They listen to our problems without interrupting. They amuse us with their playful exuberance. Some of them even share a bed with us, nuzzling next to us on these cold winter nights. They are our pets. What would we do without them?
Some of our pets are extraordinary. Wilderwood Service Dogs is a non-profit organization that trains working dogs to aid people with neurological issues, including children with autism and adults with dementia. Some of our pets are extreme. Slithering snakes, scaly lizards and rare birds populate many homes throughout Southern Illinois. “Snakes and lizards make good pets,” said Ron Kodie, owner of Ark Aquatics in Mount Vernon.“They like to be handled and they’re easy to clean up after. You’re not chasing after a snake with a pooper-scooper.” Most of our pets can be classified somewhere between extraordinary and extreme. We will all classify our pets as the best in Southern Illinois, if not the world – even if they misbehave from time to time. “People really do enjoy their pets more when they are well-trained,” said longtime De Soto dog trainer Carol Ely. “Any animal can be trained.” Ely knows from experience. She trains dogs through John A. Logan College’s continuing education program and has trained more than 200 birds and a rooster. Feathers or fur, good owners can’t imagine neglecting their pets or leaving them behind in ditches, garbage cans or on the side of the road. But workers at local animal shelters know that those incidents occur all too often. “There are a lot of sad things that happen, but we have a lot of happy stories, too,” said Penny South, manager of PAWS Place in Anna. Inside this special section, you will find out how to help your local shelter, what to do in a pet emergency and how to make your dog an upstanding citizen of the canine community. So grab your dog, cat or your bearded lizard, curl up on the couch and enjoy. — Joe Szynkowski
A SPECIAL SECTION FROM THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN FEBRUARY 21, 2012
Thinking
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• To subscribe: Call 618351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto; 618997-3356, option 2 from Williamson County; or 800-2280429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Exotic? Research is key to keeping you and your unique pet safe BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
Half of Ron Kodie’s job at Ark Aquatics is talking people out of choosing the wrong kind of exotic animal. “Some people think it’s cool or manly, I guess, to come in and ask about getting the biggest snake we have,” Kodie said. “I had one guy want an anaconda one time. I told him that would outgrow him and his house.” Kodie and his wife, Andi, bought the Mount Vernon pet store in September. Formerly Squak N Talk Pet Store, Ark Aquatics specializes in selling exotic animals such as pythons, bearded lizards and many types of unique birds. Kodie
advises customers to do their research before settling on an exotic pet. “Some people don’t realize that these animals can turn on you,” Kodie said. “These things are still wild animals, no matter how many generations have been breed in captivity.” For first-time snake owners, Kodie recommends the ball python, which has a mild temperament compared to a red-tailed boa or Burmese python. “They are very docile and they don’t mind being handled,” Kodie said. “They’re called ball pythons because they curl up into a ball. They won’t strike you all of the time like other snakes.” Kodie said most people interested in owning their first lizard are under the impression they want an iguana. “People just don’t understand that they are going to get six feet long and most of them end up with
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Ask the Veterinarian: Strange Pet Behavior
an attempt to cover their waste. Not only is it a sanitary issue, it’s also territorial. When a dog makes the scratching motion into the dirt, the glands in a dog’s feet release pheromones. It’s a completely normal part of a dog’s life.
Dr. Craig Smith, DVM, of Pet Wellness Center, PC in Marion answers your questions on your pet’s strange behavior. Pet Owner Question: “My 2-year-old cat Janie is Pet Owner Question: “My dog constantly chews and licks at his feet. I always thought this was just a nervous habit or maybe he was just bored. I can’t tell. Is this something I should be concerned about?” Dr. Smith: In short, yes. This behavior can be caused by something as simple as a punctured paw pad to something as severe as an autoimmune disease or canine cancer. However, the most common culprit is allergic skin disease. This behavior presents due to your dog’s allergic reaction to the environment or even to components of your dog’s food. The licking itself can cause yeast and bacteria to form that leads to secondary infections. It is very important to consult your pets’ veterinarian if you notice your pet excessively chewing or licking their body to get an accurate diagnosis. Otherwise, the pet’s quality of life will deteriorate. Pet Owner Question: “I’ve always wondered why my dog kicks up grass after she has a bowel movement. Why does he do that?” Dr. Smith: Many pet owners with gaping holes in their lawns understand why you asked this question. While pet parents who love a well manicured lawn might be frustrated, medically speaking it is a completely normal dog behavior. Believe it or not, every member of the canine family (the fox, the wolf, the dingo, etc.) makes
so cute. She always sticks one paw in her water dish before she drinks. Can she not see the water? It’s cute, but I worry that she might be trying to tell me something. Help!” Dr. Smith: Though many people think cats despise water, if it’s not being aimed at them or causing them stress many cats actually enjoy it. While it isn’t likely that Janie is having vision problems at her age, she may be trying to tell you her water is less than fresh. Cats are very hygienic and love to have a clean, fresh environment. That’s why many cats prefer drinking directly from places we might not consider clean but have flowing water like toilets. There are many different water bowls available that provide the same appeal to cats and can keep you from having to excessively refill her bowl. Dr. Craig Smith, DVM, is the Senior Veterinarian at Pet Wellness Center, PC in Marion, Illinois. With over 25 years of veterinary experience, he and his staff have the skill and knowledge to keep your pets feeling their best. If you have a specific question about your pet to ask the veterinarian, please call (618) 993-2273 to speak with a staff member or e-mail Dr. Craig Smith directly at petwell@frontier.com.
For more information, please visit www.petwellnesscenterpc.com.
Page 2 Tuesday, February 21, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Our Pets
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
A parakeet and a rabbit share a carrot snack at The Science Center in Carbondale.
bad temperaments,” he said. “They will whip you with that tail and split you open.” Kodie points people toward the less dangerous bearded dragon. “They look really neat and they only get to be about 18 to 20 inches,” he said. “They like being handled and will sit on you. Their food needs are basic, too. They make all kinds of formulated diets now to make things easy on
Local Vet Weighs in On Feline Obesity
pet owners if they don’t want to track down live food.” Ark Aquatics also serves people looking for tarantulas, chinchillas, ferrets, guinea pigs and birds. Kodie said there is a boost in popularity for pets you can keep in an aquarium. “There is a certain ease of maintenance that people are looking for,” he said. “And for people renting their house or apartment, a lot of these animals usually aren’t excluded in the lease like a dog or a cat.” Clean-up is generally easier with an exotic pet, Kodie adds. “For the snakes it’s a contained environment,” he said. “There isn’t as much to keep up with, just change some water and food.” Kodie said some people are using snake — and fish — filled aquariums as conversation-starters in their homes.
• Their abdomen is obviously rounded • They have a moderately large abdominal fat pad
He said cats are considered obese when: • Their ribs are not palpable under a heavy covering of fat • They have heavy fat deposits on the back, face, MARION -- More and more cats seem to be tipping the and/or limbs scales. Tiffany Harrison of Carterville and her cat, Ernie • The abdomen is distended with no waist (pictured), have something in common with millions of • They have a large abdominal fat pad Americans and their pets. Weighing in at 28 pounds, his condition was considered life threatening. Ernie needed What causes the problem? to shed some weight. Obesity in pets is caused by several different factors. Through a prescribed diet from her veterinarian and Just like humans, sedentary lifestyles and high caloric playful exercise, Harrison helped her gray domestic intakes lay the foundation for extreme weight gain. short hair lose 11 pounds. “It’s like he is an entirely different cat,” Harrison said. Smith notes that “free choice/free feeding,” which “He is jumping on furniture and playing with the family means allowing cats (or dogs) a large supply of food constantly available throughout the day, is a major more. It’s amazing.” Ernie is not alone in his weight culprit for pet obesity. loss journey. “Many cat parents would be shocked at the amount of Craig Smith, DVM, of Pet Wellness Center, PC in food they have been feeding versus the amount needed Marion, said, “Feline obesity is the silent killer of cats. to maintain a healthy weight especially if the cat has a Many in the veterinary field are referring to it as an low activity level,” Smith said. epidemic.” While dogs also have the same issues, they often get “Obesity leads to diabetes and other conditions that are impossible for pet parents to recognize with their naked much more exercise. “Dogs are ready and willing to walk for miles. It’s just not always easy to engage a eye. That’s why it’s so crucial for veterinarians to see cats at least once a year so their pets don’t have to suffer cat in an activity that interests them enough to provide physical benefits.” because of something completely preventable.” Risks from extra weight Smith said overweight is defined as a body condition Obese cats not only carry extra weight, they carry a of 4 (out of 5) and obese as a body condition of 5 (out high risk of several different feline illnesses. Smith said of 5), based on the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Body Condition these include diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cancer, Score Chart. “At Pet Wellness Center, we start nutrition counseling arthritis, feline lower urinary tract disease, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), and respiratory diseases. very early,” Smith said. “Diet has such an affect on a Going under anesthesia is also much riskier when a cat pet’s overall health that pet owners can’t afford to not has excess weight. pay attention. From kittens to mature cats, each life “The bottom line is obese cats don’t get the type of stage requires a specific diet to ensure proper nutrition.” lives they deserve. They deserve to spend as many Warning Signs happy, healthy years with their families as possible,” Smith says cats our considered overweight when they he said. display these symptoms: To get specific information on your cat’s nutrition and • The cats’ ribs are not easily palpable with preventative care, e-mail your questions to Pet Wellness a moderate covering of fat Center at petwell@frontier.com. • Their waist is not defined
Britney Clark
At your service BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI
HOW TO APPPLY FOR A WILDERWOOD SERVICE DOG
FOR THE SOUTHERN
As a registered psychiatric nurse, Tiffany Denyer spent 15 years in hospitals treating people with neurological disabilities. She watched people suffer from brain trauma, autism, emotional illness, dementia and Alzheimer’s. She struggled to accept the hit-andmiss medicinal treatments and therapeutic approaches that never seemed to fully resonate with her patients. Away from work, Denyer had been involved with dogs since her childhood. She trained them for obedience and service, and took them into nursing homes to visit the elderly. She felt first-hand the power of pet therapy. “I remember saying, ‘This stuff really works,’” said the Steeleville native. Denyer earned a canine study degree in California and brought her newfound education and passion back to Maryville, Tenn., three hours east of Nashville. That’s where in 2005 she founded Wilderwood Service Dogs, which is the only organization of its kind that addresses the unique needs of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. “It is a result of my life experiences as a nurse and as a dog-lover,” Denyer said. Wilderwood starts its service dogs off as puppies, which spend a year with foster families learning basic behaviors and commands. They then shift to Wilderwood’s Illinois facility in Willisville – located 20 miles west of Du Quoin in Perry County. Denyer describes the six-kennel facility as “boot camp,” where the dogs learn in-depth commands over the course of 20 weeks. “We teach the dogs about 45 behaviors there,” Denyer said. “We have wonderful volunteers who help us teach the dogs in an
Organization trains dogs for people with neurological disabilities
Fill out and submit the online form at www.wilderwood.org. Wait for your follow-up phone call from Wilderwood. Fill out contract and mail to Wilderwood. Wait for Wilderwood to train your specialized service dog; work through ongoing materials and activities provided by Wilderwood. The average wait for a service dog is about a year.
ACCOLADES Wilderwood provided a service dog to a family who received a new home from the ABC-hit television show ‘Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition.’
WILDERWOOD SERVICE DOGS 1319 Tuckaleechee Trail, Maryville, TN www.wilderwood.org PROVIDED BY WILDERWOOD SERVICE DOGS
Wilderwood Service Dogs in Willisville trains dogs to help children with autism and other neurological disorders.
outside training environment.” In Willisville, dogs are taught behaviors such as “check” — requiring them to take their paw and interrupt a trembling hand. They are also taught to snuggle deep for pressure therapy that can sooth nerves and twitches. “For people who are threats to run away often, the dogs are trained to heard them or take them down if they are headed into traffic or toward a body of water,” Denyer said. After learning the in-depth behaviors, dogs go back to Maryville for one-one-one time with trainers. They learn special commands in an environment similar to the one they will encounter with their client. This is their final preparation before “graduating” and joining a family. “Graduation is without a doubt the best part,” Denyer said. “That is what all of the training is all about. Realizing the dog is going into a family and making a difference.” Wilderwood uses a combination of rescue dogs,
865-660-0095 wilderwood@charter.net
Wilderwood is looking for foster homes for its puppies Wilderwood Service Dogs currently conducts the bulk of its operations in Maryville, Tenn., with a six-kennel facility located 20 miles west of Du Quoin in Willisville. President Tiffany Denyer hopes to move all operations to Willisville within two years and will soon be seeking help from Southern Illinoisans. The non-profit organization trains service dogs to help people with neurological disabilities. It is recruiting volunteers and will need foster homes to raise puppies from six months to one year. Commitment will include raising the puppy as a mainly indoor dog, socializing them in your community, providing dog food and attending Wilderwood puppy classes. For more information visit www.wilderwood.org.
They require regular exercise owner-surrendered dogs and to keep up with the training that American Kennel Clubthey receive at Wilderwood. registered dogs. They train a “What we ask these dogs to do variety of breeds and sizes to is unnatural and can produce meet the individual needs of stress for them,” Denyer said. their clients. “A dog becomes balanced “Dogs have to have fairly high and alleviates stress by energy and high pain tolerance if exercising.” they are going to a kid,” Denyer As Denyer looks to expand her said. “Kids pinch, poke, push organization and touch more them and jump on top of them. lives with her special dogs, she You have to have enough energy stays committed to her passion to keep up with the kid. for pet therapy. “We’re going to give a “Our dogs help individuals different dog to an older person gain independence,” Denyer with dementia or a veteran said. “They provide a love with post-traumatic stress disorder. We would need a dog to and support that is hard to describe.” be much more calm and centered.” Wilderwood’s dogs are certified working • Certified, insured and bonded pet sitting and dog walking service • In-your-home pet sitting • Daily Dog Walks animals, protected • Taxi to Groomer or Vet • Pet Supply Pick Up and Delivery under the Services offered within 20 miles radius of Carterville and American in the Pinckneyville area. With Disabilities If your pet needs to stretch its’ legs this spring, give me Act and allowed in any and all public Kimberly E. Clemens venues, including (618) 521-1 713 schools. pawpalpet@gmail.com • www.pawpalpet.com
— Joe Szynkowski
Your Pet’s Best Friend!
a call today!
Paw Pal Pet Sitting Service Our Pets · The Southern Illinoisan Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Page 3
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Fonz, a shepherd mix, looks out of his kennel at Perry County Humane Society in Du Quoin.
Pet adoption An easy way to save a life and add a friend BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
Local humane societies and animal shelters are bursting at their seams, filled with surrendered dogs and abandoned cats looking to land with loving families. Dedicated staffs — comprised mainly of volunteers — pour long hours into their passion to ensure that every animal is clean, fed and healthy while it waits to find a permanent home. It is a heartstringtugging reality, one that isn’t going away any time soon. “We’re always full,” said Penny South, manager of PAWS Place in Anna. “Once one is adopted, there are 10 more trying to get in that spot.” Pet adoption is an uphill battle, but good luck
Page 4 Tuesday, February 21, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Our Pets
‘Some people think you will get a more well-breed dog from breeders or a pet store, but most times it’s quite the opposite.’ PENNY SOUTH MANAGER OF PAWS PLACE IN ANNA
finding a local shelter waving the white flag. Watching a onceneglected shelter animal transform into a pet is worth the work, sweat and tears for these advocates. “If you didn’t have more success stories than failures, then you couldn’t stand to do it anymore,” South said. “There are a lot of sad things that happen, but we have a lot of happy
BEFORE YOU ADOPT Do your research: Potential adopters are urged to know what type of animal they want to take home. Breed, size, age and temperament are a few factors to consider. Be patient: Most shelters are understaffed and working hard to care for the animals in their facilities. The application process could take time, as shelter staff is most concerned with finding the right fit for their animals. Stay aware: Shelters and humane societies conduct various pet adoption events at local pet stores throughout the year. Call you local organization or find them online for more information on upcoming events.
stories, too.” With the help of extensive online galleries and cooperative shelter employees, people looking to adopt pets have a bevy of tools at their disposal to find the right animal. In fact, South recommends that potential adopters conduct some research before they even enter the shelter doors. “We want people to do look into what breeds they want and find the right pet for their family,” she said. “For dogs, find out if they will be active or laid back, and also find out the size they will grow to be. Also, people with allergies will want to find breeds that don’t shed as much.” The adoption process can be quite thorough because shelters take the time to make sure their animals and potential adopters are a good match. “We’re trying to find people who are going to take care of them, keep up on their inoculations and tend to their health-care needs,” South said. “We like for our dogs and cats to be part of the family.” For people who have previously owned pets, shelters will check in with past veterinarians. They also reserve the right to request a home visit to avoid sending an animal into a dangerous situation. PAWS Place will not allow one of its cats to be adopted by a family that plans on keeping it outside. Most shelters require an adoption fee. South said the fee is a bargain when considering the perks that come with a shelter pet — at 6 months old, animals have already been spayed or neutered, have had vaccinations and been microchipped. “We do a lot to make sure these animals are adoptable,” South said. “We’re looking for people to take care of their animals. This isn’t a new blouse you wear for a year and toss it out. Pets are like your children and you want these families to have a commitment to the animals.”
Lend a hand to your local shelter Looking for an opportunity to get involved at your local animal shelter? Most organizations are volunteer-based, offering you the chance to devote your valuable time to a worthy cause. Volunteer duties may include walking dogs, playing with cats, answering phones and cleaning the facility. Many shelters are in need of monetary donations throughout the year, as well. So you if you are short on time, your contribution could go a long way toward new supplies and operating expenses. Below is a list of some Southern Illinois shelters that would love to welcome you aboard.
Humane Society of Southern Illinois Humane Society of Southern Illinois is a private, non-profit organization that was founded in 1956. The facility offers a variety of services, including low-cost spay and neutering, animal adoptions and lost-andfound listings. 95 Humane Road, Murphysboro 618-457-2362 www.humanesocietysil.org
St. Francis CARE St. Francis Community Animal Rescue and Education is a volunteer animal welfare organization dedicated to rescuing lost, unwanted and abandoned pets. Check its website for profiles of adoptable pets. 6228 Country Club Road, Murphysboro 618-687-2079 www.stfrancis-care.org/
Support Your Local Humane Shelters St. Francis C.A.R.E.
KC’s Pet Grooming 100 N. Glenview Dr. Suite 103 Carbondale, IL 62901
618-529-7440
Perry County Humane Society Along with providing adoption services, the staff of this Du Quoin shelter offers the community free pettraining advice and assistance. 8365 State Route 4, Du Quoin 618-542-3647 www.perrycountyhumanesociety.com
Marion Regional Humane Society Marion’s long-running shelter works with local law enforcement agencies to provide safety to the public involving animals and is focused on increasing public awareness for the care of sheltered animals. 2410 Dylan Drive, Marion 618-964-9999 marionrhs.org
6228 Country Club Rd. Murphysboro, IL 618-687-2079 stfrancis-care.org
Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes & Hoke LLP 100 N. Illinois Ave. Carbondale
618.457.0347
PAWS Place Pets Are Worth Saving cares for dogs, cats and horses. Check the shelter’s website for its updated pet of the week or to read its ‘Happy Tails’ section for success stories submitted by adopters. 139 East Vienna Street, Anna 618-833-3647 pawspaws.org
Community Animal Rescue & Education
Southern Recycling 300 West Chestnut Carbondale
549-2880 Mon. - Thurs. 8:00-4:30pm Friday 8:00 - 3:30pm Saturday 8:00 - 1:30pm
Lodge of the Four Paws 2942 Fairgrounds Rd., Pinckneyville
101 W. Monroe St. Carbondale, IL
618.357.8627
618-529-DAYS (618-529-3297) dayshiftshop@gmail.com
To see color photos of all our candidates in our Cutest Pet Contest, please go to www.thesouthern.com/petcontest and vote for your favorites through 4:00 on Wednesday, March 7th. Our Pets · The Southern Illinoisan Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Page 5
Trainer talk
Take the time to turn your dog into a quality canine citizen BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
Are you going hoarse and losing patience trying to train your new dog? Save your breath and calm down, says longtime dog trainer Carol Ely. “Dogs read body language. That is their form of communication,” Ely said. “To teach a dog not to jump, we never put our hands on the dog or scream at the dog. We turn our back and ignore.” Ely offers many tips of the training trade through her John A. Logan College continuing education courses focused on dog obedience and socialization. She offers different levels of training and private sessions depending on how much dog owners are hoping to accomplish. “I cover the basics of dental care, basic
grooming, nail clipping, weight … everything is related,” Ely said. Ely is a longtime animal lover who spent many years training her own pets. She enjoyed teaching her dogs how to fetch the newspaper or track down a specific scent. But dogs are not all Ely knows. She has also trained hundreds of birds and a rooster. “You can train any kind of animal,” Ely said. “They all want to learn. You just have to put in a little extra time. You can’t just expect a puppy to come to your home and already understand the rules. That is unrealistic. Dogs want to learn, but it is up to us to teach them.” One area that pet owners might want to turn their attention to is animal obesity. Too many table scraps and not enough exercise have combined to make more
Here’s a fun game that teaches, too
‘Dogs have to learn to adapt to people. People should not have to adapt to the dog.’ CAROL ELY DOG TRAINER
than 50 percent of cats and dogs overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. As more research is directed toward pet health, Ely stresses the importance of fitness and agility training. Overweight and obese pets are at higher risk for diabetes, joint pain, high blood pressure and other weight-related diseases and injuries, Ely says. “Too much weight is so stressful on the joints and the bones,” Ely said. “When you feel a dog’s body you should be able
Don’t have the time to attend dogtraining classes? Here’s a fun game from dog trainer Carol Ely that will teach your pooch discipline and scent skills. Remember, she says, the key to any successful training session is all about
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Carol Ely (right) instructs dog owners on leash control during a beginner's dog obedience class at the Marion Armory.
to slightly feel each rib, a waist and at least a slight hipbone.” If a dog in Ely’s class is overweight, she is up front with the pet’s owners about the need to cut out some treats and add an exercise routine. “People don’t realize that even a simple thing like a crooked sit is attributed to a dog being overweight,” Ely said.
“That is where the importance of agility training comes in.” Ely advises dog owners to take charge of whatever training issue is in need of help — whether it is weight, obedience or agility. “Dogs have to learn to adapt to people. People should not have to adapt to the dog,” she said.
demanding your dog’s full attention. Using hand signals, order your dog to sit and stay Out of your dog’s view, hide dog treats alongside furniture and in challenging, but not
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Josh Lemons rewards his dog, Bailie, with a treat during a dog obedience class.
impossible-to-find spots Using hand signals, order your dog to find the treats Praise your dog every time a treat is found
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Doggie
delicacies Earl’s Pearls homemade pooch treats are more popular than ever BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
It is almost April, and that means one thing for Earlene Shelley. Her booth at the Carbondale farmers’ market will soon be hounded by hungry pooches craving her homemade treats. It’s a Saturday tradition. “They know the spot. It’s hilarious to see the dogs pulling their owners,” Shelley said. Shelley’s recipe book, “Earl’s Pearls Doggie Drooling Treats,” has helped boost her business in Carbondale and beyond. She averages 35 to 40 regular customers every Saturday at the farmers’ market, requiring her to produce more than 500 treats per week. Shelley hopes to devote more time to her growing business when she retires as office manager of Carbondale Dentist Group this spring. “I don’t sit down after work, I go straight into the kitchen,” said Shelley, explaining how she balances her busy schedule. “If I sit down, I
won’t get back up.” Shelley’s recipe book offers more than 75 snacks for dogs of all sizes and appetites. “This year I’ve gotten more business than ever in the off-season, which is December through March, probably mostly thanks to the book,” she said. Earl’s Pearls is a business that Shelley formed out of her longtime hobby. She had often given treats to friends’ pets as Christmas gifts. Then during a trip to Indianapolis, Shelley and her daughter came across the popular Three Dog Bakery. That trip inspired her to get serious about her business. She began baking and bagging treats to sell Saturday mornings with the goal of selling $50 in treats each week at the farmers’ market. She left her first Saturday with $75 in sales. Carbondale City Councilman Chris Wissmann and his German Wirehaired Pointer, Cappy, are
Godiva’s Cinnamon Crunch 1 package flour tortillas 1 egg, beaten 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup cornmeal 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cut tortillas into wedges or strips. Beat eggs and milk together and brush over tortillas. Mix cornmeal and cinnamon; sprinkle over tortillas. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Tortillas should be crunchy. – Earlene Shelley
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Earlene Shelley show her new dog treat cookbook to customer Mike Vance of Carbondale at the Farmer's Market.
More online: thesouthern.com/weblinks A local vet’s guide to pet emergencies With a few rules, dogs and offices can mix well Moving in together? Take your time combining pets
DETAILS Earlene Shelley’s recipe book, “Earl’s Pearls Doggie Drooling Treats,” is available at Day Shift, Bookworm and Neighborhood Co-Op in Carbondale. From April to November, Shelley also sells her book at the Carbondale farmer’s market.
longtime customers of Earl’s Pearls. “When it’s market day, Cappy knows exactly where Earl’s Pearls is,” Wissmann said. “I like to let her lead me.” If it were up to Cappy, the farmers’ market would take place every day of the week. “Sometimes she will want to go on a walk at midnight or one in the morning,” Wissmann said. “Invariably, she will lead me over to where the farmers’ market is and she will lay down where Earl’s Pearls booth belongs. She’s very despondent when she finds out she won’t be getting treats.” It’s easy to see why Cappy and other dogs
keep coming back for more. Shelley uses simple ingredients with no preservatives to make the most natural dog treats possible. She also leaves out foods that can harm dogs, such as raisins, white sugar and chocolate. Treats with bacon, cheese or peanut butter flavors are the first to go, Shelley said. “I make a biscotti with honey, peanut butter and bananas,” she said. “I swear it tastes just like banana nut bread.” Shelley’s dogs, Daisy May and McKensie, are her “quality control team.” “The dog I had before, she had to go on a diet,” Shelley said. “These two dogs get only four or five treats a week. That’s the thing. Some customers have had to back off a little bit for their dogs because there’s nothing low sugar about my treats.” With so many tasty ingredients, it is not uncommon for Shelley to hear dog owners admit to a taste test or two. “Hey, some of them I’ve eaten, too,” she said, laughing.
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Our Pets · The Southern Illinoisan Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Page 7
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ArtStart’s Amatuer Production of: CATS Music By ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Based on “Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats” By T.S. ELIOT First performance at The New London Theatre, London May 11,1981 presented by Cameron Mackintosh and The Realty Useful Theatre Co. Limited Originally presented in America by The Shubert Organization, Cameron Mackintosh, The Realty Useful Company and David Geffen Original Broadway production Directed by Trevor Nunn Associate Directed and Choreography by Giltan Lynne Designed by John Napier Orchestration by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber