practice was Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), which can result from the bite of a single flea in a dog or a cat that is allergic to the saliva of the flea and leads to constant itching, causing severe skin irritation to the point of bleeding. That must be miserable! I was once asked for a third opinion on a dog that had periods of chronic diarrhea, which caused the dog to soil inappropriately in the home and the pet owner was extremely frustrated. Many diagnostic tests and even radiographs had already been performed by two other veterinarians, but I got lucky and happened to see a tapeworm segment in the hair around the rectum while performing the physical examination. Tapeworm segments resemble rice or sesame seeds when dried up and the segments are shed only intermittently. Tapeworms are the result of the pet consuming an infected flea while chewing or biting at its itchy, irritated skin. The dog had a flea problem a year earlier – a simple deworming cured this dog and corrected the problem. This particular dog had only been treated seasonally with flea preventive, rather than year-round. In my opinion, avoiding the initial infestation by placing pets on life-long prevention programs is the “gold standard” for pets and their owners. The Flea Life Cycle By the time a pet owner notices adult fleas on their pet, the remaining infestation consisting of eggs, larvae, and pupae, is typically well established in the pet’s environment. The adult female flea can lay 40 to 50 eggs per day and 2,000 in her lifetime. The eggs are laid on the pet, but quickly fall off into the environment that the pet frequents. These eggs are

protection

“ Fleas can live indoors year round and in areas protected from the cold like crawl spaces, under porches and decks.

” about the size of a grain of salt and make up 50 percent of the relative flea life stages. The adult fleas that live on the pet make up only 5 percent of the relative life stages. The larvae are the free-living life stage, which hatch out from the eggs and resemble small maggots. They make up approximately 35 percent of the relative life stages. Larvae, eggs and pupae

in the environment make up 95 percent of the infestation and go virtually unseen, as the larvae prefer dark places and move away from the light into cracks, crevices, or deep into the nap of the carpet and furniture. This environmental infestation has usually existed for (at least) one to two months by the time a pet owner notices the adult fleas on their pet. And as you might expect, it becomes very difficult to eradicate an infestation such as this. It didn’t start yesterday and won’t be gone tomorrow, even with diligent attention to treatment. When it comes to ticks, a number of different species are encountered by dogs and cats, most of which have the potential to be disease carriers (vectors). It’s no secret that in the Northeastern United States, Lyme disease is rampant. An updated report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that the number of cases of Lyme disease has exceeded 300,000 in this country. With the realities of global warming (climate change), flea and tick seasonality is getting more and more difficult to predict. This makes deciding on when to start and when to stop preventives, for seasonally timed applications, difficult at best. Fleas can live indoors yearround and in areas protected from the cold like crawl spaces, and under porches and decks. It has been reported that ticks become active in temperatures over 40ºF and can survive untoward conditions outdoors by positioning themselves under leaf litter and out of fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

PET protection

harsh environmental factors. Tick prevention is particularly important, as these bloodsucking parasites are the number one vector of disease, transmitting more diseases to pets and their owners than any other parasite in North America and only second to the mosquito worldwide. Having relocated to the Northeast part of the country from Kansas, I find it increasingly more difficult when talking to pet owners about ticks, to discover someone who HASN’T had a first-hand experience with Lyme disease. The organism that causes Lyme is carried by the blacklegged or, as it is commonly known, the deer tick. As you may have guessed, this is the predominant tick seen in the Northeast. While seasonal flea and tick control may seem appropriate in many regions of the United States, applying treatments intermittently may make it difficult to prevent an initial infestation. I‘ve heard pet owners say they have difficulty finding the time and/ or remembering to apply monthly preventive on their pet in a timely fashion. I must admit, I fall into this category as well sometimes, but year-round prevention really is key, rather than seasonal prevention only. Visit www.petparents.com to check out Bayer’s flea or tick prevention products. The Companion Animal Parasite Council – CAPC I am just one veterinarian, but collectively, we have varying opinions on different topics, based on our individual experiences. I guess that’s why they call it practice. Having said that, I support the recommendations made by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). CAPC is an independent third-party group of thought leaders in parasitology whose recommendations are highly regarded by veterinarians. Being made up primarily of academic parasitologists and veterinarians at various Colleges of Veterinary

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

“ I‘ve heard pet owners say they have difficulty finding the time and/or remembering to apply monthly preventive on their pet in a timely fashion.

”

Medicine, CAPC’s guidelines are thought of as the “best practices.” The CAPC guidelines recommend yearround, lifelong prevention of the common external parasites, including fleas and ticks. These guidelines also address internal parasites, including heartworms. CAPC recommends using parasite control methods that consider the lifestyle of the pet, taking into consideration individual risk factors. CAPC also recommends managing the pet’s environment and working closely with pet owners to help prevent parasite infestations; these steps will help protect the overall health of the pet, as well as the entire pet family. CAPC has a great website for pet owners which can be accessed online at: www.petsandparasites.org. The bottom line is that external parasite such as fleas and ticks pose a threat no matter the season and it’s important to be proactive and help guard against them. NYP

Dr. Paris Revoir is the National Training Manager for the Pet Specialty channel of business at Bayer Animal Health. Prior to joining Bayer, Dr. Revoir and his wife Dr. Tracy Revoir founded and operated PetWorks Veterinary Hospital and Pet Supplies in Overland Park, Kansas. He also served on the Veterinary Advisory Board of the industry publications Vet Forum and Veterinary Medicine. In the early 1990s, Dr. Revoir was the host on Pet Talk, a live call-in Ask the Veterinarian radio show on AM Radio 810 in Kansas City, MO. Today, he offers advice on the Bayer Animal Health consumer website www.petparents.com in the tools drop down section on the Ask the Vet link.

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The Lola Project Dogs helping those with mental illness By Britney Digilio

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

ental illness affects one in every four individuals (roughly 57.7 million people) ages 18 and older. It commonly goes unnoticed, untreated, and/or looked upon as taboo. It is crucial to help people understand the importance of banding together to support education and to get the resources necessary to shine a limelight on mental health. This will help stomp out the stigma. By working together and utilizing resources, we will be able to work as a nationwide community to educate and treat those in need. This will help to prevent/deter tragedies that may stem from the misunderstanding of mental illness or lack of treatment. With this in mind, The Lola Project was started in June 2012, with a very specific mission: to raise awareness and to educate about mental health and illness, and the benefits of psychiatric service dogs, especially to our veterans. Many of you may be thinking “what is a psychiatric service dog?”, “why are these service dogs so special?” or “what can they do to help our veterans or others with mental illness?” For starters, it would be best to break down the ins and outs of what a psychiatric service dog is and does. First and foremost, a service dog in general by definition in the Americans With Disabilities Act (also known as the ADA) is: “Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. This definition does not affect or limit the broader definition of “assistance animal” under the Fair Housing Act or the broader definition of “service animal” under the Air Carrier Access Act.

The Lola Project

Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the State attorney general’s office.” Therefore, a psychiatric service dog (PSD) is one whose tasks and work are directly linked to mitigating a psychiatric disability. A psychiatric disability can be anything from posttraumatic stress disorder (both combat and non-combat related), bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or chronic depression and more. Due to the intense training and precision work these dogs perform, not just any dog can be trained for service work. It takes a special kind of dog, with a drive to work, dedication, obedience, and immaculate temperament to be able to make the cut. The average service dog (psychiatric or otherwise) takes roughly two years to train, and an investment

of $20,000-$25,000. There is no identification card, vest, online “registry”, piece of paper or likewise that makes a dog a service dog. It takes work (and a lot of it), following laws, and going through countless hours of training, socialization and proofing to make a service dog. The work these dogs perform and the freedom they give their handlers is not to be taken lightly, and for many it is the difference between living life and “just being.” For example, on average, 22 veterans commit suicide every day, therefore every service dog placed with a veteran could be a life saved. Now that you understand what a psychiatric service dog is, it would be beneficial to understand what exactly they can do. Due to the uniqueness and wide range of symptoms a person with a psychiatric disability can have, each PSD’s tasks and work will vary to fit the needs of their handler. fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

The Lola Project Some examples of tasks these dogs can be trained to perform are: • Retrieve medication to alleviate oncoming symptoms • Carry medical supplies • Alert/awake sedated or medicated handler • Interrupt destructive or repetitive behavior • Alert to aggressive behavior (including yelling, aggressive driving, etc.) • Assist handler in leaving/exiting a situation of overstimulation • Provide deep pressure therapy • Wake handler from night terrors • And much, much, more. This list is not all-inclusive or exclusive, but is intended to provide an idea of some tasks for which these dogs are capable. It’s quite amazing to think that these dogs can be so highly trained, that they can offer a sense of normalcy to individuals who otherwise would be homebound, under heavy medication, unable to attend college, or do other activities so many take for granted. Because of this “miracle on four paws,” and knowing the importance of mental health, The Lola Project has made it a mission to educate and to raise awareness about this, and to work towards a national understanding campaign. The Lola Project is constantly growing and expanding to provide valuable education that is so desperately needed. An educational brochure series has been started, which includes three finished brochures: Facts About Service Dogs, What’s The Difference (which explains the difference between service dogs, emotional support animals and therapy dogs), and Mental Health Awareness. There is also a half-page insert “Tasks of a Psychiatric Service Dog” which is available in plain text format digitally and hard copy. The Lola Project attends events throughout the Hudson Valley year-round in hopes of further expansion and education. In addition to these events and brochures, The Lola Project does guest lectures, contributes to local news articles, partakes in online forums and support groups, maintains a very active Facebook page, posts to Instagram and Twitter, answers private emails, and more. This all started with personal experience with mental illness and a dream to help others. This, of course, mixed with some inspiration from a wonderful puppy named Lola, who has now become a lifeline and face of hope for all

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

“ The Lola Project is constantly growing and expanding to provide valuable education that is so desperately needed.

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The Lola Project those who suffer or want to understand and help. None of this would have been possible to start without the generous help from our donors and supporters (we especially would like to thank our Top Dog Donors: Dirty Dogs Pet Services, 1-800-PetMeds, Robibero Family Vineyards, Quick Signs & Auto Graphics, Paws of Distinction and Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paw for their continued and constant support to help us on this journey).

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For more information or to donate please contact The Lola Project Email: thelolaproject@rocketmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/britneyandlola Instagram: @thelolaproject Twitter: @lola_project Website: thelolaproject.org Britney Digilio and PSD Lola The Lola Project 845-242-3946 Britney Digilio, A stay-at-home mom to a wonderful 3 1/2-yearold daughter named Kira, and wife of a Retired and decorated City of Poughkeepsie Police Officer. Currently pursuing a Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Mental Health Counseling, while assisting in research about stigmas, mental health, and mental illness. Also, Digilio is sole founder of The Lola Project, and is constantly pushing forward with the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission.

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fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

ANIMAL garden Philip Merryweatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sanctuary in paradise By Annalisa Gesterkamp

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

ANIMAL garden

Sanctuary costs are covered in part through daily tours.

t’s 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning in Aruba. While most of the island is still sleeping, Philip Merryweather is up and about, preparing for another 14-hour day. First he cuts up fruit into bite-size chunks, which he’ll be feeding to two toucans, Fruit and Loops. Next, he’ll prepare the greens, hay, feed, and meat for the remaining exotic animals that call Philip’s Animal Garden home. By the time all of the animals have been fed and their drinking water replenished, it’s time for the sanctuary to open the gates to visitors. Philip personally takes guests on tours of the property, proudly introducing the visitors to his “friends,” allowing them to feed, touch, and interact with the animals. When he’s running errands, his friends Bubu and J-Low take over the tours, and their knowledge and respect for the animals is just as impressive. Phillip’s love for what he does shows most when he’s surrounded by the animals, playing and talking to them. And, they love him right back. Joe, an Australian kangaroo, showers Philip with hugs whenever he walks into his habitat. Five Capuchin monkeys, some rescued from abusive owners, are quickly agitat-

ed and aggressive when strangers approach; but with Philip, they are as docile and gentle as can be. It’s no surprise that Philip has an affinity for animals, especially exotic ones. His father raised horses, and Philip was always allowed to help take care of them. His first pet was an Aruban garden snake. When he was 12, he made a home for a larger snake, taking care of a boa constrictor that he received as a gift from a friend. Philip rescued his first animal before he even became a teenager. He was rollerblading with his friend when he saw passengers throw a plastic bag from a passing car. He noticed that the bag was moving, went over to investigate and found a newborn kitten in the bag. Horrified that someone could be so careless, he spent the next few weeks nursing and taking care of the kitten. Helping the tiny kitten sparked Philip’s interest in rescuing and caring for more abandoned and abused animals. While others his age were partying and having fun, Philip was reading all the veterinary books and animalcare literature that he could get his hands on. The first exotic animals he rescued were two

Philip Merryweather rescued his first animal before he even became a teenager.

“Cheeky” the monkey was bottle fed by people at the Garden after his mom abandoned him.

fall/winter 2015 | NY Pets Magazine

ANIMAL garden

Future plans call for a world-class sanctuary.

ocelots that had been living in a 3 x 3-foot cage. Not content with simply moving them to a bigger cage, Philip built an entire habitat for them. Luckily, his parents have plenty of property surrounding their home, and over the years it has slowly filled up with additional pens, habitats and pastures for his animals to roam freely. His small collection of rescued animals has now grown into a sanctuary that is home to over 67 different species and over 400 animals, including cows, pythons, camels, an alpaca, kangaroo, ocelot, deer, emu, caiman, and all kinds of exotic birds. Philip has always used his own resources to fund the garden, supplemented by special bi-annual “Yeehah” parties that are a big hit on the island. In 2009, he created a non-profit organization called Philip’s Pet Collection to oversee operations of the animal garden. Over two years ago, he started offering daily tours, where visitors are invited to see, touch, and feed some of the garden’s exotic inhabitants. The tours have become a huge hit on the island with both locals and tourists and is ranked on TripAdvisor as a popular attraction in Aruba. The 29-year-old also dedicates his time to raising awareness on the problem of abused animals. He regularly visits schools on the island with his largest boa constrictor in tow. The bravest students are allowed to touch and carry the snake, learning about it in the process. He also allows children from the neighborhood to help him with his daily duties. They get to learn about the animals and how to be responsible for them, while having fun

NY PETS Magazine | FALL/WINTER 2015

and helping out at the sanctuary. Philip’s plans are to eventually expand his habitat and rehabilitation center and create a world-class sanctuary with round-the-clock veterinary care. To fund his vision, Philip must continue to rely on the money from the tours, as well as private and corporate donations. To save money, he produces 40 percent of the animals’ food himself. He also builds all of their habitats by hand, often using reclaimed wood and materials donated to him by friends and acquaintances. His goal has never been to make a profit. Instead, he just wants to continue to do what he loves most; spending his days caring for the beautiful animals that make up Philip’s Animal Garden. For more information on how you can help, check out www.philipsanimalgarden.com, or visit Philip’s Animal Garden at Alto Vista 116 for a tour.

Philip C. Merryweather Founder Philip’s Animal Garden “HABITAT FOR RESCUED ANIMALS” Cell: +297 593 5363 Alto Vista 116 Noord Aruba

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